How to Build a Toy Box A DIY toy box is the perfect solution for taming kid-room clutter. Follow our step-by-step instructions to learn how to make a toy box. Supplies Needed: Birch plywood (see cut list, below)Pine project boards (see cut list, below)Birch edge bandingIronMetal rollerWood fileKreg pocket-hole jig kitDrillWood glueKreg corner clampsKreg screwsKreg wood plugsWood fillerPutty knifeSandpaper, sander if desiredPrimer, paint, stain, brushesTemplate (provided at Step 8)JigsawWater-base sealer or polycrylicChiselButt hinges (2)Toy box lid hinges (2)...

Step One: Soak the Beans Dried beans are very hard, so soaking allows them to rehydrate and soften. For 10-12 side dish servings, rinse 1 pound (about 2¼ to 2½ cups) dried navy beans or Great Northern beans in a colander (Cook Pro Stainless Steel Colander, $15, Walmart) under cool running water. Be sure to sort through the beans to remove any debris. In a large Dutch oven combine the beans and 8 cups water....

How to Make Cupcakes If you’ve already worked on your layered cake-making skills, it’s going to be a cinch to start baking cupcakes. Before we get started, choose a cupcake recipe and preheat your oven, which will ensure even and accurate baking. You can also turn a cake recipe into cupcakes (like this easy yellow cake), just plan to use ¼ cup of batter for each cupcake. Step 1: Prepare Ingredients Allow the butter and eggs to stand at room temperature for 30 minutes....

If you’re growing food at home successfully, there’s often a time in each food’s peak season where you end up with a bounty of produce you simply can’t seem to eat fast enough. Let us help you find delicious ways to use up all kinds of amazing summer vegetables and fruits. And if you still have a surplus of produce, use our preserving methods to keep the literal fruits of your labor stocked to enjoy year-round....

Curious about the history behind this long-standing tradition? If your knowledge of the holiday is limited to the movie Groundhog Day ($10, Barnes & Noble)—which, if you haven’t seen it, is an excellent movie—read on to learn more about Groundhog Day along with some fun facts about Punxsutawney Phil. Facts About Groundhog Day The first official Groundhog Day was celebrated in 1887 at Gobbler’s Knob, 2 miles outside of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania....

1. Pet Storage Station Designate a specific area of your home for pet storage, so all your supplies are located in one easily accessible spot. Set aside a bank of cabinets in the entryway, mudroom, kitchen, or laundry room for storage. If you don’t have cabinets to spare, consider dedicating a shelf for your pet supplies in the hall closet or pantry, or add a stand-alone storage unit in an empty corner....

Leslie Saul, architect and licensed interior designer with Saul & Associates, says to start by asking: “How many blackouts do you need?” or “Are you looking for thermal properties over the windows as well?” Having these questions in mind can make all the difference. Founder of The Drape, Angela Boswell, says that you can test out curtains with just one rule: “100% blackout should block the light from a cell phone camera....

Buy It: Wilton Nonstick Mini Muffin Pan ($13, Target) Buy It:Ninja Air Fryer ($89, Walmart) Buy It: Trudeau Silicone Loaf Pan ($13, Bed Bath & Beyond) Buy It: Reusable Plastic Food Sticks ($28 for 100, Walmart)

The word “boho” is short for Bohemian and refers to a relaxed, carefree aesthetic and lifestyle. It turns the “less is more” rule upside-down and combines vintage with modern and earthy with glam. Whether you want to go bold with wallpaper and paint colors to create a bedroom that’s bursting with energy, or you crave a serene retreat filled with textured neutrals and mixed materials, we’ve got you covered. Gain inspiration from our favorite boho-style bedrooms....

Light: Medium to bright indirect light Water: Use room-temperature water when soil is dry to the touch Size: To 8 feet tall Buy It: Braided Alii Ficus Plant ($100, The Home Depot) Light: Bright to medium indirect light Water: Keep soil slightly moist Size: To 5 feet tall Buy It: Money Tree Plant ($31, The Home Depot) Light: Bright indirect exposure Water: When soil is dry to the touch Size: To 12 feet tall Buy It: Weeping Fig ($19, Walmart) Light: Bright indirect exposure Water: When soil is dry to the touch Size: To 6 feet tall Buy It: Ponytail Palm ($54, Etsy) Light: Low to bright indirect exposure Water: When soil is dry to the touch Size: To 6 feet tall Buy It: Mass Cane Corn Plant ($35, The Home Depot) Light: Medium to bright indirect light Water: When soil surface is dry Size: To 6 feet tall Buy It: Open Weave Madagascar Dragon Tree ($199, Bloomscape) Light: Medium to bright indirect light Water: When soil is dry to the touch Size: To 10 feet tall Buy It: Fiddle-Leaf Fig Tree ($90, The Home Depot) Light: Medium to bright indirect exposure Water: When soil is dry to the touch Size: To 12 feet tall Buy It: Kentia Palm (from $90, Etsy) Light: Bright direct light Water: When soil is dry to the touch Size: To 8 feet tall Buy It: Yucca Cane ($25, The Home Depot) Light: Bright, slightly direct light Water: When soil is dry to the touch Size: To 6 feet tall Buy It: Schefflera Tree ($12, Walmart) Light: Bright indirect light Water: When soil is dry to the touch Size: To 8 feet tall Light: Bright indirect exposure Water: When soil is dry to the touch Size: To 8 feet tall Light: Bright direct light Water: When soil is dry to the touch, but it can tolerate missed waterings Size: To 10 feet tall Light: Bright direct light Water: When soil is dry to the touch Size: To 6 feet tall Buy It: Majesty Palm ($38, Walmart) Light: Bright indirect light Water: When soil is dry to the touch Size: To 5 feet tall Buy It: Lady Palm ($75, Etsy)

Test Garden Tip: Raised beds or berms are also a perfect solution if you struggle with rocky, clay, or otherwise poor soil. Test Garden Tip: While many plants are suitable as hedges, yours will be a cinch to care for if you select a variety adapted to your climate and matures at the height and width you want your hedge to be. Test Garden Tip: Use columnar varieties if you have a small yard; they grow tall, but most columnar selections stay less than 10 feet wide....

Living Room Furniture Arrangement Ideas 13 Storage Spots You’re Missing

Editor’s Tip: Store the fresh evergreen in the refrigerator before use. Editor’s Tip: Use a classic gray-striped tea towel as an oversize napkin.

Buy It: Breville Sear and Press Grill ($180, Williams Sonoma)

Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade and well-drained soil Size: Up to 5 feet tall Zones: 3-10 Buy It: Multicolor Daylily Flowering Shrub Growing Conditions: Full to part shade and well-drained soil Size: Up to 12 inches tall Zones: 4-8 Buy It: ‘Pretty in Pink’ Barrenwort ($14, Great Garden Plants) Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil Size: Up to 4 feet tall Zones: 3-8 Buy It: Coreopsis Zagreb Plant ($11, Etsy) Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil Size: Up to 5 feet tall Zones: 4-9 Buy It: Blue Jean Baby Russian Sage ($23, Breck’s) Growing Conditions: Full to part shade and moist, well-drained soil Size: Up to 2 feet tall Zones: 4-9 Buy It: Hellebore Collection ($65, Breck’s) Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade and well-drained soil Size: Up to 6 inches tall Zones: 3-10 Buy It: Sedum Sunsparkler ($8, Walmart) Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade and well-drained soil Size: Up to 4 feet tall Zones: 3-8 Buy It: Baptisia ‘Blueberry Sundae’ ($15, Etsy) Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil Size: Up to 3 feet tall Zones: 3-9 Buy It: Purple Coneflower (from $14, Etsy) Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade and well-drained soil Size: Up to 4 feet tall Zones: 3-10 Buy It: Lily Collection ($40, Breck’s) Growing Conditions: Part to full shade and moist, well-drained soil Size: Up to 4 feet tall, depending on variety Zones: 3-9 Buy It: Hosta Plant Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade and well-drained soil Size: Up to 7 feet tall, depending on variety Zones: 3-8 Buy It: ‘Riches & Fame’ Peony ($13, Breck’s) Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade and well-drained soil Size: Up to 3 feet tall, depending on variety Zones: 3-9 Buy It: Catmint ($10, Etsy) Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade and well-drained soil Size: Up to 2 feet tall Zones: 5-9 Buy It: Geranium sanguineum ‘New Hampshire Purple’ Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil Size: Up to 5 feet tall Zones: 3-9 Buy It: Blazing Star Seeds ($3, Etsy) Growing Conditions: Full sun or part sun and well-drained soil Size: Up to 5 feet tall Zones: 4-8 Buy It: Tall Hybrid Phlox Mixture ($39, Breck’s) Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade and well-drained soil Size: Up to 6 feet tall Zones: 4-8 Buy It: ‘Stargazer’ Oriental Lily Bulbs ($18, Walmart) Growing Conditions: Full sun to part shade with rich, moist, well-drained soil Size: Up to 3 feet tall Zones: 4-8 Buy It: Anemone Honorine Jobert ($9, Etsy) Growing Conditions: Full to part sun and moist, well-drained soil Size: Up to 7 feet tall Zones: 3-8 Buy It: Culver’s Root Seeds ($3, Etsy) Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil Size: Up to 10 inches tall Zones: 3-9 Buy It: Live Plant Phlox ($8, Walmart)

Eliminate day-of holiday cleaning chaos by dividing your tasks into doable segments. These holiday cleaning tips will help you prioritize chores to achieve a tidier home well before guests arrive. Preparing for the holiday celebration is one thing, but being able to quickly tackle any messes that happen throughout the day is another. Follow these easy tips to have a mess-free holiday get-together. Red wine on carpet: Immediately pour white wine over the red wine spill (white wine neutralizes red wine)....