How to Make Mosquito Wipes The DIY repellent solution for these wipes uses a blend of citrus, cinnamon, and castor oils. These essential oils are known for being unappealing to mosquitoes (and other pests, including ticks). Plus, castor oil even has some anti-inflammatory effects that can help if you do end up with a bug bite. Just be sure to use the exact measurements in this recipe; in order to make essential oils safe to use on skin, you need to dilute them with water or rubbing alcohol first....

How to Grow ‘Distant Drums’ Roses ‘Distant Drums’ is hardy in Zones 5-9 and needs a spot in your garden with full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sunlight) and moist, well-drained soil. It usually grows up to 3 or 4 feet tall and about 3 feet wide. In addition to its gorgeous double blooms, the flowers also have a spicy-sweet smell that’s usually compared to myrrh. One of the best parts of growing ‘Distant Drums’ is that thanks to its unique flower color, no two blooms will ever look exactly the same....

Buy It: Hamilton Beach Hand Mixer ($18, Target) Buy It: Wilton Muffin Pan ($11, Walmart) Buy It: Farberware Nonstick Griddle ($17, Target)

Since there is expected to be a holiday supply shortage this year around Christmas, these early robot vacuum deals could not come at a better time. Whether you’re looking for a vacuum that can clean with an app on your phone or a bot that can suction up dirt and mop away sticky messes, this list of deals has it all. And the discounts are seriously good. You can save up to $180 off on best-sellers from brands like iRobot, Shark, and Bissell....

1. Define your entryway. As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, staying safe and healthy on college campuses will be important this fall, and setting up your entryway with a few essentials can help stop germs at the door. Although space is likely limited, you can turn even a sliver of wall space into a designated entryway. Mount a few hooks where you can hang up your face mask or ditch a jacket on your way in the door....

You’ve Been Booed Halloween Trick This harmless prank gets the whole neighborhood in the mood for a boo-filled Halloween. Fill a small basket with candy treats and cut a paper ghost door hanger with the word Boo! on it. Place it on a neighbor’s porch in secret and knock on the door. To craft the door hanger, trace a paper ghost, then cut a hole in the center for the doorknob....

The good news is that there are plenty of beautiful native plants that make excellent alternatives in the landscape. Here’s a list of the top invasive plants and the best native substitutes to grow instead. And if, like me and my heirloom spirea, you have one of these offenders that you just can’t part with, make an extra effort to keep it under control (I also remove invasive privet from a nearby woodland in atonement)....

Whether you want to organize clothes in a closet, dresser, or wardrobe, it’s important not to cram too many pieces into a tight space. This leads to wrinkles and makes it more difficult to see the full range of your clothing options when you’re picking out an outfit. Open storage solutions, such as hanging clothes or organizing garments on shelves, are best for what you wear each day, including pants, sweaters, blouses, and dresses....

Test Kitchen Tip: Once you’ve nailed the classic deviled egg recipe, go for one of our variations such as Italian-style or curry and crab. Test Kitchen Tip: Place yolks and other filling ingredients in a resealable plastic bag. Seal bag; mash contents to mix. Snip off a corner of the bag; squeeze bag to pipe yolk mixture into white halves.

1. Start with the right tools. 2. Provide shade. For a bigger break from the sun: Use a freestanding patio umbrella, fit a retractable awning onto the pergola, or install a sail canopy in the pergola’s corners and a pole connected to the handrail. 3. Refresh outdoor furniture. 4. Add character to a pergola. Cut decorative rafters and rafter tails using a pattern and jigsaw. For more-substantial tails, sandwich three boards together using wood glue and screws....

Buy It: Crock-Pot 6-Quart Programmable Cook and Carry Slow Cooker ($50, Target) Buy It: Hamilton Beach Slow Cooker, Large Capacity ($29, Walmart) Buy It: Coarse Mediterranean Sea Salt ($7, The Spice House)

Test Kitchen Tip: For a vegetarian rendition, simply swap vegetable stock for the chicken stock.

Test Kitchen Tip: A lot of curry pastes contain fish, so check the label before you buy to ensure it’s vegetarian.

1. Focus on priority areas. When trying to stretch a remodeling budget, it’s a good idea to choose a few areas in your house that you really want to invest the most money in, then scale back your spending in other less important rooms. “For most people, these areas are typically kitchens, foyers, powder rooms, and the primary bathroom,” says David Steckel, a home expert at Thumbtack. “For other spaces, you can use more cost-effective items when it comes to tiles, hardware, lighting, and other details....

This Women’s History Month, read up on powerful quotes from inspirational women, then spend the day learning about and taking inspiration from these iconic figures.