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Veronica Sparks

Veronica Sparks

Contributor

Veronica Sparks is a writer from Milwaukee, Wisconsin who loves writing about gardening, home décor, and DIY life. She’s been published by Angi, Homesteading Suburbia, and CinemaBlend, and she loves to curl up with a cup of tea and read the classics.

Send all editorial inquiries HERE.

Bowl of fruit on a counter

If your apples are next to these fruits and veggies, you’re ruining your produce

Apples should go in your fridge, but where you store them matters. Here's how to store apples properly and protect the rest of your produce.
Woman sleeping with gray blanket and navy sheets

How to wash a weighted blanket in 4 simple steps

If you're wondering how to wash a weighted blanket, we've got some tips and recommendations for you. Keep your trusty blanket fresh, clean, and effective.
Full shelves and rods in a large closet

12 fantastic walk-in closet ideas for the bedroom of your dreams

These amazing walk-in closet ideas are sure to elevate your space. Get your closet organized while gaining the bedroom of your dreams.
Modern bathroom with dark grey tiled shower

14 incredible modern bathroom ideas for a luxurious space

Are you ready for a bathroom refresh? These modern bathroom ideas will make your space trendy and one of elegance, beauty, and style.
Piles of silverware on a black surface

How to clean silver flatware so it sparkles

Is your precious silver getting tarnished? We dig into how to clean silver the right way, how to polish it, and even how to store it to protect it for years.
Shower head next to shower niche

Is a shower niche a good idea? Consider these things before your bathroom renovation

Thinking about installing a shower niche? We'll discuss the pros and cons of this gorgeous and convenient shower feature so you can make an informed decision.
Doing laundry delicates with bleach pen

How to use bleach in laundry (because no one likes bleach spots)

Yes, you can use bleach in your washing machine without completely ruining your clothes. Here's how to use bleach in laundry the right way.
dark green wall paneling in bedroom

This is, hands down, the best way to paint wood paneling

Painting paneling is an easy way to avoid a costly remodel. Here's how to paint on wood panels the right way.
Kitchen subway tile backsplash with dark grout

How to properly clean grout in your kitchen and bathroom

Bathroom or kitchen grout looking gross? Here's how to clean grout so that your tiles look gorgeous and brand new.
neatly folded and stacked linens

How to fold a fitted sheet with no aggravation

Linen closet looking cluttered? Here's how to fold a fitted sheet so you can keep your bedding stored in a neat and tidy fashion.
Stainless steel refrigerator

How long do refrigerators last? What first-time buyers should know

If you're in the market for a new fridge, you may be wondering, "How long do refrigerators last?" We'll discuss the factors that impact refrigerator lifespans.
All-purpose cleaner in amber bottle in bathroom

Cleaning 101: Why you should never mix bleach and vinegar

Avoid a major health risk while cleaning your home. Here's everything you need to know about the dangers of mixing bleach and vinegar together.
Bathroom toilet area with warm brown hues

DIY 101: How to fix a wobbly, rocking toilet

Is your shaky toilet making you or your guests nervous? Here are four methods for fixing a wobbly toilet yourself.
Light wood partition wall in small apartment

9 amazing room divider ideas to enhance any living space

If your space needs a bit of character and definition, these nine room divider ideas are for you. Prioritize light, noise reduction, privacy, or style.
Modern home with soapstone countertop and concrete wall

The pros and cons of soapstone countertops

Discover the charm and durability of soapstone countertops. Explore their unique benefits and important considerations in our informative guide.
Bright modern bedroom with wood floor and white linens

How to feng shui your bedroom: The dos and don’ts

Get the calming space you need by creating a feng shui bedroom. Here are the dos and don'ts of achieving relaxation and balance in this crucial room.
Gray and shiplap accent walls

9 amazing accent wall ideas for your home

Discover creative accent wall ideas to transform your home. From bold colors to 3D textures, explore inspiring ways to revamp your space.
Kitchen subway tile backsplash with dark grout

Designer-approved: 3 gorgeous kitchen backsplash ideas for 2024

Want to up your your design game in the kitchen? These expert-approved kitchen backsplash ideas will be the star of the show in your home.
Rolled towels and plant in bathroom

Spa bathroom decor: 4 things the experts say you should add to your space

Want some spa bathroom decor that will turn your daily space into a luxurious retreat? Our experts discuss spa bathroom ideas you'll love.
Modern minimalist bathroom with light colors

Smart bathroom design: How to upgrade your space, according to the experts

Upgrade your morning routine with cutting-edge smart bathroom design. Our experts discuss smart technology on the horizon that will modernize your bathroom.
Modern bathroom with round mirror

Bathroom design: Experts reveal how to create a space you’ll love for decades

Remodeling your bathroom but unsure which designs to choose for the long haul? Our experts discuss timeless bathroom design tips that you'll love for decades.
three vertical windows with a view of nature

Replacing your doors and windows? This is what you should buy, according to an expert

Considering updating your doors and windows this year? An expert shares what trends you'll see in 2024 when it comes to door and window replacement.
Yellow painter tape with red paint brush

These tips will help you tape a room for painting the right way

There's a right and wrong way to tape a room — here's the right way
Appliance storage on shelves

Experts say these are the kitchen appliances we’re all going to invest in this year

Explore the kitchen appliances and latest innovations experts say are coming in 2024. Elevate your cooking journey with the perfect culinary companions.
Used paintbrush on a wood floor

Preparing wood before painting: The basics

Prep your wood before painting so you get a gorgeous, smooth paint job. This is how to get the perfect wood-painting results.
Closeup of rustic wood surface with window and lights in background

Save your furniture: How to unwarp wood and restore your home design

If your wood furniture, doors, or floorboards have gotten warped, they can still be saved. This is how to unwarp wood.
Three white towels folded in a modern laundry room

Your go-to laundry stripping guide so your towels can actually get clean

Is your laundry looking or feeling dirty, even after a wash cycle? Here's when you should be stripping your laundry (and how to strip towels).
Couple posing with paint rollers in front of painted white wall

7 times you should absolutely choose an eggshell paint finish

Not sure what paint finish is right for your painting project? These are all the times you should choose that eggshell paint.
Recessed lights above a fireplace

How to install can lights in an existing ceiling

Need some modern illumination in your home that doesn't take up space? Follow this guide for installing can lights in an existing ceiling.
Basement with blue walls.

The best ways to heat a basement (from super affordable to total reno)

Is your basement too cold to be livable? Here are all the pros and cons of the most popular basement heating options available.
Wool dryer balls on a white cloth surface

This is the secret to drying your clothes: A natural solution you’ll never guess

Ready to up your laundry game? Replace your fabric softeners or dryer sheets with wool dryer balls and get a natural solution for soft fabrics.
Wicker laundry basket with multi-colored towels in laundry room

The 2 secret ingredients your laundry routine is missing

Want to up your laundry game? Here's everything you need to know about putting baking soda and vinegar in laundry loads for a fresh wardrobe every time.
House with vinyl siding and brick in winter

The December home maintenance checklist everyone needs

Is your home ready for the freezing weather? Make sure you check these items off your December home maintenance checklist.
Thanksgiving table with cracker spread

7 delicious Thanksgiving appetizers that still leave room for a big meal

You don't want your guests to fill up on apps and skip the turkey. These tasty Thanksgiving appetizers are the perfect way to whet an appetite.
Autumn spices, pumpkin, and cinnamon

6 delicious Thanksgiving desserts to make if you kind of hate pie

If you're not a fan of pie, don't get left out this holiday season. Serve these incredible Thanksgiving dessert alternatives at your dinner table this year.
Indoor plants on a wooden table next to a window

Ranked: The 7 best indoor plants to decorate your home with in November

Need some greenery in your home during the cold winter months? These ar ethe best indoor plants for November to keep your mood festive.
Shower head

This is what that gross pink mold in your shower is and how to get rid of it

Do you want a sparkling shower, but find you're constantly getting pink mold? Here's how to get rid of it for good.
Man caulking around window

How to remove old caulk: A 4-step guide to get this tedious job done quickly

Removing old caulk can be a tedious process. If you follow these steps, you'll know how to remove hold caulk in no time.
Pest control spray outside

Is fall the best time of year to spray your house for bugs?

Is there a 'best' time of year to spray for bugs? We tell you everything you need to know about the benefits of preventative pest control in the fall.
Stovetop and oven in kitchen

This nontoxic oven-cleaning trick is even better than baking soda (seriously!)

We love baking soda for so many cleaning chores around the house. It's messy sometimes, though, and we swear by this other nontoxic way to clean your oven.
Croton plant

The best indoor plants to decorate your home with in October

Need a little greenery in your home during the bare fall months? Check out these gorgeous, hearty plants that will survive through the chilly months.
White wall with white strip of electrical outlets

Can water in an electrical outlet start a fire? What you need to know

Can water in an electrical outlet start a fire in your home? We discuss the ways to keep you completely safe if it happens.
Home with manicured lawn

How to level a yard (and 3 reasons why you really should)

Aside from poor appearance, a yard that's not leveled can lead to other issues like improper draining. This guide will show you how to level a yard.
Top view of bed with white sheets

This ingenious hack for how to wash white sheets is amazing

White sheets are stunning, but they get dull and dingy. Here's how to wash white sheets to get crisp, gorgeous linens after every wash with this hack.
Modern home storage shelves with boxes

6 fantastic organizational podcasts we’re obsessed with

Feeling overwhelmed by the mess? These amazing organizational podcasts have some great tips for cleaning, decluttering, and more.
Square floor drain surrounded by tile

How to clean your basement floor drain and avoid major issues

Keep your home in great shape from top to bottom. Here's how to clean your clogged basement floor drain.
modern glass table in living room

How to choose a coffee table for your small living room

Small living rooms can still take advantage of coffee tables. Here's how to pick the right one for your space.
Woman putting dirty clothes in washing machine

How to remove detergent stains from clothes: This is the no-fail way

Don't ruin your wardrobe. Follow these tips to remove those pesky detergent stains from your clothes so you can keep them fresh and clean.
Kitchen with wood countertops and brick backsplash

How to remove stains from a butcher block countertop

Butcher block countertops are prone to staining. Here's how to get rid of stubborn stains on your countertop.
Man's hand painting a wall pink with a paint roller

Do you need to wash walls before painting? The honest truth

Washing your walls before painting is a cumbersome task — is it necessary? Here's what you need to know.