Skip to main content

Latest by V. Sparks

Indoor plants on a wooden table next to a window

6 gorgeous low-maintenance indoor plants you can keep alive all season long

We've found some incredible, low-maintenance indoor plants you'll want to pack your home with this fall.
pest control contractor spraying home

How to know when it’s time to hire a pest control professional

DIY pest control is smart, but you may actually need to hire a pro. Here's how to tell when it's time.
grouping of house plants

Why houseplants are a great addition to your home for fall and winter

Houseplants have tons of benefits, and may help you brave the winter months with ease. Here's why you should pack your home with plants this fall and winter.
round modern kitchen table

How to paint or stain a kitchen table in one weekend

Instead of buying a new kitchen table, paint the one you have and give it a new lease on life.
16454 the best lawn mower covers that protect machines from elements cover

How to aerate your lawn in the fall — and why it’s so important

Fall lawn aeration may be the most important thing you do in September. Here's why.
Tools on a table

Keep these 4 hand tool safety tips in mind as you work around the house

Hand tools can be dangerous, too. Keep these tips in mind when working on projects around the home.

Use these 7 summer ingredients before winter arrives

You probably have some ingredients in the pantry that aren't a fit for fall and winter cooking. Here's how to use them.
Modern minimal deck

How to repair deck boards before you host your next party

Deck boards can be repaired pretty easily. Here's how to do it yourself before guests arrive.
Person sanding down uneven walls

How to repair drywall holes in less than an hour

This is how to quickly and easily repair drywall holes in your home.
Woman and pest control inspector in kitchen

When is the best time of year to spray for bugs? What you should know

Is there a right time of year to spray for bugs? Should you do it often? We walk you through it.
lawn landscape with tree and river

Why these 6 cheap landscaping ideas may save you money long-term

Cheap landscaping ideas won't break your budget, and can end up saving you money long-term. Here's how.
checkered living room floor tile

Wall tile vs floor tile: Which is the best investment?

Should you tile your walls or floor? Which adds value to your home? Does it really even matter? We discuss.
black and white kitchen timer on wood surface

The 3 best kitchen timers to level your cooking game way up

You probably use your microwave to set timers, but it's time to get a proper kitchen timer. Here's why, and our best picks.
Children looking at mixed potted seedlings

How to transplant your seed starters from pots to the garden

These are the right (and wrong) ways to take your seedlings from indoor pots to the outdoor garden.
Empty attic with wood floor and small window

Attic storage tips that make it less creepy to go upstairs

Organizing your attic is a one-time project that will reap rewards indefinitely. Here's how it's done.
Toasted bread in wicker basket

It’s time for you to break up with your toaster

Toasters are often single-use items that take up too much room. Here's why you should ditch yours.
Broken drywall

Repair or replace? What you should know about busted drywall

Is your drywall shoddy? Should you repair or replace it? We help you figure it out.
White painted wood paneling on wall

How to paint paneling and avoid expensive renovations

Does your home have ugly paneling? Instead of tearing it down, paint it! Here's how.
pest control contractor spraying home

How often should you fumigate your house? What you need to know

Should you fumigate often, or is it a once-a-year thing? We help you figure out when is best to spray for bugs.
best seedling trays for your greenhouse plants tray 2

What you need to know about transplanting indoor plants outside

When your seedlings get too large to stay indoors, it's time to take them outside. Here's how it's done.
kitchen with glass-front cabinets

The best counter-height stool deals we’ve seen since Prime Day

Prime Day is a big shopping holiday, but there are still great deals to be hand. Here are some incredible deals on counter-height stools.
person installing wired home security camera

Should you buy your own home security system or lease a service? How to decide

Is DIY home security worth it, or should you lease a service fro your cable provider or another company? We help you decide.
rose bushes against wooden gate

Black spots on your roses: fungus, or something else?

Do your lovely roses suddenly have black spots? Here's why, and what you can do about it.
Red stand mixer with strawberries

Good, better, best: Stand mixers that will level up your kitchen

Stand mixers are an important tool for any baker or serious cook. Here are our recommendations.
Watermelon triangles with rinds and seeds

This grilled watermelon recipe will be a crowd-pleaser — we promise

You may not have thought to grill watermelon, but we promise you'll love it.
simple modern tv console table

Spring cleaning 101: How to clean your TV

When cleaning up around the house, don't forget your TV!
best glass food storage containers lids stackable pyrex salad on table

Healthy work from home lunches you can put together in under 30 minutes

When you’re , it isn’t easy to keep a healthy diet on track. With your refrigerator at your disposal, it’s certainly easy to snack perpetually. That’s why planning a healthy lunch is so important for remote workers. When you eat a nutritious lunch that will also keep you full for longer, you can fight those […]
A young boy washing windows with a cloth

Put your kids in charge of these 19 deep-cleaning chores

these simple tasks help kids feel included and helpful while taking a bit of the load off parents.
Person tossing clams in stainless steel pan

Nonstick cookware could pose health risks — this is why

what you need to know about nonstick cookware and the potential health risks involved with using it.
summer dinner party at night

9 amazing summer dinner party ideas you’ll want to steal

We've got some incredible inspiration for hosting your next Summer dinner party.
Lavender plants in pots

How to cook with lavender without your food tasting like soap

Cooking with lavender can get tricky. Here's how to avoid disaster.
glass of chocolate milk with red and white straw on table near chocolate pieces

How to make delicious chocolate milk using an immersion blender

Want perfect chocolate milk? All you need is a few simple ingredients and an immersion blender
grilled steak with asparagus and gravy

Good, better, best: Countertop grills perfect for a BBQ party

Need a countertop grill for your summer grilling projects? We've got some great recommendations.
MagicBridge

This $50 item helped wrangle my messy home office desk

It's amazing how the Macbridge changed our home offices forever...
A galley kitchen with blue cabinets

How to paint kitchen cabinets: 8 simple steps

You heard it here first: Experts say this is the best way to paint kitchen cabinets
open kitchen with sky blue cabinets

Is linoleum kitchen flooring making comeback?

Linoleum flooring isn't just an outdated flooring trend -- it's actually making a comeback
outdoor surveillance laws backyard security camera

4 DIY home security systems you can put together today

You don't need to hire pros to have a workable home security system
Green kitchen cabinets

6 items under $200 from Crate & Barrel that totally transform your kitchen

These simple finds changed our kitchens for the better
Roof with red shingles and multiple windows

How to safely work on a roof this summer

Roofing projects can be dangerous -- follow these tips to keep yourself safe
blue patio set

How to chase the most common summer bugs from your backyard

Bugs are a pain in the summer -- get rid of them fast with our tips
hardwood floor closeup with person in chair

5 common wood floor repairs every home owner should know

If you have wood floors, you need to know these quick DIY repairs
For sale home sign in front of house that says "sold"

This new bill could be the first step in tackling skyrocketing housing prices

This new housing bill could make all the difference when it comes to skyrocketing housing prices
detachable shower head spraying water

How to empty a water heater safely

Keep yourself safe with this handy how-to guide
intuitive home office design desk

Steal these 6 ideas from the most popular home offices of the year

Popular ideas are popular for a reason -- and we love these design photos
Tall grass with good lawn maintenance

4 basic lawn care tools every homeowner needs

Everyone with a lawn needs these 4 tools - trust us
woman counting money next to notebook

What you need to know about home refinancing

Thinking about refinancing? This is everything you need to know
aop version 11 best kitchen rugs baby mother

Baby-proofing your house: What you need to know

Make sure your home is safe for your kids - and other peoples' - with this guide
Tall grass with good lawn maintenance

How to spread compost on your lawn – and why you need to

Topdressing is a great way to ensure a healthy lawn - here's how to do it
the best carbon monoxide detector

How to test for carbon monoxide safely

Keep your home and yourself safe by following these CO testing tips
ways to maximize your kitchen storage space sink with hanging pans

What you need to know about how home plumbing works

Ever wondered how your house's plumbing works? We've got you covered