Skip to main content

Latest by V. Sparks

Skull and candles Halloween decor on a table

7 fantastic ways to save money on Halloween decor this year

Want to decorate your home for Halloween without breaking the bank? Here's how.
Window looking out on snowy tree

3 weekend DIY projects to squeeze in before it gets too cold

As winter approaches, here are some DIY projects to get into before the weather gets too cold.
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.
pool house with solar panels on the roof

Good, better, best: Solar heating and cooling systems for your home

Do you think solar heating and cooling is the right choice for your home? We'll help you decide which systems are the best.
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.
Roasted turkey and side dishes on a table

4 last-minute cookware buys for the holidays

If you love to cook during the holidays, you need the right cookware and utensils. Here are some great last-minute cookware buys.
best flood lights home safety security theft prevention led projector with motion sensor in outdoor carport

How many motion sensors do you need for your home? What you need to know

There's such a thing as overkill, but you have to take care of your family too. Here's how to strike a balance
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.
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.
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.
Tall grass with good lawn maintenance

The 3 best lawn aerators your wallet will love

These lawn aerators are simple to use, and people swear they're great.
red geraniums

4 ways to prep your flower beds for winter weather

Flower beds will come back in spring, but prepping them for cold weather is critical. Here's how it's done.
Green grass with afternoon shadows

6 ways to prepare your lawn for winter

Lawn care stops in winter, but it's important to prep your lawn for the colder months. Here's how.
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.
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.
the best carbon monoxide detector

Should you worry about carbon monoxide?

How dangerous is carbon monoxide and how can you manage it at home?
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.
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.
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.
Young girl in white dress watering plants

How to foster a green thumb in your child — while keeping them safe from dangerous plants

Growing your plants as a family is fun and educational, but you should be cautious, too. We list which plants to grow -- and avoid.
person repotting houseplant with garden tools

These 7 cute tiny plants will give your space a green boost

If you're lacking space but still want some living things in your home, these are the plants for you
Hand holding paint roller against white wall

How you should clean your walls before you paint

Washing your walls is the best way to prep them for paint. We list tried-and-true tips to get the job done right the first time.
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.
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.
Green kitchen cabinets

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

These simple finds changed our kitchens for the better
15563 the best red paints paint

Build your essential painting kit with these 7 products

These are the essential supplies every home painter needs
Man setting a smart thermostat in his home

6 amazing smart home buys this Christmas

Upgrading your home with smart items will allow for a convenient and balanced life. We list six top smart-home buys for the holidays.
the best deadbolt lock set

Sleep soundly after installing these high-security door locks

These door locks will keep you and your family safe, guaranteed
the best deadbolt lock set

These 5 safety door locks will ensure you sleep well at night

Rest well and keep your home safe with these 5 door locks
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.
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
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!
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.
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
MagicBridge

This $50 item helped wrangle my messy home office desk

It's amazing how the Macbridge changed our home offices forever...
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
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
Woman on plant-filled stairwell

Help your outdoor plants adjust to the indoors with these 15 tips

When it's too cold for your plants to stay outside, here's how to make them comfortable -- and keep them alive in the process