Seed-starting stuff disappears fast once everyone remembers spring exists. If you grab the basics now, you’re not standing in front of an empty rack in February. These are the things that actually make seed-starting easier, not just clutter. 1. A good seed-starting mix Skip heavy potting soil. You want a fine, lightweight, sterile mix made…
Some houseplants sulk all winter and drop leaves the second the heat kicks on. These tend to ride out January like it’s no big deal—as long as you don’t overwater them. 1. Snake plant Tough, upright leaves, low water needs, and tolerance for lower light make snake plants a winter workhorse. Let the soil dry…
If you’re thinking about repainting, 2026 is leaning warm, grounded, and a little richer. Designers and paint brands are all pointing to variations on earthy neutrals, moody shades, and softened jewel tones—not stark white everything. 1. Warm mahogany reds PPG’s 2026 Color of the Year, Warm Mahogany, is a deep red-brown that designers say works…
Centerpieces don’t have to be precious. If you’ve got a few pantry jars and a bag of citrus, you have everything you need for something fresh and cheerful. I like centerpieces that can slide out of the way at dinner and pop right back when the dishes are drying—pretty, practical, repeatable. Build a “citrus-and-herb” still…
If you’ve ever bought your third jar of cumin because the other two were hiding, it’s not you—it’s your layout. A few clear zones make your pantry easier to “shop,” which means fewer duplicates, faster meals, and less waste. I set these zones up the same way every time so families can keep them going…
When the roads glaze over, you don’t need a perfect list—just a plan that uses what you already stash. Build one day at a time with quick breakfasts, cozy lunches, and simple dinners that pull from shelf-stable basics and freezer standbys. Here are three plug-and-play snow day menus you can mix and match. Day 1:…
Skillet pastas are weeknight magic: one pan, dry pasta straight in, and a starchy sauce that tastes like it took all afternoon. The trick is the liquid-to-pasta ratio and finishing with something creamy or punchy so the starch glosses instead of clumps. These are the sets I reach for when everyone’s hungry now. Lemon chicken…
Holiday hosting doesn’t have to mean complicated recipes and weeks of deep cleaning. A few smart shortcuts make your house feel pulled together without you living in the kitchen. 1. Pick one “main moment” to focus on Instead of trying to make every room perfect, choose your main hosting zone—usually the living room and dining…