You don’t need fancy landscaping or expensive patio furniture to have a nice-looking backyard—but certain things will make it look rundown in no time. I’ve learned that even small oversights can make your space feel messy, overgrown, or forgotten. If you’re trying to keep your yard looking clean and cared for, these are the things…
Cooking at home is great—until the smell of last night’s garlic-loaded skillet hangs around the next morning. I used to wake up to a kitchen that still smelled like whatever I cooked for dinner, and it drove me nuts. After a lot of trial and error, I’ve figured out a handful of tricks that actually…
There are plenty of projects worth hiring out—but not everything needs a pro. After a few overpriced service calls and some not-so-great results, I started learning how to handle certain fixes myself. Turns out, most of them weren’t that complicated. They just took a little research and a willingness to get my hands dirty. Now,…
If ticks are a regular problem in your yard, you’re not alone. They hang out in tall grass, hide along fences, and show up in places you’d never expect. But you can keep them under control. With a few smart habits and the right kind of prep, you don’t have to deal with bites every…
Flies are the worst when you’re just trying to enjoy a meal outside or let the kids run around. I used to think it was just part of summer, but after a few too many swarms around the table, I started trying everything to keep them away. Some things didn’t work at all, but a…
Not all firewood is created equal. I used to think if it was dry and fit in the fireplace, it was fair game—but I learned the hard way that some wood can clog up your chimney, smoke out your house, or even release toxic fumes. Now I’m picky about what I burn. These are the…
If you’ve ever had a wasp buzz past your face while you’re trying to sip coffee or watch your kids play, you know how fast a peaceful porch can turn into a battleground. I used to wait until nests showed up to deal with them—big mistake. These days, I stay ahead of the problem. It…
When it’s time to sell, your backyard can be a deal-maker—or a deal-breaker. Buyers walk out there and start imagining themselves hosting cookouts, letting the kids run around, or kicking back at the end of the day. If the space feels finished and functional, they’re going to assign more value to your home—whether they realize…
I’ve had mice sneak their way into everything from the shed to the kitchen pantry—and once even under the stove. Traps help, sure, but the real trick is making your space somewhere they don’t want to be in the first place. Strong smells throw them off and make them turn right back around. I use…
I’ve dealt with my fair share of ant invasions—kitchen counters, bathroom sinks, even my laundry room of all places. And after trying all kinds of sprays and traps, I started leaning into what actually works long-term: smells ants can’t stand. These scents are easy to use around the house, don’t involve chemicals, and honestly keep…