12 Things That Make a Backyard Look Ugly Fast
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12 Things That Make a Backyard Look Ugly Fast

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…

7 Tricks That Keep My Kitchen From Smelling Like Last Night’s Dinner

7 Tricks That Keep My Kitchen From Smelling Like Last Night’s Dinner

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…

9 Fixes I’ll Never Pay Someone to Do Again

9 Fixes I’ll Never Pay Someone to Do Again

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,…

10 Woods You Should Never Burn in Your Fireplace (And Why I Won’t Risk It)

10 Woods You Should Never Burn in Your Fireplace (And Why I Won’t Risk It)

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…

7 Backyard Upgrades That Make Buyers Think Your Home’s Worth More
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7 Backyard Upgrades That Make Buyers Think Your Home’s Worth More

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…

7 Smells That Ants Absolutely Hate (And How I Use Them Around the House)

7 Smells That Ants Absolutely Hate (And How I Use Them Around the House)

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…