Our top pick, the Hessaire MC37M Portable Evaporative Cooler, is compact, energy-efficient, and suitable for indoor or outdoor use. Here are the best evaporative coolers. Keep cool easier with this functional and well-equipped evaporative cooler from Hessaire. The MC37M is sized to cool down spaces up to 950 square feet and has powerful airflow—up to 3,100 CFM. Cooling media surrounds three sides of the unit, while an automatic oscillation feature better distributes the air....

We evaluated the many potting soil products for their intended use, as well as their added ingredients, such as fertilizer, and other attributes such as water retention. Our top choice was Wonder Soil Organic for its unique blend of slow-release organic nutrients, sterility, and pet-friendly formula. Here are our top recommendations for the best indoor potting soil. Most potting soil for indoor plants contains the essential nutrients to give new greenery a good jump start, or transplants the food they need....

Our best overall pick, the HomeTinker Tub & Shower Repair Kit, can be used on several tubs and shower types, comes in three color series to match with dozens of shades and is non-toxic and odor-free. Here are the best tub repair kits. For a tub repair that is effective and spot-on in terms of color matching, consider this popular tub repair kit from HomeTinker. Their Tub & Shower Repair Kit can be used on a wide variety of tub types, including acrylic, fiberglass, ceramic, porcelain, enameled steel or cast iron, and gel-coated....

“The most basic thing you should be looking for is a programmable thermostat, which means it has an energy-efficient setting,” says Shilpa Anand, a senior product manager for smart thermostats at Resideo. “You can look for thermostats that are Energy Star rated as well.” We researched dozens of thermostats, weighing their design, controls, ease of use and installation, and programmable and smart features. Our best overall pick is the Google Nest Learning Thermostat, a feature-packed, energy-saving option that’s also sleek and compatible with voice assistants....

Once you have figured out your room dimensions, you are ready to start determining how to lay on your carpet. The first thing to note is the direction of the carpet pile. Direction of the Pile The most important rule in carpet is that you must always keep the carpet running in the same direction. You can’t turn one piece sideways to the other. Doing so will cause the two pieces to look very different from each other, sometimes even like different colors....

Tips for Late-Season Tomatoes Many of these late-season varieties are ideal for those gardeners with a long growing season. Gardeners with a short season may end up with frost before they’re able to get a harvest from some of these varieties, so keep your first frost date in mind when choosing varieties. Late season varieties are planted at the beginning of the gardening season, right along with your main season tomatoes....

Cross-contamination happens when raw meats and produce touch pre-cooked foods and other items as they’re placed side by side in already soiled bags. Clean your reusable bag every time you shop to further prevent cross-contamination. When shopping, protect items, and your bags, by double bagging groceries, especially the potentially leaky items, with plastic produce or meat bags. As an extra step at home, designate and label bags you’ll use on a continuous basis only for meat, produce, dairy, dry goods, and cleaning supplies....

Properties of Sapphire Color: Blue Chakra: All, especially the third eyeNumber: Vibrates to 6Planet: Moon, SaturnBirthstone: SeptemberBagua areas: Gen (Knowledge)Elements: WoodOrigin: Myanmar, Czech Republic, Brazil, Kenya, India, Sri Lanka, Australia, Thailand, Canada, Madagascar Meaning and Uses of Sapphire Sapphire has a connection to romance and is often used in engagement rings. Blue sapphire is linked to the throat chakra and can be used to enhance self-expression. Royal blue sapphire also activates the third eye chakra, which can help you become more aware of your responsibility for your thoughts and feelings....

When it comes to picking that absolutely must-have though, it can be a little more tricky. Our zodiac signs can shed some light on what items not only suit our personality but our wants and needs as well. Check out your zodiac sign below to see what your must-have outdoor entertaining essential is.

Inventory Sources While all kinds of items end up on the auction block, the inventory gets there from many very different sources such as: LiquidatorsPrivate companiesHomeowners who want to get some extra cashCharitiesEstatesGovernment agencies also put up impounded or lost and found items. Finding Auctions Auctions can be held at many different sites. Estate auctions can be held on the site of the estate, other types can be held at auction houses, hotels, community centers, or even online....

That said, my space can start to feel incomplete when all of my vases are empty and sad looking. I have always liked the look—and concept—of dried flowers, but a lot of the arrangements I had previously seen online or while out and about contained lots of reds, pinks, and oranges. These hues are of course lovely, but they don’t exactly complement my apartment decor, which leans more neutral with some blues and greens mixed in....

Recently, we connected with Christine Turknett Ho, the founder and principal designer of the Austin, TX-based Breathe Design Studio, on what service makes her life as a designer that much easier. Her studio focuses on thoughtful, simple spaces, with a “design aesthetic rooted in warm modernism and draws from the Danish approach of creating clean, calm, and cozy spaces.” What service made your work life easier this week/month/lately? Christine Turknett Ho: I am obsessed with Material Bank....

But this does not mean that you can use all tile sizes for all applications. As an example, large-format tiles often can have an awkward, ungainly appearance in small bathrooms. You need to have a certain number of full-size tiles for the application to visually work. Yet few large format tiles would fit in a small bathroom. Many tiles would need to be cut. Even so, nothing about bathroom tile sizing is written in stone, and tile sizes stated in this guide are suggestions, not edicts....

How to Attract Birds in Winter Cold temperatures, severe storms and scarce food supplies make winter the harshest season for wild birds, and bird mortality is high all winter long. Backyard birders who help meet birds’ needs during the winter will be rewarded with a diverse flock of winter visitors. Food Feeding birds is the easiest way to attract them to your yard in any season. Adding the best winter bird foods to your feeders when the temperatures drop will give birds adequate energy to survive even the worst weather....

Warm water is appropriate for moderately soiled clothing and human-made fabrics. Hot water should be used for bedding and towels, cotton whites, and heavily stained work clothes, specifically those with oil or grease stains. Powdered detergents work well for general loads and are usually less expensive; however, they don’t always dissolve correctly in cold water and leave white residue on fabrics. Liquid detergents, which usually contain enzymes, are good for pretreating stains....

Washer Doesn’t Move Smoothly Between Cycles Problem: Maytag Bravos washer will not continue to the next cycle after the wash cycle. Solution: If the washer starts and seems to progress through the cycle well but doesn’t move to the spin cycle, the problem may be with the locking lid switch. If the door lock switch does not engage fully, the washer will not move into the high spin mode. Excess Lint Left on Clothes Problem: Excess lint and hair (both human and pet) are left on clothes after washing even with a second rinse cycle....

Common Problems With Ceiling Light Fixtures Controlled by Wall Switches Apparent problems with a ceiling light fixture are usually traced to some issue that is interrupting the flow of electricity from the wall switch to the light fixture. Diagnosing the problem will depend on whether the light bulb does not light up at all, or if it is flickering intermittently. If the light bulb does not light up at all, follow this troubleshooting procedure: If the lightbulb flickers, follow this troubleshooting procedure:...

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