In an ideal world, parents would always have time to prepare and oversee Pinterest-worthy activities for their little ones. But, sometimes we need to make a phone call, respond to an email, or simply get ready for the day. That’s where engaging toys come in. We tasked our 3-year-old son with testing the Squigz Starter Set, an innovative suction-cup building set designed with fun in mind. Read on to see if these little suckers live up to their promise....

Insects Hummingbirds Eat Hummingbirds may eat from a few dozen to several hundred or even a thousand or more insects in one day, depending on the availability of insects, the type of insects, and an individual bird’s dietary needs. Because of the birds’ small size, they generally choose only small insects that can be easily captured and swallowed, and popular insects in hummingbirds’ diets include: AntsAphidsBeetlesGnatsMitesMosquitoesSpidersWaspsWeevils In addition to adult insects, hummingbirds will also eat larvae and insect eggs....

Though not as soft as cotton bath towels, microfiber towels earn accolades for being conveniently lightweight and incredibly absorbent. The Fina Ultra Absorbent Waffle Weave Microfiber Bath Towel is a popular choice among consumers, though many prefer it as a hair towel rather than a bath towel. We tested the material, texture, and performance. Read on to see whether the Fina Microfiber Bath Towel is worthy of a space in your linen closet....

Here are eight types of walkways to inspire you. Flagstone colors range from gray to light green to iron-oxide red. This pathway’s stone is heavily mortared and filled in between the stones to prevent gaps that may collect water or grow weeds. The columns and decks are not built of stone, though they appear that way. Rather, veneer stone has been applied to the facades. Install the flagstone sparsely, with large 2-inch to 4-inch joints....

Divide crowded mature plants as needed. Spring and fall are both good times to divide this perennial, though more people find it easier to perform this job in spring. That’s because the leaves haven’t unfurled yet, so the plants are less cumbersome to work with. Light In the cooler parts of its growing zones, the Francee hosta can grow in partial shade. Morning sun or dappled light conditions are ideal....

No matter how much space you have, you can find a game table that works. Some of these DIY game tables also include game or game piece storage, making it even easier to get all your games organized. There are also some tables that are designed to hide the puzzle or game while you’re not playing it, tucking everything away for another day. Others are small and portable so you can move the game table where you want to play....

How Does Manure Help Flowers? The number one concern of most flower gardeners should be soil quality. Garden center aisles are lined with different fertilizer formulations, but these do nothing to improve the health of the soil. Although manure contains nitrogen for leaf formation, phosphorus for plant metabolism and root support, and potassium for flowering, the real value of manure lies in its soil-building qualities. Manure can correct both clay and sandy soil conditions....

Know your way around a DIY? Creative projects like homemade mobiles will take your heart up, up and away! That said, stay away from elaborate murals and over-the-top theming. To create a look that lasts, opt for clean and neutral décor, and throw in a handful of creative tributes, such as a set of framed storybook prints or a popular quote. This lively nursery from Anita Roll Murals features “Oh the Places You’ll Go” effortlessly without being over the top....

Latin Name The scientific name assigned to this species is Aronia arbutifolia and it is part of the Rosaceae family. In the past, it was classified as Photinia pyrifolia but has since been placed into the Aronia (chokeberry) genus after further research. Common Names This shrub is called red chokeberry or simply chokeberry. Though the common name is sometimes used for both plants, this is a different shrub than the chokecherry (Prunus virginiana)....

Growing Conditions Light: Naturally, these orchids grow in shady conditions underneath a forest canopy. So they should receive partial sunlight, and take care not to put them directly under the sun: ​Rhynchostylis plants are sensitive to bright light. Water: When it comes to water, very moist, humid conditions are necessary. Mist regularly and don’t miss a day to keep them healthy. Temperature: Make sure they stay in warm tropical temperatures above 50 F....

Whether you applaud or deride this super-sizing of residential housing and consumer automobiles, making an older, smaller garage with smaller doors accommodate modern larger vehicles is a very real problem for many consumers. Standard Garage Door Sizes You might be surprised at the range of standard sizes that exist today for garage doors. Leading garage door manufacturers typically sell doors in widths ranging from 8 feet to 20 feet. Smaller sizes can be found; for example, in areas where golf cart transportation is popular, garage doors are usually available to suit these small vehicles....

Removing a wall is a total transformation of rooms and your home in general. Because wall removal can result in a serious weakening of your house’s structure, you need to know what walls you can and cannot safely remove. Exterior Walls Generally, exterior walls cannot be removed. If exterior walls are removed, it’s usually part of a larger building project such as a home addition. Exterior walls are almost always load-bearing and cannot be taken down without seriously weakening the structure of your house....

Healthy Soil Characteristics If good soil could be achieved merely by buying a bag of fertilizer from the garden center, most Americans would be boasting perfect soil. While fertility is obviously an aspect of good garden soil, there is so much more involved. Good soil has: Good texture: You often hear gardeners talk about their soil’s “crumb.” This refers to the texture of the soil. Good soil is crumbly, like cookie crumbs scattered over the top of an ice cream sundae....

Bird Body Temperatures Birds are warm-blooded animals that have a much higher metabolism, and thus higher body temperature, than humans. While the exact measurement varies for different bird species, the average bird’s body temperature is 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40 degrees Celsius). Bird body temperature can fluctuate during the day depending on climate, diet, and activity, but it can be a challenge for birds to maintain such a high body heat when temperatures dip severely....

Create a Home Away From Home The first thing you should do after you’ve unpacked your last bag is to settle into your new space. But don’t just settle, make your space feel truly like home with things that remind you of home–things that make you feel comforted. If you weren’t able to bring things from home, find things that will make your new house feel more like home. Candles, blankets, plants–all are fairly inexpensive yet provide some necessary warmth and comfort....

Answer a Few Basic Logistical Questions Before beginning the actual flower arranging process, you will want to ask yourself a few key logistical questions, notes Drew Hawley, a floral designer with Flowers for Dreams. “What vase am I putting this in? Your vase determines the quantity of blooms needed, what style you may want to execute and how you will build the design,” Hawley explains. Not sure what hue to use?...