Modern bathrooms can be a stark contrast to what they were when feng shui was developed in ancient China. You can imagine that back then, bathrooms were unpleasant areas to be around. Bathrooms get a bad rap because of this and because of the water element (or cash flow) can be flushed down the drain. Nowadays, contemporary bathrooms are a room to rest, cleanse, and rejuvenate. A bathroom can be a luxurious and spa-like space that supports you....

Though creating a custom headboard will require some basic know-how and tools, you’ll be surprised how easy it is to make. Assemble Tools and Materials Here’s what you’ll need: 8-foot tape measure Paper taped together to be the width of the bed Plywood for the main fabric-covered area (the cheapest grade is fine since no wood shows) Plywood for 2 legs: about 30” x 4” Jigsaw to cut the top curve of the board Medium-grit sandpaper 1” thick sheet of upholstery foam (from a home fabric shop or upholstery supply store) Roll of upholstery batting or cotton batting Plain white sheeting A beautiful piece of fabric for the cover A screwdriver and screws A power drill An electric staple gun Optional: cording, braid, or other trim...

Buy a Convertible Crib. A convertible crib may cost more than some regular models, but these talented transformers are well worth the initial investment. With a few relatively simple adjustments, a convertible crib becomes a charming, toddler-friendly day bed. Add a few spare parts, and what was once a crib transforms into a full-size adult bed, taking your little one from cradle to college and well beyond. While some manufacturers will include all the hardware and accessories necessary for conversion, others will require you to buy additional pieces separately, so be sure to factor in any extra costs up front....

Planning the right amount of alcohol, soda, and cocktails to buy for your party is both a science and an art. It’s just like estimating the amount of food you’ll need to serve to your guests. Plan Within Your Budget In an ideal world, every party host would have an extra refrigerator packed with wine, beer, spirits, soft drinks, and all the possible beverages a guest might want. While there are a lucky few who have this, most people don’t....

The key to dealing with wasps is to find their nest and treat them accordingly. Controlling them requires slightly different treatment methods depending on the species. How do you identify and safely get rid of a wasp nest without getting stung? Before You Begin Wasp stings can be dangerous, especially if you or someone close by is allergic to them. If you’re allergic, it’s recommended that you get help treating a wasp nest in order to avoid any serious reactions or accidents....

How to Get Rid of Static Cling What do you do if static cling attacks while you’re wearing clothes? We’ve all had that moment when our trousers cling to our socks or a dress sticks to hosiery. Try one of these solutions: Use a static reducing spray. Static reducing sprays neutralize electrical charges by increasing hygroscopic (humidity-attracting) substances. Static Guard is a leading brand that comes in two scents and two sizes including a handy travel-size can....

It’s interesting to note that this plant is actually a member of the nightshade family. You might know nightshades by their edible types, like tomatoes, potatoes, and peppers. This type of nightshade, however, gains its fame for its beautiful blooms all summer long. If you understand these basic growing requirements, along with the more detailed information on growing conditions, you’ll have a happy, healthy plant to reward you with beautiful blue blooms all summer long....

Your best bet is to start small your first year, and don’t worry about making mistakes. As time goes on, you can adjust your garden, digging up what didn’t work on year and embracing what did well. You’ll find a garden style and plants that make you happy, and the discovery of what exactly that is can be an unexpected pleasure. For more tips on perfecting your own flower garden, start with the advice below....

For shrubs commonly known as abelia, there are several common identifiers. These shrubs produce pointed, oval-shaped leaves that are often yellow or green with pink, orange, bronze, or burgundy details. Some are multi-colored or variegated and even change color as the seasons change. Their flowers are tubular and are often seen in white, pink, or yellow. Unlike many flowering plants, abelia shrubs have a long blooming season that extends from spring until fall....

Don’t be put off by their reputation for difficulty: providing you follow a few simple rules, African violets should thrive indoors. With a little experience, it’s possible to keep these slow-growing plants in flower nearly all year round and grow them to the size of dinner plates. Light African violets do well in bright but not direct sunlight. They are commonly grown under fluorescent lights placed 12 to 15 inches above the leaves....

Native to most of North America, it also has origins in Asia and South America. The most commonly grown type, hummingbird mint (Agastache cana), is indigenous to the southwestern United States and Mexico and is suitable for xeriscape gardens, with its tolerance for the heat and drought of arid climates. Other types are more tolerant of temperate growing conditions, so you may wish to research the different varieties to find out what is best suited to your environment....

Best planted in the spring, this tree has a slow growth rate, gaining around a foot a year. It produces dark green summer leaves that turn a variegated orange in the fall. Come winter, its blue-gray bark creates a beautiful contrast to the snow in northern climates. The hornbeam is a great tree to add to any landscape, as it’s a medium size and resistant to most pests and diseases....

It is not an especially attractive plant, but its stiff stems make it suitable as a cut flower for fresh and dried flower arrangements. One of its identifying features is that the main stem seems to pass right through each pair of leaves on either side of it as if it were sticking out of a hole or perforation in the middle of a single leaf (giving it its species name perfoliatum)....

Chinese lantern is easy to grow and is best planted in the spring after the danger of frost has passed. This fast-growing plant will reach maturity and bloom in its first season. As the plants mature, the majority of their care is keeping insect pests at bay. Light Chinese lantern plants grow best in full sun but tolerate part sun conditions. In warm climates, the plant is best grown in part shade....

Crossandra can also be kept as a houseplant, where its needs are similar. Indoor care may require placing the plant on a tray filled with pebbles and water, and misting it regularly in dry climates or during the dry winter. Light Crossandra thrives best in bright, indirect sunlight. This can usually be achieved by planting it outside in a shady garden where it won’t be exposed to direct sunlight. Indoors, your plant will do well in a sunny north or east-facing window or with bright artificial light....