“There is no one size fits all when choosing the right pillow for you; the key is to determine which is best suited for you,” explains Dr. Peter Polos, MD, PhD, a sleep medicine expert. “Down alternatives typically are hypoallergenic. These pillows can come in varying firmness, which is purely a personal decision. The firmer, the more fill, and the thicker the pillow.” After countless hours of research, our top pick is Slumber Cloud’s Core Down Alternative Pillow, which is a high-quality option that’s designed to mimic the warmth and loftiness of down....

We evaluated paint strippers based on their effectiveness, ease of use, toxicity, and versatility. Our top choice is Citristrip Paint & Varnish Stripping Gel, which removes most types of paints without the terrible smell of most similar products. Read on for the best paint strippers to help you with your project. Our top recommendation for removing paint is Citristrip. This paint remover is effective at removing several types of paint and varnish, including latex-based paint, oil-based paint, shellac, varnish, and polyurethane....

Experts recommend that chimneys be inspected every year and cleaned whenever they need it, which often falls within that same time frame if you use a fireplace or wood stove. And, if your chimney is due for its annual inspection and/or cleaning or if you just bought a home with a fireplace, now is a good time to schedule it so you can cozy up to a warm fire. We did the work for you and researched the best chimney cleaning services....

There are many different schools of feng shui, all with varied approaches. Each school is valid and has valuable insight to offer, so we recommend choosing the one that resonates with you most. Some schools of feng shui, like the Classical, Compass, and Flying Star schools, look at the magnetic compass directions of various aspects of your home, including the front door. If you are working with a school of feng shui that uses the magnetic compass directions, one way to strengthen your front door is to find out which direction it is facing and paint it a color that supports that direction....

Your MBTI type and color psychology can help bring some insight into not only the best color palettes for you but also why you’re drawn to them in the first place. Check out your type below and see which color palette suits your home best. ENFP: Sunset Orange, Ocean Blue, Pale Yellow ENFP’s give off exuberant energy that draws others to them, while also containing depth in thought and conversation....

Enter the CLIMA all-season comforter. Once I got it from Sijo, I’ve never looked back. In terms of feel, it’s quite fluffier, maybe even fluffier than the down comforter we used to have. And when you put your hands on it, it’s cool to the touch. Besides the fact that I sleep more comfortably at night, that’s the biggest proof to me that this comforter really is constructed using some amazing science....

To get a better glimpse into what color trends we can expect to see in 2023, we spoke to seven design experts to get their take on what colors will be big in the new year. In general, the consensus is that we can expect to see lots of earthy tones, warm neutrals, pink hues, and more experimentation with rich, dark accents and pops of color. “I’m personally very excited about the predicted color trends for 2023,” says Sarabeth Asaff, Home Design Expert at Fixr....

But there are distinct definitions of cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting surfaces in homes, schools, and public places. These definitions are set by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to define the level of microbial contamination left on a surface after treatment. For a homeowner, the terms will help you read product labels and determine if the products you are using are providing the proper level of sanitation needed if someone in your home is ill, came into contact with someone ill, or has a compromised immune system....

Percale sheets are crisp, cool, and more durable than other weaves like sateen or flannel. I live in a warm climate, and I’m always on the lookout for quality sheets that are lightweight and breathable. Nestwell’s Washed Cotton Percale Sheet Set is available exclusively at Bed Bath & Beyond. Described as “perfect for warmer sleepers,” I was eager to snag myself a set and try them out. Read on to see if these sheets were any match for Florida’s heat and humidity....

Because I live in a relatively small apartment in Manhattan, the world isn’t exactly my oyster when it comes to brainstorming various party activities. That said, now that I’m in my 30s, cocktails and chatting with friends over appetizers is generally my go-to “theme” no matter the season. And that’s where my favorite trusty entertaining product comes in: the beverage dispenser. In the summer months, I love serving a rosé based sangria, and the beverage dispenser once again comes in handy for this, too....

A gall represents the plant’s reaction to damage caused by an invading agent. In the case of azalea galls, that agent is a fungus (see below). But there are other agents that cause galls to develop on other plants. For example, one master gardener has written about the leaf galls caused by insects on various trees. Regarding azalea leaf galls, specifically, you will notice two different phases (which may be present at the same time on the same plant, as in my picture): All parts of azaleas are susceptible to galls: leaves, branch tips, flowers, and even seed pods can be infested with galls....

In a closed system, the extra water volume that results from heating puts stress on other parts of the plumbing system and can result in broken pipes, leaky taps, relief-line leaks, or a damaged or leaking water heater. If the water pressure increase is severe, there can be even more serious damage to the water heater, possibly posing a safety hazard. So, for reasons of safety, most plumbing codes require both residential and commercial plumbing systems have ways to accommodate water heater thermal expansion....

So, it makes sense that when he first saw his 1400-square-foot abode—just a structure of cinder blocks and basic framing at the time—he took the same brave and creative approach he had his whole life. The new construction and prime location in his hometown drew him in. And he’s since used the home as an artistic vessel, coating it in hand-painted murals, textured throws, and earthy hues. Ahead, Perry shares more about his favorite upcycled pieces, his love of the tropics, and his soulful design approach....

How Wet Saws Work A wet tile saw resembles a miniature table saw with a few important exceptions. For one, it is equipped with a special diamond-edged carbide blade that is quite different than the saw blades used to cut wood. Rather than ripping the hard ceramic material, it effectively grinds through it. The blade on a wet saw works somewhat like the thick carbide blade on an angle grinder. While not especially fast, it is the fastest way to make straight cuts on ceramic tile, porcelain, and natural stone tiles....

Here’s how to find out what your favorite color means and how you can decorate with it. Find Paint Color Inspiration Magazines and catalogs have always been the staple of decorating inspiration. You have access to thousands of pages of inspiration on the internet. Retailer sites can be inspiring with their room vignettes, and paint brands can also show you ways to use color in your home. Social media sites such as Pinterest and Instagram offer color inspiration that is refreshed in real-time....

To choose what size air conditioner is right for you, you need to first calculate the size of the home spaces served by the air conditioner, in square feet. Calculate Size To calculate the size, simply multiply the length times the width of the room or area to be cooled. Then, as a practical number, multiply that total times 25 BTU. This allows ample cooling, whether it is a rainy, moist day or a hot, sunny, humid day....

What Is WD-40? You might be curious what WD-40 actually is. We were, too! The name stands for water displacement 40. Forty being the number of tries it took to get the formula exactly right. We know that WD-40 is a special blend of lubricants that contains anti-corrosion agents and ingredients for penetration, water displacement, and soil removal. Most commonly, it’s used for loosening up corroded, rusted, or conjoined items. While a few sources say they know the components of the chemical formula, the company behind WD-40 actually won’t share the exact secret sauce of everything that’s in it and claims that anyone who says they know it, actually hasn’t cracked the code....

Pros and Cons of Milk in Gardens The same properties that make milk good for a human, such as the calcium and B vitamins, are what benefits plants. The calcium helps the plants grow, as well as prevent blossom end rot, which can be caused by a calcium deficiency. This condition is common in tomato, peppers, and squash plants. Milk’s antifungal properties are well researched within the scientific community, with successful outcomes in treating powdery mildew, a fungal condition impacts many economically important crops such as grapes....