What is expected in the forest is not beneficial when it comes to your deck, basement exterior wall, or retaining wall. One easy way to avoid rot is to avoid wood altogether: build with non-organic materials such as metal, CMU blocks, and masonry retaining wall blocks. But if you want wood, then choose pressure-treated wood, preservative-treated wood, or naturally durable wood. At the home center, pressure-treated wood can usually be identified by its numerous incision marks....

What Does a Lady Beetle Nymph Look Like? The ladybug nymph is about 1/2 inch in length, with an elongated, spiny body. It is black with red, orange or white markings. Their appearance can be quite alarming, but they won’t harm either you or your plants. They will spend several weeks eating pest insects until they eventually pupate and emerge as adults. Lady beetles overwinter as adults in dry, protected areas such as tree bark, house shingles, or even indoors in attics....

Chart Your Own Course The best way to study sequence of bloom is to draw charts to record the times when the plants that you are interested in growing are in flower. Such a chart should have the names of plants running down the left-hand side of the page (alphabetically), with month names running across the page at the top. Horizontal and vertical lines are then drawn accordingly to divvy the page up into cells....

Nothing beats the feeling of a soft, absorbent towel when stepping out of the shower or tub. As a mom of three, I’m used to using a worn, threadbare towel that has seen its share of diaper duty, packing material, and chlorine from the pool. When I shower at the end of a long day, a soft and fluffy towel is an essential element of my self-care routine that I miss when I do not have it....

The very same corrugated steel containers that transport cargo around the world are being transformed into new homes as well as additions. Though the concept may sound unorthodox, this construction method offers many benefits over traditional building methods. What Shipping Container Additions Are Shipping container additions are authentic shipping containers purchased on the secondary market for use as additions to conventional homes. In some cases, mainly for tiny homes, shipping containers are the only building blocks....

If you’re on the hunt for a new floor lamp, the stylish good looks of the Stone & Beam Deco Metal Frame Living Room Standing Floor Lamp may very well catch your eye. This affordably priced floor lamp has a contemporary design that will add a bit of flair to any room, but we wanted to see if it was a quality-made item, too. We set up the floor lamp in the living room and put it to the test over the course of several weeks, assessing its pros and cons to help you decide if it’s worth your dollar....

The traditional solution is to build your own subfloor from scratch, layer by layer, from plywood, plastic, and wood sleepers. While this is still a perfectly acceptable route, a newer and easier solution is the subfloor system. Subfloor systems translate the basics of the homemade subfloor into smaller tiles that are dry and insulated, faster to lay down, and require less construction know-how. Subfloor Systems Subfloor systems are often composed of individual tiles, each approximately 24 inches by 24 inches....

From travel size and cordless to professional and quilting, there’s no shortage of irons on the market. But which do you choose? To help you make a wise decision, we tested one of the best-rated irons—the Sunbeam Steam Master Iron. We ironed and steamed many different types of clothing and linens over the course of several weeks. We tested its setup, design, extra features, and overall performance. Keep reading to see what we found and if it’s worth purchasing....

Before I moved to Hoboken, New Jersey, and heard the stories of neighbors and friends who were stranded during Hurricane Sandy, I had never been one to invest in preparedness. Today, I know how important it is to have an emergency kit on-hand. Still, choosing the right earthquake bag or hurricane survival kit takes quite a bit of research and much trial and error. One pack that was on my must-try list was the Sustain Supply Co....

Tatsoi leaves grow in a low, somewhat flattened rosette. The crisp stalks are a pale green and the spoon-shaped leaves are much darker. Tatsoi flowers have the familiar four-petal cross of plants in the cruciferous family. These greens can be planted in spring (for an early summer harvest) or late summer (for a fall harvest). They grow quickly and can be ready for harvest in as few as 20 days....

Whether you’re noticing neck discomfort during your soak, or you’re simply seeking a sense of serenity, you may benefit from a bath pillow. We scoured the internet researching the top-rated bath pillows, considering size, firmness, material, and installation. The Basic Concepts Relaxing Bath Pillow earned its spot as our best overall pick because of its dense and supportive construction, luxuriously soft material, and ease of care and storage Here are the best bathtub pillows....

To help you do that, we searched high and low for the best dish sponges, evaluating them on the following criteria: material, design features, value, and dishwasher compatibility. We also included options you can buy in bulk so you can regularly replace this handy cleaning tool. Our top pick, the O-Cedar Multi-Use Scrunge, has a dual-sided design for versatile cleaning, and it doesn’t hold odors or scratch cookware. Here are the best dish sponges on the market....

Our top pick, Mrs. Meyer’s Clean Day Laundry Detergent, combines plant-based ingredients (instead of harsh chemicals) and essential oils in one money- and space-saving concentrated formula. Here are the best laundry detergents. Mrs. Meyers Clean Day Laundry Detergent has the same sweet smell you know and love in traditional detergents, but it’s plant-derived and scented with essential oils (no artificial fragrances!). This investment in the green cleaning movement and its effectiveness on tough stains make it our top pick....

“From drop-dead gorgeous wallpaper to sophisticated storage benches and dreamy beds, their highly curated selection is irresistible.” Crate & Kids “Fun and whimsy furniture.” Pottery Barn Kids “Everything you could ever need to outfit your little ones with a perfectly put together, sweet, and playful room.” Wayfair “Their selection of kids’ furniture has a little bit of everything.” Target “Easy to get carried away here, even when you’re shopping online....

We researched and tested dozens of top options, judging them on their cost, range, video quality, storage, installation, and ease of use. Our best overall pick is the Arlo Pro 4 Spotlight Camera because it has the right combination of high-quality features, including smart assistant compatibility and a standard siren and spotlight. Here are the best outdoor security cameras. The wireless, weather-resistant Arlo Pro 4 doesn’t have the highest resolution on this list, nor does it have the most intuitive app....

We compiled buying tips from Grayson, then researched versatile, adjustable, easy-to-clean designs. Our favorite is the TwelveLittle On-The-Go Stroller Caddy 3.0, a universal carrier with multiple compartments, pockets, and even a changing pad. Now, it’s important to note that placing items on the handlebars of a stroller could pose a tipping hazard, according to the American Academy of Pediatrics. With that in mind, you should always check that your specific stroller model is compatible with a handlebar stroller organizer—and if it isn’t or you’re unsure, opt to stow your essentials in the stroller’s lower storage basket instead....

Here are the best birthday gifts for your friend. Unique gifts are unexpected or quirky. While they don’t have to be weird, per se, they can be. A traditional gift is more anticipated and expected, although this doesn’t necessarily mean a customary gift is boring. Whatever direction, make sure that the gift fits the receiver. Price Before you buy any gift, determine your budget and ideal price range. Then make sure your purchase falls in line with those numbers....