Posts

The alternate, lanceolate leaves are arranged in a spiral around the stem. The botanical name, Antirrhinum majus, means “like a snout” and refers to the flower’s resemblance to a calf or dragon’s nose. Snapdragons rely largely on large bumblebees for pollination, as smaller honeybees are unable to open the flower’s “jaws.” Bright snapdragon flowers bloom profusely throughout cool weather in intensely saturated colors (almost every hue) and are real standouts in either the spring or fall garden....

If there’s one thing I learned living in an old home in Cleveland, Ohio, it’s that sunny days are few and far between—especially come winter. This is bad news for my newfound love for all things house plants. I have house plants in about every room, but sadly, I don’t have adequate sunlight in every room to support them. Enter Soltech Solutions Hanging Grow Light, a hanging grow light for my plants that do require a bit more sun love....

This evergreen, succulent, trailing vine is perfect for planting in hanging baskets or in pots on shelves or window sills. It is a long-lived and fast-growing plant, and the sprawling vines can hang down several feet once they are mature. The heart-shaped, fleshy, gray-green foliage has an eye-catching marbled pattern and the thin, string-like vines have a distinctive purple shade. If you are a fan of big, showy flowers, the string of hearts vine won’t be for you....

Adjusting Shopping Habits According to Dr. Erica Dodds, COO of the Foundation for Climate Restoration and sustainability, climate change and eco-anxiety expert, there are a few ways in which sustainability will shine through in our shopping habits. First, she notes, minimalism will become more prominent. “As we become increasingly more conscious of our environmental impact, minimalism will gain in popularity,” Dodds explains. “Buying fewer consumer goods and being more intentional with our purchases will help us drastically reduce our carbon footprints....

Made from cedar, our favorite compost bin is the Greenes Fences Cedar Wood Composter because of its wide access, large capacity, and attractive design. Read on for the best compost bins. The kit comes with four posts, 28 boards, and 48 spacers, which give you one bin once assembled. We recommend purchasing additional kits to create a three-bin composting system to keep a continuous supply of compost. Depending on the climate and materials used, the compost should be ready to use in 3 to 12 months....

With Ahoni’s guidance in mind, we conducted hours of research to find the best fabric softeners, evaluating each on scent, formula, softening ability, and machine compatibility. Our best overall pick is Seventh Generation Natural Fabric Softener, which is a greener, gentler product that works just as well as conventional formulas and has a fresh, clean scent. We’ve loaded up on the best fabric softeners to add to your laundry routine....

“Instead, think of them as temperature-regulating pillows [that] won’t absorb heat like others on the market,” says Logan Foley, managing editor at SleepFoundation.org. “When we’re talking about cooling pillows, the marketing can be slightly misleading.” With that in mind, we tested and researched the best cooling pillows available online, evaluating each on quality and skin-feel of shell, cooling properties of fill, how easy it is to keep clean, and the type of support it provides sleepers....

With this in mind, we researched filing cabinets of various dimensions and styles with standout features. Our top choice is the Poppin Stow 2-Drawer File Cabinet, which boasts a sleek, durable construction with smooth-rolling caster wheels and a lockable design for extra security. Here are the best file cabinets for every budget and space. If you’re looking for a secure cabinet, you’ll be glad to know that both drawers on this model are lockable, and you’ll get a set of two keys....

We evaluated each shoe rack on capacity, setup, design, stability, ease of cleaning, and value, and also took notes about other features (and drawbacks) that affected the tester’s impression and the piece’s performance. After this lengthy process, our best overall pick is the Open Spaces Entryway Rack, an attractive, durable option that could fit 12 pairs of shoes during our testing, including tall boots. It also features a versatile design that makes it a good choice for a variety of spaces, and it comes in multiple colors....

We’ve researched some of the most popular board games on the market, considering the age level, entertainment level, and challenge value of each. Our top pick is Settlers of Catan: Family Edition. The reimagined classic requires the same strategic thinking, but in a more family-friendly way. If you’re a Catan fan, you’ll be happy to know that this strategy-based game comes in a kid-friendly version. Like the original version, this game requires you to build a settlement to earn points, but the Family Edition makes it a little easier to learn the ins and outs of the game, so kids won’t need to sit through lengthy instructions to get to the fun....

After consulting with Woolsey, we researched the best places to shop, and selected the best options based on their range of options, service provided, and return policy. And “best options” don’t always mean online only. “Don’t overlook wholesale retailers!” Woolsey stresses. “There are times when your existing membership benefits include things like free shipping and delivery. Plus, cash-back options on different membership levels can be combined to create the lowest price and the highest convenience....

That’s part of what makes baskets such a great option. In addition to coming in many styles, they’re versatile and practical. “I’ve seen so many buy shoe racks, and it looks messier than if you bought a really cute rattan basket, and the kids threw their shoes in there … that looks way more tidy,” Blakey says. And once your kids grow out of that phase, you still have an attractive basket to use however you please....

If you have your heart set on finding a mid-century modern sofa, shop strategically. “We recommend clients visit a local retailer or showroom so they can try out the furniture pieces for themselves,” says Karen Nepacena, owner and principal designer at Destination Eichler. “[I]f that’s not possible, it’s important to read all the online reviews, especially the poor ones, and check your measurements not once, but several times.” Here are the best places to buy mid-century modern sofas online, backed by our research....

“Artificial trees, plants, and branches can all help give a space life and a pop of color, and the options have come so far since the eighties and nineties,” says Jennifer Davis, owner and principal designer of Davis Interiors in Minneapolis. And to make them even more realistic, there are plenty of hacks: “Sometimes I like to do a mix of fake and live, for example, fresh roses mixed with artificial wispy greens,” she adds....

We researched and tested the best toys for every 8-year-old girl, considering the recommended age, educational value, and safety features of each. Some of our favorites include the Snap Circuits Jr. Electronics Exploration Kit for its STEM concepts and challenges, and the WowWee Got2Glow Fairy Finder for never-ending, magical fun. Here, the best toys for 8-year-old girls. Our tester love that the kit takes up minimal space and the pieces are high-quality and sturdy, so the set will last for a while....

If you’re trying to snag a good deal on a couch, the best time to shop is on or around national holidays, like Presidents Day, Memorial Day, or Labor Day—but this comes with a catch. “Retailers bring inventory in all year, and the items left behind are the ones reduced, so you may have to sacrifice some of your needs and wants when waiting for a sale,” explains Lorele Lesoing, Founder and Lead Designer of Lee Douglas Interiors....

We researched top gift options available, taking into account the recipient’s interests and preferences, the type of relationship you have, and what kind of budget you’re working with. Our list includes picks like the Kate Spade One in a Million Initial Pendant Necklace, a long distance touch bracelet from Uncommon Goods, and more. Here are the best Valentine’s Day gifts. Jewelry can be a difficult present because every recipient has their own tastes, but this simple pendant ensures your wife or sister will reach for this piece everyday....

We researched and tested dozens of ice packs, judging them on effectiveness, longevity, and value. Our top choice, Cooler Shock Reusable Ice Packs, do the job of 18 pounds of ice to provide long-lasting cold with minimal sweating. Here are the best ice packs for coolers. The ultimate summer entertaining requires cold drinks on constant standby–all throughout the day. If you are packing up a large cooler for a day in the woods or a night of car camping, our top pick is a set of the extra-large Cooler Shock Freeze Packs....