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Latest by V. Sparks

White and blue kitchen cabinets

Are PVC kitchen cabinets a good buy? What to know before you spend any money

Are PVC kitchen cabinets right for your home? Here's your handy guide to the pros and cons of PVC cabinets so you can make the right choice.
Instant Pot on a table

How to make perfect rice in the Instant Pot – every time

Instant Pot rice cooking doesn't have to be difficult. Use these tricks to get the perfect rice dish every time.
Dragon tree on a windowsill with copper watering can

How to prune a Dracaena marginata (dragon tree) so your plant stays thriving

Dracaena marginata plants often get too tall for an indoor space. Follow this dragon tree pruning guide so yours stays healthy and manageable.
Lucky bamboo in small pot on wooden table.

How to propagate lucky bamboo in 5 easy steps so you don’t have to buy it

Lucky bamboo is a popular, unique, and aesthetic indoor plant. Here's how to propagate lucky bamboo so you don't have to buy more.
Cedar siding on a cabom

Can you paint cedar siding? What you need to know

Can cedar be painted? Cedar siding is beautiful on its own, but if you choose to give it a little spruce with some paint, read this first.
Close-up of a woman holding a wicker laundry basket with white clothes

3 things to know about homemade laundry detergent so you don’t ruin your clothes

Does homemade laundry detergent really work? Read on to find out how effective DIY soap is, how to make it, and the pros and cons of using it.
Man laying sod over dirt

Can you lay sod over existing grass? What you need to know

Laying sod down is a complicated process. Is it worth it to pull up the old stuff or can you lay sod over existing grass? Find out here.
Decorative areca palm

Why your home should have an areca palm (and how to care for it)

Want to bring a slice of the tropics into your home? This is what you need to know about growing an areca palm indoors.
Eucalyptus plant in shower

Eucalyptus in the shower? Here’s how to grow this fragrant plant for your spa-themed bathroom

Wish your bathroom felt like you were at the spa? Here's how to plant, care for, harvest, and hang eucalyptus in the shower for a relaxing, fragrant ambiance.
Dad and kids in covered outdoor kitchen area

Transform your backyard into a chef’s paradise: Stunning covered outdoor kitchen ideas you’ll love

Want to transform your yard into an oasis? Start with one of these covered outdoor kitchen ideas that are perfect for summer cooking and entertaining.
Person pressing down on a toilet flush handle

How to fix a toilet handle (and 5 other bathroom fixes homeowners should know)

If this is your first time in a new home, ensure you know how to fix a toilet handle and other simple fixes to common bathroom issues.
White Cape Cod-style house with a red roof

This handy chart shows you all the common (and not-so-common) roof types

Curious about which roof types are best for your new home? This chart shows you the names and designs of the most popular roof styles.
White bathroom sink on counter and mirror

Make faucets shine like new with this incredible hack

Tired of fingerprints and watermarks marring up your gorgeous chrome fixtures? This simple, cheap, and easy hack will keep them away for good.
Wooden door with silver handle and multiple dead bolt locks

How to build your own home security system without breaking the bank

Want to build a custom home security system? Here are some ideas.
Pumpkin and orange spiced fall cocktail with cinnamon

These delicious Thanksgiving cocktails just might help your family get along

Need to elevate the mood of your Thanksgiving gathering? Get the party started with one of these festive fall cocktails.
Tiled floor with simple furniture and decor

How to clean travertine tile: Step-by-step process to improve your stone flooring

Travertine tile is gorgeous and durable, making it a great addition to any home. Here's how to clean it.
Attic with insulation on floor

Insulating an attic isn’t as easy as it seems – what to know before you start

Insulating your attic has some big energy benefits, but it's not as easy as it sounds. Read this before you start, to avoid costly mistakes.
Beach-inspired bedroom

Your old sheets can feel new again – here’s how

Old sheets don't have to feel like they're old. Here's how to make yours feel more like those luxurious hotel sheets.
Woman opening fridge to get fruit

Refrigerator light not working? Some easy fixes to try

If your refrigerator light is out, don't panic. Try these quick fixes first before calling a professional to repair it.
Close-up of green grass with trees in the background

The quintessential guide to lawn fertilization for thick, healthy grass

Want to have a pristine yard with lush, green grass? This is everything you need to know about lawn fertilization for the best possible curb appeal.
Front door view

Keys vs. keyless: Which front door entry system is safer?

You want to keep your family safe while they're at home and keep your home safe when you're away. Here's how to tell which type of door lock will do that best.
Tall grass with good lawn maintenance

Manage your overgrown lawn in 8 easy steps

These are the best ways to cut long grass and ensure your lawn never looks bad again.
Person wearing foot aerators

How to aerate a lawn without a ton of expensive equipment

Lawn aeration doesn't have to be a big production. Here's how to aerate your lawn without breaking the bank.
Bathroom with orange walls and a plant

These are the best plants to put in your shower for a nature-inspired sanctuary

These are the best shower plants for your space. We'll also discuss why adding a plant to your shower provides design and health benefits.
which pests are likely to take over your summer garden and how control removing

Organic pest control options to curb the intruders taking over your garden

Pests in your plants? Don't panic - these organic pest control solutions will work wonders.
how to clean pool tiles

Get rid of gross buildup: How to clean pool tiles for summer swimming

This is how to clean pool tiles so guests (and you) will actually want to go in your pool.
how to install security lights shutterstock 1340722961

How to install a security light with a motion sensor in 3 easy steps

Make your home safer. Here's your guide for installing security lights in your yard.
Outdoor inground pool with white two story home

Gas vs heat pump pool water heaters: Which one makes sense for your pool?

Choosing the right pool water heater can be tough. We compare two of the most popular styles: Gas vs. Heat Pump Water Heaters.
how to replace a toilet shutterstock 1115737901

Forget the plumber: How to replace a toilet yourself (and save some money)

Yes, you can replace a toilet yourself. Follow this handy guide.
how to repair wide cracks in concrete shutterstock 505982602

DIY 101: Repair concrete gaps and instantly enhance your home’s curb appeal

Concrete gaps aren't just unsightly — they're a serious tripping hazard. Here's how to fill large gaps in concrete (and small ones, too).
ductless heating and cooling shutterstock 1023973342

The pros and cons of ductless heating and cooling systems you need to know about

Is a ductless heating and cooling system right for your home? This is your guide to the pros and cons of going ductless.
how to clean a smelly dishwasher shutterstock 1673974375

Smelly dishwasher problems solved: How to get a fresh, clean kitchen

Don't let a smelly dishwasher ruin your kitchen. This is how to clean it properly.
side view of prayer plant in white planter

How to propagate prayer plants for a flourishing indoor garden

Prayer plants are great for your home's decor. Here's how to propagate them the right way so that the new plants flourish.
Man using Shark cordless vacuum

Prime Day deals: Why you need the Shark cordless vacuum for easy house cleaning

This affordable alternative to a Dyson cordless vacuum had dropped down to $200 at Best Buy.
Desk lamp next to bed with gray and purple bedding

Save on smart light bulbs: Get 2 for $10 on Prime Day

Save money and light up your home for less with this smart light bulb Prime Day deal giving you two smart light bulbs for $10.
Nest Thermostat on wall with wood paneling

The Nest Thermostat is $50 off for Prime Day!

With this Nest thermostat Prime Day deal, you can save $50 on the Google Nest Learning Thermostat to help you fill out your smart home for less.
White Instant Pot Solo Coffee Maker with red coffee mug

This amazing Instant Pot coffee maker is almost half off for Prime Day 2022

Buying this Instant Pot Solo Prime Day deal will ensure you get a delicious cup of coffee just how you like it every day.
Person walking by Shark IQ self emptying robot vacuum on docking station

Prime Day deal alert: Save 56% on Shark’s self-emptying robot vacuum

This Shark robot vacuum Prime Day deal from Walmart will let you enjoy the convenience of a self-emptying feature for just $265, following a $334 discount.
Chef using KitchenAid Stand Mixer to make heart-shaped cookies

Prime Day: Save $60 on the beloved KitchenAid Stand Mixer

Right now, Walmart is offering an incredible KitchenAid Mixer Prime Day deal and you can save $60.
different types of wall paint shutterstock 596435585

Know the different types of paint: The ultimate guide for painting your walls

Don't use the wrong type of paint for your next project. This is what you need to know.
Indoor plant in wicker container

How to repot a houseplant without killing it in the process

Repotting your houseplants is no longer nerve-wracking. Make sure you do it the right way with our repotting how-to guide.
how to fix patchy grass shutterstock 1902434023

Eyesore alert: How to fix patchy grass for a lush green lawn

Don't let patchy grass get you down. Use this guide to get a breathtaking lawn everyone will envy.
costco deli comfort meals homemade ground beef meatloaf with ketchup and spices

These incredible Costco deli meals will make your dinner prep so much easier

These delicious Costco comfort meals are the perfect pick for those exhausting nights when you just don't feel like cooking.
Friends making a toast to celebrate 4th of July holiday

Make your 4th of July party stellar with these 9 amazing tips

We've rounded up our top tips and 4th of July party ideas that will make your Independence Day gathering one to remember.
Parent and child doing laundry

Yes, you do need to separate your laundry — these 5 steps make it easier

Our laundry guide will keep your clothes looking bright and new. This is what you need to know about sorting and separating your laundry.
Hand painting wood paneling outdoors

How to paint the exterior of your house so it looks like you hired a pro

Follow these tips to paint the exterior of your home.

How to paint a ceiling without also painting yourself

Painting a ceiling can be a messy job. Here's how to do it right.
man and woman painting a room

Remedy your painting mistakes with these 4 quick and easy fixes

Does your paint job look like an amateur did it? Fix these common painting mistakes in a few simple steps.
how to program garage door opener shutterstock 233751871

Homeownership 101: How to program your garage door opener

A garage door opener is a convenience most homeowners love. This is how to program yours.
how to build a wooden clothing rack shutterstock 1920399971

DIY more closet space today: How to build a wooden clothing rack

This is how to build a wooden clothing rack and instantly double your available closet space.