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10 Different Ways To Preserve Fruits and Vegetables For The Winter

by Faith Provencher
10 Different Ways To Preserve Fruits and Vegetables For The Winter
Photo: Foodie Factor

I don't know about you, but one of the things I hate about winter (and there are many) is the lack of fresh vegetables from the garden or local farm stand. There's nothing like a fresh tomato picked that very day. But today we have some tips for preserving that delicious bounty of produce that we will soon lack. These ideas will help you to eat healthier throughout the long run, and they'll also help you to waste less food in the short term. Read on for tons of great ideas!   

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Does Your Trash Can Stink? Try This Simple Trick to Get Rid of Odors

by M.E. Gray

Trash can odors tips and tricks

Has this happened to you? You come home and open your front door, only to immediately get hit with a whiff of something nasty? Ick. Chances are, that unpleasant odor was your kitchen trash. It's inevitable. Trash can odors are going to happen, but there are things you can do to fight the stank. Today I'm sharing a quick trick for eliminating trash can odors, plus some other pointers for keeping the smell at bay.          

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Renter-Friendly Backsplash Ideas that Look like a Million Bucks

by Marlene Sauer
Removable backsplash ideas
Image: Paper & Stitch

Hunting for a rental apartment is just about the worst thing about modern urban life. Not only do you have to contend with application fees and sketchy brokers, compete with other prospective tenants, and traipse through one messy, half-packed living room after another; but once you finally find a place that you can afford and that doesn't have literal holes in the walls --- you have to move in and actually LIVE WITH all the ugly, outdated apartment features that you tried desperately to ignore as you signed the lease and handed over your entire month's income.

Unless, of course, you are a DIYer. 

The only thing we DIYers have to live with is our penchant for hoarding supplies (politely known as "being prepared").

So roll up your sleeves, guys, because today we are going to tackle one often-ignored rental eyesore: the kitchen backsplash. Keep reading to see how these temporary and removable backsplash ideas will make you love your apartment kitchen, without sacrificing your security deposit.          

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Use What You Have: Practically Free Upcycled Organization Ideas

by Rachel Jacks

Underbed storage

If you've ever gone on an organizing spree, I probably don't have to tell you that the cost of stuff to organize your stuff can really add up. But if you want to get organized on a budget, your best bet is to create solutions with things you already have. Things that might instead end up in the trash or recycling, so you're saving the planet at the same time. These upcycled organization ideas for every room in the house prove that with a little creativity, you don't have to spend big bucks to create an organized space.        

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Organize It!: How to Make Two Types of Drawer Dividers

by M.E. Gray

How to make a wood drawer dividers

Whoever invented drawers was a genius. A compartment where you can throw your stuff inside, shut it, and forget about it? Sign me up. What the inventor of the drawer did forget to consider, however, was organization. Toss your stuff inside a drawer, and you're sure to have to dig to find it again. You can buy traditional drawer dividers and organizers from the store, but what if your drawers are too small (or too big)? You're in luck - DIY drawer dividers are really easy to make yourself.            

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23 Affordable Organization Products to Help You Live Your Best Life

by M.E. Gray
Affordable organization products from Amazon
Source

True story: I am a little obsessed with organization. I love my home when it's free of clutter, I do believe heaven is The Container Store, and I get a serious rush when I've folded all my t-shirts just right. Maybe I am a bit on the obsessive side, but I think we all can agree that a clean home is simply an easier one to inhabit. Whether you're feeling overwhelmed by junk, or you're already on a journey towards organizational bliss, this shopping guide is for you. Today I'm sharing a few of my favorite home organization products from Amazon, all of which are affordably priced.             

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Forget What You Know About Nautical Decor: The Complete Guide to Coastal Design

by Amber Dickson
Nautical Decor Design Guide
Photo: Chipper Hatter for CM Natural Design

The widespread appeal of nautical and coastal decor makes a lot of sense when you consider the primal and ancient connection humans have to the sea. Being attracted to the water is hardwired into our very cells. Scientific studies have proven what we already know anecdotally: spending time near, on, or in lakes and oceans make us happier and healthier. It's no wonder that so many of us respond to the colors, clean lines, and natural elements of coastal, beach, and nautical decor. It makes us feel good to be reminded of the sea.

If your initial reaction to the term "coastal decor" is negative, it's probably from witnessing too many cutesy and heavy-handed thematic rooms.  We are not advocating buying and displaying any and all items that have a sailboat or seahorse on them. Good decorating never grows out of an overly simplistic theme, and, "Put an anchor on it" is not a valid design philosophy!           

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How to Build Floating Shelves 7 Different Ways

by Rachel Jacks
Want to build your own floating shelves? Here are 7 different tutorials that show you how.
Photo: Rachel Jacks

When I first set out to build live-edge floating shelves in my kitchen a few years back, I had no idea how to do it. At the time, I had to figure a lot out myself. Luckily for you, the internet now has step-by-step instructions for a variety of different methods for building shelves without visible brackets. Having personally built floating shelves two different ways, I can tell you that it's not difficult once you have some basic woodworking skills. I managed to do it even as a beginner. Here are seven different tutorials that will help you build the floating shelves (or floating corner shelves!) of your dreams.          

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Moving? Clean These 6 Commonly Overlooked Areas Before Your Lease is Up

by M.E. Gray
Moving? Don't forget to clean these 6 commonly overlooked areas

It's the end of the month, and if your lease is up and you haven't renewed, that means it's time to move! When relocating to a new apartment, you likely have a million things on your to-do list. Between trying to secure a rental truck on the same weekend everyone else is, and sweet-talking your friends so they'll help you haul all your stuff, the last thing you want to think about is cleaning. However, you don't want to forget about your precious security deposit! Your old digs needs to be spick and span if you want to get back every cent of your deposit. Read on for the common areas that are often overlooked or under-cleaned when renters are doing their final move out cleaning.            

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10 Supremely Sippable Cold Brew Coffee Recipes to Try This Summer

by Rachel Jacks

Iced Cold Brew Coffee

Regardless of what the calendar says, one of the ways that I know it's really summer is that I switch from drinking hot coffee to refreshing cold brew. But if you start to get bored of the same old coffee every day, it might be time to spice things up with one of these cold brew coffee variations. I bet you definitely haven't tried all of these unusual flavor combos.              

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68 Apartment Decorating Ideas and Organization Tips for Renters

by M.E. Gray
Apartment Decorating Ideas and Organization Tips for Renters
Source: Apartment Therapy; Photo Credit: Sophie Timothy

Renting your home has some perks (no mortgage, no maintenance costs, no headaches), but there are downsides: apartment decorating can be a challenge, and limited storage space makes it hard to stay organized.             

Many apartments are too small or don't offer much storage. Maybe the landlord won't let you paint or put nail holes in the wall. And rental properties are usually...

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Taco Tuesday: Easy DIY Wooden Taco Holder

by Faith Provencher
Taco Tuesday: Easy DIY Wooden Taco Holder
Photo: Faith Towers Provencher

I don't know about you, but once summer hits I'm constantly craving tacos. Taco Tuesday, sure... but also taco Wednesday, taco Thursday and taco every-day-of-the-week.  The only thing that bugs me is how difficult it is to handle them. How can you serve them without them flopping all over the place? So I decided to craft a simple taco holder out of wood to solve the problem. Keep reading to check out my full photo tutorial!    

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