Even if you have access to a washer, you might want to take this extra maintenance step just to be sure you’re not sleeping in a literal bed of germs.

Ashley Abramson

Mar 23, 2020

Feeling Stressed? These Meditation Apps Are Free Right Now

Om-mazing.

Arielle Tschinkel

Mar 22, 2020

How to Sleep in the Midst of a Global Pandemic

If you feel like you're sleeping worse than ever, you're not alone.

Laura Schocker

Mar 22, 2020

How Long Can Germs (Like the Coronavirus) Live on Surfaces at Home?

Researchers are only beginning to understand how long the novel coronavirus can survive on surfaces, but here's what we know.

Ashley Abramson

Mar 22, 2020

Here Are the Aquariums and Zoos Sharing Live Videos of Animals, Because We All Need This Right Now

Sometimes there’s no better relief than watching a cute animal at play.

Nicoletta Richardson

Mar 20, 2020

You Can Virtually Tour These Lush Gardens Around the World to Celebrate the First Day of Spring

What better way to welcome spring?

Nicoletta Richardson

Mar 19, 2020

Do I Really Need 8 Hours Of Sleep Every Night? And 10 Other Things We’re Told Are Mandatory

Here’s what you need to know to rest easy.

Jennifer Nied

Mar 18, 2020

The Free “Video Voicemail” App That Helps Me Stay in Touch With My Long-Distance Best Friend

Marco Polo has given me a way to hold special people close in my life regardless of our physical distance.

Shifrah Combiths

Mar 18, 2020

Saturday Assignment: Remove Household Rust With These 5 Natural Remedies

Rust is a quiet, subtle things that sneaks up on your pans, pots, servingware and even some furniture. The weekend’s a perfect time to rid your metal of this pesky unsightly element. And guess what? There are five eco-friendly ways to remove rust, most of which came from you, our readers! Rust comes in many different forms, but the most common in households is rust from iron oxides, where metal is exposed to water or air moisture and becomes oxygenated.

Tiffany Finley

Mar 18, 2020

I Tried 5 Home Office Tips To Make Me More Productive—and Here’s What Worked

Most of them are tiny changes that cost no money at all, and all of them helped me feel more productive, settled, and happy with my at-home work environment.

Olivia Muenter

Mar 17, 2020

You Can Watch Free Performances Streamed By the Metropolitan Opera Every Night of the Week

No dress code required!

Nicoletta Richardson

Mar 16, 2020

My Latest Obsession: The Hot Water Bottle

We’ve had freezing temperatures in San Francisco this week, which is way worse than getting them in, say, New York. Our windows are old and drafty and not insulated for this kind of weather. In fact, I’ve lived in two apartments with no heat at all. It’s not uncommon here, where temps don’t tend to dip below 50. But this season, my Chilean boyfriend turned me on to the hot water bottle. I hadn’t used one since I was a kid with the flu.

Theresa Gonzalez

Mar 13, 2020

Clothes Versus Closet: Does Your Home Dictate the Size of Your Wardrobe?

In other words, does the size of your closet determine how many clothes you keep/buy/give away? Does a studio apartment mean having an ultra-efficient capsule wardrobe, or do you just store your sweaters in the oven? I lived in a studio apartment for years and years, and had a reasonable/small closet to work with. I stored my clothes, jackets, and shoes in the closet and my socks, underthings, and workout gear in bins on an overhead shelf.

Tess Wilson

Mar 11, 2020

Bathroom Decorating Ideas: 5 Ways to Make Any Bathroom Feel More Spa-Like

Wouldn’t it be nice to be able to get away and treat ourselves to a spa weekend, like every weekend? Well, if that dream is a bit out of your reach for financial or practical reasons (we’re all probably in this boat!), there is still something you can reach for: A more spa-like bathroom that melts the day’s worries away or gets you in the best, relaxed mood to face the day. These six ways are affordable and should work in just about any bathroom (even small or windowless ones!

Adrienne Breaux

Mar 11, 2020

Personal Challenges: 18 Fasts to Improve Your Health, Wealth & Outlook

Lent. No-shave November. By nature, people love to challenge themselves. Changing the routine for a short time gives us a temporary pass to explore another lifestyle — one without meat or with the addition of a lumberjack beard, perhaps. Breaks and fasts can definitely be fun, but they can also teach you a lot about yourself. With a definite expiration date looming on the horizon, people find more willpower to stick to a diet plan or household budget.

Taryn Williford

Mar 11, 2020

5 Simple Ways to Make Your Home a Haven

Lately my day job, combined with being almost seven months pregnant, is leaving me pretty tired by 5 p.m. I’ve been thinking more and more about what makes my home a comfortable place to be — something anyone can relate to. Here are some of our best tips for making your home a cozy place that you’re always happy to come home to. 1. Diversify lighting. I’m a proponent of having three points of light in a room.

Kim R. McCormick

Mar 11, 2020

Easy DIY Project: Making Your Own Cloth Napkins

I’m not quite ready to go off the grid but I try to be eco in small ways, like turning off the faucet when washing dishes, keeping lights off in rooms I’m not using, and not using paper towels. Using cloth napkins is just one of those things that I’m hooked on. A few stats from Earth911 help put things into perspective: 13 billion pounds of paper towels are used in the U.S. every year.

Theresa Gonzalez

Mar 11, 2020

The Ultimate Guide to Making Any Rental More Energy Efficient

Think that because you don’t own, you have no control over your home’s energy use? Not true! Here’s our ultimate guide; full of links to quick, easy and yes, even inexpensive, ways to reduce your carbon footprint and lower your bills (your landlord will thank you!). Most of these changes are likely to pay for themselves in energy savings over the duration of your rental.

Rachel Wray Thompson

Mar 11, 2020

10 (Non-Renovation) Renovation Ideas For Renters

If you’re a renter, then you’re probably thinking about taking a mental checkout from our October theme (Green Building and Renovating). I can’t renovate. I can’t even paint! you think. Don’t worry, my friend. We have solutions for you, too! We call it the non-renovation renovation— temporary yet effective ways to dramatically change your home without sacrificing your security deposit.

Cambria Bold

Mar 11, 2020

Making the Switch To Glass Food Storage Containers

Back in March, I took the No New Plastic for a Month Challenge, and it inspired me to replace all of my plastic food storage containers with glass, and I haven’t looked back. Below the jump, you’ll find out how I transformed my refrigerator.First, I did some research to find the everyday glass food storage containers I now needed. I opted for Duralex Lys Square Bowls because they are stackable, made of tempered glass, and square in shape.

Kate Legere

Mar 11, 2020

The Big List: 49 Smart, Money-Saving Creative Reuse Ideas

We get excited about stylish, functional, and innovative creative reuse ideas, from the myriad ways you can reuse a jar, to uses for chipped tea cups, antique bread bins, vintage card catalogs, bubble wrap, wallpaper scraps, even old gym floorboards. Here’s a big roundup of some of our favorites… The Many Amazing Ways to Reuse a Jar: • 10 Simple Uses for Spaghetti Jars • Crafty Uses for Baby Food Jars • Don’t Throw Out That Jar!

Cambria Bold

Mar 11, 2020

A Microbiologist Shares How “Target Hygiene” Cleaning Can Help When Everyone’s Getting Sick

We’ve got good news for you: You probably don’t have to spend all day disinfecting.

Ashley Abramson

Mar 11, 2020

How Bad is it to Clean Bare-Handed?

You know you should wear gloves to clean, but knowing and doing are two very different things.

Julie Sprankles

Mar 10, 2020

How to Clean and Disinfect Your House Keys

You're waging a valiant defense against germs. But what if you found out you were pawing a germ magnet every day, multiple times, without a second thought?

Shifrah Combiths

Mar 10, 2020

Here’s Everything the CDC Wants You to Know About Cleaning Your Home Right Now

Here's a condensed version of the health agency's recommendations for how healthy people should be cleaning their homes right now.

Taryn Williford

Mar 10, 2020

The Counterintuitive Way My Family Saves $100 a Month on Our Monthly Bills

Month after month, I would look at my bank statement and resolve to spend less on food. The solution to that problem? Accepting reality.

Ashley Abramson

Mar 10, 2020

I Tried a Hands-Free Automatic Soap Dispenser at Home and I’ll Never Go Back

Knowing how easily and quickly I could wash up turned a switch on in my brain that kept committed to hand-washing.

Ashley Abramson

Mar 8, 2020

Chrissy Teigen Tried This Hack to Stop a Recurring Nightmare and Get Some Sleep, But Does It Work?

Would you try it?

Arielle Tschinkel

Mar 6, 2020

Please Don’t Use Tito’s Vodka to Make DIY Hand Sanitizer, Begs Tito’s Vodka

Twitter users were claiming that the drinking alcohol can be used to make a homemade hand sanitizer.

Nicoletta Richardson

Mar 5, 2020

The DIY Sanitizer Recipes You’re Seeing Everywhere Don’t Work—Here’s the Right Way to Do It

Some people are taking sanitizing matters into their own hands (pun intended). Here's why that won't work.

Ashley Abramson

Mar 5, 2020

3 Disinfectants You Can Use If You Can’t Find Clorox Wipes

Brand loyalty is great, but the best product is the one you can find (or already have at home).

Taryn Williford

Mar 5, 2020

I Tried the Charlie App for Just One Month and Saved Hundreds on Amazon

It’s nice to have someone—even a robot penguin—looking out for me.

Ashley Abramson

Mar 2, 2020

Dryer Sheets Come Out On Top for Softer Towels—But I’ll Never Use Them Again

I recently tested name brand dryer sheets against two other fabric softening alternatives, and while the difference in softness was significant, it wasn’t enough to convert me to start buying dryer sheets. I know too much.

Ashley Poskin

Mar 2, 2020

10 Things Productive & Organized People Do Before Noon

Better make the most of your morning hours – you're never going to get them back.

Taryn Williford

Feb 28, 2020

6 Instagram Accounts That Will Get You Motivated for Spring Cleaning

Here's some cleaning feeds to scroll through that'll inspire you to tidy the digs you stroll through.

Elizabeth Seward

Feb 13, 2020

8 Simple Things Happy Couples Do Every Day, According to Relationship Experts

These habits and routines can lead to relationship success—and they’re way simpler than you might be thinking.

Olivia Muenter

Feb 13, 2020

How to Stop Feeling Exhausted After Work, According to Reddit

It's possible to have more energy post-5 p.m.

Laura Martisiute

Feb 13, 2020

Science Says Cleaning Could Be the Key to Great Sex

Uncovering some eye- and leg-opening research.

Taryn Williford

Feb 11, 2020

These Soft, Self-Dimming Bedside Lamps Improved My Sleep Almost Instantly

The best thing I ever did for my overall mental health was to stop sleeping with my phone next to my bed.

Olivia Muenter

Feb 11, 2020

Here’s How Much Sleep Scientists Say You Need, Based on Your Age

8 hours isn't for everyone.

Inigo Del Castillo

Feb 4, 2020

Try This 4-Step Guide to Improve Your Restless Winter Sleep

You'd think with all the nesting you'd be sleeping like a baby during the winter season. Not so.

Carrie Murphy

Feb 3, 2020

Ben and Erin Napier From HGTV’s “Home Town” Don’t Agree On Everything When It Comes to Their Perfect Night In

Perfect Night In is a series where we ask actors, artists, entrepreneurs, and beyond how they’d spend the ultimate luxury—a blissful evening at home.HGTV hosts Ben and Erin Napier are having quite the year already. Their new spinoff “Home Town Takeover” was announced, which involves them revitalizing an entire town (no pressure). Plus, the fourth season of “Home Town” just aired on January 20, 2020.

Nicoletta Richardson

Jan 31, 2020

8 Products that Will Help You Practice Mindfulness Every Day

All you need is five minutes.

Nicole Lund

Jan 29, 2020

4 Cleaning Tips You Need to Know If You Have Stainless Steel Appliances

Though you might be tempted to grab a bottle of cleaning solution, give your appliances a quick swipe, and call it a day, the wrong technique can actually damage some of your home’s most expensive machines.

Brigitt Earley

Jan 25, 2020

The 9 Best Money-Saving Personal Finance Hacks

Each one is designed to change the way you act or think to give you a little leg up on deciding where your money goes day after day and year after year.

Shifrah Combiths

Jan 23, 2020

Why I Think It’s Important to Set Appointments With Your Home

January Cure

Your little efforts are just as valuable and worthy of your time and focus as any meeting.

Taryn Williford

Jan 23, 2020

5 Ways to Keep Up with Your 2020 Fitness Goals (And the Tools to Help You Do It)

New year, new goals.

Nicole Lund

Jan 22, 2020

Feeling Lonely? Tending a Garden Can Help, Experts Say

We’re not talking about making friends with your plants (but that could work too).

Inigo Del Castillo

Jan 22, 2020

The Real Difference Between a Living Room and a Family Room

Living

According to the experts.

Ashley Abramson

Jan 18, 2020

20 Funny-‘Cause-It’s-True Tweets Anyone With Seasonal Depression Will Laugh At

These tweets about seasonal depression serve as a reminder of just how typical this disorder can be.

Megan Johnson

Jan 17, 2020

I Felt Something After KonMari-ing My Home—But It Wasn’t Joy

I felt something different and equally as meaningful.

Amanda Becker

Jan 9, 2020

Marie Kondo’s ‘Tidying Up’ Explains Our Anxiety Over Clutter

It’s no secret that clutter and anxiety are linked.

Marissa Hermanson

Jan 9, 2020

The Best Home Fitness Equipment (Starting at $9!), According to People Who Stick to Workouts

We talked to some personal trainers and at-home workout aficionados to find the best workout equipment that still fits in a small living room.

Ashley Abramson

Jan 8, 2020

What Capricorn Season Means For Your Home in January 2020

It’s a slow and steady start to the new decade. And the self-guided speed at which we choose to travel will define the very quality of the ride.

Bess Matassa

Jan 6, 2020

10 Realistic Tips from People Who *Actually* Work Out in Their Living Room

“A living room workout might not have been your first choice, but look at the positives: You get to play your own music and have the ‘gym’ all to yourself!”

Ashley Abramson

Jan 5, 2020

13 Small and Simple Ways to Start Living a Healthier Lifestyle

These changes might seem small, but little decisions add up—especially when they become routines.

Ashley Abramson

Jan 3, 2020

31 Simple, Miniscule Resolutions to Improve Your Life in January

By this point, you’re probably really ready to stop seeing “new year, new you” articles. January is a month that many industries thrive off of when it comes to marketing, and can you blame them? The start of the new year means a fresh start for everyone, and many people look at this as a way to revamp their personal or professional life. But sometimes the biggest mistake anyone can make going into a brand spankin’ new year is to think too big.

Olivia Muenter

Jan 3, 2020

Like “Hygge,” “Pyt” Is a Danish Concept That Might Improve Your Life

It's a healthy way of looking at stress.

Mia Nakaji Monnier

Dec 29, 2019

The Gross Factor of the American Sofa

You wouldn’t dream of leaving your sheets unwashed for weeks at a time, but the sofa never really gets that sort of deep clean.

Sarah Magnuson

Dec 23, 2019

How To Make Your Own Pasties

Looking to turn up the sexy this Valentine’s Day? Last week, I was invited to learn how to make nipple pasties by Rogue Burlesque, and I’m here to tell you, it’s just as fun (and not as hard) as you might think. You’ll be shaking your sparkly bits in no time. Brandy Wine is the de facto pasty artist for Rogue’s burlesque dancers, and she also makes bedazzled bowties for those who’d prefer their sparkle north of their nipples.

Tara Bellucci

Dec 20, 2019

How To Find a Mold-Free Rental?

Q: Hello! I have severe mold allergies and recently moved to the Pacific Northwest. I was careful to check for signs of dampness when we were house hunting—and even turned down a great place because of a hint of mustiness in the back bedroom—but, after a year of various illnesses, and despite air purifiers and dehumidifiers, I just tested my home and mold was detected. My question is this: How can we, as renters, ensure that our next place is not (or is less) moldy?

Tess Wilson

Dec 19, 2019

How To Make Handmade Scrap Fabric Twine

Do you have an over abundance of fabric scraps that you are holding on to, “just in case”? Cintia from My Poppet was doing just that, and then she came up with the clever idea of turning her scraps into pretty twine. You can find the simple tutorial below. Scrap fabric strips in assorted lengths (max 1″ wide) Something to wind your twine on to Scissors For more pictures and the full tutorial, head over to My Poppet.

Kate Legere

Dec 19, 2019