A roundup of the best pool toys and floats for kids, toddlers, and adults—perfect for beach days, backyard pools, and unforgettable pool parties this summer. We put dozens of highly rated pool toys to the test in our own backyard pool so you can skip the guesswork. Some were instant favorites, some were solid value … Read more

I’ve called this the summer of the olive topiary. After seasons of boxwood, fiddle leaf figs, and magnolia wreaths, olive branches feel like the fresh, understated choice for seasonal decor. Their soft green tone and graceful silhouette bring a calm, timeless touch to any room—perfect when you need a little serenity amid ongoing home projects. … Read more

Tips for getting started with tools and a roundup of the best power tools, hand tools, and paint tools for beginner DIYers. Seven years ago I had never picked up a saw. I’d barely heard of a nail gun—except for that vague childhood memory of watching an episode of Home Improvement where Tim Taylor made … Read more

A nursery transforms into a cottagecore-style toddler girl room with vintage-style metal twin beds, playful patterns, and chinoiserie wallpaper This post is sponsored by Better Homes & Gardens at Walmart. It still feels surreal that the nursery we set up when she was a newborn is now a full-fledged toddler girl room. Time flies—one moment … Read more

Picking exterior wood stain felt even harder than agonizing over paint colors — which is saying something. After several days of indecision, though, I finally settled on a stain color that I think is perfect: a neutral, light driftwood tone that removes unwanted yellow from aging wood without looking oddly blue or purple. We’ve lived … Read more

How to cross washer and dryer connections to prevent door collisions — and why we love our Samsung washer and dryer for making laundry faster and easier. We finally tackled a small but persistent laundry-room annoyance that we’d meant to fix for months. Once we did it, we kept asking ourselves why we waited so … Read more

Faux Antique Shutter Armoire Makeover: A Craigslist Find Turned Charming Storage Piece It’s been a busy and productive couple of weeks since I last updated you on the guest bedroom makeover at my parents’ house. My garage is stacked with partially painted furniture, I’m quietly working on a major secret project I’ll reveal soon, and—big … Read more

8 cozy fire pit ideas for outdoor fall decor and entertaining tips using budget-friendly finds from Walmart for a backyard campfire party. This post is sponsored by Better Homes & Gardens at Walmart. The weather turned perfectly crisp this week, so we refreshed our outdoor space with simple fall styling and cozy fire pit touches … Read more

My mom has been nagging me to write a “Bless’er House blunders” post because I’ve collected a whole archive of hilariously imperfect DIY moments. Yesterday I nearly added another one — a borderline fail while making DIY Roman shades — but I’ll get to that in a minute. Big news: the office makeover is moving … Read more