On This Episode Is it possible to take on major financial responsibilities such as buying a new home while you’re still paying down debt? Is now even a good time to buy a home? This week’s guest, a 39-year-old aspiring homeowner living in Iowa City, Iowa, is struggling with whether homeownership is right for her because of these questions and more. For advice, host Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez turns to author Mindy Jensen, who is also the host of the BiggerPockets Money Podcast and a licensed real estate agent....

One way to help curb the cost of vet bills is pet insurance, which is similar to health insurance you’d purchase for yourself or your family. Pet insurance has grown in popularity in recent years. In fact, from 2020 to 2021, the number of insured pets grew by 28 percent—a total of 3.9 million by the close of 2021. Still, you might be wondering whether or not it’s really worth it to get a plan to help cover the cost of such things as routine checkups and unexpected emergencies....

The concept is simple and streamlined: It weighs less than 4 pounds and easily folds into a tiny bag. Each Shibumi Shade includes a set of aluminum poles that you plant into the ground and create an arch, letting the dramatic blue parachute canopy billow behind it in the breeze; providing shade for up to six adults. They’re creating a buzz on the beach, as well as some 30-SPF shade....

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In addition, Karen is an ACE-certified personal trainer and fitness instructor who competes in Nordic walking. As a plant-powered athlete, she’s won several world championships and holds two world records in the sport. She’s passionate about spreading the message about the importance of plant-based diets and the vegan lifestyle, her expertise enhanced by being a certified plant-based nutrition educator, vegan mentor and certified vegan lifestyle coach and educator. Three-time winner of the MORE Awards from the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons...

What is Pink Pampas Grass? Pampas grass (Cortaderia selloana) is native to South America, specifically Brazil, Argentina, and Chile. It got its name from the Pampas Plains. This tough grass thrives in heat and plenty of bright sunlight. It grows quickly into a big, bold plant. Once established, the grass can grow an inch a day. A clump of pampas can expand to about eight feet wide, and up to 12 feet tall (there are shorter varieties, too)....

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We love to stay up to date on the latest holiday decorating trends, and while the trends you actually try at home will vary based on your tastes and your space, there’s nothing wrong on studying up on what trends are appearing in various holiday collections. (Who knows—you might just be inspired to buy your new favorite piece of festive decor.) This year, we saw an emphasis on folklore and handicraft (among other things) from IKEA’s 2022 holiday collection, while some of Target’s holiday lines celebrate classic motifs and colorways....

As Pantone’s 2023 Color of the Year selection, Viva Magenta (an electric magenta hue) certainly sets a bold tone for the year to come. Pantone 18-1750 Viva Magenta is a “nuanced crimson red tone,” according to Pantone, that is dynamic and positive—without being aggressive or overpowering. The strong color is certainly eye-grabbing, but it also has tones reminiscent of a tropical flower, an organic element that helps balance the electrifying aspect of the color....

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The trick to designing an open-concept layout isn’t necessarily putting up makeshift walls in the form of furnishings but creating individual moments for specific areas while maximizing flow. “The goal is a space that seamlessly transitions from living, dining, cooking, and playing, with distinct parameters,” Goerzen says. “Without dividing walls and hallways, you should consider how to best arrange furniture and decor to create division and walkways, such that there are clearly delineated spaces....

After perusing Ruggable’s selection of colors and sizes, I opted for the Heathered Solid rug in Dove Grey; it was within my budget, relatively well-rated, and went with just about everything in my living room. I input my credit card info with my fingers crossed. I’ll admit, I didn’t have particularly high hopes for this purchase—but I’ve owned my Ruggable for about a year now, and I couldn’t be more thrilled....

For a limited time, you can grab a three-month supply of the customer-favorite Babe Original Lash Essential Serum for $39. Backed by over 2,000 perfect five-star reviews and 8,400 perfect ratings, the potent formula is packed with ultra-nourishing biotin, amino acids, ginseng root extract, and grape seed extract that give the appearance of fuller-looking lashes while also improving them over time, according to the brand. The fine-tip brush lets you apply the product right on your lash line and is safe to use with false lashes and extensions....

Le Creuset has long been known for its colorful Dutch ovens that can cook everything from savory broths to baked breads, not to mention its quality enameled cast iron pans, tableware like dishwasher-safe stoneware mugs, and kitchen tools. If any of these products are on your list, now’s your chance to get them while they’re deeply discounted at Nordstrom. Nordstrom Early Black Friday Sale on Le Creuset 5.25-Quart Deep Dutch Oven, $200 (was $380) Mini Round Cocotte, $22 (was $32) Set of Two Heritage Square Baking Dishes, $58 (was $75) 5-Piece Signature Enameled Cast Iron Cookware Set, $575 (was $820) Set of Two Toughened Nonstick Pro Fry Pans, $180 (was $240) Set of Four 14-Ounce Stoneware Mugs, $64 (was $80) 9-Inch Enamel Cast Iron Skillet, $120 (was $175) Salt & Pepper Mill Set, $75 (was $96) Craft Series Utensil Set, $70 (was 87) Demi Kettle & Mug Set, $100 (was $132) 9 1/2-Inch Square Griddle Pan, $100 (was $175) 7-Piece Stainless Steel Cookware Set, $580 (was $829)...

With stock cabinetry, the speed of installation and cost are on your side, while going with custom cabinets allows you to add special features and detailed craftsmanship. “There are two major factors in distinguishing stock versus custom cabinets: product selection and pricing,” says Eugene Makanev, president of RTA Cabinet Supply LLC, a supplier of pre-manufactured cabinetry. Although custom cabinets can be significantly more expensive, they’re not always higher in quality....

Should You Store Your Glassware Facing Up or Down? Often our ideas of how things like this should be done comes from the homes we were raised in. If your mother always stored her glasses rim up, chances are you do too, and you probably don’t question your habits. But when it comes to proper storage to keep your glasses clean and safe, is there actually a right way? Generally speaking, yes....