Copper sinks, because they are used so regularly, develop a patina quickly, but also very likely experience spotting and stripping of the patina. Neither of those changes to the color of the copper sink is cause for alarm; changes to the patina do not indicate that the sink is damaged. It’s simply the nature of copper. How Often to Clean a Copper Sink When it comes to the frequency with which to clean a copper sink, there is good news and bad news....

If you’re going to grow multiple plants in one container, keep in mind that they’ll need similar sun, water, and soil requirements to thrive. Best Soil to Grow Potted Plants Container plants should be grown in a special potting mix that doesn’t contain soil. Garden soil is too heavy and can compact roots, cutting off oxygen. It also often contains weed seeds. Instead, buy or make a soilless mix; look for one composed of coconut fiber (coir) or peat moss, vermiculite or perlite, and other ingredients....

Also unlike baking, butter candles aren’t super-strict on ratios or proportions, so you can make them to your preferred size and shape. For your first butter candle, start with a stick of butter. Salisbury recommends starting out small for a butter candle, so that the butter doesn’t melt faster than it’s being consumed and turn into a melty mess on your table. Melt the butter in a microwave-safe cup or bowl in 30 second increments....

A large wire wreath frame is perfect for making a succulent door wreath. You can also swap in a smaller version to make a beautiful centerpiece for the table. Just add votives in the center. What You’ll Need Large wire wreath frame4 bunches of spruce branches1 bunch of olive branches1 bunch of seeded eucalyptus branches (with tiny pods among the leaves)1 bunch of gray Berzelia branches (which look like mini pom poms)8 or 9 echeveria succulents (each 4 inches wide; or for a smaller wreath, each 3 inches wide)1 or 2 manzanita branches (from a flower shop) or nice twigs from the yardGarden gloves, shears, and 1 spool of medium-gauge floral wire...

While proper planning is always the best approach, it’s not always realistic when you need an avocado on the fly (emergency guacamole, anyone?). Luckily, there’s an easy trick for making avocados ripen faster, and all you need is a brown paper bag. Paper Bag Method If you haven’t tried expediting the ripening process before, prepare to have your mind blown. About two days before you want to enjoy an avocado, simply place it in a brown paper bag and fold the top over....

How to Make Oat Milk Start with whole rolled oats, commonly referred to as old-fashioned oats. Quick oats are too processed for oat milk and can result in a slimy beverage. Make sure to buy gluten-free oats if needed. This recipe will make approximately 1 liter of oat milk or four 1-cup servings. Sweetened Homemade Oat Milk If you prefer your oat milk sweetened, try adding one of the following options before blending: 1 or 2 Medjool dates (remove the pit first) or 1 to 2 Tablespoons....

Calla lilies come in white and shades of pink, yellow, orange, rose, and maroon. Some also have pretty white speckles on their leaves, so they’re attractive even when not in bloom. Here’s how to grow and care for calla lilies in the garden and as houseplants. Calla lilies are toxic to cats and dogs. Where to Plant Calla Lily Calla lilies are native to South Africa and are considered tender perennials since they don’t tolerate freezing weather....

Where to Plant Marguerite Daisy Marguerite daisies prefer cooler temperatures that don’t go above 70º. Plant them in full sun. How and When to Plant Marguerite Daisy Marguerite daisies bloom best in spring and fall. Plant them in spring for flowering through the summer fall, with the best blooms during the cooler periods of their growing season. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root of the plant. Gently pull the roots to free them from the root ball....

Lifting weights doesn’t just enhance your quality of life (yes, lugging grocery bags from the car will, in fact, be easier), but “strength training is very important, more so than cardio, for long-term health and longevity,” says Stacy T. Sims, Ph.D., exercise physiologist and nutrition scientist. Plus, as we age, we start to lose that good-for-you muscle, making it all the more important to maintain it. In fact, Sims notes, “if you’re not strength training, you can lose up to 50 percent of your lean skeletal body mass by your 80th birthday....

So what exactly are the benefits of swapping your linens for the season? The first and most obvious reason to change bedding when the weather starts to cool down is for warmth. A heavier duvet or comforter or even a heavier cover can keep you perfectly warm and toasty all season long. Throw blankets, coverlets, and quilts also provide beneficial layering that allows for more customized temperature control. And when it comes to aesthetics, the arrival of cold weather is also an excuse to redecorate....

How to Make French Press Coffee Step 1: Boil Water Whether making coffee or tea, it’s important to use freshly-boiled, filtered water. Any kettle will work, but a gooseneck kettle with a long spout is ideal for making French press or pour-over coffee because it controls the flow of water better and avoids spillage. Boil enough water to fill the pot, in this case, 32 ounces. French press water temperature: The ideal temperature for making French press is 195°F, which is slightly below boiling temperature (212°F)....

So when I learned that there were at-home microdermabrasion devices that could exfoliate my tired-looking skin and deep-clean my pores, I was very excited to give it a whirl. Here’s how it went, and everything you need to know if you want to try it. There are actually hundreds of home Microderm wands (who knew?!), but I opted to test out PMD’s Personal Microderm Pro Elite ($299; ulta.com). Between the glowing reviews, customizable settings, and sleek, self-contained packaging, I was intrigued....

1. Start Slow with Succulents Some people seem to have no trouble keeping plants alive. And then, there are those who end up with more crispy plants than they care to admit. If you’re a forgetful plant parent when it comes to watering, consider starting with a variety of succulents. Not only are they easy to care for (and keep alive!), but with a plethora of shapes, sizes, and colors, they add eye-catching dimension and texture to your space....

Feeling at Home in the Kitchen As a child growing up in Guanajuato, Mexico, Martinez spent a lot of time in the kitchen helping her grandma. “If you’re in the kitchen, she’s going to give you something to do,” she says. “I love that energy in the kitchen.” By the age of 14, she was the cook in the house. “My mom said, ‘The kitchen is yours now.’ Now that I live (in the United States), I saw the importance to passing on my heritage to my kids....

The new line is filled with entertaining essentials created with easy entertaining in mind. You’ll find ceramic dinnerware pieces in cream and orange, glassware in a smoky amber hue, and a variety of serving boards and platters that can be used for everything from casual weeknight chili dinners to an upscale Friendsgiving celebration. “This collection is all about gathering around the table and enjoying a meal together with the ones you love,” Jenny says....

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15+ years as a professional travel writer and editorContributing editor for Cosmopolitan magazineAuthor of the book “Road Trip Activities and Travel Journal for Kids,” and co-author for numerous titles through Fodor’s Travel Guides and Purina.Public speaker with appearances on Daytime TV and others.Winner of more than a dozen national awards for her writing. Related Video

Some bloggers and Redditors swear by strip washing, even posting images of how their supposedly “clean” sheets turned clear water murky brown once all of the soap scum and oil was removed. Basically, strip washing your laundry falls under the “grossly satisfying” category of cleaning tasks. So, should you try it? Can you actually be soaking your clothes for too long if you do? Here are some expert insights, adjustments you can make to your laundry routine instead, and a step-by-step guide....

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