This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase via these links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Fun Reading Activities I’ve put together not only ideas for fun reading activities but also specific examples based on some of my family’s favorite books! Have different favorite books? Use the general activity ideas and make them specific for you! 1 – Have a book themed day....

But just because it’s getting cooler doesn’t mean all of the fun has to be taken indoors. In fact, a report by the home care app Thumbtack found that the focus on outdoor spaces isn’t going to slow down just because the weather is cooling down. “According to our data, nearly one-third of homeowners plan to make a substantial investment into their outdoor spaces while 36 percent plan to invest in their home’s exterior, and 12 percent plan to add a pool or hot tub,” says David Steckel, home expert at Thumbtack....

Do Not Flush These Items When using bleach to clean, make sure you use a ratio of a few tablespoons of bleach to a gallon of water. Also, be sure to ventilate the area. To dispose of old cleaning products, call your local Hazardous Household Waste collection center for their drop-off hours or to see if they’re planning a collection day. If it’s a small amount of latex paint, simply open up the lid and allow the paint to dry out before throwing it away (don’t do this indoors to avoid fumes)....

To inspire you this season, we asked hairstylists to share their favorite fall hairstyles, with options for all lengths and textures. Trust us, they’re cuts you’re guaranteed to fall for (sorry). To achieve the most volume where your hair frames your face, direct strands away from your face. At the top of your head, direct the hair upwards and toward your face, which makes it take the most flattering shape when it falls back....

“Keep it real: Staging is the intersection of dreaming and livability,” says Misty Soldwisch, broker and owner at Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Innovations in Indianola, Iowa. “The goal is to be aspirational, but in a way where potential buyers feel comfortable.” Take it from the experts—follow these top tips for successful home staging to help your home shine to potential buyers. 1. Start with Curb Appeal Selling your home begins with listing photos, but once a potential buyer arrives, you want the entrance and exterior of your home to invite them in....

Pulaski Wood Frame Faux Leather Accent Chair, $191 (was $320) Bush Furniture Key West File Cabinet, $190 (was $348) Nathan James Piper Marble Top Coffee Table, $77 (was $90) Creative Co-Op Cream Blue Stripes Pouf, $45 (was $67) Walker Edison Douglas Faux Leather Dining Chair Set, $131 (was $245) Boraam Sonoma Kitchen Cart, $226 (was $440) Linon Triena X Back Folding Bar Stool, $70 (was $200) Crosley Furniture Seaside Kitchen Pantry, $378 (was $779) Signature Design by Ashley Abbonto Accent Table, $150 (was $255) Baxton Studio Sorrento Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chair, $159 (was $285)...

Cheesy Chile Dip This cheesy mélange of five different peppers is perfect for a party, game day, or a comfort-food-weekend treat. Glorious Green Dip This veg-forward recipe proves healthy can be delightful, too. Spiced Lentil Dip Any legume does well in a blended dip, and this recipe proves it. Chimichurri-Yogurt Dip A bright chimichurri mixture swirled into thick Greek yogurt makes for a pretty presentation and fresh flavor. Carrot Hummus Build flavor from the get-go by sizzling garlic in olive oil with fragrant cumin, and then steam carrots in the toasted aromatics....

Theodore Magnus Coir Doormat, $25 Mubin Cotton Buffalo Plaid Rug, $20 (was $38) Jinghong Green Eucalyptus Wreath, $30 (was $40) Dahey Wall Mounted Mail Holder, $28 (was $30) SimpleHouseware Standing Coat Hanger, $31 (was $35) Stonebriar Wooden Candle Lantern, $25 (was $50) Foluban Rustic Entryway Console Table, $140 with coupon (was $150) Mkono Woven Storage Basket, $26 (was $29) Peshtemania Boho Throw Blanket, $21 with coupon (was $25) Faycole Morocco Tufted Throw Pillow Cover, $17 Sea Gull Lighting Outdoor Wall Lantern Sconce, $58 Goodpick Jute Rope Hanging Baskets, $20...

The Best Baby Shower Games I’m at that point in my life where everyone around me is getting pregnant whether it’s with their first, second, or whatever number of baby. It’s just the stage of life I’m in I guess. It also means that I have hosted and attended a lot of baby showers and baby sprinkles in the past few years since my son was born. And served this sausage egg breakfast casserole a lot....

One of the best parts about Cyber Monday is that you don’t necessarily need to leave the comfort of your couch to enjoy any of the savings. Nordstrom’s website is packed with discounts on brands like Free People, Kiehl’s, and Levi’s. Plus, with multiple categories, think sleepwear, accessories, and home, included in the Cyber Monday sale, you could technically do all of your shopping in one place. We understand there are tons of potential gifts to scroll through and in case you’re feeling overwhelmed, not knowing exactly where to begin, this is your helpful guide to some of the best deals on clothing, sleepwear, shoes, and everything in-between....

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If you’re crunching the numbers on a potential kitchen renovation, it can be tough to know when to pinch pennies and where to go all in. While the bottom line may be different for every kitchen, the overall cost can be significantly impacted by these items: countertops, backsplashes, cabinetry, and appliances. To aid in the art of a reasonable budget, four experienced designers—Orlando Soria of Build Me Up on Discovery+, Natalie Myers of Veneer Designs, and Aly Morford and Leigh Lincoln of Pure Salt Interiors—share their advice for strategizing....

“Costco has pre-negotiated rates with hotels, car rental companies, [and] tours…so by booking through them, you’re using their bulk rates to save,” said Alex Miller, founder and CEO of the travel site UpgragedPoints. Since Costco partners with many top airlines and hotels, members can have a luxurious and fun vacation without breaking the bank. Costco travel also features cruises, all-inclusive vacation packages, and more to U.S. and international destinations. All you need is a Costco membership—the $60 per year Gold Star, or the Gold Star Executive, which is $120 annually with a 2 percent cash-back reward on purchases made though Costco travel....

40 Best Gifts for Dog Lovers and Dog Owners To buy: $22; petco.com. To buy: $30; williams-sonoma.com. To buy: $16; amazon.com. To buy: $23; sugarwish.com. To buy: $25; rover.com. To buy: $210; amazon.com. To buy: $18; amazon.com. To buy: $45; pokepetshop.com. To buy: $65; fablepets.com. To buy: $8; petco.com. To buy: $40; amazon.com. To buy: $65; pandora.com. To buy: $195; diggs.pet. To buy: $50; etsy.com. To buy: $65; maxbone.com. To buy: $32; sephora....

“While pinot noir and chardonnay are great go-to’s, the seasonal change presents an opportunity to explore a new selection of wines,” explains Christopher Hoel, founder of Harper’s Club and Luckysomm and expert wine curator for Wine Insiders and Martha Stewart Wine Co. Below are lesser-known (but equally enticing) wines that beg to be uncorked in cold weather months. Whether you’re sipping them by the fireplace or pairing them with a favorite meal, enjoy warming up with one of these five cold-weather wines....

Failing to pay credit card balances off in full each month The first lesson applies to all credit card users. If you’re using your rewards credit card to accrue points or miles from everyday spending for groceries, entertainment, household expenses, and gas, be sure to pay your monthly credit card statement in full and on time each month. “I think the biggest mistake is carrying a balance,” shares Ted Rossman, Creditcards....

1. Using Containers Without Drainage It’s tempting to pair cute succulents with a fun container, but if you plant your new echeveria in a tiny ceramic pot with no way for water to drain, it’s not going to end well for your plant. Most succulents prefer their soil on the dry side anyway, but using a container without drainage holes increases your chances of overwatering, since the moisture will just pool in the bottom of the pot and literally drown your plant’s roots....

First things first: “The decision to split the bill should happen before you sit down for dinner,” says Toni Dupree, an etiquette coach with Etiquette & Style by Dupre in Houston. “Not when the wait staff brings the check.” “If, and only if, everyone agreed to split the bill before the meals are ordered, then it is OK to evenly divide that check when the bill arrives,” confirms Karene Putney, CEO of Etiquette Etiquette....

Mangoes originated in India over 5,000 years ago, and mango seeds traveled to the Middle East, Eastern Africa, and South America as early as 300 to 400 B.C.E. Today, most of the mangoes we eat in the U.S. are grown in South and Central America, Mexico, and Haiti. Though mangoes are considered a stone fruit, they’re botanical cousins of cashews and pistachios (who knew?). Mango Health Benefits They are loaded with fiber....

However, many people are intimidated to grow them and are not sure what to do with them when it’s time to harvest. But don’t worry, we have you covered. Whether you’re cooking or crafting, here are our favorite tips for getting the most out of your herb garden. Seeds require a specific environment for germinating and hardening off before you plant them. For the same price (and often less) as a packet of seeds, you can purchase starter plants for basic culinary herbs like basil, rosemary, sage, thyme, parsley, and English lavender....