At Home Daily

A family therapist offers tips on how to have the conversation with family members who might not agree.

How to find out how long your beauty products last, and why it’s important to toss them out when they reach their expiration date.

We've got all the details on how to store flaxseeds and flaxseed meal properly. Follow our Test Kitchen-approved tips to make that package last as long as possible so you can keep adding those healthy little seeds to smoothies, breads, oatmeal, and more.

Don't toss out that old sheet pan! Use these simple cleaning solutions to rescue a baking sheet with burnt-on stains.

Though these insects usually aren't pollinators, they still have a beneficial role in the environment. If you have to get rid of them, try natural methods first, and use chemicals as a last resort.

Many types of plants produce seeds that you can save from one year and sow the next. That way, you can easily grow the same varieties in your garden again. Plus you'll often end up with plenty to share with friends and family. And after the new coronavirus led to seed shortages earlier this year, it's just a smart idea to save seeds now in case that happens again next spring.

As you know by now, many major companies are requiring customers to wear face masks while shopping. In some cases, other face-covering options, including shields, are also acceptable. Before you buy new a new face cover, however, it's important to know that face shields and face masks are not the same and don't offer equal protection. Here's everything you need to know about the two coverings to help you decide which one is best for you.

A quick search on Instagram for #suntea will turn up more than 36,000 posts, many of them coming within the last few months. It’s clear summer months are prime time for this classic tea beverage. With so many of us still spending more time than usual in our homes, now is the time to try out all kinds of new recipes and hobbies—so you may be looking into making sun tea, too.

In spring, it seems like vibrant green lawns effortlessly blanket the landscape without requiring much beyond a regular mowing. But when summer comes along and you get a long stretch of hot, dry weather, your grass transitions from a lush green carpet to one that has large brownish patches all over it. It may even be a little crispy in some places. Water is the missing ingredient. Once moisture returns, healthy green foliage usually will start growing again.

Refreshing furniture can be a quick, DIY-friendly process that gives new life to an old piece. With just a few hours of work, you can easily transform secondhand scores or hand-me-down furniture to fit your style and needs. The process typically involves adding a fresh coat of paint or stain for new color, texture, or shine. Although painting furniture might seem straightforward, there are a few critical things to know beforehand to ensure the color goes on smoothly and adheres properly.

Every gardener likely has a story about squirrels or chipmunks (or maybe even both) making a nuisance of themselves. Here's how you can stop squirrels and chipmunks from eating flowering plants, vegetables, and fruit in your garden. 1. Understand Why Squirrels and Chipmunks Dig As exasperating as squirrels and chipmunks can be, there are several things we can do to coexist on more friendly terms. First of all, think about why these creatures do what they do.

Arthritis sounds like one condition, but don’t be fooled: The term actually encompasses more than 100 related ailments that affect your joints, explains the Arthritis Foundation. It’s not something that affects just seniors either.

Moving into a dorm is a fun and hectic time. There's so much to think about: Roommates, decorating, all the necessary bathroom supplies, how to organize, and so much more. Let us help with determining what foods to buy. There’s no single magic grocery list perfect for all college students. A student’s budget, access to food, and dietary needs are unique, says Kallen Anderson, a registered dietitian at Iowa State University.

Plants, like all living things, need to be properly taken care of in order to stay healthy and thrive. Along with regular waterings and the right amount of light, houseplants need a maintenance cleaning every once in a while. As long as you're cleaning the rest of your house anyway, you might as well give your houseplants a little extra attention. Not only will cleaning your houseplants keep them dust-free, but you'll be more aware of any pests or other problems they might be having.

Grocery stores are stocked with tons of delicious gluten-free options these days. One ingredient you might start seeing in more products is cassava (pronounced like kuh-saa-vuh). But what is cassava flour and what makes it a good gluten-free flour alternative? Cassava, or yuca root (not to be confused with the pretty yucca plants in your yard) is a starchy tuberous root commonly found in South American, African, and Asian cuisines. You can even enjoy the root as a swap for fries.

Vinegar is a jack-of-all-trades around the home. In addition to the zip it adds to pickles and many other favorite recipes, it's an effective window cleaner, disinfectant, stain remover, and more. But did you know that its many uses carry right on out the door? Yes, vinegar has the ability to help control weeds, too, which can be a win-win if you're looking for products that are less harsh on the environment than many synthetic herbicides.

Your sense of smell has powerful effects on your body. Certain aromas can trigger pleasant memories and even relieve stress to help you feel more relaxed. In general, herbal fragrances like lavender and rosemary, and a fresh floral fragrance like ylang ylang, are shown to reduce cortisol levels, promote calm, and reduce stress, says Lauren Lamagna, director of product at Homesick candles. So if you've been feeling stressed lately, try infusing your home with natural scents.

The thought of getting (and staying) organized spurs a variety of reactions in different people. Some consider it a quick but necessary chore, while others see it as an insurmountable obstacle. However, organization isn't just a way to get your physical belongings in order. It can also help build confidence, add fulfillment to your life, and foster a positive mindset (something many of us need these days more than ever).

Getting a visit from a hummingbird or two always feels special. Whether you have a feeder set up in your yard or some flowering plants that attract them, it's always fun to watch them flit around, buzzing in close for a quick drink before zooming away. There's a lot that makes these beautiful creatures unique; they're one of the smallest birds, they can fly up to 30 miles an hour, and they're the only birds that can fly backwards.

Cream cheese isn’t only for your breakfast bagels and decadent cheesecakes. This soft, mild, tangy cheese is surprisingly versatile. If you don’t have any on hand, stock up on the affordable ingredient the next time you head to the supermarket, after learning about these clever cream cheese ideas from chefs around the country. Try to think ahead and leave cream cheese on the counter for 30 minutes to an hour prior to using it, as it spreads and blends easier at room temperature.