Home and Garden

You know those little discoveries in life that feel like a secret someone should’ve told you years ago? That’s exactly how I felt the first time I learned you could grow plants without any soil at all. No dirt under your nails. No messy spills on the counter. Just a glass jar, a bit of water, and a cutting from a plant. And just like that, I was hooked. If you’re like me—a little older, a little wiser, and a whole lot busier than you used to be—this method might just become your new favorite way to keep things green …

Let’s be honest—we spend a lot of time in the bathroom. It’s where we brush our teeth, get squeaky clean, and sneak away when the house gets too loud. It’s our little pocket of peace. But here’s the thing: even in our most sacred of spaces, a few innocent habits could be messing with our health, our plumbing, and, yep, even the planet. Now I’m not here to judge—I’ve made most of these mistakes myself (hello, bleach-in-the-toilet person over here). But once you know better, you do better. So, here’s a little bathroom wisdom that might surprise you—and save you …

Growing up, weekends at my nana’s house meant two things: warm biscuits from scratch, and learning all the little tricks she used to keep her home sparkling without spending a fortune. She didn’t believe in buying fancy cleaners—or wasting energy scrubbing until your arms were sore. One trick I’ll never forget? Her foolproof, two-minute method for removing hard water stains. It seemed like magic the first time I watched her do it—and I still use it today, in my own home, every time those chalky little spots show up. Whether your bathroom faucet is looking dull, your shower doors are …

(Because Everyone Deserves a Little Fresh Mint—Even if You Don’t Have a Garden) You know those moments when you’re making iced tea or some pasta with lemon, and you think, “This would be perfect with a little mint!” But then you realize you’ve got none, and the stuff at the store looks tired before it even hits your fridge? Yeah—been there. That’s why I started growing my own. And let me tell you: mint is one of the easiest plants to grow. Honestly, it almost grows too well. Once it gets going, it’ll take over if you let it. So …

Alright, let’s get one thing straight—I’m no master gardener with a greenhouse and misting system and perfect nails. I’m just a lady who once bought a sad little Christmas cactus on clearance the week after New Year’s and somehow kept it alive… and then blooming. In July. Since then, I’ve had a soft spot for these funky little plants. They’re kind of like your quirky aunt—bright, full of personality, shows up once a year in glitter, and somehow manages to surprise you every time. If you’ve ever brought one home, stuck it on the windowsill, and watched it wither into …

Look, I’ve been cooking for decades. I’ve roasted, broiled, baked, slow-cooked, and yes — microwaved more leftovers than I can count. But would you believe me if I told you that, after 60 years on this earth, I just learned how to properly use the power level button on my microwave? And no, I’m not ashamed to admit it. Because if you’re like most folks, you probably hit “Start” and let it blast away at full power, too. Turns out, there’s a better — gentler, smarter — way to use that humming little box we all rely on daily. Let …

If you’re anything like me, you probably swap out your toothbrush every few months and, without a second thought, chuck the old one in the trash. But here’s the thing — those little brushes still have a lot of life left in them. My nana used to keep a jar of retired toothbrushes under the kitchen sink. At first, I thought it was quirky… until I realized she used them for everything — scrubbing, polishing, even cleaning her jewelry. Turns out, old toothbrushes are one of those “hidden gems” of a sustainable household. Instead of sending more plastic to the …

Growing up, I used to wander barefoot through my nana’s garden, completely enchanted. Her roses bloomed like they were showing off, her basil plants seemed to perfume the whole yard, and even the ferns — which usually hate me — looked like they belonged in a rainforest. Meanwhile, every plant I brought home? Droopy. Crispy leaves. A sad little death march on my windowsill. Whenever I asked her secret, she’d give me that knowing smile and say, “It’s all about knowing what they need and giving it to them without fuss.” At the time, I figured it was some mysterious …

You’ve probably clicked a pen cap between your fingers a thousand times, stuck one in your mouth absentmindedly during a meeting (don’t worry, we all do it), or tossed one into the abyss known as your desk drawer. But have you ever stopped to wonder: why do so many pen caps have that tiny hole at the top? It’s not just a random quirk of design or a fluke in the factory. That tiny little hole actually has a story — and a pretty important one, too. Let’s dig into it. The Unsung Evolution of the Pen Cap Once upon …

Let’s talk about something weirdly satisfying: cleaning something gross and watching it come back to life. I mean, is there anything better than watching grime just disappear? Enter: the Magic Eraser. If you’ve ever used one, you already know they live up to the name. These little white blocks of wonder make scuffs, stains, and mystery smudges vanish like magic — no harsh chemicals, no major elbow grease. But here’s the thing… most people just use them on walls. Maybe a floor or two. That’s it. Oh, honey — these things can do so much more. Whether you’re trying to …