We asked experts whether cooling bedding works. Here’s what they said.

A look at the dizzying array of mattresses, bedding and gadgets designed to keep you from overheating at night

* This article was originally published here

How to make a Summer Wreath with Hydrangeas

Learn to make a DIY u Summer Wreath with Hydrangeas using vibrant coral hydrangeas, dainty wildflowers, and a large multi-ribbon bow. . I will guide you through the process step-by-step! I have included lists of the required supplies and tools so that you will have everything you need to recreate this vibrant Summer wreath right along with me as you follow along my easy to follow video tutorial. This colorful Summer wreath will add a lovely pop of color to any front door, and it would also make a wonderful gift

* This article was originally published here

The joy and pain of gardening with the kids – Becky Barnicoat cartoon

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* This article was originally published here

Victoria’s best new residential architecture – in pictures

Well-crafted family homes, a beach house that invites the outside in, and a stunning concrete bunker in a high-risk fire zone are just some of the winners in the 2025 Victorian Architecture awards category for new residential properties, presented on 27 June. Hamish Lyon, chair of juries, says these homes represent ‘thoughtful architecture working with its environment’

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* This article was originally published here

Why is so much of life spent clearing up? | Adrian Chiles

Whatever I turn my hand to, I leave behind a chaotic mess. If tidiness is next to godliness, there’s no hope for me

Gardening, I’ve realised, is easy. It’s clearing up afterwards that takes all the effort. This is true of many things, from cooking to relationships. Doing them is one thing; sorting the mess out afterwards is another.

Planting stuff is a doddle. Planting the right things in the right place is less straightforward. But both are easier than the clear-up. I’ve learned this the hard way, by working like an ox all day, only to leave the place looking as if a team of oxen has been driven through it. I had thought that pruning trees, fighting hedges, pulling up brambles and obsessively weeding counted as tidying. In this I was mistaken, because cutting, hacking and digging count as tidying only if you, well, tidy up after yourself. Leaving stricken branches and weeds where they lie creates more mess. Obvious really, but at some level I must have been thinking that all that browning vegetation would sort itself out by means of decay and decomposition. Or birds would take it away and build nests. Not so.

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* This article was originally published here

Your dog is your interior designer now

It’s standard for pet owners to choose fabrics and colors that suit life with animals. Custom feeding centers and wash stations are the next frontier.

* This article was originally published here

Ask a Vet: Why does my pet lick me so much?

And is it safe to let them do it?

* This article was originally published here

Gardening in a climate crisis: how to be a green thumb when old rules no longer apply

Unpredictable conditions and changing plant behaviour underscore the need to alter our gardening and landscaping choices

• Sign up for climate and environment editor Adam Morton’s free Clear Air newsletter here

The sun shone on Melbourne’s gardens in May – and kept shining. Warm-weather plants that had begun to die back in expectation of winter got a second wind. Basil started sprouting leaves again and roses shot new buds. The state’s second-warmest May on record also confounded cold-weather plants starting to make their way out of the ground. Was it time to bloom or sink back underground?

Meanwhile, in the state’s south-west, dry earth became even drier, and raised the risk of unseasonal fire. At the same time, in coastal parts of New South Wales and Queensland, it didn’t just rain but it poured.

Sign up to get climate and environment editor Adam Morton’s Clear Air column as a free newsletter

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* This article was originally published here

* This article was originally published here

Gardening in a climate crisis: how to be a green thumb when old rules no longer apply

Unpredictable conditions and changing plant behaviour underscore the need to alter our gardening and landscaping choices

• Sign up for climate and environment editor Adam Morton’s free Clear Air newsletter here

The sun shone on Melbourne’s gardens in May – and kept shining. Warm-weather plants that had begun to die back in expectation of winter got a second wind. Basil started sprouting leaves again and roses shot new buds. The state’s second-warmest May on record also confounded cold-weather plants starting to make their way out of the ground. Was it time to bloom or sink back underground?

Meanwhile, in the state’s south-west, dry earth became even drier, and raised the risk of unseasonal fire. At the same time, in coastal parts of New South Wales and Queensland, it didn’t just rain but it poured.

Sign up to get climate and environment editor Adam Morton’s Clear Air column as a free newsletter

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* This article was originally published here

No backyard required: I tried growing vegetables on a 20th-floor balcony – here’s what I learned

Don’t let limited space deter you from gardening in an apartment or townhouse. Here are some tips for growing your own food when outdoor areas are limited

• Change by degrees offers life hacks and sustainable living tips each Saturday to help reduce your household’s carbon footprint

• Got a question or tip for reducing household emissions? Email us at changebydegrees@theguardian.com

Gardening is good for our physical and psychological health, and there’s great pleasure in plucking ripe tomatoes, salad leaves or fresh herbs to add to a meal. Growing your own food has environmental benefits too, especially if you use a compost heap, worm farm or bokashi bin to divert kitchen scraps from landfill.

But can you garden without a backyard? To meet Australia’s housing challenge, more city dwellers will live in apartments and townhouses, and gardening in small spaces like balconies and courtyards can be challenging.

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* This article was originally published here

14 plants to try for a sweeter-smelling backyard

These flowers, shrubs and herbs can appeal to your nose as well as your eyes.

* This article was originally published here

Six interior styling tips to make your home feel warmer

Cosy doesn’t come from spending money, says interior designer Emma Blomfield. It’s about making the space feel soft, welcoming and thoughtful

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I grew up in a house where cosiness was a year-round thing, not just a winter trend. Mum should have been an interior decorator – she chose nursing instead – but her love of decorating meant our childhood home was filled with perfectly fluffed cushions, chunky knit throw rugs and so many candles that Dad would joke we’d be completely fine in a blackout.

Growing up in that kind of environment obviously had an impact on me. Now, after 15 years as an interior designer, I’ve realised that cosy doesn’t come from spending money. It comes from knowing what to do with what you’ve got, where to put it, and how to take care of what you have.

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* This article was originally published here

Houseplant clinic: why has my aloe vera gone floppy?

Though famously resilient, aloes are also sensitive to overwatering

What’s the problem?
I thought it was nearly impossible to kill aloe plants, but mine looks very pale and limp.

Diagnosis
You’re right; aloe vera is famously resilient and seen as an easy plant to care for. But all plants are living entities with specific care needs. Pale, floppy leaves usually indicate overwatering, inadequate sunlight, or poor drainage, which all cause the same problem: too much moisture in the soil. Aloe plants store water in their thick leaves, so any excess easily causes root rot and weak growth.

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* This article was originally published here

Our NSW council banned street-visible solar panels. What can I do?

Support for heritage homeowners investing in green tech is growing, writes policy professional Kat George. But you may need to put in some legwork

• Read more Australian customer service questions

Our home is in a heritage conservation area. Council rules prohibit the installation of solar panels that are visible from the street. However, there are dozens of homes with recently installed panels that are very prominent. When I queried council, they explained that I could provide addresses of these “offenders” and they may be fined and/or forced to remove panels. I want owners who are prepared to invest in solar to be rewarded, not penalised. What can I do?

– Scott, New South Wales

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* This article was originally published here

Celebrate Independence Day with a Beautiful Hand-Lettered USA Art Project

This Patriotic 4th of July Hand-Lettered USA Art is the perfect way to add some personalized charm to your holiday celebrations! Whether you’re decorating for your 4th of July BBQ or just want to add some festive flair to your home, this hand-lettering project is a beautiful and meaningful way to show your love for America.

With easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll learn how to create a stunning hand-lettered design that’s ideal for framing, cards, or even creating your own DIY decor pieces. This craft is perfect for all skill levels, making it a fun and creative activity to enjoy alone or with the whole family.

Ready to make your own hand-lettered masterpiece? href=”https://www.sisterswhat.com/2018/06/patriotic-4th-of-july-hand-lettered-usa.html” target=”_new” rel=”noopener” data-start=”808″ data-end=”925″>Check out the full tutorial here!

 

* This article was originally published here

My front door looks terrible. Is there a way to rescue it?

At this point, the only solution is to remove the finish, smooth the wood and start over.

* This article was originally published here

* This article was originally published here

My front door looks terrible. Is there a way to rescue it?

At this point, the only solution is to remove the finish, smooth the wood and start over.

* This article was originally published here

Transform Your Space with This Stunning Artisan-Made Sage Lamp – A Piece of Art That Doubles as Lighting



Looking to add a touch of elegance and warmth to your home? The Artisan-Made Sage Lamp is exactly what you need! This unique, handcrafted lamp not only provides soft, inviting light but also serves as a beautiful statement piece in any room. Made by skilled artisans, its beautiful sage color and intricate design will effortlessly complement any decor style, from modern to rustic.

Whether you’re looking to elevate your living room, bedroom, or home office, this lamp is the perfect blend of functionality and artistry.

Plus, it’s a great conversation starter!

Ready to illuminate your space with a stunning work of art? Check out the full details and grab your own artisan-made sage lamp here!

 

* This article was originally published here

Forty-Five Minute White Paper Bag Wreath

I recently came across the “Forty-Five Minute White Wreath” craft from My 100 Year Old Home, and let me tell you, it’s such a simple yet stunning DIY project. The beauty of this wreath is how quickly you can pull it together—just 45 minutes—and the results are honestly impressive.

What I love about this project is how easy it is to gather the materials. You don’t need anything fancy—just basic items like paper lunch bags and a straw wreath, along with a hot glue gun. And once you start gluing on the little paper flowers, the wreath starts coming together beautifully. It’s a perfect craft if you’re looking for something quick, budget-friendly, and elegant at the same time.

The wreath itself has this chic, timeless look to it, which makes it versatile for all kinds of occasions, whether you’re decorating for the holidays, a special event, or just adding a bit of charm to your home. It’s such a lovely way to incorporate simple materials into something that looks more intricate and expensive than it actually is.

I highly recommend this project. It’s easy to do, doesn’t take up much time, and the finished product is a beautiful addition to any space. If you’re someone who enjoys creating homemade décor without spending hours on it, this wreath is a winner!

* This article was originally published here

* This article was originally published here

Forty-Five Minute White Paper Bag Wreath

I recently came across the “Forty-Five Minute White Wreath” craft from My 100 Year Old Home, and let me tell you, it’s such a simple yet stunning DIY project. The beauty of this wreath is how quickly you can pull it together—just 45 minutes—and the results are honestly impressive.

What I love about this project is how easy it is to gather the materials. You don’t need anything fancy—just basic items like paper lunch bags and a straw wreath, along with a hot glue gun. And once you start gluing on the little paper flowers, the wreath starts coming together beautifully. It’s a perfect craft if you’re looking for something quick, budget-friendly, and elegant at the same time.

The wreath itself has this chic, timeless look to it, which makes it versatile for all kinds of occasions, whether you’re decorating for the holidays, a special event, or just adding a bit of charm to your home. It’s such a lovely way to incorporate simple materials into something that looks more intricate and expensive than it actually is.

I highly recommend this project. It’s easy to do, doesn’t take up much time, and the finished product is a beautiful addition to any space. If you’re someone who enjoys creating homemade décor without spending hours on it, this wreath is a winner!

* This article was originally published here

From hallway jets to ‘pregnant’ toothbrushes: my chaotic water flosser showdown

This week: everything I learned testing water flossers; summer wedding guest dresses; and the best Father’s Day gifts

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Cats and teeth. That’s my contribution to the Filter so far, writing recommendations for new cat owners and electric toothbrushes. Rather than combining the two in a piece on cat toothpaste, I’m instead doubling down on the latter, writing about the wonderful world of water flossers.

Water flossers, for those that don’t know, are exactly what they sound like. Rather than sticking a bit of dental floss or an interdental brush between your teeth and along your gums, the idea is that you can instead fire a jet of water. It’s more convenient and saves you the embarrassment of seeing what grim detritus you’ve been hoarding between your teeth each day.

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* This article was originally published here

Readers reply: should back gardens be sacrosanct, or are loud phones and speakers OK?

The series in which readers answer others’ questions on subjects ranging from flights of fancy to profound scientific concepts. Here, responses on back-garden etiquette

This week’s question: Are school and college reunions good for us?

It’s common these days for people to play music in their gardens on smart speakers or smartphones. But is it fair on the neighbours? Should gardens be quiet spaces without these kinds of sounds? Graham French, Sutton Coldfield

Send new questions to nq@theguardian.com.

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* This article was originally published here

I hate the recessed lights in my kitchen. What are my options?

The way the can lights are positioned makes me feel like I’m always cooking in my shadow.

* This article was originally published here

* This article was originally published here

I hate the recessed lights in my kitchen. What are my options?

The way the can lights are positioned makes me feel like I’m always cooking in my shadow.

* This article was originally published here

Treasured wedding gifts: dusters, pegs and a tea strainer | Letters

Former teacher Vivienne Seakins on the joyous memory of the laundry basket full of useful gifts that her pupils gave her. Plus, a letter from Andrew Keeley

Cliodhna Dempsey’s letter (Bridal bucket is the best wedding gift, 26 May) brought back the happiest of memories. In July 1968 I was 21 years old, on the last day of my first year of teaching in Hampshire, and due to be married eight days later. My lovely class of first-year juniors, at final assembly, presented me with a huge laundry basket. Then each of the 42 children came up to put something in it: dusters, dishcloths, pegs, tin opener, washing-up brush, dustpan, tea strainer, teaspoons, slotted spoon, wooden spoons – an abundance of very thoughtful and useful gifts.

The long pink ribbon to tie everything inside the basket proved invaluable: that evening, driving 110 miles to visit Tim, my fiance, the bonnet of my Austin A35 van flew up and I used the ribbon to tie the bonnet catch to the radiator grille to safely finish the journey. Nearly 57 years later, and after racking up 74 years of teaching between us, we remain happily married and still use some of the surviving items.
Vivienne Seakins
Rugby, Warwickshire

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* This article was originally published here

* This article was originally published here

Treasured wedding gifts: dusters, pegs and a tea strainer | Letters

Former teacher Vivienne Seakins on the joyous memory of the laundry basket full of useful gifts that her pupils gave her. Plus, a letter from Andrew Keeley

Cliodhna Dempsey’s letter (Bridal bucket is the best wedding gift, 26 May) brought back the happiest of memories. In July 1968 I was 21 years old, on the last day of my first year of teaching in Hampshire, and due to be married eight days later. My lovely class of first-year juniors, at final assembly, presented me with a huge laundry basket. Then each of the 42 children came up to put something in it: dusters, dishcloths, pegs, tin opener, washing-up brush, dustpan, tea strainer, teaspoons, slotted spoon, wooden spoons – an abundance of very thoughtful and useful gifts.

The long pink ribbon to tie everything inside the basket proved invaluable: that evening, driving 110 miles to visit Tim, my fiance, the bonnet of my Austin A35 van flew up and I used the ribbon to tie the bonnet catch to the radiator grille to safely finish the journey. Nearly 57 years later, and after racking up 74 years of teaching between us, we remain happily married and still use some of the surviving items.
Vivienne Seakins
Rugby, Warwickshire

Continue reading...

* This article was originally published here