White House to resume public tours in December

The tour had gone through the East Wing, which has been demolished.

* This article was originally published here

Products are changing what we think ‘clean’ smells like

Mojave peach detergent, birthday cake trash bags: Welcome to the new scent of clean.

* This article was originally published here

10 Christmas Cardinal Craft Projects For Bird Lovers

There’s something about a bright red cardinal that feels like pure Christmas magic. Whether you believe they’re little messengers from loved ones or simply adore their cheery pop of color, cardinals have a way of turning ordinary decorations into meaningful keepsakes. I’ve gathered 10 gorgeous Christmas cardinal craft ideas you can make this season—everything from rustic ornaments to whimsical papercrafts. So, grab your glue gun, pour a cuppa, and let’s bring a flock of festive cardinals into your holiday home.

1. Wood Slice Cardinal Ornament

Nature meets nostalgia with these sweet little wood slice ornaments. A hand-painted cardinal perched on a branch makes a rustic addition to your Christmas tree, and they’re lovely as handmade gifts, too.
Tutorial here

2. Air-Dry Clay Cardinal Ornaments

If you love crafts that double as keepsakes, this one’s for you. Shape simple birds from clay, let them dry, and add a coat of vibrant red paint. They’ll last for years and look stunning nestled among twinkle lights.
See how to make them

3. Hanging Paper Cardinal

Paper crafts never go out of style! These hanging cardinals can be cut with a Cricut or by hand and look beautiful dangling in windows or as accents on wreaths.
Get the paper cardinal instructions

4. Button Cardinal Art

This one is perfect for using up that jar of red buttons you’ve been saving. Arrange them into the shape of a cardinal and mount on cardstock for a crafty little art piece. Kids and grandkids will love helping with this.
Make a button cardinal

5. Paper Strip Cardinal

Here’s a craft that’s simple, cheerful, and lightweight enough to hang on any branch. Strips of red paper form the round little body of a cardinal—an easy project with a big “aww” factor.
Paper strip cardinal tutorial

6. Toilet Roll Cardinal Ornament

Eco-friendly and adorable! Upcycle cardboard tubes into quirky cardinals with just a bit of red paper and paint. They’re fun, festive, and practically free to make.
Watch the tutorial

7. Mason Jar Lid Cardinal Keepsake

Vintage vibes meet holiday sparkle in this mason jar lid craft. Add greenery, berries, and a beautiful cardinal image to create an ornament that looks like it came from a holiday market.
Full tutorial here

8. Light-Up Cardinal Décor

Take your mantel to the next level with this glowing centerpiece. Cardinals inside a lit-up display create a warm, wintry glow that feels extra cozy during the holidays.
See the project

9. Rustic Cardinal & Tree Décor

This farmhouse-inspired project brings together rustic wood, greenery, and a bright red cardinal for a timeless holiday display. Perfect for mantels, shelves, or even as a handmade gift.
Watch on YouTube

10. Four Cardinal DIYs in One Video

If you can’t pick just one project, here’s a craft buffet! This video shares four different ways to feature cardinals in your décor, from ornaments to wall art.
Watch the craft ideas

 

* This article was originally published here

6 paint colors that make basements feel like real rooms

These designer-approved shades bring high style to lower levels.

* This article was originally published here

Confessions of a serial leaf stealer: the garden gadget that actually made tidying fun

Autumn’s mess, sorted; tips for better mornings; and the best beard trimmers

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I love the colours in the trees at this time of year, but I know the joy won’t last. That beautiful kaleidoscope will drop to the ground and create a mulchy brown carpet. While wonderful for soil and many of the creatures that thrive as a result, leaves often need clearing up from our lawns, drives and pavements.

Many of us will reach for rakes and leaf grabbers – tried and tested tools that remain perfectly sufficient for the job for most people. However, for those of you with a larger garden, deciduous trees or a growing disinclination for thankless, laborious jobs (as I do as I get older), I’ve tested a selection of electric leaf blowers and garden vacuums designed to reduce the physical load.

The best beard trimmers to groom in comfort and style, tested

The 10 best e-readers in the UK, from Kindle to Kobo and beyond – tried and tested

To wash or not to wash? How to look after your knitwear

The best beauty Advent calendars in 2025: 13 favourites for a festive glow-up, tested by our expert

‘Two pairs aren’t enough’: the things our Filter experts swear by when they’re off duty

The best dehumidifiers: 14 favourites to beat damp and cut bills, tested

Continue reading...

* This article was originally published here

White House holiday decoration tour route will be updated

The tour had gone through the East Wing, which has been demolished.

* This article was originally published here

* This article was originally published here

* This article was originally published here

White House holiday decoration tour route will be updated

The tour had gone through the East Wing, which has been demolished.

* This article was originally published here

* This article was originally published here

White House holiday decoration tour route will be updated

The tour had gone through the East Wing, which has been demolished.

* This article was originally published here

Crafting on a Budget: DIY Mason Jar Christmas Projects

Mason jars transform into charming and versatile Christmas crafts with just a bit of creativity and seasonal inspiration. These humble glass containers can be repurposed into glowing centerpieces filled with fairy lights, hand-painted with snowy winter scenes for rustic farmhouse decor, or even turned into whimsical snow globes using glitter, faux snow, and mini holiday figurines.

Whether you’re looking to make budget-friendly holiday gifts, festive mantel decorations, or kid-friendly DIY projects, mason jar crafts are a go-to favorite for Christmas.

Use them as candle holders with holiday-themed cutouts, create Grinch-themed jars, or fill them with sweet treats and cocoa mix for delightful neighbor gifts. With so many simple yet stunning ideas, mason jars are the perfect base for your next handmade holiday creation.

Diy Snow Frosted Mason Jar Decorations

Magical 5 minute DIY snow frosted mason jar decorations: FREE beautiful Thanksgiving & Christmas decor, gifts, winter wedding centerpieces, & great crafts!

Get the Recipe: Diy Snow Frosted Mason Jar Decorations

Mason Jar Christmas Gifts

Learn how to add a custom DIY snow globe topper to your mason jar Christmas gift this year. This mason jar Christmas craft is so cute!

Get the Recipe: Mason Jar Christmas Gifts

Mason Jar Ornaments

These Dollar Tree mason jar ornaments are so easy to put together and will look great in a farmhouse themed holiday decor.

Get the Recipe: Mason Jar Ornaments

Trolls Mason Jars

Make these adorable Trolls Mason Jars for a Trolls-themed party or for a kids room! This is a fun Trolls party idea craft to do with kids!

Get the Recipe: Trolls Mason Jars

Mason Jar Bathroom Set

Make this mason jar bathroom set for your home in just minutes. This quick and easy project will add that farmhouse flair to your bath!

Get the Recipe: Mason Jar Bathroom Set

Grinch Mason Jar Make

You will love making this Grinch mason jar for your Christmas decor or to add in a fun gift for the holidays.

Get the Recipe: Grinch Mason Jar Make

Make Snowmen From Glass Jars

Learn how to make snowmen from glass jars using empty food containers, spray paint and a few craft supplies.

Get the Recipe: Make Snowmen From Glass Jars

Diy Mason Jar Christmas Decor

Turn a mason jar into a cute snow globe with this simple DIY mason jar Christmas decor craft to decorate your home with Fixer Upper style.

Get the Recipe: Diy Mason Jar Christmas Decor

Diy Painted Christmas Jars

Love to give simple & easy DIY gifts to neighbors and co-workers that everybody loves, but don’t want to break the bank? You’ll love these Christmas jars!

Get the Recipe: Diy Painted Christmas Jars

Recycled Jeans Mason Jar And Napkin Rings

Make this mason jar and napkin rings in just minutes using recycled jeans! A cute idea for a backyard BBQ or July 4th table setup.

Get the Recipe: Recycled Jeans Mason Jar And Napkin Rings

Diy Mason Jar Fairy House

Make this DIY mason jar fairy house for your home this spring. Includes a free fairy garden coloring page to make your own embellishments!

Get the Recipe: Diy Mason Jar Fairy House

Diy Snowman Soup Hot Cocoa Jar

Craft a festive DIY Snowman Soup Hot Cocoa Jar gift with this easy guide. Includes steps for a laser-engraved lid and homemade cocoa mix.

Get the Recipe: Diy Snowman Soup Hot Cocoa Jar

Snowy Diy Mason Jar Centerpieces

Create snowy DIY mason jar centerpieces with pinecones, conifers, candles and a dash of rustic charm—all in just 5 minutes and for only $1!

Get the Recipe: Snowy Diy Mason Jar Centerpieces

Snowman Mason Jars

Snowman Mason Jars are a fun craft to do with kids when it’s too cold to go outside or there’s no snow in sight!

Get the Recipe: Snowman Mason Jars

Holiday Mason Jar

A little rustic, a little glitzy. This simple DIY Snow Covered Holiday Mason Jar adds cozy charm to your mantel or table.

Get the Recipe: Holiday Mason Jar

Diy Glitter Mini Mason Jar Ornament

Make your own DIY glitter mini mason jar ornament with new miniature jars from Ball. Great for the Christmas tree or holiday gifting!

Get the Recipe: Diy Glitter Mini Mason Jar Ornament

Diy Mason Jar Vases Boho

Make beautiful DIY mason jar vases with a boho twist! A lovely addition to your home decor and easy to make.

Get the Recipe: Diy Mason Jar Vases Boho

14 Free Printable Mason Jar Labels & Tags [Scrap Booking]

20 Fall Mason Jar Crafts To Decorate Your Home

7 Fall Inspired Mason Jar Crafts [Glass Art]

* This article was originally published here

Are leaf blowers really necessary? The answer is blowin’ in the wind | Jess Harwood

What’s wrong with a rake?

Continue reading...

* This article was originally published here

Do any of those viral grout cleaners actually work? We tested them.

Can any method — new or old — take the drudgery out of cleaning your grout?

* This article was originally published here

Nearly half of UK garden space is paved over, RHS study finds

Homeowners urged to use more robust planting and permeable materials to help mitigate flood risk

Nearly half of the UK’s garden space is paved over, a new study has found.

The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) has conducted the largest ever audit of the UK’s gardens, and found that they are an untapped – and until now, mostly unmeasured – potential resource for nature.

Continue reading...

* This article was originally published here

Christmas Mug Mini Centrepieces

There’s something about Christmas miniatures that instantly tugs at the heartstrings. Maybe it’s the nostalgia of childhood Christmas villages, or the way tiny pinecones and miniature houses make us feel like we’re peeking into a secret little world. These Christmas Mug Mini Centrepieces capture that magic perfectly — they’re like holding a snowy, storybook street scene right in your hands.

They’re also wonderfully versatile. You can make them to suit your holiday colour scheme, use them as dinner table centrepieces, line them up along your mantel for a charming winter display, or gift them to friends and neighbours for a handmade touch that feels truly special. Best of all, they’re incredibly quick to put together. With just a mug, some festive picks, and a few well-placed seasonal trinkets, you can create a piece that looks like it came straight from a boutique Christmas shop.

And be warned… once you make one, you’ll want to make a whole village.

 

Materials You’ll Need

• Christmas mugs (ceramic, in festive colours like red, green, or grey) 
• Oasis floral foam or dry craft foam block 
• Hot glue gun and glue sticks 
• Artificial greenery (plastic pine branches, mini fir sprigs, faux holly leaves) 
• Pinecones (real or artificial, small size) 
• Mini ornaments (baubles, glitter balls, berries) 
• Miniature Christmas houses or other seasonal figurines (gingerbread houses, reindeer, snowmen) 
• Small bottle brush trees 
• Optional: faux snow, tiny candy canes, bells, ribbon bows 

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prepare Your Mugs

Choose mugs with a colour that complements your festive theme. Wash and dry them thoroughly.
If you want these to be reusable after the holidays, consider lining them with plastic wrap before adding foam.

 

2. Add the Foam Base

• Cut a piece of oasis or craft foam to fit snugly inside the mug. 
• Push it down so the top is level with (or slightly above) the mug’s rim. 
• For a more permanent arrangement, hot glue the foam to the inside bottom. 

3. Create Your Greenery Base

• Start by cutting small pieces of artificial greenery (pine needles, fir branches, holly). 
• Insert them into the foam around the edges to form a full wreath-like base. 
• Angle the branches slightly downwards at the edge to hide the mug rim and foam. 

4. Add Height with Trees and Picks

• Place a small bottle brush tree or glitter tree toward the back or side for depth. 
• Insert other taller picks (berries, glittered leaves, or mini pinecones on sticks) toward the back and middle. 
• Secure each piece with hot glue for stability. 

5. Place Your Feature Item

• Choose a central focal point, like a mini Christmas house or gingerbread cottage. 
• Position it slightly forward so it’s easy to see. 
• Push it into the foam and add a dab of hot glue underneath to keep it in place. 

6. Layer in Ornaments and Accents

• Tuck in small baubles, glitter balls, and pinecones around the base of the house. 
• Alternate colours for a balanced, eye-catching look. 
• Add any extra fun details like candy canes, faux snow sprinkles, or mini bells. 

7. Fill Any Gaps

• Look from all angles to spot empty spots. 
• Fill gaps with smaller greenery sprigs, berries, or ornaments. 
• The fuller it is, the more magical it looks. 

8. Finishing Touches

• Dust with faux snow for a wintry effect. 
• Tie a ribbon around the mug handle for extra charm. 
• If gifting, wrap the whole arrangement in clear cellophane and tie with a bow. 

Display & Gifting Ideas

• Line up a few in different mug colours for a festive mantel display. 
• Use as table centrepieces for Christmas brunch. 
• Give as a teacher, neighbour, or hostess gift. 
• Pair with a packet of hot chocolate mix for a cosy winter treat. 

Crafty Tip:
You can easily adapt this idea for other seasons — think pastel flowers for spring, spooky minis for Halloween, or seashells for summer.

 

* This article was originally published here

Book Review: The Beekeeper’s Bible – A Must-Have for Anyone Who Cares About Saving the Bees

If you’ve ever thought about beekeeping—or even just felt concerned about the future of our planet—then The Beekeeper’s Bible is the kind of book you need on your shelf. Written by Richard A. Jones and Sharon Sweeney-Lynch, this isn’t just a how-to guide. It’s an inspiring, deeply informative celebration of bees, beekeeping, and the incredible role these little pollinators play in keeping our ecosystems thriving.

What really struck me about this book is how beautifully it blends history, science, and hands-on instruction. It starts with a fascinating look at the history of beekeeping, which honestly gave me a whole new appreciation for how long humans and bees have been working together. But it doesn’t stop at storytelling—it dives straight into practical beekeeping advice for beginners and seasoned keepers alike.

You’ll learn about hive types, seasonal care, bee behavior, and how to manage healthy colonies—something that’s becoming more and more urgent as bee populations continue to decline. The more we understand bees, the better we can protect them. And this book makes that learning process feel approachable and genuinely enjoyable.

One of my favorite parts? The section filled with honey recipes and beeswax crafts. It reminds you that keeping bees isn’t just about the science—it’s about joy, creativity, and connection to nature. I tried my hand at a few recipes (yes, honey cake!) and even dabbled in making a beeswax candle, which turned out far better than I expected.

But what I love most about The Beekeeper’s Bible is its quiet, steady reminder that saving bees starts with us. Whether you start a backyard hive or just become more aware of pollinator-friendly gardening, every small step helps. This book isn’t pushy or preachy—it simply makes you want to do better by these amazing creatures.

If you’re interested in sustainable living, eco-friendly gardening, or even just curious about how to support the bees in your area, this book will inspire and empower you. It’s more than a reference—it’s a call to action, wrapped up in gorgeous photos, thoughtful writing, and a whole lot of love for the bees

10 DIY Bee Hotels You Can Make For Your Garden

Tips For Creating a Bee Friendly Garden

* This article was originally published here

Zero gravity herb gardens and micro honey harvesters: Australia’s Good Design awards 2025 – in pictures

From clever home appliances to potentially life-saving medical devices, this year’s Good Design award recipients were praised for their innovation, sustainability and aesthetic appeal

Continue reading...

* This article was originally published here

Book Review: 100 Plants to Feed the Bees

If you’re passionate about protecting the planet, helping bees is one of the most impactful things you can do—and 100 Plants to Feed the Bees by The Xerces Society is an incredible guide to get you started. This book isn’t just about pretty flowers—it’s about restoring balance to our ecosystems by planting with purpose.

With pollinator populations in decline, this guide offers practical, science-backed advice for creating bee-friendly spaces in your backyard, balcony, or community garden. It features 100 carefully selected plants—including wildflowers, herbs, shrubs, and trees—that are known to support native bees, honeybees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds.

Each plant profile gives you helpful information like bloom time, habitat preferences, and which pollinators it benefits most. I found this super helpful for choosing plants that not only look great but actually do something. The emphasis on native plants is especially powerful—because those are the ones our local pollinators evolved alongside and rely on the most.

What I appreciated most about this book is how easy it makes getting started. Even if you’re not a seasoned gardener, you can pick up this book and begin making a difference right away. The tips on pesticide-free gardening and creating nesting areas are eye-opening and accessible.

I’ve already started rethinking my garden beds. Instead of picking plants just for color or style, I’m choosing ones that will help feed the bees and build a healthier environment. And yes, I’ve already spotted more buzzing visitors than usual—proof that it works!

If you’re looking for an easy and meaningful way to support bee conservation, 100 Plants to Feed the Bees is a fantastic resource. It’s informative, beautifully organized, and full of inspiration for creating a pollinator paradise. Every flower counts—and this book shows you exactly how to make each one matter.

10 DIY Bee Hotels You Can Make For Your Garden

 

How to Make a Beehive In a Jar

* This article was originally published here

* This article was originally published here

Book Review: 100 Plants to Feed the Bees

If you’re passionate about protecting the planet, helping bees is one of the most impactful things you can do—and 100 Plants to Feed the Bees by The Xerces Society is an incredible guide to get you started. This book isn’t just about pretty flowers—it’s about restoring balance to our ecosystems by planting with purpose.

With pollinator populations in decline, this guide offers practical, science-backed advice for creating bee-friendly spaces in your backyard, balcony, or community garden. It features 100 carefully selected plants—including wildflowers, herbs, shrubs, and trees—that are known to support native bees, honeybees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds.

Each plant profile gives you helpful information like bloom time, habitat preferences, and which pollinators it benefits most. I found this super helpful for choosing plants that not only look great but actually do something. The emphasis on native plants is especially powerful—because those are the ones our local pollinators evolved alongside and rely on the most.

What I appreciated most about this book is how easy it makes getting started. Even if you’re not a seasoned gardener, you can pick up this book and begin making a difference right away. The tips on pesticide-free gardening and creating nesting areas are eye-opening and accessible.

I’ve already started rethinking my garden beds. Instead of picking plants just for color or style, I’m choosing ones that will help feed the bees and build a healthier environment. And yes, I’ve already spotted more buzzing visitors than usual—proof that it works!

If you’re looking for an easy and meaningful way to support bee conservation, 100 Plants to Feed the Bees is a fantastic resource. It’s informative, beautifully organized, and full of inspiration for creating a pollinator paradise. Every flower counts—and this book shows you exactly how to make each one matter.

10 DIY Bee Hotels You Can Make For Your Garden

 

How to Make a Beehive In a Jar

* This article was originally published here

Houseplant clinic: my ‘cactus’ is getting too tall for my room

It’s actually a euphorbia, and some careful pruning will solve your problem – and result in a more attractive plant

What’s the problem?
I’ve had this cactus for many years, but it keeps getting taller and soon it will hit the ceiling. How can I stop the plant growing without doing it harm?

Diagnosis
The plant in question isn’t a true cactus at all, but a succulent called Euphorbia trigona, also known as the African milk tree. Like many columnar euphorbias, it can shoot up rapidly indoors if it’s happy, often outgrowing its space. Luckily, the plant responds well to pruning if done carefully.

Continue reading...

* This article was originally published here

Gold Foil No-Carve Pumpkins – Glam Fall Décor in Minutes

If glitter isn’t your thing but you still love a touch of sparkle, these Gold Foil No-Carve Pumpkins are your new autumn obsession. They’re elegant, easy, and add a high-end designer look to your seasonal décor without a single knife or mess in sight.

Whether you’re styling a coffee table, Thanksgiving centerpiece, or front porch display, these pumpkins bring the kind of cozy sophistication that makes guests say, “Wait—did you make those?”

(SEO keywords: gold foil pumpkins, no carve pumpkin ideas, fall home decor, glam Halloween crafts, DIY metallic pumpkins)

What You’ll Need

• White pumpkins (real or faux work beautifully) 
• Gold foil sheets (look for craft or imitation leaf gold, available here on Amazon) 
• Foil adhesive or Mod Podge 
• Soft brush or foam applicator 
• Small dry brush for removing excess foil 
• Optional: Clear acrylic spray sealer for protection 

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep Your Pumpkin

Wipe down your pumpkins with a damp cloth to remove any dirt, dust, or waxy residue. Make sure they’re completely dry before you start applying adhesive.

If you’re using faux pumpkins, a quick coat of matte white paint can help them look more natural and give the gold leaf something to grip onto.

Step 2: Apply the Adhesive

Brush a thin, even layer of foil adhesive or Mod Podge onto the areas you want the gold to stick. You can:

• Cover the top only for a dipped effect. 
• Apply random patches for a chipped metallic look. 
• Or go bold with full coverage for a solid gold statement pumpkin. 

Let the adhesive become tacky — usually about 10–15 minutes (follow your product’s instructions).

Step 3: Lay the Gold Foil

Gently place your gold foil sheet onto the tacky surface. Don’t worry if it wrinkles or tears; those imperfections are what make it beautiful.

Press the foil down softly with a clean, dry brush or your fingers. You’ll see the metallic leaf start to adhere like magic.

Step 4: Remove Excess Foil

Once the foil is secure, use a soft dry brush to gently buff away any loose flakes. You’ll be left with a stunning distressed gold pattern that catches the light perfectly.

For more drama, layer a second sheet of foil on top and repeat the process.

Step 5: Seal (Optional)

If you’re displaying your pumpkins outdoors or plan to reuse them, lightly spray with a clear acrylic sealer. This keeps the foil from tarnishing and adds a soft satin finish.

Styling Tips

• For a cozy vignette: Pair with dark vases, dried grasses, and black or burgundy throws for that modern farmhouse-luxe look (just like pictured above). 
• For a glam tablescape: Mix your pumpkins with brass candlesticks, white linens, and eucalyptus stems. 
• For a minimalist Halloween: Keep everything monochrome — white pumpkins, black table, and a few metallic highlights. 

CraftGossip Tip

Try mixing gold, silver, and copper foil on one pumpkin for a mixed-metal look that transitions beautifully from Halloween to Thanksgiving.

Or, if you love a little extra texture, use matte black paint as your base color instead of white — the gold foil will pop like you bought it from an interior boutique.

Why You’ll Love This Craft

• It’s mess-free — no carving, no pumpkin guts. 
• Looks expensive but costs next to nothing. 
• Great for holiday transitions — it works for Halloween and Thanksgiving décor. 
• You can reuse faux versions every year.

20+ DIY Pumpkin Themed Centerpieces For Fall

A Beautiful No Carve Pumpkin Decorating Option

* This article was originally published here