Aurelia Butler

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If you’ve been scrolling online the past few weeks, you may have noticed a laundry “hack” pop up in your feed. You know the one, where people are tossing their laundry detergent cap into their washing machine with their clothes, claiming it will help prevent the cap from becoming sticky and filled with detergent residue. But as with everything you see online, you’re probably asking yourself if it really works. To figure it out once and for all, we asked Carolyn Forté, the Good Housekeeping Institute’s Home Care and Cleaning Lab executive director, for her input on the matter. Here’s what she had to say.Should you put your laundry cap in the machine?In this day in age, no. This may come as a surprise, especially because many detergents state on their label that you can add them to the washer to clean. But here’s why you shouldn’t.”In older machines that used a lot more water, the cap would likely get rinsed clean, but now, it’s more likely to get caught in your clothes, cause snags and even crack and leave behind bits of plastic in your washer,” says Forté. Therefore, it’s best to avoid using this “hack,” especially if you have a new washing machine. Instead of tossing the cap in the washer, Forté recommends rinsing the cap separately in the sink. It may take a few extra seconds, but your clothes and washer will thank you. If you’re having a hard time kicking the cap habit, here are a few of our favorite laundry detergents, without caps, that we’d recommend you use instead. Best Capless Laundry DetergentsBest OverallTide Heavy Duty Laundry Detergent PacsBest ValueCleancult Laundry Detergent SheetsBest TabletsBLUELAND Laundry Detergent Tablet Starter SetHelpful Laundry HacksKate Franke (she/her) is an editorial assistant in the Hearst Lifestyle Group, covering for Woman’s Day and Good Housekeeping. She loves all things lifestyle, home, and market related. Kate has a BAJMC in Magazine Media and BA in Writing from Drake University. She is a proud ASME alum whose work has appeared in Food Network Magazine, The Pioneer Woman Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Modern Farmhouse Style, Beautiful Kitchens & Baths, and more. Next to writing, Kate’s two favorite things are chai lattes and pumpkin bread! More

With well-thought out plans, highly-rated contractors and top-notch materials, a renovation can completely transform your home. While that’s typically an exciting thought for most homeowners, the process can also be quite nerve-wracking — think tons of contracts, decisions and sometimes, unexpected costs. When an issue presents itself throughout the usually longer-than-expected renovation process, relationships between homeowners can suffer. According to Block Renovation’s latest report, 15% of boomers and 22% of Gen Xers reported tension with a partner or loved one compared to 39% of millennials, who said the process put a strain on their relationships.The increased pressure to make decisions, both financially and stylistically, is bound to put any relationship to the test. Eric Bramlett, realtor and owner of Bramlett Real Estate, has plenty of experience assisting couples with their renovations. “It goes without saying that any renovation project can be a stressful time for a lot of couples, and the different stress points do vary. However, the most common one I see comes down to budget. The key is to try and strike a balance so both partners are happy,” says Bramlett. So how exactly can you do that? We’ve outlined the top stressors that can appear throughout a renovation, along with expert tips on handling disagreements and making decisions as a unit. More Renovation TipsThe Common StressorsRenovations can be frustrating for a number of reasons, but there are a few common concerns that tend to pop up for almost all homeowners going through the process. Understanding them before signing that contract can prepare you and your partner for what’s to come. Financial decisions: One partner may desire high-end finishes while the other is more interested in saving. Renovation timeline: The timeline at the beginning of the process changes throughout, causing unexpected (and frustrating) delays. Other changes: For example, the materials the couple initially decided on are no longer available, or the cost for those materials has changed. How to Manage Disagreements Lack of communication is usually at the root of most issues couples face during the renovation. Here are a few points to discuss with your partner before beginning the renovation and while it’s in progress. Alistair Berg//Getty ImagesCreate a clear budgetIf you and your partner can settle on a clear budget early on, you’ll be more likely to agree on whether or not new additions or changes are possible once the project is underway. Bramlett also suggests creating a list of key goals you hope to achieve throughout the renovation process so that your priorities are aligned. Collaborate at every stepMaybe one person is more passionate about flooring decisions and the other is more concerned with stylistic choices. While it’s completely normal for each person to have different interests, it’s important for both people to collaborate throughout the entire project.”Couples who collaborate and communicate every step of the way are less likely to experience disagreements, in my experience,” says Bramlett. “For example, it’s best to have both partners fully involved in every step of the renovation process, rather than one partner being responsible for one element and the other partner overseeing something else.” Keep in contact with your contractorCommunication between you and your contractor is a two-way street, so don’t be afraid to ask for updates or express any worries you may have. Staying up to date with your contractor can help you face issues as soon as they arise. Remember the end goalConstant construction and decision making is bound to become overwhelming. Bramlett suggests looking at the bigger picture: “If the renovation process starts to get tense, take a step back with your partner and remember the end goal of the project. Remind yourselves that any renovation project is going to be stressful and that you’re not alone.”The Bottom LineRawf8//Getty ImagesIt’s no surprise that renovations can put a strain your relationship. While it might be impossible to avoid conflicts altogether, there are plenty of choices, whether budget-, material- or design-related, that you can discuss in advance to avoid decision fatigue throughout the process. Laura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates.  More

While growing a typical garden is usually enjoyable on its own, what if there was a way to make the whole experience just a bit more — let’s just say — magical?That’s what the fairy gardens are all about. These whimsical outdoor areas incorporate miniature accessories to attract fairies and other magical creatures to your backyard. They can be grown in raised garden beds, pots, containers or even in the ground. With thousands of fairy garden posts on TikTok, kids and adults of all ages are getting in on the fun. Think tiny fairy houses, figurines and even small tables and chairs for your magical creatures to dine when they visit. What are fairy gardens?Fairy gardens are the perfect blend of gardening and crafting. What’s more, they’re a creative, playful hobby everyone can enjoy. “We’ve been wanting to create a garden on the deck together this spring but also have it be a space we can add to and have fun with,” says Rose France of @roselynfrance. “My daughter suggested a fairy garden after watching Tinker Bell and we loved the idea!”How to DIY your ownTo make your own fairy garden, simply follow the steps you would to create a traditional garden, but make sure you choose miniature plants or opt for flowers that aren’t too much taller than your figurines. Janit CalvoJanit Calvo’s in-ground miniature garden with a dwarf Pusch Norway Spruce on the left and a Cis Dwarf Korean Fir on the right. The fairy is 4” tall. “I build my miniature gardens in pots by planting them just like a full-sized garden, following the same design rules and queues but it’s all miniaturized. A miniature garden can last for up to 10 years in a container when you start with the right plants,” says Janit Calvo of The Mini Garden Guru. If you need design inspiration, check out Pinterest for flower or theme ideas before heading to your local plant shop or farm. Where to find affordable materialsSo you have your plants and you’ve decided on a theme. Now what? TikTok users are discovering tons of adorable supplies at their local dollar store. “They have great options for fairy gardens. We also check thrift stores,” says France. Calvo also suggests opting for materials that can be reused year to year to save money and avoid adding to the landfill. Alternatively, you can try recycled materials around the house. “A bottle cap and cork make a cute stool, and a tiny clay pot topped with a part of a jar lid and painted are a sweet table,” says Julie Pruett of Gingham Gardens.Once you find everything you need to bring your garden to life, have fun planting and crafting all at once. Whether you go for a container, raised bed or in-ground garden, fairies are bound to fly on by. 12 Pcs Garden Accessories Fairy Garden CottagesFairy Garden Accessories Fairy Garden Mini FigurinesMore Gardening TipsLaura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates.  More

I was organizing my bedroom the other day when I noticed something lurking in the background — a suitcase sitting between my two dressers. Somehow, without me noticing, it had made itself at home in that crevice, contributing to clutter I didn’t even know I had. That’s when I realized it: I had gone clutter blind. While my apartment is pretty organized and I declutter regularly, I had let that suitcase from my last vacation (weeks ago, may I add) claim its “spot” on the floor due to my own laziness to unpack. I spend hours in my bedroom every day, and not once did I think to put it away in my closet with the rest of my travel gear. It had simply become a part of the space, as natural as my nightstand or desk. Clutter blindness can be as minor as becoming accustomed to that one out-of-place suitcase on the floor or as major as not realizing every surface in your home is full of stuff. Regardless of the severity of the case, it can be hard to come to terms with. What is clutter blindness?”Clutter blindness is when you become so used to the clutter in your home that you stop noticing it’s there. Your brain adapts to the environment, and the clutter blends into the background instead of standing out as something that needs attention,” says Victoria Tran of Sorted.Cheryl Russo of Organizing by Cheryl says to think about a fridge full of magnets or a junk drawer — when you look at the space, you don’t really process what’s there, which makes it easy to forget about what you have. How to tell if you’ve gone clutter blindGoing clutter blind means you can’t really see your own mess. While that definitely poses a challenge, don’t worry. There are a still a few expert-approved ways to get a fresh perspective on your space to tell if you’ve gone clutter blind.NoSystem images//Getty ImagesTake a photo: “Take a photo of the space and look at it as if you were seeing it for the first time,” says Holly Blakey of Breathing Room. Looking at your home through a different lens often offers a fresh perspective. You might notice a few items that are out of place that you don’t typically see when you’re actually sitting in the room.”Invite a friend over: “A great way to check yourself is to ask a family member, friend or someone who doesn’t visit often to give you their honest first impression of a space. Fresh eyes can spot things you’ve stopped seeing long ago,” says Tran.Evaluate your emotions at home: Does grabbing the keys before heading out feel more exhausting than it should? Do you feel a sense of overwhelm in your home without being able to pinpoint the exact reason? Invisible clutter might be behind why you feel unsettled. How to combat clutter blindnessThe hardest part about going clutter blind is realizing it. Once you’ve accomplished that, there are plenty of ways to combat your disorganization at home and form new habits. ✔️ Schedule in decluttering sessions: “We recommend making sure you are scheduling time monthly to edit down your belongings weekly to do organizing refreshes in your main rooms and daily 10-minute quick cleans to keep everything tidy from day to day,” says Christie Childers of Imagine It Done.✔️ Start small: “Even small resets make a big difference — dedicating a little time each week to resetting high-traffic areas like kitchen counters or entryways helps you stay ahead of the clutter before it becomes overwhelming again,” says Tran.✔️ Give yourself grace: “You can create small, gentle rhythms: setting a timer for 10 minutes to reset one surface or choosing one ‘home base’ (like the entry table or kitchen counter) to keep clear. Little by little, awareness returns, not through judgment, but through loving attention. When we see our spaces with fresh eyes, we start to feel more at calm in them,” says Blakey.Declutter With UsLaura Millar (she/her) is the assistant lifestyle editor for Good Housekeeping, where she covers home design. Prior to joining Good Housekeeping in 2024, she wrote for NBC’s TODAY.com, where she covered everything from entertainment news to pop culture updates.  More

Like cooking, gardening is a science that requires knowledge, a stable environment and a little luck to create a bountiful harvest. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t simple hacks or cheat codes gardeners can use to help their crops thrive.One of those hacks is seed-soaking, a tactic used to speed up the vulnerable germination stage, giving seeds a greater chance at survival and a fruitful harvest. To learn more about this germination method, we reached out to Dr. Alan Taylor, a horticulture professor at Cornell University’s School of Integrative Plant Science, who provided us with insights into the benefits of seed-soaking and how to soak garden seeds at home. Why soak garden seeds?To achieve a bountiful garden harvest with baskets full of vegetables, fruits and herbs, plants must first survive the seed stage where they face adversities, such as weeds, frost, flooding, animals and more. This can be a challenging time, but seed-soaking can provide plants with a leg-up, making it a worthwhile practice for hobby gardeners.The timeframe between sowing, otherwise known as planting, and sprouting is when a plant is at its most vulnerable. Seed-soaking can speed up this critical period. “Faster germination and seedling emergence gives your vegetable crop a good head start and competitive edge over weeds,” says Dr. Taylor. Overall, soaking garden seeds can give your crops a better chance of survival during a pivotal growth period.What garden seeds need soaking?Nearly all vegetable seeds can benefit from seed-soaking. Although it is most common to practice on large-seeded vegetables because of their thick coats, which are harder to penetrate with water. Examples of large-seeded vegetables include: sweet corn, peas, cucumbers, pumpkins, squash, table beets and more. While small-seeded vegetables can also benefit from soaking, they can be harder to manage due to their small size and finicky nature. Dr. Taylor recommends soaking “[small seeds] that take a long period of time to germinate, like carrots, parsley and parsnip.”Some seeds, such as garden beans and lima beans, are more sensitive to injury and prone to oversaturation, so it’s best to avoid soaking them, unless you have a keen eye and experience with germination. Micha Pawlitzki//Getty ImagesSteps for soaking garden seeds The easiest and most popular method for seed-soaking is the paper towel method, which can be used on small and large seeds. The method ensures seeds absorb water slowly and have plenty of oxygen to grow. Dr. Taylor recommends following the directions below for the best seed germination results.Good HousekeepingHow long do you soak garden seedsIt’s best to soak garden seeds in a temperate space overnight. However, if you forget about them and leave them for longer than 12 hours, it’s okay — just don’t exceed 24 hours of soaking. If they’re left to germinate for too long, they may absorb an excess of water and begin to sprout or rot. More Gardening StoriesKate Franke (she/her) is an editorial assistant in the Hearst Lifestyle Group, covering for Woman’s Day and Good Housekeeping. She loves all things lifestyle, home, and market related. Kate has a BAJMC in Magazine Media and BA in Writing from Drake University. She is a proud ASME alum whose work has appeared in Food Network Magazine, The Pioneer Woman Magazine, Better Homes & Gardens, Modern Farmhouse Style, Beautiful Kitchens & Baths, and more. Next to writing, Kate’s two favorite things are chai lattes and pumpkin bread! More

If you’re looking to bring a pop of color to your collection of leafy greens, Lisa Eldred Steinkopf of the Houseplant Guru waxes poetic about aglaonema. “In years past, it was a plain green plant seen in every mall and office suite,” she says. “Though those green ones have their place, they have been hybridized to have colorful leaves in all shades of pink, red, peach, green and more.”That said, aglaonema has a lot more to offer than good looks. As Steinkopf points out, they’re low-maintenance, too. “Because it has slightly succulent stems, it is a bit drought-tolerant,” she says. “The colorful leaves don’t need full sun to keep their beautiful colors.” Difficulty: EasyLighting Preferences: Bright, indirect sunlightWatering Requirement: Water when soil is completely dry. Average Height: 2-3 feetClimate: Grow best in 65 to 75°F. Since they love humidity, you might want to mist them every so often.Care Tips: These plants do best in well-drained soil and benefit from occasional fertilizer. More

Client Challenge

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