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    Disney Is Selling a Chip Succulent for People Who Love Plants and ‘Beauty and the Beast’

    With our Disney trips on hold for the unforeseeable future, we’re finding creative ways to bring the essence of the theme parks to us. Luckily, the magical brand is making it easy by releasing new products that bring smiles to our faces. Among them is the Chip Succulent that was made for Beauty and the Beast fans.

    Disney

    Chip Succulent

    The ceramic “cup” is 5 inches tall, so it’s an adorable size to place on your desk or table. The Chip Potts design has a high-gloss glaze finish and has sand glued at the top to look like a real plant. It is a faux succulent, after all, so you won’t have to worry about giving it TLC.“Despite Chip’s flawed appearance, no liquids need spill from this pot inspired by the little cup from Beauty and the Beast. The faux succulent will thrive happily without watering so it’s no wonder Chip is smiling,” the description says.The new Chip Succulent has just hit shopDisney to order for $14.99. While we await our next trip to Disney World or Disneyland, we hope this puts a little sparkle in your heart in the meantime.

    Caitlyn Fitzpatrick
    Senior Editor
    As the senior editor of social and social news, Caitlyn covers the tastiest, coolest, and strangest products for BestProducts.com, and she is the lead of social strategy for Popular Mechanics, Runner’s World, and Bicycling Magazine; her work has also appeared in POPSUGAR, InStyle, Stylecaster, among others.

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    Dining Room Mood Boards: Simple Swaps

    I always love how just a small change can transform the whole look and feel of a room!
    We made 3 mood boards (in a similar style of our dining room) below. In each mood board, we swapped out only the dining tables and rugs! Which look is your favorite?
    LOOK ONE:

    Sources:
    Round Rattan Mirror
    White Oval Extending Dining Table
    Wicker Dining Chair
    Blue and White Patterned Rug
    Ship Art
    Banquette Dining Bench
    Whitewashed Wood Bead Chandelier
    Rattan Bookshelf
    Black Star Candle Holder Sconce
    Aqua Taper Candle
    Blue and White Chinoiserie Vase
    Blue and White Striped Tassel Pillows
    LOOK TWO:

    Sources:
    Round Rattan Mirror
    Wood Oval Dining Table
    Wicker Dining Chair
    Pink Patterned Rug
    Ship Art
    Banquette Dining Bench
    Whitewashed Wood Bead Chandelier
    Rattan Bookshelf
    Black Star Candle Holder Sconce
    Aqua Taper Candle
    Blue and White Chinoiserie Vase
    Blue and White Striped Tassel Pillows
    LOOK THREE:

    Sources:
    Round Rattan Mirror
    Black Dining Table
    Wicker Dining Chair
    Blue / Multicolored Patterned Rug
    Ship Art
    Banquette Dining Bench
    Whitewashed Wood Bead Chandelier
    Rattan Bookshelf
    Black Star Candle Holder Sconce
    Aqua Taper Candle
    Blue and White Chinoiserie Vase
    Blue and White Striped Tassel Pillows

    Fun, huh? Which look is your favorite? I hope this inspires you today to think about simple swaps you could make in your home! You can ‘shop your home’ for something you already have, or mix in a new piece you love to create your own unique style and space! More

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    How to Wash an Electric Blanket, According to Cleaning Experts

    Whether you’re cozying up on the couch watching a movie or crawling into bed, it’s hard to beat the heat an electric blanket can offer on a freezing cold night. The electric wires sandwiched between the blanket’s fabric layers provide on-demand warmth that can be adjusted to get the perfect level. And like other bedding such as comforters and pillows, it needs a good cleaning every so often. According to Carolyn Forte, Executive Director of the Home Appliances and Cleaning Products Lab, an electric blanket should be washed several times per season depending on use. However, with all those wires, you may wonder if it’s even safe to wash an electric blanket and if so, how to do it. Luckily, most electric blankets can be machine washed without damage. Here at the Good Housekeeping Institute, we do a lot of laundry, whether it’s finding the best washers and dryers or testing to find the best blankets. Below, we’ve put together an easy step-by-step guide on how to wash an electric blanket as well as other tips on how to care for it.Products you’ll need:Laundry detergent: Our pros recommend Tide’s Hygienic Clean Liquid Laundry Detergent.Washer: In the market for a new one? The Whirlpool Top Load Washer with 2 in 1 Removable Agitator earned high marks in our tests and can definitely handle the bulkiness of a blanket or comforter.Drying rack: A simple folding one will do the trick. The Amazon Basics Foldable Laundry Rack has high ratings. How to Wash an electric blanket in a washing machine:Step 1. Check and follow the care label. Most electric blankets are machine washable and some can be put in the dryer, however, be sure to check and follow the care label instructions. Step 2: Make sure the cords are unplugged. Electric blankets have removable cords or control panels which are the source where the heat comes from. Be sure all cords are unplugged from the blanket before putting it in the wash. Step 3: Use a large capacity washer and dryer. It’s best to use a front-loading washing machine or top-loader, preferably without an agitator, like GH 2021 Best Cleaning Product Award winner Whirlpool Top Load Washer with 2 in 1 Removable Agitator, so the blanket does not get caught or stuck which could potentially damage the wires. If there are no specific wash instructions on your blanket, use a gentle or delicate cycle and cool or warm water. Step 4: Dry gently. Follow the drying instructions on the blanket. If none are given, lay the blanket flat to dry on a rack or tumble dry it on the lowest heat setting. Make sure the blanket is completely dry before using it otherwise the wiring may be damaged.

    How to wash an electric blanket by hand:If machine washing is not an option or preferred, the electric blanket can also be washed by hand. Make sure all cords are removed and fill the bathtub with cold water and a small amount of mild detergent. Let it soak for a few minutes and then gently agitate the water with your hands. Drain the tub of sudsy water and fill it with clear water. Swish and squeeze the blanket to rinse. Repeat as often as needed until all the soap is removed. Carefully squeeze out excess water and roll in some towels if you can to absorb excess moisture, making sure not to bend the wires. Tumble dry on low or lay flat to dry.Additional tips on caring for an electric blanket: Unless specifically recommended by the manufacturer, do not dry clean an electric blanket or use bleach or other harsh chemicals as these can damage the wiring.Avoid high heat as it can damage the wiring, choose a low heat setting on the dryer or dry the blanket on a rack away from radiators or heaters.If you notice any brown spots, broken or exposed wires, stop using the blanket immediately and purchase a replacement: the brown spots likely mean it has overheated, causing burnt areas.
    The Products You Need to Care for Your Electric Blanket

    Hygienic Clean Liquid Laundry Detergent

    Tide
    walmart.com

    $11.97

    Foldable Laundry Rack

    Amazon Basics
    amazon.com

    $38.86

    Whirlpool Top Load Washer with 2 in 1 Removable Agitator

    Whirlpool
    lowes.com

    $1,100.00

    Jamie Kim
    Jamie Kim is a consumer products expert with over 15 years of experience in areas of product development and manufacturing.

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    Learn How to Knit Mittens in a Few Easy Steps

    Adapted from a vintage Good Housekeeping pattern, this tutorial for knit mittens is made modern with simple colors and easy-to-read instructions. Challenge yourself by knitting a pair featuring an embroidered heart for your loved one this Valentine’s Day, or any romantic occasion! DOWNLOAD THE PATTERNWhat You’ll Need:You can also use comparable yarns such as Purl Soho Linen Quill Worsted , Knit Picks Wool of the Andes or Lion Brand Wool Ease. If you want to invest in a set of interchangeable circular needles, we like the sets from Lykke. Try the More

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    The Black Artists + Designers Guild's New Pottery Barn Collection Has All You Need for Entertaining

    Since its inception in 2018, the Black Artists + Designers Guild (BADG) has been passionate about celebrating the work and voices of Black creatives — a mix of talented interior designers, architects, artisans and artists. Now the BADG is bringing their inspiring message to an even larger audience with the launch of a stylish home collection for Pottery Barn, available on PotteryBarn.com now. The new offerings, which Pottery Barn created with BADG members Penny Francis, Casi St. Julian and Lisa Turner, include a range of more than 25 products that are meant to elevate the experience of entertaining at home. Consumers can shop an assortment of statement dinnerware, table linens, bar essentials, games, as well as bedding must-haves, ranging from $29.50 to $249. Every piece in the thoughtful line is designed around the concept of “Black Joy” with a focus on four themes that speak to BADG’s mission — unity in the quest of inclusion and equity; triumph over tribulations; celebration of love and family; and harmony as a connected community.

    Courtesy of Pottery Barn

    “For us, ‘Black Joy’ is possibility and empowerment, a celebratory theme that is woven into our collection,” said BADG Founder Malene Barnett. “This partnership with Pottery Barn builds on our mission to honor ancestral legacies while embracing liberatory creative practices. We love creating spaces to celebrate Black culture in design, and our collection invites everyone to celebrate with us.”This is the second time Pottery Barn has collaborated with BADG. Last year, the retailer sponsored the group’s Obsidian Experience, a virtual show house that explored the significance of home for Black families. Shop the Black Artists + Designers Guild x Pottery Barn collection below and show your support for Black makers.

    Shop the Black Artists + Designers Guild Collection for Pottery Barn

    Celebration Stoneware Dinnerware Set

    potterybarn.com

    $159.00

    Unity Embroidered Pillow Cover

    potterybarn.com

    $69.50

    Unity Hurricane Candleholder

    potterybarn.com

    $69.00

    Close-Knit Throw

    potterybarn.com

    $149.00

    Joy Lumbar Pillow Cover

    potterybarn.com

    $49.50

    Triumphant Vases

    potterybarn.com

    $183.00

    Unity Handcrafted Wire Serving Bowl

    potterybarn.com

    $59.00

    Celebration Glass Tumblers

    potterybarn.com

    $49.50

    Embroidered Sentiment Napkins

    potterybarn.com

    $48.00

    Triumphant Etched Handcrafted Ice Bucket

    potterybarn.com

    $79.00

    Celebration Backgammon Set

    potterybarn.com

    $149.00

    Rhythm Handwoven Charger Plate

    potterybarn.com

    $29.50

    Monique Valeris
    Senior Home Editor, Good Housekeeping
    Monique Valeris is the senior home editor for Good Housekeeping, where she oversees the brand’s home decorating coverage across print and digital.

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    Build a Bar in Your Living Room With These Affordable Amazon Finds

    You heard it here first: living room bars will be all the rage in 2022. While a cozy night in with your favorite movie and libation is nothing new, the pandemic fueled an unofficial home bar renaissance. Home bars filled a void when crowded dives and buzzy cocktail lounges were closed, and more recently, they’ve been put to the test as many of us are entertaining again. “This trend started during the lockdowns and, as we’ve all got used to staying at home more, continues unabated,” designer Emma Green told House Beautiful when predicting trends for the New Year. Whether you’re tackling a full-scale basement bar renovation or live in an apartment where even a bar cart is a tight squeeze, now’s the moment to build your very own bar. It will unlock new potential in any space by adding both style—think decorative glassware and cocktail recipe books—and function. And you can do it on a budget, too. If it still feels overwhelming, grab a glass of wine and relax, because we’ve got you covered. Below, we break down everything you’ll need to build a bar in the comfort of your own living room. You’ll need a bar cart, glassware, bartending tools, mixers, cocktail recipes, and a few accessories.To make the project come together in a cinch, everything featured here is available on Amazon. Start now and you could have a brand new bar in under a week. Time to host happy hour in style.Interested in learning about the best tricks to maximize space in your home? We’ve got you covered!BAR CARTSBar carts are the quick, simple, and budget-friendly solution to building a bar at home. With the right bar cart and a few accessories, you’re one “buy now” button away from making your home bar dreams a reality. Construction woes, be gone! Thanks to their growing popularity, it’s easier than ever to find the right cart for your space. You can go full-gilded glam with gold hardware and mirrored shelves, rustic with wood and metal finishes, a traditional acrylic trolley route, or anywhere in between (I’m opting for this mid-century mahogany moment). If none of these from Amazon are quite your aesthetic, check out some of our other favorites here.

    Cadman Acacia Wood Bar Cart

    Christopher Knight Home

    $209.99

    Sinclair Gold Serving Cart

    Silverwood

    $159.99

    $109.12 (32% off)

    Wood & Metal Wine Rack

    WGX Design For You

    $219.00

    Odessa Gold Circle Bar Cart

    FirsTime & Co.

    $121.30

    Maliza Marble & Gold Bar Cart

    South Shore

    $226.52

    Clear Acrylic Serving Cart

    Coaster Home Furnishings

    $299.00

    $193.99 (35% off)

    Iva 3-Tier Swivel Bar Cart

    Safavieh

    $255.75

    Marshall Metal Utility Cart

    Ameriwood Home

    $54.00

    $40.68 (25% off)

    GLASSWARECocktails just taste better when served out of fancy glassware. Whether you’re going with a bar cart, open shelving, or something more elaborate for your home bar design, having a sparkling set of vessels at the ready is a must. Not only will they add some decoration to your space, but they’ll also make your bar that much more functional. Martinis, mules, and a champagne toast will be at your fingertips!

    Crystal Rocks Glasses

    Farielyn-X

    $25.99

    Martini Glasses

    Lenox

    $49.95

    $42.11 (16% off)

    Moscow Mule Mugs

    Champagne Flutes

    Vintorio

    $26.99

    BARTENDING TOOLSImpress your friends with your bartending skills the next night you entertain. Whether you’re a budding mixologist or like to keep things simple, a solid set of bartending tools will meet you where you are—and up your cocktail game. All of the options below come with essential tools like a shaker or mixing glass, jigger, muddler, and strainer. If you’re starting from scratch, some also include a corkscrew, ice tongs, liquor spout, and more.

    10-Piece Bar Set with Bamboo Stand

    Mixology & Craft

    $79.99

    $49.97 (38% off)

    24-Piece Gold Cocktail Set

    SOING

    $54.99

    Rabbit Essential Bar Tools Set

    Rabbit

    $82.12

    18-Piece Bartender Kit

    Oyydecor

    $35.99

    MIXERSWe’ll leave the spirits up to you, but there are a few mixers every home bartender should have at the ready. Stock these essential mixers on the bottom shelf of your bar to impress your guests (or treat yourself) with a top-shelf cocktail every time.

    Pure Cane Simple Syrup

    Stirrings

    $10.39

    Premium Tonic Water

    Fever-Tree

    $37.51

    Sweet & Sour Mix

    LAVA

    $46.99

    Aromatic Bitters

    Angostura

    $30.49

    COCKTAIL BOOKS One of the final touches to a home bar is a sensible stack of cocktail recipe books. They’ll be there to inspire when it comes time to whip up a batch of drinks, so be sure to pick books that fit your personality, skill level, and the vibe of your bar. If you’re honing the cocktail craft, this guide to 3-Ingredient Cocktails is a lifesaver. If you’re well-versed in your favorites and want to learn something new, grab a book that dives deep into the history, flavors, and traditional drinks from a particular region or culture.

    Death & Co: Modern Classic Cocktails

    David Kaplan & Nick Fauchald

    $40.00

    $35.99 (10% off)

    Spirits of Latin America: A Celebration of Culture & Cocktails

    Ten Speed Press

    $24.99

    $13.69 (45% off)

    3-Ingredient Cocktails

    Robert Simonson

    $18.99

    $15.99 (16% off)

    Women’s Libation!: Cocktails to Celebrate a Woman’s Right to Booze

    Merrily Grashin

    $18.00

    $10.39 (42% off)

    ACCESSORIESLike most things in life and design, no bar is complete without a few accessories. Transfer liquor from bottles with brazen labels into a crystal decanter, or use serving trays to keep everything organized. These final touches will join your collection of spirits, glassware, bartending tools, and recipe books to take your bar from a work-in-progress to a veritable speakeasy.

    Matte Coffee Table Tray

    Montecito Home

    $49.95

    $40.99 (18% off)

    Crystal Decanter with Starburst Detail

    Bormioli Rocco

    $21.97

    Sphere & Square Silicone Ice Cube Trays

    glacio

    $19.99

    $17.75 (11% off)

    Double-Wall Stainless Steel Ice Bucket

    FineDine

    $26.99

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    Heath Owens
    Heath Owens is a Commerce Editor and Writer at Hearst Magazines, where he covers fashion, home, tech, gifts, and more. 

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    Traditional & Collected Coastal Style: Get the Look Mood Board

    Cozy and Inviting (Get the Look!) is a fun periodic “mini-series” on The Inspired Room!
    To get that “cozy and inviting” mood many of us crave for our home, in this series I share a variety of inspiration rooms that feel cozy and inviting to me (for a variety of reasons!). Then I quickly brainstorm a list of whatever elements I see that I think help create that mood. We will also feature items or tips to “get the look” into your own home.
    Today’s inspiration rooms are all from a beautiful home I found in New England Home Magazine. It is a traditional look with a bit of a coastal vibe, it feels so cozy and collected! Enjoy the inspiration images below and then you’ll find some design observations and get the look sources below.

    Wallpaper – KASAI Wallpaper at Thibaut

    Here are some of my observations and notes on what stands out to me about this home. At end of this post you’ll find a design mood board and more pieces I would consider including in the design if I was styling a similar space!

    Rattan accent pieces
    Antique looking dining table and bed
    Soothing paint colors
    Fun pops of green
    Accessories and furniture with a collected look
    Fun patterns used in the window treatments, garden stools, wallpaper, artwork, pillows and furniture
    Warm wood in every photo
    Unique accent lighting
    Twisted taper candles
    Natural rugs with subtle patterns
    Books (I have a fun post full of rooms decorated with books here)
    Interesting details on furniture and accessories like fringe, tassels, trim
    Fun pattern lampshades (gingham, scalloped woven, pleated with pattern)
    Landscape paintings and chinoiserie botanical artwork
    Decorating with collections (blue and white pottery, books, baskets, the green cabbage dishes, books etc)
    Inviting seating areas (window seat, plenty of dining seating, conversation area in living room)
    Lively plants and flowers

    See more photos of this home here: New England Home Magazine

    Mood board sources (click links below):
    Turquoise twist taper candles
    Green and white geometric ottoman
    Gold metal adjustable wall sconce
    Framed landscape summer mountains artwork
    Round rattan wall mirror
    Green and white floral vine curtains
    Green ceramic lamp
    Blue and white ikat pillows
    Taper turned wood candlesticks
    Green ceramic cabbage plate
    6 light brass round chandelier with white shades
    Taper turned wood candlestick set
    Blue and white ceramic garden stool
    Teak oval wood stool
    Blue and white ginger jar
    Blue and white ginger jar with lid
    Striped jute sisal rug
    Cane back wood dining chair (and here is a woven wicker dining chair with blue velvet seat)

    More similar sources below (click thumbnails for details):

    You can find other posts in the Cozy & Inviting Get the Look series below!
    Cozy & Inviting: Dining RoomCozy & Inviting: Coastal Living RoomCozy & Inviting: Kitchen More

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    3 Dream Bathrooms You’ll Want to Recreate

    Here’s a dirty little secret: Bathrooms don’t always get the attention they deserve when it comes to renovations. While homeowners are busy drooling over their fantasy kitchens — or, as WFH becomes the new norm, creating a home office space — the bath can start to slip down the priority scale. And yet fewer things are more impactful than transforming the room where you start and end your day into a jaw-dropping retreat.Looking for a little inspo? We’re here to help. This trio of bathrooms — brought to life by The Home Depot — show how nicely your own space can clean up with just a little bit of effort. Maybe it’s adding some eye-catching tile or a bold pop of color, or finally scoring the freestanding tub you’ve always wanted. No matter the project, it’s time to jump right in. Bold and Beautiful

    The Home Depot

    If you’re the type who loves to live in color, this rich-looking room, which melds three vibrant shades, is your ideal. Thanks to the grounding emerald green and white Carrara polished porcelain tile carried up from the floor, the glossy blue scalloped mosaic shower panel and gray-hued subway tile accent wall complement each other instead of competing for attention.Keeping most of the other elements neutral or natural (a white vanity, a teak shower mat, a garden seat hand-built from reclaimed wood) helps the focus stay on the vibrant walls. Hang a few favorite pieces of art and — voilà — you’ve got a masterpiece.A Crisp Classic

    The Home Depot

    Gleaming porcelain flooring, a subtle herringbone backsplash, and sparkly chrome fixtures give this airy space luxury-spa vibes. And with double vanities in blue (a soothing color that’s been shown to help calm your mind), you’ll get an extra dose of relaxation every time you step inside the stainless shower enclosure beautifully accented with aqua glass mosiac tiles.And while this space doesn’t come with its own personal masseuse (if only!), it does offer endless chilling-out opportunities in the form of a standalone acrylic flatbottom tub.Picture of Bliss

    The Home Depot

    Who ever said that neutrals were boring? Case in point: This gray and white space that’s anything but blah with its elegant wainscotting (painted Behr Ultra’s Natural Gray) and polished marble mosaic tile allow the geometric backdrop to be the star by pairing it with quieter pieces. Think timeless Carrera marble-topped vanity, polished brushed nickel and chrome fixtures, a frameless shower door, and white porcelain flooring.Every bathroom’s made better with a freestanding tub like this acrylic flatbottom pick just made for bath bomb-filled evenings in. Add a wooden caddy, your favorite scent, and a good read, and you’re all set to soak to your heart’s content.

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