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Food & Drink 2m read
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Keep Drinks Cold Without Watering Them Down

When it comes to keeping drinks cold, most of us turn to the humble ice cube — several of them, in fact. Whether from a tray in the freezer or a dispenser in the refrigerator, they’re relied on time and again to prevent beverages from reaching room temperature.

All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. House Outlook may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content.

When it comes to keeping drinks cold, most of us turn to the humble ice cube — several of them, in fact. Whether from a tray in the freezer or a dispenser in the refrigerator, they’re relied on time and again to prevent beverages from reaching room temperature.

And yet, they also water drinks down, diluting the flavor of whatever you’re sipping — be it water, soda, or alcohol — and leaving a bad taste in your mouth. If you’ve been waiting for a better option, your time has come.

Go for Grapes

The best part of this hack is that you might already have the key ingredient in your fridge: grapes. Roughly the same size as an ice cube and considerably tastier, frozen grapes will keep your seltzer, sangria, wine, and other drinks cold without watering them down; if anything, they’ll improve the taste by adding a touch of fruit.

Related: How To Slice Grapes and Cherry Tomatoes in Seconds Flat

Freeze for the Perfect Chill

Separate the grapes from their stems and wash them in a colander. Pat them dry with paper towels or a clean kitchen towel. For a burst of fruity flavor in your drinks, cut the grapes in half; otherwise, leave them whole. Place the grapes on a baking sheet and cover with plastic wrap.

Leaving grapes in the freezer overnight is ideal, but not necessary. They freeze fairly quickly, usually in just two to three hours, so freezing them in the morning before enjoying afternoon libations will afford you plenty of time to make grape cubes.

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No More Dilution

If you’re using them for wine, make sure to match green grapes with white wine and red or purple grapes with red wine. (Lambrusco, anyone?) Once you’ve finished your refreshing beverage — ideally while hosting several friends, all of whom will surely be impressed by your ingenuity — you can even eat your makeshift cubes.

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Michael Nordine
Staff Writer and Editor
Michael Nordine is a writer and editor living in Los Angeles. He has two cats and wishes he had more. His film criticism has appeared in Variety, The Los Angeles Times, and The Village Voice, among others.
This article is for general informational purposes only.
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Featured Image Credit:  AndreyCherkasov/ iStock | Updated  Jun 16, 2025 |
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Cleaning 2m read
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Get Streak-Free Glass With This Kitchen Item

If you typically clean glass with Windex and paper towels, it’s time to rethink your approach. While many traditional glass cleaning methods remove dirt, they often leave behind streak marks that can be even more of an eyesore. Fortunately, you can avoid those streaks altogether using a few items you likely already have sitting around.

All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. House Outlook may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content.

If you typically clean glass with Windex and paper towels, it’s time to rethink your approach. While many traditional glass cleaning methods remove dirt, they often leave behind streak marks that can be even more of an eyesore. Fortunately, you can avoid those streaks altogether using a few items you likely already have sitting around.

Coffee Filters — Not Just for Coffee

While we often associate coffee with staining — whether it’s our teeth or a white button-up — coffee filters have quite the opposite effect. They’re a great cleaning tool that won’t break the bank, as they’re usually made from lint-free material. This makes them the perfect solution for stubborn streaks. You can use them to clean light fixtures, windows, kitchenware, or any other glass item.

Grab an empty spray bottle and fill it with equal parts distilled white vinegar and water. Despite its basic ingredients, this mixture works wonders for a streak-free shine. It’s nontoxic, and the acidity helps dissolve dirt, grime, and mineral buildup.

Related: Cleaning Your Mirrors This Way Will Prevent Bathroom Fog

Note: You can use whatever commercial glass cleaner you have on hand if you don’t want to whip up one yourself; just avoid using it on any surfaces that come into contact with food.

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Next, pick the right filter. Any standard bleached white coffee filter will do — they’re cheap and plentiful, and they get the job done. Steer clear of unbleached filters, which are usually brown in color and may leave behind a papery residue.

Spray the vinegar-water mixture onto the filter until it’s lightly damp. Be careful to avoid soaking the filter, as too much moisture will just create more of a mess. Wipe the damp filter along any glass surfaces in need of a clean, working your way from top to bottom in a zigzag motion. If the filter gets too moist or dirty, swap it out for another and continue until the glass is sparkling and streak-free.

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Bennett Kleinman
Staff Writer
Bennett Kleinman is a New York City-based staff writer for Optimism Media, covering topics for several brands including House Outlook and Better Report. He previously contributed to television programs such as "Late Show With David Letterman" and "Impractical Jokers," and digital publications like The Onion. Bennett is also a devoted New York Yankees and New Jersey Devils fan, and thinks plain seltzer is the best drink ever invented.
This article is for general informational purposes only.
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Featured Image Credit:  tab1962/ iStock | Updated  Jun 16, 2025 |
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Home Improvement 4m read
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Keep Your Home Cool With This Heat-Blocking Hack

Cranking up the air conditioner during the hottest days of summer is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, the best way to beat the heat is by lowering the thermostat and transforming your home into an ice palace straight out of the movie Frozen. But on the other hand, doing so usually comes at a cost, specifically in the form of bank-breaking energy bills (not to mention the environmental impact).

All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. House Outlook may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content.

Cranking up the air conditioner during the hottest days of summer is a double-edged sword. On the one hand, the best way to beat the heat is by lowering the thermostat and transforming your home into an ice palace straight out of the movie Frozen. But on the other hand, doing so usually comes at…

That being said, there are ways to keep your home cool that don’t involve the AC unit, leading to a more affordable energy bill in the long run. Here’s one helpful hack anyone can use, as it requires only a few simple tools and a little DIY knowledge.

What You’ll Need

Before we go further, let’s gather a few things you probably already have lying around the house. You’ll need a spray bottle, a squeegee, and a razor blade.

Related: A Seasonal Thermostat Guide for Maximum Comfort and Savings

The key to this hack is heat-controlling window film, which can be easily adhered to most windows. This product from Gila is an excellent choice and comes in multiple sizes. It claims to block out up to 72% of total solar energy, leaving your home feeling cooler. You’ll also need an application solution, which we’ll delve into below.

A Temporary Fix

If you’re looking for a short-term solution to blocking out the sun and don’t mind an obstructed view, you can also use a roll of reflective insulation, attaching it to your window with heavy-duty double-sided tape.

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Time To Apply

Once you’ve gathered your supplies, the application process is straightforward. You should always read the instructions that came with your specific heat-controlling window film, but here are a few general guidelines. (Note: If you have double-pane windows, check the manufacturer’s warranty beforehand. Interior film is not always recommended, as heat can get trapped between the panes and cause the seal to fail.)

First, measure the windows to determine the film size needed, and cut each piece accordingly.

Next, make the application solution. Gila sells its own version, but you can achieve the same results using 1 quart of purified water and a few drops of baby shampoo. Stir to combine, then pour it into your empty spray bottle. The application solution helps clean the glass and prep it for installation.

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Use the application solution to clean the interior side of the window, drying it with a microfiber cloth to pick up any lint. With the film cut to size, carefully remove the sticky backing. Then, take the application solution and spray both the adhesive side of the film and the window once again, ensuring they are thoroughly soaked. This will make it easier to reposition the film and remove air bubbles or wrinkles.

Moving from top to bottom and from the center outward, carefully press the wet, sticky side of the film against the window. Once the window film has been installed, lightly spray the outside with the application solution again — this will give the squeegee more slip. Take the squeegee and firmly glide it along the film to remove any air bubbles — we recommend working from the center outward for the best results. Finally, take a razor blade and carefully remove any excess film until it fits the window’s precise shape. When you’re done, use a clean microfiber cloth to dry the window and frame.

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Bennett Kleinman
Staff Writer
Bennett Kleinman is a New York City-based staff writer for Optimism Media, covering topics for several brands including House Outlook and Better Report. He previously contributed to television programs such as "Late Show With David Letterman" and "Impractical Jokers," and digital publications like The Onion. Bennett is also a devoted New York Yankees and New Jersey Devils fan, and thinks plain seltzer is the best drink ever invented.
This article is for general informational purposes only.
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Featured Image Credit:  pashapixel/ iStock | Updated  Jun 23, 2025 |
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Gardening 3m read
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Do This to Your Basil for Growth All Summer Long

Growing herbs is one of the most rewarding and high-impact options for anyone with limited space. You can grow useful amounts in a pot or windowsill planter, or set up a bed in the corner of a larger garden to grow your favorites.

All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. House Outlook may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content.

Growing herbs is one of the most rewarding and high-impact options for anyone with limited space. You can grow useful amounts in a pot or windowsill planter, or set up a bed in the corner of a larger garden to grow your favorites.

One thing you’ll quickly learn is that some herbs try to blossom and go to seed as the summer heat sets in. While it’s only natural for them to want to reproduce, if you’re looking to maximize your basil harvest, you’ll need to work around that hard-coded trait. Here’s a quick and easy hack to help keep your basil growing lavishly all summer long.

Growing Basil the Smart Way

This technique has nothing to do with your growing conditions, so put down the compost or fertilizer. It works equally well for a single pot on the windowsill or a large garden bed (if you plan on making enough pesto to last you all year). You can start as soon as you set out your transplants and continue until the cold weather kills your plants.

Related: This Chef-Approved Trick Keeps Herbs Fresher for Longer

So, how does it work? Very simply: Take a close look at your basil plant, and you’ll see that its leaves grow in pairs on either side of the stem. Look down the plant to find a big, healthy pair of leaves on a strong stem. Now, pinch the stem just above those leaves (or snip it with a pair of clean scissors). As the basil plant grows, those two leaves will develop into sturdy stems themselves, giving you two stems instead of one. Once those two stems have grown big and strong, repeat the process to get four stems.

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“Cut and Come Again”

This is the exact same process you would use to make a houseplant (say, a coleus) grow thick and bushy, and it works just as well with basil. The big plus is that as each stem fills out, you’ll get an ever-growing supply of leaves to harvest, providing you with more of what you love. Eventually, you’ll be able to take all the leaves you need without stripping the entire plant bare.

This practice of continuous harvesting, rather than a single large harvest, is called “cut and come again.” (It works really well with lettuces and other greens, too.) Pinching and pruning your basil this way will greatly increase your harvest, which is excellent news for any basil-lover.

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Fred Decker
Writer
Fred Decker is a trained chef and former restaurateur. Since closing his restaurants over a decade ago he has been a prolific freelance writer, publishing several thousand articles on dozens of high-volume websites including Taste Of Home, Hunker, Tasting Table, Week&, eHow, and GOBankingRates. He lives on a rural acreage shared with a big garden, chickens, rabbits, and grandkids.
This article is for general informational purposes only.
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Featured Image Credit:  Vesnaandjic/ iStock | Updated  Jun 16, 2025 |
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Food & Drink 3m read
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The Simple Cooking Trick for Perfect Seasoning Every Time

Seasoning food (or at least, seasoning it well) is one of the subtlest and most complicated kitchen skills. It’s often what separates exceptional cooks from ordinary ones. A bit of natural talent certainly helps, but most of us learn through trial and error. And experimenting is fun, except when it’s almost dinnertime and your food still needs … something. You could go for broke and simply start adding things to the pot, but then you’re risking the whole meal. Here’s a quick tip for getting your seasoning just right, so you never ruin a dish.

Seasoning food (or at least, seasoning it well) is one of the subtlest and most complicated kitchen skills. It’s often what separates exceptional cooks from ordinary ones. A bit of natural talent certainly helps, but most of us learn through trial and error. And experimenting is fun, except when it’s almost dinnertime and your food…

How To Season Food (Safely) by Experimenting

There’s no substitute for hands-on experimentation in the kitchen. The downside is that freewheeling gets expensive in a hurry, especially if you’re spoiling entire batches of soups, stews, sauces, or whatever else you’re cooking. So, here’s how you can experiment freely and sharpen your skills while minimizing cost and risk.

Related: When You Should Toss Old Spices

It’s startlingly simple: Instead of adding the ingredient to the pot or pan, scoop out a spoonful of broth, sauce, or gravy, and add a smidgen to that spoonful. Now taste it, and see what you think. Did that pinch of salt, pepper, or garam masala make it better? Did that bit of minced rosemary play nicely with the garlic and thyme? If so, you can add it confidently to the main pot. If not, scoop out a second spoonful and try it with a different ingredient.

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How To Get the Most Out of This Hack

How you use this hack depends on your goal. If you just want dinner on the table and you’re in “fix it now” mode, stop when you find something that works. Add that ingredient to the rest of your dish and call the moment a success. But if you want to build your skills, feel free to try a few extra things even after you find something that works.

This gives you a lot more trial with no-consequence errors, so there’s no downside to flexing your skills and learning which flavor combinations please your palate. It will make you a better cook and teach you some combinations you might not consider otherwise.

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Fred Decker
Writer
Fred Decker is a trained chef and former restaurateur. Since closing his restaurants over a decade ago he has been a prolific freelance writer, publishing several thousand articles on dozens of high-volume websites including Taste Of Home, Hunker, Tasting Table, Week&, eHow, and GOBankingRates. He lives on a rural acreage shared with a big garden, chickens, rabbits, and grandkids.
This article is for general informational purposes only.
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Featured Image Credit:  delihayat/ iStock | Updated  Jun 10, 2025 |
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Food & Drink 3m read
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Never Lose Food Through the Grill Grates Again

Grilling steaks and burgers is easy. They’re big, flat, and sit nicely on the grate. But what if you’re grilling shrimp or vegetables? These can be small enough and thin enough to slip through the grill grates, where they’re quickly incinerated on the flames or coals. The usual solution for such delicate ingredients is to buy a grill basket, but who has the space for more single-use gadgets? Fortunately, there’s an inexpensive item you probably already have in your kitchen that works just as well — or arguably even better.

All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. House Outlook may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content.

Grilling steaks and burgers is easy. They’re big, flat, and sit nicely on the grate. But what if you’re grilling shrimp or vegetables? These can be small enough and thin enough to slip through the grill grates, where they’re quickly incinerated on the flames or coals. The usual solution for such delicate ingredients is to…

Use a Cooling Rack as Your Grill Basket

The wire racks you use for cooling freshly made cookies and crisping oven-baked chicken wings make a perfectly good grill basket. In fact, depending on the selection of cooling racks you have on hand, you may find that a rack gives you more space for grilling asparagus, broccoli florets, or sweet pepper spears than the grill baskets at your local hardware store.

Related: A Better, Safer Way To Clean Your Grill (No Wire Brush!)

However, not all racks are safe for grilling. Pick one that’s bare metal, without a nonstick coating, or the heat of the grill will ruin the surface. As the grill preheats, place the rack on the grate with its feet pointing up. Before adding your ingredients, lightly coat the cooling rack with cooking spray, ideally something with a high smoke point. Use a long pair of tongs to move the cooling rack around the grill as needed, whether to avoid hot spots, make room for burgers, or for any other adjustments. Then, once it’s oiled and in place, add the vegetables, shrimp, or other food you want to cook.

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The Advantages of Grilling on a Cooling Rack

There are benefits to this grilling hack beyond not buying another unitasker. As mentioned earlier, a rack can give you a bigger cooking surface. Better yet, you can change the size and shape of your cooking surface simply by picking a different rack. You can’t do that with grill baskets, unless you’re willing to accumulate them in multiple sizes. That’s even worse than splurging on a single unitasker, especially since you probably already own cooling racks in multiple sizes.

To clean the rack when you’re done, let it soak in a sink full of soapy water to soften the food debris, then clean it with a brush or run it through your dishwasher. Tip: If the rack won’t fit in your dishwasher standing on its edge, lay it flat on the upper tray, atop the other dishes. The rack will let enough water through to clean everything else, and it will still come clean itself.

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Fred Decker
Writer
Fred Decker is a trained chef and former restaurateur. Since closing his restaurants over a decade ago he has been a prolific freelance writer, publishing several thousand articles on dozens of high-volume websites including Taste Of Home, Hunker, Tasting Table, Week&, eHow, and GOBankingRates. He lives on a rural acreage shared with a big garden, chickens, rabbits, and grandkids.
This article is for general informational purposes only.
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Featured Image Credit:  Diana Light/ Unsplash+ | Updated  Jun 10, 2025 |
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Decorating 3m read
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The Summer Bedding Mistake Causing You To Overheat

Temperatures are rising, and so are your chances of tossing and turning all night — especially if you’re a sweaty sleeper who’s constantly throwing off the covers. Even if you don’t typically run hot at night, it’s time to rethink your bedding for the summer. There may be a simple mistake you’re making, but there’s also an easy solution: Change your sheet fabric.

All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. House Outlook may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content.

Temperatures are rising, and so are your chances of tossing and turning all night — especially if you’re a sweaty sleeper who’s constantly throwing off the covers. Even if you don’t typically run hot at night, it’s time to rethink your bedding for the summer. There may be a simple mistake you’re making, but there’s…

Look at the tag on your sheets and duvet cover. The material matters more than you may have thought. Synthetic fibers, such as polyester and microfiber, are often affordably priced and low-maintenance, but they come with a major downside: They are notorious for trapping heat and moisture, making summer nights sweaty.

“Synthetic sheets can feel slick, plasticky, or overly warm against the skin,” says Saul Moreno, director of sales at Downright, a 50-year-old handmade bedding company in Brooklyn, New York.

Related: This Is the Secret to Fluffy, Luxury Hotel-Style Bedding

Instead, shop for bedding made from natural fibers such as cotton or linen. These materials’ breathability can’t be beat, and you’ll appreciate their moisture-wicking properties during hot weather. Not sure which to choose? Each fabric has its advantages. “Linen feels naturally cool to the touch due to its looser weave and structure, which does not cling to the body. Cotton is soft and breathable, offering comfort without trapping heat,” Moreno says.

Best of all, natural fibers only get better with time. Both linen and cotton fibers open up with each wash, creating an even softer fabric with increased airflow. Worried about wrinkles with linen bedding? Don’t be — they add to the fabric’s relaxed, effortless charm. Mother Nature also prefers natural fibers to synthetic ones. Linen and cotton are biodegradable, and therefore much kinder to the environment compared to synthetic sheets.

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Tip: Wash bedding made of natural fibers in cold water, which is gentler than hot water. This helps maintain the fiber’s integrity and breathability, so your sheets will look and feel good for years to come.

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Megan McCarty
Writer
Megan McCarty is a Los Angeles-based writer who covers the fun stuff: design, travel, wellness, beauty, and fashion. She has written for publications including Domino, The Spruce, MyDomaine, Bustle, and Rue Magazine. Her life rules include, but are not limited to, zipper when merging, contribute to your IRA, and do the nice thing.
This article is for general informational purposes only.
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Featured Image Credit:  EyeEm Mobile GmbH/ iStock | Updated  Jun 6, 2025 |
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Cleaning 3m read
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These Two Natural Ingredients Keep Flies Away

Even the world’s most fervent animal lover would rather flies and mosquitoes stay far away from their home. These pests can bite, spread diseases, and contaminate food just by landing on it. But keeping flies away is easier said than done, and many popular methods use potent chemicals. Thankfully, there’s a simple, natural solution for repelling flies, and it calls for only two ingredients you might already have lying around the kitchen.

All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. House Outlook may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content.

Even the world’s most fervent animal lover would rather flies and mosquitoes stay far away from their home. These pests can bite, spread diseases, and contaminate food just by landing on it. But keeping flies away is easier said than done, and many popular methods use potent chemicals. Thankfully, there’s a simple, natural solution for…

The Recipe? Lemons and Cloves

For this trick, all you’ll need is a fresh lemon (a lime will also do) and some whole cloves. It may surprise you to learn that flies, mosquitoes, and similar pests are repelled by the potent natural oils in citrus fruit, and are also turned off by the smell of cloves. This combination makes citrus and cloves the perfect one-two punch for keeping flies at bay.

Slice the lemon crosswise into two even halves. Next, press the whole cloves into the exposed flesh of the fruit so that the stems are submerged and the buds stick out of the top. You’ll want a decent amount of cloves (at least 10, maybe even 20) sticking out of the lemon so that the odor is potent enough to repel flies. Once that’s done, place both halves into a bowl with the flesh side facing up. Then, position the bowl wherever flies are a problem, and they should start dissipating in no time.

Related: A Powerful Ant Spray With Just Two Nontoxic Ingredients

This trick works inside your kitchen, near the front door, atop an outdoor dining table, or in any other location around the house where you’re likely to encounter flies and other pests. It’s really that simple — the flies will be repelled by the oils and odors emanating from this natural repellent. The lemon-clove combination should last for a few days, but once the fruit begins to dry up, you should replace it with a new batch for optimal efficacy.

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Bonus Tip

Did you know that flies and mosquitoes are also repelled by some plants and herbs? Basil, mint, lavender, rosemary, and lemongrass are a few of the plants known to ward off flies. So plant a little herb garden outside or on your kitchen windowsill — this will not only help keep flies away, but also supply you with delicious fresh herbs for every meal.

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Bennett Kleinman
Staff Writer
Bennett Kleinman is a New York City-based staff writer for Optimism Media, covering topics for several brands including House Outlook and Better Report. He previously contributed to television programs such as "Late Show With David Letterman" and "Impractical Jokers," and digital publications like The Onion. Bennett is also a devoted New York Yankees and New Jersey Devils fan, and thinks plain seltzer is the best drink ever invented.
This article is for general informational purposes only.
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Featured Image Credit:  Jana Kollarova/ Adobe Stock | Updated  Jun 6, 2025 |
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Cleaning 3m read
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Keep Your Car and Home Sand-Free This Summer

To quote Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars: Episode II, “I don’t like sand. It’s coarse and rough and irritating, and it gets everywhere.” While Anakin lived a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, this anti-sand sentiment remains popular today, especially among those who have to deal with cleaning it out of their car or home.

All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. House Outlook may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content.

To quote Anakin Skywalker in Star Wars: Episode II, “I don’t like sand. It’s coarse and rough and irritating, and it gets everywhere.” While Anakin lived a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away, this anti-sand sentiment remains popular today, especially among those who have to deal with cleaning it out of their…

Going to the beach should be a relaxing experience — not one that leaves you on your hands and knees painstakingly vacuuming every last crevice in your car. Well, fret no longer, because we found a trick to help you keep your car and home sand-free this summer.

Baby Powder — Not Just for Babies

This helpful hack comes to us from TikTok creator @daniellehouston_, who uses it to get sand off of her children at the end of a long day at the beach. But it applies to every beachgoer, from tots to teens to adults. All you need is a clean crew sock and a bottle of baby powder, and you’re good to go.

Related: 3 Pool Noodle Hacks That Solve Household Problems

Open the bottle of baby powder and remove the sifter cap. Then, roll the sock over the spout. Turn the bottle upside down and pour a generous amount of baby powder into the sock — it doesn’t need to be precise, but it should fill the foot of the sock. Next, take the sock off the bottle and tie the open end of the sock around itself (or use a hair elastic) to keep the baby powder from spilling out.

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Before heading to your car or walking back to your home or hotel room after a day at the beach, gently pat the baby powder-filled sock on any sandy limbs or even a sandy and wet bathing suit. The sock will release a small, even amount of baby powder, which will remove moisture from your skin or clothing. Without moisture, the sand loses its stickiness, making it easier to remove from yourself or your children. After dabbing the sand and letting it dry for a few seconds, use the sock to wipe it off.

We suggest doing this trick once while you’re still at the beach and again before hopping into your car or walking through the front door. If you store the sock in a zipper-top bag, you can reuse it throughout your beach day. The more thorough you are, the less sand you’ll track in and be forced to clean up later. If you notice any additional baby powder residue, simply wipe it off with a clean towel.

No Sock Necessary

While a sock helps contain the baby powder and limit the mess, it’s not entirely necessary. Baby powder works just fine on its own when it comes to drying out and removing sandy residue — just use your hands to wipe the sand away. Keep a bottle in your car’s glove compartment or your beach bag so you always have it handy.

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Bennett Kleinman
Staff Writer
Bennett Kleinman is a New York City-based staff writer for Optimism Media, covering topics for several brands including House Outlook and Better Report. He previously contributed to television programs such as "Late Show With David Letterman" and "Impractical Jokers," and digital publications like The Onion. Bennett is also a devoted New York Yankees and New Jersey Devils fan, and thinks plain seltzer is the best drink ever invented.
This article is for general informational purposes only.
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Featured Image Credit:  TAMAKI NAKAJIMA/ iStock | Updated  Jun 6, 2025 |
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Decorating 3m read
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This One Styling Trick Will Transform Your Space Every Season

Refreshing your home doesn’t require a renovation budget, an interior design degree, or even much (if any) money. Perhaps all you need to do is roam around your backyard with a pair of garden shears. Take it from interior designer Shea McGee of Studio McGee. On TikTok, McGee spilled a simple seasonal styling trick that packs a major punch. Her secret? Swap out greenery and the vessels they live in.

All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. House Outlook may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content.

Refreshing your home doesn’t require a renovation budget, an interior design degree, or even much (if any) money. Perhaps all you need to do is roam around your backyard with a pair of garden shears. Take it from interior designer Shea McGee of Studio McGee. On TikTok, McGee spilled a simple seasonal styling trick that…

Rotating greenery each season helps welcome the outdoors into your interiors. This gives any space, from a dining room to a living room to an entryway, a dynamic, lived-in feel.

Fernando Kabigting, founder of FDK Florals in Brooklyn, New York, agrees. “Swapping out your greenery with the seasons is one of the simplest ways to bring rhythm and freshness into your home,” Kabigting says. “Nature shifts, and so should your interiors. Think of it as styling with what’s already in nature’s palette — branches with berries and evergreen in winter can feel grounding and cozy, while summer hydrangeas or gestural clippings from the garden instantly lift a room with softness and light.”

Related: This Ingredient Is the Secret to Longer-Lasting Flowers

Michael O’Brien, a landscape and garden designer and founder of the Los Angeles-based Hommes + Gardens, adds, “Swapping out greenery with the seasons is such an easy way to keep a space feeling fresh.” And this doesn’t necessarily mean florals. “Herbs, branches, and foliage bring just as much life, often with more texture and scent,” O’Brien says.

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Step 1: Pick Seasonally Appropriate Greenery To Display

Each season offers new relevant greenery, whether real or faux. (Though, let’s face it, there’s nothing quite like the texture and fragrance of the real deal.) Consider these designer-approved additions to your home:

Spring: Lilacs, tulips, daffodils, mint, lemon balm, and flowering thyme

Summer: Peonies, hydrangeas, dahlias, basil, fig branches, and cuttings from citrus trees

Autumn: Rosemary, bay, olive, amaranth, and smokebush

Winter: Eucalyptus, cedar, pine, magnolia branches, juniper, and winter berry branches

Step 2: Pick the Perfect Vessel

As the greenery changes, so should the vessel. A weighty ceramic vase feels out of place in summer, even if filled with delicate peonies. In cooler months, consider heavier stoneware or matte, earthy containers. Once the temperatures rise, clear glass, vintage pitchers, and repurposed garden pots bring a sense of lightness. “It all depends on the tone you want to set,” O’Brien says.

Switching out greenery is a low-effort, high-impact styling trick — one that keeps your home looking beautifully in tune with the seasons.

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Megan McCarty
Writer
Megan McCarty is a Los Angeles-based writer who covers the fun stuff: design, travel, wellness, beauty, and fashion. She has written for publications including Domino, The Spruce, MyDomaine, Bustle, and Rue Magazine. Her life rules include, but are not limited to, zipper when merging, contribute to your IRA, and do the nice thing.
This article is for general informational purposes only.
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Featured Image Credit:  Linda Raymond/ iStock | Updated  Jun 16, 2025 |