October 2013

We Can Fix That!

Follow us on Instagram

Bonus content!

Dinner made easy

SARAH HEARTS

Win $10,000 & Get Organized

HOPS SPOT

Tonight, try a new take on the wine-tasting party. Set out a few artisanal brews and snacks, then let everyone choose a favorite pairing. Cheers to October!

Cool cats

Spring forecast

$8 billion

Lots of fun

World gatherer

SALT LAKE CITY, UT

One of the fastest-growing cities in the West is ahead of trends in all sorts of surprising ways.

Tricked-Out Treats

A little candy and fondant turn plain marshmallows into sweet, spooky pops.

Falloween

House Keepers

Clever new tech solutions help simplify and streamline life at home.

Classic charm

"Home sweet home" rings especially true for this young family. They savor every one of the simple pleasures their cottage offers, inside and out.

Sage Green

PROBLEM Finding a color that's neutral enough for house-wide use. solution Earthy sage-- savory on its own, mild enough to enhance other hues.

Apartment Therapist Slivers of Space

PROBLEM Who ever has enough space for their stuff? (Nobody we know, anyway.) solution Turn these overlooked spots all around the house into instant surface area that's both pretty and practical.

Color Cure-All

PROBLEM How do you brighten a dark, wood-wrapped room? SOLUTION Color, of course! See how paint, patterns, and furnishings give a living area new life.

Come on over

A three-word text is all it takes to draw family and friends to Susan and Tom Teare's Vermont backyard.

Wake-Up Call

PROBLEM This bedroom was a real snoozer-- bland, charmless, and dated. SOLUTION A budget-smart refresh with paint, fabric, and easy decorating tricks.

Fix-It List

If you had a handyman for a day, what would you have repaired? That's what we asked our Facebook friends, and here are 21 solutions to their most common problems.

Front Runners

Open to a fresh look at your front door? One of these mini makeovers could lead to a winning entry. And remember, your house style should gently guide you, not curb your enthusiasm.

Second Chance

PROBLEM A bland builder kitchen begs for a low-fuss, budget-friendly update. SOLUTION Keep the basics, bring on the paint, and make a few simple swaps.

Creative Spark

Foliage Finale

Leafy late-season containers end the gardening season with a flourish.

Bulb Basics

PROBLEM Surefire bulbs backfiring? solution Try one of these expert fixes for the most common challenges.

PLANT A TREE

Love the cool fall weather? Trees do, too. Now's a great time to plant them. The bonus to October buying: Stores discount their inventory to sell before season's end.

A little dab will do you

Pumpkin Puree

Lots of Color for Your Yard

Family time: Helping the homeless

Thanks a lot: Pet costumes

A HEALTHIER WAY TO... Indulge in Halloween candy

Money matters: Save on holiday staples

Flu shot news

Lynn's top tips

Fit tools: Pain relief

Success story: "How I lost 40 lbs."

The backstory: Busy with a teaching job and three kids, Lynn Kata rarely exercised and ate the meat- and-potatoes diet that she grew up on in Crestwood, Illinois. "I knew that I gained a few pounds here and there, but no one ever said anything," Lynn says. "So I ignored it." But over time, those pounds added up: By age 49, Lynn hit 150. At 5 feet, 3 inches, this meant her BMI categorized her as overweight.

Chore Values

Motivating your kids to help around the house doesn't have to be such a... chore. Advice for a stress-free strategy.

Get Crafty No-Carve Pumpkins

Step away from the knife drawer. These ridiculously easy appliqué pumpkin projects make for an afternoon of simple and safe family fun.

Game Day Gear

School Spirit

There's plenty of great food and fun for all ages in these charming college towns-- no student ID required.

I Did It!