August 2021

THE FIX-IT LIST

I have great respect for experts. When it comes to home repairs, I’ll admit I’m not one, nor am I very handy. I’m not the kind of control freak who has to do everything myself or it’s not done right. I love nothing more than calling up a good repairperson or contractor who can use their hard-won knowledge to improve something and make it better than I could ever have imagined.

33 WAYS TO PICKLE

Win $25,000

15% Off Kids Backpack

How to repel mosquitoes

MAKE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE

Good old analog entertainment awaits. Browse our ideas for unique date nights, group outings, and activities that will get the whole family outdoors.

POUR, SIP, RELAX

An ice-cold glass of tea is the antidote to any hot summer day. Cool things down and jazz things up by filling your glass with one of these three refreshers.

TIE-DYE

It’s back, baby. But as much as we loved Technicolor swirls, today we favor soft hues in calming watered-down patterns. Still, each piece brings a touch of whimsy, playfulness, and movement to surroundings. Get inspired, then try our DIY ideas on the next page.

PORCH REFRESH

They might be outside, but just like indoor rooms, porches benefit from a thoughtful color scheme. The trick is to choose a palette-- paint, furnishings, and potted plants-- that coordinates with your home’s exterior color while subtly telegraphing your style.

calming influence

Designer Jacqueline Schmidt shows how minimalist style and young kids can go hand in hand in a thoroughly modern family home.

go with the flow

Rustling in the breeze and shimmering in the sun, grasses bring a quiet beauty to fall containers.

let’s go! ON THE ROAD

Grab the cooler, gas up the car, and update Google Maps. We’re going on a road trip. Our guide will help you decide what to drive and pack, where to go and stay, and how to keep the kids from asking, “Are we there yet?”

i did it!

A do-it-yourselfer transformed her neglected closet into a crafting command center without using a tool belt. She kept the installation simple using freestanding furniture and stick-on wall organizers.

PURINA

all the right notes

COLOR, JOY, AND HANDMADE TREASURES FILL ART EDUCATOR AND MUSICIAN DRE TOWEY’S HOME. BUT THE PORCH IS WHERE THE ACTION IS-- AND THE MUSIC.

the natural

AN IOWA GARDENER TAKES CUES FROM THE PRAIRIE FOR A FRONT YARD THAT DRAWS BIRDS, BEES, AND BUTTERFLIES (AND REQUIRES ALMOST NO MAINTENANCE).

SNOOPY FINDS HOME

We adopted a pet during the pandemic-- in a most unusual way.

COOL FOR SCHOOL

We’ve rounded up our favorite hardworking school supplies to get your students organized, fed and focused, and ready for the first bell.

MELISSA CLARK

GIVING HOME COOKS CONFIDENCE WITH APPROACHABLE RECIPES, DOABLE STRATEGIES, AND AN INFECTIOUS PASSION FOR GOOD FOOD.