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Also called a natural pool, swimming pond, or a living pool, natural swimming pools have been established in Europe for decades, and they continue to gain awareness in the U.S. as their style and eco-forward function is embraced by more pool designers, builders, and homeowners. What Is a Natural Swimming Pool? Unlike traditional pools, which rely on chemicals like chlorine, a natural swimming pool uses continuously moving fresh water and natural filters to keep the pool perfect for swimming....

But over the next few warmer months, we’ll be serving our s’mores a little differently. Rather than having everyone reach into a plastic packaging to grab jumbo marshmallows and chocolate squares, put together a decadent s’mores board instead. If you haven’t seen these before, it’s similar to a charcuterie spread—but filled with s’mores makings rather than meat and cheese. The trend has been around for a few years, but now that we’re able to host summer get-togethers again, it’s really taking off....

Plants for Creating the Cozy Corner Garden Plan 1 Columnar blue spruce (Picea pungens ‘Iseli Fastigiate’): Zones 3-8 1 Clematis ‘Diana’s Delight’: Zones 4-9 2 Bigleaf hydrangea (Hydrangea macrophylla Endless Summer): Zones 4-9 1 Rhododendron ‘Yaku Princess’: Zones 5-9 3 Japanese iris (Iris ensata ‘Great White Heron’): Zones 4-9 1 Blue false indigo (Baptisia australis): Zones 3-8 1 Peony (Paeonia ‘Dinner Plate’): Zones 3-8 3 Reblooming iris (Iris ‘Clarence’): Zones 4-9 3 Siberian iris (Iris sibirica ‘Caesar’s Brother’): Zones 3-9...

Before: Inefficient Storage The couple’s biggest assignment: Purge anything that wasn’t absolutely essential or regularly used. Any items in the closet that weren’t clothing or accessories were to be stored elsewhere in their townhouse. “My rule of thumb is that if you can’t wear it on your body, it shouldn’t live in the closet,” Clay says. “Clutter is postponed decisions. Don’t put it down—put it away.” After: No More Wasted Space After thinning out their wardrobes and redistributing items that didn’t belong, Joy and Chris took a true inventory of their clothing and accessories and joined Clay in devising a plan....

The Keter Premier Outdoor Storage Shed can not only hold sizable items like lawn mowers, garden tools, and lawn decorations, but it also keeps them safe from weather damage, too. Made from strong polypropylene resin with steel reinforcements, the shed is designed to hold up better than traditional wooden options. Plus, it’s weather-resistant, waterproof, and UV-resistant, so you don’t have to worry about peels, rust, or rot. The shed has a 62-cubic-foot storage capacity, making it ideal for landscape tools and pool essentials....

“These stakes work great, and I’m a bit embarrassed to say that they do a better job than I do at keeping my plants consistently watered,” shared one five-star reviewer who used the watering spikes while they were away for three weeks. “These are fantastic little devices, and they worked [like] a charm to water patio plants while [we] were away for a week,” echoed another shopper. The plant waterer is designed for easy use, requiring just a few simple steps....

Investing in their condo was worth it because of two fabulous features: its location (just 15 minutes from Dana Point) and its outdoor space (a nice-size backyard). However, the family did have to look past dated rooms in a sea of baby blue—on carpet, vertical blinds, even the toilet seat!—to what the condo could be once clad in Bri’s signature tans, grays, blacks, and whites. Bri is quick to credit Geoff for being an excellent teammate—the perspiration beside her inspiration— in tackling every project that came their way....

Start with a Sturdy Planter Anytime you’re hanging a window box and growing plants in it, you need a sturdy planter that’s firmly secured. When you’re looking for a box, choose one made with durable wood such as teak or redwood. Attach it to the wall with steel L brackets that are a couple of inches shorter than the width of the box. Choose the Best Plants When you’re planning an edible window box, choosing what you like to eat is most important....

The design duo brought both tastes to the table for a summer celebration with friends and colleagues at Lake Washington, inside a waterfront home they outfitted with contemporary indoor-outdoor furnishings. “We especially love our projects that are near water because water automatically imbues relaxation,” Beth says. The imperfect form of a live-edge dining table automatically extends permission for an unmatched scheme. Matte black dinner plates set a simple foundation for formal porcelain salad plates bearing a contemporary celestial design....

Shortcut Skip Step 1 and use crushed tortilla chips or broken tostada pieces instead.

Meridian, Idaho: $999,999 Square feet: 3,127 Bedrooms: 4 Bathrooms: 3 Listed by: Daniel W. Doherty and Summer L. Grounds, BHGRE 43° North Crisp and clean, this stunning Idaho home welcomes you in with a bright blue door. Once inside, the open-concept floor plan showcases the living, dining, and kitchen area. Built in 2022, everything in this home is brand new. Dark accents are used throughout the space. This includes a floor-to-ceiling stone fireplace, ceiling fan, and pendant lights over the kitchen island....

Velvet curtains continue a long line of furniture upholstered in the same material, including sofas, chairs, and ottomans, which have been popular throughout the past few years. This ongoing home trend could be thanks to the cozy Scandinavian way of life, hygge, which is all about comfort. It also could be influenced by fashion trends, as home décor often reflects the runway. Fans of Chris Loves Julia, a decorating and lifestyle blog, will recognize velvet drapes from one of their most recent mini home projects....

1 teaspoon finely shredded lemon peel 2 3 ounce package cream cheese, softened ½ cup butter, softened 1 teaspoon lemon juice 4 ½ cup sifted powdered sugar

½ cup whipping cream 1 tablespoon sugar ¼ teaspoon vanilla Place tassies in a single layer in an airtight container; cover. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Prepare as directed through Step 1. Wrap dough in plastic wrap; freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw dough in the refrigerator for 24 hours. Continue as directed above.

Editor’s Tip: We recommend using 2-3 lengths of fishing line to get desired pattern. This prevents you from having to double up fishing line along the same parts of the design, keeping the invisible illusion.

Pros and Cons The biggest advantage of these sinks is that there is no lip or crevice to catch dirt. You can just brush crumbs or wipe spills directly into the sink without anything getting trapped under the sink’s rim. In addition to easing clean-up, these sinks also enhance the style of your kitchen. Because the edge of the sink is hidden, they offer a sophisticated, streamlined look to any kitchen’s decor....

3 cup white rice flour 3 cup potato starch 2 cup sorghum flour 4 teaspoon xanthan gum Tip Double or even triple this recipe to have our gluten-free flour mix on hand for future baking and cooking recipes.