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Asian Lady Beetles vs. Ladybugs You can identify a ladybug by its markings and size. There are several different species, with most sporting red shells and various numbers of black spots. Their heads tend to be black with small white “cheeks.” Ladybugs are typically rounder and smaller than Asian lady beetles if you look at them side-by-side. Asian lady beetles also have larger white “cheek” markings and have more white on their heads overall....

The 10 Best Early Prime Day Area Rug Deals: Jonathan Bohemian Flair Boho Vintage Medallion Area Rug, from $33 (was from $70) nuLoom Moroccan Blythe Area Rug, from $21 (was from $42) Nicole Miller New York Patio Geometric Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug, from $43 with coupon (was from $66) Loloi II Loren Collection Traditional Accent Rug, from $27 (was from $129) Artistic Weavers Odelia Vintage Bohemian Area Rug, from $13 (was from $15) Home Dynamix Premium Sakarya Traditional Medallion Area Rug, from $21 (was from $25) Nourison Positano Natural Indoor/Outdoor Area Rug, from $19 (was from $41) Nourison Grafix Persian Multicolor Area Rug, from $34 (was from $44) Safavieh Brentwood Collection Distressed Area Rug, from $25 (was from $84) Unique Loom Sofia Collection Traditional Area Rug, from $32 (was from $76)...

This year, big-ticket items like robot vacuums, Apple Airpods, Le Creuset cast iron, and electric toothbrushes will be majorly discounted, but it’s definitely worth shopping for the inexpensive items, too. That’s why we’ve rounded up the best Cyber Monday deals under-$25. Best Home Deals Kitchen items from popular brands like Lodge, KitchenAid, Cuisinart, and OXO are all on sale at an incredibly affordable price. The best-selling Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet shoppers call “one of the best performing skillets out there” is 33% off, right now....

We chose the Bissell JetScrub Pet Upright Carpet Cleaner as the best overall because it’s a good value for the price, relatively compact, easy to use, and, most importantly, tough on stains.These are our top picks for the best carpet cleaners for pets. What really stood out with this carpet cleaner are the size and features. A retractable handle and slim profile make this machine easy to store. Our tester thought the JetScrub was a great value for its effectiveness at stain removal, compact size, and moderate price....

According to Simon Medcalf, the Managing Director of Guardian Security & Fire Home Security Services, the most important components of a home security system, in order of importance, are an intruder alarm of around 100 decibels to startle a trespasser, a camera system, and door/window contact sensors. In addition, security expert Chris McGoey recommends having clear and visible alarm lawn signs or alarm decals on the windows as these alone are often enough to discourage criminals from entering your home....

“In commemoration of the miracle, we light a menorah (or a candelabrum) with nine branches,” says Rabbi Willie Balk, an academic advisor for students at Yeshiva University. “We began with two candles and add an additional candle from left to right for each night of the holiday.” To find the best menorahs, we researched a variety of picks, keeping in mind each pick’s dimensions, materials, and lighting method. We also consulted Rabbi Balk for additional insight....

There are a variety of companies that offer a wide selection of custom window treatments. To help make the decorating process easier, we’ve compiled a list of the best custom blind providers based on online reviews, the range of products offered, pricing, and location availability. Based on our research, Stoneside Blinds & Shades proved to be the top choice for custom blinds. Keep reading to learn more about the best custom blind providers that can help fit your windows....

Joybird, a custom furniture and modern home decor company, recently studied the most popular houseplants in each state based on what residents search for. Americans love making things easy, and this proves to be true with the top five most popular houseplants—they’re all extremely low-maintenance. Check out which indoor plants made the cut. 1. Aloe Plant Unsurprisingly, the aloe plant tops the list of most popular houseplants, almost twice that of number two in popularity....

Solpex Solar Pathway Lights, $38 with coupon (was $44) Brightech Ambience Pro Solar-Powered String Lights, $35 (was $42) Jsot Solar-Powered Outdoor Fence Lights, $32 with coupon (was $39) Go2Garden Large Hanging Solar Lanterns, $26 (was $32) Rayolon Solar Ground Pathway Lights, $36 with coupon (was $37) Brightown Solar String Lights, $14 (was $16) Shymery Outdoor Solar Lanterns, $43 (was $56) Solpex Solar Deck Lights, $35 Urpower Solar Spot Lights, $28 with coupon (was $36) HmCity Solar Motion Sensor Security Lights, $16 with coupon (was $22)

The colonists and indigenous people ate pumpkins and squash frequently in the 1600s, so gourds were probably served at the first Thanksgiving. However, they didn’t have butter, sugar, and other sweet ingredients to turn the pumpkins into dessert—which means there was no pie. So how did we get from plain pumpkins to a whipped-cream-topped dessert? The iconic recipe actually has an interesting backstory: In 1796, a woman named Amelia Simmons published a cookbook titled American Cookery....

Gather a variety of tools to make this cute raccoon pumpkin. A pin tool (like the one you’ll use to poke holes along the stencil lines) is useful for creating small circles, such as the ones that form this raccoon’s pupils. A drill fitted with a tiny bit works well, too. Make sure the drill bit is long enough to completely puncture the pumpkin wall; otherwise, candlelight won’t shine through....

2 8 ounce packages cream cheese, softened ½ cup butter, softened 2 teaspoon vanilla 8 cup powdered sugar (2 pounds)

Jimmy Turner, former director of gardens at the Dallas Arboretum and Botanical Garden, recommends some modern cultivars of old-time favorites. Turner’s top recommendations are tough, adaptable, and attractive plants. They bloom reliably without pampering, aren’t bothered by pests, and will not outgrow their spots in the garden. Flowering Quince “My new favorite flowering shrub is Double Take flowering quince (Chaenomeles spp.)”, Turner says. “These quinces surprised the living daylights out of me....

Provide good air circulation for roses, and full sun. Many gardeners swear by going out in the morning and washing off the foliage with a squirt of the hose. The leaves have ample time to dry before nightfall. Many roses are great in many climates. A little polyantha variety called ‘The Fairy’ can scramble around a tall shrub and produce its clusters of tiny pink flowers for months with no worries....

1. Pick Your Purpose Or is your new garden shed an outdoor retreat for savoring a quiet cup of coffee or hosting outdoor gatherings? Maybe it will be the site for serving drinks during your next summertime party. Outfitted with comfortable chairs and a side table or two, a shed is a perfect backyard escape. Start with a list of all the ways you would like to use your shed. Your list will be invaluable as you decide what size and style of shed you need....