Ideas & Tips — Home

Fruit baskets and bowls are beautifully versatile: they are some of the only things that can serve as an item of decor and also as a tasty snack for your guests when they get hungry. Having an artfully arranged fruit basket on your table is a welcoming, hospitable touch, and can also add a touch of color and freshness to the home as the days grow shorter. Here are some tips to help you create your own edible centerpieces: Choose the right basket. You'll want something that goes with your other decor and doesn't overpower the fruit in appearance. This brushed stainless...

Nothing is more fun than going out to eat sushi at a local restaurant, but what if you could also make your favorite sushi rolls right in the comfort of your own home? It may prove less expensive than dining out and it's also a fun activity with which to wow your friends and family members! Here are some tips to keep in mind:  Buy sushi-grade fish: It's very important that you only use sushi-grade fish when making your own rolls, which means it is safe to eat raw. Sushi enthusiast Monnie Nilsson writes in The Denver Post that you should...

A new study conducted by German and Danish scientists raises further questions about the possible effects of certain chemicals on human reproductive health. The researchers found that some endocrine disruptors, chemicals commonly found in everyday plastics, can undermine fertility in men. Experts have been questioning the health effects of one endocrine disruptor, bisphenol A (BPA), for years.  The researchers discovered no concrete connection between BPA and fertility. However, an earlier study found a link between BPA and miscarriages, according to a 2010 CNN report. It also stated that chemicals known as phthalates were linked to a 20 percent decline in male...

Whether it's a full-on centerpiece or a mason jar full of flowers from your garden, a flower arrangement brings a breath of fresh air into your living space, especially in the colder months when you're less likely to see flowers outside. Before you buy an expensive bouquet, consider choosing and arranging the flowers yourself. It's a relaxing creative activity that lets you match or play off of your existing decor while saving money. Here are some tips from Better Homes and Gardens and blogger Mateja Holter: First, create a grid in the opening of your vase with scotch tape, or...

Summer always seems to fly by far too quickly and this year has been no exception. However, the official first day of fall is less than two months away so we still have some time to savor the season! Here are our top tips for making the most of the coming weeks: Eat al fresco: In the rush of every day life it's nice to take a moment to savor the little things. Try drinking your morning coffee on the porch or eating dinner outside on the patio. Stainless steel products, like our sturdy drinking tumblers and bowls, are particularly great for outdoor...