Life style

By Darlena Cunha Even a seemingly spotless kitchen might be teeming with bacteria and germs, often in places you would never even imagine them to be. These microbes spread easily, making their way from cutting boards, drawer knobs and countertops to ...

By Darlena Cunha Even a seemingly spotless kitchen...

Bathroom Rings: Clean with cheap shampoo and a long-handle scrub brush. Vinegar also removes rings, but never use on marble or granite bathtubs. Shower Curtain Scum: Put plastic shower curtains and liners in the washing machine, and add a bath towel ...

Bathroom Rings: Clean with cheap shampoo and a lon...

When ceiling fans collect dust, they can scatter it around the room. You'll need a stepladder to wipe them down, unless you can reach the fixtures easily. Use a damp paper towel first to carefully and slowly wipe off that heavy layer of dust and grim...

When ceiling fans collect dust, they can scatter i...

Unplug your computer equipment. With the brush attachment, first vacuum off as much dust as you can, particularly paying attention to the back of the machine, where the air vents and that tangle of cords are. Then turn your keyboard upside down, shak...

Unplug your computer equipment. With the brush att...

It seems the hardest place to keep organized is the closet. We're always adding new things and don't usually toss out the old. Today, go though your clothes, shoes, purses, belts, and scarves to see if any need to be repaired or fixed, and move them ...

It seems the hardest place to keep organized is th...

Today's mission: to clean underneath the bathroom sink. First put down several large, heavy bath towels to protect the floor. Take everything out and sort out all items. Do you need several curling irons, hair dryers, or shavers? Remove bottles with ...

Today's mission: to clean underneath the bathroom ...

It's time to get your medicine cabinet in order. Take everything out, including over-the-counter medicines, prescriptions, and makeup. Go through each item and toss out outdated medicine or makeup. Clean each shelf. Wipe off all jars and bottles usin...

It's time to get your medicine cabinet in order. T...

Today, we tackle the toilet. First, use a damp paper towel to initially clean up accumulated dust and grime, especially around back and underneath. Pay close attention to the base and the caps. Then use a multipurpose cleaner to wipe down all surface...

Today, we tackle the toilet. First, use a damp pap...

How to clean your refrigerator fast: First, unplug it. Use the crevice attachment of the vacuum or a flat long-handled brush to carefully remove the dust from the coils underneath or on the back side of the fridge, because accumulated dust can cause ...

How to clean your refrigerator fast: First, unplug...

Make your toaster oven sparkle in no time. First, unplug the appliance. Remove the crumb tray at the base of the toaster, and shake out the accumulated food particles. My toaster oven is hung under a cabinet, so I lay down several sections of newspap...

Make your toaster oven sparkle in no time. First, ...

If you have a stand-alone unit, unplug your freezer and vacuum and dust the coils and area around the unit as you did with the refrigerator. Have coolers and ice on hand to store your frozen food while you clean. Check for out-of-date items and disca...

If you have a stand-alone unit, unplug your freeze...

Do dig a shallow hole about 4' by 4' by 2' (surround with cinder blocks or chicken wire, if you like), or use a compost bin. Layer with leaves, branches, and twigs (“browns”), then with grass and plant clippings (“greens”). Water and mix so it’s mois...

Do dig a shallow hole about 4' by 4' by 2' (surrou...

Finding the Best ServicesWe’ve all been there: An anniversary creeps up on you or your sister-in-law has a new baby, and you need to send some flowers—stat. To help you find beautiful arrangements that last, the Good Housekeeping Research Institute e...

Finding the Best ServicesWe’ve all been there: An ...

Living RoomFor a fast way to perk up a porch before a party, relocate pots of lush flowers. In a limited palette, like the pink and white blooms here, the collection feels cohesive, not chaotic.Climb the WallsLiven up a plain patio wall with a sun-se...

Living RoomFor a fast way to perk up a porch befor...

Mirror Miracles Put a long mirror above a double sink to utilize space and help create light in the room. Optimal Lighting Optimize natural light with a large window and mirrors. At night, light some candles around the tub and sink in. White Out Crea...

Mirror Miracles Put a long mirror above a double s...

1. Decide which style works best For a more casual and comfortable look (think Shabby Chic), try a relaxed cover. For a tailored, clean silhouette, go with a fitted cover made from a stretch fabric. 2. Pick the perfect size You'll need to measure len...

1. Decide which style works best For a more casual...

Asparagus Arrangement What You'll Need: • Small can • Spring asparagus (approximately one pound if using a 32-ounce can) • Two strong rubber bands • Raffia • Pansies and grape hyacinth or your favorite flowers (approximately two dozen total)Direction...

Asparagus Arrangement What You'll Need: • Small ca...

Grime on Leather Gloves I love the way a pair of bright leather gloves add a touch of color when I'm wearing a dark winter coat. The only problem is light-colored gloves seem to get dirty much more quickly than dark brown or black gloves do. To get y...

Grime on Leather Gloves I love the way a pair of b...

Yams are staple tuber vegetables of West African origin. In addition to their use as food, there is lot of ritualism and symbolism has been associated with these humble starchy root vegetables all over Africa, Asia and Latin Americas. Botanically the...

Yams are staple tuber vegetables of West African o...

Zucchini squash or courgettes are the most popular among summer squashes in Americas and Europe. Like gourds, they belong to cucurbitaceous or cucurbita pepo family. Summer squash are believed to be originating in the Central America and Mexico. Seve...

Zucchini squash or courgettes are the most popular...

Tomato, a nutritious fruit commonly used as vegetable, is another wonderful gift of Mayans. The vegetable has grabbed the attention of millions health seekers for its incredible phyto-chemical properties. Interestingly, it has much more health benefi...

Tomato, a nutritious fruit commonly used as vegeta...