Testing Ideas, Tips & Guides

When I first heard of the Scandinavian Sleep Method, I initially thought it was a pretty nifty idea—and I could use any upgrade to my sleep routine—so my partner and I decided to give it a try.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

The winding peaks and troughs of Arizona’s Verde Valley, weaving through jagged ochre mountains, dreamy cactus-clad deserts and deep volcanic canyons, make up some of the most iconic images of the American West. For thousands of years, the valley has been home to both the Verde River, one of Arizona’s only perennial wild rivers, and to Indigenous communities from the ancient Sinagua and Hohokam peoples to present-day tribes including the Yavapai, Hopi, Apache and Zuni. It is also home to 270 species of birds, 94 species of mammals and 76 species of native amphibians and reptiles. All this makes the Verde River key to the history, culture and ecosystem of central Arizona. 

Collaborative post

Richard Hawke is the Director of Ornamental Plant Research at Chicago Botanic Garden, where he oversees comparative evaluations of ornamental plants. The CBG Plant Evaluation Program has included 117 distinct trials over the past four decades, with 26 comparative trials currently underway in three evaluation areas. In 2011, Richard began reporting trial results in Fine Gardening magazine, and has since written dozens of feature articles that can be found by visiting his author page.

Starbucks | Design: Better Homes & Gardens

SolStock / Getty Images

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

If I've learned one thing over the years, it’s that I am at my most effective and my most efficient when I operate under strict guidelines. This is never more true than when I’m attempting to declutter.

Valentine's Day gifts have long been symbolic expressions of love, and none capture the essence more poignantly than a bouquet of red roses. These timeless blossoms speak a language of their own, conveying deep emotions and passion. As you explore the vast array of floral arrangements, each petal tells a story, making red roses an enduring and classic choice that transcends the test of time. Their vibrant hues and delicate fragrance serve as a captivating reminder of the beauty and intensity of your affection.

Canned beans, pasta sauces, various spices—we all have our must-haves for the pantry. Since new products are always lining up on grocery shelves, our editors cooked and tested our way through more than 200 products. It was a delicious task, and we determined what deserves a spot in the pantry.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

I know I'm in the minority here, but Valentine's Day is my favorite holiday. I love the cheerful pops of red and pink it offers after a cold and gray January.

If you've ever wondered what kinds of steps professional interior designers take prior to selecting wallpaper for their client's homes or have any burning design questions, we're here to give you a behind-the-scenes look.

Whether you're on a quest for the best natural fertilizer or testing out new gardening tools, one thing’s for sure: If you're a plant lover, you're probably always ready to try out a hack to give your greenery a boost. So when creator @mold_hound, an organic gardening advocate on Instagram, posted a Reel about saving pasta liquid for watering houseplants, the comments filled with plenty of enthusiasm. But is pouring your tortellini water into your peonies really beneficial?

King Arthur Baking Co.

Before planting a garden, considerable thought must be taken to ensure important features are correct.

Kelsey Hansen

These days, it's certainly acceptable to think beyond the traditional all-white kitchen, but you should be mindful when making your color selection.

Soil tests done in a lab are one way to check the health of your soil. However, the ultimate test is how well your plants are doing. By carefully observing your plants, you can tell which nutrient your plants are lacking. With this information, you can choose which amendments should be added to the soil to maximize the soil health.

My first reaction to compost tea was a fairly common response, “So you just put compost in a bucket then dump it on your plants?”  Little did I realize all the science and work that goes into making high quality compost tea or AACT (Actively Aerated Compost Tea). 

While painting a room isn’t necessarily a difficult DIY job, it’s not always easy—how many coats does one wall need again?

Courtesy of White Flower Farm

In theory, laundry should be one of the easiest household chores—after you’ve decoded all those laundry care symbols on the labels, of course. Then it’s just sort, wash with your detergent of choice, and dry accordingly.

We've been independently researching and testing products for over 120 years. If you buy through our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more about our review process.

When you’re working on DIY projects it can sometimes be useful to have a tool that can do more than one job. Cutting, sanding, polishing, and scraping, the best multi-tool can perform all these tasks, so to find the outstanding tools in this field we reviewed two different types of multi-tools. Oscillating multi-tools that move a blade or sanding head back and forth, and rotary multi-tools that spin cutting discs or polishing mops around at high speeds.

Over many years and for changing reasons, my laundry routine has varied significantly. When I was only in charge of my stuff, I was strictly a detergent and dryer sheet kind of girl. Now, I’m firmly a fan of detergent pods and dryer balls. 

One great way to wake up from our collective holiday haze is to get focused on cleaning up and clearing out.

Better Homes & Gardens

Now that holiday shopping is over, it’s time to think about what to buy for your home. If you need some help choosing products, we have all the advice you need. We’ve tested hundreds of products this year, and some of our favorites on sale ahead of the new year.  

January is the perfect time to get organized and give your home a mini refresh ahead of a deeper spring clean. We can't get enough of all the ways we plan to tackle this exact thing come 2024.

Dana Gallagher

The Haw River cuts through North Carolina’s Piedmont region from its source in Forsyth County. Below Jordan Lake, it joins the Deep River to form the Cape Fear River, which empties into the Atlantic Ocean near the southernmost tip of the state.

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly abbreviated as PFAS or “forever chemicals,” are ubiquitous. They have also been associated with debilitating health impacts, such as cancer, birth defects, liver disease, kidney disease and more. This can make it overwhelming to know what can be done to protect yourself from the far-reaching effects of these substances. Even though scientists estimate that PFAS are present in the blood of 97 percent of Americans, that doesn’t mean that people are helpless. We’ve assembled some proven ideas from experts and advocates for how to decrease your personal risk, look out for your community and create change. 

Left: MATTHEW CLARK; Right: Kelly Sullivan / Stringer / Getty Images

As an American expat living in the U.K., laundry is the household chore that causes the most culture shock. Unlike in the U.S., tumble dryers aren’t common. A lot of homes have a combination washer and dryer machine—and weirdest of all, it’s often in the kitchen.