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Not So Hot at Baking? These No-Bake Desserts are Total No-Brainers!

September 15, 2016 by

You may love to cook, but baking is a whole different story. From measuring ingredients to timing the oven perfectly, there are a number of things that could go wrong while baking a cake or making cookies. Luckily, these no-bake recipes don't require any of the complicated parts of baking — but they do give you some delicious results!

Nutella Cool Whip Pie
People all over the world love the chocolate and hazelnut taste of Nutella, and in this no-bake recipe, the creamy spread sits front and center. Top it with Cool Whip and crumbled cookies for a pie with lots of unique texture and sweet flavor.

Milk n' Cookies Icebox Cake
If you're looking for a dessert that looks just as good as it tastes, this is the one. Layer upon layer of chocolate chip cookies are held together by cream cheese frosting, creating a tall, attractive cake that's perfect for a birthday bash or a last-minute dinner party.

No-Bake Cookie Dough Chocolate Cups
Many people would agree that sampling the dough is the best part of baking cookies, and with this no-bake recipe, you'll get the same delicious taste of cookie dough with a more elegant presentation (and without the raw eggs!) Simply mix up the cookie dough, roll it into small balls, and coat them with melted chocolate. Then, let them set in a muffin tin to create the cup shape.

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Vegans Will Love These Inspirational Pinterest Recipe Boards

August 18, 2016 by

Whether you're a vegan or you simply try to cut out meat a few days a week, vegan dining is a great way to improve your health and do some good for the environment. Here are a few inspiring Pinterest boards that are filled with vegan recipes that are sure to get your mouth watering.

Best Vegan Recipes
This Pinterest board is bright, colorful and filled with nutritious meals for every time of day. From hemp seed snack smoothies to grilled veggie fajitas, there's something to inspire every meal.

Vegan Food Lovers
This community Pinterest board features contributions from some of the best vegan food bloggers online. Here, you'll find sweet, frozen snacks, globally inspired lunches and even a variety of different ways to prepare tofu.

Earth Balance's Vegan Recipes
If you're looking for some inspiration for lunch or dinner, this is the board to check out. It features main courses like vegan pot pie, savory Indian curries and lots of veggie-packed soups.

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How to Host a Dinner Party — Without a Dining Room

July 21, 2016 by

Don't have a traditional dining room table? You'll be happy to know that there are still a number of other ways to have your friends over for dinner. Here are a few smart tips for hosting a dinner party even without a dining room.

  • Think buffet-style. Avoid the sit-down feel right from the beginning by serving your food buffet style. This not only embraces the lack of a traditional dining room, it even makes it more fun.
  • Plan the menu accordingly. Since you don't have a large table, you'll want to avoid a really formal meal. This isn't the time for prime rib and multiple sides; rather, it's the perfect opportunity for a taco bar, a heaping bowl of pasta or dress-them-yourself burgers.
  • Embrace your outdoor space. If your rental comes equipped with its own private outdoor space (or even a shared outdoor area), it's the perfect opportunity to take your meal al fresco. Bring along a tablecloth, a few candles for ambiance and some recyclable plates that don't require much clean-up.
  • Take it to the floor. Toss some comfortable throw pillows around your living room and instruct your friends to gather around the coffee table.
  • Turn it into a theme night. If you're worried about the informal feel of eating on your couch with guests, turn your dinner party into a cozy theme. Pop in a movie for a laid-back movie night, or grab some board games for a dinner-party-turned-game-night.

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Looking for a Unique Design Element? Try Decorating With Citrus Fruits!

June 16, 2016 by

Now that summer is here, you're likely looking for fun, colorful ways to brighten up your home. If you want to add a pop of color and a burst of freshness to your kitchen or dining space, try decorating with something a bit out-of-the-ordinary: citrus fruits! Here are a few ways to decorate with oranges, lemons and more.

Dried Citrus Ornaments
While these types of dried citrus ornaments are normally used around the holidays, they look (and smell!) just as great in the summertime, too. Try drying your fruits and hanging them on a garland of eucalyptus over the kitchen window, or forage some branches, pop them in a vase and hang the ornaments on the ends.

Lemon Centerpieces
Planning a dinner party or a weekend brunch? Create your very own centerpiece made with bright, fresh lemons! If you're pressed for time, simply fill an attractive bowl with whole lemons for a subtle scent and a pretty pop of yellow. If you have a bit more time to spare, try filling a glass vase with water. Cut lemons into thin slices, and then submerge them in the vase for a more unique look.

Preserved Lemon Jars
This one plays double-duty as both a decoration and a helpful baking ingredient. Quick-preserve your lemons using just lemon juice and kosher salt, and then store them in large jars around the kitchen for a rustic, farmhouse-inspired look. Reach into the jars whenever you need something to zest up a pasta dish, roasted chicken or even a dessert!

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4 Affordable Online Stores With Bedding So Comfortable, You’ll Want to Hit the Snooze Button

May 19, 2016 by

Even if you're unable to splurge on the fancy Egyptian cotton sheets favored by four-star hotels, that doesn't mean that you can't create a hotel-quality bedding setup in your own bedroom. Here are a few great sources where you can shop affordable, stylish bedding online.

IKEA
Everyone's favorite affordable home goods store also offers an equally expansive selection of bedding for children and adults. From bright, colorful patterns and traditional floral prints to knitted throw blankets and even plump pillows, you'll find everything you need for any budget.

Overstock
Budget-conscious shoppers love Overstock for its ever-changing selection of furniture and home goods, but the site also sells complete bedding sets that make it much easier (and more affordable) to invest in new bedding. You'll find name brand bedding for up to 80% off of the original price.

Target
With stylish bedding from designers like Nate Berkus, Target's selection is one of the best bangs for your buck. Purchase a complete bedding set or mix and match affordable separates on your own.

Wayfair
With its popular "bed-in-a-bag" selection, Wayfair offers one of the best deals on bedding that you'll find online. This is also great for those pressed for time, as it makes it easy to cover your whole bed in one step.

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Ready to Say Goodbye to the Gallery Wall? These New Wall Decor Ideas Will Spruce Up Your Space

April 21, 2016 by

While the mix-and-matched gallery wall was the biggest wall art trend of the past few years, you may be a bit tired of this eclectic style. If you’re looking for a new (but equally easy) way to spruce up your walls at 2411 Washington, get some inspiration from these exciting ideas.

  1. Hang a tree trunk slice. Visit your local craft store or even a lumberyard and purchase a few large tree trunk slices. Sand them down and stain them, or hang them as-is for a truly rustic look.
  2. Create cool frames using Washi tape. If you’re tired of the hefty price tags (and the holes) that come with traditional frames, try creating one-dimensional frames out of colorful Washi tape. Create designs that are sleek, ornate, traditional or even a little wacky in all of the shapes and sizes that you desire.
  3. Hang a vintage map. If you have a large wall space that you just don’t know how to cover, try using a large vintage map. These are fairly easy to come by online or at your local thrift store or on sites like Etsy.
  4. Display antique ceramics. Collect an assortment of antique plates and baskets from antique stores or family members and display them using hanging plate racks.
  5. Frame your records. If you’re a music fan, frame your favorite records using square frames designed especially for that purpose.

10 Impressive DIY Wall Art Projects from Our House Tours [Apartment Therapy]
Washi Tape Wall Art Ideas [Apartment Therapy]
50 Beautiful DIY Wall Art Ideas For Your Home [Decoist]

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These Online Retailers Sell Hip Kids’ Furniture That’s More Stylish Than Most

February 18, 2016 by

If the idea of a kids’ bedroom that’s cluttered with toys isn’t exactly what you have in mind, you may be wishing for kid-friendly furniture that’s a bit more functional. These stylish online stores specialize in children’s furniture and decor that’s more minimal than most, but it’s still cute enough to appeal to your favorite little ones.

The Land of Nod
With mid-century modern designs and soft, neutral colors, all of the furniture at The Land of Nod is just as appealing to caregivers as it is to the kids. Here you’ll find well-made wooden cribs and bedframes, bedding in whimsical patterns, and smart storage solutions with an eclectic edge.

IKEA
Everyone’s favorite Swedish home goods store is an equally great resource for fun, quirky children’s furniture. If you’re looking to furnish your little ones’ rooms on a budget, this is the place to go for complete furniture sets and even colorful rugs that double as board games.

Hip Kids
With a name like Hip Kids, it’s apparent that this online retailer sells children’s furnishings that are truly stylish. Shop wooden play kitchens, kid-sized teepees, and smart storage solutions that they’ll actually want to put their toys inside.

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Turn Your Kitchen at 2411 Washington Into a Pizzeria With These Pizza Dough Recipes

January 21, 2016 by

The next time you’re planning a pizza night at home, forget your usual delivery spot and make your own pie. With these easy and authentic recipes for homemade pizza dough, you can turn your apartment into your own miniature pizzeria!

Pizza Crust [King Arthur Flour]
If you have some free time early in the week, make this simple recipe that holds for up to two days. It bakes thin and crispy when rolled flat with a rolling pin, but if you prefer a chewy crust, it can also be made thicker.

Quick Basic Pizza Dough [Martha Stewart]
For hot, fresh pizza on the spot, this quick dough is very simple to make. Simply mix your flour with olive oil, salt and a sprinkle of sugar, and then give it a few kneads before using. If you have leftover dough, you can also wrap it in secure plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to three months.

My Favorite Pizza [The Pioneer Woman]
Whether you’re a vegetarian or a meat lover, this recipe for pizza crust can be topped with anything to make it your own. This recipe makes two separate pies, so it’s perfect for pizza parties, and it even stores in the refrigerator for up to three days.

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5 New Year’s Resolutions Beyond Weight Loss

January 7, 2016 by

Although losing weight is one of the most common New Year’s resolutions, this year might be the year to stop worrying about your appearance and start working toward a more positive mindset. You just might find that bettering yourself from the inside will have positive effects on your body as well!

  1. Devote more time to loved ones. If you don’t get to see your family and friends as much as you'd like, aim to fix that in the upcoming months. Cut back on work, schedule a visit, or simply ask a loved one out to dinner—and leave your phone in your pocket!
  2. Butt out. Giving up cigarettes does just as much good for your body as dieting, so toss out your pack after the clock strikes midnight.
  3. Improve your finances. From paying off your credit card bills to setting aside money for savings, getting out of debt can make you feel a bit lighter in a completely different way.
  4. Volunteer for a cause. Even if it’s only once a month, donating time to a cause that you believe in is a great way to improve yourself in the New Year.
  5. Get active. Instead of making a New Year’s resolution to improve your physique, vow to simply get outside more and become more active. You just might shed a few pounds along the way.

Top 10 New Year's Resolutions [About Travel]
10 New Year’s Resolutions You Might Actually Keep [How Stuff Works]
Popular New Year's Resolutions [USA.gov]

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Simple and Swift Decor Ideas for the Holiday Season

December 17, 2015 by

Decorating for the holidays should be fun, not stressful, but many people become overwhelmed by the process. One of the best ways to prepare for holiday decorating is by reading up on ideas to get inspiration for your own home. Here are a few smart seasonal decor tips that are sure to get you in the holiday spirit.

  • Fill clear jars and vases with red and white peppermint candies. Set them on any bare surface that could use some sprucing up.
  • Purchase pine garland in bulk and drape it on all of your home’s tall areas, including mantles, banisters, and on top of cabinets.
  • Buy vintage holiday decor from local thrift stores for a fun, quirky touch. Think retro dinnerware items, aluminum trees, and antique nutcrackers.
  • Don’t be afraid to decorate your tree in a fresh, new color scheme. If you’re not feeling the red and green this year, opt for icy blue and silver, rich purple and gold or even stark white.
  • Try out tartan instead of your usual holiday-themed textiles. This classic red plaid looks festive and unique when used on placemats, tree skirts, or stockings.
  • Think of scents just as much as sights. You can’t go wrong with cinnamon or vanilla-scented candles, bowls filled with potpourri, and even pine cones from outside.
  • Create your own simple winter floral arrangement by placing tall berry branches in white jars.

13 Stylish Holiday and Christmas Decorating Ideas [Real Simple]
11 Easy Holiday Decorating Tips from Top Bloggers [House Beautiful]
101 Fresh Christmas Decorating Ideas [Southern Living]

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