Better Homes & Gardens

JANUARY 2021 BHG.COM AskUs A Lucky New Year’s Anything! OUR SECOND Brunch ANNUAL Q&A ISSUE p. 76 Q A Flip to page 26 for advice on space planning, no-fail paint colors, and all things pillows. Plus Strategies for working from home, managing money & cleaning where it counts





CONTENTS JANUARY 2021 | VOLUME 99 | NUMBER 1 56 in every 68 16 FROM THE life in color PHOTOS: (FISH AND CAKE) CARSON DOWNING, (BED) DAVID A. LAND/PAT BATES, (OFFICE) DANA GALLAGHER ıssue 68 SHE’S GOT SKILLS FOR SERVICE ON YOUR SUBSCRIPTION, INCLUDING CHANGE OF ADDRESS, WRITE TO: BETTER HOMES & GARDENS CUSTOMER SERVICE, P.O. BOX 37449, BOONE, IA 50037-0449. PLEASE ENCLOSE YOUR 86 4 EDITOR’S LETTER 76 EDITORS Tips to ADDRESS LABEL FROM A RECENT ISSUE. OR VISIT US AT BHG.COM/MYACCOUNT. 6 BHG.COM organize your days. A DIYer encourages ON THE 90 COOKBOOK life people to embrace the COVER 108 STYLEMAKER 8 Q&A beauty challenges of decorating 18 SOLUTIONS on a budget. PHOTO Real solutions to ANNIE day-to-day dilemmas. Readers’ top skincare 76 THE FORTUNATE SCHLECHTER issues solved. INTERIOR 13 ASK BH&G TABLE These Southern DESIGN New Year’s Day dishes are SARA Set the scene for meant to bring good luck GILBANE pro-looking video calls. and fortune. Let’s brunch! STYLING ERIN SWIFT 14 WHY IT WORKS 80 THE BEAUTY 2 | January 2021 A colorful laundry OF BOXWOOD room refresh. Tough and endlessly versatile, this evergreen earns its keep. 86 WORK {FROM HOME} GOALS How to tuck in an affordable, hardworking home office. home 22 COLOR Brown is the new gray. 26 DECORATING Bedroom decor that will have you resting easy. 34 I DID IT! A fast face-lift for barstools. 42 KNOW-HOW Pro tricks for taking more artful photos. 46 CLEANING Icky jobs worth doing. 50 GARDENS Diary of a first-time gardener. food 56 COOKING CLASS Our Test Kitchen guides you through the best ways to buy and cook fish. 65 FAST & FRESH Weeknight dinner ideas. better 97 THE GUIDE 101 MONEY MATTERS Financial advice for changing times. 104 PETS Get the most from virtual vet visits. 106 HEALTH How to stop stress eating.

150 calories 11 vitamins & minerals 5g of sugar 0 artificial colors or flavors 100% delicious Do what’s

There are always going to be issues to deal with—but 2020 gave us a lot of them. My brain has been taking refuge in more immediately fixable problems instead of the long-range uncertainties we’ve all been navigating. And you seem to feel the same. Our readers tell us they’ve been paying extra-close attention to something they can control—perfecting their home spaces. This past weekend, I roasted a chicken one day and made stock the next, tackled a closet, and reorganized the bathroom toiletries. And normally I’m not a neatnik. Each of these tasks, however, felt like an accomplishment— PROBLEM- like I was finally in control. SOLVING That’s what this, our second annual Q&A issue, is all about. Instead of us doing the normal January, “New Year, New You” magazine, where we tell you what you should be doing, we crowdsourced to find out what solutions you need. It’s always fascinating to hear what’s on your minds. We heard that women are stressed—juggling parenting, working from home, and dealing with COVID. But among all the disruption there have been upsides too. We’re all traveling and running around less, so we’re spending more time with our families cooking and doing DIY projects. We want to tackle long-neglected home improvements or get our front yard pulled together but feel afraid of making a mistake and wasting money. We want to upgrade a bedroom but don’t know where to begin. We want to cook a nice meal for our loved ones but need the inspiration of new ideas and recipes. This issue has become one of our favorites because it combines two vital things: the real-life concerns of our readers and the knowledge and expertise of our editors and designers. Journalists, by nature, are sharers. If we find something cool, PHOTO: MELANIE ACEVEDO/SARAH LAIRD beautiful, or useful, we want to tell you about it. That’s why we editors get into this media business. STEPHEN ORR, We want to help everyone have a better life when it comes to the ultimate sanctuary—their home. Editor in Chief instagram @steporr LET TERS + COMMENTS [email protected] SUBSCRIP TION HELP BHG.com/MyAccount or email us at BHGcustserv@cdsfulfillment.com or call 800/374-4244 4 | January 2021

© 2019 Tyson Foods, Inc.

what’s trending online STORAGE GOALS Level up your storage game for the new year. We break down the most common storage mistakes, including overstuffing shelves and using only one type of container, and how to fix them. BHG.com/StorageMistakes DIY Spice Organizer Cook without chaos. Our quick weekend project guides you through sorting and storing herbs and spices so they’re clearly visible. BHG.com/OrganizeSpices Hover your smartphone camera over this code for our how- to video. Win[ S W E E P S T A K E S ] Healthier PHOTOS) (CLOSET) LINCOLN BARBOUR, (EMPANADAS) ANDY LYONS, (COUPLE) DEAN MITCHELL/GETTY IMAGES $25,000 Desserts to design the kitchen These 13 indulgent treats weigh of your dreams. Enter at in under 250 calories and BHG.com/25kKitchen are sneakily nutritious. Dig into for a chance to win. a flavonoid-rich dark chocolate Details on page 95. option or these pumpkin empanadas packed with immune- boosting vitamins A and C. BHG.com/WinterSweet Travel+Leisure Luggage[SPECIAL READER OFFER] Travel in style with gear designed by leading luggage brand Travelpro in collaboration with the travel experts at Travel + Leisure®. The nine-piece collection contains four hard-sided suitcases and five soft companion bags in Monaco Blue, Whistler Grey, or White Sand (shown). Mix and match to build a combo that fits your needs, or choose a set. Individual bags range from $245 to $645. travelpro.com/travel-leisure 6 | January 2021



elevate the everyday L ast year we introduced You our first reader Q&A Asked, issue, answering some AnsWweered of the most common questions we get WELCOME TO from readers about OUR SECOND home design, cooking, ANNUAL READER gardening, health, and beauty. Since then the Q&A ISSUE, questions have kept BRINGING YOU flooding in. So we’re REAL SOLUTIONS making it an annual TO DAY-TO-DAY event. In this issue, our editors and go-to DILEMMAS. experts aim to help you solve a whole new slew of problems. Don’t see your question in this issue? Send it to the editors at Ask [email protected], and we might answer it in a future issue. Q A”Outfitting Splurge on Q ”What A Leather is ideal tear it can take,” she says. Or try using a my house foundation items and are some when you have pets, stylish outdoor fabric kid- and says interior designer for pillows and on a budget: things you touch every pet-friendly Kimberly Kelly, who upholstery. Whatever BY: SARAH EGGE Where to day, says designer fabrics for fosters dogs. Interior you choose, a medium Elaine Griffin, like a in the house?” designer and mom shade—not too splurge, where sofa, mattresses, and Rachel Van Kluyve dark or too light— to save?” RENEE loves velvet. “It’s hard hides stains best. bedding. Save on items Missouri to beat the wear and MAUREEN GREELEY reflecting trends: lamps, Olympia, WA pillows, area rugs. 8 | January 2021



from the readers Q ? nMayil Q “HOWdo PHOTOS: (HYDRANGEA) XIE2001/ISTOCK BY GETTY IMAGES, (POLISH) WESTEND61/GETTY IMAGES polish doesn’t IGET “How do sfseutawgygdeoasnytipsoa.nAsst?nay “How do I up the you eat hydrangeas natural light SARA POLLAND, Brooklyn, NY less salt TO turn in a room and have blue?” with few Hand sanitizer to the rescue! Nail artist windows?” Miss Pop says swipe a cotton pad food KIM O’BRIEN-WOLETT dipped in sanitizer across the nail bed still taste Des Moines SHARON RUB to remove natural oils before applying good?” Hillsboro, OR a base coat. “A base coat helps your This is one of the PATTY AMORE questions we hear most “White walls, more manicure last longer,” she Pompano Beach, FL from visitors to the BH&G than anything, says. After polishing, apply Test Garden.® The first a top coat, even “Salt is a learned bounce light around another layer a flavor,” says Caitlyn step is knowing what the room and few days later. Diimig, R.D. The good type of hydrangea And remember: “Don’t news is that we can you have, says Ryan disperse it,” says shower, wash your learn to want less of McEnaney of Bailey stylist Brady Tolbert. hands, or wash dishes it. She suggests using Nurseries. Only the for a couple hours after acidic ingredients bigleaf varieties will Hanging artwork painting your nails.” like citrus, vinegars, turn blue and even then framed behind only certain cultivars. If reflective glass and or wine to bring you’ve looked up your mirrors on adjacent out other flavors in cultivar and it is one walls also will refract a dish. Keep your apt to change color, light. Minimally taste buds happy the fix is simple: You just dress the windows by balancing sweet, need to make your soil with sheer curtains. sour, salty, and bitter. more acidic by applying “People add salt to aluminum sulfate, And choose bland dishes, but the often sold at garden furnishings that help dish is missing all of centers specifically for with the glow: A sisal the tastes; that’s why hydrangeas. Add it area rug and a sofa it’s bland,” she says. to soil following package slipcovered in ivory directions right after you linen can brighten see buds and through the bloom season. Be a room too. aware that flowers may not turn blue until the “Can you use gluten-free following year. flour like regular flour?”BEVERLYSHERWOOD Roseville, MN AUnfortunately you can’t that will mimic the Gardens® Test 2 cups sorghum swap a texture and structure Kitchen. Mix a flour, and 4 tsp. gluten provides.” batch—or double xanthan gum. single-ingredient You can, however, or triple it—to keep Store in an airtight alternative flour sub in a mix. We on hand. container at room (like almond or developed and GLUTEN-FREE temperature for up buckwheat) in for all- rigorously tested a FLOUR MIX to 3 months. ■ purpose flour, says cup-for-cup gluten- In a large bowl whisk food editor Carrie free flour mix in our together 3 cups white Boyd. “You need to Better Homes & rice flour, 3 cups use a replacement potato starch, 10 | January 2021

ECZEMA: UNDER CONTROL. SO ROLL UP THOSE SLEEVES. DUPIXENT is a breakthrough in the treatment of uncontrolled moderate-to-severe eczema (atopic dermatitis). Approved for ages 6 years and up. RACHEL, REAL PATIENT. Individual results may vary. DUPIXENT helps restore the look and feel of skin. And it’s not a cream or steroid. It’s a biologic that continuously treats eczema over time–even between flare-ups. See and feel a significant difference with: Clearer skin • Fast itch relief • In clinical trials at 16 weeks, 37% of adults and 24% of teens (ages 12-17) saw clear or almost clear skin vs 9% and 2% not on DUPIXENT. • And 38% of adults and 37% of teens (ages 12-17) had significantly less itch vs 11% and 5% not on DUPIXENT. TALK TO YOUR ECZEMA SPECIALIST AND VISIT DUPIXENT.COM OR CALL 1-844-DUPIXENT (1-844-389-4936) INDICATION pregnancy to collect information Allergicreactions(hypersensitivity), theFDA.Visitwww.fda.gov/medwatch, DUPIXENT is a prescription medicine about the health of you and your including a severe reaction known or call 1-800-FDA-1088. used to treat people aged 6 years baby. Your healthcare provider can asanaphylaxis. StopusingDUPIXENT and older with moderate-to-severe enroll you or you may enroll yourself. and tell your healthcare provider or Use DUPIXENT exactly as prescribed. atopic dermatitis (eczema) that is To get more information about the Your healthcare provider will tell you not well controlled with prescription registry call 1-877-311-8972 or go to get emergency help right away if you how much DUPIXENT to inject and therapies used on the skin (topical), https://mothertobaby.org/ongoing- how often to inject it. DUPIXENT is or who cannot use topical therapies. study/dupixent/; are breastfeeding get any of the following symptoms: an injection given under the skin DUPIXENT canbeusedwithorwithout or plan to breastfeed. It is not known breathing problems, fever, general ill (subcutaneous injection). If your feeling, swollen lymph nodes, swelling of the face, mouth and tongue, hives, topical corticosteroids. It is not known whether DUPIXENT passes into your itching, fainting, dizziness, feeling healthcare provider decides that if DUPIXENT is safe and effective in breast milk. lightheaded (low blood pressure), you or a caregivercan give DUPIXENT children with atopic dermatitis under Tell your healthcare provider joint pain, or skin rash. injections, you or your caregiver 6 years of age. about all the medicines you take, Eye problems. Tell your healthcare should receive training on the right IMPORTANTSAFETYINFORMATION including prescription and over- provider if you have any new or way to prepare and inject DUPIXENT. the-counter medicines, vitamins and worsening eye problems, including Do not try to inject DUPIXENT until Do not use if you are allergic to herbal supplements. eye pain or changes in vision. you have been shown the right way by dupilumab or to any of the ingredients your healthcare provider. In children in DUPIXENT®. Especially tell your healthcare provider The most common side effects in 12 years of age and older, it is if you are taking oral, topical or inhaled patients with atopic dermatitis recommended that DUPIXENT be Before using DUPIXENT, tell your corticosteroid medicines or if you have include injection site reactions, eye administered by or under supervision healthcare provider about all your atopic dermatitis and asthma and use and eyelid inflammation, including of an adult. In children younger than medical conditions, including if you: an asthma medicine. Do not change redness, swelling, and itching, and cold 12 years of age, DUPIXENT should have eye problems; have a parasitic or stop your corticosteroid medicine sores in your mouth or on your lips. be given by a caregiver. (helminth) infection; are scheduled to or other asthma medicine without receive any vaccinations. You should Tell your healthcare provider if you not receive a “live vaccine” if you are talking to your healthcare provider. have any side effect that bothers PleaseseeBriefSummaryonnextpage. treated with DUPIXENT; are pregnant This may cause other symptoms that you or that does not go away. These or plan to become pregnant. It is were controlled by the corticosteroid are not all the possible side effects not known whether DUPIXENT will medicine or other asthma medicine of DUPIXENT. Call your doctor for harm your unborn baby. There is to come back. medicaladviceaboutsideeffects.You © 2020 Sanofi and Regeneron a pregnancy exposure registry for DUPIXENT can cause serious side are encouraged to report negative Pharmaceuticals, Inc. women who take DUPIXENT during effects, including: side effects of prescription drugs to All Rights Reserved. DUP.20.05.0084 YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR COPAY ASSISTANCE* *Limitations apply. Visit DUPIXENT.com for full program terms.

Brief Summary of Important Patient Information about DUPIXENT® (dupilumab) Rx Only (DU-pix’-ent) injection, for subcutaneous use What is DUPIXENT? • If your dose schedule is every other week and you miss a dose of • DUPIXENT is a prescription medicine used: DUPIXENT: Give the DUPIXENT injection within 7 days from the missed dose, then continue with your original schedule. If the missed dose is not given within – to treat people aged 6 years and older with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis 7 days, wait until the next scheduled dose to give your DUPIXENT injection. (eczema) that is not well controlled with prescription therapies used on the skin (topical), or who cannot use topical therapies. DUPIXENT can be used with or • If your dose schedule is every 4 weeks and you miss a dose of without topical corticosteroids. DUPIXENT: Give the DUPIXENT injection within 7 days from the missed dose, then continue with your original schedule. If the missed dose is not given within • DUPIXENT works by blocking two proteins that contribute to a type of 7 days, start a new every 4 week dose schedule from the time you remember inflammation that plays a major role in atopic dermatitis. to take your DUPIXENT injection. • It is not known if DUPIXENT is safe and effective in children with atopic dermatitis • If you inject more DUPIXENT than prescribed, call your healthcare provider under 6 years of age. right away. Who should not use DUPIXENT? • Your healthcare provider may prescribe other medicines to use with DUPIXENT. Do not use DUPIXENT if you are allergic to dupilumab or to any of the ingredients Use the other prescribed medicines exactly as your healthcare provider tells in DUPIXENT. See the end of this summary of information for a complete list of you to. ingredients in DUPIXENT. What are the possible side effects of DUPIXENT? What should I tell my healthcare provider before using DUPIXENT? DUPIXENT can cause serious side effects, including: Before using DUPIXENT, tell your healthcare provider about all your • Allergic reactions (hypersensitivity), including a severe reaction known medical conditions, including if you: • have eye problems as anaphylaxis. Stop using DUPIXENT and tell your healthcare provider or get • have a parasitic (helminth) infection emergency help right away if you get any of the following symptoms: breathing • are scheduled to receive any vaccinations. You should not receive a “live vaccine” problems, fever, general ill feeling, swollen lymph nodes, swelling of the face, mouth and tongue, hives, itching, fainting, dizziness, feeling lightheaded (low if you are treated with DUPIXENT. blood pressure), joint pain, or skin rash. • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether DUPIXENT will • Eye problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new or worsening eye problems, including eye pain or changes in vision. harm your unborn baby. – Pregnancy Exposure Registry. There is a pregnancy exposure registry for The most common side effects of DUPIXENT in patients with atopic dermatitis include: injection site reactions, eye and eyelid inflammation, including women who take DUPIXENT during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is redness, swelling and itching, and cold sores in your mouth or on your lips. Tell to collect information about the health of you and your baby. Your healthcare your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does provider can enroll you in this registry. You may also enroll yourself or get not go away. more information about the registry by calling 1 877 311-8972 or going to These are not all of the possible side effects of DUPIXENT. Call your doctor for https://mothertobaby.org/ongoing-study/dupixent/. medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088. • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known whether DUPIXENT passes into your breast milk. General information about the safe and effective use of DUPIXENT. Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take including Patient Information leaflet. Do not use DUPIXENT for a condition for which it was prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. not prescribed. Do not give DUPIXENT to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them. Especially tell your healthcare provider if you: This is a brief summary of the most important information about DUPIXENT for • are taking oral, topical, or inhaled corticosteroid medicines this use. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. • have atopic dermatitis and asthma and use an asthma medicine You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for more information about DUPIXENT that is written for healthcare professionals. Do not change or stop your corticosteroid medicine or other asthma medicine For more information about DUPIXENT, go to www.DUPIXENT.com without talking to your healthcare provider. This may cause other symptoms or call 1-844-DUPIXENT (1-844-387-4936) that were controlled by the corticosteroid medicine or other asthma medicine to come back. What are the ingredients in DUPIXENT? Active ingredient: dupilumab How should I use DUPIXENT? Inactive ingredients: L-arginine hydrochloride, L-histidine, polysorbate 80, • See the detailed “Instructions for Use” that comes with DUPIXENT for sodium acetate, sucrose, and water for injection information on how to prepare and inject DUPIXENT and how to properly Manufactured by: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY 10591 store and throw away (dispose of) used DUPIXENT pre-filled syringes and U.S. License # 1760; Marketed by sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC, (Bridgewater, NJ pre-filled pens. 08807) and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Tarrytown, NY 10591) • Use DUPIXENT exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. DUPIXENT® is a registered trademark of Sanofi Biotechnology / ©2020 Regeneron • Your healthcare provider will tell you how much DUPIXENT to inject and how often Pharmaceuticals, Inc. / sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC. All rights reserved. to inject it. Issue Date: June 2020 • DUPIXENT comes as a single-dose pre-filled syringe with needle shield or as a pre-filled pen. DUP.20.06.0310 • DUPIXENT is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection). • If your healthcare provider decides that you or a caregiver can give the injections of DUPIXENT, you or your caregiver should receive training on the right way to prepare and inject DUPIXENT. Do not try to inject DUPIXENT until you have been shown the right way by your healthcare provider. In children 12 years of age and older, it is recommended that DUPIXENT be administered by or under supervision of an adult. In children younger than 12 years of age, DUPIXENT should be given by a caregiver.

ask bh&g Q “I want BY: KATY KIICK CONDON a great darkness. It’s ideal, style your shelves. large-scale pieces pieces that will catch background Welch says, to set up “I think a mix of books that take up more a light glare and in my video with a wall 4 to 6 feet and objects goes a of the background. anything busy that chats. How behind you. That’s long way toward the Depending on your won’t read well on do I arrange enough to show some aesthetics. It’s less taste, she suggests camera. That includes that in depth without the cold and sterile, less a colorful abstract gallery walls with lots my home?” entire room being like a library.” Mikel’s piece or a simple of small individual visible. (That’s a lot simple styling formula: landscape picture. pieces. ■ GAYLA BYERLY to keep tidy.) And, he Split each shelf They’re beautiful, Denton, TX says, “You need to 50–50, books on one professional-looking, TIPS IN ACTION create a focal point— side, decor on the and not distracting. Hover your Video meetings and art or bookshelves— other. Reverse the “You don’t want smartphone virtual social hours back there.” book-object layout on to leave people aren’t going anywhere, each shelf. guessing, trying to camera here to see so it’s worth investing ■ BOOKSHELVES figure out what’s the Zoom-worthy a little time in adjusting ■ ART “I don’t do going on behind you,” makeover of your setup. “People “Books read smart,” family pictures as a Lidgett says. Two our beauty editor’s can see your entire Welch says. “Just make backdrop,” Mikel says. things she says to home office. background,” says sure you check the “I’m a fan of artwork.” avoid: glass-framed Mikel Welch, an titles for anything you Des Moines gallerist interior designer and wouldn’t want people and art adviser Liz TV personality. “And to zoom in on.” Then Lidgett recommends your coworkers are probably a little nosy, so I treat my setup like selling a home: Keep it simple. You want people listening to the words coming out of your mouth.” ■ STARTING POINT A space with good lighting is essential, and natural light is best. Arrange your desk so there’s a window (or decent artificial light) in front or to the side of your face, never behind you where the light will silhouette you in ILLUSTRATION BY AGNESE BICOCCHI January 2021 | 13

why it works Q color- “How can I update our laundry forward room cabinets? We don’t use them to their full storage potential, and the doors are awful.” “Form leads, but don’t forget the fun,” says JANICE, Bountiful, UT Minneapolis interior designer Lucy Penfield. DAMP RATED Her clients wanted Designer Lucy Penfield uses to turn their dark weatherproof basement laundry area Sunbrella fabric into a happy-looking, because it wards well-functioning space. off mildew. “So we added color as a pick-me-up for this 1 everyday chore.” 3 1 2 COLOR BLOCKS PHOTO: JEFF JOHNSON Painting cabinet shelves crisp white immediately brightened the room. Mango and watermelon on the wall above the washer and on cabinet backs further lifted the mood. 2 OPEN SHELVES Penfield popped the doors off the upper cabinets to ease getting at supplies. “Grab the detergent or spot cleaner, and off you go,“ she says. 3 HIDDEN STORAGE A vibrantly patterned curtain plays up the energetic color scheme and hides clothes hanging to dry or piles waiting to be folded. “Just make sure the curtain will clear the hangers,” Penfield says. The rods should be hung at a height you can reach, with the drying rod about 12 inches from the wall and the curtain rod 24–28 inches from the wall. Q 14 | January 2021



from the editors ALL IN TECH SUPPORT ORDER APPS THATMAKE LIFE EASIER This month our SHARED Daily staff’s best tricks for columns with staying organized CALENDARS no time stamps include a scheduling are great for method that is “Our family relies a work of art. entirely on syncing listing key the calendars on reminders for “I write appointments, our phones. If a the week. vacation days, and conflict ever occurs, photo shoot dates FAVORITE THINGS At BH&G we all have different on washi tape that my husband says, I stick on my calendar. ‘Well, I didn’t see it PLAN (and strongly held) opinions in the calendar!’” about what makes an ideal –AMY BRIGHTFIELD, ON IT planner. For Executive Editor health editor Oma Ford, a week-at-a-glance desk planner cuts through the I color-code by type BRAINTOSS digital clutter. “I’m totally dependent on my of event to make it electronic calendar, but a minimalist paper planner easier to read at a “I can type, speak, allows me to see important to-dos for the week at a glance. And because or take picture glance,” she says. Creative Director Jennifer Madara, washi tape is easily on the other hand, stays motivated with a planner repositionable, I can memos, and each by designer AdamJK that bubbles over with quirky move appointments reminder will be illustrations, quotes, and prompts for doodling. “I whenever my waiting for me in my love that it gives space for creativity and celebrates schedule changes.” that life isn’t always calm and controlled,” she says. email in-box.” ■ Unsolicited Advice Planner, $25; –KATY KIICK adamjk.com ■ Neon Pop Desk Weekly CONDON, Planner, $20; mochithings.com home editor –CHRISTY BROKENS, LIFE360 art director ”It’s like LoJack for my family. The location sharing lets me keep track of where my Find washi teens are and PHOTOS: JACOB FOX; ILLUSTRATION: JESSICA DURRANT tape at your local helps me guide crafts shop my parents, who just moved or mt-tape.us here, around town.” –AMY PANOS, home editor signhere“I need flashy reminders to remember things like birthdays and work deadlines. I like these magnetic whiteboard stars because they’re unmissable and reusable.” –JARRET EINCK, art director ■ Stickies Stars, $20 for six; mcsquares.com ■ 16 | January 2021



WASTE NOT Can you recommend After applying a skincare cream, serum, routine that or sunscreen doesn’t to your face break the and neck, rub any leftover bank? on the tops of your hands. When we asked you for your biggest skincare questions, budget came up a lot. You’ll be glad to know that nobody needs an expensive 10-step routine. Drugstore cleansers, moisturizers, and sunscreens are affordable and keep your skin hydrated and healthy, says NYC dermatologist Marnie Nussbaum, M.D. The cleanser you use should be gentle, meaning your skin shouldn’t feel tight or dry postwash. One face cream can work for both day and night (and your neck). A tinted mineral sunscreen blurs discoloration, so you can skip foundation. We like Unsun Everyday Mineral Tinted Face Sunscreen ($16; target.com). PAMELA MURRAY PHOTO: ATELIER DORÉ/TRUNK ARCHIVE “Does anything work for dark undereye circles?”Hancock, MD Q The secret to correcting dark circles at home is figuring out their cause. For age-related shadows created by loss of collagen and fat, an eye treatment with retinol helps plump the thinning skin, making purple blood vessels less visible. Darkness may also develop from excess pigment (as from sun damage or rubbing your eyes). In that case, pick a tinted eye cream with skin-brightening ingredients like vitamin C or niacinamide. Your makeup can work to hide discoloration too. Younique Touch Skin Solution Concealer ($29; youniqueproducts.com) provides full camouflage along with caffeine to help increase circulation and depuff the area. 18 | January 2021 BY CRYSTAL MARTIN

©2020 P&G EXPERIENCE SKIN CARE INSPIRED BODY WASH SCAN TO BUY Hover phone camera over code. NO APP NEEDED With ingredients like vitamin C, collagen, and hyaluronic acid. I m p r o v e s S k i n 3 x B e t t e r* *vs. leading body wash after 14 days of use, based on clinical moisture retention.

solutns Q I’m in “Whatare my early thebest 40s.What should Q ingredients tohydrate I be using at my “Help! I myface?” age for dull have skin and maskne.” SARAH WALL fine lines Roanoke, VA MOLLY ZIMBRICK Anoka, MN Two of the most buzzed-about Moisture, bacteria, ingredients— ceramides and and oils can get hyaluronic acid—work better together. KRISTEN ELLISON, New Providence, NJ trapped on your skin Ceramides, which are under your mask. lipids naturally found in your skin barrier, When you start to see signs of aging, Add friction from lock in moisture. Hyaluronic acid is it’s time to graduate to stronger the fabric rubbing beloved by derms for its ability to draw products, says NYC plastic surgeon on your face, and moisture into the skin. Sachin Shridharani, M.D. A vitamin C suddenly you’ve Look for a product serum in the a.m. protects against free got breakouts. If with both: a serum like radical damage, a skin-aging chemical your mask is a synthetic fabric like CeraVe Hydrating reaction that occurs with exposure to polyester, switch to Hyaluronic Acid Serum ($17; walgreens.com) the sun, indoor light, and air pollutants. cotton, says NYC or a moisturizer like Vit C also evens and brightens your dermatologist AHC Aqualuronic skin tone by breaking up excess Marina Peredo, M.D. Cream ($32; target pigment. Two or three nights a week Synthetic materials .com). To get the biggest hydration exacerbate boost, apply moisturizer or serum treat wrinkles with retinol. Try RoC breakouts by postwash while your skin is slightly damp. VITAMIN C Retinol Correxion Line Smoothing blocking pores. SERUM Daily Serum ($25; walmart.com). The Wash with a salicylic vitamin A derivative speeds the cycle acid cleanser twice Neutrogena of healthy skin cells rising to the a day to kill acne- Rapid Tone surface of the skin (aka cell turnover) causing bacteria. Try Repair 20% Pixi Clarity Cleanser Vitamin C Serum, $27; and builds supportive collagen. ($18; target.com). target.com sensitiveskin “What are the best antiaging treatments for sensitive skin?” MOLLY FISCHER Napa, CA HYDRATING RETINOID PEPTIDE CALMING MOISTURIZER CLEANSER ALTERNATIVE SERUM A milky wash like the Biossance Squalane Peptides (protein Oat kernel flour building blocks for and plant extracts Clarins Velvet & Phyto-Retinol collagen) smooth fine in Aveeno Calm Cleansing Milk ($30; Serum ($72; lines and are gentle clarinsusa.com) uses sephora.com) on sensitive skin. & Restore Oat Gel nourishing oils and contains bakuchiol, Moisturizer ($24; mild surfactants to the gentle plant- Olay Wrinkle Serum cvs.com) soothe gently lift off dirt. derived retinoid Max ($33; olay.com) dry, irritated skin A probiotic complex alternative that layers in niacinamide, while strengthening keeps healthy boosts cell turnover a dual hydrator and the skin’s protective bacteria in balance. and evens skin tone. mild exfoliant. barrier. Q 20 | January 2021

THE ONLY ONE WITH OUR SHAPEWEAR leading value FABRIC FORbrand COMFORT AND PROTECTION NEW Unbeatable protection† Our softest, smoothest underwear In 5 exclusive colors Get a sample at Depend.com THE ONLY THING STRONGER THAN US, IS YOU.™ †based on small and medium testing vs. Always Discreet Boutique. ®/™ Trademarks of Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. or its affiliates. © KCWW

TRANSCEND COLOR PPG1079-4 “I want to PPG update my home color. OAK CREEK What’s a more current SW 7718 Sherwin- palette Williams than gray?” DAWN GRECO, Verona, IL There’s a warming trend going on in neutrals. Grays are giving way to midtone browns that are just as versatile and create the coziness we crave. These unassuming colors used to be thought of as boring, but in 2021 we’re recognizing them as a comforting backdrop that works with almost any color you want to play against them. TOFFEE CRUNCH 700D-5 Behr GINGERSNAPS 1063 Benjamin Moore TURBINADO STYLING: JESSICA THOMAS Clare 22 | January 2021 BY MONIKA EYERS PHOTOS CARSON DOWNING

When you’re living with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, little things can become your big moment. little smile big night $0 co-pay* program otezla.com/copay Otezla is different. It’s a pill—not an injection, biologic, or cream. • For plaque psoriasis, 75% clearer skin is achievable after just 4 months • Otezla is also proven to help with moderate to severe scalp psoriasis • The Otezla Prescribing Information has no requirement for initial or routine blood testing • Otezla can be prescribed in the doctor’s office or from home with telehealth APPROVED USE Some patients taking Otezla lost body weight. Your doctor should monitor your weight regularly. If unexplained or significant Otezla® (apremilast) is a prescription medicine approved for the weight loss occurs, your doctor will decide if you should continue treatment of adult patients with moderate to severe plaque taking Otezla. psoriasis for whom phototherapy or systemic therapy is appropriate. Some medicines may make Otezla less effective, and should not be taken with Otezla. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines. Side effects of Otezla include diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, upper Do not take Otezla if you are allergic to apremilast or to any of respiratory tract infection, tension headache, and headache. These the ingredients in Otezla. are not all the possible side effects with Otezla. Ask your doctor about other potential side effects. Tell your doctor about any side Otezla can cause severe diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, effect that bothers you or does not go away. especially within the first few weeks of treatment. Use in elderly Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become patients and the use of certain medications with Otezla appears to pregnant or planning to breastfeed. Otezla has not been studied increase the risk of having diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. Tell your in pregnant women or in women who are breastfeeding. doctor if any of these conditions occur. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-332-1088. Otezla is associated with an increase in depression. In clinical studies, some patients reported depression and suicidal behavior Please see Brief Summary of Prescribing Information on the next page. while taking Otezla. Some patients stopped taking Otezla due to depression. Before starting Otezla, tell your doctor if you have had *Certain restrictions apply; eligibility not based on income. feelings of depression or suicidal thoughts or behavior. Be sure to tell your doctor if any of these symptoms or other mood changes develop or worsen during treatment with Otezla. © 2020 Amgen Inc. All rights reserved. 10/20 US-OTZ-20-1260 To see before and after results, please scan the QR code.

Pay $0 for Otezla Brief Summary of Prescribing Information Rx Only OTEZLA® (oh-TEZ-lah) (apremilast) Tablets $0 This information does not take the place of talking to your doctor about your medical condition or treatment. If you have any questions about OTEZLA® co-pay (apremilast), ask your doctor. Only your doctor can determine if OTEZLA is right card for you. RxBIN: 610524 RxPCN: Loyalty What is the most important information I should know about OTEZLA? RxGRP: 50776841 ISSUER: (80840) OTEZLA may cause serious side effects: ID: XXXXXXXXXX Note: You must share the information Diarrhea, Nausea, and Vomiting have been reported in some patients taking on this card with your specialty pharmacy. OTEZLA and in some cases, patients required hospitalization. Most events happened within the first few weeks of starting OTEZLA and occurred more See back of card for full terms and conditions. in patients taking medications to reduce blood pressure or in those patients 65 years of age or older. Tell your doctor if any of these occur. The $0 co-pay* program Depression was reported by some patients taking OTEZLA. Before taking Most people with private insurance pay nothing OTEZLA, tell your doctor if you have had feelings of depression, suicidal out of pocket for their prescription. thoughts, or suicidal behavior. You, your caregivers, and family members should After you’re prescribed, you have the same be alert for the development or worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts, or opportunity to save. other mood changes. If such changes occur, contact your doctor. Your doctor will How to get the $0 co-pay offer: determine whether you should continue taking OTEZLA. 1. Go to otezla.com/copay Weight loss occurred in some patients taking OTEZLA. Your doctor should monitor your weight regularly. If unexplained or significant weight loss occurs, 2. Call 1-844-4OTEZLA (1-844-468-3952) your doctor will consider whether you should continue taking OTEZLA. 3. Ask your doctor about the $0 co-pay card Some medicines should not be taken with OTEZLA as they may make OTEZLA less effective. Tell your doctor about all the medications you take, including prescription and nonprescription medications. We’ve got you covered What is OTEZLA? OTEZLA is a prescription medicine used for the treatment of adult patients with If you have private insurance and are experiencing moderate to severe plaque psoriasis for whom phototherapy or systemic therapy delays or your private insurance doesn’t cover is appropriate. Otezla, you may be eligible for free medication through the Otezla Bridge Program.† It is not known if OTEZLA is safe and effective in children less than 18 years of age. If you have government-issued insurance Who should not take OTEZLA? (Medicare or Medicaid) or are uninsured/ You must not take OTEZLA if you are allergic to apremilast or to any of the underinsured, you may be eligible for the Patient ingredients in OTEZLA. Assistance Program. What should I tell my doctor before taking OTEZLA? If you have lost prescription coverage during this Tell your doctor if you: pandemic, please contact Otezla SupportPlusTM. • have had feelings of depression, suicidal thoughts, or suicidal behavior They will work with you to find the right resources • have any kidney problems to help you with your treatment. • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if OTEZLA can harm your unborn baby. • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if OTEZLA passes into your breast milk. For all Otezla savings questions: What are the side effects of OTEZLA? call 1-844-4OTEZLA (1-844-468-3952) • OTEZLA may cause serious side effects. See “What is the most important information I should know about OTEZLA?” • Common side effects of OTEZLA are: – diarrhea – nausea – headache – vomiting – upper respiratory tract infection – tension headache These are not all the possible side effects with OTEZLA. Tell your doctor about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. *Certain restrictions apply; eligibility not based on income, must be General Information about OTEZLA 18 years or older. This offer is not valid for persons eligible for Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in reimbursement of this product, in whole or in part under Medicaid, their package inserts. This is a Brief Summary of important information about Medicare, or similar state or federal programs. Offer not valid for cash- OTEZLA. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more complete product information, paying patients. People who are not eligible can call 1-844-4OTEZLA or visit otezla.com, or call 1-844-4OTEZLA (1-844-468-3952). to discuss other financial assistance opportunities. © 2014-2020 Amgen Inc. All Rights Reserved. † To receive a free bridge supply of Otezla, you must have an on-label diagnosis and be denied or experiencing a delay in obtaining coverage. US-OTZ-20-1349 Federal, State, or similar insurance plans are not eligible for Bridge. Once Otezla is approved by your commercial insurance plan, you will no longer be eligible for the Bridge Program.

[ PAINT PAIRS] WA L L color WHAT SIMILAR TO d eciding which BROWN BAKED CUMIN brown is right for CAN DO your walls depends 1062 largely on how you BENJAMIN want the room to feel. “Do you want it to feel open and airy? Then MOORE go lighter,” says Nicole Gibbons, a designer and the founder of COOLED DOWN Clare paint company. “Do you want it to feel cozy and moody? The yellow undertone Go darker.” Either way, plan on of the tan looks great decorating with multiple browns with teal blue, yellow’s of the same temperature but opposite on the color different tones. In this sitting room, left, designed by mother-daughter wheel. TOP Peanut duo McGrath II, warm browns Shell 2162-40 BOTTOM appear not only on walls but also Aegean Teal 2136-40 on the floor, rug, furniture, and built-ins. “It’s a great way to (Benjamin Moore) make a room feel soothing,” says Suzanne McGrath. Echoing PHOTOS: (LIBRARY) JOSHUA MCHUGH, (VIGNETTE AND GIBBONS PORTRAIT) DAVID A. LAND/PAT BATES, (MCGRATH II) BRITTANY AMBRIDGE the power of layering, Gibbons says, “Choosing variations of a hue will make your palette look more thoughtful. It almost doesn’t matter where you put them in the room.” WARMED UP WA L L Lean into brown’s copper side by pairing SIMILAR TO it with an orange NO FILTER of equal intensity. TOP Copper Harbor CLARE SW 6634 BOTTOM Double Latte SW 9108 SUZANNE NICOLE (Sherwin-Williams) & LAUREN GIBBONS P E R F E C T LY BALANCED M C G R AT H Wall color is not a This sandy beige has stand-alone decision. red undertones Texture is everything. You have to think that bring out the “If you’re going to about the furniture richness of chocolate use one color and you in the room, Gibbons brown. TOP Neutral don’t have different says. The blue Territory BOTTOM textures, the room armchair, artwork, Coffee Date (Clare) can feel flat,” Lauren and sofa guided says. “That’s why we her to pale beige walls wrapped the walls for this living room. in fabric, put a jute “Normally I would rug on the floor for pair beige walls another texture, and with warm decor, but painted the millwork this is such a light slightly glossy in neutral, it works with Benjamin Moore the blues.” Q Clinton Brown.” If the walls are glossy, choose a rug that’s rugged. If they’re matte, go with a more elegant rug. LAUREN MCGRATH, designer BUYING INFORMATION: BHG.com/Resources January 2021 | 25

decorating Q“My bedroom is boring, boring, boring. No color, no style, no organization. How can I make it a space to escape, rest, and unwind?” KIMBERLY PILKINGTON, Muncie, IN Add blackout We received liners to so many questions from readers existing curtains. about how to create They’ll block a relaxing bedroom light and help retreat, one that’s warm, tranquil, comfy, insulate without or zen. Although sacrificing there’s no one-size- style. fits-all solution where style is involved, there are designer- approved strategies you can use to fashion a calm space that suits your personality and lulls you into a serene state of mind. For this bedroom, designer Mona Ross Berman shows off one design fundamental: a plush, warming rug beneath the bed. Read on for more rest-easy ideas. LAYOUT BASICS Incorporating a few principles from the Chinese philosophy feng shui can help PHOTO: LAURA MOSS you build a harmonious base. Start with your bed: It should be in the “command position” with a wall or sturdy headboard behind it, space to get in on either side, and a view of the door (without facing it directly). Establish a sense of balance with symmetrical pairs of items like nightstands, lights, and pillow sets. 26 | January 2021 BY KATY KIICK CONDON

INTRODUCING THE NEW SLEEP NUMBER 360® SMART BED The first bed in the world designed to help you fall asleep faster and proven to provide more restful sleep. Enjoy your own personal microclimate as it gently balances surface temperature to keep you both blissfully asleep. Quality sleep can help boost your immunity, increase energy and improve recovery. Compared to average sleepers, Sleep Number® bed owners enjoy almost an hour more sleep per night.* SleepIQ® Score NEW Smart 3D fabric is Adjustable comfort Automatically Personalized insights 15-Year Limited 100-Night Trial§ on each side responds to you for even better sleep Warranty‡ up to 50% more breathable for a cooler sleep surface† REQUEST SPECIAL OFFERS | 1-877-808-7717 | sleepnumber.com/bhg Upholstered furniture and adjustable base available at additional cost. Prices higher in AK and HI.*Based on self-reported hours of sleep from a general population survey compared to our SleepIQ® data. †Compared to ordinary mattresses, based on independent tests performed by the CSIRO. ‡Warranty available at sleepnumber.com. §Restrictions and exclusions apply. Does not apply to adjustable bases, upholstered furniture, closeout/clearance or demo/floor model purchases or mattresses already exchanged under another In-Home Trial period. You pay return shipping. Refunds will be made to the original method of payment less original shipping/delivery fees. Visit sleepnumber.com for complete details. SLEEP NUMBER, SLEEPIQ, SLEEP NUMBER 360, the Double Arrow Design, and SELECT COMFORT are registered trademarks of Sleep Number Corporation. ©2021 Sleep Number Corporation

decorating The fabric [ SMART STRATEGY] tufts and wingback detail NIGHT give the TABLE headboard extra architectural Use your nightstand to create a routine heft. that can help your brain switch to sleep SPACE Pick furniture that does 2 TOO BIG “Otherwise they’ll feel mode. The must-haves: double duty, like a Think in zones. like an afterthought,” Q A D RAW E R PLANNING headboard with shelves “Figure out the bed first 3Munroe says. “Part of the bedtime or underbed drawers. then how you want to WINDOWS routine is putting your 1TOO SMALL Nightstands can be experience the rest of If the best spot devices in a drawer “Small living means an opportunity for and saying goodbye utilizing vertical space,” extra storage: Choose the space,” says designer for your bed is on a for the night,” designer says designer (and pieces with height, Linda Hayslett. And don’t wall with windows, like Yokota says. Many therapist) Anita Yokota. like a bookshelf. Or if limit yourself to seating designer Beth Barden’s nightstands now have Her go-to solutions are you’re also working in areas. Create an office, room, above, create built-in outlets or installing good-looking, the bedroom, designer workout corner, or crafts “architecture” behind it charger openings. catchall wall hooks Emilie Munroe says, space. “It comes down with columns of curtains and freeing surfaces “Swap in a petite desk to your goals and Q A LAMP PHOTO: BRIE WILLIAMS by hanging plants and on one side of the bed. and a grounding Swap in a C by GE It’s chic and functional.” lifestyle. Design for that,” headboard. The right Tunable Smart Bulb. Yokota says. Each zone one will make you feel You can program cool light to wake you up and warm, dim light to calm you down. $13; walmart.com Q A S M A L L T RAY For jewelry, glasses, etc. Q AN ALARM Your phone is in the drawer, remember? Any clock will do, but if you have trouble falling asleep or waking up, consider the Hatch Restore. You can build a bedtime/wake-up routine with timed meditation, light cues (including a sunrise), and a sound machine. $130; hatch.co Q A COASTER For a water glass. Q S PAC E For books. should be an island protected yet let in lights from the ceiling. with its own accessories natural light. like rugs and lights. 28 | January 2021

Bad breath can get REALLY BAD when wearing a mask. STOP MASK BREATH Mask odor is caused by bad breath germs in your mouth. TheraBreath Oral Rinse is Dentist formulated to attack those germs and keep fighting them all day and all night. Nothing works faster and lasts longer to prevent bad breath than TheraBreath Oral Rinse. Use twice a day to keep your breath, and your mask, smelling great. Stay safe, America. SAVE $1.00 ANY THERABREATH ITEM FRESH BREATH • DRY MOUTH • ANTI-CAVITY • HEALTHY GUMS • HEALTHY SMILE MANUFACTURER’S COUPON: EXP 03/31/2021 RETAILER: We will reimburse you the face value of this coupon plus 8¢ handling provided you and the consumer have complied with the terms of this offer. Invoices proving purchases of sufficient stock to cover presented coupons must be shown on request. Any other application may constitute fraud. Coupon void where prohibited, taxed or restricted. Consumer must pay any sales tax. Cash value 1/20¢. Reproduction of this coupon is expressly prohibited. Mail to Dr. Harold Katz LLC, CMS Dept #97029, One Fawcett Drive, Del Rio, TX 78840. Limit one coupon per item purchased. COUPONS VALID IN STORES ONLY - NOT VALID ONLINE * 24 Hours of Fresh Breath protection when used as directed twice a day.

decorating CHOOSINGCOLOR Let’s narrow it down. Serene and spa-like or cozy and a little moody? Layer on textiles in a variety of textures. Create contrast with fields of light colors against dark. 1  SERENE SNOWBOUND SW 2SNUG RAILINGS No. 31 OASIS SANCTUARY Farrow & Ball Designer Lucy Penfield’s bedroom, 70 04 Sherwin-Williams above, wears Benjamin Moore Simply Anita Yokota’s pick Consider going dark if you’ve got Linda Hayslett’s pick White, known for its brilliance that’s natural light pouring in or want to be enveloped by cozy, velvety richness. MAHOGANY No. 36 neither too warm nor cool. It’s the blank Dark paint is versatile. Depending Farrow & Ball on the rest of your decor, it can feel slate she prefers for a bed stacked traditional or modern and playful—it Linda Hayslett’s pick PHOTOS: (LEFT) KIM CORNELISON, (RIGHT) ANNIE SCHLECHTER mirrors the personality of what’s with layers of neutral textiles and bright PINK BLISS 2093-70 happening around it. Wearing Farrow STUDIO GREEN No. 93 colors she can change with the seasons. & Ball Inchyra Blue on the walls, the Farrow & Ball Yokota is also firmly on Team Pale Benjamin Moore bedroom designed by Amie Corley, Emilie Munroe’s pick above, has preppy leanings thanks Sara Gilbane’s pick to the headboard’s nailhead trim, Paint for its light- and mood-boosting but ikat bedding gives it a lively spark. HALE NAV Y HC-15 4 “Chocolate browns, forest greens, Benjamin Moore properties. “Light reflects light,” she and blues with hints of black are built for comfort,” Hayslett says. And Emilie Munroe’s pick says. “And I mean that physically and designer Sara Gilbane opts for deep mossy greens, which are comforting emotionally. Lately I’ve wanted the PALLADIAN BLUE HC-144 and flattering to most skin tones. comfort of creamier whites, like Sherwin- Benjamin Moore Emilie Munroe’s pick Williams Snowbound. It’s crisp yet warm without yellow undertones.” Munroe and Hayslett opt for a little more color, choosing pastels, taupes, or warm BORROWED LIGHT grays. “They can make a space feel spa-like and meditative,” Hayslett says. No. 235 Farrow & Ball Linda Hayslett’s pick 30 | January 2021

THE SOOTHING, HONEY-LIC OUS, NIGHTTIME, SNIFFLING, SNEEZING, COUGHING, ACHING, STUFFY HEAD, FEVER, BEST SLEEP WITH A COLD, MEDICINE. Use as directed. © Procter & Gamble, Inc. 2020

decorating Gilbane likes MATTRESS wallpaper for BUYING bedrooms where GUIDE you spend MATTRE SS TYPE S low-light hours. n Innerspring GOING single king + standard 3 OUR n TUMMY A thinner PHOTO: ANNIE SCHLECHTER SOFT PICKS option, The Ultimate The traditional kind 2+ lumbar or Euro. from Sleep Number’s What’s inside Metal 1 PILLOW PILLOW n SIDE SLEEPERS PlushComfort line has coils. Adding a pillow- L AYO U T FUNCTION layers of inserts you can top or foam topper The Z Shoulder Zoned remove for less loft. makes it a hybrid. Gilbane bases her For actually sleeping, Dough pillow has $80; sleepnumber.com Good for Back sleepers pillow formulas on bed your dream pillow cooling foam and a or those seeking size. For a king, above, depends on your usual shoulder notch that n DOWN-LOVERS more support. she layers king pillows position: side (find a will earn this pillow’s To know If you share a behind standards, high, firm pillow), back (a place on your bed. $115; The fluffable, punchable, bed, test if you can feel behind three square little lower), or stomach maloufsleep.com zhooshable choice your partner moving. Euros, and a patterned (even lower). You for those who like their lumbar pillow in front. want your head-neck n BACK The Original temps even and n Foam For a queen, stack alignment to be straight. from Coop is noted cool. IKEA Gulkavle pairs of standards + Note filler materials and for its medium-firm comes in high or low The beds in a box standards + Euros + a consider allergy issues density and adjustability. ($60/$50; ikea.com). Or What’s inside Layers of lumbar. And for a twin: A and breathability (some Remove foam for a pick a handmade Lite, foam with varying foam pillows run hot). lower height; add more Medium, or Firm densities. Overall if needed. (Pillows come from czechfeather firmness is rated 1–10. with extra filler.) $60; downco.com ($48). To know These need coophomegoods.com a sturdy base like strong slats or a platform. Some people complain about heat retention, which varies by foam type. n Adjustable Air The customizable ones What’s inside Layers of foam and inflatable air chamber(s). To know Pricey, but endless options—for you and your partner. BEFORE YOU BUY Ask about a brand’s trial period; many give you 100 days to decide. If you don’t like it, what’s the return policy? And if you love it, what’s the warranty? Either way, have reviewers noted customer service issues? And how does delivery and disposal of your old mattress (or the new one if you hate it) work? n 32 | January 2021



i did it!A first-time homeowner gravitates toward affordable secondhand furniture for no-pressure facelifts. Two woven-back barstools came from one tinkering session. BEFORE When it comes to DIY projects, Rachel Jensen isn’t afraid to wing it. And she’ll keep at it until she’s happy. She tried three sets of kitchen barstools—all snagged secondhand from Facebook Marketplace, her favorite source for buying and selling furniture—before finding this pair for her family’s Ann Arbor, MI, home. “I wanted a boho kind of vibe,” she says. So she figured out how to replace the slatted backs with jute cord woven across the open frame. Turn the page to see her technique. Show us what you made Send photos of you with your latest project to [email protected] and post on Instagram with our #BHGIDidIt hashtag. 34 | January 2021 BY JODY GARLOCK PHOTOS RACHEL JENSEN

Peace by piece. © 2020 Kraft Foods

i did it WHATSHEDID Rachel transformed a $35 pair of barstools in about 12 hours with power tools, paint, and jute cord. “They turned out even better than I thought they would,” she says. 12 MEET 34 RACHEL Furniture makeovers fill her stories on Instagram (@practicallyrach). B E ST WAY TO SPEND $50 “Find a piece and negotiate the lowest price possible, then use the rest of the money for paint and other supplies needed to upcycle.” REMEDY FOR A CREATIVE RUT “Sometimes it takes starting over with a new idea to get back into a groove.” CAN’T LIVE WITHOUT “Spray paint.” Q 1 MODIFY 28 IDEAS For a sleeker profile, Rachel cut off UNDER some of the flared $20 section along the top of the stool backs FURNITURE HACKS using a jigsaw. She cut YOU’VE NEVER and removed the back SEEN BEFORE slats, filled the holes with wood filler, then TM BUDGET KITCHEN sanded, painted, and MAKEOVERS 2sealed the frames. EASY PROJECTS DRILL TO MAKE WITH Rachel drilled WOOD BEADS evenly spaced holes REFRESH around the back INAFLASH 32 QUICK UPDATES BUILD THIS PLATE RACK IN A WEEKEND! P. 31 SUPPLIES frame (11 along the top horizontally, weaving VOL. 28/ISSUE 1 ILLUSTRATIONS: AGNESE BICOCCHI and bottom, seven on through the vertical BHG.COM/DIYMAGAZINE Q Jigsaw each side) to weave cords. She pulled the cord through the DISPLAY UNTIL 1/22/21 Q Wood filler 3the cord through. WEAVE 4last hole to end. MEREDITH SPECIALS / PEOPLE SPECIALS Q Electric sander and Wrapping the FINISH sandpaper Rachel put INSPIRED cord end in tape to Q Primer and paint make it easier to feed superglue into the TO DIY? through the holes, starting hole, the Winter issue on Q Clear topcoat spray Rachel started at the last hole, and the upper-right corner, holes where the cord sale now at Q Drill, 1¹∕64-inch bit stringing the back diagonally crosses newsstands and vertically. At the last the corner of the magazine.store/DIY. Q 4-ply 72-pound bottom hole, she frame. She cut off the jute cord moved diagonally to diagonal section Hover your (a 1-pound skein the side bottom hole once the glue dried. smartphone camera was enough and began stringing for both of here to purchase. Rachel’s stools) Q Clear superglue 36 | January 2021



know-how the art of the still life Ceramist Frances Palmer approaches photography in the same manner as her pottery: Embrace simple beauty and imperfection. best known for her playful ceramics, Frances Palmer pulls back the curtain on her creative process— including photo tips—in her new book, Life in the Studio. Frances explains the parallel between throwing pottery and taking pictures: “It’s a way of expressing your view of things. What I make inevitably comes out looking like me.” There’s an overriding principle at play too: appreciation of beauty in all its forms, from the organic shape of a shiny vase and vibrant colors of fresh- picked dahlias to spent blooms, freckled leaves, and containers veined with cracks. “There’s something liberating about a broken vessel in this age of picture- perfect Instagram.” Frances uses spring clamps PORTRAIT: JANE BEILES to hang painted canvases and fabric on a metal bar supported by two tripods. “I usually crop out the equipment, but sometimes I leave it in to give context to the image.” 42 | January 2021 BY KE LLY RYAN KEGAN S PH OTOS FR AN C E S PALM E R

LOOKS INCREDIBLE ON YOU Power through the day with Depend® Dryshield™ Technology designed to keep you dry and comfortable. Get a coupon at Depend.com THE ONLY THING STRONGER THAN US, IS YOU.™ †Purchase by 3/31/22. Redeem within 30 days of purchase. See Depend.com/guarantee for details. *™Trademarks of Kimberly-Clark Worldwide, Inc. or affiliates. ©KCWW

know-how Everybody has something PHOTOTIPS to say. It’s Frances shares not about her tips for creating comparing dramatic still lifes— yourself to whether you’re shooting other people. flowers, pottery, or an in-progress recipe FRANCES PALMER on Instagram. MORE FROM 1 FRANCES NATURAL LIGHT In addition to photography tips, Frances sets up her camera next to Frances shares insights on pottery, windows to get entrepreneurship, the best natural light. gardening, Early-morning and cooking in her and late-afternoon sun new book, (like the light hitting Life in the Studio: the spider mums, right) Inspiration and Lessons on Creativity. casts the most $35; workman.com dramatic shadows. 2 CONTRAST & MOOD Changing the background color, below, establishes different moods. Spring flowers against a neutral feel dreamy and peaceful. Against a black velvet backdrop, the flowers appear brighter and more defined, like a classic Dutch still life. 44 | January 2021

3 PHOTO PRACTICES Frances uses a Nikon F3 SLR camera and avoids tweaking images after taking them. ”I hold the camera with enough distance to allow for cropping later on. I’m happiest with a 4×5-inch crop.” Q

Q “What cleaning preventive it’s a dirty job… things can I do to keep But you’ve got to do it. Deep cleaning a few of the hidden, my home running hardworking parts of your house can get really yucky. smoothly?” Hang in there; your grit will pay off. Tackling these PEGGY DOTY, Northwood, OH 3tasks regularly will help keep your home humming. attachment on your vacuum. And because you’re already up to your elbows in dust dryer duct bunnies, clean the floor behind the fridge. 1 WHEN TO CLEAN the chance to clean GOOD TO KNOW Thumbs up if you clean the lint trap before refrigerator Twice a year; more and organize inside.) Some refrigerators drying every load of coils often if you have pets. require special DIY laundry. You should Take off the cleaning techniques; also deal with lint Dusty condenser coils WHAT TO DO others should buildup in the dryer make your fridge work protective be cleaned by a duct; it’s an energy harder, making it less Find the coils. They’re professional. Refer to suck and a fire hazard. energy efficient and usually covered by a panel, put on shortening its life span. panel at the bottom 2the owner’s manual. WHEN TO CLEAN (There goes your ice front or on the back of a dust mask, cream budget.) a freestanding fridge dishwasher At least once a year. and at the top of a and gently filter built-in model. Unplug WHAT TO DO the fridge or turn off scrape If your dishwasher has the power. If it’s not a manual-clean filter Pull the dryer away built-in, pull it away across and and you don’t take from the wall and from the back wall. care of it, at some unplug it. (If it’s a gas (Transferring food to between point you’ll notice an model, shut off the a cooler lightens the odor or food specks on gas.) Disconnect the load and gives you coils with a your clean dishes. duct from the dryer and the wall, then long-handled WHEN TO CLEAN loosen the lint inside with a long-handled Appliance refrigerator Once a month. brush or drill-powered Brush cleaning kit designed Set, $10; brush. Follow WHAT TO DO for dryer ducts. Using a vacuum with a crevice home up using the Look under the bottom tool attachment, suck rack for the filter. (Some up the lint on the floor depot.com crevice tool have two removable and from the holes in parts: a cylinder and a the dryer and the wall. flat mesh screen. Check Brush and vacuum the your owner’s manual vent outdoors too. for specifics.) Twist to remove it, then scrub it GOOD TO KNOW under hot water using an old toothbrush. For Cut down on future greasy grime, hand- fuzz by installing a wash with dish soap. rigid metal duct, which won’t trap lint the way flexible ducts can, and routing the duct directly from the dryer to outside. 46 | January 2021 BY KIT SELZER ILLUSTRATIONS EDWIN FOTHERINGHAM

LOWERING BAD CHOLESTEROL can be a never-ending cycle. BREAK THE CYCLE WITH Stuck in a cycle of diet, exercise, and a statin without the results you need? Ask your doctor about adding nonstatin NEXLETOL—just 1 pill, once a day— if you have known heart disease or an inherited condition that causes high levels of bad cholesterol. Pay as little as $10 for up to a 3-month supply with our Co-Pay Card.* ADDING NEXLETOL LOWERED † BAD CHOLESTEROL BY AN AVERAGE OF †Results vs placebo (a sugar pill) at Week 12 in a clinical trial of patients with an inherited condition that causes high levels of bad cholesterol and/or known heart disease. Individual results may vary. Visit NEXLETOL.com to learn more What is NEXLETOL? IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION (cont.) NEXLETOL is a prescription medicine used, along with diet and • bruising right after an injury in a tendon area other lipid-lowering medicines, in the treatment of adults who • unable to move the affected area or put weight need additional lowering of “bad” cholesterol (LDL-C) and have: on the affected area • heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH), an inherited What are the common side effects of NEXLETOL? condition that causes high levels of LDL-C, and/or Tell your doctor right away about any side effect you experience. • known cardiovascular disease NEXLETOL can cause side effects, including: It is not known if NEXLETOL can decrease problems related to • symptoms of the common cold or flu high cholesterol, such as heart attacks or stroke. • muscle spasms • back pain IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION • pain in the legs or arms What should I tell my doctor before taking NEXLETOL? • stomach pain Tell your doctor if you: Your doctor may check your blood for side effects that you might • have, or have ever had, gout not be able to feel. • have, or have ever had, tendon problems These are not all the possible side effects of NEXLETOL. For more • are pregnant or breastfeeding, or may become pregnant or plan information, ask your doctor or pharmacist. to breastfeed What form does NEXLETOL come in? • have severe kidney or liver problems NEXLETOL is a tablet that you take by mouth. It contains 180 mg • are taking simvastatin or pravastatin of bempedoic acid. What is the most important safety information I should know Can I take NEXLETOL with other medicines? about NEXLETOL? For lowering cholesterol, NEXLETOL is often taken with other NEXLETOL can cause side effects that can become serious, medicines, including a group of medicines called statins. For two including: statins, simvastatin and pravastatin, your doctor may change the • high levels of uric acid in the blood, which can lead to gout, a dose if you also take NEXLETOL. Before taking NEXLETOL, tell your doctor if you take any of the following medicines: painful joint condition. Call your doctor if you have any of the • simvastatin following symptoms: • pravastatin • severe foot pain, especially in the toe joint • warm joints The risk information provided here is not comprehensive. To • swelling learn more, talk about NEXLETOL with your doctor or pharmacist. • tender joints The FDA-approved product labelling can be found at • joint redness NEXLETOL.com or 1-833-377-7633. • tendon problems: Stop taking NEXLETOL immediately and get medical help right away if you get any of the following signs or You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088, or at symptoms of tendon rupture: www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects to • hear or feel a snap or pop in a tendon area ESPERION at 1-833-377-7633. All trademarks and trade names are the property of their respective owners. NEXLETOL is available by prescription only. © 2020 ESPERION Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved. 08/20 US-NXTL-2000490 Please see Summary of Information about NEXLETOL on the next page. *For privately or commercially insured patients. Restrictions apply.

Summary of Information about NEXLETOL™ (bempedoic acid)  joint redness tablets, for oral use  swelling Gout may happen more in people who have had gout before but The risk information provided here is not comprehensive. To learn also can happen in people who have never had it before. more, talk about NEXLETOL with your healthcare provider or pharmacist. The FDA-approved product labelling can be found • tendon rupture or injury. Tendon problems can happen in people at NEXLETOL.com or 1-833-377-7633. who take NEXLETOL. Tendons are tough cords of tissue that connect muscles to bones. Symptoms of tendon problems may What is NEXLETOL used for? include pain, swelling, tears, and inflammation of tendons including NEXLETOL is a prescription medicine used along with diet and the arm, shoulder, and back of the ankle (Achilles). other lipid-lowering medicines in the treatment of adults with:  Tendon rupture can happen while you are taking NEXLETOL. • heterozygous familial hypercholesterolemia (HeFH). HeFH is an Tendon ruptures can happen within weeks or months of starting NEXLETOL. inherited condition that causes high levels of “bad” cholesterol  The risk of getting tendon problems while you take NEXLETOL called low density lipoprotein (LDL). is higher if you: • known heart disease who need additional lowering of “bad”  are over 60 years of age cholesterol (LDL-C) levels.  are taking steroids (corticosteroids)  are taking antibiotics (fluoroquinolones) It is not known if NEXLETOL can decrease problems from high  have renal failure cholesterol, such as heart attacks, stroke, death, or other heart  have had tendon problems problems.  Stop taking NEXLETOL immediately and get medical help right away if you get any of the following signs or symptoms of a It is not known if NEXLETOL is safe and effective in people with tendon rupture: severe kidney problems including people with end-stage kidney  hear or feel a snap or pop in a tendon area disease who are on dialysis.  bruising right after an injury in a tendon area  unable to move the affected area or put weight on the It is not known if NEXLETOL is safe and effective in people with affected area severe liver problems. Stop taking NEXLETOL until tendon rupture has been ruled out by your healthcare provider. Avoid exercise and using the It is not known if NEXLETOL is safe and effective in children under affected area. The most common areas of pain and swelling are 18 years of age. the rotator cuff (the shoulder), the biceps tendon (upper arm), and Achilles tendon at the back of the ankle. This can happen What should I tell my healthcare provider? with other tendons. Before you start taking NEXLETOL, tell your healthcare provider  Talk to your healthcare provider about the risk of tendon about all your medical conditions, including if you: rupture with continued use of NEXLETOL. You may need a • have or had gout. different lipid-lowering medicine to treat your cholesterol levels. • have or had tendon problems. • are pregnant. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you The most common side effects of NEXLETOL include:  symptoms of the common cold, flu, or flu-like symptoms become pregnant while taking NEXLETOL. You and your  muscle spasms healthcare provider will decide if you should take NEXLETOL  back pain while you are pregnant.  pain in shoulder, legs, or arms • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if  stomach pain NEXLETOL passes into your breast milk. You and your healthcare  anemia provider should decide if you will take NEXLETOL or breastfeed.  increased liver enzymes You should not do both.  bronchitis • have severe kidney problems. • have severe liver problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. What medications might interact with NEXLETOL? These are not all the possible side effects of NEXLETOL. NEXLETOL may affect the way other medicines work, and For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. other medicines may affect how NEXLETOL works. Tell your Call your healthcare provider for medical advice about side effects. healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. What is some general information about the safe and effective use of NEXLETOL? Especially tell your healthcare provider if you take or plan to take simvastatin or pravastatin (other cholesterol lowering medicines). Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than Taking simvastatin or pravastatin with NEXLETOL may increase those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use NEXLETOL your risk of developing muscle pain or weakness (myopathy). for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give NEXLETOL to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your have. It may harm them. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. provider for information about NEXLETOL that is written for healthcare professionals. What should I do if I take too much NEXLETOL? If you take too much NEXLETOL, call your poison control center Based on Patient Information. Revised: 02/2020 at 1-800-222-1222 or go to the nearest hospital emergency room All trademarks and trade names are the property of right away. their respective owners. © 2020 ESPERION Therapeutics, Inc. All rights reserved. What are possible side effects of NEXLETOL? 07/20 US-NXTL-2000339 NEXLETOL may cause serious side effects, including: • increased levels of uric acid in your blood (hyperuricemia). This can happen within 4 weeks of you starting NEXLETOL and continue throughout your treatment. Your healthcare provider may monitor your blood uric acid levels while you are taking NEXLETOL. High levels of blood uric acid may lead to gout. Call your healthcare provider if you have the following symptoms of hyperuricemia and gout:  severe foot pain especially in the toe joint  tender joints  warm joints

4 cleaning washer BONUS filter POINTS FOR Does your washing 5 wire hanger, and cover back on, you gcultetaenrs machine have a lint disposable plastic might want to install a filter or a drain pump shower bag; you’ll want special strainer, such Clearing out gutters filter? You’ll find drain rubber gloves. Turn as the one at left that is a spring and fall the answer in—you on the bathroom catches hair and job, but if you can’t guessed it—the You probably don’t ventilation fan; it could gunk. No more fishing. remember the last owner’s manual. (If think about cleaning get stinky. Remove time you did it and the filter is self- your shower drain the drain cover. Pull GOOD TO KNOW you don’t mind being cleaning, you’re off until you realize you’re out the hair and gunk on a ladder this time the hook for this task.) standing in water If your only problem of year, do it now. after every shower. you can is standing water, Clogs can cause ice WHEN TO CLEAN WHEN TO CLEAN reach with a hair clog is the dams that damage Before the water your gloved most likely cause. If your gutters and roof. Once a month. is ankle deep. fingers. you notice an odor Worse, when ice melts WHAT TO DO Bend the that won’t go away and doesn’t drain, WHAT TO DO You’ll need a wire hanger or you’re having the it finds a way indoors. screwdriver, flashlight, Shower into a pole same problems (Hello, wet ceilings.) On a top-loading Shroom, with a hook with other drains, machine, the lint filter $13; tub on the end, you could be facing SCOOP FIRST will likely be inside shroom then fish a bigger issue. Put on work gloves the drum or on the .com around to Probably best to and set up a ladder. back. Most lint filters see if you can snag contact a plumber. Scoop out the leaves, can be removed anything else. Before twigs, and other junk and rinsed under putting the drain with your hands and a hot water. trowel. Drop them in a bucket attached A front-loader’s drain pump filter and to the ladder or hose are typically on onto a drop cloth on the front. (Look for a little door.) Put a the ground below. towel under a shallow pan on the floor, then T H EN SPRAY remove the hose plug Check for downspout and let the water clogs. Starting at the flow into the pan. If you haven’t done this end farthest from for a while (or ever), the downspout, flush expect as much as a quart of smelly water the gutter using a along with some crud. hose with a sprayer. Then slowly unscrew If the water doesn’t the drain pump filter rush out below, spray (water might flow up the downspout or dribble out) and pull it out. You’ll or remove the probably find some downspout and flush slimy stuff; you might find loose items it out. Q from pockets. Dump out the filter and ON A ROLL? wash it with water and a toothbrush. See the 11 little household things you’re forgetting to clean. Hover your smartphone camera here. January 2021 | 49

gaedens diaryof a fırst-time gardener With big garden dreams but almost no experience, a homeowner learns by doing as she transforms her Southern California front yard. We cleaned The goal was out the yard for to install plants a blank slate. in a way that But keeping complemented the mature the home design lemon tree was and framed a must. a welcoming entryway. five years ago, my husband, Ross, and I bought our first Ashley PHOTO: (PORTRAIT) DANI TOSCANO home, a Craftsman-style bungalow in San Diego. The Goldman, who 1915 house was charming but needed work inside and out. writes about As a home blogger who loves old houses, I had a pretty good sense design on her of what I wanted to do with the interior. But as a novice gardener blog (thegold on a budget, redoing the front yard—filled with concrete scraps, hive.com), with overgrown weeds, and neglected plants—would be stepping into the Ross and their unknown. I did have a sense of my starting point, however: Being in the middle of drought-plagued Southern California, I wanted a cat, Mabel. beautiful, sustainable garden that could survive on little water and would benefit our environment. With those goals in mind, I forged ahead, determined to learn everything I could about plants and to give my front yard a makeover within a year. 50 | January 2021 WRITTEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY ASHLEY GOLDMAN

NCAOTIVOENRWAGIDEE GET $ 25 THRU DEC. 31ST WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED AWARDED BY J.D. POWER UNWRAP HOLIDAY SAVINGS Enjoy coverage on the nation’s 9X IN A ROW Get $25 for every new largest cellular networks, reaching “#1 in Customer Service among Non- line of service, now through 99% of the U.S. population. Contract Value Wireless Providers!” December 31, 2020. SAVE WITH FLEXIBLE, NO CONTRACT PLANS—FROM LIGHT-USE TO UNLIMITED. Popular options for two include: 20 UNLIMITED 22 UNLIMITED 27 UNLIMITED MONTH/LINE TALK + TEXT MONTH/LINE TALK + TEXT MONTH/LINE TALK + TEXT 500MB 3GB 10GB SHARED DATA SHARED DATA SHARED DATA AARP MEMBERS RECEIVE A 5% DISCOUNT ON SERVICE EVERY MONTH. CALL CONSUMER CELLULAR VISIT US ONLINE (888) 803-6692 JoinCC.com © 2020 Consumer Cellular Inc. Terms and Conditions subject to change. New service activation on approved credit. Cellular service is not available in all areas and is subject to system limitations. The prices shown here are the per-line costs for a monthly plan with two lines of service. They do not include any state or local taxes. All other products are trademarked by their respective manufacturers. Phones are limited to stock on hand. $25 credit(s) will be applied for each new line of wireless service added November 15–December 31, 2020. Credit(s) will be applied on the first invoice following activation for service/lines that remain in service at the end of the billing period. For J.D. Power 2020 award information, visit jdpower.com/awards AARP member benefits are provided by third parties, not by AARP or its affiliates. Providers pay a royalty fee to AARP for the use of its intellectual property. These fees are used for the general purposes of AARP. Some provider offers are subject to change and may have restrictions. Please contact the provider directly for details.

gaedens I learned that gardening is more than putting plants in the ground; it’s about creating an ecosystem. Once the plants matured, we installed lighting to accent them as well as the pathway. [DESIGN TIME LINE] JANUARY 2016 for people to take eye-opener was NOVEMBER 2016 for free whatever they doing a Photoshop HOW Understanding could dig out themselves. rendering with images The big day IDIDIT the big picture I’d found online of my We decided to install I took my first class on MAY 2 016 favorite plants. With the the yard in fall—prime My initial design low-water landscaping plants in the landscape planting time in inspiration came from (hosted for free by Doing the at their mature sizes, California, when the city), one of many groundwork my yard looked like temperatures are mild the garden at a courses I wound up Before planting, I it was on steroids. I and winter rains are on local art museum. Filled taking that year. It prepped: I had a knew I needed to scale the way. The crew helped me build my plumber check the health way back. wound up needing to with native plants list of plants that of our front yard sewer jackhammer to make but still lush, that would thrive here and line, applied for a permit J U LY 2016 holes in our compacted garden showed me taught me to think to plant a tree in the and rocky soil, which we that low-water plants about things like the parkway, and hired a Reality check amended with gypsum. aren’t all dry and grade of my slope. crew to grade the slope After months of (To think, I’d planned on desertlike. That’s the for a smooth surface researching irrigation digging with my basic APRIL 2016 and good drainage. options and pricing shovel.) We finished in vision I kept in out plants at nurseries, time for the rainiest mind as I designed Out with the old JUNE 2016 I realized I was spinning winter in recent memory. I figured out which my wheels. I hired a By early spring, we were our front yard. plants in our existing Making plans (and landscape team to already seeing flowers. yard would go (bye, changing them) guide me through the giant birds-of-paradise) I drafted garden plans, last steps and handle and posted them first freehand and the install. online with an invitation then digitally. The biggest 52 | January 2021