it’s not too late—6 fast growing crops you can still plant in late july

Gardening

It’s Not Too Late—6 Fast-Growing Crops You Can Still Plant in Late July

Drescription

For gardeners, spring is all about planting seeds and starts to give summer crops ample time to reach maturity. But planting doesn't have to end just because summer is in full swing. In fact, there are plenty of quick-growing crops you can plant in July that will mature in time for a fall or even late summer harvest.

Some of these plants, like greens, simply grow quickly, especially with summer's warm temperatures and abundant sunlight, while others are bred to be "early" varieties that mature quickly.

Whether you've already harvested spring or early summer crops and want to plant something in their place or simply got a late start on gardening this year, you can still plant in July to enjoy a harvest later in the season.

Here are 6 fast-growing crops to consider for high summer planting in your garden.

Beans

Both pole beans and bush beans can be planted in July for a late summer or early fall harvest. Plant seed in a garden bed with full sun and loamy, moist, well-drained soil. Keep the soil evenly moist as the plants grow, and be sure to provide pole varieties with stakes, a trellis, or other support for them to climb.

Pick the beans when their pods are flat and tender to eat them as green beans, allow them to size up in the pod for fresh shell beans, or let them dry on the vine and harvest them at the end of the season to use them as dry beans.

Radishes

Fast-growing radishes are an ideal addition to your vegetable garden starting in mid-July. Radishes require six to eight hours of direct sunlight per day and rich, well-drained soil to thrive.

Many small varieties are ready to harvest in about a month from planting the seed. Plant again every two weeks through September to extend your radish harvest into fall.

Kale

Kale, collards, and other brassicas are ideal to seed in late July or early August for an abundant crop of greens in fall. Seed kale in the ground or in a container in a spot that receives rich, well-drained soil and full to part sun.

Plants take roughly three months from seeding to mature and are ready to pick once they're about 12 inches tall. However, you can harvest tender leaves as baby kale to use in salads or cooking in as little as 20 to 30 days.

Carrots

Carrots take longer to mature than some of the fast-growing vegetables on this list, but July isn't too late to plant seed for a late summer or early fall crop. Direct seed carrots in the ground or in a container at least 12 inches deep.

Choose a spot with full sun and rich, well-drained soil, or amend the site with compost before planting. Water consistently to keep carrots from splitting or cracking. Some carrot varieties can be ready to harvest in about 50 days, while others take 75 days to mature.

Waiting until after your region's first frost can help your carrots taste sweeter.

Beets

Another fast-growing root vegetable, beets are ideal to seed in July for a late summer or early fall crop. Their seeds can germinate in hot summer temperatures up to 90°F, and the plants are also frost-tolerant.

Plant beet seeds in a spot that has moist, well-drained soil and gets full to part sun (though they'll grow best with at least six hours of direct sunlight per day).

If you're not a fan of the earthy flavor of red beets, consider planting golden or Chioggia varieties, which taste milder.

Cover Crops

While it doesn't result in an edible harvest, July could be a great time to plant a cover crop. Cover crops, also called green manure, are plants like legumes, grasses, and some brassicas that are grown before, after, or between vegetable crops to add nutrition, keep weeds down, and support overall soil health.

Cover crops like legumes are often planted in spring, but quick-growing grasses like winter rye, winter wheat, annual ryegrass, and oats can be planted in midsummer or late summer after you harvest vegetables.

You can let grasses planted as cover crops grow for at least one month before turning over the bed to terminate the crop.

Another option is to allow the cover crop to overwinter, then turn it in before planting the following spring. However, it's important to terminate the crop before it goes to seed.

FIX IT FRIDAY: We Gave 4 Relatable Entryways Some Major Design Advice To Bring Them Back To Life

Anytime we’ve talked about entryways, we always say two things. They are the first thing you see when you walk into your home so you want to create a space that instantly makes you happy, and secondly, we know they are notoriously hard to keep organized/are a dumping ground. Not an ideal combo, right? That’s why we thought entryways were a great space for our second “Fix it Friday” post. Now remember, the point of these posts is to show you that you don’t need to throw every single piece you already own out to create a space you’ll love. There may even be pieces in other parts of your home you can move around making the whole house feel a little newer! A real budget-friendly hack that I don’t think is promoted enough. But back to entries. I am now of the firm belief that entryways are like snowflakes and no two are 100% alike. We got so many awesome entries that I wanted to help but since I couldn’t, I picked 4 that felt versatile enough that they would spark ideas for a lot of you. Plus there are a lot of cute things I found in case you are in the market:) Also as I was looking at all of the entries we’ve done over the years (or our designer friends) there is a ton of inspiration too! Make sure you study them. Take this basement entry of Emily’s best friend’s old home. That “built-in” was partially a ready-made piece that was customized making it a bit more affordable overall! Oh, and the color palette is very intentional and colorful, but also neutral and sophisticated. These photos were ideas from a Target shoot we did that were just as useful but even more affordable. While this is much easier said than done, once you really know your and/or your family’s needs you can clearly think through what the physical pieces you should get are and perhaps try to create new habits that will help to lessen the visual clutter (that’s the harder part, obviously:)) Now, we still want it to be pretty which is probably the biggest reason you come to a design site. Funcation is great (and necessary) but a little form never hurt anyone. Take Sara’s “entry” above. It’s teeny tiny but she chose pieces that fit within her space and with her style and added pretty things like new leather pulls on the cabinets, a cute lamp, properly scaled art (more on that later), etc. Ok, let’s finally get into these real-life examples. But if you need a little more visual guidance, here’s a graphic with 5 easy-peasy formulas to help you in your home. Bigger May Be Better Here’s what she said about it: “Our entry is not a separate space, it leads right into our open concept first floor. I love the vestibule with the moulding and wallpaper and 120+-year-old doors, but once you get inside the second door I don’t feel like the cabinet and decor relate to it very well. I feel like I keep adding more decor to make it feel more “designed” but something has always felt off. I am open to any ideas you have, but the moulding is on plaster and would be really difficult to remove so I think that is the only thing I wouldn’t do.” Since these post are really just for light decor ideas that’s what I’m going to focus on. Plus this is such a pretty home that it doesn’t need much! But what I find is the most related issue is scale. While that Target cabinet is so so cute, it feels a little too small for me. I think something longer would be an immediate visual upgrade. But let’s get into the designs so I can talk about it more. I created two design options because since I don’t know what the other side of the room looks like I wanted to give an option with the light wood credenza and one that’s darker. Let’s start dark. I feel that a darker wood credenza would look so beautiful next to those vintage doors. It adds a bit more richness which could be what this reader is looking for! I also think that adding a larger mirror to lean on the top with the other piece of art would also help make it feel grander (in a good). Plus mirrors are always helpful when running out the door for a last-minute check. I love the table lamp and other accessories they already have but getting a tray would help to corral some of them to make everything feel more intentionally placed. I also added a few more things since the credenza was a bit longer:) Oh and adding a cute boot tray like that metal one could also make things look a bit more streamlined but not mandatory:) As I said before, I don’t know what the other side of the room looks like so the lighter wood could look WAY better with the overall space. So I made another combo with the same but larger credenza with some other pretty accessories that would all look great together. Good luck!! In Need Of A little Function This sweet little PXD home doesn’t really seem to have a space to drop your keys or store your everyday shoes. The budget for this one was $500 and I am pretty proud that both combos are cute and nailed the budget! Now, the existing runner rug and wood cube are great. I did an option with the existing rug but feel that, while so pretty, the cube isn’t helping in the function department aside from a place to sit or place down a bag. Let me show you what I came up with. I took a swing with the combo on the left and went more with a classic PDX style. That console table is simple but great and only $126. The rug is a little more of a splurge but it’s almost the length as the original (this one is 9′ and her’s is 10′) but is available in much bigger sizes! Then for a little color, I think this schoolhouse-y plug-in sconce is awesome and works well with the style of her flush mount. They to elevate the look a little I loved this marble tray and cool little vase. But of course, shoe storage is key and I love these baskets from Target. The weave pattern is pretty and I love the warmth of the leather straps. The total for this look was $494! For the combo on the right, I let the style of the rug they have take charge! I chose the same console table since the price could not be beat and I really love that classic linen shade sconce because it also goes great with the flush mount. Then to space out some black accents, that tray is stunning in person (Emily has it) and the black leather straps on the shoe storage baskets tie the whole thing together. But to add a little fun, the checkered planter is perfect (and would look awesome with a plant:)), and a pretty candle always belongs in an entry…especially when it’s in a pretty vessel you can reuse after the candle is long gone. This total was $502 which isn’t too bad either! Simple But Cool Let’s start with what our lovely reader had to say when she emailed me: “We just moved in a couple of months ago and would love to get the team’s help. Attached are some pictures. I also included a coat rack we have but not sure if we should hang it up. Not sure if it’ll look too cluttered above the shoes. Oh, the measurements are 80in x 40in and the budget is around $300. Thanks so much!” Isn’t this a great and almost blank canvas!?! Since the budget is small, shoe storage is clearly important, oh, and they have a gorgeous coak rack already, I kept it simple but fun…at least to me:) I am partial to the combo on the left but it is fairly over budget buuuut could be reduced a little which I’ll get to. Now as I said above, the coat rack is a no-brainer but if it were my home, I would try to eliminate as much of the visual shoe clutter as possible. That’s why I picked this shoe bench! It’s pretty, goes great with the coat rack, and the cushion is leather so it’s easy to clean. There is a linen version that’s almost $30 cheaper. I also added a shoe basket since the bench doesn’t hold as many pairs as the rack they have. Of course, to lower the budget by another $30 that could also be eliminated. Lastly, a rug with a graphic pattern would really inject a ton of personality! This one is probably my favorite rug in our collection and has been in my kitchen for at least 6 months so I can attest to its durability:) The total for the whole combo is $481 (I know it’s a lot over but it’s not easy finding the right pieces at the right prices! Oh, and remember it could be $420). So for the second combo, I went with the original open-storage look but wanted to make it feel a little more modern. I think this shoe rack is very cool and also looks great with the coat rack. Then to really go graphic and match the shoe rack, I love this rug. It’s amazing how three little things can change the whole vibe of a space. This one comes to $385… Ok wait, there’s a third option. To save A LOT of money, they could also spray paint the current shoe rack black and get the shoe show basket for more storage. Then they could pick either rug. This would put them very under budget:) Oh and for those who love that coat rack but need a more affordable option, here’s a great one! A Looooong Journey From our reader: “I’m looking for any suggestions for our awkwardly long entryway. The double doors take up all the width so we can’t put furniture close to the doors or else the right door won’t open all the way. (The right door is the main one with the deadbolt.) We use the entryway to store all of our dog-walking gear. The runner is not my favorite, but I have to have some sort of rug to prevent my dog from slipping (she is arthritic). A sitting area is not needed; we just had the bench from the last house and brought it here. The width of the entryway is 74″ and depth is 24′. The distance from the doorway to the edge of the first room door is 8′.” This one was bar far the trickiest one so I very much felt for this reader (or anyone with a very long entryway!) And sure there are way to potentially break up the length by adding some architecture but that’s not what we are going into today. Now this reader didn’t give me a budget so I did my best to find both really affordable pieces and moderately affordable pieces. The truth of the matter is that prices have just gone up (I’m sure everyone reading this knows) so searching on sites like Craigslist or hunting in person is never a bad idea to help save some money and of course, create less waste in the future. But since that’s now really helping to any of you, here we are! Let’s dig in shall we? So while this was a feat, I am pretty proud of these combos and hope this reader loves them too! The first combo is where I played off more of what I saw in the photos – very light woods and neutrals. That credenza not only has a ton of storage for all things pets and life, it’s also a whopping 120″! That’s pretty huge for one piece of furniture…but still is only half of the total length of the hallway. That’s why I added a chair that could sit on either side of it (a potted plant could work too). I imagine someone putting on or taking off their shoes while sitting in it, making the shoe basket a perfect side companion. But going back to the credenza, it’s long which means it will need some more decor to make it look not totally empty. I love how the black in the lamp talks to the chair and shoe basket. Then a vase is always a great decor piece with or without flowers and I think this tray is so cute! I didn’t realize that they already have a wicker bowl which would also be perfect. And siiiince there’s space, you know I love a good candelabra:) The art for this was the hardest and these three pieces are more of a jumping-off point. The reader definitely needs to measure it all out and probably add since the wall is so huge. But they also don’t have to fill up the whole wall. Oh, and since there is soooo much happening on the credenza side, I think the 4 photos they have should be moved to the opposite wall in a grid and maybe stick that little bench under them as long as there’s enough walking space. Now, I left the existing rug in this combo to make it more affordable but the other rug would also look awesome. The only thing is that they will need to get 2 since it doesn’t come in that long of a size. OK, combo #2! I’m a sucker for that medium-toned wood so this credenza is magic to me. Plus, the brass hardware is so so pretty. Overall this is a still neutral but a warmer option. That print from Juniper Shop can be printed up to 55″x79″ (which is the size I tried to measure out in the graphic)! Can you believe it? What I also love is that you have the option for them to print it on paper or canvas OR you can get a very affordable digital download (but then you have to get it printed and framed which is something to consider if you want to go big). But I love this specific piece because it’s colorful but soft and has so much movement. It’s not going to overwhelm the space. Let this be a lesson in scale. When things are more or less the same size or too small, it almost never looks right or properly designed. So when in doubt say no to itsy bitsy and go bigger. Oh, and aren’t those sconces great? It’s amazing how many cute battery-operated options there are out there now. I just thought these linen shades felt a little softer which I wanted. The accessories each have a fun detail about them whether that’s pattern, material, and/or shape! Actually, pattern is an important element to this, including the easy-to-clean, shed-resistant, water-resistant runner (which again, they’ll need two and potentially a rug pad or some rug tape so their sweet pup doesn’t slip). It will help make the space feel more alive. But to not have too much pattern I love love the shape of that leather chair which I paired with a simple shoe basket. Now, all this of course is going to add up so I also looked at more affordable credenza options like this wall-mounted IKEA cabinet that they could get a couple of but I worry about the mesh getting dusty or full of dog hair. I also loved this affordable extra-long cabinet (under $650) but the wood tone looked a little too yellow and the wood grain looked too similar. The last idea I had was if they were handy that they could build something like this at their desired length. That way they could fill it with books, bins, or whatever they’d like. Oh, and something I didn’t mention above is that they could also add some hooks by the front door if they wanted their pet leases more accessible :) Well, that’s it for me! I truly hope that these 4 readers find this helpful and for the rest of you, that you are a least a little inspired. Love you, mean it.

This Is How Often You Should Really Deadhead Petunias for Healthier Blooms, According to Gardeners

Petunias are known for their vibrant, trumpet-shaped blooms and long flowering season, making them a staple in many home gardens. But to keep these colorful plants looking their best, regular maintenance is key, especially when it comes to deadheading. Removing spent flowers not only improves the plant’s appearance but also encourages more blooms throughout the season. So, how often do you really need to deadhead your petunias? We turned to gardening pros for the answer. Meet the Expert Julia Omelchenko is the resident botany expert at Plantum, a plant care and gardening app that helps identify plants and improve plant care. Kelly Funk is an experienced gardening expert and the President of Jackson & Perkins, an online plant nursery specializing in roses and other garden plants. Why Is Deadheading Important? When a plant’s flowers start to fade, it signals to the plant that it’s time to direct its energy into producing seeds. Deadheading disrupts this process and naturally extends the blooming season by removing the spent flower altogether, thereby redirecting the plant’s energy from seed production to producing more flowers. Not all flowering plants require deadheading, but many benefit from it, especially annuals like petunias. If you want your petunias to bloom all summer, deadheading is the way to do it. How Often Should You Deadhead Petunias? According to gardening pros, it’s best to deadhead petunias regularly to encourage more blooms and prevent them from going to seed. The frequency will vary slightly depending on your climate and the cultivar you have, but in general, you can expect to be deadheading your petunias at least once a week. “Ideally, petunias should be deadheaded at least once a week, but checking on them a few times a week is better, especially during peak bloom periods," says Kelly Funk, President of Jackson & Perkins. "I recommend making it part of your routine when watering or doing other tasks." Some petunia cultivars, such as Wave petunias and Supertunias, are bred to be self-cleaning, meaning they don’t require deadheading to encourage more blooms. Still, according to Julia Omelchenko, resident botany expert at Plantum, it’s best to prune these varieties occasionally to maintain their shape and stimulate vigorous growth. If deadheading your petunias multiple times a week sounds like a lot of work, we have good news for you: deadheading is super easy to do, and will only take you a couple of minutes to complete. The key is to ensure you’re doing it properly. How to Deadhead Petunias Deadheading involves removing the entire flower head once it starts to wilt. This includes the petals, the peduncle, and the receptacle. Basically, you want to remove the entire trumpet-shaped flower, including the green base that attaches it to the stem. This can be done by hand, or using sterilized scissors or pruning shears. “It’s important to deadhead properly by removing not just the petals but also the green base of the flower," Omelchenko says. "If you only pull off the petals, the plant will continue to produce seeds in the ovary." Additional Petunia Care Tips for Continuous Blooms Besides regular deadheading, there are a few other ways you can encourage your petunias to bloom all summer. Ensuring they have adequate light (full sun) and water (soil shouldn’t dry out completely) is the first step. Funk also recommends fertilizing your petunias every two weeks to help support vigorous growth. Finally, our experts say it’s common for petunias to start looking leggy by mid-summer, even if you’re deadheading regularly. To facilitate bushy growth, they recommend a light pruning to help tidy the plant. Not only will you be rewarded with fresh, compact growth, but you’ll also get a flush of new blooms.

3 Differently-Sized Women Try On 5 Pairs of Jeans (+ More) – A Realistic Abercrombie Sizing Review

After 12 years of wearing nothing but Madewell jeans, I’ve jumped ship – I’m an Abercrombie & Fitch denim gal now. Before you roll your eyes, let me be clear: this is not the Abercrombie of yore, folks. Gone are the models with abs of steel; gone are the migraine-inducing fragrances; gone are the implications and hints that Abercrombie is a certain type of shopper. Instead, Abercrombie in 2024 is an affordable, size-inclusive destination for easy-to-wear adult basics that won’t break the bank. But not everyone on the EHD team was convinced – those early aughts mall memories are hard to shake! – so earlier this week, I dragged two of my coworkers to the mall (as one does) where we put Abercrombie’s denim to the test on our 3 normal, non-model bodies. We are each a different shape and different size, but we all found styles that made us feel great! The best part? Everything we tried on is on sale this weekend, through the 12th. (This isn’t even sponsored – I just love these jeans so much and wish someone had told me about them earlier.) Scroll to see our first-hand reviews and try-ons featuring 5 best-selling denim styles, one cute dress, and a perfect-for-fall trench. It’s a real “choose your adventure” kind of post – take a peek at the writer who most closely resembles your shape (our size details are below, obvi!) and HAVE AT IT. (Spoiler: a few pieces we found were too good to leave behind – I’m excited to hear which ones you would have grabbed if you’d been shopping with us!) The Gals And Their Sizing Stats Jess Size: 29/30 (28 in high-waisted Madewell if that helps!) Height: 5’4″ (I was recently measured with a laser (?) and am having an identity crisis with my 1/4 growth spurt). Caitlin Size: 12-16, depending on the fit (usually a 31 or 32 in Madewell!). I have a big ol’ butt and VERY wide hips. Height: 5’8″ Mal Size: 26/27 or 2-4 Height: 5’7 The Rating Scale Before we fully get into the cute clothes. Each piece starts with a group photo with a thumbs up, thumbs “meh”, and thumbs down. We also have a 0 to 5 rating in our individual reviews but just wanted to give you all the info! The 90s Straight Ultra High Rise (Curve Love) Jess Size: 29/8R (I could have size up probably) Fit: They fit really great! Sure, I should have tried on a “short” style because they were waaayy too long and would have needed to be hemmed which is always annoying. I just cuffed them for these photos. Overall I liked the cut and that they were high-waisted but not too high-waisted. And as the resident flat-butted gal of the group, I didn’t have any real issues in that area. Sure, it didn’t enhance it really but that didn’t bother at all. A great everyday jean. Had I needed a pair of jeans I would have bought these. Rating: 4/5 Caitlin Size: 32/14R Fit: My fellow wide-hipped women will understand my struggle – it’s HARD to find a true straight jean! My eyes just kept going straight to that curve around my thighs – I felt really jealous of how the jeans fell on Jess and Mal. (I still maintain that these are STUNNING on Jess’ shape and that she should have brought them home!) That said, I am super thankful for the Curve Love line – lord knows this booty would not be fittin’ into regular jeans without that extra 2″ of give – but despite their comfort, these felt like a pass for me. BIG MEH. Rating: 3/5 Mal Size: 26 Fit: These jeans fit well in the front and I REALLY loved the wash but ultimately it fit a lil weird on the booty area. I just felt like it didn’t quite do the things it needed to back there (shape, lift, etc) and instead, it just felt a lil tight (the seam kind of buckled in a weird way around the mid-butt lol). So basically if you’ve got a booty I’d recommend snagging a different pair :) Rating: 2/5 The ’90s Relaxed (Curve Love) Jess Size: 30/10R Fit: Not terrible but also not good. They weren’t baggy enough to feel cool and not fitted enough to show off the goods. This style has really never worked more. I need more shape! Rating: 2.5/5 Caitlin Size: 32/14R Fit: Seeing these now, I can’t totally recall why I gave them a full thumbs down! They are…fine. Again, it just feels like my legs are filling these out a little too much to consider them “relaxed.” They do get points for being ultra comfortable, but they’re not really giving me a confidence boost, you know? Rating: 2/5 Mal Size: 26 Fit: If you couldn’t tell from the last rating, one of my biggest things when it comes to the fit of a jean is how it looks on the bootay. I’m looking for a pair that makes that thing POP in the best of ways and doesn’t leave weird lines/make it look like you’re wearing a diaper. For this reason, I’m not THAT into baggy/relaxed fitting jeans – I’d rather go for a straight leg or wide leg that’s still tailored up top and then flows toward the bottom. So the reason I gave these a side thumbs up is because for baggy jeans I REALLY liked them and thought they didn’t look horrible in the back, but I don’t wear baggy jeans all that much so that is why I’m knocking them 2 points. Rating: 3/5 Denim Dress Jess Size: Large Fit: I only tried on this little number because Caitlin wanted me to. Not only is it a cut that really isn’t my style or preference, but it was also a size too big. It’s comically terrible on me lol. I loved how it looked on Caitlin and Mal though and the fabric quality was great! I think that it was also too long for my 5’4″ height. I don’t think wearing a medium would have made it short enough. Rating: 0/5 (just on me!) Caitlin Size: Large Fit: OKAY, I LOVE! (And I bought.) If anyone has ever called you “hot” or “sexy,” this cut will probably not be up your alley. But as a lifelong “cute” gal, this is a slam dunk. I can’t wait to wear it solo for the rest of the summer, and I’m really looking forward to layering it with turtlenecks or Peter Pan collars and a cozy pair tights in the fall. But be warned that it does run LARGE – I’m getting a few inches taken in on the waist! Overall: great length, not clingy, and the perfect throw-and-go dress. Rating: Mal Size: Small Fit: This dress was VERY comfy and super cute. I thought it looked very flattering on everyone, but in my opinion, it just needed some accessorizing (a gold necklace? a lil sweater like the one I tied around the waist??) and then it looked super polished. Rating: 4/5 The Baggy (Curve Love) Jess Size: 30/10R Fit: After looking back at these photos, I actually like these jeans more! I think these were the cutest on all three of us. The wash is that perfect medium tone, the hem is fun and I like where the waist sits. Again, as a short gal, I would go for the short size but these are a great cool and causal pair! Trendy without trying too hard. Rating: 4/5 Caitlin Size: 31/12R Fit: I actually really liked these! Under normal circumstances – you know, before I realized that pants that fit my body existed – I would have brought them home, thrilled to have found an on-trend style that doesn’t cling. They’re baggy without being TOO baggy and they still give you some shape on the bum. The only downside was that mine gapped a bit in the back, which I didn’t love (I think they might have a slightly lower rise than I normally opt for). Rating: 4/5 Mal Size: 25/0S Fit: Remember when I said I don’t love baggy jeans? Well I sized down, they became not baggy and I LOVE THEM (AND BOUGHT THEM!!!) I’ve been looking for some more mid-rise jeans since all of my jeans are VERY high-waisted and these guys are literally perfect. Plus the hem at the bottom is just so cute and cool!! They’re also very stretchy so they’re super comfortable, not like that tough Levi’s kinda denim. Praise be! Buy these! Rating: 5/5 The Loose High Rise Jean Jess Size: 30/10R Fit: They are a really nice mix of fitted and slightly loose (I guess I could have sized up more looseness)! I also liked that they were high rise but on me not too high rise if you know what I mean. They didn’t do much for enhancing my behind but given the style and my lack of more rounded bum, I wasn’t too surprised. I wish I had tried them in the short length because as you can see I do not have long limbs:) I just don’t need jeans at the moment so it was a pass for me. Rating: 3.5/5 Caitlin Size: 31/12R (Curve Love) Fit: Confession: You remember the header photo? I’m wearing my own pair of Loose Jeans in it! I was excited to try on a darker wash, and they don’t disappoint. I’ve been stopped countless times in these pants by women with similar body types who’ve asked where I bought them – it’s an honor to help spread the word. :) I might prefer this cut in lighter washes, but you can’t find a more comfortable pair of jeans – have suffered through some 100-degree days in the woodshop without complaints because they’re so easy to wear! Rating: 4.5/5 Mal Size: 26 Fit: Never have I ever hated a jean more on me. The weird flare at the bottom. The diaper effect on the butt. Hard pass. Also, lol, that my shirt kept covering all of the jeans so I keep having to lift it up. Next time I’m wearing a white tank like Caitlin. Rating: 1/5 The Ultra Loose Low Rise Jess Size: 30/10R (Curve Love) Fit: LOLOL Noooooo! I don’t think I need to convince of you why these weren’t a fit for me. Partially, I think the Curve Love style for these added too much width on me but my height makes it hard for really baggy pants to look good on me. I actually have a pair from Zara I love but these were never going to come home with me. But man are they SO CUTE on Caitlin and Mal! Rating: 0/5 Caitlin Size: 30/10 (Blue) + 31/12 (Black) (Curve Love) Fit: I went on a JOURNEY with these – I started with some in size 14 (pictured in our group shot with my arm in the air) which were FAR too big, but also kind of cool? (My underwear band was peeking out, Calvin-style, and the gals said I looked like I belonged in Silver Lake, which I didn’t disagree with – they had a lil’ je ne sais quoi!) I ended up swapping for Jess’ 10 in blue which fit BEAUTIFULLY – they’re by far the best wide-leg jeans I’ve ever tried on! – and then I tried a 12 in the black, which I ended up purchasing. If you’re pear-shaped, strong-hipped, or large-butted, the Ultra Loose is THE JEAN FOR YOU. I felt awesome in them. (PS. If you’re under 5’6, I’d actually suggest the standard Loose Jean – I think my extra height helps me pull off the width on these!) Rating: 6/5 (Yeah, I loved them THAT much. Madewell who?!) Mal Size: 26 Fit: These made my knees feel so weirdly exposed and I’m just not used to that sensation. All in all I think for a ripped, baggy jeans these are a pretty good option! I’m just not really a ripped baggy jean person is what I’ve discovered from this :) Rating: 3/5 Denim Trench Jess Size: Medium Fit: I really loved it!! It’s just oversized enough to comfortably wear a sweater underneath. It truly looks like a real trench but in a much cooler fabric:) If I lived in a cooler place it would have come home with me. Rating: 5/5 Caitlin Size: Large Fit: You know how I loved the earlier dress, and it wasn’t a fit for Jess? This is the EXACT SAME situation with a reverse outcome. I just don’t have the gravitas to pull off a denim trench. Was it well-made? Yes! Was it a great price for the quality? Yup! Will I ever have the need to cloak myself in a denim top layer? Probably not. But if you need one, this would be a great pick! Rating: 3/5 The trench was a no for Mal so this is where we leave you! We clearly had a great time but mostly hope that this gives you the confidence to try out Abercrombie if you are looking for some new denim or other cute clothes. Let us know if you’ve had good experiences with the new and improved Abercrombie too!

Worried About Bedbugs in Your Hotel? Try This Hack the Moment You Get to Your Room

There are all sorts of nightmares one might encounter while traveling (delayed flights, lost luggage, cancelled hotel reservations), but encountering bedbugs might be the scariest of them all. These brownish-red insects are hard to get rid of and can quickly infest a room, and therefore, anything you bring into that room. So, before you unpack or even bring your suitcase all the way inside, do yourself a favor and do a thorough room check. You'll want to look for red-brown bugs as well as blood stains on sheets or mattresses, eggs, or shedded skin (ew). Take a look through all of these common places: mattress, box spring, sheets, headboard, and curtains. If you haven't spotted anything (and it's likely you won't), you can start thinking about unpacking. But, all of this potential grossness probably doesn't make you want to toss your clothes everywhere. We spoke with entomologist Emma Grace Crumbley about how travelers can best keep pests out of their stuff. The secret? Your hotel bathtub. What Is the Bathtub Method? When you enter your hotel room, don't lay your suitcase on the floor, bed (ew), or even the convenient luggage rack. Instead, take it to your hotel tub and keep it there while you check for bedbugs, and even after you've checked. Why? Because bedbugs aren't really into cool ceramic or porcelain. "The smooth, cold, and non-porous surface of a bathtub or even a bathroom is typically unattractive to these pests," Crumbley says. "They will also be easier to spot on these surfaces." Bedbugs are thigmotactic, Crumbley says, so they prefer to feel pressure on all sides. This means that they're much more likely to be found in dark, tight places, like in the mattress. Just note that you should always check your bathroom for bugs too (think towels, shower curtains, bathmats)! It's unlikely but not impossible. Tips for Avoiding Bedbugs While Traveling If you've searched the place and don't see any bugs, you'll still want to keep your prevention efforts going. Here are some helpful ways to keep bugs at bay. First off, elevate your luggage and avoid putting it on your bed. Crumbley suggests doing this when you're back home as well. "I also recommend keeping your suitcase closed whenever you’re not using it or even storing it inside a large trash bag," she says. Keep your dirty laundry in a separate bag whenever possible and hang your clothes in the closet instead of folding them and putting them in hotel drawers. What to Do When You Get Home "After returning from your trip, leave your bags outside or in the garage until you’ve had a chance to thoroughly inspect them," she says. Check through your items on a hard, light colored surface before bringing them in. Check your luggage as well, looking at zippers, seams, or pockets. "Next, run all washer-safe clothing on a hot water cycle," Crumbley says. "For added protection, you can also toss clothes in the dryer on high heat for roughly 30 minutes before washing—this will help remove bedbugs in all life stages, including the eggs."