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Gardening

5 Supermarket Herbs You Can Use to Grow Your Own (and Save on Your Next Grocery Run)

Everyone's looking to cut costs these days, and grocery bills are a good place to start. Though not all of us have the luxury of space to start growing our own veggies, herbs are generally low-maintenance and low-material plants you can grow in your own kitchen. Not only that, but some of them you don't even have to buy seeds or a plant for. Here are five herbs you can start from the ingredients you buy at the grocery store for a lower grocery bill and fresher ingredients. Mint Mint is a plant that is famously easy to grow and hard to kill. This is because (when planted in-ground) it's actually considered invasive, meaning it grows robustly, choking out other plants for light and nutrients. In a container on your kitchen counter, however, this just means an endless supply of fresh herbs. To start your own plant, take a few sprigs from the grocery store and place the stems in water. Ensure that no leaves are touching the water, as this can lead to rot, mildew, and mold. Change the water every few days, and in a few weeks, you should start to see root growth. Take these sprigs, plant them in a small container, and ta-da! You've got a plant that will continue to give fresh ingredients whenever you need them. Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more! Basil Basil is not only easy to grow in the kitchen—It will also add a lovely aroma to your space. As with mint, simply pick a few leaves with developed, long stalks from what you bought at the supermarket and place them in water. After a few weeks of changing the water regularly, roots should begin to appear. Replant them in a medium-sized, well-draining pot, and harvest leaves as needed for cooking. Oregano Though it might take a while, oregano is yet another herb you can grow from supermarket propagations. Follow the same steps as for mint and basil: Pick a few healthy stems, put them in a cup of water, and pick off any leaves that might sit on or below the waterline. Change the water every few days to prevent mold, mildew, or rot. When you see roots form, transplant to a well-draining pot with soil. Water and provide light as with any other plant. Rosemary Grow supermarket rosemary the same as basil: Pick sprigs with long, hardy stems and put them in water (with no leaves touching the water). Change water frequently, and plant in a pot when roots have grown out. Thyme For thyme, follow the same processes as for other herbs: Pick strong stems, place in water, replace water every few days, and—when roots have formed after a few weeks—transplant to a well-draining pot with soil and care for normally.

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Home Decor

UPDATED: The 11 Kitchen Trends Of 2025 That You’ll Want In Your Home Forever (Yes, They’re That Good)

Welcome to our biggest post of the year! That’s right, nearly every year our annual kitchen trend post is the most popular which equally feels like a huge honor and responsibility as the gal that’s been writing them for the last 6 years. As we always say, when it comes to “trends” and more permanent applications in spaces such as a kitchen, we like to caution people because unless you know you’ll love it for 20 years maybe don’t… However, I like to choose and highlight our predictions very thoughtfully. While I’m not saying every person will love every “trend,” we think each one of them has longevity, can spark inspiration, or show a special detail you hadn’t thought of. Some of these trends would likely require a remodel while others are easy swaps if you’re looking for a little kitchen spruce up. So without further ado let’s see what this year is about to have in store for the world of kitchens. Rounded Cabinets I feel probably the most passionate about this one. Actually, I already talked about it in this post last August so you know I mean business. It looks fresh but isn’t too “right now” and I feel has total longevity when done well. Oh, and the style versatility is amazing. Let me show you. Now, if someone had told me that rounded cabinetry is trending without showing me a picture, I would have likely pictured a more modern design like this stunning one by Stefania Reynolds of Studio Johnston. This is actually Stefania’s family home! It’s modern, soft, playful, and just cool. The way those rounded corners bring an effortless contrast to the harder angles is perfection. Another contrast that I love is the glossy sheen of the cabinetry with all the natural wood grain and natural limewash accent walls. It creates such a nice balance stylistically. Also, I know this isn’t about lighting but that oversized sconce in that nook is SO GOOD. This beautiful kitchen by White Studio & Co Interior Design leans much more modern traditional but is softened by the curved corners of the lower cabinetry and island. Doesn’t this just scream “I’m a very special kitchen”? My god is it elegant. This is a perfect detail if you want a very neutral kitchen but also want it to feel like it’s got a little something extra special going on:) I believe this incredible kitchen by Bidgood was the first one last year where I really took note of this trend (or the initial murmurs of a trend). The cabinetry in the range surround is just so special. In this space, the rounded detail feels both modern and retro! Then paired with the sweet light dusty blue and butter yellow paint colors, this kitchen is dripping with charm. Don’t worry, you’ll a few more examples as we get continue through the post:) Integrated “Stand Alone” Cupboards Integrated refrigerators are not new, obviously, but what I’ve been seeing more and more of are cupboard/hutch-like pieces being integrated with the more traditional floor-to-ceiling cabinetry. The majority of these “cupboards” are in fact where a lot of refrigerators are hiding but in that extremely special kitchen above by Nina Farmer Interiors (I just bought her book and have no idea why it took me so long), the fridge looks like it’s in the wood cabinetry on the far left and which leads me to believe the green cupboard is just that, a beautiful integrated Dutch larder cupboard. It’s a standout piece but feels like it belongs. Ugh, I also just noticed that incredible double wood trim around the doorway. Aside from seeing how awesome this kitchen is in general, that sort of detail is why you hire a designer. So so good. This beautiful cupboard-looking piece is most definitely a refrigerator but at first glance, you might assume it’s simply a regular cupboard. I love the sweetness this design brings to a kitchen and for this kitchen by Vaughan Design & Development especially! All the textures, perfectly aged materials, and color palette are amazing. Putting a naked fridge in there (especially a modern one) would have really changed the whole feel of it and I’m so glad they went with this design. It’s not a real kitchen trend post if Sarah Sherman Samuel isn’t included, am I right? Well, here she is with a “cupboard fridge” as well as her DIY beaded cabinet fronts from her Semihandmade collaboration! There are a million things to love about this kitchen (I mean look at those counter edges!!) but this fridge cupboard is a very special feature that really gives added charm to an already very charming kitchen! There were a couple of examples I found with triangle tops instead of the bell shape that I loved too. I just didn’t hear back from the designers in time to get them in this post:) Pop Of “Permanent” Color Ok, so yes. At the beginning of the post, I said we usually caution people from making potentially very bold or super colorful choices with permanent features. On the other hand, if you are a person who loves a bold moment and loves color then this is for you! I am very much in love with this kitchen design by Monika Michałowska. Those soft minty green cabinets (a trend we called last year that I continue to love), the veining stone with a short backsplash, those herringbone wood floors, all soft and stunning. Then boom! That pop of bright red is so exciting. The kitchen would have clearly been so pretty without it but with it, the whole space is taken to another level. This pop of baby blue is a little less bold than the red but just as special and puts a little extra electricity in this wonderful kitchen by a. NABER DESIGN. Baby blue is on fire right now but it’s also a timeless color when done right. I really love this so much. In that August trend post I also talked about zelliege tiles and the cool ways they are being used. Well, a pop of color is a very cool way. I love that instead of this kitchen peninsula being made out of the same wood the cabinetry is, Curio Interior Design decided to go for a rich brick red zellige tile. It’s eye-catching but doesn’t overpower the space and adds an incredible amount of texture. Then with this kitchen by the amazing Rebecca Zajac (the cabinet designer of Bowser’s kitchen), she chose that beautiful green zellige tile as the perfect color pop. It really makes this kitchen look so inviting and extra special. Plus, greens and blues (depending on the tone) are a great choice if you want color but not have it overpower the room. They are neutrals after all;) Reeding Accents Not a brand-new trend but it feels extra on fire right now so let’s dig in! Reeding is another one of those features that can be used for almost any style. Take this wonderful modern luxe kitchen by Charlotte Lucas Design. It adds a refined organic texture that beautifully contrasts the painted modern cabinetry and luxe lighting. In this unreal kitchen by POCO Designs, she not only used reeding on the island but also on the cabinet fronts. It’s simple, elegant, and then with that incredible burgundy marble, it’s a texture design dream! Of course, Sarah is on this list again! I love love how she used wood reeding not only on the body of the island but also on the support post. I don’t have much more to say aside from that it’s beautiful, the texture (like all the others) makes my eyes extremely happy, and the wood tone is perfect. In a bit of a twist for the last example, I’m looking at this tile! I’ve had my eye on this style of tile for a minute so I’m really hoping this is the year it’ll so more mainstream. I mean it’s so good and it has that reeded look! Colorful Window Trim If you are thinking, “Hey Jess, wasn’t this a trend you called in 2020?” Well yes, yes I did. So while we all know what that year was, it was also 5 years ago and baby the window trims are getting a fresh coat of colorful paint. This wildly beautiful kitchen by Bright Designlab perfectly shows the organic modern MCM style and those painted window trims and beams bring the whole space together. It’s a small detail that makes a huge, wonderful difference. The painted green trim on these kitchen windows by Anna Haines Designs is equally as wonderful as the first! The personality it adds is so wonderful. I also really love that they chose the warmer color on the lower cabinetry and then went for a lighter, cooler shade for the windows which makes the room feel a little more open and taller if that makes sense. Now this pop of bright blue is so fun and adds just the right amount of whimsy to this beautiful kitchen by Sophie Rowell (also look at those knobs!). I wholeheartedly stand by this trend because it’s a beautiful and fairly simple way to make a huge visual impact.

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Travel

10 Early Black Friday Luggage Deals That’ll Convince You to Retire Your Old Suitcase—Up to $460 Off

Whether you’re visiting family or jetting off on a beach vacation, the holiday travel season is officially here. There’s nothing worse than getting ready for a trip and realizing your suitcase’s wheel is broken or your biggest bag isn’t quite big enough, especially if you’ve waited until the last minute to pack (and let’s be honest, most of us do). Get ahead of the game this year and shop these early Black Friday luggage deals to ensure your packing and travels go smoothly. You can save up to a whopping $460 on luggage right now before Black Friday even arrives. Snag Away luggage, a Samsonite suitcase set, a Vera Bradley duffel bag, and more for up to 73 percent off. Read on to shop early Black Friday deals on luggage below. Best Early Black Friday Luggage Deals Away The Carry On, $206 (was $275); awaytravel.com. Samsonite Cosmolite 3.0 2-Piece Set, $690 (was $1,150); shop.samsonite.com. Calpak Stevyn Duffel Bag with Shoe Compartment, $90 (was $112); calpaktravel.com. Vera Bradley Original Duffel Bag, $50 (was $80); verabradley.com. Calpak Terra 45-Liter Carry-On Luggage, $154 (was $385); calpaktravel.com. Away The Carry On The Carry On is Away’s smallest suitcase that’s designed to fit about three to five days’ worth of clothes. At 21.7 by 14.4 by 9 inches and 7.5 pounds, the bag is lightweight and fits in the overhead bin of most major airlines. It features a TSA-approved combination lock and 360-degree rotating wheels that won’t slow you down. The carry-on suitcase’s interior also has multiple pockets to keep things organized and buckle straps for compression. Samsonite Cosmolite 3.0 2-Piece Set This Samsonite luggage set includes an extra large and a carry-on suitcase. The Cosmolite bags are extremely lightweight at just 3.7 pounds for the carry-on and 7.7 pounds for the large size. Both suitcases have TSA-compliant combination locks, zippered interior compartments, and crossed straps to prevent items from shifting in transit. Calpak Stevyn Duffel Bag with Shoe Compartment For short trips, grab this compact weekender bag. The coolest feature is the back sleeve that keeps it attached to your suitcase handle, so you don’t have to wrangle multiple bags while traveling. Thanks to the inside and outside pockets, you’ll be able to keep all your belongings organized. The duffel bag even has a bottom compartment for items you want to keep separate, like shoes or dirty laundry. Vera Bradley Original Duffel Bag This classic Vera Bradley duffel bag is a fan-favorite for a reason; the nylon material is durable enough to last through years of manhandling while traveling (some patterns are also available in equally durable cotton garbardine). The spacious bag has interior and exterior pockets and sturdy shoulder straps. Reviewers love using the duffel for overnight and weekend trips and for heading to the gym. Calpak Terra 45-Liter Carry-On Luggage This softside suitcase’s water-resistant, ripstop polyester fabric will stand up to wear and tear from traveling. Though it’s carry-on sized, the bag expands up to 2 additional inches, making it perfect for overpackers. It has a 17-inch padded laptop sleeve and multiple pockets on the inside and outside of the bag, too. With 360-degree rotating wheels, the suitcase is easy to maneuver, as well. Away The Weekender Snag this sleek bag for quick weekend trips or for carting around your gym clothes. Like the larger Away luggage, it has mesh compartments to organize the inside of your bag, including a 16-inch laptop pocket. The duffel has top handles and a removable padded strap that won’t dig into your shoulder, and the wraparound zipper makes it easy to access all your packed items. Delsey Paris Large Expandable Spinner If you’re headed on a longer vacation, this large hardside suitcase is what you need. The expandable bag has two packing compartments with a divider and straps to keep clothing in place, and it has a TSA combination lock. Plus, it’s easy to roll thanks to the four spinner wheels and adjustable telescopic handle. Lands' End Waxed Canvas Travel Duffel Bag Use this stylish duffel bag as a carry-on or as a gym bag. Made of waxed canvas, it features leather accents, a cotton lining, and a removable padded shoulder strap. You can shop it in navy and brown colorways, and the best part is that it’s machine washable to easily clean it if it gets dirty during your travels. Skonyon 3-Piece Hardside Checked Spinner Luggage Set This three-piece luggage set includes a 20-inch, a 24-inch, and a 28-inch bag, so you’ll have an appropriately sized suitcase for any kind of trip. The hardside bags are made of water- and scratch-resistant polycarbonate, and they have a durable aluminum telescoping handle. They also have multiple inside pockets and straps to keep your belongings from moving around too much. The suitcases can be nested to save storage space, too. Samsonite UpLift Softside Large Spinner This large 33-by-21.25-by-13.5-inch suitcase can be made even bigger with the expandable zipper to accommodate everything you need to pack. One of the niftiest aspects is that it has an interior pocket that can be accessed from the outside to quickly grab anything that’s stored away. The suitcase’s handle can be adjusted to multiple heights, which means you won’t have a handle that’s too high or low to comfortably manage. It even comes with a removable wet pouch for toiletries.

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Travel

How to Travel With Only Carry-On Luggage

There are so many reasons not to check your luggage and go carry-on only. After all, the cost of a plane ticket rarely includes a checked bag these days. Packing lightly can also be easier for those traveling with kids or pets. Lastly, it eliminates the risk of the airline losing your luggage. But packing with carry-on luggage poses its own challenges. You need to limit what you pack yet make sure you have enough for your trip. It’s also crucial any cosmetics comply with TSA rules and regulations. Ready to get on board? Here’s how to travel with carry-on luggage only. Start With the Right Luggage An expandable rolling carry-on suitcase is ideal. Even if you aren’t an over-packer or you don’t really shop on vacation, it gives you options. BÉIS president Adeela Hussain Johnson suggests the BÉIS Carry-On Roller because not only is it expandable, but it also has a cushioned handle for comfort, a strap for attaching another bag, and 360-degree wheels. It even has a weight indicator, which is a major help if you decide to check it at the last minute. Have a Packing Strategy Be realistic about what you’ll actually wear on the trip. “Leave your entire closet at home—pack outfits by day and reuse a few bottoms, so you can stay light. You know you’re not changing three times in a day and you definitely don’t need that one outfit you haven’t worn in three years,” Johnson says. Get Organized With Packing Cubes Johnson tells me packing cubes in several different sizes are the most efficient way to pack. “Roll everything that can be rolled at the bottom of the largest packing cube and flat pack anything that is bulky on top of the rolled items. Zip up the packing cube and place it into the zip side of the roller.” She suggests putting shoes at the bottom of your luggage where it’s uneven. Then stash any additional footwear in shoe bags on the side of the large packing cube. Pack Cosmetics Wisely You don’t need to take your entire makeup collection with you. One day and one night look should suffice for most people. Then opt for multitasking beauty products. For example, choose a foundation or moisturizer that contains sunscreen. Bring a cleansing balm because it eliminates the need for additional eye makeup remover. Don’t Forget Your One Personal Item In addition to your carry-on bag, many airlines allow one personal item. Take advantage of this by using a large tote bag so you can bring as much as possible. Then put a bag with essentials inside that bag. Johnson likes the BÉIS On The Go Essentials Case because it's transparent, so you don’t have to uncomfortably rummage through your main bag when looking for earbuds in a tight space. Consider Shipping Your Luggage If you’re going away for a longer trip but want to bring a minimal amount of luggage, shipping your luggage in advance is always an option. Considering the cost of checked luggage these days, shipping isn’t exorbitantly more expensive.

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