On the workbench
TopicsHow We Made Our Home Hurricane-Resistant
Hurricane Isaias was the first major storm to threaten our area since we moved here 6.5 years ago. We followed mandatory evacuation orders and drove several hours inland…
Fresh off the workbench
Topics
How to Choose a Baby Name: Tips for Meaning, Style, and Trends
As a former professional product namer, I’ve named everything from cheeseburgers to cell phones, and yes—I love helping pick baby names too. Brainstorming, researching meanings, and testing name…
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100 Celebrity Baby Names from Hollywood Stars
I’ve always loved helping people find baby names — John and I even pitched a pet-naming book before this blog — so celebrity baby names naturally fascinate me.…
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All 2027 Colors of the Year So Far
Color of the Year announcements began surprisingly early this season—some as early as August—but by the holiday period nearly every major paint and color authority had revealed its…
The paint deck
Popular Topics
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No.01 · Terracotta
Blue Calcite Crystal Meaning and Healing Properties
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No.02 · Sage
Aglaonema Care: How to Grow and Maintain Your Plant
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No.03 · Ochre
How to Install a Sisal Stair Runner
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No.04 · Chalk Blue
How We Made Our Home Hurricane-Resistant
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No.05 · Mauve
Kids’ Bedroom Storage Ideas for Small Rooms
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No.06 · Sea Glass
Before and After: Our Only Bathroom Makeover
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No.07 · Putty
5 Quick Kitchen Upgrades to Transform Your Space
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No.08 · Brick
Neon Pothos Care: Light, Watering and Pruning Guide
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No.09 · Lilac
Fiddle Leaf Fig Care: Light, Watering and Pruning Tips
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No.10 · Olive
200 Male Dog Names and Tips to Pick the Perfect Name
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No.11 · Rose Clay
Family Weekend in New Orleans: Kid Friendly Things to Do
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No.12 · Moss
Monstera Deliciosa Care: Light, Watering, and Growth Tips
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Propagate Pothos Cuttings: Water and Soil Methods
Pothos (Epipremnum aureum) are not only forgiving, low-maintenance houseplants — they’re also exceptionally easy to propagate. Propagating pothos is an inexpensive, simple way to expand your collection, share…
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Over 100 Gender-Neutral Baby Names
In my ongoing mission to help parents find the perfect name, I’ve already shared lists of 100 classic girl names and 100 classic boy names. But increasingly parents…
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7 Can’t-Miss Things to Do in Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg
This year we brought our kids to Dolly Parton’s home in the Tennessee Smokies for our Spring Break. The week was packed with family fun, great food, and…
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Spring Break Getaways for Families
Planning a family spring break trip can be tricky—especially when you want warmth, unique experiences, and fewer crowds. After living full-time on Florida’s Emerald Coast, we’ve learned how…
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100 One-Syllable Boy Names That Stand Out
I couldn’t share a list of one-syllable girl names without putting together a companion list for boys. Short, one-syllable boy names have been popular for centuries — from…
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100 One-Syllable Baby Girl Names
I’m back with more baby-name inspiration because I love everything about names. One-syllable girl names have been quietly growing in appeal as many parents move away from longer,…