Better Homes and Gardens January/February 2022

FORCE MAJEURE Last Halloween, we had a nor’easter sweep through New England that took down a huge tree in our yard. Approximately 80×80 feet, the tree was a rarity on Cape Cod, where early settlers cleared the land centuries ago and big storms now come through with increasing regularity. Our silver maple even made the front page of the local paper along with our neighbor’s 250-year-old Siberian elm that split in the same microburst. It’s painful for us and our neighbors to lose these grand beings, but as with most things beyond my control, I’m trying to manage my disappointment by looking on the bright side. Luckily for both our neighbor and us, the trees did not damage our houses. Our tree, which we think was planted in the early 1930s, was…

Staying Cozy What’s myth and what’s fact when it comes to keeping heat inside your home? Get our tried-and-true tricks for staying warm without spiking the bills. Two key hacks: Reverse ceiling fans and keep vents open. BHG.com/WarmHome Valentine’s Day Crafts Shower your loved ones with one-of-a-kind homemade crafts that show how much you care. Our heartfelt projects can be used as cards, gifts, or decor around the house. BHG.com/HeartCrafts [SWEEPSTAKES] Win $25,000 to design the kitchen of your dreams. Enter at BHG.com/25kKitchen for a chance to win. Details below. DIY SEED STATION This mobile seed-starting station comes together in an afternoon. Use a set of shelves as the base, then add heating, lights, and waterproof trays to create optimal conditions. Scan the code, below, to see how to prep seedlings for transplanting. Click here for tips and a…

KNOTTED UP These knots are made from polymer clay, a plastic-based material you can get in almost any color. Better yet, no kiln is required; use your oven to set designs. (Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safely baking and don’t use your kitchen tools to work the clay—it isn’t food-safe.) Keys for success: Roll clay by hand—your body heat will make it more pliable—and wash hands thoroughly after sculpting. Once it’s baked, mask up and use fine sandpaper to smooth away any imperfections. See how-to video for making the knots by clicking here.…

[OFFICIAL RETRACTION] 1957 File this under What were we thinking? This midcentury story claimed that “bathrooms can lead a double life: Durable by day, dressed up for parties,” suggesting (with a straight face) this slightly terrifying, supposedly sturdy clown rug for daily use. And for parties? Add “luxurious wall-to-wall cotton carpet.” Cut it in two, of course, for easy washing. How … practical? TIME TESTED We stand by these tips from decades past. 1961 To protect a wet paintbrush between coats, “Wrap brush in a plastic bag and immerse in water. Water forces air out of the bag, so bristles remain soft.” 1944 To avoid rug dimples: “Move the furniture a little each time you clean. You can raise the rug’s pile by placing a damp cloth and running a hot iron lightly over it.” 1923 You don’t need a…

PHOTOS: (PLATE, BEADS, CARAFE) JASON DONNELLY, (CANDLEHOLDERS, GLASSES) MARTY BALDWIN…

“Books are my favorite gift to give, especially to children. They are a way to expand minds, learn our history, and imagine the impossible.” 1 BUNHEADS by Misty Copeland, illustrated by Setor Fiadzigbey This story shows that black and brown kids belong in the world of dance, and we are all better off when we champion one another. 2 M IS FOR MELANIN written and illustrated by Tiffany Rose This spin on traditional ABC books celebrates kids like my daughters and allows them to see themselves on the page. 3 YOUR NAME IS A SONG by Jamilah Thompkins-Bigelow, illustrated by Luisa Uribe A story that honors the power, meaning, and pride behind our names—and the idea that every name is magical. 4 SCHOMBURG: THE MAN WHO BUILT A LIBRARY by Carole Boston Weatherford, illustrated…