Our fashion choices come and go, and our storage solutions also should evolve with time. I encourage everyone to let your imagination run wild and customize a space to compliment your taste. The amount of space within our home is a good baseline of how much we should store. Logic and emotion is a concept...

A huge shout-out to all the mothers reading Her magazine. I have an altered and informed perspective of parenting to share with you. If you are a new reader, let me emphasize. I’m single as a Pringle, with no kids. In January, I had an amazing opportunity to work in Washington, D.C., to assist a...

Baby, it’s a brand new year. And when it comes to creating the perfect sleep space for little ones, there are more fun options than ever. Styles range from haute to homespun, vintage to vanguard. A look at some of the best: Blurring the lines Traditional parameters like gender-specific motifs and colors, and room-specific furnishings,...

For new parents, the urge to keep little ones entertained and enriched can often lead to a home so full of baby gear and toys that grown-up style all but disappears. It doesn’t have to be like that. Designer Theodore Leaf says he works with many clients trying to keep their whole home from becoming...

Valentine’s Day is the perfect opportunity to let that special someone know how you feel about them. Whether it be a spouse, a new boyfriend or girlfriend, or a best friend, let these thoughtful gift ideas show them how much you really care: 1. A perfect brew. As most tea and coffee drinkers know, the...

Valentine’s Day is right around the corner. How do we know? Decor has been out since December — hearts slowly populating our shelves throughout the Christmas season. February 2024 happens to be a leap year and possibly, Mother Nature’s recognition we need more time. We have an extra 24 hours. Why not organize? A majority...

With space at a premium, many people are looking to maximize their home environment as much as possible. Whether it’s to accommodate a home office or in-home classroom space for children or just create extra space to relax and unwind, maximizing one’s home foot print is more important than ever. The reality is, there are...

While many home renovation projects are best tackled during the warmer months, there are specific minor repairs and tasks that are important to address in winter. These quick projects are easy to complete in a weekend and will make for a more cozy, organized winter home. Service the furnace It’s easy to get behind on...

Paper or plastic? Neither, please. I prefer a file system. For me and other organized individuals, it’s time to get excited about tax season. Before you curse me for my giddy approach to close out another year, imagine how much of your time, effort, money and sanity could be saved if documents were organized as...

After a year of hardship — shootings, war and uncertainty regarding artificial intelligence — the Pantone Color Institute has announced that Peach Fuzz, a warm and fuzzy hue between pink and orange, is the Color of the Year for 2024. Looking back at 2023, you can’t help but wonder if one of Pantone’s most popular...

As we step into the new year, our commitment to wellness has never been stronger. In this fast-paced world, we’re all searching for ways to prioritize our health and create sanctuaries of peace within our homes. One transformative step towards a healthier lifestyle is the removal of toxic fragrances from our households. Instead of candles...

My mandarin orange tree and spider plants enjoyed a longer vacation than I did, having spent the entire summer outdoors on the back deck. But the party ended late last month when frost threatened. So I gave them a thorough hose drenching — leaves and all — to remove any would-be hitchhikers and poured a...

And just like that, we’ve approached the close of another year. Welcome to December, the month when we attempt to accomplish everything we’ve put off for the last 334 days. That said, the next 744 hours of 2023 represents our attempt to wrap-up a million things and see as many people as humanly possible. Make...

The holiday season is one of the best times of the year. Between cooking, cleaning and keeping guests entertained, it also can be demanding on your time and energy. In fact, during the holiday season, adults are five times more likely to say the level of stress in their life increases rather than decreases, according...

One of the hardest, most fraught parts of the holidays is that age-old tradition of gift giving. Few things stress in quite the same way as nervously shuffling through a store on Dec. 23 looking for a present that’s not going to look like you bought it nervously on Dec. 23. That’s why Her Hacks...

It often is said that the kitchen is the “heart” of the home, where a family often gathers as well as entertains its guests. An extension of this often is one’s dining space. These two areas of the home lend themselves to specific needs relating to gathering, aesthetics and functionality. When it comes to dining...

It often is said that the kitchen is the “heart” of the home, where a family often gathers as well as entertains its guests. An extension of this often is one’s dining space. These two areas of the home lend themselves to specific needs relating to gathering, aesthetics and functionality. When it comes to dining...

The idea of stepping into another woman’s shoes is easier said than done. For example, I’m a single, self-employed woman, sharing a home with a self-sufficient parent. My personal life and experience is unique, just like yours. As women, we shouldn’t compare our lifestyle to others, but instead, offer empathy and compassion. Where we started,...

As the air turns crisp and the leaves hint at a transformation into a riot of fiery hues, I welcome fall with open arms. It’s a time for cozy gatherings, warm cider by the fire and the artful transformation of our living spaces. I’ve found that one of the most captivating ways to usher in...

Temperatures are cooling and leaves will soon begin to turn. Fall is on its way. While apple picking, pumpkin patches and haunted houses are staples of the season, consider adding one more activity to your autumn schedule: Gardening. It’s not just for springtime. Gardening in the fall can set you up for success in future...

September is my favorite month of the year for many reasons. As autumn weather breezes in, I fall into a new organizing outlook. Let me count the ways organization enhances beauty and function within our home. 1. A well-maintained space tends to make us smile; the most beautiful and authentic way to acknowledge and display;...

Fall decor has arrived, and with it comes the most gorgeous gourds. Pumpkins and gourds are one of the most widely recognized symbols of fall in North America and have been featured in outdoor and indoor decor for centuries. A symbol of a bountiful harvest, these versatile beauties can add a seasonal touch to any...

Fall decor has arrived, and with it comes the most gorgeous gourds. Pumpkins and gourds are one of the most widely recognized symbols of fall in North America and have been featured in outdoor and indoor decor for centuries. A symbol of a bountiful harvest, these versatile beauties can add a seasonal touch to any...

September is my favorite month of the year for many reasons. As autumn weather breezes in, I fall into a new organizing outlook. Let me count the ways organization enhances beauty and function within our home. 1. A well-maintained space tends to make us smile; the most beautiful and authentic way to acknowledge and display;...

Temperatures are cooling and leaves will soon begin to turn. Fall is on its way. While apple picking, pumpkin patches and haunted houses are staples of the season, consider adding one more activity to your autumn schedule: Gardening. It’s not just for springtime. Gardening in the fall can set you up for success in future...

The start of a new school year carries with it so much potential, particularly when students — and their parents — stay organized. Amid the back-to-school chaos, use these tips and gear recommendations to help keep everyone on track, whether they are at school, at home or on-the-go: Notes and big ideas Color-coded notebooks and...

Here we go, 2023-2024. As summer break fades into a memory, a new daily routine should be on the horizon. If you’ve struggled in the past to organize and create a family schedule, now’s the perfect time to evaluate your approach and mindset. A new school year can be simple, if we stick to the...

One of the biggest ways to gain equity in your home is a kitchen remodel. Gutting the entire kitchen and getting brand new cabinets and countertops, though, is expensive. For more homeowners, that’s a remodel you save up for years for. You might not want to deal with the challenge of living through an entire...

The start of a new school year carries with it so much potential, particularly when students — and their parents — stay organized. Amid the back-to-school chaos, use these tips and gear recommendations to help keep everyone on track, whether they are at school, at home or on-the-go: Notes and big ideas Color-coded notebooks and...

One of the biggest ways to gain equity in your home is a kitchen remodel. Gutting the entire kitchen and getting brand new cabinets and countertops, though, is expensive. For more homeowners, that’s a remodel you save up for years for. You might not want to deal with the challenge of living through an entire...

The annual Tour of Gardens will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 24. This year, five local gardens will be showcased in the event presented by Dubuque County Master Gardeners and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, in addition to mini educational workshops. Tickets are $8 in advance and are available...

I wanna get into your drawers. You know. To organize. It’s inevitable. Every homeowner deals with storage obstacles. Our generation views the home as multi-functional, and online shopping makes it too easy to have things. Clearly, the one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for most as we are surrounded by spec houses. Our effort to maintain our...

Modern farmhouse style has been all the rage. According to a study by Ruby Home, it’s the leading home interior style across the United States. The style is a blend of classic and contemporary and is known for its mixture of old and new. It also incorporates traditional farmhouse components such as wood, metal and...

A relaxing retreat just steps from the back door? Count us in. Outdoor home spaces serve a lot of functions, but Soothing Refuge is one that designers say is in high demand. Aromatic plantings. Romantic arbors. A meandering path. A yoga platform. Pergola daybeds. Prefab saunas. Plunge Pools. An outdoor shower. And comfortable furniture that...

Homeowners are looking for ways to make their homes feel less like a last bastion from the world’s troubles and more like a paradise of rest and relaxation. Here are some of the top ways expert interior designers are decorating homes to reduce anxiety: Biophilic design Biophilic design is the practice of incorporating nature into...

This home improvement season, get inspired by the outdoors with biophilic design. “Biophilic design — the concept of integrating nature into interior design — is not only gorgeous, but it fosters a healthy living environment, promotes happiness and comfort, and reduces stress,” said Jennifer Kline, multimedia graphic artist. “There are many ways to reap these...

It’s time to hit the garage, basement, attic and closets for that age-old task of spring cleaning. Before hauling unwanted possessions to the curb, you might be surprised to learn they might be valuable — especially if you have sports cards and memorabilia gathering dust. With prices of sports cards rising in recent years, take...

You should be getting your lawn and garden spring-ready, according to experts. “One thing I don’t think people realize is that to get your grass, shrubs and other plants looking good in the spring … all that preparation starts right now,” said Major League Fishing bass pro Brian Latimer, or “Blat” as he is known...

With the right pesticide and some intervention tricks, you can get ants out of your home. Sydney Crawley, a professor and extension specialist with expertise in insect and vertebrate pests, shares why they’re in our spaces and how we can reclaim our homes. Why do ants enter homes? Ants come inside homes in search of...

Spring is a popular time for transition, especially when it comes to a desire for a change of scenery, which for some means finding a new place to call home. Moving is one of the more stressful life transitions for both individuals and families. If you are looking to move during this season, here are...

The annual Tour of Gardens will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, June 24. This year, five local gardens will be showcased in the event presented by Dubuque County Master Gardeners and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach, in addition to mini educational workshops. Tickets are $8 in advance and are available...

Homeowners are looking for ways to make their homes feel less like a last bastion from the world’s troubles and more like a paradise of rest and relaxation. Here are some of the top ways expert interior designers are decorating homes to reduce anxiety: Biophilic design Biophilic design is the practice of incorporating nature into...

Modern farmhouse style has been all the rage. According to a study by Ruby Home, it’s the leading home interior style across the United States. The style is a blend of classic and contemporary and is known for its mixture of old and new. It also incorporates traditional farmhouse components such as wood, metal and...

A relaxing retreat just steps from the back door? Count us in. Outdoor home spaces serve a lot of functions, but Soothing Refuge is one that designers say is in high demand. Aromatic plantings. Romantic arbors. A meandering path. A yoga platform. Pergola daybeds. Prefab saunas. Plunge Pools. An outdoor shower. And comfortable furniture that...

Spring is a popular time for transition, especially when it comes to a desire for a change of scenery, which for some means finding a new place to call home. Moving is one of the more stressful life transitions for both individuals and families. If you are looking to move during this season, here are...

It’s time to hit the garage, basement, attic and closets for that age-old task of spring cleaning. Before hauling unwanted possessions to the curb, you might be surprised to learn they might be valuable — especially if you have sports cards and memorabilia gathering dust. With prices of sports cards rising in recent years, take...

I wanna get into your drawers. You know. To organize. It’s inevitable. Every homeowner deals with storage obstacles. Our generation views the home as multi-functional, and online shopping makes it too easy to have things. Clearly, the one-size-fits-all approach doesn’t work for most as we are surrounded by spec houses. Our effort to maintain our...

With the right pesticide and some intervention tricks, you can get ants out of your home. Sydney Crawley, a professor and extension specialist with expertise in insect and vertebrate pests, shares why they’re in our spaces and how we can reclaim our homes. Why do ants enter homes? Ants come inside homes in search of...

This home improvement season, get inspired by the outdoors with biophilic design. “Biophilic design — the concept of integrating nature into interior design — is not only gorgeous, but it fosters a healthy living environment, promotes happiness and comfort, and reduces stress,” said Jennifer Kline, multimedia graphic artist. “There are many ways to reap these...

With the arrival of spring comes a renewed sense of energy and joy, and what better way to celebrate the season than by incorporating playful and charming seasonal touches into your home decor? Spring decor brings the arrival of fresh florals and of course, bushels of bunnies. 2023 is the Year of the Rabbit, according...

Florals are a timeless and versatile element that can enhance just about any interior aesthetic. From bold and dramatic to soft and subtle, floral prints and arrangements can add color, texture and visual interest to any room. However, incorporating florals into your home decor can be daunting, especially if you’re not sure where to start....

Spring is here, and that means it’s time to do another round of deep cleaning around the house. Before shuttering yourself away for a weekend with an arsenal of cleaning supplies, consider these quick tips on what not to do when spring cleaning this year. It just might save you time, money and a lot...

As I draft this column, I find myself wanting to begin my thoughts with one of the most underrated three-letter words in existence. I believe there are three, three-letter words that promote steps for us to execute daily challenges: Why, how and who. Why we desire organization stems from our circumstances. It is common in...

You should be getting your lawn and garden spring-ready, according to experts. “One thing I don’t think people realize is that to get your grass, shrubs and other plants looking good in the spring … all that preparation starts right now,” said Major League Fishing bass pro Brian Latimer, or “Blat” as he is known...

Organization is a learned and teachable skill that we can acquire at any age or stage of life. The outcome of our effort to become and remain organized is one of the most fulfilling habits we can embrace. As a parent, you are the first and primary example for your kids to learn organizational skills....

Beds are meant to be comfortable and enhancing, gone are the days in which beds are just for function, these days “dressing the bed” is for some an art form, involving an array of pillows, lots of layers and texture. Create a mood How do you want your bedroom space to make you feel? Do...

Happy New Year. As expected, by Jan. 1, we should have our New Year’s resolutions in mind, so we can magically make better decisions. When it comes to research, we have a greater understanding of our health and how our thoughts affect our physical and mental state. That said, I believe our surrounding environment should...

In the new year, many people will begin considering their resolutions. Some will choose to focus on setting health and fitness goals, while others might identify DIY projects to improve and organize their homes. Several home improvement projects don’t need to take much time. Check out five that can be completed in one day to...

If you work from home, brightening up your office can bring a sense of fresh energy to your workspace. Family organizing expert Jessica Litman, also known as “The Organized Mama,” shares her pro tips to creatively update your space. Unique storage options Large plastic tubs can offer practical storage solutions, but for a more stylish...

Am I the only one who feels like 2022 flew by? With the New Year around the corner, this is an ideal time to catch up and plan ahead — specifically when it comes to organization of your life documents. Within a 365-day period, the majority of us have experienced one, if not multiple, life-altering...

With travel returning to normal, there’s a renewed interest in seeing the world, but you don’t have to go far to bring the beautiful details of faraway destinations into your home’s spaces. With this in mind, celebrity interior designer Taniya Nayak has identified the top design trends for 2023, all with an eye to how...

From decorating with buffalo check to styling classic tartan, plaid is an incredibly versatile pattern with a rich history. While plaid often is associated with fall and winter, you know I believe this pattern looks great all year long. I’ve previously written about my love for plaid, from Scottish tartans to the bold and beautiful...

Tis the season for fun and festivities, which means more party attire, kids’ toys and decorations coming into the home. Family organizing expert Jessica Litman, CEO and founder of The Organized Mama, shares her tips to keep your space clean and under control during the holidays. Clear the countertops “When the party invitations, gift lists...

Downsizing. Every person at every age has an instinctive reaction to what organizing and downsizing means. Where and how to start, personal impact, as well as possible ramifications from others are all scenarios buzzing around our heads when contemplating a project. For some, the idea of making any decisions halts action. I believe this reaction...

I love to walk home store shop floors early in the mornings before anyone else has arrived. It inspires me. As I walked a floor recently, I was awestruck by the one thing that tied each room together: Fall foliage. Florals are always fantastic, but this season, I felt as though I was seeing them...

Prepping windows for cold, gusty weather is essential no matter your home’s age, but what exactly needs to be done? Read on for the ultimate breakdown of how to seal windows and protect your home from the winter chill. Step 1 Test for air leaks. Any style of window could have small air leaks that...

I love to walk home store shop floors early in the mornings before anyone else has arrived. It inspires me. As I walked a floor recently, I was awestruck by the one thing that tied each room together: Fall foliage. Florals are always fantastic, but this season, I felt as though I was seeing them...

Downsizing. Every person at every age has an instinctive reaction to what organizing and downsizing means. Where and how to start, personal impact, as well as possible ramifications from others are all scenarios buzzing around our heads when contemplating a project. For some, the idea of making any decisions halts action. I believe this reaction...

Prepping windows for cold, gusty weather is essential no matter your home’s age, but what exactly needs to be done? Read on for the ultimate breakdown of how to seal windows and protect your home from the winter chill. Step 1 Test for air leaks. Any style of window could have small air leaks that...

When it comes to decorating, there is no wrong time for anything. It all comes down to personal comfort, taste and needs — ultimately what brings you joy. That being said, decorating for a holiday too early can sometimes draw unwanted glares from the neighbors. While it’s far from time to start throwing up those...

Are you here for work or pleasure? What kind of question is this? Who thought of this phrase? Was this a cover-up to make, “do you want to be here, or do you have to be” more appealing? How do we cultivate our outlook and achieve work for pleasure? By being organized, of course. Women...

Organization is about mindset. Either you think it, or you don’t. The action of living an organized lifestyle ties into our ongoing, daily thought process. Here’s the beauty: Organization is a learned skill. A huge component is wanting to incorporate organization into our daily routine to improve our life experience. Acknowledging our desire allows us...

Are you looking to avoid harsh chemicals in the place where you prepare and eat food? Hoping to green your clean? Here are three natural hacks for keeping a healthy and tidy kitchen: 1. Ditch the paper towels. Whether you’re quickly wiping up a spill or doing a deep clean, it’s easy to forget that...

We are approaching the 2022-2023 school year. The tradition of back-to-school looks different each year as we continuously adapt to our ever-changing world. When I recall going back to school in my younger years, the simplicity of getting a new pair of tennis shoes, a couple of new outfits and selecting my bookbag style was...

What motivates and excites you? In a world where we are overwhelmed with things to do, what is your method to accomplish tasks, especially when your tasks are not enjoyable? Do you fall into the category of having half-finished projects, with hopes to start something new and with the supplies you’ve already purchased? Why do...

With warmer weather here, it’s time to deal with the associated household hassles of the season. Here are three hacks that will help you create a healthy, comfortable home during the months ahead: Beat the heat Beyond having your HVAC unit serviced and changing your air filter regularly, you can beat the heat at home...

Whether you love to dig in dirt or simply admire the work of those who do, an opportunity to view the fruits of that labor, as well as learn a few tricks of the trade, are planned this month. Presented in conjunction with the Iowa State University Extension and Outreach Master Gardeners and Dubuque County...

The home office has seen quite the resurgence these past few years. With more companies switching to work-from-home or hybrid schedules, it is only natural that we want to create a space for ourselves to buckle down and get things done while at home. However, office spaces aren’t just for full-time employees. We all need...

As this month’s theme focuses on the home and garden, I wanted to share a healing practice that I have perfected during a lifetime. Each Saturday morning, I rise. I make coffee. And as fast as humanly possible, I get dressed and go outside. I did this (minus the coffee part) when I was a...

If you have an inability to make plants grow, count yourself among those who have a “black thumb.” Even if you love plants (and who doesn’t?), you might have decided you just lack the knack to keep them alive and given up. But all is not lost. Laura Klavitter, the plant expert behind Planted. in...

You might have heard the word compost, but what is it exactly? Compost is organic waste that breaks down in time into a nutrient rich soil. This “gold” for your garden will provide nutrients for anything you might be growing and will save you money in the long run by improving the structure of your...

The increased demand for gardening supplies and plants during the past few years will likely continues to have effects on this year’s gardening season. Area garden centers predict challenges with shortages and shipping delays will affect the upcoming gardening season. For gardeners, local center owners urge patience until items come in, shopping early for supplies...

Hopefully, April showers brought us May flowers. As I write this, we are two days into spring, and people of the neighborhood have emerged. Kids are running around. Adults are active on the main drag. And there are a lot of open garage doors, inviting the warm air and neighborhood banter in. Each street has...

The home office has seen quite the resurgence these last few years. With more and more companies switching to work-from-home or hybrid schedules, it is only natural that we want to create a space for ourselves to buckle down and get things done while at home. However, office spaces aren’t just for full-time employees. We...

Kitchen renovations are one of the most popular, as well as one of the most rewarding, home improvements. A new kitchen design can make that space a more functional, compelling heart of your home, in addition to increasing your home’s resale value. The average cost of a kitchen remodel is between $13,475 and $38,170, according...

Beauty and fashion is all around us. Our clothing and accessories are visual ways we display our image in an effort to stay current with the latest trends. It’s safe to say that many designs come and go, but there classic choices stand the test of time. The concept of beauty and fashion relates to...

When is it appropriate to use black in home decor? Once considered harsh, black is now more popular than ever and often is the go-to color for those looking for an elegant, upscale vibe. Black offers the opportunity to infuse a bold and luxurious look into nearly any space. When using black, there are some...

When is it appropriate to use black in home decor? Once considered harsh, black is now more popular than ever and often is the go-to color for those looking for an elegant, upscale vibe. Black offers the opportunity to infuse a bold and luxurious look into nearly any space. When using black, there are some...

Kitchen renovations are one of the most popular, as well as one of the most rewarding, home improvements. A new kitchen design can make that space a more functional, compelling heart of your home, in addition to increasing your home’s resale value. The average cost of a kitchen remodel is between $13,475 and $38,170, according...

When I reflect on changing seasons, space planning and organization impacts how I arrange items, especially in the garage. Prioritize placement of your possessions, and acknowledge if stored items compliment and enhance your lifestyle. Spring is more than cleaning windows, changing the air filter and performing annual maintenance. It’s the perfect opportunity to evaluate toys,...

Relationships inspire a new beginning by bringing two people together. This includes new experiences, fine-tuning your lifestyles and most importantly, learning to compromise with one another. With everything positive happening in your newly combined life, it’s easy to overlook the stuff you bring into your relationship. This applies to new romances or those who would...

For many people, the bedroom is a key room, one in which much of the day is spent. From a design standpoint, it’s a place into which you might want to invest in elevating your decor. How do you make a bedroom your favorite room in the house? Create a mood To help springboard your...

For many people, the bedroom is a key room, one in which much of the day is spent. From a design standpoint, it’s a place into which you might want to invest in elevating your decor. How do you make a bedroom your favorite room in the house? Create a mood To help springboard your...

After learning to live life more remotely in 2020 and 2021, it’s time to view 2022 as a fresh start. To help you adopt a new, balanced way of living, interior designer Taniya Nayak is sharing five home interior design trends meant to inspire spaces that will welcome guests, while incorporating the special intimacies that...

Resolving to green up your act in the New Year? Here are just a few tweaks you can make right at home to substantially reduce your environmental footprint: Make appliance upgrades Home appliances are improving all the time, with many newer models designed specifically with efficiency in mind. If your home appliances, such as your...

A frosty winter wonderland is fun to experience — outside. Inside is another story. By keeping your home heating system running at peak performance, you’ll lower your winter utility bills and experience increased comfort. According to North American Technician Excellence (NATE), here’s how to stay toasty this winter without breaking the bank: Get the right...

January: The beginning of a New Year, a new chapter, a new outlook and new experiences. The majority of New Year’s resolutions focus on going to the gym and eating better. These are excellent goals but can sometimes be unrealistic because of time. Most of us believe we need to make sacrifices to do everything...

After learning to live life more remotely in 2020 and 2021, it’s time to view 2022 as a fresh start. To help you adopt a new, balanced way of living, interior designer Taniya Nayak is sharing five home interior design trends meant to inspire spaces that will welcome guests, while incorporating the special intimacies that...

Resolving to green up your act in the New Year? Here are just a few tweaks you can make right at home to substantially reduce your environmental footprint: Make appliance upgrades Home appliances are improving all the time, with many newer models designed specifically with efficiency in mind. If your home appliances, such as your...

A frosty winter wonderland is fun to experience — outside. Inside is another story. By keeping your home heating system running at peak performance, you’ll lower your winter utility bills and experience increased comfort. According to North American Technician Excellence (NATE), here’s how to stay toasty this winter without breaking the bank: Get the right...