Stubborn salt stains are an unfortunate but inevitable part of winter. Let’s break down how to get rid of them in a few common items like shoes and car mats, without any chemicals and with items you probably already have on hand.

Materials you’ll need:
– microfiber cloth

– clear dish soap

– boar bristle brush (optional)

– kettle

– shop vac

Related: 10 of the Best Ways to Deep Clean Your Outdoor Rugs

For Shoes:
To get salt stains out of shoes all you need is warm to hot water on a microfiber cloth with a little bit of dish soap. Scrub the salt stains off the shoes gently and allow to dry. It’s that simple! If your shoes are suede, you can use the same method but swap out the microfiber cloth for a boar bristle brush and scrub in gentle circular motions.

For car floors and mats:

Once again, you don’t need much to get your car’s interior looking good as new during the winter months. Boil some water and pour it directly on the salt stained areas. This may seem scary, but trust the process and have a shop vac on hand to soak up any access from the pour. If the stains are fresh, that should do the trick, but if they’ve been sitting a while use a brush to help work out the stains and let air dry. This method also works for outdoor mats and floor mats.

Related: How to Get a Wine Stain Out of Furniture

With a little elbow grease you can easily restore your salt-stained items to nearly-new form! Repeat as often as necessary during the winter months, and don’t be afraid to try the same steps on other outdoor garments, like jackets and snowpants, too!

We’ve seen hand painted candle tutorials floating around social media for several months, and trust us, these DIY Galentine’s candles are perfect for a girls’ night in.

Galentine’s Day is all about celebrating the amazing women in your life — your best friends, sisters and soulmates. It’s the perfect excuse to gather, enjoy some delicious treats and create something special together.

Instead of the usual dinner or drinks, why not host a cozy craft night where custom candle-making is the main event? With just a few materials, you can create adorable, hand-decorated taper candles to bring warmth and love into your space.

Materials Required:

• White taper candles
• Candle wax pens (red and pink)
• Lighter or matches
• Paper towels (to clean up any wax smudges)
• Candle holders

Related: Pink Home Decor Items You Didn’t Know You Needed

Step 1: Gather Your Materials

Let’s start by setting up a crafting station with all the materials. Tip: Protect your table with parchment or kraft paper and a tray to catch any wax drips. Make sure everyone has their own set of wax pens in different colours to get creative together, shall we?

Step 2: Paint, Paint, Paint!

Now, use the wax pens to draw different cute designs like cherries, hearts, polka dots and XOXO patterns. The wax pens glide smoothly on the candle surface, so let your imagination run wild! If you make a mistake, simply scrape off the wax with a napkin and start fresh.

Related: You’ll Only Need Pool Noodles to Make this DIY Wall Art

Step 3: Place Your Candles

Once your designs are dry, place the candles in holders and light them up. Enjoy the cozy, romantic glow of your handmade creations—perfect for a Galentine’s dinner or as a sweet gift for your besties.

Hosting a Galentine’s hand painted candle-making night is a fun and meaningful way to celebrate friendship. With a little creativity and a lot of love, you’ll have beautiful candles to cherish throughout the year.

See you in the next DIY, friends!

Part collage, part diary and part upcycling, a junk journal combines many crafting ideas into one sometimes-bursting book. This trending, multi-media journalling concept is all about self-expression and the freedom to create.

Photos, poems, pressed flowers — anything goes, and everything finds a place on these free-flowing pages. Here are the rules to making a junk journal (kidding — there are no rules!). Still, these guidelines will help you get started on your own journalling journey.

1. Got Junk?

What really differentiates these personalized pages from other journalling endeavours is the focus on repurposing materials. Have a pile of magazines marked for recycling? Tear out the images that call to you and stick them in! Remember those ticket stubs you couldn’t figure out what to do with? In they go!

Ribbon ends, receipts, paper scraps, stamps — anything that was on the way to the trash or recycling bin is up for grabs. Gather your bits and bobs, grab that glue and get sticking. The more layers, the merrier!

Related: Silent Travel is the Newest Wellness Trend

2. Materials You Need

When gathering materials to set up your first junk journal, you will need — you guessed it — a journal. Now, this could be a repurposed sketchbook, notebook, blank journal or even recycled paper that you bind with a tapestry needle and cord.

Tip: If you are planning on buying a fresh, new journal to start your practice, consider one with a spiral binding, such as these NOTA notebooks from Indigo ($4-$15). Their pages are looser, allowing more space for those special 3D pieces so they won’t get squished.

Scissors, glue, a marker that can write on any paper surface, and a storage box or folder for filler finds are also a must. But beyond that, if something is beautiful, sentimental or simply calls to you (and adheres to paper), it’s perfect. And if you’re looking for additional inspiration, here are some ideas to help turn on that “junk to jewel” radar:

• Plane, train and tram tickets
• Handwritten cards and notes
• Rubber stamps and metallic ink
• Washi tape and stickers
• Polaroid photos
• Fabric and lace scraps
• Restaurant menus
• Theatre programs
• Discarded wrapping paper
• Old family photos
• Feathers, leaves and pressed flowers
• Favourite quotes

3. Feel the Flow

While scrapbooks and dairies usually have a linear progression, covering a certain event or timeframe; a junk journal isn’t constrained by time. Make it a daily, weekly or random practice of mindfulness, sitting down and simply letting the creative spirit fill you — and your notebook.

It’s quick, messy and sometimes sticky (glue, remember). But junk journaling is also a surprisingly satisfying way to work through thoughts or memorialize a moment. The non-conformity of materials and the laissez faire nature of the process forces you to be OK with imperfections.

4. Set the Intention

While having the freedom to create whatever comes out sounds liberating, sometimes having a theme, a colour scheme or a goal can help get things going. Start with pieces that have varying shades of a colour that’s calling to you these days. Make it all about your world travels and those place you still hope to see.

Or perhaps this particular book will become one giant manifestation manifesto, filled with images, ideas and ideals you wish to call into your life. This is just the jumping off point; once you start snipping and ripping, who knows where it’ll take you!

5. A Multi-Layered Approach

When you’re ready to begin your mindful Mod-Podge-ian process, start with larger pieces first, working your way down in size. For example, a large fashion-magazine cutout makes an ideal first paper layer. Then add on those smaller scraps of fabric, dried flowers and metallic paint. With each new addition, the page grows in depth and your final image will start to emerge.

Related: 10 Craft Kits for Adults That Will Help Beat the Winter Blues

6. It’s Got Pockets

To add a little, surprise interactive moment to a junk journal, incorporate pockets throughout for treasured trinkets or special messages. A pasted-in envelope could hold a sparkly table topper from a friend’s wedding or a graduation note from your mom. If you’re feeling ambitious, test your hand at crafting these memento hidey-holes from decorative cardstock, velvet swatches or woven ribbons.

7. A Touching Transformation

So much of the joy gained from junk journaling comes from the tactile experience — feeling the ripple in a scrap of silk, the rip of the paper, the press of the postcard. Each action requires you to be very present in the moment, all while building something beautiful and deeply personal. Plus, what environmentally minded DIYer doesn’t like the idea of turning trash into treasure?

In a world filled with clamour and complexities, bedrooms can provide a safe sanctuary — so don’t ignore them when it comes to planning a spring deep clean.

Whether we live with roommates, a partner or on our own, the bedroom is the one place truly devoted to resting and recharging. A nicely made bed, a nightstand set up just so, and a sheepskin rug right where our feet meet the floor.

But look a little closer, and our peace is pierced — this space needs a deep clean, immediately. Here are the hidden spots in a bedroom that are likely in desperate need of soap, water and awareness.

1. The Headboard

Did you know there could be a dust-filled pathogenic trap located just inches from your head? That small, seemingly inconsequential area between your headboard and the wall could actually be harbouring untold numbers of microbial colonies. So do not ignore your headboard!

Regularly vacuum behind and under the headboard to reduce dust, which fosters microbes’ stomping ground. Use a microfibre cloth and a disinfecting spray cleaner on the headboard itself. If it’s an upholstered headboard, give it a good vacuum and then blast it with a steamer/steam cleaner (or a boiled kettle, in a pinch). The hot steam will instantly kill off any little dust-loving nasties.

Try to get behind there every two to three months, but up the regularity if those dust bunnies are getting too frisky too often.

2. The Mattress

If you can’t remember the last time you got up close and personal with your mattress on a routine bedroom clean, the time is now. Every six months, strip back the sheets and mattress protector (a must!) and deep clean.

Whether you use a steam cleaner or an upholstery cleaning machine, make sure you do both sides to take care of wayward dust mites, dead skin cells and dried sweat (yep). Air drying the mattress afterwards is also super important to prevent potential mold or mildew growth.

Related: Expert Reveals How Often You Should Replace Your Mattress

3. The Ceiling Fan

A dynamo at summertime cooling and circulating heat in the winter, it’s easy to be a fan of a bedroom-ceiling fan. However, its fan club goes beyond the human population — dust, pollen and pet dander are also active members. Before you go removing that sticky dust residue from its blades, make sure you put an old sheet or towel directly under it. We wouldn’t want that gunk to fall onto a newly cleaned floor or, gah, bed.

A long-handled duster moving from the centre outwards will capture the dust most effectively. If there’s more build-up than an expandable duster can handle, go in with a damp cloth or gentle cleaning solution. Aim to get all up in the blades every month, although regular weekly dusting will reduce the need for those monthly deep cleans.

4. The Tops of Wardrobes

Since we’re already looking up, let’s keep that momentum going and take a really good look at the tops of bedroom wardrobes. For such a large space, it’s surprising how it often gets ignored when whipping through the bedroom for a quick weekend clean. But ignore it not; when dust is denied, dust multiples.

Push through the annoyance of grabbing a step ladder or purchasing a duster with a pivoting handle, and take a peek. Once you’ve seen the grubby landscape, the wardrobe will go right back onto your bedroom deep-clean checklist.

5. The Nightstand

Unlike wardrobes, the tops of nightstands likely get included in that weekly bedroom wipe down. But what about the back, the bottom, the sides or inside the drawers or cubbies? When in deep-clean mode, tackle the problem from all sides… literally.

Pull the drawers out and use an appropriate cleaner on each side (wood polish for wood, etc.). As part of the bedroom deep clean, get specific with what goes back into those bedside cubbies. Make sure you have everything you need within arms’ reach, and remove anything that doesn’t belong there.

6. The Carpet/Rug

OK, a regular vacuuming is pretty standard care for a bedroom carpet or decorative rug. But we’re going deep here. After a thorough vacuuming or shaking out, liberally sprinkle the whole carpeted area or rug with a few cups of baking soda. Give it a good 15 minutes to magically absorb up any subtle smells that you may have become unknowingly accustomed to.

Whether it’s a wet (but beloved) dog, a (cranky) shedding cat, or wayward smoke vapours from that New Year’s Eve house party you hosted, hoover up that baking soda and breathe deeply.

Related: Cleaning Products You Should Never Mix Together

7. The Bedding

Yeah, this shouldn’t be included in a list of “hidden spots” but alas, bedding may need more cleaning care than it’s currently getting. Guess how often you should be washing bedsheets (that’s the fitted and flat sheet, along with any pillowcases or shams)? If you guessed anything over one week, this tip is for you!

An unwashed pillowcase alone can house up to three million bacteria after a single week of use. As a reference point, that’s nearly the same amount found inside a square inch of a toilet bowl. So, at a minimum, once a week, on a hot cycle and preferably with one cup of white vinegar added to the rinse cycle to really beat those prolific bacteria.

8. The Pillows

Sweat, sneezes and drool, they all soak into a pillow. So please give that pillow a good soak with suds every three to six months. Whether the pillow fill is cotton, feathers, down, or fibrefill, they likely can handle a cold wash on a gentle cycle.

Make sure you wash two pillows at a time — their weight will keep the washer drum balanced. Much like bedding, add a cup of white vinegar to the rinse cycle to cut down on bacteria buildup.

Latex and memory foam pillows must be hand washed. Submerge them in a lukewarm bath or tub with a splash of gentle detergent and vinegar, and gently squeeze. Repeat with clean water, and air dry on top of a towel, flipping them for even drying.

Related: The Gross Reason You Need To Wash Your Pillows More

9. The Door Handles

E.coli and Staphylococcus are just two strains of bad, bad bacteria shown in scientific studies to be flourishing on doorknobs. Don’t get sick by skipping such a simple step of a bedroom deep clean — disinfecting the doorhandles. In fact, make it part of your weekly routine, and skip a very uncomfortable visit to the ER. Soap and water, a disinfecting spray or a 70 per cent solution of isopropyl alcohol are all effective at eviscerating those knob-clinging nasties.

10. The Curtains

The reason for a bedroom deep clean is to bring it back to a healthy baseline. Ideally, the floors and surfaces are now dust free, the bed is once again hygienic and the air is free from allergens.

If this is the goal, the curtains cannot be overlooked! Their very design is a dust trap — thick, woven material that touches the floor and the ceiling, swiping over both multiple times in 24 hours. Add in the proximity to poorly insulated windows (and the inevitable condensation), and mold is also a likely roommate.

Cleaning them twice a year is must, but make it more if dust and odour are prevalent in your abode. Check tags for washing-machine instructions. Heads up: Dry cleaning or hand steaming may be the only option for their fabric composition. Yes, that could be expensive, but you’re worth it — as is the health of your lungs.

Becoming a homeowner can be a daunting and stressful journey, especially if you’re trekking solo. High home prices, ever-changing mortgage rules and the need for a healthy down payment seem easier to manage if you’re one-half of a team. But that doesn’t mean it’s impossible to buy a home alone. After all, plenty of Canadians are doing it.

Last year, real estate search portal Point2 revealed that 42 per cent of potential first-time home buyers considered applying for a solo mortgage. Most of those buyers were older, but according to the survey, 38 per cent of the 18 to 34 crew were still thinking about going at it alone.

If you want to buy a home on a single income, here’s how to do it.

Get Your Finances in Order

The first step to buying a home solo is figuring out your financials. If you have debts, pay them off. If you’re concerned about your credit, make your payments on time. Take a deep dive into your finances to ensure everything is correct, up-to-date and on track. Doing so will put you in a better situation when you apply for a mortgage, and it’s also great practice for the day you do become a responsible homeowner.

Related: New Mortgage Rules Every Homebuyer Should Know About

Make a Detailed Budget

Once you have your financials in order, make a spreadsheet of all your expenses and income to see what you’re working with. By figuring out where your money is going and when, you can get a better idea of what kind of mortgage you can afford. Don’t forget to add expenses like gas and hydro, property taxes and maintenance. Because when you own a home, unexpected expenses always come up.

Plan for a Rainy Day

When you purchase a home solo, all the financials fall on you. That means you need a backup plan if you suddenly lose your job or sustain an injury. Some people consider getting disability or critical illness insurance, while others put together a savings plan. A good rule of thumb is to squirrel away three-to-six months of expenses in case anything ever comes up. That isn’t always practical, of course, so ensure you save what you can in addition to a potential mortgage payment.

Related: What Dropping Interest Rates Mean for You

Determine Your Down Payment

Your down payment affects your mortgage as it helps determine what you can afford and whether you need mortgage insurance. In Canada, if your down payment is less than 20 per cent of the purchase price, you will need to pay insurance on your mortgage in case anything happens.

Your down payment can come from many sources: savings, a gift from a family member or official accounts like your Registered Retirement Savings Plan and the First Home Savings Account.

Get a Mortgage Pre-Approval

Before you start house-hunting, you need solid advice on what you can afford and what kind of interest rate you qualify for. That’s why it’s a good idea to work with your bank or a qualified mortgage broker, who can lock in the best rate for you now. You can still get a better rate if it drops, but you’re also protected if rates increase.

Choose Your Mortgage

There are many different types of mortgages, with varying terms, amortization periods and interest rates. Determining which type of mortgage is for you, along with your ideal payment schedule, is important because if you choose to change things up in the future, you could face heavy penalties. For example, if you only plan to stay in your place for a few years, look at a shorter term. Or, if you don’t mind paying more interest in exchange for a lower payment schedule, pick a higher amortization period.

Related: Is Multigenerational Living the New Canadian Reality?

Find Your Dream Home

Once your finances are in order, it’s time for the fun part: finding a place to live. Make a list of everything you want in your dream home, but be realistic about the things you’re willing to compromise on. Buying a home in Ontario is different than buying a home in New Brunswick, just as buying in the city is different than buying a property in the suburbs. If location is key, accept that you might have to settle for a smaller property. Or if you’re set on a gorgeous yard, remember that you might have some home renos in your future.

Most importantly, don’t even look at properties above your affordability. Focus on what’s within your buying power now and work with a professional to secure the best price. Before you know it, you’ll be packing those boxes and counting down the days until you get the keys.

TikTok trends have a way of making us rethink everyday things, and this one is no exception. Undoubtedly, the drawing on a table tablescape craze has taken over our social feeds, inspiring us all to turn our dining tables into works of art. This trend is a perfectly sustainable one that will help create a magical, custom tablescape for your next gathering without hurting the planet. In this DIY tutorial, we’ll show you how to create your own personalized tablescape that’s perfect for your next hosting gig, elevating the dining experience to a whole new level.

@thehomenet

Get creative with your table setting ✏️🎨 This DIY tablescape is perfect for personalizing your meal! @Hey Maca | DIY | Home Decor #tablescape #diy #placemats #holiday

♬ Christmas Lights – Kyrylo Zaplotynskyi

Materials Required:

• A roll of kraft paper
• White acrylic paint
• Paintbrushes (variety of sizes)
• Zigzag scissors
• Velvet lace (for the napkins)
• Napkins
• Candles in a matching colour palette
• Decorative seasonal elements

Step 1: Prep the Table

Start by rolling out the kraft paper across your table, ensuring it fully covers the surface. This will be your blank canvas.

Pro Tip: You can secure it with tape underneath to keep it flat and wrinkle-free.

Step 2: Design and Paint

Lightly sketch where your plates, coasters and names will go. Then, use a pencil to mark the areas with all of the details you’d like. This will create a balanced layout on your table.

Now, using your white acrylic paint, you can freehand draw scalloped plates, your guests’ names, coasters and any extra beautiful detail you’d like to see directly onto the kraft paper. Don’t be shy with adding fun shapes, too. For example, borders, stars and much more — just let your creativity shine for this step!

Step 3: Craft Napkin Bows

To complete this DIY, fold your paper napkins in three equal parts and then tie them with velvet lace to create elegant bows. Then, cut the edges with zigzag scissors and place them at each seating spot on top of your plates for a beautiful and elegant look.

Congratulations! You’ve just transformed an ordinary dining table into a stunning work of art, personalized to each guest and your home decor.

This DIY tablescape isn’t just decor — it’s definitely a conversation starter and creates an unforgettable experience for your friends and family.

Happy crafting, friends!

Food waste is a staggering problem in Canada with 46 per cent of all food in the country going to waste each year, according to Newswire. And what’s worse is that of that waste, 41 per cent can be avoided. With almost half the food in Canada going to waste, and expiry dates being the leading cause, it’s time that we look inside our hearts — and fridges — to figure out how to do better in 2025.

Most food waste is not born out of ill intention. It’s simply the result of overbuying and forgetting what we actually have (or to use it in time). The easiest way to start tackling the problem is to give your refrigerator a new year clean and reorganizing to make the most of your space and prevent waste.

See More: How to Organize Kitchen Cupboards to Optimize Your Storage Space

First, Take Stock Before You Shop

It’s harder to use up the produce in your fridge if it’s overstuffed and you can’t see or easily shift items around to access everything in it. So, avoid overbuying by taking a few minutes to assess your inventory before you pop to the shops. Perhaps this will involve a shifting of habits, like scheduling a regular grocery shopping day instead of spontaneously dropping in to grab last-minute items on your way home. It’s also important to establish communication with the other members of your household to avoid doubling up on a shop. Set a schedule or make it a habit to send a text when you’re picking up an item on the grocery list so you don’t end up with duplicated food items in your fridge.

Seeing Is Believing (and Eating)

It’s all too easy to skip spending the time to unload and organize groceries and opt for the quicker option of putting new stock at the front of the fridge. But that’s exactly the opposite of what you should be doing to minimize food waste.  Instead, take the time to pull older food items, particularly produce, to the front of your fridge so it’s in your eyesight each time you open that door. This will help you monitor the freshness and encourage you to think about using up the ingredients that are on the verge of spoiling — before you end up tossing them out.

Keep Things Clear

If your household has trouble using up items before they spoil, another tip to ensure visibility is to remove excess packaging. Cleaning TikTok loves clear bins for a reason — they’re great to keep the contents of your fridge organized and uniform, while ensuring that you can see exactly what you have in stock. Remove excess packaging that prevents that, especially on items like fresh produce, eggs, drinks and yogurt. Plus, keeping your food in airtight containers will help seal in the freshness for longer, giving you more time to use up your goods.

Try it: 10-Pack Fridge Organizers and Storage, BPA-Free Stackable Bins with Lid, $50.

Related: This Is the Best Way to Clean Your Kitchen Sink Drain

Map It Out

Okay, you don’t need to become a cartographer. But having a general sense of where things live in your fridge can make it easier when you’re taking stock, and make you less likely to miss using up an item. Designate areas for certain groups of food. Keep dairy in one section and deli goods in another. Meat and seafood are best put on the bottom shelf to avoid any drippings that might contaminate other foods and potentially lead to you throwing anything away. Read our space-saving fridge hacks for more tips.

The Not-So-Lazy Solution

Another tip for ensuring that you’re seeing and using everything in your fridge is to optimize the visibility of smaller items by using a lazy Susan — a round, rotating tray. Instead of condiments or jars getting shoved to the back, you’ll be able to turn that waste into want by easily accessing every item.

Properly Store Your Produce

Half-used produce is quick to spoil. Without the natural protection of their outer layer, fruits and veggies can be quicker to oxidize, meaning they’ll get brown and be susceptible to molding at an increased speed. Slow down the speed at which produce goes off with airtight containers (like the ones above) or silicone produce savers.

Try it: Silicone Reusable Fruit and Vegetable Storage Containers Set, $18.

Try These Herb-Saving Tips

If you prefer fresh to dried herbs (and we don’t blame you!) but struggle with the waste that comes with buying a package of a single herb for one recipe and then slowly letting them wilt away, try this. Trim the ends of leafy herbs like parsley and cilantro and place them in water to increase the time they’ll stay fresh. Alternatively, chop and freeze leftover herbs into ice cube trays so you always have them at the ready — without any tossing away.

Don’t Forget the Freezer

Our final tip is not to forget the freezer. Create organization in your coldest space by employing freezer baskets and clear freezer storage bags for storing food. Don’t forget to label and date items so that you know exactly what and when you’re storing things!

You Might Also Like: 10 New Home Appliance Trends You’ll Soon See Everywhere

Professional-quality gift wrapping requires a combination of the right tools, attention to detail and creativity. From selecting the perfect wrapping paper to perfecting the art of crisp folds and finishing touches, all it takes is some practice to become a true “wrap star.” Whether you’re a seasoned wrapper or a beginner, here are some tips on how to gift wrap even odd-shaped gifts like a pro this holiday season and say goodbye to store-bought gift bags.

 

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Related: All About Furoshiki: The Japanese Art of Gift Wrapping

Materials Required:

Before you begin wrapping your gifts, it’s important to have the right tools and materials at the ready. Here’s a list of essential items along with a few things that will elevate your gift wrapping if you’re looking for more of a challenge.

• An assortment of wrapping paper (different patterns and colours)
• A sharp pair of scissors (or a paper dispenser)
• Clear cellophane tape (go for a higher quality option so the gift doesn’t pop open early)
• Gift boxes
• Tissue paper
• Bows and ribbon
• Tags (store-bought or handmade)
• A hot glue gun (this can be used instead of tape when wrapping gifts)
• Small pine cones, bells or other decorative items

How to Gift Wrap Boxed Items

To wrap a boxed item or any other square or rectangular-shaped object with straight edges, here is a step-by-step guide:

1. If your item requires a box (like clothing), first wrap the item in a sheet or two of tissue paper, and then place it in a gift box. Secure each side of the lid with a small piece of tape so that it doesn’t open while you’re wrapping it.
2. Next, measure and cut the wrapping paper. For most gifts, you’ll want to cut the width to match the width of the gift and the height should be twice the height of the gift.
3. Lay the paper on a flat surface with the patterned side down and centre the gift with the bottom of the box facing up.
4. Centre the gift and fold over one half of the paper, making sure that it’s as tight to the box as possible. Fasten with a piece of tape. Then fold over the other half so that it partially covers the half that is already fastened to the box, again making sure that it’s snug against the box. Fasten it with a piece of tape. If the edge wasn’t cut completely evenly, you can fold it under to create a straighter edge before fastening it with tape.
5. Neatly fold each end of the gift, keeping the paper as tight to the box as possible. Fasten with enough tape to hold it in place but don’t overdo it. Two or three small pieces will usually do the trick. If the paper was measured correctly, you shouldn’t have to trim any excess. If any trims are required, use sharp scissors and trim as neatly as possible. (For more experienced wrappers, a hot glue gun can be used in place of tape for the previous two steps.)
6. Flip the gift over and attach a tag, bow, ribbon and other decorative items.

Related: How to Make a Needle-Felted Gingerbread House Ornament

How to Gift Wrap Awkwardly-Shaped Items

To wrap items with more challenging shapes, watch the video above or follow these tips:

For something like a stuffed toy, cut a piece of wrapping paper big enough to cover the item. Fold each side into each other with a bit of overlap and tape it. Form two triangles and tape it to form the bottom. Place your item inside the bag and fold the top down. Make two hole punches in the top and fasten with ribbon to close the bag.

For a bottle, take a new, reusable napkin or dish towel and wrap it around the bottle. Tie the top — around the neck of the bottle — with ribbon.

For an item like a tumbler or a travel mug, you’ll also want to create a gift bag out of wrapping paper. Follow the same steps as the first example, but make sure you have lots of paper at the top. Accordion fold the top of the bag until you’re close to the item, tie it with string or ribbon, and fan out the top, taping both accordioned sides together in the centre.

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Bring holiday cheer to your tree with a charming, needle-felted gingerbread house ornament. This easy DIY project is perfect for adding a handmade touch to your Christmas decorations. Follow these simple steps to craft your very own heirloom ornament this holiday season:

@hgtvcanada

Tis the season for festive DIY ornaments 🤩✨🎄 @Courtney Naray #DIY #ornaments #christmas #holidays #festive #decoration

♬ We Wish You a Merry Christmas – Alexander Smith & Mark Fabian & Richard Kimmings

Materials Required:

• Wool roving in brown, white, green & red
• Felting needle
• Felting pad
• Scissors
• Silver thread
• Embroidery needle
• Ribbon

Step 1: Prepare the Base Shape

Start by shaping the main body of the gingerbread house. Take a handful of brown wool roving and form it into a rectangle. Place the shape on your felting pad and use your felting needle to repeatedly poke the wool, compressing the fibers until the rectangle becomes firm and holds its shape. Rotate the piece as you work to ensure even felting on all sides.

Step 2: Create the Roof

To make the roof, pull apart a smaller amount of brown wool roving and shape it into a triangle. Attach the triangle to the top of the rectangular base by layering the fibers together and felting them into place with your needle. Continue poking around the edges and surface to secure the roof and smooth out the connections.

Step 3: Add the Details

White details bring the gingerbread house to life! Take a small amount of white wool roving and gently form it into shapes for the doors and windows. Use your needle to secure the fibers and create defined shapes. Then, take some thin strips for the roof’s snow. Lay the strips along the edges of the roof and felt them down. For extra texture, you can add a few wavy lines to mimic icicles.

Step 4: Add More Details

Enhance the ornament’s charm by adding intricate details to the windows and doors. Use metallic embroidery thread and an embroidery needle to stitch outlines, frames or decorative patterns. This step adds sparkle and highlights to your gingerbread house.

Step 5: Make a Felted Wreath

Add a festive wreath to your gingerbread house. Use green wool roving to create a small circular shape. Felt it tightly to maintain its form, then use red wool roving to fashion a tiny bow. Attach the bow to the top of the wreath by felting it into place. Secure the wreath to the front of the house by felting it onto your desired spot.

Step 6: Attach the Hanging Loop

Cut a piece of ribbon approximately eight inches long. Use your embroidery thread to attach it to the top of the gingerbread house, just behind the roof’s peak.

Your needle-felted gingerbread house ornament is now complete! Hang it on your Christmas tree, gift it to a loved one or use it as a festive embellishment on holiday gifts.

Winter officially arrives on Dec. 21, but the cold air and bursts of snow already have us thinking about the season ahead. If you want to stay warm, comfy and safe in your home this winter, here are some essential tasks to complete now, like the adulting specialist you are.

Check Your Heating System

Now is a good time to check your furnace to ensure it works properly. Set your thermostat a couple of degrees above room temperature and ensure the heat is kicking in. Change the filter, make sure the vents are free and clear, and if necessary, consider a professional inspection just to be on the safe side.

Seal Windows and Doors

No one wants a draft coming through their home when the temperature drops. Check the seals around doors and windows to ensure everything is nice and tight. If there are leaks, you can use an insulator kit to seal them or add caulk to crevices where heat may escape.

Set Your Ceiling Fans

Ceiling fans do more than cool you down in the summer; they also help to circulate heat in the winter. To do that, make sure you set your fans’ blades clockwise. Doing so creates an updraft and puts less pressure on your furnace as you heat the house.

Related: 5 Eco-Friendly Upgrades to Ensure Clean Air at Home

Test All Alarms

It’s a good idea to test smoke and carbon monoxide detectors regularly, but with winter coming up, add this task to your list. Put in fresh batteries, make sure the sounds are loud enough, and go over escape plans with the family so that everyone is on the same page.

Clean Out Your Vents

Clean out air ducts every three to five years to reduce allergens, improve the overall air quality of your home, and prevent fire hazards. Doing so can also help with potential pest or rodent problems, conserve energy, and keep your home smelling fresh. If you’re unsure how clean your vents are, pull back a cover and look inside. If there’s dirt and debris, it may be time to call in a professional.

Clear Gutters of Debris

As snow melts, water can easily pool in your gutters and cause damage. Before the next solid freeze happens, remove leaves and other debris from your gutters to keep water free and flowing over the next several months.

Check Attic Insulation

If your attic doesn’t have proper insulation or airflow, it can lead to a slew of problems, like mold, higher bills and more energy consumption. To check yours, see if you can spot the floor joists. If you can, you’ll probably need more insulation. If your attic is drafty, moist or contains ice dams, those are additional signs to call in some pros.

Drain Your Hoses

It may seem like a small task, but draining hoses before the weather freezes over is an important winter home maintenance task. If trapped water freezes, it can expand, leading your hose to burst. Worse, hoses still connected to faucets can burst and potentially damage faucets and pipes.

Check Your Sump Pump

If your home has a sump pump, check the pit for any debris or dirt that may have accumulated over the past year. It’s also important to check the discharge hose for any blockages. Ensure the pit is topped up with water, that the discharge hose is aimed away from your foundation, and consider adding a battery backup in case the power goes out. Never put antifreeze in your sump pump, but if you’re concerned about freezing, get a professional to install insulation around the line and intake sections.

Related: How to Get Rid of That Musty Smell in Your Basement

Sweep Your Chimney

If you have a chimney, you should clean it yearly. (And more often if you use your fireplace regularly.) Otherwise, soot and creosote can accumulate and cause health risks and fire hazards. It’s also a good idea to install a chimney cap to prevent dirt and animals from entering over the winter, and ensure you’ve got a stainless steel liner.