July 2011 Keep-It-Together Checklist

Some home upgrades are well worth the investment, while others can be expensive and add little value to your home. Wall lanterns, decorative mailboxes, unique house numbers, birdhouses, fancy doorknockers, and antique hardware may seem a bit pricey now, but the expense pays off in the long run.

Try some of these easy and charming ideas that will give your home a casual summer vibe.

Making simple eco-friendly choices while doing your laundry can benefit the environment.

Arrange beautiful long-lasting floral arrangements with fresh-picked blooms.

Decluttering your home doesn’t have to take all day or include tons of expensive storage bins. In fact, you can actually turn to unexpected household items to tame the chaos. Don't believe us? Try using a coat hanger as a necklace holder or a tissue box as a grocery bag holder. Or check out these 21 clever ways to use common items for household storage.

Don't ditch those kicks. A small tweak can make your sneakers look like new.

Scraps of unused wallpaper can easily dress up your home—for little to no cost.

Keeping your beauty tools in good shape means less time spent washing and drying your hair and less money spent on products.

From grass stains to barbecue sauce, the summer season can leave a messy mark on your wardrobe. Armed with a few easy-to-master techniques, it’s a piece of cake to remove the mud and ice cream from your kid’s clothes and the stubborn red wine off of your white tablecloth.

Shopping organically doesn’t have to cost a fortune if you use these simple tips.

Don’t let your prized possessions sit in the attic collecting dust. Instead, get tricks for showcasing your unique collections.

Summer road trips are fun for the whole family—until you get to the gas pump. These nine tips help reduce fuel costs without cutting into your travel plans.

Outdoor fun and the summer sun can wreak havoc on your favorite seasonal items. The good new is that keeping your beach chair rust-free and your white jeans white shouldn’t be a hassle. Follow a few simple strategies to keep your grill from getting grimy, your bathing suit from fading, and your sunglasses from loosening so you can fully enjoy the rest of the summer.

There’s little need for expensive artwork when you can turn common household items into beautiful still lifes.

Expecting houseguests this summer? Prep your place for out-of-town guests with these easy ideas.

Recycle gently used linens for instant, no-fuss upgrades to your kitchen tables, seat cushions, and more.