1. Surprise Love Notes

Grab a package of heart-shaped Post-it notes from the grocery store, write down things you love about him or her and scatter them throughout the house. They will love it!

2. Bake A Cake (Or Brownies, Or Cookies!)

If you like to bake, this is a fun, frugal Valentine’s Day gift idea. If Valentine’s Day falls on a week day, surprise him or her at work by dropping off a plate of their favorite goodies and a note. They’ll surely be the envy of co-workers! Bonus points for making them heart-shaped!

3. Giant Candy Bar Card

One of my favorite Valentine’s Day gift ideas for him is to put together a big card (made with poster board or foam core board) with candy bars attached and cute candy bar sayings. These are so much fun to do! The only hard part is resisting the urge to eat the candy!

4. Make A Pinterest Board

Looking for out of the box Valentine’s Day gift ideas? Look no further than a bespoke Pinterest board! Fill it with images, videos, and websites that speak to your significant other’s interests or that will make them smile.

5. Candy Bouquet

This is a quick Valentine’s Day gift bouquet I made for my husband last year. I was definitely in a “last minute” situation, but luckily I tend to thrive under pressure. :-) He loved it!

6. Take The Day Off From Parenting

Plan ahead to have the kids stay with Grandma or another relative overnight on Valentine’s Day (or around then — it doesn’t hurt to be flexible!) This will give you both some “alone time” to focus on each other, and to sleep in!

7. Heartfelt Romantic Breakfast

Wake up extra early and start Valentine’s Day off special with a batch of heart-shaped pancakes! Just pour the batter in the frying pan in a free-form heart shape and serve with strawberries and whipped cream. This would definitely show your loved one how much you care.

8. Spread The Love

Valentine’s Day is a celebration of love, so consider branching out from romance into charity and friendship. Volunteer at a soup kitchen, send flowers to nursing home residents, or contact a local women’s shelters to ask how you can best show love to those who live and work there. Little things can make all the difference for people who are in need of a little extra love.

Getting the garden ready for spring is something home gardeners look forward to all winter long. The days are getting longer, the weather is getting warmer, and it's almost time for a new season to begin.

But there's more to preparing your garden for planting than paging through seed catalogs and daydreaming about juicy homegrown tomatoes. You'll want to take stock of your gear and supplies, make a plan, and get everything ready for a successful growing season.

Here's a step-by-step guide to getting your garden ready for spring

Prune Trees and Shrubs

The first step in getting your garden ready for spring begins in mid-to-late winter with pruning. Plan to prune fruit trees six to 12 weeks before your hardiness zone's last frost date, ideally after the coldest temperatures have passed but before buds have formed.

Some shrubs can also be pruned around this time, as can many types of roses. Use sharp, sterilized shears, loppers, or a saw to cut away any dead or damaged growth, remove crossing branches, and shape the plant. However, spring-blooming shrubs, like azaleas, should be pruned after flowering in the spring to avoid removing flower buds. Likewise, hydrangea pruning depends upon the type of hydrangea growing in your garden. Some hydrangeas bloom on old wood, and pruning too early can mean a summer without flowers. Always check your shrubs' pruning recommendations prior to cutting them back.

Check Tools and Equipment

Before the growing season gets into full swing, it's a good idea to inspect the tools and equipment you'll need in the garden.

• Give tools a wash in mild soap and warm water. Hose down large pieces of equipment, like rakes and shovels.
• Use a wire brush and damp cloth to clean wooden handles, then treat clean, dry handles with mineral oil to keep them in good condition.
• Note any tools that need to be repaired or replaced.

• Inventory Seeds and Supplies

• It's easy to get excited about buying new seeds as you prepare for the growing season, but it's important to inventory any seeds, bulbs, or other propagation material you may have saved from previous seasons. Many seeds remain viable for years, so you can save money by using the seeds you already own.

  Take the time to organize your stash, take an inventory on paper, and cull any seeds you're not interested in growing this year. You can donate them, share them with friends, or swap them with fellow gardeners.

• Plan Your Garden

• This is the time gardeners look forward to all winter: sitting down with your seed inventory, a stack of seed catalogs, and a notebook to dream up the new season's planting plan. You'll want to take your USDA hardiness zone, your space constraints, sun exposure, and soil type into account, as well as the growth habit and needs of each particular plant.

  One tip is to site tall plants to the north of shorter ones so they won't block the sunlight. It's a good idea to plant spring crops together so you can harvest them and then plant summer veggies in their place.

• Order Seeds and Plant Starts

• Once you've made your garden plan, it's time to order seeds. You can buy seeds at local plant shops, nurseries, and garden centers if you prefer to shop in person. An added benefit of sourcing seeds locally is that shops will typically stock varieties that do well in your growing zone.

  You can order from seed companies and even buy plant starts online, although you'll want to wait until the weather is warm enough to have any live plants shipped. Another option is to check out local farmers' markets and farmstands, which may take pre-orders for spring and summer vegetable starts.

• Clean Up Garden Beds and Planters

• As planting time draws near, you'll want to tidy up your garden plots, raised beds, and planters. Remove fallen sticks, leaves, dead vegetation, and other debris. Keep an eye out for old plant tags, broken stakes, missing tools, and trash that may have blown into the garden.

• Prepare the Soil

• A few weeks before planting time, you'll want to prep garden beds and containers. Rake off any mulch you may have used to cover the soil for winter, like straw or shredded leaves. Pull any early weeds that may have sprung up.

  While tilling or turning over the soil with a fork or shovel was long considered necessary to work in fertilizer, gardening experts now recommend a no-till approach. Instead, add organic compost to the soil surface in raised beds and in-ground beds. Refresh pots and planters with fresh potting mix or top-dress them, spreading a thin layer of compost over the soil.

• Start Seeds Indoors

• Indoor seed starting is one of the best ways to save money when planting your garden. Check seed catalogs and packets for when to start seeds indoors versus direct-sowing them in your garden. Depending on your hardiness zone and the variety, you may need to start seeds in late winter or very early spring—anywhere from six to 12 weeks before your zone's last frost date. Some seeds may need special treatment to germinate well, such as stratification—a cold period—so include the amount of time needed in your planning.

  Check the "days to maturity" number, which will help you figure out when those plants should be ready to harvest based on the date you plant. Also, make sure to add extra time to harden off seedlings before you plant them in the garden.

• •  

If you live in an area that's prone to cold winters, consider taking the extra step of removing your window screens before the chilly season begins. While window screens are great in the summer for preventing debris and insects from sneaking in your open windows, there's no need for them in winter when windows stay closed. The benefits from this small task can positively impact your mood, the lifespan of your windows, and even your pocketbook.

Protect Your Screens

Harsh winter weather can be extremely hard on windows, especially screens. According to Harvey Windows, high winds and heavy snow can cause ripping and warping to screens. The cold and wet conditions can also easily bow the screens, making them appear loose in the windowsill. Save your existing screens by being proactive with this preventive measure.

Prevent Mold and Mildew

Window screens act as a trap during winter, locking in moisture from the snow and ice that's landed inside the windowsill until it melts. This excess water can cause moisture damage to the windowsill, window, and screen. The moisture can also lead to mold and mildew in the windowsill come spring.

Let in More Light

If winter gives you the seasonal blues, removing your window screens is a great way to let in more natural light. While sunlight is limited in winter months, soaking in as much of it as possible could help boost your mood. Your space will also feel warmer and cozier because of this small change.

Heat Your House with the Sun

One of the biggest reasons to remove window screens is to increase your home's energy efficiency by letting in more solar heat. This increase in passive sunlight will result in your heating system having to work less, potentially giving you a lower heat bill in return. According to Allstar Construction of Fargo, the space near windows that do not have window screens is about 8 degrees warmer on a sunny winter day.

Easy Spring Cleaning

Before putting your window screens into storage or reinstalling them, clean them by vacuuming debris off both sides and washing them gently with a soapy rag. Rinse them with water and let them dry completely. You can dry them with a towel before air drying. To make reinstallation easier, use masking tape and a marker to signify which screen goes in which window.

Once the cold of winter passes and it's time to do a spring deep clean, you'll also find it much easier to clean your windows and windowsills now that the screens are already removed. Be sure to get into all of the grooves and rails of the windowsill to remove built-up dirt and grime before reinstalling the screens. You can do this task by first using a vacuum with a hose attachment, then wiping them down with soapy water.

Bottom Line

Bottom Line

Bottom Line

Have you been thinking about selling your house? If so, here’s some good news. While the housing market isn't as frenzied as it was during the ‘unicorn’ years when houses were selling quicker than ever, they’re still selling faster than normal.

The graph below uses data from Realtor.com to tell the story of median days on the market for every January from 2017 all the way through the latest numbers available. For Realtor.com, days on the market means from the time a house is listed for sale until its closing date or the date it’s taken off the market. This metric can help give you an idea of just how quickly homes are selling compared to more normal years:

When you look at the most recent data (shown in green), it's clear homes are selling faster than they usually would (shown in blue). In fact, the only years when houses sold even faster than they are right now were the abnormal ‘unicorn’ years (shown in pink). According to Realtor.com:

Bottom Line

Despite a wide variety of countertop materials to choose from, soapstone stands out as a preferred choice. This guide to soapstone countertops offers the best design ideas, pros and cons of the natural stone material, plus cleaning and maintenance guidance.

What Is Soapstone?

Soapstone is a natural stone material composed of talc, chlorite, and dolomite. Its beautiful aesthetic has been popular for centuries, commonly used in carvings, statues, bowls, and fireplaces. In recent years, soapstone has gained popularity as a material for sinks, tiles, and countertops, too.

Talc gives the material its smooth and soapy texture, hence the name "soapstone," and it comes in shades of gray, blue, and black. Soapstone countertops are known for their resistance to stains, heat, and acid. And thanks to its nonporous nature and antimicrobial properties, it doesn't need to be sealed like other stone countertop materials, such as marble or granite.

Soapstone's durability, and unique appearance rank it among homeowners’ top countertop choices. However, soapstone does require protection and maintenance, as it is prone to scratches, nicks, and chipping. 

Types of Soapstone

There are different types of soapstone available, each with its own distinct characteristics. The most common types include:

• Original Soapstone: It usually has a rich, dark gray color with subtle white veining. It naturally darkens with age. 
• Artistic Soapstone: This type of soapstone often showcases unique patterns and colored streaks and veins, making it a popular choice for those seeking a more visually striking countertop.
• Architectural Soapstone: With its light gray to greenish-gray color, architectural soapstone offers a softer and more contemporary look for countertops.

• Pros of Soapstone Countertops

  There are several advantages to having a soapstone countertop. Here are some of the top selling points of soapstone.

  Durability

  If you use your countertops for cooking, serving meals, or storage, soapstone is a good choice. It is highly durable and can withstand daily wear and tear.

  Stain Resistance

  Kitchens that see heavy traffic, especially clumsy cooks or messy kids, will benefit from the stain resistance of soapstone. While soapstone countertops aren't completely impervious to stains, they are less prone to staining compared to marble or granite.

  Heat Resistance

  No trivet? No problem. Soapstone is known for its excellent heat resistance, making it ideal for placing hot pots or pans directly on the countertop surface.

  Natural Aesthetic

  A soapstone countertop is a thing of beauty that will elevate the look and feel of any room. With its natural, subtle veining and varying shades of gray, it can provide a timeless and elegant focal point for any kitchen or bathroom.

  Malleability

  The softness of soapstone makes it easy for homeowners to add design features or practical elements that can be built right into the countertop. Dish drainage grooves or soap holder basins are prime examples of what’s possible.

  Cons of Soapstone Countertops

  Despite having many advantages, soapstone countertops also have a few drawbacks to consider.

  Susceptibility to Scratches

  Soapstone is generally a durable material but it can develop scratches and dents over time. However, these can be easily sanded or blended naturally with the patina to create an intentionally weathered look.

  Limited Color Options

  Soapstone is primarily available in grays, greens, blues, black, or white. This color palette might not suit everyone's design preferences or match all decor styles.

  Regular Maintenance

  To enhance its natural luster and protect from stains, soapstone countertops require periodic maintenance, including oiling.

  Cost of Soapstone Countertops

  Stone countertops are expensive. The cost of soapstone countertops varies depending on factors such as the type and quality of the chosen soapstone, the thickness of the stone (the average ranges from 1.25 inches for kitchen countertops to 2 inches for bathroom countertops), the size of the countertop, the complexity of the installation, and local materials and installation prices. 

  On average, soapstone countertops range from $55 to $120 per square foot, with installation costs at around $90 per square foot. The total cost of materials and installation for a 50-square-foot countertop costs approximately between $2,500 and $5,000.

• Soapstone Color Options

  While soapstone is commonly associated with shades of gray and can appear to be a solid color in photos, veining and streaks are common in the slabs. Some popular soapstone color options include classic dark gray in rich, deep tones. Light gray offers a more contemporary, airy look. Soapstone in shades of green and blue add a unique touch to any kitchen. 

  Black or white options are also available to add a sophisticated contrast to wood accents. Due to the rarity of the stone, these more unique color combinations may come at a higher price tag. 

  Installation Considerations

  While many home improvement projects can be DIY, stone countertops should be professionally installed. Soapstone’s heavy weight needs to be supported by solid, reinforced kitchen furniture, so professional installation is required. Correct placement and fit are very important. 

  Sealing soapstone countertops, though not required, can enhance the stone’s stain-resistant properties. 

  How to Clean and Maintain Soapstone Countertops

  To keep your soapstone countertops looking like new, plan for proper cleaning and maintenance. Clean them daily by wiping the surface with a mild soap and water solution using a soft cloth or sponge. Mild bleach solutions can also be used. 

  Countertops should also be oiled after installation and then again monthly. Use food-grade mineral oil to enhance the natural beauty of soapstone and protect it from stains. If a stain occurs, make a poultice using a mixture of baking soda and water, apply it to the stain, and let it sit overnight before rinsing. It may take several applications before the stain lifts. 

When choosing countertop materials for a kitchen or bathroom, many homeowners prefer the look and durability of stone over laminate, tile, or wood. Stone countertops are available in a wide array of unique colors and patterns, and deciding between quartz vs. granite means choosing from two of the most popular materials. Continually a top choice for countertops, granite is a natural stone mined from quarries, cut into slabs, and polished before installation. Although quartz also occurs naturally, it's considered an engineered stone because the surface is manufactured using crushed quartz crystals combined with pigments and resin for binding. The composite material replicates the look of natural stone and is growing in popularity as a countertop material.

Both quartz and granite offer beautiful texture and long-lasting durability for kitchen and bathroom surfaces. If you're unsure which is best for you, use this simple quartz vs. granite guide to help inform your decision. We compare the differences between quartz and granite in price, appearance, durability, and maintenance to choose the right countertop material for your space and lifestyle.

Appearance of Quartz vs. Granite

As with any material, the visual differences between quartz vs. granite are a matter of taste. Some people prefer the natural and unique look of granite countertops. Granite countertop colors are typically grouped into ten basic categories: beige, black, blue, brown, burgundy, gray, green, red, yellow, and white. The most popular choice is black, though lighter shades of granite can open up a kitchen. The least common granite colors are red, blue, and green.

Others like the wider variety of patterns and colors offered by quartz countertops. Because it's manmade, quartz countertops are available in patterns that provide the look of high-end marble at a lower price.

Durability of Quartz vs. Granite

Stone countertops are popular in kitchens for a reason. Granite is often cited as the most durable natural countertop material and is known for resisting cracks and chips. However, as a manufactured material, quartz vs. granite rates slightly higher on the hardness scale and is somewhat more damage-resistant.

You can clean both materials with mild soap and water. Gentle cleaners are also suitable for quartz countertops, but some all-purpose cleaners might be too harsh for granite. Plan to use a cleaner designed for granite ($7, Target) to protect the surface. It's best to wipe up spills as soon as they happen to prevent stains from forming. Quartz countertops are highly resistant to stains, but if they happen, you can typically remove them with glass cleaner and a non-abrasive sponge. Remove granite marks and spots using a granite stain remover ($8, The Home Depot) that will lift the stain from the surface without scrubbing

Maintenance and Repairs for Quartz and Granite Countertops

Because granite is a porous material, it must be resealed yearly. With a proper seal, granite countertops are very resistant to stains. Minor scratches or dings in granite can be filled in with color-matching epoxy or resin from the home improvement store, but professional installers should repair cracks larger than an ice cube.

Quartz countertops are nonporous, which allows the surface to repel coffee, oil, and even food coloring without sealing. Damaged quartz is trickier to repair and should always be done by a professional, which could increase quartz countertops' overall cost.

Installation and Price of Quartz vs. Granite

A professional should install granite and quartz countertops, which are extremely heavy and difficult to handle. Additionally, cutting holes for the sink is no easy task. Granite and quartz countertops are priced similarly per square foot, each with a price range starting at about $80. High-quality quartz countertops might cost up to $140 per square foot, while granite can cost up to $175 or more. The price depends on the stone's color, pattern, and surface treatments. In either case, slab remnants can save big money if your countertop is small enough