Big renovations are exciting and fun, but it's no secret that they can also be really stressful - especially when it's one of those expensive, weeks-long, life-interrupting renovations like a kitchen or bathroom. Things go wrong, budgets get broken, timelines go haywire, and somehow there's always dust everywhere. EVERYWHERE. So since we've renovated 7 houses over the past 17 years, we thought it might be helpful to share our best tips for preparing for & minimizing renovation stress. Continue reading How We Manage Renovation Stress: 5 Tips at Young House Love.

We started using a homemade window cleaner last year and immediately regretted not switching sooner. Not only is it cheaper than storebought stuff like Windex, it also cleans better and without streaks! Plus, it only takes 2 ingredients (although more can be added). So grab an empty spray bottle and come see the light with us! That's supposed to be a clean window pun, btw... Continue reading The Easiest Homemade Window Cleaner at Young House Love.

It's safe to say that we love traditional baby names (aka classic names or old-fashioned names). We named both of our kids after our grandparents – one on J’s side and one on mine. I recently heard names like that for baby girls being called "old lady names." Not sure how I feel about that - but a timeworn and classic name just feels like it's lovely and enduring. A friend of mine recently had a baby girl and it was fun to talk about all the names they were considering for her. And since I already shared a list of 100 classic boy names, I also loved compiling this list of my favorite classic old-fashioned baby girl names. Continue reading 100 Classic Girl Names at Young House Love.

This simple method for cleaning a stainless steel sink is quite literally my favorite household cleaning task. I am not exaggerating. It is SO easy, SO simple, and SO SO SO effective. It requires no special or harsh cleaners and will restore your sink to its original sparkle within minutes. Sherry tried this method first and we have both loved using it ever since. I even taught our kids how to do it. But honestly, it's so satisfying to do that I usually keep it to myself. Continue reading How To Clean A Stainless Steel Sink at Young House Love.