Emily VanSchmus

Des Moines

Digital Home Editor at Better Homes and Gardens

drake alum + digital editor at @BHG

Articles

4 Appliances You Absolutely Need to Unplug Every Time You Use Them

2 weeks ago | bhg.com | Emily VanSchmus

Photo: Thai Liang Lim / Getty Images You’re likely already in the habit of unplugging your larger appliances when you leave for a long vacation (and maybe even each time you leave the house), but there are things you need to unplug every time you finish using them. Unplugging these appliances not only prevents a potential fire hazard, but it can also help you save energy.
8 Home and Food Trends the BHG Editors Can't Get Enough Of Right Now

3 weeks ago | bhg.com | Emily VanSchmus

Welcome to Bookmarked—a collection of ideas, trends, and products our editors can't stop thinking about. These of-the-moment ideas are all things we saw, loved, and saved for later—and we think you'll want to, too. From the internet-famous two-ingredient bagels to flower arrangements made with produce, these fresh ideas have our editors buzzing.
Using Tap Water Could Be Killing Your Sourdough Starter

3 weeks ago | bhg.com | Emily VanSchmus

Photo: Alvarez / Getty Images I’ll admit it—I’m on my third sourdough starter. After accidentally killing my first two jars, an aunt gave me the starter I’m currently using, along with her go-to basic sourdough recipe. This recipe includes a note at the top about how to feed your starter—and this one tiny tweak has totally changed my baking game. This recipe recommends using bottled water to feed your starter, rather than tap water.
Starbucks' Secret Cherry Matcha Latte Tastes Like Spring

4 weeks ago | bhg.com | Emily VanSchmus

NewsFood TrendsThis delicious combination deserves a permanent spot on the menu. Photo: Emily Williams Earlier this month, Starbucks launched what might be my favorite seasonal menu yet: Their new Iced Cherry Chai has everyone buzzing—if you haven’t tried it yet, do yourself a favor and hit the drive-thru right now—and the Iced Lavender Cream Oatmilk Matcha is the perfect sweet treat for spring.
5 Appliances You Need to Unplug Every Time You Leave the House

4 weeks ago | bhg.com | Emily VanSchmus

Photo: Jacob Fox You might already know that it’s best practice to unplug major appliances when you leave for a long vacation, but there are also some items you should never leave plugged in if you leave the house—even if you’re only gone for an hour. If you leave your toaster plugged in all the time—even when you’re not home—you might want to rethink your habits in order to avoid a potential hazard.
5 Home Items You Should Never Buy on Facebook Marketplace

4 weeks ago | bhg.com | Emily VanSchmus

Photo: Grant Webster As long as you’re cautious of the common red flags, scouring Facebook Marketplace is a great way to score deals on secondhand furniture and home decor. That doesn’t mean every Marketplace find is a good one, though: Beyond following general safety guidelines (such as always meeting in a public place and never paying for the item before your meetup to avoid getting scammed), there are a few household items you should always skip buying secondhand.
6 Things You Didn’t Know You Could (and Should!) Clean with Shaving Cream

1 month ago | bhg.com | Emily VanSchmus

Photo: Prostock Studio / Getty Images Walk down the cleaning aisle at any store and you’ll be inundated with hundreds of specialty cleaning products claiming to be the best option for your sinks, toilets, appliances, and more. But you don’t need an entire cabinet full of cleaning supplies to effectively scrub your home. In fact, one of the most versatile cleaning products could be hiding in your medicine cabinet.
30 Vintage Bathroom Ideas

1 month ago | bhg.com | Emily VanSchmus

Photo: James Nathan Schroder Vintage decor is taking over today's home design world, and bathrooms are the perfect place to experiment with antique pieces, old-world finishes, and nostalgic decorating trends. Vintage bathroom styles range from cottage-cozy to sophisticated glamour, and everything in between. Discover our favorite spaces that combine weathered patinas, nostalgic style, and meaningful mementos with timeless color schemes.
8 Genius Ways to Get Wrinkles Out of Clothes Without Using an Iron

1 month ago | bhg.com | Emily VanSchmus

Removing wrinkles is one of the most frustrating parts of laundry care. Ironing is the most way to get rid of winkles, but it's not the only method. Next time you're fighting wrinkles in your favorite shirt, skip the ironing board and get rid of wrinkles with a steamer, hair dryer, or DIY wrinkle spray. Whether you're traveling and don't have access to your iron, or are working with fabrics that cannot be ironed, these simple tricks can help you eliminate wrinkles in other ways.
29 Modern Kitchen Ideas You'll Want to Steal for Your Remodel

1 month ago | bhg.com | Emily VanSchmus

Photo: Jay Wilde A dated kitchen can quickly ruin your home's design aesthetic. If your kitchen could use a refresh—or a full remodel—consider these contemporary ideas. Update the heart of your home with two-tone cabinets, statement light fixtures, and unique backsplash ideas for a modern kitchen that's both trendy and timeless, with plenty of character and style. To help inspire you, we're sharing our best modern kitchen ideas for any budget.