Emily VanSchmus

Des Moines

Digital Home Editor at Better Homes and Gardens

drake alum + digital editor at @BHG

Articles

My Mom Swears Cat Hair and Chili Powder Keep Away Rabbits—But Does It Actually Work?

1 week ago | bhg.com | Emily VanSchmus

Credit: Iuliia Bondar / Getty Images As a new homeowner, I was prepared for the typical plumbing problems and DIY woes that come with owning a house. Something I didn’t expect was my newfound animosity toward the gaggle of backyard rabbits that loves to munch on my brand new garden. Going from a small apartment patio to an entire backyard, I’ve been excited (and a bit overwhelmed, TBH) to start planting and landscaping.
8 Summer Trends the BHG Editors Can't Stop Talking About

3 weeks ago | bhg.com | Emily VanSchmus |Lauren Bengtson

School might be out for the summer, but the BHG editors have been doing their homework. As experts on all things home, garden, and food, we're always on the lookout for the next hot trends, and this season's definitely don't disappoint. Each month, our team compiles a list of the latest products, ideas, and trends we're most excited about—and we think you will be too.
This BHG Walmart Dresser Is My Secret to a Perfectly-Organized Dining Room

1 month ago | bhg.com | Emily VanSchmus

Credit: Photo: Emily Williams As a new homeowner, having a dedicated space for entertaining is my favorite part about my house. The dining room was the first space I decorated, hosting dinners for friends and family before the rest of the house was fully unpacked. With my pantry shelves spoken for and no storage space in the dining room, I quickly realized I needed a place to store all my placemats, tablecloths, and servingware.
7 Home and Food Trends Our Editors Think You'll Love This Month

1 month ago | bhg.com | Emily VanSchmus |Lauren Bengtson

Our editors are always on the hunt for the latest home, garden, and food trends. And while many of them make their way to the pages of our magazine, some things are just too good not to share right away. That's why, each month, our editors collect the ideas we've spotted and loved to share with our readers. From the 'Jam Girl Summer' trend to home decor ideas inspired by the season's hottest travel spots, these are the ideas and items our team can't stop talking about.
This Cheap Pantry Ingredient Is My Secret to a Sparkling Toilet Bowl (with No Harsh Chemicals!)

1 month ago | bhg.com | Emily VanSchmus

Spoiler alert: It’s a cheap, easy, and natural cleaning solution. EDMUND BARR. I’m always trying to toe the line between using natural cleaning products and something that actually works. Sometimes cleaning with lemons just won’t cut it, and you need to reach for a commercial cleaning spray—but I’ve been on a mission to make swaps wherever I can.
4 Appliances You Absolutely Need to Unplug Every Time You Use Them

2 months 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

2 months 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

Mar 28, 2025 | 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

Mar 27, 2025 | 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

Mar 27, 2025 | 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.