Kelsey A. Morrison

Los Angeles

Editor at House Outlook

Editor at Optimism

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Articles

The Easiest Way To Clean Tower Fans

1 week ago | houseoutlook.com | Kelsey A. Morrison

For safety reasons, this hack should be used only for tower fans where the blades are deeply concealed within the unit. Do not use it on fans with easily accessible or exposed blades, as these are more susceptible to breaking down and falling apart. Always wear safety goggles, stand a safe distance away from the fan, and above all, make sure the machine is unplugged. To quote Bob Dylan, “the answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind” — the wind produced by a leafblower, that is.
Keep Drinks Cold Without Watering Them Down

1 week ago | houseoutlook.com | Kelsey A. Morrison

And yet, they also water drinks down, diluting the flavor of whatever you’re sipping — be it water, soda, or alcohol — and leaving a bad taste in your mouth. If you’ve been waiting for a better option, your time has come. The best part of this hack is that you might already have the key ingredient in your fridge: grapes.
Get Streak-Free Glass With This Kitchen Item

1 week ago | houseoutlook.com | Kelsey A. Morrison

While we often associate coffee with staining — whether it’s our teeth or a white button-up — coffee filters have quite the opposite effect. They’re a great cleaning tool that won’t break the bank, as they’re usually made from lint-free material. This makes them the perfect solution for stubborn streaks. You can use them to clean light fixtures, windows, kitchenware, or any other glass item. Grab an empty spray bottle and fill it with equal parts distilled white vinegar and water.
Keep Your Home Cool With This Heat-Blocking Hack

1 week ago | houseoutlook.com | Kelsey A. Morrison

That being said, there are ways to keep your home cool that don’t involve the AC unit, leading to a more affordable energy bill in the long run. Here’s one helpful hack anyone can use, as it requires only a few simple tools and a little DIY knowledge. Before we go further, let’s gather a few things you probably already have lying around the house. You’ll need a spray bottle, a squeegee, and a razor blade.
Do This to Your Basil for Growth All Summer Long

1 week ago | houseoutlook.com | Kelsey A. Morrison

One thing you’ll quickly learn is that some herbs try to blossom and go to seed as the summer heat sets in. While it’s only natural for them to want to reproduce, if you’re looking to maximize your basil harvest, you’ll need to work around that hard-coded trait. Here’s a quick and easy hack to help keep your basil growing lavishly all summer long. This technique has nothing to do with your growing conditions, so put down the compost or fertilizer.
The Simple Cooking Trick for Perfect Seasoning Every Time

2 weeks ago | houseoutlook.com | Kelsey A. Morrison

There’s no substitute for hands-on experimentation in the kitchen. The downside is that freewheeling gets expensive in a hurry, especially if you’re spoiling entire batches of soups, stews, sauces, or whatever else you’re cooking. So, here’s how you can experiment freely and sharpen your skills while minimizing cost and risk. It’s startlingly simple: Instead of adding the ingredient to the pot or pan, scoop out a spoonful of broth, sauce, or gravy, and add a smidgen to that spoonful.
The Best Low-Light Indoor Plants (And How To Care for Them)

2 weeks ago | houseoutlook.com | Kelsey A. Morrison

Unlike other essential elements for growth, the lighting in your space is highly variable. So, when you’re looking for low-light indoor plants, it’s important to distinguish between those that can merely survive and those that can genuinely grow well in dim conditions. No plant can live indefinitely without light, so a grow light is essential for such spaces. With that in mind, here are five of the best plants for low-light environments.
Potentially Dangerous Grilling Mistakes You Might Be Making

2 weeks ago | houseoutlook.com | Kelsey A. Morrison

With summer in full swing, now is the perfect time to review grilling safety. As a trained chef and a former food safety trainer, I’ve identified six of the most dangerous grilling mistakes people consistently make. Before you start using your grill for the season, give the grill itself (and your chosen spot for using it) a good, hard look. First, make sure your grill is on a flat, stable surface to prevent it from rolling or tipping during use.
Never Lose Food Through the Grill Grates Again

2 weeks ago | houseoutlook.com | Kelsey A. Morrison

The wire racks you use for cooling freshly made cookies and crisping oven-baked chicken wings make a perfectly good grill basket. In fact, depending on the selection of cooling racks you have on hand, you may find that a rack gives you more space for grilling asparagus, broccoli florets, or sweet pepper spears than the grill baskets at your local hardware store. However, not all racks are safe for grilling.
The Summer Bedding Mistake Causing You To Overheat

3 weeks ago | houseoutlook.com | Kelsey A. Morrison

Look at the tag on your sheets and duvet cover. The material matters more than you may have thought. Synthetic fibers, such as polyester and microfiber, are often affordably priced and low-maintenance, but they come with a major downside: They are notorious for trapping heat and moisture, making summer nights sweaty.