Heathers will either bloom in the winter or the summer, but it’s recommended to keep any past blooms attached throughout the winter to protect the roots. Start pruning after the risk of frost has passed so the stems of your heathers do not suffer any damage.  You can prune summer blooms in the fall if you live in a warmer climate. Winter heathers are cut after they have bloomed, while summer blooms are being cut before they start to grow. If you live in the United States, you can use your ZIP code to estimate the last expected frost date in your area here: https://garden.org/apps/frost-dates/ Opt for shears that have a spring in them so it is less stressful on your hands. If you want to have more control over which blooms you cut, hold the bloom with your non-dominant hand and make a cut with hand shears. Make sure your shears are sharp before you use them so you can make the cleanest cut. Long-handled shears will work best. Hold the hedges shears near the ends of the handle to control them the easiest. Open and close the shears so they make a snapping noise with each cut.  Hedge shears can be purchased at garden and home care stores. For added grip, wear gardening gloves while you use the hedge shears. Rub your shears with a cloth soaked in rubbing alcohol to clean them. Repeating this process before and after each plant will prevent the spread of any disease or fungus.  You can also make a cleaning solution using 9 parts water and 1 part chlorine bleach. Soak the shears for 30 minutes before drying them off and using them. Heathers are resilient to most common plant diseases, but it’s still good practice to clean your gardening tools.

Summary: Prune annually in the early spring after the last frost. Use hand shears for smaller heathers. Shape large beds of heather with hedge shears. Disinfect your shears with rubbing alcohol before and after each plant.


This pattern involves rows of tiles lined up like a checkerboard. Every-other tile is the same color, but the rows and columns are aligned in straight lines. You can pick any two colors to achieve this pattern, so don't be afraid to get creative. This is one of the easiest patterns to create, but it can look busy if the room is already full of designs and colors. Create an imaginary vertical line in the center of the pattern  and organize the other tiles on this line. Place tiles of the same color along the line in each row so that the vertical line is going between two tiles, or it goes through the center of one tile.  Overall, the appearance is that each tile is offset slightly but creates a staggered line. This is the pattern used for laying bricks and the popular "subway tile" pattern. This is an extremely simple design that makes hanging the tile and applying grout extremely simple. Just align rectangular tiles so that they form straight lines vertically and horizontally in the space.  This pattern can have a stunning effect when done in large scales because it looks so natural and clean. If you're using tiles with one color, this is a great choice for making a bold statement. Lay out the tiles on the ground in your desired pattern with grout spacers in between them, and then measure the width of the wall. Compare the width to the width of the tiles, and then mark which ones will need to be trimmed with a wax crayon. Consider shifting your pattern slightly if you need to trim any of the pieces to be smaller than 2 inches (5.1 cm) wide. It will likely be too difficult to cut these accurately with a wet saw or nippers.

Summary: Pick a checkerboard pattern if you want a classic look. Use a running board pattern for a less traditional look. Use a stacked pattern to protect the walls from moisture. Do a dry-lay of your pattern to see which tiles will need trimmed.


Use a flexible measuring tape to get the width of the chair's base as well as the chair's height. Write down your measurements on a piece of paper or on a note on your phone so you don't forget! A lot of slipcovers are sold as one-size-fits-all, but there might be gradations of size that will help you pick one that'll be a little more suited to your chair. There are lots of fabrics, patterns, and colors that you can choose from. Consider the other design elements that are already in the room where the chair goes and try to match that style for a cohesive look. Price out how much shipping will be (if you're buying online), and always ask about return policies. If you can't find an option in the stores or online that will fit your chair, look into having a slipcover made. Keep in mind that you'll be paying for the material, labor, and shipping, so it'll probably be a bit more expensive than a ready-to-buy option. Depending on the company you use and the complexity of your order, you might pay anywhere from $200 to $2000 for a custom slipcover. Your slipcover may have come into contact with some chemicals while it was being manufactured, so it's always a good idea to give it a wash before putting it on your chair. Follow the care instructions and make sure the cover is dry before you use it. Generally, slipcovers can be washed at home on the gentle cycle with cool water. Line-dry the item, or put it in the dryer on a low-heat setting. Keep your slipcovers in good condition by regularly cleaning them. If you notice they are dirty at any time between cleanings, go ahead and pop them in the washer—it won't hurt anything! Spot treat stains as they appear to keep your slipcover looking like new.

Summary: Measure your chair to determine what size cover you need to buy. Shop online and in physical stores to compare options and pricing. Order a custom-made slipcover if you have uniquely-shaped chairs. Wash your slipcover before using it to rid it of any irritants. Remove and wash the slipcover every 3 to 6 months.


If you notice any spots around the back of your braid that look loose or in danger of falling out of the braid, then you might want to reinforce them with a couple of bobby pins.  To use a bobby pin, open up the bobby pin and then slide it over the loose piece and connect it to some of the hair on your scalp. You will probably need a couple of bobby pins for each loose strand. It is okay if the braid looks messy with a few loose strands near the front, but you don’t want it coming undone completely. If your braid looks a little thin, then you can gently tug on the sides of your braid to widen it. Start near the top the braid and grab a couple of pieces on opposite side of the braid and pull them apart slightly. Do not pull too hard or you may undo part of the braid. Just pull enough to make the braid look a little wider and looser. If you want your Katniss braid to last all day, then finish it with an all over mist of strong hairspray. Spray the braid, back of your head, sides, and loose pieces.  Make sure that you close your eyes and hold the can about 12 to 18 inches from your head.
Summary: Add bobby pins to secure any loose back pieces. Tug the sides of the braid to widen it. Spray on some hair spray.