Some people may prefer granite over marble. Some like galley kitchens versus open concepts. If there is one thing we can all agree on when it comes to the kitchen, though, it’s that pests and insects do not belong in there. “Eh, I don’t mind all those ants in the pantry,” said no home cook ever.

That’s why we’ve been working on a bunch of stories to help you trap, outsmart, and even banish these creepy crawlies from the kitchen. And we’ve put them all in once place. Keep reading to learn how to handle six of the most common — and not fun! — problems.

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Some things just get better with age — a good bottle of red wine, a leather handbag, and that Chevy that your dad used to drive with such pride. When you’re buying kitchen appliances, the general wisdom seems to be that newer is better, right?

Not always. Sure, there can be some “Can you believe it does this?” features in the newer models, but there’s one appliance that can be just as functional if you buy it vintage. No, it’s not an OG Smeg refrigerator — it’s a range! Here’s what to think about when you’re considering a vintage version.

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From Apartment Therapy → How To Stay Period Drama Pumped Until the Downton Abbey Movie Debuts in 2018

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Once you’ve mastered the art of cooking the perfect steak in the oven, you can start to think about finding your perfect seasonal side dish. There are so many options available, but only certain sides are worthy of sharing your plate with a steak.

Start with this list of 18 mouth-watering options. We guarantee you’ll find something that fits your taste.

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(Image credit: Lauren Kodiak)

Working from home means that I do a lot more snacking throughout the day than I’d like to admit. Instead of preparing a proper lunch, I’m more likely to eat a little of this and a little of that all day long until dinnertime. Some of my go-to snacks include yogurt and granola, carrots and hummus, cheese and crackers, and fresh fruit.

But I have a new favorite that’s been in heavy rotation. It only requires three ingredients, and sometimes it doubles as dessert.

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I thought about making my own kombucha for a long time. The thing that finally threw me over the edge was seeing Kitchn’s recently published videos for making both a scoby and kombucha. I pored over the written instructions more times than I care to admit, but actually seeing someone go through the steps made it seem easy and gave me that extra bit of confidence I needed.

Nevertheless, I approached my first batch with all the uncertainty (and panic) I’m sure first-time brewers feel: Should those floaty things really be in there? Is that brown splotch okay or is it mold? But five batches later, I’m way more laid-back about brewing kombucha, and I learned a few lessons along the way.

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From Apartment Therapy → Hero Houseplants That Survive (& Even Thrive!) in Really Dark Rooms

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(Image credit: Joe Lingeman)

Ever since I started baking in my awkward tween years, I declared that every Fourth of July barbecue my family hosted needed a red, white, and blue dessert in order to be at its most festive. I scoured cookbooks and the internet to churn out things like flag cakes, berry pies, star-shaped fruit tarts, and layered fruit salads. Years later, I haven’t strayed from my declaration. This is my contribution this year.

These cupcakes are as celebratory as ever: Red raspberries, white cake and buttercream, and blueberries ensure the color scheme is taken care of. Seeing as we are in the heart of berry season, the fruit lends the cupcakes the sweet juiciness that only feels right this time of year. Plus, the spike of lemon in the buttercream gives the baked treats an extra zip for good measure.

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(Image credit: Joe Lingeman)

The first time I made these pepperoni chips for a dinner party with friends, I put them down alongside the cheese and olives, turned back into the kitchen to get my wine glass, and by the time I returned, the chips were gone. I really am not kidding. These crispy, crunchy, salty, spicy little guys are sure to be a hit among anyone you serve them to. Not only do they require just one ingredient, but they also happen to be gluten-free. Make a big batch to enjoy over happy hour, to pack up for a snack for the kids, or to munch on during the afternoon slump — they work no matter the occasion.

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(Image credit: Starbucks)

With the first day of summer just a day away, coffee giant Starbucks has unveiled two of its new limited-edition summer menu items. The latest flavors for their Frappuccino blended Crème beverages are fruity in taste and vibrant in appearance: Berry Prickly Pear and Mango Pineapple.

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