Sara Elliott has written over 400 articles for HowStuffWorks on topics ranging from who invented the cupcake to Cuban traditions.

Recent Contributions

Get ready to set your machine to perm press ... meaning, what? We'll explain this handy-dandy dryer and washing machine setting.

By Sara Elliott & Yara Simón

Whether they're blooming through a crust of snow or showing off their vivid colors while temperatures drop, hardy plants are thriving as the winter rolls in. And these 10 will make you want to dig that green thumb into the snow.

By Sara Elliott

Most ants are opportunistic feeders; they'll eat just about anything. There are some ant species that do have preferences, though.

By Sara Elliott

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You probably don't give your water heater much thought until your shower goes cold but it's an important appliance in your home. If your water heater's temperature is off, you'll want to learn how it works, including how to turn up your hot water heater.

By Sara Elliott & Talon Homer

Room soundproofing might not be on your HOA rules, but what if your neighbor's drumming is taking a toll on your last nerve? Here's how to soundproof a room without and make everyone happy.

By Sara Elliott & Talon Homer

These days, everyone has very busy lives, and communities sometimes seem to suffer for it. These 10 ideas will bring back the neighborly spirit in all of us.

By Sara Elliott

Chinese New Year is made up of a rich fabric of symbols, traditions and superstitions designed to influence the future. With a cultural heritage that spans more than 5,000 years, it's a 15-day celebration filled food that may shape your future.

By Sara Elliott & Francisco Guzman

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You've picked tomatoes from your garden and made a scrumptious homemade sauce on your stove. But the consistency just isn't right. Don't worry; there are a ton of ways to thicken up your sauce.

By Sara Elliott

A buried bubble trapped in your nail polish finish can really mess it up. So how can you fix it?

By Sara Elliott

For a lot of people, there just isn't time to clean the whole house, top to bottom, every week. That's where the convenience of a maid service comes in. What risks are you taking by hiring someone else to do the dirty work?

By Sara Elliott

With today's growing number of bed bug infestations, buying secondhand furniture has taken on a whole new meaning. But we have some tips to keep you bargain hunting.

By Sara Elliott

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Dalmatians are highly energetic and protective. They need owners that will stay active, so couch potatoes need not apply.

By Sara Elliott

Now that you've gotten rid of those pesky vermin, it's time to clean up their mess. But you'll have to go beneath the surface to get the job done.

By Sara Elliott

When we broach the topic of cake, we start getting into passionate territory. People define important moments in life, like birthdays, weddings and holidays, with cake. But where did this obsession begin?

By Sara Elliott

For over a generation, school children have been taught that the tongue could distinguish four tastes: salty, sweet, bitter and sour. But can kids taste one of these more than adults can?

By Sara Elliott

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If you're planning a walk to the park, afternoon on the beach or scenic drive, take along a few classic picnic foods that will satisfy your discriminating palate while celebrating the luxury of eating in the open air.

By Sara Elliott

Unleavened breads have been around longer than most other foods on the market today, but people don't pay much attention. You may be surprised to learn that many breads you eat are unleavened.

By Sara Elliott

Canned tomatoes come diced, stewed, whole, sauced and in paste. But can one substitute for the other? After all, they're all tomatoes, right?

By Sara Elliott

If you're a reader, or if you just like books, there's money and a treasure trove of historical significance in old tomes. But how do you keep them in top condition?

By Sara Elliott

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We pass-on what we prize. So what heirlooms do we value most? Here's our Top 10.

By Sara Elliott

If you're looking to have a party with a unique spin, host a masquerade ball. Your guests can mingle incognito and everyone can have fun guessing who's who.

By Sara Elliott

Once you finish tricking out the man cave, a boy bash is inevitable, and what's fun for a girl's night probably won't translate. Here are five ideas that will have your boys excited.

By Sara Elliott

Crafts are a great way to entertain young guests and provide a fun alternative to the traditional birthday goodie bag.

By Cristen Conger & Sara Elliott

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Before you buy a house, it's recommended that you always get a home inspection to weed out any problems. But the inspection doesn't cover everything, so you'll have to be a super sleuth yourself to expose potential issues.

By Sara Elliott

Valentine's Day is a day of romance and sweet gestures, so what better day to propose? Here's how to tell a proposal is in the works for you this year.

By Sara Elliott