Let's face it, the kitchen is the new living room. It is a great place to gather with your friends and family. And whether you're entertaining, preparing food, or helping the kids with homework, you can always use more counter space. These 7 lovely kitchens provide kitchen island inspiration that is beautiful yet practical for teeny-tiny kitchens and big sprawling kitchens alike! - By Jennifer Hadfield

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Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.

By Ramshackle Glam's Jordan Reid for GalTime.com

This is all you need to clean your microwave! If you're looking for an organic alternative to store-bought cleaners, here's a great idea for cleaning your microwave…and all you need is a lemon.

(Why lemon? Because the citric acid cuts neatly through grease and stains, in addition to leaving your microwave smelling delicious and fresh.)

Related: 10 Mistakes You're Making In The Kitchen

Just place some lemon wedges in a microwave-safe bowl with a cup of water (or use 2-3 tbsp lemon juice if you don't have fresh lemons available) and microwave on high for about 3-5 minutes, or until the water comes to a boil.

Leave the door closed for 10-15 minutes so all that good steam can eat away at the grease, and then remove the bowl and use a clean cloth to wipe down the inside of the microwave.

So simple, no?

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tentLabor Day weekend pretty much signals the official end of summer, and that's why it's so important to enjoy this upcoming three-day break savoring the warm temperatures and precious time having fun with our families.

More from The Stir: 10 Funny Mom Confessions About Vacationing With Kids

And while some of us are lucky enough to be taking a road trip (even though it's bumper-to-bumper hell) or jetting off for one last weekend getaway before fall arrives, you don't necessarily have to leave town in order to have a memorable weekend with your family.

Sometimes having a "staycation" is even more enjoyable than going away -- you know, because you don't have to deal with packing, keeping the kids entertained en route to wherever you're headed, and unpacking and doing laundry when you return home.

Here are five great ways to have the perfect Labor Day staycation.

1. Family scavenger hunt -- Create an adventure for your kids in your own backyard by setting up a fun

Rules are made to be broken, and this is especially true when it comes to decorating. Here, some of our favorite designers and bloggers share the decorating rules they love to defy.

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The Best Ways to Decorate With White »
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Reprinted with permission of Hearst Communications, Inc.

Because I travel so much, and to so many diverse locations in many different kinds of planes and other vehicles, I have devised my own style of packing that works well and is effective. Little is left to chance, nothing gets lost or damaged, and my clothes and other items needed for the trip are protected and can usually be worn directly from the suitcase or hanging bag. I am a good packer and a successful traveler, but I hate to pack, and I tend to leave it to the last minute, even though I know the task would be better done in advance.

1. Use the Right Type of Luggage

The luggage I take is an important consideration: I use duffel-type bags for casual trips when I need lots of room for hiking or riding boots and bulky outdoor clothing. Because these bags are clumsy to carry, I have found some that have wheels, saving my back, arms, and shoulders.

For two- or three-day trips, I find I can usually get away with a carry-on duffel/handbag, a smaller messenger bag, and a

This shop in Marblehead, MA is an example of classic New England style.
By Linda Merrill, Networx

As a New England design blogger, I've done my share of posts about my local environment and all that makes this region special. As a professional interior decorator, I've also certainly done my share of projects that feel very "New England-y". The funny thing is that so many of my projects and posts have featured very different looking homes and interiors. And yet, they still maintain the language and feel of a traditional New England design style.

The region is blessed with both coastal, rural and mountain regions which heavily influence the style. Added to that is the historical significance of Colonial settlers followed by the formal elegance of Boston's first neighborhoods in the early post Revolutionary years; all of which was heavily influenced by English architecture and the fascination in England and young America with classical Greek design.

And finally, laid out on top of this is a stubborn "Yankee" ethos of Puritan thrift. This mix of old