See how a couple turned their yard into the neighborhood's most popular theater

Neighbor-friendly garden
Neighbor-friendly garden
When Rika Houston knocks on doors to invite neighbors over for an impromptu screening, she's never short of takers. Located in the front yard of the Los Angeles home she shares with her husband, architect Brian Ten, the cinema is unlike any other in town. Sinking into the cushy sofa with lanterns lit overhead, guests watch The Birds or The Sound of Music on a screen nearly as big as the garage wall. "In the summer, every Friday is movie night," says Houston.

With the help of landscape designer Mark Tessier, Ten overhauled their yard to create a gathering spot for the family, which includes 9-year-old daughter Maya and teenage sons Cole and Taro. But as movie night took off, the couple has been happy to see how it has transformed the neighborhood too. "It's one thing to bump into someone on the street and share a few words," says Ten. "With this outdoor theater, we've gotten to

Leif is a gorgeous shop all around. They have such unique and artistic items you can't find anywhere else. I especially love their table top section! I want it all on my table. Now. Their use of bright colors and earthy, organic patterns and materials makes these items perfect for the summer season. From trays to cutlery to spreaders, here are my 7 favorite items from leif. Check it out and see what I mean.- By Melanie Blodgett

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Gender reveal parties are so much more fun than a generic baby shower. Not only do you get the opportunity to share which gender you're about to add to your family, but you can also reveal your baby's name in fun ways (if you have one chosen). Boy gender reveal parties mean a lot of pastel blues, greens and fun boy things. There are so many adorably masculine themes that can take your party to the next level, and finding those perfect products is essential. I've scoured Etsy to find the perfect items for your "It's a Boy!" gender reveal party. They're totally affordable and just oh-so cute. Check them out! -- By Devan McGuinness

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The Gender Gap and Your Sun Sign
Ever wondered why lady Libras are very different from male ones? Or why male Cancers don't seem to be designed from the same template as female Crabs? Some astrological signs differ greatly between the genders, while others barely demonstrate any difference at all. Learn how your gender affects your Sun sign qualities!

Aries
Aries is an active, fiery, and quite masculine energy that reflects on both men and women. With Aries, there's always a thrusting ambition to reach the top of the heap. Both sexes are competitive go-getters and adventurers. Aries women are not frilly or feminine, and like Aries men, they make it happen!

Taurus
The Bull is known for being earthy, placid, security-conscious, and possessive. Both Taurean sexes share an indulgent approach to life, though men tend to be higher up the gourmet scale; Taurus females generally aim more for home comforts. Both can be stubborn, though males are more inclined to be noticeably power-hungry.

Gemini
Gemini is a true Air sign

Begin by painting a blank basswood plaque with two coats of semigloss, allowing one hour of drying time between coats (from left: Valspar paint in Schooner, Mystified, and Montpelier Wedgewood, $2.98 for 8 oz.; lowes.com). Let dry overnight.

Step 1: Download our rabbit, horse, or steer template, resizing as necessary to fit your plaque (from left: 12"W x 16"H, $12.99; 9"W x 12"H, $8.99; 13¾"W x 18"H, $15.99; woodcrafter.com). Print and cut out.

Plus: 24 Creative Sewing Crafts »

Step 2: Center the shape on your plaque and tape it down. Following the marks indicated on the template, hammer 3/4-inch brass nails 1/4 inch deep into the plaque (you'll need between 50 and 80 nails for each animal); then tear away the paper.

Step 3: Double-knot the loose end of a spool of 0.035-inch waxed cord ($5.97 for 210 feet; mainethread.com) to the bottommost nail. Working clockwise, stretch the cord to the next nail, loop around once, and pull taut; repeat for all nails to form the animal's

Just in time for the release of Baz Luhrmann's The Great Gatsby, Art Deco design is trending in a big way. Walk into your favorite home store and you'll discover the luxury and glamour of the Roaring Twenties in the form of vibrant colors, exotic materials and striking geometric shapes. With a few smart buys, you can make Art Deco decor work beautifully in your home.

By Katie Anderson for TheNest.com

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