Wow Home Idea

Getty Weather-related power outages have doubled since 2003, according to a 2014 report by Climate Central, a non-profit research company, so you might be due for some time in the dark this stormy season. Sure, the first 30 minutes are fun, but an entire day (or several) without electricity could be dangerous. Here's what you need to know — and do — before and during the storm. BEFORE THE STORM Stock your emergency kit. "Building a home emergency kit is an important first step in being prepared before a storm hits," says Amy A. Artuso, program manager at the National Safety Council. She suggests checking your kit every six months — and again right before a storm hits — to replace expired items. What should be in it? Lots of stuff! Fill it with a hand-crank or battery-powered radio, flashlights, a first aid kit (with gauze, tape, bandages, antibiotic ointment, aspirin, a blanket, non-latex gloves, scissors, hydrocortisone, thermometer, tweezers, and an instant...

These homes may be small, but they're full of personality. Via Fractions of the World La Casa Estrecha Charmingly colorful, this San Juan, Puerto Rico, home is only five feet wide, 36 feet deep, and two stories high. Via Fractions of the World Rudolphous/Wikimedia Commons Singel 166 The front facade of this red brick townhouse is less than six feet wide, but like most skinny houses, it expands towards the back. The charming abode is privately-owned and holds the title of narrowest house in Amsterdam. Via Simply Amsterdam Hélène Binet via Dezeen Sliver House This four-story, glass-fronted house in London was built on a site that once housed the stables of a Victorian wine seller. Because the tiny property gradually widens towards the back, the team at Boyarsky Murphy Architects were able to add a small terrace and garden area and the full glass frontage was the designers' attempt to keep the small space light-filled. Adam Fagen via Curbed Hollensbury Spite House Jo...

Douglas Friedman Everyone's favorite interior designer recently offered Architectural Digest an all-access pass to his new Manhattan apartment, which Berkus shares with his husband, Jeremiah Brent, and their adorable daughter, Poppy. While we're certainly transfixed by the family's polished-yet-lived-in aesthetic (see all of natural wood accents and sumptuous fabrics in the full tour), Apartment Therapy pointed out one spot in the home that's mesmerizing in an entirely different way: the shower. Berkus has always loved a good geometric print, but this dizzying shower would certainly require a strong stomach in the morning. Sure, the stark black-and-white pattern is impressive, but we're not sure how well we'd tolerate this funhouse-like stall on daily basis. In other words, Nate Berkus must be some kind of tile superhero. Frankly, we're not surprised. [via AD, Apartment Therapy By Lauren Piro

Rachel Whyte Chip and Joanna Gaines have captured America's heart with their ability to take an old, abandoned home and transform it into a charming country space you've always longed for. But it was their good ol' family values that really made us fall in love with the stars of HGTV's  Fixer Upper . In every episode, it's always evident how much they care for each other and their children.   If you're as big of a Fixer Upper fan as we are, you probably saw Chip surprise Joanna for their 12th anniversary when season three premiered. Well, thanks to photographer Rachel Whyte, we're now getting an intimate glimpse into the couple's special day.  After 12 years of unsuccessful attempts at surprising Joanna, Chip pulled off a special gathering of family and friends. "When asked if I was 'actually surprised,' I simply point out my outfit (a T-shirt and jeans) to prove that I was most definitely surprised," J...

Courtesy of Güte If life on the frontier ever strikes your fancy, these adorable wooden wagons would be the way to do it. Güte, the Canadian company that crafts these moveable huts, makes pioneering look much more attractive than the clunky wagons of yesteryear. Courtesy of Güte Courtesy of Güte These smartly-designed mobile homes are custom-made, so you can create the ultimate rugged studio, guest space, playhouse, or home office. Modular furniture folds up and tucks away, and Güte offers a variety of set-ups like sofas, desks, booths, and plenty of other cozy nooks. The genius bed bunks even have a trundle bottom, so three adventurers can take a snooze. Courtesy of Güte Don't miss the finishing touches: A brass sink, hurricane lamps, and cast iron wheels bring the Oregon Trail closer to home. If you're ready to strike out on your own (or hoping to keep your Wild West adventures imaginary), G...

ESCAPE Traveler While tiny houses are super popular these days, their obvious downside is that these itty bitty spaces can usually only fit one or two people. And this, my friends, is what makes the new Portable ESCAPE Traveler XL so revolutionary.  This 319-foot, cabin-like RV fits up to eight people and includes a queen-size bedroom, full-size kitchen, washing machine (!), flat-screen TV, and even a fireplace. So, basically, it's got all the comforts of home packed into one compact space. And if you wan to go full-on Thoreau, it's got a solar power system, rainwater collection system, and incinerating toilet that will let you go completely off the grid.  The prices start at $$,800. Take a look at the interior (and tell us you didn't just start day dreaming about down-sizing):  ESCAPE TRAVELER ESCAPE TRAVELER ESCAPE TRAVELER ESCAPE TRAVELER ESCAPE TRAVELER ESCAPE TRAVELER From: The Newsroom From: Cosmopolitan US By Diana Bruk

When Sarah Gaylor purchased her grandmother's house, she got more than a classic American foursquare to call her own. The 113-year-old property came with a porch that was so neglected, it looked as if it could fall down at any moment. 702 Park Project Sarah chronicled the restoration of the home through her blog, 702 Park Project, and the porch took two years to get in shape. She replacing rotted soffits, missing railings, and stairs, and then put the finishing, decorative touches on the refurbished space. She decided to go with a classic-meets-country look that we think perfectly suits the home's southern location. 702 Park Project 702 Park Project Overall, it's the perfect spot to relax with an Arnold Palmer. We raise our glass to Sarah's hard work — thanks to her, this family home will be enjoyed for another generation. Read more about how this project came together (and see many more photos) 702 Park Project. [via Apartment Therapy By Brie Dyas

Getty Images The semi-annual tradition of springing forward and falling back may soon be ending, in California at least. Lawmaker and assemblyman Kansen Chu introduced a new bill to end daylight saving time in California, keeping the state on the Pacific Standard Time all year long. Following his proposal, the clock would be set on the fall time, meaning sundown would come an hour early over the summer, according to the  San Jose Mercury News .  Chu believes the convention is outdated and even dangerous. It was originally implemented to conserve energy and prevent crime, but now Chu cited studies that show energy bills, car crashes, and reported heart attacks have gone up. Arizona and Hawaii are the only states that currently do not participate in daylight saving time — California residents will soon decide if their state will be next. Lawmakers in Alaska and nearly a dozen other state...

We Are the Oracle During the Renaissance period, Italy's wealthiest were known to let loose at elaborate dances that required costumes complete with masks. These events, which would become ubiquitously known as masquerade balls, became a mainstay of Venice's pre-Lent Carnival celebration, and they have enthralled party planners for centuries since. Now, one French party planning organization called We Are the Oracle, or WATO, is hoping to bring the glamour and intrigue of Venetian masquerade balls to a whole new generation. For four nights in January, WATO is planning to take over Paris's underground canals for a spectacular, four-night masquerade event called Venise sous Paris, or Venice under Paris. The city has granted permission, as long as WATO is able to sell enough advance tickets — approximately $$ each — for each of the four nights by November 16th. Attendees are encouraged to dress in garb fit for a n...

These bite-sized delights prove the cuter your dessert is, the better it tastes. Courtesy of Crazy For Crust Chocolate Chip Cookie Cheesecakes These bite-sized treats may be small, but they pack in the flavors of two of our favorite desserts. Make them with a chocolate chip cookie crust for the perfect finishing touch. Get the recipe at Crazy For Crust. Courtesy of Cooking Classy Caramel Apple Mini Cheesecakes with Streusel Topping Enjoy this fall favorite year-round by combining caramel apple with creamy cheesecake goodness. Get the recipe at Cooking Classy. Courtesy of Sally's Baking Addiction Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cheesecakes Homemade salted caramel sauce is the real star of this delicious dessert that will melt in your mouth. Get the recipe at Sally's Baking Addiction. Courtesy of Gimme Delicious Mini Strawberry Swirl Cheesecakes Looking for an easy-to-make dessert for your next party? These fruity cakes pair fresh strawberries with sweet cheesecake and Oreo cr...