Location
Benwood, West Virginia
School
Whatcom Community College, Western Washington University
Expertise
Sustainable gardening, Home storage and organization, Historic home preservation
- Barb enjoys sharing easy, budget-friendly ways to preserve food and organize the home.
- She and her husband are slowly remodeling their 1950s house, keeping its vintage charm alive while adding modern updates.
- She draws on 30 years of hands-on homemaking experience to share practical tips on making a house a warm, welcoming home — even on a tight budget.
Experience
Before fully dedicating herself to writing, Barb worked as an assistant resource librarian. There, she developed strong research skills and learned how to present trustworthy information clearly and effectively. She also served as an editor and writer for Wheeling's online community magazine, Weelunk, honing her ability to create engaging local content. Barb collaborated with other writers and editors to meet deadlines while maintaining high-quality work. Since 2018, she has run her own blog focused on self-reliance, homesteading, and frugal living, where she creates practical, relatable content for readers looking to improve their homes and lifestyles.
Education
She earned an associate's degree in anthropology from Whatcom Community College, where she developed a strong foundation in research and writing.
House Digest uses a knowledgeable team of editors, writers, and experts to create all our content. We dive deep into the always-evolving conversations surrounding design and home trends, striving to deliver the most current and helpful tips, strengthened by expert takes and tutorials from our talented team.
As we cover many fields of expertise, we make it a priority to ensure every beat remains fresh and comprehensive. Additional information on our editorial process available here.
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While June-bearing strawberries are great if you want a large, yearly harvest, this lesser-known variety produces smaller fruits multiple times each summer.
By Barb Hudson
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Appliances
By Barb Hudson
There are plenty of reasons to shop at the thrift store, but snagging this 1960s find isn't one of them. This is one vintage collectible to avoid.
By Barb Hudson
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Houseplants
By Barb Hudson
Spider plants are one of the easiest houseplants to grow successfully without much fuss, but its greatest strength can also be its biggest disadvantage.
By Barb Hudson
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It's heartbreaking to put a ton of work into your garden, only for deer to come and gobble it up. Luckily, these deer-resistant perennials can help.
By Barb Hudson
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Wood fences are a classic style that are typically easy to maintain, but if you notice green algae growing on yours, then you need to do this.
By Barb Hudson
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That bulky knife block isn't just taking up valuable countertop real estate in your kitchen. Here's why you should replace it with these out-of-the-way options.
By Barb Hudson
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Appliances
By Barb Hudson
Chances are, you've seen a smart fridge in your local appliance store. Why on earth would a refrigerator need WiFi? We break down how this tech feature is used.
By Barb Hudson
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Flowers add beauty to a garden and peonies are among the prettiest of them all. You want to make sure you avoid this common mistake when planting them.
By Barb Hudson
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Organization
By Barb Hudson
Glass jars may look like a simple storage solution, but some everyday items can create safety risks when stored this way in different areas of the home.
By Barb Hudson
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Shotgun-style houses were everywhere for decades, especially in the South, but nowadays, this once-popular style is only really seen in historic homes.
By Barb Hudson
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This seashell mosaic craft from the 1800s is a unique piece to style in your home as wall art or a centerpiece, adding vintage nautical flair.
By Barb Hudson
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Give the birds in your yard a little more variety in their diets with vegetables — your feathered neighbors will thank you for the boost in nutrition.
By Barb Hudson
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Strawberry plants can struggle for reasons that aren't always obvious, and one overlooked seasonal habit may be affecting how well they perform.
By Barb Hudson
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When it comes to selecting flowers for your sunny porch, you may want to think out of the box ... or rather, the soil. Here's a bloom that grows in water.
By Barb Hudson
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Exclusives
By Barb Hudson
A grouchy, boring, or nosy neighbor might make you roll your eyes and say "OK boomer." Truthfully, boomer neighbors really are okay -- and they can be awesome.
By Barb Hudson
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Cleaning Hacks
By Barb Hudson
If moss is left to grow on your driveway, it can become not only an eyesore but a danger. Instead, use this surprising household product to kill it for good.
By Barb Hudson
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Don’t toss those used coffee grounds — plants from hostas to roses might benefit. Just don’t dump and go, though; a little care makes all the difference.
By Barb Hudson
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A discarded roll-top desk becomes the centerpiece of a thoughtful furniture flip, highlighting how vintage pieces can be reworked for modern homes.
By Barb Hudson
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Gardening Hacks
By Barb Hudson
Bluebirds are a welcome sight in almost any yard, and if you want to make sure they keep coming around, offer up this treat that they find irresistible.
By Barb Hudson
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Late spring means lilac season, when its intoxicating scent fills the air. If you want to add this flower to your garden but lack space, consider this variety.
By Barb Hudson
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Home Goods
By Barb Hudson
We love a high-value thrift store find, and once you learn about this specific style of mug, it'll be impossible for you to miss it.
By Barb Hudson
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A common gardening habit might actually be working against you, especially when some plants are better off skipping indoor starts altogether.
By Barb Hudson
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If you want vintage outdoor furniture that's sure to last, keep an eye out for this brand's popular metal gliders at your local secondhand store.
By Barb Hudson
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The weather during spring is often unpredictable. Rather than constantly fiddling with your thermostat as it fluctuates, consider using this setting.
By Barb Hudson
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Appliances
By Barb Hudson
This little appliance was all the rage for entertaining in the 1960s and 1970s. Now, it's difficult to find, but we think it deserves a comeback.
By Barb Hudson
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From creamy pink to bold yellow, these enormous dahlias come in a range of colors and styles, making them a perfect addition to your garden.
By Barb Hudson
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Home Goods
By Barb Hudson
Woven wicker items, like baskets, have proven themselves to be timeless and functional decor. Keep an eye out for this iconic basket brand next time you thrift.
By Barb Hudson
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