New season, new space. Here's how you can transform your home without breaking the bank.

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Welcome back! Guy Fieri, who has a $100 million contract with Food Network, has a rule for his children's inheritance: "If you want this cheese, you got to get two degrees." Find out how one son is trying to negotiate the terms.

On the agenda:

• Can a clean mouth help you live longer?
• Floral ice cubes and crudités: A BI writer lived like Meghan Markle for a weekend.
• A plastic surgeon shared the cosmetic procedures his male clients are getting.
• Director Ryan Coogler's latest film is also his most personal.

But first: Is that the smell of fresh paint?

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This week's dispatch

It's home improvement time (without Tim Allen)

There's something about seeing the early signs of spring — when flowers start to bloom, and trees come back to life — that makes change just a bit easier to bear. It's why it's the perfect time for your home to reflect the change you're seeing around you.

You've already decluttered what Santa Claus left for you under the tree, and have — presumably — started on spring cleaning. Now, it's time for some home improvements. (Renters, this is for you, too!)

Don't worry about tariffs threatening to raise prices. You don't have to spend a lot to transform your space.

Budget-friendly upgrades like a fresh coat of paint, new plants, or a new statement rug in high-traffic areas can do just the trick. For an instant upgrade, try installing new light fixtures or finally moving that old recliner out and getting a statement piece of furniture.

And don't forget about outside of your home, too, when thinking about a refresh. Landscaping can not only breathe new life into your home but also increase your home's property value. That's what's called a win-win.

Ready to roll up your sleeves? Leggo.

Keep your mouth clean

The oral microbiome might be the next big wellness trend. Growing research suggests dental hygiene could lower the risk of chronic diseases, and some of the loudest voices in the longevity space are spreading the word.

Dentists and scientists told BI how the oral microbiome is related to overall health and recommended a few simple steps to promote good hygiene.

What to know about the oral microbiome.

The Duchess treatment

Some critics panned Meghan Markle's Netflix series "With Love, Meghan" as unrelatable and amateur. But what if the Duchess of Sussex has something to teach us?

BI's Anneta Konstantinides spent a weekend living like Meghan and, in her words, "It was quite the trip." After cooking and crafting for 48 hours, Anneta learned more than just how to be a good host.

Living like Meghan.

Men's favorite cosmetic procedures

When Dr. Mark Epstein began his career in plastic surgery, only 2% of his clients were men. That number has since shot up to about 10%.

Men aged 18 to 80 are requesting procedures for anti-aging and weight loss. The most popular treatments are tied to male-pattern baldness, while breast reduction is more common among men than you might think.

Fillers and injectables are on the rise, too.

Ryan Coogler's next big swing

For BI's latest installment of its "Director's Chair" series, the "Black Panther" director shared how his fifth feature film, "Sinners," starring Michael B. Jordan, came to be.

It's the first time Coogler tackled an original concept — rooted in his family's history and his uncle's love of the blues — with some vampires added to the mix.

And Coogler is set to own the film's rights.

What we're watching this weekend

• "Companion": After releasing in theaters earlier this year, the sci-fi horror-comedy, starring "Yellowjackets" actor Sophie Thatcher and "The Boys" favorite Jack Quaid, is now streaming on Max.
• "Daredevil: Born Again": Season one of the Marvel series about lawyer-vigilante Matt Murdock came to an end this week with a gory finale.
• "Ransom Canyon": Fans of shows like "Yellowstone" and "Virgin River" can check out Netflix's new romantic drama, starring Josh Duhamel and Minka Kelly.

See the full list

What to shop

• Travel more with these credit cards: If you've been meaning to start traveling on points and miles, now's a great time — two top travel credit cards are offering welcome bonuses worth $1,000 or more.
• A hands-free purse alternative: Whether you're traveling or just running errands, having your hands free is a game changer. After testing dozens of styles, we've found the best crossbody bags for the job.
• AirPods for non-Apple users: Though AirPods are great for style, convenience, and iPhone integration, there are plenty of more affordable alternatives. Some even offer better audio and Android-friendly features.

More of this week's top reads:

• Weight loss in a pill? Eli Lilly took a big step closer to making it happen.
• I stayed at two all-inclusive resorts in Central America. I'm still dreaming about one of them a year later.
• Four mistakes you should never make at the grocery store, according to an etiquette expert.
• A busy father and business owner got shredded at 42. He said 3 simple things helped him stay in shape for a decade.
• Melinda French Gates says she no longer cares if people don't like her: 'Maybe that comes with being 60.'
• A top nutritionist explains her alternative '5 a day' food rule, which makes caring for her gut health easy.
• Pedro Pascal's 'Mandalorian' salary information is getting turned over to Gina Carano in her legal fight against Disney.
• This stroller is getting $300 more expensive because of tariffs, a baby store owner tells me.

The BI Today team: Dan DeFrancesco, deputy editor and anchor, in New York City (on paternity leave). Grace Lett, editor, in New York. Lisa Ryan, executive editor, in New York. Amanda Yen, associate editor, in New York. Elizabeth Casolo, fellow, in Chicago.