But when you’re shopping, how do you know if those products will really live up to their promises? That’s where we come in! For years, Real Simple has been a resource to help you knock out everything on your to-do list with ease—and now, you can look to us for the trustworthy product recommendations that’ll make a difference in your life. We are committed to recommending the best products in every category, based on hands-on testing....
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Headquartered in Cary, North Carolina, Simonton Windows is known for its vinyl replacement windows as well as the overall quality and energy efficiency of its products and nationwide distribution capabilities. Simonton opted not to disclose its unit sales, however, Hoffins says, “Our products satisfy both the design and performance needs for remodel and replacement projects and are available in a wide range of distribution channels, including pro lumber yards, specialty distributors and dealers, home centers, and consumer retail....
From Edison bulb string lights and lanterns to create the perfect ambiance when the sun sets to fire pits and blankets to keep you toasty, you’ll be all set to sit on your deck or in the backyard and take in the changing leaves. And, of course, let’s not forget festive wreaths and seasonal flags for that extra touch of autumnal decor. Prices start at just $5, and many items are even on sale, so you can extend patio season affordably....
To find out which are the best organic sheets for your home, we researched a variety of picks out there, considering each style’s product safety certifications, material, and mattress depth. We also consulted Preeti Gopinath, an associate professor of textiles at Parsons School of Design with more than 20 years of experience in the textile industry. Overall, we recommend the Coyuchi Organic Crinkled Percale Sheets, because these cotton sheets have a light, crinkled texture throughout that makes for a lived-in look and cozy feel....
Light: Full sun to part shade Water: Plant in medium moist, well-drained soil Size: To 4 feet tall and 4 feet wide Buy It: Red Double Knock Out Rose Bush ($28, The Home Depot) Water: Plant in medium moist, well-drained soil Size: To 3 feet tall Water: Plant in medium moist, well-drained soil Size: To 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide Buy It: Flower Carpet Scarlet Groundcover Rose ($60, Monrovia) Light: Full sun to part shade Water: Plant in medium moist, well-drained soil Size: To 4 feet tall and 4 feet wide Water: Plant in medium moist, well-drained soil Size: To 4 feet tall and 4 feet wide Water: Plant in medium moist, well-drained soil Size: To 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide Light: Full sun to part shade Water: Plant in medium moist, well-drained soil Size: To 4 feet tall Water: Plant in medium moist, well-drained soil Size: To 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide Buy It: Easy Elegance All the Rage Rose ($109, Nature Hills) Water: Plant in medium moist, well-drained soil Size: To 2 feet tall and 3 feet wide Buy It: Flower Carpet Pink Groundcover Rose ($50, Monrovia) Water: Plant in medium moist, well-drained soil Size: To 2 feet tall and 2 feet wide Buy It: Firecracker Rose ($23, The Antique Rose Emporium) Water: Plant in medium moist, well-drained soil Size: To 5 feet tall and 4 feet wide Water: Plant in medium moist, well-drained soil Size: To 3 feet tall and 4 feet wide Water: Plant in medium moist, well-drained soil Size: To 4 feet tall and 4 feet wide Buy It: Easy Elegance Mystic Fairy Rose ($109, Nature Hills) Water: Plant in medium moist, well-drained soil Size: To 6 feet tall and 6 feet wide Water: Plant in medium moist, well-drained soil Size: To 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide Water: Plant in medium moist, well-drained soil Size: To 4 feet tall and 4 feet wide Buy It: Rose Easy Elegance Sweet Fragrance ($36, White Flower Farm) Water: Plant in medium moist, well-drained soil Size: To 3 feet tall and 3 feet wide...
We put 12 steam cleaners through diligent testing in our Lab, evaluating each based on their ability to remove stains from different surfaces. Throughout our testing, we took note of each steam cleaner’s versatility, portability, noise level, and overall value. We also considered things like the type of steam cleaner (canister, mop, or handheld) and whether there were any included attachments. For expert tips on what to look for in a steam cleaner, we spoke to James Tole, third vice president of the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning, and Restoration Certification....
According to Kenneth Mendez, CEO and president of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, pet allergens “can cling to walls, furniture, clothing, or other surfaces” for a long time. Mendez says that regular activities—like petting your cat, grooming your dog, and even dusting or vacuuming your home—can cause fur and other allergens to stir around in the air. Fortunately, there are many air purifiers on the market that are specifically designed with pet owners in mind....
“Consumers should look for a garlic press that can easily press the garlic whether it is raw or cooked,” she says. “You also want something that won’t be too difficult for you to clean, especially if you don’t have a dishwasher,” says Chef Danielle Sepsy, owner of The Hungry Gnome Catering & Baked Goods and contestant on HBO Max’s The Big Brunch. To find the best garlic presses we researched a variety of picks, keeping in mind material, dimensions, and care....
If you don’t relish the thought of getting down on your hands and knees to scrub away debris, the best mops for hardwood floors make it easier to maintain your home’s stunning hardwood flooring without all the elbow grease. According to Alicia Sokolowski, president and co-CEO of AspenClean, the best mops for hardwood floors have a microfiber mop head. Don’t be fooled by the soft texture—it’s great for heavy-duty cleaning, yet light enough to avoid scuffing or scratching your floors....
Some home improvements can be expensive, such as adding central air conditioning or remodeling an entire room of your house. But some lower-cost projects can add value for less money. Here are some simple, affordable home improvement projects to try this summer that won’t break the bank. 1. Pressure-wash outdoor areas. Winter weather can leave all sorts of dirt and grime on your home’s exterior and other outdoor areas. Take advantage of the warmer weather to give your home a high-powered cleaning....
To find the best dryer balls, we evaluated the most popular options on their materials, effectiveness, size, and value. We also spoke to two experts—Adam Morris, engineer and founder of Appliances Made Simple, and Taylor Barefoot, cleaning expert, editor-in-chief, and founder of Snug Sensations—for tips on how to maximize the usage of dryer balls and what to look for when buying them. With plenty of appliance knowledge, particularly with dryers, Morris says that “dryer balls are a great solution to cut drying time and save money on your energy bill....
That’s why a diverse collection of nectar-rich plants is key for rolling out the welcome mat for these busy little pollinators. Here’s what you need to know about selecting the best annuals, perennials, vines, and shrubs, plus a few other tips for attracting hummingbirds. Best Plants for Hummingbirds Look for varieties that have tubular, scentless, brightly colored (often red, orange, or blue) flowers to grow, so it’s easy for the birds to hover and sip nectar....
How Do You Increase Your Credit Limit? You’ll need to call your credit card company to start the (pretty simple) process and pose your request: Can you increase my credit limit? Here’s how to do it successfully. Prep the info they need They’ll need some numbers from you to make the decision, so make sure you have everything they need on hand. “They’ll likely want to know your current annual income, employment status, and potentially outstanding debts or payment obligations, like how much you pay for housing each month,” says Colleen McCreary, chief people officer at Credit Karma....
In a survey by Thumbtack, an online home management platform where you can find local service providers, an overwhelming 90% of homeowners said they plan to complete at least one home improvement task over the next year. “According to our data, seasonal lighting installations are up 46% year over year already, and fireplace and chimney repairs and cleanings are up 186% over the past three months alone,” says David Steckel, home expert at Thumbtack....
Hasbro Gaming Connect 4, $10 Wordle The Party Game for 2-4 Players, $15 Connect 4 Spin Game, $16 Hasbro Gaming Candy Land Kingdom Of Sweet Adventures, $12 Guess Who? Original Guessing Game, $12 ThinkFun Zingo Bingo Award Winning Preschool Game, $22 The Chameleon, Award-Winning Board Game for Families & Friends, $17 Czech Games Codenames, $16 Disney Matching Game, $11 Hygge Games …I should have known that!, $20 Hedbanz, Quick Question Game, $16 Catan Board Game, $38...
To buy: $24; amazon.com. “Great little T-shirt dress! The material is sturdy, opaque, and soft (even more so after one wash and dry cycle),” wrote a five-star reviewer. “I feel like this will go across seasons well with a sweater or jacket over for fall and spring,” added another shopper. To keep you comfy while you’re wearing the dress, the brand added even more features beyond just the lightweight fabric and the aforementioned double pockets....
The vacuum is cordless and has a detachable, rechargeable battery that runs for up to 45 minutes on standard mode (up to 20 minutes on max mode). With the lightweight design—weighing only 3.2 pounds—and a 150-degree swivel head, it can be easily maneuvered around every corner. You can clean everywhere from hard floors to low-pile carpet to furniture with this stick vacuum. One reviewer wrote, “[It’s] very lightweight and easy to maneuver around chair legs, etc....
The “psychology of cuteness” might sound made up, but it has roots in research going back to 1943. Here’s what to know about the science of cuteness and why tiny objects—both natural and artificial—have the ability to make us feel happy and comforted. The Origins of Cuteness Psychology Even if you don’t recognize his name, you’re probably familiar with the work of Konrad Lorenz, a German ethnologist who introduced the concept of the baby schema (“Kindchenschema”) in 1943....
Honestly, we’re not surprised. In addition to unending cute dance routines set to songs we pretend we’re young enough to love, the video-sharing social platform has presented us with a wealth of food and home hacks. From whipped Dalgona coffee and mini pancake cereal to genius cleaning tricks galore, TikTok has been gradually stripping away that phrase, “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Which brings us to filling an ice cube tray....
