To help, we researched a variety of picks, keeping in mind style, size, and material. Overall, the best calendar is the Minted Simple Statement Calendar. The calendar is offered in two sizes and three colors, so you can choose which suits your space. Plus, you can add your own photos to each page and even customize the cover text. Read on to see even more of our top calendar picks....
When looking for the best kitchen trash can for your space, it’s important to keep in mind both look and function. If you have small kids or pets, for example, you’ll want to find a trash can with a lockable lid, or if you’re leaving your trash can out in the open, you’ll want something stylish to store away your garbage. Overall, the best kitchen trash can is the Simplehuman Rectangular Step Trash Can because it is made of stainless steel and features a silent close lid, a strong steel pedal, and a removable liner bucket that makes clean-up efficient and easy....
“It’s important for a bird feeder to be high quality and durable, constructed of a material like recycled plastic or metal so it won’t fall apart over time,” says Kate Furtaw, owner of the East Lansing, Michigan, location of Wild Birds Unlimited. “They should also be easy to take apart or break down for [routine] cleaning.” The best bird feeders are designed to attract specific bird species such as hummingbirds, finches, or orioles....
To speed up your shopping process, we researched dozens of bedding brands and stores and vetted them for material quality, product variety, certifications, and return policy. For more insight on what to consider when buying new bedding, we’ve also turned to Andrea May, interior designer at Andrea May Interiors. “Buy the best quality sheets for your budget,” May says. “[And] forget uber thread count. Thread count has been hyped, but it’s less important than material content....
Who it isn’t for: People who don’t want an aluminum baking sheet.McKenney tells us that one of her favorite baking sheets to use are from Nordic Ware. “[Nordic Ware baking sheets] are excellent quality and have stood the test of time (and very frequent use),” she says. Our tester also confirmed the quality of these baking sheets, saying that they performed “perfectly” through all of our tests. The cookies came out “evenly browned”, while the potatoes didn’t stick to the surface one bit, both while flipping midway through cooking and in the end when they were fully roasted....
To help you choose the best milk frother, we tested 26 models in our Lab, assessing them on usability, design, performance, and range of features. In addition to Han, we spoke to two other coffee experts to get their input on what makes a quality milk frother: Bailey Manson, the Director of Innovation at Intelligentsia Coffee, and Josey Markiewicz, Senior Director of Coffee Quality at La Colombe. Our top pick is the ElitaPro Double Whisk Handheld Milk Frother for its affordable price point, ability to produce quality foam from different milk types, and its extra features, including a stand for your countertop and an additional whisk attachment....
“The goal with good foam is to incorporate tiny bubbles of air evenly throughout the milk,” says Luigi Di Ruocco, vice president and co-owner of Mr. Espresso. “Using proper technique will allow you to achieve a texture that has great mouthfeel while incorporating the flavors of the espresso, steamed milk, and foam together in one cohesive flavor, with each sip.” To find the best milk frothers, we tested 22 styles at our testing lab in Birmingham, Alabama....
As one of the most important purchases you’ll make for your kitchen, a gas range could also be one of the most expensive (they tend to be pricier than their electric counterparts), so you’ll want to make sure you find the best gas range for your needs and one that will preferably last a long time. There are many different types of gas ranges on the market with various functions, features, and capabilities, such as convection, air fry, and smart technology....
If you have a deck, you should opt for a quick-dry, lightweight rug made from plastics, says Lindsey Neff, head designer of Larkspur Botanicals. “Deck rot can be an issue if a thick rug lays soaking on the deck,” she says. “I love rugs made from recycled plastic because they’re chic and eco-minded.” To help you navigate your options, we spent two days testing 31 indoor/outdoor rugs in our lab in Des Moines, Iowa, to evaluate their appearance and performance....
The type of lawn mower you’ll need is highly dependent on the size of your garden. We researched and found the best lawn mower models on the market for all different types of gardens based on their power, durability, and cutting deck width and height options. Overall, we think most people will find the Ego-LM2102SP Cordless Self-Propelled Lawn Mower to be the best lawn mower. It’s an electric mower with plenty of power and many of the modern features that make mowing your lawn less of a hassle....
Things to keep in mind: A previous version of this heater had a beeping sound that reviewers complained about, so be sure to get the updated version that does not beep. The Smart Tower ceramic heater from Atomi checks all the boxes for an effective, reliable, and safe space heater for your garage. It puts out 1,500 watts, but according to Atomi and reviewers, it can heat up to 750 square feet....
To learn self-sufficiency, kids need to occasionally dust themselves off (literally and figuratively) without your help. “Most parents know what their children are capable of but step in to make things easier for them,” says Sheri Noga, the author of Have the Guts to Do It Right: Raising Grateful and Responsible Children in an Era of Indulgence. Remember: Long-term benefits—a teenager who knows how to do her own laundry, for example—trump momentary discomfort....
How to Make Marbled Easter Eggs with Oil Supplies Needed Glass bowlsMeasuring cup Measuring spoonsHot waterWhite vinegarFood coloringSpoonHard-boiled eggs Paper towelsWarm waterVegetable oil Step-by-Step Directions We’ll show you how to color Easter eggs step-by-step using just a few inexpensive pantry staples. You should be able to make one dozen easy marbled Easter eggs in less than an hour. Step 1: Create First Dye Color In a glass bowl mix one cup of hot water, one teaspoon of white vinegar, and 5-10 drops of food coloring....
But here’s the thing: It’s difficult enough to understand the soup of ingredients listed on most beauty products, let alone the complicated terms that brands use to describe fragrances. If you struggle with sensitive skin, the presence of fragrance raises a lot of questions. What are fragrances exactly and do they change the effectiveness of the beauty product itself? What does unscented and fragrance-free really mean? And, perhaps most importantly, how can we choose the products that work well with our skin—and still smell good?...
Casual Place Settings Not every get-together requires formal place settings. Instead, opt for something casual when hosting impromptu parties and lunches with friends or family. For casual table settings, the knife and spoon go to the right of the dinner plate; the fork and napkin are placed to the left. The glass goes above the knife. If needed, a soup spoon and a salad fork can be added (placed on respective sides in order of use); a cup and saucer may be set to the right....
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So, whether you’re cooking up a fall brunch for two or looking for fun Halloween food ideas, this is one kitchen appliance you’ll want to add to your cupboard. Pumpkin Waffle Maker The lightweight, non-stick appliance will cook up perfectly golden waffles with the classic square indents on one side and a round pumpkin detail on the other. Whip up a pumpkin-theme brunch using our recipe for Pumpkin Waffles with Maple Pecan Cream....
To buy: $15 (was $30); amazon.com. “Usually when I bring a big salad to lunch in a sealable plastic bowl, everything wilts by noon—not with this bowl! My greens are crisp and everything stays super fresh,” wrote a five-star reviewer. “This is the best bowl. I love that I can pack my salad the night before and everything stays fresh [in its] own compartments,” added another shopper. To further ensure your lunch or dinner never gets soggy before you’re able to enjoy it, the lid has an airtight seal and locks that click into place to prevent your container from opening unexpectedly....
A collection of antiques, flea market finds, and castoffs complete the cottage look. Discarded closet doors appear as wall art and white glassware brings a smooth texture to the weathered wear on the furniture. A white slipcover on the sofa imbues casual cottage style in the room. Painting an old brown coffee table with cerulean aqua paint brought a splash of bold color to an otherwise mellow living room. Editor’s tip: When shopping for secondhand furniture, look at the silhouette and style....
When to Paint the Outside Knowing when to paint a house exterior depends on where you live. Places that have consistently sunny weather and temps have it a little easier. “Avoid painting when the temperature dips below 50 F. If it’s too cold, the paint can have issues adhering and will roll off,” says Noah Winkles, pro painter and owner of New Life Painting. Heat and humidity can also be concerns....
