There’s a lot of furniture today that’s not built for a second life—it’s not structurally sound enough to invest in. If you have a piece with a well-made frame, it’s probably worth it. Older furniture tends to be higher quality—something that was your grandmother’s in the 30s or 40s is more likely to have dowel joints than be glued together. That’s worth investing in. It’s a time- and labor-intensive process that involves specialized skills....
Oui the People is a BIPOC-woman-owned brand that reimagined the shaving experience with its Instagrammable single-blade razors. It has evolved into developing seriously good personal care products devoted to sensitive skin types. The brand recently launched its long-awaited, first-of-its-kind Melting Body Balm, and I had the opportunity to try it ahead of time. To buy: $95; ouithepeople.com. The plant-based retinol alternative derived from sea fennel extract to boost collagen and stimulate cellular turnover is what makes this body balm so unique....
When Coop sent me The Original pillow in a queen size to try, I was a skeptic. As a product reviewer, I’ve tried many different pillows, but none have made me want to give up the memory foam basics I’ve slept on since college. I’m picky enough that even one night of sleep with a pillow I don’t love turns me into the likes of the Princess and the Pea, so venturing into the unknown sounded unappetizing....
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To buy: $22 (was $48); amazon.com. All-day comfort is made possible by the bra’s cool comfort fabric that wicks away moisture and features four-way flex to help it conform and move with your body. With 22 colors to choose from ranging in sizes 32B to 42DD, it’s no wonder many reviewers have bought multiple. Plus, it’s easy to find your perfect fit with the brand’s helpful bust measurement guide and size calculator....
Most homes are painted in three different color groups, with the siding one color, the trim a second color, and doors and shutters a third color. There are exceptions, of course, especially for historic homes such as Victorians, which have their own color conventions. Bright colors are often used for trim, doors, and shutters, so repainting your front door red sounds like a good idea. However, painting the garage door red will draw attention to it at the expense of other, probably more interesting, aspects of your home....
Lighter Ceiling = Brighter Room If you’re hoping to brighten up the room, New York-based interior designer Mikel Welch says that brushing the same color and finish on the walls and ceiling might not be the best choice. “For increased lighting in a dimly-lit room, opt for a shade lighter on the ceiling. As a general rule of thumb, I would go 20% lighter on the ceilings,” he says. However, if the room is naturally sun-drenched, you can probably get away with the same color on the walls and ceiling....
Create a Luxurious Guest Room Channel what you love about a great bed and breakfast with basics that include an iron, spare hangers, and an alarm clock, says interior designer Young Huh. Bonus points for water, a box of chocolates or mints, and a note with your Wi-Fi password. Overnight guests will appreciate a no-fuss setup of hand sanitizer, hand cream, and other toiletries just in case they forgot theirs. To prevent guests from stumbling over suitcases, Joanna Goddard of A Cup of Jo suggests keeping a luggage rack in the guest room....
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But with smart plugs, your smartphone, and a little work on your part, you can make it so much easier. Imagine simply saying, “Alexa, make it festive,” and having your lamp lights dim, your holiday lights come on (inside and outside)—and your favorite holiday songs start playing. And the best part? You can get started with around $100 in basic smart home products for a pretty nice setup. (Though if you really want to splurge, you’ll find some amazing products that’ll make you look like a pro....
We spoke with Tamika Sims, Ph.D., senior director of food technology communications at the International Food Information Council, and FDA public affairs specialist Veronika Pfaeffle, about the dos and don’ts of Thanksgiving food safety. “The USDA’s FSIS advises that the proper way to thaw a turkey or any other type of meat is to not leave it out at room temperature or anywhere it might fluctuate in temperature,” explains Sims....
Whether you’re setting up camp, finalizing your backyard patio, or looking for ways to bring the outside into your own home, there are tons of different hammock options to fit your exact needs. Hammocks come in different sizes, materials, and weight capacities to fit different purposes. The best hammock for you depends on where you will place it. Outdoor hammocks must be able to stand up to the elements, says Joe Demin, CEO of Yellow Leaf Hammocks....
To find the best organic sheets, we spent hours researching options and considered factors like materials, certifications, and price to make our top picks. Choosing the best bed sheets can be challenging with different sleep styles and preferences, which is why we also consulted Keith Cushner, Product Expert at SleepFoundation.org, for expert tips on buying organic sheets. “Organic sheets are generally made from a more breathable and durable material, which can make them a good long-term investment,” says Cushner....
The 10 Best Black Friday Deals There are big discounts offered in every category, like smart home, beauty, and fashion, and tons of top brands are included this year. Highly-rated products from iRobot Roomba, Apple, Caraway, Le Creuset, Bissell, Casper, Microsoft, Levi’s, and Crocs are all going for less—and that’s just the start. To make your shopping easier, we compiled the 100 best deals from the massive event and listed them by category....
“The most important thing to look for in a Christmas tree stand is stability,” said Tara Spaulding, interior design coordinator for Patio Productions. “A stable base will ensure that the tree stays upright, and it will also prevent tipping over or falling over.” With that in mind, to find the best Christmas tree stands, we researched a variety of picks and considered factors like dimensions, material, tree type, maximum tree height, water capacity, and diameter....
To round up the best puffers, we spent hours researching the most popular options on the market. We considered factors like materials, features, and price to narrow down our list to only the best styles. For expert advice on choosing the best puffer coat, we spoke with Vivian Lee, director of styling at Dailylook, an online personal styling service. “When the temperature drops and it’s time to layer up, puffer coats are a good staple in your wardrobe,” says Lee....
“If done correctly, [wicker] can be mixed with a variety of styles and comes in various options—chairs, coffee tables, and even some cool lighting elements,” says Mary Patton, interior designer at Mary Patton Design. To help narrow down the best wicker patio furniture, we researched a variety of picks, keeping in mind material, weight capacity, and the number of pieces included. We also consulted Mary Patton, interior designer at Mary Patton Design, Shoshanna Shapiro, principal interior designer at Sho & Co, and Jade Joyner, principal designer of Metal + Petal....
To pick the best clothes steamers, we tested 29 of the most popular models on the market, assessing each one’s effectiveness, ease of assembly, design, and overall value. Our top choice is the Conair Turbo Extreme Steam Handheld Fabric Steamer for its multiple steam settings, impeccable steam performance, long steam time (for a handheld), and extra accessories, including a built-in crease clip. Who it isn’t for: People looking for a handheld steamer that they can travel with....
Feeling overwhelmed by the looming tax return deadline? Stress not, for we answered five of your most pressing tax questions below. But if you have a salaried job and receive W-2 income (meaning your employer withholds money from your paycheck) and you rent (so you don’t have any housing deductions), your taxes are pretty basic. So take a stab at figuring them out yourself. That being said, if you wake up in the night freaking out that the IRS is going to come after you, use a tax preparer for peace of mind....
Whether you’re in the market for a new highly rated robot vacuum or you want to gift your loved ones with the latest smart home devices, now is a great time to save up to 80% on just about everything on your shopping list. However, it can be overwhelming to sift through all the products to find the biggest sales. We’ve rounded up the best Prime Early Access deals you won’t want to miss from top brands like iRobot, KitchenAid, Safavieh, and more....
