Though picking where you’ll retire can help you better target your retirement savings and investment strategies—if you plan to retire somewhere with a low cost of living, you’ll have to save less, after all—it’s not always a priority. Planning for retirement is usually more about saving for retirement and making savvy financial moves to make sure you can afford to retire at all; deciding where to retire can often be an afterthought....

If you feel intimidated by the green lifestyle, don’t be: Anyone can help the environment at any time. No effort is too small. Since understanding how to shop sustainably is such a hefty topic, we enlisted the help of Leone Baron, sustainability expert and head of community at My Climate Journey Collective, and Graham Hill, founder and CEO of The Carbonauts. They’ll break down eco terms, explain why we should all be striving for sustainability, and highlight popular certifications consumers are typically presented with when making decisions....

To buy: $9; amazon.com. These durable laundry bags are made with a polyester fiber mesh that allows soap and water to filter through in the wash and lets hot air inside in the dryer. Reviewers confirm that the bags do not tear or shrink, even after years of use. It’s one reason why people feel comfortable putting delicates like underwear and bras in them, as well as sneakers, bags, hats, and more....

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In the new sleeping area, a bed with a slim headboard tucks under the eaves. Cabinets frame a large window, while a window seat piled with pillows serves as a comfortable perch; the top lifts for extra storage. In the hall outside the closet, a base cabinet featuring Shaker-inspired molding shines under a skylight. Designed to serve as a second spot for hanging clothes, the storage unit nods to the home’s original style, but a trio of funky pendant lights lends a modern touch that keeps the space from feeling dated....

This versatile belt bag has an adjustable strap that can be worn across your chest, around your waist, or as a shoulder bag. The lightweight design won’t give you back and shoulder aches, but it’s still big enough to easily fit all the necessities, like your wallet, phone, keys, hand sanitizer, and anything else you need. It’s made of durable, water-resistant nylon fabric that’s easy to clean and has a zipper closure to keep your belongings safely inside....

Perhaps even more important than how you use your technology is when you use it. (Your boss isn’t going to want to see an Instagram post time-stamped from that afternoon meeting you were in.) And above all, remember to power off your gadgets and pay attention to the real people in your life—the ones who are right in front of you. To avoid giving offense when you’re online, we consulted Real Simple manners columnist Catherine Newman for social media guidelines to follow the next time you unlock your phone....

“It’s a time for remembering loved ones and welcoming back their spirits,” says Pati Jinich, cookbook author and host of the PBS television series Pati’s Mexican Table. The holiday began in Mexico but is now celebrated all over the world by people with ties to Mexican culture. The premise of the holiday is simple: to pray for and remember friends and family members who have passed away. Learn all about Day of the Dead, the traditions, how its observed, and how to decorate for Day of the Dead....

1. Tear out the tub and build a new shower. One way to update a bathroom is to remove the existing bathtub and add a new shower unit. This is not a small job, so call a professional contractor to help you assess the space and potential solutions. In the footprint where the tub stands, you’ll likely have plenty of room to build a shower, but you’ll want to add a tile or solid surface curb to keep the water from spilling out into the bathroom....

St. Patrick’s Day Folklore According to folklore, you get pinched on St. Patrick’s Day for not wearing green because green makes you invisible to leprechauns, and leprechauns like to pinch people (because they can!). The digital media website IrishCentral also states that people wear green on St. Patrick’s Day because of the holiday’s association with Ireland’s nickname, the “Emerald Isle,” and its flag’s colors, and since shamrocks are commonly associated with the holiday’s decor....

This mecca for clean, contemporary furnishings turns out high-design, reasonably priced goods, including leather beds, lacquer nightstands, and reclaimed wood dressers. Largely responsible for making the trendy mid-century style more mainstream, this online furniture retailer has deftly-crafted pieces that strike a beautiful balance—bold enough to anchor a room yet subtle enough to seamlessly blend in. City dwellers, behold the plethora of options for small spaces, like beds with built-in storage and nightstands with petite proportions....

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Try our fast Mediterranean breakfasts, lunches, and dinners (including easy Mediterranean diet recipes for beginners). Each 30-minute-or-less meal is a cinch and makes it easier to stick to this heart-healthy eating style. Related Video

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1. Painted Rustic Mantel An earthy shade of green accentuates the fireplace mantel in this rustic living room. The color beautifully complements the worn red brick of the surround and hearth. The mantel’s simple lines and painted finish put a modern spin on rustic style. 2. Wood Beam Mantel Clad in reclaimed barnwood planks, this fireplace design is rooted in farmhouse style. The boards run vertically, emphasizing the height of vaulted ceilings....

Personal stylists Samantha Brown and Melanie Lippman, who are known for their relatable fashion tips and tricks, were both adamant: Adding fall-inspired jewel tones to your look is a must. “Adding a burgundy blazer, green pants, or marigold shoes will give all your printed tops new life and completely revive your wardrobe,” Lippman says. “Autumn jewel-tone colors can act as a neutral for fall.” However, if you’re looking for a bolder, unique color to try this fall, Brown says that “Barbiecore pink” is a hue worth testing out....

Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil Size: To 1 foot tall Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil Size: 18-36 inches tall Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained to dry soil Size: To 15 inches tall Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil Size: To 5 feet tall Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil Size: To 18 inches tall Growing Conditions: Full sun, damp to dry soils Size: To 4 feet tall Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained soil Size: To 3 feet tall Growing Conditions: Full sun and well-drained to dry soil Size: To 8 inches tall Note: This long-lived plant can take a few years to get established—so be patient with it....

Buy It: Lodge 5-Quart Dutch Oven ($45, Target) Buy It: Made By Design Skillet ($32, Target) Buy It: Black + Decker Hand Mixer ($28, Target) Related Video

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