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Test (and Replace) Your Smoke Alarms There’s a reason we include this on our checklists for both the start and end of daylight saving time: a functioning smoke alarm is your best line of defense in a home fire. “In the event of a home fire, you may have three minutes or less to escape,” says Steve Kerber, the VP and executive director of UL’s Fire Safety Research Institute. “Working smoke alarms provide the earliest possible warning that there is a fire, and every second counts....

Luckily, there’s a foolproof formula for striking that elusive balance. Enter: the entryway console table. When designed thoughtfully, your entryway console table decor can do double (or even triple) duty, making your space more beautiful, more organized, and more efficient. Looking for a little design inspiration? Study up on the stunning images below for fresh ideas on how to decorate your entryway table—and even add in a bit of functionality to boot....

Before you start painting, most cabinets will require sanding the surface, filling in any cracks or uneven areas with wood filler, and allowing it to dry. Once sanded, use a damp cloth or a lint-free tack cloth to remove all of the dust and debris. Any small particles that aren’t cleaned up can waft into the paint and ruin the pristine surface of the cabinet. If you have patience and some DIY skills, this is a project you may be able to tackle yourself; however, depending upon the intricacy of the cabinet design and your expectations for the final product, it may be worth it to hire a pro....

“In the morning, a few simple breathing techniques and movements will clear away the aches and stiffness of the body while clearing the cobwebs out of your mind,” says Tory Schaefer, national director of yoga operations at Life Time in Minneapolis. You’ll also start the day more energized. Meanwhile, “at night, a yoga practice will help reset everything so your bed becomes a sacred space rather than a think tank of residue from the day....

“Walnut blonde is warm and creamy all at the same time—a perfect balance of rich and golden blonde,” says Bianca Hillier, celebrity colorist and ambassador for Olaplex. “It’s not too bright, but is still noticeably blonde.” She recommends opting for this hue if you don’t want to feel overly blonde or stray too far from your natural base. It’s also a good option if you want to slowly work your way to a lighter shade of blonde in the future....

To help find the best of the best hair thickening products available, we asked hair experts to weigh in with the products they swear by. From hair styling products that temporarily boost volume to topicals that promote hair growth, we’ve covered a range of options for you to choose from below. Best Hair Thickening Products “Minoxidil is an easy-to-use topical treatment that stimulates blood flow to stop thinning while promoting newer and thicker growth,” says Geeta Yadav, M....

Examine soil texture, too. “It should be easily shoveled and crumble in your hands,” says Annette Gutierrez, owner of Potted in Los Angeles. “If your soil is super hard or clay-like, it will be difficult for most plants to grow roots. Add fresh soil, mulch, and compost, being careful to aerate as much and as deep an area as you can before planting.” It’s also important to know how high your plants will grow, he says....

That’s where these healthy Thanksgiving side dishes come in. From loaded sweet potatoes topped with kale to spaghetti squash parm to shaved Brussels sprouts on flatbread, we know you’ll find delicious, nutritious recipes here that every one of your guests will love. Get the Recipe: Mustardy Kale Salad With Roasted Sweet Potato and Apple Get the recipe: Brussels Sprouts Flatbread With Lemon and Pecorino Get the recipe: Buffalo Cauliflower With Yogurt Ranch Get the recipe: Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Grapes Get the recipe: Zucchini and Black Bean Stuffed Sweet Potatoes Get the Recipe: Loaded Sweet Potatoes with Coconut and Kale Tart blood oranges, bitter grapefruit, and sweet navel oranges come together in this gorgeous recipe, perfect for celebrating in-season citrus....

Remember: When shopping, look for Brussels sprouts that feel firm to the touch. Skip over sprouts that have leaves with holes or appear wrinkly or shriveled. If you spot a few yellowish or dry-looking outer leaves, that’s fine, but make sure the leaves look like they’re tightly layered. The best tool for prepping your Brussels sprouts is a paring knife—the small blade and lightweight handle give you full control and make removing the stem a breeze....

Designer Riche Holmes Grant found ways to make the small room work for them with clever furniture that serves double duty—and tucks away easily when the room needs to shift from workspace to sleeping space. Using color in unconventional ways—such as painting a bold blue ceiling with white walls—helps the room feel fresh, and makes the all-white lighting fixture pop. Clear acrylic furnishings and accessories give Seong and Jeremy the storage they need, without giving the room a cluttered feel....

The eco-friendly brand makes natural and science-backed skincare solutions that come at relatively affordable prices. Every Fleur & Bee product is non-toxic, vegan, and cruelty-free. Even the packaging the products arrived in was made of recycled materials, and when I opened them up, I appreciated the products’ chic and cohesive designs, and couldn’t wait to see how they worked for my skin. After only one week of using five of Fleur & Bee’s popular products, I started to see a difference in my skin....

If you love cash, free food and beer, or a chance at Super Bowl tickets, you’re in luck. Here’s everything you can potentially score for free (alongside immunity against a deadly virus). Free Money Cold hard cash can be a pretty big enticement—and you may be able to score some. Many companies are offering paid time off or a cash bonus (up to $500) for their employees who get the COVID vaccine....

The 10 Best Deals Overall Zober Double Christmas Wreath Storage Bag, $15 (was $25) Hotel Sheets Direct Cooling Bamboo Sheet Set (Queen), $66 (was $119) iRobot Roomba 692 Robot Vacuum Cleaner, $174 (was $300) Belife Cordless Stick Vacuum Cleaner, $115 (was $150) Beckham Hotel Collection Bed Pillow Set, $35 with coupon (was $50) Fossil Carmen Leather Shopper Tote Handbag, $172 (was $230) Crest 3D White Professional Effects Whitestrips, $33 (was $55) 63% Off: Echo Dot (Third Generation), $15 (was $40) Apple AirPods Pro (Second Generation), $229 (was $249) Silk’n Flash&Go Pro At-Home Hair Removal System, $175 with coupon (was $349)...

Typically, the lights start at $36, but we have an exclusive discount code for Real Simple readers. Enter 13DNHIYX at checkout and receive an instant 15 percent off. To buy: From $31 with code 13DNHIYX (was $36); amazon.com. Shoppers say the lights are “easy to assemble,” and that they’re “quite bright.” One wrote that they’re “well worth the money,” and that they’re “sturdier” than other pathway lights they’ve purchased in the past, adding, they would “definitely buy these lights again....

Made mostly of polyester and just a bit of nylon, this puffy coat will keep you warm without expensive down feathers. It zips all the way up to the mock neck and comes with button closures, too. Plus, elastic cuffs at the arms and waist prevent cold air from sneaking in. Not only will its voluminous fill keep you warm in low temperatures, but it’ll also earn you major style points....