red wine (such as Rioja), chilled sparkling lemonade (such as Lorina), chilled ice cubes 1 lemon slice Option 2 pale ale beer, chilled sparkling lemonade (such as Lorina), chilled ice cubes 1 lemon slice Option 3 pomegranate juice, chilled sparkling lemonade (such as Lorina), chilled ice cubes 1 lemon slice
This versatile puree makes a delicious fall side dish, a nutritious food option for babies, and an ingredient for Sweet potato buttermilk pancakes. If the bake time of 1-to-1½ hours is a deal breaker, fast-track the process by boiling the potatoes instead.
To find the best bathroom cleaners, we spent hours researching several options and top-rated products while considering factors like type, ingredients, and compatibility on surfaces. We also asked Angela Brown, CEO and founder of Savvy Cleaner and host of the daily show Ask a House Cleaner, for her tips and insight on what to look for when choosing a bathroom cleaner and how to keep your bathroom clean. Our top pick is the Kaboom With OxiClean Foam-tastic Bathroom Cleaner because of its impressive cleaning power, surface versatility, and unique color-changing action to show when a surface is clean and ready to be wiped or rinsed....
We researched the best self-tanners, looking at products with different formulations, shades, and development times. We also spoke to Natalia Radosz, a spray tan technician and founder of Glow 2 Go NYC, for insight on what ingredients to look for in a self-tanner, what shade to pick, and how to avoid common self-tanning mistakes. Radosz says it’s important to look for a product with moisturizing ingredients: “Self-tanners can dry out your skin, so making sure there is something to put moisture back in your skin is important....
To find the best spice racks, we thoroughly researched the various options available and considered factors like size, material, and installation process while coming up with our list. We also spoke with Alysha Fenn, founder and CEO of professional organizing company Making Space Today, for expert advice on how to organize your spice rack and what to look for when buying one. When shopping for spice racks, Fenn suggests considering factors like “spice volume, frequency of use, aesthetic and functional preference, and available space” to ensure that you pick up the organizer that best fits your specific needs....
The best slippers are soothingly soft, keep your feet warm, and cushion your feet as you move about your house. To find the very best slippers, we tested 23 of the most popular options, evaluating them on design, quality, comfort, durability, warmth, and value. The Ugg Tasman Slippers are our top pick for their warm and soft sheepskin construction, versatility (they can be worn indoors and out), and more. Read on to learn more about our top picks as well as how to choose the best slippers for you....
To find the best vacuums for every household’s needs, we tested over 100 vacuums in our Lab and at home. Each vacuum was evaluated on its effectiveness, maneuverability, ease of emptying, portability, noise level, setup, and value. For expert tips on choosing a vacuum, we tapped Kathy Cohoon, director of franchise operations at Two Maids & A Mop. “More expensive doesn’t always mean better, so take inventory of what you need,” says Cohoon....
To come up with these recommendations, we thoroughly researched gift ideas for new moms and rounded up the best options. We also spoke to Karen Reardanz of Babylist for expert tips on how to shop for new moms. “It’s always nice to get something for a new mom that is for them, not the baby, no matter the season,” says Reardanz. And it makes sense, because new parents probably have enough onesies, burp cloths, and bottles from their baby shower to last them a long time....
To find the best grills, we consulted three grilling experts: Jake Wood, owner and chef at Lawrence Barbecue; Christie Vanover, competitive pitmaster and founder of Girls Can Grill; and Ray Rastelli, Jr., butcher and president of Rastelli Foods Group. We also spent hours researching top-rated grills, assessing them for size, cooking capacity, and ease of use. “When buying a grill, think about what you are grilling and how many people [you’re cooking for],” Wood says....
First are the obvious gadgets and appliances, like tower fans and air conditioners. These seasonal products are essential for cooling down targeted areas of your home in the summer months. Then there are lesser-known products, such as this clever fan that’s designed to fit under your bed to keep you cool as you sleep. If you typically run hot while sleeping, it’s a total game changer. Moreover, you can upgrade all of your sleep essentials to ensure a sweat-free night’s rest....
“Factors to consider when choosing a cookware set include your cooking preferences, culinary techniques, and the types of dishes you prepare most often,” says Hector Ruiz, the President and Founder of BBQ Grill Academy. “The equipment you most often use to cook on should also be considered.” Alison Cayne, cooking expert and founder of Manhattan cooking school Haven’s Kitchen, believes that when it comes to how many items your cookware set should have, less is more....
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....
This bath caddy is designed to be a universal fit for almost any bathtub size or shape on the market and extends on either side to reach 43 inches across for wider tubs. It’s made of solid bamboo wood that’s sturdy and water-resistant to hold up to splashes over the years. Plus, the bath caddy has a built-in wine glass holder, a space for a book or tablet with a back to prop up whatever you’re reading, and compartments to safely store your cell phone and a bar of soap....
Below, we’ve compiled the best scents for all your nose needs. They make great gifts for loved ones who seem a bit strung out lately, but if you’ve been feeling the pressure too (who doesn’t?), just grab one of these products and take a big whiff. To buy: $15, ulta.com. To buy: $24, loccitane.com. To buy: $73, spacenk.com. RELATED: 6 Relaxing Bath Products to Try This Weekend To buy: $30, amazon....
As part of the Real Simple Smart Money Awards, we’re highlighting the best shopping apps of 2020. From offering cashback to finding discounts, these shopping apps can do it all—and they work at some of your favorite retailers or with services you already use. Read on for the best shopping apps of 2020, or click here to see the other 2020 Real Simple Smart Money Award winners. What it is: Acorns made a name for itself with investment accounts that grow when users round up purchases and toss the difference into the market....
The Best Ways to Pack Your Clothes Think Big, Then Edit Gather all the garments you anticipate needing—then put half of them back. Select clothes in the same color family, packing more tops than bottoms. For a five-day trip, you’ll likely need five shirts, two pairs of slacks or jeans, and one skirt, says Kathleen Ameche, author of The Woman Road Warrior ($15, amazon.com). The average 22-inch carry-on bag fits roughly two pairs of jeans, three sweaters, two dresses, and five shirts....
