Claiming as many of the credits you’re eligible for means more money in your pocket at the end of the day, and you could be missing out if you don’t know what to look for. This tax deduction checklist can help you keep track of credits you may qualify for, especially if you’re doing your taxes yourself. Here are some commonly overlooked tax deductions and credits to watch for this upcoming tax season....
A type of volcanic rock, a pumice stone is a lightweight yet effective tool for removing stains on hard-to-remove stones—without scratching them. This pumice stone is 20 percent denser than similar models to really slough away stuck-on stains found on your toilet bowl, shower, sink, wall tiles, grill, and more. Despite its tough exterior, its ingredients are odorless, chemical-free, non-toxic, and eco-friendly. To buy: $9 (was $12); amazon.com. A $9 pumice stone may feel like an uninspired cleaning tool, but shoppers are so pleased with the results, they’re calling it “magic....
This stylish PrettyGarden maxi dress is the ultimate fall fashion piece that’s bound to get you tons of compliments at every shindig—and several shoppers can attest to that. The chiffon dress has a beautiful flowy design with a lightweight feel, which is nice if you’re wearing a thick coat or live in a warmer climate. Plus, you can rest assured that even with its thin fabric, reviewers confirm that it’s not sheer....
From a health perspective, all of this is excellent news. Tea—whether hot, cold, black, green, white, oolong, or fermented—has been linked to countless health benefits. Whether you’re a long-time tea drinker or are looking to convert your coffee addiction, we think you’ll find these significant health perks a refreshing read. Heart health For years, research has shown that tea drinking is associated with improved cardiovascular health: it has been linked to a reduced risk for hypertension, stroke, and hardening of the arteries....
To buy: $100; amazon.com. Unlike other disposable mop pad cleaners, the “effective and powerful” Shark VacMop actually sucks up dirt and debris (just like your heavy-duty vacuum) and traps it away in a dirt chamber hidden within the pad. It even comes with LED headlights to expose dust and hair hidden in corners and under furniture. And the best part is the cleaning pad is so thick, you’ll never see those dust bunnies again....
The cushioned mat features a soft foam core to alleviate pressure on the spine, feet, and knee joints, and can improve posture over time. Its stain-resistant outer layer has a grippy diamond texture to help with balance, and it can easily be cleaned with soap and water. One of the most noteworthy aspects of the Sky mat is its non-slip bottom layer, which was created to stay put on tile, hardwood, and carpet....
To buy: $38 (was $70); amazon.com. Filled with synthetic fibers that feel like goose down feathers, the comforter provides plenty of insulation to keep you cozy in the winter, while still remaining lightweight and breathable enough for summertime use. That means night sweats are a thing of the past, making the bed cover a great choice for hot sleepers. But whether you sleep hot or cold, reviewers confirm you’ll sleep like you’re on vacation under this blanket: One shopper said it delivers the “feeling you get in a nice hotel bed” while another equated it to the bedding at the Hilton....
What You Need Two hair tiesTexture sprayLots of bobby pins Follow These Steps
The small but mighty DEET-free mosquito repeller is the one item you need on your patio this summer. With the push of a button, the Thermacell repellent gets to work, providing a 20-foot barrier between you and the bugs. This way, you and your loved ones can freely enjoy the outdoors for up to 12 hours without so much as a swat. To buy: $40; amazon.com. This Thermacell pick uses a long-lasting repellent refill that gets inserted right into the device....
To buy: $25, amazon.com. And just look at their beautiful design, with those neatly placed stripes and mitered corners. Choose from several stripe colors, including burgundy, orange, pink, teal, and a patriotic-looking red and blue. At $25 per set, each towel costs just a little over $4. Another shopper loved the design of the towels so much that they found another use for them. “They make the perfect kitchen curtains,” they wrote, including a photo....
The Utenag orthotic sandals already have over 2,200 five-star ratings. They feature a rubber sole, a slip-resistant outsole, and a deep foam cup for your heel. Plus, they even have built-in arch support. The upper part of the sandal is made from synthetic leather, and the straps are adjustable to allow you to find your most comfortable fit. And shoppers say they can’t stop wearing them. To buy: $40; amazon....
Whether you make it your outdoor reading nook, your work-from-home office, or a place for friends and family to gather, a comfy porch extends your living space. The overhang will shield you from rain and scorching sun, and a screened-in porch provides much-appreciated protection from bugs. Grab some lemonade and a good book, because you’ll want to relax on these porches all afternoon.
Quince is a direct-to-consumer brand that offers products at more affordable prices by cutting out the middleman that many other brands rely on. But before you think that means that quality is tossed out the window, think again. Quince stands behind its mission to provide luxurious, sustainably produced pieces—and it delivers. There are plenty of products with thousands of reviews on the Quince best-seller list, and on a personal note, I can’t stop wearing my Quince joggers (nor can I believe the quality for the price)....
The soft heated blanket has a 100 percent flannel base with a fuzzy sherpa lining that’s so cozy, even without the heat. It has six heat settings to help you get through the coldest nights, and it automatically shuts off after four hours to prevent overheating. Its fast, even heat distribution will keep you toasty from head to toe without feeling sweaty. To buy: $53; amazon.com. With dimensions of 50 x 60 inches, the heated blanket is the perfect size for cuddling on the couch or topping your duvet for extra warmth....
Be Creative With Art A multicolor calendar that fills an entire wall can function as art, a Zoom background, or wallpaper (though much easier to hang). “I put sticky notes on it instead of writing on it, so I can reuse it year after year,” Brittany says. Keep It Simple Brittany went with white walls (we like the shade Pale Bloom by Valspar) because everything else in the room has so much color....
By maximizing the vertical wall space, you can preserve precious square footage on the floor for heavier items that cannot be hung. Keep lighter brooms, mops, and dustpans elevated using a wall-mounted organizer. This way, your bulkier buckets and weighty vacuums can fit below. Canvas shoe bags are a great size and create individual slots for all types of cleaning materials—from spray bottles to wipes and abrasives. A sweater organizer can hold extra household materials that you normally run out of (think extra paper towel rolls, extension cords, and light bulbs)....
Nutritionally, split peas have a lot to offer. One serving packs about 12 grams of protein and about half a gram of fat. Dishes that feature split peas—dishes like common soup, dal, and Ethiopian stews—often consist of more than one serving, meaning they’re a truly great source of lean protein. Split peas also contain almost half the fiber you need in a day. They also carry some iron and potassium....
To buy: $4 (was $8); amazon.com. “We had a HUGE problem with small gnats (I thought they were fruit flies!) everywhere in our house,” shared a reviewer who learned the bugs were from their houseplants. After trying the traps, they wrote, “They work wonders!” Another reviewer who called the traps “a great buy” said, “The adhesive is strong—once they land, those little suckers aren’t going anywhere.” Other than the fact that the traps work, according to shoppers, another highlight is that you can use them inside and outside thanks to their waterproof and UV-resistant design....
Made by Ameriwood, the best-selling console is a gorgeous piece of furniture, designed to look rustic and weathered thanks to its wood-like medium brown finish (it’s also available in natural, ivory pine, and black oak, but the other colors aren’t currently on sale). It’s on the larger size, able to fit TVs up to 50” wide, and it features an open top shelf plus two spacious side cabinets that have additional shelving of their own to store games, DVDs, and much more....
