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Beyond the sometimes-vague concept of giving back, though, figuring out the details of charitable donations can be a challenge. Are gifts that give back enough? How should you choose a charity? How much should you donate? There’s no hard-and-fast rule, but there are some smart expert tips that can help you figure out the right answers for you and your family. Read on to learn everything you need to know about charitable donations....

For 2020 paint colors and trends, so far, things are leaning blue (with a splash of pale pink, courtesy of Benjamin Moore) in a big way. Blue paint colors account for three of the six paint colors of the year announced by companies looking to get ahead of 2020. The non-blue colors are softer, more muted shades—not quite pastels, but with the same relaxed appearance as some chalk paint colors....

Fortunately, with a little creativity, you can still create pretty, tree-like decor—without actually bringing a Christmas tree home. These alternative Christmas tree ideas help spread holiday cheer while fitting into your home and lifestyle. Photo and idea from Almost Makes Perfect. Photo and idea from Mr. Kate. Photo and idea from Clouds of Colour. Photo and idea from Almost Makes Perfect. Photo and idea Homey Oh My. Photo and idea from Brit+Co....

Keep reading for all you need to know about Prime Day 2022 before the big sale arrives. When is Prime Day this year? Is Prime Day only for Prime members? What’s on sale on Prime Day? Are there early deals for Prime Day already? Yes! Hurry and check out the 11 best deals below. For starters, we’ve found vacuum cleaners like iRobot’s famous Roomba i3+ self-emptying robot vacuum for up to $151 off, plus Hoover’s MaxLife Elite Swivel XL pet vacuum cleaner for just $130 right now....

Since getting my hands on these pillows, I’ve recommended them to several friends—who, in turn, ordered them for themselves and subsequently got the sleep they’d been craving. After all, I’m not alone in my love for these budget-friendly cushions: With over 9,300 five-star ratings, they have considerable customer approval. And at just $26 for a two-pack, they’re a real bargain. The pillows are available in firm and soft versions, and I opted for the firm density, which in truth is more medium-firm....

To buy: From $27; amazon.com. “I wanted a cover-up that was appropriate to wear over my swimsuit anywhere I went, and this was perfect,” wrote one five-star reviewer. It’s “not too sheer but very lightweight,” they added. “I got so many compliments on it while I was on vacation,” confirmed another shopper who also said it “washed like a dream.” The versatile cover-up is ready for just about anything. Its side split hems will come in handy if you plan to bike to the beach or pool, and because it looks like an oversized T-shirt, you could just as easily pair it with jeans or leggings....

Although shoppers noticed “overnight results” with the Dots for Spots patches, there’s absolutely no beauty magic involved. Instead, the patches are made with hydrocolloid, an ingredient used in wound dressing to prevent infection and promote healing. This active ingredient sucks out the gunk hiding in your pores, leaving behind a clearer, less-inflamed patch of skin. To buy: From $9; amazon.com. The patches are made to appear translucent on the skin and can be worn overnight or for up to eight hours....

The Greenco Zigzag Corner Shelves are a creative spin on the popular floating storage trend in that they fit tightly into a 90-degree angle where two walls meet, attaching to both walls. The laminate shelves are available in three color options, including a soft natural tan, deep gray, and a rich espresso brown. They’re “very easy to install,” according to reviewers, and anyone who struggles with power tools shouldn’t worry, as the shelving unit features pre-drilled holes and includes all of the hardware needed to connect each shelf....

To buy: $90; amazon.com. “I have incredibly bad insomnia—or should say had now that I have this weighted blanket,” wrote one customer, who also called the cooling weighted blanket the “best purchase ever.” “It’s cool, soft, extremely durable, and well-made. I now go to sleep without tons of issues most nights and feel like I’m in a cocoon. If you have bad insomnia, you need this in your life.” Another added, “I was very hesitant to think that something that weighs more could actually keep my body temperature in check through the night, but it does....

To buy: $13 (was $17); amazon.com. Shoppers love that they can get so many wipes for “an awesome deal,” or “an absolute steal,” as one person put it. Others add that the wipes “clean beautifully,” and that they appreciate that the wipes can be used for several purposes. This same shopper shared that they used them on their “computer monitors and anything that needs a little wipe.” Another happy customer joked that they “can see clearly now,” adding, these handy wipes “work well” wiping down anything they need while at their desk, in their car and “anywhere else I may need them in their handy packs....

That is, until I tried a pair of American Giant’s No BS Pants. The sleek leggings are just as comfortable as my more athletic styles, but they’re made with a flattering double-knit ponte fabric that looks and feels much more polished. The soft, stretchy material moves with my body and provides a smoothing and sculpted effect, while the matte finish gives them an office-appropriate feel. The bottoms feature a front pocket that is big enough to hold my phone or my keys and credit cards, which has come in handy when I’ve worn them while running errands....

If you’re like me and rarely switch up your skincare routine, it can be hard to bite the bullet to test out new products. But sometimes unexpected skincare issues arise. I’ve been searching for a new product that will help diminish the scars and stretch marks on my legs, and that’s when I stumbled across Bio-Oil Skincare Oil, which has more than 90,000 five-star reviews. Are these Bio-Oil reviews legit?...

Unlike many of the other suggested ways to show yourself some love, taking a bath is inexpensive and relatively accessible (depending on tub availability, of course). Better yet, baths are customizable and just for you—meaning you don’t have to take into account what someone else wants. You’re free to create the bath of your dreams and indulge in self-care. And there are ways to elevate this experience to make it the most optimal for your body and mood....

Best Beauty Products December 2022

Enter investment apps: Relatively new to the investing scene, smart apps (and digital programs and services) help make every step of investing easier, whether it’s setting up an account, getting started with a small amount of money, or handling the tax implications of buying and selling. Whether you’re wondering when to start investing or you already have money in the market, the best investment apps and related services can lend a digital hand....

“In a disaster or an emergency you want those calories,” says Barry Swanson, professor emeritus of food science at Washington State University. “You want some nutrients and some fiber—something to keep your diet normal.” “In an emergency, generally you tend to think of meeting more basic needs than preferences and flavors,” says Elizabeth Andress, professor emerita and extension food safety specialist at the University of Georgia. “But if you plan right, you can have a great variety of foods and nutrients....