To come up with this list of the best slow cookers, we thoroughly researched dozens of models on the market and evaluated them based on factors like capacity, cooking modes, care instructions, and more. We also worked with two experts—Christine Pittman, cookbook author and founder of Cook the Story, and Lana Stuart, recipe developer at Lana’s Cooking—for tips on using a slow cooker and finding the best model for your needs....
To find the best bamboo sheets, we tested 22 sets in our Lab and evaluated them based on quality, texture, breathability, durability, and value. For expert advice on what to look for when shopping for bamboo sheets, we spoke with Jeffrey Kambak, CEO of U.S. operations at The Trident Group (a textiles manufacturer) and vice president of the Home Fashion Products Association. We also received tips from Jolanda Thomas, associate product development merchant at The Company Store, who says the main characteristics of bamboo sheets are “silky, soft, and cooling....
To find the best cleaners for glass shower doors, we researched numerous top-rated products while considering factors such as application, formula, and function. We also spoke with Emma Barton, cleaning expert and founder of Steam Clean Queen, for tips on what to look for when buying the right cleaner for your glass shower doors. “My rule of thumb in cleaning is: The simplest solutions will suffice in 70 to 80 percent of situations if you do them regularly....
When it comes to choosing the best diffuser for your needs, Amiler says that it really comes down to personal preference, style, and budget. We researched dozens of diffusers, evaluating them on type, runtime, capacity, and price. Our top pick, the Sierra Modern Home Smart Ultrasonic Diffuser & Humidifier, is a great all-around product at a reasonable price that has a long run time of 12 hours and can even be managed by your smart device....
To find the best flatware sets on the market, we researched many different brands and products, and selected options that fit a range of styles, budgets, and materials. We also received expert insight from Kristen Pena, principal designer at K Interiors, on what to look for when shopping for flatware. Pena says top-notch flatware is “absolutely” an essential part of any kitchen—that includes forks, knives, spoons, as well as any other utensils commonly used while cooking and eating....
Unlike my old set, these are incredibly lightweight and wash beautifully. Food residue has come off with ease and everything I’ve cooked, roasted, and baked came out perfectly, so I know the aluminum material is evenly distributing heat. Now I’m planning to grab a couple of more, so I can use several when I’m making big batches of baked goods or meal prepping for the week. To buy: $24 (was $25); amazon....
How to Choose Plant Shelving A basic bookshelf might do just fine for your plant storage needs, but there are some things to consider before you invest in a plant shelf. Know your dimensions Think about the size of your plants now, and how they’ll grow when you’re choosing shelving. Adjustable shelves will allow you to change heights as your plants mature, and totally open shelving gives your plants access to more light and air—and is more forgiving for larger, trailing plants....
Built for the Instagram era, the three-tier rack comes in seven modern colors, including light lavender, powder blue, and blush pink (you’ll also find it in more classic black and cream shades). It has a sleek, minimalist shape, consisting of steel shelves with curved edges and a rounded exterior frame. Basically, it’s sure to make you want to document your tidying efforts for all to see—and many already have. To buy: $184; getopenspaces....
“Usually new models for electronics are released in January when they have the Consumer Electronics Show, and that’s when all old models go on sale,” Madhok says. “If you’re looking to buy a TV and you don’t need the latest model, you can usually wait until February.” If you can hold onto your current television a little longer, you can get a better deal on a newer model by waiting....
Made from durable plastic, the cord organizer is sturdy and has a sleek appearance that’ll keep wires out of sight, out of mind. The large box is long enough to house a five-outlet extension cord and is designed with two little openings on the back. This allows wires from your fan, hair iron, or computer to plug into the extension cord outlet inside without drawing attention. To buy: $27 (was $29); amazon....
To buy: $8 (was $20); amazon.com. “I could not believe the amount of lint that I was able to vacuum out of the filter area, even though I conscientiously clean the filter every time I dry a load of laundry,” one customer wrote. “The attachment works great and was able to access the lower area of the filter space that I didn’t even know was there. It also worked well on cleaning the vent on the outside of our house....
Troubleshooting: If your refrigerator sounds like it’s straining, make sure the condenser coils are clean, that there’s at least one inch between the fridge and the wall for adequate air flow, and that the gasket (door seal) is not dry or cracking. Dishwasher Make-it-Last Habit: Adhesives from jars of jelly or pasta sauce can clog the filter and hose. So can the oils and dirt from things like gardening and painting tools....
The Matbeby Mattress Pad has microfiber filling that’s designed to be breathable and cooling, which is great for hot sleepers. Even better, the microfiber layer is also super-soft for a comfortable night’s sleep. Plus, you won’t have to worry about stretching it out to fit your bed because the mattress pad has deep pockets that can fit mattresses up to 21 inches thick. (Even if your mattress is on the thinner side, the pockets are designed to stay in place....
To buy: $118 with coupon (was $300); amazon.com. While all of the above is pretty standard for a robot vacuum cleaner, one of the OKP’s features that stood out to me was the brushless suction port. My 50-pound husky sheds a lot, and our previous vacuum cleaner was constantly clogged with her hair; the brushless port means I never have to worry about her pet fur (or my hair) tangling up in the machine....
Tina Gilbertson, a psychotherapist and author of Constructive Wallowing, and Jodi R.R. Smith, founder of Mannersmith Etiquette and author of From Clueless to Class Act book series, dig into all the etiquette rules surrounding party invitations—whether you’re sending the invite or opening it. Why Some People Never RSVP on Time (or Ever) According to Gilbertson, there’s more going on behind the scenes here than pure laziness or forgetfulness: Some people aren’t really wired to RSVP....
Clothes Storage Idea #1: Use a Few Well-Placed Hooks. Hooks are a great way to corral your favorite items to get them out of a pile on your floor or chair and they can be useful when outfit planning. Displaying your pieces on hangers then mixing or matching them on the hooks will help you create an office or date night look for the ages. Statement making single hooks could look great or get a few rows of hooks and work with those....
To buy: $29; amazon.com. The lightweight, versatile pants have over 7,800 five-star ratings, and they feature plenty of other noteworthy details. Unlike some pairs of leggings, the joggers have usable pockets in case you need a spot to store your phone or keys while you’re on-the-go. Plus, the pants have a high-waistband and are tapered through the legs and ankles for a sleeker fit. “I bought these to wear for international flights, and they are so comfortable,” wrote one person who said they turn to the “easy to wear” pants regularly outside of traveling....
To buy: $20 (was $25), amazon.com. The Sonoro Kate Bed Sheet Set is available in a variety of sizes, including twin XL, queen, California king, and 17 colors, including dark gray, navy, sage, taupe, and white. No matter the size, each set is designed to fit a mattress that’s up to 16 inches deep, according to the brand. To buy: $24 (was $30), amazon.com. “The fitted sheet is really deep pocketed, I didn’t have to use the sheet clips I usually have to use with our mattress,” noted a happy shopper....
But the Spaulding Channel Velvet Swivel Chair from Target allured me with its perfect overall five-star rating (though there aren’t many reviews.) Shoppers have raved about its gorgeous color, texture, and easy assembly, with one declaring it “the best chair ever.” However, I still spent months mulling over whether or not to splurge on it. That is, until it went on sale. To Buy: $240 (was $320); target.com I’ve always admired Target’s Opalhouse designed with Jungalow line from afar, so I was more than excited to buy (and afford) a piece for my new home....
To buy: $17 (was $24); amazon.com. The fume-free cleaner is designed to eliminate gunk and stains without tough scrubbing or wiping down. Once the formula has time to work its magic (most users leave it on overnight), simply run some water over your shower or tub to watch the grime go down the drain. You can apply it to nearly any bathroom surface that needs cleaning: shower tile, bathtub basins, fixtures, doors, and even shower curtains....
