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If you want to make your holiday a lot more chill, try these Thanksgiving organization ideas that’ll make the big day a whole lot easier. Make a Thanksgiving Game Plan Start your Thanksgiving prep early (perhaps even today!), to give yourself plenty of time to get organized. Know what you need As you prep your Thanksgiving menu and plans, start a separate list of all the ingredients, tools, and serving pieces you’ll need for each recipe—and for your overall hosting duties....

Things to Do at Home in November 1. Clean Out Your Closet If your wardrobe is bursting with old, clunky coats and sweaters that take up way too much room, it’s time to set aside the pieces you no longer wear and donate them to someone who’ll give them a second life (here’s how to do that). While organizations appreciate clothing donations year-round, there’s never more of a need for warm layers (and socks!...

“Consider unique and well-crafted items that match his interests,” she says. “Some options I love include a climbing-inspired mug for the outdoorsy guy, a dopp kit for those who travel often, or a custom guitar wall mount for the musician. And when in doubt, opt for a custom or personalized gift made just for him.” With these guidelines in mind, we rounded up the best gifts for men for all occasions....

To determine the best dish soaps, we spent hours researching top-rated options, considering factors such as performance, scent, longevity, and overall value. We also consulted Kathy Cohoon, operations manager at Two Maids & A Mop, as well as Brian Sansoni, senior vice president at the American Cleaning Institute, for recommendations on how to choose the best dish soap. “Find the best option for your materials within your budget,” says Cohoon....

In the same way that hiring a personal trainer isn’t going to help you reach your health goals unless you put in the work, downloading a home organization app isn’t going to make a clutter issue disappear without some effort from you (and anyone else who lives in the home). Fortunately, helpful organizing apps make the process easier; they can even offer personalized tips and tricks along the way or help refine and polish an already successful organizing system....

Finding your signature scent typically takes a lot of trial and error, but signing up for a perfume subscription allows you to sample a variety of scents before settling on a favorite. Instead of purchasing a full-size bottle of designer perfume only to discover that you hate how it smells, these scent clubs send you travel-size perfumes to try out each month. Hundreds of designer fragrances from the likes of Marc Jacobs, Burberry, and Gucci can be added to your monthly order....

To help us figure out how to organize our closets quickly and easily with the help of closet organizers, we spoke to organizing expert Cassandra Aarssen, the host of HGTV’s Hot Mess House. One thing she stressed to us is that “organizing isn’t one-size-fits-all” and that what works for one individual may not work for another. “Organizing depends on each person’s personality, habits, and overall organizing style”, she says. “The storage solutions and organizers that you choose for your closet should match your organization style, which is how you naturally sort and store your things....

We researched dozens of dusters, evaluating them on material, durability, ease of use, and effectiveness. Our top picks include feather dusters, microfiber cloths, compressed air dusters, extendable dusters, and more. Read on for the best dusters for every type of dusting job, whether you need to clean your ceiling fan, bookshelves, laptop, or furniture. These cloths are great multitaskers as well, as they can clean dry or with liquid cleaners for streak-free and lint-free results....

However, many rolling storage carts can pull double duty around the house, such as those with countertops that serve as kitchen islands. Or if space is your biggest limitation, you’ll find narrow storage carts that fit snugly into the odd, unused spaces and crevices in bathrooms, laundry rooms, and kitchens. To determine the best rolling storage carts, we devoted hours to researching the top-rated options, considering the best material, shape, and size for different use contexts....

Who it isn’t for: People with super small spaces.The Honey-Can-Do Gullwing Clothes Drying Rack can fold out to 46 linear feet of space, making it easy to dry every type of clothing. The alloy steel material is lightweight, durable, and easily folds into a three-inch profile so you can store it behind a door or next to your washing machine. The top features metal bars for hanging or laying larger items, like towels....

We tested 28 of the best patio umbrellas in our Lab, evaluating them on design, effectiveness, protection, durability, and overall value. We also received expert tips from Jana Bryan, landscape design expert at Home Outside, an online landscape design service. “Consider the outdoor elements and find materials that will last,” suggests Bryan. “High-quality aluminum frames and fade-proof fabrics with UV protection are the most durable.” Our top pick, the Safavieh Athens Inside Out Crank Outdoor Umbrella has a unique double-sided fabric with a nautical design and provides substantial protection from the sun and other elements....

These days, it seems like every beauty product is marketed to serve another new, unique purpose that proves why you need it. So when I find a beauty multitasker that allows me to cut down on my existing products and live the minimalistic lifestyle of my dreams⁠—if even for a moment⁠—I pounce on it. The Alleyoop Multi-Tasker brush does just that. Why? Well, it’s a multitasker that actually works. Unlike those 2-in-1 products that end up not being effective at either purpose they’re touting, this brush is so useful that it eliminates the need to carry anything else....

Is there anything better than crispy french fries to go with a juicy grilled hamburger? Over the past few months we’ve had these air fryer fries at least weekly, if not more. They’re the best homemade french fries we’ve ever made and so much easier than deep frying. If you don’t have an air fryer, I’ve included instructions for baking as well! You’ll love this recipe because the air fryer fries take less than 30 minutes to make, the seasoning is simple yet flavorful, and they’re crispy on the outside and soft on the inside....

Meet the Dream Team: Nikki Boyd, Author of Beautifully Organized We fell in love with her organized drawers (which she shared in the February 2021 issue), so we had to find out what smart strategies she’d suggest for the Real Simple Home. Jennifer Davidson, REALSIMPLE.com Deputy Editor Web wizard by day, supermom of twin teen boys by night, Jennifer would like to keep her home clean without constantly getting on someone’s case....

From cubbies that let even little ones find their socks, to a rod extender that can accommodate a teen’s growing wardrobe, these clever kids’ closet organizers will see them through. And just think—with a closet this orderly, you’ll save so much time in the morning when your little ones can get dressed all on their own.

Pizza Loaf If I had to pick one meal to eat before I die, it would hands down be pizza loaf with striped delight for dessert. This is my all-time favorite meal and not just because it’s nostalgic for me, because it’s delicious. It’s like pizza and like a calzone but better. And the best part of it is that you can customize it to your favorite toppings. Just make a couple of different loaves from one batch of dough and keep everyone happy!...

Overwhelmed by the sea of red lipstick options at Sephora, I decided to consult with our resident lipstick pros, Real Simple beauty editors Heather Muir and Anneke Knot. They filled me in on the red lipsticks that have garnered (many) thousands of fans over the years. Of course I couldn’t keep this insider knowledge to myself—below are nine gorgeous red lipsticks with a cult following. To buy: $34, charlottetilbury.com. To buy: $18, glossier....

Just in time for swimsuit season, we sorted through hundreds of swimwear options to find suits meant to flatter women with different body types: those with large chests, those with a tummy they’d prefer to camouflage, those with full hips and thighs, and those with straighter shapes. So settle in with a beach read and a frozen drink—we’ll see you in the sand. To buy: $220; mimithelabel.com. To buy: top, $92, and bottoms, $75; shopbop....

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