A couple of weeks before our Europe trip, I asked people for recommendations on the best travel shoes. I’d heard a ton of great things about Tieks from friends (mostly how cute they are) and wanted to see if they were worth the cost. AKA would they save my feet from the aching pain I normally feel after walking a couple of miles on uneven ground. The response was underwhelming and mixed....
To buy: $45; amazon.com. Made with adjustable straps, buttons at the sides, a huge front pocket, two back pockets, and two side pockets, Luvamia’s overalls are ideal for holding all your essentials like phones, keys, cardholders, and more. If you already love overalls, you know how versatile these pieces are when it comes to pairing with a variety of closet basics you already have: Just dress it up with a turtleneck for something warmer on chilly days, a white t-shirt for a classic look, or pair with striped long-sleeve shirts and heels for a simple yet stylish outfit....
Twice-baked sweet potatoes combine everything you love about a vegetarian burrito—except instead of a jumbo-size tortilla and rice, you’re enjoying a nutrient-dense sweet potato. And though they do take two trips to the oven, the second “bake” is actually a broil, so you’ll likely be digging in in less than an hour. Grab the full recipe for Cheesy Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes With Black Beans and Avocado, or follow these steps to customize your own:1....
Instead of simply masking odors, the carpet deodorizer deeply embeds into your carpet fibers to eliminate musty smells. It fights a variety of smells caused by pets, food, moisture, and even smoke, leaving only the fresh scent of tropical fruits behind. Just sprinkle it on your carpet, wait a few minutes, then vacuum the powder. The refresher can also be used on your upholstery, car interior, and drapes for a scent that lasts in all facets of your home....
To buy: From $15; amazon.com. To use the Gorilla grip pad, all you have to do is place it between your mattress topper and your bed (or couch cushion and couch frame) and the slip-resistant material on the pad will hold onto the cushion to keep it in place. Although the Gorilla Grip pad comes in various sizes, you can also easily cut it into the shape you need, making it a versatile tool to hold down other items in the house you don’t want to slide around—like that porcelain vase or your favorite decorative candle on your nightstand....
Their home, which they share with their two little girls and a cat, was set in a neighborhood that exemplified all the benefits of age. Mature trees lined streets filled with eye-catching historical details, but none of the ones worth saving were anywhere near this kitchen. “It had been redone sometime in the ’80s with little thought to layout and storage,” Rawes notes. “One of its biggest downsides was that it was cut off from the larger living area by a peninsula....
I was fairly open in terms of color and style, but I knew that I needed a spacious organizer that could hold not just earrings (as is the case for many stands), but also my necklaces, rings, and bracelets, plus miscellaneous items like my watch and extra earring backs. I also didn’t want anything that cost a fortune or required a ton of assembly, because despite it being a “present,” our money is shared, and I have the handiness of, well, an extremely non-handy person....
“I designed this project from just a footprint of raw space,” she says. “I wanted it to be both practical and playful, starting with puffer fish wallpaper in deep gray and off-white as the focus.” That puffer fish wallpaper, created by Abnormals Anonymous, was specifically chosen for its statement-making appeal, and set the tone for all other decisions. “Although this paper is quite whimsical, it has an elevated color palette,” she says....
The contoured knee pillow fits comfortably between the legs, offering achy joints a cushion that stays in place all night long. The brand says that the pillow helps alleviate pain caused by arthritis, migraines, leg and back injuries, bursitis, and sciatica, and it’s something all types of sleepers can use (side, back or stomach). Shoppers recuperating from surgery, those who are pregnant, and anyone who feels discomfort in their legs while sleeping can benefit from the knee pillow because it helps to properly align your hips and spine and reduces bone-on-bone stress, Cushy says....
Yes, the weather is warming up and you’re probably not rushing to stand in front of an electric heater right now, but you can enjoy this media center year-round. The electric fireplace feature has separate settings for the artificial flames and the actual heat, meaning you can enjoy a cozy faux fire in the summer and warm roaring flames in the winter. The entertainment center has a rugged look defined by its distressed wood exterior and metal hardware....
“Sometimes you want tile to be the statement in the room, and sometimes you want it to work in harmony with other dramatic accents in a room,” says Orlando Soria, interior designer, author, and TV host. In order to determine the best tile pattern for your project—whether it’s for a kitchen backsplash, a living room floor, or a bathroom vanity—it’s best to know what your options are. Soria discusses how to think of tiles like a designer, so that you can approach your search for something on-trend and on-brand with confidence....
Another tile pattern that’s been around for more than a century: penny tiles. First made of unglazed white porcelain in the early 1900s, these small circular tiles have been a popular choice for bathroom floors for decades. To maintain a timeless style, opt for penny tiles in neutral colors and classic materials. If you’re not afraid to pick up a paintbrush, go ahead and brush on a trendy hue. Fortunately, paint is the easiest and most affordable way to change your bathroom’s design....
We asked the Master Chefs of Le Cordon Bleu London to share their favorite (and most surprising) tips they learned in culinary school, and they gave us some genius ideas for preparing and delivering a fabulous summer barbecue. Whether you’re an expert already or are new to the glory that is grilling, these tips from the Master Chefs of Le Cordon Bleu London will give you something juicy to sink your teeth into....
To buy: $38, anthropologie.com. To buy: $32, anthropologie.com. To buy: $48, anthropologie.com. To buy: $15, anthropologie.com. To buy: $8 for 2, anthropologie.com.
Many winners of the 13th Annual Customer Choice Awards are tried-and-true classics, but some are trendier, newer options, or even some products that aren’t necessarily offered at all stores. In the announcement of the winners, the grocery store chain does note that availability of all items is not guaranteed, especially when it comes to seasonal favorites, so don’t be surprised if you have to wait until the next holiday to get your hands on certain items....
Shopping tip: unsweetened toasted flaked coconut is available at some supermarkets if you want to cut a step.
In addition to the basic attachments, there are a few you’ll want to purchase separately, depending on your cleaning needs. Can’t get the dust off your ceiling fan without having to climb to the top of a ladder? There’s a fan blade duster that makes it easy to reach that high spot without risking a fall. If you’re having trouble maneuvering your normal hose attachment around nooks of light fixtures and car-door compartments, invest in a multi-angle brush that will also keep the dust off your blinds and crown molding....
