To find out what you should be looking for when shopping for the best earplugs, we spoke to Lee Fletcher, RHAD, BSHAA, principal audiologist at Regain Hearing in London. “Custom-made earplugs will provide the best protection and be more comfortable for extended periods,” says Fletcher. “However, if you want to purchase earplugs online or from a pharmacy, you need to check they are made for hearing protection.” Fletcher also suggests checking that the earplugs have a Noise Reduction Rating (NRR) of 20 decibels or more....

To find the best shower caddies, we dedicated hours to researching the most popular options on the market, considering factors like type, material, and size. We looked for thoughtful details like removable soap trays or holes for storing your favorite bottle of shampoo upside down, while also prioritizing criteria such as rust resistance and durability. For tips on how to choose and clean a shower caddy, we consulted cleaning and organization expert Jenn Lifford of Clean and Scentsible....

There are many different types of electric ranges with an array of features to choose from, such as convection technology, air-fry and broil settings, and ranges with double-ovens and induction cooktops. Stuart Eason, founder of professional appliance servicing company, Appliance Expert, says that one of the most important features to look for in a good electric range is a self-cleaning function. “The technology in self-cleaning ovens has been around for 40 years, and it really works,” he says....

To determine the best futons on the market, we spent hours researching, scouring user reviews, and considering factors such as size, comfort, material, folding mechanism, and style. For expert advice on how to choose and style the best futon for your space, we consulted Caron Woosley, founder and principal designer at CW Interiors, as well as Alessandra Wood and Karina Lameraner, vice president of style and senior creative director, respectively, at the online interior design service Modsy....

To buy: $41 (was $80); amazon.com. The breathable 250-thread-count sheet set comes with a fitted sheet, a flat sheet, and two pillowcases. It also has OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certification, which means it was tested for harmful substances and is safe for sensitive skin. The bamboo fiber is even softer than cotton and has a luxurious appearance despite its affordable price, and the sheets have a subtle weight to them that’s great for lulling you to sleep....

And no matter what your recipient is into—whether it’s a glass of wine, a classic set of sweets, or a bit of pop-culture fun, there’s a luxe advent calendar out there for them. Whether you opt for a 12-day or full 24-day version, order right now—many of the most popular ones sell out long before December! (And don’t forget to splurge on an adult advent calendar for yourself, too!) This generously sized wooden advent calendar gives off that cozy hygge/Scandi vibe....

It seems like a no-brainer that taking the time to tidy up your kitchen and place everything in convenient storage containers would clear out some room. It was only in doing some research and making the purchases that I saw results for myself. Keeping myself to a budget of under $150, I found some space savers that have made my kitchen seem a lot bigger, even without tearing down a wall....

The Best Coconut Rice Recipe I’ll let you in on a little secret, I almost always prefer the sides of a meal to the main dish. When we went to get barbecue for dinner last week everyone else ordered meat, meat, and more meat. And I ordered a three side dish – brussels sprouts, sweet potato fries, and mac and cheese. If I could, I would really eat just sides for every meal because they are my favorite part of the meal, well other than dessert of course....

The latest hack comes from comedian Jourdyn Jeaux Parks, and it solves a problem many cooks have encountered: mastering a foolproof method for making creamy, flavor-packed mashed potatoes. The trick? Boil the spuds in a mix of chicken broth (or beef stock) mixed with water, instead of plain water. That’s it. Simple, right? “I personally like the skin on my potatoes,” says Parks. “So I wash them and then rub them down with avocado oil....

In order to find the best moving companies around the country, our research team spent two months collecting data on nearly 20 movers, evaluating nationwide availability, featured services, price transparency, customer service accessibility, and many other factors. Check out our recommendations for local, long-distance, and international moves. Best Moving Companies of 2022 Best Overall: Atlas Van Lines Best for Long-Distance Moving: North American Van Lines Best for Local Moves: Allied Van Lines Best for International Moves: Mayflower Best for Small-Load Moves: Bellhop Best for Packing and Moving: Colonial Van Lines Best Moving Pod Company: PODS Best Car Shipping Company: United Van Lines Best Moving and Storage Service: Wheaton World Wide Moving Best Online Quote System: U-Pack...

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....

To help, we’ve gathered pro tips for booking the best airline prices during the holidays. Book Holiday Travel by the End of October for the Best Prices The best time to book tickets is ASAP if you want to save money on holiday travel. But vacation times and holidays can be hard to plan, so aim to book flights by October 31 for travel during Thanksgiving and Christmas. “After Halloween, prices will increase considerably as Thanksgiving gets closer,” says Phil Dengler, travel expert and co-owner of travel resource site The Vacationer....

That being said, you might want to think twice before purchasing conventionally grown strawberries, spinach, or kale. According to a new report from the Environmental Working Group (EWG), these foods are the most likely to be contaminated with synthetic pesticide residue—and nearly 70 percent of the fresh produce sold in the U.S. contains residues of these chemicals. “Many crops contain potentially harmful pesticides, even after washing, peeling or scrubbing, which the USDA does before testing each item,” states the EWG’s Shopper’s Guide to Pesticides in Produce....

To buy: $9 (was $18); amazon.com. “I love these sweatshirts! It’s a nice loose fit overall, it’s soft, the neck is wide enough to easily go over your head, and it doesn’t shrink,” shared a shopper who called the sweatshirt a “great buy” and noted that they already own three sweatshirts and plan to buy more. “This sweatshirt is extremely soft on the inside and comfortable to wear,” added another reviewer....

News flash: Whether you make it from a box or completely from scratch, the key to an indulgent, flavorful batch of macaroni and cheese is nutmeg. Just a ⅛-teaspoon of whole nutmeg grated on a Microplane transforms the ultimate comfort food dish into an even better version of itself. Even if you’re not going the whole nine yards by making your own decadent macaroni and cheese, you’ll be amazed at how freshly grated nutmeg can transform a basic box of shells and a powdered white cheddar cheese packet....

To buy: $53; amazon.com After three years of use, I can fully attest that the Lasko 2510 Oscillating Tower Fan hits the mark in all of these categories (plus a few more)—and over 14,000 five-star reviewers agree. One of the aspects that I love most is how incredibly quiet the fan stays, no matter what level of air speed I have it on. Whether it’s set to speed one, two, or three, it provides a tolerable level of white noise without disturbing sleep, TV time, or even Zoom meetings....

As a recent resident of New York City, I’m unused to having such a tiny, cramped apartment, so an exercise mirror sounded appealing for its two-in-one capability: It serves as functional decor and provides me unlimited access to over 10,000 live and recorded workouts. As a bonus, it’s currently $700 off from its original price of $1,495, making it an even more palatable option for those in a similar shoebox....

Clean a Mattress with Baking Soda To help freshen and deodorize your mattress, sprinkle the top of the mattress with a thin layer of baking soda. Lit it sit for five to ten minutes before vacuuming it off using the upholstery attachment of your vacuum cleaner. Clean Shoes with Baking Soda Keeping your white sneakers sparkling clean is an ongoing challenge. To clean white canvas shoes, combine 1 tablespoon baking soda, 2 tablespoons white vinegar, and 1 cup water....

If you typically lay your Apple Watch flat on your nightstand or desk to charge it, the cord is likely stretching from your watch to the plug. That leaves room for it to fall to the ground. Tranesca designed a stand that serves as a handy Apple Watch dock. It’s made from sturdy aluminum, and it’s only $9. To buy: $9; amazon.com. “This stand has been a lifesaver for me and my Apple Watch,” wrote one of the more than 2,600 five-star reviewers....

Napfun is focused on perfecting the travel neck pillow, developing the product with customer feedback in mind, according to the brand—and its memory foam design has almost 1,700 five-star reviews. The pillow is a standout because it’s designed to offer 360-degree support to your head and neck through seven specific points. Together, these points work to prevent your head, chin, and neck from falling or overextending into uncomfortable positions while you’re in a car, on a train, or on a plane....