The plug was extremely easy to set up. I’m horrible at reading instructions, but I paired it quickly with my Alexa app. The plug itself is small, so it fits into outlets easily and still allows you to plug other devices into the open outlet. Once everything was installed, I created some routines. The Christmas lights automatically go on each morning at 7 a.m. (I love waking up to a lit tree) and are off by 10 p....

If you haven’t yet heard of Teleties, here’s what you need to know: Like many other trending hair ties out there, their spiral telephone-cord-like design ensures that they’ll hold your hair securely without tangling, tugging, or creasing. Unlike the other options out there, however, Teleties come in tons of stylish colors and gorgeous patterns, so when you’re wearing one on your wrist, people will probably confuse it for a bracelet....

Actually, you don’t have to. People in both age groups are already reaching for face washes, gels, and creams with salicylic acid, a colorless, organic compound that smooths skin and unclogs pores. Because everyone deserves to put their best face forward, we asked aestheticians and dermatologists how salicylic acid can improve complexion and safeguard against breakouts. The Power of Salicylic Acid One of salicylic acid’s superpowers is that it can penetrate the sebum (an oily, protective barrier on your skin)....

Indeed, sugar lurks in more than just the obvious places like cake and candy. In fact, some seemingly healthy foods are packed with sugar. (And when it comes to sugar, less is usually more.) These sugary snacks often creep up on us during the holidays. To help offset our over-indulgence, we spoke with a nutrition expert who pointed out which foods we need to be aware of and how we can enjoy them anyway without the guilt....

We’ve made it! This is the final cookie recipe I’m going to share this year, and I’ve saved the best for last. Or something like that. Pretty sure these chewy molasses cookies and these orange sugar cookies were also my favorite. I kind of like just cookies apparently. I grew up in a family that loved Snickers Bars. I don’t even remember when it started by they’ve always been a favorite of my mom’s and my older brothers, so I’ve had a lot of Snickers in my life....

Sweet Beet Veggie Smoothies Yes—it’s a kale smoothie, but in a beautiful garnet-colored disguise, thanks to the beets, blueberries, strawberries, and pomegranate juice. If you’re planning to enjoy this kale smoothie recipe in the a.m., get a jump-start on the morning’s prep by cooking the beets the night before. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use. Sweet Beet Veggie Smoothies recipe Salad Smoothie Think of this green smoothie recipe as a way to enjoy your favorite spinach salad with fruit—in a glass and on the go....

For the best experience with the Real Simple Home 360 video, click and drag within the frame to view the entire room. To start and stop the video, double-click within the frame. If you’re having trouble viewing the video, please click here. This year, we followed the designers as they made over their rooms from start to finish. Learn more about the designers, then click through to their videos to see a sneak peek of their design process and some of the DIYs (trust us, you won’t want to miss the bedroom’s stunning feature wall)....

Because location has such a big influence on the price of a home, what comes with the price tag is totally different for each home. The homes range in size from a 929-square-foot condo to a 3,588-square-foot new build, and each one has its own unique selling point. One has a pool, another has a custom wet bar, and one even comes with a country club membership. Would you choose the 120-year-old charming Massachusetts condo or the new build with a modern aesthetic in Kansas?...

Instead, invest in technology that yields similar results. Several time-saving apps and tools can help you get your life back. In fact, you can virtually outsource practically everything that eats up your time. Here are the best technology tools that can dramatically streamline the things you need to do daily. Install the Freedom app on your device, which means no more milling about—and certainly no more relying on willpower. Scheduled and automatic blocking of websites, pop-ups, and internet access means that you can’t derail your day....

In the book, Anita shares some of the tried-and-true techniques that worked for her therapy clients, including the Ski Slope Method of organizing. For anyone who feels stuck at the starting line when it comes to cleaning up, this tidying technique will help get you going. Read on for Anita’s guide to the Ski Slope Method, below, then grab a copy of Home Therapy to design your way to a happier home....

Michael Benevides, Vice President of Portugalia Marketplace, says there are certain factors you should consider before you decide on a gift basket. “[This includes] the recipient’s interests and taste, the theme (e.g., should the food be sweet, savory, or both?), the quantity of products (e.g., a basket with few higher-priced items or one with many less expensive ones?), whether there will be perishable offerings, and how the gift will look when the recipient opens it,” he says....

To find the best makeup brush cleaners, we spent hours researching the top cleaners and evaluating them on their formula, ingredients, ease of use, and price. We also spoke with Anisa Telwar Kaicker, founder and CEO of ANISA Beauty and Anisa International. For the best clean, use “lukewarm water and a lightly foaming cleanser,” says Kaicker. “If you’re dealing with intensive product buildup, an antibacterial dish soap can also help to remove bacteria and oil....

To help, we researched a variety of picks, keeping in mind style, size, and material. Overall, the best calendar is the Minted Simple Statement Calendar. The calendar is offered in two sizes and three colors, so you can choose which suits your space. Plus, you can add your own photos to each page and even customize the cover text. Read on to see even more of our top calendar picks....

To find the best outdoor Christmas lights, we spent hours researching the options on the market while considering factors like bulb type, power source, safety testing, and length. We also received tips from Stefan Bucur, home decor expert and founder of Rhythm of the Home, on how to shop for outdoor lights. “Outdoor Christmas lights are generally more durable and waterproof so they can be considered better, especially if the manufacturer confirms that they can be also safely used indoors,” says Bucur....

When looking for the best kitchen trash can for your space, it’s important to keep in mind both look and function. If you have small kids or pets, for example, you’ll want to find a trash can with a lockable lid, or if you’re leaving your trash can out in the open, you’ll want something stylish to store away your garbage. Overall, the best kitchen trash can is the Simplehuman Rectangular Step Trash Can because it is made of stainless steel and features a silent close lid, a strong steel pedal, and a removable liner bucket that makes clean-up efficient and easy....

“It’s important for a bird feeder to be high quality and durable, constructed of a material like recycled plastic or metal so it won’t fall apart over time,” says Kate Furtaw, owner of the East Lansing, Michigan, location of Wild Birds Unlimited. “They should also be easy to take apart or break down for [routine] cleaning.” The best bird feeders are designed to attract specific bird species such as hummingbirds, finches, or orioles....

To speed up your shopping process, we researched dozens of bedding brands and stores and vetted them for material quality, product variety, certifications, and return policy. For more insight on what to consider when buying new bedding, we’ve also turned to Andrea May, interior designer at Andrea May Interiors. “Buy the best quality sheets for your budget,” May says. “[And] forget uber thread count. Thread count has been hyped, but it’s less important than material content....

We don’t know how long many of these deals will last, and several are selling quickly. Keep reading to shop the best after Prime Day deals below. Best Home Deals Some of the best deals to shop over Prime Day have been on home appliances, furniture, and decor. There’s never been a better time to snag a robot vacuum for over $100 off, or a new area rug with prices starting at under $30—like this best-selling one from Artistic Weavers that’s up to 63 percent off....

Who it isn’t for: People who don’t want an aluminum baking sheet.McKenney tells us that one of her favorite baking sheets to use are from Nordic Ware. “[Nordic Ware baking sheets] are excellent quality and have stood the test of time (and very frequent use),” she says. Our tester also confirmed the quality of these baking sheets, saying that they performed “perfectly” through all of our tests. The cookies came out “evenly browned”, while the potatoes didn’t stick to the surface one bit, both while flipping midway through cooking and in the end when they were fully roasted....

To help you choose the best milk frother, we tested 26 models in our Lab, assessing them on usability, design, performance, and range of features. In addition to Han, we spoke to two other coffee experts to get their input on what makes a quality milk frother: Bailey Manson, the Director of Innovation at Intelligentsia Coffee, and Josey Markiewicz, Senior Director of Coffee Quality at La Colombe. Our top pick is the ElitaPro Double Whisk Handheld Milk Frother for its affordable price point, ability to produce quality foam from different milk types, and its extra features, including a stand for your countertop and an additional whisk attachment....