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Ashley Abramson's Recent Articles
Page 12
10 Quotes That Will Empower You to Declutter Anything
“Tidying is the act of confronting yourself.” —Marie Kondo.
Ashley Abramson
Sep 4, 2019
There’s a Surprising Source for Truly Powerful Cleaning Tools—And It’s Right Around the Corner
When it comes to getting things done around your home, sometimes convenience and versatility are the magic words.
Ashley Abramson
Aug 22, 2019
What’s So Great About the SNOO? And Why Does Everyone Want One at Home?
Here's what's smart about this smart sleeper: The SNOO detects fussing or crying and can get baby back to sleep, so parents can make dinner or take a much-needed nap.
Ashley Abramson
Aug 17, 2019
We Found The Perfect Thing to Organize Your Home, Based on Your Enneagram Personality Type
If you’re befuddled by the amount of organizing products out there, your personality might be a good compass to find just the right solution for your lifestyle.
Ashley Abramson
Aug 14, 2019
You Can Turn Off Those Annoying iPhone Pop-ups With One Click
Screen time is already distracting enough; who needs a distraction within a distraction?
Ashley Abramson
Aug 5, 2019
8 Products You Should Try (Under $20!) If You’re Always Losing Things
Losing things isn’t just inconvenient—it can get expensive!
Ashley Abramson
Aug 4, 2019
10 Affordable Cleaning Products You Should be Buying at Costco
If you’re a Costco cardholder (or convinced you should be after reading this article) here are some home cleaning items you should definitely be buying.
Ashley Abramson
Aug 3, 2019
How to Give Yourself an Attitude Adjustment, In Just 5 Minutes
When you're ready for a quick, effective attitude adjustment, here are a few expert-suggested strategies for re-examining your outlook, anywhere, anytime.
Ashley Abramson
Aug 1, 2019
3 Cleaning Secrets You Should Borrow from People Who Love White Sofas
A white couch can make a room feel instantly larger. But if you have a child, a pet, or a thing for red wine, you’re probably hesitant about incorporating a white upholstery into your home. Here's why you shouldn't be.
Ashley Abramson
Jul 27, 2019
5 Messes You Should Never Try to Clean Up With a Vacuum
To protect the integrity of your vacuum (and prevent an even bigger mess!) there are some things you’ll want to avoid altogether.
Ashley Abramson
Jul 22, 2019
Your Car’s Cup Holders Are Gross—But This Quick Sock Trick Will Clean Them in 10 Seconds
Who knew the average car is just as dirty—if not even dirtier—than the messiest areas of your home?
Ashley Abramson
Jul 21, 2019
Turn On the “Dinner Party” iPhone Setting to Be a Better Guest
We call it the “Dinner Party” setting, but this trick could come in handy anytime you want alerts without potentially disruptive sound or vibrating, or if you're in a loud place.
Ashley Abramson
Jul 16, 2019
The Perfect Laundromat Doesn’t Ex— Wait, It’s Beautiful, Comfortable, AND Has Free Detergent??
What does it mean to modernize laundry? First, create an environmentally and health-friendly way to wash. And, second, make it fashion.
Ashley Abramson
Jul 10, 2019
An Easy Amazon Hack to Help You Use That Last 67 Cents on Your Prepaid Gift Card
Prepaid gift cards are great, but once the balance is down to a small amount, your once-coveted cash alternative inevitably accumulates dust in your wallet. Don't let your precious pennies go to waste.
Ashley Abramson
Jul 10, 2019
The First 15 Things You Need to Do to Declutter Your Entire Life
Here is a step-by-step guide to decluttering your life and improving your sense of well-being—one section at a time.
Ashley Abramson
Jul 8, 2019
A Laundry Expert Reveals How to Clean the Top 7 Stains that Happen During the Summer
Why is it that the best things about warmer weather—backyard grill-outs, picnics at the park, sunscreen-slathered beach days—also come with the toughest-to-remove stains?
Ashley Abramson
Jul 3, 2019
6 Ways Just Writing Down Your Routines Will Make You More Productive—And then Some
If you want to get even more out of your personal rhythms, try writing them down.
Ashley Abramson
Jun 29, 2019
5 Morning Activities You’ll Find in Successful Peoples’ Routines
According to a survey of 1,000 people, those who claimed to have a consistent set of morning habits earned an average of $12,500 per year more than those who didn’t.
Ashley Abramson
Jun 26, 2019
3 Tips from a Microbiologist That Will Change the Way You Think About “Clean”
A surface that appears “clean” (your toilet is the perfect example!) isn’t necessarily free from bacteria.
Ashley Abramson
Jun 23, 2019
10 Affordable Organizing Classics That Will Never Go Out of Style
If you're searching for storage solutions and organization tools, look no further than these affordable organizing classics so versatile and functional they'll work in any apartment—and any decade.
Ashley Abramson
Jun 22, 2019
A Cleaning Expert Weighs in on the Best, Most Efficient Ways to Vacuum Any Room
If you’re looking to take your vacuum game to the next level—and save a little time—you can certainly employ some strategy.
Ashley Abramson
Jun 18, 2019
The Science Behind Sleeping with Socks On
Like politics, finances, and religion, sock-sleeping is one of those topics you want to avoid at the dinner table, unless you're ready for a heated debate.
Ashley Abramson
Jun 13, 2019
Poshmark’s New “Home Market” Will Help You Declutter More Than Your Closet
Good news for decor lovers and side hustlers alike: Poshmark has expanded beyond the closet and into the home.
Ashley Abramson
Jun 11, 2019
5 Questions You Need to ask Yourself Before You Buy Power Tools in 2019
The ecosystem of power tools these days means buying a drill isn’t just buying a drill; you’re committing to an entire universe of tools. Here's how you can make the smartest purchase.
Ashley Abramson
Jun 6, 2019
An Hour-by-Hour Roadmap to Your Most Productive Day Ever
If your daily routine could use a little optimizing, here’s a science-backed template.
Ashley Abramson
Jun 5, 2019
This Airfare Expert Shares His Top 6 Tips Every Bargain Lover Should Know About Air Travel
Traveling on a budget isn’t necessarily easy, but it’s definitely not impossible — especially if you get a little strategic.
Ashley Abramson
Jun 4, 2019
Master This 10-Second Hack for Removing Lint When You Don’t Have a Lint Roller
The process of making your very own, super-powered lint roller is simple.
Ashley Abramson
Jun 2, 2019
5 Common Myths About Composting at Home (It’s Easier and Less Smelly Than You Think)
In honor of National Composting Day on May 29, we spoke to some experts to help break down common myths about composting, including how to do it in an apartment.
Ashley Abramson
May 29, 2019
This One-Click Setting Will Instantly Improve Your iPhone Photography
If you want to boost your photo game to the next level, there’s a simple way to take balanced, professional-looking iPhone pics.
Ashley Abramson
May 22, 2019
Financial Infidelity Is a Common Relationship Problem—Here’s How to Deal With It
What to do when your partner is lying about money.
Ashley Abramson
May 13, 2019
There's One Country Where It's Illegal to Name Your Child "IKEA"
But here are a few other IKEA-inspired baby names you could use instead (some assembly required).
Ashley Abramson
May 6, 2019
Why I Moved My City Family to the Suburbs
Living in the city—any city—has a way of instilling a certain sense of pride in a person. And I don’t mean the endearing kind of pride, like an excitable sports fan or a doting parent. I mean the kind of self-righteous, sneering pride that makes promises it can’t keep simply to uphold its reputation. My promise as a city-dweller was that I would never, ever move my (yet-to-be-established) family to the suburbs.
Ashley Abramson
May 3, 2019
One Good Reason Not to Throw Out Those Mesh Produce Bags
Repurposing your household items doesn’t just reduce waste—it saves money, too. That’s the good news. The great news is: You don’t have to be super crafty to reap the benefits of creative reuse. If you think you’ve got the chops (read: literally five minutes) for a super quick, easy, and clever home project, we’ve got just the kitchen DIY for you.
Ashley Abramson
May 3, 2019
There’s A Psychological Reason You Want to ‘Nest’
My house has never looked better than it did in the third trimester of my pregnancy. My kitchen cabinets and bedroom closet were organized, my carpets and counters were clean, and my living spaces were decked out with the latest mid-century pieces from Target and CB2. As I deep-cleaned and primped my home prior to the baby’s arrival, I knew exactly what was happening: I was nesting. (And then the baby came, and all bets for a clean or well-designed home were off.
Ashley Abramson
May 3, 2019
If You Ever Spill While Cooking, You Should Stash Some Chalk in Your Kitchen
You know how weightlifters and gymnasts use chalk powder to keep their sweaty hands dry? The same principle carries over with all kinds of grease (dry shampoo, anyone?). Next time you find yourself with an oil splatter or greasy stain on your favorite top, trade in your stain stick and try pre-treating with a little chalk instead. Like baby powder, chalk is ultra-absorbent, making it a must-have to keep on hand for bacon grease splatters and lipstick marks alike.
Ashley Abramson
May 3, 2019
I Wore Blue Light Glasses Every Day for a Week and Here’s How I Felt at the End
As a freelance writer, I spend the better portion of my week staring at screens. Add in my post-dinner social media scroll ritual and my weekly Netflix binges, and I’m pretty much a walking blue-light zombie—which isn’t necessarily a major concern, in and of itself. During the day, the wavelengths emitted from computer, TV, and phone screens can actually boost attention, reaction times, and mood.
Ashley Abramson
May 3, 2019
7 Surefire Ways to Fail at Your New Year’s Resolution
Maybe you want to pay off debt or cushion your savings in 2019. Perhaps you want to get to that yoga class you’ve been meaning to go to, or try to cook healthier meals. No matter what your New Year’s resolution is, now’s the time to be proactive in planning: A whopping eighty percent of New Year’s resolutions fail by February. Want to make sure you stay disciplined and dedicated to the goals you’ve set for 2019?
Ashley Abramson
May 3, 2019
6 New Year’s Resolutions Sure to Turn Your Black Thumb Green
Deciding you want to “be a better plant parent” is a great goal, but it’s kind of a dud of a New Year’s Resolution. The best resolutions are small, specific, measurable, and something you can write down and track. So if a green thumb is on your goals list for this year, try reframing your ambition into something more tangible. Here are a few simple-but-specific resolutions to set your black thumbs on the path to success (plus keep your fiddle-leaf fig alive and thriving).
Ashley Abramson
May 3, 2019
5 Small Steps to Get Over Your Money Anxiety, from the Author of “Bad With Money”
Podcaster and comedian Gaby Dunn never thought she’d write a book about money—let alone become a voice of financial literacy among millennials. For most of her adult life, Dunn didn’t understand her finances, mostly because she didn’t take the time to look at them. Weighed down by student loans and credit card debt, it was easier for her to leave mail unopened than face the grim reality inside the envelope.
Ashley Abramson
May 3, 2019
What to Buy to Take Care of Your Instant Pot
They call it the Swiss Army Knife of the kitchen for a reason: The ultra-functional, ultra-fast Instant Pot boasts seven functions, so you can saute your veggies, steam your rice, and pressure cook your protein in one, fell swoop. Sounds easy, right? For the most part, it is. While the Instant Pot is attractive in large part for its convenience, using it—and caring for it—comes with a bit of a learning curve.
Ashley Abramson
May 3, 2019
How Technology Is Changing the Way We Sleep
When it comes to sleep, there’s a reason technology gets a bad rap. Excessive screen time before bed can disrupt the body’s circadian rhythm by suppressing melatonin production—which means you might be better off delaying that late-night Insta-scroll until the daylight hours (or investing in a fancy pair of blue-light blockers). But there’s one tech trend that could have the opposite effect: Apps and products that use technology to help you sleep better.
Ashley Abramson
May 3, 2019
5 Ways to Appreciate Your Home Right Now, Flaws and All
There’s no shortage of advice about how to improve your home. While there’s nothing wrong with dreaming about your next house project, home-improvement FOMO doesn’t do anyone any favors. Enter the concept of Home Positivity: By focusing on the things that make your space uniquely home, you can cultivate contentment in it right now, without a trip to your local Lowe’s or Home Depot.
Ashley Abramson
May 3, 2019
7 On-Trend Gifts (Plus 2 Forever Classics) You’ll See on 2019 Wedding Registries
One of the first opportunities for couples to plan and envision their shared life and home, registering for the wedding is arguably the best part of engagement. But in an ever-growing sea of registry options, it can be hard to know where to begin. If you’re looking for ideas, here are some of the most on-trend wedding registry items of 2019, plus a few classics that will always be on top.
Ashley Abramson
May 3, 2019
It’s Time to Marie Kondo Your Inbox—Here Are 9 Proven Ways to Do It
There’s always that friend. You know, the one with 76 unheard voicemails, 150 unread texts, and—gulp—15,964 unread emails in her inbox. (Or maybe that “friend” is you.) Either way, keeping your inbox uncluttered or even reaching Inbox Zero can feel like impossible feats of #adulting. But digitally cleaning house doesn’t have to be your least favorite chore.
Ashley Abramson
May 3, 2019
Your Phone Needs Spring Cleaning, Too—Here Are 5 Things That Could be Slowing You Down
We have a step-by-step guide to get you started on a cleaner, smarter device.
Ashley Abramson
May 3, 2019
2 Simple Habits to Help You Avoid Some Way-Too-Familiar Email Mistakes
While email is a quick and convenient alternative to other forms of communication (especially if you dread phone calls), digital conversations come with their own unique inconveniences. If you’ve ever sent an email before you’re done writing it, replied all when you meant to reply to just one person, or copied your entire office on a juicy, personal email, you know exactly what we mean.
Ashley Abramson
May 3, 2019
This Pinterest-Favorite Laundry Trend Could Be Dangerous, Warns American Cleaning Institute
Move over, Tide Pod challenge, there’s a new laundry-related caution in town—but this time, it has to do with storage. Displaying laundry packets in jars may look pretty, but according to the American Cleaning Institute, decanting the pods can be dangerous with small children or elderly people in the home. In time for both spring cleaning and National Poison Prevention Week (March 17-24, 2019), the ACI launched its sixth annual Packets Up!
Ashley Abramson
May 3, 2019
Do You Really Need Both Dish Soap and Hand Soap in the Kitchen?
In the age of trendy multitaskers like concentrated cleaners, staying eco-friendly and saving money are, understandably, top priorities. If you can have one product that does a lot of things well, why spend your whole paycheck only to waste plastic and take up hard-fought storage space? Which begs the question: Do we really need both dish soap and hand soap in the kitchen if just one could do the trick?
Ashley Abramson
Apr 17, 2019