Book cover of "The Joy of Leaving Your Sh*t All Over the Place" with doodles and text.
7 Books You Should Read After “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up”
If you aren’t already hip to the value of a good cleaning book, now’s the time to listen up. Along with offering useful housekeeping tips, these books often provide eye-opening philosophical insight about organizing your life. Case in point: Mary Kondo’s bestselling book “The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up: The Japanese Art of Decluttering and Organizing.
May 3, 2019
Start Breathing Better: How To Get Cleaner Air at Home
You don't have to be an allergy sufferer to reap the benefits of clean air at home.
May 3, 2019
Fashion Hacks: 9 Simple Ways to Customize Your Clothing
The new year is finally here and so are the latest trends. And while it’s fun to embrace all of the new cold-weather clothes, it can still be tough to set yourself apart from the rest of the fashion-savvy pack. That’s why it pays to find ways to personalize your wardrobe without sacrificing your style (or budget). With a little time and creativity, you can turn your basic apparel into an exclusive wardrobe that’s unique to you.
May 3, 2019
The Best-Kept Plant Lady Secret Is Something You’re Not Doing
Keeping your plants clean (and dust-free) is vital to their health and happiness. Along with attracting harmful pests, too much dust on your plant’s leaves can make it hard for your houseplants to absorb light and properly photosynthesize (remember that from elementary school?). That’s why experts recommend dusting off your plants at least once a month by using a clean microfiber cloth. But for the healthiest houseplants possible, the cleaning shouldn’t stop there.
May 3, 2019
How One Woman Launched the Trendiest Furniture Company of 2017
Time and time again, necessity proves to be the mother of invention. That’s certainly the case for Femke Furnée, founder of FEST Amsterdam. If you’re already hip to the awesomeness that is this Dutch home goods company, you’re definitely not alone, as the brand, in its four years of operation, has taken the design world by storm. But let’s go back to the beginning here.
May 3, 2019
Living in the Future: “My Plant Waters Itself”
Okay so I’m admittedly a bit of a black thumb. For starters, my apartment—like most in New York City—has windows that directly face the brick exterior of a neighboring apartment, which means natural sunlight is, well, reserved for time outdoors. Throw a busy schedule and life in the mix and remembering to water your succulents is not as easy as it sounds . So although it’s upsetting that I can’t even keep an air plant alive, it’s not terribly surprising.
May 3, 2019
Real Estate Experts On: Why Are Buyers So Freaked Out By Paint Colors?
It’s an old real estate trope, but it seems to be true: Paint color can heavily sway a prospective buyer’s opinion of a home. While a seller might think throwing a fresh coat of paint on the walls will boost the value of their property, in reality, doing so might actually leave a bad impression on buyers; depending on their individual tastes and styles.
May 3, 2019
You’re One Click Away From Never Forgetting Anything Again
The art of forgetting isn’t hard to master. No matter how organized and prepared we attempt to be, sometimes well, it happens. We forget stuff. But what if there was an iPhone app designed to ensure you don’t ever walk out the door without everything you need? Don’t Leave It! is a location-based reminder app that helps you keep track of your everyday necessities, so you always remember to take them with you when you leave. And best of all: it’s free.
May 3, 2019
One Smart Reason to Keep Your Empty Tissue Boxes
Empty tissue boxes: Can’t live with them, but can’t figure out anything to do with them once they’re empty (other than just tossing them). Luckily, we discovered an awesome reason to save your used tissue boxes from the recycling bin, and upcycle them into something more purposeful for your home. Use your empty tissue boxes to collect dryer lint, folks. Dryer lint! You know, that unsightly stuff you peel off the filter before you do a load of laundry?
May 3, 2019
You Should Keep a Rubber Glove Under Your Couch Cushions—Here’s Why
Seriously, stick a rubber glove under your sofa cushions and you'll never have to scold Fido for jumping on the couch again.
May 3, 2019
10 Under $10: Life-Saving Organizers for Serious Shoe Lovers
Too much of a good thing can be wonderful, especially when it comes to shoes. And while collecting cute pairs of kicks is almost as fun as wearing them, finding space-savvy (and cost-effective) ways to store them at home is a whole other story. Thankfully, the web is filled with affordable options for organizing a vast collection of footwear—it just takes a little research.
May 3, 2019
Quality Finds: 10 Crowd-Approved “Buy it for Life” Kitchen Essentials
As much fun as shopping can be, having to buy the same item over and over again is no bueno. That’s why it pays to know which products are actually worth the investment, especially when it comes to hardworking items for the kitchen. The commenters at Reddit know all about the importance of buying quality appliances up front. They started multiple “Buy It for Life” threads for this very reason.
May 3, 2019
The Best Day to Shop the IKEA As-Is Section
IKEA is a many-splendored place. Along with rows and rows of inexpensive but stylish furnishings, the mega-retailer also boasts a pretty impressive “as-is” section—filled with broken items, custom returns, and of course major markdowns. However, the only problem (like most hassles related to shopping at IKEA) is timing: figuring out the best day to show up to peruse these oft-ransacked shelves.
May 3, 2019
One Dirty Thing You Should Wash with Your Regular Laundry
We’ve all been there. After several loads of laundry, the measuring-cap-slash-lid on your detergent can get pretty grimy with gunky buildup. But thanks to a clever tip from Redditor bluechris11, we now know a solid way to quickly clean your gross detergent caps. Believe it or not, you can simply toss your dirty detergent cap in with your next load of laundry to give it a good wash.
May 3, 2019
You’re Probably Not Washing Your Throw Blanket Enough
If you’re anything like me, then you love cuddling up with plush throw blankets when you’re in bed (and on the sofa). But with all that close-knit nightly snuggling, it can be hard to figure out the right time to let go of your favorite throw and toss it in the wash. Luckily, we have laundry experts John Mahdessian, founder of Madame Paulette, and Kim Duk Won, owner of Manhattan’s Nordic Cleaners to call upon for help.
May 3, 2019
The Best Home Decor From H&M Home (According to These Designers)
Whether in-store or online, any fan of H&M Home will tell you it’s their one-stop shop for stylish and inexpensive home decor. However, what they won’t tell you is that figuring out what to buy when you’re overwhelmed with tons of options can be tricky, so it’s important to have an idea of what products you’re interested in ahead of shopping time.
May 3, 2019
9 Fascinating Facts About the Bachelor Mansion
Okay, I admit it: I love watching ABC’s The Bachelor. Not only does it offer up a superior mix of fantasy, romance, and of course, drama, the beloved reality series takes place in an over-the-top mansion, that we have to say, looks pretty design-savvy from our seats.
May 3, 2019
10 V-Day Gifts Under $10 for Your Many, Many Galentines
Whether you call them your besties, squad, or BFFs, they’re your closest friends and you love them more than anything. And just like anyone you truly adore, it’s only natural to want to spoil your squad on Galentine’s Day. However, sometimes, okay most of the time, our budgets aren’t nearly half as big as our hearts — and squads. And because you might have a bunch of gals to buy for (lucky you!
May 3, 2019
24 Modern & Unique Lighting Ideas for Your Kitchen
Bye bye, bad track lighting.
May 3, 2019
How to Hide 5 Unsightly Things Around Your Home
We’ve all been there. After decorating our dream living room/bedroom/kitchen, etc., we discover all kinds of unexpected eyesores—a.k.a. unsightly cords, wall outlets, radiators, etc.—that definitely weren’t a part of our design vision. So what to do when faced with unattractive (but oh-so-necessary) visual clutter? Don’t worry, we’ve got you. Read ahead for a handful of ways to conceal (and sometimes incorporate) five common eyesores around your home.
May 3, 2019
5 (Free) Apps that Will Guarantee You’re More Organized Next Tax Season
Tax prep can be a major drag. Along with gathering all of your W-2’s and interest statements, you have to organize a mountain of paperwork—think: receipts, expense reports, and so on—to file your taxes properly. Luckily, there are several smartphone apps designed to streamline the daunting process of preparing your taxes. From receipt organizers to mileage trackers, here are five foolproof (and totally free!) apps that will have you ready for tax season in no time.
May 3, 2019
10 Plant Paradises You Should be Following on Instagram
There’s no shortage of plant-obsessed accounts to follow on Instagram. The hashtag #plantsofinstagram alone produces more than 1 million posts, most of which come straight from the hands of plant parents across the globe. And if you’re anything like us, you depend on Instagram posts to help inspire and inform all of your gardening endeavors. So to ensure that your feed is always filled with helpful plant info, we rounded up 10 of the coolest plant accounts to follow on IG.
May 3, 2019
8 Eco-Friendly Things You Should Always Have in Your Bag
When you’re on the go all the time, it’s easy to be overly (almost accidentally) wasteful. Not-so-eco-friendly disposables—think plastic bottles of water, tissue, and shopping bags—often become the go-to when we’re running around in a rush. That’s why it pays to stock up on compact, eco-conscious items ahead of time, so they’re already in your bag in a pinch.
May 3, 2019
8 Streaming Documentaries That’ll Force Anyone to Watch Their Waste
A good documentary has the power to make you look at the world differently, and if it’s really impactful, might change the way you live your life. Case in point: Sustainability documentaries—like ones that educate viewers about the global effects of excessive trash and waste. Watch one stellar documentary about the importance of sustainability, and we can pretty much guarantee you’ll start thinking twice about all the stuff you throw away in a day.
May 3, 2019
10 Ways the Smartest People Spend Their Downtime
Life can get crazy. That’s why it’s important to take mental breaks from daily stress throughout the day. And while for some of us that might mean watching a mindless reality TV show or playing a silly iPhone game, there are also some more enriching ways to spend your downtime, when you feel so inclined. The next time you’re feeling overwhelmed by work or family, try calming yourself down with a more cerebral distraction.
May 3, 2019
8 Instagram Accounts That’ll Help You Save (Not Spend!) Money
Let’s be real: With all of the shoppable links and decorating inspo posts filling up our feeds, browsing Instagram usually makes us want to spend money more than save it. If your swipe-up-to-buy finger is itchy, you should add a few of these follows to your feed instead. Not only are they full of money-saving inspiration, they’ll also help you learn how to better balance and manage your bank account in the long run.
May 3, 2019
5 Secrets of People Who Give the Best Compliments
Whether it’s regarding an outfit, someone’s home, or a job well done, a good compliment can leave a big—and lasting—impression on its recipient. That’s why knowing how to give a stellar compliment is a skill that we can all stand to benefit from. Thankfully, we have Myka Meier, a former member of The Queen’s Household and the current etiquette expert behind Beaumont Etiquette to call upon for help.
May 3, 2019
7 Ways to Read Free Books Online (Without Leaving Your Couch)
Bookworms rejoice: There are tons of ways to read your favorite books online for free. From old-school classics to brand-new bestsellers, the web is brimming with books you can binge read from your smart device free-of-charge. We’ve rounded up some of the best places you can find books online for free. From Amazon to the Library of Congress, check out these seven awesome websites where you can read books for nothing—from the privacy of your own sofa.
May 3, 2019
You Need to See These Tiny Houses Decorated for the Holidays
The only thing better than a well-designed tiny home is one that’s dressed up in holiday decor. And thanks to the #tinyhousemovement—which advocates pared down living in small homes such as campers, Airstreams, and of course, tiny houses—sweeping social media, there’s no shortage of festively decorated mini-abodes to drool over on IG. Read ahead for seven tiny homes decked out in holiday decor we spotted on Instagram.
May 3, 2019
5 Thoughtful Secrets of the Best Gift-Givers
Whether it’s a holiday gift or a way to say thanks, a good gift can leave a big—and lasting—impression on its recipient. That’s why knowing how to give a stellar gift is a skill that we can all stand to benefit from. Thankfully, we have Myka Meier, the etiquette expert behind Beaumont Etiquette to call upon for advice. We asked Meier for a few strategies for giving better gifts and she had lots to share. Read on for five ways to up your gift-giving game this year.
May 3, 2019
10 Cool Gym Bags That Don’t Look Like Gym Bags
The only thing better than a good workout session is having a stylish—and functional—gym bag to stash your gear in. Unfortunately, gym bags that don’t look like, well, gym bags, are few and far between. So we rounded up 10 of the sleekest athletic bags on the web for you to drool over. From a quilted denim duffle bag to a pretty floral patterned stunner, here are 10 sporty bags that are chic enough to carry outside of the gym, too.
May 3, 2019
10 Ways to Celebrate National Houseplant Appreciation Day
The holidays may be over but there’s another uniquely important day to note on the calendar: January 10 is National Houseplant Appreciation Day, which means it’s time to celebrate the joys and benefits of tending to an indoor plant. Along with improving the air quality in our homes, houseplants make wonderful roommates—they’re quiet, easy to care for, and fun to look at—and NHAD is all about paying homage to their awesomeness.
May 3, 2019
Relationship Experts Reveal 6 Secrets for Valentine’s Day Gifts that Don’t Suck
With all the corny gift guide clichés and tacky holiday-themed products available this time of year, picking the perfect Valentine’s Day gift for your partner can be tricky. That’s why it pays to put a bit of thought into figuring out what constitutes a good gift ahead of time. To help, we called on two of our favorite New York City-based relationship experts: psychotherapist Lisa Brateman, and Dr. Jane Greer, author of “What About Me?
May 3, 2019
9 Rooms That Will Make You Want to Paint Your Floors
Caution: These stylish spaces may send you running for the nearest paint store.
May 3, 2019
13 Classic Kitchen Staples We’re Buying at IKEA for Under $10
The only thing better than a stylish kitchen utensil is one that didn’t cost you an arm and a leg. Luckily, IKEA is brimming with inexpensive, Scandi-style kitchen essentials that probably cost less than your fancy morning coffee. From wine racks to colanders, here are 13 go-to kitchen wares at IKEA for under 10 bucks.
May 3, 2019
What It Actually Means When Someone Says a Home Has “Good Bones”
We called on a real estate expert to help us break it down.
Apr 27, 2019
Rest Easy, These 9 Stylish Nightstands Will Only Set You Back $70 or Less
From mid-century-inspired styles to sleek end tables, here are nine finds that won't break your bank account.
Apr 27, 2019
These Affordable Accessories Prove Jewel Tones Aren’t Just for Winter
If you thought jewel tones were best reserved for cold weather decor, you are sorely mistaken. Inspired by the natural shades of gemstones, such as amethyst, sapphire, and ruby, jewel-toned homewares are a colorful way to jazz up your space anytime of year. Still not convinced? We rounded up some stylish, jewel-toned decor items at Amazon to prove our point. From an emerald-hued serving tray to a canary yellow accent chair, here’s what we found.
Apr 19, 2019
8 Over-the-Door Organizers That Will Instantly Double Your Storage
A good over-the-door organizer can be a game-changer when you aren't working with a ton of storage space.
Apr 11, 2019
Organize the Fridge, Support Your Plants, and 8 Other Things You Can Do with Free Chopsticks
Chopsticks are wildly useful little tools to keep handy. And while most of us save our spare ones, or buy a more permanent pair, there are all sorts of clever ways to use chopsticks around the house. From cleaning crevices to stirring paint, read ahead for 10 genius things you can do with an extra set of chopsticks. Searching for a foolproof way to deep clean tough to reach nooks and crannies?
Apr 9, 2019
10 Instagram Accounts to Follow If You’re Obsessed with Tiny Houses
There’s no shortage of tiny houses on Instagram. Just enter #tinyhousemovement into your IG search bar and you’ll find an ample array of tiny house living accounts, offering an endless amount of (super) small space design inspo. And even if you know deep down you’ll never take the tiny house plunge, that doesn’t mean you can’t live vicariously through someone who does.
Apr 4, 2019
6 Confidence-Boosting Tips to Remember The Next Time You Need to Be More Assertive
Standing your ground isn’t always easy. No matter how confident you feel about something, being openly assertive with others when communicating your needs is an entirely different beast. So we called on Antonia Di Leo, licensed therapist and clinical director of Andrea Cornell Family Therapy for advice on how to be more assertive from day-to-day.
Apr 2, 2019
The Coolest Ways to Update Your Home Bar for $10 or Less
A good bar setup at home ensures that you’re always ready for happy hour. Luckily, Amazon is brimming with cute and clever bar accessories—many of which are priced for 10n bucks or less. Read ahead for seven items that will transform your bar cart—for cheap. Looking for an easy way to squeeze some fresh lemon or lime into your cocktail? This savvy spritzer has serrated teeth, so you can stick it straight inside a piece of fruit and then spray away.
Mar 30, 2019
8 Superhero Cleaning Brushes That Save Time (and Effort!) All Over Your Home
Still using the same basic brushes to clean all the nooks and crannies of your apartment? You should know there’s a whole world of superhero brushes and scrubbers with all kinds of special features that will help cut your cleaning time in two. From soap dispensing dish brushes to a rechargeable spinning scrubber, here are eight cleaning brushes that will put your current basics to shame: Consider this soap-dispensing sink brush the Cadillac of dish brushes.
Mar 30, 2019
6 Stylish Accent Tables You Can Get on Amazon for Less Than $50
Accent tables can do a lot to make a room feel finished, but for such a small piece of your room, they can end up being surprisingly expensive. Fortunately, one of our favorite online retailers, Amazon, offers an impressive assortment of accent tables that are both super stylish and inexpensive. From a pair of nesting end tables to a two-tiered coffee table, here are some of the best accent tables under $50 on Amazon. The only thing better than a sleek and space-savvy end table is two of them.
Mar 13, 2019
Don’t Throw Away Your Old Mascara—It Could Save a Baby Duck!
If you thought your dried-out mascara wands weren’t good for anything but the trash can, think again. Thanks to Reddit user marilynbmonroe, the web is abuzz with a surprising—and potentially life-saving—way to repurpose your old mascara wands when you’re done with them. The Wands for Wildlife initiative is asking supporters to recycle their mascara wands to help save the lives of wild animals.
Mar 11, 2019
4 Smart Things to Do with Your Tax Refund, According to a Financial Planner
‘Tis the season for filing taxes and more importantly, receiving your tax refund. But before you go and blow it all on a trip to Tulum or a pricey pair of shoes—guilty!—you may want to consider some more productive ways to use your tax refund. We called on financial advisor Douglas A. Boneparth, CFP and President of Bone Fide Wealth for advice on how to smartly use our tax refunds, no matter how big or small the amount. But first: savings.
Mar 10, 2019
How to Deal With Being Homesick
We’ve all been there. Whether you’ve packed up your life for a cross-country move, or you’re just on an extended business trip, sometimes you can’t help but feel a little homesick. How can you cope when you’re yearning to be home and more importantly, what do these feelings even mean? We called on clinical psychologist Joshua Klapow, Ph.D., to help us break down everything we ever wanted to know about homesickness.
Mar 6, 2019