Newsletters

Sarah Magnuson

Chicago, IL

Sarah Magnuson is a Chicago-based, Rockford, Illinois-born and bred writer and comedian. She has bachelor’s degrees in English and Sociology and a master’s degree in Public Service Management. When she’s not interviewing real estate experts or sharing her thoughts on laundry chutes (major proponent), Sarah can be found producing sketch comedy shows and liberating retro artifacts from her parents’ basement.
25 Ways to Make Your After-Work Hours Feel Like Weekends
Living
Here’s how to separate your 9-5 from your 5-9.
Sarah Magnuson
May 11, 2023
The TikTok Grocery Hack That Saved Me $12 in the Cheese Aisle
Living
It chopped the cost of my charcuterie board in half.
Sarah Magnuson
Apr 27, 2023
5 Ways Debby Ryan and Josh Dun’s Home Completely Disregards Resale Value
REAL ESTATE
It’s a masterclass in leaving your mark (and not caring about a renovation’s ROI).
Sarah Magnuson
Apr 18, 2023
The Cheap, Retro Staple That Saves Me Space in Every Room
Living
It's overlooked — but it shouldn’t be!
Sarah Magnuson
Apr 18, 2023
The One Tool a Chef Says to Banish from Your Kitchen Counters
LIving
It’s taking up space and ruining your tools.
Sarah Magnuson
Apr 17, 2023
3 Projects to Prioritize If You're Not Living in Your "Forever Home"
These investments are perfect for our "for now" home.
Sarah Magnuson
Mar 18, 2023
The Simple, Low-Waste Kitchen Swap That Makes Me Feel So Fancy
I always thought I had to have a formal dining room to have this.
Sarah Magnuson
Mar 13, 2023
9 Soothing, No-Thinking-Needed Activities to Do When You Just Can't Anymore
Try these when your mind just needs a rest.
Sarah Magnuson
Feb 27, 2023
I Asked a Bartender What My Small Bar Cart Absolutely Needs
Here's what he said.
Sarah Magnuson
Feb 25, 2023
My "Meat Provided, Bring a Side" Party Invite Rule Makes Hosting a Breeze
Attempting to be an overly gracious “cool host” is a fruitless endeavor.
Sarah Magnuson
Feb 22, 2023
The Houseplants a Home Stager Always Puts in Bedrooms
Here's why.
Sarah Magnuson
Feb 14, 2023
The $10 Life-Changing Bathroom Product I Wish I’d Purchased Years Ago
The ultimate sidekick for stinky situations.
Sarah Magnuson
Feb 11, 2023
7 Affordable Kitchen Tools Under $30 a Chef Always Buys from Amazon
Including the only dish towels you'll need.
Sarah Magnuson
Feb 5, 2023
The Simple (But Super Fun) Game My Husband and I Always Play
It passes the time in the best way.
Sarah Magnuson
Jan 24, 2023
The One Area Rug a Home Stager Gets Asked About the Most
It's a crowd-pleaser.
Sarah Magnuson
Jan 11, 2023
I Sent a Chef Photos of My Utensil Drawer — Here's What He Told Me to Get Rid Of
Here are the 3 things I got wrong — and one I got right.
Sarah Magnuson
Jan 9, 2023
Why I Traded My Traditional Christmas Tree for a Bright Pink, Plastic One
It marries the best of Kitschmas past and present.
Sarah Magnuson
Dec 10, 2022
I Regret Ignoring My Mom’s Advice After Buying My First House
Here's why.
Sarah Magnuson
Dec 9, 2022
6 Things I’ll Never Do as a Neighbor
Because I learned the hard way.
Sarah Magnuson
Dec 2, 2022
I Sent a Chef Photos of My Countertops — Here's What He Told Me to Get Rid Of
The three things I got wrong about my kitchen counters — and two I got right.
Sarah Magnuson
Dec 2, 2022
7 Non-Competitive Games to Play with the Family Member Who Can't Accept Defeat
Try these cooperative games to keep the peace at the dinner table.
Sarah Magnuson
Nov 8, 2022
My Therapist Urged Me to Update My Childhood Bedroom — And It Was So Worth It
I've never felt so at home.
Sarah Magnuson
Nov 3, 2022
Why Biophilic Design Is the Newest Trend in Real Estate
Ever heard of it?
Sarah Magnuson
Aug 21, 2022
How I Use a "Ready Action" List to Organize My Home Without Tearing it Apart
The unlikely way my therapist taught me to stay organized ... using Dungeons & Dragons.
Sarah Magnuson
Aug 18, 2022
Why Planning a "Suburbs Day" Is the Perfect Way to Unwind
Real Estate
Just because you’re a city mouse doesn’t mean you can’t also enjoy a little leisure time as a suburb mouse.
Sarah Magnuson
Aug 17, 2022
10 Affordable Life-Changing Household Items I Wish I’d Purchased 10 Years Ago
How did I live all these years without this $2.50 staple?
Sarah Magnuson
Aug 16, 2022
I Sent a Home Stager Photos of My Kitchen
Here's what she told me to get rid of.
Sarah Magnuson
Aug 8, 2022
The Effortless Thing I Did to Solve My Plastic Bag Collection
No more crinkly grocery bag woes for me.
Sarah Magnuson
Aug 3, 2022
This $10 Target Candle Smells Exactly Like Abercrombie & Fitch in the Best Way
No trip to the mall needed.
Sarah Magnuson
Aug 2, 2022
7 Grown-Up Back-to-School Items to Add to Your IRL Shopping Cart
Adults, it’s time to take back back-to-school shopping.
Sarah Magnuson
Jul 30, 2022
7 Suburbs Made Famous by Iconic Movies and TV Series
News
With stories that portray real human struggles and complicated characters.
Sarah Magnuson
Jul 28, 2022
I Bought My First Home 9 Months Ago — Here's What I Wish I Did Differently
There are 3 things I want to warn you about.
Sarah Magnuson
Jul 19, 2022
I Asked 5 Self-Proclaimed Sweaty People How They Survive the Summer Heat
Here's how to go "AC hopping" this summer, according to summer heat haters.
Sarah Magnuson
Jul 10, 2022
The Hygge-Loving Reason I Still Have a "Christmas Tree" Lit Up in July
Why not enjoy a very merry summer?
Sarah Magnuson
Jul 5, 2022
The History Behind That Ubiquitous Red, White, and Blue Bunting
It's everywhere in the summertime.
Sarah Magnuson
Jul 4, 2022
I'm an Anxious Traveler and This Is How I Make A Foolproof Packing List
The only way I’ve been able to embrace wanderlust while mitigating my fears is to be prepared — and for me, that means strategic packing. 
Sarah Magnuson
Jun 17, 2022