Which Dyson hair straightener is for you?

For the fourth time, Aevin Dugas set a Guinness World Record for the largest afro on a living human. Unfortunately, not everyone is blessed with award-winning natural hair. For most, a hair straightener is the way to go. Unfortunately, the chemicals and heat often used to accomplish this task may cause more harm than good. If you want to splurge on a method of straightening that offers reduced risks, two of the top models are the Dyson Airstrait and the Dyson Corrale. But which is best for you? To find out, BestReviews tested both products to find out how they differ.

Shop this article: Dyson Airstrait, Dyson Corrale and Dyson Airwrap

What is the Dyson Airstrait?

The Dyson Airstrait is a two-in-one hair care tool. It excels at being both a hair dryer and a hair straightener but has limited styling abilities when compared to the Corrale. The Testing Lab found the Airstrait doesn't offer a salon-style end-to-end straightening because it can't get close to the root. On the plus side, it leaves you with a much more natural look, which may be more desirable, depending on your styling goals.

One important feature BestReviews noticed was that the peak heat setting on the Airstrait was 285 degrees, while other heat-styling products on the market peak at around 400 or even 450 degrees. This can help you reduce hair damage.

However, the biggest benefit of using the Airstrait is it lets you dry and straighten at the same time, which can simplify your hair care routine and save time. The lab liked that this product was efficient even when used on thick, wavy, wet hair.

What is the Dyson Corrale?

Of the two products being compared, the Dyson Corrale is much more versatile for styling. You can use it to straighten, curl or add a body wave to your hair. It has a cord-free design and offers three temperature settings: 330, 365 and 410 degrees. It's important to understand that while the cordless design gives you freedom, it also adds weight.

BestReviews found the battery life is just long enough to let you get your task done — you have enough power to style your hair in one session, but barely. Also, the Testing Lab liked how quickly the Corrale heated up and how it did less visible damage to your hair than other models that they evaluated.

The three crucial differences between the Dyson Airstrait and the Dyson Corrale

Both of these products performed exceptionally well during testing, and they retail for exactly the same price. Even so, there are three crucial differences between the two that can help you quickly pinpoint which model you should splurge on.

• Style: The Airstrait is not as versatile as the Corrale when it comes to styling. If you need curls and waves, the Corrale is better suited for these tasks.
• Portability: Since the Airstrait is a corded device, you can't take it with you on your commute or use it anyplace that doesn't have an outlet. The Corrale is cordless. However, this is only important if you need to do straightening or styling on the go.
• Wet/dry hair: The whole purpose of the Airstrait is to dry and straighten your hair at the same time. By comparison, the Corrale only works on dry hair. If your hair will sometimes be wet when straightening, the Airstrait is the clear winner.

Best Dyson hair care products 

Dyson Airstrait
Dyson's Airstrait combines drying and straightening into one simple process. The Airstrait has several controls that let you set temperature, drying speed and more. It's gentle on your hair and gives you a natural-looking straight while reducing static and protecting your hair's shine.
Sold by Dyson and Saks

Dyson Corrale
The Corrale is the revolutionary styler that uses flexible plates and reduced heat to offer straightening and styling while protecting your hair. This cordless hair styling tool can be taken wherever you need to go to provide either a quick touch-up or a full straightening.
Sold by Dyson, Amazon and Walmart

Dyson Supersonic
If you just need a hair dryer, the Supersonic is the Dyson hair care product for you. Not only is it specifically built to protect hair from heat damage while drying, it has a number of magnetic attachments that make it suitable for a wide range of hair types.
Sold by Dyson, Amazon and Saks

Dyson Airwrap
This award-winning hair styling tool uses airflow technology to dry and create curls, smooth hair and hide flyaways without using extreme heat. This tool is best for people with longer-than-chest-length hair.
Sold by Dyson and Amazon 

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Copyright 2023 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.

Now that you’re headed to the office in warm weather, you’re probably wondering what you should wear to stay cool and comfortable on the commute. And of course, you’ll want something stylish yet professional — which means your summer work wardrobe needs to tick a lot of boxes.

Whether you’re building a capsule summer work wardrobe or you want to spruce up your seasonal staples, there are plenty of commuter-friendly options. From lightweight blazers to sophisticated flats, the sky’s the limit. 

Shop this article: Calvin Klein Textured Roll-Tab Button-Down Shirt, Alfani Tummy-Control Skinny Pants in Blue Geo Jacquard and Simply Vera Vera Wang Ruffle-Neck Tank

What to know about clothes for your summer commute

Summer-commute layering

When it comes to commuting, it’s easy to find yourself feeling overheated or too cool  — during the same trip. Layering is an easy way to make sure you’re always comfortable, no matter the temperature or weather. 

• Cardigans: Lightweight cardigans, including relaxed duster styles, can be tied around the waist or packed away in a backpack or work tote when they’re not needed.
• Base layers: Tank tops and camisoles are thin base layers that add comfortable warmth beneath dress shirts or blouses.
• Shell pieces: Structured lightweight jackets and blazers can tie your look together, especially when you wear short or cropped tops. Rain jackets are also worth adding to a summer work wardrobe, particularly hooded styles. 

Summer-commute comfort level

When you build your summer work wardrobe, choose styles that are comfortable during every leg of your journey.

• Stretch pants naturally flex with your body, including when you sit or bend.
• Breathable materials, such as cotton, keep you cool in stuffy trains and buses.
• Flowy staples, including dress blouses and wide-leg pants, boost airflow around your body.
• Button-up sleeves can be worn rolled up or down, depending on how cool or warm you’d like to be. 

How to accessorize summer work clothes 

Minimalism works well for accessorizing summer work styles. Lightweight accessories, including huggie earrings and thin chain necklaces, are simple yet elegant — but they’re not your only jewelry options. Some people prefer simple outfits and give them pizzazz with statement necklaces, earrings or bracelets. 

Besides jewelry, you can also wear a hat on your summer commute. Not only does it top off your look, it also functions as sun protection by shading your face and neck. Panama and fedora hats are both polished styles that complement summer work outfits, ranging from casual to business-casual looks.

Summer footwear for work

Between walking and standing, you spend a fair amount of time on your feet during a summer commute. Although high heels add a wow factor to outfits, they’re far from practical for commuting. Instead, low-heeled slingback pumps, dress sandals and loafers are comfortable choices that don’t compromise on style.

If your office has a casual dress code where sneakers are acceptable, opt for lightweight, breathable styles with cushioning.

Best looks for a summer commute

Calvin Klein Textured Roll-Tab Button-Down Shirt

Utility shirts, such as this popular Calvin Klein style, are summer-commute favorites for their relaxed fits and roll-up sleeves. The flowy style lets plenty of air pass through, and it leaves enough room for base layers, such as camisoles.

Sold by Macy’s

Alfani Tummy-Control Skinny Pants in Blue Geo Jacquard

Swap your traditional dark dress pants for this chic geometric style. The pull-on style is made with blended stretch materials, so it's a comfortable choice for prolonged sitting. It coordinates well with light-colored tops, including whites and pastels.

Sold by Macy’s

Aurielle 3-Pair Polished Huggie Hoop Earrings

If you’re looking for a simple, no-fuss pair of earrings, this huggie set is a compelling option. Available in silver- and gold-tone, they complement accessories in the same finish.

Sold by Kohl’s

Karen Scott Draped Open-Front Cardigan

Lightweight and flowy, this open-front cardigan is as cozy as loungewear since it’s made with a cool-to-touch rayon blend. It’s available in 10 solid colors, including Berry Ice, a favorite pink shade for summer. 

Sold by Macy’s

Simply Vera Vera Wang Ruffle-Neck Tank

This ruffle-neck tank fits under virtually any shell from structured blazers to button-down cardigans. The hemline is on the longer side, so it’s easy to tuck inside pants and skirt.

Sold by Kohl’s

Michael Kors Lillie Moccasin Flat In Luggage

The popular Michael Kors flat is a popular choice for business casual outfits. The comfortable style has a flexible rubber outsole and a seamless, chafe-free lining.

Sold by Macy’s

Charter Club Wide-Leg Sailor Pants

Wide-leg pants have been revived, and now, they’re making their way into work wear. This sailor-inspired style comes in four light colors that add a pop of brightness to your wardrobe.

Sold by Macy’s

Inc International Concepts Menswear Blazer in Dutch Canal

Swap your heavy blazer for this menswear-inspired blazer, which has garnered plenty of attention from stylists lately. The contemporary style features three-quarter sleeves to keep arms cool during the commute.

Sold by Macy’s

Alfani Tassel Pendant Necklace

If your summer work wardrobe needs an accessory lift, reach for this tassel pendant necklace. It can be worn with most necklines, and it coordinates well with simple gold- or silver-tone hoops and studs, as it is available in both finishes.

Sold by Amazon

Furtalk Fedora Straw Hat

This lightweight fedora, an affordable investment, protects your face from the sun when you’re walking to and from the office. It has an inner adjustable band so you can find the right fit.

Sold by Amazon

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The Fourth of July is fast approaching, and if you have access to a pool, there is no better time than now to start planning the ultimate pool party. If you think you have everything you need already, you might be surprised to learn there's more to throwing a successful gathering than just pool noodles and lounge chairs. From floating games to portable speakers to inflatable bars, there's plenty of gear that will make your party a hit.

Shop this article: YETI Roadie 24 Cooler, Oversized Patriotic Inflatable Serving Bar andMonster Rockin' Roller 270 Portable Wireless Speaker 

Best ice and drink coolers

YETI Roadie 24 Cooler 

Every pool party needs a sturdy portable cooler and ice bucket to keep drinks cold for a long time. This Yeti cooler has 2-inch-thick insulated walls that keep ice frozen for two days. It has enough space to store 24 cans or 24 pounds of ice. Two rubber latches keep the insulated lid shut, and it has a padded shoulder strap for easy transport. If the ice melts or there's condensation from cans, the cooler box has a drainage valve.  

Sold by Amazon

Oversized Patriotic Inflatable Serving Bar

Want to send drinks to your guests in the middle of the pool? This floating bar and drinks cooler measures 4 1/2 feet by 2 1/2 feet and can hold several pounds of ice. Unfortunately, it doesn’t have a reinforced bottom, so it might start to sink if you place too much weight inside. 

Sold by Amazon

Igloo Heavy-Duty Ice Chest Cooler 

This ice chest cooler’s blow-molded plastic makes it durable, no matter how rowdy the pool party is. The insulated walls keep ice frozen for four days, and the rubber latches create a tight seal on the lid to prevent air from entering. It has a drainage valve to expel water from condensation, and the entire cooler has UV inhibitors to protect against sun damage. The handles and door hinges are stainless steel. This Igloo cooler can hold 12 gallons. 

Sold by Amazon

Best portable speakers

Monster Rockin' Roller 270 Portable Wireless Speaker 

This portable speaker has 200 watts of power and 270-degree sound projection. It has a built-in Qi charger that lets you recharge mobile phones. Bluetooth technology allows you to pair two True Wireless System (TWS) devices and control the music through the mobile application. The reinforced speaker housing is water-resistant. It has a USB port, two microphone jacks, and one jack for an electric guitar as sound sources. The built-in rechargeable battery gives you around 100 hours of playtime. 

Sold by Amazon

Pyle Portable Bluetooth PA Loudspeaker 

This 400-watt portable speaker has a 10-inch full-range subwoofer and a 3-inch tweeter. Connection methods include Bluetooth-enabled mobile devices, a USB drive or a 6.4-millimeter instrument. It has a built-in battery that recharges through a wall socket and gives about two hours of playtime. The speaker also features various LED lights that illuminate in time with the beat. In addition, it comes with remote control functions and has two roller wheels for mobility. 

Sold by Amazon

Fisher 6 1/2-Inch Wireless Speaker With Lights

This 6 1/2-inch wireless speaker packs 300 watts of peak power to keep the party going. It connects to mobile devices through Bluetooth technology for streaming audio. If you need to make an announcement, it has a microphone jack. The rechargeable battery can last for several hours. There are also several LED lights on the front that illuminates in rhythm to the beat. 

Sold by Amazon

Best pool floats

Intex Adult 5-Seat Inflatable Lounger 

The best way to relax at a pool party is in a lounger with friends. This pool floater has room for five adults and has a built-in drink cooler and mesh floor to keep your feet cool. There are handles for stability and several drink holders next to the seats. It can handle a maximum weight of 1,100 pounds. When inflated, it measures 10 feet by 9 feet and is 2 1/2 feet thick. 

Sold by Amazon

Aqua Ultra-Cushioned Comfort Pool Recliner With Head Pillow

Able to handle up to 500 pounds of weight, this pool recliner has a removable headrest and body-contoured backrest. It's thicker and more durable than most single-seat recliners, as the Cozi-Soft fabric liner protects it from UV rays. In addition, it has a cup holder, mooring loops and a Boston valve for inflating. 

Sold by Amazon

Best pool games

Polar Whale Floating Card Game Table Tray

Independence Day parties are usually the best time to bring out card games such as Poker or Blackjack, but nobody wants to get out of the pool. However, that won’t be a concern with this floating card game table. Large enough for six players, the UV-protected foam table has drink holders, slots for chips and a deck of waterproof playing cards. 

Sold by Amazon

GoSports Splash Net Pro Pool Volleyball Net

Volleyball in a pool is a staple activity for any party, and this kit will have you set up and ready in no time. Two weighted bases hold up the net, which can be height adjusted. The net has a maximum length of 25 feet and is best for in-ground pools. The set includes two volleyballs and a pump. 

Sold by Amazon

GoPong Floating Beer Pong Table

If you and your friends are fans of beer pong, you can play this game in the pool. The floating beer pong table measures 6 feet in length and features sideline cup holders. In addition, it comes with six balls and four tethering grommets. Unfortunately, it doesn’t ship with pong cups, but any 16-ounce cups will do. 

Sold by Amazon

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Charlie Fripp writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

Copyright 2023 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.

Tricycles certainly aren't just for kids; they're both fun and practical for adults, too. If you're considering a Schwinn adult tricycle, it's worth noting that Schwinn doesn't make many different models of tricycles for adults, but they do make a quality trike with a few variations.

Shop this article: Schwinn Meridian Single-Speed Adult Tricycle,  Schwinn Three-Speed Meridian Adult Tricycle and Schwinn Seven-Speed Meridian Adult Tricycle

Why choose a tricycle? 

Tricycles are great for adults who either can't ride standard Schwinn bicycles or don't feel all that comfortable riding them on the roads or out in public. With an adult tricycle, you can confidently enjoy bike rides with your family or friends or use your trike for commuting or running errands. Even if you're perfectly happy riding a bicycle, adult tricycles have the added bonus of having a huge basket, so they're great for grocery shopping trips if you don't have a car or are trying to use it less often.

Speeds

You have three speed options with Schwinn adult tricycles: single speed, three speed and seven speed. Speeds are also known as gears and basically allow you to more easily navigate different gradients while keeping a comfortable pedaling cadence. Single speed bikes have simple drive chains and are easier to maintain than bikes with multiple gears, but they can be trickier to ride uphill or downhill so they're best for use in areas that are relatively flat. If you'll be navigating a moderate number of hills, the three speed option should suffice, but if you live somewhere hilly, it's best to go for the seven-speed trike.

Wheel size

Schwinn adult tricycles come with either 24- or 26-inch wheels, depending on the chosen option. Those with 24-inch wheels are best for riders between 4 feet 8 inches and 5 feet 5 inches; those with 26-inch wheels are best for riders between 5 feet 4 inch and 6 feet 2 inches. It's important to choose the correct wheel size for your height so you can pedal effectively and comfortably.

Basket

All Schwinn adult trikes come with a basket, but the basket style varies somewhat between models. Some feature mesh sides and a solid bottom or have a lining inside the mesh, which allows for transporting a wider variety of cargo without worrying about anything falling between gaps in the mesh. Other baskets are made from wire with reasonably large gaps, which means you'll need to make sure smaller items are contained inside bags so they don't fall out. Some models have foldable baskets so you don't need to have them set up when they're not in use.

Saddle

Because adult tricycles are generally used for casual leisure riding rather than performance cycling, they have large, well cushioned seats to prioritize comfort. However, you will find some difference between saddles in Schwinn's range of adult trikes. Some saddles are slightly wider and better padded than others and some are sprung for shock absorption. That being said, even the slightly narrower and less-padded saddles are more cushioned and comfortable than an average bicycle seat.

Color options

For better or for worse, adult tricycles stand out in the crowd, so you might as well choose a color that you love to complete the look. Schwinn adult tricycles are available in a range of colors — some bold, like bright red, and some with a cool vintage appeal, such as mint green and periwinkle blue. There are also more subtle hues, such as silver and black. Not all types of Schwinn tricycles are available in every color, so your color choices may be limited by the number of speeds or wheel size you require.

Best Schwinn adult tricycle

Schwinn Meridian Single-Speed Adult Tricycle

This single speed adult trike is extremely easy to maintain and perfect for cruising along at your own pace in relatively flat areas. It has a large, foldable basket that's great for carrying bags of groceries or hauling anything else you might need. The wide seat is padded and spring for comfort. You can choose from a wide range of colors, including red, black cherry and periwinkle blue. It's available in a choice of 24- or 26-inch wheel sizes, which is great for riders of all heights.

Sold by Amazon

Schwinn Three-Speed Meridian Adult Tricycle

This eye-catching bright red tricycle has three speeds, so it's perfect for riding in slightly hilly areas where you'll be tackling some inclines but nothing too sharp or extensive. The basket has a solid base and a liner, which makes it great for carrying all kinds of items without worrying about them falling out. The lightweight aluminum frame means you don't have to put in too much effort to move your trike around, while the extra-wide and luxuriously padded seat is the height of comfort. It's only available in a 26-inch wheel size, so it isn't ideal for anyone under 5 foot 4.

Sold by Amazon

Schwinn Seven-Speed Meridian Adult Tricycle

If you need to tackle a range of gradients on your route, this seven-speed tricycle is the ideal option, making lighter work of hills. The spacious cargo basket has a solid base and can fold when not in use. It's available in either red or periwinkle blue. Like the three-speed model, it's only available in a 26-inch wheel size.

Sold by Amazon

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BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.

Copyright 2023 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.

Not only is packing the right items important for an enjoyable train trip but learning some valuable train travel tips will help you get the most from the experience. Armed with this information, you'll be riding the rails like a pro. Don't miss our testing insights on the Kindle Paperwhite.

Shop this article: Trtl Travel Pillow, Cocoon CoolMax Blanket and O2Cool Battery-Powered Personal Fan

What can you take on a train?

This depends on where you'll be traveling by train, but if you're traveling in the U.S. and parts of Canada, most Amtrak services have the same luggage regulations. All passengers can bring two personal items and two carry-on bags. Each personal item can weigh up to 25 pounds and measure 14 inches by 11 inches by 7 inches. Each carry-on bag can weigh up to 50 pounds and measure 28 inches by 22 inches by 14 inches. Plus, on most services, you can check an additional two bags of up to 50 pounds each free of charge.

Some items are prohibited when traveling on Amtrak services, including knives, swords and incendiary items. Others, such as firearms, are allowed in checked baggage with some restrictions, but not in carry-on luggage. If you're unsure whether you can take something on your train trip, check the full list of prohibited items.

Train travel tips

To make your train journey as smooth, comfortable and enjoyable as possible, it's important to be prepared. Following these simple tips will help you make the most of your trip.

Book early

Amtrak tickets are sold in price buckets. The cheapest ones are sold first with the price increasing as enough are sold to move into the next bracket. This means you'll always get a lower price the further ahead of time you book. Train providers in other countries often follow similar price structures too, so booking early usually saves you money. Not to mention that popular routes can sell out.

Check in early

Arriving at the station early gives you time to check bags and solve any issues that could arise before your train departs. If you're close to the start of the queue at check-in time and ask nicely, you may be allocated the best seats. On some trains, one side has a significantly better view than the other, so these seats are always more desirable and get allocated quickly.

Consider a sleeper accommodation

When traveling overnight, you should seriously consider paying extra for a sleeper accommodation. It can mean the difference between arriving at your destination refreshed or groggy with a crick in your neck. There are different types of sleeper accommodations available, including bunks in shared rooms and private suites. Check what's available and pick according to your budget and needs.

Be prepared for all temperatures

Amtrak trains are air-conditioned, but temperatures aren't always ideal. Sometimes, the air conditioning runs cool, and you might need a blanket or sweater. Other times, the AC is ineffectual, and you'll greatly appreciate a handheld fan. When traveling in other countries, don't count on there being AC or heating, so make sure you have what you need to stay at a comfortable temperature.

Sanitize your surroundings

Even before COVID-19 struck, trains haven't always felt like the most hygienic of places. It's worth bringing antibacterial wipes to clean any areas that get touched a lot, such as seatback trays and toilet door handles.

Check out sightseer lounges

On certain scenic routes, Amtrak trains have sightseer lounges, which are observation cars with large windows and seats facing toward them for comfortable viewing. These are free for all passengers to use, but seats are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Checking out the sightseer lounge is a great way to view the scenery at its best, but be conscious of not spending too long in these seats to give other passengers a chance.

Take advantage of fresh air breaks

Fresh air breaks are longer breaks at stations that give passengers the chance to get off the train and stretch their legs. Make note of when these breaks are and try not to nap through them or eat your meals during them because you'll want to take full advantage of them on a long journey. They're usually 10 to 15 minutes long, and you won't be able to leave the platform, but you can walk up and down it.

What you need for comfortable train travel

Trtl Travel Pillow

Whether you're traveling overnight in coach or you have a long day trip and might want to catch some Zs, this compact travel pillow is an excellent choice. It offers ample support without looking silly or taking up too much luggage space.

Sold by Amazon

Cocoon CoolMax Blanket

This compact travel blanket is warm yet lightweight and breathable so you won't overheat. It's great for naps or when the AC is up too high.

Sold by Amazon

Mavogel Cotton Sleep Eye Mask

Padded and contoured, this comfortable eye mask will help you get some of the best sleep possible on a train. It comes with a pouch with a carabiner, so it's perfect for travel.

Sold by Amazon

O2Cool Battery-Powered Personal Fan

The AC on trains can be unreliable, so if you're traveling during the summer, it's worth bringing a small fan with you, just in case. This one hangs around the wearer's neck and blows air upward for hands-free cooling.

Sold by Amazon

Sony WH-1000XM4 Wireless Noise-Canceling Headphones

While it's a steep investment just for a train trip, if you're looking for a decent pair of headphones anyway, now might be the time to invest. These Sony noise-canceling headphones block out sound around you extremely effectively, so you'll feel like you're in a private compartment even if you have noisy neighbors.

Sold by Amazon

Anker PowerCore 26800 Portable Charger

You'll likely be relying on tech to keep you entertained during your trip, and you don't want to run out of battery 12 hours into a 36-hour train ride. That's why you should bring this portable charger that has enough power to recharge most phones six times and most tablets twice.

Sold by Amazon

Nomader Collapsible Water Bottle

Spending half your train journey thirsty because getting hold of water is a hassle certainly counts as an uncomfortable experience. Bringing your own reusable water bottle is wise, and this collapsible one doesn't take up an excessive amount of luggage space.

Sold by Amazon

Kindle Paperwhite Signature Edition

A long train journey is an excellent opportunity to catch up on your reading. Rather than lugging several books on board with you, this compact e-reader will do the trick, plus the front light makes it easier to read in darkened cars or compartments. Our tester praised the Kindle for its waterproof design, substantial storage, and bright, user-friendly display.

Sold by Amazon

TP-Link AC750 Wireless Portable Nano Travel Router

While there's Wi-Fi on Amtrak trains, it's often slow and can be unreliable on some routes. Instead, consider bringing your own travel Wi-Fi hotspot so you can stream video or music to keep you entertained on your trip.

Sold by Amazon

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In most cases, cologne is marketed toward men, while perfume is marketed toward women. The truth is women can use cologne, just as men can use perfume.

The difference between these products is more about the formula and the concentration of essential oils in the fragrance than it is about the name. Perfume has a higher concentration of essential oils than cologne at around 20% to 30%. Cologne, on the other hand, usually has a far lower concentration of oils of around 2% to 5%.

Shop this article: Calvin Klein Eternity for Men AQUA Eau de Toilette, Dior Sauvage Eau De Parfum and Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Eau de Toilette Spray for Men

Cologne

Cologne is usually packaged in a dark-colored or black glass bottle with a simple, industrial design. This gives it a more masculine appearance, which men often favor. Unlike perfume, cologne has a much smaller percentage of essential oils and is more diluted with alcohol or water.

Cologne is known by many names, including eau de toilette, aftershave and eau de cologne. However, these are all slightly different products:

• Eau de cologne and eau de toilette are both a type of cologne with a low concentration of oils. Eau de cologne usually has a weaker fragrance than eau de toilette because there are less essential oils in it.
• Eau de parfum has a stronger fragrance than eau de toilette because of its higher concentration of oils. In fact, eau de parfum contains around 15%-20% perfume oils, but it’s often called cologne to appeal to men.
• Aftershave is a popular alternative to cologne, even though it was originally made just for shaving purposes.

Like perfume, cologne comes in many fragrances. The most popular scents are woody, musky or citrus. Some colognes have a warm vanilla or light floral scent.

The price of cologne varies from around $15 for a simple bottle at a drugstore to $60 or more from a recognized brand. Some celebrity colognes cost upwards of $100.

Cologne pros

• Bottles can be luxurious, sophisticated or elegant.
• Many higher-end colognes use premium-quality ingredients that give a long-lasting scent.
• It makes for a great gift.
• The right cologne can enhance the wearer’s natural scent and give them a boost of confidence.
• It can help set the mood.
• Cologne usually comes in splash and spray modes for quick, easy application.
• Most colognes have a more subtle scent, which is great for those who don’t want something too noticeable.
• Cologne is typically less expensive than perfume.
• Contrary to popular belief, some women prefer to use cologne; some fragrances are more unisex.

Cologne cons

• Many cologne bottles are too large or bulky for convenient travel or portability.
• Aside from some high-end options, cologne doesn’t usually have a long-lasting scent. This means frequent or regular reapplication is required or it will fade.
• Cheaper options of cologne are usually diluted with a higher amount of liquid (usually alcohol), so they may have an unpleasant or weak scent.
• The scent usually fades more quickly on oily or moist skin.
• Once opened, the shelf life of a bottle of cologne is only about a year or less. This is because the ingredients start to break down when exposed to the air.

Best colognes

Calvin Klein Eternity for Men AQUA Eau de Toilette

A small bottle of eau de toilette by a recognized brand, this cologne comes in a spray bottle and has a woody scent that appeals to those who want a more masculine, clean and fresh scent. The scent isn’t overbearing. 

Sold by Amazon and Ulta Beauty

Dior Sauvage Eau De Parfum

This cologne has a smooth, woody fragrance with underlying notes of pepper, amberwood and bergamot. It uses high-quality ingredients, so the scent is long-lasting but not overwhelming. The only downside is the price, but for something you love, it’s worth it. 

Sold by Amazon, Ulta Beauty, Sephora and Macy’s

Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue Eau de Toilette Spray for Men

With a light citrus and woody scent, this cologne is strong, sweet and spicy and it lingers. It comes in a simple, sophisticated bottle. Although it’s geared toward men, it’s suitable for anyone. 

Sold by Amazon, Ulta Beauty, Sephora and Macy’s

Perfume

Perfume is an overarching term that technically includes cologne but is almost always marketed toward women. In this modern age, however, many of the feminine versus masculine connotations of the term are starting to disappear.

In general, perfumes marketed toward women are more concentrated than colognes, with up to 40% oils. They come in various fragrances, including citrus, oriental, floral and clean, fresh scents. Some perfumes use animal extracts to ensure a longer-lasting scent.

Parfum is among the most expensive and longest-lasting options because it’s highly concentrated. A single ounce of a name-brand parfum can cost anywhere from $100 to nearly $500. On average, a bottle of perfume costs $30-$50 per ounce.

Perfume pros

• Perfumes come in sprays, splashes and roller balls for direct or indirect application.
• Since they use a higher concentration of essential oils, perfumes usually have a stronger scent than colognes.
• Some bottles are small and highly portable.
• Only a small amount is needed to make a statement.
• The strong fragrance of perfume can be beneficial to people with oily skin or the tendency to sweat because it lasts longer.
• The scent of higher-end perfumes changes with the wearer’s body chemistry.
• Perfume is versatile, so you can add it to the bath, hair or skin depending on what you’re going for.

Perfume cons

• The scent of some perfumes may be overwhelming to those with sensitive noses.
• Perfume can be costly, especially when choosing one with a higher concentration of oils.
• Like cologne, some synthetic perfumes have toxic chemicals that may trigger a reaction in some people.

Best perfumes

Chanel Allure Eau de Toilette

This popular Chanel perfume uses a warm blend of floral, citrus and vanilla for a long-lasting, sweet fragrance. It’s sophisticated, feminine and subtly changes throughout the day. 

Sold by Sephora

Lancome La Vie Est Belle L’Eau de Parfum Spray

Made for the modern woman with luxury and sophistication in mind, this perfume uses natural ingredients for a sweet, floral scent with hints of citrus. It’s long-lasting, so a little bit goes a long way. 

Sold by Amazon and Macy's

Versace Bright Crystal Eau de Toilette Spray for Women

For a sensual, floral fragrance that isn’t overpowering, this Versace perfume is a great option. It’s fresh, light and long-lasting. Plus, it comes in a unique, relatively large bottle that lasts a long time with regular application. 

Sold by Amazon and Sephora

Should you get perfume or cologne?

Cologne is commonly used to refer to any fragrance marketed toward men, while perfume is often used to indicate fragrances marketed toward women, but aside from modern marketing purposes, neither term is truly gender-specific.

Both are a great way to express oneself, but if you want something that’s typically considered more masculine, choose cologne. If you prefer something with a stronger, longer-lasting scent that’s more feminine, choose perfume.

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There are a few things that should be in your arsenal when you plan to go on a hunting trip. Naturally, you should ensure that your weapons are in good working condition and that you have all the correct lures and scents.

While your clothing is equally important, you'll be able to blend into your surroundings better when you use camouflage netting. Some hunters prefer to use hunting blinds, but netting is much easier to transport and can be used on almost any surface. The added benefit of netting is that there are plenty of holes you can aim through without having to move around too much.

Shop this article: LOOGU Camo Netting, Senmortar Camo Netting and Iunio Camouflage Netting

Best camouflage netting for hunting

LOOGU Camo Netting

Available in multiple color schemes and camouflage patterns, this camo netting is available in rolls of different lengths. The longest available measures 10 by 13.2 feet, which is more than enough to cover two hunters. Made from sturdy oxford polyester, it can easily be cut to size or joined together with rope or zip ties. It's perfect for hunting but can also be used for wildlife photography. 

Sold by Amazon

Senmortar Camo Netting 

This camo net can easily be rolled up when you need to change positions. It's available in 10 different camouflage patterns and the largest roll measures 5 by 29 feet. The pattern is printed on both sides of the netting, letting you shape it around objects when hunting. There are also no interweaving threads, so you can cut them into different shapes or sizes without worrying about them fraying or coming undone. While it's good for hunting, it can also be used for other outdoor activities such as paintball or airsoft. It’s non-reflective and waterproof.

Sold by Amazon

Yeacool Camo Netting 

This camouflage netting doesn’t have any interwoven strings or rope, which makes it easy to cut down to size. Smaller pieces can be cut off to wrap around your weapon or accessories. It's available in nine patterns ranging from woodland and desert to ocean camo and bionic leaves. The netting is 5 feet wide and available lengths go up to 65 feet. Made from lightweight materials, you don’t need a heavy support system to use it in the field.

Sold by Amazon 

Iunio Camouflage Netting

If you need camo that has more of a natural pattern, this netting is a solid choice. Measuring 5 by 65 feet, the netting is printed on both sides and can be easily cut to the correct size. It's available in 10 different patterns, ranging from black and woodland to ocean camo and snow for winter. It can also be combined with a different pattern to create the illusion of a thick bush or hedge.

Sold by Amazon

Auscamotek 300D Woodland Camo Netting

Virtually indestructible, this camo netting is made from 300D polyester with die-cut see-through holes. It's quiet when moved, doesn’t soak up any moisture, is non-reflective and is easily washed. It's available in fall brown and spring green, giving it an authentic look with printed leaves and branches. The largest size available is 5 by 20 feet.

Sold by Amazon

CamoSystems Premium Series Camouflage Military Spec Netting

For the classic military look and specifications, this camo netting is available in four patterns, and the maximum length is 9.10 by 19.8 feet. This is large enough to cover your vehicle or create additional room for a hunting blind. The patterns feature a 3D leaf design that doesn’t reflect sunlight, and it’s completely waterproof.

Sold by Amazon

Ginsco Woodland Camouflage Netting

Available in rolls of 6.5 by 20 feet, this camouflage netting is best used in the spring and summer. It's made from Oxford polyester, so it's durable but also easy to trim down in size. It's reinforced with a rope around the edges, which makes it a good choice for hanging over bushes or from trees. It's only available in the woodland camouflage pattern but can be combined with other patterns to change the overall color scheme.

Sold by Amazon

NINAT Woodland Camo Netting

This camo netting is made from Oxford polyester and nylon rope, giving it a bit more reinforcement for hanging over objects or from trees. For this purpose, it also has small rope loops on the edge. It's available in four different color patterns, and the maximum length available is 10 by 19.6 feet. It's best used for leafy areas during the spring or fall, while white netting is best used in snowy conditions.

Sold by Amazon

Sitong Bulk Roll Camo Netting for Hunting

With a choice of 20 different camo patterns and colors, this netting can be used in almost any situation. The maximum roll length available is 5 by 65.5 feet, but there are smaller measurements such as 5 by 6.6 feet if you only want to cover your weapon. If you want to combine two different patterns, you can easily join the netting with cable ties or rope. The material is waterproof and non-reflective.

Sold by Amazon

Allen Company Vanish 3D Leafy Omnitex Blind

Sturdier and more solid than netting, this camouflage fabric is a great option if you want to build your own blind or need a robust solution. The die-cut leaf pattern accurately imitates the natural surroundings of late fall to early winter. It measures 12 feet by 56 inches, which is perfect to quickly cover yourself in a hurry or hide your weapon.

Sold by Amazon

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The Nintendo Switch is one of the best gadgets you can take with you while traveling. You can play some of the greatest games from the comfort of your seat — whether that’s by train, plane, bus or car.  

As with any electronic device, there are a few risks. However, there are plenty of accessories that will protect your handheld console and also make your journey a lot more fun.

Shop this article: SanDisk 128GB microSDXC Card, Ivoler Nintendo Switch Carrying Case, Heiying Game Card Case for Nintendo Switch

Nights with Nintendo

Nintendo’s primary goal with the Switch was to make a gaming console that can be used in three different ways: handheld, tabletop and docked. If you think about it, all three methods are perfectly suited for traveling. Handheld is an easy way to play games while flying, tabletop is perfect when waiting in a lobby and docked is the best way to play on a display at your destination.

While you can technically sling your console under your arm while traveling, it’s not advisable. To make the entire journey from start to finish easier and more manageable, there are plenty of accessories. These can help protect your game cartridges and console, spare cables and docks and additional storage for downloaded titles and save points.

Best Nintendo Switch accessories for travel 

SanDisk 128GB microSDXC Card Licensed for Nintendo Switch

Handheld video games have come a long way since the models of the ‘80s and require a lot more storage for the data files. This 128GB memory card is perfect for storing titles before you travel and is officially licensed for the Switch. It has read speeds of up to 100MB/s and write speeds of up to 90MB/s. 

Sold by Amazon

Ivoler Nintendo Switch Carrying Case

Whether you're getting on a plane or taking the train, you must take care of your Switch. The delicate components can easily be damaged, which is why this robust storage case is a smart option. There's enough room for the console, the dock, two Joy-Cons, a controller and the charging cables.  

Sold by Amazon

Heiying Game Card Case for Nintendo Switch

Keeping your console safe is important, but it’ll be useless if you don’t have any games to play. This large carrying case ensures you’ll never be without entertainment — it has enough room to store 24 game cartridges and 24 microSD memory cards. 

Sold by Amazon

Hori Nintendo Switch Adventure Pack (Pikachu Edition) Travel Bag

You have a protective case for your console and a robust container for your game cartridges. The only thing you need now for traveling is a Pokemon-themed bag to carry it all. This shoulder bag features Pikachu’s iconic colors and has dedicated compartments for your Switch accessories.

Sold by Amazon

PowerA Nintendo Switch Car Charger

Never be caught without power for your console or a means to recharge it. If you're traveling by car, this USB-C cable connects to the car’s DC adapter to give your Switch a 5-volt, 3-ampere fast charge.

Sold by Amazon

amFilm Screen Protector (Compatible with Nintendo Switch OLED Model)

Protecting the body of your Switch is crucial, but it’s equally necessary to look after the display. This screen protector has 99.9% transparency and is made from tempered glass that’s scratch-resistant and only a 100th of an inch thick.

Sold by Amazon

Orzly VR Headset Designed for Nintendo Switch

Traveling can be stressful and tiring, so why not block out the world until you arrive at your destination? This VR headset is made specifically for the Switch and features a robust T-shaped head strap, durable housing for the console and an adjustable lens. 

Sold by Amazon

Wegwang TV Docking Station for Nintendo Switch

If you're concerned about your accessories such as charging cables or the dock while traveling, it’s best to buy a spare and leave the original at home. This TV docking station is perfect for that, and you can easily connect it to the hotel’s TV to game whenever you want. 

Sold by Amazon

Game Traveler Nintendo Switch Case

This robust travel case is a hard shell on the outside and soft fabric inside to keep your console and additional pieces safe. Each compartment is accurately cut out so things don’t move around, and the case closes with a sturdy zipper.

Sold by Amazon

YCCTeam Fast Charging Kit for Nintendo Switch

If you need a quick charge before you head to the airport, this kit is compatible with the Switch OLED, Switch Dock and the Pro Controller. It comes with a 5-foot power cable and is a handy option as a spare charger, too.

Sold by Amazon

Worth checking out 

• If you lost your docking cable while traveling, this colorful Switch docking station replacement is an excellent choice.
• Ensure that the Joy-Cons don’t go flying through a window or toward other passengers with this two-pack lanyard replacement wrist strap.
• Easily play your Switch in the car by keeping it steady in this silicone car headrest holder.
• There’s no fun in a cracked screen while traveling, so keep it dust-free and protected with this three-pack Daydayup Tempered Glass Screen Protector for the Nintendo Switch.
• This protective case keeps your Nintendo Switch safe by giving it a colorful soft-plastic sleeve that looks great.

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Shop this segment

Monos Carry-On Pro Plus

It’s best to travel light or keep essential items in a carry-on whenever you’re traveling but accessing them can be impractical with most carry-on suitcases. That’s where this one shines, as it has a built-in front compartment for quick access to your belongings, TSA-approved locks and a dent-resistant shell.

Sold by Monos

Imak Eye Mask

Sleep well wherever you are with this eye mask without being disturbed by bright light. This eye mask effectively blocks out light and utilizes beads that massage the area around your eyes to help you relax. Plus, it’s breathable, so you won’t get sweaty or feel hot while wearing it.

Sold by Amazon

Apple AirPods Max

These headphones are perfect for drowning out external noise and listening to your favorite tunes. They deliver dynamic sound quality, and the memory foam ear cushions are built to provide long-lasting comfort. The Apple H1 chip lets you access Siri hands-free, and you’ll enjoy up to 20 hours of listening time.

Sold by Amazon

Duracell Rechargeable Power Bank

Dead electronics are useless if you don’t have access to a power outlet, but this rechargeable power bank ensures you always have a way to juice up your device while on the go. It can charge a smartphone up to six times, and you can simultaneously charge the power bank and a USB device.

Sold by Amazon

Summer Fridays Mini Jet Lag Mask

Though you may not realize it, traveling can take a toll on your skin, making this jet lag mask an excellent buy if you plan on taking a flight or hitting the road for several hours. It’s made with a vegan, hydrating formula for treating dryness, dullness and uneven texture and is fragrance-free.

Sold by Sephora

Cadence Original Capsule

This capsule travel container is excellent for those who want something durable and leakproof to take anywhere. It’s perfect for storing skin care products, toiletries and other traveling essentials, and the magnetic design keeps several containers together if you have more than one. Plus, it comes with interchangeable tile labels.

Sold by Cadence

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The Fourth of July is the perfect time to gather with friends and family for a barbecue or picnic. If you're lucky enough to have a pool in your yard, you may want to throw a pool party to celebrate Independence Day.

It doesn't matter if you prefer a gas grill or a charcoal grill for barbecuing your burgers and hot dogs, your Fourth of July party can be a little less stressful if you have the right supplies on hand. With easy-to-hang festive decorations, food and beverage tools that simplify preparation and fun games to keep the kids entertained, you and your guests can have the time of your lives.

Shop this article: Brightown 4th of July Red, White, Blue Star String Lights,  Cuisinart Deluxe Grill Set,  Margaritaville Tahiti Frozen Concoction Maker

What do I need for an effortless July 4th party?

One of the best things about a Fourth of July party is that you can take advantage of the warm weather and have it in your yard or at a local park — you don't have to worry about deep-cleaning your home before the big day.

To make sure your party goes off without a hitch and you have time to enjoy your guests, here are some essentials to have on hand:

• Patio furniture: Your guests should have a comfortable spot to sit and chat or eat in your yard. This might include a patio furniture set with a sectional or couch, a patio dining set, individual outdoor dining chairs or a picnic table. If your yard gets heavy sun, an umbrella or a pop-up party tent can provide shade.
• Decorations: No party is complete without decorations, so make sure to have some patriotic decor for your Fourth of July celebration. You can find plenty of items emblazoned with the American flag or a classic Stars and Stripes pattern.
• Food and drinks: Classic barbecue foods like burgers, hot dogs, steak and chicken will probably make up the heart of your Fourth of July menu. Since you have to cook these the day of the party, it helps to choose sides you can prepare ahead of time. Dishes like potato salad, coleslaw and macaroni and cheese are excellent options. It's also a good idea to have beverages that guests can serve themselves — set up a bar table with all the basics or a cooler with cans of soft drinks, bottled water and/or beer for them to grab.
• Games and entertainment: Kids usually need some activities to keep them busy at parties — and some adults may want to participate. Have some outdoor games set up or a sprinkler for the kids on hand to make sure everyone has a good time.

Best products for an effortless July 4th party

Bristol Outdoor Teak 9-Piece Dining Set

This beautiful outdoor dining set is made of durable teakwood and enough seating for up to eight. The chairs come with comfy reversible seat cushions, and the table has a hole in the center to add an umbrella for shade.

Sold by Macy's

CAKKA 4th of July Plastic Tablecloths

These disposable tablecloths are made of premium plastic and feature a dark blue background with red, white and lighter blue stars for a patriotic design. They're waterproof and washable, so you can reuse them. 

Sold by Amazon

Arlmont & Co. Vintage Americana Patriotic Canvas Pleated Bunting

This flag-inspired bunting makes a classic decoration for your porch or deck railing. It's double-sided and made of durable, fade-resistant canvas, so you can use it year after year. The grommets at the top make it easy to hang.

Sold by Wayfair

Brightown 4th of July Red, White, Blue Star String Lights

These festive string lights contain 50 red, white and blue stars on each strand to light your party after dark. You can connect up to 50 sets to cover your entire yard, and the LED bulbs offer up to 25,000 hours of illumination.

Sold by Amazon

GIFTEXPRESS Spearhead Handheld American Stick Flags

Whether you use them to decorate your yard or hand them out to your guests, these flags will set the right mood for your Fourth of July party. Each package contains 12 flags with a natural wooden stick and a decorative spear at the top that has an antique bronze finish.

Sold by Amazon and Walmart

Cuisinart Deluxe Grill Set

Make sure you're ready to grill up your guests' favorite barbecue foods with this 20-piece grilling tool set. All the pieces are made of durable, rust-resistant stainless steel and feature longer handles and a balanced weight to make them easy to use.

Sold by Amazon

FreshJax Gourmet Organic BBQ & Grill Lovers Seasonings

With this barbecue seasonings set, you won't have to mix up your own spice rubs to have the most flavorful burgers, steaks, chicken and veggies. It includes six different blends, such as citrus pepper, grill master burger blend and mesquite lime. They all contain certified organic, kosher and gluten-free ingredients.

Sold by Amazon

Margaritaville Tahiti Frozen Concoction Maker

This versatile blender can make up to three blended drinks at a time so you have a variety for your guests. Each pitcher holds 24 ounces, producing 72 ounces in total each cycle. It also has six convenient drink presets: margarita, daiquiri, colada, mudslide, mojito and smoothie.

Sold by Amazon

Igloo Party Bucket Cooler

Guests can help themselves to soda, water, beer and more from this leak-resistant party cooler. It's made of durable, easy-to-clean plastic and is lined with foam insulation to hold onto ice. It has an elevated base that keeps it above hot surfaces so your drinks stay cool.

Sold by Amazon and Walmart

Way to Celebrate! American Flag Oval Disposable Paper Plates

These festive flag-themed paper plates are a convenient way to serve guests because you don't have to clean them afterward. Each recyclable plate is 10 inches in diameter and sturdy enough to hold large portions of burgers, chips and other foods.

Sold by Walmart

Anapoliz 4th of July Serving Trays

Your guests can easily grab chips, pretzels and other snacks from these plastic flag-print serving trays. Each set contains 10 trays, providing you plenty for side dishes at your Fourth of July party. The trays are 12 inches long, 7 inches wide and 1.5 inches deep to hold plenty of food.

Sold by Amazon

GoSports Regulation-Size Wooden Cornhole Boards Set

This cornhole set is suitable for all ages and skill levels, making it a fun activity for barbecues and picnics. It's made of sturdy plywood with an attractive birch wood finish. It's paintable if you want to customize it. The carrying case makes storage simple.

Sold by Amazon

Worth checking out

• This drink dispenser holds two different beverages and makes it simple for guests to serve themselves.
• The Charcoal Companion Nonstick Kabob Grilling Baskets eliminate the need for skewers when making kabobs for your Fourth of July party.
• Kids will enjoy playing with this Tidal Storm Hydro Swirl Spinning Sprinkler at barbecues and picnics because it creates spinning, twirling streams of water.
• This tilting, adjustable patio umbrella is made of waterproof, UV-resistant polyester and provides a 9-inch canopy to keep guests cool.
• The Costway Giant 4-in-a-Row Game takes just a minute to assemble and is entertaining for all ages.

Want to shop the best products at the best prices? Check out Daily Deals from BestReviews.

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Jennifer Blair writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

Copyright 2023 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.

THESE MUST-HAVES CAN HELP YOU HAVE A STRESS-FREE CELEBRATION

The Fourth of July is the perfect time to gather with friends and family for a barbecue or picnic. If you're lucky enough to have a pool in your yard, you may want to throw a pool party to celebrate Independence Day.

It doesn't matter if you prefer a gas grill or a charcoal grill for barbecuing your burgers and hot dogs, your Fourth of July party can be a little less stressful if you have the right supplies on hand. With easy-to-hang festive decorations, food and beverage tools that simplify preparation and fun games to keep the kids entertained, you and your guests can have the time of your lives.

Shop this article: Brightown 4th of July Red, White, Blue Star String Lights,  Cuisinart Deluxe Grill Set,  Margaritaville Tahiti Frozen Concoction Maker

WHAT DO I NEED FOR AN EFFORTLESS JULY 4TH PARTY?

One of the best things about a Fourth of July party is that you can take advantage of the warm weather and have it in your yard or at a local park — you don't have to worry about deep-cleaning your home before the big day.

To make sure your party goes off without a hitch and you have time to enjoy your guests, here are some essentials to have on hand:

• Patio furniture: Your guests should have a comfortable spot to sit and chat or eat in your yard. This might include a patio furniture set with a sectional or couch, a patio dining set, individual outdoor dining chairs or a picnic table. If your yard gets heavy sun, an umbrella or a pop-up party tent can provide shade.
• Decorations: No party is complete without decorations, so make sure to have some patriotic decor for your Fourth of July celebration. You can find plenty of items emblazoned with the American flag or a classic Stars and Stripes pattern.
• Food and drinks: Classic barbecue foods like burgers, hot dogs, steak and chicken will probably make up the heart of your Fourth of July menu. Since you have to cook these the day of the party, it helps to choose sides you can prepare ahead of time. Dishes like potato salad, coleslaw and macaroni and cheese are excellent options. It's also a good idea to have beverages that guests can serve themselves — set up a bar table with all the basics or a cooler with cans of soft drinks, bottled water and/or beer for them to grab.
• Games and entertainment: Kids usually need some activities to keep them busy at parties — and some adults may want to participate. Have some outdoor games set up or a sprinkler for the kids on hand to make sure everyone has a good time.

BEST PRODUCTS FOR AN EFFORTLESS JULY 4TH PARTY

Bristol Outdoor Teak 9-Piece Dining Set

This beautiful outdoor dining set is made of durable teakwood and enough seating for up to eight. The chairs come with comfy reversible seat cushions, and the table has a hole in the center to add an umbrella for shade.

Sold by Macy's

CAKKA 4th of July Plastic Tablecloths

These disposable tablecloths are made of premium plastic and feature a dark blue background with red, white and lighter blue stars for a patriotic design. They're waterproof and washable, so you can reuse them. 

Sold by Amazon

Arlmont & Co. Vintage Americana Patriotic Canvas Pleated Bunting

This flag-inspired bunting makes a classic decoration for your porch or deck railing. It's double-sided and made of durable, fade-resistant canvas, so you can use it year after year. The grommets at the top make it easy to hang.

Sold by Wayfair

Brightown 4th of July Red, White, Blue Star String Lights

These festive string lights contain 50 red, white and blue stars on each strand to light your party after dark. You can connect up to 50 sets to cover your entire yard, and the LED bulbs offer up to 25,000 hours of illumination.

Sold by Amazon

GIFTEXPRESS Spearhead Handheld American Stick Flags

Whether you use them to decorate your yard or hand them out to your guests, these flags will set the right mood for your Fourth of July party. Each package contains 12 flags with a natural wooden stick and a decorative spear at the top that has an antique bronze finish.

Sold by Amazon and Walmart

Cuisinart Deluxe Grill Set

Make sure you're ready to grill up your guests' favorite barbecue foods with this 20-piece grilling tool set. All the pieces are made of durable, rust-resistant stainless steel and feature longer handles and a balanced weight to make them easy to use.

Sold by Amazon

FreshJax Gourmet Organic BBQ & Grill Lovers Seasonings

With this barbecue seasonings set, you won't have to mix up your own spice rubs to have the most flavorful burgers, steaks, chicken and veggies. It includes six different blends, such as citrus pepper, grill master burger blend and mesquite lime. They all contain certified organic, kosher and gluten-free ingredients.

Sold by Amazon

Margaritaville Tahiti Frozen Concoction Maker

This versatile blender can make up to three blended drinks at a time so you have a variety for your guests. Each pitcher holds 24 ounces, producing 72 ounces in total each cycle. It also has six convenient drink presets: margarita, daiquiri, colada, mudslide, mojito and smoothie.

Sold by Amazon

Igloo Party Bucket Cooler

Guests can help themselves to soda, water, beer and more from this leak-resistant party cooler. It's made of durable, easy-to-clean plastic and is lined with foam insulation to hold onto ice. It has an elevated base that keeps it above hot surfaces so your drinks stay cool.

Sold by Amazon and Walmart

Way to Celebrate! American Flag Oval Disposable Paper Plates

These festive flag-themed paper plates are a convenient way to serve guests because you don't have to clean them afterward. Each recyclable plate is 10 inches in diameter and sturdy enough to hold large portions of burgers, chips and other foods.

Sold by Walmart

Anapoliz 4th of July Serving Trays

Your guests can easily grab chips, pretzels and other snacks from these plastic flag-print serving trays. Each set contains 10 trays, providing you plenty for side dishes at your Fourth of July party. The trays are 12 inches long, 7 inches wide and 1.5 inches deep to hold plenty of food.

Sold by Amazon

GoSports Regulation-Size Wooden Cornhole Boards Set

This cornhole set is suitable for all ages and skill levels, making it a fun activity for barbecues and picnics. It's made of sturdy plywood with an attractive birch wood finish. It's paintable if you want to customize it. The carrying case makes storage simple.

Sold by Amazon

WORTH CHECKING OUT

• This drink dispenser holds two different beverages and makes it simple for guests to serve themselves.
• The Charcoal Companion Nonstick Kabob Grilling Baskets eliminate the need for skewers when making kabobs for your Fourth of July party.
• Kids will enjoy playing with this Tidal Storm Hydro Swirl Spinning Sprinkler at barbecues and picnics because it creates spinning, twirling streams of water.
• This tilting, adjustable patio umbrella is made of waterproof, UV-resistant polyester and provides a 9-inch canopy to keep guests cool.
• The Costway Giant 4-in-a-Row Game takes just a minute to assemble and is entertaining for all ages.

Want to shop the best products at the best prices? Check out Daily Deals from BestReviews.

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When you buy grapes, you want them to last long enough so you can enjoy them all. However, if you do not wash them at the right time or store them in the right way, you can dramatically cut down on the edible life span of the fruit. It is important to have items, such as a colander and produce bags on hand so you can wash and store your grapes in a way that ensures maximum freshness.

Shop this article: Naturally Sensible Reusable Produce Bags, LiveFresh Stainless Steel 5-Quart Colander, Comfify Collapsible Colander Set

How to store grapes

The colder grapes are, the longer they will last. If you leave them on the counter, they may be good for a day or two. Refrigerated grapes, however, may last as long as two weeks or more. And if you put them in the freezer, grapes can last up to 12 months.

However, produce, including grapes, needs to breathe. Do not make the mistake of placing them in an airtight food storage container or a resealable plastic bag. You should store grapes in a mesh bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Do not wash your grapes before you store them.

When to wash grapes

As much as plants need water to survive and grow, they drink it through the soil. It is not healthy for a plant to remain damp or wet for extended periods of time. For instance, if you water your grass at night, it creates the ideal condition for disease to develop and spread because the grass can't dry. The same is true with grapes. Even though they are about 80% water on the inside, they do not like to be wet on the outside.

Consequently, if you wash grapes before storing them, it will actually increase their rate of decay, and they won't last very long. The best time to wash grapes is just before you eat them. And ideally, you should only wash as many as you plan on eating.

How to wash grapes

Luckily, washing grapes is a simple process that only takes a few minutes.

1. Before washing, make sure your hands and colander are clean. Also, remove any damaged grapes from the bunch and discard them.
2. Fill a colander up with as many grapes as you'd like to eat and run it under cool water for about a minute.
3. If you are not a fan of bloom — the grape's natural, white-ish protective coating — use a little baking soda when rinsing to remove this delicate outer casing. While the bloom is safe to eat, it can have a bitter taste or feel chalky.
4. Pat the grapes dry using a paper towel or microfiber cloth, and they are ready to serve.

Products you need to wash and store grapes

Naturally Sensible Reusable Produce Bags

These five reusable, mesh produce bags are made with durable cotton hems so they can cinch up tightly and keep your grapes secure. To help them stand out, the fabric is made in rich earthy colors, such as teal, purple and deep green.

Sold by Amazon and Walmart

Ecowaare Reusable Mesh Produce Bags

If you need more than a handful of reusable produce bags, this affordable option is a solid choice. You get 15 durable mesh polyester bags that include colorful drawstrings for easy organization. The bags come in three sizes to help meet all of your produce storage needs.

Sold by Amazon and Walmart

LiveFresh Stainless Steel 5-Quart Colander

When it's time to wash your grapes, the easiest way is to use a quality colander. This stainless steel model has micro-perforated holes that allow for quick drainage while still containing your food. It is rustproof and dishwasher-safe for convenience.

Sold by Amazon

Comfify Collapsible Colander Set

If you want a colander set that doesn't take up much storage space, this clever option is a wise choice. It comes with two food strainers that collapse flat when not in use. They are heat resistant up to 212 degrees and come in a variety of fun colors.

Sold by Amazon and Walmart

Arm and Hammer Baking Soda

If you want to do the best cleaning job, you need a little abrasion. Baking soda is a safe, chemical-free option that provides the perfect amount of grit to give your grapes that desirable sparkle. This one-pound box gives you more than enough to get the job done.

Sold by Walmart

Scott Choose-A-Sheet Paper Towels

Paper towels are a suitable option for drying off your grapes after washing. This six-pack features 110 sheets per roll and produces minimal lint when cleaning. They are convenient, affordable and sustainably sourced.

Sold by Walmart

Amazon Basics Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
If you want a more environmentally friendly drying option, a microfiber cloth is an absorbent, reusable product that can be used hundreds of times. This generous pack of 24 comes in blue, yellow and white and it can be used for a wide variety of lint-free cleaning tasks.
Sold by Amazon

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Allen Foster writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

Copyright 2023 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.

Whether you’ve just moved into your new home or have been a homeowner for decades, you’ve no doubt quickly realized that cleaning your home is not fun. While everyone enjoys having a clean house, the number of people who actually find the process gratifying is few and far between.

One way to mix up your cleaning routine is to pick up some fun cleaning gadgets. After all, you’ll be cleaning your house forever, so you might as well find a way to make it somewhat enjoyable. So, if you’re tired of using good ol’ elbow grease for spring cleaning, here are some satisfying gadgets that make tidying up easy and fun.

Shop this article: Angry Mama Microwave Cleaner, Luxe Makeup Brush Cleaner and Honbay Ladybug Shaped Portable Mini Vacuum

Why keeping a clean home is important

Reduce allergies

From pet hair to dust mites to mold, allergens are consistently present throughout your home, even when you cannot see them. Unfortunately, these allergens will continue to build up and worsen if not cleaned. However, a few small chores can significantly reduce allergies, including vacuuming to capture animal hair, scrubbing the shower to eliminate mold and washing bed sheets in hot water, which is the best way to get rid of dust mites.

Stop the spread of germs

Germs spread easier and quicker than most people realize. For example, a person can transfer germs by touching a doorknob right before someone else. Sneezing and coughing are other ways that germs spread. Using a disinfecting spray or wipe on high-traffic areas of your house is the best way to keep your family and guests healthy.

Discourage pests

Ants, rodents, fruit flies and cockroaches are just a few pests seen in homes, even when they’re kept clean. However, since most pests are attracted to crumbs and food spills, keeping a clean home is the best way to discourage pests from sticking around.

Encourage positive mental health

Having a tidy space is one of the best ways to encourage positive mental health. When you’re living in a cluttered space, it’s easier to become stressed out, develop depressive symptoms or have feelings of anxiety. A clean home can also support healthy sleeping patterns and the ability to focus.

Tips to make home cleaning more efficient

• Give everything a place: It’s much easier to clean up when you know where everything goes. For example, instead of putting the tape in a junk drawer when cleaning off the counter, have a specific basket for tape. You’ll also save yourself time down the road by not having to organize a junk drawer.
• Set a timer: Instead of being upset about cleaning, give yourself 15 minutes to wash the dishes. It will feel like a challenge and make it fun when you rinse the last dish before your time is up.
• Do a little bit of cleaning every day: Trying to clean the entire house in a single day is daunting. Instead, do a tiny bit of cleaning every day. You could clean for 10 minutes every evening or pick a different room in the house each day.
• Give yourself a reward: Do you want to watch your favorite show or go out to dinner with friends? Make it a reward for putting away your laundry or vacuuming the living room.

• Buy fun cleaning gadgets: Cleaning is always more enjoyable when you get to use fun gadgets, such as these adorable mop slippers.

• Go easy on yourself: It’s OK if you forget to clean one day or let the laundry pile up. Getting stressed out will make cleaning even less enjoyable.

Best gadgets to make home cleaning easy and fun

Angry Mama Microwave Cleaner

Instead of getting irritated by the amount of food splatter in your microwave, grab this cute and clever microwave-cleaning gadget. All it requires is water and vinegar, and it will effortlessly clean your microwave without chemicals.

Sold by Amazon

Luxe Makeup Brush Cleaner

Makeup brushes, which touch your face, may be one of the most important items in your home to clean. This spinning brush cleaner is fun to use and returns makeup brushes of all sizes to their original condition.

Sold by Amazon

Honbay Ladybug Shaped Portable Mini Vacuum

Cleaning up crumbs, eraser shavings or hair has never been easier or more amusing. This adorable portable mini vacuum is ideal for small messes and straightforward enough for kids to operate.

Sold by Amazon

Drill Brush Power Scrubber by Useful Products

If you’d rather work outside than clean the house, you’ll love these power brushes that attach to your favorite cordless drill. They come in three sizes and shapes and are gentle enough to use on tubs, sinks, baseboards and more without scratching.

Sold by Amazon

Hiware Window Blind Cleaner Duster Brush

Cleaning blinds just got exponentially less annoying and faster using this duster brush with multiple arms. It comes with five microfiber cloths that can be washed.

Sold by Amazon

TubShroom Tub Drain Hair Catcher

This drain hair catcher eliminates the need for snaking a drain and a costly plumber. It fits inside the drain, so you don’t have to worry about it being unsightly, and it can be emptied in minutes.

Sold by Amazon

Oxo Furlifter Furniture Brush Lint Roller

With this lint brush, you’ll no longer need those sticky rollers that produce a ton of waste. Not only does the base clear the fur off the brush with a single dip, but it also holds the fur until it’s emptied.

Sold by Amazon

O-Cedar EasyWring Spin Mop Bucket Cleaning System

This spin mop bucket features a built-in spinning wringer operated by your foot and a splash guard, so you don’t have to worry about messes. Plus, the triangle mop head is ideal for reaching tight corners and is machine-washable and reusable.

Sold by Amazon

EyeVac Home Touchless Stationary Vacuum

If you think using the awkward dustpan is the worst part of sweeping, you’ll love this touchless vacuum. The infrared sensors automatically detect your sweeping motion and activate the suction.

Sold by Amazon

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Why the way you wash and store grapes matters

When you buy grapes, you want them to last long enough so you can enjoy them all. However, if you do not wash them at the right time or store them in the right way, you can dramatically cut down on the edible life span of the fruit. It is important to have items, such as a colander and produce bags on hand so you can wash and store your grapes in a way that ensures maximum freshness.

Shop this article: Naturally Sensible Reusable Produce Bags, LiveFresh Stainless Steel 5-Quart Colander, Comfify Collapsible Colander Set

How to store grapes

The colder grapes are, the longer they will last. If you leave them on the counter, they may be good for a day or two. Refrigerated grapes, however, may last as long as two weeks or more. And if you put them in the freezer, grapes can last up to 12 months.

However, produce, including grapes, needs to breathe. Do not make the mistake of placing them in an airtight food storage container or a resealable plastic bag. You should store grapes in a mesh bag in the crisper drawer of your refrigerator. Do not wash your grapes before you store them.

When to wash grapes

As much as plants need water to survive and grow, they drink it through the soil. It is not healthy for a plant to remain damp or wet for extended periods of time. For instance, if you water your grass at night, it creates the ideal condition for disease to develop and spread because the grass can't dry. The same is true with grapes. Even though they are about 80% water on the inside, they do not like to be wet on the outside.

Consequently, if you wash grapes before storing them, it will actually increase their rate of decay, and they won't last very long. The best time to wash grapes is just before you eat them. And ideally, you should only wash as many as you plan on eating.

How to wash grapes

Luckily, washing grapes is a simple process that only takes a few minutes.

1. Before washing, make sure your hands and colander are clean. Also, remove any damaged grapes from the bunch and discard them.
2. Fill a colander up with as many grapes as you'd like to eat and run it under cool water for about a minute.
3. If you are not a fan of bloom — the grape's natural, white-ish protective coating — use a little baking soda when rinsing to remove this delicate outer casing. While the bloom is safe to eat, it can have a bitter taste or feel chalky.
4. Pat the grapes dry using a paper towel or microfiber cloth, and they are ready to serve.

Products you need to wash and store grapes

Naturally Sensible Reusable Produce Bags
These five reusable, mesh produce bags are made with durable cotton hems so they can cinch up tightly and keep your grapes secure. To help them stand out, the fabric is made in rich earthy colors, such as teal, purple and deep green.
Sold by Amazon and Walmart

Ecowaare Reusable Mesh Produce Bags
If you need more than a handful of reusable produce bags, this affordable option is a solid choice. You get 15 durable mesh polyester bags that include colorful drawstrings for easy organization. The bags come in three sizes to help meet all of your produce storage needs.
Sold by Amazon and Walmart

LiveFresh Stainless Steel 5-Quart Colander
When it's time to wash your grapes, the easiest way is to use a quality colander. This stainless steel model has micro-perforated holes that allow for quick drainage while still containing your food. It is rustproof and dishwasher-safe for convenience.
Sold by Amazon

Comfify Collapsible Colander Set
If you want a colander set that doesn't take up much storage space, this clever option is a wise choice. It comes with two food strainers that collapse flat when not in use. They are heat resistant up to 212 degrees and come in a variety of fun colors.
Sold by Amazon and Walmart

Arm and Hammer Baking Soda
If you want to do the best cleaning job, you need a little abrasion. Baking soda is a safe, chemical-free option that provides the perfect amount of grit to give your grapes that desirable sparkle. This one-pound box gives you more than enough to get the job done.
Sold by Walmart

Scott Choose-A-Sheet Paper Towels
Paper towels are a suitable option for drying off your grapes after washing. This six-pack features 110 sheets per roll and produces minimal lint when cleaning. They are convenient, affordable and sustainably sourced.
Sold by Walmart

Amazon Basics Microfiber Cleaning Cloth
If you want a more environmentally friendly drying option, a microfiber cloth is an absorbent, reusable product that can be used hundreds of times. This generous pack of 24 comes in blue, yellow and white and it can be used for a wide variety of lint-free cleaning tasks.
Sold by Amazon

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Allen Foster writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

Likewise, when you first start playing golf, you can have that same feeling. There are so many options available that just choosing a single club can seem overwhelming, let alone picking an entire set. Consider the below options so you can determine the path you should take.

Shop this article: Strata Men's Ultimate 16-Piece Complete Set, Strata Women's Ultimate 16-Piece Complete Set and Wilson Women’s Profile SGI Complete Golf Club Package Set

Schools of thought for choosing your first set of golf clubs

There are two schools of thought on choosing your first set of clubs. The approach that is best for you depends on your preference.

Get a smaller set

Becoming proficient in any endeavor is based on learning the fundamentals and gradually building to more and more advanced skills. In baseball, for instance, the youngest players start with tee ball to become acquainted with the mechanics of the swing before moving to more difficult versions of the game.

For golf, you can start with a smaller set of essential clubs so you are not overwhelmed. Learn the difference between the basic types of men's and women's golf clubs before moving into the nuances of whether you prefer odd or even irons. There will always be time to purchase more clubs in the future.

Get everything at once

The other option is to start with a more comprehensive beginner’s set that has a wider selection of clubs. You will have everything on hand to compare as you are learning. While for some this would be overwhelming, others may find this a more natural process. Sometimes, it can be more cost effective to purchase a larger golf club set. Just realize that you may eventually outgrow these clubs and need to replace them with high-end models if you stick with the game.

Type of golf clubs

There are four primary types of golf clubs: woods, irons, wedges and putters. Hybrid golf clubs are also important to discuss because they serve a specific purpose.

Woods

Even though the heads of these clubs are no longer made of wood, they are still called woods. Woods for men and women have the largest head and the longest shaft, so golfers can swing them the fastest. A wood is reserved for the longest shots. Typically, woods are used when you are farther than 200 yards from the green.

Irons

Compared to woods, the heads on irons are very thin. Irons for men and women have an angled face that is etched with grooves that help give the ball spin. These clubs are typically used for shots on the fairway or sometimes the tee when the distance to the green is less than 200 yards. In general, long irons (2-, 3- and 4-irons) are the hardest for a beginner to use.

Wedges

Wedges very closely resemble irons. They have the same head. The important difference is the angle is much more severe to give the ball greater loft. The wedges are reserved for when you get close to the green. They are good for shorter shots (roughly 100 yards), pitches (50 yards or closer) and chips (just a few yards). Additionally, a wedge is what you need to get out of a sand bunker.

Putters

Putters are the club that you use once you make it to the green. There are more styles and designs of putters than there are for any other type of golf club. This is because the best putter is the one that feels right for you. In other words, there is no ideal putter; each golfer learns — usually through trial and error — which one is best for them. For many, the putter is the club that makes the difference between being over or under par.

Hybrids

Hybrids are a cross between woods and irons. Hybrid golf clubs for men and women have a thicker and wider head than an iron club, which makes it easier to hit the ball. Typically, a hybrid club is used in place of a long iron — when a golfer has to hit between roughly 160 and 200 yards. Since they can help a golfer get out of trouble, they are also called rescue clubs.

What are the basic golfing clubs?

If you want to be equipped to play a round of golf, you need enough variety of clubs to cover the different yardages you may face. At the very least, your beginner’s set should have a wood, a hybrid, a couple of irons (a 5- or 7-iron and a 9-iron), a sand wedge and a putter.

Best golf sets for a beginner

Strata Men's Ultimate 16-Piece Complete Set

If you like to have everything, this is the set to get. It is affordable and has a club for every situation you face when moving from the tee to the hole.

Sold by Amazon and Dick's Sporting Goods

Strata Women's Ultimate 16-Piece Complete Set

This complete set for women has 11 clubs, four headcovers and a lightweight stand bag. The clubs include a driver, a 3-wood, a 4-hybrid, a 5-hybrid, a 6-iron, a 7-iron, an 8-iron, a 9-iron, a pitching wedge, a sand wedge and a blade putter.

Sold by Amazon and Dick's Sporting Goods

Wilson Men's Profile SGI Complete Golf Club Package Set

There are 10 clubs in this set from one of the most recognized sports equipment brands in the U.S. It gives the beginner everything they need to play a full round without fear they’ll be caught in a situation without the appropriate club.

Sold by Amazon

Wilson Women’s Profile SGI Complete Golf Club Package Set

This beautiful set is manufactured with lightweight graphite shafts (except the putter) and comfortable all-weather grips. It is affordably priced and features every club you’ll need for your first season of play.

Sold by Amazon

Callaway XJ Junior Six-Piece Golf Set

This is a quality set for the player who wants to start with just the essentials. You get one of each club: a wood, an iron, a wedge and a putter. The purchase also includes one head cover and a stand bag.

Sold by Dick's Sporting Goods

Top Flite 2022 Kids' Eight-Piece Complete Set

If budget is your primary concern, this is a good kit to consider. It can get your kid started with the most important clubs so they can enjoy the game too.

Sold by Dick's Sporting Goods

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Copyright 2023 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.

Shop this article: Ninja AF101 4-Quart Air Fryer, GoWISE USA 5.8-Quart 5-in-1 Digital Air Fryer and Dash Compact 2-Quart Air Fryer

Air frying vs. deep frying

Air fryers operate somewhat like convection ovens. They use heated air (400 degrees on average), fans, and a fine mist of oil to cook food quickly. Air fryers can give food the crisp texture of deep frying with almost none of the health concerns associated with it.

However, preparing your favorite freezer-aisle snacks in an air fryer isn’t healthier than using your oven. If you normally prepare your chicken nuggets in an oven, the nutritional facts won’t change when you use an air fryer. But, air fryers do use less oil and leave less fat in your food.

Air fryer types

While fryer-only models exist, you can also find air fryer toaster oven combo appliances. Specialized air fryers are good for smaller households because they’re more compact. Combo air fryers are larger but offer additional features such as toasting, dehydrating and even preparing rotisserie chicken.

Air fryer features

• Controls: Air fryers are available with analog or digital controls. Analog models tend to be more affordable and more user-friendly. Digital air fryers offer additional features such as cooking preset modes, memory and more precise cooking. A timer is an essential feature, especially if you want to try recipes like bread or cookies.
• Safety: Since they’re essentially tiny countertop ovens, safety should be a major consideration when you’re choosing an air fryer. Look for a model with automatic shutoff. Overheat protection, locking mechanisms and cool-touch handles are also useful safety features.
• Versatility: Air fryers can serve up more than fries. They can double as extra oven space or an additional burner. Their quick cooking makes them handy for small, quick dinners. Air fryers can even reheat your leftovers without turning them soggy.
• Size: Air fryers range in size from 2 quarts to more than 12 quarts, accommodating up to 4 pounds of food. Depending on how many people you’re cooking for — and how much storage space you have — you may prefer a small, 2- or 3-quart air fryer over a larger model.

Air fryer cost

Depending on the size and included features, air fryers can cost anywhere from $30 to $250. Good-quality budget air fryers cost around $50, while those in the $100 range offer features such as digital controls. Compact air fryers that offer digital controls cost $60 to $100.

Surprising air fryer foods

• Cookies: You probably got an air fryer to help you eat healthier, but it’s okay to treat yourself, too. An air fryer can deliver cookies that are crisp on the outside yet warm and gooey on the inside in about five minutes.
• Pizza: Make customized individual pizzas in your air fryer. Roll the dough to your preferred thickness and place it in the air fryer basket, then pile on your favorite toppings. These pizzas cook in 10 to 15 minutes.
• Apple chips: Air fryers aren’t good for kale chips. The lightweight greens get tossed around by the fan. If you want to make a healthy snack, make apple chips. Thinly slice an apple and arrange the slices in a single layer in the frying basket. Coat them in cooking spray and sprinkle on some cinnamon.
• Fried pickles: With a light and crispy batter made with cornmeal or panko, these snacks come together in minutes and don’t make a mess of your air fryer. They come together in less than 10 minutes.
• "Hard-boiled" eggs: No need to boil water. With a little trial and error, you can get eggs cooked perfectly to your preference. This hands-off method of cooking eggs takes less than 20 minutes.

FAQ

What can’t you cook in an air fryer?

A. While they’re versatile appliances, air fryers have their limits. Wet batter on foods such as homemade fish and chips will drip out of the basket and make a mess. Large, bone-in proteins such as whole chickens are challenging to cook evenly in an air fryer. Avoid using olive oil when air-frying at high temperatures because of its low smoke point. Lastly, be careful of how much cheese you put in the air fryer. Cheese can drip out and melt all over your air fryer’s interior.

Why does my air-fried food look pale?

A. Sometimes air frying can’t give food the golden, crispy coating we all love to see on our fried foods. To get better browning when air-frying, shake or flip your food halfway through cooking. Spritz food with a spray of cooking oil to amplify the golden color and the crispiness.

How do I clean an air fryer?

A. You need to clean your air fryer as soon as possible after using it to prevent buildup and odors. Check the owner’s manual for cleaning guidelines specific to your model. First, unplug it and let it cool. If your fryer’s basket isn’t dishwasher-safe, use warm, soapy water to clean it and the drip tray. Wipe down the heating coil and the fryer itself with a damp cloth to remove any residue.

Best air fryers

Ninja AF101 4-Quart Air Fryer

Roomy and powerful, our testers say this air fryer can cook up to 3 pounds of food at a time and doubles as a dehydrator.

Sold by Amazon

GoWISE USA 5.8-Quart 5-in-1 Digital Air Fryer

This popular air fryer has presets to easily make air-fryer favorites like French fries and fried chicken. Testers like its handy features such as a “shake” reminder.

Sold by Amazon

Dash Compact 2-Quart Air Fryer

Our testers say this no-fuss compact air fryer is easy to use and clean. It features a cool-touch handle, a timer, and simple analog controls.

Sold by Amazon

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Copyright 2023 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.

Growing your own food is one of the most rewarding outdoor activities you can have. This is a delicious, visible connection to the earth that can improve both your health and your environment.

But what are your options when you have limited space or poor soil? These challenges are common in urban areas. To meet them, many people opt to use a cedar raised garden bed.

Shop this article: Jumbl Raised Canadian Cedar Garden Bed, Greene’s Fence Original Cedar Elevated Garden Bed and Boldly Growing Wooden Raised Garden Bed Kit

Why choose a cedar raised garden bed

On the most basic level, a cedar raised garden bed is beneficial because:

• It lets you start your garden sooner in the season.
• It has better drainage.
• You can customize the soil to whatever you're planting.
• You can garden in areas with poor or potentially harmful soil.

Raised beds are also great for gardeners with mobility concerns. It can be challenging to get up and down off the ground during a long weeding session. Depending on the height, a raised bed with legs can be accessed while sitting, kneeling or standing. This makes gardening more accessible.

Finally, cedar in particular is both rot and pest resistant. Because of this, you don't need to use chemically treated wood or harmful sealant or paint to keep your raised bed from disintegrating after a couple of seasons.

Raised beds with or without legs

A raised bed can be as simple as a square boundary placed on top of already existing soil. Most raised beds without legs are 11 inches tall — a good height for most herbs, flowers and vegetables. This provides all of the benefits, but they can still be challenging for some gardeners to use.

If you like the idea of planting, weeding and harvesting at waist level, look for raised beds with legs. They have the same depth of bed, but legs that are 2-4  feet tall make this setup easier to use.

Which cedar raised garden bed is best?

Jumbl Raised Canadian Cedar Garden Bed

It’s available in four sizes. It is designed to work in small spaces but is deep enough for larger vegetables that require more room for roots. This raised bed comes with a liner and a one-year replacement warranty. No special tools are required to assemble.

Sold by Amazon

Greene’s Fence Original Cedar Elevated Garden Bed

If you are worried about chemicals, this is a great choice. The cedar is untreated which makes it safe for growing all types of herbs and vegetables. The rectangular shape optimizes this raised bed for balconies and patios. It assembles easily but requires a rubber mallet.

Sold by Amazon and Home Depot

Boldly Growing Wooden Raised Garden Bed Kit

This untreated cedar bed is divided into 4-foot-by-4-foot raised boxes. The tongue-and-groove boards of the bed are smooth to prevent splinters. Each square is nearly a foot deep. It assembles easily with a screwdriver and comes with a one-year warranty.

Sold by Amazon

Miracle-Gro Cedar Raised Garden Bed

The narrow size of this raised garden bed is ideal for balconies, next to sidewalks and other places where there isn't much room. It is available in five lengths and two widths, and the simple construction means expansion is easy with other Miracle-Gro products.

Sold by Amazon

Greenes Fence Premium U-Shaped Cedar Raised Bed

The cedar boards lock simply into corner posts for assembly. Add decorative tops posts with a screwdriver. The u-shape is substantial and lets you plant a full garden in a small footprint. It is available in two sizes, with or without critter guards. These beds can also be stacked for deeper crops such as potatoes or to elevate the beds even further.

Sold by Amazon

Boldly Growing Store Cedar Raised Planter Box With Legs

Yellow cedar is strong and resistant to rot. It is unfinished and can be stained or sealed as you like. It is available in two sizes. This raised bed holds 5 cubic feet of soil and comes with a one-year warranty.

Sold by Amazon

Timberlane Gardens 3-tiered Western Red Cedar Raised Bed Kit

The sustainably managed western red cedar in this three-tiered bed is free of chemicals and connected with mortise and tenon joinery. No tools are needed to assemble. These can be used as three separate beds or stacked for one. Brackets for joining are included. This is made in the U.S. from native trees.

Sold by Amazon

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Whether you like to pass the time on a long flight by watching a movie or enjoy listening to your favorite songs or podcasts on a train ride, having a quality pair of noise-canceling headphones is a must-have for comfortable travel. Noise-canceling headphones also make it much easier to sleep in a noisy plane, train, bus or car.

Headphones may all seem similar, but certain features can make one pair better suited for travel than another. You want them to be comfortable enough to wear for long periods and offer the most effective noise-canceling technology you can find.

This list offers some of the best noise-canceling headphones to make your next trip as pleasant as possible.

Shop this article: Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II Wireless Headphones, Sony Noise-canceling Headphones and Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise-canceling Headphones

What are noise-canceling headphones?

Noise-canceling headphones are just like regular headphones in that they enable you to listen to audio from your smartphone, laptop, tablet or other devices. Some models are wired, so you connect them to the device with a cable. Others are wireless and use a Bluetooth connection to connect to your device.

What sets noise-canceling headphones apart is they help counteract the ambient noise around you, so your audio is clearer and you're not disturbed. The headphones work by sending out a sound wave to cancel out the soundwaves in the ambient noise.

Keep in mind that noise-canceling headphones work better for some frequencies than others. They're incredibly effective for canceling sounds like engine noise on a plane, but higher-frequency sounds like a crying baby may still get through if you have lower-quality headphones.

What makes noise-canceling headphones good for travel?

Many travelers prefer wireless noise-canceling headphones because you don't have to deal with any cables getting in the way when you're trying to get comfortable on a plane or train.

For travel, make sure that your headphones have a long battery life so you don't have to worry about charging them during your trip. Some models offer up to 30 hours of listening time on a single charge, while others can only run for about 16 hours before needing to be recharged.

Best noise-canceling headphones

Bose QuietComfort 35 Series II Wireless Headphones

Thanks to the high-quality materials and construction, these wireless noise-canceling headphones are comfortable enough for long days of travel. The Bose headphones provide up to 20 hours of listening time per charge but also come with an audio cable to allow you to keep listening, even if the battery runs out. The Bose Connect app allows you to choose your preferred level of noise cancellation.

Sold by Amazon

Sony Noise-canceling Headphones

These headphones are fairly affordable, making them ideal for the traveler on a budget. The ear cups swivel to make them more compact for travel, and the battery offers up to 80 hours of listening time per charge. The Sony headphones are lightweight, so they're comfortable on long trips.

Sold by Amazon

Anker Soundcore Life Q20 Hybrid Active Noise-canceling Headphones

These Anker headphones offer active noise cancellation to keep your audio crystal clear. They can detect and cancel out a wide range of low and mid-frequency noises and feature a stronger bass for a better listening experience. You get up to 40 hours of playtime per charge, and the memory foam ear cups are comfortable for long periods.

Sold by Amazon

Ausounds True Wireless Noise-canceling Over-ear Headphones

These headphones are an excellent option if you need to take calls while you're traveling. The dual microphone allows for crystal-clear communication, and the noise-canceling feature enables you to hear perfectly.

Sold by Amazon

iLive Active Noise-cancellation Bluetooth Headphones

The adjustable headband and soft cushioned pads on these noise-canceling headphones are comfortable on long trips. The noise-canceling feature can easily be turned on and off, and the built-in microphone allows you to take calls. The headphones have a foldable design and an included carrying pouch, making them easy to pack.

Sold by Amazon

Sony WF-1000XM4 Noise-canceling Truly Wireless Earbuds

These noise-canceling earbuds are lightweight and easy to wear on long trips. The truly wireless earbuds have a smart listening feature that automatically turns on the ambient sound mode based on what you're doing, so you don't miss out on sounds you need to hear.

Sold by Amazon

Origaudio Wrapsody Premium Wireless Headphones

These headphones come with a soft carry bag ideal for travel. The 85% isolating outside noise cancellation feature lets you enjoy your favorite music without interruption. The multifunction on-ear buttons allow you to take calls and control your music with ease.

Sold by Amazon

Brookstone Active Noise-canceling Bluetooth Headphones

These headphones feature padded ear cups with an ergonomic design to offer greater comfort on long trips. They also let you make hands-free calls and fold for easy storage. The battery provides up to 30 hours of listening time per charge.

Sold by Amazon

Wicked Audio Full-size Wireless Plus Active Noise-canceling Hum 1000 Headphones

One of the best noise-canceling headphone sets on the market, this pair can reduce ambient noise by 97.5%. They feature cushioned ear cups that remain comfortable on the ears for hours, and they fold flat for storage.

Sold by Amazon

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While kids hoverboards don't actually float above the ground, they offer a fun, fast ride on two wheels. Though not recommended for younger kids, these self-balancing scooters can help older kids (ages 10 and up) get outside more often and zip around. Kids hoverboards also offer eco-friendly travel, often running on lithium-ion batteries that just need a plug-in to recharge.

When purchasing a hoverboard for kids, you'll want to consider the features of the best kids hoverboard brands.

Shop this article: Tomoloo Hoverboard, Hover-1 Drive Hoverboard and Sisigad Hoverboard Fun Edition

What to consider when getting a kids hoverboard

While getting a hoverboard might be exciting for your kids, it's important to think about some things before purchasing one. Not all hoverboards are suitable for every child, and some aren't suitable for children of certain ages. Here are some considerations to keep in mind when buying a kids hoverboard.

Safety first

Make sure your child wears safety gear (helmet, elbow and knee pads, wrist guards, etc.) when riding a hoverboard, as it's easy to fall, especially when they're learning. Keep the hoverboard on flat, dry ground. And if your child wants to go on slopes, check the hoverboard's maximum incline.

Wheel size

The wheel size on a kids hoverboard can make a big difference when it comes to what kind of terrain your child will be riding the hoverboard on. A hoverboard wheel's standard diameter is 6.5 inches, giving good control on smooth surfaces. If your child wants to ride on uneven terrain, a larger wheel between 8 and 10 inches is better. The bigger wheel will help to prevent your child from accidentally tipping over on rough terrain. Look for an off-road hoverboard if you know your child will be riding on uneven terrain frequently.

Speed

Hoverboards designed for kids often have a lower maximum speed of up to 6 miles per hour. The average top speed of a hoverboard is around 10 miles per hour. Getting a hoverboard designed specifically for kids will help make sure your kid doesn't speed off too far too quickly.

Battery life

Most kids hoverboards have a battery life of around an hour, so you should check the range to know how far your child can ride before needing to recharge with an included hoverboard charger or grab a spare battery. If the range isn't listed, look at the maximum speed to estimate it (e.g., a hoverboard with 60-minute battery life and a top speed of 10 miles per hour will have about a 10-mile range).

Weight

Hoverboards weigh anywhere from 10-30 pounds. Even though your child might want a lighter one that's easier to carry home when the battery runs out, lightweight models may not have the quality or durability they need.

What are some features of hoverboards for kids?

While hoverboards are made for both kids and adults, they aren't exactly the same. There might be some things that are more helpful for parents and safer for kids with kids hoverboard models. Here are some features to look for on hoverboards for kids.

LED lights

Many hoverboards have built-in LED lights on the board or wheels. Besides being cool and appealing for kids, they also can keep kids safer by making them more visible to drivers and walkers in low light conditions.

App connectivity

Many hoverboards have Bluetooth and can connect to smartphone apps for monitoring power levels, speed, steering sensitivity, battery life and GPS. The GPS, in particular, can be a reassuring feature for parents who want to monitor where their kids are while they're out and about hoverboarding on their own. They can also help you to know when you need to bring out your hoverboard charger to recharge the hoverboard. The last thing you want is for your kid's hoverboard to run out of power right in the middle of a hoverboarding session.

Built-in speakers

Often hoverboards have built-in speakers to connect to smartphones via Bluetooth so your child can play music while they ride. This is often safer than having your kid listen to music with headphones while they are hoverboarding. Having music playing on speakers rather than headphones allows your child to still hear environmental sounds around them like approaching cars or people walking near them who are trying to get their attention.

How much does a hoverboard for kids cost?

Hoverboards can range widely in price, from $100-$600, but the ones above $400 are aimed at adults using them off-road. Most basic to mid-range models cost between $150-$300.

Kids hoverboards FAQ

Can a 5-year-old hoverboard?

A. While your 5-year-old child may be very talented at balancing, hoverboards are not generally recommended for children under the age of 8. That being said, it's up to you if you want to let your 5-year-old child ride a hoverboard or not.

At what age should a kid get a hoverboard?

A. There's no set age for hoverboards, but the older your child is, the better. According to a study done by the American Academy of Pediatrics, 26, 854 children were treated for hoverboard injuries. Of these children, the average age was 11, and the median age was 13. Most hoverboards are recommended for kids ages 8 and older, but use your best judgment when it comes to deciding what's best for your child.

What size hoverboard is best for a 10-year-old?

A. The ideal size of wheels on a kids hoverboard depends on where the kid will be riding it (rough terrain requires bigger wheels). In general, kids ages 10 and older can handle riding hoverboards with the standard wheel size of 6.5 inches.

What hoverboard is good for a 7-year-old?

A. Most hoverboards are made for children older than 7 years old, so you'll need to check the manufacturer's guidelines for a hoverboard to determine if it's recommended for your 7-year-old. Generally, younger kids do better with hoverboards that have bigger wheels and measure at least 8 inches in diameter.

Kids hoverboards safety tips

While kids hoverboards are manufactured especially for kids, that doesn't mean they're foolproof. To make sure your child gets the safest enjoyment out of the hoverboard, it's important to follow a few safety rules:

• Make sure your kids wear safety gear such as helmets, wrist guards and kneepads when using their hoverboards outside. Much like with skateboarding, it's easy for kids to fall when using their hoverboards. Insisting that they wear the proper safety gear will help protect them if they fall.
• Do not allow your kids to ride their hoverboards in the road near traffic. This could help prevent a car accident.
• Teach your child how to fall properly to avoid injury. Riding on a hoverboard is similar to riding on a skateboard, so kids can use similar falling techniques to reduce injury.
• Make sure your child fits within the height and weight restrictions for a hoverboard before allowing them to ride it. This will help reduce the risk of malfunction or injury.
• Only use the hoverboard charger that came with the hoverboard. Hoverboards have a history of overheating, and using the proper charger can help you avoid this.
• Do not allow your kids to use a hoverboard that overheats. If your child uses a hoverboard that overheats, they could be at risk for burns or other serious injuries. If you find that your child's hoverboard gets too hot, it may be best to just buy a new one.
• Do not leave your child's hoverboard unattended while it's charging. If the hoverboard catches fire while charging and you're away, it could burn your house down.
• Keep the hoverboard away from flammable items. This is especially important while the hoverboard is charging.
• Make sure the hoverboard is UL 2272 compliant and doesn't have any recalls. According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the safest way to make sure your hoverboard won't catch fire is to make sure it's UL 2272 compliant. While this doesn't guarantee that it won't ever catch fire, it reduces the risk significantly. You can tell if a kids hoverboard complies with the UL 2272 safety standard by looking for a UL holographic certification label on the bottom of it.

The best kids hoverboards

Tomoloo Hoverboard

This versatile model comes in a variety of solid colors and is an excellent one for kids who'll love its rainbow LED lighting that synchronizes color changes with the rhythm, Bluetooth and stereo surround sound. Parents will love its UL2272 certification for safety, high-temperature resistance and durability in a 17.6-pound model that holds riders up to 165 pounds.

Sold by Amazon

Hover-1 Drive Hoverboard

Easy to use, lightweight and with a top speed of 7 mph, this trusted brand offers kids a fun and safe hoverboard experience. It's affordable, has LED lights for safety and holds up to 160 pounds.

Sold by Amazon

Hover-1 Helix Electric Hoverboard

This inexpensive model has a 400-watt motor, travels up to 7 mph and holds up to 160 pounds. It comes in a few colors, has a built-in Bluetooth speaker and charges within 6 hours.

Sold by Amazon

Uni-Sun Hoverboard for Kids

Reviewers say their kids love this lightweight hoverboard that offers a smooth and easy ride, along with the colorful flashing wheel LED front lights. It's a solid, UL-certified and Bluetooth-supported model.

Sold by Amazon

Sisigad Hoverboard Fun Edition

With rugged footpads and "fun" right in its name, this hoverboard comes in multiple unique patterns like graffiti, starry purple and green or pink camo. Reviewers say it's a model that's easy for kids to learn how to ride and pairs well with devices.

Sold by Amazon

Hover-1 H1-100 Electric Hoverboard

This UL-certified kids hoverboard boasts ultra-bright infinity LED wheels, a built-in Bluetooth speaker and IPX4 water resistance. Reviewers say it's a sturdy, durable and easy-to-learn model.

Sold by Amazon

Swagtron Swagboard Twist Self Balancing Hoverboard for Kids

This colorful hoverboard is perfect for kids and young teens, as it self-balances. It's UL-certified and has a noncombustible battery. It has bright headlines to help increase safety when kids are riding in low-light conditions.

Sold by Amazon

Gotrax Nova Hoverboard

Kids can carry this lightweight hoverboard around easily wherever they go. It can hold up to 175 pounds and has two 200-watt motors. The extended battery life allows kids to go up to 3.1 miles on a single charge.

Sold by Amazon

Worth checking out

• This hoverboard charger can keep your child's hoverboard charged and ready to go.

• This kids helmet can protect your child's head whenever they go to ride their hoverboard outside.

• Keep your child's wrists, knees and elbows protected with this skating pad set.

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Copyright 2023 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.

Whether you're training for an Iron Man or going on your first jog, you're taking steps to prioritize your health and well-being. That's worth celebrating.

Having a Fitbit on your wrist can help you keep track of your progress without too much extra fuss, especially because Fitbit can connect to several popular running apps. All Fitbits use proprietary movement tracking technology, and many include GPS functionality, a heart rate monitor and a blood-oxygen monitor. Fitbits also offer information on calories burned, steps taken and distance traveled.

We've compiled everything you need to know about Fitbit for running, including the considerations that might go into your Fitbit purchase. Don't miss our testing insights on the Fitbit Charge 5!

Shop this article: Fitbit Sense 2, Fitbit Versa 3 and Fitbit Versa 4

What to consider when choosing your Fitbit

Fitness tracker vs. smartwatch

The differences between fitness trackers and smartwatches have lessened over the years, but the rule of thumb is that smartwatches are more versatile and expensive. Initially, the fitness tracker was a simple band without a display, while the smartwatch was equipped with multiple features and phone functionality. Over time, fitness trackers have started to share some features with smartwatches.

Battery life

There's nothing worse than strapping on your running shoes only to discover that your Fitbit's battery is low. Even the most power-hungry Fitbits can hold a charge for 7-10 hours, and some can even last for months.

Fitbits and heart rate monitors

Fitbits use LED technology to detect blood flow and monitor heart rate. Heart rate monitoring is a crucial consideration for some runners who are working on their endurance. Knowing your physical limits and heart health can help you improve your run benchmarks.

Touch screen vs. no touch screen

The benefit of a touch screen is that it will allow you easier access to Fitbit's features. Switching songs, interacting with notifications and customizing your preferences are all easier with a touch screen. The trade-off for increased usability is that touch screens offer shorter battery life, feel bulkier against your wrist and cost more.

Comfort

A clunky or poor-fitting fitness tracker can mess up your rhythm and even bruise your wrist. While Fitbits are known to be comfortable and discreet, your experience may vary. Fitbit smartwatches offer alternative band options to personalize your experience and comfort.

Extra features

Fitbit is an established name in the running community. The brand now offers products that include sleep tracking, work management and quick payment. Individual runners will need to determine if this additional functionality meets their needs.

Fitbit running watches

Smartwatch trackers

Fitbit Sense 2

Fitbit's newest offering, the Sense 2, is designed to be one of the most advanced health smartwatches. It features a suite of tools to help manage stress, including a blood oxygen monitor and breath coaching.

Sold by Amazon and Kohl's

Fitbit Versa 3

The Versa 3 is Fitbit's flagship model, with six days of battery life, added GPS and a comfortable fit. The Versa 3 offers GPS, heart-rate monitoring, fast charge capabilities and connectivity with essential fitness apps.

Sold by Amazon and Dick's Sporting Goods

Fitbit Versa 4

The Versa 4 is the latest Fitbit smartwatch and features a built-in GPS and workout intensity map, Active Zone Minutes, all-day activity tracking and a heart rate monitor. It is also compatible with Bluetooth phones for hands-free calling.

Sold by Amazon

Trackers

Fitbit Charge 4

With a built-in GPS tracker and heart rate monitor, this tracker is one of Fitbit's most popular trackers. It's sleek, modern and has popular features like a GPS, allowing you to go phone-free on your run.

Sold by Amazon

Fitbit Inspire 2

Bare-bones and straightforward, the Inspire 2 offers everything you need in a tracker. It is sleek, small, highly affordable and comes with impressive battery life.

Sold by Amazon

Fitbit Charge 5

The Charge 5 is the latest tracker from Fitbit and features a Stress Management Score, heart rate notifications, and a Health Metrics dashboard. In addition to all the health trackers, it has a built-in GPS, and the battery lasts several days. Our tester praised the easy-to-read screen, long-lasting battery, and plentitude of workout data.

Sold by Amazon

Fitbit Ace 3

If you're looking for a child-friendly tracker, we'd suggest the Ace 3. It's designed with parental controls and motivational challenges for kids 6 years old and up.

Sold by Amazon and Best Buy

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Golf clubs are not only expensive but can be irreplaceable if the manufacturer discontinued a model you really like. So it makes sense golfers want to do everything possible to keep them safe when traveling.

Hard models offer the most protection but soft travel cases are lighter weight and can be more convenient to store. There are also several other pros and cons to consider that will make one more suitable for your needs than the other.

Shop this article: Samsonite Hard-Sided Golf Travel Case, SKB Cases ATA Standard Hard-Shell Wheeled Golf Bag Carrier and Sun Mountain Golf ClubGlider Meridian Club Cover Travel Bag

Hard golf travel cases

Hard golf travel cases have a rigid structure similar to hard-sided luggage. Nearly all feature thick interior padding and have wheels for easy maneuverability. They can also be carried like a suitcase if needed. Hard cases close securely via latches, often with locks approved by the Transportation Security Administration and are available in styles that accommodate just your clubs or your clubs and golf bag. Most cost $200-$350.

Hard golf travel case pros

• Highest level of protection
• Secure latches
• Thick interior padding
• Often equipped with TSA-approved locks
• Some have spinner wheels

Hard golf travel case cons

• Heavier than soft cases
• Require a lot of storage space
• Can be difficult to fit inside vehicles

Best hard golf travel case

Samsonite Hard-Sided Golf Travel Case

Combining a high level of protection with a conveniently portable design, this case does a good job of keeping your clubs safe without being a hassle to roll around. It features multidirectional spinner wheels and has a quilted interior with extra foam at the top, where it’s most needed.

Sold by Amazon

Best hard golf travel case for the money

SKB Cases ATA Standard Hard-Shell Wheeled Golf Bag Carrier

This case is made from sturdy, high-density polyethylene and is equipped with industrial-strength latches and a TSA-approved lock so your clubs will arrive safely at their destination. Despite this, it's a pound or so lighter than many other hard cases.

Sold by Amazon

Worth checking out

Ram Golf Ultimate Hard-Sided Travel Cover

This hard-sided case has many of the same features as the most popular luggage, including a tough thermoplastic shell, compression straps, spinner wheels and a TSA-approved lock. It’s equipped with plenty of interior padding and two handles for convenient lifting.

Sold by Amazon

Soft golf travel cases

Soft cases lack a rigid structure and, instead, are made entirely of durable fabrics such as polyester or nylon. There are also hybrid cases that feature a rigid shell around the club head area but are soft fabric everywhere else. Some have interior padding. Some of the cheapest lack wheels.

Unlike hard cases, soft cases close via a zipper, which some people feel makes them more likely to open up during travel. You can prevent this by attaching a small TSA-approved luggage lock if your bag allows for that. Most soft travel cases cost $50-$300.

Soft golf travel case pros

• More affordable
• Lightweight construction
• Commonly feature an easy-to-access exterior pocket
• Fold up for storage when not in use

Soft golf travel case cons

• Uninsurable with many airlines
• May have little to no padding
• Leave clubs more susceptible to damage

Best soft golf travel case

Sun Mountain Golf ClubGlider Meridian Club Cover Travel Bag

Thanks to flip-out support legs and smooth-rolling wheels, this case eliminates most of the hassle of traveling with your clubs. It comes in several colors and features an ID window so you can label it with your personal information.

Sold by Amazon

Best soft golf travel case for the money

Bag Boy T-460 Golf Bag

This lightweight case is a good choice for those who are on a budget but lacks some of the padding found in many of the more expensive options. It’s both weather- and tear-resistant and features internal compression straps to hold your clubs in place.

Sold by Amazon

Worth checking out

Sun Mountain Kube Golf Travel Cover

The Kube combines elements of hard and soft cases to give you the best of both worlds. It offers extra protection and durability where it’s most needed, yet still maintains a lightweight construction. Plus, it folds down into a cube barely larger than 1 cubic foot when not needed.

Sold by Amazon

Should you buy a hard golf travel case or a soft golf travel case?

The decision comes down to your budget, storage space and how much protection you want for your clubs. If budget and storage between uses aren’t issues, and you want the maximum protection for your clubs, hard cases are the way to go. If money or storage is a bit tight, and you can make do with less protection, you’ll likely prefer a soft case.

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If you already own a truck and traveling in style on a budget sounds exciting to you, you just need to learn how to turn your truck bed into the perfect camping setup. The good news is it is easier to do than you think. And it is much more affordable than buying an RV.

Shop this article: Napier Backroadz 19 Series Truck Tent, Pittman Outdoors Truck Bed Air Mattress and Coleman Autumn Trails 30-Degree Big-And-Tall Sleeping Bag

What is truck bed camping?

Truck bed camping is an economical way to have a weekend getaway. It is an even better way to travel and see the world. All you need is your vehicle, supplies and a little ingenuity.

The idea of truck bed camping is to turn the bed of your truck into a hotel room. The number of luxuries you include in your adventure is up to you. Your accommodations can be sparse or packed with creature comforts to make it a true glamping experience.

What are the advantages of truck bed camping?

If you are wondering what the appeal of truck bed camping is, consider the following benefits:

• Unlike an RV, which might not even fit in your driveway, you do not need any special storage space to park your truck.
• A pickup truck may get double or triple the gas mileage that an RV gets.
• Since it is smaller and easier to handle, you can go more places with a truck than you can with an RV.
• The battery and fuel tank capacity of a truck let you camp for several days without a hookup.
• Unlike an RV, which is not a commuter vehicle, you can drive your truck when it is not being used for camping.
• Sleeping in the bed of your truck provides a warmer, safer and more comfortable environment than sleeping on the ground in a tent.
• If you sleep in your truck, you don’t have to spend money on hotels, motels or hookup fees.

What do I need to consider when creating a truck bed camping setup?

Safety

The most important element to consider is your personal safety. You do not want any animals or people entering your vehicle while you are sleeping. Additionally, you will want to store your valuables where they can’t be easily seen, so you don’t become a target of theft.

Tents vs canopy

If you camp in a location where you feel secure, a truck bed tent may be an option. These items are lightweight, affordable and temporary. On the downside, they are not as durable, secure or weatherproof as a canopy and must be taken down before driving.

How to designate space

To get the most out of the available space in a truck, you need to dedicate specific areas to certain functions. For safety reasons, the driver and passenger seats should be as clutter-free as possible. The best areas for storage are usually behind the front seats and under the bed. Be sure to secure all items in these areas so they won’t become a hazard if you have to stop short. The sleeping space should be in the bed of the truck. If you are traveling alone, however, there are inflatable beds that fit in the back seat. If you aren’t too tall for this option, the truck bed can be your storage space.

Privacy

When camping, your truck is your bedroom. You will want to hang shades in the windows to have privacy. Also, when the sun comes up, it might wake you, so hanging up some kind of light-blocking material is important if you want to sleep in.

Power

During the day, you won’t need lights, but you will want your entertainment devices — phone, tablet, speaker, etc. — fully powered. Even if you are having an unplugged weekend, your phone needs to be charged for emergencies. Additionally, depending on the temperature, you may want to run a fan. At night, you will need light, and if there is an insect problem, a bug zapper will come in handy.

What do I need to create a truck bed camper?

Napier Backroadz 19 Series Truck Tent

The color-coded pole and sleeves let you set this truck tent up in just about 10 minutes. It has a full floor, rainfly and storm flaps for privacy and protection. The large door provides easy access, and the inside features a gear loft and a lantern holder.

Sold by Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Goods

Pittman Outdoors Truck Bed Air Mattress

This rugged truck bed air mattress fits over the wheel wells in your pickup truck. The built-in battery-powered pump makes inflation effortless, and the 1-year warranty offers peace of mind.

Sold by Amazon

Coleman Autumn Trails 30-Degree Big-And-Tall Sleeping Bag

To get the most comfortable night’s sleep, you need a sleeping bag. This one can keep you warm in temperatures down to 30 degrees. The big-and-tall design gives you extra room, and the comfort cuff provides extra softness around your face.

Sold by Dick’s Sporting Goods

Yeti Tundra 45 Cooler

Cold beverages are always a plus. This Yeti cooler can hold up to 26 cans and has extra insulation to keep your food and drinks cold longer. The rugged design is certified bear-resistant.

Sold by Amazon

DEWALT 140-Watt Portable Car Power Inverter

If you’d like to work on or charge your devices, this portable inverter lets you do just that. It has a single 120-volt outlet and dual USB charging ports. It is fan-free, silent running and has an automatic low-voltage shut-off to protect your vehicle’s battery.

Sold by Amazon and Home Depot

Energizer Weatheready LED Camping Lantern

This battery-powered lantern has three light modes: high, low and night light. It can run up to 650 hours in low mode and offers 360-degree illumination. The rugged, weatherproof design makes it ideal for camping.

Sold by Amazon

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A good cocktail consists of a mix of bold and subtle flavors. The way humans taste those flavors is dependent on variables such as temperature and how the liquid contacts the tongue. The way a cocktail looks also has a profound effect on the experience. The right glass showcases colors, gradients and garnishes. To that end, the type of glass used to serve a cocktail has a big influence on the drink’s quality.

Shop this article: Libbey Z-Stem Martini Glasses, Riedel O Wine Tumblers and No Worries Atoll Straw Set

How to pick the right cocktail glasses

First, consider what type of cocktails you and your guests like the most. If you’re a big fan of whiskey, make sure to collect some smaller glasses that accommodate the size of a common dram. If fruity, sour beverages are more your thing, consider wide-rimmed glasses. These increase surface area and help bring out some aromatics. If you love to compare beers and wines, you need a set of glasses that work with each variety to get the most out of your favorite beverages.

Cocktail glass size

Classic bar drinks such as the old-fashioned, martini and cosmopolitan don’t usually have high volume. For that style, it’s worth having traditional, mid-size rocks glasses on hand. For enjoying bright, refreshing cocktails, you need something larger. While most are familiar with classic pint glasses, many types of craft beer taste better from tulip glasses. Similarly, the size of the glass helps to evaluate the body and appearance of high-end wine while allowing for the right amount of oxidation.

Shape and surface area

The easiest example of shape influencing a drink’s quality is champagne, typically served in the iconic champagne flute. Tall and slim glasses such as flutes minimize the liquid’s contact with air and prevent the loss of all-important carbonation. Any drink that’s carbonated or includes a fizzy mixer benefits from a tall glass, rather than a wide one.

On the other hand, drinks that rely on smell as much as direct flavor work best in wide-rimmed glasses. Allowing fragrant liquors and bitters to contact the air helps release aromatics and prepares your palate for a powerful flavor every time you raise the glass to your lips.

Cocktail glass material

Simple glass is the most common material, but it’s not the only one. If you have rambunctious kids or pets or plan to enjoy beverages outside frequently, plastic is worth considering. It rarely delivers the same high-quality experience as glass, but it’s practically unbreakable. If it does break, you won’t find yourself cleaning glass shards from your lawn, patio or pool area.

Then there are crystal glasses. These aren’t made from actual crystal, but a subtype of glass with a chemical such as a metal oxide added to the mix. Crystal glasses usually have higher density and are thinner than common glasses. The material melts at a lower temperature and remains strong even when very thin. Don’t mistake that strength for durability, though. High-end crystal is typically much thinner and therefore more brittle than common glass.

Crystal also tends to look fancier than standard glass, due to the way it refracts light. Since crystal is worked at lower temperatures than glass, it can hold more intricate designs and patterns. Those patterns, coupled with the refraction crystal offers, make for spectacular, even prismatic effects when light plays off the glass and beverage.

If you love fancy cocktails, it’s worth investing in a set of crystal glasses. Be warned, though, that they require care to keep from breaking and can’t go in the dishwasher. It's also an investment to get the most high-end crystal cocktail glasses.

Best cocktail glasses for home bars

Libbey Z-Stem Martini Glasses

Whether you make yours with gin or vodka, these novel glasses ensure your favorite martini looks great.

Sold by Amazon

Libbey Cosmopolitan Martini Glasses

Not everybody prefers holding stemmed glasses or worrying about them getting knocked over. Consider these stemless martini glasses instead. They also double as cosmopolitan or old-fashioned glasses in a pinch.

Sold by Amazon

JoyJolt Bloom Coupe Crystal Glasses

These 275-milliliter coupe glasses are perfect for complex, high-test adult beverages that pack tons of flavor into each sip.

Sold by Amazon

MyGift Tilting Whisky Glasses

Despite the name, these are great for high-powered, traditional recipes, such as the old-fashioned. They’re not the most stable, but they add a classy flair to any cocktail party.

Sold by Amazon

Schott Zwiesel Tritan Collins Glasses

Also known as highballs, Collins glasses are great for fruity drinks on the rocks that taste best through a straw.

Sold by Amazon

Viski Raye Gin Glasses

There’s an extensive universe of gins to choose from, but they’re all united in their powerful, complex aromas and pungent herbal flavors. These thin-lipped, wide-rimmed glasses have enough room inside to bring out the most subtle flavors from your gin and tonic.

Sold by Amazon

Libbey Blue Ribbon Margarita Glasses

These sturdy, stemless options are great for your favorite tequila drink, whether it’s blended or on the rocks.

Sold by Amazon

Glencairn Whisky Glass

The most iconic glass among whiskey enthusiasts, the Glencairn sports a heavy base and the perfect capacity for premium liquor. Most important, though, is its shape, which funnels complex, often smoky, salty and woody aromas straight to the nasal passages.

Sold by Amazon

Regal Trunk & Co. Mixing Glass

This one’s for gently mixing cocktails before pouring them. It includes a tall measuring jigger, cocktail spoon and Hawthorne strainer.

Sold by Amazon

Riedel O Wine Tumblers

At every party, somebody will probably knock over a wine glass. Serving in stemless wine glasses significantly reduces that risk. These come in a variety of shapes and sizes to suit very specific types of adult grape juice.

Sold by Amazon

Muldale Tulip Beer Glasses

Thick, malty Belgians and sharp, piney IPAs both shine in this graceful beer glass made from premium, ultrathin crystal.

Sold by Amazon

Libbey Pale Ale Glasses

These are similar to a champagne flute but for beer. Their tall, slim shape preserves effervescence and helps bring out the freshest flavors in many American pale ales.

Sold by Amazon

Best reusable straws for home bars

Reusable straws made from bamboo or nonreactive metal can improve the cocktail drinking experience. They also keep you from realizing right before guests show up that you have plenty of ingredients, but nothing to drink with.

Bambaw Reusable Bamboo

They come in two lengths and varying widths, which is helpful because wider straws make some cocktails taste better than thin ones.

Sold by Amazon

Vannise Smoothie Straws

If you like iced, blended drinks like hurricanes, you need straws that can accommodate their thick texture.

Sold by Amazon

Ibambo Bamboo

These eight-inch straws won’t harm delicate glasses and are reusable several times before they need replacing. They’re available in bulk packs of 100, too.

Sold by Amazon

Ello Multicolor

With five different finishes, these help you mark cocktails so guests don’t mix them up.

Sold by Amazon

No Worries Atoll Straw Set

If you want the perfect straw for any kind of beverage that you and a friend or family member could want, you can’t go wrong with this varied set.

Sold by Amazon

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This summer’s one-piece swimsuits are here to shatter all your preconceptions about the style. The one-pieces on the shelves right now can give you full coverage or imitate a daring bikini. They’re available in go-to solids and on-trend patterns. They can be found with creative necklines, bold patterns and embellishments that include ruffles, zippers, belts and more. Whatever you’re looking for in a swimsuit this season, these one-piece styles will have you ready for lounging beachside or lapping the pool.

Shop this article: La Blanca Off-Shoulder Ruffle One-Piece Swimsuit, Miraclesuit Escape One-Piece Swimsuit and Bleu by Rod Beattie Lace-Down One-Piece Swimsuit

Summer 2023 swimsuit trends to watch for

This year’s one-piece swimsuits are anything but boring. If your poolside wardrobe needs a refresh, look for one of these style picks.

• Florals may be an obvious choice for summer, but this year’s suits offer a fresh array of graphic, tropical-inspired prints, as well as classic florals that feel more vintage.
• Tropical colors are a popular pick for one-piece swimsuits this year. Flamingo pink, mango, hibiscus red and lime green all make for bold, fun and unique swimwear shades. If they feel too bold, though, try these colors as contrasting trim on a black swimsuit.
• Cutouts are the easiest way to make a one-piece suit more interesting. Open backs are always popular, but this year, keyholes or slits cut under the bust are particularly in style.
• Puckered, smocked or crinkle fabric adds visual interest to solid-color swimsuits. Some of these fabrics are even super-stretching for a more forgiving fit, so you’ll always feel like your suit fits perfectly.
• Black swimsuits never go out of style, but you can wear one that stands out by looking for one-shoulder silhouettes, ruffles, lace-up details or cutouts.

One-piece swimsuit features

Swimsuit fabric

Almost all swimsuits are made from polyester, nylon or another synthetic fabric that’s been engineered to be elastic, hydrophobic and quick-drying. Some of these fabrics offer high-tech features such as SPF protection or chlorine resistance.

If you plan to mostly wear your swimsuit in a hot tub or pool, look for a suit made from 100% polyester. Polyester is generally more durable and better at withstanding chlorine than nylon.

Swimsuit sizing

Every body is different, and sometimes it feels like every swimsuit sizing chart is different, too. While some swimsuits rely on classic letter sizing, others use number sizing. Some may offer options for different torso lengths. Still others, especially underwire or molded-cup suits, may also take cup size into account. Measure carefully and check the product reviews to see if other shoppers advise sizing up or down.

Bust support

While some swimsuit manufacturers design suits specifically to provide support for those with larger busts, it’s possible to find a one-piece suit that fits well and feels comfortable from almost all retailers. Look for underwire cups or supportive, high-apex molded cups. Halter, V-neck and high-necked swimsuit styles all tend to offer better support for a large bust. Removable, adjustable straps can also make a strapless suit more supportive.

Caring for your swimsuit

It’s tempting to just toss your suit in the washing machine, and some swimsuits can be washed on a delicate cycle, but swimsuits last longer and retain their shape better if they’re hand-washed. Pool chemicals, salt water and UV rays can all take a toll on swimsuit fibers, and spandex in particular is susceptible to breaking down when exposed to body oils. Properly washing your swimsuit will help protect your investment for years to come.

Rinse the suit in cold water as soon as possible after wearing it. If you have time, soak it for half an hour to draw out most of the chemicals and oils the suit may have absorbed. Next, wash it in cool water with a gentle or spandex-specific detergent. Even shampoo will work if needed. Swish your suit in the soapy water for a few minutes and rinse well. Don’t wring out your suit; gently squeeze it to prevent damaging the fibers.

Once your suit is clean, lay it flat to air-dry instead of hanging it up to prevent stretching it out. Keep it out of direct sunlight to protect it from UV damage.

Top one-piece swimsuits

La Blanca Off-Shoulder Ruffle One-Piece Swimsuit

Bold florals are the perfect print for summer, and this swimsuit adds even more fun with a ruffle that serves as off-the-shoulder straps. A lace-up detail adds interest to the back. The suit also offers removable cups and gentle ruching.

Sold by Macy’s

Carve Designs Hayes One-Piece Swimsuit

The open back of this one-piece showcases a crisscrossing strap detail. The suit offers a built-in shelf bra, removable pads and adjustable straps. It comes in three colors and prints. Tall sizes are also available.

Sold by Amazon

Lauren Ralph Lauren Boat Neck Tummy-Control One-Piece Swimsuit

This suit puts a twist on the classic black swimsuit with a cutout back and a layer of sheer ribbing. Along with tummy control, it offers underwire support and full bottom coverage. It closes at the back of the neck with a gold signature clasp.

Sold by Amazon

Calvin Klein Pleated One-Piece Swimsuit

This suit features a flattering pleated front panel, a square neckline and supportive, adjustable straps. Choose from five solid color choices and four graphical color-blocking styles.

Sold by Amazon and Macy’s

Miraclesuit Escape One-Piece Swimsuit

Featuring fixed underwire cups, high-tech slimming fabric and wide straps, this swimsuit is stylish yet supportive. Flattering draping and a notched sweetheart neckline contribute to the elegant look.

Sold by Amazon

Anne Cole Twist-Front Ruched One-Piece Swimsuit

Sleek and stylish, this suit shows off retro design details, including a sweetheart neckline, ruching and a twist at the bust. Switch between a strapless suit or add the detachable, adjustable halter strap for a different look. It comes in eight colors.

Sold by Macy’s and Amazon

Carve Designs All-Day One-Piece Swimsuit

If you’re looking for a little more coverage, this sporty yet elegant suit offers rashguard-inspired styling. It features a half-zip neck for ventilation, cap sleeves and a built-in shelf bra with removable cups. It’s available in two prints embellished with flattering diamond side details.

Sold by Amazon

Maxine of Hollywood V-Neck Twist Front Shirred One-Piece Swimsuit

Designed to mimic the look of a tankini, this one-piece suit features tummy control and shirred fabric while offering full leg coverage. The V-neck is accentuated with a flattering twist of fabric. It’s available in 14 summery prints and solids.

Sold by Amazon

Bleu by Rod Beattie Lace-Down One-Piece Swimsuit

For a bold, resort-ready look, try this one-piece with a plunging V-neck and deep back. Both sides are accented with faux lace-up trim. It comes in three colors, all with gold laces. Adjustable straps and removable cups help you achieve the perfect fit.

Sold by Amazon

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Laura Duerr writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

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With beautiful weather, family vacations and pool days, summer is arguably one of the best times of the year. However, those who have a new baby might wonder whether they can take their little one out in the heat.

To help parents and caregivers safely enjoy their summer with a new baby, we consulted our baby and child expert, Dr. Aimee Ketchum, for sun safety tips. As a pediatric occupational therapist who practices in the neonatal intensive care unit, Ketchum is well aware of the effects of heat on babies and how to keep them safe in the summer heat.

Shop this article: RuffleButts Long Sleeve One-Piece Swimsuit, RuggedButts Long Sleeve Rash Guard Swim Shirt and I Play By Greet Sprouts Baby Sun Hat

Everything to know about babies and hot weather

Why babies overheat easier than adults

While it’s no secret that babies overheat easier than adults, many don’t know why. Ketchum explained, “It is simply because babies have more surface area than body mass, so they are susceptible to overheating faster than adults. A baby’s body surface is about three times greater than an adult’s body surface when compared to their weight according to Children's Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). It can also be harder for newborn babies to regulate their body temperature, whether hot or cold. Babies also dehydrate faster than adults.”

Indications that a baby is overheating

If you’re ever concerned that your baby is too hot, contact your doctor immediately. Here are a few signs to watch out for:

• Flushed and sweaty skin
• Warm to the touch
• Less wet diapers
• Extra thirsty
• Acting tired, lethargic or irritable
• Shallow breathing

Can babies wear sunscreen?

Every dermatologist, doctor or health professional will preach about the need to wear sunscreen. However, according to the FDA, babies younger than six months should not wear sunscreen, as their skin is sensitive and could develop a rash or other side effects. Instead, opt for clothing with sun protection and keep them out of the sun.

Babies older than six months can use sunscreen after first testing it on a small area of their skin to ensure that there is no reaction. Ketchum said, “Sunscreen should say ‘Broad Spectrum’ on the label so it filters out UVB and UVA rays and should have an SPF between 15 and 50. The ingredient oxybenzone is in some sunscreens and should be avoided for babies because of its hormonal properties. It should be applied on all exposed areas 15 to 30 minutes before going outdoors and reapplied every two hours.”

How to keep babies safe in the summer heat

Keep babies hydrated

Offer extra feedings of breast milk or formula to keep your baby hydrated. If they’re older than six months, they can have small amounts of water. However, water should not replace regular feedings.

Keep babies out of direct sunlight

Ketchum advised, “Babies should always be protected from direct sunlight and heat and should be in the shade as much as possible.” Keep babies indoors if it’s too hot outside, and use the stroller shade hood when you’re outdoors. However, babies should never be left alone in a car, even if it’s the only shade source.

Keep babies covered

It’s essential to keep a baby’s skin and face protected from the sun with lightweight clothing and a wide-brim hat.

Keep their bedroom cool

“It is important to keep the bedroom cool. Babies should never have any blankets in their crib with them. If it is very hot, babies can sleep in just a diaper on a moisture-wicking crib sheet,” says Ketchum. You can also put a fan in the baby’s room, but never aim the fan directly at your baby.

FAQ

Q: Why do babies sometimes get a rash from the heat?

A: Young babies do not have fully formed sweat glands. According to Ketchum, “heat rash occurs because blocked sweat glands cannot clear the sweat.” You can help your baby avoid getting a heat rash by putting them in lightweight clothing, keeping them out of the sun and being mindful not to let them overheat.

Q: How hot does it have to be for babies to overheat?

A: The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) advises keeping babies inside if the heat index is above 90 degrees. Since babies overheat easier than adults, it may be too hot for babies, even if their parents feel fine. However, Ketchum reminds parents, “If you are feeling uncomfortably hot, your baby is definitely feeling the heat.”

What you need to buy to keep babies safe in the heat

RuffleButts Long Sleeve One Piece Swimsuit

With long sleeves and UPF 50+ sun protection in the fabric, parents don’t have to worry about harsh UV rays. Thanks to the back zipper and quick change snaps, it’s a breeze to change a baby’s diaper or clothes.

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon

RuggedButts Long Sleeve Rash Guard Swim Shirt

From the beach to the park, this long-sleeve shirt is ideal for hot summer days. It has built-in UPF 50+ sun protection to keep babies safe and comes in a variety of colors and sizes. It’s also fade-resistant and designed in the USA.

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon

Simple Joys by Carter's Toddlers and Baby Boys' Assorted Rashguard Set

Protect babies and toddlers from the heat with this pack of two pull-on long-sleeve rashguards with no tags to irritate skin. They protect from the sun thanks to the UPF 50+ sun protection and feature quick-drying fabric. Several designs to choose from.

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon

Coolibar UPF 50+ Baby LumaLeo 360 Coverage Bodysuit

For complete coverage from head to toe, opt for this bodysuit featuring long sleeves, long pants and a hood. The fabric has built-in UPF 50+, which blocks 98% of all UVA and UVB rays. Plus, the zipper closure makes it easy to put on or take off.

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon

I Play Baby Boys' Breathable Pants

Since it’s lightweight and made of breathable, moisture-wicking material, these pants will keep babies cool while protecting them from the sun. They offer the highest level of sun protection available, blocking up to 99% of harmful UV rays.

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon

I Play By Greet Sprouts Baby Sun Hat

It’s essential to keep a baby’s face covered at all times, especially during the summer. This hat features a brim and a full coverage flap over the neck, all of which are made with UV protection material.

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon

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The front exterior of your house leaves a first impression on everyone who passes by or visits. But if your home’s curb appeal isn’t so appealing, it can be visually unimpressive. Whether you are trying to sell your house or just want it to be more aesthetically appealing, there are projects you can do that aren’t extremely expensive or difficult. Even experienced DIYers need a little help.

That’s why we consulted with home improvement and tools expert Beth Allen for advice on DIY projects that are affordable yet take a home's curb appeal to a whole new level. As the founder of HIP Chicks (Home Improvement Project Chicks), Allen offers project ideas and tips that will make your home impressive at first glance.

Shop this article: Feit Electric Dawn to Dusk Intellibulb, DeWalt Screwdriver Bit Set with Nut Drivers and Stanley 65-piece Home Tool Kit

Benefits of enhancing curb appeal

Creating curb appeal may seem simple, but Allen reminds readers that it offers several key benefits. It begins with keeping the front porch and entryway tidy. This makes the area welcoming, she said.

It’s also economically smart to enhance the front of a home. Realtors always stress the value of curb appeal, but Allen said it goes beyond that. “There's always that financial benefit when selling your home. But we've all heard of that broken window philosophy: When a broken window in a neighborhood happens and everybody ignores it, the neighborhood starts to deteriorate,” she said. “If you are keeping your home up, it sends a message to everybody else around that you care about your space, you care about your community. It elevates everybody.”

Although it may take some motivation to tackle curb appeal DIY home projects, Allen said there are physiological benefits to completing such tasks. Repairs and home beautification also give homeowners a sense of control and safety, she added.

Getting started

Clean the porch and entryway

Before beginning any porch projects, the area should be clean. “Cleaning the porch and entryway is huge. Get a power washer out — or just the garden hose — to get the cobwebs down. Scrub the siding with a brush to get rid of the mold and mildew. Clean your light fixtures to get the bugs and the dust out,” Allen said.

Invest in essential DIY tools

Some curb appeal projects are quite simple, but others require tools. “There's just the wide range of things that every homeowner needs, and it depends on your skill set, your ambition, your wallet, all of those things,” Allen advised. She recommends purchasing a tool box and stocking it with essential tools, such as a hammer, tape measure, wrench, screwdriver set and needle-nose pliers. While most power tools are best for larger projects and those with some construction skills, Allen said a power drill is a must for most DIYers.

DIY curb appeal projects

Some DIY curb appeal projects require more skills than others. Allen said that small changes, such as adding decorative flower pots and a new doormat, look great but are easy and quite inexpensive.

Painting the front door takes minimal skill but makes a big difference. Allen said that choosing the right paint is essential for excellent results. “Do you get a lot of sun on your door? Is your door exposed to the elements because you don't have a porch? Is your door wood? Is your door steel?” Allen said these are some factors to take into consideration when choosing door paint.

Curb appeal boosting projects that require a bit more skill but are quite doable include updating front door hardware, adding a peephole and mail slot, replacing address numbers and installing a new mailbox.

Think about security

Not only does exterior lighting add curb appeal, but it also enhances security. Solar uplights and landscape lights are good choices, Allen advised. Lights that work automatically with built-in sensors look great and may deter would-be thieves. “Some have a dusk to dawn photocell in them, or they have the motion-sensing so that it provides security as well,” Allen said. “A well-lit house is less interesting to a burglar than a dark house.”

Whether you have a dog or not, placing a large dog bowl near your entryway or putting up dog signs are also deterrents.

Ideas for apartment dwellers

Enhancing the curb appeal of an apartment makes it feel homey and cozy. Renters have limited options, and Allen noted that nothing that could damage or permanently alter the structure should be used. “Go with a new doormat,” she suggested. “You can hang a pretty architectural piece outside your apartment or next to your entry. Change up a wreath; put out something simple (seasonal or not).”

What to buy for DIY curb appeal projects

Feit Electric Dawn to Dusk Intellibulb

The Dawn to Dusk Intellibulb saves energy and adds security to your home’s exterior, thanks to the built-in sensor that turns it on automatically when the sun goes down. It also shuts off during the day.

Sold by Amazon

DeWalt Screwdriver Bit Set with Nut Drivers

This quality set by DeWalt is packed with durable bits and nuts for completing numerous DIY jobs around the house. The rugged case keeps the 70 pieces well organized, and it is easy to store and transport.

Sold by Amazon

LPHUMEX Motion-Activated Light Socket

Illuminating your entryway on demand is effortless with these motion-activated sockets that automatically turn lights on when motion is detected by the sensors. You get two sockets for the price.

Sold by Amazon

Stanley 65-piece Home Tool Kit

This kit is packed with essential tools that will come in handy for DIY projects. It includes a hammer, pliers, a tape measure, hex keys, screwdrivers and more.

Sold by Amazon

Moxweyeni Dog Signs, Two-pack

These metal dog signs are stylish and functional, as they have an attractive font that alerts visitors of your four-legged friend. You’ll get two signs per order.

Sold by Amazon

Schlage Camelot Single Cylinder Deadbolt with Accent Handle Door Handleset

Updating an entryway door is easy with this comprehensive lock set that includes a deadbolt and stylish handle. It’s available in attractive finishes.

Sold by Amazon

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Jennifer Manfrin writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money. 

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.

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Nothing says summer like firing up the grill. Whether you go for burgers and grilled veggies or class it up with cedar planks and salmon, these outdoor cooking appliances are backyard staples across the country.

Propane grills are the perfect solution for those who love to cook outdoors but would prefer to do so without the mess, prep time and inconsistency of charcoal or wood pellets.

Shop this article: Weber Spirit II Propane Grill, Char-Broil Four-Burner Propane Gas Grill and Monument Grills Four-Burner Propane Grill 

What to know before you buy a propane grill

Propane grill benefits

• Instant ignition: No more waiting for the charcoal to catch fire. Gas grills light up with the press of a button, so you can get those steaks sizzling in no time.
• Easy cleaning: Coal dust and greasy lighter fluid can make charcoal grills a real mess. Propane grills are much easier to tidy up when you’re done eating.
• Quick preheating: Propane grills reach high heat almost immediately after ignition. This makes achieving a safe cooking temperature quick and easy.
• Temperature control: With multiple burners and dials that let you adjust the flame across your cooking surface, propane grills offer temperature control that charcoal grills can’t match.
• Efficiency: Because you can choose which burners you want to ignite, propane grills let you cook more efficiently without wasting fuel.

Your cooking preferences

For the most part, anything you can cook in a charcoal grill you can also prepare in a propane grill. What you will miss, however, is the characteristic broiled taste that cooking food over burning coals creates. If you feel that the ease of gas grilling outweighs the loss of a little summertime flavor, a propane grill will set you up with everything you need to get started.

Grill size

From built-in appliances with huge cooking surfaces to portable grills designed to feed a few hungry campers, there is no shortage of choices for those who want to experience the simple, primal satisfaction of cooking food with an open flame.

Think about where you intend to use your grill, how many people you will usually be cooking for and whether or not you will be bringing it with you while you travel.

What to look for in a propane grill

Shelves and racks

Most propane grills feature side shelves, racks and utensil hangers to make preparing and serving food a breeze. Shelves that fold up let you store your grill with ease during the winter months.

Wheeled cart

Aside from tabletop and portable gas grills, just about all of them include a wheeled cart. These can keep your cooking surface at a convenient level, store propane out of sight and let you roll the grill out of the way when you’re not using it. Select a grill that has a cart with sturdy casters and accessible shelving to get the most out of it.

Fuel gauge

Some grills include a fuel gauge that lets you know how much propane you have left. Since it can be hard to determine how full your tank is, this feature could make the difference between enjoying a quick dinner or getting your preparation interrupted by a spent propane supply.

Warming rack

An interior warming rack lets you keep your finished food toasty while freeing your grill up to cook your next batch of burgers or dogs.

Thermometer

Select a grill with a thermometer on its lid that is easy to read. While a meat thermometer is still needed to ensure that your food is cooked to a safe temperature, having a gauge you can look at without having to open the grill will keep you from releasing the hot air inside it and extend your cooking time.

Best propane grills

Top premium propane grills

Weber Spirit II Propane Grill

What you need to know: This compact grill from Weber has a sleek, modern look and is packed with useful features.

What you’ll love: A folding side table, utensil hangers and a fuel gauge make this gas grill the star of any cookout. It comes in four colors and features Weber’s classic Flavorizer bars that sizzle drippings for added smokiness.

What you should consider: Buyers say that this Weber grill is challenging to assemble and is a bit on the expensive side for its size.

Sold by Amazon

Char-Broil Four-Burner Propane Gas Grill

What you need to know: Stainless steel and slick black trim make this large Char-Broil grill stand out from the competition.

What you’ll love: The side burner built into one of the shelves allows you to heat a pot of soup or sauce while you cook. Stainless steel construction and four burners put this appliance in a class of its own.

What you should consider: This Char-Broil grill is large, and its side shelves don’t fold down.

Sold by Amazon

Monument Grills Four-Burner Propane Grill

What you need to know: Rule the cookout with this generously-sized, stainless steel gas grill.

What you’ll love: Built into a large cabinet with ample storage space, this grill features a side burner and a whopping 683 square inches of cooking area. LED knobs let you see your controls in the dark.

What you should consider: Buyers have complained that this grill is not packed well and sometimes arrives dented.

Sold by Amazon

Top budget propane grill

American Gourmet Propane Gas Grill

What you need to know: This grill’s grates are coated in porcelain to prevent sticking and make cleaning easier.

What you’ll love: This grill’s three burners give you a wide range of options for cooking foods at different temperatures at the same time. It includes a warming rack and features a porcelain-coated lid and firebox.

What you should consider: Some users are disappointed with this grill’s inability to reach very high temperatures.

Sold by Amazon

Top travel grills

Char-Broil Portable Propane Grill

What you need to know: This portable grill is inexpensive but still large enough to feed a family.

What you’ll love: With its carrying handles and legs that fold up to keep its lid on during travel, this little grill is made to move. Just as at home in the backyard, as it is at the campsite, this grill is fueled by a small propane cylinder as opposed to a heavy tank.

What you should consider: Some buyers have noticed quality control issues with the way this grill’s metal parts fit together during assembly.

Sold by Amazon

Weber Traveler Portable Gas Grill

What you need to know: This travel grill folds up for easy transport and storage.

What you’ll love: Unique in its design, this gas grill includes a cart that can fold up. With a surface large enough to cook 15 burgers, this travel grill does not skimp on cooking power.

What you should consider: The latch on this grill’s lid can come loose while you’re rolling it, causing the grates to fall out.

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Like all electronics, portable speakers are prone to damage if they’re not properly secured or protected from the elements. Now that Bluetooth music streaming is mainstream, manufacturers offer a considerable selection of rugged, waterproof (or at least water-resistant) Bluetooth speakers that are great for use outdoors.

Shop this article: Anker Soundcore Motion Boom, JBL Charge 5 and EcoGear EcoBoulder Max

How to pick a Bluetooth speaker for camping

Size and portability

Selecting the right speaker for a trip to the park or the backwoods calls for different considerations than picking one for your home or backyard. The most basic is the speaker’s physical configuration. If you have to hike a long distance to get to your campsite, a lightweight speaker is the most convenient. When you’ll be camping right next to your car, though, you can afford to pack something much bulkier and heavier.

Maximum volume

Of course, the biggest tradeoff when deciding on a compact speaker is that bigger usually means louder. If it’s just you and one or two friends, you might be fine with something relatively quiet. For driving rambunctious, late-night parties with large groups and big fires, though, you’ll need something with high wattage for everybody to enjoy it.

Rugged construction

While few speakers have mechanical parts, to begin with, it’s important to get something with an intentionally rugged design if you’ll be using it on a camping trip. Portable Bluetooth speakers marketed as rugged, waterproof or outdoor speakers tend to fit the description well and hold up top a decent amount of abuse. At the other end of the spectrum, high-end Bluetooth speakers from premium manufacturers can sound particularly great but can rarely stand up to the drops and bumps that come with camping in the great outdoors.

Water-resistance and waterproofing

A high level of water resistance means a speaker can at least handle some rain. The most robust models can withstand complete submersion, and some can even float, which is perfect for a lazy summer canoe trip. Water resistance is also a decent indicator that a speaker is rugged in general, although it’s not a guarantee.

Look for speakers with IPX6 ratings or better if you’ll spend most of your outdoor time on land. If you plan on enjoying creeks, rivers, lakes or other bodies of water, it’s worth looking for a speaker that offers full IPX8 protection.

Best Bluetooth speakers for camping

Anker Soundcore Motion Boom

Anker is known for its reasonably priced yet high-performing electronics, and the Motion Boom fits that bill perfectly. Since it’s so affordable for the size and output, it’s one of the best candidates for purchasing two and linking them wirelessly for powerful stereo sound.

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JBL Charge 5

This is the beefiest, most refined version of the classic pill-shaped Bluetooth speaker that JBL made famous. Despite its moderate size, it offers impressive bass performance, but its great quality comes at a high cost.

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EcoGear EcoBoulder Max

This high-powered party speaker sounds great at any volume, although it’s definitely intended for cranking up and driving a lively party. Although it’s quite large and not exactly lightweight, it’s completely waterproof and it floats, making it ideal for canoeing and tubing on hot summer days.

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Bose SoundLink Flex

If you’re a stickler for sound quality and don’t need something super loud, this portable option from consumer audio giant Bose is a good investment. It’s remarkably compact, sports dependable wireless connectivity and even does a great job as a speakerphone.

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Ultimate Ears WonderBoom 3

They don’t get much more rugged than this one, which comes from a company known for making speakers that can take a beating. In part due to its round, somewhat stubby shape and useful ability to float, it’s perfect for tossing into a pool or lake to enjoy tunes while in the water.

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JBL Flip 6

While it’s only an incremental upgrade to the Flip 5, it does deliver a longer battery life, more detailed sound and a higher max volume than most others its size.

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JBL Clip 3

Minimalist backpackers who simply can’t go without music should consider this because it’s one of the smallest options of all and punches well above its weight class in terms of sound quality and loudness.

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W-King 50W

If you’re on a moderate budget but still want to turn up your favorite tunes when car camping, you can’t do much better than this one. It sports convenient, one-touch NFC pairing in addition to a line-in jack and a microSD card slot for playing music without using Bluetooth and another device.

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Oontz Angle 3

Much like its two predecessors, the Angle 3 is a no-nonsense, water-resistant, highly reliable speaker that costs very little and sounds just fine.

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Altec Lansing Rockbox XL

Complete with an optional RealTree camouflage color scheme, this one truly embodies the great outdoors. It sounds great and gets pretty loud, too.

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Altec Lansing Mini LifeJacket Jolt

It boasts an IP67 protection rating, which means that, unlike others, it’s actually been tested and approved as resistant to dust ingress, which is a big deal in some climates. Its 100-foot wireless range, 14-hour battery life and ability to float only add to the convenience.

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Outdoor Bluetooth speakers FAQ

Q. What Bluetooth codec is best for an outdoor speaker?

A. You probably don’t have to worry about Bluetooth codecs when picking a speaker for your camping trip. While some premium headphones can effectively use codecs as advanced as Qualcomm aptX HD, you almost certainly won’t be able to tell the difference at your campsite.

For that matter, it’s actually not likely that most people can tell the difference between Bluetooth codecs past a certain point even with quality headphones, in effect rendering many of them overkill.

Q. How do I keep my portable Bluetooth speaker charged?

A. If it’s a short trip, you might be able to get by with just a USB-C power bank. Consider a portable solar charger for longer journeys to keep the power bank topped off. If you do opt for a solar charger, make sure the one you get has the necessary regulator and connector to charge your speaker and other electronics.

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There are eight types of fishing rods: spinning, casting, fly fishing, ultralight, telescoping, trolling, surf and ice fishing rods. Each type serves a different purpose. To have the best experience, you need to use the right rod.

Shop this article: Penn Fierce III Spinning Combo, St. Croix Premier Casting Rod and Fenwick Aetos Fly Rod

Spinning rods

A spinning rod is one of the most versatile types of fishing rods. It’s suitable for beginners and features a reel that’s positioned to provide stability and give you a comfortable grip with your dominant hand. The rod is available in a wide variety of lengths, actions and powers, making it highly adaptable. You can use it on a lake, in a river or on a boat. On the downside, it isn’t the best for heavy lines.

Best spinning rod

Penn Fierce III Spinning Combo

This heavy-duty spinning combo is suitable for a variety of anglers. It is made of graphite and features stainless steel guides to increase durability. The finger grooves in the ethylene-vinyl acetate, or EVA, grips provide the extra traction needed to win those epic battles.

Sold by Dick's Sporting Goods and Amazon

Casting rods

A casting rod lets you cast further with greater accuracy. It can handle heavier lines, so it’s fine for larger species and fishing in areas with thick vegetation. Depending on the reel — spincast or baitcast — this rod can be for beginners or advanced anglers. A spincast reel is the simplest to operate, so it’s suitable for a child, but the baitcast reel requires a bit of skill to get the most out of it.

Best casting rod

St. Croix Premier Casting Rod

St. Croix is a legendary name in fishing gear. This rod has a combination of strength and sensitivity. It has a premium-grade cork handle and a flex coat slow-cure finish for exceptional durability.

Sold by Dick's Sporting Goods and Amazon

Fly fishing rods

Fly fishing stands apart from all other fishing methods. It requires the greatest amount of skill and is reserved for a special breed of anglers. The average rod is 9 feet, but it’s possible to get one as long as 14 feet. The best strategy is to match the rod to the target species and conditions — longer rods tend to cover more water, while shorter rods are better for fighters.

Best fly fishing rod

Fenwick Aetos Fly Rod

This fly fishing rod is beginner-friendly. It offers a versatile, forgiving performance coupled with an affordable price. The graphite material is stronger and lighter than carbon, while the AAA-grade cork provides optimal control.

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Ultralight rods

If you’re going on a backpacking trip or you just prefer to target smaller species, then an ultralight rod is for you. These rods are the top choice when packing space is at a premium. As you might imagine, ultralight rods are typically shorter, lighter and less durable than other types of fishing rods. When you use an ultralight rod, you’ll have to work harder to land even smaller fish, such as smallmouth and trout.

Best ultralight rod

Shakespeare Micro Spinning Rod

This rod is designed for anglers of all ages. It’s a graphite composite rod that works well for light and ultralight actions. The full cork handles offer maximum comfort and gripping power.

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Telescoping fishing rods

Even more so than an ultralight rod, a telescoping rod is designed to be compact and portable. As the name suggests, it collapses into itself like a telescope. If hassle-free packing and transport are the priorities and performance is secondary, a telescoping rod is the way to go. While it’s a versatile tool that’s great for times when you must hike into a campsite, the casting ability isn’t usually that impressive.

Best telescoping fishing rod

Magreel Telescopic Fishing Rod and Reel

This carbon fiber collapsible fishing rod is perfect for the beginner. It is corrosion-resistant and comes with everything you need to get started on a new hobby: a telescoping rod, a reel, a carrier bag, fishing line and a tackle filled with fishing lures and accessories.

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Trolling rods

A trolling rod is another rod with a very specific purpose. This type of rod is mounted in a rod holder on a boat. As the boat moves slowly through the water, the bait or lure follows behind at a distance of anywhere between 20 and 150 feet. A trolling rod is stiffer and has a large reel to accommodate a lot of line. Beginners to pros can enjoy this type of fishing, which is usually done in big lakes or the ocean. However, it’s possible to troll in ponds too.

Best trolling rod

Okuma Convector Trolling Combo

Okuma might not be as big a name as Shimano or Penn, but the company has been around since the mid-’80s and produces quality rods at an affordable price. This model was specifically developed for kokanee and walleye trolling.

Sold by Dick's Sporting Goods

Surf fishing rods

When you anticipate a battle, a surf rod is what you need. These models have the rugged build necessary to endure a long fight with a large fish out on the ocean. Additionally, a surf rod is specifically designed to withstand the corrosion that typically occurs from exposure to salt water. While all skill levels can enjoy surf fishing, younger anglers may need help casting and using a surf rod.

Best surf fishing rod

Penn Battalion II Surf Spinning Rod

Available in 9-, 10-, 11- and 12-foot options, this top-quality surf rod is built to perform. The actions, balance and durability make it an exceptional rod, and the tacky rubber shrink tube handles ensure you have a secure grip, whether wet or dry.

Sold by Dick's Sporting Goods

Ice fishing rods

Ice fishing rods are rather unique because no casting is involved. You also may have extremely limited space within an ice shelter, so the rod is noticeably shorter than other options. While ideal for their intended purpose and suitable for anglers of all ages and skill levels, these rods are very limited in scope. An ice fishing rod is meant to drop vertically and operate at close distances, which makes it unsuitable for other methods of fishing.

Best ice fishing rod

13 Fishing Tickle Stick Ice Fishing Rod

13 Fishing is an innovative company that solves typical rod problems with creative flair. For instance, this model has a flat tip that lets the angler more easily detect ascending and descending strikes. It also adds a rigidity that helps ensure more consistent hook sets.

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The fishing hook is one of the most important pieces of equipment used in fishing. Unlike regular hooks, they’re designed with barbs to hold the bait in place so a fish can latch onto it. They come in different sizes and types, so the best one for you depends on the type of fishing you plan to do.

Shop this article: Beoccudo Freshwater Saltwater Large Size Fishing Hooks Set, Fishing Treble Hooks Kit and Eagle Claw 139H-6 Baitholder Snelled Fish Hook

Main fishing hook parts

Most fishing hooks are constructed from a single piece of material, such as high-carbon steel or stainless steel. They usually share the same basic form factor:

• Eye: This refers to the circle or hoop that connects to the fishing line or lure. Common types include tapered for dry fly fishing, ringed for general use, looped for salmon fly fishing and needle for natural baits.
• Shank: The shank is the part of the hook that comes after the eye and before the bend. It’s usually long and straight.
• Bend: This is where the hook curves back onto itself. The greater the bend, the easier it is to hook the fish.
• Throat: Located between the bend and the point, the throat is usually straight and leads to the point.
• Point: The point, or hook, is the part that ultimately pierces the mouth of a fish. Some designs have one point, while others have multiple. One of the most common points is the spear point, which can handle most types of fishing and causes minimal harm to the fish. Other common options are the needlepoint, which is slightly curved at the top, and the rolled-in-point, which is ideal for catching stronger fish that thrash about.
• Barb: Some hooks have a sharp barb located just after the point. It’s designed to prevent the hook from leaving the mouth of a fish.

Fishing hook types and uses

Just as there is more than one type of fishing rod, there are also several types of hooks. The most popular ones include:

• Baitholder hook: These hooks are designed to keep both live and dead bait on the barb. The downside is that the barb can injure the fish, making this a poor choice for catch-and-release fishing.
• Jig hook: These are shaped like the letter “J” and are a more traditional style. They’re best for fishing from a slow-moving boat, but they can be easily swallowed by fish.
• Circle hook: This hook has a point that’s positioned toward the shank and is designed to prevent fish from swallowing it. It usually catches onto the side of the fish’s mouth, making it ideal for catch-and-release fishing.
• Treble hook: These are the combination of three jig hooks put together on one hook eye in a triangular formation. They are best for catching bigger fish as opposed to those who want to catch and release their fish.
• Aberdeen hook: Lightweight with a squared round bend, this wide hook is ideal for those who use live bait, such as minnows, because it doesn’t puncture them as much as other hooks.
• Siwash hook: With a straight eye and long shank, these work best with spinner baits and other single-hook baits.
• Weedless hook: These are designed to keep weeds and algae from getting tangled up in them while fishing.

Fishing hook size

One of the most important aspects of a fishing hook is its size. If it’s too small, the fish could accidentally swallow it. But if it's too big, the fish may end up getting the bait but escaping the hook. Because of this, it helps to know what type of fish you want to catch so you can determine the appropriate size.

Since there are different types of hooks and brands, there is no one standard size. However, fishing hooks are usually measured by a number. Here are the two most commonly used sizing conventions:

• Standard: Many hooks are between sizes 32 and 1. The larger the number, the smaller the hook and vice versa.
• Aught: Some fishing hooks are between 1/0, or 1 aught, and 19/0. For these, the smaller the number, the smaller the hook. The bigger the number, the bigger the fish you could catch.

One other thing to consider is the thickness of the hook. Thinner hooks are usually lighter and harder to see behind the bait, but they can break apart from the fishing line more easily. Thicker hooks are heavier and latch on to fish more easily, but some fish steer clear of them.

7 best fishing hooks

Beoccudo Freshwater Saltwater Large Size Fishing Hooks Set

This set of fishing hooks can catch nearly any fish, from bass to walleye. It comes with 220 total pieces and includes sizes 6, 10, 12, 14, 16, 18, 20 and 22. The hooks have a large close-eye hole, making it easy to fit the line through. They also have a sharp tip that latches onto fish.

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Fishing Treble Hooks Kit

This treble hook kit comes with 110 pieces and has sizes ranging from 4 to 14. The hooks consist of high-carbon steel and have a durable black nickel coating. They are extremely sharp and work well on larger fish as well as live and dead bait.

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Eagle Claw 139H-6 Baitholder Snelled Fish Hook

This pack of size 6 baitholder hooks can hold live bait without damaging it. They have sharp points with barbs, making them more effective for those who want to keep their catch.

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Gamakatsu Round Bend Offset Worm Hook

Available in black or bronze and sizes 1/0 to 5/0, these hooks are ultra-sharp and have a round head that enables them to latch onto a fish’s mouth. They are very durable and work well for catching stronger fish, such as bass.

Sold by Amazon and Dick's Sporting Goods

Fishing Circle Hooks Saltwater Hook

This pack of 80 stainless steel octopus hooks is durable and resistant to corrosion, making them an excellent choice for longer fishing trips. With sizes ranging from 1/0 to 9/0, they can be used on bigger fish. They are also designed to work with live bait.

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Mustad 3263 Classic Aberdeen Hook

This pack of 100 classic Aberdeen hooks is lightweight but surprisingly durable. The hooks are sharp and feature a barb and long shank for catching medium-sized fish.

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Eagle Claw Treble Fish Hooks

Available in either a pack of five or 20, these treble fish hooks come in assorted sizes ranging from 4 to 16. They are strong, especially along the shank, and have a lot of catching area, making them ideal for those who want to keep the fish they hook.

Sold by Dick's Sporting Goods

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Let’s face it — cleaning the house isn’t much fun. For some of us, the thought of it alone is enough to cause major stress.

But keeping your house neat and clean makes it much easier to enjoy your surroundings. If you have small children and pets at home, you likely have no shortage of messes to take care of, so daily cleaning may be a necessity — and all that cleaning usually requires plenty of time and effort.

The trick to stress-free cleaning is finding products that work quickly and effectively so you don’t have to spend hours scrubbing, mopping and vacuuming to get your home sparkling. From cleaning solutions to cleaning tools, we’ve gathered some of the best cleaning products you can find to make short work of household cleaning chores while still keeping your house fresh and clean.

Shop this article: Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum, O-Cedar EasyWring RinseClean Spin Mop and Bucket and Shark Steam Pocket Mop

What do I need to clean my home?

With such a wide array of cleaning products to choose from, it can be tough to figure out what items you really need to keep your house clean. What makes it even trickier is that you usually need different products for the many rooms and surfaces around your home.

Some basics are obvious — a vacuum for most floors and a mop for some hard floors, a duster for above-floor surfaces, a multipurpose cleaning solution or spray for the kitchen and other surfaces and a bathroom cleaner for the shower and tiles. You may also need some specialty products for certain areas, such as glass cleaner, a carpet cleaner or a steam cleaner. Scrub brushes and cleaning cloths are also a must for wiping down surfaces around the house.

While there are many options in these product categories, not all cleaning products are created equal. Some products are more effective than others, so they don’t require as much time and effort to use.

Best cleaning products

For floors

Shark Navigator Lift-Away Upright Vacuum

This powerful, lightweight upright vacuum can clean carpeting and bare floors with ease. The Shark vacuum has a detachable pod for cleaning above-floor areas, including stairs and furniture. It also boasts swivel steering to move around furniture and other items easily.

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O-Cedar EasyWring RinseClean Spin Mop and Bucket

You won’t struggle to wring dirty water from this premium mop. It has a foot-activated wringer for hands-free wringing and offers separate clean and dirty water chambers in the bucket. The spin mop can also remove up to 99% of bacteria on your floors and features a triangular head to fit in corners easily.

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Shark Steam Pocket Mop

This lightweight steam mop offers a deeper cleaning for hard flooring without chemicals or special cleaners. It can sanitize up to 99.9% of germs and bacteria and provide superheated steam in 30 seconds. It also has a comfortable, soft-grip handle that allows you to clean all your floors without fatigue.

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Hoover SmartWash Automatic Carpet Cleaner

This automatic carpet cleaner can deep clean your carpet when the kids spill their favorite juice or the dog tracks in a mess and is as easy to use as a vacuum. It premixes the cleaning solution for more efficient cleaning and emits heat to speed up the drying process. It also includes a dedicated pet tool for the stairs.

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For surfaces

Oxo Good Grips Microfiber Hand Duster

This double-sided duster easily removes dust from surfaces around the house with the lightest of touches. The microfiber material grabs and traps dirt without any chemicals, while the duster’s slim shape fits even the smallest spaces. It’s machine washable, too.

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Clorox Disinfecting Wipes

These convenient wipes can kill up to 99.9% of germs and bacteria and work on multiple surfaces, including kitchen and bathroom counters. They’re even safe for finished wood, stainless steel and sealed granite. They also don’t contain any bleach, making them ideal for kids’ items.

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Shedazzle Natural All-Purpose Cleaner and Polish

This all-natural cleaner works on virtually any washable surface, including metal, porcelain, ceramic, wood and marble. It doesn’t contain any harmful ingredients and won’t scratch or streak. It’s also available in three natural scents: lemon, eucalyptus and lavender.

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Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser

This effective, ready-to-use cleaner can remove rust, tarnish and hard water deposits from various surfaces, including stainless steel sinks and counters, ceramic and porcelain tiles, brass, copper and marble. The formula is non-abrasive and removes grease and grime, too. You can even use it on cookware.

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Mr. Clean Magic Eraser Original Cleaning Pads

These handy cleaning pads can tackle stubborn marks and stains from surfaces throughout the house, including your oven door and bathtub. They only require water, so you don’t need harsh chemicals to remove dirt. They also work well for scuff marks on wood floors and baseboards.

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Method All-Purpose Antibacterial Cleaner

You won’t worry about harmful chemicals around your children and pets with this plant-based, biodegradable all-purpose cleaner. It still removes dirt, grime and grease with ease and comes in several pleasant natural scents, including lavender.

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Buff Microfiber Cleaning Cloths

These super-soft, absorbent cloths are perfect for deep cleaning. They won’t scratch or damage delicate materials and don’t leave any lint behind. They work well for dusting, polishing, scrubbing and drying.

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For appliances

Angry Mama Microwave Cleaner

Reduce your microwave cleaning time by half with this steam microwave oven cleaner. It’s made of a durable, non-toxic material and only requires water and vinegar to clean your microwave in less than 10 minutes. It’s dishwasher-safe, too.

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Lemi Shine Appliance Cleaner

This citric acid-based appliance cleaner helps remove dirt, buildup and odors from your garbage disposal, dishwasher or washing machine. The formula is biodegradable and meets the Environmental Protection Agency’s Safer Product Standards. It also boasts a fresh lemon scent.

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MiracleWipes for Microwaves and Cooktops

With these convenient wipes, you can remove dirt, food splatter, oil and grease from your stove top or microwave interior. They work well for glass and ceramic cooktops and leave behind a shiny, streak-free finish. They dry quickly, too.

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Loteaf Appliances Cleaning Tool

This long, thin duster fits easily under appliances, including your stove and refrigerator. Its durable stainless steel handle is adjustable from 31 to 61 inches, so you can capture dirt and dust you can’t even see. The microfiber cloth head cover is also removable for washing.

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For the bathroom

Clorox ToiletWand Disposable Toilet Cleaning System

No one likes cleaning the toilet, but this toilet cleaning system makes the chore much quicker and easier. The long wand keeps your hands and face away from the bowl while still cleaning it effectively. The head is also pre-treated with a cleaner that can kill up to 99.9% of germs and bacteria and remove rust, lime and calcium stains.

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Aunt Fannie’s Bathroom Cleaner Spray

This pet- and child-friendly bathroom cleaner uses vinegar and other plant-based ingredients to remove dirt, soap scum, minerals and other grime. It works well for tubs, tile, bathroom fixtures and counters and even helps reduce odors. The formula is made in the USA.

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Oxo Good Grips Deep Clean Brush Set

This brush set is ideal for deep cleaning grout and shower door tracks in your bathroom. It includes both a large brush and a small brush with a wiper blade at the bottom. The bristles are made of durable nylon, too, so the brushes can last for years.

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Whether you’re an avid gardener or are just planting your first starts, having the right gardening tools can make the entire process easier. One essential tool that can improve your plants’ health is pruning shears. Sometimes called pruners or secateurs, pruning shears are used to cut off dead or unnecessary branches or to trim back leaves or flowers.

Shop this article: Fiskars Gardening Tools: Bypass Pruning Shears, Nevlers 8-Inch Professional Heavy-Duty Bypass Pruning Shears for Gardening and Wevove 3-Pack Garden Pruning Shears Stainless Steel Blades

What to consider before buying pruning shears

Types

There are three main types of pruning shears, each with its advantages and disadvantages. Before choosing one, ask yourself what you plan to do with the tool and what would work best for your garden. The common types are:

• Bypass: These are very popular among the gardening community. They have two curved blades that slide into contact with each other to cut leaves and soft branches. Most designs have one sharp blade and one dull blade, resulting in a clean cut.
• Anvil: Anvil shears have one straight blade that cuts when it comes into contact with the flat edge. They’re more powerful than bypass pruning shears and are ideal for cutting larger stems, branches and dead twigs. These shears can reliably make 1/2-inch cuts, meaning they won’t accidentally graze the main plant.
• Ratchet: Similar to anvil shears, these are designed with an internal mechanism that makes pruning easy, especially for gardeners with limited hand or wrist strength.

Handles

When it comes to grip, aesthetics and comfort, the handle plays a major role. Often considered the most decorative part of the tool, the handle comes in many colors, including:

• Black
• Pink
• Orange
• Green
• Brown
• White

The color doesn’t affect how effective the shears are, but it can make it easier to find them if you leave them in the garden. It can also give them a more personal touch, especially if you coordinate the colors of other gardening tools such as gardening gloves.

Another important thing to consider is the way the handle feels when using the shears. Some handles are textured for a more secure grip. Many have an ergonomic design that lessens hand and wrist strain while using them. Certain handles are thick, making them ideal for people with larger hands. Others are thinner, perfect for those with smaller hands.

If the handles start to wear down or break, there are some replacement handles. Not all shears come with this option, though, so keep that in mind.

Material

Pruning shears typically consist of durable materials that can hold up in the elements. This is true for the blades and the handle.

• Blades: High-quality blades typically consist of stainless steel, which is durable but can dull easily with extensive use. Another popular option is carbon steel, which is more durable but can corrode when not properly dried and cleaned. Some blades are chrome-plated, which are long-lasting, resistant to corrosion and don’t require as frequent sharpening.
• Handle: The handles usually consist of rubber or polyvinyl chloride. Both materials are durable and provide a good grip during use.

Design features

Pruning shears have several additional design features, including:

• Lock mechanism: This mechanism keeps the blades together when not in use, preventing potential accidents. The way it works depends on the model, but most shears have a lock on one side you can slide into place before putting them away.
• Internal spring: The spring lets the blades automatically return to an open position after every snip. This makes it easier to prune several branches or leaves back to back. It also makes it more convenient for gardeners who want to use the shears with one hand.

Weight

When buying pruning shears, consider the overall weight. If you’re going to be using the tool for hours, chances are your hands and wrist will become tired. The heavier the shears are, the more quickly this can happen. Choose shears based on your strength to prevent potential issues.

6 best pruning shears to buy

Fiskars Gardening Tools: Bypass Pruning Shears

These reliable pruning shears consist of steel, making them resistant to rust and corrosion. The blades have a nonstick coating that prevents sap and other debris from sticking to them. This tool can glide easily through smaller and medium-sized branches up to 5/8-inch thick. The shears also have an easy-open lock that makes it easy to store them safely.

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Nevlers 8-Inch Professional Heavy-Duty Bypass Pruning Shears for Gardening

Available in green and black, these strong pruners have stainless steel blades that can cut through nearly anything. The handles are ergonomic and rubber, making for a comfortable grip.

Sold by Amazon

Wevove 3-Pack Garden Pruning Shears Stainless Steel Blades

With three pairs of pruners, one with a straight blade, one with a curved blade and the other with a serrated blade, this set is versatile. The blades are made from durable stainless steel and come with a safety lock that helps prevent injuries. The shears also have an easy-open spring mechanism that reduces the risk of fatigue or strain in the wrist and hand. The set also comes with gardening gloves.

Sold by Amazon

Jeoutdoors Pruning Shears

With an easy-to-operate safety lock and an internal spring mechanism, these bypass shears are easy to use. The blades consist of high-carbon alloy steel that’s durable and resistant to corrosion. The shears come with a replacement spring.

Sold by Amazon

Gonicc 8-Inch Professional Sharp Bypass Pruning Shears

Lightweight and comfortable to hold, these bypass shears have nonslip ergonomic handles and high-carbon steel blades. They can cut up to a 3/4-inch diameter. They’re also highly effective on soft shoots and stems.

Sold by Amazon

EZ Kut Heavy-Duty Pruning Shears

These ratcheting pruning shears are made from durable metal. They have a hardened carbon steel blade that can cut branches up to 1 1/2 inches in diameter. The handles are thicker, making them ideal for larger hands.

Sold by Amazon

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Turmeric is a plant within the ginger family derived from Southeast Asia. It is often used as a cooking spice and in traditional medicine. This orange-colored spice tastes like a mixture of ginger and pepper. Turmeric powder is commonly found in curry, an Indian dish, and is used as a dietary supplement. One way to use this powder is to mix it with water to relieve inflammation from certain health conditions.

Shop this article: Organic Spice Resource Organic Turmeric Root Powder, Terrasoul Superfoods Organic Turmeric Powder, Hqo High-Quality Organics Express Organic Turmeric Ground

Benefits of turmeric water for inflammation

Inflammation is the immune system’s response to an irritant by sending out cells to fight bacteria or heal an injury. Consuming turmeric can relieve swollen and painful joints for people with chronic conditions. Turmeric contains curcumin, an anti-inflammatory chemical that may reduce swelling and inflammation. It has been shown to assist with inflammatory conditions, metabolic syndromes and pain.

Other benefits of consuming turmeric

• Improves memory among older adults with dementia.
• Reduces pain for people living with arthritis and other chronic conditions.
• Protects the body from free radicals or unstable molecules that increase the risk of chronic diseases such as cancer.
• Lowers the risk of heart disease.
• Helps fight depression by increasing serotonin and dopamine levels. These neurotransmitters are considered “happy hormones” as they help regulate mood.
• Helps prevent cancer growth and development.

Turmeric powder can be consumed as supplements, smoothies, golden milk, water or meals.

How to make turmeric water

• Use a saucepan to bring water to a boil on a stove.
• Turn the heat off and pour the water into a glass or mug.
• Add turmeric powder, black pepper and honey and stir well.

You should drink warm turmeric water in the morning on an empty stomach. Don’t ingest more than 8 grams daily, as consuming too much may lead to gastrointestinal or liver problems.

Features to look for when purchasing turmeric powder

• Organic. Ensure that the powder is made organically and is labeled non-GMO.
• Color. Turmeric powder should have an orange, golden or yellow hue to it.
• Smell. This spice has an earthy smell with hints of ginger and orange scents.
• No preservatives. Rub some turmeric powder in your hand. Then, turn your hand over. If a lot of powder falls off your hand, it may include ingredients such as chalk.
• Curcumin potency. The high potency of curcumin can increase the anti-inflammatory properties of turmeric powder.

Best turmeric powders

Organic Spice Resource Organic Turmeric Root Powder

This turmeric powder is certified organic by the Department of Agriculture (USDA), vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free. It is lab tested for heavy metals and purity and is grown in India. It comes in a reusable bag to maintain freshness. It has no colors, additives, preservatives or ethylene oxide (ETO) treatment.

Sold by Amazon

Terrasoul Superfoods Organic Turmeric Powder

This 16-ounce pack of turmeric powder is USDA-certified organic, raw, Kosher-certified, vegan and non-GMO. It contains nutrients such as dietary fiber, iron, potassium, magnesium and vitamin B6. It comes with a 100% money-back satisfaction guarantee if you aren’t satisfied.

Sold by Amazon and Terrasoul

Hqo High-Quality Organics Express Organic Turmeric Ground

This turmeric is made into a fine, ground powder. It is USDA- and Kosher-certified and non-GMO. It is not grown with herbicides or pesticides to ensure quality and safety. It is sustainably farmed across more than 40 countries and is grown in India, Indonesia and Sri Lanka.

Sold by Amazon

Dwarka Organic Turmeric Powder

The turmeric powder is organic, USDA-certified, non-GMO and chemical-free. It is derived from crushed, dried and organic turmeric roots. It contains curcumin to aid with inflammation.

Sold by Amazon and Walmart

Simply Organic Ground Turmeric Root

This powder comes from a turmeric root that contains a minimum of 4% of curcumin. It is non-GMO, QAI-certified organic, USDA- and Kosher-certified and does not contain ETOs. It has a golden-yellow hue with a strong, distinctive aroma.

Sold by Amazon, Simply Organic, iHerb and Walmart

Spice Train Certified Organic Turmeric Powder

This 14-ounce bag of turmeric powder is USDA-certified organic, vegan and gluten-free. It contains turmeric created naturally and sourced from Indian harvest gardens. It does not have artificial flavors, colors or preservatives. It contains 3% of curcumin.

Sold by Amazon

McCormick Organic Ground Turmeric

It is a USDA- and Kosher-certified organic and non-GMO Project-Verified turmeric powder. It has a yellow, orange color with a subtle, earthy flavor. The powder is vegan -and vegetarian-friendly. It contains the ingredient curcuma. It has an easy-to-handle bottle to refill spice jars.

Sold by Amazon, McCormick and Walmart

Jiva Organics Organic Turmeric Powder

The turmeric powder is USDA-certified organic and is 100% imported from India. It is batch-tested and has a 3% curcumin content. The powder comes from pure turmeric rhizomes and contains curcumin. It has no artificial colors, additives, preservatives or ETO treatment. It comes in a reusable bag to maintain freshness.

Sold by Amazon

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Shop this article: FCMP IM4000 Dual-Chamber Tumbling Composter, Jobe's Organics Compost Starter and Whitetail Institute Laboratory Soil Test Kit

Why compost is important

Unlike animals, plants are not mobile. When they need to eat, they can’t go out and hunt for food; it has to be brought to them.

Soil isn’t dirt. It’s alive. It provides the nutrients needed to support plant life. For dirt to remain soil, it must be continually fortified with nutrients. Once soil becomes dirt, plants cease to live.

Compost is a carbon-rich fertilizer made from organic materials. It is a source of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium — the primary nutrients plants need to thrive. Compost helps soil retain moisture, reduces the need for chemical fertilizers, encourages the production of beneficial bacteria and helps suppress disease and pests. Compost is the secret ingredient that lets your garden thrive.

What materials are compostable?

According to the EPA, successful composting requires equal amounts of green and brown materials. The greens provide nitrogen, while the browns provide carbon. Water and oxygen are also necessary elements for composting.

Green examples include fruits, vegetables, grass clippings, eggshells, houseplants, flowers, green leaves and tea bags. Brown examples include hay, corn stalks, fall leaves, pine needles, cardboard, twigs, cotton and fireplace ashes.

What materials aren't compostable?

Not all organic materials are addable to your compost pile. The wrong materials can be harmful to plants, destroy beneficial nutrients or invite unwanted pests. Some items you never want to add to your compost pile include plants treated with pesticides, diseased plants, insect-ridden plants, dairy products, black walnut twigs and leaves, grease, fats, oils, meat, fish, bones and animal waste.

How do I compost?

Composting might sound like a difficult, labor-intensive task, but it takes only slightly more effort than tossing something in the trash.

• Location: Choose a location for your compost pile or compost bin. The area should be dry and shady yet within reach of a hose.
• Pile: Mix layers of green and brown material so your compost pile has roughly equal parts of each. If your compost pile is not heating up as expected, add more greens. If it begins to smell, add more browns.
• Moisten and mix: Moisten any dry materials as they are added. Mix your compost pile roughly once every two weeks.
• Cover: To help keep a compost pile moist, you can cover it with a tarp.
• Monitor: Monitor your compost to ensure it doesn’t become dry enough to spontaneously combust. When the compost is ready, it will be a rich brown color that smells like earth. The material will be cool to the touch and crumble in your hand. If you can still see recognizable food content, the compost is not ready.

Hot composting vs. cold composting

There are two basic types of composting.

• Hot composting: You create your compost in batches and do not add to them, mixing them every couple of weeks. This process is faster, but you should not add anything new once you start. Your compost will be ready in about two months. It's also known as batch composting.
• Cold composting: You add new materials regularly. The benefit is you only need one pile and you have a place to add new materials as they become available. On the downside, this type of composting can require up to two years to be ready. It's also known as add-as-you-go composting.
• Combination composting: For the best of both worlds, have more than one compost pile. Build up the first pile until it gets to a predetermined size. At this point, start a second pile. This way, you can continue to add materials to the new pile without slowing down the composting process of the original pile.

What you need for composting

FCMP IM4000 Dual-Chamber Tumbling Composter

Create compost in as few as two weeks with this tumbling bin equipped with two compartments. This unit is a low-maintenance composter that is best for the beginner.

Sold by Amazon, Kohl’s and Wayfair

Oxo Easy-Clean Compost Bin

If you’re looking for a convenient countertop composter, this 1.75-gallon capacity model is perfect for the busy kitchen. The indoor composter has a stay-open lid, so you can toss in scraps while working. When finished, the lid seals shut to contain odors and keep pests away.

Sold by Amazon and Macy’s

Jobe's Organics Compost Starter

Jobe’s is for people who want to accelerate the composting process. This product increases microbial activity, so you get results in as little as two to three weeks.

Sold by Amazon

Ames Four-tine Forged Spading Fork

Another option for turning compost is a spading fork. This tool has a 30-inch handle, and it can easily penetrate and aerate your compost pile with its four sharp tines and poly D-grip.

Sold by Amazon

Whitetail Institute Laboratory Soil Test Kit

If you are curious about the nutrient content of your compost, you can send it out to be tested. This affordable soil test kit returns easy-to-understand results within one week.

Sold by Amazon

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Getting some fresh mountain air is a great way to relax and unwind from the daily humdrum. Even if you only go for a brisk walk outdoors, it may reduce your stress levels, lower your blood pressure or calm your mind. In most cases, you’ll only need a water bottle for hydration and a map to know where you are going, but if you want to increase your knowledge of your surroundings drastically, there are some fantastic smart gadgets for exploring the great outdoors.   

Shop this article: Free Soldier 20x50 Military Binoculars with Smartphone Adapter, Garmin eTrex 10 Handheld GPS, Trekology Trek-Z Collapsible Hiking and Trekking Poles.

Broaden your horizons

There are plenty of places in the country that make for excellent exploration, but you don’t always need to travel out of state to do that. Sometimes, you don’t even need to leave your county as public parks, a woodland area, or even a backyard can yield some amazing discoveries.

The easiest is to simply head in a direction and see what you can find. You can use a mobile phone to take photos of interesting insects and plants or use an app to log your route and any sightings. But technology and specialized gadgets will undoubtedly make the journey and the experience more exhilarating — especially for younger explorers just starting to discover the natural world around them.

Best smart gadgets for exploring the great outdoors 

Free Soldier 20x50 Military Binoculars with Smartphone Adapter

These powerful binoculars bring every animal you encounter much closer so you can clearly see every detail. It has a generous 50-millimeter objective lens, 20 times magnification and a field of view of 1,000 yards. It comes with a smartphone adapter that makes mobile photography easier. The large objective lens and the BAK4 Porro Prism lets in 99% of the available light, making it a great gadget for nighttime exploring.

Sold by Amazon

Garmin eTrex 10 Handheld GPS

This handheld Global Positioning System ensures you always know where you are and in which direction you are going. It has a 2.2-inch monochrome display that saves on battery power, comes pre-installed with a worldwide base map and has HotFix and GLONASS support for quick positioning. It uses two AA batteries lasting up to 20 hours, and you can store custom waypoints such as your starting location and end destination.

Sold by Amazon

Trekology Trek-Z Collapsible Hiking and Trekking Poles

These hiking poles will make exploring the great outdoors a lot easier — especially when the terrain gets steeper or you have some mobility limitations. The cork grips on the 49-inch collapsible poles move moisture away from your hands, leaving them drier for better handling. The set of two comes with additional mud stops, carbide tips, snow baskets and rubber feet, making them the perfect walking gadget for any time of year. 

Sold by Amazon

BioLite CampStove 2

During all the exploring, you need to take some time out to recuperate and appreciate your surroundings. You could make an ordinary campfire; however, this smart gadget doesn’t only boil water but charges your phone, too. Using the flame heat, the thermoelectric generator powers a fan that sends electricity to a USB port to recharge mobile phones. It also has a 2,600 mAh internal battery that stores any excess power.

Sold by Amazon

Identiflyer Bird Song Pocket Identification

Exploring outside will be even more exciting if you can easily identify the birds around you. This smart gadget has a built-in speaker and comes with several bird-calling cards. You slot the card into the device and press the corresponding button to play the sound. Identification and learning can be done in two ways, with mnemonics being the easiest for kids to remember.   

Sold by Amazon

Kidz Xplore Outdoor Explorer Set

Adult gadgets are often too big or bulky for kids to handle, which is why they need their own set of tools for exploring. This 20-piece kit is the perfect bundle for that, as it includes child-friendly binoculars, several magnifying glasses, a pocketbook on backyard bugs, a compass and a few containers for looking at bugs without causing them harm. 

Sold by Amazon

Scuddles Extra Large Picnic Blankets

While it isn’t a smart gadget, you’ll still need a comfortable surface to sit on and watch the world go by. Made from durable woven acrylic, soft foam and waterproof backing, this 60-inch square picnic blanket is perfect for taking some time out. It folds up neatly and has its own carry handle. 

Sold by Amazon

Worth checking out 

• The Celestron Nature DX binoculars are perfect for bird-watching and catching glimpses of other animals.
• Know exactly how to get back to your starting location with the Bushnell BackTrack Mini GPS.
• Flora is just as exciting as animals, so learn more about them with National Geographic’s Pocket Guide to Trees and Shrubs of North America.
• The RoverTac Camping Gear Survival Kit ensures you have everything you need in case of an emergency.
• Get a closer and brighter view of small creatures with this 30-times magnifying glass with 12 LED lights.

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THE DANGERS OF WEIGHTED SLEEP SACKS AND THE BEST ALTERNATIVES

Your baby’s comfort and well-being are your top priority as a parent, so you want to ensure they get quality sleep. Whether using traditional blankets or swaddles, your baby must be protected, comfortable and warm as they sleep. However, recent reports suggest it’s best to avoid weighted sleep sacks as they pose serious risks. The good news is there are many excellent alternatives for keeping your baby comfortable and safe as they rest.

THE AMERICAN ACADEMY OF PEDIATRICS WEIGHS IN

The American Academy of Pediatrics recently sent a letter to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission expressing their concern over the risks posed by infants using weighted blankets.

According to the president of the AAP, “The AAP is concerned that ongoing efforts to develop a voluntary safety standard for these weighted infant products through ASTM International will send parents and caregivers the incorrect message that these unnecessary products are safe. The AAP believes these weighted swaddles and related products are unsafe for infants and does not recommend these products. While voluntary standards are appropriate for certain products, given the AAP’s clear policy regarding the danger of weighted infant sleep products, we oppose the development of any voluntary standard for these products.”

It’s natural to have concerns about your child’s well-being, so if you’ve been reluctant to use a weighted sleeping sack, your instincts have evidently been on the right track. According to the AAP, weighted blankets “increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome by making it harder for babies to arouse themselves in response to hazards, such as lack of oxygen.”

Essentially, there's no point in using weighted sleeping sacks. Considering the risks they pose, there’s no rational reason to use them when there are no benefits, and you’re much better off with an unweighted sleeping sack as it accomplishes the same goal while keeping your baby safe.

BEST UNWEIGHTED SLEEP SACKS

Yoofoos Baby Sleep Sack

This sleep sack is made from lightweight, breathable fabrics and has a two-way zipper with a guard to protect your baby’s skin. The arm and neck openings provide a secure fit, and there’s plenty of leg room for your baby to move around without feeling constrained.

Sold by Amazon

Kushie’s Baby Banana Polyester Baby Sleeping Bag

Keeping your baby warm in the winter can be challenging, but this sleep sack can give you peace of mind. It has a soft Sherpa fleece lining for superior comfort and warmth, and it’s designed to work in tandem with car seats to keep your little one warm while on the go.

Sold by Wayfair

Burt’s Bees Baby Sleeping Bag

Your baby will feel comfortable in this breathable sleeping sack made of 100% organic cotton. It opens on the bottom for easy diaper changes, and the secure fit allows for consistent temperature control. The zipper guard protects baby’s skin, and the sleeping bag is lightweight enough to pair with pajamas.

Sold by Amazon

Harriet Bee Kowalewski Fleece Baby Sleeping Bag

This sleeping bag is made with soft sweatshirt-style fabric and is designed to keep your baby warm and snuggly. It measures 29 inches long by 20 inches wide and has a side pocket for quick and easy diaper changes. The sleeping sack features a cute, baby-friendly design of a deer on the front and can be worn over pajamas.

Sold by Wayfair

Hudson Baby Sleeping Bag

This baby sleeping bag is available in 29 colors and styles and is made of 100% cotton for a plush feel. It’s soft and gentle on your baby’s delicate skin and perfect for placing over your baby’s pajamas for maximum heat retention. Plus, this sleeping bag has mitted cuffs to prevent accidental scratches.

Sold by Amazon

Tillyou Baby Sleep Sack

With this value set, you’ll get two baby sleep sacks for one low price, and you can choose from 11 colors. Each bag has a two-way zipper and offers a cozy feel. It’s suitable for babies 6-12 months and is machine-washable, with stains washing off quickly after a regular washing cycle.

Sold by Amazon

Ely’s & Co. Baby Wearable Blanket

This sleeveless baby blanket is perfect if you want your baby to move their arms freely without any constraint. It easily slips over pajamas, reduces the risk of overheating and offers a secure fit that eliminates the risk of covering your baby’s face as they sleep.

Sold by Amazon

Kyte Baby Sleeping Bag

You’ll appreciate this high-quality bag if you want a comfortable sleeping bag made of eco-friendly materials. It’s constructed of 97% rayon bamboo and 3% spandex giving it a plush and stretchy feel for maximum comfort, and the two-way zipper goes from the neck down to the bottom for easy diaper changes.

Sold by Amazon

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Your baby’s comfort and well-being are your top priority as a parent, so you want to ensure they get quality sleep. Whether using traditional blankets or swaddles, your baby must be protected, comfortable and warm as they sleep. However, recent reports suggest it’s best to avoid weighted sleep sacks as they pose serious risks. The good news is there are many excellent alternatives for keeping your baby comfortable and safe as they rest.

The American Academy of Pediatrics weighs in

The American Academy of Pediatrics recently sent a letter to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission expressing their concern over the risks posed by infants using weighted blankets.

According to the president of the AAP, “The AAP is concerned that ongoing efforts to develop a voluntary safety standard for these weighted infant products through ASTM International will send parents and caregivers the incorrect message that these unnecessary products are safe. The AAP believes these weighted swaddles and related products are unsafe for infants and does not recommend these products. While voluntary standards are appropriate for certain products, given the AAP’s clear policy regarding the danger of weighted infant sleep products, we oppose the development of any voluntary standard for these products.”

It’s natural to have concerns about your child’s well-being, so if you’ve been reluctant to use a weighted sleeping sack, your instincts have evidently been on the right track. According to the AAP, weighted blankets “increase the risk of sudden infant death syndrome by making it harder for babies to arouse themselves in response to hazards, such as lack of oxygen.”

Essentially, there's no point in using weighted sleeping sacks. Considering the risks they pose, there’s no rational reason to use them when there are no benefits, and you’re much better off with an unweighted sleeping sack as it accomplishes the same goal while keeping your baby safe.

Best unweighted sleep sacks

Yoofoos Baby Sleep Sack

This sleep sack is made from lightweight, breathable fabrics and has a two-way zipper with a guard to protect your baby’s skin. The arm and neck openings provide a secure fit, and there’s plenty of leg room for your baby to move around without feeling constrained.

Sold by Amazon

Kushie’s Baby Banana Polyester Baby Sleeping Bag

Keeping your baby warm in the winter can be challenging, but this sleep sack can give you peace of mind. It has a soft Sherpa fleece lining for superior comfort and warmth, and it’s designed to work in tandem with car seats to keep your little one warm while on the go.

Sold by Wayfair

Burt’s Bees Baby Sleeping Bag

Your baby will feel comfortable in this breathable sleeping sack made of 100% organic cotton. It opens on the bottom for easy diaper changes, and the secure fit allows for consistent temperature control. The zipper guard protects baby’s skin, and the sleeping bag is lightweight enough to pair with pajamas.

Sold by Amazon

Harriet Bee Kowalewski Fleece Baby Sleeping Bag

This sleeping bag is made with soft sweatshirt-style fabric and is designed to keep your baby warm and snuggly. It measures 29 inches long by 20 inches wide and has a side pocket for quick and easy diaper changes. The sleeping sack features a cute, baby-friendly design of a deer on the front and can be worn over pajamas.

Sold by Wayfair

Hudson Baby Sleeping Bag

This baby sleeping bag is available in 29 colors and styles and is made of 100% cotton for a plush feel. It’s soft and gentle on your baby’s delicate skin and perfect for placing over your baby’s pajamas for maximum heat retention. Plus, this sleeping bag has mitted cuffs to prevent accidental scratches.

Sold by Amazon

Tillyou Baby Sleep Sack

With this value set, you’ll get two baby sleep sacks for one low price, and you can choose from 11 colors. Each bag has a two-way zipper and offers a cozy feel. It’s suitable for babies 6-12 months and is machine-washable, with stains washing off quickly after a regular washing cycle.

Sold by Amazon

Ely’s & Co. Baby Wearable Blanket

This sleeveless baby blanket is perfect if you want your baby to move their arms freely without any constraint. It easily slips over pajamas, reduces the risk of overheating and offers a secure fit that eliminates the risk of covering your baby’s face as they sleep.

Sold by Amazon

Kyte Baby Sleeping Bag

You’ll appreciate this high-quality bag if you want a comfortable sleeping bag made of eco-friendly materials. It’s constructed of 97% rayon bamboo and 3% spandex giving it a plush and stretchy feel for maximum comfort, and the two-way zipper goes from the neck down to the bottom for easy diaper changes.

Sold by Amazon

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Kevin Luna writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

Copyright 2023 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.

Babies shouldn’t sleep with loose bedding in their cribs until at least 12 months of age, according to the American Association of Pediatrics. Without loose blankets, you have two main options to keep your child warm while they sleep — swaddles or sleep sacks. 

Swaddles wrap infants up tightly to help them sleep more soundly but are only suitable for young babies who can’t yet roll over on their own. Sleep sacks are like wearable sleeping bags for babies that allow them to stretch out and are suitable for a wider age range.

Shop this article: Comfy Cubs Swaddle Blankets, SwaddleMe Original Swaddle and Burt’s Bees Baby Baby Beekeeper Wearable Blanket

Swaddle 

Traditionally, swaddles are thin blankets that you wrap and secure around a baby in a particular way to keep them snug. However, many modern swaddles have a fastening system to make life easier, and eliminate the chance of securing the swaddle blanket incorrectly and having it come loose.

Swaddles secure the arms, which can help newborns sleep more soundly. Depending on the type of swaddle you opt for, they can cost anywhere between $5 and $15 a piece. 

Swaddle pros

Newborns have a reflex called the Moro reflex that causes them to jerk their arms and can lead to them waking themselves up. Because swaddles secure the arms, they can help young babies sleep sounder for longer. The light pressure from a swaddle blanket also mimics the feeling of being held and can help babies feel safer and calmer. This means that some parents find that their newborn babies who aren’t good sleepers are more likely to fall asleep and stay asleep when swaddled. On top of this, basic swaddle blankets are extremely affordable, which is great for parents on a budget. 

Swaddle cons

Once babies are able to roll over by themselves, swaddles are no longer safe as babies may need the use of their arms to roll themselves back into a safe position. As such, you can only use swaddles on babies up to around 2 months old. It can also be tricky to learn how to secure traditional swaddle blankets, especially if you have a wriggly baby. Additionally, some babies simply don’t like being swaddled. 

Best swaddles

Comfy Cubs Swaddle Blankets 

This pack of three swaddles have straps to secure them, making them easier to use than standard swaddle blankets. They’re made from 100% cotton, which is breathable and allows for better temperature regulation.

Where to buy: Sold at Amazon

SwaddleMe Original Swaddle

Easy-to-use swaddles available in a range of colors and prints with an organic cotton option. They're well-made and crafted from soft 100% cotton.

Where to buy: Sold at Amazon

Sleep sack

A sleep sack is effectively a wearable sleeping bag for babies. It’s similar to a vest or romper at the top, with either long sleeves or arm holes, while the bottom is a loose sack with room for babies to stretch out. 

Sleep sacks are easy to put on babies and are closed with a zipper either down the front or around the side. They’re suitable to use from birth all the way up to around 18 to 24 months. These are more expensive than swaddles, costing roughly $10 to $30 each. 

Sleep sack pros

Sleep sacks are safe to use because they’re designed in a way where there’s no chance of the sack covering a baby’s face or a baby getting tangled up in a sleep sack. It’s essentially a romper with a sleeping bag bottom. Since sleep sacks keep babies’ arms free, they can keep on using them once they’re able to roll over, unlike swaddles. In fact, babies can wear them up to 18 to 24 months, depending on the sizing. Some newborns prefer having their arms free while they sleep and don’t like to be swaddled at all. In this case, a sleep sack is a far superior option and can be used for newborns as well as babies who are a little older. There’s no learning curve when it comes to sleep sacks either. They’re extremely easy to put on and take off, and they also allow easy access when you need to do a diaper change in the middle of the night. 

Sleep sack cons

Sleep sacks aren’t one-size-fits-all, so you’ll need to keep buying larger sacks as your baby grows for as long as you want to keep using them. You won’t necessarily notice improved sleep using a sleep sack compared to a swaddle as they don’t suppress babies’ startle reflex or exert light pressure the way that swaddles do. 

Best sleep sacks

Burt’s Bees Baby Baby Beekeeper Wearable Blanket

A cute sleeveless sleep sack made from 100% cotton that's perfect for mild nights. You can choose from three sizes to fit babies up to 18 months and a wide range of colors and prints, so you'll find something for most little ones.

Where to buy: Sold at Amazon

Simple Joys by Carter’s Baby Wearable Blankets

Made from a soft, cozy microfleece material and with long sleeves, these sleep sacks are great for when the weather's cold. They come in three sizes to fit babies up to 9 months and come two to a pack, offering excellent value for money. 

Where to buy: Sold at Amazon

Should you get a swaddle or a sleep sack? 

Swaddles and sleep sacks each have their good points and bad points. If you’re buying for a newborn, it’s worth trying out swaddles. Some newborns love them and sleep much better when swaddled, which is excellent news for sleep-deprived caregivers. Older babies shouldn’t be swaddled, in which case sleep sacks are a safe alternative to loose blankets, which shouldn’t be used for babies under 12 months old. Whichever you opt for, we’d recommend buying a couple to try before stocking up, just in case the baby isn’t a fan.

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Different sleep sacks are made of different materials, each of which will be more appropriate in certain temperatures. Depending on the season, you may want a certain type of material over another. For example, a cotton or muslin sleep sack is great in the summer while you will want microfleece in the winter. 

Shop this article: Halo Sleepsack Wearable Blanket, Simple Joys By Carter’s Wearable Blanket and Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Keeper Organic Wearable Blanket

What to look for in a quality sleep sack

Safety

A sleep sack is a great way to keep your baby comfortable while still maintaining a safe sleeping environment. To make sure that’s the case, check that there will be no loose material around your baby’s face. One way to make sure of this is to get your baby the proper size. While you may be tempted to buy a size up so your baby will fit the sleep sack longer, a size too big poses a risk of loose material covering their face. 

Another important safety feature to look at is the zipper. A high-quality zipper is important because you don’t want it coming undone.

Double zipper

An important feature to look for is the double zipper or a zipper that can be zipped from the bottom as well as the top. This will be incredibly useful during midnight diaper changes. Rather than fully removing the sleep sack for the diaper change, you can simply unzip it from the bottom.

Adjustable

Some of the best sleep sacks are adjustable in some way, like having two sets of snaps to adjust the armholes. This will prolong the life of the sleep sack as your baby grows. It will also make sure it fits correctly to prevent any accidents. 

Shoulder snaps

If you can, find a sleep sack with shoulder snaps. These make it easy to get your baby into the sleep sack. You can unsnap everything and simply lay the baby on the open sleep sack before snapping it closed. 

Insulation

If you’re buying a sleep sack in preparation for winter, look for one with insulation. There are some high-quality sleep sacks that look more like a sleeping bag than a blanket. While these can be a little bulky, they can keep your baby warm and cozy in the cooler months. 

How much you can expect to spend on the sleep sack

For $15 to $20, you can find basic sleep sacks that utilize lighter fabrics. Between $20 to $50, there are sleep sacks made from organic materials, have better construction and use higher-quality fabrics. There are also some high-end sleep sacks that cost more than $50. 

Sleep sack FAQ

Are sleep sacks safe for babies to sleep in?

A. Sleep sacks are safe for babies to sleep in, as long as they are the correct size. Your baby’s arms are free so they can readjust themselves. There’s also no loose material around their face. The key is using the proper size. 

When should babies stop wearing sleep sacks?

A. Typically, your baby won’t need a sleep sack past the age of 1, however some of it is your baby’s preference. It’s safe to put them in a sleep sack at 8 weeks old, and you can use the traditional sleep sack design until they reach their first birthday. At that point, you can transition them to a sleep sack with legs. 

Is a sleep sack warm enough? 

A. Yes, sleep sacks are warm enough as long as they are the correct material for the season. For example, a muslin sleep sack would likely not be warm enough in the winter months. For the colder time of year, opt for a microfleece or wool sleep sack.  

What are the best sleep sacks to buy?

Top sleep sack 

Halo Sleepsack Wearable Blanket

What you need to know: Made from 100% cotton, the Halo Sleepsack Wearable Blanket is a great basic to have in the bedtime routine. 

What you’ll love: This sleep sack does feature a double zipper, so those late-night diaper changes will be a breeze. The roomy design is recognized as promoting healthy hip growth in your baby by the International Hip Dysplasia Institute.

What you should consider: The traditional design doesn’t have sleeves so you may need a different one in the winter. 

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon 

Top sleep sack for the money

Simple Joys By Carter’s Wearable Blanket

What you need to know: With Simple Joys by Carter’s Wearable Blanket, you get all the benefits of a wearable blanket plus more because you get a set. 

What you’ll love: Coming in a pack of one, two or three, these are a great budget option. They are machine-washable, making their care easy on you. You’ll love the safety tab that covers the zipper to keep your baby from unzipping themselves in the night. 

What you should consider: If you get the microfleece version, watch out for pilling fabric. 

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon and Kohl’s

Worth checking out

Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Keeper Organic Wearable Blanket

What you need to know: For parents concerned about chemicals, the Burt’s Bees Baby Bee Keeper Organic Wearable Blanket is the perfect selection. 

What you’ll love: 100% machine-washable organic cotton, this is the chemical-free wearable blanket at an accessible price. To keep your baby extra safe, there’s an interior zipper guard. It also has a double zipper for easy diaper changes. 

What you should consider: Reviewers have noted this is a warmer option that may not be right for warmer summer months. 

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon

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Kasey Van Dyke writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

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Above-ground pools are a cheaper alternative to in-ground swimming pools, but they can be hard to find online as summer approaches. If you're looking to take advantage of the warm weather, you need a pool that's in stock and ready to be sent your way. With a little preparation and some assembly, you'll soon be splashing around in your own pool. 

Shop the article: Bestway Power Steel Outdoor Oval Frame Above-Ground Swimming Pool, Intex Easy-Set Pool and Summer Waves Elite Frame Pool

What to look for in an above-ground pool

Framed vs. inflatable pools

You can find two main types of above-ground swimming pools online: inflatable pools and framed pools. 

• Inflatable pools: These are either fully inflatable or have an inflatable top ring, with the rest of the pool held in place by the water pressure. These are more affordable and easier to set up than framed pools but less durable. 
• Framed pools: Framed pools have a rigid frame that the pool liner attaches to. These are rugged and last for many summers, but they're significantly more expensive than inflatable options. 

Size

While there's no set point at which a paddling pool becomes an above-ground pool, most measure at least 10 feet in diameter. You can find some smaller options that are great for kids, but they're not ideal for adults. The largest above-ground pools can measure more than 20 feet along their longest side. Bear in mind you'll need around 5 feet of clearance on each side of your pool, so make sure you have enough space before buying. 

Pump

You need a pump filter system to keep your pool clean. Many pools are sold with a suitable pump. Otherwise, you'll have to buy one. Think about how you'll get power to the pump, whether using an outdoor power socket or a waterproof extension cord.

Drain

Above-ground pools should have drains to which you can attach a hosepipe to drain the water somewhere suitable. Without this, you'll turn your yard into a swamp. If your pool is on a lawn, it will get muddy if you drain the water where it stands. 

Easy assembly

Although framed pools are trickier to set up than inflatable pools, some are easier to assemble than others. Some framed pools don't even need tools for assembly — the pieces simply slot together. 

Ladder

A ladder is an important accessory for your pool. Even if the sides are low enough to clamber over, you'll damage the pool by repeatedly doing this. Some pools come with one, but if there isn't one included, you can buy above-ground pool ladders separately. 

Cover

Although you're still likely to need to skim some leaves and other debris from your pool, a pool cover keeps too much of it from accumulating. It can also reduce evaporation, which saves water and time spent topping up your pool. Occasionally, a cover is included, but you can buy them in a range of sizes to fit most pools.

FAQ

Q. How long do above-ground pools last? 

A. This depends on the type of pool you choose and its quality. A cheap inflatable pool is likely to only last one or two summers of regular use before it tears or gets worn to the point where it's unusable. A high-end framed pool can last for 10 to 20 years if cared for properly. 

Q. Are above-ground pools difficult to maintain? 

A. Above-ground pools are fairly easy to maintain, especially compared to in-ground pools. However, you still need to take care of them to keep them in good condition. You'll need to add chlorine and test both the chlorine and pH levels every other day. Besides standard chlorine, your pool may benefit from a shock treatment once a week to avoid green, cloudy water. 

Additionally, you should run the pump for at least eight hours a day to keep your water clear. Regularly clean or replace the filter and clean any other parts of the pump that need cleaning. If in doubt, consult the manual. 

Best above-ground pools

Bestway Power Steel Outdoor Oval Frame Above-Ground Swimming Pool

Measuring 16 feet by 10 feet and 42 inches deep, this pool is large enough for kids and adults alike. The ChemConnect chemical dispenser means you won't need a chemical floater for chlorine. 

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon

Intex Easy-Set Pool

This inflatable pool might be affordable, but it is well-made and comes with a pump filter. It's available in a range of sizes up to 18 feet in diameter. 

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon

Bestway Steel Pro Frame Above-Ground Pool 

With a 12-foot diameter and measuring 30 inches deep, this is a great choice for kids to swim and play. It comes with a pump and a cover. 

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon

Summer Waves Elite Frame Pool

Big enough to do laps, this pool is 16 feet across and 48 inches deep. It comes with a full kit of accessories, including a ladder and a SkimmerPlus pump filter system. 

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon

Intex Metal Frame Pool

This affordable metal frame pool is great for buyers on a budget. It comes in sizes from 10 feet wide and 30 inches deep to 18 feet wide and 48 inches deep.

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon

Bestway 56412E Steel Pro Above-Ground Pool

This is a great choice for anyone looking for a compact pool. Sizes range from 7.25 feet by 4.9 feet to 9.8 feet by 6.6 feet. The pool includes a pump filter and repair kit.

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon

Bestway Power Steel Above-Ground Pool Kit

This generously sized pool is 20 feet long, 12 feet wide and 4 feet deep, so there's plenty of space for swimming, pool toys and having fun. It is simple to assemble with no tools required and comes with a ladder and a pump. 

Where to buy: Sold by Amazon

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Lauren Corona writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers

Copyright 2023 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.

BEST EARLY DEALS OF PRIME DAY 2023

Amazon Prime Day is next month, and while the dates of the big sale event have yet to be announced, it’s an excellent time to shop for early deals. If past years are any indication, Amazon will slash the prices of tons of high-quality products.

The hottest items include electronics, kitchen appliances and toys, but you can expect to see huge discounts on robot vacuums, outdoor furniture, TVs, beauty products and more. Some are already on sale, so shop now and keep your eyes peeled as we approach Prime Day to save big.

Shark AV1010AE IQ Robot Vacuum

You can forget about vacuuming for 45 days with this sophisticated robot vacuum that’ll do the job for you. The app lets you schedule total home cleaning and map a route for the robot vacuum to clean specific rooms. It’s effective at picking up pet hair and works with Alexa and Google Assistant.  

Sold by Amazon

iRobot Roomba J7+

This intuitive robot vacuum learns your habits, routines and home layout and provides cleaning suggestions for optimal performance based on the information it collects. It has an advanced sensor that keeps it from bumping into objects or falling over steps, and the edge-sweeping brush tackles tricky areas such as corners.

Sold by Amazon

Eufy Robovac G30 Robot Vacuum

This robot vacuum is cheaper than some of the other high-end models you’ll catch on sale, but it still offers plenty of excellent features and superb cleaning. It works quietly and automatically returns to the charging dock when the battery is low. The ultra-slim design lets it slide easily under chairs and couches.

Sold by Amazon

Zorami Ear and Nose Hair Trimmer

Hair sprouting from the ears or nose can be unflattering, but you can take care of that safely with this high-quality hair and nose trimmer. The 360-degree dual-edge blades cut hair without pulling, and the one-touch button makes it simple to use. Plus, it’s waterproof and has a removable head for easy cleaning.

Sold by Amazon

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

You always want your skin to look and feel as good as possible, but combating dryness is a daily task for some. This facial cleanser contains three essential ceramides and effectively removes makeup, dirt and excess oil, leaving the skin hydrated. Plus, it contains hyaluronic acid and is suitable for all skin types.

Sold by Amazon

Rechoo Fusion Eye Shadow Palette

Those who want to experiment with different shades will love this palette for its 99-color variety. This eye shadow is made with a lightweight formula that’s waterproof, gentle on the skin and easy to apply. It stays shiny for up to 24 hours, and the soft texture gives off a flattering look.

Sold by Amazon

Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine

Jump-start your day with a homemade espresso using this state-of-the-art espresso machine. You can also brew five different aromatic coffees, including cold brews, and it mixes milk and air quickly for a smooth layer of milky foam on top of each espresso. Plus, it has removable, dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleanup.

Sold by Amazon

Braun 3-in-1 Food Processor

Easy SmartSpeed technology makes this food processor an excellent buy for anyone who knows their way around the kitchen. All you need to do is push gently for roughly chopped food and increase the pressure for finer processing. You can quickly switch between chopping, blending and mashing thanks to the EasyClick Plus system.

Sold by Amazon

Amazon Basics 1,500-Watt Oscillating Ceramic Heater

Summertime can make us forget about the harsh winter, but your future self will thank you if you snag this oscillating ceramic heater now. It has three settings — low, high and fan only — and a built-in switch that activates auto-shutoff and overheat protection if it’s accidentally tipped over.

Sold by Amazon

Zinus Jennifer 55-Inch Black Frame Desk

Whether you need a desk for your home office or just somewhere to keep books or a smart speaker, this 55-inch desk offers a flattering design for any home. It’s made with a solid-steel frame for increased durability and can withstand up to 100 pounds of evenly distributed weight.

Sold by Amazon

Aiper Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner

Cleaning a pool can be a hassle, but this robotic pool cleaner makes it a breeze. It works for up to 90 minutes, and the dual-motor design propels it forward at 52.5 feet per minute. Plus, it automatically stops near the pool wall after a cleaning cycle or if the battery is low, so it's easy to retrieve.

Sold by Amazon

Greenworks 40-Volt 12-Inch Cordless Compact Chainsaw 

Garden maintenance can be hard work, especially if you have to cut down thick shrubbery. However, this cordless chainsaw makes things easy thanks to its lightweight build and powerful electric motor. The automatic oiler keeps the chain and blades running smoothly, and getting the motor started is effortless.

Sold by Amazon

Gorilla 44-Inch Outdoor Fire Pit Table

This fire pit table instantly gives your backyard a warm and inviting ambience, allowing you to enjoy cozy nights with friends and family. It gives off considerable heat without excessive smoke, warms up quickly and has a lightweight build that makes it easy to move around.

Sold by Amazon

Thermacell E-Series Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller

Get rid of those pesky mosquitoes with this rechargeable mosquito repeller. It offers a 20-foot protection radius with up to 5.5 hours of battery life, and you won’t have to put up with unpleasant odors. It doesn’t need fuel monitoring or replacing and starts working in 15 minutes.

Sold by Amazon

Amazon Fire TV 50-Inch 4-Series 4K UHD Smart TV

This 4K TV delivers a high-quality viewing experience thanks to support for various image-enhancing technologies, including HD, HDR 10, HLG and Dolby Digital Plus. It features an expansive smart TV interface, four HDMI ports and a streamlined remote with Alexa that lets you search for titles across all apps.

Sold by Amazon

Insignia 43-Inch Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV 

This 43-inch TV is a steal for anyone looking to upgrade to a mid-tier smart TV. Granted, the image quality isn’t as crisp as that of high-end models, but for the price, you’ll get an excellent TV  with an Alexa voice remote, DTS Studio Sound and access to tons of apps.

Sold by Amazon

Amazon Fire TV 75-Inch Omni QLED Series 4K UHD Smart TV

This is the ultimate TV for large spaces where you want to watch movies or sporting events such as the Super Bowl and MMA fights. QLED technology delivers terrific clarity and rich colors, and adaptive brightness automatically calibrates settings for optimal viewing based on the lighting in your environment.

Sold by Amazon

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Kevin Luna writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

Traveling with your pet can be stressful, but the right gadgets will simplify trips with your best four-legged friend. Items that make it easy to give your pet food and water, and keep them secure and comfortable while en route are essential to arriving at your destination with minimal hassles along the way.

To help make your travels with your pet easier, we looked for must-have gadgets you’ll use every time you and your pet venture away from home.

Shop this article: SLSON 2-Pack Collapsible Pet Bowls, Petsfit Expandable Soft-Sided Pet Carrier and Gorilla Grip Waterproof Pet Pad

Considerations before traveling with a pet

Essentials you’ll need

When traveling with a pet, some items are essential. A carrier is vital to keep your pet contained and secure, as well as a leash and collar or harness that’s strong and easy to use. Snacks, such as pet food or dog or cat treats, are also necessities. It’s also vital to keep water handy for your dog or cat by toting it in a water bottle and bringing along a portable pet bowl.

Flying or driving

When you head out on your trip, will you fly or drive? While essential items are needed for either mode of transportation, some gadgets are required specifically for air or road travel. For example, before you fly, you’ll need to ensure your carrier is TSA-approved. When driving, a durable leash and collar or harness are must-haves for taking your dog for walks when you stop for breaks. Additionally, a pet seat and seat belt tether will provide additional security in the car.

ID your pet

Ensuring that your pet is identifiable is always important, but even more so when traveling. In addition to having your pet microchipped, adding an ID tag or plate to its collar will provide extra protection. Be sure to include your pet’s name as well as your name, address and phone number on the tag. A pet tracker with GPS is also an option to include with the collar and tag for even more peace of mind.

Best gadgets to simplify traveling with pets

SLSON 2-Pack Collapsible Pet Bowls

Because this bowl is flexible and collapses flat when not in use, it’s simple to stuff in a bag for travel. It’s made of silicone and is dishwasher-safe. It comes with a carabiner that makes it easy to carry.

Sold by Amazon

Petsfit Expandable Soft-Sided Pet Carrier

This TSA-approved soft-sided pet carrier is ideal for transporting cats and small dogs in comfort. It comes in several sizes for a good fit for your four-legged travel buddy. A plushy pad is included to line the bottom of the carrier and provide a soft spot for pets to relax.

Sold by Amazon

Heininger PortablePet Waterboy Travel Dog Water Bowl

The spill-resistant design of this water bowl makes it a good choice for dogs on a car trip. It provides easy access to water for thirsty canines without making a mess. It can accommodate up to three quarts of water.

Sold by Amazon

Gorilla Grip Waterproof Pet Pad

The waterproof construction of this pet pad makes it perfect for lining a carrier during travel. It stays put once in place, thanks to the slip-resistant bottom. You can choose from several sizes to fit your pet’s travel carrier.

Sold by Amazon

Kurgo Rover Dog Booster Seat

This travel seat for dogs will provide an ideal spot for your pet to perch during car travel. Installation is easy, whether you place it on a front or back seat of a vehicle. The waterproof material will keep your car seats protected. A seat belt tether is included.

Sold by Amazon 

Whistle Go Explore Pet Health and Location Tracker

Should the unthinkable happen during travel, this tracker has your pet covered with built-in GPS. In addition to monitoring location, it also tracks pet fitness metrics. A full charge lasts as long as 20 days.

Sold by Amazon

Mobile Dog Gear Dog Water Bottle and Bowl

Any pet owner who travels with a dog needs a reliable water supply. This stainless steel bottle will hold up to 25 ounces to keep thirsty canines hydrated. What’s more, the durable lid doubles as a water bowl for quick drinks.

Sold by PetSmart

Petisfam Travel Cat Litter Box

With a zippered closure and lightweight, foldable design, this litter box is simple to take on your travels with your cat. It’s leakproof and traps odors. A litter scoop and collapsible bowl are included with purchase.

Sold by Amazon

Kurgo Tru-Fit Smart Dog Harness

It’s easy to keep your pup secure in the vehicle with this harness with a tether you can attach to a seatbelt. It also provides security on walks and is padded in the chest for a comfortable fit.

Sold by Amazon

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Jennifer Manfrin writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

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Exercise dresses are fashion-forward and comfortable

In 2018, Outdoor Voices birthed the exercise dress with an explosion of hype. Now, many of the brands that manufacture your favorite yoga pants have caught on and make dresses out of the same stretchy material.

You can wear exercise dresses to play tennis, roller skate or grab a coffee while walking your dog. We've tested the most popular exercise dresses to see which are actually practical for your boxing class, and which are just for mimosas. 

Shop this article: Outdoor Voices The Exercise Dress, Girlfriend Collective Juliet Strappy Dress, Halara Everyday Cloudful Backless 2-in-1 Flare Workout Dress

What our testers looked for in an exercise dress 

When testing exercise dresses, the BestReviews Testing Lab rated each dress on 10 key points: if it's true to size, its comfort level during exercise, breathability, versatility, extra features, fabric quality, price, ease of care and what size and color options are available. 

The most pressing concerns for exercise dresses are if you can bend over in them without flashing the whole studio, and whether they're supportive up top. All our picks have shelf bras or padding, built-in shorts (with pockets!) and adjustable straps for these reasons. 

Best exercise dresses 

Outdoor Voices The Exercise Dress

This exercise dress set the standard for all to follow. Made from quality fabric, it consistently hits top marks in all our ranking categories. Its comfortable design is most conducive to working out and is flattering. Our tester basically lived in it on a road trip because it's so wearable. 

Sold by Outdoor Voices  

Girlfriend Collective Juliet Strappy Dress

A big selling point of this brand is that the fabric is made from recycled plastic bottles. Besides being sustainable, this strappy dress is cute and well-made. Because the material is thick and compressive, however, you may find yourself wearing it more to the farmer's market than to workout classes. 

Sold by Girlfriend Collective 

Halara Everyday Cloudful Backless 2-in-1 Flare Workout Dress

At a fraction of the price of our other picks, this exercise dress has garnered a cult following. It offers the same versatility as the Outdoor Voices dress, and the fabric is just as good as higher-priced options. There are lots of colors to choose from but the material is on the thick side. 

Sold by Halara 

Alo Alofsoft Courtside Tennis Dress

This high-end dress features a sweetheart neckline and short hemline. Unfortunately, it doesn't stand up to heavy exercise. Our tester felt it was only suitable to "play cornhole in," which she did. If you're only looking to sport this style for fashion, then it's an appropriate choice. 

Sold by Alo Yoga 

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Ana Saldamando writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

Copyright 2023 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.

START PUTTING SOME CASH ASIDE IF YOU WANT TO GRAB THESE DEALS 

Amazon’s annual Prime Day is a massive sales event where most anything on the website goes for steep discounts. From clothing and kitchen accessories to musical instruments and vehicle parts, it's the time to be on the lookout for items you’ve always wanted.

One of the big-ticket companies involved is Apple, putting some of its most sought-after tech gadgets on sale. Apple’s products are notoriously expensive, so grabbing a new set of earbuds, a wireless Mac keyboard or an iPhone cover can save you a few bucks.      

Shop this article: Apple 2020 MacBook Air Laptop M1, Apple AirPods Max and Apple Watch SE

PLANNING WITH PRIME

The first Amazon Prime Day took place in 2015, and since then, shoppers have been spending millions of dollars each year scooping up some of the best deals. Last year, more than 300 million items were sold, and by some estimates, it saved Amazon Prime members a collective $1.7 billion. The total value of all products sold over last year’s two-day event was $12 billion. 

It’s no regular day for Amazon by any stretch of the imagination, meaning if you want to get some Apple products and accessories, the last thing you need is to see “insufficient funds” when trying to buy something. Amazon hasn’t announced the dates for 2023 yet, but it’s a safe bet to assume that it will be at the end of June or early July — so start putting money away now.

BEST PRODUCTS APPLE USUALLY DISCOUNTS ON PRIME DAY

Apple 2020 MacBook Air Laptop M1

With a battery life of almost 18 hours and a powerful M1 chip, this MacBook Air is a workhorse for anybody who isn’t office-bound. It has a 13.3-inch Retina display, 8GB of unified memory and is compatible with various productivity apps such as Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft 365 and Google Drive. It might not be the latest MacBook Air, but it's an excellent value when it goes on sale during Prime Day at a steep discount.

Sold by Amazon

Apple AirPods Max

Listen to all your favorite music and podcasts with Apple’s powerful headphones. AirPods Max have large audio drivers powered by the Apple H1 headphone chip, giving you superb spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, Active Noise Cancellation to block unwanted ambient sounds and a battery that lasts around 12 hours. They also have a Transparency mode so you can hear what's happening around you.  

Sold by Amazon

Apple Watch SE

A smartwatch is a handy tool for checking messages and emails at a glance without taking out your phone. The Watch SE isn’t as technologically advanced as later models from Apple, but at a Prime Day discount, it’s a solid purchase. It has a 40-millimeter display that incorporates an activity tracker, heart rate monitor and a sleep monitor, and you can control it with your voice to make phone calls or listen to music.

Sold by Amazon

Apple 2021 14-Inch MacBook Pro 

The MacBook Pro is the pinnacle of Apple’s laptop offerings, and it’s extra valuable when you pick it up at a discount. This model has a 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, the Apple M1 Max chip and 512GB of internal storage. The 10-core central processing unit is three times faster than previous MacBook Pro models, and the 64GB memory is more than enough for resource-intensive tasks. The battery lasts about 17 hours, the bezel has a 1080p FaceTime HD camera built-in and there's a six-speaker sound system with force-canceling woofers to reduce distortion.

Sold by Amazon

Apple iPad (9th Generation)

There are many tablets to choose from, but none can hold a candle to Apple’s iPad — especially when you score a deep discount during Prime Day. This ninth-generation tablet has a 10.2-inch Retina display, is powered by Apple’s A13 Bionic chip and has an ultra-wide front-facing camera for crystal-clear video calls. You can choose between 64GB or 256GB of internal storage, and there are Wi-Fi-only and Wi-Fi with cellular versions. It has the TouchID button at the bottom of the display, making it easy to sign in with your thumbprint and pay for services through Apple Pay. 

Sold by Amazon

Apple Wireless Charging Case for AirPods

Apple accessories are usually not in short supply when it comes to Prime Day discounts, making it an opportune moment to grab yourself a wireless charging case that keeps your AirPods charged at all times. It’s worth getting even if you already have one, as you can keep the extra case in your vehicle. It's compatible with Qi charging pads, has an LED indicator on the front to see the charging status and can also be charged with a cable through the Lightning port at the back.  

Sold by Amazon

Apple Watch Series 7

No matter the model, the Apple Watch is a top-of-the-line accessory. With a glance at your wrist, you can see the time, any messages and emails, your activity levels and even control the music that’s playing through a paired mobile phone. Apple Watch 7 has a 41-millimeter display, built-in GPS and various fitness and activity trackers to monitor your heart rate. The watch bands are interchangeable and come in various colors. Usually, you can expect to grab the Watch Series 7 at a 10% to 20% discount during Prime Day.  

Sold by Amazon

WORTH CHECKING OUT 

• Step up your graphic design and drawing game with the awesome Apple Pencil (2nd Generation).
• The Apple MagSafe Charger ensures that your iPhone and earbuds are always charged.
• Type like a professional with the Apple Magic Keyboard, turning your iPad into a laptop.
• Keep track of your belongings with this four-pack of Apple AirTags.
• This Apple USB-C Charge Cable is a smart accessory to keep in your bag for charging on the go.

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Charlie Fripp writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

Now with summer almost in full swing, temperatures are rising — and many people are searching for efficient ways to cool their homes. It’s not their only goal of the warmer season, though. With rising energy costs, people are looking to stay cool on a budget and optimize their energy savings.

Instead of blasting the air conditioning, which increases energy costs, try making a few seasonal upgrades. These can be more cost- and energy-efficient. Window treatments, such as blackout curtains and blinds, can minimize the greenhouse effect, while ceiling fans circulate cool air around rooms. 

Shop this article: Eclipse Fresno Modern Blackout Thermal Window Curtain, 3M Command Damage-Free Hanging Strips and Honeywell Carnegie LED Ceiling Fan

In this video

BestReviews’ DIY expert, Beth Allen, joins Scott Moak to share tips on how to keep your home cool this summer with window treatments and other seasonal upgrades.

Windows

Before your turn on the air conditioning, Allen says it’s important to close and lock windows around your home. Although it’s a small task, it can result in big energy savings. It prevents cool air from escaping and prevents warm air from entering the home. This means air conditioning systems and units can optimize their performance because they’re cooling limited, sealed spaces.

Shades

Many people weatherize windows by investing in shades that keep rooms cooler. Blackout shades are the most effective because they’re lined with light-filtering materials that block the maximum amount of sunlight. As far as finding the right shade for your window size, several home centers cut shades on site. Sometimes, Allen says, you can walk out with custom-fitted window treatments the same day.

Paper shades

For people who aren’t ready to invest in custom-fitted blinds, paper shades are affordable alternatives. They’re available in a range of widths and can be cut to size with regular scissors. They’re also removable. Compared to regular shades, which typically require hardware and drilling, Allen says that paper shades are easy to install. All you need is self-stick adhesive or Velcro strips. 

Blackout curtains

Blackout curtains, says Allen, are ideal for people who want “more texture, color, and style” from summertime window treatments. Like blackout shades, the curtains are lined with light-filtering materials that block out the sun’s rays. They’re suitable for all rooms; however, they’re most often used in bedrooms, nurseries, and dorms. Blackout curtains are available at a range of price points, starting at $5 per panel. This makes them one of the most affordable window treatment options. 

Ceiling fans

According to Allen, you can get more out of your ceiling fan in the summertime if you change the direction it rotates. When you switch it counterclockwise, which is done via the toggle switch on the motor, the fan pulls warm air up and away from your living space. Conversely, when winter arrives, you should make the blades turn clockwise to pull warm air downward into rooms. 

Shop this segment

Eclipse Fresno Modern Blackout Thermal Window Curtain

These blackout curtains block up to 99.9% of sunlight, offering maximum protection and privacy. They’re lined with patented Thermaback material that also reduces noise, making them a popular choice for bedrooms and home offices.  

Sold by Amazon

Madison Park Galen Cordless Roman Shades

These simple, elegant Roman shades have a basket-weave texture that coordinates well with most room decor. Each one has a thermal foam backing to maximize energy efficiency and a detachable fabric face for easy cleaning.

Sold by Amazon

Redi Shade Original Light-Filtering Pleated Fabric Shade

A budget-friendly option, this popular Redi Shade can be cut to size and installed within a minute. Instead of cords, the shades come with low-profile clips. These allow you to adjust the length easily. 

Sold by Amazon 

3M Command Damage-Free Hanging Strips

This Command Strips multipack has everything you need to hang several paper blinds around the home. When it’s time to remove the blinds, the strips peel off without leaving damage or residue on window casings. 

Sold by Amazon 

Honeywell Carnegie LED Ceiling Fan

Honeywell’s Carnegie ceiling fan has a quiet, three-speed reversible motor. It offers three mounting options and comes in a few rustic-inspired designs that are versatile enough to complement most rooms. 

Sold by Amazon

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Sian Babish writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.

Copyright 2023 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.

Amazon Prime Day is next month, and while the dates of the big sale event have yet to be announced, it’s an excellent time to shop for early deals. If past years are any indication, Amazon will slash the prices of tons of high-quality products.

The hottest items include electronics, kitchen appliances and toys, but you can expect to see huge discounts on robot vacuums, outdoor furniture, TVs, beauty products and more. Some are already on sale, so shop now and keep your eyes peeled as we approach Prime Day to save big.

Shark AV1010AE IQ Robot Vacuum

You can forget about vacuuming for 45 days with this sophisticated robot vacuum that’ll do the job for you. The app lets you schedule total home cleaning and map a route for the robot vacuum to clean specific rooms. It’s effective at picking up pet hair and works with Alexa and Google Assistant.  

Sold by Amazon

iRobot Roomba J7+

This intuitive robot vacuum learns your habits, routines and home layout and provides cleaning suggestions for optimal performance based on the information it collects. It has an advanced sensor that keeps it from bumping into objects or falling over steps, and the edge-sweeping brush tackles tricky areas such as corners.

Sold by Amazon

Eufy Robovac G30 Robot Vacuum

This robot vacuum is cheaper than some of the other high-end models you’ll catch on sale, but it still offers plenty of excellent features and superb cleaning. It works quietly and automatically returns to the charging dock when the battery is low. The ultra-slim design lets it slide easily under chairs and couches.

Sold by Amazon

Zorami Ear and Nose Hair Trimmer

Hair sprouting from the ears or nose can be unflattering, but you can take care of that safely with this high-quality hair and nose trimmer. The 360-degree dual-edge blades cut hair without pulling, and the one-touch button makes it simple to use. Plus, it’s waterproof and has a removable head for easy cleaning.

Sold by Amazon

CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

You always want your skin to look and feel as good as possible, but combating dryness is a daily task for some. This facial cleanser contains three essential ceramides and effectively removes makeup, dirt and excess oil, leaving the skin hydrated. Plus, it contains hyaluronic acid and is suitable for all skin types.

Sold by Amazon

Rechoo Fusion Eye Shadow Palette

Those who want to experiment with different shades will love this palette for its 99-color variety. This eye shadow is made with a lightweight formula that’s waterproof, gentle on the skin and easy to apply. It stays shiny for up to 24 hours, and the soft texture gives off a flattering look.

Sold by Amazon

Philips 3200 Series Fully Automatic Espresso Machine

Jump-start your day with a homemade espresso using this state-of-the-art espresso machine. You can also brew five different aromatic coffees, including cold brews, and it mixes milk and air quickly for a smooth layer of milky foam on top of each espresso. Plus, it has removable, dishwasher-safe parts for easy cleanup.

Sold by Amazon

Braun 3-in-1 Food Processor

Easy SmartSpeed technology makes this food processor an excellent buy for anyone who knows their way around the kitchen. All you need to do is push gently for roughly chopped food and increase the pressure for finer processing. You can quickly switch between chopping, blending and mashing thanks to the EasyClick Plus system.

Sold by Amazon

Amazon Basics 1,500-Watt Oscillating Ceramic Heater

Summertime can make us forget about the harsh winter, but your future self will thank you if you snag this oscillating ceramic heater now. It has three settings — low, high and fan only — and a built-in switch that activates auto-shutoff and overheat protection if it’s accidentally tipped over.

Sold by Amazon

Zinus Jennifer 55-Inch Black Frame Desk

Whether you need a desk for your home office or just somewhere to keep books or a smart speaker, this 55-inch desk offers a flattering design for any home. It’s made with a solid-steel frame for increased durability and can withstand up to 100 pounds of evenly distributed weight.

Sold by Amazon

Aiper Cordless Robotic Pool Cleaner

Cleaning a pool can be a hassle, but this robotic pool cleaner makes it a breeze. It works for up to 90 minutes, and the dual-motor design propels it forward at 52.5 feet per minute. Plus, it automatically stops near the pool wall after a cleaning cycle or if the battery is low, so it's easy to retrieve.

Sold by Amazon

Greenworks 40-Volt 12-Inch Cordless Compact Chainsaw 

Garden maintenance can be hard work, especially if you have to cut down thick shrubbery. However, this cordless chainsaw makes things easy thanks to its lightweight build and powerful electric motor. The automatic oiler keeps the chain and blades running smoothly, and getting the motor started is effortless.

Sold by Amazon

Gorilla 44-Inch Outdoor Fire Pit Table

This fire pit table instantly gives your backyard a warm and inviting ambience, allowing you to enjoy cozy nights with friends and family. It gives off considerable heat without excessive smoke, warms up quickly and has a lightweight build that makes it easy to move around.

Sold by Amazon

Thermacell E-Series Rechargeable Mosquito Repeller

Get rid of those pesky mosquitoes with this rechargeable mosquito repeller. It offers a 20-foot protection radius with up to 5.5 hours of battery life, and you won’t have to put up with unpleasant odors. It doesn’t need fuel monitoring or replacing and starts working in 15 minutes.

Sold by Amazon

Amazon Fire TV 50-Inch 4-Series 4K UHD Smart TV

This 4K TV delivers a high-quality viewing experience thanks to support for various image-enhancing technologies, including HD, HDR 10, HLG and Dolby Digital Plus. It features an expansive smart TV interface, four HDMI ports and a streamlined remote with Alexa that lets you search for titles across all apps.

Sold by Amazon

Insignia 43-Inch Class F30 Series LED 4K UHD Smart Fire TV 

This 43-inch TV is a steal for anyone looking to upgrade to a mid-tier smart TV. Granted, the image quality isn’t as crisp as that of high-end models, but for the price, you’ll get an excellent TV  with an Alexa voice remote, DTS Studio Sound and access to tons of apps.

Sold by Amazon

Amazon Fire TV 75-Inch Omni QLED Series 4K UHD Smart TV

This is the ultimate TV for large spaces where you want to watch movies or sporting events such as the Super Bowl and MMA fights. QLED technology delivers terrific clarity and rich colors, and adaptive brightness automatically calibrates settings for optimal viewing based on the lighting in your environment.

Sold by Amazon

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Kevin Luna writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

Copyright 2023 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.

Shop this article: Grillart Grill Brush, Bristle-free, BBQ Dragon Rolling Grill Basket andCuisinart CGPR-221 Cast Iron Grill Press

Benefits of upgrading your grill

An old or cheap grill can be given a new life with the right accessories. Investing in quality grill products such as a cast iron griddle or grilling basket can change the performance of your grill. Opt for one of these products if your grill grates are aging or perform at a lower quality. Adding certain products can improve cooking time, control temperature, maintain moisture in your foods and increase safety.

Top grill cleaning accessory

Grillart Grill Brush, Bristle-free

What you need to know: This dual-brush and scraper keeps your grill spotless and grime-free.

What you’ll love: Featuring bristle-free technology, this grill brush is designed to prevent any bristles from ending up in your food. Flexible stainless steel will collect grate residue. Its distinct two-layer helix design reaches cracks and crevices a traditional three-layer wand can’t. The long handle provides comfort and allows you a safe distance from heat and potential hazards.

What you should consider: This grill brush is specific to traditional grate grills and will not perform well on mesh grate grills.

Sold by Amazon

Top grill basket

BBQ Dragon Rolling Grill Basket

What you need to know: This grill basket diversifies your grilling pursuits. It allows for roasting, smoking or searing your favorite ingredients. It works especially well for grilling vegetables.

What you’ll love: Handles on either side of the basket make rotating it easier. The basket is made of stainless steel, which is easy to clean.

What you should consider: If you grill exclusively meat and poultry, another grill accessory will better suit your eating preferences.

Sold by Amazon 

Top cast iron grill accessories

Cuisinart CGPR-221 Cast Iron Grill Press

What you need to know: Perfect for getting an even sear and getting rid of excess grease, a grill press is a valuable tool to have at your disposal. 

What you’ll love: Made from cast iron at a solid 2.8 pounds, this grill press is very durable and will naturally season the more you use it. It’s great for making filets, burgers, sandwiches and paninis. 

What you should consider: You can only use a grill press to make certain types of dishes. Depending on the type of dishes you like to make and how often you make them, you may not need this grill press. It’s worth considering if this is a relevant tool to add to your kitchen.

Sold by Amazon and Wayfair

Lodge Pre-seasoned Cast Iron Reversible Grill/Griddle

What you need to know: Versatile and practical, a reversible griddle is fantastic for a variety of dishes. Eggs, pancakes, hibachi and sandwiches are a few of the dishes that are great to cook on a flat griddle. 

What you’ll love: The reverse side is ribbed, making it perfect for cooking meat and poultry. Cast iron is a great base for cooking because it heats evenly. With minimal care, it can last several years.

What you should consider: You can make many of the same dishes with a stove and pan, so buying a griddle might be redundant. Determine how much you’d use this griddle before purchasing it.

Sold by Amazon

Sur La Table Cast Iron Shrimp Pan

What you need to know: This pan offers a unique shape to evenly cook your shrimp.

What you’ll love: Heat resistant up to 750 degrees, this cast-iron pan holds up to 22 shrimp. The deep grooves that hold the shrimp help retain juice and flavor while the shrimp cooks through.

What you should consider: This pan is exclusively for shrimp. If you do not eat seafood, this product won’t add value to your grill set.

Sold by Sur La Table

Top grill shelf

Pit Boss Grill Side Shelf with Serving Tray

What you need to know: It’s great at keeping utensils, plates, or food at a convenient distance to the grill.

What you’ll love: Unlike many other side shelves, this one has a removable tray that is perfect for bringing freshly cooked food to the table or inside the house without any struggle. 

What you should consider: This side shelf and tray are made specifically for Pit Boss grills, so they won’t fit every type of grill. 

Sold by Amazon and Dick’s Sporting Goods

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Isabella Acitelli writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing, and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers.

Copyright 2023 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.

While chips and dip are a popular choice, you might be wondering how to incorporate healthy alternatives. Veggies have likely crossed your mind, but grilling them is totally different than cooking them indoors. But once you learn a few simple techniques, you’ll be grilling greens (and plenty of other colorful veggies) in no time.

Here are our top tips and tricks for grilling all types of veggies on all types of grills.

Shop this article: Skewers, Weber Gas Grill and Weber Charcoal Grill

How to grill vegetables

Basics of grilling veggies

Grilling veggies isn’t hard, but you’ll need to take a few things into consideration for the most successful outcome.

Having the right tools or utensils, such as skewers or grill baskets, makes it infinitely easier to grill certain vegetables. You can also use the tinfoil method, in which you cut veggies into uniform pieces, toss them in a marinade, and grill them enclosed as a packet.

Preparation is the key to tasty grilled vegetables. Use salt and pepper, spices, rub, or marinade to draw out a vegetable’s natural flavor or introduce new ones. If you’re using skewers, be sure to let them soak in water for 15 minutes prior to use.

Heat control is everything when it comes to grilling, especially vegetables, which tend to be softer than meats. Start by preheating your grill for 10 to 15 minutes. Monitor heat to ensure it maintains temperature and avoids dangerous flare-ups.

Grilling veggies requires ongoing attention. Some veggies take longer to grill than others, such as root or fibrous vegetables. Those with higher water content, like summer squash, tend to cook more quickly. This means you may need to flip or toss veggies while they’re grilling, or continuously rotate them.

Optimizing cook time

While you can cook vegetables simultaneously, keep in mind that no two vegetables cook the exact same way. To optimize your time, you’ll probably average out the cook time as well as the temperature — which is six to 10 minutes at approximately 350 to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.

As far as knowing when veggies are done, sometimes it’s easy enough to tell by the char or noticeable change in color and aroma. If you’re not exactly sure, you can piece the veggies to gauge the texture and tenderness to determine whether it’s cooked to your preference.

Cooking vegetables in batches

If you’d like to give individual attention to veggies, cooking in batches is an ideal option. This helps you to achieve the correct char and tenderness without worrying about plucking certain veggies from skewers or grill baskets to let the others continue cooking.

Group veggies together based on similar cooking times and temperatures. It’s common, for example, to group eggplant, mushrooms, and squash. You can also cook certain veggies on their own, like onions, since they often require continuous rotation.

Techniques and tips by grill type

While grilling has foundational methods and techniques, there are a few tweaks and adjustments you’ll need to make depending on the type of grill you have.

Grilling veggies on a gas grill

When it comes to gas grills, the key to successful veggie grilling boils down to proper heat control. Since you can control the flame with dials, you’re able to make adjustments to maintain temperature — and to control flare-ups. If possible, grill veggies in their own medium-heat zone. Not only does this help maintain temperature, but it also prevents cross-contamination with foods grilled at higher temperatures like meats or seafood.

Grilling veggies on a charcoal grill

Tap into your brick-zoning skills to maximize your veggie grilling experience on charcoal grills. For the most part, batched veggies grill best at medium-high heat. Since many charcoal grill owners are used to assembling two zones — high heat and low heat — it’s recommended to sear veggies in the hot zone and then transfer them to the lower heat one to finish cooking.

Roasting veggies in a Big Green Egg or smoker

It’s best to cook veggies on the top rack of the smoker in a grill pan or basket, and most definitely above any meats or seafood you’re cooking at the same time. This gives them enough distance from the heat source to smoke without burning, plus it’s a great opportunity for the foods below to catch flavorful drippings.

Grilling veggies with cast iron pans

If you’re already a fan of cast iron cooking, you’ll be pleased to know that you can saute veggies with cast iron pans. Set your grill to medium heat, and once it reaches the optimal temperature, place the cast iron pan on it to preheat for five to eight minutes. Add a few tablespoons of butter, toss in the veggies, and let them saute until they reach your preferred tenderness.

Grilling veggies on an electric grill

Perhaps the easiest grilling method is using a non-stick electric grill. Simply spray the grill plates with non-stick spray, then set it to preheat to medium-high. While you’re waiting, prepare your veggies. You can cut them in large, slender pieces or you into one-inch cubes for kebab cooking. Cook time varies with these grills, so follow the cook time guide included with your user manual for reference.

Our favorite grilled veggie recipes

The sky’s the limit when it comes to grilling, so here are some of our favorite pairings of popular summer veggies. For most of these recipes, you can cook them on skewers, in a grill basket, or enveloped in tinfoil.

Classic kebabs: Round up bell peppers, onions, tomatoes, and zucchini, and soak skewers for 15 minutes. Chop each veggie into two-inch pieces and toss them in a light coating of olive oil, oregano, basil, salt, and pepper.

Deconstructed cucumber-tomato salad: Pick up firm red onions, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber, and cut them into uniform pieces for a grill basket. Toss them in a light marinade of red wine vinegar, olive oil, fresh dill, mint, and garlic salt.

Tri-squash delight: Go colorful with yellow squash, summer squash, and zucchini, and dice them in quarter-inch medallions. Add Vidalia onions, chopped in two-inch cubed pieces. Toss veggies in a light coating of olive oil, garlic powder, freshly ground black pepper, and a dash of nutmeg.

Grilled rosemary potatoes and button mushrooms: Parboil halved baby red potatoes. Add potatoes and mushrooms to a bowl and toss in light olive oil with fresh rosemary, salt, and freshly ground pepper.

Tinfoil veggie medley: Slice red peppers, red onions, and carrots into thin, uniform pieces. Grab your favorite marinade (we like garlic teriyaki) and toss the sliced veggies with string beans in a bowl. Transfer the medley into tinfoil, fold it into a packet, and cook for 20 minutes.

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Sian Babish writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

Copyright 2023 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.

Amazon’s annual Prime Day is a massive sales event where most anything on the website goes for steep discounts. From clothing and kitchen accessories to musical instruments and vehicle parts, it's the time to be on the lookout for items you’ve always wanted.

One of the big-ticket companies involved is Apple, putting some of its most sought-after tech gadgets on sale. Apple’s products are notoriously expensive, so grabbing a new set of earbuds, a wireless Mac keyboard or an iPhone cover can save you a few bucks.      

Shop this article: Apple 2020 MacBook Air Laptop M1, Apple AirPods Max and Apple Watch SE

Planning with Prime

The first Amazon Prime Day took place in 2015, and since then, shoppers have been spending millions of dollars each year scooping up some of the best deals. Last year, more than 300 million items were sold, and by some estimates, it saved Amazon Prime members a collective $1.7 billion. The total value of all products sold over last year’s two-day event was $12 billion. 

It’s no regular day for Amazon by any stretch of the imagination, meaning if you want to get some Apple products and accessories, the last thing you need is to see “insufficient funds” when trying to buy something. Amazon hasn’t announced the dates for 2023 yet, but it’s a safe bet to assume that it will be at the end of June or early July — so start putting money away now.

Best products Apple usually discounts on Prime Day

Apple 2020 MacBook Air Laptop M1

With a battery life of almost 18 hours and a powerful M1 chip, this MacBook Air is a workhorse for anybody who isn’t office-bound. It has a 13.3-inch Retina display, 8GB of unified memory and is compatible with various productivity apps such as Adobe Creative Cloud, Microsoft 365 and Google Drive. It might not be the latest MacBook Air, but it's an excellent value when it goes on sale during Prime Day at a steep discount.

Sold by Amazon

Apple AirPods Max

Listen to all your favorite music and podcasts with Apple’s powerful headphones. AirPods Max have large audio drivers powered by the Apple H1 headphone chip, giving you superb spatial audio with dynamic head tracking, Active Noise Cancellation to block unwanted ambient sounds and a battery that lasts around 12 hours. They also have a Transparency mode so you can hear what's happening around you.  

Sold by Amazon

Apple Watch SE

A smartwatch is a handy tool for checking messages and emails at a glance without taking out your phone. The Watch SE isn’t as technologically advanced as later models from Apple, but at a Prime Day discount, it’s a solid purchase. It has a 40-millimeter display that incorporates an activity tracker, heart rate monitor and a sleep monitor, and you can control it with your voice to make phone calls or listen to music.

Sold by Amazon

Apple 2021 14-Inch MacBook Pro 

The MacBook Pro is the pinnacle of Apple’s laptop offerings, and it’s extra valuable when you pick it up at a discount. This model has a 14-inch Liquid Retina XDR display, the Apple M1 Max chip and 512GB of internal storage. The 10-core central processing unit is three times faster than previous MacBook Pro models, and the 64GB memory is more than enough for resource-intensive tasks. The battery lasts about 17 hours, the bezel has a 1080p FaceTime HD camera built-in and there's a six-speaker sound system with force-canceling woofers to reduce distortion.

Sold by Amazon

Apple iPad (9th Generation)

There are many tablets to choose from, but none can hold a candle to Apple’s iPad — especially when you score a deep discount during Prime Day. This ninth-generation tablet has a 10.2-inch Retina display, is powered by Apple’s A13 Bionic chip and has an ultra-wide front-facing camera for crystal-clear video calls. You can choose between 64GB or 256GB of internal storage, and there are Wi-Fi-only and Wi-Fi with cellular versions. It has the TouchID button at the bottom of the display, making it easy to sign in with your thumbprint and pay for services through Apple Pay. 

Sold by Amazon

Apple Wireless Charging Case for AirPods

Apple accessories are usually not in short supply when it comes to Prime Day discounts, making it an opportune moment to grab yourself a wireless charging case that keeps your AirPods charged at all times. It’s worth getting even if you already have one, as you can keep the extra case in your vehicle. It's compatible with Qi charging pads, has an LED indicator on the front to see the charging status and can also be charged with a cable through the Lightning port at the back.  

Sold by Amazon

Apple Watch Series 7

No matter the model, the Apple Watch is a top-of-the-line accessory. With a glance at your wrist, you can see the time, any messages and emails, your activity levels and even control the music that’s playing through a paired mobile phone. Apple Watch 7 has a 41-millimeter display, built-in GPS and various fitness and activity trackers to monitor your heart rate. The watch bands are interchangeable and come in various colors. Usually, you can expect to grab the Watch Series 7 at a 10% to 20% discount during Prime Day.  

Sold by Amazon

Worth checking out 

• Step up your graphic design and drawing game with the awesome Apple Pencil (2nd Generation).
• The Apple MagSafe Charger ensures that your iPhone and earbuds are always charged.
• Type like a professional with the Apple Magic Keyboard, turning your iPad into a laptop.
• Keep track of your belongings with this four-pack of Apple AirTags.
• This Apple USB-C Charge Cable is a smart accessory to keep in your bag for charging on the go.

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Charlie Fripp writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

Copyright 2023 BestReviews, a Nexstar company. All rights reserved.

Shop this article: Dehydrator, Black Pepper and Veggie Wash

How do dehydrators work?

They’re exceedingly simple. A weak heating element, fan, and on/off switch are the only major components found in the most affordable dehydrators. Premium models offer adjustable thermostats and timers. Ultimately, though, they all work by heating air lightly and circulating it throughout the unit.

How to prepare food for dehydrating

Use fresh ingredients

The more flavor your fruits, vegetables, and meats have to start with, the better your results will be. This goes for the base ingredient as well as seasoning. Using fresh herbs such as rosemary and fresh-cracked black pepper goes a long way toward imparting the subtle flavors that dried seasoning tend to lose after a few months.

Make sure everything’s clean

First, wash all vegetables using either water with a touch of vinegar or a specialty vegetable wash. Washing both store-bought and homegrown vegetables is one of the most important steps in preventing foodborne illness, and it also prevents off-flavors from residual dirt and other substances. After washing, make sure the surface of all the food is as dry as possible.

Cut the food into uniform slices

Cutting every piece to the same size, especially the same thickness, ensures it all dehydrates at the same rate. Otherwise, some of your end products will be crispy and perfectly preserved, while some might still be overly chewy and won’t last nearly as long in storage. A thickness of one-quarter-inch is a good starting point for most types of food. A quality chef’s knife makes this task easy. In case you’re working with a large amount of food, some food processors have slicing blades that can make short work of bulk produce.

Consider blanching tough vegetables

It isn’t strictly necessary, but veggies such as broccoli, cauliflower, and carrots take a considerable amount of time to dry and will lose a good deal of their original color. To reduce the time needed and prevent discoloration, boil especially fibrous or tough raw produce for two minutes in lightly salted water.

Season the food, but don’t go overboard

Remember that water makes up a large percentage of most raw food’s weight. As you dehydrate, the food gets smaller and loses most of its water. The major effect of this is that a little bit of seasoning goes a long way. This is especially true of salt. Make sure to taste the food while seasoning.

Aside from flavorful herbs and salt, consider adding some citric acid to the mix if you’re drying fruits, such as apples, that oxidize and turn brown when exposed to oxygen. You can find pure, food-grade citric acid cheaply and mix it with water, or just use diluted lemon juice if you’re OK with adding a bit of citrus flavor.

Load the dehydrator

Make sure to leave space between each piece of food to allow for enough airflow to encourage efficient and consistent drying.

Turn the dehydrator on

This part’s easy. Turn the dehydrator on. If the temperature is adjustable, set it to 130 degrees for most foods. Be careful of setting a timer, as your best bet is to monitor the food manually. Using the built-in timer can turn the unit off too easily, causing an unnecessary delay.

Monitor the food for dryness

Most foods take around four to 12 hours to dehydrate completely. Check the progress every hour or two, looking for food that’s completely dry to the touch. As long as your temperature stays around 135 degrees or less, you can’t over-dehydrate. If you run the dehydrator too hot or make meat jerky at a safe temperature, it’s possible to scorch the food.

Why is dehydrated food so great?

It’s healthy

Unlike boiled, baked, or fried food, dehydrated food never gets hot enough to destroy the flavors and nutrients inside it. Whether it’s dried apples or carrots, your end product retains much of the deliciousness and nutrition it had the day you dried it.

It’s fun

Aside from the simple health factor, dehydrated snacks and preserved produce are fun to make. You can devise your own recipes for dried fruit and vegetables that are far more interesting than store-bought snacks.

It’s useful

Preserving food is another great reason to dehydrate it. For example, if your garden produces more fresh vegetables than you can eat in time, a dehydrator can help you save them for later. Since dehydrators use minimal electricity, and storing properly dehydrated food requires no energy whatsoever, dehydration is the most efficient way to preserve perishable foods.

It’s easy

Dehydrating food is also remarkably simpler than other preservation methods, such as canning. All you need to do is prep the food, put it in the dehydrator, turn it on, and check it once in a while.

Similarly, using dehydrated food is as easy as can be. To rehydrate fresh vegetables, all you need to do is soak them in water for a while. If you’re making soup, you don’t even have to do that, since you can just toss them in the pot.

It’s cost-effective

A capable dehydrator won’t cost a fortune. The fruits, vegetables, meats, and seasoning used to make delicious recipes will be even less expensive. Plus, this straightforward and versatile helps to save your hard-earned money by reducing waste and nearly eliminating the need for costly, unhealthy store-bought snacks.

Dehydrated food FAQ

Is dehydrated food safe?

A. As long as the produce is thoroughly washed and meat is prepared at the right temperature, dehydrated food is extremely unlikely to cause food-borne illness. It’s also not likely to mold or develop off-flavors in the long term, as long as it’s properly dried.

How do you make meat jerky safely in a dehydrator?

A. Due to the potential for hosting harmful pathogens, meat must be dehydrated at a temperature above 145 degrees. The safest bet is to preheat the dehydrator to that temperature or higher. It’s recommended to set the thermostat to 155 degrees or higher. It’s also a good idea to preheat your dehydrator when making meat jerky. And don’t mix meat with fruits or vegetables in the same session.

Remember: If your dehydrator can’t reliably reach 145 degrees, you can’t use it to make meat jerky.

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Chris Thomas writes for BestReviews. BestReviews has helped millions of consumers simplify their purchasing decisions, saving them time and money.

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