Many people aspire to one day be homeowners but aren’t sure how to make it a reality. The home buying checklist is a long one, and coming up with the money for a down payment on a house—the initial deposit you make on your property—is no small effort. It’s dependent on a landslide of factors—mainly your income, debt, and responsibilities. Experts agree it’s possible to save for a house in one year....
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Luckily, when creating the open living room and kitchen in the 2021 Real Simple Home, we had the help of two professional designers: Delia Kenza focused on the kitchen and Natalie Papier planned the living room. Here are their top tips for making an open layout floor plan work. Keep scale in mind. “If you decide to have an open floor plan, make sure you consider scale,” says Kenza. “You don’t want the kitchen to overpower the rest of the space....
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About 10 years ago, I was visiting a chef friend in Israel. She made a version of this tahini sauce for my toddler son, drizzled over cucumbers and radishes and served in a bowl. Liam was an adventurous eater, and I knew he liked cucumbers, but I figured he would ignore the radishes. But Liam finished the bowl—every last cucumber and radish—and asked for more! I credit it all to that sauce....
A mild yet highly effective solution is the use of micelle-infused products to help lift away those impurities. Dermatologist Dr. Mona Gohar previously told Real Simple, “Micelles surround dirt particles and break them down—they can clean the skin without drying it out, so there’s no barrier-stripping soap needed.” That’s why shoppers have turned to Rose Inc’s Micellar Makeup Remover. The marine complex provides anti-pollution benefits while brightening rice ferment, strengthening ceramides, and hydrating squalane support the skin’s microbiome, according to the brand....
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Traditional Thanksgiving Sides Tradition is what makes the annual Thanksgiving feast so special. But if you’ve lost a family recipe, what to spruce up a classic, or add to the spread with a new tradition, these classic Thanksgiving side dish recipes are for you. Sage Apple Stuffing Stuffing on the table is a Thanksgiving classic, but up the ante a notch with this version that adds apple and sage for ultimate savoriness....
To find the best shower cleaners, we spent hours researching various options and top-rated products while considering factors like type, ingredients, and use on recommended surfaces. We also asked Vera Peterson, President of Molly Maid, a Neighborly company, for tips on what to look for when buying the right cleaner for your shower. “It’s always great to choose a shower cleaner that is safe for most surfaces to get the most bang for your buck,” says Peterson....
To come up with this list of the best utensil organizers, we thoroughly researched the market and narrowed down the options based on type (like a drawer tray or countertop crock), material, and compartments. For expert tips on how to organize utensils and silverware, we spoke to Anita Fortes, professional organizer and founder of A Neater Life. The first step to getting your utensil drawers organized, according to Fortes, is having a good old-fashioned declutter....
To find the best flatware sets on the market, we researched many different brands and products, and selected options that fit a range of styles, budgets, and materials. We also received expert insight from Kristen Pena, principal designer at K Interiors, on what to look for when shopping for flatware. Pena says top-notch flatware is “absolutely” an essential part of any kitchen—that includes forks, knives, spoons, as well as any other utensils commonly used while cooking and eating....
From here, the Instant Pot magic begins. Instead of having to stand over the pot for 20 minutes, stirring frequently and adding liquid in multiple parts, add the stock all at once. Give it a quick stir, close the lid, and turn the steam valve to Sealing. Change the setting to Pressure Cooker and set the timer for four minutes; once the timer goes off, release the steam using the Quick Release method....
Wooden knife blocks are certainly the most common way to store everything from kitchen shears to your all-purpose chef’s knife, but we were curious if it really was the best way to store knives. Chef Michael Garaghty (“Chef Mike”), the in-house executive chef for WÜSTHOF, helped us to break down the pros and cons of three popular styles of knife storage—a wooden knife block, magnetic knife bar, and plastic knife edge-guards....
The Health Benefits of Lentils Lentils are rich in fiber. One of the biggest benefits of legumes and lentils is the high levels of fiber, which most people don’t get enough of in their diets. “Lentils are a complex carbohydrate that are super high in fiber, especially soluble fiber,” explains Jennifer Hanway, a nutritionist and certified personal trainer. “Soluble fiber dissolves in water to form a gel-like substance that moves through the GI system and can help remove some substances related to high cholesterol....
The PrettyGarden Puff Sleeve Midi Dress is the perfect fashion staple that’ll transition nicely as we move away from summer and into cool fall. The dress has a semi-high neckline that scoops below the collarbone and is designed with fun puffed sleeves, which is extremely popular thanks to the cottagecore aesthetic that started in home decor before moving into the style sphere. To buy: $41 (was $49); amazon.com. Midi dresses are especially popular because of their long, flowy skirt, which is just one of many reasons why several reviewers love this pick....
Right now, the organizer costs just $22—a serious discount of nearly 30 percent off its usual price. It’s earned over 1,100 five-star ratings for its design, versatility, and ample size, and it truly offers so much. For one thing, it features two large shelves, the bottom of which slides out for easy access. Each shelf comes with multiple removable dividers, so you can separate your items and keep them in place, as well as hanging side cups (for items like combs or makeup brushes), sturdy non-slip feet, and several types of hooks....
What Is Body Acne? When it comes to back and chest acne, most people get either large pustules (whiteheads) or cysts, says Renee Rouleau, celebrity esthetician and skincare expert. “Pustules are no different than your everyday pimple, but cysts are deep under the skin, never come to a head, and can be painful. It’s important not to pick at cystic blemishes since the body usually reabsorbs the infection from within.” Body breakouts often crop up in the same areas, like the center of the chest, buttocks, and upper back....
Cold brew has become one of the most popular caffeine selections and for good reason. To help us understand why—as well as give us an insider look at what gives cold brew its je ne sais quoi, both taste- and health-wise—we spoke with Todd Carmichael, the CEO and Co-Founder of La Colombe Coffee Roasters. Cold Brew vs. Iced Coffee Cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cold or room temperature water for 12 to 24 hours and then filtering it, which results in a smooth, naturally sweet, and slightly chocolatey flavor profile....
