Even if you know what home equity is, can you confidently say you know how a home equity loan or a home equity line of credit (also called a HELOC) works? If you can’t, here’s a guide on what it is and how you can use home equity for everything from college loans to home renovation projects. (Unfortunately, it can’t really help you cover those pesky cost of selling a house....
So if learning more about community care is on your New Year’s resolutions list, here are some tips for getting started. “The idea of mutual aid is built on this idea that all of us at some point in our lives will need help,” explains Janice Gassam Asare, an author and organizational diversity, equity, and inclusion consultant. “It might not be monetarily; it might be emotional support, or a time where we are on the side of the road and our phone died....
The Upcycled Food Association notes that upcycled foods are made from ingredients that would otherwise have ended up in a food waste destination. Currently, food wasted in our present food systems represents almost $1 trillion in losses globally each year. However, with a few simple lifestyle modifications, you can easily incorporate upcycling food into your daily routine. The impact is highly promising: Supporting upcycling practices has the potential to reduce up to 70 billion tons of greenhouse gases generated by food loss and waste....
Start by talking with your tax accountant. You’re already paying this person to prepare your return, and they have all the documentation at their fingertips to answer questions about your personal situation. If you aren’t working with a CPA, software such as TurboTax typically offers a way to chat with a specialist or have your questions reviewed. But if you think your question is best answered by an IRS employee, visit their website before calling....
Just picture it: Endless stacks of kitchen towels, dish-washing and cleaning supplies, old sponges, recycled paper bags—the list of items that most people categorize as eligible for under-the-sink storage goes on and on. It doesn’t matter if your farmhouse kitchen sink is as charming as can be. If you know there’s a mess of clutter and junk under there, you’ll have a hard time enjoying it fully. But take heart, there’s hope!...
What you’ll need: ¾ cup whole milk 2 large eggs plus 2 large egg yolks, lightly beaten, at room temperature 6 tablespoons (¾ stick) unsalted butter, room temperature, plus more for the bowl 3½ cups all-purpose flour, plus more for work surfaces 1 cup sugar, divided 1 package (¼ ounce) active dry yeast 1 teaspoon kosher salt Vegetable oil, for frying Directions: Fillings: Chocolate Custard Place 2 ounces chopped bittersweet chocolate in a medium bowl....
We’ve rounded up some of our favorite bralettes for all bust sizes, with enough support for walking the dog, vacuuming your room, running errands, or opening a particularly stubborn bottle of wine—but soft enough that you won’t even remember which bralette you’re wearing (in a good way). With cute, yet comfortable picks for ladies both petite and well-endowed, this crop of comfiest-ever intimates is about to open your eyes to a beautiful, wire-free world....
Oapier S5 Steam Mop, $54 with coupon (was $80) Casper Sleep Hug Body Pillow, $89 (was $139) Aerogarden Harvest Indoor Garden with Herb Seed Pod Kit, $120 (was $165) GooBloo Woven Blanket Basket, $32 with coupon (was $39) Scotch-Brite Stainless Steel Scrubbers, $2 with coupon (was $10) Safavieh American Homes Collection Console Table, $240 (was $417) Madesmart Two-Tier Organizer, $16 (was $25) Honeywell TurboForce Air Circulator Fan, $17 (was $20) Safavieh Madison Collection Medallion Distressed Area Rug, from $35 (was from $108) Modern Farmhouse Stripe Shower Curtain, $25 (was $40) Rubbermaid Six-Piece Produce Saver Containers, $25 with coupon (was $33) Mr....
With expert advice and care tips from a couple of plant pros, we’ve ID’d 15 pretty plants that will thrive in even the least plant-friendly spaces. Fragrant, flowering dianthus will not only survive in sandy soil, but it will also fill your backyard with color and a lovely, slightly spicy scent. If you have a shady yard that doesn’t get much sun, skip the grass and carpet the ground with common oak sedge, which adds textural interest to the area....
graphic by onethread design If, by some fluke, you should find yourself with even more melon, follow these general storage tips: Until they are sliced, whole watermelons are best kept in a place that’s slightly cooler than room temperature—such as an air-conditioned countertop. Indeed, research has shown that room-temperature melons contain significantly more antioxidants and other nutrients than their chilled counterparts. Once a watermelon has been cut, try to use it within two to three days....
Between hibernating, holiday prepping, and bundling up to enjoy outdoor winter activities, December is all about welcoming the new season, wrapping up the past year, and being with our loved ones. Before the year is over, here are a few fun activities (and, yes, a few productive recommendations, too) to do in December with friends, kids, your partner, or solo. Depending on where you live and your preferred activity intensity, take advantage of the first truly cold and snowy month to go ice skating, sledding, skiing, cross-country skiing, winter hiking, tubing, or snow-shoeing....
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advise that unvaccinated people, including children ages two and older, wear masks over their nose and mouth in all public indoor settings to help stop the spread of the Delta variant of the virus that causes COVID-19. Additionally, 12 out of the 20 biggest U.S. school districts will require students to wear face masks when classes start this fall, according to a recent CNN report....
The retailer is a bargain hunter’s dream, thanks to the wide variety of affordable finds, the outlet section of discounted overstock items, and the daily deals section that highlights the best sales of the day. It may already be your go-to source for everything from budget-friendly clothing items to inexpensive beauty products, but don’t forget to check out its wide variety of affordable kitchen organizers. If you’re looking to get your cabinets under control, check out this pan organizer rack that’s currently on sale for just $21, or this three-tier spice jar organizer that can be yours for only $7....
The entire holiday season is filled with opportunities for creative gift exchanges, from your tried-and-true office Secret Santa to that boozy bash with good friends where no one can remember the White Elephant rules. (Get those White Elephant gift ideas ready now.) With the following gift exchange ideas and tips, gift giving will feel joyful again. Let our team of elves—including holiday party planners, etiquette experts, and Real Simple readers—enlighten you with innovative strategies to make any party or early-morning frenzy more memorable....
On February 14, in addition to (or instead of) Valentine’s Day gifts for him, consider getting crafty. What are some good Valentine’s crafts? This list of craft ideas (with supply lists and instructions) has Valentine’s Day crafts for kids, teens, and adults—and many are good for all ages. (Do be sure little ones are supervised at all times while crafting.) For teens or tweens just getting into crafting, they’ll love making these crafts as decor or affordable gifts for friends....
If and when someone does choose to remarry, not only might there be financial trauma to overcome, but there will also be new discussions about how this go-‘round will be different from the last. These financial loose ends need to be tied up early so that your newfound wedded bliss won’t be derailed by preventable money stumbles. Some of that history may entail a drag on finances—alimony owed, assumed debt....
The next time you’re looking for a bottle that punches above its price, consider one of these five finds at Trader Joe’s. This sparkling rosé is lush and balanced, with notes of raspberry and light-but-rich red fruit shining through. Sips almost have a touch of creamy mouthfeel. This wine is a charming sparkler made for both summer heat and side kicking small bites before a meal. When bottles are iced, and you’re with a crowd, expect to go through a few....
