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According to Simon Medcalf, the Managing Director of Guardian Security & Fire Home Security Services, the most important components of a home security system, in order of importance, are an intruder alarm of around 100 decibels to startle a trespasser, a camera system, and door/window contact sensors. In addition, security expert Chris McGoey recommends having clear and visible alarm lawn signs or alarm decals on the windows as these alone are often enough to discourage criminals from entering your home....

“The advantage of a rice cooker is perfectly cooked rice that you don’t have to watch. It is a total set-it-and-forget approach to rice. Once the rice is cooked it stays warm so it is one less thing to worry about when preparing a meal,” says Natalie Lee, chef and owner of Mikki and Al’s Noshery. To find the best rice cookers we researched a variety of picks, keeping in mind dimensions, capacity, care, and the number of settings....

To find the best sink caddies, we spent hours researching various models on the market and assessing them for style, durability, and storage capacity. We turned to Holly Blakey, a professional organizer at Breathing Room, for advice on how to choose the best sink caddy for your kitchen. “Select the material carefully,” Blakey says. “[Your sink] is a wet space, so you don’t want [a caddy] that will rust, collect mildew, or break....

Who it isn’t for: People who prefer their desks to have drawers to store items out of sight when they’re not at their desk.If you have the space set aside for a permanent workspace in your home, this simple desk has plenty of features to help you stay productive at a very reasonable price. While many budget-friendly desks come with only one flat surface for you to fit your monitor, laptop, and desk accessories, this one has multiple and surface area for monitors, keyboards, notebooks—even a compact printer, if you need one....

Editor-Loved Early Black Friday Deals Modelones Cuticle Cream Pen, $7 (was $8) Zesica Women’s Long Sleeve Chunky Knit Sleeve Sweater, $42 with coupon (was $52) Jetech iPhone Shockproof Case, $7 (was $12) CRZ Yoga Women’s Seamless Long Sleeve Running Top, $28 (was $35) Dearfoams Women’s Fireside Cairns Slipper, $40 (was $50) Sam Edelman Women’s Garret Boots, $165 (was $180) Hiware Four-Inch Springform Cake Pan Set, $10 (was $14) Bakerr Bakery Box 15-Piece Set, $27 with coupon (was $29) Daily Ritual Women’s Fine Gauge Mock Neck Sweater, $21 (was $30)...

Our top choice is the La Roche-Posay Toleriane Hydrating Gentle Cleanser, a gentle option that keeps the skin hydrated and removes makeup. Read on for all of our favorite facial cleaners, as well as the answers to a few common questions about face washing. Who it isn’t for: People with very oily skin. This gentle yet powerful cleanser is a great choice for anyone with normal to dry, sensitive skin....

To find the best patio heaters on the market, we tested 18 propane models and 27 electric models in our Lab while considering factors such as setup, heating performance, ease of use, safety, and value. For expert tips, we consulted Brianne Deerwester, communications coordinator for the Electrical Safety Foundation International (ESFI), and Jennifer Schallmoser, media relations specialist for the National Safety Council (NSC). “As temperatures begin to drop in communities across the country, portable outdoor appliances are increasingly being used to heat outdoor areas, particularly those where it is too cool to comfortably sit or stand,” says Schallmoser....

“The pros of removable wallpaper are just as it states…it’s removable!” says Caron Woolsey, founder and principal designer at CW Interiors. “It’s not a major commitment if you get bored easily. Removable paper should not damage your walls in the event you decide to try another pattern or simply paint the wall. It’s also a great option for renters whose leases state that they cannot paint or make permanent changes to their properties....

To find the best washing machine cleaners, we spent hours researching various options and top-rated products while considering factors such as type, ingredients, and machine compatibility. We also asked Sara San Angelo, professional house cleaner and founder of Confessions of a Cleaning Lady, and Jen Stark, home improvement expert and founder of Happy DIY Home, for insight and tips on how washing machine cleaners work and what to look for when buying one....

After I made Kentucky butter cake cookies, I knew it was about time to make a Kentucky butter cake recipe as well. I tried a couple of different things but decided to go with a Kentucky butter cake poke cake because poke cakes are a great way to get a super moist cake full of amazing flavor. Poke cakes are kind of my favorite, and for good reason. Once you try this butter cake one, next I recommend this old fashioned jello poke cake, this Kool-Aid poke cake, and of course this Snickers poke cake....

Choosing Ripe Citrus Fruit These warm-hued produce mainstays make for easy picking in the grocery store. When shopping for citrus, avoid choosing fruit that is bruised or browning on the outside. That’s a clear indication it might not be at its best. Feel for fruit that is evenly firm but shows some resistance when you press into it. A lemon that is too firm, for example, won’t release as much juice as a slightly softer lemon....

Before moving into the gorgeous brownstone the couple is best known for renovating, Jordan lived in a 350-square-foot basement apartment, so he was able to apply what he learned from his first-hand experience living in a small space to his clients’ apartment. “Everything was on display and it drove me crazy every single time I walked into my apartment,” says Jordan. Similarly, in Sean and Brian’s bedroom, “we walked in there, and there were shoes on shoes on shoes....

Carbona Pro Care Oxy Powered Outdoor Cleaner is made with active-foam technology (which is fancy marketing lingo to say this stuff works) that combats everything from muddy paw stains and caked-on dust to mildew, algae, grime, and bird droppings. The formula comes pre-mixed, so applying it is as simple as flipping over the bottle. The bottle also comes with a handy two-in-one sponge and brush top, so you can use the sponge to soak the formula into tough stains, then rub the stains out with the bristles....

Fairy bread is an Australian treat that combines buttered bread with sprinkles to create a yummy snack perfect for the kids! I recently made it as one of my princess party ideas along with some toothpicks to create “Fairy Godmother” wands, and it was a hit with all the littles! The best thing about fairy bread is that while it’s an Australian snack, it’s something that everyone around the world can enjoy with this simple recipe!...

The Swedish furniture company may be known best for the iconic IKEA rolling cart and never-ending lists of IKEA hacks, but it also has plenty of bedroom décor options that are both good-looking and affordable. To help make sifting through all those options a little simpler, the store’s design team has put together the IKEA Kåma Sutra: a digital book filled with bedroom ideas and furniture solutions that fit any personality and style....

As I scoured through customer reviews and buying guides to find the best humidifier, the Levoit was the clear answer. It’s designed to work in spaces up to 290 square feet, which is just right for my medium-sized bedroom. And it has a tank large enough to last for several hours, so it keeps working as I sleep. To buy: $47 (was $55); amazon.com. It has a 3-liter capacity that lasts up to 25 hours, and it’s near-silent on auto-mode....

This winter, as I head out to a top skiing destination for three months of snow, my cold-weather packing list—and suitcase room—are crucial to my comfort in the low temperatures. Even with renting the main equipment (skis, poles, helmet, boots), ski gear is staggeringly expensive, so I took extra care in researching my purchases, saving up, and investing in pieces over time. While considering the home goods, apparel, fitness gear, tech, and more that would drastically improve my standard of living yet still fit in the 50-lbs capacity of a hardshell, here’s what made the cut for my winter living in a ski town....

While it’s nice to come back from vacation to a tidy bedroom and sparkling clean kitchen, this list sticks to the must-cleans and skips the extras, ideal for when you’re pressed for time. Have one more hour to devote? Go ahead and expand this list to include making your bed, wiping down the counters, and tidying up your kids’ toys so you’re greeted by a house you’ll be happy to come home to....

One of the biggest Prime Day mattress deals you’ll want to shop is this Tuft & Needle Original Limited Adaptive Foam Mattress, which is currently $284 off. Made from two layers of memory foam, the mattress is designed to provide cushioned support and exceptional cooling all night long. This is because the upper foam layer is infused with graphite—a porous mineral that absorbs moisture—and cooling gel, which work together to wick away warmth and keep you comfortable no matter how sticky your room gets....

For those of you who are fans of essential oils, this scrub is definitely for you. It has a refreshing aroma thanks to peppermint, rosemary, and lavender oils that are infused in the formula. Other ingredients like soybean oil help keep your skin hydrated, while sugar provides the gentle exfoliation that gives your skin a boost in the morning. The scrub is also designed to work well with all skin types, including dry, combination, oily, mature, and acne-prone skin....