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While you probably have plenty of plastic or glass food storage containers to pack holiday dishes in, you shouldn’t have to dig into your stash, especially since there’s a high probability that your aunt or old college pal won’t remember to give your containers back. Plus, as reliable as basic food storage containers are, they don’t do much for keeping food at an ideal temperature. Instead, you toss food in a container and hope for the best....

Throughout the day, we naturally use and lose water—we sweat, we pee, we exhale—and can’t actually produce more of it by ourselves. Therefore, we rely on external sources to replenish properly. When you lose more water than you take in, you’re considered dehydrated. But you probably don’t track whether you’re dehydrated by keeping tabs on your water intake and output—you more likely wait until you feel thirsty. But here’s the kicker: “If you’re thirsty, you’re already mildly dehydrated,” Dr....

“Managing our relationship with technology does not always have to mean decreasing screen time or setting time limits for apps,” says licensed social worker and psychotherapist Grace Dowd. “Creating a healthy relationship with technology means using our time on technology for things that build us up rather than drain or deplete us.” If you’re feeling a bit drained from months of routine streaming, scrolling, and swiping at home, it could be time to add a few uplifting experiences with technology to your repertoire....

For many, beauty rituals are a solid form of regular self-care. But you don’t need to head to your local Sephora or Ulta to purchase a variety of sheet masks and hair masks to try out. Instead, here are some of the best DIY hair and face masks you can make from ingredients you likely already have at home. Recipe: The juice of 1 lemon1 tablespoon of honey1 tablespoon olive oil...

Whether your nail care is a form of self-care, an indulgence, or just routine maintenance, keeping your nails in tip-top shape is a worthwhile investment. And here’s the good news: Healthy nails require an investment of time, not money. The best route to stronger, longer nails is mostly through simple lifestyle habits, not pricy nail tools. But getting healthy nails also means kicking some bad habits, such as using your nails as a built-in pocket knife....

Add Peel-and-Stick Tiles Protect your walls from dripping detergent and drying laundry with peel-and-stick tiles. This backsplash solution is a quick weekend update and easier to install around existing cabinets and appliances than grouting and setting real tiles. Available in a variety of styles like classic subway tile and rustic wood planks, there’s likely to be something to match your home decor or provide the perfect opportunity to try a new look....

Transform your home into a winter wonderland this season with the flick of a switch—or an automatic timer if you’re the techy type. The front yard is an extension of your home, so it deserves just as much attention as the interior. Outdoor lighting elevates a home’s aesthetic, highlighting charming architectural or horticultural features and adding a nostalgic holiday feel to your home. To help you get started, we’ve rounded up the best Christmas light options at a variety of price points and gathered our favorite outdoor light ideas for Christmas....

Inspections conducted by an impartial professional allow for a visual examination of the property from top to bottom including a review of such things as the structure’s roof, foundation, drainage, plumbing and heating systems, and even walls, windows, and doors. Here’s a closer look at what you can expect to pay for an inspection, how to select a home inspector, and whether it’s possible (or even advisable) to try and cut costs on the inspection process....

But with the season of indulgence—and arguably the worst year ever—officially behind us, many have been looking for more ways to cut back on their alcohol intake. While some Americans are going alcohol-free or even California sober, others are simply moving towards to more mindful drinking habits. This might include searching for easy ways to drink less (and enjoy it more), stocking up on healthier wines, or seeking low-sugar cocktails they can make at home....

1. Ambiance “Music makes everyone feel at ease and creates an instant vibe,” Revels says. “For Sunday BBQs, we love My Girl Radio on Pandora. For Saturday nights, we may kick it up a little.” Pair the casual playlist with breezy decorations to set the atmosphere of your gathering. Revels pairs simple touches (like a blanket over the back of a chair to combat a cool after-dinner breeze) with more elaborate place settings to create a gorgeous party set-up that doesn’t take hours to create....

“We relied on performance fabric for the Chesterfield sofa, as well as a wool rug, which would be easy to spot-clean. The ottoman is leather, extremely durable, and has no sharp corners. The same is true for the back seating area; we relied on a top-grain leather sofa, which ages better with use and time,” says Jung. When buying a sofa, keep an eye out for performance fabrics, which are designed to be easy-to-clean....

There are deals galore from its home and kitchen sections, making it an excellent time to refresh your home in time for a new year. Tidy up and organize your holiday decor with discounted storage containers especially designed for gift wrap, holiday wreaths, and various decorations. You can also give your house a fast and easy makeover with fresh sheets for your bedroom, new towels for your bathroom, or food storage sets for your pantry....

The Fern and Willow pillows are firm but fluffy, according to reviewers, and deliver hotel quality at a fraction of the price. The pillows come in a set of two, are machine washable, and can be customized to suit your pillow preferences by opening the zippers on either end and removing or adding the included down alternative filling. This allows virtually anyone to achieve the cloud-like or supportive pillow of their dreams....

Typically, the lights start at $36, but we have an exclusive discount code for Real Simple readers. Enter 13DNHIYX at checkout and receive an instant 15 percent off. To buy: From $31 with code 13DNHIYX (was $36); amazon.com. Shoppers say the lights are “easy to assemble,” and that they’re “quite bright.” One wrote that they’re “well worth the money,” and that they’re “sturdier” than other pathway lights they’ve purchased in the past, adding, they would “definitely buy these lights again....

“This makes taking a gourmet homemade salad to work simple,” said one five-star reviewer. “It keeps the salad from wilting, and crunchy toppings from getting soggy by not mixing it together until you are sitting down to eat. It’s a good-sized box, so it’s very filling.” To buy: $12 (was $17), amazon.com. The container locks on all four sides, so you won’t have to worry about leaks as you go from Point A to Point B....

One shopper said it’s “worth every penny for the relief from the back pain” alone, and added that it’s great for travel, too. Along with relieving pain, it can also reduce snoring, heartburn, allergy symptoms, and acid reflux, according to the brand. Plus, it’s super-easy to clean thanks to the removable cover that’s machine washable. To buy: $40 with code 194XLDVZ (was $49); amazon.com. After purchasing the bed wedge pillow, one satisfied customer wrote that it gave them their “best nights sleep in years,” by allowing them to breathe better and eliminate shoulder pain....

Apt2B refers to the Harper collection, in all of its many configurations, as the “queen bee” of the brand’s offerings. It was their top-selling sofa of 2021, and has earned five-star ratings across the board. What makes the Harper collection so special is its customizability: In addition to each sofa silhouette having dozens of fabric options to choose from (and multiple leg finishes to go with them), the Harper comes in 20 different styles for every type of living space imaginable....

Matcha, a Japanese green tea, has origins that date back to the Tang Dynasty (the 7th to 10th century). The drink has become increasingly popular recently thanks to its bright color, its unique flavors, and an increased overall focus on health and wellness. As a good source of antioxidants, matcha offers a range of wellness benefits. Some people also prefer the less intense buzz compared to espresso, along with the fact it doesn’t make you crash....

Fortunately, budgeting successfully doesn’t have to be entirely reliant on your own self-control. Because it’s 2020, figuring out how to stick to a budget and how to save money more effectively is a whole lot smarter than it used to be. There’s a budget app for everyone out there—and the best budget apps do more than just help you rein in your spending. As part of the Real Simple Smart Money Awards, we’re highlighting the best budget apps of 2020....

Plants differ by care needs, and plant delivery services allow you to narrow down your plant search based on factors like light level, water needs, and more. While some services may ask for your level of expertise, others may focus on your home life, like whether you have a pet or live in a dry or moist environment. Not to mention, pricing, delivery speed, quality, sustainability, and assortment will likely play a significant role in your plant buying process....