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“This home was built in 1907, and had historic details like wainscoting, high ceilings, and white paneling,” Gutierrez says. “It also had lots of windows that let plenty of light into the home.” The owners had lived in San Francisco for over a decade when they called Gutierrez and Richardson for help, and they envisioned this Bernal Heights address as the place where they would eventually start a family. The couple wanted to hold onto its longstanding charms, but hoped to integrate that history into a modern design of striking yet approachable style....

The drink is a mix of Starbucks’ Strawberry Acai Refresher and coconut milk, topped off with a scoop of strawberries. It has a pretty pink hue, and a creamy consistency that’s pleasantly refreshing. Intrigued, we decided to give it a try when it first came out. The consensus? While we likely couldn’t gulp down a venti, we were content with the few sips we did try. A few more thoughts: “I was pleasantly surprised by the mysterious pink drink....

Discover our favorite storage ideas from every room in the 2022 Real Simple Home, below. Then go ahead and borrow these ideas for your own home. Under-the-Stairs Credenza The space underneath the stairs is often underutilized—and understandably so. It’s an awkwardly shaped area that’s typically too small to treat like a standalone room, but too big to ignore. On the second-floor landing of the Real Simple Home, our senior home editor Leslie Corona gave the under-the-stairs area special attention, converting it from wasted space to a functional and attractive nook....

But scientifically speaking, there aren’t many studies to confirm the alleged benefits of lying under a weighted blanket. That’s why researchers from Uppsala University in Sweden conducted a small study to find out whether using a weighted blanket—compared to using a light blanket—can actually help boost sleep-promoting chemicals, such as melatonin and oxytocin, and decrease stress-related mechanisms, such as cortisol production and sympathetic nervous system activity, which can harm healthy sleep patterns....

You can shop this gorgeous peony variety as a cut flower at a handful of retailers. For example, the Fresh Market, a specialty food retailer, occasionally offers three-stem bunches of ‘Command Performance’ peonies, running for as long as supplies last. This limited stock is imported from France, but you can also grow your own plants right in your garden. Retailers such as The Home Depot, Walmart, and Target all offer the ‘Command Performance’ peonies for about $25....

“As families and friends safely gather to watch the big game, keep food safety in mind. No matter who you’re rooting for, foodborne illness is a dangerous opponent we face during the game,” Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said in a statement. “Millions of people get sick from food poisoning each year. Following guidance on keeping food at safe temperatures, proper handwashing, and avoiding cross-contamination will protect you and your party guests....

Editor-Loved Fall Finds To get my closet ready for the arrival of cooler temperatures, I’m investing in pieces I can layer over T-shirts, blouses, and dresses now, and then continue to wear this winter. This fuzzy sherpa-lined jacket, which is already one of the most used items in my wardrobe, is great for morning walks, hikes, and errands, so I’ll be snagging another in a fresh color. An oversized cardigan, like this chunky cable knit style, is great for throwing over loungewear or office-ready looks....

Whom they’re not for: People who want towels in solid colors. The understated design of these towels is complemented by the Turkish cotton material that is both soft and fast-drying. They feature a rotating pinstripe-waffle knit design that makes them great for cleaning up tough spills or soaking up excess water left over on clean dishes. Plus, they’re Standard 100 certified by Oeko-Tex, which means they have been tested and found to be free of potentially harmful substances....

To find the best laundry stain removers, we tested 30 options—including foams, sprays, sticks, and gels—in our Lab and evaluated them on ease of use, effectiveness, scent, and value. We evaluated each product on its ability to remove common stains, like red wine, grass, chocolate syrup, and olive oil. For expert insight on stain removal, we spoke with Beatrice Flores, cleaning expert at Living Pristine. “A stick is great for smaller and more localized stains, but can be a bit messier and difficult to use on widespread stains,” Flores says....

“Everyone should have a slow cooker,” says Sandy Wolner, RD and test kitchens director at Pampered Chef. “It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it tool that is easy to use. With a little planning, you can come home to super tender roasts, flavorful soups, and more. Plus, they’re easy to clean.” If you’re looking to invest in a slow cooker, this list has plenty of options to keep meal planning simple, affordable, and virtually mess-free....

To find the best outdoor Christmas lights, we spent hours researching the options on the market while considering factors like bulb type, power source, safety testing, and length. We also received tips from Stefan Bucur, home decor expert and founder of Rhythm of the Home, on how to shop for outdoor lights. “Outdoor Christmas lights are generally more durable and waterproof so they can be considered better, especially if the manufacturer confirms that they can be also safely used indoors,” says Bucur....

“Any organizer should have a place for different types of jewelry. Necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings. Huge bonus if they look good, and function well, where you can find something quickly when you need it,” says Beth Spiroff of Beth Spiroff Professional Organizing. To find the best jewelry organizers for your home we researched a variety of picks, keeping in mind the type, material, and dimensions. We also consulted Spiroff for additional insight....

When shopping for an outdoor blanket, consider your lifestyle and needs. Pearce says to look for “materials that are forgiving to sunlight, water, and stains.” Since your pick may be exposed to sand, ocean water, or just some dripping condiments, you’ll want something that is easily washable. To help you find the best option, we researched the best outdoor blankets, considering their size, material, ease of cleaning, and additional features....

“As with any gift, knowing it is really what the recipient wants makes a big difference,” says Jodi RR Smith, president of Mannersmith Etiquette Coaching. “As we know, not all phones, tablets, computers, etc., are equal. Purchasing a curved monitor for someone who is hoping for a triple-screen portable monitor is a big miss.” So we’re here to help get your gears turning when it comes to figuring out which tech gifts you should even consider, because there’s a lot more out there than phones and computers....

To help people determine the best standing desk converter to suit their needs, we dedicated hours to researching the top-rated options, evaluating models for their stability, versatility (aka range of height settings and adjustable angles), and ease of use. We also consulted Master Ergonomist Heather White of the Ergonomics Center at NC State University on how to choose the right fit and get the most from using your standing converter....

While you might be tempted to go with a gag gift, it’s always better to spend money on something useful. To give you some ideas, we spent hours researching and compiling a variety of fun and clever gifts. We also consulted Jodi R. R. Smith, etiquette expert and author at Mannersmith, for more advice on how to choose the perfect white elephant gift. “There [are] some things that you can’t go wrong with in general: beeswax candle sticks, pretty stationery, a box of chocolates, lottery tickets, a small bottle of rum if it’s the right crowd to give alcohol to,” says Smith....

The solution? Investing in a soda maker can save you money, help the environment, and save you some time when you’re looking to add some bubbles to your daily life. “If you’re a sparkling water fan who needs a daily fix, a soda maker is a wise investment,” says Sylvia Fountaine, founder of plant-based kitchen blog Feasting at Home. “Not only will you avoid lugging heavy cases of La Croix or Topo Chico from the grocery store, you will avoid all of the packaging that goes with it, too....

We researched dozens of French press coffee makers to find the best picks, ultimately narrowing down the list based on materials, instructions, size, and more. We also received expert input from Heather Calatrello, founder and head coffee roaster at ShedLight Coffee, on how a French press works and the best way to take care of one. Sam Barkley, co-founder and CEO of Home Brew Coffee Consulting, also weighed in on how to shop for a French press that fits your needs....

To come up with these recommendations, we tested 27 percale sheets in our Lab and evaluated them based on quality, texture, breathability, durability, and value. For expert tips and insight on what to look for in percale sheets, we spoke to Jeffrey Kambak, CEO of U.S. operations at The Trident Group (a textiles manufacturer) and vice president of the Home Fashion Products Association. Kambak says percale sheets are experiencing a resurgence in popularity, however, many consumers still don’t know what to look for when shopping for them: “There’s a lot of misinformation out there,” says Kambak....

We tested 24 popular models in our Lab and evaluated them on factors like setup, lights, appearance, stability, ease of storage, and value. For expert insight on selecting an artificial Christmas tree, we spoke with Jerry Cavallaro, digital content manager at Rent-A-Christmas, and Brad Schmidt, owner and creative director of Brad Schmidt Designs. “When trying to find a realistic Christmas tree, it all comes down to the branches and needles,” says Cavallaro....