Go-To Guide

4 Ways to Prep Your Outdoor Space

Let's go straight from puffy coats to grillin' and chillin', pretty please. Get your outdoors sorted for happy days ahead.

family & you

Dana Eisenberg

Back to School

Go-To Guide: Backpacks and School Bags

Believe it or not, another school year is just around the corner. That means it&rsquo;s almost time for the best kind of shopping: school supply shopping! Is there anything better than a fresh composition notebook, or the feeling of opening a brand-new pack of pens? Not really, no.

All of those awesome new supplies will need a suitable bag so that your child can easily transport them to and from school, and from class to class. That is most likely a durable backpack or other school bag. These come in lots of different shapes and sizes, and it&rsquo;s important to get the right one, since your child is going to be using it every day, in all sorts of weather.

Here&rsquo;s what you need to consider before you buy a new school bag.

Size

Size most definitely matters. In this case, size refers to the size of your child, and also the size of the things they&rsquo;ll bring with them to school. Backpacks and school bags are definitely best researched in person. It&rsquo;s important for your student to try on different options to make sure they end up with one that fits comfortably and can be carried for a while.

As far as what&rsquo;s going in the bag, a lot of that depends on your child&rsquo;s age. Kindergarteners don&rsquo;t have textbooks to carry, but high schoolers have a ton of them. Make sure the bag is roomy enough for everything on the school&rsquo;s list of necessary supplies, plus extra. Before you take the tags off, pack the bag up and have your child try it on to make sure it&rsquo;s the right fit.

Features

There are lots of different backpacks out there, and they come with lots of special selling points. One of the most important of these is pockets. There&rsquo;s a huge amount of variety in terms of the number of pockets a bag might come with, and much like size, this depends on use. Some students will need their bag to possess a protective laptop sleeve. Others require lots of smaller pockets to store pens and personal items, like house keys, phones, and chapstick. Some students will be seeking a safe place to put their lunch, plus an easy-to-reach water bottle pocket. For students with heavier loads, something on wheels might be best. How you&rsquo;re going to use the backpack determines which one to choose.

Other, seemingly smaller details are also important to consider. When shopping for a backpack, definitely feel around to see what you and your child like. Make sure the zippers are easy to open and close. Additionally, try out different straps. You&rsquo;ll want them to be adjustable, and probably padded, particularly if the bag is going to be heavy.

Safety and Weather

Safety also comes into play here. If your child walks to school, it&rsquo;s a good idea to get something water-resistant. They&rsquo;ll also benefit from with reflective elements for when it&rsquo;s dark or when visibility is otherwise low.

Style

Last but not least is your child&rsquo;s personal preference. A school bag is one way to express personality and style, so once you&rsquo;ve checked off the features you need and have a few good options, let them decide!

For some, the best kind of backpack may not be a backpack at all. Students who have lockers may carry lighter loads, and be able to use a shoulder bag or tote bag to get from class to class.

New school year, we&#39;re ready for ya!

Cleaning & Organizing

Anthony Volanti

Go-To Guide: Air Purifiers

Fact: Indoor air can be up to five times dirtier than outdoor air. The culprits? Dust mites, mold, dander, pollen, and smoke—all triggers of asthma attacks and allergies. With the average American spending 90 percent of his or her time inside (children, the elderly, and those with respiratory issues are outside even less), it’s no wonder so many people are turning to air purifiers.

Clearing the Air: Everything You Need to Know

Air purifiers are a breath of fresh air (pun intended) for those adversely affected by indoor impurities. They clear the air of harmful pollutants resulting in a cleaner, fresher air. They have helped millions of people breathe more easily and sleep soundly.

Motorized fans pull air into the machine. As the air passes through the filter(s), particulates become separated. The purified air is then pushed out and circulated.

Filters

These are the most common filters, each designed with a specific intention:

<ul>
	<li>Pre-Filters protect subsequent filters by trapping larger things like dust and hair.</li>
	<li>Basic Air Filters are made of foam, fiberglass, or cotton, and trap fine particulates.</li>
	<li>High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) Filters remove up to 99.97% of bacteria, viruses, mold, dander, and pollen.</li>
	<li>The porous carbon in Activated Carbon Filters traps odors and gases.</li>
</ul>

Most purifiers utilize a combination of these to achieve optimum filtration.

What to Look for Before You Buy

Power 

Larger units contain powerful fans that service your entire home but may be noisy at high speeds. Others are designed to be quieter, making them perfect for bedrooms. Light sleeper? All purifiers make some noise because of the fans within. Many describe the soft humming as white noise that lulls them to sleep, while others find it disruptive; it’s all personal preference!

Pro Tip: Some purifiers automatically adjust fan speed based on air contamination.

Energy Cost

An air purifier uses approximately 550 kWh per year in electricity—as much as a refrigerator—but Energy Star certified models are 40 percent more efficient, saving about 225 kWh. That’s $30 on utility bills, annually!

Purpose

What do you hope to get from your purifier? Are you looking for reprieve from allergies? Respiratory relief? Do you want it to double as a cooling/heating system? Or do you just want to freshen the air (looking your way, dog parents!)? Purifiers are specifically designed with these in mind. Below are our favorite models for each. Discover why we love them and read testimonials from customers like you!

For Allergy Sufferers

We recommend the Rowenta® Intense Pure Air Auto Purifier. Its smart sensors detect particles 24/7 and automatically adjust fan speed accordingly. It features four filters: pre-filter, active carbon, HEPA, and NanoCaptur (eliminates formaldehyde). Cindy from NJ was constantly congested, but that changed after she installed the machine. “I slept like a baby,” she exclaimed. “I began my day and soon realized I hadn't sneezed once and wasn't congested!”

To Help You Breathe Easy

The No. 1 choice for asthma sufferers! The advanced HyperHEPA filtration technology traps 99.5 percent of all particles, down to 0.003 microns—the smallest size. One customer from L.A. raved about its effectiveness for his asthmatic wife: “We have 3 cats and the recent wildfires made her symptoms worse. As soon as I installed the unit, her asthma disappeared!”

A Cool (and Warm), Fan-Favorite

Air Multiplier technology captures ultra-fine pollutants and projects cleaner air, and the unit can heat or cool rooms of up to 500 square feet. “It's quiet, cools beautifully and has a lot of great features,” explains Wally from Chicago. Those features include reporting air quality right on the display screen and a Dyson Link app that allows you to remotely control the machine. Bonus: You can even create a customized schedule!

Purr-fect for Homes with Pets

You love your pets, but the smells they leave behind… not so much. This air purifier specializes in removing pet-related odors. The secret is its PetPlus technology, which neutralizes litter box stench left by your friendly feline and wet doggo smells. Take it from Lynne in Noblesville, IN, who purchased two: “They totally remove pet smells and other smells.”

Home & Decorating

Kristy Ojala

Holidays

Christmas

Go-To Guide: Wreaths

Wreaths used to be a staple of holiday decor, staking their claim upon doorways shortly after Thanksgiving dinner was served, then being relegated to their circular storage cases come January. However, now wreaths have a wide berth to signify a welcoming home all year long, from pastel springtime sprigs and summer botanicals to the fall cornucopia and twinkling lights of a traditional pine and plaid wreath during December.&nbsp;

Here are some of our top holiday wreath picks for every type of home and hearth. Don&rsquo;t forget the mistletoe!

Harvest Wreaths 
From September to November, autumnal hues of gold, crimson, and earth can fill your home with the promise of fall&rsquo;s beautiful bounty. Your wreath can be versatile enough to adorn your entryway next to a stack of gleeful scarecrows and cornstalks, blend in with Halloween ghouls, and even serve as a Thanksgiving table centerpiece.

Elegant Holiday 
Set the tone for your holiday decor with your choice of wreath. These stately versions shimmer quietly with frosted needles, jewel-toned fruit, and reflections of open fireplaces, tree lights, and all your favorite family moments.

Traditional Red and Green 
Classic Christmas shades thread through these selections, making each the perfect choice to mix and match with your holiday decorations new and old.&nbsp;

Pre-lit wreaths are a great choice for indoor and outdoor use:

Do a Designer Wreath 
Whether you buck the norms or simply desire a more luxe look for your holiday decor, your wreath should match your style. We love this glinting, statement black wreath&mdash;which could easily take you from Halloween to New Year&rsquo;s Eve (and beyond). Need a softer look? Try the on-trend rose gold pine wreath and bohemian faux-fur-trimmed model.

Coastal Christmas 
Over the oceans and through the waves, to Grandmother&rsquo;s house we go! We love these super-beachy wreaths, which you could easily get away with all year long.

Wreath Hangers 
If you don&rsquo;t have the right hardware, your shiny new wreath will end up on the ground&mdash;or worse, broken and in the snow. These 3M&trade; Command Strips Hanging Hooks are strong enough to hold most heavy wreaths (and even a sopping wet bath towel). Double-check your door surface and package instructions before applying.&nbsp;

These over-the-door hangers adjust to almost any size, and the magnetic hooks are just right for hanging wreaths and stockings over the mantel.

Mary Potts

Ideas

Go-To Guide: Weighted Blankets

Originally used in therapeutic settings by occupational therapists, most weighted blankets contain glass or plastic beads in securely stitched pockets. They come in a variety of sizes and weights: 7, 10, 15, or 25 pounds is typical. Choose a blanket that’s 10 percent of your body weight. The rest of the details, such as choice of fabric or machine washability, is up to you. Weighted blankets have gathered quite a following by people who find the pressure calming, kind of like a full-body hug. Here are a few ways to enjoy them.

Make a Tranquil Transition

Downtime is a lot more enjoyable when you leave work behind and ease into your evening. Right when you get home, change into some comfy clothes and take a brief respite under a plush, weighted throw blanket. Even better, sink into the couch and soothe your face with a replenishing sheet mask at the same time. Give your feet a massage, and you’ll be ready for anything (or at least some nachos).

Fidget Less, Focus More

Have a serious work deadline that requires your complete attention? Try sitting at your desk with a smaller, weighted blanket on your lap or a weighted wrap around your neck. Many experts believe this gentle pressure has a grounding effect that helps you focus on the task. Keep breaking through all your to-dos by adding an invigorating essential oil, like rosemary, to a diffuser (if your coworkers are cool with it) and playing some mind-clearing white noise through your headphones.

Settle into Slumber

With a weighted blanket, you’re held in safe, secure comfort that’s a lot like a newborn swaddle. Many people report this helps them fall asleep faster, with less tossing and turning through the night. To prepare you for your trip to dreamland, we also recommend a cup of warm herbal tea and a spritz of lavender pillow spray. Then slip on a pair of cozy headband earphones, tune into some soft music or a guided meditation, and we’ll see you in the morning!

Calm, Cool Kids

A child’s day can be very busy and full of stimulation. The deep, reassuring sensory input of a weighted blanket is a great tool for helping restless little ones catch their z’s (never use a weighted blanket on a baby— it’s recommended for ages 4 and up only). We also suggest a cute nightlight with a remote that lets your child choose the color of the glow. Go a step further and turn on a white-noise machine that projects a nighttime light show on the wall or ceiling. Here’s to the greatest “good night” ever!

Paloma Jones

Go-To Guide: Vacuums

The last time I shopped for a vacuum, the choices were pretty simple: canister—drag the little machine behind you—or upright—push the big machine in front of you. The auto-retractable cord was an extremely impressive feature. This time around, I noticed, uh, a few changes. I’d heard about robotic vacuums, sure. I’d seen cats riding around on them on YouTube, obviously. But I was not prepared for the dizzying array of other options. The way uprights had both slimmed down and souped up. The bright hues, the translucent forms, the mystifying it’s-one-thing-and-now-it’s-another-thing configurations.

And then there’s the stick vacuum. “What actually is it?” I said out loud in the store. It’s both a handheld and an upright. It’s sleek and colorful. It has multiple shapely attachments. It gives you the feeling that you could switch efficiently from vacuuming under the bed to battling space aliens. I wanted it.

“Dust?” the new vacuums say. “This isn’t mere dust. This is the very enemy of life.” And I am the stylish warrior-hero fighting it.

Welcome to the bold new world of vacuum cleaning. If you’re struggling to navigate it, as I was, here’s a handy guide with some of BB&B’s favorite picks.

Upright

This is a practical all-around choice for all types of surfaces and cleaning needs. The cord means reliable, continuous suction and power. The (usually) bagless design eliminates additional cost and waste but still offers plenty of capacity. This is not your parents’ humdrum vacuum, but you could easily invite it over to their house for dinner and it would fit right in.

The dirt: It transforms into a mini-canister with a long handle to reach awkward spaces. LED lights: Surprise! You thought you got all the dust with your last vacuum, but these lights are here to tell you: you did not. That’s what this guy is here for.

The dirt: Light and maneuverable but still a power player. That ball, the translucent body, the yellow hue—it’s a looker.

The dirt: A take-no-prisoners option for those serious about pet hair.

Stick

Aside from the indisputable cool factor, grab-and-go is the main appeal of these space weapons. They are light and cordless. No hauling them around, no plugging them in room after tedious room. The shaft removes easily, and, voila, it’s a handheld. The tradeoff: Less capacity means more frequent emptying of the dust container, while cordless translates to frequent battery re-ups. But it’s so fun that I’ll vacuum more, right? Small spaces with wood or tile floors, and small messes, are the best targets here.

The dirt: The standard-bearer of stick vacuums, this pet-centric model has good power and a strong battery. Also, it’s purple!

The dirt: A torque drive is obviously something we all want in a vacuum. But why? Perhaps because this machine automatically adjusts its suction power depending on the floor surface, which translates into longer battery life. Also: extra vroom.

The dirt: This device straddles the line between a stick and an upright with a lift-away canister. For those who don’t like worrying about battery life, it has a cord and is not ashamed of it. Best of all: a new technology prevents hair from getting tangled around the brush—a huge improvement for those of us with hair, hair everywhere.

Canister

The classic. The icon. A tough machine with hose and wand for all surfaces and all occasions. If adding and removing large components, recharging batteries and emptying a dust pod by hand don’t sound like conveniences to you, this is your vacuum. You’re comfortable within the genre. It never steered you wrong before. What you might lose in grab-and-go operation, you gain in power and capacity, and you’re good with that.

The dirt: At 12 pounds, this tough little machine is still liftable and easy to move around, but it packs the punch you want from a canister. The crevice tool and other fixtures are stored on board, so no more losing them, you.

The dirt: This vacuum is not messing around or trying to entertain you. It’s here to work: With all the features of the Classic C1, it adds height control for thicker carpets, a larger brush head, additional brush control from the handle, and more.

Robotic

It does the vacuuming for you! It maps your home and keeps to a schedule. It scoots under furniture and into small spaces. It charges itself. And, not least, it’s super cute. So why don’t we all have one? As with any high-convenience device, these have trade-offs: smaller capacity, for example, and an inability to tell the difference between your missing earbud and a piece of dried pasta. They also do not fully eliminate the need for manual vacuuming.

The dirt: It empties itself. Bravo! This is a game changer.

The dirt: Many of the features of the Roomba but at a lower price point.

Handheld

When you know you can’t be bothered to get the vacuum out of the closet every time your cat kicks litter onto the floor, a handheld vacuum is a savior. Typically, these won’t suffice as your only vacuum, but they make enthusiastic companions to uprights and canisters.

The dirt: If you find that your handheld never goes the literal distance, the extra-long crevice tool will appeal.

The dirt: This beast has a motorized brush specifically designed for pet hair. It also has a cord, presumably because that brush requires more power. It’s a handheld with the heart of a full-size. And aren’t we all?

Summer

Go-To Guide: Summer Haircare

Between the sun, sand, salty ocean water, and chlorine-heavy pool water, summer does a number on your hair. You already know you need to <a href="https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/blogs/story/go-to-guide-summer-skincare">switch up your skincare routine</a> to deal with the warm months, and your hair is no different. Follow these steps to keep your locks looking healthy and beautiful all summer—and beyond!

Trim Split Ends

When’s the last time you got your hair trimmed? Hmmm, don’t remember? It’s time to get a cut. If you’re one of those people who freaks out every time they see scissors near their strands, remember that trimming your hair actually allows it to grow longer, and that your hair grows faster in the summer, too. It’ll look and feel put together even if you just cut off the ends.

Care for Your Scalp

We hate to break it to you, but if you’re not caring for your scalp, you’re not truly caring for your hair, either. Gentle massage, exfoliation, and moisturizers are the name of the game. For more on scalp care, check out our <a href="https://www.bedbathandbeyond.com/blogs/story/why-everyone-is-talking-about-scalp-care">guide</a>!

Use a UV Hair Spray

Did you know your hair needs sun protection, too? The sun can cause processed hair color to fade, and even if you haven’t dyed your hair, it’s still super drying. Opt for a spray that has an SPF number or that says it has UV protection on the label. These can also help keep your scalp from getting sunburnt, particularly along your part.

Of course, sitting in the shade whenever possible is helpful, as is wearing a hat. Remember, there’s no such thing as a healthy tan!

A Hair Mask Won’t Hurt, Either

Even with the best intentions (and great habits!) frizzy, dry hair can be hard to avoid completely. That’s where hair masks come in. Use one weekly to breathe some life (aka moisture) back into your mane.

Step Away from the Straightening Iron

And the curling iron. And the blow dryer. And all of the other hot tools. As we’ve mentioned, the weather this time of year is super dehydrating, and adding these tools into the mix only increases those effects. Opt for a natural look when you can. It’s so hot out, your hair is probably going to end up in a ponytail or top knot anyway!

Switch to Moisturizing Products

Even if you don’t ordinarily use moisturizing shampoo, conditioner, and product, it’s not a bad idea to make the switch for summer. Even with all of the anti-frizz products in the world, your best defense against a bad hair day will always be having healthy hair inside and out. Keeping your hair moisturized and healthy will help it look great (read: non-frizzy) on its own!

Go-To Guide

4 Ways to Prep Your Outdoor Space

go to guide

Go-To Guide: Backpacks and School Bags

go to guide

Go-To Guide: Air Purifiers

go to guide

Go-To Guide: Wreaths

go to guide

Go-To Guide: Weighted Blankets

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Go-To Guide: Vacuums

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Go-To Guide: Summer Haircare

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