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Unexpected Things You Can Borrow From the Library

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At Wirecutter, we believe in getting great stuff for a good value, so we know that doesn’t always mean buying new items. It also doesn’t always mean buying things secondhand. Sometimes, the truly great things in life can be found for free — at your local library. The American Library Association is celebrating National Library Week from April 19 through April 25, so we’ve rounded up some of the unexpected things you might be able to borrow from your library. Not all of the items listed here are available in every library system. But hopefully the many options that do exist will inspire you to check out your local library — in person or online — to see what offerings it provides. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/cMOoZRx via IFTTT

The Best Kids Swimsuits, Rash Guards, Sun Hats, and Other Beachwear

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Great swimwear for kids can reduce some of the potential hassles of family beach days, leaving you with memories of fun in the sun instead of sunburn and sand rash. Over the past six years, we’ve tried swimwear from about 20 brands with our own four kids, recruited additional kid testers to weigh in on finalists, and compared notes with other wedgie- and sunburn-averse parents on Wirecutter’s staff. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/c9gdQpK via IFTTT

How to Get Your Outdoor Furniture Ready for Summer

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Most outdoor furniture is made to withstand a beating from the sun, dirt, and water, but it still requires proper storage and cleaning to maintain its appearance and prolong its lifespan. The exact method for cleaning your outdoor furniture depends on its material; some of the most common ones are powder-coated steel and aluminum, wood (such as teak and acacia), plastic, resin, and synthetic composite material. And don’t forget your outdoor cushions and fabrics. We’ve broken down the cleaning protocols for each of these materials below, so you have a quick cheat sheet for how to get your outdoor furniture looking as fresh and clean as possible this summer (and keep it looking that way for years to come). from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/nXLSfoW via IFTTT

The Best Automatic Cat Litter Box

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When wild cats wandered out of the deserts of the Fertile Crescent and into our homes, I bet no one predicted that 10,000 years later we’d be using robots to scoop their poop. Alas, here we are. If you’re willing to pay hundreds of dollars, an automatic litter box can sift out and sequester waste, keeping the litter relatively fresh and unsoiled until their next visit. Many models have added features, like tracking weight, monitoring usage, and even cameras that can help you figure out which cat is doing what inside the box. But do you need all of that? These extra features might help with some health monitoring, but you’ve been scooping up after your cats well enough already, and you’re likely to notice when something’s off. Compared with regular plastic litter trays, these machines cost a lot and are more difficult to set up, maintain, and deep-clean. They also take up a lot of space yet have a litter area that’s smaller than most experts recommend. With all of that in mind, the...

Our Favorite Deals on Refurbished Picks

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If you've been thinking about approaching consumption more sustainably , consider personal steps like curbing impulse buys, thrifting , or repairing items you already own. Eschewing single-use plastic and paper products in favor of durable, reusable alternatives, such as reusable produce bags and Swedish dish cloths , can help, too. If there’s a real need that can only be addressed with a purchase, opting for pre-owned or refurbished gear can also make a difference, though you should always read the fine print and confirm that a refurb is manufacturer-certified, backed by a suitable warranty, and returnable if necessary. "Manufacturing requires raw materials and uses energy and emits pollution. That's why shopping pre-owned is usually better for the environment," Wirecutter sustainability editor Katie Okamoto told me. We’re seeing a number of refurbished Wirecutter picks included in Earth Day sales, and we’ve done the work to confirm they’re certified, accompani...

The Best Counter-Depth Refrigerators

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It’s not often that I advise anyone to pay more for less. But when it comes to buying a fridge, I sing the praises of counter-depth refrigerators — which cost a bit more and store a bit less — to anyone who will listen. If you have a standard-depth fridge, think about the chunk of it that hangs out past your cabinetry. A shallower counter-depth fridge, by contrast, will either sit perfectly flush with your counters, or is cleverly designed to look like it does. Switching to one can immediately make your kitchen look more put together and feel more spacious. Plus, these fridges are generally more efficient and easier to keep organized. The catch? Manufacturers play fast and loose with the term “counter-depth,” and many of these refrigerators will still jut out way past your counter. To help you find the right fit, I spent months digging painstakingly deep into fridge measurements and found six refrigerators, in a variety of styles, sizes, and prices, that are as close to truly counte...

The Best Instant Camera

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Instant cameras embody the magic of photography: With the press of a shutter button, you can capture the world around you and see tangible results in seconds. For high-quality, retro-cool prints at a reasonable price, we think the Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40 is a great choice. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/OBkYZlH via IFTTT