Shopify Bazaar

After considering dozens of colored-pencil sets and spending six hours testing 13 popular sets, including one marathon two-hour session with about 60 kids and parents, we have picks for first-time users, a larger set, a cheaper option for student classroom supplies, and a great sharpener. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/AQnDcMV via IFTTT

If you’ve ever attended a class at a yoga studio, you’ve probably seen yoga blocks. These rectangular props are intended to provide additional support and reach, making some poses more accessible to people with varying skill levels and physical abilities. Experts say that after a reliable mat , yoga blocks (ideally two, so you have one for each arm or leg or to stack, if desired) are the equipment most likely to elevate your practice. If you want to invest in a set for use at home, we’ve determined that the Manduka Cork Yoga Block is the one to get. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/3fv7lkS via IFTTT

To most people, board games may not seem like an obvious medium for the spine-tingling dread or pulse-quickening shocks that the horror genre is so good at generating. But hidden among the shelves of your local game store are boxes filled with finely crafted scares and punishing puzzles that befuddle the mind, invoking the unease of encountering the unknown. And sometimes they also include adorable cats. If your knowledge of sinister board games begins and ends with Clue , allow us to be your guide to the spooky side of the gaming hobby. Abandon all hope, ye who roll dice here. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/faxg6Yz via IFTTT

Apple has officially launched a foldable iPhone, and to no one’s surprise, it’s the most expensive iPhone yet. Wirecutter was on the ground in Cupertino, California, to report on Apple’s annual product-launch event on September 9, where the company also announced a revamped iPhone 18 Pro, plus new Apple Watches and AirPods. It’s been an interesting year for Apple, one in which new CEO John Ternus took the helm from Tim Cook on September 1. The tech industry is also facing a shortage of components such as memory and storage, which are being funneled to AI data centers. That’s caused prices on many products to increase in recent months, including Apple’s latest iPhones. We’ll dive into longer reviews of Apple’s new gadgets after spending hands-on time with them, but until then, here are the big takeaways from the Apple event. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/OClKRHL via IFTTT

Cats are usually happy to share your bed, sofa, or computer keyboard, but they also like having spaces where no one else goes. And since cats love to sit up high, a good cat tree should provide an elevated perch where they can lord over their inferior human roommates. It should also have a secure spot that’s inaccessible to curious kids, dogs, or just affection-hungry adults (like me). After testing 17 cat trees, we landed on 11 stable, durable models that might fit in with your home’s decor. These trees range from simple, inexpensive models to elaborate, wildly priced ones. And they should all satisfy your cat’s desire to climb, scratch, lounge, and judge you from above. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/D0NlWtB via IFTTT

Every year, tech companies release new smartphones with appealing but nominal upgrades, enticing you to buy a shinier, fancier version of the thing you already own. But what if there’s nothing wrong with your current phone? If you properly care for it, you don’t need to replace it every year — or even every other year. Recent data shows that most people replace their phone every two to three years, and many carrier plans allow you to upgrade after two years, but that’s unnecessary. Extend the life of your phone, and you can cut down on electronic waste and save yourself a lot of money. If you want to get off the upgrade hamster wheel, here are six ways to make your phone last as long as possible. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/y1H95qi via IFTTT