Shopify Bazaar

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...

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...

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...

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

In this edition of The Recommendation, the story of our jewelry expert ordering $4,000 worth of earrings (for journalism). The simple diamond-studded gold huggie hoop is a fast track to a fine jewelry habit. One day, you’re shopping at Claire’s for neon bracelets or wearing silver flea market rings up to your knuckles; then you get your first pair of good-quality, grown-up hoops and — boom — the floodgates open. The allure is threefold: They’re elegant, easy to wear, and relatively affordable. Like a favorite pair of jeans , they are a cornerstone piece — and they make great gifts for even the pickiest recipients. This is why, when testing and ordering baubles for our brand-new guide to online jewelry , it was important to test hoop against hoop in order to find our favorites. After all, a jewelry company is only as good as its huggies. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/yL60dcb via IFTTT

Rough beach stones can wreak havoc on tender little feet, and hiking shoes, accidentally plunged into a puddle or creek, can become soggy and spoil an otherwise joyful romp in the woods. A great pair of water-friendly shoes can protect kids’ feet and allow for happier hikes and water adventures. We tested 26 pairs of classic water shoes, rugged waterproof hiking sandals, and quick-drying, versatile shoes made with EVA (ethylene-vinyl acetate) foam. After we tromped through creeks, navigated rocky beaches, and jumped in muddy puddles, six pairs rose to the top for their high-quality construction, practicality, and general appeal to kids. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/ARMThm1 via IFTTT