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Many cheap office chairs can make you feel as if you’ve been crammed into a torturous economy seat on a cross-country flight. But quality office chairs give you an upgrade to first class — they’re designed to support your body comfortably for the long haul. We’ve researched dozens of office chairs, interviewed four ergonomics experts, and asked test panelists (with a variety of body types) to sit in deliberation for more than 175 collective hours. Since 2015, we’ve found that the Steelcase Gesture is the best office chair for most people. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/AZX9B4b via IFTTT

Microplastics and nanoplastics are everywhere. The teeny tiny pieces of plastic have been found in everything from drinking water to chicken nuggets, apples, and broccoli. Recent studies have linked these pollutants to heart disease , lung disorders , and more worrying health issues. But unfortunately, microplastics are now so pervasive that they’re nearly impossible to avoid. If you’re concerned about the health effects linked to microplastics, the experts I spoke with said that you can lower your risk by taking care of your general health: getting plenty of sleep and exercise, eating a balanced diet, lowering stress, and seeking preventative care. Still, it’s probably a good idea to lower your exposure to microplastics even if you can’t avoid them completely. Although you can cut back your exposure in as many ways as there are sources of plastic, the experts I spoke with recommended focusing on exposures from water, food, and air. I talked to three doctors and ...

For seven years, I was a Leuchtturm1917 loyalist, happily bullet-journaling my way through a single dot-grid A5 notebook each year. It was an intimate and fulfilling relationship. During that time, I was a free-floater, writing novels, freelancing, traveling, and living abroad. The free-form nature of the bullet-journal system — essentially a flexible, DIY planner system that you create as you go — matched the free-form nature of my life. But then something happened. I got a sort of reverse seven-year itch. I moved back to the States. I took a full-time job. I signed a lease instead of a sublet. I upended my life by settling down. As I slowly stitched myself to routine, I found that I could no longer ride out my life week-by-week. Meetings and due dates piled up weeks in advance; I arranged vacation months ahead. Every time I opened my beloved bullet journal, I had a subtle stomach-drop feeling. I once loved spending each Sunday night planning my upcoming week wi...

If you shop at a local, independent appliance dealer, you’ll probably come across Speed Queen washers. These are exceptionally durable machines, made to last for 25 years (10,400 wash cycles). Speed Queen, a sub-brand of Alliance Laundry Systems, is primarily a commercial brand, sold to laundromats, apartment buildings, hotels, and the like. But the company sells to residential customers, too. And as more people become disillusioned with the sorry state of appliance durability, Speed Queen’s popularity keeps growing. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/IG6Fbzt via IFTTT

Stumps, stools, boulders, and picnic tables are fine for sitting briefly outdoors. But if you want to kick back and stay comfy, the right camping chair can make all the difference. Since 2016, our testers (with different body types and physical needs) have subjected camping chairs to multiple camping trips. We chose the Coleman Cooler Quad Chair as the model with the right combination of comfort, durability, usability, and price for most campers. We also found options for campers looking for something a little different in a chair, including one with more support , a heavy-duty chair , a light one for backpackers , a chair with a built-in canopy , and a pick for kids . from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/u5C49ob via IFTTT

When you have young kids, getting out the door on time in the morning can be a stressful challenge. For some of us at Wirecutter, the hard part is prying everyone out of bed. For others, it’s getting breakfast on the table — or keeping track of that school form that was due yesterday. While there’s no one-size-fits-all solution, we’ve found some tools and strategies that have made mornings easier for our own families — yelling and bribery optional. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/p5EoMIW via IFTTT

For people with mild to moderate hearing loss, over-the-counter hearing aids could be a more affordable and accessible alternative to a prescription pair. This growing category of hearing devices relies on telehealth visits, online- and app-based hearing tests, and advanced earbud tech to give you direct access to a hearing-augmentation device that is tailored to your needs — often at a lower cost and with less of the hassle associated with professionally fitted hearing aids. But wading through all of the styles and confusing terminology can make finding the right pair feel overwhelming. That’s why I spent over two years researching this subject and conducted three rounds of independent testing of hearing-augmentation devices that you can buy and adjust from home. Our testing included a diverse group of panelists; you can read about them in our How we picked and tested section . These devices range from basic, inexpensive sets to highly configurable hearing aids so...

For DIY-inclined renters and homeowners alike, peel-and-stick removable wallpaper (also called self-adhesive removable wallpaper) can quickly transform a space. These wallpapers are designed to remove as cleanly as possible from non-textured walls that are painted in most finishes—ideally avoiding the need to repaint. After spending 10 weeks researching, sampling, and testing wallpapers from nine brands in a range of patterns, we found three peel-and-stick wallpapers that you can apply with confidence and (relative) ease, no matter your style. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/pXUfHPz via IFTTT

An outdoor security camera can keep tabs on pets, package deliveries, and people who may be helping themselves to both of those things. They can also alert you to guests, and even capture video of a raccoon relishing the year’s first snowfall or the occasional runaway FedEx truck . However, after reviewing literally hundreds of Wi-Fi security cameras over the past 10 years — more than 250 at last count — I have yet to find the one magical unicorn that’s the perfect outdoor sentry. Some are hard to install, some need frequent charging, some miss motion, and others require a paid subscription to be most effective. The TP-Link Tapo MagCam 4K Camera C465 is pretty close to perfection. It has an integrated solar panel to ensure continuous use, is easy to operate, and accurately distinguishes between people, pets, and vehicles. It also works with and without a subscription plan. If you prefer a permanent fixture that can light up the night (or at least your driveway), ...

Everyone knows how dreadful a bad air mattress can be: You awaken on the floor, like a sad hot dog stuck between two deflating buns. But it doesn’t have to be that way. An air mattress will never be as comfortable as a real bed, but it can keep you buoyant and comfortable throughout the night. No sagging or deflating. And no fickle pumps that sputter and fail after just a couple of uses. After researching two dozen air mattresses and testing 12, we found that the powerful built-in automatic pump and cushiony sleep surface of the Serta Raised Air Mattress with NeverFlat Pump make it a comfortable and convenient option. If you’re looking for extra support, we also recommend the SleepLux Dream , which is a great option for couples, for back or stomach sleepers who prefer a firmer feel, or for people who struggle to get in and out of bed. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/xWO8l6p via IFTTT

Confession time: I’ve never liked mechanical pencils. The lead breaks as soon as it touches paper, or it never leaves the pencil body in the first place. The thin plastic barrel makes your fingers cramp within a few minutes. And the whole thing rattles like a baby toy. At least, that’s what I remember from my school days of filling in ovals for multiple-choice tests. But if you’ve also had a poor experience with mechanical pencils, it may be time to reconsider. After researching 28 mechanical pencils and writing and drawing meticulously with more than a dozen of them for two months, we have picks that are a joy to use rather than the disasters of yore. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/89U0sWi via IFTTT

Listen and follow The Wirecutter Show Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube | iHeartRadio You’ve probably seen “forever chemicals” make headlines in the past few years. This class of compounds known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have long been used to make nonstick cookware and high-performance raingear. And they’re being phased out in certain product categories because of their health risks. This episode, Wirecutter sustainability editor Katie Okamoto explains the potential health risks of everyday exposure to these slippery synthetic compounds. And she breaks down the new wave of PFAS-free cookware, cosmetics, and outdoor gear, revealing which replacements are actually worth buying — and why your most sustainable bet is often to just keep using the gear you already own. This episode covers: What PFAS actually are: Developed in the 1940s, these compounds are used to make things slick and waterproof. They’ve been used in nonstick co...

When you think about office-appropriate women’s pants, you may picture formal, utilitarian, and uninspired workhorses that you grudgingly pull out on a Monday and gleefully shed on a Friday. These garments typically require the wearer to compromise both on comfort (goodbye, soft pants) and on personal style (hello, basic slacks), all in the service of professional polish and suitability. Yet it turns out that you don’t have to sacrifice comfort (elastic waistbands) or fashion-forwardness (daring details and dramatic cuts) in order to dress appropriately for your job. After searching far and wide — with help from colleagues of different shapes, sizes, and preferences — we collectively tested over 100 pairs of pants, and we landed on eight terrific options. Whether you need a closet full of polished corporate garb, or you prefer versatile, less-traditional options that are still polished enough for occasional office time, we’ve got a pair worth promoting to your ward...

Don’t let their modest name fool you: Flats bring far more than mere practicality to the party. I’d argue that the unrivaled marriage of form and function places this shoe style at the top of the footwear food chain. When it comes to versatility, flats have pretty much everything else out there beat. A great pair can complement most any outfit, reliably taking you from daytime to nighttime and point A to point B in comfort and style. The concept of “having it all” in life — family, career, fancy glass storage containers for different shapes of pasta — may be a pipe dream, but it is possible to get all that you want out of a single pair of flats. For this guide, we researched over 60 pairs of flats and tested 27 in person. To be clear: The styles we tried are not walking shoes intended for epic treks, nor are they orthopedic pairs chosen with special support and cushioning in mind. They’re fashion-first offerings. With that said, we did log real mileage in every pa...

A few years ago, I became aware of a potential problem with the waterproof and long-wearing makeup products I loved: They probably contained PFAS. Also known as forever chemicals, PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) truly deliver on their name; some of them are used to create mascara that doesn’t run, foundation that doesn't fade, and eyeliner that can survive a long night of tears. But this class of synthetic chemicals has been linked to a number of health risks. I considered accepting that my makeup might need to run from now on. But as I’ve looked into this topic, I’ve learned that’s not the reality. While the United States does not yet have a federal PFAS ban, multiple European and state-level restrictions are driving industry-wide change. In the US, a California ban, which took effect in January 2025, is likely to have a ripple effect, since California is a powerhouse in the cosmetics market. Some cosmetic companies have also faced lawsuits allegi...

I love a big, fat, soft terry towel. My husband likes terry too, but he wants a thinner, textured towel that can scratch every itch on his back. And my teenager has preferred springy waffle towels for most of her life. We are a house divided, so I long ago abandoned the idea of buying matching bath towels for everyone. People can be very particular when it comes to towels. What feels good to one person may feel unpleasant to another. Yet we spend enough time with towels that we should all enjoy them, and it’s so satisfying to find one that dries well and feels just right on the skin. I've considered hundreds of bath towels, and I’ve had more people approach me about their love for our longtime top picks than anything else I’ve tested for Wirecutter. from Wirecutter: Reviews for the Real World https://ift.tt/dp56s0N via IFTTT

Cordless vacuums, touchless faucets, bendy straws, and voice-to-text. These innovations were originally designed for people with disabilities, and they worked so well that everybody has come to rely on them. But there aren’t many makeup tools or products worthy of that list … yet. In beauty, universal and adaptive design hasn’t always been a priority. Things like styling your hair or applying makeup may be difficult if you have low vision. And twisting caps, gripping slim, slippery tubes, and opening compacts can be tough for people with arthritis, neurological conditions, or other challenges that affect hand strength and mobility. These barriers “turn a meaningful self-care routine into a frustrating or inaccessible activity,” said occupational therapist Frank Lombardo. To bridge that gap, a growing number of beauty brands are launching accessible makeup and adaptive tools. We wanted to see how well these innovations, as well as other products, worked and if they ...

In this edition of The Gift, we’ve got gifts to get through the dog days of summer. Plus, very charming drinking glasses and 8 of our favorite tank tops. As a woman of a certain age, I’ve recently been experiencing my very own personal and unpredictable climate change. These days, I break into a sweat watering my garden or cooking dinner. Once I start, I can’t stop unless I stand in front of the open freezer (I live in San Francisco, where no one has AC). Add this to a summer of heat domes and my frequent trips to muggier climates, and I’m pretty much cooked. I do have a few tricks for tackling my bonkers internal thermometer. If you or someone you know is also a total heat wimp or a woman around the ages of 40 to 60 — these gifts could help them stay a little less sweaty as we make our way through the dog days of summer. There are three kinds of fans I consider essential: the standing fan, the neck fan, and the basic hand-held guy ( seen here with it-boy Hudson W...