All articles by Terri Williams

November 9, 2023

NYC is noisy: These are the best items to help drown out the noise

Living in the city that never sleeps can be exciting, but sometimes, it can be a bit much. Every now and then, you might want a slower, quieter pace. From rowdy neighbors, crying babies, and loud TVs to car horns and alarms from the street below, your home may be louder than you’d prefer. And this makes it hard for you to relax and unwind, and even harder to concentrate and sleep. We’ve rounded up some ideas to help you soundproof your home (or at least soften the noise) and also relax despite those unwanted sounds.
peace and quiet this way

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Photo by Marvin Meyer on Unsplash

September 27, 2023

60 useful gifts for college students

By Terri Williams

It can be challenging to find the best gifts for college students. Admittedly, it helps to know their preferences and favorites. However, some gifts are automatically a good idea because they’re practical and functional. Other gifts are a no-brainer because everyone loves them. We’ve included a variety of functional, practical, and fun gifts to help you find something that your college student will love.
gift ideas this way

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The best items to keep cool while sleeping

Photo by Andisheh A on Unsplash

August 30, 2023

The best items to keep cool while sleeping

By Terri Williams

Enduring sweltering heat during the day is one thing. Trying to sleep when the temperature remains high at night is another matter altogether. An HVAC unit helps to cool your entire home; however, if you don’t want to run up your energy bill – or you don’t have that particular type of air conditioning system, it can be harder to sleep comfortably. We’ve rounded up some items that can help.
our picks

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Photo by Patrick Perkins on Unsplash

July 13, 2023

60 best items for your first apartment

By Terri Williams

Whether you're ditching dorm life, leaving the nest, or experiencing another type of life change, moving into your first apartment can be an exciting time. We’ll admit it can also be overwhelming to figure out what you actually need, what to take or leave, and what will fit in your new space. In addition to the necessities, you’ll also want some fun items, as well as a few things to make life easier. Whether you’re purchasing these items yourself, or compiling a wish list, these are the best items you'll want for your first apartment.
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50+ best Father’s Day gifts for every type of dad

Photo by Kelly Sikkema on Unsplash

June 9, 2023

50+ best Father’s Day gifts for every type of dad

By Terri Williams

Dads are so unassuming – they do so much for others and expect so little in return. Whether they are fathers, grandfathers, uncles, big brothers, godfathers, or other father figures, Father’s Day is the one day of the year when we can show our gratitude and celebrate them. So why not choose a Father’s Day gift they might actually like and decide to use? We’ve rounded up – and categorized - an assortment of gift ideas that are sure to be appreciated and bring a smile this Father’s Day.
See our guide

Photo by freestocks on Unsplash

May 10, 2023

40 last-minute Mother’s Day gifts

By Terri Williams

Your mom is unique and that’s why we’re presenting a variety of Mother’s Day gifts to choose from, whether she loves cooking, hates cleaning, or wants to trick out her home office or home entertainment center. We also included some options to help your mom relax – something she probably doesn’t do enough – and gifts that will just make her life easier. And these gifts, all available to purchase online, are also ideal for grandmothers, stepmothers, aunts – as well as wives, daughters, nieces, and friends.
What mom wants

50+ must-have items to add to your wedding registry

Photo by Craig Adderley on Pexels

May 2, 2023

50+ must-have items to add to your wedding registry

By Terri Williams

Marriage means not only sharing lives but also merging lifestyles. A wedding registry is an opportunity to create a wish list of the items you really need or want. They can be practical, stylish, comfortable, fun – basically, anything that you desire. A wedding registry also takes the guesswork out of shopping for wedding gifts, which makes it easier for friends and family members, so you can avoid receiving five toasters or 10 champagne glass sets. We compiled a list of wedding registry ideas that are sure to please every newlywed couple.
Our picks for the newlyweds

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15 must-have cleaning tools that don’t take up a lot of space

Photo by Karolina Grabowska on Pexels

March 21, 2023

15 must-have cleaning tools that don’t take up a lot of space

By Terri Williams

Spring is the perfect time to thoroughly clean all of those areas you’ve neglected during the winter. There are plenty of great tools that can make this chore a lot easier. However, New Yorkers tend not to have a lot of space for storing cleaning tools. But no worries: we found some cool items that don’t take up a lot of space and can be easily stored.
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Photo of Nest Bedding’s Organic Cotton Luxury Bed Sheet, courtesy of Nest Bedding

March 13, 2023

30+ things you need to sleep better

By Terri Williams

While it can be exciting to live in The City That Never Sleeps, you are not the city, and you do, indeed, need to sleep. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend at least seven hours of sleep per night. A good night’s sleep helps the body to rest and recuperate, and it even positively affects your mental health. However, work and family stress, unhealthy habits – and yes, living in The City That Never Sleeps – can all wreak havoc on your ability to sleep soundly. These are the best items you need to sleep well at night and awake refreshed the next day.
Time to snooze

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29 things to keep you warm in your apartment this winter

Photo by Gaelle Marcel on Unsplash

February 23, 2023

29 things to keep you warm in your apartment this winter

By Terri Williams

Winters in New York City can be brutal, with even our notoriously hot, steam-heated apartments feeling uncomfortable during a cold snap. Thankfully, there are several ways to stay warm in your home, and we’ve researched the best products to keep you toasty during this frigid season. From thick throw blankets and cozy rugs to a towel warmer, these are the best items to keep you warm all winter long.
Full list ahead

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50 Valentine’s Day gifts that are not roses and candy

By Terri Williams

First, let’s dispel a Valentine’s Day gift myth: you really don’t have to buy roses, candy, and lingerie every year. Take this opportunity to get a gift your loved one will really appreciate - and for more than just a few hours or a few days. In fact, with the right long-term gift, they’ll think of your thoughtfulness every time they use that item - and what’s more romantic than that? So, instead of 50 roses, we found 50 great Valentine’s Day Gifts that are both practical and fun.
What to give your Valentine

Sleep better in 2023: The 30 best bedding items you can buy online

Photo courtesy of Casper

February 3, 2023

Sleep better in 2023: The 30 best bedding items you can buy online

By Terri Williams

Sleeping 7 to 8 hours each night can positively impact your mood, focus, and concentration levels, and also decrease the chances of developing high blood pressure, heart disease, and other health problems. The key to getting a good night’s sleep is creating the right environment to sleep comfortably and soundly. We rounded up the best bedding items of 2023 to help you get quality sleep and wake up refreshed each morning.
Sleep better, feel better

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50 items to help keep your New Year’s resolutions

Photo by Thought Catalog on Unsplash

January 6, 2023

50 items to help keep your New Year’s resolutions

By Terri Williams

Every year, almost half of the U.S. makes New Year’s resolutions, but most of us don’t follow through. In fact, according to a University of Scranton study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology, only 8% of Americans are likely to achieve their New Year’s resolutions. Sometimes, we don’t succeed because we fail to be consistent – and sometimes it’s because we don’t have tools that can help us reach these goals. To that end, we’ve rounded up a list of the best items to help you keep your New Year’s resolutions.
Start your year off right

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The best gifts for friends and family who work from home

Photo by Microsoft 365 on Unsplash

December 21, 2022

The best gifts for friends and family who work from home

By Terri Williams

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, 27.8 million people are primarily working from home, representing 17.9% of the workforce. Working from home can be convenient, but many people are still figuring out the WFH environment, and probably don’t have – or may not have even considered – what could make this arrangement more comfortable or productive. However, we scouted some of the best WFH gift ideas for your favorite person working from home, either entirely or part-time.
See our picks

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The top health and wellness gift ideas for everyone on your list

Photo by Ketut Subiyanto on Pexels

December 16, 2022

The top health and wellness gift ideas for everyone on your list

By Terri Williams

Health and wellness gifts can help your family members and friends to monitor their health, improve workouts, relax more, sleep better, and eat more nutritiously. These gifts also help them to improve their air quality and create an environment that’s conducive to well-being. The health and wellness category is broad and includes a variety of items. However, we did the legwork to find the best gifts for even the pickiest people.
See our guide

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Photo by PNW Production

November 30, 2022

30+ gifts for people who love to cook

By Terri Williams

If you’re fortunate enough to have someone in your life who loves to cook, you know that those home-cooked meals – prepared with love – are so much better than almost anything you can purchase at a fast-food restaurant. These individuals aren’t just cooks, they’re chefs, and we found a variety of gifts - ranging from cookware to appliances and beyond – sure to be loved by those who enjoy using their culinary skills.
For the home chef in your life

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40+ essentials to help make the most of your college dorm room

Photo by Andrew Neel on Pexels

September 20, 2022

40+ essentials to help make the most of your college dorm room

By Terri Williams

A college dorm room doesn’t provide a lot of space, and even for New Yorkers - who tend to be adept at navigating tight living quarters – it can be a challenge to transform this area into a home. According to data from Univstats, 211 colleges in New York provide on-campus housing. If you’re one of the lucky students living on-campus (which provides a more immersive and traditional college experience) congrats! And while your dorm room may be small, we found some cool yet functional items that can’t make your space bigger, but can at least make it more fun to live in.
See the list

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20+ travel essentials for the perfect summer getaway

Photo by S’well on Unsplash

August 10, 2022

20+ travel essentials for the perfect summer getaway

By Terri Williams

Taking a summer vacation is a perfect opportunity to rest and recharge, or explore new adventures. And according to a survey by The Vacationer, 81 percent of Americans plan to travel this summer – 51 percent by plane, while 80 percent plan to take a road trip. Whether you’re taking a voyage to another city or another country, we've put together a list of essential items to make any type of summer getaway a breeze.
Pack your bags

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12 affordable side tables for small spaces

Photo by Kari Shea on Unsplash

April 12, 2022

12 affordable side tables for small spaces

By Terri Williams

A side table adds functionality and convenience, providing a great place to set drinks and food, eyeglasses, the remote, and other items. Some people use them for lamps, floral arrangements, photos, and other decor items. Others use a stylish side table as a design element, either as a cohesive piece that brings the other furniture in the room together or for a unique pop of color. If you have a small space, you may be limited in size. However, these 12 side tables ensure that you won’t be limited in style and function, while also not breaking the bank, with selected pieces ranging in price from $100 to $450.
See the full list

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29 essential items that make working from home easier

Photo by Grovemade on Unsplash

March 7, 2022

29 essential items that make working from home easier

By Terri Williams

Whether you’re working from home a couple of days a week or spending the entirety of each workweek at home, you need to create the right environment to work efficiently. And since you’re at home, there’s no reason why you can’t also be comfortable – and choose items that you’d actually like to use. Ahead, find some of the WFH essentials you’ll need to create the perfect workspace.
Here's what you need

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The 15 best poufs and ottomans you can buy online

The Harper Burrow Nomad Leather Ottoman from Burrow; Photo courtesy of Burrow

February 23, 2022

The 15 best poufs and ottomans you can buy online

By Terri Williams

I love poufs and ottomans because they’re so versatile that they can be used for seating, serve as a footrest, and some can even provide storage. Poufs and ottomans are available in a variety of sizes and materials, making them ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, kids’ rooms, and nurseries--as well as on the patio. Below, find some of our favorite poufs and ottomans you can buy online.
Full list ahead

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February 8, 2022

50 practical items that make perfect housewarming gifts

By Terri Williams

Space is always at a premium in New York City – even for people moving into a larger place. When thinking about housewarming gifts, quality always takes precedent over quantity. And since new homeowners and tenants need to maximize their space, our list of best housewarming gifts includes practical, well-made, durable, and long-lasting choices that are also fashionable enough to work in any design style. We also went beyond the typical housewarming gifts to include some new, cool, and fun items that you may not have thought of.
Find the perfect gift

All articles by Terri Williams

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