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  • If You Spot This “Adorable” $1 New Kitchen Find at Target, Grab 3

    If You Spot This “Adorable” $1 New Kitchen Find at Target, Grab 3

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    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    Stanley tumblers are all the rage right now — and understandably so. They’re insulated to keep your drink hot or cold all day, plus the large 40-ounce size fits perfectly into your car cup holder. The tumbler promotes staying hydrated while being environmentally conscious by reducing the amount of plastic bottles ending up in landfills. With the popularity, Stanleys have become somewhat of a statement piece, leading to water bottle accessories being released in waves, maybe some you didn’t even know you needed.

    Instagram account @talktargethome, spotted Stanley straw covers at their local Target at the Bullseye Playground, formerly known as the Target Dollar Spot. The straw covers fit snugly over the straw of your tumbler to prevent any leaking, dust, or dirt getting into your beverage. With different shapes like berries, cacti, and multi-colored flowers, the covers add an element of style (in addition to practicality) to an otherwise simple cup. Not to mention, they are only retailing for $1 each.

    If you can’t find these at your local Target or just feel that the styles are a bit too bold for your taste, you can find a more basic version on Amazon. A five-pack of straw covers is currently going for $5.99, compatible with Stanley tumblers and made with food-grade silicone.

    “These fit the Stanley straws perfectly and gives them a cute little detail. I like that they also protect the top of the straw. So cute and well made for what they are,” wrote one reviewer. 

    If you happen to get your hands on either the Target or the Amazon version, just make sure you clean them as frequently as you clean your tumbler as mildew can get trapped inside. If you’re looking for an inexpensive way to keep your drink clean, this is it.

    Buy: 5-Pack Silicone Straw Covers, $6



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    Emma Taubenfeld

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  • Target’s “Super Cute” $5 Easter Kitchen Find Already Has Shoppers Buying 2 at a Time

    Target’s “Super Cute” $5 Easter Kitchen Find Already Has Shoppers Buying 2 at a Time

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    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    Target’s Bullseye Playground, formerly known as the Target Dollar Spot, always has the best of the best home products, particularly their decor and storage solutions like these glass jars and bag organizers. Lucky for us, the retailer is beginning to unveil its spring and Easter decor, giving us some hope for brighter and warmer days as we trudge through the cold winter months. While there are quite a few gems we can’t wait to get our hands on, one piece in particular has us especially excited.

    As seen by Instagram account @targetovereverything, Target is now selling glass storage jars with a lid that looks like bunny ears, making these both an adorable and practical find. Each one is selling for $5 and looks to be moderately-sized. Unfortunately, Bullseye Playground finds are unavailable online, so you’ll have to head over to your local store to check out the dimensions for yourself.

    “It’s such a vibe!!” wrote one commenter, and we couldn’t agree more. You can use these to create a springtime centerpiece full of Easter chocolates, jelly beans, or pastel-colored candies. You can also get creative and fill with festive marbles, seashells, or faux flowers. Amazon is selling a similar item for shoppers that aren’t able to find the Target item in stores. The pack of four is retailing for $19.99 which roughly comes out to $5 a piece.

    While this is perfect to decorate your kitchen for the warmer months, the glass jar can be used as a functional addition to your kitchen year-round as you can store pantry staples like nuts, fill with toiletries in your bathroom, or use as a large drinking glass. You can also swap out the bunny ears for a different lid or just put away the lid altogether until next Easter, if you don’t need it.

    Glass jars are a practical buy and Target always seems to be rolling out new ones for us to add to our collection.

    Buy: 4-Piece Glass Jars with Ceramic Bunny Ear Lid, $20



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    Emma Taubenfeld

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  • Target’s New “So Cute” Kitchen Find Lets You Grow Your Own Herbs (It’s Flying Off Shelves)

    Target’s New “So Cute” Kitchen Find Lets You Grow Your Own Herbs (It’s Flying Off Shelves)

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    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    Herbs are a crucial part of cooking and take the flavor palette of your meal to a whole new level. While many people opt to add herbs to their weekly grocery list, some have taken to gardening and growing their own plants. However, gardening can be daunting and if you don’t have the time, the space, or desire to break out your tools and work boots. Luckily, Target is now selling tiny terracottas that will allow you to grow fresh herbs without getting down in the dirt.

    The growing kits come in either basil, cilantro, or mint, and are decked out with everything you need to start cultivation for $12.99 a piece. Already equipped with seedlings, just add water and set the pot in a windowsill that gets a lot of sun. Plus, each pot has built-in drainage that will help you not overwater, all the seeds are non-GMO, and each plant yields six months worth of fresh herbs.

    Reviewers are raving over the product and some even mentioned it’s a wonderful gift for the chef in your life. “These little terracotta kits are so cute and so fun,” wrote one commenter. “They come with everything you need to start growing. They are nicely made and the instructions are easy to follow. These would be great for young kids or beginner growers.”

    Imagine having fresh cilantro to garnish your tortillas on taco night, newly harvested mint for your tea or salads, and crisp basil to decorate your steaming bowl of pasta. Nothing beats garden-fresh, plus, growing your own herbs is more sustainable than buying from the grocery store. Not to mention, the thrill of watching a plant grow from start to finish is truly unmatched.

    Buy: Modern Sprout Tiny Terracotta, $13



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    Emma Taubenfeld

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  • The Surprising Bathroom Accessory That Makes Any Kitchen Feel Instantly “Fancy”

    The Surprising Bathroom Accessory That Makes Any Kitchen Feel Instantly “Fancy”

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    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    Luxe kitchen upgrades, like Cafe Appliances and colorful Smeg refrigerators, are trending right now in a major way — and it’s hard not to see why. With French doors that open side by side, a sleek design, bright colors, and seemingly endless customization options, it’s no wonder they’re all the rage. However, you might not be looking to drop a few thousand dollars for the look (who can blame you?). Plus, if your current refrigerator is in great condition, why fix what isn’t broken? TikToker and DIY design expert Kelly Cousineau (@homeonarborpointe) gave her fridge a makeover to create a “DIY Cafe fridge” — all with one bathroom staple you may already have in your house.

    In the video, Cousineau thoroughly cleans the surface of the fridge to remove any grease stains, food residue, and fingerprints, then adds a coat of primer as a base before adding three coats of white paint. You might not necessarily need three coats, but because her fridge was black, the extra layers were crucial. In a subsequent video, she also mentioned using “regular flat paint,” reiterating that there is no need to spend on high-end appliance paint. And while she used white paint, you can opt for any color (think: teal, neutral beige, or even a retro orange). You can always paint over your fridge again if you don’t like it! Here are more tips on how to paint your refrigerator.

    The creator decided to build a wooden platform to fill in some space, but you can certainly skip that part. After removing the original handles from the fridge, she then attached towel racks as the new handles to mimic the design of the Cafe refrigerators. The process of removing the handles of your refrigerator may be different from fridge to fridge, but you may need some mounting fasteners or studs to install the towel racks.

    How ingenious! And I’m not the only one who thinks so. Other TikTok users swarmed the comments to express their appreciation for the hack, even offering some suggestions of their own. “Amazing!!” said one user. “I have the Cafe one and I promise yours looks better.” Another commenter shared, “I will be doing this, but I think I will use contact paper.” 

    The best part? Towel racks come in all shapes and sizes — even at the dollar store — so it really comes down to personal preference, whether it’s brushed gold or a funky red. Or maybe you’re more of a brass handle person — it’s totally up to you!

    Get creative, because you really can’t go wrong! This simple DIY hack goes to show that giving your kitchen a refresh certainly doesn’t have to break the bank — and that even the things you don’t think you can upgrade, can be totally transformed with just a few simple changes. 

    Buy: Kitchen Towel Brushed Gold Bar, $14.99



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    Emma Taubenfeld

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  • Aldi Just Dropped a $10 Dupe of TikTok’s Most Viral Kitchen Tool

    Aldi Just Dropped a $10 Dupe of TikTok’s Most Viral Kitchen Tool

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    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    If you’ve been on FoodTok lately, you’ve probably seen more videos than you can count of the viral Fullstar Vegetable Chopper, currently selling for $29.99 on Amazon. TikTokers, like @glenxda, have been showing off their gadgets that easily dice vegetables into cubes by placing the produce on top of the blade and then firmly pressing down. The chopped vegetables land in the container below, eliminating the need for any knives and cutting boards.

    People are loving the tool — and understandably so. However, if you’re looking for a cheaper alternative, Aldi is now selling its own version for just $10. The Crofton Food Chopper boasts four different chopping attachments: a spiralizer, chopper, slicer, and dicer. The catching tray will hold up to five cups of chopped food at a time, similar to the Fullstar competitor. It also comes with a handy cleaning tool to scrape the produce residue out of the blades.

    “I for real cannot wait for mine to come!!! I eat salad everyday and this will make them so much easier to prepare!” wrote one commenter on TikTok. “I told myself I didn’t need this… now I have to order it,” said another user.

    While the gadget may be a bit of a hassle to clean, it will certainly make meal prepping just a little bit easier. The product has gone viral for a reason: People love the convenience of chopping vegetables without breaking out the cutting board. Anything that breaks the barrier of crafting delicious meals, right? Users are even experimenting with other foods like deli meats and cheeses to create a hearty one-bowl salad. Although some reviewers have mentioned chopping meat isn’t as seamless as vegetables due to its texture, you may want to try it out for yourself.

    Whether you opt for the Amazon version or the Aldi alternative, you truly can’t go wrong. 

    Buy: Fullstar Vegetable Chopper, $30



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    Emma Taubenfeld

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  • These Are the Easiest Silicone Bags Ever to Clean — Just Watch

    These Are the Easiest Silicone Bags Ever to Clean — Just Watch

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    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    I cannot kick my resealable bag habit. I do my best to reuse them, but sometimes I can’t decide which is worse: wasting water trying to remove greasy food from inside the bag, or giving up and throwing them out. I thought reusable silicone bags would be the solution, but while they definitely work, most can be pretty tricky to clean, and they’re just as hard to dry because they still only open on one side.

    1. It’s effortless to clean.

    When my kids come home from school, they don’t even need to rinse their SoftShell containers. They simply open them and drop them into the dishwasher next to the plates, saving time and water. If I had known that these containers would solve all our lunch box drama, I would have invested in them years ago. 

    2. Deep cleaning is a snap.

    Not to slander my children prematurely, but when the Big Bee, Little Bee bags inevitably spend spring break marinating in a child’s backpack, the silicone panels can be fully removed for deep cleaning.

    There’s no pinch-press seal on these beauties. Simply close the container and slide the lock into place. You can even do it blindfolded — just feel for the raised lock symbol. Young children can manage this independently, which is a selling point on its own. 

    4. It doubles as a plate.

    Unlike a traditional resealable bag, the Big Bee, Little Bee containers double as plates. When open, they lie flat easily, and actually stay down. Double the surface space for lunch time!

    My teenage daughter won’t take her splurgy PlanetBox bento box to school because it takes up too much space in her backpack. Her new seven-by-seven-inch SoftShell easily slips into the small pocket in the front of her bag, leaving plenty of room for her Chromebook and binder. 

    6. There are no lids to lose.

    There are plenty of great solutions for lid storage, but why not forgo them altogether? With SoftShells, there are exactly zero lids to lose.

    7. It’s microwave-safe.

    My kids barely have time to eat lunch at school, let alone microwave it, but the SoftShells are indeed microwave-safe — just be sure to leave them open to vent. The edges are cool to the touch, even fresh from the microwave, making them safer to handle than a traditional plate. 

    8. It’s colorful and freezer-safe.

    The SoftShells are also freezer-safe, which is the main place I use resealable bags. As an unexpected bonus, they make my freezer colorful and cheerful! They come in four fun, bright colors that kids love: lime, raspberry, grape, and aqua. 

    9. There are no hazardous materials.

    The clamshell edges are made from BPA-free plastic, but the only part of the container that actually touches food is the FDA-grade silicone shell. All components are also free from the alphabet soup of bad actors: PVC, phthalates, and lead. 

    A word to the wise: Don’t wait.

    These popular baggies are frequently out of stock, so I recommend placing your order as soon as you see that they’re available. When deciding how many you need, keep in mind that they are designed for sandwiches, snacks, and foods with thick sauces. In other words, they’re not made for your breakfast bone broth. 



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    Meg Asby

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  • The $5 Can of Chili I Stock in My Pantry All Winter Long (It Might Be Better than Homemade)

    The $5 Can of Chili I Stock in My Pantry All Winter Long (It Might Be Better than Homemade)

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    I’m always reaching for it between November and March.
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    Lizzy Briskin

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  • We Compared Prices for a Dozen Items at Aldi Versus Walmart — And One Is Clearly Cheaper

    We Compared Prices for a Dozen Items at Aldi Versus Walmart — And One Is Clearly Cheaper

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    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    There have been some iconic duels throughout the ages: King Kong vs. Godzilla. Alexander Hamilton vs. Aaron Burr. And … Aldi vs. Walmart? Okay, Walmart and Aldi aren’t literally dueling, but Aldi is certainly inching (or, rather, leaping) ever closer to being the crowned #1 Cheap Grocer of All Time.

    I’m not sure when it happened, but Aldi is likely what many of us automatically picture when we think of affordable grocery stores. Perhaps the store has even become key to keeping your grocery budget under control these days. But are the savings that much different than what’s offered at Walmart? I figured I’d scour the aisles firsthand to see how select items at both grocers add up.

    Before we get to number crunching, though, I’ve said it once, and I’ve said it a half-dozen times: The concept of “cheapness” really shakes down to your particular priorities. The pricing of something as personal as groceries will mean a lot of things to as many different people, depending on the value you ascribe to a product as well as your financial situation. For example: Your favorite brand of $6 kettle chips that make you very happy are a staple in your household (whereas, you might think $2 Other Retailer’s chips are overpriced because they don’t taste as good as your favorite bag; or you don’t really care about chips that much, in which case $2 is a “steal”).

    With that bit of housekeeping aside, let us tackle the ultimate question! To figure it out, I compared some household staples side-by-side and ounce-by-ounce. To keep things on as equal footing as possible, I visited the stores on the same January night in Burbank, California. I aimed to compare both store-brand and name-brand items across the sections (produce, frozen, pantry items, snacks). In some cases, Walmart provided (larger) options that were not available at Aldi. 

    These are 12 of the household staples that matched as closely as possible.

    So, Is Aldi Cheaper than Walmart?

    The short answer is overwhelmingly yes! And don’t we love a short answer? I also have a long answer (i.e., the receipts), though — don’t you worry. 

    Both retailers carry store-brand frozen waffles. While Aldi only offers one flavor, the difference in price is HUGE — nearly $5 cheaper than the ones at Walmart for the exact same quantity.

    2. Frozen Chicken Nuggets

    Even after we account for the difference in sizes (Walmart’s bag of nuggets is three ounces bigger), Aldi’s nuggets are cheaper. Still, this is a great example of why it’s important to compare unit prices

    Both retailers sell avocados by unit, not by weight, which makes this head-to-head comparison a no-brainer. Once again, it’s Aldi FTW. (Plus, a few tips on the best ways to pick avocados.)

    At the time I visited, Aldi only had conventionally grown raspberries available, while Walmart only had an organic option. In general, organic produce tends to be more expensive (as it is here) and exposed to fewer pesticides.

    If your household regularly goes through a gallon of milk, picking it up at Aldi will save you nearly $1 per container.

    At more than $1 less per block, it’s worth grabbing an extra one of these Irish butters and stashing it in the freezer so you have it on hand for your next batch of buttercream.

    Another dollar savings deal! While Aldi and Walmart’s almond butters each come in 12-ounce jars, the one from Aldi is a full $1.09 cheaper.   

    Both retailers carry store-brand granulated sugar in four-pound bags, but the bags at Aldi are a little over 25 cents cheaper.

    9. Extra Virgin Olive Oil

    Once again, both retailers sell store-brand options and at identical sizes. And, once again, Aldi comes in a bit lower than Walmart. Picking up the bottle of Priano will save you 33 cents.

    Unlike the raspberries, both stores offer organic versions of canned beans. Walmart’s are less than a dollar and a good 30 cents cheaper. Do grab a few extra cans on your next trip there.

    Not only are there more bagels per bag, but Aldi’s everything bagels are also a tad bigger (at 3.3 ounces per bagel vs. 3 ounces per bagel). It’s truly a case of getting more for less.

    Turns out, you won’t save any money buying these iconic cookies at one retailer vs. the other. Both stores offer the Original and Double Stuf versions at the same price.

    Before Your Next Grocery Run, a Few Tips

    Each retailer has its own strengths, so comparing the two side by side alone misses out on a couple of nuances.

    Regardless, the prices don’t lie. Aldi is considerably cheaper than Walmart in almost every instance (or they were about the same). Now you know! Especially when it saves you considerable cash, doing a bit of grocery math is the best kind of math, right?

    Which store do you prefer? Tell us about it in the comments below.



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    Mackenzie Filson

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  • This “Iconic” Jarred Pasta Sauce Might Be Better than Homemade (No, It’s Not Rao’s)

    This “Iconic” Jarred Pasta Sauce Might Be Better than Homemade (No, It’s Not Rao’s)

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    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    Supermarket tomato sauce has come a long way. I grew up in a proudly Southern Italian/Sicilian pocket of New York where seemingly everybody’s family had their own passed-down recipe for tomato sauce. Contrary to what the domestic icon Ina Garten says, store-bought was not fine. 

    Today, ready-to-heat sauces — particularly by restaurants — are all the rage, thanks, in part, to spots like Rao’s and Carbone’s in New York. But decades before the nation went wild over these internet-famous, critically acclaimed sauces, my native suburb was quietly buying up glass jars by another NYC original. I’m talking about Vincent’s Clam Bar, first of Little Italy and now best known as a local gem in nearby Long Island.

    What You Should Know About Vincent’s Clam Bar

    Its greatness begins with a colorful back story. According to co-owner of the now-classic Long Island restaurant, Anthony Marisi, the original Vincent’s Clam Bar established in 1904 was “a street cart selling clams, scungilli, mussels, and calamari with mild, medium, and hot [tomato] sauce.” 

    “That’s all they did!” he says. And boy did they do it exceptionally well. This simple menu was enough to convert the cart into “a little corner space on Mott and Hester Streets;” 10 locations followed, including a small one in Carle Place, NY.

    Decades later, Marisi (a server at the time), his brother, and a few fellow servers “begged, borrowed, and stole” to buy the restaurant from the “interesting characters” who owned it. That scrappy wiseguy-turned-gentleman braggadocio (they didn’t have managers and continued to wait tables) is still the core of the business today. It’s widely considered one of the most lauded and beloved Italian restaurants on the island, synonymous with celebration and huge family-style portions, enormous desserts, and LI accents heavier than a loaded lasagna.

    What’s So Great About Vincent’s Medium Tomato Sauce?

    Available for sale since the late 1970s, Vincent’s Clam Bar was one of the earliest restaurants to offer customers a jarred taste of its restaurant and, as Marisi puts it, “way ahead of its time.” The mild, medium, and hot tomato sauces are different from its — or any other brand’s — classic marinara and its own chunky (and even more outstanding) tomato basil sauce.

    Vincent’s Clam Bar’s signature sauces are more reddish orange than crimson, and because they’re tomato paste-based, have a smokier, sun-dried tomato sweetness to them. They’re smooth, silky, and concentrated — more like a taste bud-coating, satiny tomato gravy, Marisi confirms; the better to cover and cling to seafood, as they were intended to. 

    You won’t find chunks of tomatoes or visible herbs in the original trio as you will in Vincent’s other, more traditional plum tomato-based sauces. What you will find is a smooth, subtle heat that discreetly comes in at the back of the bite, thanks to a process where red pepper flakes are sauteed in oil and gradually layered in increments.

    Because of this, it has its own specific flavor profile and texture that’s gained a loyal following for those in the know.

    What’s the Best Way to Use Vincent’s Medium Tomato Sauce?

    The most obvious way is to drench mussels, scungilli, clams, and calamari in it, whether individually or all together as a frutti di mare — how Vincent’s originally intended. This can be with or without pasta, which is the second-most obvious way to use this sauce. (I suggest bronze-cut like Barilla’s ultra-textured Al Bronzo Mezzi Rigatoni.) Picky kids love the mild for its sweetness and lack of surprises.

    I add it to soups and veggies, and spoon it over frozen pizzas to give them more oomph and up the tomato factor. Because of its consistency, I can also use it to dip mozzarella sticks, garlic bread, pizza rolls, or chicken tenders. It’s also heavenly in an Eggs in Purgatory brunch.

    Buy: Vincent’s Medium Tomato Sauce, starting at $4.99 for 16 ounces at LaMonica Fine Foods, plus Uncle Giuseppe’s, North Shore Farms, King Kullen, Stop & Shop, ShopRite and other regional grocers; also available in bulk at Amazon and at Vincent’s Clam Bar

    What’s your favorite jarred tomato sauce brand? Tell us in the comments.

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    Su-Jit Lin

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  • The 7 Best New Groceries to Buy in January (They’re All $10 or Less!)

    The 7 Best New Groceries to Buy in January (They’re All $10 or Less!)

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    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    Happy new year to all the grocery fanatics out there! I know the new year can sometimes be bogged down with messaging about renewal, eating “clean” (whatever that means), and dieting trends. I try to stay away from that; although it’s great to have resolutions and set goals, I also think it’s important to strike a balance between nourishing our bodies, our spirits, and maybe also our taste buds. 

    That means there might be some cookies, snacks, and maybe even booze on this list — just take what serves you and leave the rest. For me, these are the new groceries launching in January 2024 that I found to be particularly delicious, and I hope you’ll like them and add them to your grocery cart, too. 

    1. Truff Jalapeño Lime Hot Sauce

    Truff established a devoted fanbase with its truffle-kissed hot sauces and is now adding more heat and zest to its roster with its new jalapeño lime flavor. The original hot sauces, to me, were a little too sweet and the truffle flavor did not feel as nuanced. That is not the case for this iteration: the initial flavor is bright and zingy with a subtle heat that is then rounded out by earthy, rich truffle. I see this as the perfect topping to tacos and burrito bowls or as a fun dip for fries. 

    2. Chobani Creations Bananas Foster Greek Yogurt

    Chobani’s new creations line comes shockingly close to its dessert inspiration. I felt like a woman in an early 2000s commercial for yogurt while eating this, humming happily and smiling with every bite, licking the top, scraping the sides. I love bananas and hate artificial banana flavor; thankfully there’s actually bananas and banana puree in this cup, as well as salted butter and condensed milk that really nails down the bananas foster flavor. I don’t think yogurt can really replace dessert, but I’ll still gladly reach for this in my fridge again for breakfast or a snack.

    3. Almond Breeze Almond and Oat Blend

    Almond milk has a beautiful flavor, but the consistency has always felt too watery for my liking. On the other hand, the consistency of oat milk is luxurious and creamy, but the flavor is lacking. The solution was clear for Almond Breeze: make a milk that combines the two. This almond and oat milk blend solves all the problems these non-dairy milks face alone. It’s subtly sweet and creamy, with a nutty almond flavor and full-bodied consistency that tastes great in lattes, oatmeal, and over cereal.

    4. Hershey’s Kisses Milk Chocolates Snoopy and Friends Candy Gift Box

    Valentine’s Day is a month away, but it’s not too early to start planning what to gift a loved one. For the first time ever, Hershey’s is collaborating with Snoopy for colorful Valentine’s-themed chocolate kisses wrapped in pink and red Peanuts foils. This heart-shaped box is a winner for fussy chocolate fans because there’s no mystery chocolates inside, just classic milk chocolate kisses. The bonus is that the box is so cute you can hang on to it for stowing sewing supplies.

    5. Pescanova Shrimp with Mediterranean-Style Scampi & Spaghetti

    The ease of preparing Pescanova’s Mediterranean-style shrimp scampi — and the flavor — really took me by surprise. In total, it takes approximately eight minutes to pan-fry a bag, which makes it an ideal weeknight dinner. With frozen pasta, I was expecting a gummy, overcooked texture. That was not the case here; the pasta was actually bouncy and al dente, with a lemony cream sauce that perfectly coated the noodles and shrimp. The shrimp portion was also extremely generous — there was enough shrimp to accompany nearly every bite of pasta. 

    Find it in stores: Pescanova Shrimp with Mediterranean-Style Scampi & Spaghetti, $9.99 for 14 ounces at Albertsons, Price Chopper, Harp’s, Price Cutter, and Pete’s Market

    OREO Black & White Cookie on countertop

    6. Oreo Black & White Cookie Sandwich Cookies

    This limited-edition Oreo cookie takes me back to New York City. The shell is made out of the blonde cookies in Oreo’s repertoire, which have a subtle vanilla flavor, whereas the creme is split down the middle, half chocolate and half vanilla (just like its iconic inspo). It’s the best of both worlds in a single cookie for when you can’t decide between two classic flavors.

    Buy: Oreo Black & White Cookie Sandwich Cookies, $4.99 for 10.68 ounces at Amazon; also available at retailers nationwide

    Hello Kitty Goldfish on countertop

    7. Goldfish x Hello Kitty Strawberry Shortcake Goldfish Baked Graham Snacks

    If you love the flavor of classic ice cream truck strawberry shortcake bars, or strawberry Pocky, these Goldfish grahams taste exactly like condensed, cookie versions of those two things. The graham-based snacks come in both Goldfish and Hello Kitty shapes, which makes this arguably the cutest item on this list. Looks aside, they’re really delicious, too: sweet and subtly tart, thanks to raspberry and strawberry juice concentrate, with warm vanilla notes that really replicate the vibes of a strawberry shortcake. Stock up on this for Valentine’s Day.

    Buy: Goldfish x Hello Kitty Strawberry Shortcake Goldfish Baked Graham Snacks, $3.69 for 6.1 ounces at Target and other retailers nationwide

    Spot any exciting new groceries on shelves this month? Tell us about it in the comments below.

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    Kat Thompson

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  • Five Below’s New “Adorable” Decor Find Is the Best $5 You'll Spend All Week

    Five Below’s New “Adorable” Decor Find Is the Best $5 You'll Spend All Week

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    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    Winter is cold and dreary — there’s no doubt about it. With the holiday season behind us and warmer days feeling too far away, spring feels just out of reach. However, taking time to give your home a refresh may be just what you need to get through the icy weeks ahead. Luckily, Five Below has a super-cute springtime find that will add some brightness to your space.

    The Instagram account @dl_tree_target_ross_finds recently noticed that the discount retailer is selling a strawberry planter for $5.55. The ceramic pot is shaped like the fruit, with detailing that resembles strawberry seeds. This is perfect for housing a bouquet of your favorite flowers or greenery and adding as a decorative piece to your kitchen counter. While this is ideal for both spring and summer decor, you can certainly leave this out all year round to add an extra pop of color to your kitchen.

    Five Below is also selling a mushroom version that is just as charming if you’re looking for something a bit more whimsical. “I NEED BOTH,” wrote one commenter. Another said, “We need to go.”

    With all the excitement around the new planters, they are likely to sell out as quickly as they were stocked. Unfortunately, they don’t seem to be available online, so you’ll need to head over to your local store to snag one (or both) of these.

    If you can’t find the strawberry version at Five Below, you can find dupes at Michaels for $10.19 and Amazon for $19.94. But you’ll want to take advantage of Five Below’s incredible deal, if you can. Spring will be here before you know it — we can feel it!

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    Emma Taubenfeld

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  • We Asked 3 Chefs to Name the Best Bacon, and They All Said the Same Thing

    We Asked 3 Chefs to Name the Best Bacon, and They All Said the Same Thing

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    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    At any one point in time, I’m bugging dozens of chefs and bartenders all across the country to let me know what their favorite store-bought items are (like chicken nuggets, croissants, boxed mac and cheese, bourbon, and vodka). This is all in hopes that we, dear reader, can recreate that restaurant-level magic at home. And what better way to start the new year than by seeking out the chef’s favorite brand of arguably the greatest ingredient of all time? 

    As it turns out, there is one brand, in particular, that really sizzles.

    The Best Bacon to Buy, According to Chefs

    As far as chefs are concerned, you can count yourself as especially lucky if you’re familiar with North Country Smokehouse’s bacon. If not, it’s time to get acquainted. “I’ve tried just about every variety and brand of bacon available to the general public,” says Chef Gavin Lambert of pop-up restaurant Bon Ami. “If I’m not making my own … I’m buying North Country.” 

    This is not your average slab, Lambert notes: The delicacy of smoke, and the general care and pride in its production, make North Country’s bacon one of the most versatile for using in stews, braises, and sauces. “Plus, in my house we save every single gram of rendered bacon fat to use for cooking in place of oil — liquid gold, as we call it.”

    Chef Brian Poe, of Tip Tap Room and Crane River Cheese Club in Boston, who heard about the brand from acclaimed Michelin-starred chef Thomas Keller, agrees wholeheartedly: “It’s got such a lovely thickness, viscosity, umami, and proper smoke to it,” says Poe. “It’s meant to be snacked upon, as well as an amuse, app, soup, salad, entrée, and dessert.”

    Whether it’s at home or in his restaurant kitchen, North Country also has a fan in Chef Morgan Jarrett of STATE Grill and Bar, the flagship restaurant of the Empire State Building. “We use North Country at my restaurant for our “Clothesline Bacon,” Jarrett says of the popular dish, which involves slow-cooking bacon over rye bread (to catch all those majestic bacon drippings).

    If You’re Cooking Bacon, a Few Chef-Approved Tips

    So you’ve brought home the bacon — what now? You’ve got two main choices: Opt for pan-frying or cook in the oven. As for the chefs, the oven is, overwhelmingly, the way to go. “Stop cooking your bacon in a frying pan — this is Sisyphus’s work!” pleads Jarrett. “Instead, take a small sheet tray and line it with parchment paper. Lay the bacon in a single layer, and cook it at 350ºF.” After about six to eight minutes, much like you’d do while tanning on a hot beach, give that bacon a flip.

    No matter how you choose to cook your bacon (in the oven or in a frying pan), don’t forget the flip. “Flipping halfway through cooking is crucial!” Lambert adds. “Cooking the bacon too far on one side will result in crunchy, dry strips, and it will lack that signature chew.” 

    Across the board, chefs beg you to not throw away that bacon grease. Like, don’t even think about it. Of course, we all have had a jar full of bacon grease (and good intentions) that we’ve forgotten to use in a timely manner, but Jarrett urges home cooks to keep that jar of liquid gold — especially when you’re shelling out for top-notch bacon: “You can then save that bacon fat and keep it by your stove for general cooking needs; I keep it in this container.”

    Do you agree with these chefs? Let us know in the comments below.

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    Mackenzie Filson

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  • These “Gorgeous” $8 Heart-Shaped Glasses at HomeGoods Are Finally Back (But Not for Long)

    These “Gorgeous” $8 Heart-Shaped Glasses at HomeGoods Are Finally Back (But Not for Long)

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    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    Valentine’s Day will be here before you know it. If you’re already planning your celebration with your loved ones, we don’t blame you. We could all use something to look forward to during the dreary month of January, so why not plan something extra special for February? Whether it’s a romantic date night in, a casual gathering with your best friends, or even a full-blown party, you’ll certainly want to toast to love in all its forms. You’ll just need a few festive champagne flutes to do so.

    Luckily, the viral heart-shaped glasses from HomeGoods are back in stock for another year — and they seem to be going viral once again on both TikTok and Instagram. The flutes come in various shapes, sizes, and colors, with both long and short stems. The longer-stemmed glasses appear to be retailing for $7.99 each, according to a TikTok, but prices may vary depending on the style.

    The flutes will pair perfectly with your spread of heart-shaped pizza and chocolate-covered strawberries or even next to your Valentine’s Day serving tray. Fill with your favorite wine, champagne, or non-alcoholic drink of choice to sip on all night long. While these are definitely intended for a Valentine’s Day celebration, you can make good use of them all year long for anniversaries, birthdays, or even just on an evening you’d like to sip on something in a fancy glass.

    The glasses are only available in-store, however, there are similar ones online at Mark & Graham if you don’t have a HomeGoods near you. You can even add a personalization for the low price of $12.50!

    With the popularity of the flutes, these are likely to sell out quickly and are only available for a limited time. And, since you can’t snag these online, you’ll have to head over to your local HomeGoods to find them — along with some other Valentine’s Day decor items. 

    Buy: Heart Champagne Glasses, $49

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    Emma Taubenfeld

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  • Target’s New “Darling” $5 Serving Tray Has Shoppers Running to the Store

    Target’s New “Darling” $5 Serving Tray Has Shoppers Running to the Store

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    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    The parties don’t stop just because the holiday season is behind us. Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and whether you decide to celebrate with a partner, have a Galentine’s Day get together to honor your girlfriends, or just toast to yourself, February is all about love in all its forms. No matter how you choose to pay tribute to the love in your life, you may want to grab a few new items to take your festivities up a notch — and we all know Target is the perfect place to do it.

    Target’s Bullseye Playground, formerly known as the Target Dollar Spot, is known for their seasonal decor ranging between $1 and $5. Instagram account @targetgems recently spotted an adorable serving board, perfect for your Valentine’s Day charcuterie platters. The wooden bamboo board comes with a heart-shaped dish, ideal for dips, nuts, or olives.

    “I was lucky enough to grab the last one in my store!” wrote one commenter on the post. Another said, “I got one too. I can see myself having a girl dinner with this!”

    You can create a board full of your standard cheeses, meats, nuts, and vegetables that is bound to be a hit at any gathering. Or, because it’s Valentine’s Day, you can go for a dessert-themed charcuterie board with chocolate-covered strawberries, gourmet popcorn, heart-shaped candy, and fruit. And if you’re really feeling fancy, you can make your own cheese or chocolate fondue for a more decadent celebration.

    The item isn’t available online. However, they do have a small $5 heart-shaped trivet that could also be used as a serving tray.

    Like all seasonal items, Target will likely only be selling this for a limited time. It’s currently retailing for $5 and can be found in Target’s Bullseye Playground. You know what they say: The way to a person’s heart is through their stomach.

    Buy: Valentine’s Day Wooden Heart Trivet White, $5

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    Emma Taubenfeld

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  • The $5 IKEA Find That Brings “Instant Sunshine” to My Kitchen

    The $5 IKEA Find That Brings “Instant Sunshine” to My Kitchen

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    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    I was drawn to the design of the TORVFLY dish towels at first, bright cross sections of citrus and dragon fruit in cheery yellow, orange, and pink that reminded me of the Bauhaus modern art posters we have in our dining room. The bright colors and minimalist geometric arrangements are unlike anything I’ve seen before on towels, and they added instant color and whimsy to my hard-working kitchen.

    The towels are so eye-catching, in fact, guests always comment on them. Friends want to know where I got them, some have even guessed that I found them at a high-end gallery shop! But nope, just IKEA. 

    Which leads me to the next thing I love about these towels — they’re such a deal! At just $4.99 for a four-pack, they’re affordable enough to use every day. In fact, I’ve bought them several times and given them as hostess gifts, much to the delight of friends who love to cook as much as I do (and even the ones who don’t).

    The towels are a loose weave of 100% cotton and while they’re not quite as absorbent or thick as my other favorite kitchen towels (that waffle weave can’t be beat), they’re perfect for drying my hands at the sink and as a side towel while I’m cooking. With repeated washings the towels soften considerably and take on a slightly nubby texture that makes them look like they’re made of pricey linen cloth. I bought my first set over six months ago and they’ve held up well, despite their good looks and lots of washes

    Hung on the oven door, on the hook in front of the kitchen sink, or just folded and put on my island while I work, they add a touch of sunny whimsy to my kitchen-slash-office. Every time I see them, they bring a smile to my face because it reminds me that I can treat myself to pretty things without breaking the bank (or being impractical). 

    Love These Towels? Then You’ll Also Love…

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    Ivy Manning

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  • I Tried 3 Popular Drawer Organizers (All Under $10) and the Winner Has Kept Me Completely Clutter-Free

    I Tried 3 Popular Drawer Organizers (All Under $10) and the Winner Has Kept Me Completely Clutter-Free

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    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    I’m perfectly capable of measuring my kitchen drawers, but I’d rather not. Don’t get me wrong — having tidy, organized drawers has made a world of difference in my kitchen storage, but products that take the fuss out of tasks like measuring and fitting really are the cherry on top. That’s why I love spring-loaded, adjustable drawer dividers. No need to track down my measuring tape; I can just click “Buy Now,” and figure out a system when they arrive. 

    To install these organizers, all you have to do is compress the spring by pushing one end of the divider. Then place the divider in the drawer, and let the spring expand to fit the space. Boom: You just created little walls between tools and utensils! It’s brilliant and easy — exactly how I like my organizing projects.

    To find the best adjustable drawer dividers on the market, I rigorously tested three popular bamboo versions at all different prices, and I think the winner will surprise you just as much as it surprised me.

    How the 3 Adjustable Bamboo Drawer Dividers Stacked Up

    Ease of installation: 3/5
    Appearance: 3/5
    Usefulness: 3/5

    Overall: 3/5

    These dividers are not only expandable, but they also come with divider inserts to separate drawers into smaller cubbies, not just long rows. They come in four shades and range in length from 17 to 22 inches. 

    The SpaceAid Bamboo Drawer Dividers remind me of a Rubik’s cube: The moment you solve one side, you realize you’ve triggered another problem elsewhere. I thought the SpaceAid would be my favorite divider because of the inserts, but I found them incredibly frustrating. The inserts come in two sizes, 4.75 inches and 7.1 inches, which was consistently either too small or too large for my tools. Even when they were the correct size, often the points where they connected to the dividers weren’t where I needed them to be. No matter what I tried, there was always wasted space. I also don’t love the look of the unused notches marking the surface of the dividers. Overall, this one was disappointing.

    Ease of installation: 4/5
    Appearance: 4/5
    Usefulness: 3.5/5

    Overall: 4/5

    Ryqtop Bamboo Drawer Dividers come in four neutral colors, and range in length from 12 to 17 inches. They’re almost as beautiful as The Container Store ones (below!) and cost less than half as much. The only problem here is size: At their longest, they’re only 17 inches, an inch shy of The Container Store version’s 18 to 22.25 inches. In my drawers they only fit sideways, which worked but isn’t as visually balanced, as the spring-loaded side is visible the moment you open the drawer. 

    Ryqtop offers a longer version, but the cost is $39.98 for a four-pack. At that price ($9.99/divider), you can purchase the upscale version from The Container Store.

    Sale alert: If you’re in the market to shop right now, Ryqtop’s longer drawer dividers (12 to 22 inches) are currently on sale for only $24.99, normally $39.98. At that price, they’re an even better buy than my favorite at The Container Store.

    Ease of installation: 5/5
    Appearance: 5/5

    Usefulness: 4.5/5
    Overall: 5/5 

    The Container Store’s Bamboo Drawer Organizers are expandable and sleek. They range in length from 18 to 22.25 inches, making them the biggest dividers we tested. These chic organizers are easy to install and look fantastic! While they can’t subdivide the rows like the SpaceAid can, they definitely perform as promised. In less than a minute my kitchen utensils were organized, and my long spoons and spatulas don’t need subsections anyway. Psssst — they’re on sale for only $14.99 now!

    Final Thoughts on the Winning Organizer

    The Container Store Bamboo Drawer Organizers were the clear winner — the most beautiful and useful of all three dividers I tested. Unfortunately, they’re also the most expensive (although they do tend to have good sales). You don’t have to let the best be the enemy of the good, though; I’m happy enough with all three brands to recommend them. 

    While the SpaceAid dividers with inserts are brilliant in theory, they are frustrating in practice and waste space. The Ryqtop dividers are a bargain if your drawers are short enough. Overall, The Container Store Bamboo Drawer Organizers were the best buy. Yes, I found the SpaceAid dividers frustrating, and the Ryqtop organizers were too short, but I didn’t return either of them. The SpaceAid will never be as beautiful as The Container Store version, but it does offer storage for smaller tools, assuming I’m patient enough to puzzle it out. And if your kitchen drawers aren’t as long as mine, the Ryqtop is a steal. 

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    Meg Asby

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  • The $4 Grocery I Always Have in My Freezer (Especially for Nights When I Don't Feel Like Cooking)

    The $4 Grocery I Always Have in My Freezer (Especially for Nights When I Don't Feel Like Cooking)

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    We independently select these products—if you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission. All prices were accurate at the time of publishing.

    What started as a game — “What can we make in 15 minutes?” — to keep her son occupied during the COVID-19 pandemic, quickly turned into a full-fledged cookbook. 15 Minute Meals, out this month, is novelist, cookbook author, and TV host Ali Rosen’s bible for anyone who doesn’t have the foresight (or time!) to think about dinner hours ahead. 

    The long list of salads, soups, noodles, rice bowls, desserts, and more she’s created are proof positive that “there’s a lot that you can do in a few minutes.” She credits a big part of that to the veritable mountain of quality frozen shortcuts (and pantry staples) that exist today, calling it a “golden age of ingredients.” 

    As an often spontaneous meal planner (planner being generous), I wanted to know the one thing every lazy cook should always have in their freezer. So, of course, I reached out to Rosen to chat. Here’s what the woman who wrote the book on quick-yet-satisfying meals had to say. 

    Why You Should Always Have Frozen Peas (and Other Portioned Vegetables) in Your Freezer

    “I would say frozen peas is my number-one thing — like I love frozen peas,” says Rosen, and maybe not quite for the reason you think. Their neutralness is what really makes them stand out: “[They] don’t add as much texture and flavor,” which oftentimes is what she’s going for when she wants to add some nutritional value into whatever she’s making — and with minimal effort.

    “It’s no work, and because of their size, you don’t have to do anything to them. You’re not going to get a whole bite of them in anything, so they’re not going to ruin any flavor.” Plus, “The quality of how we freeze things has really shifted in the last number of years,” adds Rosen, who also wrote a freezer-meals cookbook. “So you’re often getting more nutrients from a frozen vegetable than you are from the broccoli you bought six days ago.”

    “If you want to make mac and cheese, great! Throw some frozen peas into it and then you’re getting your vegetable quantity for the day.” Same goes for ramen, rice bowls, pasta bakes, soups (she’s a big fan of creating them from pantry ingredients like coconut milk and chickpeas, along with frozen peas), and ground meat for tacos.

    Beyond frozen peas, Rosen swears by broccoli florets, medleys (like the pea, green bean, and carrot blends), and frozen spinach, which is especially great for melding into sauces and hiding from picky eaters — of all ages. “Freezing garlic and herbs in ice trays (in olive oil)” is another one of her favorites; she also recommends buying the frozen garlic or ginger cubes, like the ones at Trader Joe’s, with “as few ingredients listed as possible,” along with frozen stock and ice cream. (She grew up with Haagen Dazs Chocolate and still considers it one of the best.) 

    “My freezer is mostly full of ice cream — ice cream, stock, peas, and some gin.”

    Buy: Cascadian Farm Organic Sweet Peas, $4.19 for 10 ounces at Instacart

    What’s the one shortcut you always have in your freezer? Tell us in the comments below.

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    Mara Weinraub

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  • 7 Secrets to Upgrading Your Kitchen (All for Under $30!), According to Interior Designers

    7 Secrets to Upgrading Your Kitchen (All for Under $30!), According to Interior Designers

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    New year, new kitchen? With the holidays behind us and the possibilities for a new chapter ahead, you may be looking to change things up a little — especially in your kitchen. There are so many kitchen design trends to have on your radar for 2024, like curvy cabinets, double kitchen islands, and bright wooden flooring. But we’re here to say that you don’t need to upgrade your entire kitchen for that refresh you may be craving in the new year.

    We asked some interior designers for their best tips on how to revamp your kitchen this year — without breaking the bank. In fact, each of these ideas can cost less than $30 — and you don’t have to completely gut your kitchen. Happy decorating!

    Incorporating color throughout your kitchen space will revitalize the room without a total splurge. Meredith Huck, principal designer of House of Huck, suggests finding budget-friendly linens and accessories to give your kitchen some new life. “Opt for a vibrant yellow or red teapot displayed on your stove for both functionality and a stylish focal point, rather than tucked away in a cabinet,” suggests Huck. “Consider placing candies in clear glass jars on the countertops or a bowl filled with limes and lemons for some additional color in your space.” Here’s more countertop decor inspo for the new year.

    2. Upgrade your dish towels.

    Swapping out something small can make a big difference when it comes to giving your space a refresh. An easy exchange would be dish towels, as they add an element of design to the room without being the focal point. “I hang them on the oven handle and the dishwasher handle and I am always picking up cute new colors and patterns,” says Amy Peltier, founder of Peltier Interiors. They can really add a subtle pop of color as the seasons change. Swap them out for plaids at the holidays or fun adventurous colors like pink in the spring.”

    3. Utilize peel-and-stick backsplashes.

    4. Exchange your hardware.

    “Another simple, affordable kitchen refresh is new hardware,” Vergara proposes. “Swap old handles with new modern pieces like brushed nickel or matte black knobs.” Changing something as simple as knobs or handles may seem like a small feat, but will certainly change the whole style and design of your space.

    5. Incorporate potted herbs.

    A few additional plants will certainly make your space feel brighter, cozier, and just add a little something extra. “Fresh greens always spruce up a space,” says Jeanne K Chung, designer and principal of Cozy Stylish Chic. “Not only do herbs look good, but they also smell nice and can be used for cooking, too!” Opt for plants like basil, mint, or rosemary that are more versatile, so you can use them in various dishes. For a more elevated look — in case you’re short on counter space — opt for this chic windowsill herb garden

    6. Switch up the lighting.

    Fine-tuning lights to an alternative color temperature can really change the ambiance of a room and your mood. “Sometimes people make the mistake of putting in the brightest 5000K bulb, but I usually put a 3000K temperature bulb in the kitchen,” says Chung. “I find that 3000K is bright, but it isn’t glaring blue, which can tend to make a room feel too cold. The slightly warm temperature makes the space feel cozy and inviting.”

    7. Update the little things.

    For a quick refresh, Tara Miller, owner of The Heartland Interior Design, upgraded their measuring spoons and kitchen soap, and even purchased a new cookbook. “I went with this six-piece stainless steel set from Target for $8. It instantly made my kitchen drawer feel more organized and more beautiful,” says Miller. “Next, fresh ideas and stunning new recipes are sure to transform your kitchen experience. I’m loving this book, The Home Cafe. Last, but certainly not least, ditch the kitchen sponge or plastic scrubby brush and use a natural fiber one instead. Then, add in a marble bowl to place it in. This marble bowl from Provence, France, instantly elevates your kitchen for only $29. Those three small changes can make your kitchen feel rejuvenated and ready for the new year!”

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    Emma Taubenfeld

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