ReportWire

Tag: Shopping

  • TopResume Packages and Free Resume Review: Everything You Need to Get Hired

    [ad_1]

    AI is making it harder to find a job. AI-driven Application Tracking Systems (ATS) can dump your resume before a recruiter has ever seen it, even if you have all of your qualifications clearly spelled out. TopResume takes the guesswork out of the process by giving you a fresh, professionally-written resume, as well as a free resume review that focuses on these tracking systems—essential in a time where AI is making the decisions on who moves forward in the interview process.

    TopResume doesn’t offer a ton of discount codes, coupons, or promos. However, you can get four weeks of free access to TopResume’s Career Services Platform that includes interview training, resume critiques, and recruiter access when you pick up a package through WIRED.

    TopResume Free Resume Review: Start With the No-Cost Option

    TopResume’s free resume review will get an extra set of eyes on your CV. It’s a free resume critique, not a rewrite or a fresh resume made from scratch like TopResume’s paid offerings.

    The free CV review is good to dip your toe in the water, particularly when it comes to highlighting keywords that could get your resume buried in an Application Tracking System (ATS). After you drop your resume on TopResume’s website, you’ll need to wait up to 48 hours before your review. I threw mine in on a Friday, expecting to find a critique in my inbox on Monday morning. It showed up about six hours later.

    I was shocked how detailed even the free resume review was. Some of the points were generic, but there was a ton of useful information even in the free review. For instance, apparently, the file size for my resume is massive compared to others because I saved it as a PDF. I would’ve never even considered that.

    TopResume also feeds your CV into an ATS with its free review, showcasing how these systems will categorize you. That was enlightening. I hadn’t realized that my resume focused on responsibilities over outcomes, so it was difficult for the ATS to nail down my demonstrable skills.

    How Much Is TopResume at the Moment?

    TopResume offers free DIY Career Tools to explore their Resume Builder to get personalized job matches. There are also programs to help you save time on your job search, and you can try Premium at $3 for a 7-day trial, and after it becomes $25 per month. With this program, you’ll get 18 career tools like unlimited resumes and cover letters, AI resume tailoring, resume distribution, and access to more than 400 expert-led courses.
 Resume Writing services start at $179 for a resume crafted by an expert, with prices varying depending on whichever package you choose. With this service, you can do things like add a LinkedIn makeover or a cover letter to help you stand out. For full, one-on-one support until you’re hired, try Get Hired Now which starts at $1,995 and includes a dedicated career coach to help with your resume, job search strategy, interview preparation, and more to ensure you get the job you deserve.

    Enjoy the TopResume Guarantee With a 60-Day Interview Promise

    If you need more hands-on time, TopResume has several paid services available, all of which are backed by the TopResume guarantee. All paid plans come with a 60-day interview guarantee. If your new resume doesn’t land you an interview within two months, you’ll get another fresh resume, free of charge. It’s basically TopResume’s refund policy to give you extra peace of mind.

    TopResume Has a Package for Every Career Path

    There are several TopResume packages available if you want to go beyond the free review. TopResume charges varying amounts depending on your package, starting at $180. Regardless of the package you choose, you’ll get access to TopResume’s Career Services Platform for four weeks, free of charge. It’s a service that can go beyond just your resume, helping with interview prep, resume circulation, and more.

    TopResume’s standard service is called Professional Growth, and it provides a fresh resume with one of TopResume’s ATS-optimized templates, the Career Services Platform, three applications sent for you, and TopResume’s interview guarantee. Above that is Career Evolution, which includes everything that Professional Growth includes, plus a professionally-written cover letter.

    If you need the best of the best, TopResume has two options available. The Career Confidence package matches you to a writer in the top 20% of TopResume’s network, and it even includes an interview coaching session and a LinkedIn makeover. The Executive Priority package further restricts the writer pool to the top 10% in TopResume’s network, and it comes with all previous perks, along with an extra interview coaching session.

    [ad_2]

    Jacob Roach

    Source link

  • These 18 Sweet, Funny, Practical and More Gifts Are Under $25

    [ad_1]

    Us Weekly has affiliate partnerships. We receive compensation when you click on a link and make a purchase. Learn more!

    Shopping on a budget? No worries! Some of the best gifts we’ve seen are under $25, and they’ll wow your entire crew (especially if it’s Taylor Swift’s fave candle). With a balance of funny, thoughtful, practical and sentimental picks, these gifts tick every name off your list.

    Whether you’re shopping for a gym buff, beauty guru, someone who’s impossible to shop for or anyone in between, you don’t have to blow your budget to score the perfect gifts. From candles and lip masks to cookbooks and AirTags, we cover every age, interest and style. You’ll want to snag a few of these showstopping gifts for yourself, too.

    18 Sweet, Funny and Practical Gifts Under $25

    Total Wine

    $12

    For the Wine Snob

    They’ll think this prosecco costs quadruple the price — and we won’t tell. It combines notes of peach, honey and green apple for a go-with-everything appeal. Shoppers can’t get enough!

    ‘The Polar Express’ Mini Gift Set
    Yankee Candle

    $12

    For the Holiday Movie Lover

    If they love The Polar Express, they’ll swoon over this set of three themed candles. The set includes First Gift of Christmas, The Polar Express and Hot! Hot! Chocolate scents.

    BTArtboxnails French Tip Press On Nails
    Amazon

    $22

    For the Beauty on a Budget

    Stocking stuffer alert! The only thing better than a salon manicure is a set that looks like one, but comes together in minutes. These press-ons save them time and money — and nobody would ever know they’re press-ons.

    Capri Blue Volcano Candle
    Amazon

    $23

    For the Taylor Swift Fan

    Capri Blue Volcano is a universally loved scent for good reason (even Taylor Swift swears by it!). This luxurious candle transforms any space into a tropical paradise.

    Recyco Waffle Kitchen Towel Set
    Amazon

    $16

    For the Decor Enthusiast

    Quick-drying and absorbent, they’ll want a set of these themed waffle-knit towels for every holiday. With dozens of varieties to choose from, you’ll want a set for yourself, too. We love ‘em!

    Best Gag Gifts


    Related: Run! We Found the 18 Funniest Gag Gifts of All Time Starting at Just $4

    Shopping for someone with a sense of humor? A totally unhinged, borderline ridiculous gift is exactly what Santa ordered, and we’ve found 18 picks that guarantee roaring laughs and knee-slapping reactions. Trust Us, these funny gifts totally steal the show. Everything on this list is as memorable as it is humorous, perfect for parents, besties, […]

    Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask Dreamy Lip Kit
    Amazon

    $22

    For the Person You Want to Kiss

    Meghan Markle, Bella Hadid and Drew Barrymore rave about this nourishing lip mask enriched with shea butter, murumuru and vitamin C. Need we say more?

    Lindt Chocolate Teddy Bear Advent Calendar
    Amazon

    You save: 14%

    $12$14

    For the Advent Calendar Fan

    If the advent calendar is their reason to get up, wait until they see this chocolate teddy bear version. Over 20,000 shoppers bought it last month alone.

    From Crook to Cook: Snoop Dogg Cookbook
    Amazon

    You save: 44%

    $14$25

    For the Aspiring Cook

    What can’t Snoop Dog do? This recipe book features 50 recipes from the man himself — think baked mac and cheese, easy orange chicken and more soul food recipes.

    Apple AirTag
    Walmart

    You save: 38%

    $18$29

    For the Person Who Loses Everything

    Between their keys, wallet and phone, something is always missing. This AirTag keeps tabs on their misplaced items, showing the exact locations on Apple Find My.

    Le Creuset Stoneware Mini Round Cocotte
    Amazon

    $22

    For the Single-Serve Chef

    Commerce Editor Sanah Faroke loves this stoneware cocotte. She shared, “This mini ‘pot’ can cook recipes on the stove and in the oven. I’ve made a handful of single-serve recipes, including corn bread, soup and baked brie.”

    Better Homes & Gardens Bubble Blanket
    Walmart

    $24

    For the Lazy Sunday Enthusiast

    Any lounge day requires this luxe-looking bubble blanket that feels like a cloud. It comes in 10 different colors!

    Lydia Silver Necklace
    Flaire & Co

    $23

    For the Accessory Queen

    I love to wear jewelry when I work out, but most of my jewelry doesn’t agree. This dainty necklace is sweat, shower and pool-resistant, so I never take it off.

    Dash Mini 4-Inch Waffle Maker
    Amazon

    You save: 9%

    $10$11

    For the Hostess With the Mostest

    When those 3 a.m. cravings hit, this fast-heating mini waffle maker steps in to save the day. Commerce Writer Olivia Hanson said, “I got all of the different waffle shapes from hearts, to pumpkins, to Christmas trees . . . it looks like you put a lot of effort into cooking.”

    Fresh Roasted Flavored Coffee
    Fresh Roasted Coffee

    For the Coffee Connoisseur

    Flavored coffee is a hit or miss, but it’s always a hit with the flavor options like Christmas Cookie, Caramel, Blueberry Crisp and more. Whether they prefer decaf, regular, whole bean, ground or a combination, there’s a unique coffee with their name on it.

    Graceice Cat Drink Coasters
    Amazon

    $10

    For the Cat Parent

    These hilarious cat coasters are as practical as they are cute. They’re destined to become a coffee table staple.

    Aippk Four Leaf Gold Plated Bracelet
    Amazon

    You save: 7%

    $13$14

    For the Luxe-Loving Fashionista

    Van Cleef & Arpels, is that you? This delicate bracelet looks like it costs thousands, but is secretly just $10. Over 5,000 shoppers bought it last month alone!

    Picun Over-Ear Bluetooth Headphones
    Amazon

    You save: 27%

    $22$30

    For the Music Lover

    We seriously can’t believe these over-ear headphones are just $22. With vibrant color options, 120 hours of playing time and hands-free call capabilities, you’ll want a pair for everyone on your list.

    Twenty/Twenty Beauty Visionary Eye Shadow Stick
    Amazon

    $24

    For the Makeup Maven

    If they’ve been using powdered eyeshadow, this creamy eyeshadow stick will change their life. It lasts longer, shimmers brighter and makes every outing feel like an event.

    Best Gifts for Women


    Related: The 15 Best Gifts for Women (No Matter Their Age) Starting at $10

    After stocking up on budget-friendly white elephant gifts and pawfect picks for your pets, don’t forget about the women in your life. Whether you’re shopping for your workout-obsessed bestie or your mom who loves to cook, we found 15 of the best gifts for women across the web. With the holiday season approaching quickly, now’s […]

    [ad_2]

    Savannah Born

    Source link

  • I Keep Cooking Thanksgiving! Here’s the Best Holiday Meal Delivery

    [ad_1]

    Making a full Thanksgiving feast for guests can be daunting, for some perhaps even terrifying. The world, and especially Hallmark movies, is full of holiday disaster stories: burnt turkeys, failed desserts, steamed hams. But I’m not bragging when I say that the first Thanksgiving dinner I prepared for my extended family—a little early, this year—was an unmitigated success.

    My aunt couldn’t stop talking about the black pepper in the biscuits and the sage on the carrots. My uncle went in for the turkey and the apple-sausage stuffing. My father didn’t speak at all, unless prompted. He just ate and ate. This was a compliment.

    But of course, I had cheated. I had ordered my Thanksgiving in the mail—one of the new breed of Thanksgiving meal kits.

    The meal was genuinely home-cooked, of course, prepared mostly from scratch. But the entire seven-platter feast—its ingredients and recipes—had arrived two days before, in a box large enough to house a primal cut of beef. It was Thanksgiving in a box: a $200 “Chef’s Table Thanksgiving” meal kit available from sister meal delivery plans Sunbasket and Gobble.

    The spread from Sunbasket was vast and generous. The table contained a nearly 3-pound roast of turkey, mounds of mashed potato, pebbled cranberry compote, roasted carrots dressed in miso-sage butter, brussels sprouts dappled with pecorino romano and pancetta, an endless platter of fennel-apple-sausage-stuffing, Gruyère black-pepper biscuits caked more than an inch tall, a tureen of deep brown turkey gravy, a ginger apple crisp waiting in the wings.

    Sunbasket is among a new bounty of meal kit companies that aim to ease the stress of the holidays by doing the planning and the shopping for you—big meal boxes tailor-made for those who still want to make a home-cooked meal but for whom the prospect of planning a vast and complicated feast is prohibitive. In fact, two weeks later I cooked another Thanksgiving meal from Blue Apron, this time for my sister’s family.

    Here was my experience with Sunbasket and Blue Apron—and some of the other Thanksgiving meal delivery options to get your whole Thanksgiving meal delivered to your home.

    Update Nov. 18, 2025: Added a review of the Blue Apron Thanksgiving and holiday meal kit dishes, after preparing an eight-dish meal. Also updated prices, ordering deadlines, and offerings throughout.

    Want meal kits for more everyday occasions? See WIRED’s guides to the best meal delivery services, and the best plant-based meal delivery kits.

    The Blue Apron à la Carte Thanksgiving (and Holiday) Meal Kit

    Available till December 29. Order by November 19 to ensure delivery by Thanksgiving.

    • Photograph: Matthew Korfhage

    • Photograph: Matthew Korfhage

    • Photograph: Matthew Korfhage

    • Photograph: Matthew Korfhage

    Blue Apron

    Thanksgiving and Holiday Meal Delivery

    Blue Apron, one of the OG meal kits in the US, has undergone a wholesale transformation this year. One of the biggest changes is that subscriptions are no longer required, and à la carte meal ordering is possible—indeed, it’s now my favorite no-subscription meal kit offering. What this means is that for this Thanksgiving, you can order individual Thanksgiving recipe kits to prep fresh at home, without ever setting foot in a crowded grocery store.

    That means roasted grape and goat cheese salad ($12), a big ol’ turkey breast with gravy and cranberry sauce ($50), rosemary herb stuffing ($15), a truly excellent casserole worth of truffle-oiled Southern mac and cheese ($20), almond apple crumb pie ($15), brown butter mashed potatoes ($8), challah rolls with maple ($8) and roasted brussels sprouts with pistachios, ($10). I made all of these recipes for my sister’s family and our parents, a little early this year—and it was a surprisingly delicious feast fit for at least eight people. Probably even 10, if you add an extra order of mashed potatoes.

    [ad_2]

    Matthew Korfhage

    Source link

  • This Quest 3S Bundle Is $50 Off and Includes a Game and Gift Card

    [ad_1]

    If you’ve been dreaming of getting into virtual reality but you’ve been holding out for a good deal, this may be your moment. I spotted a Meta Quest 3S bundle at Best Buy that not only knocks $50 off the normal price, but also includes Walking Dead: Saints & Sinners and a $50 Best Buy digital gift card. That’s quite the deal on a product that doesn’t often see major discounts, and you can use that gift card to accessorize your new headset.

    Courtesy of Meta

    Meta’s lineup of stand-alone headsets has slowly improved over the last few years, with frequent updates adding functionality and growing the library of games. You don’t need a computer or console to power them, which makes it easy to just toss the headset on and start playing without any extra steps. With object and hand tracking, sometimes you don’t even need controllers, and the pass-through camera lets you blend the real world and the virtual one for awesome mixed reality experiences.

    While the Quest 3S is the more budget-friendly offering in the current generation of headsets, the compromises aren’t as major as you might be thinking. The screen is slightly lower resolution, and the pass-through isn’t quite as sharp, but otherwise the Quest 3S plays the same games and experiences as the more expensive Quest 3. Both headsets suffer from limited battery life, so don’t expect more than a couple of hours of play at a time.

    I haven’t had a chance to play the included game, Walking Dead: Saints and Sinners, but it’s described as a survival action game set in a zombie-ridden version of New Orleans. You’ll have to make tough decisions about how to deal with other survivors, and it looks like there are plenty of opportunities to slay zombies. My vibe is usually more mini-golf than shotgun-wielding, but the game has overall positive reviews, and scary stuff can be a lot of fun in VR.

    If you’re ready to pull the trigger on this deal, make sure to swing by my guide to the best Meta Quest games. I’ve got some picks over there that can help you calm down after a long day of swinging your axe at zombies.

    [ad_2]

    Brad Bourque

    Source link

  • I’m a Heavy Sleeper, so I Tried 6 Extreme Alarm Clocks That Shock and Roll

    [ad_1]

    Extreme Alarm Clocks to Avoid

    Photograph: Molly Higgins

    Flying Alarm Clock for $18: The idea behind this alarm is funny—when the alarm goes off, a propeller ejects from the top and the sleeper is forced to get up, find the propeller, and place it back on the top to get the alarm to stop beeping. However, during the week I used it, the alarm did not stop beeping when the propeller was placed back on the top, when the snooze button was pressed, or when the alarm button was switched off. The only way to get it to stop was to find a screwdriver and take out one of the five required AA batteries (not included). By the end of the week, I had my screwdriver handy in the mornings. At least it kept me up, but not for the right reasons.

    Alarm Clock App (In-App Purchases): This is a puzzle-style alarm app similar to the Alarmy app, but it has fewer features and is buggier. The alarm lets you hit snooze three times before it forces you to actually complete a task, which wasn’t helpful for a chronic snoozer like me. The biggest issue, though, was that the alarm didn’t sound when my phone was in vibrate or silent mode. For this reason, I had to have a backup alarm throughout the majority of the week I tested. When I did remember to turn on the ringer, the app glitched almost every morning and either froze or shut down the app entirely.

    EC Vision Lock N’ Load Gun Alarm Clock for $28: This is another gimmicky clock meant to be a fun, interactive alarm. You set it up across the room, the alarm sounds off, and a target springs up—the sleeper must then shoot the target with a toy gun to activate the snooze feature. However, shooting the alarm just controls the snooze; to turn off the alarm, the sleeper has to press an actual button on the alarm clock—making the whole shooting part ultimately unnecessary to the clock’s functionality. Even by placing the alarm on the other side of the room and using the aiming and shooting element, this clock didn’t really force me out of bed as effectively as some of the others on this list.

    Which Extreme Alarm Is for You?

    Well, that all depends on your problem with getting out of bed.

    If you are a chronic snooze-pusher, opt for alarms that physically make you get out of bed. Many types incorporate movement to get your blood pumping and shake off some of that sleepy grogginess—like Clocky, the alarm on wheels, or an alarm clock that requires you to shoot a target to turn it off.

    If you are hard of hearing, some of these alarms have adjustable pitch and volume, which are useful for hearing loss in certain ranges. Some of these alarms also have a vibration pad, which can be inserted between the mattress and box spring or under the top sheet, that wakes the sleeper via vibrational movement. There’s even a wrist clock that shocks the sleeper, which can be helpful for those sleeping with partners who don’t want to be disturbed by noises.

    Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting and exclusive subscriber content that’s too important to ignore. Subscribe Today.

    [ad_2]

    Molly Higgins

    Source link

  • Is the Bartesian Cocktail Machine Worth It? I Tried It to See

    [ad_1]

    Right now the Barsys is making me an Oaxaca Old Fashioned, but it could have been any of literally 2,000 other drinks, if I only had the ingredients. Among “Oaxaca” drinks alone we potentially also have a “Flower,” a “Gold,” and a “Tail.” The Barsys promises nearly 50 takes on Old Fashioned, and more than 70 versions of the mule. (A third cocktail machine option, the Bev by Black + Decker, uses Bartesian’s capsules with a different device design. It is likely being discontinued according to reps, but is still available on Amazon.)

    It’s all very ridiculous, my friends assure me, when I send them videos of the Barsys aggressively spitting ingredients into a glass whose magnetic bottom spins the liquid inside into an icy, frothy whirlpool.

    “I am embarrassed to be watching this,” wrote my editor at WIRED.

    “That is so dumb,” echoed a friend, before adding, “You should definitely bring it over.”

    No one really needs a machine to make a decent cocktail, of course. But you might want one anyway. I have a theory, the kind of big idea you hear sometimes in small bars. The promise of an automatic cocktail machine is not ease, nor necessity, nor even usefulness. It is, instead, excitement. It is fun. It is whatever will make today different from yesterday. It’s that little bit of dumb gee-whiz that makes your neighbor happy to come over, gives people something to talk about at a holiday party, or keeps your partner mildly entertained after a Tuesday that just kind of sucked the life out of her.

    As holiday party season arrives, here’s how to choose between two flawed but kinda fun cocktail machines. Machines that mirror the life they indulge.

    Best for Parties: The Barsys 360

    • Photograph: Matthew Korfhage

    • Photograph: Matthew Korfhage

    WIRED

    • Machine pours very precise measurements by weight
    • Phone app suggests any of 2,000 cocktails, depending on ingredients
    • It looks cool, doesn’t it?

    TIRED

    • Cleaning, flushing, and changing ingredients is a lot of effort
    • The app can be a little buggy, and hard to navigate
    • It’s a sloshy thing. Cleaning, again

    The Barsys 360 is a flashy machine, literally. Select your drink on the device’s phone app, and the machine will light up like a discotheque or a try-hard bowling alley. The Barsys pours in hard, aggressive squirts—impressively accurate to within three-hundredths of an ounce, by my measure.

    As it pours your drink, the device’s lights will change from white to blue to green when your cocktail is ready. And if you’ve also bought Barsys’ mixer glass ($45) with a magnetic spinner, the cup will now very rapidly swirl your drink, ice and all, as it spins your tropical diamond daiquiri into a green-lit froth. Whoopee! Glowing, spinning drink!

    We are firmly in party-trick territory here. And lord, it’s stupid. And fun. And stupid. If you keep it on your kitchen counter, the device may cause you to make too many drinks just because you can, and because you’ve filled the reservoirs anyway. This can be dangerous on a work night.

    [ad_2]

    Matthew Korfhage

    Source link

  • Shark Promo Codes for November 2025

    [ad_1]

    Keeping my house clean can feel like an impossible task with a litter-kicking-happy cat and a two-year-old on a mission to throw everything, whether it’s Cheerios or pizza, onto the floor. One of the things that has made it easier, though, is my Shark handheld vacuum. The Shark UltraCyclone Pet Pro Plus is one of our favorite handheld vacuums, and it’s made it easy to clean up messes from both my cat and tiny human without needing to lug my old vacuum out for every mess. If you want a mess-free home for less, check our Shark coupon code.

    Don’t Miss Out on the Shark Black Friday Sale in 2025

    Like basically all of our favorite and often-reviewed brands here at WIRED, Shark’s Black Friday Sale in 2025 is upon us, with some seriously steep discounts on our favorite high tech products, from beauty to kitchen to home. Right now, you can build your own Shark FlexStyle Air Styling & Drying System that works on all hair types, with three attachments of your choosing, with no heat damage to those luscious locks. Normally $300, it’s $100 off right now. For the kitchen, the Ninja DualBrew Pro Specialty Coffee System is on sale right now for $180 (normally $240), and the Ninja SLUSHi Professional Frozen Drink Maker Tote Bundle is only $270 (normally $400), for all of your smoothie (and margarita) needs this holiday season. To keep your home tida with endless holiday parties and festive family time, the Shark Pet Cordless Stick Vacuum, which we love for tackling fur and day-to-day messes in the home, is now $180 (usually $300).

    Get 10% Off Your First Order With a Shark Promo Code

    If you’re buying a Shark vacuum for the first time, you’re in luck: you can get 10 percent off right away by signing up for Shark’s emails. You’ll be prompted to put your email in, and will be emailed a unique code for you to use to get 10 percent off your order of a single item. That item doesn’t have to be a vacuum—feel free to snag your own Shark FlexStyle, an air purifier, or even a red light mask.

    Get 15% Off $150+ With the Shark Student Discount

    If you’re a student, you can get one of the best Shark discount codes regularly available: 15 percent off purchases over $150. In order to get it, you’ll need an account on UNiDAYS, then visit the Shark website through the UNiDAYS portal to get the student discount code.

    Give $20, Get a $20 Shark Coupon Code With Referral

    If you’ve already had your first order on Shark’s website, all is not lost. You can refer a friend to get them a $20 discount on orders over $100 on Shark’s website. You’ll score a $20 discount for yourself, too, once that referral code is validated, though you’ll need to spend $200 to use it.

    Shop Responsibly (and Save) With Refurbished Shark Products

    If you’re looking for an eco-conscious option, Shark has a refurbishment program where you can get a certified renewed vacuums, hair dryers, and stylers for a lower cost. It’s a great way to get a discount on Shark’s fantastic gadgets, with up to $100 off a refurbished product. There’s not always a refurbished product ready to buy, but you can sign up to get alerts for certain products, like the Shark FlexStyle system.

    When to Save the Most With a Shark Promo Code

    Wondering if there’s a best time to shop on Shark’s website? While some of the best times of year won’t be until the fall holiday season with Black Friday and Cyber Monday, you can keep an eye out for great sales during summer holidays like Memorial Day and Labor Day. Shark also has an end of season sale usually in July, plus a Shark Anniversary Sale in September.

    More Shark Cleaning Tools We Love

    Shark makes more than just handheld vacuum cleaners: they’ve got robot vacuums, steam cleaners, cordless vacuums, carpet cleaners, and so much more. And there’s several we love, from the Shark PowerDetect (8/10, WIRED Recommends) and the Shark Genius Steam Mop. Shark also makes fantastic hair tools like the Shark FlexStyle (9/10, WIRED Recommends). In the spirit of spring cleaning, there’s no better time to get a brand-new Shark vacuum, especially since you can snag a Shark promo code for 10 percent off and up to $100 off any Shark vacuum. There’s also student discounts and referral codes for more money off if you qualify. Here are all the Shark promo codes you can’t miss.

    [ad_2]

    Nena Farrell

    Source link

  • Aldi’s $15 Vintage-Inspired Seasonal Set Will Make Your Mornings So Much Cozier

    [ad_1]

    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.

    In the winter months, I’m all about squeezing all of the joy possible out of my everyday routine. Some people put all their effort into lights around the outside of their home, while others will add festive little details to every room. But if there’s one part of your house that’s unlikely to take top priority on decorating day, it’s the bathroom. However, there’s no reason your bathroom can’t have a pleasantly seasonal vibe, too. In fact, your bathroom probably feels left out of all the fun. One simple way to give this space some serious holiday charm? This set of seasonal bath accessories from Aldi.

    What Are the Aldi 4-Pack Holiday Bathroom Sets?

    The Aldi Merry Moments 4-Pack Holiday Bathroom Sets are collections of fun, seasonal accessories and decor for your bathroom. Priced at $14.99, there are four different sets to choose from and each set includes a bath mat, two “fingertip towels,” and a themed ceramic dispenser you can use for soap or lotion. 

    One version features garden gnomes in shades of red and green, and another involves playful embroidered peppermints and pine trees. The third option has retro snowglobe patterns and a fluted Christmas tree pump bottle, and the fourth has simple “Merry Christmas” towels and a soap dispenser in the shape of an adorably old-school little red house.

    It’s simple to swap out your usual bath mat and soap pump for these holiday versions, and the colorful vintage-inspired designs on each item are cohesive but still distinct enough to stand on their own. They could really transform your bathroom’s look and feel! (For an extra touch, add a seasonally-appropriate scented candle.)

    How to Build Your Own Bath Set If You Don’t Live Near Aldi

    Aldi has locations scattered throughout the country, but that doesn’t mean everyone has an Aldi within reach. One store most people probably do live nearby? Target. Though the chain doesn’t sell pre-assembled collections of bath accessories, you can find similarly festive versions (often with the same vintage vibes) of most of the items in the Aldi sets. For example, there’s a two-piece set of embroidered candy cane hand towels ($5), a needlepoint-inspired bath mat shaped like a Christmas wreath ($10), and a Santa figurine soap dispenser ($5). Boom: Your very own 4-piece bath set.

    This DIY holiday bath set does end up being a little pricier than the Aldi set, but only by about $5. And unlike with Aldi, you can order all these items online through Target’s website, which ultimately means you can add some seasonal spirit to your bathroom even if you don’t live near an Aldi or a Target.

    [ad_2]

    Cassidy Dawn Graves

    Source link

  • I Put a Kitchen Drawer Organizer on My Wall, and It Was Unexpectedly Perfect

    [ad_1]

    It’s ingenious!
    READ MORE…

    [ad_2]

    Shifrah Combiths

    Source link

  • Our Favorite Compact Soundbar Is $100 Off

    [ad_1]

    If your current TV speakers aren’t impressing you, the easiest way to upgrade your movie night is with a sound bar. Our favorite compact option, where you might have limited space or a smaller room, is the Bose Smart Soundbar. It’s currently marked down to $400 at retailers like Amazon and Best Buy, a discount of at least $100. It’s easy to use, small enough to squeeze into tight spots, and still has all the features you’d expect from a soundbar.

    Photograph: Ryan Waniata

    Despite the tiny footprint, the Bose Smart Soundbar is capable of surprisingly expansive sound, which our reviewer Ryan Waniata calls out in particular, even if you’re just watching sports. Without a dedicated subwoofer, it lacks some punch in the bass department, but is still impressive, with surprising clarity, especially considering how little space it takes up. Because it sports Bluetooth, you can even use it as a dedicated speaker for music, a role it handles quite well.

    The Smart Soundbar comes with a variety of intelligent features designed to enhance your viewing experience. We called out the AI Dialogue mode in particular, and were impressed by its ability to help speech stand out, without distorting the other background audio and music. If you often find yourself rewinding or asking what a character said, this soundbar is worth looking into for this feature on its own.

    It also has another neat trick Bose calls Personal Surround. By pairing the soundbar with a set of the Bose Ultra Open Earbuds, you can incorporate them into your surround setup. The open earbuds still let you hear the soundbar, creating an immersive mix that’s made even more potent by Dolby Atmos support.

    If you have the extra space, you may still want to consider one of our other favorite soundbars, which can take advantage of that room to add a dedicated subwoofer, or more drivers. For anyone just looking to upgrade their living room’s audio setup, the Bose Smart Soundbar is an excellent pick that doesn’t take up any extra space, and still sounds surprisingly good.

    [ad_2]

    Brad Bourque

    Source link

  • The cutest personalised gift ideas

    [ad_1]

    When it comes to finding the best personalised gifts, I like to approach it from every angle. What would my mum love? What would a makeup-obsessed friend want? What would my ex-boyfriend have wanted… besides a break from me? And of course, what do I secretly want? I combine market research with expert insight to create a list that ticks every box.

    With the rest of the Glamour shopping team, I attend product launches and press days to test the latest in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle, hunting down the gifts that are actually worth your money. If a product hasn’t been personally road-tested by me or a Glamour editor, I lean on customer reviews and stick to brands we know and trust.

    When I get my hands on a sample, here’s what I look for:

    • Design — Is it useful, durable and cute enough to actually display?
    • Price point — Would we genuinely spend this much on it?
    • Delivery — How smooth was the shipping, and were there hidden costs?
    • Giftability — Is it something your recipient will not only love, but actually use regularly?

    [ad_2]

    Sophie Cockett, Fleurine Tideman

    Source link

  • ‘That’s $30,000 right there’: Texas man gets prosthetic leg stuck while trying on Ariat cowboy boot at Boot Barn. Then the worker comes over

    [ad_1]

    A trip to Boot Barn turned into an unexpected situation when a man’s prosthetic leg got stuck inside a cowboy boot. 

    But instead of panicking, the store employee grabbed an exacto knife and made a call that probably saved everyone a whole lot of trouble—and money.

    Boot Barn Worker Gets the Exacto Knife

    In a viral video with more than 3.2 million views, amputee @amplife360 captured the moment a Boot Barn employee named Mike saved his leg from an unfortunate destiny.

    In the video Mike is seen using a retractable exacto knife to carefully slice open the back of a brown Ariat cowboy boot. The customer’s prosthetic leg had gotten lodged inside during what was supposed to be a normal try-on session.

    “I just didn’t wanna damage the prosthetic because, man, them things are [expensive],” Mike says as he frees the leg.

    “That’s $30,000 right there,” @amplife360 shared.

    Mike added that he’s rather count a loss on a $100 boot than risk damaging such an important medical aid.

    In the caption, @amplife360 joked about the predicament: “Excuse me sir, we’re gonna have to keep ur leg, Excuse me sir, u gonna have to cut this boot OFF!!!”

    He also thanked Mike for the stellar customer service.

    “Big shoutout to Mike at @Boot-Barn for amputating the boot and not my leg,” he said in the caption.

    Prosthetic Legs Can Cost as Much as a Car

    Mike’s $30,000 estimate wasn’t an exaggeration. According to PrimeCare Prosthetics, prosthetic legs range anywhere from $3,000 to more than $120,000, depending on what kind of tech you’re dealing with. Below-the-knee prosthetics run between $3,000 and $24,000, while above-the-knee models cost $5,000 to $70,000.

    OPC Centers breaks it down further: Advanced prosthetic legs for athletes or highly active people—the ones with microprocessor-controlled joints that adjust on the fly—start at $15,000 and can top $50,000. Even basic models for people who aren’t super active cost $5,000 to $7,000.

    And that’s just the upfront cost. Insurance coverage is all over the place. Some plans cover most of it, others barely cover anything. If you don’t have insurance, you’re paying out of pocket. Plus, prosthetics usually need to be replaced every three to five years, and you’ve got to budget for maintenance, repairs, and physical therapy sessions that run $50 to $400 a pop.

    Finding the Right Shoes Can Be Tricky 

    Shopping for boots when you have a prosthetic leg isn’t as simple as walking into a store and trying stuff on. 

    According to isBrave, getting the right fit is crucial because a boot that’s too tight can put pressure on the residual limb or, you know, trap your prosthetic inside.

    The guide says low or flat-heeled boots work best for prosthetic users because they help with balance and don’t mess with your posture. High heels? Not ideal. You want boots with good cushioning around the ankle and sole, solid traction so you don’t slip, and adjustable closures or zippers that make it easier to get the prosthetic in and out.

    Some brands have caught on to this. Ariat, the same company that made the boot in the video, actually makes prosthetic-friendly boots with full back zippers designed specifically for easier entry. 

    “this is a real employee… cares about the customer and his company,” a top comment read.

    “buy the boot and have a zipper put on!” a person suggested.

    “They should really shout the company out and the dude there cause this is insane level customer service dude is a legend,” another wrote.

    Gee Thanks reached out to @amplife360 for comment via TikTok direct message and comment and to Boot Barn via email.

    @wildandwantedd Come cross border shopping with me! @Boot Barn ♬ Revival – Zach Bryan

    This story was produced by our friends at Gee Thanks.

    Have a tip we should know? [email protected]

    Image of Stacy Fernandez

    Stacy Fernandez

    Stacy Fernández is a freelance writer, project manager, and communications specialist. She’s worked at the Texas Tribune, the Dallas Morning News, and run social for the Education Trust New York.

    [ad_2]

    Stacy Fernandez

    Source link

  • The Best Organic Mattresses—All Certified, All Actually Tested

    [ad_1]

    Organic bedding brand Coyuchi recently launched its own organic mattress, combining cotton, wool, and Dunlop latex atop individually wrapped coils. While Coyuchi’s linen sheets are excellent, I was a little nervous to try the company’s first mattress effort. Bedding is not a mattress, after all, and expertise does not always transfer across endeavors. In this case, though, it did. Coyuchi’s organic Natural REM Mattress is wonderfully firm without being too firm and perfect for those of us who lack a sleeping style and tend to sleep every which way—side, back, stomach. I was never uncomfortable.

    The design starts with encased coils on a wool pad and then, like a Midwestern dip, layers in smaller coils, latex, and then wool, and tops it off with an organic cotton cover. There’s surprisingly good edge support considering the distance between the coils and the top, and the mattress provides good motion isolation as well. Coyuchi says the Natural REM can be used with or without a box spring. I tested it for a few months on a box spring and then spent a week with it just on the floor and did not notice a difference. At 11 inches deep, there’s room for a topper, though I did not feel the need.

    The cotton and wool layers are GOTS-certified organic, while the Dunlop latex carries the GOLS certification. The material is undyed, which is great for anyone bothered by industrial dyes. As with most of these organic options, the Coyuchi is made without chemicals, foam, or glues. Coyuchi’s Natural REM organic mattress is made to order in the United States and comes with a 100-night trial, which means you can get a full refund if it doesn’t work for you. —Scott Gilbertson

    Coyuchi Natural REM ranges from $1,400 for a twin to $2,400 for a California king.
    Mattress type Hybrid
    Materials Organic latex, organic wool, organic cotton, (no dyes)
    Sizes available Twin, full, queen, king, California king
    Firmness options Medium firm
    Certifications GOTS, GOLS, Oeko Tex Standard 100
    Trial period 100 nights
    Return policy Free for 100 days
    Shipping Free
    Delivery options In-home setup for $100
    Warranty 25 year limited

    [ad_2]

    Scott Gilbertson, Julia Forbes

    Source link

  • The Marshall Heston 120 Soundbar Is Big and Beautiful, but Does It Rock?

    [ad_1]

    Under the surface are 11 individually powered speakers, including two five-inch woofers, two midrange drivers, two tweeters, and five “full-range” drivers. The collection includes both side-firing and upfiring drivers to bounce sound off your walls and ceiling for surround sound and 3D audio formats like Dolby Atmos and DTS:X.

    Around back, you’ll find solid connectivity, including HDMI eARC/ARC for seamless connection to modern TVs, an HDMI passthrough port for connecting a streamer or gaming console, Ethernet, RCA analog connection for a legacy device like a turntable, and a traditional subwoofer that lets you side-step Marshall’s available wireless sub. There’s no optical port, but since optical doesn’t support Dolby Atmos or DTS:X spatial audio, that’s kind of a moot point.

    Setup is pretty simple, but the bar’s hefty size adds some complications. At three inches tall, it’s a tough fit beneath many TVs. Conversely, the rubber feet that diffuse its 43-inch long frame from your console offer almost zero clearance at the sides and, unlike bars like Sony’s Bravia Theater 9 or System 6, there’s no way to extend it. That makes it tough to set the bar down properly with all but the thinnest pedestal TV stands, which are becoming common even in cheap TVs. All that to say, there’s a good chance you’ll need to mount your TV to use the Heston.

    Like the Sonos Arc Ultra, there’s no remote, meaning adjusting settings mainly relies on the Marshall app. The app is relatively stable, but it froze up during a firmware update for me, and it usually takes a while to connect when first opened. Those are minor quibbles, and your TV remote should serve as your main control for power and volume.

    Wi-Fi connection unlocks music streaming via Google Cast, AirPlay, Spotify Connect, Tidal Connect, and internet radio stations, with Bluetooth 5.3 as a backup. Automated calibration tunes the sound to your room (complete with fun guitar tones), and in-app controls like a multi-band EQ provide more in-depth options than the physical knobs.

    Premium Touch

    Photograph: Ryan Waniata

    The Heston 120’s sound profile impressed from the first video I switched on, which happened to be an episode of Bob’s Burgers. The bar immediately showcased a sense of clarity, openness, and overall definition that’s uncommon even from major players in the space.

    [ad_2]

    Ryan Waniata

    Source link

  • I Made My Kids Build Robots and Read Books to Test the Best Subscription Boxes for Kids

    [ad_1]

    My kids’ appetite for stickers is endless. I find them constantly, on the mirrors in our house, on their school planners and water bottles, and occasionally stuck to the back of my chair or in the car. Stickers are also an accessible way of supporting independent artists. Maybe you can’t buy a painting or a T-shirt, but a sticker only costs a few dollars and you can display it everywhere.

    For $12 a month, Stickii Club offers three different sticker styles—Cute, Vintage, or Pop—along with a storage sleeve and three stationery items, like a notepad, card, or stamp. The club works with independent artists and illustrators (no AI-generated art yet) to produce sheets of original designs. We tried the Pop subscription. These stickers are marvelous. There’s a huge variety in the sheets sent. Some are vinyl, some are transparent, but all are high quality and intricately detailed. The artist is also noted on each corner so we can look them up ourselves. My kids were delighted and traded them with each other like currency. I am now investing in Stickii folios (from $18) in the hopes that I can keep these just a little bit more organized (and sticking a few on my laptop while I’m at it).

    ★ Alternative: You can’t pick the style of box with a Pipsticks Kids Club sticker pack ($20), but with such a big selection, there are bound to be stickers that your child or children will love. It includes 15 sheets of Pipstickers, collectible stickers, a postcard, an activity book, and more. I have two kids who love stickers, and even we found the classic pack to be a bit much; Pipsticks also has a petite pack option for $14.

    [ad_2]

    Adrienne So

    Source link

  • NordVPN Is Still a Pretty Dang Good VPN

    [ad_1]

    One of my favorite new additions isn’t on the desktop app, though. NordVPN recently introduced scam call protection on Android, with an iOS version planned for the future. I’ve been using it for months, and it has easily flagged more than a hundred spam calls to my phone. It works a treat, even if it’s not one of NordVPN’s big advertised features.

    Almost the Fastest VPN

    NordVPN is fast. It’s not the fastest VPN I’ve tested—that’s Proton VPN—but that’s more of a rounding error than a notable difference in speed. Across five US locations, NordVPN dropped 15.32 percent of my unprotected speed on average. For context, Proton dropped 15.23 percent. Surfshark, which is also owned by Nord Security, dropped 18.84 percent, while Mullvad closed in on 24 percent.

    So, NordVPN is fast, but more importantly, it’s consistent. Across the locations I tested, it never posted a slowdown of more than 20 percent, and in one location (Chicago), it only dropped a meager 6.6 percent of my unprotected speed. Overall, though, that 15 percent drop is a good representation of the speeds you can expect, at least in the US.

    Speed testing with any VPN is tricky. There are a ton of factors that influence speeds beyond the server you’re connecting to. My speed testing—and any VPN speed testing, for that matter—is a snapshot in time. It provides insight into the kind of speeds you can expect on average, not a concrete number you should expect from every server at every time of day. To get the most accurate snapshot possible, I tested across five US locations at three different times of day over the course of a week. Before each test, I ran three passes of my unprotected speed to get an accurate comparison, and I threw out any results with a greater than 10 percent deviation between passes.

    The best way to get around speed hurdles is to change servers, and NordVPN is solid on that front. It has around 7,400 servers, but the exact number is constantly changing. It maintains a database of its servers and locations, complete with details on the features those servers support and whether they’re virtual or physical servers.

    NordVPN lives up to its monumental name. It still has a massive network, fast speeds, and a ton of features, and despite its infamous data breach, it has continued to double down on security measures. The main issue with Nord is the price. You can score a good deal on a two-year discount, but that price jumps up significantly when it comes time to renew. This is why I rank it slightly below Proton VPN, despite the two services going toe-to-toe on features and speeds. Proton Unlimited clocks in at the same monthly price as NordVPN Basic, and it comes with Proton Pass, Proton Mail, and a handful of other apps.

    [ad_2]

    Jacob Roach

    Source link

  • I Ditched Alexa and Upgraded My Smart Home

    [ad_1]

    Until recently, my smart home setup was in chaos. After years of testing, buying, and upgrading to the latest smart home gadgets in an attempt to make my life easier, it became a bloated mess that was actually making it more complicated.

    My Alexa, Google Home, and Apple Home apps were awash with dead devices, duplicates, and automations that simply didn’t work. My Hue Bridge, trying desperately to tie it all together, was creaking at the seams. And the more advanced platforms I hadn’t quite committed to, such as Homey and SmartThings, were fighting each other for bandwidth on an already congested network.

    I was basically employed as full-time tech support in my own house, just to stop the kids moaning that their lights weren’t working … again. It was time for a reset—a chance to embark on a total rethink of what a comprehensive smart home in 2025 should look like. If that sounds daunting, it needn’t be. Here’s how I gave my smart home a much-needed reboot and brought harmony to my house once more.

    Bye Bye, Alexa

    A lot of people reading this probably walked the same path I did, of adding devices to Alexa early on because it was easy, then losing control as the smart home boom outpaced the platform that was meant to keep everything in sync.

    This meant I ended up running a network of prosumer-grade smart home products on an operating system that, let’s face it, was designed to add dishwasher tablets to a shopping list and remind the kids to brush their teeth. It’s not ever really been cut out to manage low-latency state changes across a hundred different devices.

    Alexa has got better for moderate smart home users though, with Amazon adding things like Zigbee radios, Matter controller and Thread Border Router features to the mix in recent years—all of which give it a bit more flexibility. But it is still more of a great digital assistant than dedicated smart home system, and anyone looking to build something serious should look elsewhere.

    I had already started porting some stuff over to HomeKit a while ago and Apple’s ecosystem is actually a vastly superior one to Amazon’s for the smart home—it’s well worth considering if you’re all in on iOS and devices like Apple TV and HomePod, especially with the Thread radio now built into most modern iPhones too.

    [ad_2]

    Paul Lamkin

    Source link

  • ‘Never in a million years would I know that’: San Diego woman buys clams from grocery store for seafood pasta. Then the worker tells her to poke holes in the bag

    [ad_1]

    If you have ‘making seafood pasta’ on your to-do list today, maybe add ‘shellfish manslaughter’ under it. A San Diego woman thought she was just grabbing clams for dinner–only to receive the craziest advice from the grocery store worker.

    Suddenly, she’s standing there, bag of ice, live mollusks, and a whole new understanding of marine biology she never asked for. According to her, it might be “common knowledge,” but she’s pretty sure no one handed her the Clams 101 manual.

    They’re Alive!

    Kels (@kelsiosterbuhr) (and many other viewers) learned something new that day. Her minute-long recounting of her story has already gained 23,000 views. She begins the clip with, “So, fun fact. I didn’t know this, maybe this is common knowledge. I go to the grocery store to buy some seafood to make seafood pasta. And as I am obtaining the clams, he hands me a bag full of ice and clams.”

    Kels explains how knowing herself, she wants to prevent a catastrophic mess in her car with the seafood. So, she ties the bag closed. This is when she receives the weirdest line ever: “If you’re going to tie the bag, make sure to poke a hole  in it so the clams don’t suffocate and die.” Kels then stares at the camera in silence for a few seconds before saying, “So…that blew my mind.” This is where the video ends.

    Do Clams Need to Be Bought Alive?

    If you’re on the same boat as Kels, allow us to fully burst your bubble. Clams are, in fact, sold live and definitely do use oxygen. Sara Moulton shares on her cooking website, “Clams are purchased alive and must be kept alive. If you do purchase them several hours in advance, they should be kept cool and moist on ice or in the refrigerator. Don’t wrap them in anything airtight; they need oxygen to survive.” Alongside this advice, she also shares how to tell if they are alive or dead before cooking. 

    For those scared and trying to avoid killing any animals, unfortunately, clams should always be bought alive. Yahoo posted in February 2025: “Dead clams start to decompose quickly, making them susceptible to bacterial growth that can lead to food poisoning and no one wants that.” Therefore, all clams should be purchased alive, should have oxygen prior to cooking, and must be cooked until they’re dead to be safely consumed. 

    @kelsiosterbuhr #funfact #fyp #clams ♬ original sound – kels

    The Viewers Argue

    Interestingly enough, Kels’s viewers have two opposing views. One, that this should be common knowledge, or two, the wrong assumption that clams don’t need oxygen…duh!

    One viewer says, “This can’t be real? Clams live in water they don’t breathe air.” Another says, “Don’t they breathe water?”

    Lastly, a viewer says, “Do people put a hole in a gold fish bag? I would think it would be fine for the short ride home.”

    On the other hand, people are bewildered at the ignorance of others. One viewer says, “They are living things. There is literally no hope for the world.” 

    While another writes, “Did you think you were buying dead sea food? They’re bivalves. You don’t buy dead oyster’s and you don’t buy dead lobsters and don’t buy dead crabs. Clams are the same.”

    Finally, one viewer says, “Me coming to the comments assuming this is common knowledge, but alas…..”

    The Mary Sue reached out to the creator via email.

    Have a tip we should know? [email protected]

    Image of Gisselle Hernandez

    Gisselle Hernandez

    Gisselle Hernandez-Gomez is a contributing reporter to the Mary Sue. Her work has appeared in the Daily Dot, Business Insider, Fodor’s Travel and more. You can follow her on X at @GisselleHern. You can email her at [email protected].

    [ad_2]

    Gisselle Hernandez

    Source link

  • ‘Home run’: Tennessee Woman orders Too Good to Go seafood bags from Whole Foods. Then she sees what she gets for $9.99

    [ad_1]

    When opening a bag from Too Good To Go, you never know what to expect. It’s a roll of the dice to score something you like. This is why the odds proved to be in a Tennessee woman’s favor after she snagged $30 worth of Whole Foods seafood for $9.99 through Too Good To Go.

    What is Too Good To Go?

    According to the website, the social impact company focuses on reducing food waste. Through the app, customers can connect with local businesses that have unsold meals about to be tossed or nearing their expiration date. Because of this, the food items packed in a Surprise Bag are discounted. Since 2016, the company has prevented more than 1.1M tons of CO2e from entering the atmosphere. This is a total of 400 million meals that would have been wasted. All in all, it’s a win-win for customers, businesses, and the planet.

    What is in the bag?

    Popular TikToker Ellie (@jungbtseok) typically unboxes her Too Good To Go goodies from Whole Foods for over 13,000 followers. While leaning over her kitchen counter, she drags a large folded paper bag in front of her.

    “I got a Too Good To Go seafood bag from Whole Foods. Smells fishy. I love fish,” she says. “Let’s see what we got. I think it was $9.99.”

    Next, she tears open the bag and pulls out a small container of Wild Smoked Salmon Salad. “Smoked salmon is my favorite,” she gasps. Immediately, the content creator is off to a good start.

    Then, Ellie looks away, rummaging through the bag, “Oh, my god. If this is a thing of smoked salmon.” When she takes out the two items, her eyes widen and her jaw drops, her intuition proving her correct. “I got two!” she says, revealing the two packaged smoked salmon: one $11.99 Whole Foods brand Cold-Smoked Salmon Gravlax Style with Open Fire Oak and the other $7.99 Acme Alaskan Wild Smoked Salmon. Normally, this would be a $30.97 purchase, which would make it a $20 discount. Needless to say, she is happy with her items. 

    “I’m a salmon fiend. So I am very excited to by this,” the content creator says. “$10 for two things of smoked salmon and a smoked salmon salad? I don’t think you can get much better than that.”

    What did viewers say?

    The clip has racked up over 203,000 views. Many were happy on Ellie’s behalf for snagging one of her favorite foods.

    “Fantastic bag for somebody who loves salmon! So happy that you got it and will enjoy it,” one viewer commented.

    “That matched what you like!” another applauded.

    “Home run,” a third stated.

    Meanwhile, some didn’t have the same luck with their Too Good To Go bag from Whole Foods.

    “I got 4 containers of sturgeon pate. I was so disappointed,” one commenter remarked.

    “Got a meat bag yesterday, it was disappointing. 1 marinated chicken thigh and 1 beef skirt steak,” another shared.

    How to use the Too Good To Go app

    All you need is a cellphone and internet access. Too Good To Go lists instructions on how to get started:

    • Download the app
    • Browse surprise bags from local businesses
    • Reserve and pay for the bag
    • Head to the business during the allotted time
    • Once inside, swipe the receipt
    • Collect the bag 
    • To cancel an order, do so a mimium of 2 hours of placing it
    @jungbtseok PLS READ CAPTION! ? HOW TO DO THIS: Download the Too good to go app to see what options are available in your area. The concept of Too good to go is to reduce food waste so most of the items will be at their sell by date and potentially after. If this bothers you please do not use this app. If you click the store that you’re wanting to get a bag from and they are not available it should tell you the time to check back for when they upload the next bags. If you look at your map and there’s nothing there, make sure to filter for sold out to show the bags that are not currently available. As they mention in the descriptions on the app, variety is not guaranteed. What they put in the bag is what they have left over that night so there is a chance that you will get multiples of stuff. If you are a picky eater, this is not for you. Whole Foods specifically values their bags at the original price. Don’t get one and expect to get fresh food and a wide variety. You can only pick up in the time that it is listed for pick up if you come before or after you cannot get the bag. Make sure to pay attention to ratings if there’s anything under a 4.5 or even a 4 star maybe don’t go to that one especially if you’re prone to complaining. Moral of the story don’t be upset if you don’t get exactly what you want and it’s stuff you don’t like. If you’re that picky just go to a restaurant. ALL IN THE NAME OF REDUCING FOOD WASTE ? #toogoodtogo #toogoodtogobag #toogoodtogohaul #tgtg #wholefoods ♬ Club Penguin Pizza Parlor – Cozy Penguin

    The Mary Sue reached out to Ellie via TikTok comment and direct message and Whole Foods via press email.

    Have a tip we should know? [email protected]

    Image of Melody Heald

    Melody Heald

    Melody Heald is a culture writer. Her work can be found in Glitter Magazine, BUST Magazine, The Daily Dot, and more. You can email her at: [email protected]

    [ad_2]

    Melody Heald

    Source link

  • I Tested 30+ Lip Balms and These Are the Top 5 I Swear By

    [ad_1]

    Compare Top 5 Lip Balms

    Honorable Mentions

    Photograph: Boutayna Chokrane

    Eos 24H Moisture Super Balm for $6: I’ve been a fan of Eos’s egg-shaped balms since middle school. The 24H Moisture Super Balm feels like the grown-up version. There are some solid ingredients like shea butter, avocado oil, and castor seed oil. It’s also free of parabens, phthalates, silicones, and synthetic dyes. It’s glossy, cushiony, and comes in delicious scents like Coconut Milk, Mango Melonade, and Watermelon Frosé. The one catch is that it’s not fragrance-free, so those with sensitive lips may not love it. The texture is also sticky, meaning your hair will find its way onto your mouth on a breezy day. And despite the 24-hour moisture claim, expect to reapply every hour or two.

    Burt’s Bees Beeswax Lip Balm for $4: If you’re ingredient-conscious, Burt’s Bees has probably been in your tote at some point. The original formula blends beeswax, coconut oil, sunflower seed oil, and peppermint oil. There’s no petroleum or parabens, and you can find it just about everywhere. That said, the beeswax forms a solid barrier but is not the most hydrating, especially during the dead of winter. The balm coats but doesn’t penetrate, which means it won’t do much for lips that are already cracked. The peppermint oil can also be a little too spicy for sensitive lips. Still, if you’re in a pinch and standing in front of the CVS self-checkout, it’s a smarter purchase than Blistex (more on that later).

    Glossier Balm Dotcom for $16: The Glossier Balm Dotcom walked so the Laneige Lip Sleeping Mask could run. It’s a multipurpose salve that blends lanolin, castor oil, and beeswax for ultimate moisture retention. Plus, it comes in a handful of sheer tints that play well with no-makeup makeup days. But the thick, waxy texture can feel a bit clumpy, especially if you’re layering over flaky lips.

    5 Best Lip Balms to Try in 2025 All Tested in Tough Conditions

    Photograph: Boutayna Chokrane

    Goop Beauty Nourishing Lip Repair Mask for $30: This buttery lip mask from Goop is loaded with ceramides to help restore your lip barrier, along with fig seed oil and acai fruit that smells just as tropical as it sounds. While it’s free from silicones, parabens, and synthetic fragrances, those botanical oils and fruit extracts can still trigger a reaction. Patch test first. Also, at $30 for just 0.3 fluid ounces, it’s not the most cost-effective balm on my list.

    Omorovicza Budapest Perfecting Lip Balm for $46: Omorovicza’s Perfecting Lip Balm’s texture leans gritty, almost like a lip polish or a micro-exfoliator. There are some goodies in here, like hyaluronic acid and omega fatty acids. But, there are also some unnecessary (potentially irritating) extras—eucalyptus oil, perfume, and benzyl alcohol.

    Avoid These Lip Balms

    Nivea Dewy Lip Care with Hyaluronic Acid: Nivea’s Dewy Lip Care with Hyaluronic Acid is packed with emollients, humectants, and antioxidants—like shea butter, glycerin, and vitamin E (to name a few)—that sound promising. Unfortunately, there are also a couple of unnecessary additives, particularly geranoil fragrance and “flavor,” which could include any mix of synthetic or natural compounds. Nivea’s tinted balms aren’t much better; they leave a greasy film and rely on synthetic pigments for shimmer and color. There are many better balms available that provide lasting hydration without the excessive shine.

    Blistex Lip Medex: It gives you that instant tingle thanks to menthol and camphor, plus a cocktail of synthetic flavors and fragrances, but that sting is a red flag. A general note: “Medicated” lip balms often do more harm than good.

    Carmex Classic Lip Balm: For similar reasons to Blistex, skip Carmex. It contains camphor and benzocaine, which are ingredients that can irritate the skin and make cracked lips worse over time.

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What Causes Chapped Lips?

    There are a lot of triggers, and here are some of the most common causes of chapped lips:

    • Cold weather and dry air: Both cold and dry air zap moisture from your skin and stiffen keratin, which is the protein that keeps your lips moisturized.
    • Lip licking: The more you lick, the drier they get. Licking your lips breaks down your lip’s natural barrier, leading to irritation and even hyperpigmentation.
    • Allergic reactions: Some lip balms contain ingredients that trigger allergic reactions, making dryness and peeling worse. Usual suspects include castor oil, fragrance, dyes, and preservatives.
    • Sun exposure: Your lips are thinner and have less pigment than the rest of your skin, which means less protection from UV rays. Unprotected exposure can lead to painful dryness or precancerous spots called actinic cheilitis.
    • Tobacco smoke: If you smoke, your lips are at a higher risk for a condition called glandular cheilitis, which causes swelling, rough texture, and cracks. It can also raise your risk for infections and lip cancer.
    • Medications: Certain meds come with dry mouth as a side effect, including but not limited to retinoids, antihistamines, antidepressants, and benzodiazepines.
    • Underlying conditions: Autoimmune conditions like lupus, eczema, or lichen planus can all show up on your lips first. If your symptoms don’t budge after trying the usual suspects, talk to your dermatologist.

    What Ingredients Should You Look for (and Avoid) In Lip Balms?

    Here’s what to look for on the label:

    • Emollients: These are moisturizing ingredients that help repair and smooth flaky, chapped lips. Some common ones include:
      1. Castor oil: Thick, nourishing, and packed with ricinoleic acid that helps smooth rough texture. It is ever so slightly comedogenic, meaning it can clog pores. 
      2. Cocoa butter or shea butter: These rich butters toe the line between emollient and occlusive. They hydrate and help rebuild the lip’s natural barrier without clogging pores. 
      3. Coconut oil: Naturally anti-inflammatory, but if you’re acne-prone, it can be too much for the skin around your lips.
      4. Jojoba oil: Mimics the skin’s natural sebum. Super lightweight, nongreasy, and unlikely to clog pores.
    • Occlusives: These ingredients form a protective barrier to seal in moisture and block out environmental aggressors. Look for petroleum jelly (aka petrolatum), a tried-and-true moisture sealant, or beeswax for a natural alternative.
    • Humectants: These ingredients attract water to keep lips plump and hydrated; they work best when paired with emollients and occlusives to trap moisture. The standout is hyaluronic acid, which hydrates without leaving a greasy residue, but you’ll also benefit from glycerin, aloe vera, or honey.
    • Antioxidants: Ingredients like vitamin E, vitamin C, niacinamide, and polyphenols help defend against free radicals and aid in repairing damaged skin cells over time.
    • SPF protection: Lips are especially vulnerable to sun damage, so opt for mineral sunscreens utilizing zinc oxide or titanium dioxide. They’re effective, gentle enough for sensitive skin, and don’t leave a white cast.

    Here’s what to avoid:

    • Synthetic fragrances and flavors: Yummy scents, including but not limited to peppermint, cinnamon, and citrus, can irritate your lips, especially if you have sensitive skin.
    • Menthol, camphor, and other cooling agents: These make dryness worse over time.

    When to See a Dermatologist

    According to the American Academy of Dermatology, if your lips are still chapped after two to three weeks of consistent balm use, you should consult your dermatologist. A professional can help you figure out if there’s something more serious going on—like an allergic reaction or fungal infection—and treat it before it exacerbates.

    My lip balm obsession started sometime around 2006 with a Fanta Lip Smacker, but for this story, I got more methodical. Over the past eight months, I put 30 balms to the test across a variety of climates and conditions: dry Chicago winters, Florida heat, airplane air, etc. I judged each against a checklist of factors:

    • Ingredients: I scanned every balm for moisturizing ingredients and flagged substances that can irritate lips instead of helping them, like synthetic fragrances, menthol, and camphor. I also prioritized clean or vegan picks when possible.
    • Texture: I evaluated how each formula went on, how it wore throughout the day, and how buildable it was under lipstick and other lip products. Anything too waxy, too greasy, or that disappeared in five minutes got a hard pass.
    • Packaging and application: I tested squeeze tubes, tins, and twist-up sticks. I rated each on portability, hygiene, and overall user-friendliness.
    • Range: This guide includes drugstore staples and luxury lip treatments, tinted and high-shine options, and SPF picks.

    Power up with unlimited access to WIRED. Get best-in-class reporting and exclusive subscriber content that’s too important to ignore. Subscribe Today.

    [ad_2]

    Boutayna Chokrane

    Source link