Stock your kitchen with these top-rated cutting boards.
Much like a great chef’s knife or a dependable skillet, a great cutting board can seriously up your home cooking game. Whether you’re cutting veggies, chopping herbs, or slicing steak, the best cutting boards provide a large area on which you can work, as well as protection for the knives you’re using.
But here’s the ultimate question: What type of cutting board should you use? The best cutting board for your kitchen will depend on what types of foods you cook and your favorite knives. Indeed, you might actually need more than one type of cutting board. From flexible plastic boards you can stash in a drawer to sturdy wooden boards with juice grooves, there are more than enough models on the market to find precisely what you need.
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San Jamar Saf-T-Grip Cutting Board
$25
San Jamar cutting boards are a staple of professional kitchens – and their Saf-T-Grip board is no exception. It may not be the prettiest of the bunch, but this well-priced workhouse board will serve you well in a variety of kitchen tasks.
Made of durable co-polymer plastic, this dishwasher-safe board features sturdy non-slip feet that hold it securely in place during cutting.
During testing, Rachel plowed through tasks like dicing cucumbers, chopping fresh herbs, and slicing steak with ease. The hard surface of the board was gentle on her knife – and she especially loved the built-in ruler notches along the side, a unique feature that makes portioning ingredients a breeze.
This cutting board is available in five different sizes and seven different colors. While we preferred the 18″ x 12″ size, it may be too large to fit in a standard dishwasher. Lastly, a built-in hook on the board allows for easy storage – simply hang it on a wire shelf or a wall-mounted hanger in your kitchen.
Amazon’s best-rated cutting board proves you don’t have to spend a lot of money to get a really great cutting board – or in this case, set of cutting boards. The Gorilla Group Oversized Cutting Boards boast more than 22,000 perfect ratings and cost less than $40, or about $13 a board.
Reviewers love that these boards all have juice grooves and no-slip rubber handles that help you move the cutting boards around the kitchen safely and also secure it in place while you chop and slice. The largest board is a generous 16″ x 11.2″; the smallest 11.8″ x 8″. And if that kind of variety wasn’t enough, these cutting boards are also available in 24 colors or color combinations.
Totally Bamboo’s Kona Groove Cutting Board looks and feels luxurious without the hefty price tag. Rachel gave this board top marks in every category, and she especially liked its smooth surface that was gentle on knives.
Made from sustainable, eco-friendly bamboo, this surprisingly lightweight board is the perfect size (18″ x 12″). The reversible grooved and flat sides on this board make it practical for everyday or special occasion use.
Like the Boos’ wooden board, Totally Bamboo’s board requires regular seasoning. (Try their Revitalizing Oil.) It’s also not dishwasher-safe and should be hand-washed and rinsed with warm water and soap. (Learn more at TotallyBamboo.com.) Totally Bamboo’s board isn’t as durable as the Boos board, but it looks just as beautiful and offers great value.
When we dig out our fall wardrobes every year, we’re always pleasantly reminded of our love for the best teddy coats.
the past few seasons, it was I.Am.Gia’s Pixie jacket (or a version of it) that dominated the internet—and our closet space. (For the uninitiated, it’s a caramel confection with giant front pockets and an oversized fit roomy enough for layering, but not bulky like an actual winter coat.) Much like the Amazon Coat, I.Am.Gia’s beloved style has sold out many times over the years, and retailers at every price point have caught on to the appeal of dressing oneself in a giant sherpa blanket.
For starters, the style plays well with pretty much anything in your fall wardrobe (think sweatpants, leggings, high-rise denim), and the material…well, let’s just say the soft faux fur feels as if you’re being hugged by a luxe teddy bear. Brands like Apparis, Mango, and Stand Studio now have their own teddy jacket iterations—so we corralled them into this warm-and-fuzzy gallery to help you find your next furry companion.
Whether you want an oversized half-zip, shearling bomber, or teddy coat in a color that’s not exactly subtle (bubblegum pink, anyone?), you’phre guaranteed to find something worthy of swaddling yourself in. Shop the 23 best teddy coats—ahem, cocoons—ahead.
Madewell (Re)sourced Sherpa-Lined Corduroy Coats
$168
Corduroy and sherpa-lined? We can hear the sound of crunching leaves already.
Out with the old, in with the new. As we prepare for what’s bound to be a summer of iconic style, we’re stocking up on the best underwear for women—because we’re firm believers in the transformative power of high-quality undergarments.
Nothing says “I have my shit together” like a pristine top drawer of perfectly folded skivvies—and whether you shed your 24/7 athleisure months ago or are holding onto a low-key aesthetic, a fresh haul of stylish undies is the move. After all, a spruced-up intimates collection is an integral part of any top-notch wardrobe, and it doesn’t matter if you’re dressed to the nines or staying breezy and just trying to beat the heat.
From buttery-soft briefs to cotton bikini cuts and frilly thongs, there are ample underwear styles to choose from, each one a perfect fit for whatever’s on your agenda—thirst traps and catnaps alike. And the list ahead includes popular panties from essential brands plus new ones to have on your radar. With classic silhouettes from Calvin Klein as well as show-stopping lingerie from Savage x Fenty, there’s something for every occasion (including your time of the month or if you’re supporting a bump). So clear out some space in your dresser, and shop the 25 best underwear for women in 2021.
ThirdLove Comfort Stretch Thong
$15
If you’re convinced thongs are uncomfortable, this seamless stretch style will prove you wrong. It clings to the body like a second skin (no visible panty lines here!) and comes in a realistic range of nude hues, from light peach to mahogany (plus other chic neutrals like green and mauve).
If you’re convinced thongs are uncomfortable, this seamless stretch style will prove you wrong. It clings to the body like a second skin (no visible panty lines here!) and comes in a realistic range of nude hues, from light peach to mahogany (plus other chic neutrals like green and mauve).
If you’re convinced thongs are uncomfortable, this seamless stretch style will prove you wrong. It clings to the body like a second skin (no visible panty lines here!) and comes in a realistic range of nude hues, from light peach to mahogany (plus other chic neutrals like green and mauve).
The bra might just be the most particular item of clothing. It has to fit perfectly and disappear underneath clothes while not cutting into your chest from any angle.
It has to lift and support while making you feel sexy and natural. Plus, no two pairs of boobs are alike, which is why shopping for bras often just gets confusing and frustrating. To simplify the process, we solicited opinions on the best bras from experts — including professional bra fitters — as well as from real people who’ve found styles they love. Then we combed our archives for any other truly beloved bras we’ve written about before.
The 35 styles below include bras for every type of boob and occasion; to help you find what you’re looking for, we’ve grouped the bras into categories — from best overall bras, to best T-shirt bras, to best lacy bras, to best strapless bras, to best wireless bras, to best sports bras — and, in each section, noted if any came recommended for a particular chest size. (To jump to a specific category, just click any of the links in the previous sentence.)
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Pepper All You Bra
$50
“If you’re in that A- to B-cup area, a good idea is to look at brands that specifically work with those sizes in mind,” says lingerie expert Cora Harrington, a Strategist contributor and the author of In Intimate Detail: How to Choose, Wear, and Love Lingerie. She told us that Pepper, a newer underwear brand, does just that by designing bras for breasts in the AA-, A-, and B-cup range. Elisabeth Dale, the author of The Breast Life Guide to The Bra Zone: How to Find Your Ideal Size, Style, and Support, also says Pepper makes some of the best bras you can buy for smaller sizes, all of which have “pretty details to them,” she adds. The All You underwire bra is one of the brand’s best sellers; as we noted in our list of the best bras for small breasts, its cups are “shallower in depth to eliminate annoying bra gaps,” according to the brand.
When you’re wearing a thin or form-fitting T-shirt, you’ll want a bra without any seams or bumps that might show through your top. Social-media influencer Tyla-Lauren Gilmore wears T-shirt bras every day. “I can wear them with anything because they’re super comfortable,” she told us, naming this ThirdLove bra as a cornerstone of her lineup. It’s also a favorite of Strategist senior writer Liza Corsillo and Strategist writer Lauren Ro. “I wanted something that would kind of disappear when I am wearing it,” says Corsillo. “I didn’t want to feel it during the day and I didn’t want people to be able to see the texture or outline of it under a T-shirt.” The Classic T-Shirt Bra, she says, meets all her criteria. “I don’t feel it during the day and it makes my boobs look equal and perky without overly drawing attention to them.”
With a wider band and fuller cups, this strapless bra accommodates up to a DDD cup size and would be a good step up from the Maidenform if you want more support. Stephens calls it “the first and only comfortable strapless I’ve found.”
Sure, it’s about the food! But Thanksgiving also means showing everyone you love just how grateful you are for having them in your life. Maybe someone you know had an especially tough year (and haven’t we all?), and you want to cheer them up.
Or maybe it’s time to say thanks to all the unsung heroes in your life, from your kid’s teacher to the mail carrier. If you’re a guest at someone’s house this time of year, don’t forget to bring along a little something for your host or hostess to show how much you appreciate their hard work to pull together the Thanksgiving menu (C’mon! You know your grandma wouldn’t want you to show up empty-handed!). These gifts, big and small, make lovely acknowledgements of each person’s special place in your world. Add a handwritten card with one of our favorite Thanksgiving quotes or Thanksgiving Bible verses for the perfect finishing touch. Whether it’s something for the amazing home cook, the wine lover, the baker, and more, we have something special to give to anyone you want to say “thank you” to this time of year.
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Bamboo Lotus Serving Board
$48.00
This unique hostess gift is great for all of your entertaining friends.
Sure, you can scroll through TikTok and find the latest dance craze or mouth-watering recipe, but you can also come across the hottest beauty and fashion trends.
Fashion and beauty expert Makho Ndlovu stopped by the 3rd hour of TODAY to show give us the scoop on what exactly is trending on TikTok right now, along with all of the ways to get in on the hype before these hot finds are gone — some of these viral picks have already surpassed one million views.
Though Gen Z seems to dictate some of the trends on the app (like the revival of the mom jean), don’t be fooled — anyone can pull them off. From snakeskin booties to a beauty tool that can combat dry skin, Ndlovu found everything you’ll actually want before fall arrives.
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Steve Madden Women’s Nix Fashion Boot
$119.95
These booties have over 447,000 views on TikTok and are a must-have for any fall wardrobe. Since they come in a range of sizes and prints, it’s easy to find a pair that suits your style. From jeans to dresses, you can wear these chic shoes with anything, all season long.
This sweater went viral after it was spotted on one TikTok user’s page, in a video with more than 54,000 likes. It comes in a bunch of fun colors and is easy to style with jeans or leggings and boots.
Do we even need to tell you that these leggings are everywhere? People are loving these “magical” leggings for their butt-lifting effect, and it seems that over 46,000 five-star reviewers agree.
Practicality beats Pinterest vibes when it comes to baby necessities.
Years before my pregnancy test went from minus to plus, I was nesting for my baby. Like most first-time moms, I had pinned several crafty and whimsical versions of a nursery for my future son or daughter. I envisioned a custom bassinet shaped like the moon, handmade out of old rustic wooden pallets. On my Amazon wishlist, I had saved cute little pacifiers that looked like mustaches, which happened to pair perfectly with the derby hat I found on Etsy. Thanks to Instagram, I favorited numerous formal ensembles, complete with matching patent leather shoes, all suited for every major holiday.
When the time finally came to grab the Target scan gun and begin building my epic baby registry, I had a bit of a reality check — thanks to my best friend and veteran mom Hillary — and had to start from scratch. She handed me a copy of the book “Baby Bargains” and tossed me every solid colored cotton onesie known to man and baby bottles that help with reducing gas and acid reflux, and we definitely weren’t leaving without registering for every diaper in every size. Hillary let me keep the rattle that looked like a coffee cup, but beyond that, my registry had been shaped up with some sense.
As I figured out pretty quickly, while my Pinterest picks were perfectly precious, they were insanely impractical. Now that I have been a mom for two years now, experience has proven to me that frills are fussy and practical is key. Outfits with suspenders and bow ties are super fun, but hand-washing is for the birds. (Speaking of things that are machine-washable, that lavender baby detergent may smell heavenly, but you are going to be in rash hell if you clean your baby’s clothes in it.)
If you’re struggling with what to put on your baby registry, help is on the way! Here are some great ideas to get your registry going while your baby is growing.
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HALO Sleepsack
$29.99
As instructors will tell you in every parenting class, tiny babies don’t use blankets. New babies can be swaddled or put to bed in a sleepsack. This soft and cuddly version will keep your baby warm and cozy, and the swaddle feature will help them stay asleep as they work through their startle reflex phase.
Maybe giraffes adorn your child’s nursery or maybe cats are your jam. Either way, WubbaNub has a ton of cute pacifiers perfect for any baby. The cute little animal attached to the paci allows for easy positioning and significantly decreases the chances of losing it under the crib in the middle of the night.
Maybe giraffes adorn your child’s nursery or maybe cats are your jam. Either way, WubbaNub has a ton of cute pacifiers perfect for any baby. The cute little animal attached to the paci allows for easy positioning and significantly decreases the chances of losing it under the crib in the middle of the night.
The right pacifier can soothe a fussy baby, but there are a lot to choose from.
Pacifiers can be total lifesavers, but it’s hard to know which one your baby will prefer. And let’s be honest, the best pacifier is the one your baby will take, right? Which means you’ll probably have to try a few to find the type your little one loves. So where to start? As you start shopping for pacifiers, here are some questions you may find yourself asking:
What is an Orthodontic Pacifier?
A buzzword you’ll frequently see on pacifier packaging is “orthodontic.” It means that both your baby’s top and bottom jaw are in the correct position when the pacifier is in their mouth, so it doesn’t interfere with jaw growth and development. As your baby grows, you’ll need to make sure the pacifiers do, too—a bigger paci is usually needed at three months and six months (you’ll see the age specifications on the packaging).
Are Silicone or Latex Pacifiers Better?
Silicone is firmer than natural latex, so silicone pacifiers are sturdy and long lasting, and they won’t break down as quickly as latex pacis. But since silicone is a synthetic material and sometimes undergoes chemical treatments, some parents prefer a more natural material like latex rubber (made from the sap of rubber trees). Latex pacifiers are eco friendly since they come from a sustainable source, and they’re softer than silicone ones, but latex also breaks down faster than silicone. Keep in mind that a latex allergy, although rare, is a possibility, so if you think your baby might be allergic to latex, you’ll need to stick with silicone pacifiers.
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Loui Classic Pacifier
$12.50
Opening a Loui pacifier feels like a little gift in itself. Packaged in a beautiful matte gray box with a clear peekaboo window, this beautifully minimalist pacifier is about as cool as it comes. And the better news? Your little one will likely agree. Loui’s classic paci is made from medical grade silicone and is lightweight and super soft. It’s easy to grip and features a natural-shaped nipple. There’s even a scalloped design if you’re looking for a little extra style.
Part pacifier, part snuggly stuffed animal, WubbaNubs are pure genius. It’s a pacifier your baby can easily grab a hold of and hang onto. With a stuffy attached to the pacifier to help weigh it down, the WubbaNub miraculously stays in your baby’s mouth for longer than half a second, which makes it an easy choice for parents. Plus, they’re easy to spot in the diaper bag. The pacifier is a Philips Avent Soothie, so this is a good choice for babies already familiar with the Soothie’s shape. The downside: the animal doesn’t detach, so it can be difficult to get thoroughly clean. If you prefer to take the animal off, check out the Soothie Snuggle (which also uses the Soothie pacifier) and the Dr. Brown’s Lovey.
Tired of searching through your little one’s crib in the dark for their lost pacifier, afraid to turn on any lights in fear of waking them up? Here’s a pacifier that’s easy to spot no matter how limited the light is…because it glows in the dark! As long as the plastic design on the outside of the shield gets enough exposure to brightness when the lights are on, it’ll create a gentle glow when the lights go out. The downside: this pacifier is constructed from multiple pieces (as opposed to single-piece construction), so it’s harder to keep clean. Plan on replacing these more often.
Dealing with the death of a friend or family member is one of the hardest things to deal with in life. Being there for someone and surrounding them with love is one way to help heal.
If you’re not able to be with them physically, you can show them that they have your support during this time of need by sending them a bereavement gift.
The best sympathy gifts can be the ones that just show them that you are thinking of them at this time. From a sympathy gift basket to condolence flowers, we rounded up a few options to show them you care.
HERE ARE SOME IDEAS OF SYMPATHY GIFTS
Hand-Drawn Charcoal Portrait for Loved Ones
$31.49
Sometimes the best thing you can send someone who is grieving is a meal. If you aren’t sure of what they like, you can send them an e-gift card with a custom amount so they can order a meal, desserts or a meal kit at their leisure.
Many people choose to spend some time alone after losing someone close to them. If that’s the case for your friend or loved one, send them this “31 Days of Kind Notes” gift to show them that you’re there for them even if it’s from afar. The keepsake jar includes notes with encouraging messages like “I hope you find some peace today” and “Hang in there; take one day at a time.”
This custom handwriting memorial pendant gives your recipient a memory close to their heart no matter where life takes them. This gold piece can be engraved on one or both sides with up to 20 letters.
A portable washing machine might be a better option for those who don’t want to take a trip to a laundromat — or have no space for the full-sized model.
More time at home might mean more housework — including dirty dishes from lunch breaks and face masks that need to be washed after wearing, not to mention everyday laundry. While dressing down has become popular during the pandemic, your laundry could be accumulating alongside your workload, to-do lists and other household chores. If you’re in a smaller space where a standard washing machine won’t fit, going to the laundromat could be a hassle with a full hamper. A portable washing machine could be an option to avoid carrying weeks’ worth of laundry to and from a laundromat.
“Most operate like your normal full-sized washing machine, but are suited for those on the move or anyone who lives in a smaller space,” explained Jay Ahmed, the laundry merchant at The Home Depot. “It’s different from a standard washing machine in that the portable appliance can be stored away when not in use.”
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hOmeLabs Portable Washing Machine
$266.99
Featuring a stainless steel tub, this machine can handle up to 6 pounds of clothes at once. The washer also includes two roller wheels in the back, adjustable legs and carry handles. On the LED display, you have the option of five programs — ranging from heavy to soak — three water levels and a lint filter as well. Plus, the machine has a quiet spin function. It has earned an average 4.5-star rating over more than 500 reviews.
A bestseller on Amazon, this 2-in-1 washing machine includes separate washer and spinner tubs. The wash tub can hold up to 8 pounds and the spinner can handle up to 5 pounds. You can wash and spin at the same time — a washing cycle can last up to 15 minutes and a spinning cycle can run for 5 minutes or less. This machine has three washing modes — standard, drain and soft — and this dial is in the middle of the washer and spinner timers. The washing machine has earned an average 4.2-star rating over close to 5,500 reviews.
This washing machine includes two tubs — one for washing and the other for spinning, which wrings out excess water left in clothes. You can run the two simultaneously. The washer can handle 18 pounds’ worth of laundry and the spinner 8 pounds. You’ll find two separate timers for each. In the middle of the two timers, there’s a wash selector dial that features gentle, normal and drain functions. This washer boasts a 4.3-star rating over more than 7,000 reviews.