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The Singer 4423 Heavy Duty Sewing Machine sounds quite impressive on paper. It has a heavy-duty metal frame, a powerful motor, an automatic needle threader, and it can clock 1,100 stitches per minute set to its fastest speed. Of course, it’s impossible to know a product’s pitfalls without testing it in person, so we picked up a Singer 4423 to see just how well it performed. We punched through thick materials like upholstery, denim, and leather, sewed basic buttonholes, and even tried out the decorative built-in stitches while we were at it....

Light Snake plants prefer indirect but steady light with some direct sun. They can adapt to full sun conditions and will also survive dimly lit situations. Soil Snake plants prefer a loose, well-drained potting mix. This plant will do well in sandier soils. Use a potting media low in peat content. Peat works well in many situations, but it can become tightly packed and sometimes has problems rehydrating or draining. An all-purpose cactus potting soil is a good choice....

Even fans who already own and use the Adventure Quencher will want to get their hands on this new version, since many of the Quencher tumbler’s features received improvements in this go around, including the type of stainless steel used. The three-position lid now features a splash-resistant straw and full cover closure—a request that was expressed by many users on TikTok, who wished the 40-ounce tumbler was spill proof. “Our ‘Built For Life’ product creation philosophy lives at the intersection of integrity, performance and culture,” says Graham Nearn, Vice President of Product Creation and Design at Stanley brand, in a press release....

There’s a heater for any size garage, budget, and necessity, says Deane Biermeier, home repair expert and member of The Spruce Home Improvement Review Board. But, he cautions: “Consider the type of work you’re planning to perform in your garage. Ensure that the heater is safe for use around sawdust or other flammables, if necessary." When researching the best garage heaters, we evaluated products based on their heating type, safety features, noise level, and heat output....

Katie Berry, The Spruce’s Cleaning Review Board member, notes that you should consider the types of counters you have when adding a dish rack to your cart. “If you have butcher block counters, it’s especially important that you choose a waterproof drying tray,” she advises—so you don’t harm the stylish surface. Our top pick, the OXO Aluminum Fold Flat Dish Rack, is sturdy and well designed, and it folds up flat for easy storage....

Our top choice is ECOS Hypoallergenic Dish Soap with Natural Grapefruit because it’s a strong cleaning product free of harmful ingredients. It’s also EPA-certified and affordable. Here are the best dish soaps you can buy. Cut through grease and grime without harmful chemicals with this ECOS strong-yet-gentle dish soap. With natural, dirt-busting citrus ingredients, ECOS Hypoallergenic Dish Soap is incredibly effective at cleaning dishes and doesn’t contain any ingredients that give us pause....

Johnathan Brewer, The Spruce’s Home Improvement Review Board member, recommends trying to shop at a retailer that “deals specifically with appliances,” so you can take advantage of notable perks. “They usually offer a wider selection and package deals,” he says. Our top picks include Home Depot, a big-box retailer with a great selection of major brands and free delivery on appliance purchases $396 and up. Lowe’s also offers price-matching and has free haul-away services for pro-level customers, and Wayfair typically offers big savings and sales and has a more flexible return window....

“The feet are naturally arched (for most people) and as we age, most people would benefit from additional padding from shoes and slippers. Look for slippers with arch support, cushion, and shock absorption,” says Jackie Sutera, DPM, a New York City-based podiatrist and member of the Vionic Innovation Lab. We spent weeks researching and testing the top slippers available online, evaluating comfort, style, quality, and value. Our favorites, the HAFLINGER Unisex AT Wool Hard Sole Slippers, are breathable, prevent slipping and skidding, and can be worn indoors or outside....

We researched the best engagement gifts that are personalized, but also assist the couple in their big wedding day. Our list includes a hometown puzzle from L.L. Bean, a custom wine bottle label, and more. Here are the best engagement gifts for a couple. The designer uses denim jackets reconstructed from vintage or second-hand jackets to give each piece a unique, distressed look. From there, they use a nontoxic fabric toner to add customized details....

With Rubino’s guidance in mind, we’ve researched dozens of mold removers, evaluating the effectiveness, formula type, and ease of use. Our best overall pick, the RMR Brands RMR-141 Disinfectant, has a potent formula that’s safe, effective, and suitable for use on porous and non-porous surfaces. Here are the best mold removers on the market. RMR-141 Disinfectant and Cleaner is our top pick because it works on nearly any surface, making it an excellent product for the price....

We researched the top picks from the best brands that are perfect for his age group. While you shop, look for something that will keep them engaged, while also being age-appropriate and safe. The LEGO Harry Potter Hogwarts Great Hall Kit go our top spot due to its stunning design and detail, ability to foster imaginative play and keep him engaged for hours, and the educational value of practicing STEM skills....

Our top pick, the Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Sun & Shade Mix, is a versatile blend that stands up well to drought and disease and can seed up to 8,000 square feet of lawn—an eighth of a football field. Here is the best grass seed for sprucing up your yard. Scotts Turf Builder Grass Seed Sun & Shade Mix thrives in scorching sunlight or densely shaded conditions, making it our top choice....

With installation in mind, we examined dozens of LED light strips from all the top manufacturers, looking at important factors like brightness and LED density, style and type of LEDs, features, and control methods to find the best option for various scenarios. Based on our research, the Govee Smart Wi-Fi RGBWW LED Strip Light is our top overall recommendation because of its tightly packed LEDs, use of both colored and white LEDs, and easy integration into many smart home systems....

Having the right tools is also an important aspect of cleaning. Krissia Garcia, CEO, and founder of KrissKlean says her team uses “sponges, scrub brushes, pot and pan brushes, or grout brushes” to achieve the right clean. Our top pick, Grout-Eez Super Heavy-Duty Grout Cleaner, works on white and colorized grout and tackles even heavy messes. Notably, it also comes with a scrubbing brush, one of the tools that Garcia’s team uses when cleaning grout....

In our search for the best smart lamps, we consulted with Marlon Buchanan, a smart home expert who wrote “The Smart Home Manual” and founded HomeTechHacker.com. “Smart lamps let you customize the lighting in your rooms to your preferences,” Buchanan told The Spruce. “They offer the unique benefits of portability and flexible placement in a room. For example, you can put smart lamps on a counter, a nightstand, a coffee table, or even a fireplace mantel....

When to Go Owling Most owls are nocturnal birds, but that does not necessarily mean they can only be seen in the darkest hours of the night. Several owls, such as burrowing owls, short-eared owls, and snowy owls, are more active during the day than most other owl species. The best time of day to see owls is at dawn or dusk when these birds are more easily spotted and more active....

General Considerations As you might expect, there is no single right answer, as both fabric and leather sofas have their positive and negative characteristics. And rather than following personal opinions, recommendations, or experiences, it’s best to look at the benefits of each material to help you decide which sofa finish is right for you, your family, and your home. The most important considerations are durability, care requirements, appearance, comfort, and cost....

Of course, our zodiac signs can often give us some additional insight into what we might be needing at any given moment. Below, we selected the best New Year’s resolution that you should certainly make on based on your zodiac sign.

While these projects may excite you, you might be wondering: where do I find free pallets near me? Is there a store you can visit that will hand them over? Sourcing can be the toughest part, but plenty of businesses and some individuals dispose of them because they have no use for them. Here are some tips and things to remember when looking for free wooden pallets. Many of these same tips can be used when looking for free lumber....