Lifehacker

Every year, I make turkey gumbo with my leftover Thanksgiving bird, and every year I complain about stirring the roux. Roux is not difficult to make: Combine equal amounts of fat and flour, whisk until smooth, then cook, stirring continuously-and I do mean continuously-until it reaches the color you desire.

If you have a big project in front of you that you're working on mostly on your own, you can tune in to a podcast to keep you company while you work. Hearing from others who have attempted their own repairs can be highly entertaining, and sometimes you can get some good tips from more experienced renovators. Get some...Read more...

Nintendo is the Apple of video game brands. They don't often put their products on sale, so when they do, you'd better jump. Earlier this year, Woot sold limited quantities of the White OLED Nintendo Switch for $310. Then, during Prime Day, some third-party sellers at major retailers (including Walmart) sold the white...Read more...

Cash is king, even if the jury is still out on how much you should carry on you at any given moment. What's not up for debate is how frustrating it is to walk up to an ATM and have to authorize a charge for $2 or $3 for the privilege of accessing your own money. Yes, you can go to one of your bank's ATMs to avoid the...Read more...

iPhones are, by design, pretty easy to set up and use. But while it's almost second-nature to turn on your new iPhone, it's not clear how to shut it off. You press and hold the power button, expecting some kind of shut down option, but it just triggers Siri. As it happens, there are a few different ways to turn off or...Read more...

For those who like to travel, an affordable mobile data plan might make sense. Right now through Oct. 31, this aloSIM Mobile Data Traveler lifetime eSim plan offers $50 in credit for $21.97 and is advertised to work with networks available in more than 170 countries.Read more...

So much gardening advice is based around four-season climates, but a sizable contingent of the United States is only now entering ideal gardening weather. If you live in a desert region, guidelines about how to prepare your garden beds for the colder months probably aren't helpful, but advisories over what to do with...Read more...

Modern smart TVs offer ways to connect to your favorite streaming services, but the results are often disappointing. Not only are the built-in solutions less than ideal out of the box, they quickly become outdated. That's where a dedicated streaming device comes in handy. You have your choice, too, with devices from...Read more...

Max has a handful of original series worth streaming in November, starting with season two of the Issa Rae comedy Rap Sh!t, which stars KaMillion and Aida Osman as estranged friends turned rap partners (November 9) followed by season two of Julia, the comedy-drama based on the life of Julia Child (November 16). At the...Read more...

I'm no good at carving pumpkins, but I'm quite skilled at making delicious things out of them, like mini crustless pumpkin pie and beer-brined pumpkin seeds. Still, I usually end up at least one Jack-o'-lantern, because that's what people do this time of year (and because I need those tangy, salty pumpkin seeds). I...Read more...

My introduction to crossword puzzles was through cheating. My grandfather would sit in his recliner with a pen and a folded-up newspaper, and from time to time, he'd throw out a question to another person in the room-including, when I was old enough, occasionally me. Soon I was sitting on the arm of the chair, helping...Read more...

After a string of tricky puzzles, we have an easy one for once! Or at least I thought so. If you're looking for the Connections answer for Tuesday, October 24, 2023, read on-I'll share some clues, tips, and strategies, and finally the solutions to all four categories. Along the way, I'll explain the meanings of the...Read more...

This massage gun, which has features like heat, an adjustable head, and different massage tips, is on sale today, Oct. 23,for $49.97, down $80 from its original price.Read more...

As I've said before, having a good sound system to replace your TV's sad speakers will improve the dialogue on your TV a lot, in that you'll actually be able to understand what people are saying. Currently, Woot is giving you an opportunity to upgrade your sound system: You can buy a new LG High Res Audio Sound Bar...Read more...

Unless you are a fan of pouring buttermilk over cornbread (a classic Southern treat), or do a lot of enriched baking (or chicken frying), you probably don't keep liquid buttermilk stocked in your fridge. Fortunately, you can buy buttermilk powder, and access its creamy, tangy flavor without worrying about spoilage.Read more...

Google's Pixel Watch 2 and Samsung's Galaxy Watch 6 are two of the best smartwatches on the market right now. But when it comes down to it, you're likely only going to choose one to buy, and that decision begs questions: How exactly are these two watches different? Are there features that make one stand out over the...Read more...

There are loads of simple white bread recipes out there, many of which yield multiple loaves worth of dough. Whether you're a seasoned bread baker, or trying your hand at yeast breads for the first time, sometimes you just want one small loaf of bread. Here's a recipe for a single, mini loaf of bread with a short...Read more...

In these interesting economic times when unemployment is low because everyone has, like, four jobs (but still can't afford rent), you have to get creative. The good news is that no matter how chaotic things are out there, some fundamental economic rules always apply, like the fact that you can often substitute sweat...Read more...

In today's fast-paced world, as glaring screens and blaring social media notification demand our attention, the allure of a cozy podcast offers a soothing respite. Picture yourself nestled under a warm blanket, a steaming cup of your favorite drink in hand, and the gentle voice of a host guiding you through a world of...Read more...

Saving for retirement is a crucial part of everyone's financial planning. I've recommended before that dividing your money into multiple accounts helps you see all your saving goals separately. A big part of that is taking advantage of retirement-specific accounts in order to invest in your future. So, how can...Read more...

Keeping an eye inside and outside your home is a lot more affordable with Woot's fall sale on Blink devices. They're selling refurbished Blink cameras for up to 66% off, starting at $15 until Oct. 27 at 1 a.m. ET or until supplies last.

There are a number of ways to get a better seat assignment when you fly, but if you have a specific seat in mind that's not available when you book, and you don't want to constantly be checking back, ExpertFlyer can alert you if and when it does open up.

This language learner lifetime subscription bundle featuring uTalk offers more than 140 languages, and it's on sale today, Oct. 23, for $29.97. The deal allows subscribers to select six languages (but you don't need to choose all six languages immediately-you can pick one now and wait to select the others, with no...Read more...

There are a lot of notation apps out there that will happily take both your time and money, but you don't need to look far for such an app: These days, Google Keep is good enough to make do for simple note taking and writing. The company recently updated the app to support version history (thank goodness), and now...Read more...

The new M2 chip was released last summer to wide acclaim, and now the 2022 M2 MacBook Air is getting a great discount (by Apple standards). The laptop's price dropped to $899 (normally $1,099) at Best Buy. This is cheaper than any prize Amazon has seen, according to Camelcamelcamel, and it matches Best Buy's lowest...Read more...

The Ninja Dragons Blade X drone is a compact quadcopter that may best be suited to beginner flyers and hobbyist or professional photographers. This dual-camera drone is on sale for $79.97 (reg. $199)-but only through today, Oct. 23.Read more...

Each fall, I lug out heaters from the closet and stow away fans and A/Cs. Six months later I reverse the process. If you don't have central air, you know the dance. The machines themselves are unwieldy to move, hard to carry and are always in the way. The air produced by them is either not hot or cold enough, or is...Read more...

Despite the time-honored wisdom that we should visit a dentist for a checkup and cleaning every six months, many of us just ... don't. According to the CDC, around 35% of Americans have not visited the dentist in the last year. If it's been a long while for you, and you're planning to get back in the dentist chair,...Read more...

You can learn the basics of cybersecurity with this comprehensive 408-hour, 26-course overview that is on sale for $59.97 right now (reg. $754) through October 23. It covers everything from Python to penetration testing and ethical hacking.Read more...

There is only one Thanksgiving dish that cannot be made vegan: the turkey. The rest are surprisingly easy to modify, and mashed potatoes are the easiest. Non-vegans are always reticent to sacrifice dairy, but if you choose the right spud for your mash (and grab one of those fancy new margarines), you'll find you don't...Read more...

Problems with your gutters can be frustrating: Loud drips, water collecting in places it shouldn't, and water taking an unplanned path, which can cause damage and make rainstorms more trouble than they need to be. While some issues with your gutters require professional help, others can be solved simply yourself with...Read more...

If you're looking for the Connections answer for Monday, October 23, 2023, read on-I'll share some clues, tips, and strategies, and finally the solutions to all four categories. Along the way, I'll explain the meanings of the trickier words and we'll learn how everything fits together. Beware, there are spoilers below...Read more...

In addition to the beeps and chimes that you hear on an airplane, you may also pick up on a variety of mechanical sounds before and during a flight, as well as after you've landed. Unless you have aviation experience or knowledge (or are traveling with someone who does), you may be curious-or anxious-about what's...Read more...

Whether you're building a new home or renovating your kitchen, you'll have to make a decision about your countertops. If you'd like to go with a natural stone-as opposed to laminate countertops, for example-you can opt for granite, quartz, or marble.Read more...

Coming home to a clean space is a great feeling. Even those who aren't bothered by a bit of clutter, dust, and grime can probably appreciate being able to sit down and relax in their home without being surrounded by a mess. Plus, when you don't keep up with basic household chores, things will eventually get gross.Read more...

Sometimes I think about the person who wrote an article for Slate in July about how Connections is too easy, and I wonder how they're doing now. Today's another lively one, so if you're looking for the Connections answer for Sunday, October 22, 2023, read on-I'll share some clues, tips, and strategies, and finally the...Read more...

Even if you are, for the most part, on the same page with someone, you're bound to disagree with them about something sooner or later. If this doesn't happen often-or you're navigating the situation for the first time-it can be stressful: After all, no one wants to jeopardize a functional relationship.Read more...

Last month, the police department of Lower Marion, Pennsylvania-located just north of Philadelphia-issued a warning to residents about a new scam. But unlike those that take place online, this scam happens in real-time and in person: More specifically, at the gas station. Here's what to know about so-called pump...Read more...

While soft, cozy interiors dominated during the first few years of the pandemic, new data from the real estate website Zillow suggests that home decor is going to head in a different direction next year. Here's a look at some of their predictions for the hottest home trends of 2024.Read more...

Today is another tricky one, with all those dishes! If you're looking for the Connections answer for Saturday, October 21, read on-I'll share some clues, tips, and strategies, and finally the solutions to all four categories. Along the way, I'll explain the meanings of the trickier words and we'll learn how everything...Read more...

If you're to believe what you see in porn, the typical script for sex looks something like this: A man's partner stimulates him until he has an erection, he penetrates his partner, he comes and loses his erection, then sex is over. Basically, the encounter is bookended by the appearance and disappearance of his...Read more...

Come late winter in my garden, I'm like an Olympic swimmer hanging over the starting block: I have ordered the seeds, plotted the beds, started the starts, and I'm waiting eagerly to plant all the things. Unfortunately, the gardener's starting-the weather-is often uncooperative, and I spend a month or two in limbo,...Read more...

You've probably heard that strong, small magnets are dangerous for children. You would not give a toddler a neodymium magnet for any reason; you know that two of them, if swallowed, can connect inside their body, potentially causing severe injury. And yet, according to a recent survey presented to the American Academy...Read more...

The days when an ordinary person could identify a fake Rolex easily are gone-there are no simple giveaways like a ticking second hand instead of a smoothly sweeping one. Modern fake watches are frankly terrifying," said Matt Chapman, a Los Angeles-based vintage watch restorer and self-described horological nerd....Read more...

Welcome to Training Diaries, a Lifehacker series about my journey to the 2023 TCS New York City Marathon. This series will cover all the ups, downs, and hill repeats on my journey to the biggest marathon in the world. Leading up to race day on Sunday, Nov. 5, I'll go over proper fueling, injuries and setbacks,...Read more...

The air fryer is infamous among naysayers for not really frying anything," but you can fry a sunny side up egg in your air fryer, and banish the haters to where they belong (hell). In just five minutes, you can fry a sunny-side-up egg, complete with slightly crispy edges and a runny yolk.Read more...

If you want to live in a newly constructed house, you have two choices: You can buy a finished home from a builder, or you can have one built from scratch. Either choice can be incredibly expensive: The cost of building a new house in the U.S. ranges quite a bit, with $332,397 being the national average, but the final...Read more...

I'm not a big Starbucks fan. Not because it's a big corporation (or anything similarly noble), but because I live in Brooklyn, and without really trying, became something of a bougie coffee snob. That doesn't mean I don't enjoy a candy-like, foamy PSL in the fall. Since I drink coffee at an alarming rate, I started...Read more...

Thanksgiving dinner is not complete without stuffing (or dressing). It's a humble, somewhat silly dish. You dry out some bread, make it wet again, then dry it out one more time, but the result is undeniably delicious-assuming the broth you used is, itself, delicious. For the best stuffing, you should focus on the...Read more...

In a sea of pumpkin-flavored foods, there simply aren't enough pumpkin-shaped foods (actual pumpkins don't count). In order to maximize our food's festivity, let's start making pumpkin-flavored dishes that also look like the cute calabasa. A handful of whole cloves and some dental floss is all you need to transform...Read more...