How to Pick the Perfect Coffee Roast, New to Netflix, and More

December 20, 2021

Tip of the Day

Have color-changing smart bulbs in your porch fixtures or landscape lighting? Make life easy on your delivery drive by setting them to a certain color and making a note of it with your order.

Happy Monday! As usual, we have a list of new-to-Netflix content to look out for this week. The time before the holidays is busy but it’s also nice to “precharge” yourself for all the holiday events by sneaking in a little relaxtion.

I don’t know about you but with Christmas right around the corner, I’m in a baking mood (and, naturally, doing lots of baking). That’s probably why this sale item stood out to me this morning: the Amazon Basics version of the Silpat non-stick silicone baking liner is on sale today for a little over $9. I own both the Basics version and the original and while the original is slightly nicer it’s also twice as expensive but functionally identical.

Got baking on the mind now? Here are some of our top articles about baking for you to check out:

• Update your gear (or gift something to a friend!) from our list of must-have items for bakers.
• Bread baking gifts? We have more than a few.
• Baking a lot of holiday treats? Batch baking gear can help.
• Gifts for your favorite cookie baker? We won’t tell if the favorite cookie baker is you.
• Baking pies? A pie bird is a fun and useful accessory that’s also a great gift for your favorite baker.

People bake a ton at the holidays and they also travel a ton too. If you’re traveling for the holidays, especially by air, this gear makes it easier to travel safely (and efficiently) during COVID. (If you’re flying the friendly skies, do check out our list of carry-on essentials.)

Water cooler trivia? It wouldn’t be one of my little notes without some. Here’s a double movie trivia for you, one very holiday-centric and one not-so-much. On this day in 1946, the film It’s a Wonderful Life premiered. The film, starring Jimmy Stewart, would quickly become a holiday classic. Also on this day, in 1996, the horror classic Scream debuted. The film is notable for both the way it subverted genre cliches for comedic effect and for effectively rebooting the slasher horror genre. Both are currently free on Amazon Prime Video if you’re looking for a curious holiday pairing.

– Jason

Wondering which coffee roast is best for you? From light to dark, we’ll give you the rundown on the aroma and flavor of each, so you can get a better idea about the differences. We’ll also cover how to figure out which roast will best suit your taste buds. From now on, you’ll know exactly which coffee roast to purchase and brew every morning. Read More »

If the holidays will be the first time you’re traveling since the COVID-19 pandemic began, you’ll find the experience far different from what it was before. There are a few extras you’ll want to pack to ensure your trip goes as smoothly as possible. Read More »

Whether you’re heading out of town for the holidays or finally taking that long-awaited trip to the Bahamas, protecting your home while you’re away is likely one of your top priorities. These eight tips could not only prevent a break-in, but they’ll also give you peace of mind so you can enjoy your trip. Read More »

Falling temperatures can give rise to dry skin, a stuffy nose, and cracked lips.
Read More »

Instead of having to dig through a pile of dirty clothes, the dedicated compartments of a double laundry hamper help you divide your lights and darks for more convenient use.
Read More »

If you have a lot of clothes, chances are you’re going to need a way to organize them.
Read More »

There’s something therapeutic about a fresh, clean face.
Read More »

Many men are buying hair trimmers in order to keep their hairstyle looking fresh in-between visits to the barber.
Read More »

Kicking your feet up at the end of a long, hard day feels wonderful.
Read More »

While hot coffee holds a special place in the heart of coffee lovers, many prefer the smooth, less acidic taste of cold brew coffee for their morning pick-me-up.
Read More »

As convenient as electric drip coffee makers might be, there are some days when a return to a more classic method is welcome.
Read More »

If you want lattes, flat whites, and other specialty drinks at home, you need a high-quality machine and a milk frother.
Read More »

Cleaning floors can be tricky. From worries about what chemicals could damage them to ensuring they’re getting the best clean, it’s a lot to think about. A common first aid kit item might be the answer. Read More »

The week of Christmas is here, and while you’ve likely got plans with family and friends, there’s always time to squeeze in a little Netflix, too. Read More »

The year isn’t over quite yet, and for stargazers, there’s one more event to catch. December’s full moon is on the way. Read More »

Just when you thought Oreos couldn’t taste any better, the famous cookie brand is debuting two new flavors. One of them is going to make chocolate lovers very happy. Read More »

Smart displays offer an elegant solution to all your smart home needs and make it easy to check your calendar, listen to music, or catch up with a video call. Here are the best smart displays you can buy right now. Read More »

On December 17th, over a dozen Disney-owned channels were pulled from YouTube TV due to the companies’ failure to renew a distribution deal. The channels are back now, but YouTube TV is now providing a one-time $15 discount to all customers. Read More »