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A collection of my articles with a lifestyle focus, including e-commerce articles. If you'd like to send me a potential resource for a future article, or if you'd like to commission or hire me, email me at npyles86[at]gmail[dot]com.

Better Report

The Healthiest Meal Options at 15 Fast-Food Restaurants

To that end, we asked registered dietitian nutritionists Talia Follador and Vanessa Imus for their picks at some of the top fast-food restaurants nationwide. Keep in mind, however, that “most fast-food meals exceed sodium targets,” Follador says. “The goal isn’t perfection but rather making choices that include protein, carbs, fat, and fiber when possible. That combination helps promote satiety and prevent potential rebound eating.”
Better Report

6 Odors Around Your House That Could Be Unsafe

Not all smells around the house are good ones — and we’re not talking about the burnt casserole from last night’s dinner. Certain odors indicate dangerous issues that require immediate attention. Here are a few of the most common, unsafe smells around your home that you shouldn’t ignore.If you smell sulfur, don’t check your fridge for rotten eggs: The smell comes from an additive to natural gas (which is itself odorless) and usually indicates there’s a dangerous gas leak.
Better Report

Should You Freeze Your Credit?

Thanks to conflicts around the world — which bring an increased risk of cyberscams — experts have suggested keeping a close watch on your credit. 


Having a good credit score carries a lot of weight in the modern world. It makes it easier for you to buy a home, lease a car, and even get approved for an apartment. So, if you’ve received a notification that your information has been compromised, you’ve lost your purse or wallet with all of your personal identification, or you’ve started getting...
Better Report

Why Are People Rubbing Banana Peels on Their Faces?

Studies have shown the peel itself has even greater levels of antioxidants. However, “there is zero scientific evidence to suggest rubbing a banana peel on your face will help with any … skin conditions or signs of cellular aging,” Dr. Shamban says. She adds that the “banana or peel won’t penetrate the matrix or that skin barrier.”


The comparison to Botox is also faulty. Botox is derived from a toxin produced by bacterium Clostridium botulinum. The targeted injections weaken or paralyze facia...
Better Report

The Two-Minute Test to See if Olive Oil is Past its Prime

Olive oil is a flavor-enhancing ingredient that makes almost every dish taste special.  You can add olive oil to just about everything, whether you have a basic plate of noodles or an extravagant dish of grilled meats and vegetables. However, unlike wine, which gets better with age, olive oil can lose its flavor over time. If you’ve discovered a neglected bottle in the back of your cabinet, you’ll want to check if it’s usable first. Try this two-minute test that will let you know if your olive o...
Better Report

8 Safety Items You Should Always Keep in Your Car

Going on a road trip has always represented freedom. You get to place the world’s problems on pause and drive towards new adventures. But while hitting the open road on a whim sounds fun, you don’t want to forget about an important need: safety. From car-related emergencies to risky weather to health concerns, you’ll want to take a few essentials to keep yourself and others safe. Don’t worry, preparing for the unexpected doesn’t have to mean overwhelming your car or causing unnecessary anxiety....
Better Report

How to Create the Perfect Backyard Movie Theater

I’ve always been a movie buff, but these days, I prefer the comfort and convenience of having the theater experience at home. With a simple projector and screen, I’ve completely transformed how I enjoy movies. You can do the same in your own backyard with only a few pieces of equipment — no major DIY skills needed. At home, moviegoer annoyances like people playing with their phones in the dark theater or increasingly expensive snacks are no issue. It will become the ultimate cinematic experience...
The Spruce

Let Your Garden Bloom—These Are the 10 Best Places Online to Buy Beautiful Flower Bulbs

How We Picked the Flower Bulb Retailers
To select the best places to buy flower bulbs online, we researched various online store options, selecting ones known for their quality bulbs and extensive effort to ensure the shopper had everything they need to start planting upon receiving their delivery. 

We prioritized retailers that made essential information, such as Hardiness Zone, readily available on their website. However, for those who didn't have that information available, we ensured th...
The Spruce

These Are Our Editors' Favorite Places to Buy a Couch

The couch is the central hub of your living room space. It becomes the place where you can kick back and relax, read to your child, entertain your guests, and even work from home. It’s an investment you will likely spend a lot of time on over the years, so you want to make sure you’re making the right choice.

From sectionals and loveseats, to sleeper sofas and leather couches, there are countless options available. However, before you begin shopping for a couch, consider the features that matt...
The Spruce

Our Favorite Online Mattresses Are Just as Good as In-Store Options

Buying a mattress online comes with a lot of perks. You gain the same quality as you would selecting one in the store; however, the process is more straightforward and typically includes convenient and fast shipping and even setup, especially if white-glove delivery is included. 

"The mattress features you should inspect will be the same whether you’re shopping in person or online," as well, notes Jeff Kahn, the co-founder and CEO of Rise Science. He suggests "taking full advantage of free tri...
Better Homes & Gardens

The 13 Best Kitchen Sinks for Your Home

The Bottom Line
Our overall top pick for the best kitchen sink is the Krause Undermount Single Bowl Stainless Steel Kitchen Sink because it is made with a high-quality 16-gauge stainless steel and it has an undermount design, which offers a clean look and is easy to maintain. It also comes with a cutting board and a drying rack that make it a true workstation. 

What to Know About Kitchen Sinks Before Shopping
Material
We recommend shopping for kitchen sinks made from durable materia...
Better Homes & Gardens

Christmas is A Week Away—Shop the Best Tech, Outdoor, and Luxury Gifts To Spoil the Man in Your Life

As you make your holiday list and check it twice, you probably know how challenging it is to find the perfect Christmas gift to properly convey the love and appreciation you have for someone. If you’re searching for the best gift for men in your life, you've come to the right place. Whether he's tech obsessed, an outdoor enthusiast, a travel bug, or simply enjoys the finer things in life, you'll find a thoughtful gift for him here.
The Spruce

3 Easy-to-Use Touchless Kitchen Faucets to Upgrade Your Kitchen

Best Overall


BioBidet Flow Pull-Down Sprayer Faucet





PHOTO: Amazon


$239
$117 at Amazon

$270 at Wayfair

$136
$117 at Home Depot



What We Like

Sensitive touchless function
Pull-down sprayer head turns on automatically



What We Don’t Like

Batteries require maintenance every six months or so


The BioBidet Flow Pull-Down Sprayer Faucet is our top pick for a touchless kitchen faucet, because of the accuracy and seamlessness of the sensor. It’s almost as if the faucet read...
Better Homes & Gardens

Enjoy Your Outdoor Oasis in Comfort All Summer Long With One of Our Favorite Adirondack Chairs

The Bottom Line
The Kingyes Folding Adirondack Chair was comfortable for us to sit in for several hours without any discomfort. Other household members also comfortably sat in the chair as well, all of whom were different sizes and heights. For a more budget-friendly pick, the Ciokea Folding Adirondack Chair comes with a cup holder that can hold 18-ounce beverages.

Our Testing Process
To find the best Adirondack chairs, we tested 18 products within a two-week period. We began testing by...
Better Homes & Gardens

We Spent an Entire Workday Testing Ironing Boards, And These 3 Provided a Seamless Experience

Whether you’re preparing an outfit for a special event or putting the final touches on a handmade quilt, a reliable ironing board is essential to giving your fabrics a crisp and polished appearance. When looking for the ideal ironing board for your needs, Sacha Dunn, founder and CEO of Common Good, says stability is one of the top features to keep in mind. "A board that is strong enough to prevent wobbles and has a nice iron rest will make your job so much easier," she says. Shae Haning, tailor
Better Homes & Gardens

Add Functional Personality to Your Kitchen With These Kitchen Sinks

A kitchen sink is the true workhorse of your home. The best kitchen sink has to stand up to a wide variety of activities on a daily basis, including being able to handle boiling water. Durability is one of the most important factors to consider when shopping for the best kitchen sink. “Some of the most durable materials include stainless steel, composite sinks, cast-iron, fireclay, and copper,” says Anna Popov, principal designer of Interiors by Popov. Design and budget are other critical factor
Better Homes & Gardens

The 11 Best Shower Caddies of 2024 to Organize Your Shower

An organized shower is one of life’s small but satisfying pleasures. One of the best ways to achieve that? A good shower caddy. These helpful organizers keep all your toiletries neatly lined up in one place. However, with so many available, it can be difficult to find the best fit for your bathroom. Paige Anderson of Nitido Design recommends that shoppers look for a shower caddy that can hold all of the items you use in the shower, as well as one that’s easy to install, remove, and adjust so tha
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Get in Touch

If you are interested in hiring me for a writing project or want to send me a source I can potentially use for a future assignment, email me at npyles86[at]gmail[dot]com.