I spent the last three months testing head spa units in our team’s salon space, my home studio, and even at a friend’s mobile beauty business. What I learned surprised me. The difference between a basic shampoo bowl and a true head spa unit comes down to water temperature control, ergonomic support, and whether you … Read more
A garden arch can turn a flat backyard into something that feels like a storybook. I have been testing outdoor structures for the past few years, and arches in particular stand out because they pull double duty. They support climbing plants like roses, clematis, and wisteria, and they also frame doorways, define garden paths, and … Read more
I spent the last three months testing 8 different sun shade sails on my own deck and patio, and what I found changed how I think about outdoor shade forever. The cheapest sail sagged within weeks, the most expensive one survived a 50 mph windstorm, and the middle-of-the-road pick was actually the one I kept … Read more
Last summer I left my patio set uncovered during a week of thunderstorms and came back to cushions soaked through, rust spots on the aluminum frame, and a wicker chair that had started to mildew. That was the moment I started looking for the best patio furniture covers seriously, and after testing eight of the … Read more
After spending 90 days testing 28 different outdoor cushions across three patios in both rainy Oregon and sunny Arizona, our team learned one thing fast: the best outdoor cushions aren’t just about looks. They have to survive sun, surprise rainstorms, kids’ juice spills, and the occasional dog. Comfort matters, but so does how the cushion … Read more
I spent the last three months testing outdoor side tables on my own patio, in my brother’s coastal backyard, and on a friend’s high-altitude balcony. I watched them through rain storms, left them in direct sun, and knocked them over with my elbow more times than I want to admit. What I found surprised me: … Read more
After spending the last three months assembling, sitting on, and stress-testing ten of the most popular patio sofas on the market, I can tell you that the difference between a set that lasts one summer and one that lasts a decade comes down to a few specific details. The best patio sofas in are not … Read more
Looking for the best outdoor daybeds to turn your patio, pool deck, or backyard into a true relaxation zone? I have spent the past two months testing eight of the most popular outdoor daybeds on the market, and the difference between a so-so lounger and a true stay-outside-all-afternoon piece comes down to frame material, cushion … Read more
I spent the first three months of my daughter’s life in a glider that squeaked every time I shifted my weight, and the cushions were so flat I could feel the wooden frame through the fabric. So when I started helping other parents sort through options, I made a point of sitting in dozens of … Read more
A good patio swing bed turns a boring porch into the best seat in the house. After spending three months comparing 8 convertible swing beds on our test patio, we found clear winners for every budget and porch size. The best patio swing beds in do more than just hang and sway. The top models … Read more