Lifestyle Optimization at Home

We've traveled and lived all around the world, but there's no place like home. Here, you'll discover our tips and hacks for how we optimize our lifestyle at home as a couple in NYC.

We'll talk about how we stay healthy at home, work on aiming for a minimalist lifestyle, our tips for moving, and how to achieve a sustainable way of life and maintain a work-life balance.

Find your starting point

Start with what you need

A few places to begin, organized around what’s on your mind.

Browse all articles

Moving and relocation

Get practical checklists for planning a move and settling into a new home.

Decluttering and resale

Decide what to keep, give away, or sell when your home needs less stuff.

Furniture and rooms

Compare furniture choices and inspect the details that matter before ordering.

Bedding and bath

Start with firsthand comparisons of bedding, towels, curtains, and bathroom updates.

Kitchen, yard, and wellness

Find practical reviews and upkeep ideas for the parts of home life that need regular attention.

The full collection

See everything else

Keep exploring: browse all our articles below, from newest to oldest.

Avenlur Casa Modern Playhouse Review: Stylish, but Worth the Money?

We wanted a cute minimal wooden playhouse outside for the kids, but didn’t known which brands were the most durable and top quality. We got the Avenlur Casa Modern Playhouse, and this review outlines our experience building and using it with our toddlers.
How to Get a Better Lawn (Everything You Need to Know about Grass)

A healthier, greener lawn doesn’t have to be complicated. This step-by-step guide covers everything you need to know about grass and lawns!
10 Things to Check That Aren't in Listings (Buying a House?)

A checklist of 10 crucial things to check when buying a home that you won't find in the real estate listing.
23 Best Holiday Gifts from Quince (What I Tried, and Recommend)

If you’re thinking of holiday gifts from Quince, I go through the brand’s gift guide and recommend the best holiday gifts for her, for him, for kids and for your home based on what I tried this year.
My Quince Bedding Review: Sheets, Duvets, Quilts, and More

I compare Quince bedding I have used over several years, including my favorite and least favorite pieces and the tradeoffs I found by material.
Quince Wellness Supplements Review: I Tried Electrolytes, Coffee, & Protein Powder

I tried the Quince Wellness products like protein powder, coffee and electrolytes to find which hit home, and which are misses. Should you consider supplements from this lifestyle brand?
Quince Lights & Mirror Review: Simple Bathroom Refresh!

New from Quince is their home lighting products including pendants, sconces, chandeliers and flush mounts. In this review, see which Quince lighting we tried and how our no-demo reno elevated our bathroom.
Is Quince Legit? My Experience Across 55 Orders

I share my experience ordering across Quince categories, what worked, what disappointed me and where to read my focused product reviews.
FlexiSpot Air Purifier Review: Which One to Pick

I tried FlexiSpot’s main air purifier options and in this review, I’ll let you know what to expect in terms of energy use, noise levels and helpful modes to consider. Lastly, I share what I’ve learned about air purifiers since we had fires in our area.
East Fork Pottery Review (the Handmade Dinnerware from Quince)

East Fork Pottery is a brand of unique minimalist high-quality “stoneware.” I got my East Fork plate and bowl sets at Quince, and in this review, find out how my experience was.
Airweave Pillow Review: Who Is it Best For, and Who Needs It?

The Airweave Standard Pillow is unique. It's breathable, hypoallergenic and EXTRA firm. In my review, see who may benefit from this luxury pillow, why you’d want it and how it went for me.
My Quince Rug Review: Choosing and Living With a Wool Rug

I review the Quince wool rug we chose for our living room, including our size decision, delivery, unpacking and what I would check before ordering.
My Tribesigns Sideboard Review: From Delivery to Use

I review the Tribesigns sideboard we chose for our dining room, from assembly and finish to its limitations. I am describing one item, not testing the whole catalog.
Aqua Chill Honest Review (Reverse Osmosis Water Filter Installation)

In this honest review of reverse osmosis water filter installation, see why I went with Aqua Chill, and what to know about the yearly RO system maintenance for your home.
FlexiSpot Lotus Swivel Rocker Recliner Review: A Comfy & Sturdy Lounge Chair

We got the FlexiSpot Swivel Rocker Recliner XC6/XR6 as a comfy lounge chair for home. In this review, read about the setup, quality and comfort, as well as one criticism.
Poshmark Buyer’s Guide: How to Get the Best Deal (And Watch Out For!)

How do you get a great deal on Poshmark? In this how-to guide, I tell you what to look out for, from red flags to sending offers, making bundles and using support to shop like a pro.
Is Selling on The RealReal Worth It? My Seller Experience

I describe my experience consigning luxury goods through The RealReal, including the work it saved me, my recorded earnings and the control I gave up.
Is a Peloton Bike Still Worth it (or Buy a Used One)?

I go through the pros and cons of getting a used Peloton bike and I’ll help you decide if it’s worth it to get the Bike or Bike+, in used, new or refurbished conditions. There’s a lot I consider, in this review.
Quince on a Budget: 16 Most Affordable Products to Shop Now

I list the absolute cheapest products to shop for online at Quince, from clothes and accessories to little things for home. Here’s my affordable Quince luxury-for-less guide!
Quince Stainless Steel Cookware Review (and Other Kitchen Accessories!)

Did Quince just make the best 5-ply stainless steel cookware? In this review, I discuss Quince’s pots and pans, and other handy kitchen products we found and liked.
Smithey Cast Iron Skillet Review: A Skillet to Love Forever?

I got a classic Smithey cast iron skillet as a skillet “to last a lifetime.” In this review, see my thoughts on the quality, craftsmanship, uniqueness and if Smithey is worth it!
Honest Review: Quince Premium Down Alternative Pillows (Extra Firm!)

Should you invest in Quince’s down alternative pillows for your bedding? In this review, see my opinion on the quality and price of these firm hotel-style pillows.
Quince Cotton Bath Towel Set Review: Why I’m Glad I Got Them

I wanted new bath towels that weren’t too bulky, and were stylish but an affordable price. I got the Quince Turkish Cotton Bath Towels to see if they were as quick-dry as they claimed.
Sell on Poshmark Like a Pro (insider Tips from 5 Years of Success)

After trial and error, I learned how to stand out and make sales on Poshmark. Here are my secrets to success, as well as what NOT to do when you first start selling on the site.
Easy and Affordable Ideas for a Starter Home Gym (Small Products Only)

Building a small starter home gym doesn’t have to be expensive. In this list of ideas, see which simple and affordable things we got for home workouts in our family room.
Quince vs Brooklinen Quilt Set: Which Is the Better Buy?

I tried both the Brooklinen Linen Quilt Set and the Quince Linen Quilt Set and decided to compare them for quality, price and design. Which bedding set comes out on top? See my thoughts.
12 Versatile Gift Ideas for Minimalist Men Who Keep Things Simple

Shopping for minimalist men is hard, so you’ll want to get an easy gift that’s functional and smart. Check out my must-have minimal items that could please a simple guy.
Quince Home Collection: See What I Tried (Product Review)

I tried a variety of the products from Quince’s Home collection, and here is what I thought! See which items I recommend, and which are worth it for the quality.
My Review of Buy Nothing: the Group That Changed My Life

Read how Buy Nothing changed my life, helped me save money and made me feel like a part of my community by lessening waste and trash. Maybe it’ll be the same for you.
Brooklinen Bedding after 3 Years: Linen Quilt and Sheets Review

Here are the quality issues I saw with my Brooklinen sheets, bedding and quilt, after 3 years of use. See what happened with my Brooklinen products and what to watch out for.
9 Budget Accent Rocking Chairs for Living Rooms (Mid-Century Modern)

I got a mid-century modern rocking chair as an accent seat in my living room, so I want to share ideas for this type of seating with you. See my list of some great finds.
What to Expect: Shopping Experience at Aldi for Cheap Groceries

Here’s what to expect from the Aldi shopping experience, from how I feel about the food and products, the prices, the shopping carts and a comparison to Trader Joe’s.
Teddy Upholstered Rocking Chair Review: A Fun Statement Chair

We got the Teddy Upholstered Rocking Chair, and I think it’s a cute statement chair. Learn about our experience with the assembly, quality and comfort in this review.
Quince Cotton Curtains Review: Worth considering for Your Home?

I tried a pair of the Quince cotton slub curtains for my dining room, and here’s what I thought of how they worked out. Check out my review, complete with photos.
My Quince Sheets Review: Bamboo, Linen, and Percale

I compare three Quince sheet sets I have used, focusing on feel, seasons and the different roles each set plays in my home.
Every Place to Change Your Address After Moving (Address Change Checklist)

Every time I move, I use the same checklist to change all my addresses everywhere important. Use this list to remember to change your address for your new home.
Quince Shower Curtain Review: Upgrading My Bathrooms

I tried the Quince shower curtains to elevate the look in both my bathrooms at home. See my thoughts on the quality, price, styles and color options here.
FlexiSpot Sofa Review (Are These Couches Legit?)

I think the FlexiSpot modular sofas are unique couches (with hidden storage) for my new home! In my review, find out if the style and features are for you.
Running in the Dark: Essential Night Running Safety Tips

How can you safely go running in the dark, at night and in the early morning? Here are my best tips and reflective gear products for runners, so you can see and be seen.
15 Reasons to Choose Suburban Living: Make the Move Now

What are the main benefits of moving to the suburbs from a city? It’s not that the suburbs are better than cities; they’re just different. See our reasons for considering moving.
Affordable Furniture on a Budget: Where to Find and How to Save

Where’s the best place to buy furniture on a budget for a new apartment? Here’s a first apartment furniture checklist for how to furnish an apartment from scratch under $1,000.
How to Move into Your First Apartment as a Couple (23 Tips)

Moving in together for the first time? Here’s a checklist for moving into your first apartment with your boyfriend or girlfriend and the best tips for living together.
How to Declutter Your Small Apartment

Find out how to declutter a small apartment, get rid your stuff, declutter your life and purge your apartment with this guide to an apartment decluttering plan.
Best Tips & Best Websites for Selling Your Stuff Online

How can you sell your stuff online? See how to sell old unwanted things from your closet and around the house, with this list of best websites for selling safely online for free.
49 Actionable Moving Tips: How to Make Your Apartment Move Easy

Our stress-free moving tips show how to pack for a move, and how to have an easy move when you’re overwhelmed and anxious. Get the best real tips and tricks with this moving checklist.