Home and kitchen
Three pans beat a 12-piece cookware set
Why buying three good pans one at a time usually beats a big cookware set, with a simple comparison of stainless, nonstick and cast iron.
Manon Lambert3 min read
Manon Lambert
Writer
Writes the beauty, home and kitchen budget guides.
Articles by Manon
Home and kitchen
Cheap blender: what to check before you buy one
Buying a cheap blender? Check the motor, jar material and blade design first. Here is what a budget blender can and cannot do, and when to skip it.
Manon Lambert3 min read
Under $25
How to buy a safe phone charger and cable for under $25
What to check on a phone charger and cable before you buy, so you get fast, safe charging for under $25 without paying extra for a brand name.
Manon Lambert3 min read
Beauty and skin
Drugstore vs expensive skincare: where the extra money goes
Drugstore vs expensive skincare: a cheaper cleanser, moisturizer or sunscreen often does the same job. Here is where a higher price is worth paying.
Manon Lambert4 min read
Under $100
A work backpack under $100: six checks before you buy
How to pick a work or school backpack under $100, from laptop fit to zips and straps, with a cost-per-day check so you know it is worth the price.
Manon Lambert3 min read
Spend or save
When secondhand beats new, and when it does not
What to buy used to save real money, what to always buy new, and a short check to run before you pay a seller. Solid, simple items are the best used buys.
Manon Lambert3 min read
Home and kitchen
Cheap vs expensive kitchen knife: what the extra money buys
Cheap vs expensive kitchen knife: a mid-price chef's knife and a honing steel beat a pricey set for most home cooks. Here is where the money matters.
Manon Lambert4 min read
Under $100
Shoes for standing all day under $100: what to look for
Shoes for standing all day under $100: how to check cushioning, fit and the sole, plus when an insole is cheaper than new shoes. General advice only.
Manon Lambert6 min read
Home and kitchen
Kitchen tools worth owning, and gadgets to skip
A short list of kitchen tools worth owning, from a chef's knife to an instant-read thermometer, plus the single-job gadgets that clutter your drawer.
Manon Lambert3 min read
Home and kitchen
Cheap cookware for a first apartment: what to buy first
Cheap cookware for a first apartment: the short list of pans, pots and tools to buy first, what to buy used, and what to wait on until you need it.
Manon Lambert6 min read
Beauty and skin
Moisturizer for dry skin on a budget: what to look for
Moisturizer for dry skin on a budget: which ingredients help, how to read a label, and when a plain cheap cream does the same job as a pricey one.
Manon Lambert5 min read
Under $25
Things worth buying for under $25, and a few to skip
Small, useful buys that typically cost under $25 and get used every week, plus the cheap items and gadgets that end up wasting your money.
Manon Lambert3 min read
Under $100
Office chair under $100: what to check before you sit
Office chair under $100: the five checks that matter, what a cheap chair usually gets wrong, and when to buy used instead of paying for a new one.
Manon Lambert6 min read
Under $25
Gifts under $25 that feel thoughtful, not cheap
Looking for gifts under $25 that feel thoughtful? Use these four rules and example ideas to pick a cheap gift that the person will actually use.
Manon Lambert3 min read
Beauty and skin
Does sunscreen expire? How to tell if yours is still good
Does sunscreen expire? Yes, and an old bottle may protect less. Check the date, the smell and the texture, and replace it when in doubt.
Manon Lambert2 min read
Under $100
Winter coat under $100: how to stay warm for less
Winter coat under $100: warmth comes from fill, fit and layers more than the price. Here is how to pick a coat that lasts, with a cost per winter table.
Manon Lambert3 min read
Under $50
Desk lamp under $50: what to look for
A desk lamp under $50 should be adjustable, bright enough and warm or neutral in color. Here is what to check, and one feature you can skip.
Manon Lambert2 min read
Home and kitchen
Cleaning supplies you actually need (and 6 you can skip)
Cleaning supplies you actually need are fewer than the aisle suggests. Here is a short list for a home, plus six products that are usually a waste of money.
Manon Lambert4 min read
Home and kitchen
Cast iron vs nonstick pan: which one should you buy
Cast iron vs nonstick pan: nonstick is easier for eggs and fast meals, cast iron lasts for decades and sears well. Here is how to pick for your kitchen.
Manon Lambert3 min read
Beauty and skin
How to read a skincare ingredient list in two minutes
Learn how to read a skincare ingredient list in two minutes. Spot the first five, what fragrance means and which long words you can ignore on a cheap product.
Manon Lambert3 min read
Under $50
Air fryer under $50: is a cheap one worth it
Is an air fryer under $50 worth it? For one or two people, often yes. Here is what size to pick, what you give up and when to skip it.
Manon Lambert4 min read
Under $25
A basic home tool kit for under $25
A basic home tool kit for under $25 covers most small fixes. Here is what to buy first, what to skip, and when a boxed kit beats picking tools one by one.
Manon Lambert4 min read
Under $100
Vacuum cleaner under $100: corded, stick or handheld
Vacuum cleaner under $100: a corded upright or stick usually cleans best for the money. Here is how to choose by floor type, with checks before you buy.
Manon Lambert4 min read
Spend or save
Buy now or wait for a price drop? A simple rule
Buy now or wait for a price drop? Use this simple rule to decide, with round example numbers, and see when waiting costs you more than it saves.
Manon Lambert4 min read