By Dana Schulz, Thu, October 29, 2020 Photo by 🇨🇭 Claudio Schwarz | @purzlbaum on Unsplash
Here in NYC, Mayor de Blasio and Governor Cuomo have both advised against traveling for Thanksgiving, but that doesn’t mean you can’t celebrate. One option is to host a virtual holiday. It won’t be the same, but it’s got its selling points (i.e. no squabbling with your mother-in-law in the kitchen or having dad refuse to turn the game off during dinner); it’ll just take some extra planning in advance. If you have family and friends local, you may want to consider a safe, outdoor meal. But we recommend buying a heater now and figuring out how you’ll keep the food warm. Ahead, we’ve put together a guide to planning a COVID Thanksgiving, no matter how you plan to enjoy the day.
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By 6sqft, Wed, September 16, 2020 Photo by Andrea Piacquadio from Pexels
No matter how long we live in New York City, it’s hard to get used to the sounds of jackhammers, children screaming, or our neighbors getting a little too, um, frisky on the other side of our apartment wall. And with noise complaints up a whopping 300 percent during the pandemic, many of us are actively seeking solutions to help muffle (or hopefully mute) these urban intrusions. From sound-proofing wall panels and curtains to white noise machines, we’ve rounded up some simple soundproofing home upgrades, as well as a couple more robust improvements, that will help you achieve a quieter household.
Get started soundproofing here
By Dana Schulz, Tue, August 25, 2020 The Metropolitan Museum of Art is marking its 150th anniversary this year, and as part of the celebration, they’re embarking on new exhibits and collaborations, one of which is this fun partnership with The Sill. The “Met 150 Edit” is a multi-designer capsule collection from the plant company that features limited-edition earthenware planters and fun art-inspired message pops (“Vincent Van Grow” and “Untitled Greens #1”).
Shop the collection here
By Devin Gannon, Thu, July 16, 2020 Photo by Traci Lawson via Flickr cc
While a summer spent in the city is typically an exciting time for New Yorkers, it can also be quite miserable for those whose apartments don’t have central air conditioning. For renters, though, a window AC unit makes the most sense since it’s a much cheaper alternative to installing central air and can be taken to your next apartment. Although installing your own air conditioning unit can be intimidating, 6sqft has put together a comprehensive list of AC installation tips to help you chill out and enjoy the short and sweet summer months ahead.
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By Diane Pham, Tue, July 14, 2020 Photo by Huy Phan from Pexels
Toxins from carpet, paint, upholstery, and cleaning products are just a handful of modern-day, airborne pollutants that can degrade indoor air quality, and studies have shown too much exposure to these manmade elements can cause lung and respiratory issues over the long run. Luckily, there are a number of houseplants that moonlight as efficient purifiers. Ahead you’ll find 15 of the best air-purifying plants suited for apartment living, according to Dr. B.C. Wolverton, a scientist who worked with NASA to develop a breathable environment for long-term lunar habitation.
15 plants to help keep indoor air its purest
By 6sqft, Thu, June 18, 2020 Photo by Trnava University on Unsplash
The Black Lives Matter movement has strong roots in New York City, and with this in mind, 6sqft has put together a list of books about or related to New York City, all by Black authors. Including fiction and nonfiction, our list includes classics like Paule Marshall’s Brown Girl, Brownstones and James Baldwin’s The Fire Next Time to contemporary works like Kiley Reid’s Such a Fun Age and Elaine Welteroth’s More Than Enough.
Check out the full list
By Dana Schulz, Thu, April 30, 2020 Photo by Maddi Bazzocco on Unsplash
Most of us are celebrating this Mother’s Day from a distance, but that doesn’t mean it has to be any less special. Ahead, we’ve put together more than 30 gift ideas that will brighten mom’s day whether she’s near or far. From the mom looking to get zen to the mom who loves to cook (or eat!) to all the bookworm mamas, we’ve found a little something for everyone, with some special NYC-themed treats to boot.
Check out the whole gift guide
By Michelle Cohen, Tue, April 28, 2020 Photo by Gaelle Marcel on Unsplash
Call it zen or hygge or just plain cozy, we look to our homes to be a welcoming refuge, especially during the current times. From creating a reading nook to setting up a bathroom “spa,” we’ve rounded up the best projects to help you carve out a tranquil space in a stressful world, no matter what size your apartment or home.
relaxation, this way
By Dana Schulz, Thu, April 23, 2020 Photo by Annie Spratt on Unsplash
Everyone’s experience during this current crisis is a little bit different, but the one thing that’s emerged as the great unifier is cooking. From sourdough starters and banana bread to chefs cooking at home on Instagram, we can’t get enough of both trying new recipes ourselves and seeing how the pros do it in their own kitchens. Family Meal, a new e-cookbook from Penguin Random House, combines the best of these comforts, featuring 50 recipes from famous chefs and home cooks. But the best part is that 100 percent of the proceeds will benefit the Restaurant Workers’ Covid-19 Emergency Relief Fund.
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By Michelle Cohen, Tue, March 31, 2020 Photo courtesy of The Sill
With New Yorkers stuck indoors with kids, work from home, and a barrage of ever-changing news, it can seem like even spring is on hold. But adding some flowering houseplants to your space is a great way to enliven it with the colors and energy of spring. To help you get started, we’ve rounded up a collection of potted blooms that will make your home, and your mood, just a little brighter.
Potted blooms, this way