If you’re looking for the Connections answer for Wednesday, November 1, 2023, read on—I’ll share some clues, tips, and strategies, and finally the solutions to all four categories. Along the way, I’ll explain the meanings of the trickier words and we’ll learn how everything fits together. Beware, there are spoilers…
To manage your inbox, you need dedication. You need a plan. You need acronyms. One such acronym is RAFT, which will literally keep you afloat in the sea of emails you receive every day. You can combine it with others, like LIFO and 4D to maximize its benefits, but first you need to know what to do with it on its own.
Cold weather is coming, which means it’s time to light up your fireplace or firepit and build up your woodpile for the season. Whether you’re chopping firewood yourself or buying it and bringing it home, make sure you’re storing it correctly—don’t just dump it on the ground.
The thought of someone secretly living in your house and silently waiting in the closet for you to go to work so they can eat your food and pet your cat is terrifying, but it apparently happens often enough to have a name. It’s called “phrogging” and it differs from home invasion and robbery mainly in intent.
The…
There is a Halloween-appropriate category in today’s puzzle, but it’s hiding in the shadows—good luck finding it! If you’re looking for the Connections answer for October 31, 2023, read on—I’ll share some clues, tips, and strategies, and finally the solutions to all four categories. Along the way, I’ll explain the…
An Apple ID is the social security card of the Apple ecosystem: It is your Apple identity, required whenever logging into a new device or to verify you are who you say you are. So if you don’t know your Apple ID, it’s kind of a big deal. Luckily, there are a few ways to find it, although some are easier than others.
This one was half easy, half tricky for me; I got the first two groups in a HEARTBEAT and then nearly PANICked trying to figure out the rest. If you’re looking for the Connections answer for Monday, October 30, 2023, read on—I’ll share some clues, tips, and strategies, and finally the solutions to all four categories.…
You’re probably familiar with the lint trap on your dryer, and, ideally, clean it after every load of laundry. But did you know that your washing machine has a filter, too? If that’s news to you, that probably means yours has never been cleaned. But don’t worry: Once you know where to find it, it’s a pretty easy job.…
In addition to visible signs of wear, pieces of leather furniture that are frequently in use—like a living room couch or office chair—may start to wrinkle over time. Known as “comfort wrinkles,” they can range from gentle rippling, to larger creases, and probably aren’t the look you were going for when you decided to…
Whether Halloween is a hectic day in your household—getting people in costume, making sure the candy bowl is stocked, and putting the finishing touches on your spooky outdoor decor—or it’s just another day for you, you’re going to have to eat at some point.
I STEWed over this one for a bit, but ultimately I was up to the CHALLENGE, and I’m sure you will be, too. If you’re looking for the Connections answer for Sunday, October 29, 2023, read on—I’ll share some clues, tips, and strategies, and finally the solutions to all four categories. Along the way, I’ll explain the…
Today’s puzzle is cute and fun, and features a cameo from a TV character. If you’re looking for the Connections answer for Saturday, October 28, 2023, read on—I’ll share some clues, tips, and strategies, and finally the solutions to all four categories. Along the way, I’ll explain the meanings of the trickier words…
Not every text message needs a written response. If someone said something funny, you hit them with a “Haha” reaction. If you’re good with a proposed plan, reaction with a thumbs up sends the same message as, “Sounds good!”
Right now, Sonos is offering up to 20% off some of their best-selling home theater sets. That includes the Sonos Arc, the company’s flagship soundbar that offers eleven Class-D amps, three tweeters, and eight woofers. The Arc comes with Trueplay tuning, which uses your iPhone’s microphone to tune the EQ to best match…
Another tricky one! I found the first two categories easy, and the last two devilishly hard. But I also don’t watch much sports. If you’re looking for the Connections answer for Friday, October 27, 2023, read on—I’ll share some clues, tips, and strategies, and finally the solutions to all four categories. Along the…
The TOKK CAM C2+ is a discrete wifi Camera you can use at home, in your car, or on your body—and right now, it is marked down to $60.99 (regularly $89).
While most of us aren’t going to move to an acreage to build out a homestead, there are tiny bits of the lifestyle that can help you save money, grow more of your own food, and feel self-sufficient. I long thought root cellars, a staple of older homes, weren’t possible living in the city, but it turns out, a root…
There are times when I’ve needed two identical cake pans, and only had one shallow pan to work with, and there have been times when I just needed a deeper pan, for something big, like a Basque cheesecake. Instead of making one cake layer at a time, or sacrificing a deep dish apple crisp for multiple shallow ones, just…
The Amysen is a smart plug that allows you to control whatever you plug in with your voice or another smart device—and right now, a four-pack of Amysen Wi-Fi Smart Plugs is on sale for $23.99 (reg. $49).
As Halloween approaches with frantic, last-minute wig purchases, and candy binges, you may find yourself overextended and undernourished. You need some real food, but the spooky times don’t have to stop. Get some of your creepy energy back with these unnerving spiderweb eggs.
There are some clever groupings today, and I thought this one was a delight to solve—but if you’re stumped, I don’t blame you. (I never said it was easy.) If you’re looking for the Connections answer for Wednesday, October 25, 2023, read on—I’ll share some clues, tips, and strategies, and finally the solutions to all…
Dollar Flight Club has a dedicated team that unearths deals on flights, mistake fares, and other opportunities to help members discover the best options for upcoming trips or impromptu vacations. From now until Oct. 31, members can get a lifetime subscription to a Premium plan for $39.97 or Premium Plus+ plan for…
My introduction to crossword puzzles was through cheating. My grandfather would sit in his recliner with a pen and a folded-up newspaper, and from time to time, he’d throw out a question to another person in the room—including, when I was old enough, occasionally me. Soon I was sitting on the arm of the chair, helping…
After a string of tricky puzzles, we have an easy one for once! Or at least I thought so. If you’re looking for the Connections answer for Tuesday, October 24, 2023, read on—I’ll share some clues, tips, and strategies, and finally the solutions to all four categories. Along the way, I’ll explain the meanings of the…
This massage gun, which has features like heat, an adjustable head, and different massage tips, is on sale today, Oct. 23, for $49.97, down $80 from its original price.
You can learn the basics of cybersecurity with this comprehensive 408-hour, 26-course overview that is on sale for $59.97 right now (reg. $754) through October 23. It covers everything from Python to penetration testing and ethical hacking.
There is only one Thanksgiving dish that cannot be made vegan: the turkey. The rest are surprisingly easy to modify, and mashed potatoes are the easiest. Non-vegans are always reticent to sacrifice dairy, but if you choose the right spud for your mash (and grab one of those fancy new margarines), you’ll find you don’t…
Problems with your gutters can be frustrating: Loud drips, water collecting in places it shouldn’t, and water taking an unplanned path, which can cause damage and make rainstorms more trouble than they need to be. While some issues with your gutters require professional help, others can be solved simply yourself with…
If you’re looking for the Connections answer for Monday, October 23, 2023, read on—I’ll share some clues, tips, and strategies, and finally the solutions to all four categories. Along the way, I’ll explain the meanings of the trickier words and we’ll learn how everything fits together. Beware, there are spoilers below…
In addition to the beeps and chimes that you hear on an airplane, you may also pick up on a variety of mechanical sounds before and during a flight, as well as after you’ve landed. Unless you have aviation experience or knowledge (or are traveling with someone who does), you may be curious—or anxious—about what’s…
Whether you’re building a new home or renovating your kitchen, you’ll have to make a decision about your countertops. If you’d like to go with a natural stone—as opposed to laminate countertops, for example—you can opt for granite, quartz, or marble.
Coming home to a clean space is a great feeling. Even those who aren’t bothered by a bit of clutter, dust, and grime can probably appreciate being able to sit down and relax in their home without being surrounded by a mess. Plus, when you don’t keep up with basic household chores, things will eventually get gross.
Sometimes I think about the person who wrote an article for Slate in July about how Connections is too easy, and I wonder how they’re doing now. Today’s another lively one, so if you’re looking for the Connections answer for Sunday, October 22, 2023, read on—I’ll share some clues, tips, and strategies, and finally the…
Even if you are, for the most part, on the same page with someone, you’re bound to disagree with them about something sooner or later. If this doesn’t happen often—or you’re navigating the situation for the first time—it can be stressful: After all, no one wants to jeopardize a functional relationship.
Last month, the police department of Lower Marion, Pennsylvania—located just north of Philadelphia—issued a warning to residents about a new scam. But unlike those that take place online, this scam happens in real-time and in person: More specifically, at the gas station. Here’s what to know about so-called “pump…
While soft, cozy interiors dominated during the first few years of the pandemic, new data from the real estate website Zillow suggests that home decor is going to head in a different direction next year. Here’s a look at some of their predictions for the hottest home trends of 2024.
Today is another tricky one, with all those dishes! If you’re looking for the Connections answer for Saturday, October 21, read on—I’ll share some clues, tips, and strategies, and finally the solutions to all four categories. Along the way, I’ll explain the meanings of the trickier words and we’ll learn how everything…
Inspiration comes from unexpected places this week—places like an Indian restaurant in Bowling Green, Kentucky and TikTok’s recommendation algorithm. Young are people doing it for the plot, wallowing in their own filth, and debating whether Gollum or King Kong stars in the worst video game of the year.
My “fall leaf philosophy” has changed a lot over the years, from laissez-faire due to disinterest, to a deeply held responsibility to bag every last leaf, to mulching all the leaves for compost, and finally landing right back where I started. While I personally hold that leaves are best left where they fall (for the…
Hope you remember your slightly obscure political figures, because today’s puzzle is a tricky one. If you’re looking for the Connections answer for Friday, October 20, 2023, read on—I’ll share some clues, tips, and strategies, and finally the solutions to all four categories. Along the way, I’ll explain the meanings…
When wading through all endless emails, Slack messages, and other notifications, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. When that happens, it’s best to have a strategy going in. There are a few different ways to approach it, but you have to find the one that works for you—and the “OHIO” technique is one to try if you need an…
I almost never buy fresh herbs at the store unless I have a specific need—but when they’re right outside my door in the garden in the warmer months, I use them in everything. When things cool off, though, you can keep fresh herbs close at hand by growing them inside—but that’s not without its challenges. The little…
Today is a fun-fest of F-word foursomes, and one of the trickier puzzles we’ve had lately. If you’re looking for the Connections answer for Thursday, October 19, 2023, read on—I’ll share some clues, tips, and strategies, and finally the solutions to all four categories. Along the way, I’ll explain the meanings of the…
This Chat Directional headset is on sale for $34.99 right now through October 23 (reg. $69.95). The Chat headset rests over your ears and has an ENC boom microphone that picks up clear audio and reduces unwanted noise. It has a wireless range of 30 feet, an IPX5-waterproof rating, and lasts up to six hours on a…
Between credit and debit cards, digital wallets, peer-to-peer apps, and bank transfers, sending money digitally has become the norm these days. While this convenience is great, it also comes with risks, especially if you don’t take the proper security precautions. And when it comes to choosing a specific payment…
If you’re looking for the Connections answer for Wednesday, October 18, 2023, read on—I’ll share some clues, tips, and strategies, and finally the solutions to all four categories. Beware, there are spoilers below for October 18, NYT Connections #129! It’s a relatively easy one today, as these things go. Read on if…
To me, there’s no better part of spooky season than carving a pumpkin. But what if I told you there was a way to add some power tools into the mix and make this low-key seasonal activity even more exciting? If you love tools as much as I do, you’ll be happy to learn that you can carve pumpkins with a variety of…
The Elite Series 2 Core wireless controller has hit one of its lowest prices since its release in September 2022. You can get it from the Microsoft website for $88.99 (originally $129.99). The lowest price it’s been on Amazon is $98.52 this summer, according to Camelcamelcamel, but still higher than the $79 it briefly…
If you’re looking for the Connections answer for Tuesday, October 17, 2023, read on—I’ll share some clues, tips, and strategies, and finally the solutions to all four categories. Beware, there are spoilers below for October 17, NYT Connections #128! Read on if you want some hints (and then the answer) to today’s…
You already know you should clean your sex toys, but vowing to do it is easy, before you really take a good look at what you’ve got. Sex toys are made out of all different kinds of materials. Some feel squishy, some are hard, some have electric components, and some go in different places than others. Does that impact…
The word “chili” can mean a lot of different things, depending on where you are in the country. Setting chili peppers aside, the dish known as “chili” can take a few forms, most commonly a mess of meat or beans or some combination of the two, usually swimming in a base of tomato, garlic, onion, and (of course) chili…