Humidifiers You Can Snag Right Now for Winter

Courtesy of Katie Friedman

Hi Friends,

Soothe your skin, clear your sinuses and more with a humidifier tailored exactly to your needs and budget.

Keep in mind: Price and stock could change after publish date, and they may make money from these links.

With winter comes two of our least favorite things: harsh dry air and cold and flu season. Both can take a major toll on your body and home, leading to itchy skin, sore throats, congested sinuses and even warped or cracked furniture. ("Yikes!" is right.)

Luckily, you can easily replenish the moisture in your home with a new humidifier. Your skin, your furniture and even your plants and pets will all thank you for it. Here are 14 of the best humidifiers for every budget and need, that you can get on sale now and enjoy throughout the New Year.

What to Consider When Buying a Humidifier

To find the best humidifier for your home, you need to know a few key phrases: "warm mist," "cool mist" and "ultrasonic." Essentially, warm mist and cool mist humidifiers both release water vapor into the air, but warm mist humidifiers heat the water and convert it into steam. For this reason, warm mist humidifiers are better at targeting germs (hello, cold and flu season), but they can be too hot for kids and pets and harbor bacteria if not cleaned frequently.

Cool mist humidifiers, on the other hand, don't produce heat. Instead, they use ultrasonic technology to break up water particles in the air and circulate moisture into an environment. This is why you'll usually see the terms "cool mist" and "ultrasonic" paired together.

Finally, consider the size of your space. A smaller room, like a nursery or home office, will require only a tabletop or even a portable humidifier. But a larger room, like an open-concept kitchen and living area, might need a freestanding, remote-controlled humidifier. The good news? You can find all of these styles on sale below.

Best Humidifiers on Sale Under $30

Wewdigi Colorful Cool Mini Humidifier

$29.99 $14 Walmart 52% Off!

Set a soothing tone for work or play with this Wewdigi Colorful Cool Mini Humidifier. The portable canister is about three inches tall, so it can fit on any bookshelf or desk, and it uses ultrasonic technology to deliver a fine mist. You can even change the color cycling light to reflect your desired mood.

Levoit Mini Ultrasonic Humidifier

$33.99 Macy's

If you're planning to travel in 2022 (or you often shuffle from room to room), then you need this portable Levoit Mini Ultrasonic Humidifier. The device weighs less than a pound and yet delivers a powerful mist to help skin stay hydrated. It's also sleek enough to fit in a suitcase or cupholder, and it has color-changing capabilities.

Mainstays Cool Mist Humidifier

$24.48 $22 Walmart On Sale!

You can't go wrong with the Mainstays Cool Mist Humidifier. This small-but-mighty machine comes from Walmart's in-house line, and it quietly adds moisture to dry environments. It also boasts three speed settings, an auto-shut-off feature and an aroma tray — just in case you want to diffuse some essential oils.

Pure Enrichment MistAire Humidifier

$39.99 $30 Walmart 25% Off!

Make working from home a little more comfortable and treat yourself to this Pure Enrichment MistAire Ultrasonic Humidifier. The compact device is ideal for moisturizing smaller spaces, like an office or guest room, and it has a whisper-quiet operation to minimize distractions. Best of all? The teardrop-shaped reservoir comes apart for easy cleaning and refilling.

Best Humidifiers on Sale Under $50

Crane Adorables Elephant Humidifier

$49.99 $37 Amazon 25% Off!

How cute is this little friend? Banish dry air and allergens from your child's bedroom with this Crane Adorables Cool Mist Elephant Humidifier. The unit boasts a 1-gallon tank, an adjustable 360-degree lid (so you can send the mist in any direction) and a whisper-quiet operation. You'll also love the detachable bottom-fill tank, which is super easy to clean.

AquaOasis Cool Mist Humidifier

$49.99 $39 Amazon 22% Off!

You and your kiddos will sleep soundly with this AquaOasis Cool Mist Humidifier running in the background. The machine stays utterly silent as it dispenses mist around the house, and it automatically shuts off before the tank runs out. The transparent reservoir lets you know when to refill and clean the tank as well.

Vicks Ultrasonic Cool Mist Humidifier

$59.99 $40 Amazon 33% Off!

With a filter-free design, quiet operation and auto shut-off feature, this Vicks Ultrasonic Humidifier checks all the boxes. But the best part is that the device is compatible with Vicks VapoPads, so you can enjoy soothing menthol vapors or a sleep-friendly scent. One sample Vicks VapoPad is even included with your purchase of the humidifier.

TaoTronics Cool Mist Whale Humidifier

$65.99 $40 Walmart 40% Off!

It's no secret that we're obsessed with this TaoTronics Cool Mist Whale Humidifier. The whimsical design is perfect for a nursery or kids' room, as it effectively hides the humidifier in plain sight. Patented noise reduction technology ensures that the mist is nice and quiet, too, so your baby will sleep soundly. Plus, even when the device is busy moisturizing the room, it can double as a nightlight.

Fridababy 3-in-1 Humidifier

$49.99 $41 Walmart On Sale!

If you're looking for something that will grow with your child, then snag the Fridababy 3-in-1 Humidifier. This little unit is a huge hit with parents because it's lightweight, portable and capable of diffusing essential oils. And thanks to the humidifier's simple, egg-shaped design, you can trust that it will work in their space for years to come.

Pure Enrichment Cloud Humidifier

$59.99 $49 Walmart On Sale!

Speaking of kid-friendly humidifiers, we love this cloud-shaped unit from Pure Enrichment. With its 1.8-liter tank and quiet operation, this adorable machine will help your child breathe and sleep easier. You can also rotate through eight rainbow hues and let them choose their favorite light color for bedtime. It will make a fun addition to their future "big kid room" too.

Best Humidifiers on Sale Under $100

Levoit Ultrasonic Cool Mist 2-in-1 Humidifier

$99.99 Macy's

If you're looking for something minimalistic in style and mighty in power, then set your sights on the Levoit Ultrasonic Cool Mist 2-in-1 Humidifier. In addition to a 1.8-liter tank (which is perfect for medium-sized rooms), this unit boasts three mist levels. You can also pour purified water into the top of the tank, and add essential oils to the base.

Vornando Ultrasonic Humidifier

$116.99 Macy's

Consider this the perfect humidifier for a boho bedroom. With its light wood design, easy-touch control panel and near-silent operation, this Vornando Ultrasonic Humidifier will recede right into the background. Meanwhile, its 1.5-gallon tank will distribute cool or warm sprays.

Costway 4.5L Ultrasonic Humidifier

$185.99 $69 Walmart 63% Off!

Get the functionality of a humidifier and the look of an alarm clock, all in one, with this Costway Ultrasonic Humidifier. The cubic shape and digital display help the device blend in with your nightstand, while the 4.5-liter tank provides some much-needed moisture. The humidifier can also be operated by your choice of touch screen or remote.

Costway 6L Cool Mist Humidifier

$199.99 $90 Walmart 55% Off!

When you need to refresh a large or open-concept room, look no further than this freestanding Costway Cool Mist Humidifier. The device features an impressive 6-liter tank, which helps target broad zones and put them at a comfortable moisture level. The humidifier also includes a remote, an LED light and a digital display.

Replenishing the moisture in your home will improve your overall air quality.

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Live well,
Yvonne

Winter Vegetable Stew Ideas

Courtesy of Julie Martens Forney

Hi Friends,

Satisfy hearty cold-weather appetites by preparing winter vegetable stew. Winter veggies shine in traditional stew recipes.

Chase away the chill with cozy winter vegetable stews. These slow-cooked concoctions serve up simple, homey fare that’s sure to please the pickiest palette. Stews offer the perfect hiding place for winter veggies like turnips, parsnips or different types of winter squash. In the flavor-melding environs of a stock pot, these often less-adored vegetables happily combine with more traditional mealtime favorites to create a winter vegetable stew that will have the pickiest eater coming back for more.

Many great stews get their start from braising meat—and winter vegetables happily combine with various meats. Pork is the go-to choice for different types of winter squash, but these nutrition-packed veggies also blend well with beef or chicken. Turnips, potatoes, parsnips, leeks and onions marry well with virtually any meat, from bison to lamb. Seafood and potatoes, cabbage and carrots complement each other’s flavors almost synergistically.

The easiest way to start cooking winter vegetable stew is to peruse recipes. If you have a family favorite stew, chances are it already contains a few winter vegetables. Remember, this group contains popular potatoes (white and sweet), carrots, onions and celery, along with the frequently less familiar parsnip, turnip, rutabaga and different types of winter squash. Greens also fall into the winter vegetable category, including chicory, kale, escarole and endive. Broccoli, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts also belong in the winter vegetable category.

If you’re not used to cooking with some of these vegetables, you might find it more challenging to know how to combine them in stews. The good news is that most can travel incognito in winter vegetable stew blends, disguised by potatoes (which hide rutabagas well), savory tomato broth (which helps parsnips disappear) or chunks of sweet potato (which provide a great foil for winter squash).

Certain winter vegetables pair well with particular spice groups. For instance, sweet winter vegetables like sweet potatoes and different types of winter squash strike a fantastic flavor note when paired with spicy seasoning. Blend sweet potatoes and chipotle into a hearty lentil stew, or a smoky mesquite chile pepper seasoned pork with golden butternut squash.

Parsnips, rutabagas and turnips complement paprika-braised beef to create a winter vegetable stew that works as a stand-alone dish or can be stretched by serving over rice or noodles. Try upgrading a traditional beef stew by serving it in a bowl alongside a dollop of—not mashed potatoes—but creamy mashed parsnips with caramelized garlic. If you think your family won’t go for parsnips solo, blend a few into your regular mashed potatoes and watch what happens. Or skip the parsnips and add a few steamed rutabagas to your potatoes. Don’t tell—and see who eats it up.

For a seafood entrée, whip up a Jamaican jerk seafood stew with turnips and carrots. Or try a hearty Asian seafood stew with rutabagas, sweet potatoes and parsnips. Fish sauce coaxes nice flavors out of many winter vegetables and also pairs well with winter greens.

Oven roasted winter vegetables introduce another flavor dimension to stews that’s worth exploring. Roasting sweetens and intensifies flavors and adds crispy browned edges that make even the most disliked winter vegetables, like Brussels sprouts or rutabagas, all-stars.

Bon Appétit...

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Live well,
Yvonne

Happy Martin Luther King Day!

Photo Compliments of Hulton Archive/Getty Images

Hi Friends,

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his "I Have a Dream" speech on Wednesday, August 28, 1963 at the Lincoln Memorial for the March on Washington, DC. Words that resound in our history today, however, most publications only reveal a portion of the speech and we thought this would be the perfect opportunity to share the speech in it's entirety.

I HAVE A DREAM
By Martin Luther King, Jr.
Wednesday, August 28, 1963

"I am happy to join with you today in what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation.

Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand signed the Emancipation Proclamation. This momentous decree came as a great beacon light of hope to millions of Negro slaves who had been seared in the flames of withering injustice. It came as a joyous daybreak to end the long night of captivity.

But one hundred years later, we must face the tragic fact that the Negro is still not free. One hundred years later, the life of the Negro is still sadly crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination. One hundred years later, the Negro lives on a lonely island of poverty in the midst of a vast ocean of material prosperity. One hundred years later, the Negro is still languishing in the corners of American society and finds himself an exile in his own land. So we have come here today to dramatize an appalling condition.

In a sense we have come to our nation's capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence, they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir. This note was a promise that all men would be guaranteed the inalienable rights of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned. Instead of honoring this sacred obligation, America has given the Negro people a bad check which has come back marked "insufficient funds." But we refuse to believe that the bank of justice is bankrupt. We refuse to believe that there are insufficient funds in the great vaults of opportunity of this nation. So we have come to cash this check -- a check that will give us upon demand the riches of freedom and the security of justice. We have also come to this hallowed spot to remind America of the fierce urgency of now. This is no time to engage in the luxury of cooling off or to take the tranquilizing drug of gradualism. Now is the time to rise from the dark and desolate valley of segregation to the sunlit path of racial justice. Now is the time to open the doors of opportunity to all of God's children. Now is the time to lift our nation from the quicksands of racial injustice to the solid rock of brotherhood.

It would be fatal for the nation to overlook the urgency of the moment and to underestimate the determination of the Negro. This sweltering summer of the Negro's legitimate discontent will not pass until there is an invigorating autumn of freedom and equality. Nineteen sixty-three is not an end, but a beginning. Those who hope that the Negro needed to blow off steam and will now be content will have a rude awakening if the nation returns to business as usual. There will be neither rest nor tranquility in America until the Negro is granted his citizenship rights. The whirlwinds of revolt will continue to shake the foundations of our nation until the bright day of justice emerges.

But there is something that I must say to my people who stand on the warm threshold which leads into the palace of justice. In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.

We must forever conduct our struggle on the high plane of dignity and discipline. We must not allow our creative protest to degenerate into physical violence. Again and again we must rise to the majestic heights of meeting physical force with soul force. The marvelous new militancy which has engulfed the Negro community must not lead us to distrust of all white people, for many of our white brothers, as evidenced by their presence here today, have come to realize that their destiny is tied up with our destiny and their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone.

And as we walk, we must make the pledge that we shall march ahead. We cannot turn back. There are those who are asking the devotees of civil rights, "When will you be satisfied?" We can never be satisfied as long as our bodies, heavy with the fatigue of travel, cannot gain lodging in the motels of the highways and the hotels of the cities. We cannot be satisfied as long as the Negro's basic mobility is from a smaller ghetto to a larger one. We can never be satisfied as long as a Negro in Mississippi cannot vote and a Negro in New York believes he has nothing for which to vote. No, no, we are not satisfied, and we will not be satisfied until justice rolls down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream.

I am not unmindful that some of you have come here out of great trials and tribulations. Some of you have come fresh from narrow cells. Some of you have come from areas where your quest for freedom left you battered by the storms of persecution and staggered by the winds of police brutality. You have been the veterans of creative suffering. Continue to work with the faith that unearned suffering is redemptive.

Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed. Let us not wallow in the valley of despair.

I say to you today, my friends, that in spite of the difficulties and frustrations of the moment, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.

I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: "We hold these truths to be self-evident: that all men are created equal."

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at a table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a desert state, sweltering with the heat of injustice and oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.

I have a dream that my four children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day the state of Alabama, whose governor's lips are presently dripping with the words of interposition and nullification, will be transformed into a situation where little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls and walk together as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream today.

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight, and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.

This is our hope. This is the faith with which I return to the South. With this faith we will be able to hew out of the mountain of despair a stone of hope. With this faith we will be able to transform the jangling discords of our nation into a beautiful symphony of brotherhood. With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.

This will be the day when all of God's children will be able to sing with a new meaning, "My country, 'tis of thee, sweet land of liberty, of thee I sing. Land where my fathers died, land of the pilgrim's pride, from every mountainside, let freedom ring."

Happy Martin Luther King Day!

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Yvonne

Fun Things to Do With Your Dog on a Winter Day

Courtesy of Erin Gifford

Hi Friends,

There's no need to let the wintry weather keep you from having an unfurgettable day with your pup.

Take a Winter Hike

Dogs love romping around in the forest. Not only is it a change of scenery from the backyard, but it also gives your dog the chance to explore loads of new scents and views. Given all the science backing the benefits of nature on humans – from stress relief to better concentration to enhanced creativity – it only seems right to extend the benefits to your furry pal, too.

Unleash Your Pup's Inner Artist

Let your dog get creative with colorful pup-safe, washable paints. Spread out a tarp, lay out a piece of posterboard or canvas and allow your dog to express himself through painting. Dip his paws in the paint or use a pet-friendly inkpad, like ColorBox Paw Prints. Clean your dog's paws thoroughly when he finishes his work of art.

Pet-Friendly Inkpad

Have a Baking Day

Winter and baking just go together, so why not plan a baking day with your pooch pal? Head online where you'll find loads of yummy faves, like Peanut Butter Dog Bone Treats and Chow Chow Cheddar Stars. Your pup will happily nap the afternoon away with a full belly and a smile.

Peanut Butter Dog Bone Treats

Chow Chow Cheddar Stars

Go to an Indoor Dog Park

Get out of the house and make your way to an indoor dog park where your dog can run, jump, slide and play with other dogs to burn off his pent-up energy.

Try Skijoring

Snow days were made for skijoring, a cross between cross-country skiing and dog sledding. It's also the "best dog sport you've never heard of," according to Rover.com. Put a harness on your dog, clip into your skis and glide across the snow as your dog runs up ahead. As you can imagine, skijoring is better suited for medium to large athletic dogs.

Rover.com

Do 'Downward Dog' With Your Dog

If you love your dog and you love yoga, then dog yoga may be for you. Doga, as it's called, is a great way to incorporate your dog into your relaxation and meditative practices. Yoga studios, like YogaForce in Burlingame, Calif., offer regular doga classes that enable pups and their owners to work on a few poses while bonding with each other.

Play Fetch

Just because there's snow on the ground, that doesn't mean your favorite furry pal doesn't want to play fetch with you. Use a brightly colored toy or ball so he doesn't spend more time hunting for it in the snow than retrieving it and returning it to you. It's also a great opportunity for both of you to get outside and get some exercise.

Road Trip to the World's Largest Pet Store

Your dog will sit, stay and roll over when he finds out you're road tripping to Lancaster, Pa., to spend the day at That Pet Place, the world's largest pet store. There, you'll find more than 88,000 square feet of dog toys, rawhide bones, fleece dog blankets and colorful dog collars. Even a trip to your local pet store will have your pup jumping for joy.

That Pet Place

Snuggle Up With a Movie

Treat your pup to a dog bone (or three) and snuggle up in front of the TV for a doggie movie marathon. A few flicks to queue up include A Dog's Purpose, Beverly Hills Chihuahua and Air Bud: Golden Retriever. What better way to spend a cold, wintry evening than by binge-watching a handful of canine classics with your furry BFF.

Treat Your Doggie Diva to a Shopping Spree

Release your pup's inner fashionista with a doggie shopping spree. Head online or visit your local pet shop for warm, colorful sweaters, adorable booties and insulated winter parkas. Get a jump on Halloween by shopping for costumes and accessories that will wow parade and costume contest judges. Look to Etsy for a fantastic selection of stylish, handmade duds for your pup.

Etsy

Have fun!

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Live well,
Yvonne

Cold-Hardy Winter Vegetables

Courtesy of Debbie and Mark Wolfe

Hi Friends,

These crops thrive in the cold and will reward you with healthy, garden fresh food all winter.

Arugula

Image courteasy of Mary Beth Shaddix

Arugula is at its best in cold weather. Try growing it in cool weather for a milder crop.

Broccoli

Broccoli continues to produce side shoots once the main head is harvested. Once established, you can enjoy broccoli into early winter.

Brussels Sprouts

Image courteasy of Felder Rushing

Brussels sprouts are the most cold hardy of the cabbage family.

Cabbage

Cabbage is very cold hardy. Stagger the planting so you can enjoy cabbage all winter.

Endive

Image courteasy of Ben Rollins

Endive is a great addition to a winter salad. Plant plenty this fall.

Kale

Image courteasy of Woodland Gardens Organic Farm

Kale and other hearty greens are great winter vegetables.

Spinach

Image courteasy of Sara Cozolino

Spinach is great to grow in cool weather. Add it salads or saute with garlic for a hearty winter feast.

Swiss Chard

Similar to beet greens, Swiss chard has a mild flavor. Its pretty color will add a little pizzazz to your garden (and your plate).

Happy gardening...

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Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne

Happy New Year!

Hi Friends,

May the New Year bring you joy, prosperity and good fortune...

Happy New Year from your friends at Interior Design!

Your kind contribution will allow us to continue sharing great, no cost and cost saving ideas for your space. Click the "Donate" button below to make a contribution. Thank you!

Live well,
Yvonne