For Bottom Freezers and Drawers: iDesign Linus Divided Freezer Bins

It’s a pain to bend over and rummage through messy stacks, so label and date frozen food on the side of the package that’s visible, whether you stack boxes or “file” them. You can write directly on glass containers with a permanent marker (rubbing alcohol erases the ink). For plastic containers, scribble the info on clear tape, then adhere it. Use stackable bins to keep similar items together. Just measure the freezer interior first to make sure the bins will fit—and look for ones with handles so they’re easy to pull out. From $15, containerstore.com

These ribs are an easy alternative to traditionally braised short ribs—you don't need to pay any attention to them once you get them in the slow cooker. (That makes it my favorite beef short ribs recipe!) —Rebekah Beyer, Sabetha, Kansas

Some Highlights

• Real estate has outranked stocks, savings accounts, and gold as the best long-term investment among Americans for the past 7 years.
• The belief in the stability of housing as a long-term investment remains strong, despite the many challenges our economy faces today.
• Of the four listed, real estate is also the only investment you can also live in. That’s a big win!

After working hard all our lives and raising a family, we're now enjoying a simpler life. Getting back to the basics means enjoying old-fashioned comfort foods like these stuffed zucchini boats. —Mrs. C. Thon, Atlin, British Columbia

In this guide, we’ll explain the nitty gritty of what is and what’s not covered by a homeowners insurance policy. We’ll cover the specifics and questions that may be of particular concern to you, such as: Does a typical homeowners insurance policy cover damage from mold, termites and roof leaks? and Will your homeowners insurance cover you if your dog bites a visitor? We’ll also highlight things that are not typically covered. Finally, we’ll explain the difference between a cash value policy and a replacement cost policy, what to expect when you make a claim, and how long you should expect to wait before receiving payment from your homeowners insurance company.