Life Style

Shopping for the perfect comfortable sofa is a lot easier said than done. There are so many styles, brands, and price points all across the internet, it can be difficult to know where to start your spree - but that's where we come in. We're here to help you find your match, but first, you have to hone in on the things you want most from a couch. If price is your biggest concern, something affordable is a must. And to help you get started, we tapped design expert Gil Walsh, of GW Interiors, to make it simple. With over 30 years of design experience in both residential and commercial projects, Walsh understands that choosing the right sofa goes beyond aesthetics. With Walsh's tips in mind, we shopped and found everything from lounge-worthy sectionals to more chic choices that'll surely make a statement. The best part: they're all $600 or less, and some are even further discounted. What to Look For When Buying an Affordable Couch Now that you know you want something on the more affordable side, it's time to think about comfort. "Comfort is all in the weave of the fabric," says Walsh. Soft, textured, and plush fabrics are the materials she recommends keeping an eye on, along with performance fabrics for those with pets and kids. This brings us to quality. Of course, it can be difficult finding a durable sofa for a cheap price, but Walsh never skimps on a solid wood frame. "A hardwood frame allows the sofa to retain its shape and stability over a long period of time," says Walsh. Lastly, don't forget to measure your space, so you know exactly what type of silhouette will fit. Maybe you can squeeze in a sleeper sofa, or you might need a smaller option like a loveseat. Now that you've thought about all the musts, keep reading to find your favorite from our selections based on Walsh's advice and extensive market research. - Additional reporting by Anvita Reddy and Krista Jones Related: The Most Comfortable Lounge Chairs For Apartments and Homes

Just 10 minutes is all Class Fitsugar trainer Nikki Nie asks of you for this legs and booty burning workout. Presented by Allegra, this low-impact session will take you through a quick circuit of lunges and squat variations that will fire up your lower body. That's right, just because you're doing a low-impact workout doesn't mean you won't feel it. For the first round, you'll have five moves with 40 seconds of work and 20 seconds rest. The workout dives right in with squats. "So there's no warmup," Nie says. "Make sure you take care of yourself; listen to your body." After squats, you'll move on to lunge spilts on both sides, followed by lateral lunges with a knee drive on both sides, for a total of five moves. Nie leads you through each movement, offering form tips and motivation when it starts to feel tough. "You're doing a good job. Life is not easy and here you are showing up," she says. Then, in the second round, Nie kicks things up a notch. You'll do the same five moves, but this time incorporating 50 seconds of work and just 10 seconds rest. "Let that little voice in your head be positive," Nie says, as she heads into turbo drive, encouraging you to push through to the end. And when that doesn't work: "use your inner warrior," she suggests. Follow along and check out new workouts every week on the POPSUGAR Fitness YouTube channel.

When we shop, convenience is key, and that's why Amazon tends to be our go-to. Those stylish flats you've been eyeing for weeks? They can be yours in just a few clicks, without having to drive to the mall or wait in any lines. Whether you're already familiar with Amazon's array of designer footwear or are exploring it for the first time, the selection is brimming with chic styles. What adds an extra layer of confidence to online shopping is Amazon's hassle-free return policy - there's basically no risk involved. As long as you haven't worn your shoes beyond a quick try-on, a full refund is just a return away. But that's not the only aspect we adore about shopping for shoes on Amazon. Brands are usually really good at providing ultra-specific sizing details, a convenient touch that's often lacking in traditional brick-and-mortar stores. All of this is to say that you're in good hands shopping for footwear of all kinds from Amazon's digital fashion department - and that goes for designer brands, too. The retailer carries so many you might not have realized, including Staud, Coach, Tory Burch, Loeffler Randall, and so many more. To prove it, we did a little searching and rounded up 10 pairs of designer shoes we've been eyeing, all of which are waiting for you on Amazon. Keep scrolling to shop a range of styles, including designer sneakers, pumps, sandals, and more, at a wide range of price points. Related: The Best Sneakers on Amazon, According to Ratings and Editor Reviews

Everyone needs fiber - possible more fiber than you might think. While it's best known for promoting regular bowel movements, fiber can also help control blood-sugar levels, and certain types of fiber can reduce levels of LDL ("bad") cholesterol, associated with heart disease. We often hear about the importance of adding high-fiber foods or fiber supplements to our diet. But when the different types of fiber get brought up, things can get more confusing. There are two types of fiber: soluble fiber and insoluble fiber. Both offer unique benefits and value and can be found in everyday foods like oats (soluble fiber) and whole grains (insoluble fiber). But what's the difference between soluble and insoluble fiber, exactly, and which one should you focus on adding to your diet? We asked a dietitian that exact question, and she filled us in on what differentiates soluble from insoluble fiber, along with what foods are high in each, so you can incorporate these healthy nutrients into your diet. What Is Soluble Fiber? "Soluble fiber is a type of dietary fiber that dissolves in water to form a gel-like substance," says Lauren Manaker, MS, RDN. "This quality allows it to bind with fatty acids and prolong stomach emptying times, which may help to regulate sugar absorption and lower certain cholesterol." Soluble fiber is often found in a variety of foods including fruits, vegetables, legumes, and grains (more on that later!). "It feeds beneficial gut bacteria, contributing significantly to overall gut health and enhancing the body's immune function," Manaker tells PS. Plus, it can help prevent certain health conditions including heart disease and diabetes, as well as certain gastrointestinal disorders. What Is Insoluble Fiber? Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water. "Instead, it adds bulk to the stool and helps to move food through the digestive system more quickly, aiding in regular bowel movements and preventing constipation," Manaker says. Foods that contain insoluble fiber include whole grains, wheat bran, nuts, seeds, and the skin of many fruits and vegetables. Soluble Fiber vs. Insoluble Fiber "When comparing soluble and insoluble fiber, the main differences lie in their physical properties and benefits to digestive health," Manaker explains. Again: soluble fiber dissolves in water, forming a gel-like material that plays a role in lowering blood cholesterol and glucose levels. Insoluble fiber does not dissolve in water, adding bulk to the diet which can help promote the passage of food through the digestive system. Both types of fiber affect the GI system. Soluble fiber slows the digestion of food, which is why it can benefit glucose levels; it reduces sudden spikes in glucose caused by foods digesting super quickly. That doesn't mean soluble fiber will constipate you, though. In fact, it can help make bowel movements softer and easier to pass. Insoluble fiber, though, helps foods move more quickly through the digestive system, which also prevents constipation. Soluble Fiber Foods Want to incorporate more soluble fiber into your diet? Manaker suggests the following foods, all rich in soluble fiber: Oats Peas Beans Apples Citrus fruits Carrots Barley Psyllium Insoluble Fiber Foods If it's insoluble fiber you need more of, Manaker lists the following to stock up on: Whole grains Wheat bran Nuts Beans Cauliflower Green beans Potatoes Which Is Better?: Soluble Fiber vs. Insoluble Fiber Soluble and insoluble fiber both offer unique benefits to the body, so you ideally want to get a healthy mix of both in your diet. You can talk to your doctor about whether one or the other may better serve your unique health needs, but "each serves important, complementary functions in maintaining overall health," Manaker says. Women should be getting about 25 grams of fiber daily, according to the National Institutes of Health. And while most experts suggest just aiming to hit this number without worrying too much about exactly how much of each type you're getting, UCSF Health notes that a good goal is to get about a quarter of your total intake from soluble fiber, and the rest from insoluble. Alexis Jones is the senior health and fitness editor at PS. Her areas of expertise include women's health and fitness, mental health, racial and ethnic disparities in healthcare, and chronic conditions. Prior to joining PS, she was the senior editor at Health magazine. Her other bylines can be found at Women's Health, Prevention, Marie Claire, and more.