Some bloggers and Redditors swear by strip washing, even posting images of how their supposedly “clean” sheets turned clear water murky brown once all of the soap scum and oil was removed. Basically, strip washing your laundry falls under the “grossly satisfying” category of cleaning tasks. So, should you try it? Can you actually be soaking your clothes for too long if you do? Here are some expert insights, adjustments you can make to your laundry routine instead, and a step-by-step guide....

I opted for the 10-piece Entry Way set, which comes with utensils, cups, and dishes for two people. Once it arrived, I was really impressed with the packaging: The entire set came in a compact cardboard box and each item was packed so securely. The cups and utensils definitely serve their purpose, but the real stars of the show are the Leeway Dishes—a ceramic bowl-plate combo that turned out to be the only type of dish I need....

One set I’ve been living in the past few months is the Lezat loungewear joggers and pullovers, which are as silky soft as cashmere. Lezat, a Los Angeles-based clothing company, designs sustainable, easy-to-wear, and effortlessly stylish pieces that are not only affordable but can easily find a home in any wardrobe. To buy: $36 (was $45); shoplezat.com. My go-to is the Jessie Brushed lounge set, which is buttery soft and breathable thanks to its recycled poly fabric....

Incorporate Family Photos Leaving out family photos where they can be admired will remind your entire household of parties, vacations, and gatherings past. To create a display that matches your home decor style, try a gallery wall of enlarged black-and-white photos in sleek black frames for a modern look or polished brass frames (from $21, westelm.com) for a glam effect. Resist the urge to display every single photo in your collection, but curate a few favorites for a more impactful arrangement....

And then, a few months ago, I had my second baby. My breasts, which got modestly bigger during my first pregnancy, got much bigger post-delivery as my milk came in (I’m breastfeeding). My just-OK pre-pregnancy sports bras couldn’t come close to helping me get through workouts with my postpartum breasts. Thanks to breastfeeding, they were wildly different sizes depending on what time of day I exercised and always felt like they weighed 8 pounds each....

The Minimalist Perfecting Complexion Stick from Merit is one of the easiest-to-use makeup products I’ve ever tested. And this is coming from someone who often resists wearing foundation or face makeup in general due to the fear of not being able to blend it properly, resulting in an unnatural look. With its lightweight, hydrating formula that genuinely melts into the skin when you blend (without settling into lines or creasing) and buildable coverage, this complexion stick is versatile enough to take the place of various items in your cosmetic bag....

Here’s why: The federal holiday, which takes place annually on the third Monday in January (January 17 in 2022), is a National Day of Service, and, thanks to Congress, has been since 1994. The civil rights icon, who was assassinated in 1968, recognized the power of giving back. In fact, in his 1957 “Conquering Self-Centeredness” speech, Dr. King said, “An individual has not begun to live until he can rise above the narrow horizons of his particular individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity....

So, what’s the first step toward making your dream farmhouse a reality? Choose a house plan that matches your style but can also be customized to fit your family. Below are five of our favorite farmhouse design plans from Southern Living, complete with wrap-around porches and kitchens made for big holiday meals. The best part: Each of these house plans was designed with storage in mind, so your dream farmhouse can be pretty and exceptionally organized....

Caroline had been a strong advocate for herself when working on freelance projects, so when she was approached by a company with an offer for a full-time position, she put her negotiating skills to use and asked for a higher salary than they initially offered. That’s when everything went haywire. “I tried to negotiate, and then the company either ghosted me or rescinded the offer,” Caroline says. “How do I still try and get what I deserve and ask for more, but not do it in a way where it’s going to make a company think ‘you’re not a good fit for our team at all....

Elaine took out more than $100,000 in student loans to help finance her education nearly a decade ago. Even though she’s made a significant dent in what she owes, she still feels like the loan is keeping her from moving forward into the future, including goals like buying a house, having kids, or putting money away for retirement. So how should Elaine balance paying down debt with achieving the goals she has for the future?...

With just days to go before the Easter holiday, Instacart released a list of America’s favorite Easter candies by volume in the weeks leading up to the special occasion. The data was collected via a survey of more than 2,000 Americans conducted online by The Harris Poll, and revealed that Americans take their Easter confections very seriously. According to the intel, 77 percent of Americans will absolutely or probably buy Easter candy this year....