Food gifts also check lots off your list at once. You can bake a big batch of biscotti or blondies, drop them in baggies, and seal them with bows in less time than it would take you to find a parking spot at the mall during the holidays. With homemade edible gifts, everyone gets taken care of with minimal money spent—though there are free gift ideas if you’re low on cash....
Even though I’m never eager for winter’s arrival, the one thing that keeps me going throughout the coldest months of the year are items that promise to keep me comfy and warm. This is the time to stock up on fuzzy socks, ultra-soft robes, throw blankets, and coats—and the best news is all of these items can serve as wonderful holiday gifts in a pinch. Biggest Sale: Zella Live-In High Waist Pocket 7/8 Leggings, $24 (was $59) Sellout Risk: Barefoot Dreams CozyChic Lite Circle Cardigan, $78 (was $116) Ideal Stocking Stuffer: Nordstrom Butter Crew Socks, $6 (was $9) Best Hostess Gift: Neom 6....
But how to peel it yourself—in a reasonable amount of time? Squash recipes sometimes call for using a Y-shaped peeler. While the vertical handle certainly speeds up the process, you’ll still spend at least 20 minutes trying to scrape off the squash’s woody exterior. No, thank you. These two brilliant tricks will help allow you to peel squash less than five minutes. Let the microwave do the work. Poke the squash or pumpkin all over with the tines of a fork....
Some aspirations seem truly impossible to start, let alone maintain forever. Rather than put too much pressure on yourself, consider taking on more bite-size, micro-challenges to foster wellness in every aspect of your life. We asked experts in a variety of fields—mindfulness, mental health, nutrition, business, and more—to recommend their favorite manageable, yet meaningful, mini-goals for everyday wellness. RELATED: 6 Stretching Exercises to Help Your Whole Body Loosen Up RELATED: It’s Probably Time for a Self Check-in—Here’s How to Do It Plan a brief morning routine that’s just for you, and remember that everything on your phone will still be there when you decide to pick it up more consciously....
Christmas cards have changed a lot in the last few years: Photo cards are all the rage, digital or e-cards are almost as popular as paper ones, and foil-printing is the look du jour. But the task of finding the right phrases to use in your annual send remains the same. They’re sort of like Christmas quotes or gift exchange ideas in that way. The difficulty lies in finding the perfect term to represent your family and share holiday cheer with the recipient....
While there are affordable alternatives to traditional financial advisors, such as robo-advisors and online financial planning services, independent financial advisors can be valuable for managing investments. They can help you set and reach money goals and even help with estate planning. More importantly, a study by investing platform Envestnet PMC estimates that an advisor can add 3 percent value on investments each year. However, finding a financial advisor you trust is crucial for reaping the benefits, and the process requires research and thorough vetting....
Here’s my two cents on the issue: scars, acne, freckles, and cellulite are completely normal and should be portrayed that way. There’s nothing more refreshing than seeing a model who actually looks like…you. Since the majority of beauty and fashion brands don’t do this often enough (ahem), we want to commend the few who strive to normalize authentic beauty by not retouching their models. Here’s to hoping more brands follow suit....
“While pinot noir and chardonnay are great go-to’s, the seasonal change presents an opportunity to explore a new selection of wines,” explains Christopher Hoel, founder of Harper’s Club and Luckysomm and expert wine curator for Wine Insiders and Martha Stewart Wine Co. Below are lesser-known (but equally enticing) wines that beg to be uncorked in cold weather months. Whether you’re sipping them by the fireplace or pairing them with a favorite meal, enjoy warming up with one of these five cold-weather wines....
Mustard is one of the world’s oldest condiments. Roman chefs used to grind mustard seeds with grape juice (known as must) into a spicy paste known as mustum ardens, which was shortened to “mustard” when the sauce arrived in the States. In essence, mustard is a combination of ground mustard seeds and some form of liquid—it’s the type of seeds and liquid that differentiates one variety from the next. Some are sweet, some are spicy, and others are downright astringent....
Ever wondered what A-list chefs like Giada De Laurentiis or Anne Burrell pick up for everyday snacking, meal prep, and feeding last-minute guests? We chatted with a few famous chefs at the 2020 South Beach Wine and Food Festival in Miami, Florida. They shared which items they always reach for along the aisles of their local supermarkets. Some of them are tiny, others are indulgent, and some are just plain necessary....
Instead of viewing cooking for one as lonely or too difficult, consider the benefits: you get to cook exactly what you’re craving (no compromising with a picky roommate), at whatever time is most convenient for you (9 p.m. is A-OK), to the soundtrack of your choosing, in your pajamas. Proud of your creation and wish you had someone to share it with? That’s what Instagram is for. If you enjoy planning your meals in advance, great—choose recipes with overlapping ingredients, make a list of exactly what you need, and head to the store over the weekend....
But let’s back up for a second. What exactly is ombré hair color? “Ombré is a French word that means ’to shade.’ When referencing hair color, it means to create a gradient from dark to light,” explains Shanna Hushaw, elite colorist and field education leader for the Hair Cuttery Family of Brands. “Ombré colors can work for any hair length and texture because they can be totally customized and either bold or natural....
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“Look for entryway or runner rug options with a high-low surface rib design,” adds Christa Endler, an interior furniture merchant at Home Depot. “This will help to trap dirt and moisture in the recessed channels below shoe-level to keep grime outside.” If you enter your home through the front door, a hall tree works wonders for controlling mess and clutter. “It has cubbies with bins and baskets for scarves, hooks for hanging bags, easy-access shoe shelves and hidden storage behind its shuttered doors,” says Endler....
These apps differ in offerings and user experience: They range from bright and stimulating to more minimalistic; pre-set programming to flexibility and personalization; and super-niche and detailed to more general and versatile. However, all of them offer quantifiable tracking tools and helpful reminders for anyone trying to stay on course to meet a personal goal. When you find one that works for you, you’ll be able to develop and maintain a pattern of healthy behaviors that turn into stepping stones toward your final destination....
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