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Whether you’re just learning how to recycle or you’re discovering what zero waste is, cutting back on plastic use in your kitchen can help reduce your negative impact on the environment, save you money, and even prevent food waste. These alternatives to single-use plastic bags, plastic wrap, food storage containers, and more offer reusable, long-lasting options that can mean less spending and fewer trips to take out the trash. Going plastic-free has never been so easy....

The solution? She and her husband (who happens to be an industrial designer) decided to “hack the system.” By hacking supplies from big box stores, making friends with the pros, and finding affordable alternatives to their favorite materials, they were able to get their dream kitchen and bathroom—while staying within their budget. The next time you’re planning a home remodel, keep these thrifty remodeling hacks in mind. In the bathroom, they used IKEA countertop, but they hacked the trendy waterfall countertop look by also installing the material down the sides of the bathroom vanity....

Getting to the emotional root of your money problems is key to getting the clarity you need to change. Perhaps it’s not that you’re not good with money, but your parents weren’t, and you feel doomed to repeat those patterns. Or maybe you struggle with self-esteem, and spending money is how you compensate for that feeling of not being good enough. Here’s what some of your financial problems could really be about....

Believe it or not, the problem might be your pajamas. According to Kent Smith, D-ABDSM, ASBA, former president of the American Sleeping and Breathing Academy, pajamas are often made with heavier, non-breathable fabrics. For a cooler and more pleasurable sleep, sure, you could opt for cooling PJs—but it’s free and easy to simply change into your birthday suit. As Smith puts it: “Sleeping naked keeps your body from overheating during the night, [and] keeping your body cooler is conducive to better quality sleep....

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Research published in 2018 in the journal Behavioral Sciences found that creative arts therapies (art, music, dance, drama) prevent stress and improve stress management. “[These creative activities] give us a temporary respite from focusing on whatever day-to-day problems we’re experiencing,” says Chloe Carmichael, PhD, clinical psychologist and author of Nervous Energy: Harness the Power of Your Anxiety. “Plus, opening up our creative capacity can help make us more effective problem solvers, which can reduce stress....

One of the best things you can do for your vision and long-term eye health is to eat a balanced diet high in fruits and vegetables and low in saturated fats and sugar, says Christine Joy, OD, a VSP Network doctor. Specifically, vitamins A, C, E, and zinc are especially beneficial to your eyes. As it turns out, a lot of the produce and ingredients that are in season in the fall are especially high in these key vitamins....

“Castor oil is extracted from the castor bean, which is the seed of the Ricinus communis plant,” says Dr. Sheel Desai Solomon, a board-certified dermatologist and founder Preston Dermatology + Skin Clinic in Raleigh, North Carolina. “Though the plant is technically native to tropical Eastern Africa, it’s managed to journey around the world and can be found in the southeastern region of the United States.” According to Solomon, castor oil is rich in omega-6, omega-9, and vitamin E, which mean it’s a nourishing and hydrating ingredient....

However, as the age-old adage goes, “time heals all wounds,” and the good news is that there are many ways to support your recovery after a breakup. (Besides playing Beyoncé’s “Me, Myself and I” a couple hundred times. Just me…? OK.) One not-so-talked-about recovery method includes reading breakup books—yes, you read that correctly. When you’re going through a tough time—whether it’s post break-up or another unsettling life transition—a good book can be an excellent source of comfort and healing....

1. Plastic Dry Cleaning Bags and Hangers If you own a lot of dry clean-only clothing, it’s likely you have a large collection of dry cleaning bags and hangers taking up space in your closet. Now’s the time to toss them all. Recycle the paper and toss the plastic (or stash them outside your closet—they make great tarps for your next painting project). And to cut down on the future closet clutter, remember that you can always politely ask your dry cleaner to skip the plastic....

Reader question: Can you recommend some good clarifying shampoos? —@shannon.albright Sorry to break it to you, but if you use dry shampoo and other styling products, go a few days between washes, or rinse your hair with tap water (i.e. all of us), you have a lot of buildup in your hair—even if you can’t see it. And no, the solution isn’t just to wash your hair more. In fact, your shampoo actually contributes to the problem....

Nordstrom has a huge assortment of pajama sets that fit every style preference, from thicker long-sleeve options that’ll keep you warm to lingerie-like satin cami and shorts sets. And if you do truly prefer wearing a mismatched pair of clothes to bed, but are craving a bit of an upgrade? Nordstrom’s got you covered there, too, with casual sets featuring sweatshirt-like tops and leggings in different colors and patterns. And best of all, they’re all on sale....

When shopping for dorm decor, choosing versatile pieces is key. And because you’ll most likely be moving out at the end of the spring semester, you should consider chic, timeless items that can work in any room. Luckily, Target offers a large selection of stylish bedding, furniture, rugs, and wall art that you can use to upgrade your space. We’ve rounded up our favorite pieces that cost less than $100 so that you can spruce up your dorm without breaking the bank....