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When comparing meditation apps, consider what you want from your ideal app. Do you want a good, consistent experience, no matter the cost? Or are you trying to save as much as possible (and avoid annoying in-app purchases)? Do you want a guided meditation app that will walk you through the process, or do you just want to hear soothing sounds? Should the app focus exclusively on meditation, or do you want it to explore other areas of self-care, too?...

Luckily, reading has been scientifically proven to be one of the best ways to calm and de-stress the brain. According to a 2009 study from the University of Sussex, sitting with a favorite book for even six minutes a day can reduce stress by up to 68 percent, making it more effective than listening to music or drinking a soothing cup of tea. Researchers say this phenomenon takes hold because books can actually transport you into a different reality, free from stress, and potentially into one that’s a whole lot more interesting....

That being said, are there foods we should attempt to avoid for health reasons? According to a roster of registered dietitians (RDs), of course there are. Here are the 15 foods nutrition experts say they avoid whenever possible, and they recommend that we do the same. If some of these are in your fridge right now, don’t worry. Balance is everything—just try not to eat them every day. As an example, Forester highlights the Impossible Burger....

Hazelnut Swirl Blondies Ribbons of rich chocolate hazelnut spread top each bite of these outrageously delicious blondies. Get the recipe. Everything Cream Cheese Scones Savory scones meet classic bagels in this tasty recipe. Get the recipe. Apricot Almond Cake This elegant stonefruit cake is deceptively simple and decadently delicious. Get the recipe. Double-Chocolate Oatmeal Cookies With Pecans and Cherries Stock your treat jar with this chocolatey upgrade on everyday oatmeal cookies....

Picking out a wedding registry can mean reconstructing your material culture and aesthetic, as a duo instead of a single. And like your marriage, you want your home goods to last you for the many years to come. Dare I say heirloom-quality? Here are her top 15 picks. Editor-Picked Wedding Registry Finds: Stasher Reusable Silicone Food Storage Bags Set, $55 Parachute Brushed Cotton Queen Sheet Set in Ivory, $269 KitchenAid Artisan Series 5-Qt....

When trying to choose a book, remember that being a mom is a lot of hard work: Treat her to some uninterrupted me-time to put up her feet and dive into a new read. If you’re lucky, she’ll let you read her new novel or hilarious autobiography once she’s finished.

You can also score affordable beauty and skincare products for even less than usual. This highly rated mascara from Maybelline is only $5 right now, and this L’Oréal Paris hyaluronic serum is 25 percent off. Many sunscreens and oral health products are discounted, too. Best Home Deals Best Kitchen Deals Le Creuset Enameled Cast Iron Signature Deep Round Grill, $100 (was $170) Keurig K-Mini Plus Single-Serve Coffee Maker, $81 (was $100) Lodge Pre-Seasoned Cast Iron Skillet, $18 (was $27) Cosori Air Fryer Max XL, $99 (was $120) Imarku Santoku Knife, $27 with coupon (was $50) Nordic Ware 3-Piece Baker’s Delight Set, $34 (was $45)...

To help celebrate Independence Day and U.S. patriotism this year and every year (or why not every day?), get inspired by these iconic Fourth of July quotes from famous politicians, poets, philosophers, celebrities, and more.

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The same rule applies to grown-ups in the household, too. If you find yourself reaching for the step stool to grab the Chemex from the top shelf every morning, consider reorganizing your kitchen cabinets so items you use daily are easier to reach. It’s a simple concept, but it makes your daily routine flow more smoothly. An added bonus: The mix of textures is more aesthetically pleasing.

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Cleaning the toilet or tackling a big mess involving bodily fluids? Time to bring out a disinfecting spray. Just wiping down a kitchen counter? Use a sanitizer that’s formulated for your surface. Start by wiping away dust and crumbs before spritzing the surface, otherwise the debris will act as a barrier, preventing the spray from reaching the surface underneath. RELATED: 6 Common Disinfecting Myths That Are Sabotaging Your Cleaning Efforts

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Give it a crunchy topping. One reason so many of us love the fancy mac and cheese we get at restaurants is the crunchy, buttery topping. The good news: It’s easy to replicate at home. Simply prep one box of your favorite mac and cheese, according to the instructions. In a skillet, melt two tablespoons of unsalted butter. Add in one cup of unseasoned bread crumbs or panko, and cook, stirring constantly, until golden brown....

Not only have they come up with tones for all, but their products are also genderless and encourage skin transparency when normalizing conditions like acne and eczema. The next time you’re looking for your perfect shade, take note of these reliable brands that have inclusivity embedded in their DNA. And when it comes to creating foundation, this singer-turned-entrepreneur has always prioritized a curation of colors for all complexions on the spectrum, including the darkest of darks that often can’t find the right pairing....

Right now, you can save 50 percent on holiday plant bundles that include the popular Norfolk Island pine, and you can get an Easy Care or Beginner Bundle for 25 percent off. Even if you’re not looking to add any more responsibility to your routine, The Sill has options for you. Its low-maintenance products include a real-looking faux plant for $32 and a whimsical dried floral arrangement for 50 percent off....

Pro Tip: If you’re looking for a flatter baked good (like a cracker), shape the dough and freeze it for 30 minutes to help it stay flat when you bake. If cinnamon and sugar aren’t your thing, whip up a confectioner’s sugar glaze or royal icing.