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The coatings used on nonstick pans have come a long way in the last decade. The surface of nonstick cookware used to scratch, peel, and degrade within a few months of purchasing, leading many consumers to generalize nonstick as cheap and flimsy. This is no longer the case—the materials used to make the pans themselves, like hard anodized aluminum, are much sturdier today. Some new pots and pans are actually metal utensil-safe and can be used on high heat....

How to Pick The best way to pick a cantaloupe is by smell. The fruit should have a sweet, slightly musky scent. A good cantaloupe feels heavy for its size, has a rind that resembles raised netting, and has a stem end that yields slightly when pressed with your thumb. How to Store Let a not-quite-ready cantaloupe ripen at room temperature for up to two days (keeping it in a closed paper bag will speed up the process)....

Maybe you find yourself wondering if your neighbor will be annoyed you didn’t support her as an “entrepreneur,” or if you didn’t want to buy Girl Scout cookies from her daughter. There are times when, out of our own fear of being rude or uncomfortable, we make financial choices that aren’t in our best interest. Do you have trouble politely declining a financial request? Here are five ways to help you stick to your budget, your good financial intentions, and your goals when it comes to spending....

Oil is your enemy For starters, oil is your enemy. “The oil in our skin, or creamy products applied around the eyes, can make the pigment of the mascara transfer onto skin, even after the mascara is dry,” says Nikki Wolff, the global creative director of artistry for KVD Beauty. Even if your skin isn’t naturally oily, sweat and heat can cause mascara to run. Before you begin applying makeup, Keita Moore, a celebrity makeup artist and Maybelline brand ambassador, recommends cleansing your face from natural oils....

This helps you get a sense of your biggest concerns and understand where to place your focus. “Sometimes it’s easy to give in to a sense of urgency that can just cause more stress and anxiety,” Chlipala says. “Take it one task at a time.” Once you’ve identified your stressors, don’t put so much pressure on yourself. Bell explains why “patience and compassion toward yourself” is always the right move....

There’s so much to manage, and the process can be full of unknowns. While there’s no way to avoid every bump in the remodeling road, having the right guidance can improve the trip. We asked top design and construction pros to share their best insights into every stage of the process. Phase 1: Before You Begin You’ve heard the old saying “Measure twice, cut once”? Turns out it’s good advice for the renovation process: The more time you spend planning, the more smoothly the project is likely to run....

How to Store Whole Beets To properly store whole beets, begin by chopping off all but a stub of the beets’ greens, keeping the bulb intact. Discard the extra beet greens, or save them to sauté in garlic and olive oil for a simple side dish. It’s best to keep the skin on, which protects the interior and keeps the beet fresh for longer. Avoid washing the beets, no matter how ruddy they are, as the moisture will cause them to rot more quickly....

Make sure to wash your swimsuit after each and every wear—even if you don’t go in the water. “Sunscreens contain ingredients that can be damaging to the fabric and can lead to the eventual breakdown of the material,” says Marysia Reeves, designer of Marysia Swim. To top it off, some SPFs are more detrimental than others, warns Lindsey J. Boyd, co-founder of the all-natural detergent line, The Laundress. Mineral-based lotions and oil formulations can cause yellowing or gradual stains over time if swimsuits are not washed properly....

If you find yourself without a job and qualify for unemployment insurance, here are the best practices to follow so you can make the most of the unemployment benefits you receive—and get the maximum amount of money you’re eligible for. “Starting early is essential so you can get the maximum benefits before you land your next job,” says Irene McConnell, executive coach, hiring manager, and managing director at Arielle Executive....

That’s where cosmetics that do double (or sometimes even triple) duty come in so handy, and luckily there are plenty of multi-functional products providing two makeup uses at once or even working as skincare available these days. If you’re especially looking for something to touch up your lip color and add some rosy cheek tint for spring, then Ilia’s Multi-Stick is the one you should carry with you everywhere. To buy: $34; iliabeauty....

Here, two experts weigh in on the service and how jewelry insurance can (and can’t) help protect your valuables and your keepsakes. Who Should Get Jewelry Insurance If you’re still in the costume jewelry phase, purchasing jewelry from fast fashion stores or from marketplaces such as Etsy where many items aren’t made of precious metals or stones, you probably haven’t considered jewelry insurance. But if you’re in the market for something more valuable, like a diamond, then you’re surely well aware of the price tag on these items....

Design tip: Just because you love the elements of a certain design style doesn’t mean you have to go all-in on it. In fact, many interior designers would tell you that it’s a mix of styles that adds depth and complexity to a space. So don’t feel like you need to go full farmhouse in order to have the same appeal. Start out by incorporating a few of the pieces below, then slowly add more if you’d like....

Have your own social dilemma for Michelle to solve? Tell us about it at modernmanners@realsimple.com. You’re Not Invited SHIRA: I’m having a destination wedding, and we want to keep it super-small. What’s a classy and nice way of saying on our e-invite, “We are getting married, but really, no pressure to come!” We genuinely don’t want too many people there. MICHELLE: Wow! Congratulations on getting married. Finding a life partner is pretty special....