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Also called cocktail syrup, simple syrup has long been the best way to layer sweetness into drinks. This doesn’t mean making drinks overly sweet—it means adding just enough syrup to put your other ingredients into smoother conversation, to give them ideal balance. Cocktails often have bitter, herbal, floral, fruity, citrusy, smoky, and many other bold flavors that, with some sweetness, can be softened. That said, even the most old-school minimalist will always want a homemade batch of syrup at the ready....

Haley uses vision boards, a paper planner, and notebooks to keep track of goals, and sets aside some designated admin time every week to review her schedules, make plans, and tackle any other to-dos. She prefers a paper planner that has space to list out bigger goals, and track the smaller action steps she needs to take to stay on track. She also makes vision boards with magazine clippings to stay motivated and envision what she’s looking to accomplish in the coming year....

Color Theory An all-green room might be a bit much. Mixing in neutral elements, like cream bar stools and wooden shelves, prevents color fatigue. Set in Stone The backsplash above the stove, made of the same Carrara marble used for the countertops, breaks up the dark tiling, which otherwise could feel heavy. Get the Look:

This dish is crowd-pleasing and easy to transport, meaning you can (and should!) take it to your next dinner party. Carry the ribs and sauce right in their pot, and then gently reheat them on the stove when you arrive. Pack the parsley mixture separately and sprinkle it on at the last minute.

3 cups all purpose flour, plus more for work surface 1/4 cup granulated sugar 1 1/4 oz. envelope instant or quick-rising yeast (2 1/4 tsp.) 1 1/2 tsp. kosher salt 1/2 tsp cardamom 1/4 tsp ground cloves 2 large eggs, at room temperature 1/2 cup whole milk, at room temperature 2 tbsp unsalted butter, melted 1 tbsp orange zest Cooking spray Filling 1/3 cup granulated sugar 1 tbsp cocoa 1 tsp cardamom 1/2 tsp ground cloves 1/4 cup unsalted butter, very soft 3 oz....

“The most important thing for taking care of birds that come to feed in your bird feeder is being able to see that they have enough food,” says Kate Staab, the Livestock Supervisor at Marsh Farm in Essex, England. Though there are many cute bird feeders available to buy (i.e., the ones that look like little houses), it’s not possible to check the level of seeds from afar. “A clearly visible food container is best for ensuring there is always enough bird food,” Staab says....

To determine which hand soaps are the most moisturizing, we looked at dozens of formulas and narrowed down the options based on type, ingredients, scent, and more. We also spoke with Angela Lamb, MD, director of the Westside Mount Sinai Dermatology Faculty Practice, for expert tips on how to keep your hands feeling soft and supple. For starters, she emphasizes the importance of using mild soaps and keeping the water lukewarm—as opposed to scalding hot—when you’re washing your hands....

When shopping for a vacuum for pet hair, Thomas Johnson, MD, board-certified allergist and immunologist at Allergy & Asthma Care of Florida, says “the overall goal should be to find a vacuum that effectively removes the allergen from the surface being cleaned without leaking around the collection system (which would allow the allergen to become airborne again).” In fact, Dr. Johnson says allergen particles can linger in the air for days or even weeks after being disturbed....

Looking for some ethereal and dainty items to soften up your kitchen? Though they might not all match, these options are a clever way to tap into the cottagecore trend. We’ve rounded up our favorite florals, botanicals, and farm-friendly pieces that make us dream of a country estate, while staying warm and cozy right at home.

Whether you’re new to grilling at home or fancy yourself a seasoned pitmaster, now’s a good time to start pondering your outdoor grill possibilities for the months ahead. Perhaps you swear by your easy-to-operate gas grill but want to try your hand at charcoal or pellet grilling this year, or you’ve downsized to a smaller living space and no longer have the space for your five-burner propane BBQ. Before you buy a new outdoor grill (find our favorite options in each category here), let’s run through your options....

To determine the best dishwashers, we spent hours researching the various models on the market, considering factors like energy efficiency, size, and features. We also consulted John Carey, co-founder and vice president Designer Appliances, and Jessica Petrino, educator and appliance expert at AJ Madison, for tips on what to look for in a dishwasher. “Very few people look forward to loading or unloading the dishwasher, but a great dishwasher should be a joy to use,” says Carey....

To select an unforgettable gift, tailor it to your beau’s hobbies, whether it be whipping up gourmet dinners or embarking on a weekend adventure. “I will say that the key to good gift giving is really knowing the person,” says Jodi Smith, president and owner of Mannersmith Etiquette Consulting. “Think about your boyfriend’s likes, hobbies, interests, and tastes. Think about when he is happy, what he enjoys doing with his free time....

Another one of the bakers we spoke to, Erin McDowell, recipe developer and cookbook author, advises consumers to research the capabilities of a stand mixer before buying. “Some mixers are developed more for bread baking, for example, while others can’t handle the motor use of long mixing times for something like, say, brioche,” she says. Anna Gordon, founder of New York City-based The Good Batch bakery, recommends choosing a stand mixer based on your long-term baking needs....