I wanted to do all those things I never had time for—bake, play piano, plant a garden, and the list went on. As my New Year’s resolution, I vowed to do a hobby a day, and I’d post a photo of it on Instagram to track my journey. What could go wrong? On January 1, I pulled out a new cookbook and off I went. For the first time, I baked rosemary focaccia and crusty French bread....
In order to reduce food waste, FSIS recommends that regardless of the date, consumers should evaluate the quality of the food before deciding to eat it or throw it away. (The one exception: Federal law requires a date on all infant formulas for safety and it should always be followed.) So what exactly do expiration dates mean then, and how long is food really good for? With help from experts and product manufacturers, Real Simple compiled this simple guide to reading expiration dates and when to worry about food safety, so you can shop smarter and waste less....
While no one food is a cure-all, and you should certainly consult a doctor if you think you’re exhibiting symptoms of depression, there are several foods that have been scientifically proven to give people a happiness boost. Some of these foods, like Brazil nuts, contain compounds that stimulate the production of certain feel-good hormones, while other foods, such as coffee, can actually block compounds that may make you feel lousy....
Halloween pajamas are the best way to be cute, comfortable, and on-theme. Bonus? Halloween pajamas work beautifully for kids and adults—and there are plenty of adorable options out there. Looking for a little inspiration? We have some ideas below for three popular types of Halloween pajamas. Slip Into a Halloween Onesie For adults and kids, onesies and jumpsuits (aka footie pajamas) are the way to go. Try some foxy PJs....
From improving posture, to burning at least 600 calories per hour, and getting you outside to breathe fresh air, it’s proven that this fun outdoor sport is incredibly beneficial to your mind and body. Plus, a solid pair of inline skates starts at only $180. “Rollerblades cost a lot less than a bike,” says Kim Brown, recreational inline skater. “You can easily do 10 or more miles and still make it to local destinations in the summer....
What is Ghosting? Ghosting—cutting off contact with no explanation, even after someone repeatedly attempts to connect—is fast becoming the new “No, thank you.” The term seems to have originated in the online dating world: One in four people have been ghosted by a partner, and almost as many confess to ghosting other people, according to a 2018 study in the Journal of Social and Personal Relationships. But it has quickly spread to new realms....
No matter your biscuit preference—tall, tiny, flaky, crispy, or even square—everyone should master at least one batch of homemade biscuits to feel good about making them again and again with great success. To get you started, here are a few sage pieces of advice we’ve picked up that will serve you well. “Using your hands, quickly smoosh the butter into the flour mixture, making flat leaves. This helps keep the butter pieces larger, almost like for a piecrust, which makes the biscuit more flaky....
“Savings accounts give individuals a safe place to keep the money they may need to make short-term purchases and fund upcoming goals,” says Eric Roberge, a certified financial planner and the founder of Beyond Your Hammock. Of course, some savings accounts are limited in scope; they are meant to be used for college, for example, or to be applied as a down payment on a home. Some are overflow accounts, where we store excess money for a “rainy day....
“Throughout history, we’ve been told our boobs are the problem—that they’re too big, too small, or uneven in size—when misguidance and a lack of fitting options have been the problem all along,” says Ra’el Cohen, co-founder and Chief Creative Officer at ThirdLove. Ready for an upgrade? We asked Cohen to help break down what to look for when shopping for a bra so you don’t have to deal with uncomfortable fits ever again....
In fact, some people might want to avoid chlorine bleach entirely. For example, factors like skin sensitivity should be considered before adding bleach to your washer. Keep reading to learn whether chlorine bleach, oxygen bleach, or an alternative cleaning method is the right choice for your stubborn stains. Chlorine Bleach As far as bleach goes, chlorine bleach packs the most powerful punch. It not only whitens but also disinfects and deodorizes....
While frequently used wood-burning fireplaces require more maintenance, even gas-powered fireplaces should be cleaned regularly. Turn off the gas at the main valve and vacuum away dust and cobwebs from the firebox. Inspect the unit for any cracks or scorched areas and call a certified gas technician if you see problems. To thoroughly clean a wood-burning fireplace, follow the steps below. When you’re done, you’ll be ready to snuggle up around the fire....
Read on for the step-by-step how-tos, or click here to see the video tutorial for the Half-Up Twist.
Here’s everything you need to know to ensure you enjoy every berry. How to Freeze Blueberries To freeze blueberries, spread the blueberries on a rimmed baking sheet in a single layer. Place in the freezer for two hours, then pack the blueberries for long-term storage. Should blueberries be washed before freezing? It may seem like a good idea to pre-wash your blueberries before you freeze. But doing that removes “bloom,” that waxy-looking, protective outer coating on blueberries that helps keep bacteria and pests out—and juiciness in....
As for seasoning, most foods will taste great if you add just a little salt, pepper, and olive oil beforehand. That’s the beauty of grilling: it’s a fuss-free cooking method meant to elevate an ingredient’s natural flavor without much elbow grease. That being said, if you want even more flavor, there are endless mouthwatering marinades you can add to your meat or veggies before they’re barbecued. And if you need some simple summer sides, we’ve got tons here....
The Evolution of Sustainability “Most people agree that sustainable food was the first one that broke through to the mainstream because it’s personal; we literally put food in our bodies,” says environmental activist and sustainability specialist John Oppermann, who is the executive director of the Earth Day Initiative. Next came the impetus to ditch fast fashion, which harms the planet through its use of natural resources, greenhouse gas emissions, and labor practices....
In recent years, ghee has become a more mainstream ingredient, particularly as a staple in the ketogenic and paleo diets. In grocery stores, ghee typically ranges from $6 to $12, which makes DIY ghee a more affordable option. Below, we break down exactly how to make ghee at home. How to Make Ghee from Butter Butter is composed of three main elements— butterfat, milk solids, and water. Both ghee and clarified butter are pure butterfat, which is made by slowly melting unsalted butter and removing the milk solids and water....
