Our love affair with dairy is a complicated thing. You’ve likely been warned before that dairy products pose a risk of heart disease and consequently cautioned to think twice before snacking on that block of cheddar. Yet research has begun to suggest that dairy may in fact be good for your heart rather than harmful, which has dairy lovers heaving sighs of relief.

In fact, some studies indicate that consuming saturated fats from dairy products may be linked to higher HDL (“good cholesterol”) and lower triglyceride levels. Even with all this gouda news, researchers still advise eating dairy in moderation and choosing low-fat and low-sugar varieties.  

So with that in mind, you might be wondering which dairy products are the best bang for your buck, nutrition-wise. One such product that gets little attention is quark.

What Is Quark?

Despite being somewhat difficult to categorize, quark’s smooth, soft, crumbly texture is similar to that of other cheeses. It’s made by fermenting a mixture of cheese and yogurt cultures in warm milk and straining out the whey.

Quark’s consistency is somewhere between cottage cheese, a thick Greek yogurt, and cream cheese, and its taste is similar to that of mildly sour cream cheese. Although it has a tanginess to it, it’s not as tart as Greek yogurt.

Originally from Europe, quark is especially popular in Germany but has begun to gain popularity in the U.S. due to its substantial health benefits. 

The Health Benefits of Quark 

Aside from being delicious, this soft, savory spread is bursting with nutrition. As a low-fat product that’s also a good source of protein, calcium, and probiotics, quark is worthy of being included in anyone’s diet.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a ½ cup serving of quark contains the following nutrients:

• 90.2 calories
• 11 g protein
• 3 g fat
• 5 g carbs
• 0 g sugars
• 29.7 mg sodium
• 80.3 mg calcium

Plus, the generous amount of probiotics found in quark help with improving digestion, regulating healthy bacteria in the gut, and boosting immunity. 

But what truly sets it apart from its cheesy cousins is its low sodium levels. It contains half as much sodium as Greek yogurt and would make an excellent alternative to that, cottage cheese, or ricotta. If you’re watching your salt intake, quark is the way to go! 

Tasty Ways To Enjoy Quark 

Quark is an extremely versatile food, giving you many possible ways to enjoy it. You might choose to simply swap it with your daily Greek yogurt, topping it with all your favorite add-ins like granola, jam, and fruit. Or you could enjoy it on its own or as an accompaniment to your favorite dishes, treating it as a dip. 

As a high-protein food, quark would also make an excellent pre- or post-workout snack, satiating your appetite while building and repairing muscle. 

If you prefer to use quark as a spread, you can smother it on a slice of crusty bread, toast, or a bagel for a mouthwateringly delicious snack. There are endless options for incorporating this healthy cheese into your diet, all of which will leave you and your taste buds satisfied.

There are a number of tips and tricks that can help you achieve an hourglass figure or slimming effect. For instance, dressing according to the golden ratio is recommended to make anyone look taller and slimmer, regardless of weight.

Monochromatic outfits are another great way to make yourself appear longer and leaner. Many of us love our all-black ensembles or other dark colors to smooth over the areas we want a little more coverage.

While most of these tips focus on color and style, the fabrics you wear can also have a profound effect on your silhouette—and this goes beyond how stretchy, thin, or lightweight they might be. In this case, we’re talking about wearing a very specific fabric.

Metallic fabric is eye-catching in a way that, with the proper styling, can produce an instant slimming effect. We know flashy metallic may not be the first fabric you think of when it comes to hiding unwanted curves, but it makes sense when you think about it.

A metallic texture plays on the principle of light and shadow to guide the eye. Similar to the way light is used in paintings and makeup to draw the eye to some areas and away from others (think: highlighting and contouring), metallics can reflect light to visually slim your figure.

Using the right combination of metallic pieces with solid-colored basics will help you achieve this amazing sculpting effect. We’ve rounded up some of the best ways to incorporate metallics into your wardrobe.

Metallic Jackets 

Try pairing a metallic jacket with a neutral top and bottom to highlight the glam. You can see below how the shorter, structured jacket with a looser bottom helps cinch the waist and flatten the tummy, instantly resulting in a slimmer silhouette.

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Levi’s Faux-Leather Moto Jacket

$120 Shop Now at Macy’s

• Available in sizes XS-XL.
• Fits true to size.

On the other hand, you could choose a longer jacket to elongate your figure and make the metallic fabric the defining feature of your ensemble.

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VENUS Sequin Mesh Long Jacket

$69 Shop Now at VENUS

• Available in sizes XS-3X.
• Multiple colors available (Rose Gold and Pink).
• Fits true to size.

Metallic Skirts 

Metallic skirts are super in this season, but to achieve maximum va va voom, opt for a high-waisted A-line skirt. The shiny, flowy movement on bottom will help create a beautifully balanced appearance. 

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Endless Rose Sunburst Pleated Skirt

$80 Shop Now at New York & Company

• Available in sizes XS-L.
• Fits true to size.

Metallic Pants

We’ve also noticed some modern iterations of the fierce glam rock pants from the ’70s and ’80s. While embracing similar heavy metal hues, this high-shine trend kicks tackiness to the curb. Consider balancing out your look by pairing a wide leg with a more figure-hugging top.

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INC International Concepts Metallic Wide-Leg Pants

$69.50 Shop Now at Macy’s

• Available in sizes XS-XXL.
• Fit true to size.

Alternatively, you can match a pair of skinny metallic bottoms with a black top and/or long jacket to slim your upper half.

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Express High-Waisted Metallic Skinny Jeans

$80 Shop Now at Express

• Available in sizes 00-14.
• Runs small, consider sizing up.

No matter what style you choose, the key to making metallic fabrics look chic is to invest in quality-made pieces. Opt for leather or faux leather metallics, silks or satins, and as much as possible, avoid polyester.

Hot flashes, bloating, abdominal pain, mood swings—these symptoms are all common among women going through menopause or perimenopause, and they all suck. But as it turns out, there may be an easy way to tame those pesky symptoms by sipping on a tasty (and nutritious) beverage.

Research has found that probiotics may be a helpful tool when it comes to combating menopause symptoms, and one great way to get more of those in your diet is by sipping on the super trendy kombucha.

Kombucha is an age-old fermented beverage made with tea, sugar, bacteria, and yeast—it might sound gross, but it’s delicious, we swear! But best of all, it’s brimming with probiotics that are beneficial for our microbiome. 

The human microbiome essentially consists of all the microorganisms that reside within the body, specifically in the gut, mouth, and vagina in women. Maintaining a healthy microbiome is crucial to one’s overall health.

Women experiencing menopause may have problems maintaining a healthy microbiome due to the interaction between gut microbiota (a community of microorganisms) and estrogen, which decreases during menopause. Fortunately, the gut microbiota, which regulates estrogen levels, can be helped with a healthy dose of probiotics.

Menopause-Related Or Not, It Helps Ease Gut Discomfort

It’s not uncommon to experience digestive issues such as abdominal pain, bloating, and changes in bowel movements during menopause. A lack of estrogen and progesterone hormones during menopause and perimenopause can lead to gastrointestinal (GI) issues, which ultimately affect digestion. This can lead to a lot of discomfort.

The hormonal fluctuations of menopause can also worsen symptoms in women who suffer from irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) or inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Fortunately, probiotics can help promote healthy digestion and get you back on track. Enjoying kombucha regularly can replenish your gut’s probiotic supply and ease GI discomfort significantly. 

Whether your GI distress is related to menopause or not, probiotics can help restore gut bacteria and promote colon fermentation—basically, they’re just really great for helping you feel better.

It Can Boost Your Brain Health And Mood

Feeling short-tempered, angry, and impatient? If your mood swings have those around you walking on eggshells, you’re not alone. Although more common in perimenopause, sudden mood swings in menopause are a troubling symptom that many women wish to overcome. 

Luckily, probiotics have been shown to possibly improve mood and cognitive health as well. A whopping 95% of the body’s serotonin, a key hormone that affects mood and emotion, is regulated in the GI tract via the vagus nerve that connects to the brain. 

This relates to a concept researchers refer to as the gut-brain connection, which looks at not only how the brain can affect the gut (like stress causing a stomach ache), but also how gut health can impact our mental health.

While traditionally scientists have believed that our brain has a bigger impact on our gut, more recent research is suggesting the inverse may be true. This means treating gut issues could be key to improving our mood and overall well-being.

For example, in one March 2019 study published in Frontiers in Psychiatry, participants showed marked improvement in mood, sleep, and feelings of anger following the consumption of probiotics for six weeks. 

It May Help With Hot Flashes And Night Sweats

Menopause is synonymous with hot flashes and night sweats, and though they may seem unavoidable due to their overwhelming prevalence, they’re not impossible to remedy. Once again, probiotics may be able to come to the rescue.

Research has shown that a healthy microbiome can also help control vasomotor symptoms (VMS) such as hot flashes and night sweats.

A July 2020 study published by the Journal of Clinical Medicine involved supplementing the diets of women aged from 40 to 60 with Lactobacillus acidophilus, a certain kind of bacteria often used to ferment kombucha. The findings showed that the bacteria helped alleviate a number of menopause symptoms, including hot flashes, night sweats, heart palpitations, and even vaginal dryness.

A Word Of Caution

Kombucha is a good example of how too much of a good thing can be harmful. Drinking an excessive amount of kombucha can cause nausea, headaches, upset stomachs, and possibly even ketoacidosis, a life-threatening condition when acid builds up in the bloodstream. 

As a general rule, it is recommended to drink four ounces of kombucha a day. Still, kombucha has many health benefits that shouldn’t be overlooked. If you’re looking to start incorporating kombucha into your diet, Health-Ade and Remedy Kombucha are two brands we recommend.

With Health-Ade’s delicious variety starter pack, kombucha beginners can kick off their journey to a healthy gut with sensational flavors such as Pink Lady Apple, Pomegranate, and Bubbly Rosé.

Health-Ade Kombucha Signature Variety Pack

$49.95 Shop Now at Amazon

And if you’re looking for a sugar-free option, Remedy Kombucha offers their fan-favorite 24-pack in flavors like Raspberry Lemonade, Ginger Lemon, Mixed Berry, and Peach.

Remedy Kombucha Variety Pack

$44.99 Shop Now at Amazon

No one can deny the irresistible deliciousness of chocolate, and for those with a relentless sweet tooth, the blame is usually attributed to chocolate’s high sugar content. But there may be more to the appeal of this decadent treat than just its sweetness.

According to science, it boils down to one thing: lubrication.

Why Chocolate Feels So Good

In a January 2023 study published by ACS Applied Materials and Interface, researchers from the University of Leeds found that our fondness for chocolate might not just be about the taste—our adoration is also influenced by its mouthfeel. The true magic lies in the physical changes that happen as the chocolate transforms from a solid to a smooth emulsion.

Chocolate releases a fatty film when it enters the mouth, coating the tongue and other surfaces therein. As a result of this lubrication, the chocolate emits a luxurious, smooth feeling. 

Interestingly, however, fat has a limited impact on mouthfeel deeper inside the chocolate. Once you get beyond the outer coating, solid cocoa particles are chiefly responsible for the tactile sensation in your mouth.

While interesting, you might be wondering why this research was conducted and what it means for chocolate lovers and the food industry in general.

The Impacts Of The Study 

Researchers noted that because fat beneath the outer coating doesn’t play much of a role in creating a satisfying mouthfeel, it may be possible to reduce the fat content of chocolate without impacting the satisfaction level. This finding could contribute to the design of healthier chocolate that doesn’t taste chalky or chewy.

By coating the outer layer in fat, the chocolate would still fulfill that irresistible sensory experience, lowering or eliminating the need for additional fat inside. In addition, researchers believe these findings could also be applied to other foods such as ice cream, cheese, and margarine. 

Though the study is fascinating, it doesn’t address the fact that flavor, regulated by the sugar content, is still a big part of why people love chocolate (and why some people prefer milk chocolate over dark).

Still, it’s exciting to think of the potential for healthier chocolate based on this research.

Fat is without a doubt one of the hottest topics in the world of health and wellness, but did you know there are multiple types of fat cells that our bodies store and use in different ways?

Many of us have a negative perception of fat based on its association with serious health risks and obesity. However, while some types of fat are more harmful in excess, others can have certain benefits. The amount of each type of fat and the way your body stores that fat can have a big impact on your overall health.

What Is Brown Fat?

In general, white fat is what we think of when we talk about fat. These large white cells are stored in multiple locations throughout the body, and their primary function is to store energy for later use. White fat helps to maintain health, but too much can be harmful.

Brown fat is much less common than white fat and is mostly found in infants. Nonetheless, adults still have it, and its primary function is to help keep us warm. It also helps to regulate the metabolism of sugar and fat, which is why researchers have been particularly interested in brown fat in recent years.

There is also beige fat, which as you might have guessed, is a combination of white and brown fat cells. Aiding in regulating body temperature, scientists have also been intrigued by beige fat cells ability to convert white fat into brown.

Brown Fat Can Impact Our Metabolism

While the research into brown fat is still relatively new, findings on how brown fat can help us achieve a healthier weight look promising.

In an August 2019 study published in Nature, researchers from the University of California, San Francisco (UCSF) found that activated brown fat can help burn fat. 

An analysis of glucose, fats, and amino acids was performed in 33 healthy young men. At room temperature, 17 of the men had high brown fat activity while 16 had low activity. They were then exposed to cool temperatures (not enough to make them shiver) for two hours.

Participants with high levels of brown fat activity were found to have reduced levels of branched chain amino acids (BCAA), essential amino acids that provide energy during exercise. Interestingly, past studies have shown an increase of BCAA in participants with serious health risks such as obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetes.

Scientists also discovered that brown fat produces a protein called SLC25A44 (what a mouthful) when it’s exposed to cold environments, which then helps convert BCAAs into energy and heat. Blocking this process caused obesity and diabetes in rodents. Using these findings, researchers were able to better understand how brown fat affects metabolism and interacts with BCAAs. 

At Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU), a June 2014 study published in Nature found that cold exposure affected human fat and metabolism.

Over the course of a month, participants were exposed to mild cold for at least 10 hours at a time while wearing standard hospital attire and bed sheets. By the end of the study, participants had increased their brown fat volume by 42% and their fat metabolic activity by 10% in addition to improving their insulin sensitivity. 

How To Activate Brown Fat

You might have noticed that both studies used cool temperatures to activate brown fat. That said, you don’t need to stand outside shivering your butt off to potentially see results. Here are a few possible things to try instead.

1. Get Outdoors While It’s Cold 

Try making a habit of taking brisk morning walks or cool evening strolls. You could also go hiking with the family or finish some long overdue yard work in chillier temperatures. Staying indoors may be tempting, but as the UCSF study demonstrated, that cold exposure will help activate your brown fat cells and could lead to overall fat loss.

2. Crank Down The Temps At Night 

In addition to saving you money on your heating bill, keeping the thermostat at a low setting overnight may also crank up your metabolism. As noted in the VCU study,  sleeping in a cooler room can improve your overall health due to the activation of brown fat.

3. Get A Healthy Dose Of Meat Or Nuts

If you dislike the cold (can’t say I blame you), you’ll be glad to know there are some other options for boosting brown fat production. A June 2022 study published in Pharmaceutics found that L-arginine—an amino acid found in whole grains, dairy products, nuts, fish, and meat—effectively accelerated the transformation of white fat into brown fat after seven days.

4. Try Adding A Supplement To Your Diet

We get it, making changes to your diet isn’t always easy or possible. As an alternative, you can always supplement your diet with … well, supplements, like the NOW L-arginine Supplements. To maximize metabolic management, take two tablets of 1,000 mg per day.

Research published by the Journal of Nutritional Biochemistry in September 2015 also suggested that curcumin (a substance in turmeric) may help turn white fat brown, in which case supplements such as the Qunol Turmeric Curcumin Capsules could come in handy. Taking two 1,000 mg capsules daily is recommended for best results.

Many masterpiece paintings and fascinating designs throughout history have owed their visual appeal to something called the “golden ratio.”

Also called the divine proportion, the mathematical ratio of 1:1.618 contributes to beauty, balance, and harmony by arranging subjects along intersecting axes and by dividing lines and shapes aesthetically. 

Aside from its widespread use in art, this mathematical concept is also prevalent in fashion. Known for her impeccable style and a keen eye for balance, Gabrielle Bonheur “Coco” Chanel was credited with saying, “Fashion is architecture: It is a matter of proportions.”

Chanel’s sentiments have been echoed by many other fashion designers who adapt the golden ratio to balance proportions between garments, creating stunning symmetry within their collections.  

The Rule Of Thirds 

Following the exact golden ratio of 1:1.618 isn’t easy particularly when it comes to fashion. Thankfully, you can use the rule of thirds to achieve the same sense of balance and harmony. A ratio of 2:3 or 3:5, although not quite the divine proportion, is close enough for fashion designers.

Applying the rule of thirds to your everyday wardrobe makes any outfit appear cohesive and well-balanced. For example, a 2:3 ratio between the upper and lower body is a more natural visual division of space than a 1:1 ratio. The latter divides the body in half and results in a boxy, frumpy silhouette. 

The simplest way to accomplish this is to divide your body into thirds and create a visual break along one of those lines. This might be where your top and bottom meet, where a layer ends, or where you place a belt.

A quick way to apply the rule of thirds is to tuck in the front of your shirt, a method known as the French tuck, which instantly splits your outfit into 1/3 on top and 2/3 on bottom. You can achieve a similar effect using a crop top paired with high-rise pants.

Always the classic style icon, Kate Middleton is a master of this concept. The incorporation of a belt was a subtle but effective visual break in her eye-catching teal midi dress designed by Edeline Lee. Not only does it cinch her in at the waist, but it helps to elongate her figure.

For an inverse example of this concept, see Sarah Jessica Parker’s look at the Hocus Pocus 2 world premiere. A pair of satin pink cropped pants (a style she is very fond of) helps balance the length of her long floral tunic.

To sum things up, incorporating the rule of thirds into your wardrobe can be a total style game changer. Prepare to reel in compliments like never before.

As far as breakfast food goes, oatmeal is a solid choice. Its high fiber content can satisfy your hunger, ease insulin response, and improve gut health. But, truth be told, a plain ol’ bowl of oatmeal doesn’t inspire much excitement. 

Thankfully, we’ve got a couple sneaky hacks up our sleeve to make your oats irresistible without compromising their health benefits.

We’ve mentioned before that Jennifer Aniston likes to add egg whites to her cooked oats to up the protein and lend them a fluffier texture. One of our Suggest editors gave this method a whirl and said it totally works!

But we have another recommendation for those of you looking to spice up your oatmeal without sacrificing nutrients. By using tea, you can give your oatmeal a health and flavor boost without adding sugar or other empty calories.

As you probably know, oatmeal is typically prepared with either water or milk. But neither of these ingredients can transform oatmeal into a showstopper on its own. As an alternative, tea opens the door to many different flavor profiles and additional nutrients. 

There are countless varieties of tea, from fruity and floral to herbal, spice-filled flavors that evoke a warm and cozy feeling. Yet what many teas have in common is that they’re rich in polyphenols, a plant chemical responsible for giving tea its distinct flavor.

In addition to offering an enticing aroma, polyphenols may also provide health benefits. Studies indicate that tea may help manage inflammation and blood sugar while reducing the risk of stroke, cardiovascular disease, and Type 2 diabetes. It certainly couldn’t hurt to mix a bit of it into your morning oats!

Preparing oatmeal with steeped tea is a cinch: Brew a cup of tea as you normally would (boil a ½ cup of water, add your tea bag, and steep for the recommended amount of time). Then, take out the tea bag and pour in your oats. Use one cup of rolled oats, and follow the measurements on the package for instant or steel-cut oats.

Cook your oat-tea concoction for five minutes or until the tea has been fully absorbed. Top with your favorite fruits, nuts, granola, or yogurt. You can add a bit of sugar to taste, but the tea will lend a rich flavor by itself.

While you can use any kind of tea flavor, Harney & Sons Hot Cinnamon Spice and Decaf Vanilla Comoro are popular choices for some irresistibly creamy oatmeal. Their Hot Apple Spice flavor would also make a great addition to your cozy breakfast menu, especially on chilly mornings.

Dermal fillers have become an increasingly popular beauty trend in recent years due to their affordability, convenience, and minimal recovery time.

Aside from being fast-acting, fillers are also believed to be a temporary solution to reversing volume loss without surgery or downtime—an ideal option for those who want to test the waters of cosmetic procedures without making a major commitment. 

It’s possible, however, that those who use dermal fillers are making a longer commitment than they signed up for, raising some questions about their permanence.

A Surprising Discovery

Apart from the widely-held belief that these injections are temporary, those who opt for dermal fillers are also told they can be dissolved at any time if they wish to remove them. But we’re discovering that doesn’t always entirely take care of the issue.

Take longtime beauty writer Alice Hart-Davis’ cautionary tale regarding dermal fillers, for example.

Like many, Hart-Davis believed dermal fillers were temporary, so she was shocked when she saw how much residual filler was still present in her face after undergoing an MRI. Although she hadn’t had any filler injections in four years, the MRI showed 35ml of filler still present in her face, more than she’d ever had in the 20 years since she first began dermal injections.

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Now in her 60s, Hart-Davis noted that she’d started her filler journey in her 40s and had received extensive treatments over the following 20 years.

Her cosmetic treatments included hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers in her temples, cheeks, and lips. Beyond that, she’d also used injections to smooth her nose-to-mouth lines, fill in tear troughs, and define her jawline, chin, and even the tails of her eyebrows.

Hart-Davis was told that her treatments would last a year or so at most and that in order to maintain her appearance, she’d need to undergo additional regular HA injections. In fact, several clinics actually insist that you visit every six to 12 months to keep your look fresh. 

Even though she was shocked by the amount of filler left over in her face as shown on the MRI, she wasn’t entirely surprised either. In spite of being told about fillers’ limited lifespan and the routine upkeep they required, Hart-Davis had also heard reports over the years of fillers lasting much longer. In the course of following one physician’s research on the subject, Hart-Davis became fascinated by what she learned.

Filler Doesn’t Always Go Away On Its Own

After seeing a number of cosmetic patients with swelling around the eyes, Dr. Mobin Master, an aesthetic radiologist in Melbourne, questioned whether residual filler was to blame. His investigation eventually shone a public light on the longevity of dermal fillers.

Although he knew MRI scans could be useful for identifying filler left in the face, Dr. Master noted that seeing residual filler dating from two to nearly 12 years back on a variety of patient scans was a “surprising discovery.” In Hart-Davis’ case, even her radiologist, Dr. Simon Morley, was astounded by her results.

The residual filler amazingly didn’t appear to be causing any visual issues, yet Dr. Morley said he was “blown away” by the amount left over under her skin. Considering hyaluronic acid is meant to dissolve over time, what could have caused this?

As in Hart-Davis’ case, doctors speculate that hyaluronic acid’s ability to attract water might explain why the residual filler showed up as a larger volume on her MRI scan. There’s also the possibility that the scan picked up on filler that had integrated with her facial tissue as well as plain old leftover filler. Either might explain why the whopping 35ml of filler on Hart-Davis’ scan exceeded the total amount of filler she’d received in her lifetime.

What does this mean for dermal fillers in the long run? Although this information shouldn’t necessarily scare those who use fillers and other facial injectables out of using them, it may shed some light on the potential longevity of your treatments.

Bottom line: When considering filler, it’s important to keep in mind that it might remain under your skin for much longer than you expect.

It’s not unheard of for spouses to keep a secret stash of cash as a means of escape or in anticipation of a divorce. But for many, especially women, finding the means to save up or secure funding to get away from an abuser seems almost impossible.

Leaving an abusive relationship is incredibly challenging on its own, and that’s only compounded by the need to pay for transportation, housing, and other basic needs to start over.

Luckily, changes are underway to better empower and support victims of abuse. These changes are included in a set of retirement reforms referred to as Secure 2.0.

Withdrawals from retirement plans before age 59½, regardless of the reason, are allowed but not generally recommended. Early withdrawals come with a heavy tax penalty of 10%, which is enough to deter anyone. But depending on your circumstances, these changes to the tax code may waive that penalty.

Relief For Domestic Abuse Victims

In 2024, victims of domestic abuse will be able to withdraw up to $10,000 or 50% of their account balance (whichever is lower) from their retirement savings without penalty within a year of the abusive incident. The maximum withdrawal amount will be adjusted according to inflation as needed.

The legal definition of domestic abuse is “physical, psychological, sexual, emotional, or economic abuse, including efforts to control, isolate, humiliate, or intimidate the victim, or to undermine the victim’s ability to reason independently, including by means of abuse of the victim’s child or another family member living in the household.”

Although it might seem like a minor change to the tax code, this financial cushion could provide abuse victims tremendous relief—and a way out of their situations. But they’re not alone; this new legislative package also provides exemptions to the early withdrawal tax for a few other circumstances.

Terminal Illness

Per this new legislation, you won’t be penalized for withdrawing retirement funds before the age of 59½ if you have a terminal illness (a condition expected to end in death within 84 months).

Financial Emergency

Although the new legislation waives the early withdrawal penalty fee in case of “unforeseeable or immediate” financial emergencies, you are only permitted to make one withdrawal of up to $1,000 per year. Additional caveats to this exemption prevent participants from making an additional withdrawal within three years unless they pay back their initial withdrawal or make regular deposits equivalent to the amount taken out.

Natural Disasters

It will be possible for participants to withdraw up to $22,000 from their retirement accounts without penalty in the event of a federally declared natural disaster. As an alternative to making the withdrawal all in one year, savers can receive their funds as gross income over a three-year period.

Although these financial boons exist, the government still advises against withdrawing retirement funds early. Keep in mind that taking your retirement early should always be used as a last resort, as you may limit your future financial options.

Many cheeses—blue, brie, Stilton, and others—are preserved in mold. So why do the leftovers grow mold of a whole other (gross) caliber?

It turns out it’s all about the storage. Wrapping leftover cheese in plastic or foil, or sealing it in Tupperware is not the way to go. An air-tight seal, in this case, is not your friend.

Because cheese contains many active microorganisms, it needs a bit of airflow so it can breathe. That’s why sealing off the airflow leads to mold growth.

Breathable, porous materials are a better option, and while they may not be as readily available as plastic wrap or Tupperware, it’s not so difficult to find products designed precisely for preserving your cheese the proper way.

Formaticum Cheese Storage Wax Coated Paper

$15 Shop Now At Amazon

Waxy layers of cheese paper ensure that the cheese stays fresh and flavorful while allowing it to breathe. Wrap the cheese in the paper like a gift, and if you make sure all surfaces of the cheese come in contact with the paper, it will stay fresh for a long time. 

Formaticum Professional Grade Cheese Storage Bags

$15 Shop Now At Amazon

In addition to cheese paper, you can also find cheese storage bags, which offer the same level of freshness and extended shelf life as paper with the added convenience of not having to wrap it. 

Proper Fridge Placement For Cheese

It’s a bad idea to wrap your cheese in plastic, but it’s not the only thing that can cause cheese to spoil. Placing it in the wrong part of the fridge could also be doing more harm than good. 

After wrapping your cheese in cheese paper or a cheese storage bag, store it in the produce drawer. If cheese is exposed to the cold air in the refrigerator’s main compartment, it will dry out and go bad more quickly.

If you’re a hardcore cheese-a-holic, a cheese vault is an ideal way to extend the life of your favorite cheese. A vault keeps cheese fresh by wicking away moisture and protecting it from fridge odors. 

CapaBunga Artisan Cheese Storage Vault For Fridge

$34.95 Shop Now At Amazon

Certain hard cheeses and even some soft cheeses don’t require any refrigeration if you plan on eating them within a few days. In that case, a cheese dome is all you need to keep it fresh. 

Cheese Cloche Dome With Acacia Wood Serving Tray

$37.99 Shop Now at Amazon

Experts say it’s rare to have to throw out a hunk of cheese. And if you do encounter some questionable mold, that doesn’t necessarily mean the entire batch is destined for the trash. Since cheese has a low water content, it doesn’t allow mold to penetrate deeply, so you can usually scrape or cut off the mold and pretend you never saw it.  

The humble spud continues to be a standout star among viral food trends. Whether you fancy making sweet potato pommes Anna, bacon-wrapped volcano potatoes, or Ina Garten’s make-ahead mashed potatoes, there’s something for everyone who loves potatoes as much as we do.

TikTok creator and foodie @msshiandmrhe has introduced us to another swoon-worthy tater recipe with her mesmerizing “bubble potato pillows.” The original video of her recipe has racked up an incredible 92 million views.

These potato pillows are a delectable hybrid of tater tots and gnocchi. Unlike traditional gnocchi, this recipe doesn’t require eggs and swaps out all-purpose flour for rice flour.

While gnocchi is typically soft and doughy, this recipe involves deep-frying that results in a mouthwateringly crunchy golden exterior. And contrary to the grated texture of tater tots, biting into them reveals a creamy, pillowy center that’s pure bliss.

All in all, we highly recommend this recipe for anyone who wants to show their taste buds a good time. We also enjoyed learning Ms. Shi’s unique methods for peeling and mashing potatoes.

Ingredients

• 2 large russet potatoes
• 2 tbsp glutinous rice flour
• 1 tbsp cornstarch or potato starch
• 1/3 tsp salt
• 1/3 tsp pepper
• 4 cups vegetable oil
• Chili powder, optional
• Ketchup, optional

Instructions

1. Wash your potatoes. Carefully score a line around each potato’s center with a sharp knife.
2. Bring a pot of water to a boil. Boil the potatoes until fork tender, about 20 minutes. Next, fill a large bowl with cold ice water.
3. Transfer the potatoes to the bowl of ice water. Once the potatoes have cooled to the touch, find the score you made with the knife, peel back the skin with your hands, and discard.
4. In a large bowl, mash the potatoes using a fork, garlic press, or potato ricer. Add the glutinous rice flour, cornstarch or potato starch, salt, and pepper. Combine and knead the ingredients until they’ve formed a dough.
5. Divide the dough into two pieces and roll into logs. Slice the dough into bubble-like shapes. You can use a fork to make indentations so the pillows resemble gnocchi.
6. Heat the oil in a pan over medium heat. Fry the potato pillows for five minutes or until they turn a light golden color. Remove them from the pot. 
7. Turn the heat up to high and add the bubble potato pillows back to the oil, cooking them for 30 more seconds or until golden brown. Place on a paper towel-lined plate. Add chili powder, ketchup, or whatever seasonings/condiments you prefer. Enjoy! 

Among the thousands of dietary supplements on the market, it can be difficult to decide which ones are right for you. Some can offer real health benefits, while others are just unnecessary despite the hype. 

The latest supplement fascination on social media and beyond is biotin, or vitamin B7, which is purported to improve hair, skin, and nail health. But despite its popularity, physicians are rarely inclined to recommend this in-vogue supplement.

Why? Evidence that biotin supplements can actually improve hair, skin, or nails is lacking. Since the supplements industry is more loosely regulated than prescription drugs, not much research is available.

We do know that at best, too much biotin can be unnecessary but harmless, while at worst, it can be problematic for your health.

Unless It’s Doctor-Prescribed, You Probably Don’t Need Biotin

Biotin is important because it helps break down fats, carbohydrates, and protein in our food. It also plays a role in helping your body produce keratin, a type of protein that is found in our hair, skin, and nails.

It is likely this latter bit that has led to the notion that taking biotin supplements can make nails stronger, support hair growth, and keep skin looking young. This is misleading for a few reasons.

To start, studies show taking a biotin supplement is only effective for those with an actual deficiency, which is quite rare.

You likely already consume plenty of biotin in your diet anyway. In fact, it’s difficult to avoid biotin throughout the day because it’s so readily available in many foods including eggs, fish, meat, seeds, nuts, and vegetables. Biotin is also found in many multivitamins.

The daily biotin requirement for adults 19 years or older is 30 micrograms (mcg). That’s substantially less than common supplements on the market that boasts biotin levels of 10,000 mcg (or even more).

Moreover, there is very limited evidence that popping a biotin capsule every day will help you grow thicker, stronger hair.

One study from 2012 showed that women who took a supplement that contained biotin reported a visible increase in hair thickness and growth compared to a placebo group, but there were multiple caveats with this research.

In addition to being a small pool of participants, the supplements given also contained ingredients such as zinc and iron, which could have played just as much if not more of a role in the, again, self-reported results. It was also noted that participants could have had a nutrient deficiency that was inadvertently corrected during the study.

Other research has shown more promising results for biotin supplements aiding in preventing hair loss, but this seemed to be in individuals who had a deficiency.

The Potential Cons Of Taking Too Much Biotin

While biotin supplements are usually unnecessary, high doses of biotin are not typically toxic given that it is water-soluble (aka excess biotin will just end up in your urine). But taking higher doses is not without risk. 

Excessive biotin in the bloodstream can interfere with lab test results, leading to misdiagnoses or missed diagnoses.

An excessive amount of biotin can cause a false negative on a blood test that measures troponin levels, used to diagnose heart attacks and strains. Too much biotin can also hamper blood tests that measure thyroid hormones, reproductive hormones, and vitamin D levels. 

Other documented symptoms of taking too much biotin include insomnia, excessive thirst, and excessive urination.

Moreover, there have been self-reported claims that taking too much biotin can cause you to break out, but there are no scientific studies to back that up.

At the end of the day, chances are that the biotin gummy you’re taking is just money flushed down the toilet (literally). If you suspect you have a biotin deficiency, which can include symptoms such as hair loss, extremely dry skin, dry eyes, loss of appetite, or a swollen tongue, it’s always best to consult with a doctor first.

As the saying goes, nothing in life is black and white. Habits widely considered to be vices are often vilified—but are they really that bad?  

Rationalizing is one thing, but it turns out science actually shows that some of our so-called bad habits might actually be good for us (or at least not harmful). Below are the top five bad habits researchers recommend you stop feeling guilty about. See if any of yours made the list.

1. You Probably Don’t Need To Cut Back On Coffee

Your morning coffee might feel like too much of a good thing. But indulging in coffee is not a bad habit unless it’s rich in sugar, creamers, and other additives, which are the real culprits. In fact, coffee has significant health benefits. 

Past studies linked drinking coffee with serious health conditions, such as asthma and heart disease. But as it turned out, most of those study subjects were smokers, so the results were unreliable.

In more recent studies, researchers found that coffee and tea consumption actually improved health. One study found a substantial reduction in the risk of cardiovascular disease when you drink two to three cups of coffee daily, whether ground, instant, or decaffeinated. 

Pairing coffee with tea may further boost its benefits. In recent studies, drinking both tea and coffee has been found to significantly lower stroke and dementia risks.

And if you worry that drinking all that caffeine will make you dehydrated, think again. Contrary to popular belief, drinks with moderate amounts of caffeine give the same level of hydration as drinks that don’t contain caffeine. 

2. Don’t Discredit Daily Movement If You Can’t Get In A Workout

Finding the time to get to the gym can be daunting, as can the thought of an intense workout. The good news is that you don’t need a solid hour of intense exercise to reap significant benefits.

Researchers have found that around 30 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous activity daily goes a long way toward offsetting the negative health risks of sitting most of the day. This can include things like a cleaning session or a brisk walk.

Even better news, a study from 2022 found that even just minutes of vigorous-intensity activity throughout the day (like going up a couple of flights of stairs) can have a significant impact in reducing the risk of all-cause mortality.

3. You’re Getting More Water Than You Think

Contrary to popular belief, there’s no reason to feel guilty if you can’t down eight glasses of water every day. There is actually no scientific evidence that says that’s necessary or even that more water is healthier.

Staying hydrated is no doubt important, but you don’t need to force it into your diet. Your body will tell you when it needs water. Plus, much of what we eat and drink (think coffee, tea, and even beer) contains water, which helps us remain hydrated. 

Another common myth is that your pee needs to be as clear as possible. A good goal should be a pale yellow (think the color of a standard sticky note). If you find yourself going to the bathroom more during the day than you like, then it may be OK to even cut back on your water consumption.

4. Your Weekly Gossip Session With Your BFF Has Benefits

It turns out that being a blabbermouth at your weekly get-together is not so bad as long as your gossip doesn’t aim to hurt anybody. While gossip is generally considered to be a negative form of communication, one study found that it can be quite beneficial.

According to the study, it found that gossiping can help people learn from others’ experiences while also bringing them closer. Spilling tea also involves a bit of trust, which ultimately bridges a social bond and solidifies further ties.

5. Unless You’re Lactose Intolerant, Cheese Isn’t The Enemy

Dairy products, including cheese, have long been criticized for their high saturated fat and sodium content. But the tide is turning. In addition to being rich in calcium and proteins, studies suggest that cheese consumption may decrease the risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity, and type 2 diabetes.

Researchers have found that calcium and conjugated linoleic acid are two nutrients in cheese that can benefit the heart. Also, the saturated fatty acids in cheese may have different effects on the heart than red meat.

Cheese can certainly be part of a healthy diet, but the way you consume it is key. Similar to when you add a bunch of sweeteners to your morning cup of joe, enjoying cheese on top of garlic bread or pizza can negate the health benefits.

If you’re on top of your unique charcuterie board game, you’ll know that “butter boards” ranked highly among last year’s trends. Smothered butter on a rustic board sprinkled with some enticing toppings became one of the most swoon-worthy additions to any butter lover’s feast.

On the heels of butter boards’ popularity, the sharable food craze has sparked a new TikTok trend sure to make any tablescape cozy and warm: butter candles.

As the name implies, these are edible candles made with butter rather than wax. As the candle melts, a pool of butter forms for you to dip your bread (or whatever else you want to cover in butter)—no need for butter knives here.

TikTok creator @sooziethefoodie is credited as the first to come up with the concept. To make her candle, she began with softened room-temperature butter. Using a sheet of plastic wrap, she flattened and molded the butter around a food-grade wick into the shape of a candle.

Some find melting the butter and pouring it into a jar, silicone mold, or plastic cup much more convenient. This method simply involves pouring melted butter into your desired mold, setting your wick, and placing it in the fridge to harden. (Always use food-grade wicks made from hemp and beeswax; otherwise, your butter candle won’t be safe for consumption.) 

In either case, you’ll have to carefully extract your finished candle if using a plastic or silicone mold. If you make your butter candle in a jar, keep in mind that dipping your food could extinguish the flame.

If you’re not quite sold on the concept of butter candles, consider the possibility of adding more flavors for an enhanced candle experience. Although straight-up butter is undeniably delicious, there are endless culinary possibilities. Adding some roasted garlic and herbs would make it excellent for dipping steak, lobster, and other meats as well.

Is your mouth watering yet? Yeah, we’re right there with you.

When it comes to beauty products, many of us are probably clamoring to get our hands on the latest and so-assumed “greatest” options out there. And while time and science have had a significant impact on the quality of products on the market, there are others that have been around the block a time or two and still hold their own.

Enter in Barielle Nail Strengthener Cream, an old-school product that is making a big comeback. It’s been featured recently in Refinery29, Bustle, The Zoe Report, and even Khloe Kardashian’s official app and website, where she revealed it to be the secret to her strong nails. 

This miraculous nail cream has proven its worth since the ’70s, earning Barielle the title of America’s Original Nail Treatment Brand. It helps nails grow stronger and healthier, preventing splits, peels, breaks, and cracks.

Barielle Nail Strengthener Cream

$15.10 Shop Now at Amazon

One of the best things about this oldie-but-goodie nail cream is that regular salon visitors don’t need to forego their beloved polish to achieve maximum results. A gold-standard product like the Barielle Nail Strengthener Cream, originally created to condition the hooves of million-dollar thoroughbred racehorses, can be applied successfully to both bare and polished nails.

Don’t worry though, the product was reformulated for human use and is both cruelty-free and vegan-friendly. Plus, Barielle’s Nail Strengthener Cream adheres to the “10 Free Promise” that excludes harmful ingredients such as formaldehyde and phosphate.

“I like how this cream absorbs rapidly,” one happy reviewer wrote. “I’ve been using it for just a few days since finding it again recently, and already my nails are growing longer. I first used this product 30 years ago as a high school girl, and loved it then.”

“I discovered this in the early 1970s—it was and has been the best nail treatment I’ve found in those nearly 50 years,” a long-time fan wrote. “This is IT for my nails. I tend to have thin, paper thin, weak, soft nails. I start with this and within a few weeks my nails grow out, look so clean and affluent and nice!”

Even after all these years, Barielle Nail Strengthener remains one of the best nail-strengthening creams available on the market today. It’s one that everyone deserves to have in their nail care arsenal to heal their broken nails, splits, and ridges.

Winter is here, and when Jack Frost comes to town, it’s time to don our coziest outerwear. Most winter coats—whether it’s a hefty wool number, a minimalist cashmere trench, or a trendy teddy coat—include a belt that must be tied. It seems easy enough to tie a simple knot, but why does it always look a bit awkward?

If your goal is to look polished in your coat—rather than like you’re wearing a bathrobe and Netflix is asking whether you’re still watching—we have you covered. 

Jessica Wang, a fashion influencer with millions of followers on Instagram and TikTok, is adored for her styling expertise. The fashion maven offers genius tips for everything from skincare to beauty to viral TikTok must-haves, and she is here to help you tie your coat belt the right way.

RELATED: This Elegant Scarf-Tying Method Has Leveled Up My Outerwear Game

Wang recently shared two simple methods to stylishly tie a coat belt. With just a little extra effort, you’ll look like you have your own personal stylist every time you head outdoors. And the methods are seriously so easy, you’ll have the techniques down pat in no time.

Method One 

1. Position both belt ends at the front of the coat. 
2. Crisscross your belt, while pushing one end of the belt upward to make a loop.
3. Secure the belt by wrapping the opposite end (tail) around that upward loop.
4. Pull the tail through the loop and secure it for a stylish knot.

Method Two 

1. Position both belt ends at the front of the coat.
2. Make one knot at one end of the belt by wrapping a loose loop around your hand and guiding the tail through. 
3. Insert the opposite side of your belt through the loop and pull to secure. 

Whichever method you choose, your waist will be cinched chicly and the result will appear effortless, even though you watched some videos to get the look.

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Pommes Anna is truly a culinary marvel, being regarded as the supreme potato recipe of all time by the late, legendary French chef Julia Child.

Its extraordinarily simple ingredient list, consisting of only potatoes and butter, may seem a bit mysterious when it comes to how it made Child’s hall of fame, but the technique is key here. 

In Child’s recipe, Yukon gold potatoes are thinly sliced into medallions and smothered in butter. In a skillet, they’re neatly arranged into overlapping circles to create a crispy golden potato cake that is both stunningly beautiful and irresistibly delicious. 

RELATED: Melting Potatoes’ Should Be Your Go-To Starchy Side–Check Out The Recipe

If you want to try your hand at this dish but up the health factor a bit, an easy substitution is to use sweet potatoes instead.

Sweet Potato Versus White Potato

As with any humble spud, sweet potatoes are high in carbohydrates. However, since they score slightly lower on the glycemic index (GI) scale than white potatoes, they will not spike blood sugar levels as much. That said, baking sweet potatoes will result in a higher GI than if they were boiled.

While all varieties are potatoes are high in various nutrients, sweet potatoes contain a much higher level of vitamin A. As a nutrient, vitamin A plays a crucial role in vision, growth, cell division, reproduction, and immunity.

But its health benefits don’t stop there. These sweet spuds also have more fiber, vitamin B6, vitamin C, calcium, and magnesium than white potatoes.

How To Make Sweet Potato Pommes Anna

We like this recipe from EatingWell that combines three types of sweet potatoes, but you could certainly make this with simply one variety. Additionally, some of the butter has been subbed with olive oil to up the health factor. Fresh thyme is adding for a flavor boost but certainly could be left out.

Ingredients

• 3 tablespoons butter, unsalted
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 12 ounces purple sweet potatoes, peeled
• 12 ounces orange sweet potatoes, peeled
• 12 ounces white sweet potatoes, peeled
• 1 teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground pepper

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 400°F.
2. Add the butter to a small bowl. Heat on high power for about 30 to 45 seconds until the butter is melted. Add the oil. Apply the mixture to the bottom and sides of an 8-inch cast-iron skillet with a pastry brush.
3. Slice sweet potatoes thinly using a mandoline about 1/16 inch thick. Next, in the pan, arrange one-fourth of the potatoes in concentric circles, overlapping slices, and alternating colors. Starting at the center of the pan, layer the potato slices outward, covering the bottom. After, brush on some of the butter mixture and sprinkle each with thyme, salt, and pepper, to taste. Then repeat the process for another three layers.
4. Cook over medium-high heat for 3 to 5 minutes. Cover the pan with foil and bake for 30 minutes in the oven.
5. After 30 minutes, remove the foil. Bake uncovered for an additional 20-25 minutes until the sweet potatoes are fork-tender and crisp on the bottom.
6. Once the Pommes Anna has been removed from the oven, gently invert it onto a serving platter. In the event that the sweet potato cake won’t come loose, try running a knife around the edges and using a spatula. Slice into wedges. Enjoy!

According to EatingWell, each serving has 140 calories and 7.9 grams of fat. A traditional serving of Pommes Anna will clock in around 235 calories and 11 grams of fat.

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“It’s corn, a big lump with knobs, it has the juice!” It’s now a viral fact that corn is delicious. When it comes to cooking up a corn recipe, you really can’t go wrong. But if you’re looking for a whole new way to prepare corn, we have you covered.

Corn riblets, also known as spiced corn ribs, just might become your next food obsession. A corn riblet is essentially corn on the cob gone wild with flavor, which comes from marination in a sauce and seasoned with savory spices. The cob is then sliced into quarter-sized stalks to resemble mouthwatering barbecue ribs.

RELATED: Popcorn Can Be A Healthy Snack, As Long As You Avoid This One Simple Mistake

Best of all, this easy-to-prepare, plant-based recipe takes less than 30 minutes to make. In addition to being a brilliant vegetarian alternative to ribs, it can also be vegan.

How To Make Corn Riblets

Corn riblet recipes vary when it comes to sauces and spices, but the basic method allows whatever flavors you choose to shine. We like this recipe from AlphaFoodie that features a few BBQ spice staples you’re sure to already have in your pantry.

Ingredients

Corn Riblet Rub

• 2 cobs of corn, shucked, silk removed
• 1 tablespoon olive oil, or oil of choice
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ garlic powder
• ½ smoked paprika
• ¼ teaspoon pepper
• ¼ onion powder

Spicy Mayo Dip  

• 1 cup mayonnaise 
• 1 tablespoon sriracha or hot sauce of choice
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 tablespoon cajun seasoning or chili powder

Note: To make the dip vegan, replace the mayo with a vegan alternative such as Follow Your Heart.

Instructions

1. Cut off both ends of the cobs (this will make the next step easier).
2. Stand the cob vertically and slice it lengthwise down the center, then slice each half once more to quarter each cob. You should end up with 8 pieces. Set aside. 
3. To prepare the corn riblet rub, add all the seasoning in a small bowl with the oil and mix.
4. Using a basting brush, spread the mixture onto the corn ribs. 
5. If you’re using an air fryer, preheat to 375°F and arrange the riblets in a single layer. Fry for 13-15 minutes or until the corn riblets are golden, crispy, and begin to curl (they will curl more in an air fryer than in an oven). 
6. If using an oven, preheat the oven to 375°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper. For crispy and curled corn riblets, bake for 25-30 minutes. (Note that you may need to increase the time, depending on your oven, to achieve the curling.)
7. As the corn riblets bake, prepare the spicy mayo dipping sauce: Combine the mayonnaise, sriracha, lime juice, and cajun seasoning in a small bowl. Blend well. 
8. Top your corn riblets with the spicy mayo or dip them in it.

However you decide to serve your corn riblets, we’re betting you’ll make this addicting side (or main if you’re veggie) dish on repeat.

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It goes without saying that slow cookers are a convenient way to cook delicious, hassle-free meals on those busy weeknights. Within a few hours, ingredients will meld into an amazing dish—a true testament to the motto, set-it-and-forget-it. 

Yet in spite of its convenience and ease, there is one thing you shouldn’t throw in the slow cooker without a little preparation beforehand: frozen meat.

While many recipes in the past called for frozen meat to be added to slow cookers, creating the misconception that this method was safe, we’re now learning that it’s not. In fact, the USDA considers it a serious health hazard.

The Danger Zone

According to the USDA Slow Cookers and Food Safety guidelines, home cooks should avoid using frozen poultry or meat in a slow cooker. Rather, they advise to always thaw meat before adding it to the pot, preferably via a refrigerator.  

The USDA pointed out that while many slow cookers are capable of cooking food between a safe 170° to 280°F, the time it takes for the appliance to warm up is where problems can occur. During that waiting period, all meat should be stored in the refrigerator to prevent bacteria from multiplying. 

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This recommendation is even more important in the case of frozen meats. Frozen poultry or meat sitting in a slow cooker may have a greater chance of entering the “danger zone,” a temperature range between 40°F and 140°F where harmful bacteria can grow rapidly.

While it might not be as convenient as pulling that roast out of the freezer and plopping it straight into the crock pot, the potential illness risk isn’t worth it. If you’re looking to cook frozen meat, choosing a method like a pressure cooker or an oven is a better option.

Another bonus tip: forgo the timer. The USDA recommends allowing the cooker to run on low rather than shutting it down entirely. The reason? As long as the slow cooker is running, your food is safe. But, if it remains off, the more likely it is to fall into that danger zone. Also, be sure to refrigerate all leftovers within two hours of cooking.

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Social media is chock-full of clever cooking hacks that promise to take your meals from good to great. For instance, you can add a robust coffee rub to your steak for out-of-this-world flavor or make a rich meatless spaghetti sauce in a cinch with bouillon cubes.

There’s a seemingly endless supply of these simple pointers to wow your dinner guests. The latest brilliant tip that’s been making the rounds on TikTok and Instagram has blown us away: By adding a sprinkle of an overlooked pantry staple, you can make your ground beef juicier and more flavorful than ever. 

Generally speaking, preparing ground beef is not a particularly challenging task. There is, however, a common issue that can rob ground beef of its flavor and tenderness while cooking.

RELATED: Red Meat Doesn’t Have To Be Unhealthy As Long As You Follow This One Simple Rule

When ground beef cooks, it often expels a large amount of liquid. The resulting large pool of liquid can make it harder for the heat to reach the meat, making caramelization and browning difficult.

It’s possible to work around this by cooking in smaller batches to avoid generating a large amount of moisture, but that doesn’t necessarily solve the issue of the meat losing its delicious flavor.  

But there’s one ingredient that has the power to solve your ground beef dilemma. Best of all, this method is scientifically backed by America’s Test Kitchen. If you want to get the best flavor and texture from your ground beef, add a bit of baking soda.

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A post shared by America’s Test Kitchen (@testkitchen)

To put it into scientific terms, baking soda raises the pH of the meat’s surface, which serves to prevent proteins from bonding excessively, allowing the meat to hold on to its tenderness.

But how do you add it to your beef? The amount of meat you’re cooking will dictate how much baking soda to mix in. A good rule of thumb is to use about 1/4 teaspoon per pound of ground beef.

By following this method, you can help your ground beef to cook more efficiently and brown more effectively without fretting about any pesky pools of water. Once you try it, you’ll never go back to bland, underdone meat.

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Supermodel, beauty writer, and activist Veronica Webb broke barriers when she became the first Black supermodel to land an exclusive contract with a major cosmetics company, Revlon, in 1992.

Cultural norms and the fashion industry’s unfamiliarity with Black hair led to extreme styling over several decades, which has taken a toll on the health of Webb’s hair. That coupled with menopause, which she has been outspoken about for several years now, and a family history of female pattern baldness has led to hair loss and thinning.

But she has found some products and methods to restore her healthy mane, and she hopes to help others who share her struggles.

Veronica Webb’s Daily Hair Restoration Routine

On her blog Webb On The Fly, she describes her daily hair restoration routine, which includes a combination of diet, supplements, and key products and tools for a complete, holistic plan.

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When it comes to hair health, Webb doesn’t underestimate the power of nutrition. She points out that preventing hair loss and stimulating new growth begins with diet.

She never misses an opportunity to incorporate Omega-3 oils, either in a shake or consuming Omega-3 enriched eggs (we like this orange cream flavored Omega oil that is easier to digest than those giant soft gels).

Webb also tries to limit caffeine. Instead, she drinks lion’s mane “coffee” in the am, which is powdered mushrooms that is said to help increase focus and overall cognitive health. She also takes a shot of aloe vera juice which Webb claims “wakes up your brain” without the “crash or sleeplessness associated with coffee.”

With her shot of Aloe Vera, Webb takes Viviscal, the number one clinically proven hair growth supplement in the United States.

It’s recommended by top hairdressers, nutritionists, and dermatologists for promoting healthy, thick hair with its proprietary “Aminomar Collagen Complex,” along with other key ingredients including biotin, zinc, vitamin C, iron, and niacin. Studies have found that it promotes thicker, fuller hair in just three months.

Viviscal Women’s Hair Growth Supplements

$65.71 Shop Now At Amazon

Webb uses a massager shampoo brush for rejuvenating her scalp, which she says is vital to hair growth and health. In fact, she believes you should massage your scalp every time you shampoo to open pores and stimulate hair follicles.

2-Pack Scalp Massagers

$8.98 Shop Now At Amazon

If a supermodel says luxury brand shampoos and conditioners aren’t always necessary for quality results, we believe it. According to Webb, Thicker Fuller, a drugstore brand she swears by, makes thin hair feel thicker on a budget. With rosemary, keratin, caffeine, and biotin, this oldie but goodie promises to give tired tresses a fuller, lustrous appearance. 

Thicker Fuller Hair Shampoo And Conditioner Set

$11.89 Shop Now At Amazon

Another cleansing and conditioning duo that Webb loves comes from clean beauty brand Love Beauty and Planet. This affordable luxury brand is perfect for those suffering from thinning hair—it provides thickness, body, and volume to thin hair as it gently cleans and softens.

Love Beauty And Planet Thickening Shampoo And Conditioner

$29.98 Shop Now At Amazon

When you’re ready to really invest in your hair regrowth journey, it may be time to bring out the big guns. The Hairmax Hair Growth Laser Headband is more expensive than the other items on Webb’s list, but she says it’s worth the investment.

It’s less expensive than hair transplants, she asserts, plus way more convenient and less painful. The device is FDA-approved, clinically proven, and takes just 90 seconds to use.

Hairmax Hair Growth Laser Band

$739 Shop Now At Amazon

She also recommendsiRestore Laser Hair Growth Cap given it covers a larger area of the head with lasers powerful enough to make a difference.

iRestore Essential Laser Hair Growth System

$545 Shop Now at Amazon

Of course, the best way to treat hair loss is to figure out the root of the problem. Always discuss hair loss and thinning with your doctor to figure out the best plan of action for your specific needs. But if it makes sense to you, you really can’t go wrong with a supermodel’s haircare routine.

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In the days following Christmas, the post-holiday blues can hit hard, especially when it comes time to take down the tree—it’s not nearly as fun as putting it up.

And even though it’s the worst, it’s important to keep everything organized so you’re not greeted with broken ornaments and tangled strings of lights next year. You can make things a whole lot easier on yourself by following these three simple hacks.

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1. Don’t Remove Ornament Hangers

Do yourself a favor and leave the wire hooks on your ornaments rather than removing them during your post-Christmas clean-up. Despite your best efforts, some are sure to fall off and go missing, so tuck an extra package of wire hooks into your storage container.

This box of 200 ornament hooks should do the trick. They’re metal plated, so they won’t rust easily and are sturdy enough to prevent ornaments from falling from the tree (or off the hooks). They come in gold, which feels appropriately festive for the December holidays. And they come with their own little plastic box for easy storage. 

2. Store Your String Lights On A Cord Organizer

What a nightmare it is to untangle that ball of tangled lights. Though we’re all eager to get them down and stowed, taking the time to do it neatly will save you a ton of time in the long run.

From stringing the lights on a notched piece of cardboard to using a clothes hanger, there are so many DIY ways to make this job easier. We find that the best way to organize Christmas lights is to use a winder made strictly for this purpose.

Holiday Joy Christmas Light Storage

$18.58 Shop Now At Amazon

All of your Christmas light storage needs can be met with this pack of four wind-up cord holders. Each holder will store up to 200 mini lights or 100 feet of extension cord—tangle free! 

3. Throw A Fitted Sheet Over Your Tree

In the aftermath of Christmas, taking down the tree is perhaps the most dreaded task.

As sad as it may be to say goodbye to the twinkling lights, it is even worse to have to deal with dropped needles until mid-spring. One way to avoid leaving a trail of needles behind after kicking the tree to the curb involves a fitted sheet.

Put an old fitted sheet over the top of your tree, tuck it in at the bottom, and hold it securely with your hands as you take it outside (even better if you can recruit a partner). The needles will remain inside the sheet instead of all over your floor.

This is a particularly helpful hack for tenants living in apartments since it keeps common areas clean. Afterward, just shake off the sheet outside and throw it in the wash. 

If you’d rather not sacrifice a sheet, you could purchase inexpensive disposable tree bags, which can also be used as storage bags for artificial trees (which can also get pretty messy, particularly if your tree has flocking).

We love these disposable Christmas tree bags—it accommodates trees up to nine feet tall.

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Maintaining your nails can be a real pain if you’re committed to routine maintenance. Painting your nails at home requires a lot of time and patience, and while going to the salon may seem simpler, it isn’t easier on the wallet. Plus, gel manis and acrylic nails are notoriously damaging long-term.

So what options are left for achieving beautiful nails without the hassle? Does such a thing exist? We’re happy to report that it does (and no, we’re not talking about press-ons).

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Nail wraps are a great option for those who want to quickly “paint” their nails using a peel-and-stick method that cuts out any drying time. Despite their convenience, most of these have the same issue as press-on nails: They’re one-size-fits-all, so it takes time and effort to trim them down to your perfect fit.

One stand-out brand, ManiMe, is revolutionizing the nail art game by tailoring its custom stick-on gels to each customer’s specific nail shape. Honestly, they’re so gorgeous, you might never be tempted to get another set of gels at the salon again!

While traditional manicures are expensive, time-consuming, and potentially harmful to your nails, ManiMe’s made-to-order peelable gel decals are affordable, easy to apply, and gentle on nails. Best of all, they last up to 10 days!

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Once you’ve selected your favorite design(s), all you have to do is take five photos of your hands. ManiMe will then use your photos to create your custom nail wraps.

Aside from its seamless customization and application process, ManiMe also has some seriously swoon-worthy designs. Choose from a wide range of eye-catching, fun, and modern nail art as well as stunning, luxe solid colors created by ManiMe nail artists.

In addition, they offer pedi (also customizable) and kid’s (standard fit only) nail wraps.

When you’re ready to switch things up, simply peel the stickers off. For an even gentler method, apply lotion along the edges of your nails or soak them in warm water before removing. Alternatively, ManiMe recommends using their Take It Off Nail Cleanser along with a cuticle stick to keep your nails in tip-top shape.

With their ease of application, zero drying time, and one-of-a-kind designs, ManiMe’s stick-on gels make flawless nails possible for all.

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We’ve never been interested in no-carb diets, which you can probably tell based on our love of a good potato hack. Lots of you seem to be on the same page, based on how many of you read our potato recipes and tricks this year. Here’s a collection of our (and your!) favorite potato techniques of 2022.

1. Bacon-Wrapped Volcano Potatoes Anyone?

One of our favorite pastimes is scrolling TikTok for drool-worthy recipes, and every once in a while you stumble upon a real winner. We certainly found one when we came across The Shaba Kitchen’s viral sensation: bacon-wrapped volcano potatoes! It may require some time, but I think everyone can agree that these are well worth the effort.

2. This Hack For Cripsy Fried Potatoes

Many of us cook potatoes on the stove in hopes of achieving the same outcome: golden, crispy exteriors with pillowy centers. However, if you’ve ever tried to fry potatoes in a skillet, you’ve surely encountered the dreaded mushy center and burnt edges, not to mention a frightful mess to clean. But Chef Colin Fassnidge shared a secret for extra-crispy fried potatoes, and it’s as simple as following his make-ahead hack.

3. 10-Second Trick For The Best Baked Potato Ever

Lousy baked potatoes exist, and the quality of the outside matters just as much as the center. While you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover, you’re free to judge potatoes by their unappetizing, mushy, bland skins. Thankfully, Cook’s Illustrated chef Lan Lam revealed there’s a 10-second hack that ensures crispy exteriors on your baked potatoes.

RELATED: This One Simple Hack Can Help Make Your Roasted Veggies Even Crisper

4. Roasted Potatoes Will Never Be The Same With This Tip

Roasting is lesson 101 for making vegetables delicious, and potatoes are no different. But Samin Nosrat, chef and author of Salt Fat Acid Heat, said you can amp up your spuds with salt. Nosrat uses a particular method to ensure the salt permeates the tots while creating an irresistibly crispy exterior.

5. Guy Fieri’s Secret Mashed Potatoes Ingredient

While classic S&P may be fine with some folks, it doesn’t cut it for Chef Guy Fieri. As the host of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives knows, it’s all about flavor, and adding his spicy secret ingredient to mashed potatoes will take your food all the way to Flavortown.

6. Rachel Ray’s Smashed Potatoes Has This Special Extra

There was an absolute frenzy on TikTok this year when Rachel Ray shared her potato recipe! Her no-peel method is wildly effective and incredibly easy.

For extra-crispy potatoes, she parboils them and then gently smashes them with the bottom of a water glass before baking. As for flavor, she douses them in olive oil, salt, and pepper, plus a secret ingredient that she claims makes all the difference! 

7. Parm Potatoes Prepared With This Unique Technique

If you haven’t noticed by the other trends on this list, crispy skins and unbeatable flavor have been the name of the spud game this year. These parmesan-crusted oven-roasted potatoes deliver on both fronts, thanks to an ingenious hack. 

RELATED: After Learning To Make Poached Scrambled Eggs, I’m Never Going Back

This simple technique will ensure you get the best roasted potatoes of your life, one that boasts punchy flavor not just on the outside but throughout. Potatoes are cut into crisscross patterns and layered skin-side up, allowing all the seasoning to penetrate into each potato for the crispiest, most flavorful tots. Best of all, this recipe has a swoon-worthy parmesan crust that’s to die for!

8. The Unexpected Use For Leftover Potato Water

Move over, leftover pasta water, you’re not the only liquid gold in town! Think twice before pouring that cloudy, starchy water from your boiled potatoes down the drain. Leftover potato water is brimming with nutrients and minerals, but not for you—rather, for your houseplants and garden. 

Reusing leftover potato water as plant food is a great way to attain lush plants, as it contains potassium, protein, iron, and B6 vitamins. Take advantage of this when making potatoes for dinner, and watch your plants flourish!

9. Why You Shouldn’t Reheat Potatoes In The Microwave

Microwaves are undoubtedly a time-saving tool for busy weeknight meals. In spite of this, it’s not the best way to cook everything in your pantry, including leftover potatoes. Because they can harbor Clostridium botulinum, which microwaves cannot kill, they should be rewarmed in the oven or air fryer instead.

10. Common Mashed Potato Mistakes

Mashed potatoes may seem like a simple dish, but they’re surprisingly finicky. If you want the best mashed potatoes that will knock your dinner guests’ socks off, you’ll need to avoid any possible spud faux pas. In an earlier post, we covered how you can avoid bland, gummy, and sticky mash, and Yukon bet with these tips your taters will be a big hit with everyone at your company potluck.

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On a hectic morning, making breakfast sammies with jammy eggs and gooey cheese can prove to be quite a challenge. So when you don’t have enough time to fumble around the kitchen assembling multiple ingredients, a simple omelet will do. 

But one viral omelet hack is changing the breakfast game forever by turning any ordinary omelet into a savory swoon-worthy sandwich. Inspired by Indian bread omelets, this simple yet brilliant one-pan breakfast dish will make you wonder why you never thought of it sooner!

Indian bread omelets, often sold by street vendors in (you guessed it) India, are essentially a fusion of omelets and grilled cheese sandwiches. As with a traditional omelet, it starts off by beating two eggs, adding seasonings, and pouring the liquid into a pan.

RELATED: Adding This Surprising To Your Scrambled Eggs May Have You Putting Down The Salt Shaker For Good

In order to transform this dish into a sandwich, two pieces of bread are placed directly into the eggy mixture before flipping it over. As the eggs cook around the bread, the two ingredients fuse together for easy flipping. Now you have the perfect canvas for your omelet sandwich.

And what’s a sandwich without the fixings? After flipping the omelet, simply top one side with the fillings of your choice. The YouTube channel Indulgent Eats shared its take on this viral egg sandwich, which included bacon and crispy cheese.

You can load up your sandwich with whatever seasonings, veggies, condiments, cheese, and protein you prefer.

Go classic with smoked deli ham and cheddar cheese paired with diced onions and peppers, or try a lighter take with spinach, mushrooms, and tomatoes paired with mozzarella.

After adding the fillings, simply tuck in the omelet on each side and fold one slice of bread on top of the other to complete your sandwich.

You can amp up the flavor even more by experimenting with various types of bread. Sourdough, multigrain, and potato bread are among our favorites. As for cheese, a blend of cheddar, Gruyere, and parmesan would be just the thing to add some delicious ooey-gooey goodness.

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Collagen supplements are currently all the rage, and proponents declare them to be a veritable fountain of youth. From making your skin, hair, and nails stronger and healthier to keeping your joints in tip-top shape, collagen in powder form seems to be the best way to add it to your diet.

The reason? Some studies have found that our bodies absorb collagen more readily as a powder. But the temperature at which you ingest it can make or break its effectiveness.  

Many people, including some celebrities, add collagen powder to their morning coffee. Turns out, this isn’t the best way to get collagen’s benefits. That’s not to say you can’t add it to coffee, just make sure it’s iced!

How Not To Deactivate Your Collagen

Adding collagen powder to hot coffee, tea, or any other warm beverage is not a good idea. Brooke Russell, an assistant professor of microbiology at Texan A&M University wrote at The Conversation that it’s best to mix collagen with cold beverages to reap the benefits. Russell explained that when collagen is added to anything with heat, its molecule structure melts and any benefits are lessened—and probably negated.

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Collagen powder might dissolve more readily in warm liquids, but no one wants to waste the supplement they paid good money for. So opt for blending it into cold drinks like smoothies, iced coffee, or water.

Consuming collagen along with foods rich in vitamin C, like certain fruits and red peppers, can increase collagen’s effectiveness even more, according to research published in the Orthopedic Journal of Sports Medicine.

Russell also suggests finding a collagen powder that matches your health interests. For example, if you want to improve joint health, collagen type 1 is best. For beautiful skin and luscious hair, collagen type 2 is the best choice. If you’re looking for a powder that does it all, we found an excellent option.

With its yummy chocolate taste, Codeage Multi Collagen Powder makes getting your daily collagen as easy as 1-2-3. And with only one gram of sugar per serving, you won’t have to worry about overindulging.

Codeage Multi Collagen Powder

$39.99 Shop Now At Amazon

Codeage Multi Collagen Powder contains all the types of collagen: 1, 2, 3, 5, and 10. Each type plays a vital role, contributing to healthy skin, hair, and nails, as well as joint and bone health. Here’s a quick rundown.

• Type 1: makes up a majority of the collagen in our bodies and provides structure to skin, ligaments, tendons, and bones.
• Type 2: this is great for joint support as it is naturally found in elastic cartilage.
• Type 3: is found in our muscles, organs, and arteries.
• Type 5: another type that is found in the layers of our skin.
• Type 10: found in some layers of our skin and hair, as well as in the tissue of the placenta and in the cornea of our eyes.

Codeage’s formula features quality sources for its collagen including grass-fed and pasture-raised hydrolyzed bovine collagen peptides, organic beef bone broth, organic chicken bone broth, wild-caught fish collagen peptides, and eggshell collagen. You’ll also get medium-chain triglycerides (MCT oil) to support energy. It does not contain shellfish, soy, dairy, or gluten.

To avoid clumping, add it to a shaker cup with water. Or, try it with smoothies, iced coffee, cold brew, almond milk, oat milk, or your beverage of choice.

Reviewers Love Codeage Collagen

One shopper described a dramatic difference in their skin, hair, and nails after three weeks. “My skin has a healthy glow and my hair and nail strength/thickness has basically doubled. I have been getting compliments non-stop and notice a serious transformation in my complexion,” they said.

Another reviewer shared, “I have been using for 2.5 weeks and I have seen a huge difference in my hair, skin, energy, joints and muscle recovery!”

Collagen production decreases as we age, but with Codeage Multi Collagen Powder, you can easily add this vital protein back into your system. Just be sure to add it to a cold or room temp liquid!

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We all know that ultra-processed foods with little nutritional value have a negative impact on our overall health. Namely, a poor diet has been linked to obesity, heart disease, and diabetes.

Now, there is growing evidence that ultra-processed foods can be even more damaging to the body, specifically when it comes to cognitive function as we age.

In a recent study published in JAMA Neurology, middle-aged adults who consumed more ultra-processed foods were more likely to suffer from cognitive decline.

Researchers in Brazil analyzed 10,775 subjects over the course of eight years. The mean age at the study’s onset was 51 years old. Additionally, 54.6% were women, 53.1% were white, and 56.6% had a least a college degree.

During the study, scientists asked participants to complete a food frequency questionnaire. Based on the NOVA classification system, the questionnaire classified foods into separate categories indicating the extent to which they were processed.

Cognitive tests were also conducted in conjunction with this data to determine any possible cognitive impairments. In conclusion, the study revealed some eye-opening results.

How Ultra-Processed Foods May Affect Cognitive Health

There is no doubt that chips, cookies, and sugary drinks are not the healthiest choices, but this study shows that these guilty pleasures can be so much more harmful than only a few extra calories.

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To start, the study found that individuals who consumed 20% or more of their daily calories from ultra-processed foods demonstrated a concerning 28% faster rate of “global cognitive decline” over the study duration compared to those who consumed less than 20%. Among the many mental abilities related to global cognitive functioning are learning, thinking, reasoning, recalling information, language, and solving problems.

The effects didn’t end there as researchers also discovered that the same group showed a 25% faster rate of “executive function decline” as well. Having poor executive functioning makes it difficult to plan, multitask, and focus attention. 

Researchers noted that while there was clearly a link between consuming ultra-processed foods and both global cognitive and executive function decline, the linear association was small. In layman’s terms, linear correlation is simply a measurement of the association between two variables. Nevertheless, deviations from the norm cannot be ignored. 

“Intact cognitive function is key to successful aging,” the authors wrote. “Therefore, despite the small effect size of the association between [ultra-processed food] consumption and cognitive decline, our findings are meaningful to cognitive health.”

Additionally, these findings support a similar study published by the American Academy of Neurology in September 2022 that found an increased risk of dementia in those who had a diet higher in ultra-processed foods.

A Closer Look At Your Diet

Many of us probably feel comfortable saying we eat less than 20% of our total daily calories from ultra-processed foods. But you may be surprised at just how quickly that quick snack or treat throughout the day can add up.

Corresponding with MedPage Today, study author Natalia Gomes Gonçalves, Ph.D., demonstrated just this.

“Considering a person who eats a total of 2,000 [calories] a day, 20% of daily calories from ultra-processed foods are about two 1.5-ounce Kit Kat bars, or five slices of bread, or about a third of an 8.5-ounce package of chips,” she said.

Moreover, what some of us consider ultra-processed foods might differ from researchers’ definitions.

While the usual suspects—foods that are high in added sugar, salt, and/or fat and lacking in fiber or protein—like ice cream, chips, and soda come to mind, this category can also include items with food additives or contaminations from packaging that can also have a negative impact on cognitive health. As reported by MedPage Today, this can include canned tomatoes, ketchup, and even packaged guacamole.

RELATED: Following This Diet Dramatically Reduces Risk Of Dementia, According To New Study

A lot of the complication stems from how to cleanly define foods as unprocessed, minimally processed, processed, or ultra-processed. Factors such as differences in levels of processing across brands and the ingredients used play into the final healthiness of a product that doesn’t always fit nicely in one box.

Small Changes Can Add Up

While obviously much easier said than done, evaluating and working to improve your diet during midlife can make a big impact on your future year. And it doesn’t have to be perfect. It doesn’t have to happen overnight. Hell, it doesn’t even have to happen during midlife.

“Middle age is an important period of life to adopt preventive measures through lifestyle changes since the choices we make at this age will influence our older years,” Gomes Gonçalves said. “This does not mean that older adults will not have benefits if they adopt a healthier lifestyle. Research has shown over and over again that we benefit from healthy choices at any age.”

Looking back at the study examining the link between ultra-processed food consumption and increased risk of dementia, researchers found that individuals who swap about 10% of ultra-processed foods for healthier alternatives were able to lower their dementia risk by an astounding 19%. 

Healthy lifestyle choices can be made at any age and in any amount. It’s all about one step at a time.

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Whether you’re a little behind on holiday shopping this year or have been waiting for some wishlist inspo from the man on your list, everyone knows shopping for men can be a challenge—if not impossible.

But don’t panic, we’ve got your back. Amazon is probably your only on-time delivery option left, and we found the perfect last-minute gift option for that difficult man on your list. And before you call it basic, hear us out.

Vera Forma Leatherworks Minimalist Bifold Wallet

$39.95 Shop Now At Amazon

Maybe it’s not the most unique gift you could give, but it’s frustratingly true that a certain type of man tends to prefer practicality and utility—and that’s why we’re always stumped at gifting time. So our advice is: Lean into it.

If he wants useful, give him useful! A wallet is uber-practical, and this one is made from 100% high-quality Italian leather, which will last a lifetime. It was handcrafted in Italy’s legendary tannery, Conceria Il Ponte in Tuscany, and it will only get better with age.

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The modernized, slim silhouette eliminates unsightly and uncomfortable pocket bulges, keeping things stylish, classy, and compact. In fact, Vera Forma claims it is the slimmest wallet on the market for its capacity, measuring 3 inches by 4.5 inches, and is only 0.16 inches thick.

Despite its minimalist design, the Vera Forma Minimalist wallet has room for the essentials, with a cash pocket and space for up to 16 cards, making it an excellent everyday carry.

Vera Forma Leatherworks Slim Bifold Wallet

$39.95 Shop Now at Amazon

Looking for an even slimmer, sleeker alternative? Check out the Vera Forma Slim version. It’s designed with a cash pocket and holds up to 12 cards. The slim version measures 3.5 inches by 3.9 inches and is 0.14 inches thick.

Whichever wallet you decide on, better choose fast! To receive it before Christmas, you’ll need to order soon!

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Keeping your nails perfectly polished can be a time-consuming hassle, and it can take a toll on your nails. Discoloration and cracks can be unfortunate byproducts of ongoing gel, acrylic, and other mani applications (like the controversial “Russian Manicure”).

It can turn into a vicious cycle when your nails are in dire need of a break, but they’re not looking so cute without polish. Here to the rescue is “tinted nail moisturizer”—a way to achieve a naturally polished look and nourish your nails at the same time.

Intro: butter LONDON Nail Tinted Moisturizer which offers up sheer coverage that beautifully shines in four natural shades to compliment every skin tone: light, medium, tan, or deep.

It’s a barely-there look, but the benefits for your nails are substantial. The nourishing treatment is perfect for brittle, peeling, and dry nails. Keratin helps to strengthen, arginine prevents breakage, tea tree oil locks in moisture, and vitamin E helps protect against future damage.

What’s more, the tinted polish features butter LONDON’s proprietary Micro Smart Active Technology that is designed to deliver a controlled release of ingredients for healthier nails every day.

butter LONDON Nail Tinted Moisturizer

$18 Shop Now at Amazon$18 Shop Now at Butter London

The nail treatment goes on just like a normal polish. Brush one to two coats onto clean, dry nails (no need for a base or top coat), and allow them to dry. Plus, shoppers say the product is easy to apply, dries fast, and is durable.

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“It was the easiest nail polish application I have ever done,” one reviewer wrote. “The nail moisturizer was very ‘forgiving,’ with no need to clean up the edges like I usually have to with regular polish … This stuff is amazingly durable. It’s been a week and there had been zero chipping or peeling, despite me using my nails for things (scrubbing dishes, etc.) that I would’ve hesitated to do with every other nail polish I have ever used in the past.”

Others echoed the sentiment.

“Phenomenal product. Stop hesitating; buy this!” another reviewer gushed. “My nails were weak and broke easily without polish, so I kept trying to find the Holy Grail for nails … I do believe I have found that elusive polish. First and foremost: THIS POLISH DOESN’T CHIP!!! It adds just the right amount of shine and subtle color to my nails. It strengthens them enough that they don’t break at the slightest knock. And it stays looking nice for almost a week at a time, without needing constant touch-ups!”

With butter LONDON’s all-in-one tinted nail moisturizer, you can take on a more sophisticated everyday look while reviving and beautifying your dry nails.

And if you love the natural-nail look, you might also want to check out Londontown’s illuminating nail concealer. With a sheer, pearly shine, this nail concealer helps blur imperfections like yellowing, stains, and pesky white spots.

Whether you go for tinted nail moisturizer or nail concealer (or both!), they’re a great way to quickly and easily keep your nails healthy and your polish polished and chic with minimal effort.

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It can be challenging for women to cope with hair loss, believing they are alone in their experience. Many people believe hair loss and thinning primarily affect men, but it affects women quite significantly as well. According to the Cleveland Clinic, about 50% of women will suffer hair loss during their lifetime, with female-pattern hair loss (FPHL) being the most common cause. 

In most cases, FPHL occurs with aging, as hormone fluctuations can lead to baldness. In addition, hair loss often gets worse during perimenopause and menopause as estrogen levels decline. 

It is undoubtedly emotionally and physically challenging to experience hair loss and thinning. But there are several options for treatment, and we’re big fans of one specific hair regrowth solution that keeps selling out—and for good reason.

RELATED: Reviewers Are Raving Over This 3-Step System That Fights Thinning Hair

In the past, we’ve discussed Nioxin’s shampoo and conditioner, more specifically when Alyssa Milano recommended it for COVID hair loss, a troubling long hauler symptom. What sets this treatment apart from the rest are its extremely effective ingredients.

Nioxin’s hair regrowth treatment contains 2% minoxidil, which is also applied topically to treat certain types of baldness (like Rogaine). Plus, minoxidil is the only FDA-approved ingredient clinically proven to promote hair growth.

Best of all, applying it is easy. For optimal results apply the treatment to dry hair and scalp twice a day. Place one milliliter of Nioxin’s Regrowth Treatment drop by drop only in the areas affected by hair loss. Follow up by gently massaging the scalp and you’re finished. 

Nioxin Hair Regrowth Treatment For Women With Minoxidil 2%

$35.98 Shop Now at Amazon

While the Nioxin Hair Regrowth Treatment is a great place to start your hair regrowth journey, the three-step kit is an ideal way to make your hair irresistibly luscious. With Nioxin’s three-step system, you’ll receive a gentle cleansing shampoo and scalp nourishing conditioner along with the renowned hair regrowth treatment.

Nioxin offers its regrowth treatment in a one- or three-month supply, but keep in mind that because it’s so effective, it’s often sold out. Based on reviews (as one touted, it’s “liquid gold”), it’s easy to see why, so plan ahead! 

“This specific brand was recommended to me by the folks at the Massachusetts General Hospital hair salon. I trust the people at a hospital to know what they’re talking about when it comes to a product like this,” one reviewer wrote. “I’ve been using this product for about a week now and I already feel like it’s doing me a lot of good,” they added.

Another fan of the product wrote, “I have tried everything on the market and this is the only thing that’s worked for me.”

Others agreed, saying Nioxin is superior compared to the rest, “I tried the other more famous (and more expensive) brand for a year with marginal results.”

If you are experiencing hair loss, know you are far from alone. And Nioxin’s Hair Regrowth Treatment could be just the treatment you’ve been searching for.

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The microwave is fast and convenient when it comes to making food hot, but it doesn’t always make it entirely palatable. When it comes to leftover rice, that can be resolved with this simple trick to keep it from becoming dry and flavorless in the microwave.

Similar to this method for reheating pasta, reheating rice can also yield better results by strategically introducing moisture to the process.

This trick could not be easier, but it makes a huge difference in your microwaved rice. Literally all you do is grab an ice cube, place it on top of the rice, and microwave for a minute or so, depending on how much rice you’re reheating. For larger servings, adding two cubes may be necessary.

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Surprisingly, the ice cube will not melt fully. The small amount of water that does evaporate from the ice creates steam, and that’s what makes this method the easiest and most effective for reheating next-day rice. It’s no wonder several TikTok influencers have recently lauded the ice cube trick.

You may have heard of tricks including adding a few splashes of water or covering the rice with a moist paper towel. While similar in theory, we like the ice cube method as it maximizes the amount of steam (which makes the rice fluffier) while avoiding adding excess water to the rice (which could impact the flavor).

If desired, you can add a pat of butter or a bit of olive oil to make the microwaved rice even more delicious (butter does make everything better).

So whether you’re at work, running short on time, or simply just want to get a meal together fast, knowing smart microwave reheating tips can truly make a big impact on the final product. And while you may never get that perfectly fluffy-fresh result after reheating rice, but this is probably the closest you’ll get.

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After recently learning of its link to improved heart health, there’s even less reason to feel guilty about our daily coffee habit. Especially around the holidays as for many, it’s a habit to grab a quick coffee before or during a shopping trip. But it turns out this seemingly harmless ritual could be costing you a pretty penny.

Research published this year in the Journal of Marketing has linked caffeine to impulsivity, which might explain why coffee-loving shoppers have trouble controlling their spending. Here’s what you need to know about your pre-shopping Starbucks run and how it may be causing you to shell out extra cash.

The Dark Side Of A Pre-Shopping Coffee

Researchers from the University of South Florida (USF) performed three studies that looked at more than 300 shoppers in home goods and department stores in France and Spain. Half of the shoppers received a complimentary cup of caffeinated espresso, while the other half received decaf espresso or plain water. 

The researchers asked customers if they could check their receipts as they exited the stores.

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The researchers performed their experiments at different times of day and also questioned the study subjects about their moods, to make sure these factors didn’t skew results.

After factoring in all of their data, the researchers found that consumers who drank coffee containing between 25 and 200 mg of caffeine overspent by a whopping 50% and bought 30% more on average than those who drank decaf coffee or water. In addition, they found that caffeine affected the types of products shoppers opted for: The coffee drinkers were more likely to be drawn to nonessentials (e.g., candles and fragrances). 

Interestingly, a fourth arm of the study produced similar results with online shopping.

In the online experiment, half of 208 student participants received caffeinated coffee while the other half received decaf. After waiting 10 minutes for the caffeine to kick in, they asked the students to select items they’d purchase from a list of 66 products.

Much like the previous experiment, caffeinated coffee drinkers tended to buy nonessentials like massagers whereas decaffeinated coffee drinkers went for more practical items such as notebooks. 

So why does coffee seem to cause this impulsivity? According to Dipayan Biswas, the Frank Harvey Endowed professor of marketing at USF, it’s directly related to how caffeine affects dopamine levels in the brain.

“Caffeine, as a powerful stimulant, releases dopamine in the brain, which excites the mind and the body,” he said in a USF news release. “This leads to a higher energetic state, which in turn enhances impulsivity and decreases self-control.”

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Basically, caffeine makes you spend a latte (sorry, we had to). 

How To Avoid Caffeinated Overspending

Avoiding a caffeine pit stop is easier said than done, especially if you’re in dire need of a little energy boost before or during your shopping trip.

If you’d rather not opt out of the habit, being mindful of how caffeine can affect your shopping decisions and mentally curbing those impulses can help. Simply being aware of caffeine’s potential effects might allow you to make more responsible, well-informed choices.

But if you can manage it, rewarding yourself with a cup of coffee after shopping might be better. Eating a healthy snack before leaving the house can also help stave off any cravings. Getting enough sleep, creating a budget, and shopping with a basket instead of a cart are other ways to avoid buying anything that’s not on your list.

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Rachel Green is indisputably one of the most legendary style icons of the ‘90s. Despite Friends‘ final episode airing nearly 20 years ago (yeah, we can’t believe it either), many of Green’s fashionable ‘90s and Y2K looks are still fashion inspirations today.

In fact, we’ve recently seen the emergence of the butterfly cut, a cousin of The Rachel—the iconic layered shoulder-length bob that debuted at the end of Friends’ first season.

Rachel’s career spanned Bloomingdales, Ralph Lauren, and, as the series wound down after 10 seasons, the hallowed halls of Louis Vuitton. So the beloved Friends protagonist could have nothing other than an extraordinary fashion sense.

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Fans have been trying to adopt Rachel’s closet since the hit show first aired in 1994. In recent years, Gen Zers have been adopting ’90s and early ’00s trends, meaning many of her looks are back in vogue today.

Get ready to reminisce about a few Rachel Green outfits that still feel on-trend—and a couple we’d rather not see again.

1. Love It: Preppy Takeover

Easily Rachel’s most iconic look, it features many of today’s most sought-after “vintage” styles. This outfit from season one’s “The One Where The Monkey Gets Away” had a very preppy vibe. Dressed in a mini tartan skirt and off-white turtleneck, the icing on the cake are the striped knee-high socks and chunky black shoes. 

2. Love It: Oversized Blazer And Mini Skirt Combo

Rachel could rock the heck out of an oversized blazer, no doubt about it. In the season three episode “The One with the Dollhouse,” she looked effortlessly elegant in a tan blazer over a crisp white button-down with a black mini skirt and sheer tights. To quote Cake, we love “a girl with a short skirt and a long jacket.”

3. Leave It: Overly-Busy Prints

We can’t say we love this slightly nausea-inducing tank top Rachel wore in season nine’s “The One in Barbados, Part 1.” The early aughts had plenty of questionable fashion choices, and this sort of mish-mash print almost never worked well. If Rachel can’t pull it off, we’re not sure who could.

4. Love It: The Trench Coat

Although Rachel was emotionally distraught when she discovered Ross’s cheating (or not?) in “The One with the Morning After,” she looks absolutely fierce in this oversized olive green trench coat.

5. Love It: Shorteralls

As any Friends fan knows, Rachel loved to rock some ’90s denim.  From vests to dungarees, Rachel could pull practically anything off.

She seemed to especially love overalls in earlier seasons. In season one’s “The One With the Breast Milk,” she really knocked this look out of the park by layering an oversized men’s blazer over a pair of shorteralls and teaming them with a striped black-and-white tank.

6. Leave It: Dowdy Skirt Suit

Rachel’s monochromatic blue maxi skirt suit from season three’s “The One with the Tiny T-Shirt” made us sad then and it still does now. This look missed the mark, from the drab color to the unflattering fit that overwhelmed her frame and nearly hid her heeled boots.

7. Love It: Structured, Puff-Sleeve Blouse

The introduction of the cottagecore aesthetic has caused a resurgence in vaguely Victorian-esque fashion, from flowy floral dresses to structured smocked tops with billowing sleeves. We think Rachel’s white top in “The One with the Soap Opera Party,” with its scoop neckline and puff sleeves, would look just as fresh today.

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Chicken breasts always make for a great entree, but coming up with new ways to make them can be challenging. If you’re an adventurous cook, you may have already tried variations on breading including salty potato chips, crushed almonds, or even boxed cereal.

But there’s one tasty breading recipe that’s a little more outside the box, and it shares a common ingredient with s’mores. That’s right, we’re talking about graham cracker-crusted chicken. Trust us, it’s delicious!

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Like other breading recipes, the chicken is smothered in flour and dipped in lightly-beaten eggs before being coated in crushed graham crackers. But this graham cracker breading shines with a distinctively deep and nutty flavor and an addictive delicate crunch.

In addition, depending on the brand of graham cracker you choose, your chicken may have a slightly honeyed sweetness or a bit of heat from cinnamon or cloves. Regardless of which brand you go with, this chicken dish is bound to be filled with rich flavors you’ll want to make again and again.

Check out this easy-to-make recipe from Real Simple if you want to try it for yourself.

Ingredients

• 1 cup graham crackers, finely crushed (works out to roughly 6 graham cracker “sheets”)
• 2 pounds chicken breast tenders
• 1 cup pretzels, finely crushed
• 3 large egg whites, lightly beaten
• ¾ tsp basil, dried
• ¾ tsp marjoram, dried
• ½ tsp ginger, dried
• 1 ½ tsp kosher salt, divided
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• ½ tsp black pepper
• Cooking spray

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F. Combine graham crackers, pretzels, basil, marjoram, ginger, and ½ teaspoon of salt in a food processor. Pulse until fine crumbs form. Set aside in a shallow bowl. 
2. Place the flour in a second shallow bowl and the beaten egg whites in a third shallow bowl. 
3. Dry the chicken using a paper towel, then season with pepper and the remaining teaspoon of salt. 
4. Lightly coat each chicken tender with flour and shake off the excess. After dipping the chicken in egg whites, dredge in the seasoned graham cracker mixture. Continue coating all chicken tenders.
5. To finish, spray each tender with a light layer of cooking spray on both sides (this will help the breading stick and make it crispier), then arrange them on a rimmed baking sheet and place them in the oven.
6. Bake until the chicken tenders are golden brown, about 16 to 18 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, turning once halfway through baking time.

You can serve these finger-licking good chicken tenders with any sauce of your choice. We personally prefer honey mustard to complement the salty-sweet flavor or hot sauce to give these melt-in-your-mouth tenders a little extra kick!  

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Sports reporter and broadcaster Erin Andrews may have made it big in her career, but she’s also faced many personal challenges along the way. After eight years at ESPN, Andrews made an emotional transition to Fox Sports this year.

However, Andrews has also been open about other personal obstacles she’s faced, such as her extraordinarily difficult fertility journey. Having undergone seven rounds of in vitro fertilization (IVF), the veteran sportscaster recently spoke to Shape about the unexpected side effects she experienced, such as hair loss and thinning.

While many common side effects of IVF exist, including mild pelvic and abdominal pain and weight gain, experts disagree over whether hair loss is a direct result of the treatment. Many believe that the underlying causes of infertility, such as polycystic ovary syndrome or thyroid disorders, are the true culprit behind hair loss and thinning rather than the IVF process itself.

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Andrews maintains that her hair appeared less healthy, full, and voluminous after multiple IVF cycles. She hopes to end the stigma by speaking out about hair loss as she has about cervical cancer and infertility in the past.

She has also found an amazing hair growth brand that’s brought her hair back to life, and she’s eager to share the news.

As a sports reporter, Andrews always has to be camera-ready. As her hair began to suffer from constant coloring, extensions, and heat styling, her hair stylists Nutrafol, one of the top dermatologist-recommended hair growth treatments.

Using only natural ingredients, this hassle-free supplement makes hair noticeably stronger, thicker, and more lustrous when taken regularly. Nutrafol targets a variety of factors within the body to treat hair loss, including stress, hormones, and aging. In addition, this multi-targeting supplement also works to improve sleep, energy, and skin health.

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When it comes to promoting hair growth, Nutrafol does a lot of the heavy lifting, but Andrews also highlighted other ways you can keep your strands healthy. As we all need a vacation from time to time, so do your precious locks.

Don’t overdo it on coloring or using hot tools, and try incorporating a scalp mask such as Nutrafol’s Build-Up Blocker. With this exfoliating mask, you can eliminate impurities and preserve the scalp microbiome.

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It’s Andrews’s mission to normalize talking about hair struggles among women by partnering with Nutrafol’s Shed the Silence campaign. She advised women to talk to others about dealing with hair thinning and loss rather than going it alone.

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Hair loss and thinning can be an unfortunate side effect of aging for some women (even celebrities). Regardless of whether it’s due to hormones, aging, or genetics, female pattern baldness can instigate a spiral of negative emotions in women.

The good news is there are a number of treatments available that can help. And one hair growth treatment, in particular, is getting a lot of attention lately from some A-list backers. 

Dirty Dancing star Jennifer Grey recently took to social media to share dramatic before-and-after photos of her own hair growth journey. Grey credited the stunning results to the Scandinavian haircare brand Harklinikken, a brand that Ricki Lake also praised recently for reversing her 30-year hair loss woes.

“I’m so excited to share this amazing [Danish] brand with you that has, [I] swear, transformed my hair (and scalp health, who knew?!) over the last two years,” Grey wrote in a post that accompanied the photos of her incredible hair transformation. She added, “[I’ve] gotten unbelievable results just by following @harklinikken’s simple daily routine with their Hair Gain Extract, along with their shampoo and conditioners.”

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Harklinikken’s Extract, an essential component of both Lake and Grey’s treatment plans, is specially tailored to each client’s needs and optimized as treatment progresses. To get started, simply take Harklinikken’s easy online hair assessment or book an in-person consultation.

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Besides the Extract, Grey recommends Harklinikken’s line of shampoos as well as their conditioners. Their unscented, gentle shampoos are designed to thoroughly clean strands without irritating the scalp. At the same time, they are formulated to reduce split ends and breakage.

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Try pairing their shampoo with their lightweight daily conditioner for a real power duo. The conditioner is formulated with avocado oil and soothing aloe vera that keeps each strand hydrated and smooth.

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Grey noted that once you learn the science behind Harklinikken, you’ll never want to use any other product that doesn’t put your individual hair needs first. Plus, she loves the simplicity of Harklinikken’s routine and ingredients.

“[It’s] super easy, plus everything is clean and non-invasive with only naturally-derived ingredients,“ Grey explained. As you begin your hair restoration journey, you should opt for products without colorants, perfumes, essential oils, and parabens—all of which Harklinikken happens to abstain from using.

It’s no wonder why celebrities are spreading the word about Harklinikken: It doesn’t make sense to be a gatekeeper when a product is so clearly effective. Doesn’t everyone deserve luscious, healthy hair?

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As winter approaches, it’s time to don our cozy sweaters, cardigans, and turtlenecks. And when we’re not wearing our favorite knitwear on repeat, they need a proper home.

Storing sweaters doesn’t sound complicated, but it caused a heated debate among our editors when discussing this post. We were split on folding versus hanging, but many clothing enthusiasts swear that folding your sweaters is better for their longevity than hanging.

Have you ever bought the perfect sweater that looked amazing when you tried it on, but over time it started to look frumpy and misshapen? That’s much more likely to happen if the sweater was stored on a hanger. Over time, gravity takes its toll. Heavy sweaters made of wool or cashmere are especially vulnerable to stretching out in the shoulders (a phenomenon known as “shoulder boobs,” no thank you) and appearing bottom-heavy.

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No one wants any of that, so folding is the way to go. Don’t have enough shelving space to accommodate all those sweaters? Worry not, you can fold your sweaters and then place them over a hanger without causing damage.

How To Fold Your Sweater

1. When folding a cardigan, first button it up.
2. Lay it down with the back facing up and smooth out any wrinkles. Then fold both sleeves across the back.
3. Fold the right side of the sweater inward towards the middle, then bring the left side to meet it at the center. 
4. Finally, fold the bottom half of the sweater upward so that it is folded in half.
5. Either place the folded sweater on a shelf or slide it onto a hanger as you would a pair of jeans.

This method should keep your sweaters organized and (literally) in good shape for longer. We also have a few more helpful tips if you’re looking to reorganize your whole closet soon.

One possible exception to the rule is lightweight summer sweaters made of featherweight cotton or other fabric. Those might withstand a hanger without becoming too stretched out. But when it comes to heavier sweaters, always fold. 

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Holidays always bring with them the expectation of festive show-stopping pies and baked treats worthy of being displayed in storefront windows. However, getting them on the table can be tricky during this hectic time of year, especially if baking isn’t your forte. 

With a holiday to-do list a mile long, there’s no time for worrying about possible pie crust fails, so baking shortcuts are the perfect solution. Fortunately, there are lots of them to get you through the holiday season.

This viral pie hack from Instagrammer Chelsea Dyan shows busy home bakers how to serve up adorable bite-size pumpkin pies without the hassle of baking from scratch. All you need to pull off this no-bake crowd-pleasing dessert is a store-bought pumpkin pie, a cookie cutter, and some whipped cream.

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A post shared by 𝐂𝐡𝐞𝐥𝐬𝐞𝐚 𝐃𝐲𝐚𝐧 | Simple Mom Hacks (@gratefulheartcollective)

To make these pumpkin pie bites, spray both sides of the cookie cutter with nonstick cooking spray. Use it to make cutouts of your chilled store-bought pie, then place the results on a platter. Top each tiny pie with a dollop of whipped cream, along with chopped pecans or a dash of cinnamon or ginger, if desired. 

But what should you do with all the leftover pie? No need to worry, Dyan has a plan for that too: pumpkin pie cake pops!

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She adds the remaining pie, along with a tablespoon of canned pumpkin, into a large mixing bowl and mixes until blended. After that, she molds the mixture into individual cake balls using a teaspoon (you can also use an ice cream scoop or melon baller) and places them on a cookie sheet to chill in the refrigerator.

Meanwhile, she uses a microwave to melt chocolate chips. Once the cake balls have chilled, she places a treat stick into each one. She then gently coats each pumpkin ball in the melted chocolate and drizzles them with caramel sauce before returning the finished cake pops to the refrigerator to harden.

Your family will surely think you’ve mastered the art of baking when you serve them a platter of irresistible (but secretly super easy) desserts. 

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You can never go wrong with a glass of red wine and a comforting, heaping bowl of pasta. Once that pasta becomes leftovers, though, it loses much of its charm. If done wrong, that bowl of pasta can go from one of life’s biggest joys to one of its greatest disappointments.

On a busy weeknight, the microwave is the hero and workhorse of the kitchen, churning out steamed veggies and piping-hot soup. But when it comes to leftover pasta, it tends to zap the much-needed moisture and dehydrate any sauce, leaving it dry and flavorless.

Thankfully, there’s good news for those of us who love pasta and depend heavily on our microwaves. In fact, there’s more than one way to keep your reheated pasta from mediocrity—and they’re both super easy!

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Method 1: The Ice Cube Hack

The first method is to spread your cold pasta thinly on a plate and top it with a single ice cube, then cover that ice cube with a paper towel or parchment paper. Though this may seem a bit strange at first, you’ve gotta trust the process.

The ice cube will generate steam in the microwave, thus preventing any sad, dry pasta. To achieve the best results, microwave the pasta in one-minute intervals and stir after each one.

Method 2: A Damp Paper Towel

The next hack is especially helpful if you plan on bringing leftover pasta to work or school. You’ll start out the same way, by spreading the pasta on a plate in a thin layer, but this time you’ll drape a damp paper towel over your noodles instead. Similar to the ice cube method, the damp paper towel will help retain moisture (again, reheat in one-minute intervals).

Using either trick will maintain the pasta’s intended texture without affecting the taste. And while both tips are exceptionally simple and extremely effective, the paper towel method has a slight advantage over the ice cube.

Besides requiring additional materials, it may take longer to warm pasta with ice depending on your microwave. By contrast, the damp paper towel is no-fuss, and it’s faster. Ultimately, the final verdict will be left up to you, fellow leftover pasta lovers.

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It’s hard not to admire the elegant and minimal yet sophisticated style of the women of the royal family. We love how they highlight the power something as simple as a pair of earrings has to transform any outfit into a head-turner.

Clearly, Kate Middleton is well aware of this fashion guideline, and we adore this stunning pair of earrings she’s been seen wearing on repeat as of late. What’s all the more intriguing is that these captivating earrings are much more accessibly priced than her typical jewelry picks.

In place of her usual go-to’s like Kiki McDonough and Annoushka, Middleton opted for the much more affordable Mini Pyramid Charm Hoops from Missoma. Despite the lower price tag, they’re just as swoon-worthy!

In spite of their subtlety, they have the ability to make any outfit look more polished and put together. We can see why Middleton has chosen to pair them with several looks.

Embedded in 18k gold vermeil, the princess’s delicate earrings feature rose-colored rhodochrosite gemstones (although four other color options are available). Each stone gently hangs from a dainty hoop laced with tiny pyramids. Best of all, since the design features natural irregularly-shaped gemstones, each pair is one-of-a-kind. 

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Rhodochrosite is known as the “Stone of the Compassionate Heart” and allegedly promotes love and compassion. Known for her sincerity and kindhearted nature, this gemstone seems to perfectly correspond to Middleton’s personality.

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It’s not every day that the masses can get their hands on the same fashion picks as a royal, much less jewelry. And the Princess of Wales isn’t the only celebrity who can’t get enough of this British jewelry brand. From Jennifer Lopez and Hailey Bieber to Meghan Markle, several famously fashionable ladies have taken note of the high-quality, affordable designs available from Missoma.

There must be something special about these fantastic earrings if Middleton has added them to her regular fashion rotation. For those of you looking for a last-minute gift idea, look no further.

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There isn’t always time to make a cake from scratch, which is why boxed cake mixes come in clutch for the busy baker. As you probably know, there are a number of tricks that can elevate your average cake mix.

One of the most popular ways to upgrade a store-bought mix is to replace the water with milk, the oil with butter, and add an extra egg. These simple swaps are guaranteed to trick any taste-tester, but there are also some more unusual substitutions you may not have thought of.

For instance, would you have thought to add coconut oil to your mix? Neither would we. A common boxed cake recipe calls for vegetable oil, but some bakers opt for melted refined coconut oil instead. While not particularly calorie-friendly, your taste buds will love it.

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Refined coconut oil doesn’t actually have a coconut-y taste, so those of you who don’t love tropical flavors need not be wary. On the other hand, virgin coconut oil can be used if you prefer that extra boost of coconut flavor. 

So how does the trick work, exactly? In essence, its high saturated fat content traps more oxygen, making the cake’s texture fluffier, lighter, and more moist. You’ll never want to make another cake mix without it!

To try it for yourself, simply melt some refined coconut oil and use it in place of vegetable oil. This is a one-to-one swap, so you’ll be using the same amount of coconut oil as the amount of veggie oil the box calls for.

However, there are a few other considerations to keep in mind when adding other ingredients. Be sure that the water and eggs are both at room temperature before adding them to the coconut oil. Any cold substance that makes contact with coconut oil will cause it to solidify and become lumpy—you don’t want that. 

Using coconut oil in desserts can be a game-changer—without making them taste like a piña colada—and eliminates the need for oil or butter in many recipes. Just remember what we said about the high amount of saturated fat, which can cause health problems if consumed in large quantities.

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As delicious as the main course may be, Thanksgiving leftovers sometimes steal the show. Old standbys like sandwiches layered with turkey and cranberry sauce or casseroles are delicious day-after meals. But there’s one important leftover that might not be on your radar: the turkey carcass.

Just like pasta water is liquid gold, your turkey carcass is much too valuable to discard. Making turkey stock is simple and similar to making chicken stock, but the turkey carcass plus some extra attention to seasoning will take your soup to the next level.

And before you get started, here’s a pro tip: Since chopping veggies for turkey broth will likely be the last thing you want to do after cooking a Thanksgiving feast, set some vegetables aside as you prepare for the main event. For example, if you’re making stuffing, chop two extra celery stalks and one yellow onion and set them aside. When preparing carrots as a side dish, chop up an additional two carrots. 

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How To Make Turkey Broth

The sooner you prepare your stock the better, but you can wait up to two or three days.

1. Remove the meat from the carcass (save it to make soup later!) and break the bones into large pieces.
2. Place the bones in a stockpot with assorted vegetables and add just enough water, about one gallon, to cover.
3. Bring the stock to a boil, then turn down the heat and simmer for about three hours.
4. For an extra boost of flavor and spice, throw in some whole peppercorns while the broth simmers.
5. Your turkey has already been seasoned so the stock should have excellent flavor. But you can also season at the end with basil, parsley, and thyme.
6. When your stock is done simmering, skim the fat from the top.
7. Remove larger pieces of bone, then carefully strain the liquid through a cheesecloth-lined colander.
8. Finally, discard the vegetables and herbs and store the stock in containers. Use it immediately or freeze it for up to three months.

The Best Soup

Homemade stock has endless possibilities, but one of our Suggest editors highly recommends using it for this recipe from Food.com. Featuring colorful vegetables and loads of protein, this robust turkey vegetable soup is the perfect cozy winter meal. 

Make it ahead for the post-holiday weekend when curling up with Netflix will probably sound better than cooking. Pair it with crusty bread, and we guarantee it will become a holiday tradition your family will look forward to every year.

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Buying new kicks isn’t easy, especially when shopping online. It isn’t until your sneakers actually hit the ground and cover some distance that you know whether they’re the right shoe for you.

Everyone has a few tips and tricks when it comes to online shopping. Whether it’s sticking to your go-to brands, learning how to expertly sleuth comments, or having a community you trust for feedback are all smart strategies.  

Regarding shoes, in particular, one Suggest editor thinks she’s cracked the code when it comes to finding the best pair of walking shoes. And on her latest shopping endeavor, she was more successful than ever before!

Our Editor-Approved Shoe-Finding Trick

There’s no shortage of footwear reviews on retailer sites. Sure, we’ve all scoured them to get the deets on our potential buys, but what if there was a better way to get the scoop? 

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Our editor’s tried-and-true way to shop for walking shoes involves turning to the popular online community Reddit. In particular, she has found the shoe advice gold mine lies in subreddits concerning Disney parks. Aside from their obsession with the Mouse, Disney visitors also know their stuff when it comes to comfy, durable footwear.

There’s no better place to test footwear than an amusement park, especially Disney World. Walking seven to 10 miles a day in the Florida heat is common for guests, so if your shoes suck, your feet will let you know.

And The Winner Is…

According to Disney Park enthusiasts, your ideal vacation at the most magical place on earth begins with a pair of Adidas Ultraboost 5.0 DNA shoes. One user commented, “It’s like Ultraboosts were made for Disney trips.” 

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With its responsive BOOST™ cushioning, this fan-favorite was originally designed for runners, but its sock-like fit, support, and flexibility make it a holy grail of comfort for anyone who moves.

Another Reddit user said, “I have lower back issues and walked an average of 11 miles a day while on a 7 day Disney trip in January 2020. My feet, legs, and back did not hurt once during the trip.” 

While Adidas Ultraboosts were the top pick for all-day comfort, Allbirds Wool Runners were a close second. Many users swear by Allbirds to keep their feet happy at the parks.

Allbirds Women’s Wool Runners

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“I was in the park for 5 days earlier this month and my feet had no blisters and felt great,” one Redditor wrote. “My two friends I was with also wore Allbirds and said the same.”

Similar to the Ultraboosts, Allbirds also have a lightweight foam sole. Additionally, the Allbirds Wool Runners feature Merino wool fabric, which adds to their signature “walking on a cloud” feel. These breathable, lightweight, supportive kicks will help you get where you need to go without a stitch of discomfort.

As for socks, Reddit users recommended pairing your sneakers with a comfortable pair of Balegas. 

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Balega delivers on comfort by using plush cushioning to keep your feet protected every step of the way (literally). Plus, Balega’s proprietary Drynamix fabric is moisture-wicking, keeping your feet dry throughout the day. Best of all, the no-show style provides mega comfort without any added bulk.

Our editor personally purchased a pair of Ultraboosts and has raved about their incredible comfort. As someone who regularly enjoys long walks (and the occasional amusement park), she found that the Ultraboosts are perfectly suited for her needs. Now excuse us while we go grab a pair of our own!

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Roasted vegetables are the cream of the crop when it comes to vegetable preparation. There’s no easier and more delicious way to sneak veggies into your diet than with golden, crispy, and caramelized veggies. Nevertheless, it’s disappointing when your sheet pan full of vegetables comes out of the oven less crispy than expected.

Roasting vegetables isn’t a high-maintenance endeavor, but sometimes you don’t get the desired results even if you think you did everything right. And with Thanksgiving right around the corner, avoiding limp and soggy vegetables will help you make this side dish the star of the show.

An opulent roasted vegetable medley bursting with crispy Brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, red onions, and carrots sounds divine, but how do you ensure it has the right amount of crunch? Cookbook author Carolynn Carreño has the answer, and it’s all about where you place your sheet pan in the oven.

No More Soggy Veggies

Carreño claimed she’s cracked the code on roasting vegetables perfectly and uniformly every time. Instead of using the wire racks as you normally would, Carreño suggested setting the roasting pan on the oven floor. Although slightly unconventional, she shared this simple tip she learned from a fellow chef in her cookbook Bowls of Plenty.

According to Carreño, this method consistently yields ultra-crispy vegetables due to the direct and constant heat. “The oven floor provides the hottest, most even. and direct heat possible,” she explained. “Which means you can get your vegetables nice and caramelized without overcooking them.”

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For best results, Carreño recommended placing the sheet pan on the oven floor and setting the oven to 500°F for 20 minutes, as well as flipping the veggies halfway through. However, she also warned roasted veggie enthusiasts to scope out their individual oven situations before trying this hack.

Prior to placing anything on the bottom of your oven, Carreño suggested making sure your oven is capable of handling the weight of the pan. If you can’t find physical oven instructions, you can search for them online or even contact the manufacturer. In addition, Carreño recommended starting out with a smaller batch of vegetables.

If you’re not comfortable placing your sheet pan on the bottom of the oven, an alternative method is to place a wire rack on the lowest rung. If you have a pizza stone, you could also allow it to heat on the lowest rack for about an hour, then place your sheet pan with the veggies on top. Similarly crispy results will be achieved with any of these techniques. 

Finally, in order to get the most caramelized vegetables, Carreño recommended not lining your baking sheet with parchment paper or foil and instead putting your veggies directly on the sheet. For even crunchier results, try placing your sheet pan in the oven while it preheats.

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Can’t live without your morning cup of coffee? Neither can we. It may live rent-free in our heads, but the catchy jingle, “the best part of waking up is Folgers in your cup,” holds some truth. Coffee, regardless of the brand, is a staple for many that get them through the day.

Even with the brew’s huge fanbase, it has been repeatedly maligned and associated with health issues. But should we stop picking on coffee? In the past, we discussed how coffee may reduce dementia and stroke risk, in addition to its positive effect on cardiovascular health and life expectancy.

Still, there’s a widespread belief that coffee has a negative effect on our health. In particular, due to its caffeine content, which many believe to be a diuretic that causes dehydration. However, it turns out that’s not necessarily the case.

The Truth Of Coffee Being Dehydrating

The myth that coffee is dehydrating started with a nearly-100-year-old study that has been extensively challenged over the years. More recent studies have shown that drinking coffee and tea (and even low-alcohol beer) isn’t that different from drinking water.

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Until recently, caffeinated beverages were thought to dehydrate the body rather than hydrate it. You’ve probably heard the saying that for every cup of coffee or two cups of black tea, you should drink one cup of water to counteract the diuretic effects. However, research indicates that moderate consumption of caffeinated drinks provides the same amount of hydration as non-caffeinated drinks.

Multiple studies dating from 1966 to a 2014 clinical trial revealed that caffeine leads to minimal fluid loss. In a 2003 research review, the authors determined that there is no evidence that drinking caffeinated beverages causes fluid loss or poor hydration. 

A 2014 study comparing caffeine with water ingestion in 50 men showed that caffeine could cause a minor increase in urination when consumed in large amounts if the drinker isn’t accustomed to it. But tolerance is easily developed and when consumed in moderation, caffeine was no different than non-caffeinated drinks when it came to hydration. 

So, coffee lovers, you’re off the hook. That morning cup of Joe (and the second) counts towards your daily requirement of eight glasses of water. Coffee doesn’t dehydrate you, consider that myth debunked! 

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Navigating today’s financial landscape is challenging in several ways, and salary is a particular pain point for many people. Since most people keep their financial life private from others, with good reason, it can leave you wondering how your salary compares to that of others in today’s economic climate.

However, you may be surprised at the minimum salary that places you in the top 10% of U.S. earners. And if there’s one thing we can always use, it’s to feel better about how much we make. According to a study from the Economic Policy Institute, the top 10% of U.S. earners in 2020 made an average of $173,000.

Despite being in the same bracket, there was a marked difference between earners in the bottom half and those in the upper half of the top 10%. According to 2020 estimates, the income of those in the bottom half made roughly $133,500. 

The Widening Wage Gap

Though landing yourself a spot in the top 10% of earners might seem more achievable after reading those numbers, it’s important to note that it’s still a lofty goal for many, depending on one’s field and location. A staggering disparity exists between the ultra-wealthy (those earning in the top 5%) and those earning an average salary of $40,000.

According to this data, there is a 3.25x salary difference between an average salary earner and someone on the cusp of a salary in the top 10%. When you consider those in the top 5%, that becomes nearly a 6x difference in pay.

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According to the EPI study, the pay gap between the top 10% and the other 90% is only continuing to increase. An analysis from the Pew Research Center revealed that a three-person household—two earners and one dependent—would have to make a combined $172,000 or more (when adjusted for inflation) to qualify as upper-class.

The middle-class bracket is defined as earning between two-thirds to double the median cost of living, which was around $70,784 in 2021, and the lower class consists of anyone earning below that bracket.

Another interesting thing to note is how each class builds its net worth. Those in the upper class grow their wealth through investments and financial assets, while those in the middle class grow their wealth through the appreciation of their homes. There are fewer options for lower-class earners to increase their financial stability. 

An examination of the top 5% salary year-over-year revealed how quickly the top 1% are pulling away from the rest of the pack. According to the EPI study, the top 5% earned $343,000 in 2020, compared to $324,000 the year before. In 2020, the average income of someone in the top 1% was $824,000.

Top Earners’ Salaries Vary Widely By State

Where you live also plays an important role in the wage discussion. Your salary may put you near the top in one state, but that same salary may place you much lower down in another state due to the local cost of living, state income taxes, etc. As an example, according to SmartAsset, Connecticut’s top 1% earn $896,490, while the top 1% in Kentucky earn $412,836. 

RELATED: The Salary Needed To Afford A Home In Your State—Where Do You Fall?

The key takeaway here is to not get too hung up on national salary percentages and whether or not you qualify as a top earner. Instead, it’s more important to focus on your individual financial situation and challenges, especially considering the current inflation spike. Despite the notion that money isn’t the only thing that matters, it certainly plays a pivotal role in how we live our lives.

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Despite being a comforting classic, no-frills roasted chicken can be a bore for the palate. But a few simple tweaks can transform bland chicken into having mouthwatering flavor, and none of them involve breadcrumbs or deep-frying. To take any chicken to the next level, we turned to the queen of cozy recipes, Ina Garten, and her latest cookbook: Go-To Dinners: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook.

Although the Barefoot Contessa has plenty of chicken recipes up her sleeve, her most recent from Go-To Dinners is an instant fall favorite, and one ingredient plays the most important role.

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A recent Instagram post from Garten showcased a swoon-worthy chicken dish fit for fall. “Now that autumn is really here, all I want for dinner is something warm and satisfying like Chicken in a Pot with Orzo,” Garten wrote in the caption.

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A post shared by Ina Garten (@inagarten)

According to her post, this dish is similar to a cozy seasonal staple, but it contains one key ingredient that sets it apart from others. “It has all the classic chicken soup flavors plus a big pinch of saffron,” Garten adds. “It’s made in one big pot and the whole house smells wonderful.” 

Ina’s Secret Ingredient

Garten’s Chicken in a Pot with Orzo has a bit of luxurious flair thanks to the addition of saffron, one of the world’s most expensive spices. Sweet but floral, it gives this chicken dish a rich, distinctive flavor that makes it truly memorable. 

While we love how Garten uses saffron in this chicken dish, saffron is a versatile ingredient that can enhance any recipe. Paellas, pilafs, and risottos are among its most classic uses.

When it comes to desserts, Saffron complements vanilla beautifully, so it can effortlessly transform custards and cookies. Saffron is not only a flavor enhancer but it can also be consumed as a tea with many benefits, including a boost in mood and sexual drive.

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If you want to prepare this cozy meal this fall, gather the following ingredients; a whole chicken weighing around four pounds is ideal. You’ll also need carrots, celery, leeks, fennel, garlic, chicken stock, fresh herbs, orzo, and the star of the dish, saffron threads. Additionally, Garten’s recipe calls for basic pantry staples like salt, pepper, and olive oil.

In Garten’s recipe, the chicken is thoroughly patted dry before being added to a Dutch oven with olive oil, such as Garten’s favorite Le Creuset. Once the chicken has been seared on both sides, it should be transferred to a plate. Then, add vegetables to the Dutch oven and sauté until they start to brown. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Return the chicken to the pot, and add the stock and saffron, along with enough water to cover the chicken.

Bundle some fresh herbs, put them in the pot, and bring them to a boil. Cover and simmer for another hour. After one hour, discard the herbs, add the orzo and cook until tender. As the last step, separate the chicken, then spoon broth, chicken, and orzo into serving bowls for a showing-stopping meal.

So, grab some saffron for your next culinary adventure to experience the exotic flavor and many benefits of this luxurious spice. To get started, try Garten’s Chicken in a Pot with Orzo. You can find that recipe, as well as many more in Garten’s new cookbook, Go-To Dinners: A Barefoot Contessa Cookbook, now available on Amazon.

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Gas or electric? When it comes to choosing a kitchen stove, many might believe it’s a simple preference, but when it comes to gas stoves, it turns out there’s more to consider than just temperature control—they might also be impacting your health and the environment.

RELATED: Gas Stoves Are Bad For Both Your Health And The Environment

Because natural gas emits pollutants, using a gas stove comes with environmental and health concerns. We’ve discussed the safety of gas stoves and the fact that they can release dangerous carbon monoxide into the air, especially if they are unvented. But they may have an even bigger impact on the environment and our health than we realized. 

Several proposals have been made to limit home gas usage due to these growing concerns. In fact, Berkeley became the first California city to bar natural gas pipes in new buildings as of 2020. Several other California cities have followed Berkeley’s lead, and more states are likely to join in.

Why We Should Be Concerned

A study published in October 2022 in the journal Environmental Science & Technology found more evidence that gas use in homes, including gas stoves, could negatively impact both climate change and public health.  

According to the study, about one-third of households in the country cook with gas. Gas use, however, is significantly higher in some states, such as California, where the study took place, where more than 60% of homes use gas for cooking. 

The researcher collected 185 samples of unburned natural gas from 159 homes in California from three gas companies: Pacific Gas & Electric, SoCalGas, and San Diego Gas & Electric.

Each sample revealed a shocking truth: All contained air pollutants classified as hazardous by the Environmental Protection Agency, which could lead to cancer and other serious health problems.

Despite a large number of air pollutants in samples, there was one particular containment found that was most concerning: benzene. Benzene is a highly flammable chemical with no odor or color, which makes it hard to detect during a leak. Of all the toxins, it was the most prevalent.

A particularly alarming fact is that being exposed to benzene long-term can increase the risk of blood disorders and cancer such as leukemia. Boston College professor and pediatrician Philip J. Landrigan told The New York Times that benzene levels are a long-term concern.

“Benzene accumulates in the body over a person’s lifetime, and health risks increase almost linearly with exposure,” he told The New York Times. “There is really no safe threshold” for benzene exposure.

Unfortunately, limiting gas stove use or venting doesn’t reduce levels of indoor benzene, and other studies have shown that gas stoves are unsafe even when turned off. During their inactive state, they leak alarming quantities of methane, a harmful greenhouse gas. 

What We Can Do

Shockingly, California gas appliances and infrastructure emit nearly as much benzene as nearly 60,000 cars each year. In light of the growing evidence of indoor air pollution, both from this study and many others, there is a push to avoid gas entirely and cook with electric stoves instead.

While some consumers may not be able to switch to electric right away, there are some options to help. To encourage homes to switch from gas to electric, President Biden’s climate plan offers incentives. According to Joe Biden’s new climate law, homeowners can now claim energy efficiency tax credits and rebates, enabling them to make positive changes in their homes.

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There seems to be a slew of rules to follow in the world of nonstick cookware, from avoiding metal utensils to never using it with your oven’s broiler setting. Still, when it comes to protecting your nonstick pans from wear and tear, we have one more tip to add that you’ll certainly want to follow.

There’s no question that nonstick cooking sprays save time in the kitchen. But despite being safe to use on most cookware, cooking sprays such as Pam can eventually damage nonstick finishes.

Nonstick surfaces are adversely affected by the emulsifier in cooking spray called lecithin. Lecithin serves as a barrier between the heated surface and the food being heated. Over time, it forms a sticky buildup on nonstick surfaces that is difficult to remove. After a while, this film can cause the pan’s nonstick properties to suffer, making it nearly impossible to cook with ease. 

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In order to extend the life of your nonstick cookware, it’s best to skip cooking spray altogether. But what are the alternatives? And are they just as effective for preventing food from sticking to the pan?

Cooking Spray Alternatives

Replacing your cooking spray with pure cooking oils such as olive oil or butter will not only enhance the taste of your dish but will also extend the life of your nonstick cookware. 

If you want to limit your calories or simply reduce waste, choose a refillable oil mister. These oil spritzers are useful not only for nonstick pans but also many other cooking tools such as air fryers and Instant Pots. And for salad lovers, they’re a convenient way to add your favorite light dressing.

Aside from foregoing cooking sprays and opting for gentler alternatives, there are other ways to maintain the integrity of your nonstick pans:

1. Season your pan! Similar to cast iron, you can add a little oil to a warmed pan which should aid with flavor and help with its nonstick properties.
2. Avoid the dishwasher. Dishwashing detergent is generally harsher than normal dish soap, so it could potentially ruin the finish over time.
3. Don’t preheat an empty pan. If your nonstick pan is made from polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), that chemical can break down and release potentially harmful fumes if heated above 500°F. Adding a little butter or olive oil can help give you a visual cue the pan is hot and ready to go before it hits that level.

By avoiding cooking spray and keeping these rules in mind, your nonstick pans will look and function better for much longer.

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Once again, Courteney Cox has shown off her Monica Geller-worthy culinary skills. And in her recent endeavor, she is showing fans how to make the perfect grilled steak that would make any beef lover drool. 

Over the years, Cox has proven to be quite the foodie and knows a thing or two about delicious food. In spite of this, everyone has an opinion about the best way to cook a steak, and Cox admits she thought she had it perfect until she got this mind-blowing recipe from Brandi Carlisle with one surprising ingredient. 

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In Cox’s opinion, this is “the greatest steak of all time.”

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A post shared by Courteney Cox (@courteneycoxofficial)

Cox starts by drizzling her Ribeye steaks with truffle oil (you can also use olive oil) and coarse salt. “I like a lot of salt,” she tells her fans as she liberally seasons her steaks. Following freshly ground pepper, she adds a peculiar ingredient to the seasoning that most home cooks probably don’t add to their steaks: freshly ground coffee.

Adding ground coffee to steak may seem odd, but it’s a brilliant culinary move. The bitterness of coffee can help balance the richness of steak, especially a fatty cut. Paired with brown sugar, as Cox added, the two form a rich, flavorful crust when grilled. For a nice medium rare, cook for two to three minutes per side. Also, using fresh grounds will result in the best flavor.

Given the richness of her entree, Cox opted for some lighter sides to complete her steak dinners. The result is a swoon-worthy dish: an exquisitely grilled coffee-rubbed steak to die for alongside velvety cauliflower mash and grilled asparagus. Our hearts are racing with the thought of being dinner guests.

Here’s the ingredient breakout Cox’s provides for the meal.

Coffee-Rubbed Steaks

• New York or Ribeye steaks (room temperature)
• Olive or truffle oil
• Coarse salt
• Freshly ground pepper
• Brown sugar (for a dusting)
• Finely ground black coffee or espresso beans

Mashed Cauliflower

• Heads of cauliflower (steamed)
• Cream cheese
• Butter
• White pepper
• Kosher salt

Grilled Asparagus

• Asparagus (trimmed)
• Olive oil
• Lawry’s garlic salt

Cox doesn’t provide exact measurements, but like any perfect recipe, the chef knows best!

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