If you’re looking to get the most out of your spices, we recommend buying whole spices over ground whenever possible. Because whole spices have less surface area that’s exposed to oxygen—the key offender in the spice degradation game—they’ll hold onto their flavor for a longer period of time. Another hot tip is to shop for spices at specialty markets or spice stores rather than buying them at your local supermarket....

But the muffins, while tasty, didn’t blow us away. To begin, they’re really cupcakes disguised as muffins, what with 2 cups of sugar in the batter and a generous dollop of frosting on top. Perhaps it was the pressure for them to be proposal worthy, but they fell flat in the flavor department, and didn’t achieve the crispy golden crust I love so much on muffins. If you do make them, opt for four very large bananas to boost the banana flavor....

I’m still unsure if this is a holiday miracle straight out of a Lifetime Christmas movie or a piece of well-earned karma, but I’ve found this exact description in the Madewell Waffleback Pull-On High-Rise Tapered Pants in Windowpane. Not only do these Madewell pants check all of those boxes, but they’re incredibly soft, comfortable, and have a sharp, wearable print that looks equally good on models of all sizes (which range from xx-small to xx-large in petite, standard, and tall)....

Little did I know I’d find my solution on TikTok, of all places. As soon as I watched a viral video about Bissell’s Little Green, a pint-sized multipurpose cleaner, I knew it was exactly what my small space needed. Bissell sent me the device to test for free, but believe me when I say I would have shelled out $110 for one earlier had I known all it was capable of....

Eccrine sweat, the sweat we’re talking about here, is the salty kind sourced from the watery parts of blood and is released from the 2 to 5 million eccrine sweat glands across your skin’s surface. “This is the stuff that floods out when our body temperature rises to help cool us down,” notes Sarah Everts, a science journalist and journalism professor at Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada, and author of the new book, The Joy of Sweat: The Strange Science of Perspiration....

The concept is simple and streamlined: It weighs less than 4 pounds and easily folds into a tiny bag. Each Shibumi Shade includes a set of aluminum poles that you plant into the ground and create an arch, letting the dramatic blue parachute canopy billow behind it in the breeze; providing shade for up to six adults. They’re creating a buzz on the beach, as well as some 30-SPF shade....

Varieties “I consider Lambrusco the mysterious cousin to classic white sparkling wines, like Prosecco,” says Christopher Hoel, the founder of Harper’s Club and expert wine curator for Wine Insiders and Martha Stewart Wine Co. “You can find Lambrusco varieties with a range of sweetness, but I like to keep it dry.” Also, he notes that Lambruscos are meant to be consumed young, so pay close attention to the year on your bottle to ensure freshness....

Seasonal affective disorder can be treated with light therapy, however, which can be done right in the comfort of your own home. So here’s what you need to know about light therapy and if it’s right for you. Vinay Saranga, M.D., psychiatrist and founder of Saranga Comprehensive Psychiatry, says light therapy is most commonly used for people who suffer from seasonal depression. “There are some other uses for light therapy, such as in some sleep disorders, people who work overnight shifts, to recover from jet lag, and in dementia as well,” he adds....

The Mardi Gras ‘Carnival’ period technically begins 12 days after Christmas, but the day that most people associate with the most debauchery and celebration is Fat Tuesday (which this year falls on February 16, 2021). Mardi Gras celebrations traditionally represent the culmination of the feasting period that falls before Christian Lent, but in modern times the day of indulgence transcends beyond religion to a holiday beloved by all. The parades might be canceled this year, but that doesn’t mean that you can’t get into the Mardi Gras spirit right at home....

RELATED: The Best Timeless White Dinnerware, for Every Single Style Hand-thrown on the pottery wheel, each piece in the collection will have its own individual differences, yet they still form a cohesive set and stack together beautifully. Every bowl and plate is stunning on its own, but they were designed to look even better when holding food. While studying at the Parsons School of Design, Yang interned at the renowned NYC restaurant Eleven Madison Park and later went on to study at the Institute of Culinary Education, so her approach to ceramics is informed by her love of food....

Even though polycystic ovary syndrome, or PCOS, affects up to 5 million women a year, it’s a surprisingly invisible illness. People just don’t really talk about it. A study published on Monday, May 14, in Nature Medicine, however, threw PCOS into the limelight because, for the first time, a root cause of the condition may have been found. The implications of the paper are far-reaching, as it claims to show not only why and how some women develop PCOS but also the possibility of a cure....

The recalled products were sold at various retailers across eight states, and the recall only applies to certain juice products sold in 59-ounce cartons. According to the Food and Drug Administration, the items were distributed in Pennsylvania, Connecticut, New York, North Carolina, Maryland, Virginia, Maine, and New Jersey. The products subject to the recall are: Minute Maid Berry Punch, 59 fl. oz., 1.75 L, Unit UPC: 025000047664, Case UPC: 025000047671Minute Maid Strawberry Lemonade, 59 fl....

But don’t hold a grudge against nettle just yet, as this plant has been found to hold many health benefits when consumed as a powder, tincture, or tea. It’s well documented that all parts of nettle—flowers, stems, roots and leaves—have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antimicrobial value, according to research published in the journal Molecules. Nettle Tea Health Benefits Try This Nettle Tea Recipe Here’s a step-by-step recipe from Mirkin to help you add nettle tea to your healthy living plan....

For me, that suitcase sweet spot is the Optimus Luggage Carry On. I live in New York City, a place with endless flight options to any destination you can think of; I have family scattered across the country (and even abroad); I like traveling to far-flung places for vacation, and I occasionally get the opportunity to travel for work, too. With all that, I end up on an airplane several times a year (hello, Frequent Flyer status), so it’s a necessity that I have a suitcase that can count as a carry-on (so I can avoid bag fees), fit all my travel necessities (I’m a notorious over-packer), and withstand the challenges of traveling and being dragged through city streets....

If you see lots of weekend excursions and quick trips home in your future, opt for the Bigger Carry-On. To be ready for study abroad, the Medium is a spacious checked bag that’s built to last. Invest in both for a complete set that will see you through everything. This option is the perfect combination of an unbeatable price, twin XL sizing, and solid colors that work in any space....

The trio of hues includes oatmeal-colored Transcend, a warm clay color called Big Cypress, and a watery turquoise called Misty Aqua. Drawing on nature, the palette was designed to encourage mindfulness and relaxation during a tumultuous time. “With the world sheltering in place for the better half of the year, we have begun to crave human connection and embrace simple activities, including walking, hiking, baking, and gardening,” said Dee Schlotter, PPG’s senior color marketing manager, in a press release....

When housework isn’t shared in a way that seems right to us, feelings of unfairness and toxicity can be intense. It’s not just about our relationships, either: When we take on an unfair share of labor in the home, it can mean taking a step back at work (whether we want to or not) and missing out on career-related or other opportunities. And yes, experts say that when a heavier load of housework falls on someone’s shoulders, it’s a fair guess that person is a woman....

The results are tender and slightly chewy (although you can bake them a tad longer if you like a crispier cookie). To finish it off, these pumpkin cookies would taste delicious sprinkled with cinnamon sugar before baking. However, we like to dress them up with a little tinted royal icing for a festive touch. Put them out if you’re hosting the pre (or post) trick-or-treating festivities. 2 cups all purpose flour, plus more for work surface ½ teaspoon ground cinnamon ½ teaspoon ground ginger ¼ teaspoon ground allspice ½ teaspoon kosher salt ¼ teaspoon baking soda Pinch ground cloves ½ cup (1 stick) unsalted butter, at room temperature ½ cup pure pumpkin puree ½ cup granulated sugar ½ cup brown sugar 2 large egg yolks 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract...

Case in point: I recently swapped my traditional bath mat for a hand-woven rug from an under-the-radar home goods brand called Quiet Town, and I’ll never go back. I discovered the Brooklyn-founded brand at Nordstrom’s new home department at its New York flagship store, which now showcases more than 50 fresh brands, including small businesses and familiar staples alike. Quiet Town is one of the smaller decor companies now available to shop at Nordstrom....

There’s a lot of furniture today that’s not built for a second life—it’s not structurally sound enough to invest in. If you have a piece with a well-made frame, it’s probably worth it. Older furniture tends to be higher quality—something that was your grandmother’s in the 30s or 40s is more likely to have dowel joints than be glued together. That’s worth investing in. It’s a time- and labor-intensive process that involves specialized skills....