Must-Have Baking Tools These are the tools you absolutely need in your kitchen, the ones you’ll reach for more often than you think. Whether you’re baking a cake or stirring up a batch of cookies, make sure you have these tools on hand before getting started. 1. Measuring Cups (Liquid and Dry) and Spoons Baking is all about precision, so having a full set of measuring cups and spoons on hand is a must....

B. Pale sedum (Sedum sediforme)—2 D. Variegated century plant (American Agave ‘Mediopicta’)—1 E. Cobweb houseleek (Sempervivum arachnoideum)—1 F. Queen Victoria agave (Agave victoriae-reginae)—1 A. Dwarf century plant (Agave desmettiana)—1 B. Ice plant (Lampranthus deltoides)—3 C. Angelina sedum (Sedum rupestre ‘Angelina’)—3 Test Garden Tip: Drill several holes in the bottom of containers to ensure good drainage for succulents. A. Creeping sedum (Sedum sarmentosum)—1 B. Firebird hen-and-chicks (Sempervivum ‘Firebird’)—1 C. Glowing Embers hen-and-chicks (Sempervivum ‘Glowing Embers’)—1 A....

Byblos Old Fashioned When you’re in the mood for a bonafide classic, you know you can always turn to an Old Fashioned. This timeless masterpiece of mixology is an extremely simple three-ingredient blend (sugar + bitters + liquor), which makes it a great contender for recipe variations. This twist on a classic from Byblos Miami is framed with eastern spices and is served traditionally over a perfect cube of ice with an expression of orange oils....

Test Kitchen Tip: Regardless of cooking method, test for doneness using an instant-read meat thermometer ($15, Target) toward the end of cooking time. How to Choose a Filet Mignon Cut First things first: buying your filet mignon steak. You can have beef filet mignon cut fresh for you at a supermarket meat counter or butcher, which allows you to specify the thickness you like. When buying filet mignon steak, or beef tenderloin steaks, look for cuts with even edges that are about 1 to 2 inches thick....

To paint a brick fireplace: Clean the surface with a wire brush and non-sudsy trisodium phosphate (TSP) to loosen grime, following the instructions on the package. Next, apply a stain-blocking primer to hide any soot stains. After the primer is dry, paint the fireplace. Keep in mind that high-gloss paints will resist soot, and high-temperature paints can be used on metal surrounds but not the inside of the firebox. Deeply grooved paneling, rafters, scalloped arches, and other architectural features are bathed in white, and the fireplace falls in line for a uniform look....

On February 14, in addition to (or instead of) Valentine’s Day gifts for him, consider getting crafty. What are some good Valentine’s crafts? This list of craft ideas (with supply lists and instructions) has Valentine’s Day crafts for kids, teens, and adults—and many are good for all ages. (Do be sure little ones are supervised at all times while crafting.) For teens or tweens just getting into crafting, they’ll love making these crafts as decor or affordable gifts for friends....

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase via these links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Fun Indoor Activities Stuck inside? No problem! We’ve got you covered with plenty of fun indoor activities! These activities are great for for all ages so the whole family can have some indoor fun! Perfect to use as boredom busters when you hear the dreaded I’m bored....

Besides being a blast to put together, these houses are budget-friendly—some are so inexpensive that you could order one for each member of the family and hold your own decorating contest! Once they’re finished, the edible decorations will make a wicked addition to your Halloween mantel, or they can even take center stage as a festive Halloween centerpiece. Plus, decorating these edible houses make a good activity for the kids if you’re looking for an alternative to trick-or-treating this year....

In fact, not only does volunteering your time, energy, or money to a cause often make people feel good in the moment—research has actually found that acts of kindness can increase happiness, reduce stress, and even help you live longer. Don’t believe it? Here are some of the most notable personal perks of doing good things for others, according to years of research. 1. Overall life satisfaction. In 2014, a Gallup poll found that, of the 100,000 American adults surveyed, those who volunteered scored nearly 12 points higher (with an average score of 70) on Gallup’s well-being index than those who did not (an average of 58....

In general, it’s important to remember that anything with a high water content will considerably change texture after being frozen. For example, frozen grapes are a favorite snack, especially in the summer. But if you let those grapes defrost, they become soggy unappealing lumps. For anything with a lot of water, it’s best to freeze it only if you plan to use it in cooking—it just won’t be the same raw....

Talk to Someone With the Job You Want Are you new to the job market or looking to make a career 180? Don’t underestimate the power of an informal informational interview. “Find someone in the occupation to speak with,” suggests Deb Keary, the former vice president of human resources at the Society for Human Resource Management (shrm.org). Pick their brain: Ask what the job entails, what skills are needed, what level of education you’ll need, what professional organization you should join—and even if you can shadow the person at work for a day....

How to fix it: Moisturize your hair to help its charge remain neutral. But instead of reaching for thick masks and creams (which can weigh hair down), or dryer sheets (who is toting these around, anyway?), invest in a dry oil spray. These formulas are diluted versions of hair oils, so they’re lighter but still hydrating. Try OGX Renewing Argan Oil Of Morocco Weightless Healing Dry Oil ($10, ulta.com). Instead of spraying it directly onto your hair, mist it onto your hands or a brush, then run it through strands....

“Most buyers today shop for homes online, making a home’s web appeal just as important as its curb appeal,” says Jeremy Wacksman, Zillow’s chief marketing officer. “To sell a home fast, you want to attract as many potential buyers to your listing as possible. Featuring high-quality, staged listing photos and videos are a great way to boost your home’s virtual appeal and help it stand out in today’s competitive marketplace....

Watering your plants too often (or not enough) You may be tempted to water your plants every day to help them grow, but most herbs only require a drink when their topsoil feels dry to the touch. Instead of immediately busting out the watering can, literally stay in touch with your plants by feeling the soil on a daily basis. If the top soil feels slightly dry, give your herbs a drink....

1. Create a Sanitation Station This year, returning to school will look different for most. Keep germs at bay with a hand-washing routine for each time the kids go in and out of the house. If you don’t have a sink in your mudroom, place hand sanitizer near the door. Stock the area with disinfecting wipes or sprays so kids can easily clean backpacks, books, or electronics, especially if traveling back and forth to school....

The sale features markdowns on over 2 million items in categories like beauty, home, clothing, kitchen, and electronics. Here, we’ve rounded up seven of readers’ most-loved products that are on sale for Prime Day, and discounts get as steep as 55 percent off. According to our records, you’ve purchased checks notes more than 1,000 of each since January. Real Simple Reader-Loved Prime Day Deals: L’Oréal Revitalift Derm Intensives Night Serum, $28 (was $30) Warner’s Easy Does It Wire-Free Bra, starting at $18 (was $38) Hoover Power Scrub Deluxe Carpet Cleaner, $94 with Prime membership (was $220) Madesmart Two-Tier Organizer Baskets, $20 (was $25) Restcloud Neck and Shoulder Relaxer, $16 with Prime membership (was $30) Skincare LdeL Cosmetics Anti-Aging Hand Cream, $12 (was $17) Alpha Skin Care Renewal Body Lotion, $13 (was $17)...

So, instead of putting the leaves in my composter, I hit Google and found out that Brussels sprout leaves are damn delicious and nutritious. Very little is written about the leaves that accompany the small green vegetable that Americans are obsessed with. Though I did find one thing: A short blurb on the Food Network’s site saying you can bake them or saute them as you would collard greens. I got to work, picking, cleaning, and cutting the leaves....

Best Presidents Day Bedding Deals If it’s celebrity approval you’re looking for, you’ll want to shop Cozy Earth’s Bamboo Sheet Set. It’s a favorite of Hilary Duff’s, according to the brand. The sheets, cool to the touch and ideal for those prone to night sweats, are currently 20 percent off and as little as $255. Even though they feel as soft as silk, you can still simply toss them in the washer for an easy clean....

In general, the glazed ceramic tiles are white and measure twice as wide as they are tall, but subway tile is readily available in a variety of sizes and materials. This type of tile creates a clean, classic look that blends well with a wide range of decorating styles, including modern, traditional, farmhouse, and cottage aesthetics. The overall effect can hinge on how you arrange and install the subway tile....

There’s more to it than just natural ingredients, though: Most green cleaning products also come in refillable containers, which mean less plastic use. Using them often means keeping waste out of landfills. (Anyone embarking on a zero waste lifestyle will want to invest in some glass cleaning containers.) Other eco-friendly cleaning products come in recyclable containers, so recycling them is possible and relatively easy. Transitioning to a green clean may sound challenging, but it’s really not....