I’ve been on a Grinch kick lately. I’m thinking about making my son’s classroom Christmas party this year Grinch themed just because I already have all the ideas! Seriously. Grinch cookies (they’re so cute), Grinch brownies, Grinch cupcakes, and today my newest punch game called Grinch Grab. If you didn’t see my last punch game, this ghostbusters game went viral on TikTok. And my kids loved it so that’s a thing....

Why Grill in the Winter? There are so many reasons. This year, given all the inside time of the pandemic, you may want to get safely outdoors for short stretches whenever you can. Spending 15 minutes grilling provides a break from the news cycle and screens, a brief recharge. Sure, it might take a winter coat and more bundling, but what you get for your efforts is a brief escape and the magic of cooking outside....

That said, the poultry aisle at your grocery store can be a puzzling place. How do those boneless and bone-in pieces differ in flavor, exactly? And what does pasture-raised, free-range, and antibiotic-free even mean? We asked Yankel Polak, the head chef at ButcherBox (which delivers top-quality chicken, beef, and pork directly to your door) to answer some common chicken questions. Boneless Cuts Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These are cut from the chest of the bird, with the tenderloin removed....

Soft-Surface Odors in Every Room Soft surfaces trap more than dirt—they can trap odor-causing bacteria. Machine-washable items like towels, bathmats, shower curtains, and slipcovers can be cleaned with a heavy-duty, enzyme-based detergent to remove odor-causing soil. But what about things that can’t go in the washer? There are still ways to clean and freshen them: 1. Carpet Treat stains immediately and vacuum your carpet at least weekly. Between thorough steam cleanings, sprinkle the carpet with a thick layer of dry baking soda and use a soft-bristled brush to work it down into the fibers....

How to play: First, paint a straight, even stripe on a flat section of lawn to stand in for a balance beam. (A standard gymnastics beam is four inches wide by 16 feet long, if you’re feeling fastidious.) Then challenge team members to perform a series of increasingly difficult maneuvers without straying from the stripe: walking backward; hopping on one foot; and doing cartwheels. How to play: Fun fact: Croquet made its Olympic debut at the 1900 Paris Games (and never got invited back)....

If you depleted your emergency fund, tapped into your retirement savings, or had to take on more debt due to a loss in income, it may be time to try a new strategy to build back your wealth for financial security. If you’re in a two-income household, consider banking one income to increase your savings, pay down high-interest credit cards, or build back your emergency fund. We’ve asked financial experts about why you should think about living on one income—and how to make it happen without it feeling like a punishment....

If you’re feeling this way or experiencing any other worries, you may be grappling with “re-entry anxiety,” feelings of hesitancy about resuming pre-pandemic behaviors–even when it’s safe to do so. And as psychologists have discovered, re-entry anxiety isn’t uncommon. For example, in a survey of 3,013 adults, researchers found that 49 percent of Americans feel nervous about in-person activities, even as the pandemic winds down, the American Psychological Association reports....

The results of skincare products will always vary from user to user, but for those eager to try a Tatcha best-seller, the experts are here to help. The gentle version of Tatcha’s Calming Rice Polish Foaming Enzyme Powder is a frequent favorite of customers. Described as “magic” by one reviewer, others have reported that the “easy-to-use” item has led to softer skin, diminished pores, and a more even skin tone....

This initiative from Food Allergy Research and Education (FARE) seeks to make sure all kids can collect treats safely come Halloween by raising awareness about food allergies and other conditions in children—1 in 13 experience food allergies, according to the Project. Read on to learn what the Teal Pumpkin Project is and how teal pumpkin decor indicates you’re participating in a safer, more fun Halloween for everyone. What Is the Teal Pumpkin Project?...

How to Prep Fish for Baking Use these methods before starting any baked fish recipe and even if you’re baking fish without a recipe. Thawing: If fish is frozen, allow enough time for it to thaw, covered, in the refrigerator. For faster thawing, transfer fish to a resealable plastic bag and submerge in cold water. Change the water every 30 minutes to keep it cold. Continue the process until thawed. Fish skin: For fillets with skin, if desired, use a sharp fillet knife to remove the skin from the raw fish....

Both open and covered pergolas provide a beautiful setting for backyard barbecues, fire pits, hot tubs, and more. Ideal for climbing plants, DIY pergolas create an area of dappled sunlight that’s ideal for both relaxing and entertaining. You can make it as shady as you like by adding climbing plants and creepers, or by topping off the structure with fabric. The four corners of the pergola can also be anchored with planter boxes....

Try painting the birch plywood box and adding ash veneer tape to the edges to give your modular boxes a distinctive look. For a more colorful accent, paint the entire box. Or you can accent the birch plywood with walnut plugs and veneer. You’ll likely need several hours to build and finish seven boxes. Before you begin, assemble materials and prepare your work area. Then follow these steps to learn how to make DIY modular boxes....

We asked a couple cleaning pros for the full rundown on how to clean TV screens of all types, including flat plasma and LCD screens, along with some common mistakes people make when cleaning their TV screens so you know exactly what to avoid. How Often You Should Clean a TV Screen To prevent buildup from accumulating on your TV screen, aim for a once-weekly TV cleaning. “It’s important to clean your TV screen not only to prolong its lifespan, but also to provide the clearest picture possible—smudges, dust, and fingerprints be gone,” says Kathy Cohoon, a cleaning professional with Two Maids & a Mop....

For a Single Slice, Zap It When you just need a salad topper or breakfast side, a microwave lets you walk away while the slice cooks. Line a microwave-safe plate with three paper towels. Add 1 slice of bacon and top with three more paper towels. Invert another microwave-safe plate on top to create a spatter-catching lid. For chewier bacon, cook on medium power for 5 minutes. For a crispy slice, microwave on high for 2 to 3 minutes....

Step 1: Soak the Beans Before you get cooking, start by soaking the dried beans to help them rehydrate (they won’t be ready to eat right after they soak, but they will be soft enough to add to recipes or to cook). Sort through the beans and remove any pebbles or debris. Rinse the beans in a colander under cold running water to remove any surface sand or dirt. Then choose one of the following soaking methods:...

Luckily, if the door and frame are level and secure, a squeaky door isn’t a detrimental problem that needs to be resolved immediately. But it can grow to be a nuisance. Thankfully, fixing a squeaky door is relatively easy. It’s also a quick, inexpensive DIY repair, so you don’t have to worry about buying expensive tools or supplies. Inspect Hinges for Dirt, Rust, or Paint Before fixing a squeaky door, it’s necessary to inspect the hinges for any signs of a contaminating substance that could be restricting movement....

These experiences are more commonly related to attention issues rather than true memory problems. They can also be indicative of other (seemingly unrelated) issues that need addressing, like too much stress or too little sleep, explains Karen D. Sullivan, PhD, ABPP, founder of Pinehurst Neuropsychology in North Carolina and creator of the I Care for Your Brain program. But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t work on strengthening and supporting your memory “muscle,” especially since changes in memory are a natural part of aging....

That said, there’s still always a way to celebrate and keep special traditions alive, even if it looks a little different this year. It’s time to adjust your expectations and get creative, because when life gives you lemons—well, you know what to do with them. Of course, this particular lemon is big (like, life-altering big)—but that only makes it more important to find happiness and comfort in small things, like celebrating what you’d normally be celebrating right now....

How to Make a Florist Bow Supplies Needed Wide ribbon of your choiceThin satin ribbon of your choiceScissors Step-by-Step Directions This easy embellishment is the perfect topper for Christmas gifts or holiday wreaths. The steps below explain how to tie a florist bow with ribbon. Step 1: Twist Ribbon When making a florist bow, we find it’s easiest to leave the ribbon on the spool and cut it after the bow is complete....

An egg wash can also help seal the edges of filled pastries or hand pies, as well as help any sprinkled sugar adhere to dough. It’s a straightforward technique that truly elevates both sweet and savory baked goods. How to Make an Egg Wash As you may have guessed, the process for making an egg wash is very simple and requires only two steps. It’s important to note that because this technique involves raw egg, the brush should be thoroughly washed after use to avoid cross-contamination, and this technique should not be applied if not followed by the indicated baking time of a recipe....