If you’re planning on firing up the barbecue this Memorial Day weekend (come on weather, improve already!), you may be gearing up for a trip to the hardware store to buy some charcoal for the grill. So which should you get: lumps or briquettes?
Recent Posts By Julia Edelstein
Wednesday Trivia: Do You Live in a Locavore State?
A Vermont-based food advocacy group, Strolling of the Heifers, compiled data on the number of farmer’s markets and CSAs in each of the 50 states plus Washington, D.C., then ranked them. Vermont (of course) came in first, with Maine and New Hampshire close behind. (Real Simple‘s home state—New York—came in at number 25). The states where you’re least likely to […]
How To Fade Self Tanner—Fast
Did you go a little overboard with the self-tanner? Or maybe you’re scared to try it because you think you’ll end up looking like an Oompa Loompa like the illustration above? Either way, have no fear: It’s easy to fade self-tanner if and when you put on too much. Simply add three capfuls of baby oil to a warm bath […]
How To Protect Your Hair at the Pool
Who cares if it’s still only spring? We’re already thinking about our first summer swim—and we want our readers to be prepared. So when you’re in and out of the pool, use these surprising tips from celebrity hairstylist Kristan Serafino to protect your hair. Before swimming, wet down and condition (but don’t rinse!) your hair. The conditioner will act as protective […]
Wednesday Trivia: The Benefits of Reading to Your Child
Child development experts have long known that children benefit from reading with their parents. But a new study published in Perspectives on Psychological Science has quantified that benefit. It turns out, reading to your little one can raise his or her IQ more than 6 points. But it’s not enough just to read the stories; researchers say you have have to read […]
How to Make Guacamole with Hard Avocados
Finding ripe avocados isn’t always easy. So when you’re stuck with the hard-as-rock variety—and you don’t have any time to let them soften—try this trick from California avocado grower Carol Steed: Place 2 peeled, pitted avocados in a blender with 1 cup peas (fresh, or frozen and thawed), and then pulse until smooth. The peas will help soften the consistency […]
Clean Your Patio Furniture Fast
The sun is finally shining here on the East Coast, and Memorial Day will be here before we know it. That means it’s time to haul out your outdoor furniture, and get it looking spiffy before company comes calling. Just remember: You’re not aiming for perfectly clean. Pretty clean is just fine when you’re tidying up in the outdoors! Here […]
Wednesday Trivia: Mother’s Day Gift Giving
Have you figured out what you’re going to give your mother on Sunday? If you’re looking for ideas, here’s a little market research to steer you in the right direction. According to a recent survey by coupon website Offers.com, 43 percent of moms would like to receive something homemade on Mother’s Day. Not up for a last-minute craft project? We […]
When to Use Paint Primer
If you’ve ever attempted to paint a room in your house, you’ve likely wondered: Do I need to prime before I paint? The answer: Probably not. In fact, primer is only necessary in three circumstances—1) when you’re painting a light color over a dark one, 2) when your walls are badly stained, and 3) when the walls are marked up […]
Wednesday Trivia: The Best Country to be a Mom
Mother’s Day is fast approaching…which got us wondering: Where do moms have it best?According to Save the Children’s State of the World’s Mothers Report, the United States is only the 25th best country in the world to be a mom. (That’s six spots better than it ranked last year. I’m a bit surprised. Are you?) Norway took the number one spot, […]
