Here’s everything you gotta know to enjoy ripe papaya at home. When Is a Papaya Ripe? The skin of the papaya will slowly start to turn from green to yellow as it begins to ripen. Getty Images In a super hurry? Here’s where the papaya-specific instructions come in handy. Carefully score the skin of the papaya with the knife vertically along the fruit. The scoring helps the papaya release ethylene, ripen more quickly, and leads to an exceptionally sweet fruit....

PSA: Ignoring your clogged pores can lead to breakouts. Reader question: I have clogged pores around my mouth and chin, and my skin feels really tight. Do you have any suggestions? Photo: Getty Images Jacki Pauley I have some good news and bad news. The good news: It hasn’t turned into acneyetso long as you clear up those blockages. What Is Congested Skin? What is congested skin, exactly? The skin’s sebaceous glandsconstantly produce sebumto lubricate the skin....

Don’t wait until serving time to discover your pumpkin pie is underdone or overcooked. Part of the challenge of baking this iconicholiday dessertis determining how to tell if your pumpkin pie is done. Youhaveto get it right. If it’s oh-so-close, keep in mind that the custard continues to cook as the pie cools. It also causes the filling to settle while cooling, making it pull away from the crust. To prevent this, bake your pie in the lower third of the oven....

Add a little panache to your wardrobe (or help someone out) with this tie-tying tutorial. Fortunately, learning how to tie a necktie can be a pretty easy proposition. Cross the wide end over the thinner end. Kailey Whitman/RS execute the wide end under the tie, and pull it across again. Pull the wide end through the center. Loop the wide end through the knot. Kailey Whitman/RS Tighten the knot. The tip of the wide part of the tie should hit the top of your belt buckle....

miniseries/Getty Images There are so many reasons not to check your luggage and go carry-on only. After all, the cost of a plane ticket rarely includes a checked bag these days. Packing lightly can also be easier for those traveling with kids or pets. Photo:miniseries/Getty Images Lastly, it eliminates the risk of the airline losing your luggage. But packing withcarry-on luggageposes its own challenges. you should probably limit what you pack yet confirm you have enough for your trip....

The best skin care regimen for facial atopic dermatitisplus when to see a pro. Good treatment regimens help reduce uncomfortable flare ups and can minimize symptoms if your skin does get triggered. Without management, atopic dermatitis can become quite uncomfortable, Dr. Mian says. Photo:Junce/Getty Images It can be like a snowball or firestarting off smallbut without treatment can spread and become worse. She adds that a flare can lead to dry, cracked skin that becomes painful and susceptible to infection....

Like with any other skin affliction, there’s no one-size-fits-all way to treat hormonal acne. you could go the medication route, make lifestyle changes, or dabble with lasers and light therapy. With that said, there’s nothing wrong with wanting to treat hormonal acne naturally. Keep reading for everything you better know. What Is Hormonal Acne? In some folks, however, hormones are the main culprit. What Causes Hormonal Acne? “Typically it appears with deeper, cystic breakouts, which may be stubborn and cyclical....

Tulcarion/Getty Images Gas fireplaces are a great asset to have in your home. Plus, gas fireplaces tend to be a bit safer and easier to use than their wood-burning counterparts. Read the steps below to learn how to turn on a gas fireplace safely and effectively. Photo:Tulcarion/Getty Images Still, be sure to reference your owner’s manual and call in for professional help if needed. Gas Fireplace Safety Tips

Try these tips for unclogging a drain before calling a plumber. Drains can clog from dirt buildup,soap scum, skin flakes, hair, and other waste. And unclogging a drain is essential for keeping water flowing smoothly and avoiding an overflow. Photo: adavino/Getty Images There are plenty of good commercialdrain cleanerson the market, even some with plant-based formulas. Every week, rinse the kitchen sink drain and bathroom drains with hot water. Start plunging, gradually increasing the pressure to (hopefully) remove the clog....

It’s gross but necessary knowledge. Chiociolla/Getty Images Knowing how to unclog a drain is one of those underrated skills every adult should possess. A clogged or slow-draining sink is frustrating. Photo:Chiociolla/Getty Images Some clog-clearers are mechanicallike plungers and drain snakesand others are chemical, likecommercial drain cleanersor natural pantry products. Below, learn how to unclog a sink in both the kitchen and the bathroom with our top methods. Here’s how to get the sink flowing again....

Learn more, sleep better. And how are some people the most productive at midnight when others struggle to stay awake past 10 p.m.? “A sleep chronotype is your bodys naturalsleep-wake cycle, says Dr. Jade Wu, board-certified sleep medicine psychologist. Some people are biologically hard-wired to be night owls, and others early risers. Knowing your own chronotype is really helpful because you understand your natural sleep patterns, Dr. Wu says. And understanding these patterns can help you sleep and function better during the day....

Its so frustrating, but it can happen to all jewelry lovers. Here, we break down how to untangle a necklace with a few easy methods. Plus, we share expert tips for preventing tangled necklaces in the future. Photo:Olgakr/Getty Images George “George The Jeweler” Khalife is a Detroit-based celebrity jeweler known for his work with the Kardashians. Untangling chains can be a big headache, says celebrity jeweler George George The Jeweler Khalife....

From color schemes to structural integrity, we’ve got you covered. Here are some ways you could update an older home while still staying true to its past. Its what gives them their character. Photo:Spider Stock/Getty Images This can make the house more comfortable to live in, and generally more environmentally friendly. Some are also not very efficient, sucking up more water or energy than necessary. Update the Cabinetry Along with modern, energy-efficient appliances, old homes often benefit fromupdated cabinetry....