The Major Recycling Mistake You're Probably Making–And It's Harming Our Oceans

The new golden rule to remember with plastic bottles: “Empty and replace cap.” But one rule you’ve probably been following isn’t necessaryor even helpful to the environment. “The cap material is recyclable. Photo:Meg MacDonald Why dispose of something that could be recycled?” In the past, the plastics recycling industry was not able to recycle bottles with caps still on. During that time, messaging went out that people should remove the caps to ensure the bottle got recycled....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 179 words · Kelly Brown

The Many Benefits of Aloe Vera for Hair—and How to Use It

The slimy, water-filled plant could be the key to solving all your hair woes. Most recently, the cooling, moisturizing plant has wowed the internet with its shine-enhancing andhair repairbenefits. One look at the salon-level glossiness (with just one app!) is enough to make us want to scoop out its jelly guts and slather from roots to ends. (Even those with a black thumb can keep an aloe plant thriving!) It’s no wonder you’ll find it in populardrugstore shampooslike Herbal Essences Bio:renew Scalp Balance....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 99 words · Jonathan Shelton

The Many Benefits of Dark Chocolate—and Why It Should Be Your Sweet Treat of Choice

How chocolateyes, chocolatecan improve heart health and boost mood. HUIZENG HU/Getty Images Dark chocolateadds a rich, decadent flavor to so many of our favorite dessertsfromcakestoganachestotart fillings. Read on to learn what dietitians have to say about dark chocolates nutritional benefits. Photo:HUIZENG HU/Getty Images Understanding Dark Chocolates Health Benefits How could chocolate possibly be healthy? These components of the cocoa plant are where we find the most powerful nutrients. Flavonoids are a pop in of polyphenol that have potent antioxidant properties....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 149 words · Annette Hudson

The Many Health Benefits of Drinking Matcha—Plus How to Make It

It’s green, powdery, and totally tasty. But what is matcha, exactly? Indeed, it very well could be. How much more healthy is matcha than tea? We asked an expert about the health benefits of matcha and for creative ways to use it. Mayank Pandey is a health expert, dietitian, and the co-founder ofHealthroid. What Is Matcha? That powder is dissolved in warm water and whisked until frothy. Just before harvesting, farmers cover the tea plants with shade cloths....

May 4, 2025 · 3 min · 523 words · Matthew Smith

The Many Pros of Probiotic Foods and How They Impact Your Health

Maintaining good gut health isn’t just about digestionit gives you a stronger immune system, too. More importantly, we explore the best probiotic foods that are easy to consume regularly. What Are Probiotics? Greg DuPree “The microbiome is our greatest ally,” says Dr. Kellman. Why You Need Them Everyone needs probiotics. Having the right balance of probiotics in the body helps keep the not-so-good microorganisms from taking up residence. Gentl & Hyers...

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 233 words · Jody Hunt

The Meaning Behind the Traditional Easter Colors

Theres a deeper meaning behind the Easter celebrations colorful picks. Learn the stories behind the hues, and how to work them into your Easter decor. Some Roman emperors even forbade regular people from wearing the hue and sentenced those who did to death. Photo:Dinara Abdrakhimova/Getty Images During the Easter season, purple means sorrow and penance. (Potted plants can be placed or planted outside after they grace your Easter table.) Pink is used onLaetare Sunday, the fourth Sunday of Lent (or 21 days before Easter)....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 202 words · Mary Phillips

The Meaning of the Word 'Noel'

We’ve been singing it all season long, but what are we talking about? Christophe Lehenaff/Getty Images The first Noel… whatdidthe angel say, exactly? It also operates in two forms: lowercase (noel) and capitalized (Noel). Photo:Christophe Lehenaff/Getty Images The former means a Christmas carol, and the latter translates to Christmas. For girls, its often spelled, Noelle.

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 55 words · Chris Lewis

The Meatiest Veggie Burgers

This is one veggie burger thats packed with umami and doesnt fall apart. Antonis Achilleos This veggie burger has not one, but three secret ingredients in the mix. Veggie burgers can fall apart almost too easily, but not this one. Photo:Antonis Achilleos The combo of eggs and panko binds the mixture wonderfully. For a quick meal when you need it, shape and stash these veggie burgers in the freezer. Add mushrooms; cook, stirring occasionally, until lightly browned and liquid is released, about 10 minutes....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 190 words · Shannon Brown

The Men in My Life Helped Me Pick Out 11 Gifts for Him Under $50

If you choose links we provide, we may receive compensation. Why spend a fortune when you don’t have to? Even with Amazon’s well-curatedGift Guide for Him, I was a little lost. Photo:Real Simple / Francesca Fasciglione So I turned straight to the source and spoke with my husband, neighbors, friends, and families. Here are some affordable gift ideas for your husband, brother-in-law, and friends. The faux fur lining adds a luxurious touch....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 154 words · Alexander Wright

The Micro-Decluttering Method Could Help You Finally Tidy Up Your Space and Keep It That Way

Home organizing professionals share how to make micro-decluttering a daily habit. Chandlerphoto/Getty Images Do you get overwhelmed by messes but always have piles of miscellaneous stuff to tackle? Anyone can benefit from micro-decluttering, but it is especially helpful when you struggle with motivation and organization. Photo:Chandlerphoto/Getty Images What Is Micro-Decluttering and How Is It Different? Then, there ismicro-decluttering, where you organize one small section of micro-clutter during a 5- to 10-minute session....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 362 words · Jacob Ruiz

The Military Sleep Method: How to Fall Asleep (Naturally) in 5 Simple Steps

This method could be your ticket to falling asleep more quickly (and staying asleep! ), according to experts. Catherine Delahaye/Getty Images What Is the Military Sleep Method? Catherine Delahaye/Getty Images As youre moving through this technique, be slow, gentle, and intentional with each step. Remember to breathe slowly and deeply, paying attention to every inhale and exhale. Step 1:Get in a comfortable positionpreferably lying in bed so youre ready to drift off....

May 4, 2025 · 2 min · 267 words · Alexis French

The Minimalist Gift-Giving Trend That Will Make Your Holiday Season More Meaningful (and Less Wasteful)

Gift smarter, not spendier. Focus on giving just a few gifts you know that they will love. Choose Experiences Over Items Do you remember every gift you gave or got last year? Photo:Miniseries/Getty Images Want to share a taste of home with far-flung relatives? Not sure about allergies or food preferences? Think about what causes the person might support, and choose something that speaks to their passions. (And the extra benefit: you might tailor the gift just for them!...

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 79 words · Leslie Conner

The Minimalists’ 30/30 Shopping Rule Will Help You Cut Back on Clutter—and Save Money

Its pure genius, TBH. What is the Minimalists 30/30 Rule? This includes online shopping and brick-and-mortar moseying. Photo:Liudmila Chernetska/Getty Images The 30/30 rule has a ton of benefits. Heres why adopting it can benefit your life, wallet, and home. (Might we challenge you to at least give it a trial run for a good 30 days!) The more we buy, the more cluttered our lives become. Its about making intentional choices about what you want toshowcase in your home....

May 4, 2025 · 1 min · 183 words · Joe Henry