Posts

What Are Shallots, and How Do They Differ From Onions?

Shallots may look like onions, but looks can be deceiving. Gregory Kramer/Getty Images Small but mighty, shallots are an unassuming ingredient known for their versatility. This is why the three flavor-building ingredients are often mixed up. Photo:Gregory Kramer/Getty Images Bypass any shallots with bruises or discoloration, as they may not be fresh. What Are Shallots? Theyre sometimes used likeherbs, seasonings, or garnishes, but shallots are technically vegetables. This discovery was made in 2010, when researchers determined shallots have more similarities to onions than differences....

What Are Shirataki Noodles, and How Do You Cook With Them?

Theres a reason people love these low-carb noods. Brebca/Getty Images You may know your classic Japanese noodlesramen, udon, sobabut have you added shirataki noodles? Theyre also a low effort option to create a healthy and craveable meal at home. Photo:Brebca/Getty Images What Are Shirataki Noodles? They aregluten-free, and have a mild flavor that works well when picking up many sauces or broths. I personally like to use them as noodles in a broth or a stir fry....

What Are Sugar Skulls? Learn All About the Day of the Dead Tradition

Plus, learn how to make your own. However, not all symbols of theHalloween seasonare morbid, nor are they scary in any way. Sugarcane isnt indigenous to Mexico, but rather a product of colonialism. Photo:Marie Hickman/Getty Images What Is the Meaning of Sugar Skulls? Are Sugar Skulls Meant to Be Eaten? Like anything made out of sugar, sugar skulls can be enticing, but are primarily decorative. How Are Sugar Skulls Made? Nowadays, people might add meringue powder to the sugar mix to make it more stable, Serrano advises....

What Are Sulfites—and Should You Avoid Sulfite-Rich Foods?

Registered dietitians set the record straight on this common food preservative. We often vilify this particular compound, but are we being unfair or have we been misled? What exactly are sulfites, and should we all be trying to avoid them at all costs? Photo:Irrin0215/Getty Images Time to dig into the truth on this common food and drink preservative. What Exactly Are Sulfites? Sulfites also help prevent browning in food products exposed to oxygen (oxidation)....

What Are the Best Cooling Pillowcases?

Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations. If you punch links we provide, we may receive compensation. Get a good nights sleep with these comfortable picks. Photo:Real Simple Plenty of pillowcases have cooling properties, but not all them are created equal. Raj Dasgupta, Chief Medical Advisor for Sleep Advisor. The texture feels more crisp than soft, so its not as cozy as other pillowcases. PHOTO: Brooklinen You dont need high-tech fibers to get a reliable cooling pillow, and the Brooklinen Classic Pillowcase proves it....

What Are the Best Cordless Vacuums for Hardwood Floors?

Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations. If you choose links we provide, we may receive compensation. We tested top options to find the ones that won’t damage your floors. Photo:Real Simple The dust container fills up quickly and is hard to empty. The compact, lightweight nature of thisDyson vacuumcomes with both pros and cons. After three months of use, though, this vacuum has completely transformed our cleaning routine. PHOTO: Dyson Overall, we can’t imagine a more convenient choice for daily use....

What Are the Best Drugstore Mascaras?

Weindependently evaluateall of our recommendations. If you select links we provide, we may receive compensation. With dermatologist- and makeup artist-approved picks. Photo:Real Simple The formula is thin and watery. The conical brush coats lashes evenly for a bold, voluminous look. It smudges and can be flaky. PHOTO: Amazon At only $5, you cant get more budget-friendly than Essences Lash Princess False Lash Effect Mascara. This editor-favorite visibly gives your natural lashes a dramatic, full look, creating the effect that yourewearing falsies....

What Causes Dark Underarms—and How to Get Rid of It, According to Derms

It’s all about being gentle with your skin. Hyperpigmentation happens when there isexcessive melanincausing the appearance of dark spots. These spots can show up on any skin color, tone, age, or area of the body. A common, but not often talked about, area where many people experience hyperpigmentation is the underarms. Darkness in this area is tricky to heal because the skin is very sensitive. Ahead, learn how to get rid of dark underarms and how to prevent it from happening altogether....

What Do Dryer Sheets Do—and Are They Actually Good for Your Laundry?

Here’s everything you better know about these static-nixing superstars. What do dryer sheets do, anyway, and are they always necessary? Here’s what laundry pros had to say. Wirestock/Getty Images Wirestock/Getty Images What Do Dryer Sheets Do? They can also help eliminate static electricity, reduce wrinkling, and help your garments and linens feel softer. This makes dryer sheets great for fabrics prone to becoming static-y, including wool, polyester, and rayon. Are Dryer Sheets Bad for Clothing?...

What Do Functional Mushrooms Do? Here Are 9 Types Worth Considering

These funky-looking fungi have some promising health benefitshere’s what the research says. In fact, the global functional mushroom market is expected to grow to over 19 billion dollars by 2030. Are the purported health benefits associated with these medicinal shrooms legit? Photo:krungchingpixs/Getty Images Consider this your 101 guide to functional mushroomslets dig in. What Are Functional Mushrooms? The world of mushrooms is wide and includes hundreds of varieties: Some are highly poisonous....

What Does Fabric Softener Do and Is It Necessary?

Read this before adding fabric softener when you’re doing laundry. But how does it work? And are there any drawbacks to using fabric softener? Helen Camacaro/Getty Images We asked experts about the benefits, considerations, and alternatives. Helen Camacaro/Getty Images What Is Fabric Softener? Fabric softener is a conditioner for your clothing, bedding, and anything else you launder. Its not a cleansing agent and wont take care of stains. It’s also not a superfluous fragrance added for the heck of it....

What Does Indirect Sunlight Mean for Your Plants—and How Do You Create It?

Help your plants thrive by giving them the perfect not-too-bright, not-too-dark kind of light. Anna Blazhuk / Getty Images For many plants, more sun isn’t always better. What Is Indirect Sunlight? Photo:Anna Blazhuk / Getty Images But to really understand indirect sunlight, you have to also understand what direct light means. For most houseplants, placing them in direct sun all day long is dangerous. For instance, some varieties of orchids grow right on a tree trunk under the shade of the tree....

What Does It Mean to Be 'California Sober' and Is It Right for You?

Here’s the lowdown on this buzzy lifestyle choice. Are you one of the many people who find themselvesturning to alcohol to copeor just take the edge off? If this rings true, you’re in good company. Enter: the “California Sober” mindset. What Does California Sober Mean? Is This a New Concept? Today, 24 states currently allow the legalized use of marijuana, along with the District of Columbia. She still partakes in alcohol on the weekends when her anxiety level in general is lower....