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History of Spaghetti Squash According to the Library of Congress, squashes most likely served as containers or utensils because of their hard shells. “The seeds and flesh later became an important part of the pre-Columbian Indian diet in both South and North America. De Soto, Coronado, and Cartier all saw ‘melons’ (probably squash) in the Americas.” As for the name, the word “squash” comes from the Narragansett Native American word askutasquash, which means eaten raw or uncooked....

A study published in February 2021 in the journal BMC Geriatrics found that performing routine household chores—like gardening, vacuuming, sweeping, doing laundry, and reorganizing the winter coat closet—had positive associations with both brain volume and cognition in older adults. Researchers with the Rotman Research Institute at Baycrest Hospital in Ontario, Canada, set out to see whether household physical activity had any healthy influences on brain volume and cognition by studying a group of 66 cognitively unimpaired older adults....

Is Raw Seafood Safe to Eat? Yes, raw seafood is safe to eat, within limits. Firstly, you’ll want to know where the raw fish or shellfish you’re about to eat came from, as well as how it was stored and processed. Working with a fish monger you trust, rather than shopping at the supermarket fish counter, is crucial to getting the freshest and safest product, notes chef Luis Herrera Di Prisco....

From Edison bulb string lights and lanterns to create the perfect ambiance when the sun sets to fire pits and blankets to keep you toasty, you’ll be all set to sit on your deck or in the backyard and take in the changing leaves. And, of course, let’s not forget festive wreaths and seasonal flags for that extra touch of autumnal decor. Prices start at just $5, and many items are even on sale, so you can extend patio season affordably....

Rollout begins in November (with online availability beginning November 16, according to Target’s site), and the items in the Target x Marks & Spencer collection will be available throughout the holiday season in most stores, online, and through same-day services. Founded in 1884, Marks & Spencer is one of the largest outlets in Britain. In addition to clothing, beauty, and home, the brand also specializes in food and drink gifting....

If you want to make your holiday a lot more chill, try these Thanksgiving organization ideas that’ll make the big day a whole lot easier. Make a Thanksgiving Game Plan Start your Thanksgiving prep early (perhaps even today!), to give yourself plenty of time to get organized. Know what you need As you prep your Thanksgiving menu and plans, start a separate list of all the ingredients, tools, and serving pieces you’ll need for each recipe—and for your overall hosting duties....

To find the best recliners, we researched dozens of options and narrowed down our picks based on both style and technical details. We also considered factors such as the mechanism for reclining and the type of base (like a glider or a rocker). For expert input on the benefits of sitting in a recliner, we spoke to Rosmy Barrios, MD, medical advisor for HealthReporter, and Brynna Connor, MD, a healthcare ambassador for NorthWestPharmacy....

When shopping for a vacuum for pet hair, Thomas Johnson, MD, board-certified allergist and immunologist at Allergy & Asthma Care of Florida, says “the overall goal should be to find a vacuum that effectively removes the allergen from the surface being cleaned without leaking around the collection system (which would allow the allergen to become airborne again).” In fact, Dr. Johnson says allergen particles can linger in the air for days or even weeks after being disturbed....

“Try not to spray on too much cleaner as too much water and moisture can damage your hardwood floors," Samson says. To find the best hardwood floor cleaners we researched a variety of picks, keeping in mind each pick’s scent and application method. In addition to Samson, we also consulted with Kathy Cohoon, an area representative of Two Maids & A Mop, for additional advice on choosing the right hardwood food cleaners....

“Any furniture or decor that’s going to be on display outdoors demands more durable materials that can hold up to the elements, but there are so many more sophisticated and stylish options for outdoor storage pieces than simply plastic,” says Heather Goerzen, design editor for Havenly. With so many different storage styles, sizes, and materials out there, it can be difficult to decide on the best outdoor storage solution for your space....

Things to Do at Home in November 1. Clean Out Your Closet If your wardrobe is bursting with old, clunky coats and sweaters that take up way too much room, it’s time to set aside the pieces you no longer wear and donate them to someone who’ll give them a second life (here’s how to do that). While organizations appreciate clothing donations year-round, there’s never more of a need for warm layers (and socks!...

With all that they’re able to do in the kitchen, it’s no surprise that food processors can come with a high price tag. To make sure you’re getting your money’s worth, we tested 20 food processors in our Lab, evaluating them on design, ease of use, ease of cleaning, effectiveness, and value. In addition to seeking the advice of Sizemore, we also spoke to Mary Rodgers, Head of Marketing Communications at Cuisinart, and Alison Cayne, founder of Haven’s Kitchen, to help us figure out what makes a great food processor....

To find the best portable blenders we researched a variety of picks, keeping in mind weight, size, capacity, and care. We also consulted Paul Kushner, CEO of My Bartender, for additional insight. The best overall portable blender is the BlendJet 2 Portable Blender since it’s quiet, lightweight, and one charge lasts for 15 uses. Keep in Mind: The cup is not dishwasher safe. Part of what makes the BlendJet one of the best portable blenders is that it’s fairly quiet while it blends, so it’s a great option for quiet mornings at home or if want to make a morning shake at work....

“Consider unique and well-crafted items that match his interests,” she says. “Some options I love include a climbing-inspired mug for the outdoorsy guy, a dopp kit for those who travel often, or a custom guitar wall mount for the musician. And when in doubt, opt for a custom or personalized gift made just for him.” With these guidelines in mind, we rounded up the best gifts for men for all occasions....

“Anyone using a weighted blanket should make sure it is not too hot and allows them to sleep slightly on the cool side at night,” says Alex Dimitriu, MD, owner of SiliconPsych and BrainFoodMD. “Cooling blankets achieve this–and can help with deepening of sleep.” The best cooling weighted blankets help reduce stress and improve sleep quality through deep pressure stimulation. When deciding which cooling weighted blanket to buy, it’s important to consider the weight, material, fill, and care....

Duvet inserts can be filled with down made of soft and fluffy feathers from the undercoat of a duck or goose or down alternative materials, such as microfiber, polyester, cotton, or rayon, that replicate the feel of down. The shell fabric is most commonly cotton or polyester. There is a wide range of duvet covers to protect your duvet insert from dirt and body oils. If you take proper care of a duvet insert, it will last for years....

To determine the best dish soaps, we spent hours researching top-rated options, considering factors such as performance, scent, longevity, and overall value. We also consulted Kathy Cohoon, operations manager at Two Maids & A Mop, as well as Brian Sansoni, senior vice president at the American Cleaning Institute, for recommendations on how to choose the best dish soap. “Find the best option for your materials within your budget,” says Cohoon....

In the same way that hiring a personal trainer isn’t going to help you reach your health goals unless you put in the work, downloading a home organization app isn’t going to make a clutter issue disappear without some effort from you (and anyone else who lives in the home). Fortunately, helpful organizing apps make the process easier; they can even offer personalized tips and tricks along the way or help refine and polish an already successful organizing system....

Finding your signature scent typically takes a lot of trial and error, but signing up for a perfume subscription allows you to sample a variety of scents before settling on a favorite. Instead of purchasing a full-size bottle of designer perfume only to discover that you hate how it smells, these scent clubs send you travel-size perfumes to try out each month. Hundreds of designer fragrances from the likes of Marc Jacobs, Burberry, and Gucci can be added to your monthly order....

To help us figure out how to organize our closets quickly and easily with the help of closet organizers, we spoke to organizing expert Cassandra Aarssen, the host of HGTV’s Hot Mess House. One thing she stressed to us is that “organizing isn’t one-size-fits-all” and that what works for one individual may not work for another. “Organizing depends on each person’s personality, habits, and overall organizing style”, she says. “The storage solutions and organizers that you choose for your closet should match your organization style, which is how you naturally sort and store your things....