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The Dash Mini Waffle Maker and Griddle is a pair of mini appliances, ready to use in minutes. Not only do they heat up rapidly, but the non-stick surfaces of the appliances also quickly cook single portions of breakfast, lunch, and dinner. For breakfast, try making waffles and hash browns on the waffle maker, and eggs and pancakes on the griddle. Then switch to burgers, paninis, pizza, grilled cheese, and even single size stir fry for lunch and dinner....

They turned to designer Riche Holmes Grant for some solutions for taming the toy clutter and turning the family room into a space that works for both parents and kids—and will grow with the kids in the future. Holmes Grant opted to create designated spaces for different activities—a colorful reading nook with cute poufs where the kids can sit and enjoy a good read, and a more adult area, where Joyce and her husband could unwind on the sectional....

However, 10 minutes into our session, I realized this experience was exactly the jumpstart I needed. Not only did Lovering offer a new set of (much-needed) eyes to my existing organizational approach, but she helped me discover space I didn’t even know was there. What Is an Organizational Psychologist? When you really think about it, our closets are extremely private places. Almost sacred, in a way. They accumulate functional items we wear often, but also sentimental pieces that rarely see the light of day....

Hard Water vs. Soft Water: What’s the Difference? Hard water is the term used to describe water high in dissolved minerals, largely calcium and magnesium. On the flip side, soft water tends to have higher concentrations of sodium. Some states have higher concentrations of hardness in their water (like New Mexico, Utah, Indiana, and Florida), whereas others have less. What Does This Mean for Our Skin? Since hard water contains essential minerals, it is sometimes the preferred drinking (and cooking) water....

With expert insight, here’s how to know how much is too much hair loss, what specific signs to look for, and when to call in a pro. How Common Is Hair Loss in Women? Approximately 40 to 50 percent of women will experience hair loss at some point in their life. “Because there are so many different causes for hair loss—hormonal changes, diet, medication, illness, stress, genetics, and more—it is very common in women,” notes Gretchen Friese, a trichologist for BosleyMD....

Sure, these underslept and frustrated couples could consider dabbling in a sleep divorce—the practical solution of sleeping in separate spaces for the sake of adequate rest and sanity. But there might be another way to improve shut-eye without splitting off into different rooms every night: the Scandinavian Sleep Method. Here’s how this simple sleep style works, plus the pros and cons of giving it a try, according to sleep experts....

“If you’re feeling overwhelmed and stressed and have noticed it negatively affecting your work or home life, you may want to consider taking a mental health day,” explains Kelli M. Waters, LCSW, CAADC, and director of care for Listeners On Call. “Mental health days help to create a balanced work culture and cultivate healthy and happy employees. Companies who empower their employees to take care of their well-being can help to foster better employee performance....

I’ve tried everything from skipping dairy to red light therapy in my quest to achieve clear skin. Not everything has worked, and there certainly hasn’t been one life-changing product. But like the cocktail of factors that lead to acne, a combination of tactics is necessary to fight it. By practicing good habits and taking the right precautions, I’m at least able to reduce the severity and duration of my breakouts and enjoy a few good skin days here and there....

I just started using retinol and am slowly working up to daily use. Do you have any tips for avoiding irritation? — @kayla_krist1ne How I view retinol is similar to how I view my past relationships: I have mixed feelings. While dermatologists wax poetic about the miracle anti-aging ingredient, the side effects—redness, peeling, and irritation galore—can be so bad that the slow-burn benefits just don’t seem worth it. “Retinol is a great ingredient to look for in your skincare but they are a Catch-22,” says Camille Howard-Verovic, MD, DO, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City....

“Confidence is a measure of our faith in our own abilities,” says Tess Brigham, MFT, BCC, a psychotherapist, career and certified life coach, and public speaker. “It usually comes from successful experiences. People struggle with confidence because in order to create these successful experiences they have to take action in some way.” We’re often afraid to take action due to fear of failure, and so starts the vicious cycle. Anyone at any age can struggle with—and work on—their confidence....

To maximize this weeknight dinner staple, here are tips for choosing the best rotisserie chicken— followed by advice for using, storing, and reusing—to get the most out of every morsel. What do you look for when buying rotisserie chicken? Size and plumpness: Larger birds are older and more muscular (and flavorful). A round, plump chicken is usually a juicy one. If the skin is shriveled and looks dry, the meat probably is, too....

Quick disclaimer: To ensure effectiveness and safety, you’ll always want to consult with your technician about any allergies, sensitivities, and underlying conditions (including pregnancy). “This is followed by vortex extractions with an infusion of active serums for clearing out pores, along with a blend of antioxidants (like vitamins A and E), botanical extracts (such as white tea, rosemary, and horse chestnut), and hyaluronic acid for improving texture/clarity and providing additional hydration,” she explains....

Patty pan squash is a variety of summer squash (Cucurbita pepo), making it a relative of the zucchini and yellow summer squash you might be more familiar with. They come in yellow, light green, dark green, orange, white and multicolored varieties, and can be harvested and utilized when the veggies are as small as a ping pong ball or as large as a softball. Patty pan squash season is generally around May through August....

If You’re Estranged From Your Mother… If you’re not in contact with your mom, it’s probably for good reason. It’s completely fine if you’re not ready to reconnect even though it’s Mother’s Day. “Often doing something for somebody else is the best antidote to grieving the mother you didn’t get,” says Melody Bacon, Ph.D., chair of the Marital and Family Therapy Programs at The Chicago School of Professional Psychology. Spend the day with a woman who is like your surrogate mother, maybe an aunt or older friend....

Since I got married almost 14 years ago, I’ve owned three different homes in three different states. This week was the first time I’ve ever put up family photos – ever. While I loved our time in the other places, it’s the first time I really feel settled and like we’re really putting down roots. Kids are playing on sports teams, we love our neighbors, we have tons of family here....

What You’ll Need: Easy Sugar Cookie Recipe Royal Icing Recipe Reusable or disposable pastry bags An offset spatula, or a paring knife Sprinkles and toppings of your choice How to Decorate Sugar Cookies: If you don’t have a piping bag, use a squeeze bottle or create a “cornet,” which involves rolling parchment paper into a cone and snipping the tip to the size of your liking. When it comes time to fill, don’t be tempted to put your entire batch of icing in the pastry bag at once....

What You Need Lobster pick (or skewer)NutcrackerEmpty bowl for discarded shellsBib (optional)Extra napkins (a must!) Steps Tail This part of the lobster is the easiest to handle and is usually the meatiest. Grab the body in one hand and the tail in the other, and twist in opposite directions. The tail will break off. Roll the tail onto its side on the table, and push down with both hands until the shell cracks....

Legginess is not just an awkward phrase some plants go through before they blossom. It’s a sign the plant is straining to position its leaves in the sunlight, enabling it to produce enough energy to stay alive. Reaching in the direction of available rays, stems grow longer and thinner and drop leaves that the plant can’t support with its limited food reserves. Fortunately, with a few smart interventions, you can help your houseplant regain its lushness....

Into meal planning for the family? We’re also sharing some of our fave freezer-friendly soup recipes (not all soups are OK to freeze) to keep the freezer stocked. How to Freeze Soup When making homemade soup, your recipe will determine whether it will freeze well. Broth- and tomato-based soups, stews, and chilis freeze best. Avoid cream-based soups and soups thickened with flour or cornstarch. Wondering if you can freeze potato soup?...

Alas, we can’t eradicate them. With over 3,500 mosquito species worldwide and more than 400 in the U.S., they’re here to stay. But there are ways to prevent them from ruining your next s’mores night around the campfire—and keep yourself mosquito bite-free. Why Mosquitoes Bite While it seems like it, we’re not a mosquito’s favorite meal. “Many mosquitoes wouldn’t bite a person—they bite frogs, birds, lizards,” says Dina Fonseca, Ph....