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Fortunately, it’s so easy to qualify for TSA PreCheck that you’ll question one million times over why you haven’t done it before. If you’re not familiar with TSA PreCheck, its website defines it as “an expedited security screening program connecting travelers departing from the United States with smarter security and a better air travel experience.” Basically, it’s a government program through the Transportation Security Administration that allows plane passengers to pass through a faster, less invasive security checkpoint before flying....

This post contains affiliate links. If you purchase via these links, I may receive a small commission at no additional cost to you. Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup When it’s cold outside or I’m having a bad day, I crave two things – hot chocolate and hot soup. I’ve been downing mugs full of this healthy hot chocolate on every cold day and at least once a week, I’ve been making this chicken noodle soup with egg noodles for dinner....

I mentioned it earlier this week but things have finally warmed up enough that I feel like it’s finally spring. So this past week I invited some of my favorite girlfriends who all have kids my son’s age over for an “It’s a spring thing party.” Or basically an excuse to play outside, put together gorgeous flower arrangements, and eat yummy spring treats. The beauty of the generic spring party theme is that you can have one at the beginning of the season to welcome spring, have one in the middle of May when all of the blossoms are in full bloom, or even in June as a goodbye, we’ll miss you spring party!...

What does calcium do? “Calcium is an important mineral involved in many key body functions,” says Dawn Jackson Blatner, RDN and NOW wellness expert. “It builds and protects bones and teeth, plus it plays a role in blood clotting, muscle function, nerve transmission, and blood pressure.” Calcium is also considered an electrolyte, a category of essential minerals required for myriad bodily functions, including water hydration and distribution. In the long term, not getting enough calcium can lead to reduced bone strength and osteoporosis....

When water gets behind a bathtub, it creates a warm, damp environment ideal for mold and mildew growth. Soon, you might find that the bathroom has a musty odor that you can’t get rid of no matter how much you clean. When water gets into these narrow cracks, it can also cause damage to the wood, drywall, and insulation. Fully removing the mold and mildew or repairing any damages is difficult because the problem is located behind the tiled wall or under the tub....

4 Steps to Clarifying Stock Whether you need to know how to clarify beef stock, chicken stock, fish stock, or broth use these directions. You’ll need a colander or sieve, cheesecloth, and egg whites. Be sure to use 100% cotton cheesecloth when clarifying stock. You can find cheesecloth in the kitchen supplies section of most grocery stores or it is available online. Step 1: Strain Stock Strain your stock or broth....

How to Clean a Tower Fan Before you start cleaning, read the manufacturer’s instructions. Unplug the fan from its power source, so it isn’t accidentally turned on during cleaning. This prevents accidents and stops dust from traveling further into the machine during the cleaning. Some tower fans, like those made by Lasko and Vornado, are not designed to be opened for cleaning, and doing so may void the warranty. Before you begin cleaning, it’s important to determine whether your fan’s make and model is designed to be opened....

Want an even deeper cabinet cleaning? Tackle the interior of the cabinets, too, where dust, cobwebs, and crumbs are likely hiding. Not only will this help keep your kitchen clean and pest-free, but a complete cabinet clean-out will make it easier to find each ingredient. Follow the steps below to get your kitchen cabinets gleaming. How to Clean Kitchen Cabinet Exteriors About once every week or two, follow these steps to clean and degrease your cabinets....

If someone in your life is causing you emotional, physical, or ethical distress, at some point you’re going to need to gather the courage to speak up. There’s a way to approach confrontation in a healthy and constructive way without coming across as weak and wishy-washy, or tipping over into overt aggression. Luckily, having a few tricks up your sleeve will help ease the discomfort of confronting someone. Here, Jodi R....

How to Shop for Turkey Breast Opt for a bone-in, skin-on turkey breast for the most succulent, flavorful meat. The turkey breast will most likely be found in the frozen section, so it’s critical to give it time to defrost before you start cooking. A six- to seven-pound turkey breast will comfortably feed six to eight people. While you’re at the shopping stage, make sure you have an instant-read thermometer at home, which is the only consistent way to get a perfectly moist turkey breast....

How to Prepare Carrots for Cooking The first step in learning how to cook carrots in the oven, stove top, or slow cooker is knowing how to prep them. For four servings of carrots, start with 1 pound of fresh carrots. Wash carrots thoroughly under cool running water. Scrub or peel the carrots using a vegetable peeler ($12, Bed Bath & Beyond). Trim the stem and root ends. Test Kitchen Tip: If your recipe calls for cooking carrots whole, you can leave some of the stems intact for a pretty presentation....

From choosing a good eggplant to preparing it, here’s everything you need to know, plus a few cooking techniques to help you make the humble eggplant a lot more wow-worthy in your favorite eggplant recipes. When to Pick Eggplant Eggplant season is July through October. Look for eggplants that have smooth, shiny skin and are firm with a little bit of give—a really soft eggplant is past its prime. One of the key ways to tell if an eggplant is bad is to look at the stem....

No matter which kind of fish you want to cook, smell is one of the best ways to check for freshness. Good seafood should smell mild and fresh, and not have that strong fishy odor. If you’re particularly sensitive to fishy smells, soak your fish fillet in milk for 20 minutes before you cook it. The casein in milk helps draw away a chemical called trimethylamine oxide, which is responsible for the fishy odor....

Laura Johnson, consumer analyst, research and development at LG Electronics, told us exactly what we should always do—plus the things we should never do—to keep these appliances working for years to come. Here are the pro-approved ways to extend the life of your washing machine and dryer. Clean your machine thoroughly, or if your machine has a “Tub Clean Cycle,” run it once a month or after every 30 washes....

We’ll show you how to create the look without creating a mess. Each method can be touched up, year after year, for a flawless finish. Method 1: How to Flock a Christmas Tree With Powder Supplies Needed Plastic sheeting or drop clothChristmas Tree flocking powderMesh wire colander sifterSpray bottleWater Step 1: Prep Work Space For easy cleanup, prepare your work surface with plastic sheeting or a drop cloth. You’ll be dusting your Christmas tree or wreath with flocking powder, so do this in a well-ventilated space cleared of keepsakes....

Flight anxiety can include the stress involved in booking travel (so many flight booking apps!), commuting to and from the airport, managing flight restrictions, and more. As with anything in life, there are never any guarantees, but you can take steps toward a more positive travel experience. Before you head out on your next adventure for work, pleasure, or the holidays, try these tips from frequent fliers who have found effective coping tactics for fear of flying or flight anxiety—you might just find your next taxi and takeoff to be your best yet....

Chaotic dust bunnies are inevitable in every home, but have you ever noticed that dust is more common in some spaces than others? Turns out, it’s not just your imagination; there’s a reason behind those rampant dust bunnies. So what’s the deal? What’s causing these dust bunnies? Better yet, how can you make dust bunnies disappear? Keep reading for the lesser-known causes—and tips on defeating dust bunnies for good....

If you live anywhere on the East Coast and into the Midwest, you may have spotted (and probably swatted) a few of these new and decidedly unwelcome guests. Here’s everything you need to know about the spotted lanternfly—and what to do if you encounter them. What are spotted lanternflies? Formally known as lycorma deliculata, the spotted lanternfly is common in Asia, but was first spotted in Pennsylvania in 2014. Since then, these leafhoppers have spread along the eastern seaboard, and west into Ohio and Michigan....

The 2019 Home Buyer Report from NerdWallet surveyed United States home-buyers who had purchased a home in the past five years and found that almost half—45 percent—had to make an offer that was above asking price in order to get it accepted. First-time home buyers had it even worse; 56 percent of them had to go above the asking price in order to get their offers accepted, and for 15 percent of them, their final offer was higher than they were comfortable with....

You may not see it on a day-to-day basis in your community, but, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, 580, 466 people across the United States were experiencing homelessness on a single night in 2020. This number marks the fourth straight year of growth for the homeless population and there is no end in sight. Like food banks, homeless shelters are often in need of volunteers and donations, but donating the right things is important, as well-intended but misguided efforts can stretch already limited resources....