I’m a big fan of gift exchange games, especially if you go with something more unique than just the typical white elephant gift exchange. There’s just something that feels so Christmas to me about gift exchanges. I like games where people bring silly gifts, where people bring regular gifts, and even games like this saran wrap game where I just provide all of the gifts! The one type of gift exchange I personally don’t like is the one where everyone just brings gift cards and people basically just swap gift cards of the same value....

For example, according to NerdWallet’s 2021 Home Buyer Report, 41 percent of those who bought homes in the past 12 months said that affording home repairs and maintenance is one of their biggest financial stressors for the next two years. Even the known costs of homeownership can be more challenging than expected. In the same survey, 28 percent reported that making their monthly mortgage payment was their top financial stressor for the next two years....

On This Episode Raising kids can bring a lot of joy and love into your life—and cost you quite a bit of money, too. So how do you balance out your financial responsibilities to yourself, with those to your kids? In this episode, host Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez brings together the best advice from three past expert guests to help you sort it out. Meet Host Stefanie O’Connell Rodriguez Stefanie is a nationally recognized personal finance expert ready to talk work, worth, and money with unapologetically ambitious women....

Boiling With or Without Skin There is not much difference between boiling sweet potatoes with the skins on versus peeling them, but you will get a boost of fiber and potassium if you keep the skin on. The skin also adds a subtle texture to each bite. If you’re looking for a smoother mash, peel the potatoes first before boiling. How to Boil Sweet Potatoes Prep Shop for sweet potatoes with smooth skin that is firm when you press it, and avoid any soft spots....

The truth is, however, that metabolism is a little bit trickier than just that. It absolutely is possible to boost your metabolism, but it’s not quite as easy as flipping a switch. Here’s what you need to know. Understanding Metabolism Metabolism comes from a Greek word, “metabolismo,” which means change. “It’s the totality of all chemical reactions in your body and ultimately refers to energy balance,” says Brian Fertig, MD, F....

According to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 77 percent of private industry workers have access to paid vacation and 79 percent have access to paid holidays. Further BLS data shows that full-time employees in private industry receive an average of 11 paid vacation days per year after one year of service, with as many as 22 vacation days (on average) available to workers with 20 years or more of service....

The holiday’s roots remain the same, but many classic Easter activities—including Easter egg coloring—are likely to be affected by the space constraints of your home, the crafting supplies you have on hand from the last so-called normal Easter in 2019, and how much energy you and your household have for another at-home holiday celebration. While we have vaccines (and some people in your household might have been vaccinated by now) and you might be tempted to celebrate Easter like you used to, it’s unlikely that everyone in your circle will be fully vaccinated by April 4, so some precautions are still necessary for everyone’s safety....

Test Samples Throughout the Day Most of us know that if you really want to be sure you love a color, you’ll need to not only pick up a paint chip, but also a jar of sample paint (or a stick-on color swatch). Because colors look different throughout the day as the light in the room changes, you don’t want to just brush on a color and make your choice—but observe it over time....

How to Clean a Dryer Vent, Step-by-Step Move the brush back and forth in a circular motion through the detached vent pipe, wall piping, and dryer opening. It should feel like snaking a bathroom drain to unclog it.

How to Cook Oatmeal on the Stove Making a pot of oatmeal on the stove is incredibly simple. You’ll have to stir often, which is a low lift since rolled oats cook so quickly, but if you’re using all milk for a super-creamy result watch the pot closely to make sure there are no spills. How to Cook Oatmeal in the Microwave It really couldn’t be easier to cook oatmeal in the microwave and it’s a shortcut worth taking for a speedy breakfast with no pot to clean....

But preparing sheet pan potatoes with the perfect, crispy-crunchy coating and a fluffy, tender interior is an exact science. Like other simple comfort foods, cooking the perfect roasted potatoes is more about technique than finding fancy ingredients or equipment. Follow these easy roasting rules. RELATED: How You Arrange Your Oven Racks Can Make You a Better Cook

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Gravy is often prone to last-minute flaws (like being too salty), but if you’re wondering how to get the lumps out, all it takes is a whisk and a bit of stirring stamina. How to Fix Lumpy Gravy Here are the three best ways to smooth out your sauce. To make a slurry with cornstarch, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 cup of cool liquid (water or stock). If you want to use flour, mix 2 tablespoons of flour per 1 cup of cool liquid....

What Are Acne Scars? The term “acne scarring” can be used to refer to a multitude of different marks that a breakout may leave behind. “After pimples heal, the skin remembers that there was inflammation there before,” says Joshua Zeichner, MD, a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. “Inflammation can stimulate pigment production and cause blood vessels to dilate, which leads to leftover brown and red spots after the pimples heal....

How to Prepare the Pineapple How to Plant the Top Rooting Timeline It can take up to two months for the roots to grow. Once the roots are established, you will see new growth at the top of the plant. If you do not see new growth, wait a bit longer and resist the urge to tug on the plant to check for roots. If the base of the plant looks brown or mushy, it has rotted, and you will need to start over again with a new pineapple....

But rest assured: If there’s more demand for your business than employees to fulfill it, then there is a financial benefit to hiring a staff member. Here’s why you should hire staff to save your business money in the long run—and the best ways to do so. New staff can create new growth opportunities. Dan Belcher is the founder and CEO of Mortgage Relief, a real estate-dependent company that operates in Ohio and Oklahoma....

1. Choose the Right Cut of Pork Pulled pork is traditionally made with either pork shoulder (aka picnic shoulder) or pork butt (aka Boston Butt). Pork butt is higher on the foreleg than pork shoulder and has more marbling, which makes it better for stewing and braising. It’s sold both bone-in and boneless; bone-in will likely be a slightly cheaper cut because it requires more butchery for the home cook. Pork shoulder is usually sold with the skin-on and bone intact, so it’s higher maintenance and a slightly tougher cut of meat....

That’s because chia seeds—the titular ingredient in chia seed pudding—are tiny nutritional powerhouses. These edible seeds, which were a staple in ancient diets, are excellent sources of satiating fiber and calcium, which helps keep bones healthy and strong. Chia seeds also pack a solid amount of protein and omega-3 fatty acids in a small package, which may help reduce the risk of heart disease. Per a 2014 study, there is a link between chia seeds and reduced blood pressure in people with hypertension....

No matter what type of coleslaw your family fancies, one thing is for sure—nothing beats a fresh, homemade batch. Though convenient to grab a container at the supermarket, trust us: The store-bought stuff isn’t nearly as delicious. Use our tips from professional chefs to craft your own flavorful coleslaw at home. You’ll be surprised at how easy it is! How to Make It Follow this recipe for a classic, creamy coleslaw comes out perfect every time....