Attempting a DIY project without careful preparation and complete knowledge of the task at hand can actually result in expenses that far exceed the cost of a contractor. Even if you have experience and know-how, it’s important to consider the time, materials, tools, and permits required for your home improvement project. So, how do you know which projects you can tackle yourself and which you should leave to the experts?...

Try swapping out pre-dinner champagne or cocktails for spicy mulled wine, hot buttered rum, or a hot toddy. Turkey Steak Leg of lamb Pork tenderloin For vegetarians, throw on some super-savory and satisfying miso mushroom kabobs. Swap the soup course for another warm appetizer, like crispy bacon-wrapped dates, loaded polenta bites, or gooey baked brie with cranberry compote and pecans, served with crusty bread. For example, make dressings and sauces, clean and chop veggies, and assemble casseroles, then store them tightly wrapped in the fridge (minus any crispy toppings)....

But when a big heat wave hits, though, the last thing you want to do is spend any time outside, not only because it’s uncomfortable, but also because it can be dangerous. Unfortunately, there’s only so much binge-worthy Netflix you can watch and so many popsicles you can eat before you’ll need to figure out new fun things to do at home. If you have kids, they may not understand why they can’t just run through the sprinklers for hours on end—even though you know it’s scorching out....

1. Two Resolutions and a Lie How well do you know your friends? Put your friendships to the test by playing this variation of Two Truths and a Lie. Share two of your New Year’s resolutions (plus one you’ve made up) without saying which is which. See which of the guests can guess the imposter. 2. 2023 Predictions Bingo When your guests arrive, give them a blank bingo sheet. Ask them to fill out the squares with their predictions for 2023....

The Latest: Eating Almonds Is Linked to Gut Health A research group at King’s College in London published a small study that found eating a handful of almonds everyday for only four weeks increased the production of butyrate, a short-chain fatty acid, in participants. This fatty acid has been tied to improved gut microbiome health, as it’s a main energy source for cells in the colon. When these cells are functioning at their peak, it creates an ideal environment for healthy gut microbes to flourish....

For most of these no-churn ice cream recipes, sweetened condensed milk is combined with whipped cream and a few choice ingredients to create an airy-textured sweet treat that can be frozen as is. Consider these ice cream recipes a jumping-off point. You can always experiment with other flavors (like mango in lieu of papaya) to find your perfect no-ice-cream-maker frozen dessert.

But sometimes navigating these group texts can be challenging. With a wider audience, it’s easier to get yourself in trouble. The solution? “Follow the three core values: respect, honesty, and consideration,” says etiquette expert Elaine Swann, founder of the Swann School of Protocol. “You need to be respectful of everyone who’s in the group.” You’ll be a group text MVP if you follow these rules. Think about the purpose of the group when you’re deciding who to include—if it’s the bridal party text thread, you may not need to include the parents of the bride (or even the bride themselves), as they may not need or want the details of the bachelorette party plans....

The Lifeezy Premium Quality Dish Soap Dispenser is only $9 right now and a best-seller in Kitchen Accessories, making it a no-brainer purchase. The rectangular dispenser holds 13 ounces of dish soap and the lid caddy houses a sponge. Next time you’re washing dishes, push down on the sponge and fresh dish soap will dispense onto its surface. The sleek, plastic container takes no more counter space than a typical rectangular sponge and replaces bulky and unaesthetic dish soap bottles....

Most people will experience some bout of this all-too-common mental health condition at least once in their life, if not many times. To help manage anxious feelings, find solid ground, and ultimately feel better, it’s important to recognize and understand anxiety symptoms and their sources. We chatted with mental health experts for their advice on identifying the most obvious signs of anxiety—which can help provide a smoother road to recovery....

“When body temperature rises due to a warm environment or physical activity, the autonomic nervous system signals eccrine sweat glands,” says New York City–based dermatologist Hadley King, MD. These glands, which are located throughout the skin, are concentrated on the palms, soles, forehead, and armpits. “When sweat is produced, it promotes heat loss through evaporation.” The result: a much cooler you. A good thing, considering that if we didn’t sweat, the body would be unable to cool itself, which can ultimately put you in danger of overheating, or worse, heatstroke....

There is a way to easily reorganize your kitchen, though—and no, it doesn’t involve getting rid of your favorite cups. It’s an under-the-cabinet rack that has hooks designed to keep your mugs in place without taking up any cabinet shelf real estate. With the Art Secret mug hanger, you’ll be able to store your kitchenware under your cabinet shelves for optimal space-saving. You can place it inside of your cabinets or below them to either shield your items from view, or keep them out in the open for easy access....

Reader question: Easy eyeshadow palette recommendations, please! I’m terrible at eyeshadow! —Sherry Pyles For makeup novices, strategic pigment placement—i.e. eyeshadow—can be preeetty intimidating. With no straightforward guide on what goes where and so many potential places to swipe (crease, inner corner, outer corner, middle lid), how’s a girl to choose the right blend of hues? If you’re new to eyeshadow but curious to dip your toes into more color, welcome!...