One common misconception about back pain is the assumption that stretches that target the back specifically are the best or only way to find relief. Sometimes it’s true, and gentle back stretches for strength and mobility are absolutely important (we have some fabulous moves for that here); but sometimes it’s actually tightness, stiffness, or misalignment in nearby joints or muscle groups contributing to back discomfort. For example, sitting for long periods of time—driving for hours, working at a desk, studying at the kitchen table—can tighten and shorten the hip flexors and make them less mobile....

Back before I started blogging I worked as a project manager and one of my colleagues would always do a big Christmas cookie day for the entire office every year. One year I volunteered to help her bake the cookies and she was an absolute machine. Every recipe planned out, multiple mixers going, and every little thing organized – down to the colored saran wrap to top the cookies. I learned a lot from her about baking Christmas cookies but one of the most important things I took away from that day was to keep the cookies simple....

The easiest way to contain wakame? Eat more of it. Luckily, while wakame may be bad news for the world’s oceans, it’s great for us in moderation. More specifically, the edible seaweed is packed with vitamins and minerals, and boasts several key nutritional benefits. Keep reading to find out more about wakame and what it can do for you. Where Does Wakame Come From? According to the National Park Service (NPS), wakame, or undaria, is a “notorious marine invader....

Ahead, personal finance coach Dawnette Palmore and tax expert Hannah Cole share the top four money-saving questions you absolutely must ask your accountant before tax season ends. Thankfully, you still have time to ensure that you pay only what you owe, and not a dime more. “It helps to have a designated spot in your house where you will put your tax documents as they come in in January,” Cole says....

“Traditional massage therapy works by manually manipulating muscle tissue to break up collagen [and] adhesions and realign the tissue to allow the layers to slide against one another unimpeded,” says Pete McCall, an ACE Health and Fitness Expert. The whole-body health benefits of this process include reducing muscle tension, breaking up trigger points that make it more difficult to move, increasing circulation, and improving relaxation, all of which can be achieved at home or at a spa....

Cognitive behavioral therapy, known as CBT or talk therapy, has been proven to greatly reduce anxiety and depression. A 2016 study done in the UK found that 43 percent of the participants who had received CBT over the course of four years reported a 50 percent decrease in symptoms of depression. While therapy is a highly beneficial treatment for many, cost remains one of the main obstacles to seeing a therapist: 46 percent of those surveyed cited affordability as one of the most important factors when choosing a therapist, according to a 2018 study on counseling by Barna....

However, the first few times you use your bread machine, you might end up with a surprising result. Whether you accidentally bake a dense loaf that doesn’t rise or an oddly-shaped lump, here are some of the common mistakes you might be making with your bread machine and how to fix them. Setting It and Forgetting It I get it—the appeal of a bread maker is not having to fuss over your loaf....

Of course, making a good salary has its perks, but sometimes—no matter how many digits are on that paycheck—it isn’t worth the tradeoffs in terms of health, mental well-being, and work-life balance. 5 Signs Your Job Isn’t Worth It If you’re at a crossroads, contemplating whether to stick it out or take a hike, consider these five signs that your job may no longer be worth the money. Your health and mindset are suffering Most jobs are served up with a side of stress, but if it’s contributing to a major decline in your overall physical or mental health (or both!...

Do: Clean the dishwasher filter. Both the experts at Maytag and Samsung agree: Cleaning the filter is a must (especially if you notice dishes aren’t coming out clean). To wash the filter by hand, just follow a few simple steps. All dishwashers are a little different (you can always check the manufacturer’s instructions), but these basic guidelines work for most models: Remove the lower rack to expose the bottom of the dishwasher—and you’ll spot the filter....

Before you spend hours shopping at a store or sifting through thousands of options online, take a look at this curation for every interest, hobby, or passion, like an easy donut maker for the sweet-lover in your life or an under-$50 digital instant-print camera for the friend who’s always snapping photos when you’re together. With options for everyone (women, men, kids, teens, grandparents, and even pets) you’ll find something special for every person on your holiday list—even the pickiest of people....

To buy: $5; amazon.com. To buy: $49; thegrommet.com. To buy: $110; rei.com. To buy: $36; supergoop.com. To buy: $98; everlane.com.

But luckily, hot tool technology has vastly improved since I was a teenager and there are so many options for straight-haired people looking to change up their ‘do. Gone are the days of drugstore curling irons that stop heating up after four uses, or sleeping in hot rollers overnight in hopes of waking up to bouncy curls. Now, people with straight hair like mine can invest in some quality hot tools that give you salon results—as long as you know how to use them, of course....

Or, maybe you’re not about to host. Maybe you’re just not sure what you want for dinner, so a variety of little bites sounds more appealing than a large dish. Either way, the following “small bite” ideas will satisfy you when you want a smorgasbord of tastes in one meal. Get the recipe: Endive With Ricotta, Almonds, and Raisins These hummus and cucumber crostini solve this common party woe in a delicious way....

If you look orange, you are using the wrong formula. Each one contains a different amount of DHA (dihydroxyacetone), a colorless sugar that interacts with the dead skin cells in the outer layer of the epidermis and changes your skin tone. With all of the offerings on the market, there’s one best suited for your skin tone—it’ll just take some trial and error to find it.

Choosing just seven cookbooks to cover all 33 countries is an impossible task, but these picks go beyond food to incorporate the history, culture, and legacy of Hispanic heritage. Dive into these books to humor your inner chef, soothe your travel bug, and learn more about the tradition behind these foods. Argentinian Street Food: Empanadas, Helados, and Dulce de Leche by Enrique Zanoni and Gaston Stivelmaher One thing about street food is that it’s made to be eaten on the go....

With a quick refresher on proper etiquette and how to start a conversation, any host can get the conversation rolling. With that in mind, Real Simple’s “Modern Manners” columnist Catherine Newman shares easy-to-remember phrases that will make the party more enjoyable for all involved. (Have a pressing etiquette question of your own? Ask it here.) “Just bring yourselves” This is always a nice thing to say, followed by “I’m keeping it super simple....