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There are lots of different approaches to decorating the Christmas tree. Alternative Christmas trees are increasingly popular, and people have their pick of a live Christmas tree, an artificial one, or a colored one—even upside-down Christmas trees have become popular for people with smaller spaces (or kids and pets who mess with their Christmas tree). Whatever your personal style, your holiday personality, your budget, and your space constraints, we have some great holiday decorating ideas for you....

Personal stylists Samantha Brown and Melanie Lippman, who are known for their relatable fashion tips and tricks, were both adamant: Adding fall-inspired jewel tones to your look is a must. “Adding a burgundy blazer, green pants, or marigold shoes will give all your printed tops new life and completely revive your wardrobe,” Lippman says. “Autumn jewel-tone colors can act as a neutral for fall.” However, if you’re looking for a bolder, unique color to try this fall, Brown says that “Barbiecore pink” is a hue worth testing out....

What is vitamin C—and what does it do? The better question is: What doesn’t vitamin C do? “Vitamin C is one of the most studied, potent, and plentiful antioxidants in human skin,” says Dr. Levin. “It continues to be one of the most recommended treatments for improving uneven skin tone, texture, acne scars, dullness, and fine lines.” But wait, there’s more! It also smooths wrinkles over time, thanks to its ability to boost collagen....

After tackling five other closets around her home (take a peek inside the closet she designed for her husband), Gibson knew exactly what kind of storage her home lacked. Rather than buy five cheap pairs of jeans that will clutter the drawers, Gibson invests in a single quality pair that will last for years. “I ask myself a lot of questions prior to purchasing something. If I’m spending money on clothing, it needs to be something I’ll love for years to come....

“Generally, in-home services don’t require a tip in the same way the service industry does,” says Chaz Wyland, former handyman and carpenter. “That said, it does happen—and I’ll tell you through first-hand experience, it’s much appreciated,” adds Wyland. While it’s not always the norm to tip for these services, there are a few situations where it would be a good idea to tip a service provider for work in your home....

The entire holiday season is filled with opportunities for creative gift exchanges, from your tried-and-true office Secret Santa to that boozy bash with good friends where no one can remember the White Elephant rules. (Get those White Elephant gift ideas ready now.) With the following gift exchange ideas and tips, gift giving will feel joyful again. Let our team of elves—including holiday party planners, etiquette experts, and Real Simple readers—enlighten you with innovative strategies to make any party or early-morning frenzy more memorable....

So instead of guessing what your favorite bibliophile’s next page-turner might be (though if you want a good bet, check out our favorite books of 2023), opt for one of Erasmus’ other necessities, like a book-themed mug or a super plush robe made for curling up with a good book. A thoughtful, more personal reader gift will delight any of the book lovers in your life. Price at time of publish: $48 Price at time of publish: $32 Price at time of publish: $40 Price at time of publish: $140 Price at time of publish: $148...

But office happy hours have turned into endless Zoom calls, and the days of catered lunches, free snacks, using the company gym, and other office amenities seem like a thing of the past. If you’re new to working remotely, you might find yourself needing some support with how to focus at home, as well as drawing boundaries between work and your personal life. Since many companies are adjusting to having employees work remotely, you and your coworkers may need to talk to your HR department to implement changes that are more conducive to remote work....

Below are some guidelines for picking out the most productive WFH spot, lighting it properly, and finding a desk and chair combo that will keep you comfortable. Keep these four tips—and two common mistakes—in mind to build a better workspace. If you have kids at home, depending upon their ages and the level of supervision they need, you may have to coordinate your workspace so you can keep an eye on them....

Nowhere in Lorde’s poems does she advise derailing your savings goals or jeopardizing your financial stability in order to buy into debt-inducing consumer trends. In fact, experts suggest that free and low-cost investments in mental and physical health—like these—may make the most meaningful difference in your quality of life. To set things aright, Strauss advises that clarity—financial and emotional—also comes from digitally organizing those important financial documents, like social security numbers and life insurance policies, that are the most problematic to replace....

After the Mexican Civil War in 1915, many Mexican people came to the United States and settled in the southern states. When they came to America, they brought with them their customs, traditions, and holidays—including Cinco de Mayo. So the American people began celebrating Cinco de Mayo alongside their Mexican neighbors, but oftentimes they didn’t really understand what they were celebrating; to them it was just a fun celebration of Mexican culture....

Sure, you can always gift experiences, like tickets to a show or a cooking class, but if you want a more tangible, environmentally-friendly gift idea, here are a few eco-friendly gift ideas to get you started. Price at time of publish: $175 Price at time of publish: $40 Bonus: Each board is a unique work of art, as no two have the same configuration of caps. Price at time of publish: $249 Price at time of publish: $145 Price at time of publish: $85 Price at time of publish: $95 Price at time of publish: $13 Price at time of publish: $19 Price at time of publish: $92 Price at time of publish: $83 Price at time of publish: $100 Price at time of publish: $499 Price at time of publish: $195 Price at time of publish: $45 They’re also sweat- and splash-proof, and sound great, too....

Ever wondered what A-list chefs like Giada De Laurentiis or Anne Burrell pick up for everyday snacking, meal prep, and feeding last-minute guests? We chatted with a few famous chefs at the 2020 South Beach Wine and Food Festival in Miami, Florida. They shared which items they always reach for along the aisles of their local supermarkets. Some of them are tiny, others are indulgent, and some are just plain necessary....

Is waking up hungry in the middle of the night normal? The truth is that if you’re eating a balanced diet, hunger is normally its lowest throughout the night and first thing in the morning. So if you’re waking up hungry in the middle of the night, studies suggest that you’re likely not getting all the nutrients your body needs. “Just make sure to stop eating one to two hours before bedtime,” says Dr....

You only need two ingredients to make these simple yet satisfying dishes, in addition to the basics of water, salt, and pepper. There are some options for add-ins to take things to the next level, but overall, your grocery list will be remarkably short. The result: You’ll get to spend more time cozying up at home. Truthfully, the possibilities of simple meals you can make in your slow cooker are practically endless....

Cauliflower Steaks with Hazelnuts and Browned Butter You won’t need any condiments for these mouthwatering cauliflower steaks. Hazelnuts and browned butter, cooked right alongside the cauliflower in a cast-iron skillet, are the only additions this steak needs. Plus, this veggie steak will cook up even quicker than a meaty version—the entire recipe will only take you 35 minutes! Skillet-Roasted Cauliflower Steaks with Jalapeno Creamed Spinach No cauliflower steak dinner is complete without an equally delicious side....

My first lesson of college that year? Consult a pro when selecting complicated paint colors. To avoid future regrets, we asked some paint experts for their most popular, versatile yellow paint picks. Rest assured, these are shades of yellow you’ll want to live with for years to come. What makes this shade of yellow unique? It contains just the barest hint of green. “Slightly sunny, yet perfectly subdued, Good as Gold is a mellow mustard hue that’s absolutely perfect....

Why Drink Water First Thing in the Morning? Water is an essential nutrient, which means your body can’t make enough of it on its own to meet its basic needs. You have to obtain it through external sources (i.e. hydrating food and drinks) in order to stay healthy. “About 60 percent of the human body is composed of water, varying slightly based on age, gender, and hydration levels,” says Casey Kelley, M....

Dress Up Supermarket Flowers Plant African violets in a wide, shallow ceramic pot. Cover with sheet moss (sold at most nurseries) to add a cozy feel and to help hold in moisture. Care: Direct morning light. Protect from the bright afternoon sun. To water, lift the moss so you can soak the soil. Keep the soil moist all the time; try not to get the leaves wet. Stage a Still Life With Succulents Like intricate little sculptures, mini cacti and succulents make an intriguing assemblage....

“It’s important for those nearing and planning for retirement to consider what kind of retirement they want,” says Osmar Garcia, Northwestern Mutual financial advisor and co-founder and CEO of Garcia Wealth Management in Conway, Arkansas. “Do you want to travel often? Be close to family? Sit on a beach? Retire by age 65?” Garcia asks. Additionally, other decisions can affect your health care, long-term care, and more. Here are the most important financial decisions for retiring couples to make—together—before ending their careers....