Pre-Party Cleaning: The Short List

So, you just found out that company is coming Saturday afternoon — and it's already Friday morning. Instead of flipping out, refer to Apartment Therapy's "Stress Free Plan" to pre-party cleaning must-dos to keep you sane, and ensure your home is looking it's best, without having to spend a ton of time. Here's their short list of things to clean just before hosting a party, which you can accomplish in about an hour:

  • Clean the floors: dust, mop, or vacuum depending on the surface.
  • Clean counters, tables, and other surfaces.
  • Clean the bathroom for your guests.
  • Clean the kitchen.
  • Tidy up clutter.

Want to learn more about how regularly to clean your home? Click here.

Three Famous Restaurants from TV Shows

When we watch TV, we get invested in "our shows". We take time out of our busy schedules to watch the same characters each and every week. It's not wonder that we become attached to them! Well, now you can share a little piece of their story by visiting the same restaurants where our beloved characters have enjoyed meals.

Tom's Restaurant
Week after week we watched the goofy cast of Seinfeld head over to Tom's Restaurant to talk about nothing. Now you can do the same thing at the New York diner. Of course the inside is entirely different than what you see on the show, but there is a poster of Kramer hanging on the wall. 

Holsten's
The final scenes of the beloved crime drama The Sopranos took place at Holsten's in Bloomfield, New Jersey. The confectionery sells candies, sodas, and ice cream as well as traditional diner food. The onion rings may or may not be the best in the state (as Tony Soprano proclaimed), but the ice cream could be. You can even sit in the same booth as the cast members did when filming!

Twede’s Cafe
In the pilot of the cult classic Twin Peaks many of the diner scenes were shot at Double R Diner, which is now known as Twede’s Cafe. A fire destroyed much of the restaurant in 2000, and they needed to rebuild leaving the inside almost unrecognizable from the show, but there's still a variety of Twin Peaks memorabilia for sale in the store. And of course they still have cherry pie and a "fine cup ‘o coffee". 

3 Ways To Create A Low-Stress Environment

We all want our homes to feel like sanctuaries, but how often is that mission actually achieved? Between clutter, computers, and kids, our homes can feel more like a battle ground than a safe haven. But, if you're committed to carving out a bit of peace, quiet, and tranquility in your space, read through these tips about how to create a low-stress environment.

De-Clutter!
There might be some truth to the line that the spaces we inhabit affect how we think and feel, and one strong proof might be that a cluttered space can make someone feel a big on edge. Taking time regularly to reduce clutter can make for a calmer environment.

Use Calming Colors
Tranquil hues like pastels and muted greys can help lend a sense of calm to any room. If you can't paint the walls, choose upholstery or linens to instill a bit of relaxation to the space.

Bring In Some Green
One of the best ways to create a relaxing space is to bring the outdoors indoors — with some houseplants! It's not secret that spending time outside can be restorative, and a few well-placed houseplants can bring the same feeling into your space.

3 Stylish Ways To Organize Your Kitchen

Struggle to keep your apartment's kitchen organized? Here are practical, stylish solutions.

Do you like to keep oils and spices by the stove, or group similar items in a cabinet? Try putting a tray underneath them. It magically makes the arrangement look artful and cleaning a breeze.

Have a cabinet full of baking items or a counter full of veggies? Put them in a wicker basket. It's a homespun and deeply personal touch.

Are spoons, spatulas and whisks taking over your utensil drawer? Try arranging them upright on the counter. Whether you choose a sleek stainless steel cylinder or a vintage ceramic crock, cooking will be easier — and your kitchen will feel a little more like home.

Want to learn more? Here are 24 tips from Real Simple about how to better organize your kitchen.

Chicken: 10 Ways To Prepare A Classic

Chicken. It's a staple on many dinner tables, but let's face it — chicken can be bland and boring. Here are some recipes The Kitchn collected, in case you need some great ideas for preparing chicken:

  1. Chicken and Artichokes in Wine Sauce
  2. Tarragon Chicken Fricassee
  3. Thai Green Coconut Curry
  4. Crispy Chicken Thighs & Warm Bread Salad
  5. Blackened Beer-Brined Grilled Chicken
  6. Pesto Chicken Tart
  7. Braised French Onion Chicken with Gruyère
  8. Hearty Chicken Minestrone
  9. Lemon Braised Chicken & Beans with Mint Pesto
  10. Barbecue Shredded Chicken from the Oven or Slow Cooker

Bon appetit!

Foot Care Tips for an Active Lifestyle

Your feet are one of the most important parts of your body, and you subject them to a lot of abuse every single day. Foot pain can be seriously debilitating, whether it be from strains, blisters or other issues. Here are some helpful tips for keeping your feet in good shape.

The most important thing you can do for your feet is wearing the right kind of shoe. Not only should they fit snugly, but they should also be appropriate for the kind of activity you are doing. Different kinds of shoes are designed for different things, so make sure your shoe offers the ideal combination of support and comfort.

Good sock selection is also very important. It’s important to wear socks that will wick moisture away from your feet as you exercise. Excess moisture left on the skin can result in blisters, fungal infections and more.

Toenail care is essential for healthy feet. You should always trim your toenails in straight lines perpendicular to your toes. This prevents ingrown nails and other issues. Make sure not to trim down the side of the nail.

If you feel anything unusual with your feet, you should consult a podiatrist immediately. Left undiagnosed, foot problems can lead to very significant health issues that can impact you greatly.

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