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Why Letting Meat Come to Room Temperature Before Cooking Works Slow-braising, marinating, and cutting across the grain are quick ways to ensure meat ends up more tender, but leaving it out at room temperature before cooking can also yield a more desirable, melt-in-your-mouth texture. “When you cook meat at room temperature, you can control it better by cooking it more evenly,” says chef Tarik Fallous, owner of NYC-based Au Za’atar which specializes in tableside shawarma....

To find the best cooling sheets, we researched a variety of picks and tested over 30 styles in our Des Moines, Iowa testing lab. Using a predetermined methodology, testers evaluated each sheet set based on five categories: quality, texture, breathability, durability, and value. Some styles were even sent home with testers, who shared insight after one month. We also consulted Deborah Young, textile educator, author, and consultant, for additional insight....

While some of us may desire an aged antique, others may prefer more modern styles. “Try to nail down your own personal ‘pretty’ and select options that align with that,” says Lance Thomas, principal designer at Thomas Guy Interiors. He fondly refers to flatware as “the jewelry of the table.” There are many different styles and options available, so to make it easier for you to choose, we’ve researched the best flatware sets and considered important features like the number of pieces in the set, durability, design, price, and material....

Plenty of landscape lighting options exist, including solar and electric options. To find the best landscape lighting options, we researched a variety of picks and considered factors such as type of power, size, material, and installation. We also consulted Lindsey Hyland, founder of Urban Organic Yield, and Kate Diaz, co-owner of Swanky Den, for additional insight. Overall, the best landscape lighting is the Hykolity Landscape Pathway Light for its easy installation and long-lasting LED light....

The Best Mustard Substitutes to Try Try one of these easy mustard substitutions when you’re in a pinch. We’ve got delicious swaps for yellow mustard, Dijon, dried mustard, and more. Dry Mustard Substitute There are a few different substitutes for dry mustard. Each will help add mustard-like flavor to your recipe. Prepared mustard: For 1 teaspoon dry mustard, substitute 1 tablespoon prepared mustard for cooking mixtures.Mustard seeds: If you have whole mustard seeds, you’re just a quick grind away from having dried mustard....

Best Patio Furniture Deals People usually think of summer as the peak time for enjoying time outside on a deck or patio, but we’re here to make the case for fall. No sweating, less bugs, beautiful scenery with colorful leaves—what’s not to love? If you’re on the lookout for more outdoor storage, a few chairs, or even a whole bistro set to make your space come together, these options have thousands of five-star ratings on top of being majorly marked down....

1. Floral Ice Cubes We honestly can’t think of a better garnish to a summary, sweet drink. The flowers suspended in these ice cubes will float to the top of your drink as the ice melts. You can order these edible flowers online or look for them at your local grocery store. Learn more at Tablespoon. 2. Outside the Box It doesn’t take much to turn a cocktail from boring to extraordinary....

For a little pick-me-up that might actually help you feel better for longer than it takes to finish the drink, you can head to your local Starbucks and order what many call the Medicine Ball drink. The Starbucks Medicine Ball is a favorite beverage of many Starbucks drinkers, including Rachel Weber, former digital editorial director at Better Homes & Gardens. If you haven’t had a sip yet, you’ll want to as soon as possible....

Daily Bathroom Cleaning Checklist Complete these quick tasks every day to keep the space neat and tidy. 1. Declutter Countertops With your morning beauty routine complete, it’s time to start your day. But first, make sure to return your cosmetics, hair tools, and toiletries to their designated homes. If you don’t have a lot of drawer space, look to bathroom storage hacks for help. This tiny decluttering habit will do wonders for both your mood and the appearance of your bathroom....

Margarine Substitutes While oil provides moisture to a lot of baking recipes (we’re looking at you, olive oil cake!), you need your margarine substitute to be in a solid form so the proper amount of air can get incorporated. For example, you want to be able to cream your butter and sugar together in order to get your chocolate chip cookies to come out at the perfect texture. For this reason, cooking oils such as vegetable or canola are not recommended substitutes for margarine....

Sutherland is part of a treehouse movement made even more popular by treehouse reality shows such as Treehouse Masters, a show that aired on Animal Planet from 2013 to 2018, and DIY Network’s current Treehouse Guys. “There’s a treehouse revival, which has been occurring over the last twenty years—and arguably much longer,” says Kevin Mooney, who founded the International Treehouse Association and Mohican Treehouse Resort. And many of those who’ve joined the movement are earning income from their backyard treehouse homes in the sky as part of the gig economy’s short-term rental boom....

That mentality is present in every project the designer takes on for clients and in her own home, which she shares with followers on Instagram. “I see something and think, I want that. How do I make it happen in a way that’s affordable and beautiful?” The answer usually includes a paintbrush, a marker, or yards of starched fabric. Blank walls don’t stay blank for long in Honja’s home. She even drew a bold mural in the narrow entry using a gold Sharpie paint pen....

Plants to Create the Garden Plan to Soften a Fence 1 Maidengrass (Miscanthus sinensis ‘Gracillimus’): Zones 4-9 8 Allium ‘Lucy Ball’: Zones 6-10 1 Coralbells (Heuchera spp.): Zones 3-10, depending on species 1 Boxwood (Buxus sempervirens ‘Wintergreen’): Zones 5-8 6 Fleabane (Erigeron karvinskianus): Zones 5-7 3 Pincushion flower (Scabiosa columbaria): Zones 4-9 3 Lambs’ ears (Stachys byzantina): Zones 4-8 1 Purple-leaf plantain (Plantago major ‘Atropurpurea’): Annual 2 Blue fescue (Festuca glauca ‘Elijah Blue’): Zones 4-8 3 Sea holly (Eryngium spp....

Ask any parent, and they’ll tell you that keeping kids’ hands clean is a full-time job. As parents of four young children, Cindy and Gabe Trevizo know that struggle all too well. They love to spend time outdoors together but dislike having to rely on hand sanitizer, which can irritate skin and any cuts or abrasions. Hand sanitizer also isn’t as effective as soap and water, especially when your hands are dirty....

That he got. The house was built in 1810 by primary craftsman Benjamin Glover on Captains’ Row in Sag Harbor during the town’s whaling days. It was added to and combined with a neighboring house in 1850, gaining beautiful Greek Revival-style -columns, moldings, and newels. “The house has such strong history and architecture,” Olsen says. “I was excited to work on it and to bring in Michael’s design ethos. He doesn’t shy from color and pattern—we’re a great fit that way....

How to Make a Bird Halloween Costume Supplies Needed FREE PatternChildren’s blue knit shirt and leggingsCardstock in multiple shades of blueHot glue gun and glue sticksSingle-hole punchString or yarnCardboardDuct tape Step-by-Step Directions With a few supplies and these how-to instructions, you can create your own DIY Halloween costume. Customize your bird costume with your favorite colors. Step 1: Make the Mask To make the mask, print out the mask and beak patterns and hold them up to the child’s face to test the size....

The couple lived with the space for three years then took on a complete remodel. The wood replacement cabinets they chose included to-the-ceiling wall units and a base for an apron-front sink. They installed a glass mosaic tile backsplash, new laminate countertops, and upgraded appliances to get the modern kitchen with the warmth they wanted. Fast-forward seven years after the first remodel. Aniko’s style had evolved and she wanted the kitchen to reflect that....

Top Tips for Narrowing Down Colors 1. Identify Your Home’s Style and Neighborhood Although you need not be hidebound by tradition, a home’s style does lend some guidance when you’re choosing exterior paint colors. An exuberant collection of pastels may not be the best fit for a ranch-style home, while very bold hues may feel out of place on a Victorian. That’s advice used by Maria Killam, a color expert, design blogger, author, decorator, and stylist—especially when she’s working on those classic home designs....