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Christmas cards have changed a lot in the last few years: Photo cards are all the rage, digital or e-cards are almost as popular as paper ones, and foil-printing is the look du jour. But the task of finding the right phrases to use in your annual send remains the same. They’re sort of like Christmas quotes or gift exchange ideas in that way. The difficulty lies in finding the perfect term to represent your family and share holiday cheer with the recipient....

While there are affordable alternatives to traditional financial advisors, such as robo-advisors and online financial planning services, independent financial advisors can be valuable for managing investments. They can help you set and reach money goals and even help with estate planning. More importantly, a study by investing platform Envestnet PMC estimates that an advisor can add 3 percent value on investments each year. However, finding a financial advisor you trust is crucial for reaping the benefits, and the process requires research and thorough vetting....

Here’s my two cents on the issue: scars, acne, freckles, and cellulite are completely normal and should be portrayed that way. There’s nothing more refreshing than seeing a model who actually looks like…you. Since the majority of beauty and fashion brands don’t do this often enough (ahem), we want to commend the few who strive to normalize authentic beauty by not retouching their models. Here’s to hoping more brands follow suit....

“While pinot noir and chardonnay are great go-to’s, the seasonal change presents an opportunity to explore a new selection of wines,” explains Christopher Hoel, founder of Harper’s Club and Luckysomm and expert wine curator for Wine Insiders and Martha Stewart Wine Co. Below are lesser-known (but equally enticing) wines that beg to be uncorked in cold weather months. Whether you’re sipping them by the fireplace or pairing them with a favorite meal, enjoy warming up with one of these five cold-weather wines....

Mustard is one of the world’s oldest condiments. Roman chefs used to grind mustard seeds with grape juice (known as must) into a spicy paste known as mustum ardens, which was shortened to “mustard” when the sauce arrived in the States. In essence, mustard is a combination of ground mustard seeds and some form of liquid—it’s the type of seeds and liquid that differentiates one variety from the next. Some are sweet, some are spicy, and others are downright astringent....

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....

Instead of viewing cooking for one as lonely or too difficult, consider the benefits: you get to cook exactly what you’re craving (no compromising with a picky roommate), at whatever time is most convenient for you (9 p.m. is A-OK), to the soundtrack of your choosing, in your pajamas. Proud of your creation and wish you had someone to share it with? That’s what Instagram is for. If you enjoy planning your meals in advance, great—choose recipes with overlapping ingredients, make a list of exactly what you need, and head to the store over the weekend....

But let’s back up for a second. What exactly is ombré hair color? “Ombré is a French word that means ’to shade.’ When referencing hair color, it means to create a gradient from dark to light,” explains Shanna Hushaw, elite colorist and field education leader for the Hair Cuttery Family of Brands. “Ombré colors can work for any hair length and texture because they can be totally customized and either bold or natural....

When we first started talking about going on an Alaskan Cruise for my mom’s 50th birthday, I was so excited. Alaska has always been on my bucket list of places to visit, and well, I love cruises. I’ve been on 10 or more Caribbean cruises, so I thought I knew pretty much everything I needed to about cruising. I was so wrong. An Alaskan Cruise is nothing like a Caribbean one, other than the fact that you’re cruising on a big boat and everything on the ship is included....

To buy: $98, anthropologie.com. To buy: $79, urbanoutfitters.com. To buy: From $30 for the peg rail and $99 for the multi-shelf, potterybarn.com. To buy: $139, westelm.com. To buy: From $80 for steel and from $150 for copper, worldmarket.com.

“Look for entryway or runner rug options with a high-low surface rib design,” adds Christa Endler, an interior furniture merchant at Home Depot. “This will help to trap dirt and moisture in the recessed channels below shoe-level to keep grime outside.” If you enter your home through the front door, a hall tree works wonders for controlling mess and clutter. “It has cubbies with bins and baskets for scarves, hooks for hanging bags, easy-access shoe shelves and hidden storage behind its shuttered doors,” says Endler....

What is Never Have I Ever? Growing up one of my favorite games ever was Never Have I Ever. We played it all the time in high school and even in college if I’m being honest. The basic idea is that everyone sits or stands in a group and one person says, “Never Have I Ever XYZ” and they name something they’ve never done. Then anyone who has done that either switches places or puts a finger down depending on how you’re playing the game....

These apps differ in offerings and user experience: They range from bright and stimulating to more minimalistic; pre-set programming to flexibility and personalization; and super-niche and detailed to more general and versatile. However, all of them offer quantifiable tracking tools and helpful reminders for anyone trying to stay on course to meet a personal goal. When you find one that works for you, you’ll be able to develop and maintain a pattern of healthy behaviors that turn into stepping stones toward your final destination....

To buy: $98, levis.com. To buy: $80, loft.com. To buy: $128, jcrew.com. To buy: $89, abercrombie.com. To buy: $128, madewell.com. To buy: $215, anthropologie.com.

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The Best Christmas Songs There are so many Christmas songs out there these days that it’s hard to keep track. This list is the ultimate list of Christmas songs – only the best of the best! I only included songs that I personally recognize and ones that you’d find on the “best Christmas songs” lists. I do know quite a bit of Christmas music though so feel free to just use the ones that work best for your group if you think some of them are a bit obscure or not going to be guessed....

Test (and Replace) Your Smoke Alarms There’s a reason we include this on our checklists for both the start and end of daylight saving time: a functioning smoke alarm is your best line of defense in a home fire. “In the event of a home fire, you may have three minutes or less to escape,” says Steve Kerber, the VP and executive director of UL’s Fire Safety Research Institute. “Working smoke alarms provide the earliest possible warning that there is a fire, and every second counts....

Luckily, there’s a foolproof formula for striking that elusive balance. Enter: the entryway console table. When designed thoughtfully, your entryway console table decor can do double (or even triple) duty, making your space more beautiful, more organized, and more efficient. Looking for a little design inspiration? Study up on the stunning images below for fresh ideas on how to decorate your entryway table—and even add in a bit of functionality to boot....