But a little fresh ginger can go a long way, and then you’re left with an oozing lump of gnarled root. Before you panic and toss it, read on for the best way to store fresh ginger. The right size will vary based on your recipe, but something a little bigger can be easier to manage. “I prefer bigger pieces because I find them much easier to handle when I’m peeling, chopping, or slicing,” says Belqui Ortiz-Millili, founder of the cooking blog Belqui’s Twist and a SideChef Premium Culinary partner....

The doctor runs some blood tests, and a few days later, you get a call from the office: “Hi, I’m Lisa from Dr. So and So’s office, and we just wanted to let you know that all your blood tests came back normal! Have a great day!” Click. Almost all of us have gone through this experience of feeling sick, but receiving normal medical results. And in my many years as a medical student and practicing doctor, I’ve heard this story countless times....

Anxious? Bath. Tired? Bath. Can’t sleep? Bath. I think you get the idea. One well-known way to avoid irritating the skin with essential oils is to use a carrier oil, like coconut oil or jojoba oil. But is it the same for the bath? According to Dr. Snyder, it’s not quite as simple as diluting your essential oil. “You never want to simply drop essential oils into your bathwater by themselves or they will potentially irritate the skin....

But after my husband and I got over the initial shock of this little surprise, we started breaking the news to our closest friends. I know they say you should wait until 12 weeks before you tell people. But we were excited, both young and healthy, and we thought nothing would happen. At the appointment, when we got to the ultrasound portion, the doctor pulled over her dinky little machine and got the wand in place....

Let’s throw a caveat into the mix: witch hazel for your hair. Can those who renounced the active for good possibly seek its benefits in hair care? Allow us to investigate. To begin, here are five purported benefits of using witch hazel on your hair and scalp: Those with super-sensitive skin might also want to steer clear. “[Witch hazel] has a slightly acidic pH, which can be irritating, and it’s important not to irritate sensitive skin too much,” Nazarian explains....

The solution, of course, is to make the switch to reusable cotton rounds. Not just to limit the harm to the planet and your wallet (although, those are pretty good reasons, if you ask a former cotton round devotee), but these plush pads actually have added skin care benefits as you swipe. Some have textured surfaces to gently exfoliate, others have super-soft fibers for easily irritated skin, and newer iterations come in fun, playful colors that elevate your bathroom shelf....

The diet emphasizes healthy, whole foods that bring nutritional value without imposing too many serious rules for what you can (or can’t) eat. Another key component of the lifestyle? Spending time with family and friends. Studies have shown the health benefits of this habit, and it’s common practice in the Blue Zones, where people live longest. There are two of these zones along the Mediterranean (Sardinia, Italy; and Icaria, Greece), but spending time with the people who matter is a common thread among more than just those communities....

The meanings of different digits vary and are often related to how big or small the number is. The number 1, for example, typically indicates a beginning, while the number 9 (the last single digit) often relates to endings or finalities. Angel numbers are known to appear in particular moments when you’re meant to pay attention. If you caught the time at 5:55 while thinking about moving somewhere new, for example, that could be the universe supporting the idea, given 555 relates to change....

Here’s how to find gems and jewels that are better for the planet and its people, and 15 companies to check out for your next stylish statement piece. It’s a lot to consider, but Dittmer and Jones helped us break it down into five criteria to look for: Jewelry that is made from recycled material is almost guaranteed to be lower in impact than a brand-new piece since it doesn’t contribute to extractive mining....

The 15-year anniversary theme is crystal, symbolizing both the splendor of a happy marriage, as well as the fragility, encouraging couples to continue to be intentional and tender in their relationship. For one thing, certified therapist De-Andrea Blaylock-Solar, MSW, LCSW-S, CST, says it’s a good idea to know your partner’s love language. Some people just straight up like receiving gifts, which makes gifting a bit easier. Someone who likes physical touch, though, might specifically prefer a massage certificate, or someone who likes quality time might like a specially planned date night for the two of you....

Here are 20 signs that you are living your purpose: 2. You have gone from being stuck to knowing that you are on a meaningful path that gives you true fulfillment. 3. Work brings joy instead of sucking energy out of your life. 4. You stopped doubting yourself. You feel confident and good about your choices. 5. Uncertainty, insecurity and worry are old patterns. You feel purposeful and know that the world needs you to be your best....

This all being said, all good comes in moderation. We are by no means expecting you to start ruminating over your bank account. Chances are, you might already be doing that: A survey showed that Americans say money is the thing they think about most daily. But here’s the thing: Part of having a good relationship with money is not thinking about it all the time. (If you just started a new romantic relationship, any good friend would tell you to cool it if you only thought about, interacted with, and talked about your partner....

Just like in a ballet class, the barre is used to help stretch the muscles in an upright position. If you don’t have a ballet barre, don’t worry, you can use a chair or even a countertop instead. So if you’re feeling burnt out, try these five barre exercises to increase flexibility:

Here are five simple yet powerful mini water rituals to help clear your energy.

Many people may believe that the way our lives unfold is pre-determined by a higher power—that our trials and tribulations are tests or lessons that have been laid out before us and are beyond our control. While others may believe that everything experienced in life is entirely a product of our own creation—the good, the bad and the ugly—whether we are conscious of it or not. Here are five benefits I’ve gleaned from the downs in the continuous ups and downs of life: The experience of pain can deepen your sense of gratitude: as Khalil Gibran wrote in The Prophet, “The deeper that sorrow carves into your being, the more joy you can contain....

Recipe: Combine 1 tablespoon of apple cider vinegar and 1 tablespoon of white vinegar. Apply to the stain on clothing and let sit for a few minutes, then immediately wash the item normally. Recipe: Combine water and ACV in a ratio of 3:1—for example, 3 cups of water to 1 cup of ACV. Soak fruits or veggies in the solution for 10 to 15 minutes, then rinse. Recipe: Combine 1 gallon of ACV with 1 ounce of orange oil and 1 teaspoon of liquid soap....

In 2011, researchers at Harvard were among the first to demonstrate that just eight weeks of mindfulness meditation training caused significant increase in the thickness of the hippocampus. These changes matched with the participants’ self-reports of their stress levels, demonstrating how changes in the brain correlate with subjective perception and feelings as well. How this happens is actually quite simple. When we focus our mind, we activate the frontal cortex and increase blood flow to this area....

Have you ever walked into a house that was clean and tidy but still felt heavy? Spiritual cleansing addresses those negative vibes that are invisible to the naked eye but hit your intuitive eye like a truck. The water can be added to a spray bottle to spritz in all the corners in each room or any area that feels stuck or stagnant. It can also be added to water that you mop floors with to purify and cleanse the energy from the ground up....

While there are no studies or evidence show that it’s possible to influence the body’s ph for improved health outcomes, in some traditional practices, acidity and alkalinity is used as a measure of well-being. The total pH scale ranges from 1 (most acidic) to 14 (most alkaline), with 7 considered to be neutral. According to Ayurveda, the ideal pH for the human body is 7.30 to 7.45, which is slightly alkaline....