Peppermint tea can be enjoyed iced or hot, and a cup or two daily is the optimal amount to sip in all the health benefits, according to Lauren Cadillac, RD, CPT, and Bianca Kamhi, Certified Holistic Health Coach. Whether you’re in it purely for the fresh taste or eager to boost your digestion, ease your tension and more, here are a few added benefits to drinking peppermint tea. Calming effects “Some animal studies have shown that peppermint has a relaxing effect, especially on the gastrointestinal tract, demonstrating its ability to ease an upset stomach,” says Cadillac....

Whether you’re in the market for a geometric area rug to contrast natural wood furniture, or a plush shag rug for a kids’ playroom, these deals make finding a rug that fits your space easy. There are also indoor/outdoor rugs on sale that are perfect for entryways or patios since they’re weather-resistant. Because there are so many rugs on sale that fit every design style, we rounded up the 20 best deals to shop before the weekend ends....

I know what you’re thinking: You’re saying we should put more bacteria into our skin? Like, on purpose? Yes, and here’s why. Bacteria has a bad stigma. Your skin’s microbiome is a bustling, delicate ecosystem composed of more than 1 trillion bacteria crawling on our skin. But not all bacteria is bad—think of it like a vital blanket of beneficial bacteria. These essential bugs are the good guys—they exist to ward off infections, thwart environmental stress, boost immunity, and regulate pH levels....

Board-certified dermatologist, Shari Marchbein, MD, previously explained to Real Simple, “We need to switch up our skincare routine in the winter just as we would our wardrobe for the change of seasons. Humidity levels in the air drop, and this causes the skin to leach water back into the environment, making it dry. Couple this with long hot showers, not using appropriate moisturizers (or applying at the wrong time), and dry heat in most homes, and it’s a recipe for disaster....

Both Jungalow and Opalhouse are known for their ardently maximalist aesthetics with bohemian influences. So when the two brands worked together on a collection of decor and furniture for the bedroom, bathroom, and living room, the result was a line featuring bright colors, bold patterns, and natural textures. Target shoppers could find the items in stores as of June 13, but the products just became available to shop online today....

If you’ve yet to try out the skincare hero, soon you’ll want to bathe in it. Rosehip oil is ultra-rich in vitamin A, which is made up of compounds including retinoids—so you get a heady anti-aging impact, plus anti-inflammatory action from the ingredient’s omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids (another anti-aging benefit, and one that nixes the flakes retinol alone can trigger). Rosehip oil also includes lycopene and beta carotene, two powerful antioxidants that fend off free radicals and lighten hyperpigmentation....

Lead Paint Risks Lead can cause damage to the brain and other vital organs, as well as behavioral problems, learning disabilities, seizures, and even death. Young children and pregnant women, in particular, are at risk, but people (and animals) of any age can experience lead-caused health problems. Homes With Lead Paint There’s a large amount of lead in lead-based paint, and according to the Environmental Protection Agency, it’s one of the most common causes of lead poisoning....

With the right know-how, many of these updates are achievable DIYs, but it’s important to consider whether your skills are up to the task. We asked an expert to weigh the pros and cons of common DIY bathroom updates. Then, use these tips to help you determine whether to tackle these projects yourself or hire a professional. 1. Replacing a Toilet Most people don’t know how to replace a toilet....

When I toured the Southern Living Test Kitchen a couple of years ago, one of the other bloggers on the trip asked the Test Kitchen Director, Robby Melvin, how they continue to come up with new recipes month after month. His answer really resounded with me. He said that it’s not about reinventing the wheel and coming up with completely new recipes, it’s about taking ideas and recipes that have been around forever and putting a new spin on it (like our white chicken chili with caramelized corn)....

She’s written extensively about psychological and medical research, relationship conflicts, pregnancy, and postpartum care, neonatal loss, chronic condition mental health support, and the latest wellness trends. Her byline has appeared at Healthline, Well+Good, Psych Central, Greatist, Narratively, Romper, Nautilus, Narratively, AskMen, and Motherfigure Magazine among other places. Prior to joining Verywell, Simone worked as an editor at The Weather Channel, Upworthy, theSkimm, and Business Insider. Visit her website at simonescully....

Sormag’s Bed Pillows come in sets of two and are currently on sale for just over $25. They’ve amassed nearly 12,000 five-star ratings, and many shoppers say that they’ve improved the quality of their sleep. “I’m amazed at these pillows,” one reviewer wrote. “Very comfortable; you sink into them, but at same time [they] have support. My son says when he comes to my house, he feels like he’s at a luxury resort....

Skip Bulky Furniture Open space in tight zones is key for ease of movement. A pedestal-base dining table leaves plenty of legroom for sliding in and out, while bistro chairs (with their slender, armless frames) tuck right under the table. Plus, they make you feel like you’re sipping your coffee at a café in the Marais! Add a Pop of Color The dark gray cabinets and black hardware, counters, and stools let the golden banquette shine....

1. Prune in Late Winter The best time to prune is late winter or early spring before the tree begins to produce new leaves and after the coldest winter weather passes. Bare branches in late winter make it easy to see a tree’s structure. Before starting a pruning job, stand back and analyze the tree’s branching. Strong trees are generally symmetrical and have wide branch angles. A wide branch angle is formed when a branch grows from the trunk at a 45 to 60 degree angle....

Editor-Loved Early Black Friday Deals To prepare my kitchen for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and holiday entertaining, I’m replenishing some of my go-to’s and getting a few new tools. To refresh my dish towel assortment, I’m snagging a set of these basic, now-$10 ones that come in a variety of colors. A bundle of bakery boxes will take my holiday baking to the next level, especially when toting treats to get-togethers or gifting them to loved ones....

To come up with this list, we thoroughly researched the best garage storage systems on the market and narrowed down the options by considering factors such as size, material, and ease of installation. We made sure to include a variety of styles—including simple plastic storage bins and overhead options that take up no floor space—to suit garages of all sizes. For expert input, we tapped three professional organizers to learn more about their favorite garage organizers and get their recommendations on how to maximize storage space....

To find the best small dining tables, we devoted hours to researching the various models on the market, considering factors like shape, style, footprint, and even material. We also received recommendations and advice from interior design experts Young Huh and Alyssa Kapito, who both agree that circular tables tend to work better in smaller spaces. Our top pick, the Pottery Barn Rae Round Marble Pedestal Bistro Dining Table, is both practical and stylish, so it wastes no space in small areas....

Paige Anderson of Nitido Design recommends that shoppers look for a shower caddy that can hold all of the items you use in the shower, as well as one that’s easy to install, remove, and adjust so that it can fit in your space. To help you find the best shower caddy for your shower, we researched the top options available, taking into consideration each shower caddy’s size, material, weight capacity, and installation....

We took into account size, material, and compartments to come up with the best makeup bags. One of our top choices is the Relavel Cosmetics Case Organizer for its customizability and budget price. Whether you’re looking for something small to transport touch-up tools, or something with multiple compartments to keep your items still and safe while you’re traveling, we found the best makeup bags for every type of person and makeup collection....

Whether your space is large, small, newly renovated, or in desperate need of some sprucing, upgrading your shower curtain is a simple way to elevate and add personality to your bathroom. “People look to shower curtains to add warmth, texture, and personality to their bathroom,” says interior designer Ruthie Jackson. “They are an inexpensive and low-risk way to introduce a fun pattern.” We’ve identified the 18 best shower curtains that instantly up your bathroom game—from statement-making florals to hotel-quality neutrals....

To select the best living room rugs, we considered factors like pile height, material, design, color, size, and budget. For expert tips, we consulted interior designer Kate Lester of Kate Lester Interior, who explained what to look for in an area rug that combines both form and function. Since this is the area of your home with the most foot traffic, Lester suggests prioritizing pile height and material. “Wool is always amazing because it’s natural and can be cleaned via a carpet cleaner just like regular wall-to-wall carpet, but a blend option would be nice as they are much more affordable and are easy to spot clean,” says Lester....