Month: May 2020

Family

Should You Let Your Cat Sleep in Bed With You? 6 Benefits to Consider

Post author By Alexia Dellner
Post date May 31, 2020
No Comments on Should You Let Your Cat Sleep in Bed With You? 6 Benefits to Consider

Dogs have a rep as man’s best friend, but you know the truth—your feline is the purr-fect (ahem, non-slobbering) companion. In fact, you love your cat so much that you want to spend every waking—and sleeping—moment with her. But should you let your cat sleep in your bed with you? As it turns out, letting Simba snuggle on your duvet comes with some very cool benefits. Here, six things to consider.

(One quick note: Like with all animals, cats have the potential to transmit certain diseases to their owners so make sure you stay on top of your cat’s vaccinations and that you visit your vet regularly.)

1. It Promotes Bonding

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Your friends jokingly refer to you as “the cat lady,” but they may actually be on to something. According to research published in the journal Behavioural Processes, women actually do have a special bond with their cats. For the study, scientists observed the interactions between 41 cats and their human families. What they found was that felines were more likely to approach women than men and that these relationships were “more intense.” Meaning that your cat loves spending as much time with you as possible—don’t deprive her.

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2. It Can Help Relieve Stress

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Fact: Petting animals boosts the production of oxytocin, aka the “love” or “cuddle” hormone. But you already knew that one, right? (Here’s another cool tidbit—owning a cat could reduce your risk of a heart attack by nearly one third.) Letting your kitty into your bed at the end of a hectic day is a great way to help you relax and unwind.

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3. And It Can Make You Feel Calmer

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Pets are great for helping fight anxiety and depression (just think about how helpful service animals and pet therapy can be). Snuggling up with your cat can help quiet the mind and improve your mood—especially when the Sunday scaries hit.

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4. It Might Help You Fall Asleep

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That soothing purr is basically a lullaby, and that warm, furry little body lying on top of yours might as well be a weighted blanket. Yep, inviting Whiskers into bed with you is the coziest way to fall asleep. And researchers agree. Scientists surveyed 150 patients at the Center for Sleep Medicine, Mayo Clinic in Arizona. Out of those who said that they allowed their pets to sleep in the bedroom, 41 percent described them as unobtrusive or beneficial to sleep. (Just remember that cats are nocturnal, so don’t be surprised if they decide that 3 a.m. is playtime.)

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5. And Make You Feel Safe

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Remember that story of the cat who woke up its owners when there was a gas leak? Guard dogs get all the attention, but cats are pretty awesome, too. And the same Mayo Clinic study found that those who allowed pets to sleep in bed with them did so because it helped them sleep by providing security, companionship or relaxation. Catsanova may not scare away any intruders, but he’s got your back.

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6. Because It’s Too Hard Not To

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Cats are stubborn. They’re also creatures of habit, meaning that if you let your feline sleep with you for a couple of nights, then chances are she’s going to keep doing so. Our advice? Don’t fight it; just enjoy.

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Tags cat, family, National, Pet, Sleep

Home

7 Surprising Uses for Baking Soda

Post author By Pamela Masin
Post date May 31, 2020
No Comments on 7 Surprising Uses for Baking Soda

Let’s chat baking soda. Chances are you probably have a box chilling in the back of your fridge. But the white stuff, otherwise known as sodium bicarbonate, can do so much more than just absorb odors and make fluffy bread. Here are seven uses for baking soda beyond the kitchen.

1. Make A Face Mask

Purestock/Getty Images

Yes, it’s another beauty DIY using pantry staples, but hear us out. Baking soda can be a powerful ingredient in helping declog pores and gently exfoliating—two important things for cleansing congested skin. Combine it with lemon, a skin-brightener, and honey, which has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and you have an inexpensive skin care treatment that helps soothe acne-prone complexions (something that would cost upwards of $12 even for a drugstore buy).

Baking soda face mask recipe*

Step 1. Mix 1 or 2 tbsp of baking soda with the juice from half a lemon.

Step 2. Add a squirt or two of honey.

Step 3. Combine to create a paste-like consistency.

Step 4. Apply the mixture to a clean face.

Step 5. Let it sit for about 15 minutes.

Step 6. Rinse and say hello to a glowing complexion.

*Test this combination on your arm before applying to your face to make sure your skin is not sensitive to the ingredients.

Purestock/Getty Images

2. Clean Produce

@crystalmariesing/Twenty 20

Rid supermarket produce of pesticides—you know, those toxic chemicals sprayed on non-organic fruits and veggies to prevent insects, germs and weeds from damaging crops—by soaking them in a baking soda bath. According to a study in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry, baking soda is the most effective solution for removing pesticide residue from produce. Turns out even if you run items under tap water, you’re likely still consuming the chemicals you thought you were washing away (yikes!).

How to use baking soda to clean your produce:

Step 1. Fill a large bowl with two cups of water.

Step 2. Add 1 tsp of baking soda.

Step 3. Submerge produce for at least 2 minutes (the study found that soaking for 12-15 minutes completely removed all pesticides).

Step 4. Wash produce before eating.

@crystalmariesing/Twenty 20

3. Freshen The Air

serezniy/Getty Images

Not to be the bearer of bad news, but if you’ve ever finished a home cleaning day by misting a “fresh linen” scent around your space, what you were actually doing was releasing a list of hazardous chemicals into the air. Yes, really! Most air fresheners—including sprays, gels, plug-ins and beads—contain concerning ingredients, notably phthalates, which are used to make plastic flexible and can potentially cause cancer. In other words, if you want to emit a scent around your home without breathing in harmful toxins, try using a mix of baking soda (which neutralizes odors) and an essential oil (like lavender or eucalyptus) for an all-natural room spray.

DIY room spray:

Step 1. Mix 2 cups water with 1 tbsp of baking soda.

Step 2. Add 15 to 20 drops of an essential oil.

Step 3. Stir together.

Step 4. Transfer to a spray bottle.

serezniy/Getty Images

4. Treat Bug Bites

ThamKC/Getty Images

What’s not to love about backyard barbecues? Sunshine, hamburgers, outdoor games, cold beer. Oh wait, mosquitoes. Even if the citronella candles are burning, these pesky bugs somehow find a way to ruin the outdoor fun with their painful bites. Keep baking soda on hand to provide relief from itching and subside swelling so you can get back to your game of cornhole in no time.

Here’s how:

Step 1. Combine 1 tsp of baking soda with a few drops of water to make a paste.

Step 2. Dab it on to bite area.

Step 3. Let it dry and leave on until it flakes off.

ThamKC/Getty Images

5. Sop Up Oil Spills

filistimlyanin/Getty Images

Accidentally spill cooking oil on your kitchen rug or have an oil leak on the driveway? While your first instinct may be to grab a towel to wipe it away, this will actually make matters worse by spreading the stain. Instead, apply baking soda to absorb the extra moisture.

Here’s how:

Step 1. Use a damp washcloth (not wet!) and dab the stain to soak up excess oil;t do not rub.

Step 2. Sprinkle a generous amount of baking soda over the stain to cover it.

Step 3. Let the baking soda sit for an hour.

Step 4. Use a broom or vacuum cleaner to remove the baking soda.

Step 5. Apply an appropriate cleaning product for the material to treat the stain.

filistimlyanin/Getty Images

6. Clean Your Teeth

Bogdan Kurylo/Getty Images

Whether you’re in a pinch, transitioning to plastic-free living or worried you don’t know half the ingredients on the back of a store-bought tube, making your own toothpaste is far less intimidating that it sounds. All it takes is baking soda (a mild abrasive that’s alkaline, which helps neutralize acid to promote a healthy mouth), coconut oil and a few drops of an essential oil to get those pearly whites shining, the all-natural way.

How to make your own toothpaste:

Step 1. Liquify coconut oil in a saucepan over low heat.

Step 2. Mix 4 tbsp of coconut oil with 2 to 4 tbsp of baking soda (the more baking soda, the firmer the paste).

Step 3. Stir in 25 drops of an essential oil (peppermint, eucalyptus, grapefruit, the options are endless).

Step 4. Pour the liquid into a lidded glass jar and store in the fridge.

Step 5. Use a spoon to apply it to your toothbrush.

Bogdan Kurylo/Getty Images

7. Deodorize Your Carpet

RobynRoper/Getty Images

We all know carpeting can become a collector of spills and crumbs (especially when vacuuming gets pushed back on the list of chores to “I’ll get to it next weekend”). Combined with daily foot traffic, rugs absorb all sorts of smells…and have lots of little spaces to hide them. That’s where this time-efficient trick to deodorize your carpet comes in to play:

Step 1. Vacuum the carpet to remove any debris.

Step 2. Sprinkle baking soda across the rug, which neutralizes and absorbs deep-set odors.

Step 3. Let it sit for at least an hour (the longer it spends on the rug, the better).

Step 4. Vacuum up the baking soda. Seriously, it’s that easy!

Additional reporting by Jillian Quint

RobynRoper/Getty Images

Tags National

Food

Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company Just Launched a Disney Coffee Subscription Service

Post author By Alexandra Hough
Post date May 31, 2020
No Comments on Joffrey’s Coffee & Tea Company Just Launched a Disney Coffee Subscription Service

Tags coffee, Disney, food, National, subscription

Food

How to Store Carrots So They Don’t Go Soft

Post author By Emma Singer
Post date May 30, 2020
No Comments on How to Store Carrots So They Don’t Go Soft

Few veggies boast the versatility of the humble carrot: Their satisfying crunch makes ‘em a favorite snack, no stew or soup would be the same without the mild sweetness they impart, and their eye-catching color perks up any plate. Yep, this is one vegetable we can’t do without—which is why it’s a real drag when we reach into the bag for a snappy stick and realize our favorite root is soft. If this scenario sounds familiar, you’ll be relieved to hear we discovered the secret to keeping this kitchen staple fresh. Read on for the full scoop on how to store carrots so you won’t be stuck with a limp noodle the next time you’re craving something crisp.

How to Store Carrots in the Fridge

The fridge is the most popular place to store carrots, and fortunately, there’s no need to reinvent the wheel. Carrots will stay firm and garden-fresh in the fridge for up to a month—but that doesn’t mean you can chuck that produce bag in the crisper drawer and call it a day. Carrots have a habit of drying out, but the problem is easily solved with a little water. As soon as you bring those bright-orange babies home, put them in a plastic container filled with water so they are completely submerged. Note: If your carrots came with the green tops attached, be sure to cut those off first—the stems suck water away from the taproot (i.e., the part you eat) and will make your carrots go soft unless removed. Once your carrots are soaking, put a lid on the Tupperware to create an airtight seal and store them in the fridge away from other fruits and veggies, which will cause them to spoil sooner. Follow these guidelines and your carrots will stay firm and crunchy for up to four weeks—just be sure to change the water every four to five days or they might get gross before you can get to them.

How to Store Carrots in a Cellar

If you want to save space in your fridge and have access to a basement or cellar, you can stick your carrots down there instead. Carrots will happily live in a cool, dark space for up to six months. You don’t need water for this method—simply place unwashed carrots (green tops removed) in a large bucket and cover them with sand. This option isn’t as convenient as the fridge but it’s ideal for longer-term storage. (So basically, that bag of carrots will be delicious as both a summer snack and a Thanksgiving side.)

How to Freeze Carrots

Bought a big bag of carrots from the store and now you don’t know what to do with them? Freeze those bad boys and use ‘em for future stir-fries, soups, casseroles and more. The trick for how to freeze carrots is to blanch them first. Once partially cooked in boiling water and then rapidly cooled, bag those orange spears and place them in the back of your freezer where they’ll keep for up to 12 months.

5 Ways to Enjoy Those Fresh Carrots

Tags cooking, food, how-to, National

Fashion

7 PureWow Editors & 1 Zoom Meeting: Here’s What We’re Wearing to WFH

Post author By Sarah Stiefvater
Post date May 30, 2020
No Comments on 7 PureWow Editors & 1 Zoom Meeting: Here’s What We’re Wearing to WFH

Like many people, PureWow staffers are working from home right now, which means we only get to see our coworkers from the shoulders up on Zoom calls. And because we’re kind of nosy, we were curious: What are our colleagues actually wearing while they WFH? From Harry Potter T-shirts to lots (and lots) of tie-dye, here’s what seven editors wore for a recent Zoom meeting.

1. Chelsea Candelario, Editorial Assistant

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“I love graphic tees and I probably live in this one that I got as a gift in high school because I’m the biggest Harry Potter nerd. I’m also a huge fan of these gym shorts that I scored from Amazon and now own in every color.”

Get the look: Daydreamer T-shirt ($74); Champion gym shorts ($15)

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2. Katherine Gillen, Food Editor

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“My WFH outfit was built for utility: bike shorts allow me to work comfortably anywhere in my apartment (curled on the couch or at the ‘standing desk,’ aka a stack of books), the bandana does double duty as a mask if needed, and the T-shirt is plain, soft and inoffensive for Zoom calls (sorry, Bernie 2020 tee, not today). If you look closely, I’m also wearing an eyeglass chain, which is the least useful thing about the outfit because if I wore my glasses around my neck I couldn’t actually see???”

Get the look: Everlane top ($38); Tory Sport bike shorts ($68); Anthropologie bandana ($32)

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3. Taryn Pire, Associate Food Editor

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“My WFH outfit is always presentable on the top, comfy on the bottom. I usually wear leggings or joggers with a simple tee or blouse (I’m a sucker for stripes) and earrings, if I’m feeling fancy. The most essential WFH accessory I own is my blue light glasses. I used to get so many headaches from staring at my computer all day, but these made a huge difference. My other essential WFH accessory is my cat, who interrupts every single Zoom meeting I ever have.”

Get the look: Levi’s top ($15); Style & Co leggings ($25); Anthropologie blue light glasses ($89)

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4. Brianna Lapolla, Senior Commerce Editor

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“Call me basic, but there’s just something about tie-dye that instantly boosts my mood—especially when it’s neon and personalized. I got this one from the cutest Etsy shop (BFFs & Babes) that makes their tie-dye to order in a bunch of different color combos and with personalization options. Some day in the far-off future, I’ll be wearing this sweatshirt with actual jeans. But for now, it’s bike shorts and no shoes, on repeat.”

Get the look: BFFs & Babes sweatshirt ($70); Beyond Yoga bike shorts ($68)

brianna lapolla

5. Kara Cuzzone, Assistant Commerce Editor

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“Now that it’s starting to get warmer, I’ve traded in my daily hoodie for a cropped tee. I’m currently obsessed with these ones from Outdoor Voices. They’re 100 percent cotton and just boxy enough that I feel super comfortable, but don’t look like I’m wearing a potato sack. I usually pair them with sweats or leggings (TBH, I haven’t worn jeans since March), and today it’s a pair of 90 Degree by Reflex leggings. They’re so comfy that sometimes I forget I’m wearing pants. Highly recommend.”

Get the look: Outdoor Voices T-shirt ($35); 90 Degree by Reflex leggings ($25)

kara cuzzone

6. Abby Hepworth, Associate Editor

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“My quarantine style has evolved from wearing the same pair of Gap jeans and oversize blouses (à la the Olsen twins) everyday to now dressing like your uncle on vacation combined with a camp counselor. I think the shift has been largely influenced by a growing desire to take a trip literally anywhere. It’s been a lot of tropical print tops, DIY-looking beaded bracelets and a rotation of the same hiking shorts in three different colors. Yes, I own three pairs of these shorts but they’re truly the best shorts I’ve ever owned, hiking or not, and I love them deeply. I’ve also found that putting on jewelry, (including these super-bright, ’90s-inspired bracelets) makes me feel more put together and is so easy to do even if I skip the Hawaiian shirt in favor of my pajamas or a basic slip dress on those days when I can’t deal with something as complex and inhibiting as a zipper.”

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7. Sarah Stiefvater, Editor

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“My normal wardrobe is 90 percent black, and my WFH wardrobe is…exactly the same. I’ve been living in sweatshirts and leggings, but now that it’s getting a little warmer, I’m swapping out some of my more wintery pieces for summer-friendly alternatives. These sweatshorts are next-level comfy, and this sweatshirt from Terez is light, supersoft and has the cutest, subtle star print. Oh, and I absolutely loathe being barefoot, so I like to wear comfy sneakers around the house. Don’t worry; these babies are solely (get it?) house shoes—they’ve never seen the light of day—so I’m not dragging germs all over the place.”

Get the look: Terez sweatshirt ($96); H&M shorts ($13); Converse sneakers ($55)

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Tags Affiliate, fashion, National, outfit ideas, style, work

News

Logan Allen Shares Details on ‘Sweet Magnolias’ (Including a Potential Season 2)

Post author By Greta Heggeness
Post date May 30, 2020
No Comments on Logan Allen Shares Details on ‘Sweet Magnolias’ (Including a Potential Season 2)

*Warning: Spoilers ahead*

If you have a million questions after watching that shocking finale of Sweet Magnolias, you should know that Logan Allen (who plays Kyle Townsend) is just as clueless as we are about what’s to come.

ELIZA MORSE/NETFLIX

PureWow recently sat down for an interview with the 15-year-old actor, who shared exclusive new details about the popular Netflix series. The season one finale ended on a dramatic cliffhanger after (spoiler alert!) Kyle crashed Ty’s car with an unidentified person in the passenger seat. But according to Allen, no one—not even the cast—knows what led to the accident.

“Believe it or not, the writers didn’t tell us anything. I don’t know what’s happening,” he told PureWow. “I’m pretty much in the same boat as you guys, but the finale definitely left us all speechless. So, I’m as anxious as you guys are for hopefully a second season.”

ELIZA MORSE/NETFLIX

When asked about the possibility of Sweet Magnolias season two *crosses fingers*, Allen confessed that it hasn’t been renewed for another installment. However, he’s hopeful about the show’s future.

“I have not heard anything yet, but it has been number one on Netflix for like three days in a row now, which is just unbelievable,” Allen said.

The young actor also encouraged fans to spread the word about Sweet Magnolias, so the streaming service will have no choice but to develop another season. “If you guys really want that second season, even if you already watched the show once, watch it again. Tell your friends and family,” he continued. “It’s doing very, very well right now, but the more you watch it, the higher the chances that a second season is feasible.”

Your move, Netflix.

ELIZA MORSE/NETFLIX

Tags celebrity, entertainment, exclusive, National, netflix, news, tv

Beauty

We Ask a Derm: How Do You Get Rid of Cellulite?

Post author By Jenny Jin
Post date May 30, 2020
No Comments on We Ask a Derm: How Do You Get Rid of Cellulite?

It doesn’t matter your age or size or shape or skin tone; cellulite does not discriminate. And if you’ve ever wondered how to get rid of cellulite (sooo, that’s most of us, right?), you’ve come to the right place. We asked Dr. Joshua Zeichner, the director of cosmetic and clinical research at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York, for some answers.

Why does cellulite happen to good people?

“Cellulite is caused by fat trapped just under the skin’s surface and that’s tethered in place by fibrous bands,” explains Zeichner. “Unlike deep pockets of fat, which are responsive to exercise, even losing weight does not completely eliminate cellulite.” (Sad trombone.)

Are you saying that it can’t be fixed?

“There are several in-office procedures that can significantly improve the appearance of cellulite but may not completely get rid of it,” says Zeichner. Your main options are either to break apart those fibrous bands, so the fat is no longer stuck in one place, or reduce the amount of fat that’s under the skin.

Can you give me some examples of what to ask my derm?

Dr. Zeichner recommends asking about Cellfina, which uses needles to physically break apart those fibrous bands; Cellulaze, which is a laser that breaks apart fibrous bands, eliminates fat and thickens your skin; and fillers like Sculptra, which can be used to fill in dimples and camouflage cellulite.

OK, what about something that will help before the weekend?

Although there is no quick perma-fix for cellulite, there are things you can do to make it look better temporarily. Dr. Z’s (and our) go-to? Self-tanner, which creates the appearance of even-toned (and more toned) skin. We also like to use a bronzing body oil to smooth things over. (We’re currently loving Charlotte Tilbury’s Supermodel Body, which has a subtle shimmer that somehow makes everything look a little better.)

Another option? Try massaging a cream that contains caffeine over any lumpy areas. “Caffeine constricts blood vessels, which can help eliminate excess fluid,” explains Dr. Zeichner. “It also belongs to a family of compounds known as methylxanthines, which help the body metabolize and break apart fat cells themselves.” (You had us at caffeine, Dr. Z.)

Is there anything else we can do at home?

Yes, get thee some antioxidants and retinol. “The same ingredients you use on your face can help strengthen the skin on your legs. Antioxidants prevent free radical damage and promote healthy collagen production; retinol stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, which strengthen the skin’s foundation. The stronger and more elastic your skin is, the less underlying fat will show through.”

Some of our favorite antioxidants and retinols to slather on our limbs? Nécessaire The Body Lotion ($25); Paula’s Choice Retinol Skin-Smoothing Body Treatment ($28); One Love Organics Gardenia + Tea Antioxidant Body Serum ($39)

Tags beauty, how-to, National, skin, skincare, summer

Entertainment

7 Celebs Share Candid Details on Their Quarantine Routine

Post author By Greta Heggeness
Post date May 30, 2020
No Comments on 7 Celebs Share Candid Details on Their Quarantine Routine

NEW YORK, NY - JULY 26: Actress Laura Prepon visits the SiriusXM studios on July 26, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM)

If you’ve been wondering what your favorite celebrities have been up to during self-isolation, you’re in luck. PureWow recently got the inside scoop on a variety of celeb quarantine routines, from stars like Tan France, Laura Prepon and Lauren Lapkus. Keep reading for all the deets.