Smart Living

13 Polite Habits Hairdressers Actually Dislike—and What to Do Instead

Sometimes trying to do all the right things at the salon can backfire. Here's what to avoid when getting your hair cut or colored. The post 13 Polite Habits Hairdressers Actually Dislike—and What to Do Instead appeared first on Reader's Digest.

The best pet for you based on your zodiac sign

Choosing a pet is not a decision to be taken lightly. You'll need to make sure you'll be sharing your home with an animal that suits your lifestyle, available space, and even your personality type. Naturally aloof people might not want to be constantly hounded for canine kisses, just as cuddly types might be affronted by some cat breeds' haughtiness or a lizard's lack of overt affection. With that in mind, looking at which pets gel well with your zodiac sign can be a good start in deciding which loveable creature you'll be inviting into your life. Ready to get petting? Click through this gallery to discover the best pet for you based on your zodiac sign.

Eggplant Lovers—Pasta Alla Norma Will Be Your New Favorite Pasta Dinner

Fried eggplant simply belongs in pasta.

The history of braille in 20 points

Created by a teenage boy almost 200 years ago, one of the most recognizable tactile writing systems, braille helps give people who are blind or have low vision equal access to the written word. Let’s trace its fascinating history in the following 20 points.

Quick and healthy breakfast ideas for a busy morning

Mornings can get real hectic, and making a healthy breakfast may be the last thing on our minds. The good news is that there are plenty of quick and healthy breakfast ideas to try out that guarantee you an energizing start to the day. Click through the following gallery for some great breakfast ideas for a busy morning.

The one reason this winter basic keeps selling out

An Australian fashion brand is struggling to keep a winter basic loved by influencers in stock, because it is proving so popular with many fans labelling the item the 'best top, ever'.

Leo: Your love horoscope - May 16

Leo: here are your love predictions for the day May 16

These are the best canned foods to keep in your pantry

Canned foods often get a bad rap for being high in sodium and sometimes sugar. But it's actually a common misconception that they're not as healthy or flavorful as fresh or frozen options. In reality, they're a pantry essential. Long-lasting, packed with flavor, and often inexpensive, these canned foods make great starting points for simple meals at home. Plus, they can actually be tasty and nutritious, a total win-win situation! Click on for some of the best canned foods to keep in your pantry.

The surprising history of tartan

Worn by royalty and ruffians alike, tartan has evoked both the traditional and the subversive throughout its history. At times affirming Scottish identity and ridiculing it through contradictions like Chanel dresses and sculptural Donald Judd prints, tartan’s story is long and complicated, but the cloth has proved surprisingly adaptable to the changing winds of politics and fashion, workwear and tourist trinkets, and clans and catwalks. Intrigued? Click on to discover the surprising history of tartan.

Curious facts about witchcraft that will keep you spellbound

If you were accused of being a witch a few centuries ago you could expect to be persecuted, tortured, and burned at the stake. Heresy and black magic were simply not tolerated. But many of those who met a fiery end were totally innocent and died purely because of their religious beliefs. Here are 30 interesting facts and anomalies about witches and witchcraft that will have you spellbound. Click through the gallery to get started.

Foods you may be surprised to know are high in salt

Sometimes it's easy to forget how much salt is in the food we eat. Often, it's easy to assume that if you don't go too heavy with the salt at the table, that there's no problem. However, the issue is that so much of what we consume has too much salt in it already, even if you aren't adding any yourself. Take a look through the following gallery to find out which foods have a high salt content.

Essential skills that every adult should know

Does anything ever really prepare us for adulthood? Money, debt, families, work, negotiations... And stress! It's a pity that life doesn't come with a guide on how to 'adult' successfully. The critical skills, like learning how to unclog a toilet for example, would be great to know. Or at the very least, it would be great to be warned that you need to know before it's too late! Well, fear not! We've got you covered. Aside from ridding yourself of that rather smelly situation, we've included a few more skills you need to know in this gallery. So, what are you waiting for? Click through and see how many of these essential adult skills you've already ticked off.

Who are the Ascended Masters, and how can they help you?

Have you ever heard of the term Ascended Master? It refers to a group of beings who have evolved past the need to reincarnate. According to some esoteric teachings, these Masters can assist humans on Earth as they work toward enlightenment. The Masters are considered to exist at the lowest level of hierarchy, which is why they are able to interact with humanity. Many Ascended Masters are the spiritual exemplars originating across the spectrum of religious traditions. These saints and sages of the East and the West are said to be able to help those who call upon them. Intrigued? Click on to learn more about the Ascended Masters.

The Fascinating History Behind 15 Wedding Traditions

Before your big day, learn where our most common wedding traditions come from. The post The Fascinating History Behind 15 Wedding Traditions appeared first on Reader's Digest.

Why Sonny’s Pizza takeaway in Hong Kong is selling by-the-slice New York pizza, and its hot dog and ice cream partners

Takeaway-only Sonny's Pizza in SoHo sells New York-style pizza by the slice. It's the brainchild of chef Son Pham, and Shakib Pasha of Ming Fat Group Sonny's, which uses a special fermented dough for its pizza bases, shares its space with Randy's Hotdogs, and with Milk, which sells soft-serve ice cream Pizza is commonly eaten by the slice in North ...

MailOnline discovers what Londoners think of King Charles's portrait

MailOnline's Liberty Smith took to the streets of London to find out the public's reaction to the new portrait of King Charles, unveiled yesterday.

Does a Full Moon really trigger strange behavior?

For centuries, the Moon and its effect on humans has been at the center of mythology and folklore around the world. And to this day, there are many common beliefs about how the Full Moon and the lunar cycle can influence everything from sleep quality to mental health. While many of these beliefs have been dismissed by modern medicine, studies have shown that there may be some truth to a few of them. Curious? Click on to discover what researchers have discovered about the Moon’s effects on the human body and behavior.

Canada's most beautiful natural beauty spots you need to visit

These parks, refuges and natural areas are ideal for anyone looking for the ultimate Canadian experience.

The Best Way to Split the Check at Group Dinners—and Not Leave Grumpy

Apps like Splitwise and Tab can help divvy things up, but don’t be afraid to lean into those awkward money conversations.

The lives of America's first ladies before the White House

Over 50 women have held the role of First Lady of the United States, however, they have all been more than just the wives, daughters, or nieces of the nation's leaders. Until the 20th century, most of these women had little education, no careers, and were expected only to stand beside the country's leaders. But even before women had the right to vote, some of them still wielded great power, becoming prominent figures in US politics and culture. Then there are those who built up impressive resumes prior to becoming first ladies. So click on to discover the lives of America's first ladies before they moved into the White House.

Costco Has A New Bakery Item & Shoppers Are Obsessed

"I’d risk my life for this."

Mexican taco stand becomes first ever to receive a Michelin star

Arturo Rivera Martínez, who works at a taco stand in Mexico City, has become a Michelin star chef for serving $5 tacos with quality meat. His secret is simplicity and an extremely hot grill.

33 easy minced beef recipes bursting with flavour

Looking for a speedy midweek meal? Minced beef might just be the answer. Here’s we’ve rounded up the tastiest minced beef recipes around, from brilliant burgers to a rich Bolognese.

Famous acronyms you should definitely know the meaning of

We sometimes have a lot to say, but little time to say it. This is when acronyms come in for both formal and informal writing (and even speech). So what exactly are acronyms? Well, they're new words you create when you use the first letters of each word in a phrase or a list. Combining these letters you get a pronounceable word that other readers and listeners understand. Acronyms are shorthand abbreviations that, over time, become part of everyday language. You've probably seen some of these mixed in with common English texting abbreviations. But what exactly do you mean? Find out by clicking through the following gallery.

Are you ready for 25 hour days? One day they will be a reality

Confessions of a cleaner: their worst discoveries

Those who work as cleaners have the bizarre privilege (or curse) of excavating the most private corners of people's homes. Needless to say it's not always a bed of roses. Working in cleaning is like working in customer service–you'll never see humanity the same way again! Click through this gallery to read about the weirdest things found by cleaners.

After 3 years in Thailand, I moved back to New York. It didn't feel like home anymore, so I took off again.

While living in Thailand, Elizabeth Lavis was always craving comfort food from her town in New York. When she got back, she found her tastebuds had changed.

Where to travel based on your personality type

The Myers-Briggs personality test has been used for many years to assess people's personalities. It assesses different preferences to determine key aspects of our personality, and its results are often quite accurate. People look for different things when they travel, and these things are often influenced by their attitudes and actions in life. These influence the way they perceive the world and what they enjoy doing during a trip. An introverted person will most likely have a different approach to traveling when compared to an extroverted one, for instance. With this in mind, we've compiled a number of destinations specifically tailored for each Myers-Briggs result. If you haven't taken the test, do so to find the perfect travel destination for your bucket list! Click through the gallery and get to know the best destinations based on your personality type.

Fascinating ways different cultures ward off evil spirits

Much of the world subscribes to the belief in the dichotomy of good and evil, so it makes sense that most cultures have some form of ushering in the former and casting out the latter. Over the centuries, traditions, rituals, and festivals have developed and adapted to keep these ancient practices alive. The most fascinating part of these rituals is how creative various cultures' approach can be to warding off evil spirits, from jumping over babies to putting up phallic images around town. Click through to take a visual tour of some of the most stunning and most head-scratching practices to cast out evil.

Aespa, Olivia Rodrigo, and More: Singapore Concerts 2024 Lineup Revealed!

With such an amazing array of Singapore concerts 2024, there's no reason to miss out on the fun. Gather your family, secure your tickets, and get ready to create lasting memories together.

Barista Shows How to Make Popular Starbucks Drink at Home for Less Than $1

Cosette Manson, a popular barista on TikTok, went viral with her simple and cheap recipe for a homemade version of Starbucks' Iced Caramel Macchiato.

China teenager pleads with father to be better husband after dispute with mother, video ignites family harmony dialogues

Boy takes to Douyin 20 days after his father left home following an argument He says it is his father's responsibility to keep the peace in the home A teenage boy gained widespread attention on social media in China after sharing a heartfelt video pleading with his father to treat his mother with more kindness, following a heated marital disagreeme...

The world's oldest chocolate bars (still available today)

Whether or not you have a sweet tooth, you have probably tried a few candy bars over the years. In fact, some of us can only go without one for so long! Loved all around the world, the chocolate bar, either plain or with a combination of candies, is a sweet staple that's not going anywhere anytime soon. Which ones are still available today? Click through the following gallery to find out!

The best oils to cook with (and which to avoid)

We have been cooking with oils for millennia. From sautéing to deep frying, oils have always been staple ingredients in cuisines from around the world. Oils are fat, and there are different types of fats; some really good for us, others not so much. And then there are many other ingredients (e.g. vitamins) that oils contain, and smoke or burning point, which we also need to take into account when choosing an oil. In this gallery, we bring you a list of some of the best oils to cook with, and which ones to avoid. Click on for more.

Professional Faqs: Is Beetroot Beneficial For Ageing Eyes?

Expert opinion from Momoko Takada Bachelor's degree Nutrition · 3 years of experience · Japan Betacyanin, the red pigment in beets, is a powerful antioxidant. It also contains a lot of iron and folic acid, which are effective for blood and blood vessels, and may have a positive effect on peripheral blood vessels of the eye in addition to its antiox...

The houses of the zodiac explained

Most of us know our star sign based on our date of birth, and perhaps the headline characteristics of a few others. Virgos are organized, Leos are outgoing, and Pisces are sensitive. This is the most basic interpretation of astrology, so basic that it can actually reduce our understanding of human nature rather than add insight. The more you learn about the zodiac and the full birth chart, the more you can develop your knowledge of yourself and others. When you take into account the significance of the rising signs, the planets, and the elements, you’ll find a wealth of insight and understanding that will expand your mind and your compassion for those around you. The houses of the zodiac are one of the lesser-known elements of astrology, but they add fascinating depth to your personal chart. Click on to learn all about the houses, the signs that rule them, and what they mean for you.

Common baking mistakes and how to fix them

We've all had a moment where a baked creation didn't turn out exactly as planned. Maybe it was a cookie you had to fight to bite through, or a cake that looked perfect coming out of the oven—only to resemble a crater just moments later. It's enough to drive any home baker up the wall! Luckily baking is all about precision, which usually means that with just a few small adjustments, you can count on the perfect culinary creation. In this gallery we discuss some of the most common problems in baking specific items, why they happen, and what you can do to avoid them in the future. Read through and find out how to fix your baking blunders.

The Fastest-Rising Baby Names of 2024 Are In—and You Probably Haven't Heard of Some of Them

The Social Security Administration released the fastest-rising boy's and girl's names of the year. We're expecting them to climb the popularity charts soon!

Clever ingredient swaps that will improve your meals

Here are some of the most helpful ingredient swaps you'll want to remember.

Surprising facts about the Middle Ages

The Middle Ages had some rather surprising customs. Archery, for example, was compulsory at one point, and it was even possible to use eels as a form of rent payment. Despite being commonly known as the Dark Ages, this gallery aims to illuminate aspects of Medieval life. Take a look and uncover intriguing, unusual, and occasionally revolting details about the Middle Ages.

Feng shui hacks for a more harmonious home

Is your life a little hectic and chaotic right now? Are you in desperate need of some balance and good energy? Then look no further than this gallery, because here you'll find feng shui ideas to bring more peace and harmony into your household. Click through!

Which hairstyle was in fashion the year you were born?

From the short pixie to the long bohemian, hair trends change over time and leave the strongest impressions of each era's style. In the ever-changing world of beauty, there is always at least one iconic hairstyle that represents a particular year. If you want to know what hairstyle was hot the year you were born, click through this gallery and take a trip down memory lane.

Memorable epitaphs from famous gravestones

Words are one of the many forms through which we honor the deceased. Epitaphs come in all sorts of formats, depending on the person they are written for, and by whom. There are some famous dead people who have pretty unique epitaphs craved on their headstones, from poetic to funny. Despite the variety of styles, they all have something in common—they're memorable. In this gallery, you'll discover some of the most beautiful and quirky epitaphs from famous gravesites. Click on.

Accidental food inventions: History's most delicious mistakes

Whether it's getting a recipe wonderfully wrong or just getting lucky throwing together random ingredients from your fridge, everyone knows the feeling of having created something new and astonishingly tasty. Little do many people know, however, that some of the world's most beloved foods were born out of mistakes—along with spite, neglect, apathy, and laziness. Check out this gallery to see the surprising foods that were invented by accident.

The best "would you rather" questions ever asked

"Would you rather" questions are a fun game to play and indeed one that makes us think. The answers to some of these questions can actually reveal a lot about our personality. Granted, some of these are pretty tough choices, but therein lies the fun of it! Whether you're looking for "would you rather" questions for a game night with your friends or family, or you're just curious about your own choices, click through this gallery and check out the best of the best.

Tacos and Burritos Are Legally Sandwiches, Judge Rules

The issue stemmed from a zoning dispute.

Straw hat inspo for the sunny days ahead

Straw hats have been around for a long time. The material is easy to work with, it's cheap, and it's surprisingly fresh on a hot summer's day. Straw hats have been adopted by farmers, gardeners, boaters, and many other professionals. But beyond their practical uses, straw hats have also been used as stylish fashion accessories. From the classic boater to the Panama, and wide-brimmed chic straw hats, in this gallery you'll find a bit of everything. And of course, all modeled by your favorite celebrities. Click on!

Criminal couples: The most nefarious unions in history

They say you shouldn't mix business with pleasure. But for these couples, it's hard to determine which was which. Some shared an intense love for each other, and others simply shared an obsession. Click through the following gallery to learn more about these twisted lovers.

Delicious bean recipes to boost your protein intake

From cannellini to kidney, simple tins of beans added straight from the store cupboard add texture and protein and can bulk out recipes to make them go further. Here's why the humble bean should be your new kitchen best friend.

Products with a lifetime warranty you only need to buy once

Most brands will accept returns of products if they're defective, but offering a comprehensive lifetime guarantee is not something all companies do. Luckily, there are some brands that swear by their products, so much so that they will attest to their quality for the lifetime of the product. This means that consumers can return their products to be repaired or replaced, often years after purchase. It's worth mentioning, however, that exemptions usually apply to these lifetime warranties, including normal wear and tear as well as accidental damage, to name a few. In this gallery, you'll find a list of brands that offer a lifetime warranty on their products. Click on and find out which items you'll only ever have to buy once!