5 Quick Fashion Tips for Men

I’m sitting here enjoying a hot cup tea, trying to get the creative juices flowing for this next article. Since everyone loves top lists, I thought I’d give you guys something you probably don’t see too often, a quick list of some practical fashion tips.
Here are 15 Quick Fashion tips:

1. Fit is King – The most dramatic improvement you can make in your style is to make sure everything fits impeccably. Most guys wear clothes that are too large. Make sure everything you wear is almost hugging the shape of your body – without being tight. Bad fit is an epidemic. The Kinowear Bible shows you how to avoid the “bad fit disease”.

2. Keep it simple – You want a wardrobe that looks great on you, but don’t overdo it. Don’t wear more than three pieces of jewelry or more than three colors. Don’t dress like a rock star unless you’re in a band. If you want to be flashy, a simpler but stylish look would be sporting a black striped dress shirt with a white blazer, a dark pair of jeans, a dressy belt, and your sharpest dress shoes. You could also add a flashy watch or a simple accessory like an interesting necklace, but nothing more. Check out out our article on basics to refresh yourself on what are essential wardrobe items.

3. Change the way you see casual – casual doesn’t have to be boring. Have fun with collared shirts, or take some inspiration from those who approach casual a bit differently.

Strawberry-Almond Cream Tart

Nestled in a creamy filling and crumbly graham cracker crust, strawberries shine in this delectable tart.

"OUTSTANDING!!!" said MegLee. "I made this as a birthday treat for my mother, everyone loved it, especially her!!! I can't wait for an occasion to make this again.

Ingredients

Crust:
36 honey graham crackers (about 9 sheets)
2 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons butter, melted
4 teaspoons water
Cooking spray
Filling:
2/3 cup light cream cheese
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
Topping:
6 cups small fresh strawberries, divided
2/3 cup sugar
1 tablespoon cornstarch
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons sliced almonds, toasted
Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°.

To prepare crust, place crackers in a food processor; process until crumbly. Add 2 tablespoons sugar, butter, and water; pulse just until moist. Place mixture in a 9-inch round removable-bottom tart pan coated with cooking spray, pressing into bottom and up sides of pan to 3/4 inch. Bake at 350° for 10 minutes or until lightly browned. Cool completely on a wire rack.

To prepare filling, combine cream cheese, 1/4 cup sugar, and extracts in a medium bowl; stir until smooth. Spread mixture evenly over bottom of tart shell.

To prepare topping, place 2 cups strawberries in food processor; process until pureed. Combine strawberry puree, 2/3 cup sugar, and cornstarch in a small saucepan over medium heat, stirring with a whisk. Bring to a boil, stirring constantly. Reduce heat to low; cook 1 minute. Remove glaze from heat, and cool to room temperature, stirring occasionally.

Combine 4 cups strawberries and juice; toss to coat. Arrange berries, bottoms up, in a circular pattern over filling. Spoon half of glaze evenly over berries (reserve remaining glaze for another use). Sprinkle nuts around edge. Cover and chill 3 hours.

Note: You can use either an 8 x 12-inch rectangular pan or a 9-inch round tart pan. The recipe also works with a 9-inch springform pan and a 10-inch pie plate.

Raspberry-Rhubarb Pie

Refrigerated pie dough makes preparing this tasty dessert a snap. Cornstarch and tapioca ensure a velvety filling by thickening the fruit juices. Serve this raspberry-rhubarb pie with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream.

Ingredients

   2 tablespoons uncooked quick-cooking tapioca
4 1/2 cups fresh raspberries (about 24 ounces) $
3 1/2 cups chopped fresh rhubarb (about 6 stalks)
1 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
2 tablespoons crème de cassis (black currant-flavored liqueur)
1/8 teaspoon salt $
1/2 (15-ounce) package refrigerated pie dough (such as Pillsbury)
Cooking spray $
6 tablespoons all-purpose flour $
1/4 cup sliced almonds
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons chilled butter, cut into small pieces $
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1/8 teaspoon salt $
Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°.

2. Place tapioca in a spice or coffee grinder; process until finely ground. Combine tapioca, raspberries, and next 5 ingredients (through 1/8 teaspoon salt) in a bowl; toss well. Let raspberry mixture stand 10 minutes; stir to combine.

3. Roll 1 (9-inch) dough portion into an 11-inch circle. Fit dough into a 9-inch pie plate coated with cooking spray, draping excess dough over edges. Spoon raspberry mixture and any remaining liquid into dough. Fold edges under; flute. Bake at 350° for 40 minutes.

4. While pie bakes, place flour and remaining ingredients in a food processor; pulse 10 times or until mixture resembles coarse crumbs.

5. Increase the oven temperature to 375°.

6. Sprinkle topping evenly over pie. Bake at 375° for 15 minutes or until topping is golden brown and filling is thick and bubbly. Cool completely on a wire rack.

Delicious Ways to Mix Jicama and Orange

C in the spotlight! Both jicama and oranges are packed with the potent antioxidant vitamin.

Some foods, weirdly enough, just taste better together. Try these four jicama and orange recipes to see for yourself.

Romulo Yanes

Seared Tuna with Orange and Jicama Salsa
4 yellowfin tuna steaks (6 oz each)
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
2 tsp olive oil

Salsa
2 oranges
2 cups grated jicama
1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
1/4 cup chopped cilantro
1 Tbsp finely chopped red chili pepper
1 1/2 tsp grated fresh ginger 1 pinch salt

Zest one orange, then segment both over a bowl, reserving any juice. Combine orange segments, juice, and zest with remaining salsa ingredients. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour. Remove tuna from fridge 10 minutes prior to cooking and season both sides with salt and pepper. Heat oil in a large skillet over high heat. Sear tuna for 2 minutes, flip, then sear 1 to 2 minutes longer. Using tongs, sear the edges. Serve with salsa.

Makes 4 servings. Per serving: 270 cal, 4 g fat (l g sat), 15 g carbs, 7 g sugar, 390 mg sodium, 5 g fiber, 41 g protein


Three More Delicious Recipes
1. Turkey club wrap: In a small bowl, mash 1 avocado with a fork. Peel and segment 1 orange over the bowl, squeezing juice from the membranes, and combine with avocado. Spread each of 4 large lettuce leaves (iceberg, romaine, or red leaf) with 1/4 of the avocado mixture. Top each with 1 oz deli turkey; 1 oz thinly sliced jicama; 1/2 slice cooked bacon, crumbled; 1/2 tomato, halved and sliced; and 1 Tbsp dried cranberries. Roll each leaf like a burrito and cut in the middle, securing each half with a toothpick. Serves 4.

2. Spicy roasted jicama and oranges: Cut 1 pound peeled jicama into logs 2 to 3 inches long and about 1/2 inch thick. Cut 2 oranges into 8 wedges, remove the center pith, then cut the wedges in half crosswise. Toss the jicama and oranges with 2 tsp olive oil and 4 1/2 tsp fajita seasoning mix. Spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet and roast in a preheated 400°F oven for 20 minutes, stirring once about halfway through. Cool slightly before serving. Serves 4.

3. Jicama-orange salad: Peel 1 pound jicama and cut into matchsticks. Thinly slice 4 scallions and 8 radishes and toss with jicama. In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 4 tsp extra-virgin olive oil, and 4 tsp honey. Pour liquid over jicama mixture and toss to coat. Peel and cut 4 oranges into about 6 slices each, dividing among 4 plates. Loosely pile the jicama mixture in the center of the oranges. Serves 4.

Your Breakfast Cereal Could Be Loaded With This Scary Toxin

Added sugar isn't the only bad-for-you substance lurking in your bowl.

Next time you pour yourself a hearty bowl of oat flakes, think about this: Your super nutritious morning meal might be contaminated with a health-harming mold. A new study from the American Chemical Society analyzed almost 500 breakfast cereals made with various grains, and the oat-based cereals were found to contain worrisome levels of a common toxic mold that’s been linked to cancer.

The toxin, called ochratoxin (OTA), occurs naturally when food isn’t stored properly; it’s been caught lurking in everything from pork to peas. OTA is regulated in Europe because it’s been found to cause kidney cancer in animals, and the World Health Organization believes it may be a human carcinogen as well. Yet it’s not monitored here in the United States.

To get a sense of how much of the stuff might be hiding in U.S. cereals, a research team writing in the Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry devised a study. Researchers bought 489 types of cereal made from corn, wheat, oats, and rice. After analyzing samples, they found that up to 48 percent of the cereals were contaminated with OTA. The good news is, the level of contamination didn’t typically exceed the healthy limits set by European regulations. What is troubling, though, is that eight percent of the oat-based cereals tested did come in over that healthy threshold. Ick.

Researchers concluded that the processing and storing of oats needs to be monitored more closely. But what does it mean if your favorite way to start the day is with a bowl of oatmeal or a yummy oatmeal smoothie? Don’t give it up. “While OTA is not harmless, most studies are done in animals and not people, and the levels in our diet are at least 25 times lower than the threshold set by the EU,” says Maggie Moon, R.D., a Los Angeles-based nutritionist and owner of Everyday Healthy Eating. Still, it’s a smart idea to safeguard your cereal by bagging the cardboard box and storing it in a cool, dry place in an airtight container. “I'd hate for someone to cut out a healthful food like oatmeal because of this study, but it is a good reminder to pay attention to food safety,” says Moon.

Quick and Easy Desserts

 

Quick Cherry Crisp

Crumbled shortbread cookies and toasted pecans top succulent red cherries in this easy-to-make dessert.

    Makes: 4 servings
    Start to Finish 20 mins

Ingredients

    1/3-1/2 cup sugar
    1 tablespoon cornstarch
    4 cups frozen unsweetened pitted tart red cherries
    1 cup crumbled shortbread cookies
    2 tablespoons butter or margarine, melted
    1/4 cup chopped pecans or almonds, toasted
    Ice cream (optional)

Directions

    In a small bowl, combine sugar and cornstarch. In a large saucepan, sprinkle cornstarch mixture over cherries; stir to combine. Cook and stir over medium heat about 10 minutes or until thickened and bubbly. Cook and stir for 2 minutes more.
    Meanwhile, in a medium bowl, thoroughly combine crumbled cookies, butter, and nuts
    Divide cherry mixture among four dessert dishes. Sprinkle cookie mixture over cherry mixture. If desired, serve with ice cream.

Nutrition Facts

(Quick Cherry Crisp)
Servings Per Recipe 4, sat. fat (g) 6, cal. (kcal) 362, Monosaturated fat (g) 8, pro. (g) 4, Polyunsaturated fat (g) 3, fiber (g) 4, sugar (g) 35, vit. A (IU) 1506, chol. (mg) 20, calcium (mg) 40, Potassium (mg) 246, iron (mg) 2, Thiamin (mg) 0, vit. C (mg) 3, Niacin (mg) 1, Riboflavin (mg) 0, Folate (µg) 28, Pyridoxine (Vit. B6) (mg) 0, Fat, total (g) 17, sodium (mg) 152, carb. (g) 52, Cobalamin (Vit. B12) (µg) 0

Saying This Simple Phrase to Your Partner Works Relationship Magic

One woman started using it with her husband—and was thrilled with the results.

I used to work for a startup that was big on using certain phrases to promote workplace harmony. I thought it was more than a little cheeseball at first—until I realized one in particular worked really well on my husband, Chris.

I actually discovered it by accident. Chris was ticked off and frazzled by his job, and after I listened to his venting, one of my work phrases just slipped out on autopilot: "How can I help?" He immediately relaxed, apologized for his tirade, and vowed not to let work get to him so much. Holy crap, it worked!


I whip it out when Chris is stressed and upset and even when he's annoyed at me. I'm such a big fan of "how can I help?" that I've told my friends about it, and now they use it on the regular. And it works every. Freaking. Time. Their partners usually take a beat, chill out, and tell us what we can do to help make the situation better.

It almost feels like I'm cheating the system—I skip all the venting, bypass the part where I will definitely might say something that'll upset Chris even more, and get to where I can actually take action to help, all in a matter of seconds.

What is it about this phrase that's so amazing?

It has pretty much everything you need to show your partner you care, which is crucial when they're upset, says New York-based relationship expert Jane Greer, Ph.D., author of What About Me? She says "how can I help?" conveys five important things: You're tuned in to your partner, aware of what they're going through, considering their feelings and needs, empathetic to their situation, and looking to help out on a supportive, concrete level.


Even better, Greer points out that the phrase gives women an exact roadmap on what to do next. You'll usually get an answer as simple as "just listen" (psh—already done) but if your S.O. needs something more in-depth, now is his chance to speak up. If he doesn't...well, you asked.

What REALLY Causes Stretch Marks

Plus, the best science-backed ways to prevent (and even erase!) the unsightly scars

Plus, the best science-backed ways to prevent (and even erase!) the unsightly scars

If you’re loading up on cocoa butter to ward off pregnancy-related stretch marks, you might want to save your money: As it turns out, genetics can seriously increase your odds of getting stretch marks, according to research published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology.

For the study, scientists from the personal genetics company 23andMe examined the DNA of 33,930 people, 4,967 of whom were women with severe pregnancy-related stretch marks. They found that mutations in or near four specific genes—ELN, SRPX, HMCN1, and TMEM18—increased the participants’ risk of stretch marks by 40 percent. Of these genes, ELN (aka elastin) was the most strongly tied to stretch marks, especially those developed during pregnancy. Elastin is the major component of elastic fibers, which help tissues stretch and retract.

See, while excess tension on the skin is the short explanation for stretch marks, some people are more prone to developing them than others, says study author Joyce Tung, Ph.D., director of research at 23andMe. For instance, in the study, only 25 percent of the men reported having stretch marks, but 55 percent of the women did.

“Previously, no genetic variants were known to be associated with isolated stretch marks,” says Tung, who hopes the findings will lead to more effective treatments that target elastin production.

In the meantime, talk to your doctor about these science-approved prescriptions for preventing and erasing stretch marks:

4 Simple Steps To Do Manicure And Pedicure At Home

“Beauty goes beyond a pretty face”: Whoever said so was very wise. There is a big difference between being pretty genetically and being well-groomed. A girl who takes care of herself can be identified instantly. All girls take care of themselves to maintain a pretty face. But, to figure who truly takes proper care of herself, just look at her hands and feet. Being the essential parts of the human body, hands and feet go through the most amount of torture day in and day out. Without proper care, they show early signs of aging and exposure. To take due care, they should be given proper manicure and pedicure, at least once every fortnight.
Everyone has a wrong notion that manicure and pedicures are meant only for those who have the time and money to go to a luxury spa/parlor. But, with a few basic necessities anyone can have well-groomed hands and feet.

Required Things For Manicure And Pedicure:

First, gather all the basic necessities for this purpose. This includes,

    Nail polish remover
    Nail cutter
    Nail File
    Small bowl for manicure and bigger bowl for pedicure
    Warm water
    Mild shampoo
    Towel
    Mild scrub
    Pumice stone
    Hand cream
    Feet cream
    Nail polish- Base coat, nail color, and top coat, (optional: nail decals/stickers)
    Nail toe separator

Here’s a simple step by step tutorial to help you get the best pedicure and manicure at home. Step 1 is common for both manicures and pedicures.

Eat These 5 Fruits To Get Healthy And Glowing Skin

Simple lifestyle changes like incorporating fruits in your daily diet can give you glowing skin. Fruits help with Clear complexion; Skin rejuvenation, Natural hydration; Improvement of Skin texture and making the skin appear youthful and glowing. Fruits are safe with no side effects and are cost-effective at the same time. They are free from toxins and have a host of skin and health benefits.

Let us look at a few fruits to get fair and glowing skin.

1. Bananas:
Bananas, being rich in Vitamin A, Vitamin B and Vitamin E, act as an anti-ageing agent. Opt for a facial using a freshly mashed banana mixed with honey to get glowing skin. It is a rich source of fiber, minerals, magnesium and potassium; they help in proper blood circulation in our body and build immunity from within.They are a great substitute for unhealthy snacking in between meals.

2. Lemons:
It has high Vitamin C content and natural bleaching properties making it a good cleanser that lightens blemishes, acne scars, spots and skin tone. Start your day by drinking 1 glass of warm water mixed with a dash of lemon juice and 1 teaspoon of honey on an empty stomach. This fights cellulite and clears your skin from within.

A mixture of lemon juice and honey reduces blemishes and acquire glowing skin.

3. Oranges:
Oranges are rich source of Vitamin C, thereby improves skin texture. It removes blemishes and naturally slows down the process of ageing. Dry orange peels, crush them into powder form and store this in an airtight container. Use this as a natural scrub once or twice weekly for clear and glowing skin.

4. Apples:
Apples have high antioxidant action, preventing cell and tissue damage and works as an anti-ageing agent. It helps minimize wrinkles and fine lines keeping the bowels clean. Apply apple juice mixed with some honey on your face; let it dry and wash off. This is a very good hydrating face mask.

7 Gorgeous Ways to Style Wet Hair

Go from shower to out the door in no time.

Whether it's because you sleep in, go straight from the gym to work, or are long overdue for a new hair dryer, sometimes, you just don't have time for a post-shower blowout. And even though we don't recommend opting for wet hairstyles often—it can be damaging to your strands—we don't want you to look like a hot mess, either. So next time you're shower-fresh and in a hurry, go for one of these styles to look totally put together—even if you're not.

The Loose Triple Bun

Not only will this bun look like you spent much longer in front of the mirror than you actually did, but the loose twists will make for a faster air-dry time and give you messy waves.

French-Braided Bun

Wet hair can be limp and lifeless, so create the illusion of volume on your damp strands by upgrading your go-to top knot with a French braid.

The Braided Crown

You know the hair around your face is often the first to dry—and first to frizz up—so take care of it with this look.
The Gibson Knot

This might be the one exception where wet hair is easier to work with than dry hair—and you'll have this ultra-chic tuck to show for it when you try this style.

Dutch Braided Top Knot

Bonus: Top this off with a headband, and you'll be professional in the front, party in the back.

8 Ways to Keep as Much Hair on Your Head as Possible

Not all shedding is unavoidable

If you've ever freaked out about how much hair you've been shedding recently, you're fears aren't unfounded. According to the American Hair Loss Association, women actually make up 40 percent of those experiencing hair loss. But before you jump to any conclusions, know this: Everything from your diet to your hairstyling habits could be affecting how many strands you lose. Try these simple expert-approved tips to keep your head of hair full and healthy. 

"Scalp massage helps to stimulate the scalp and remove dead skin cells—both of which encourage healthy hair growth," says Philip Kingsley, a trichologist (someone who studies scalp and hair health) and founder of Philip Kingsley Haircare. Use the balls of your fingers to massage the shampoo into your scalp, moving from the hairline to the back of the head. This move boosts blood flow and stimulates the hair follicles for growth.

"Brushes that cause a lot of traction call pull hair out from the follicle," says Kingsley. "If done repeatedly, this can lead to permanent hair loss." Always start towards your ends (not your roots), moving gently from section to section.

"Hair is at its most fragile [and prone to breakage] when it is wet, being that the protective cuticle is slightly raised," says Robert Dorin, a hair-restoration surgeon at True & Dorin Medical Group in New York City. Always wait until your hair has fully dried before putting it in a ponytail or brushing it through.

Another simple fix: "Instead of wrapping hair in a towel turban, which can cause breakage, gently pat wet hair with a towel to soak up excess moisture," says Jill Crosby, a celebrity hairstylist in Los Angeles.

"Too much UV exposure from the sun can damage your hair, weakening it and causing it to appear dull," says Dorin. "This is because the keratin proteins in the hair break down when exposed to UV rays." Not only does he recommend seeking shade (year-round, ladies!), he suggests spritzing strands with a hairspray that has UV protection prior to sun exposure.

9 Things Only Women Who Have a Twin Understand

Life is a little different when you’re not quite one of a kind.

Ever wondered what it’s like to be a twin? You’re not the only one! Confessing that I'm an identical twin is often met with the same series of questions: Do you have ESP? Not really. Can you feel when the other one is pain? Not at all. Here are nine things about being a twin that are actually true.

1. You're an Expert Among Sharing Experts
From sharing nutrients in the womb to fighting over car keys as teenagers, no one can excel at this elementary skill quite like twins.

2. There's This Twin Thing
Let’s be honest: There are things other siblings, friends, or significant others just won’t understand. Like how sometimes you think you have ESP, or know what the other is thinking with just a look. The simplest explanation will always have your back: Sorry, it’s a twin thing.

3. You Actually Know What It Feels Like to Double Your Wardrobe
Okay, so maybe your mom once made you wear the same outfits but in different colors. Now, you get a whole second wardrobe to raid. Bonus style points for twins with the same shoe size. Cha-ching!

4. Talking About Fertilized Eggs Is Normal
You’ve been explaining the biological differences between identical and fraternal twins since your sixth grade health class. Here’s the gist: Identical twins mean the fertilized egg split—it’s an unpredictable occurrence that has nothing to do with your genes. Fraternal twins occur when a woman produces multiple eggs and two become fertilized—this is a genetic thing.

5. Life Is More Fun When You Have a Partner in Crime
"Remember when" stories are much better when they go way, way back. Like that time you successfully duped your parents or teachers, or when you pulled a prank on another sibling 10, 15, or 25 years ago.

The Top Complaints Men Have About Marriage

Marriage therapists open up about the gripes they hear most often.

You promise to stay with your hubby in sickness and in heath, but nowhere in the wedding vows of most modern-day couples does it say they promise not to complain about each another from time to time. It's a natural urge. And while many complaints are individual to each couple, there are some that men seem to bring up over and over again. Moshe Ratson, a licensed marriage and family therapist based in Manhattan, and Lori Weinreich, a licensed clinical social worker and couples therapist, dish on what married guys most frequently vent about:

"The Nagging Never Stops"

One of the more cringe-worthy stereotypes about married women is that they can be very, um, demanding of their husbands. But what you think of as a helpful (and obviously necessary) reminder, he might hear as straight-up criticism. "Men often feel that no matter what they do, it's never good enough," says Weinreich. "When they feel like they're being attacked, their basic instincts kick in: fight, flight, or freeze." To keep your husband from going all caveman on you, it's important to get to the deeper emotions underneath the anger that bubbles to the surface. So instead of saying, "You're not taking out the garbage often enough," try something more along the lines of, "I'm feeling so overwhelmed with work right now. I know it might not seem like a big deal, but it would really mean a lot to me if you could take care of the garbage on Tuesdays and Fridays so there's one less thing on my plate." And be sure he knows that you appreciate the effort he is putting in.

We’ve All Been Putting Our Makeup on the Wrong Way

Turns out, the order you apply each product is super important.

Believe it or not, when it comes to your makeup, the order you put things on is just as important as the products you use.

And surprisingly, face makeup shouldn’t actually be your first step. If your eye makeup somehow always migrates onto your face—causing you to have to take off your foundation and start from the beginning—there’s an easy fix for that: Start your makeup application with your eye makeup instead.

  "Eye shadow has a tendency to flake during application, especially when creating a smoky eye,” says Jennifer Fleming, a CoverGirl makeup artist.  “Starting with eyes ensures you won't need to reapply foundation and concealer.” Pretty genius, right? This trick will save you serious time getting ready.

And when it comes to your eye makeup, you should use eye shadow first, then eyeliner, which is used to layer your shadow and create more definition. However, "If you don't have a steady hand, you can apply eyeliner first and then blend eye shadow on top to soften the line," she says.

Put your mascara on last since "applying eye shadow [or liner] after [mascara] can cause the products to flake onto the lashes and cause clumps," says Fleming.

Then you can go about your business as usual, applying foundation, concealer, and powder. If you want a sun-kissed glow, dust on bronzer after powder since bronzer is meant to only add color to areas where the sun naturally hits (think hairline, temples, bridge of the nose, and cheekbones), says Fleming.

As for your lips, always apply lip liner before lipstick—it works as a primer and defines the lip’s shape, says Fleming.

7 Ways to Increase Your Odds of Getting Pregnant

Let the baby-making commence!

According to what you learned in middle school sex ed class, getting pregnant is easy-peasy. You practically high-five a guy, and you’ll get knocked up.

But getting pregnant can be way harder than it looks (especially if you’re relying on the high-five method). According to fertility expert Peter Ahlering, M.D., most healthy women under the age of 35 have a 20 to 25 percent chance of getting pregnant each month when they’re actually trying. And those odds decrease the older you get after that. “There is more involved than one may think,” says Ahlering.

When I tried to get pregnant the first time, I was shocked to realize that I really didn’t know how to make a baby—or rather, how to make the whole process easier. I thought I could get knocked up every time I had sex, which explains why I bought pregnancy tests about as often as I order takeout (you’re welcome, pregnancy test industry).


Ready to make a baby? Try these tips from top fertility experts to increase the odds you’ll be prego ASAP…that is, if you want to be.

Take Prenatal Vitamins
You’ve probably heard that it’s a good idea to take prenatal vitamins when you’re pregnant, but doing so before you’re with child can up your chances of having a baby, says fertility specialist Gloria Richard-Davis, M.D., coauthor of Planning Parenthood. “Eating healthy will raise your chances of conceiving," she explains, "and prenatal vitamins help fill in any holes in the mother’s diet.” Look for one with vitamin B6—it’s been shown to increase fertility—and take it with Omega-3 fish oil, which helps aid absorption of the vitamins.

Try to Time It
Yeah, timing when you get busy is a little unsexy, but since you were going to have sex anyway…you might as well make it count. Having sex when you’re ovulating is important, but there’s a little more to it. “There is a four- to five-day window around ovulation, starting two days prior to actual ovulation, [during which] a female can conceive,” says Ahlering. He recommends trying a couple of times during that period if you can swing it. How can you tell when you’re ovulating? You can pick up an ovulation kit at your local pharmacy, or you can save money and keep tabs on your vaginal discharge—when there’s more than usual and it’s similar to the consistency of egg whites, you’re probably ovulating.

How to Dress up for a Party

Three Methods:Choosing an Outfit and Accessories Playing Around With Hair and Makeup Taking Care of Personal Hygiene

Do you love parties, but you're not really sure how to dress up for one? What if you are shy and just want to make a good first impression? Not to worry - this article will tell you everything you need to know about dressing and generally getting ready for a party. Just see Step 1 below to get started.
started.

Method 1 of 3: Choosing an Outfit and Accessories

    1
    Think about the time and location of the party. As all girls know, choosing the right outfit for a party is a very important task. The first thing you need to consider is the time and location of the party, as this will affect everything -- from your clothes and your shoes to your jewelry and makeup!
        If the party is during the day, at a bowling alley or theme park, you probably want to go with something comfortable yet cool, like jeans and a statement tee.
        If the party is at night, in a fancy restaurant or club, you will probably need to go a little dressier and wear something like a cute dress, a playsuit or a skirt and top combo.

    2
    Consider your own personal style. When you're attending a cool party, you want to stand out -- but in a good way.
        So if you want to be unique, you should come up with a cool alternative to the norm that suits your personality but still fits with the vibe of the party.
        For example, if you're not the type of girl who would normally wear high heels, but you still want to look glam, you could try wearing a pair of bejewelled sneakers instead!
       3
    Think about your budget. Can you afford to buy a new outfit, or do you need to work with what's already in your wardrobe?
        If it's the latter, consider combining your existing clothes in new and unusual ways, try layering a couple of tops on top of each other, clashing non-matching patterns or combining unusual fabric -- like a black biker jacket with a pretty silk dress.

How to Be Stylish

Three parts: Picking Clothes Dressing Presentation

Everybody wants to know how to dress cute and look appropriate for whatever life brings, so if that's you then keep reading.

Part 1 of 3: Picking Clothes


    1
    Wear clothes that flatter your shape. The first thing to do to look effortlessly stylish is to make sure that you’re wearing clothes that are good for your body type. Since effortless style is supposed to be subtle, you’ll need your clothes fitting well in order to get the elegant, expensive look from your clothing. You want clothes that make you look thinner and the perfect height, with everything in proportion.


    2
    Stick to classic cuts. Effortless style is mainly based around classic looks. Dressing for the trends just shows that you put way too much thought into that outfit and that you’ve been following fashion news like a broker watching stocks. Choose classic styles in classic cuts for a more effortless look that looks good for years.
        This means women should beware of floor length casual dresses in favor of knee-length, for example, while men should shy away from skinny-legged suit trousers in favor of something more loose-fitting.

    3
    Choose muted, neutral colors and bold accents. What colors are popular and what colors are considered absolutely hideous is very dependent on time and place. Just look at your mom’s clothes from the 1970s, for example. In order to look effortlessly stylish, you’re going to want a more timeless look, which means sticking to more muted and neutral colors. This can, however, be broken up with bold accent colors, especially on accessories.
        Muted colors include tan, black, white, denim/navy blue, and gray.
        Good accent colors include most shades of red, many shades of blue, plum/eggplant purple, golden yellow (like rubber ducks or tulips), and emerald green.
        Be careful of certain colors. Be wary of other greens and yellows, and generally avoid oranges, as these colors are very prone to going in and out of fashion.

How to Dress Fashionably

Three Methods:Lay the Ground work Find Your Fashion Make It Happen

Sometimes it seems like beauty isn't in the eye of the beholder, doesn't it? Fashion can seem very elusive and only for the privileged. But it's easier to start taking strides in the right direction than you think, towards confidence and a fashionable wardrobe.
Method 1 of 3: Lay the Groundwork

     1
    Organize your wardrobe. Get out all your clothes and decide which ones you want and don't want. Donate, sell, and a top tip you could host your own boot sale, with anything that you haven't worn in a year, doesn't fit or isn't your style.
        If you haven't worn it in a year, you won't miss it. Thinking, "I could need this one day!" will leave you thinking you have nothing to wear for most. Clean it out. Someone else could second-love your things.
        If you have loads of items that don't fit anymore, don't keep them all to be hopeful. Keep a few of your favorites, but pitch the rest. A closet full of clothes that don't fit can be very de-motivating.
      2
    Know your body type. And dress for it. The most fashionable items in the world right now won't look good on you if you don't have the right body type for it. It does not mean you're too fat, too thin, too tall, or too short. You just don't have the optimal shape for that cut.
        Dispose of everything that doesn't fit you right. And you'll know. If your silhouette isn't quite what it could be, odds are you don't wear it.
        When you go shopping, keep your body type in mind. For most women, it's ideal to draw in at the waist and elongate the leg. If you get stuck, you can always ask a sales professional; it's their job to help you look good.
      3
    Take a good look in the mirror. Try to look at yourself as objectively as possible. Pick things about your physical appearance that you like and dislike. What do you want to disguise? What do you want to emphasize? What's your coloring?
        It's important to figure out the answers to these questions before you go shopping so you know what to buy! If you haven't a clue, shopping for a new wardrobe can be very intimidating.

Five Stupid Things Cheaters Say and How to Respond

Cheaters say the darndest things.

If you've ever had the misfortune of being cheated on, you've probably found yourself gobsmacked at the excuses cheaters give.

Haven't you wanted the perfect rejoinder? Wouldn't you love to know what's going on inside their noggins to make them spout such nonsense?

Well, wonder no more. Here's five stupid things cheaters say and how to respond.

I didn't intend to hurt you.

Hurting you was unintentional? Cheating is about as deliberate as a NATO airstrike. There's nothing unintentional about secret cell phones, dating profiles, diverted monies, and clandestine hook-ups. It takes a lot of planning and premeditation to cheat. What was unintentional was you finding out about it.

Cheaters prefer the passive voice language of "mistakes were made" after discovery. (No pronouns, no responsibility!) In the real world, people don't just accidently land on each other's genitals. It's not a "mistake" or something that "just happened." That sort of language distances cheaters from personal responsibility for their crappy choices.

"I didn't intend to hurt you" is gas lighting with some blame shifting thrown in for good measure. Hey, hurting you wasn't a conscious choice. If you want to interpret what I did as hurtful, well, that's on you. But it's not how I intended it. See how this trick works? The onus shifts from the cheater (who didn't intend to hurt you) to you (a person who has mistakenly taken offense where offense wasn't intended). Left out of the equation is that they did something offensive.

"I didn't intend to hurt you" is a gem of impression management. Yes, they are cheaters, but not bad people. It's not like they go around feeling like Dr. Evil, plotting your downfall. Hurting you was completely beside the point! You're a bit of collateral damage, that's all; so don't take it so hard. What's important to remember is that the cheater is still a splendid person.

The fact is they didn't care if they hurt you. Not enough. They did the risk benefit analysis and screwing around won out over your feelings every time.

10 Best Anti Aging Supplements Worth Taking

Do you often feel worried that you are aging too fast? Have you ever dreamt of some magic pill which can slow down the aging process and keep you young for long? Be it the pollution in the environment or the type of food we eat every day, we are only aging faster than ever.

So, how can you combat this issue? Are there any anti-aging supplements that you can use? Well, there are! And this post talks about ten such supplements, which are known to be the best when it comes to slowing down the aging process.

Want to know what those supplements are? Then you better read this post!
1. Coenzyme Q-10:

As we grow older, an enzyme named CoQ10, which is produced by the body, decreases eventually with the passing years. In fact, low production of enzyme CoQ10 is linked with various age related disorders like Parkinson’s disease, cancer, and diabetes.

How Does It Work:

Researches have shown that the supplement CoQ10 helps in preventing the blood from clotting in an efficient way. This feature of the supplement helps in containing the chances of heart attack and other heart related diseases.

This supplement also acts as an antioxidant. The presence of these enzymes in our body protects our cell from damage, thereby resulting in healthy skin, hair and overall health.
2. Resveratrol:

This is a polyphenol that is found in grapes and berries. The effectiveness of this element is often linked with the old notion that wine is the secret behind long and healthy life. Daily dose of this supplement is recommended for a longer life span.

10 Things Good Men Will NEVER Do (As Written By A Good Man)

You deserve, at least, this much.

I find lately that any time I write an article outlining certain traits of men or how we "should" or "shouldn’t" act in a relationship (I have to be careful with those words because people often accuse me of telling everyone how to act…) that I get plenty of backlash from those who disagree with what I'm saying because men do not realistically act in these ways.

First thing's first: Good men do act in these ways. If you are going to put an asterisk on behavior that's to be expected from well-adjusted, emotionally stable, good man, then you're not dating a good man. Here are a few things that should make you strap on a jet pack and full throttle it in the other direction:


"Oh, if only your hair was a little longer." "If only you lost those couple of extra pounds." "If you would only wear more makeup." A good man will never take jabs at your appearance in a way that's demeaning to you or makes you feel badly about yourself. If he is doing this, he's purposely attempting to lower your self-worth so you won't feel confident enough to leave him. It's his way of trying to control you and it's emotional abuse. Walk. Away. Now.

2. A good man will never invade your privacy.

In a healthy relationship, there is no need to hide anything. Texts, emails, facebook messages, whatever. But that doesn’t mean your partner has the right to snoop through them if you happen to leave your phone around or your computer open. Someone who does this is showing a massive insecurity on their part and is likely projecting their own infidelities and issues onto you. This should not be ignored.

11 Things Girls Who Are Addicted to Beauty Products Do But Will Never Admit To

Time to 'fess up.

Do you know your way around a Sephora better than the employees? And have you ever joked around that you should be on an episode of Hoarders because of how many makeup, skin-care, and hair products you own?

Don’t worry, there’s no shame in being obsessed with beauty products (we admit that we are, too). After all, using the right foundation or styling cream can instantly transform your look and make you feel more confident. So if beauty addict describes you, it's time to own up. Here are some of the hilariously wacky habits you’ve probably done more times than you can count (even though you've never opened up about them before):


1. You Buy Stuff Just to Get the Bonus Points at Sephora
You’re part of the VIB (that’s Very Important Beauty Insider, thank you very much) club for life.


2. You Buy Your Favorite Product in Mass Quantities Because You Heard a Rumor It Might Be Discontinued
You better believe no one else is getting their hands on that Maybelline mascara.


3. You Stalk eBay for Products That Have Already Been Discontinued
$60 for your favorite, no-longer-made drugstore powder is a total steal, right? Right?!

4. You Get Your Makeup Done at Sephora Before a Night Out
And you feel triumphant when you don't let a saleslady pressure you into buying anything.


5. You're a Little Too Attached to That Lip Gloss You’ve Used Once in the Last Five Years
You get sad when you think about tossing it. It might be full of germs, but it’s so pretty!

6. You Keep Multiples of the Same Product Everywhere
You have an EOS lip balm in your purse, your car, and your office desk drawer.


7. You Pack an Entire Suitcase Full of Products When You Travel
You just never know when a facial cleansing oil could come in handy. 

8. You’re the First One in Line at the MAC Store Whenever a Limited-Edition Collection Comes Out
Hello Kitty, Wonder Woman, Cinderella: You’ve got ‘em all.


9. You Plan Your Outfits Around Your Makeup
You truly believe eye shadow is the best accessory.

10. You Call a Shopping Spree at Sephora or ULTA a “Haul”
Because haul sounds so much better than credit card debt, doesn’t it?


11. Speaking of Money, You Spend Way More on Beauty Products Than You Do on Clothes—Or Food
Who needs a stocked fridge when you’ve got antioxidant-packed eye creams and moisturizers?

How to Banish Puffiness, Dark Circles, and Fine Lines for Good

These eye cream tips will take years off your face.

Yes, sunglasses and a good SPF should always be in your under-eye arsenal. But the skin around your peepers is the most delicate on your whole body—which also makes it the most susceptible to damage. In fact, the eye area ages 36 percent faster than the rest of your face.

Your miracle in a jar? Eye cream.

A good one reverses the signs of aging, makes you look wide awake and nourishes dry skin. Here's the best product for your biggest issue.

Best for Dark Circles
Yes to Blueberries Eye Firming Treatment ($13, drugstore.com) contains horse chestnut, a natural botanical that nips dark circles in the bud by stimulating circulation. It's also packed with antioxidants that brighten dark areas by triggering melatonin production. Pro tip: Apply it after moisturizer for maximum brightening effects.

Best for Puffiness
Estée Lauder Advanced Repair Eye Serum ($65, esteelauder.com) is the only cream we've used that makes good on its claims to banish bags while cooling skin simultaneously. The light-as-air product has a refreshing chill and depuffs the second you apply it. We like to mix a little bit in with the brand's Double Wear Concealer ($24, nordstrom.com), another under-eye secret weapon.

What 8 Women Learned From Breaking Up With Their BFFs

Some friendships weren't meant to be forever.

Everyone knows that breakups in general are the freaking worst, but one of the toughest failed relationships to get over is a friendship. No matter the reason for your split, ending a friendship can make you feel as miserable—if not more miserable—than breaking up with a dude you've been seeing. After all, wasn't she the one who helped you get over all those mediocre guys of the past?

But just like cutting the cord in a toxic romantic relationship can help you see the light, ditching a friend who doesn't bring out your best side can teach you a lot about yourself and what a healthy friendship should actually look like.

So we asked Women's Health readers to spill what things became clear after they decided to call it quits with a girlfriend. Here, the lessons they learned post-breakup:

"Walking away from a friend of 20 years was one of the most difficult things I've had to do. She was there for me after my first serious relationship ended and no one else would listen. But when I met someone new, she got really controlling and jealous. I had to slowly back off until eventually we stopped speaking. I felt guilty at first because I thought I owed her for helping me get through my breakup. But now I realize that I didn't owe her anything. Friends are supposed to be there for each other, not control your life." –Deb B.

"I've had to cut off friends before, and each time, I felt a sense of relief. I needed to stop doing things for people who expected my help and didn't appreciate it. I learned that real friendship is a two-way street." –Luisa P.

3 ‘Good’ Habits That Are Actually Giving You Breakouts

A.K.A. Why your skin has sucked so much lately

More often than not, you can blame your hormones for your breakouts. Yet, there are other times when pimples randomly appear and don’t quite seem to have a source. Bummer alert: Turns out, that source might be some of your regular habits. Dermatologist Adebola Dele-Michael, M.D., of Radiant Skin Dermatology and Laser describes the surprising culprits.

Whipping Out Your Cleansing Brush
"Using any type of products that are exfoliating too aggressively can cause irritation and inflammation to the skin," says Dele-Michael. When you break them out too often, these trendy brushes over-exfoliate, causing dryness first and acne second. Your skin will try to counteract the dryness by producing an overload of sebum, or natural oils. "If you have sensitive skin or severe acne, it's best to see a board-certified dermatologist to suggest a good skincare regimen," says Dele-Michael.  

 Practicing Yoga
A communal yoga mat may be convenient, but unclean mats carry sweat, dirt, and oil that clog pores. And if you rub your face on the mat (hello, child's pose), you can expect breakouts on your face and body. "Use your own yoga mat and bring a towel with you to class," says Dele-Michael. "After class, wipe down your mat with the towel, and remember to take a shower and wash your face with a gentle cleanser" right when you get home.

Trimming Your Bangs
Styled bangs may be your go-to, but they're also a major cause of forehead acne. "[It] develops when the hair follicles in your forehead become clogged, causing inflammation on the skin," says Dele-Michael. "Styling products that contain ingredients like silicones, sulfates, petroleum, jojoba oil, and shea butter tend to trap the most bacteria and create a breeding ground for acne." So when choosing hair products, consider opting for natural-based formulas.

7 Skin-Care Ingredients You Might Be Allergic To

Plus, how to deal if your skin freaks out

Ever used a new scrub or moisturizer—only to be left with red, itchy skin? The ingredients in your products could be to blame. "Most ingredients that exfoliate, cleanse, or strip the skin can be potentially irritating," says Ron Robinson, a cosmetic chemist and the founder of BeautyStat.com.

What’s more, some people are much more sensitive to certain allergy-inducing ingredients than others, says Dendy Engelman, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist in New York City. "It's nothing the patient is doing wrong,” she says.  “Most often it's genetics or what they were exposed to—or not exposed to—during their childhood."

 Before you try a new skin-care product, be aware of these common irritants.

1. Salicylic Acid
"[This] acid is the same active ingredient in aspirin," explains Engelman. "And three to five percent of the population is sensitive to aspirin, too." Salicylic acid is usually used to treat blemishes, but it’s possible to experience hives or inflammation from using it. Engelman recommends benzoyl peroxide to target acne control instead if salicylic acid irritates you. Arithmetic Acne Control Complex ($30, arithmeticproducts.com) provides a low dose of benzoyl so it's perfect for sensitive skin.

2. Aluminum
Aluminum is commonly found in deodorant and antiperspirant because it helps reduce sweating, says Engelman. But because it's a salt, it can cause redness, itching, and even swelling. "Another alternative is magnesium oil, which uses ninasium chloride to prevent sweating, or aluminum-free deodorants." We like Ancient Minerals Magnesium Oil ($20, amazon.com) or Desert Essence Natural Roll-On Deodorant ($5.75, desertessence.com).

3. Glycolic Acid
"This acid is so small that it's very good at penetrating into the skin," says David Bank, M.D., a dermatologist in Mount Kisco, New York. "On the efficacy side, it's great. But that rapid entry can make it more irritating." The result is mild side effects—redness and drying. "[A better option for sensitive skin] is lactic acid, [which is] physically larger so it releases more gradually over time." Try Philosophy Miracle Worker Miraculous Anti-Aging Lactic Acid Cleanser & Mask ($35, ulta.com).
Image of woman washing her hair
Shutterstock

Weird Facts About Cheating

You won't believe what researchers dug up this time
Size does matter…just not the size of what you think.

A new study claims that women are more likely to cheat on their man if he has big balls. (Yep, you read that right.) Researchers from the University of Oslo studied monkeys, grasshoppers, and sea urchins specifically—and they found that a female is more likely to have other sexual relationships if her mate has large testicles.

The testicles of humans are one-and-a-half times larger than those of gorillas—and researchers say this shows that we are an unfaithful race by nature.

Personally, we'd like to know why they decided to study monkeys, bugs, and sea urchins to determine human behavior, but we digress. The point is that you'd probably have to have big balls to interject yourself into someone else's relationship. (Bro code, guys?)

Hungry for other bizarre facts found from cheating studies? Here are 10 research-backed findings that had us doing a double take:

3 Things Every Girl With Curls Needs in Her Beauty Kit

Oh, curls. If you've got 'em, you've probably tried smoothing things out to see how the other side of the shaft lives. But times, they are a-changing. Globally, more of us have naturally curly hair. And "there's a newfound interest in authenticity," says psychologist Vivian Diller, Ph.D. "Curls tell people 'I'm real. I can let go.'" (We think she means losing the death grip on your flatiron.)

Still, some of us need a nudge. Inspiration: Dove's new "Love Your Curls" campaign encourages women to relish their above-the-neck curves. And last year, actress Halle Berry reportedly took her ex to court for straightening their daughter's hair.

When it's not making waves, this hair type is turning heads. So whether you were born curly or just wanna join the club, check out the April 2015 issue of Women's Health (on sale today!) for all the tips you'll need to rock a gorgeous mane.

In the meantime, here's the three must-haves every curly girl needs to spiral into control:

1. Diffuser: "It blows evenly dispersed air, not gusts of wind, so curls won't frizz or form flyaways," says hairstylist Tippi Shorter. Choose one with fingers, like Conair Pro Universal Tourmaline Finger Diffuser attachment ($10, sallybeauty.com), which cradles your curls and maintains their shape as they dry.

2. Microfiber towel: It's much softer than terry cloth or cotton, so it won't create friction that can cause fuzz. And since it absorbs more water from strands, it helps products penetrate better. Try DevaCurl DevaTowel ($12, devacurl.com).

3. Wide-tooth comb: Because a brush spells breakage for curls. We like Ouidad Double Detangler Comb ($26, ulta.com).

Bonus: Not born with bends? Suave Professionals Sea Mineral Infusion Moisturizing Body Shampoo and Conditioner ($3 each, at drugstores) can make texture easier to achieve.

Ready to show off your curls? Enter our #CurlyHairContest!
Insta before-and-after pics of your coils, and you could win every product featured in our April 2015 curly hair story! Here's how:

1. Follow @WomensHealthMag on Instagram.
2. Post your best before-and-after photo of your straight to curly transformation*, tagging @WomensHealthMag and #CurlyHairContest.
3. ENTER HERE for your chance to win by 4/21/2015.

*The judging criteria includes the best hair transformation from straight hair to curly hair in one of the following categories as included in our April issue story, #Curlyhairdontcare: tight coils, loopy soft curls, or defined and beachy waves. Hair will also be judged on its overall health and shine.

Pecan Praline Coffee Cake

The fragrance: Sweet + Woods or Herbs (like Lancôme La Vie Est Belle Eau De Parfum Spray, $62, lancome-usa.com)
The recipe: Pecan Praline Coffee Cake
Developed by: Tiffany MacIsaac of Buttercream Bakeshop in Washington, D.C.

14 Tbsp (2 3/4 sticks) unsalted butter, melted
3/4 cup + 2 Tbsp buttermilk
2 large eggs
1 1/2 cups sugar 1/2 cup + 3 Tbsp dark brown sugar, divided
2 Tbsp molasses
3 cups flour
1 1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp cinnamon
1 tsp powdered ginger
1/2 tsp cardamom
1/4 tsp kosher salt
1/3 cup pecans, chopped and toasted
1 recipe Sage Crumble Topping (below)

1. Melt butter, and set aside. Preheat oven to 350°F.

2. Whisk to combine buttermilk, eggs, sugar, 1/2 cup brown sugar, and molasses in a mixing bowl.

3. Whisk together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, ginger, cardamom, and salt in a separate bowl.

4. Add wet mixture and melted butter to dry ingredients. Whisk until smooth and fully combined.

5. Spray a 11" x 7" baking pan with cooking spray, and pour half the batter into the pan. Spread evenly. Sprinkle the pecans and reserved 3 Tbsp brown sugar evenly over the batter.

6. Pour the remaining batter on top of the pecans and spread to the edges. Top with sage crumble, and bake 55-65 minutes, rotating the pan after the first 30 minutes. The cake will be golden brown when it's done, and a small knife inserted in the center of the cake should come out clean.

For the Sage Crumble Topping:

1 cup flour
1/2 cup dark brown sugar
5-6 sage leaves
8 Tbsp (1 stick) butter, melted
1/4 tsp salt

1. Combine flour, sugar, and sage in a food processor, and process 45-60 seconds, or until the sage is no longer visible.

2. Add butter and salt while the machine is running, and mix to combine.

Yummy Recipes That Will Make Your Kitchen Smell Absolutely Heavenly

Gourmand fragrances (ones that have an edible quality) are ditching their overly saccharine rep—and getting way more sophisticated (you can read more about this in our April issue, on newsstands now). So we asked top pastry chefs to whip up desserts inspired by the hottest new scent combinations. They taste every bit as good as they smell. The only question? Which one will you make first.
Courtesy of Chef Christina Tosi

The fragrance: Sweet + Aquatic (like Maison Martin Margiela Replica Beach Walk, $125, sephora.com)
The recipe: Salt and Pepper Cookies
Developed by: Chef Christina Tosi of Momofuku Milkbar in New York City

 16 Tbsp (2 sticks) unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 1⁄2 cups sugar
1 large egg
2 cups flour
1 Tbsp kosher salt
2 tsp black pepper
1⁄2 tsp baking powder
1⁄4 tsp baking soda

1. Heat oven to 375°F.

2. Combine butter and sugar in the bowl of a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, and cream on high until homogenous, about 3 minutes. (If you don't have a stand mixer, you can use a hand mixer.) Add egg, and mix until just combined, about 1 minute.

3. Add flour, salt, pepper, baking powder, and baking soda, mixing until just combined, about 30 seconds.

4. Portion 2 3⁄4-ounce scoops of dough 2 to 3 inches apart onto a greased or lined baking sheet. Bake the cookies for 9 to 10 minutes, until golden brown. Cool completely on the pan.

Roast Sticky Chicken-Rotisserie Style

Recipe by Sue Rogers

"Ever wish you could get that restaurant-style rotisserie chicken at home? Well, with minimal preparation and about 5 hours' cooking time (great for the weekends!) you can! I don't bother to baste the bird, though some like to for the first hour. The pan juices always caramelize at the bottom, and the chicken will turn golden brown...fall-off-the-bone good!"

Ingredients
  4 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons paprika
1 teaspoon onion powder
 1 teaspoon dried thyme
 1 teaspoon white pepper
  1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
2 onions, quartered
 2 (4 pound) whole chickens

Directions

    In a small bowl, mix together salt, paprika, onion powder, thyme, white pepper, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and garlic powder. Remove and discard giblets from chicken. Rinse chicken cavity, and pat dry with paper towel. Rub each chicken inside and out with spice mixture. Place 1 onion into the cavity of each chicken. Place chickens in a resealable bag or double wrap with plastic wrap. Refrigerate overnight, or at least 4 to 6 hours.
    Preheat oven to 250 degrees F (120 degrees C).
    Place chickens in a roasting pan. Bake uncovered for 5 hours, to a minimum internal temperature of 180 degrees F (85 degrees C). Let the chickens stand for 10 minutes before carving.

French Apple Tart (Tarte de Pommes a la Normande)

Ingredients
    Pastry:

    1 1/3 cups all-purpose flour

    1 pinch salt

    1/2 cup butter, softened

    1 egg yolk

    3 tablespoons cold water, or as needed

        Frangipane:

    1/2 cup butter, softened

    1/2 cup white sugar

    1 egg, beaten

    1 egg yolk

    1 tablespoon apple brandy

    2/3 cup ground almonds

    2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
    4 medium sweet apples - peeled, cored, halved and thinly sliced
   1 teaspoon white sugar for decoration
    1/4 cup apricot jelly

Directions

    In a medium bowl, stir together 1 1/3 cups of flour and salt. Add the butter, 1 egg yolk and water, and stir until the mixture forms large crumbs. If it is too dry to press a handful together, stir in more water. Press the dough into a ball, and wrap in plastic wrap. Flatten slightly, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or until firm. This part can be done up to three days in advance.
    To make the frangipane, cream together the butter and 1/2 cup of sugar in a medium bowl until light and soft. Gradually mix in the egg and the remaining egg yolk one at a time. Stir in the apple brandy. Stir 2 tablespoons of flour into the ground almonds, then mix into the batter. Set aside.
    Roll the pastry dough out to about a 12 inch circle on a lightly floured surface. Fold loosely into quarters, and center the point in a 10 inch tart or pie pan. Unfold dough, and press into the bottom and up the sides. Prick with a fork all over, and flute the edges. Return pastry to the refrigerator to chill until firm.
    Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F (200 degrees C). Place a baking sheet inside the oven while it preheats.
    Spoon the frangipane into the chilled pastry, and spread into an even layer. Arrange the apple slices in an overlapping spiral pattern. Each slice should have one edge pressed into the frangipane until it touches the pastry base, and then overlap the previous slice. Start at the outside edge, and work towards the center.
    Place the pie plate on top of the baking sheet in the preheated oven. Bake for 15 minutes, or until the filling begins to brown. Reduce the oven temperature to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Bake for another 10 minutes, then sprinkle sugar over the top of the tart. Return to the oven for 10 more minutes, or until the sugar caramelizes slightly.
    Cool the tart on a wire rack. A short time before serving, warm the apricot jelly. Add some water if necessary to make it a liquid consistency. Brush onto the tart for a nice shine.

Nathan’s Lemon Cake

This is a namesake because the recipe developer’s mom baked it for his birthday every year. We've adapted this recipe to trim the fat and calories, and it's still a moist, lemony treat.

Ingredients
Cake:
Cooking spray
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
2 cups all-purpose flour (about 9 ounces)
1 teaspoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 1/2 cups granulated sugar
1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened
3 large eggs
1 cup nonfat buttermilk
2 tablespoons finely grated lemon rind
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
Icing:
3 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup unsalted butter, melted
1 tablespoon lemon rind
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
Lemon rind strips (optional)

Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 350°.

2. To prepare cake, coat 2 (8-inch) round cake pans with cooking spray; line bottoms of pans with wax paper. Coat wax paper with cooking spray. Dust pans with 2 tablespoons flour, and set aside.

3. Lightly spoon 2 cups flour into dry measuring cups, and level with a knife. Combine 2 cups flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt, stirring with a whisk.

4. Place granulated sugar and 1/2 cup butter in a large bowl; beat with a mixer at medium speed until well blended (about 5 minutes). Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add flour mixture and nonfat buttermilk alternately to sugar mixture, beginning and ending with the flour mixture. Beat in 2 tablespoons lemon rind and 2 tablespoons lemon juice.

5. Pour batter into prepared pans; sharply tap pans once on counter to remove air bubbles. Bake at 350° for 32 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool in pans 10 minutes on a wire rack; remove from pans. Cool completely on wire rack; remove wax paper from cake layers.

6. To prepare icing, combine powdered sugar and the remaining ingredients (except lemon rind strips) in a large bowl; stir with a whisk until smooth. Place 1 cake layer on a plate; spread half of icing on top of cake. Top with remaining cake layer. Spread remaining half of icing over top of cake. Garnish with lemon rind strips, if desired. Store cake loosely covered in the refrigerator.

Classic Fudge-Walnut Brownies

The most recent recipe in the competition, it won unanimously because of the intense richness from cocoa, melted chocolate, and chocolate chunks. --Recipe by Maureen Callahan, September 2011

Ingredients

3.38 ounces all-purpose flour (about 3/4 cup)
1 cup granulated sugar
3/4 cup unsweetened cocoa
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup bittersweet chocolate chunks, divided
1/3 cup fat-free milk
6 tablespoons butter, melted
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs, lightly beaten
1/2 cup chopped walnuts, divided
Cooking spray

Preparation

1. Preheat oven to 350°.

2. Weigh or lightly spoon flour into dry measuring cups; level with a knife. Combine flour and next 5 ingredients (through salt) in a large bowl. Combine 1/2 cup chocolate and milk in a microwave-safe bowl; microwave at HIGH 1 minute, stirring after 30 seconds. Stir in butter, vanilla, and eggs. Add milk mixture, 1/2 cup chocolate, and 1/4 cup nuts to flour mixture; stir to combine.

3. Pour the batter into a 9-inch square metal baking pan coated with cooking spray; sprinkle with remaining 1/4 cup nuts. Bake at 350° for 22 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out with moist crumbs clinging. Cool in pan on a wire rack. Cut into 20 pieces.

Bailey’s Irish cream cheese swirl brownies recipe

“I love food. I have always loved food. Most importantly, I have always loved sweets. Almost every great memory in my life can be traced back to food in some form or manner,” she explains.

“My husband is a big fan of Bailey’s Irish Cream and so I thought I would throw that into the mix of some cream cheese brownies to make them a little more special,” she wrote.

BAILEY’S IRISH CREAM CHEESE SWIRL BROWNIES

For the Swirl:
3 ounces cream cheese, room temperature
2 TBSP unsalted butter, room temperature
¼  cup sugar
1 large egg
1 TBSP all purpose flour
2 TBSP Bailey’s Irish Cream

For the Brownies:
6 ounces sweet baking chocolate (I used semisweet), chopped
3 TBSP unsalted butter, room temperature
½  cup sugar
2 large eggs
½  cup all purpose flour
½  tsp baking powder
¼  tsp salt
2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

For the Glaze:
4 ounces sifted powdered sugar
1 TBSP Bailey’s Irish Cream
milk to thin out (amount will vary)

Preheat oven to 350°F. Lightly butter 8-inch square nonstick baking pan. Using electric mixer, beat cream cheese and butter in medium bowl until light and fluffy. Gradually add sugar and beat until well blended. Beat in egg. Mix in flour, Irish Cream, and vanilla. Set mixture aside.

Stir baking chocolate and butter in heavy small saucepan over low heat until smooth. Cool slightly. Using electric mixer, beat sugar and eggs in large bowl until slightly thickened, about 2 minutes. Mix in flour, baking powder and salt. Mix in chocolate mixture and extracts. Stir in chocolate chips.

Spread half of chocolate batter (about 1 1/4 cups) in prepared pan. Using rubber spatula, spread cream cheese mixture over chocolate batter. Spoon remaining chocolate batter over top of cream cheese mixture. Using tip of knife, gently swirl through batter, forming marble design. Bake brownies until tester inserted into center comes out with a few moist crumbs attached, about 30 minutes.

Make glaze. Combine powdered sugar and Irish cream. If too thick thin out with milk.
While still warm brush (using a pastry brush) glaze over brownies. Let sit for 15 minutes. Cut into squares.

Chocolate-Mint Bars

You'll love these if you're a big fan of the thin chocolate mint Girl Scout cookies. The dense base layer is like a rich, fudgy brownie, so don't overcook it or the dessert bars will be dry. Refrigerating the mint bars allows the chocolaty top layer to set properly. You can make the dessert up to one day ahead. For a more grown-up taste, you can also use dark chocolate chips for some or all of the semisweet chocolate chips in the glaze.

Ingredients

Bottom layer:
4 1/2 ounces all-purpose flour (about 1 cup)
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup granulated sugar
1/2 cup egg substitute
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 tablespoons water
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
2 large eggs, beaten
1 (16-ounce) can chocolate syrup
Cooking spray
Mint layer:
2 cups powdered sugar
1/4 cup butter, melted
2 tablespoons fat-free milk
1/2 teaspoon peppermint extract
2 drops green food coloring
Glaze:
3/4 cup semisweet chocolate chips
3 tablespoons butter.

Preparation
1. Preheat oven to 350°.
2. To prepare bottom layer, weigh or lightly spoon flour into a measuring cup; level with a knife. Combine flour and salt; stir with a whisk. Combine granulated sugar, egg substitute, ¼ cup melted butter, 2 tablespoons water, vanilla, eggs, and chocolate syrup in a medium bowl; stir until smooth. Add flour mixture to chocolate mixture, stirring until blended. Pour batter into a 13 x 9 inch metal baking pan coated with cooking spray. Bake at 350° for 23 minutes or until a wooden pick inserted in center comes out almost clean. Cool completely in pan on a wire rack.

3. To prepare mint layer, combine powdered sugar, ¼ cup melted butter, and next 3 ingredients (through food coloring) in a medium bowl; beat with a mixer until smooth. Spread mint mixture over cooled cake.

4. To prepare glaze, combine chocolate chips and 3 tablespoons butter in a medium microwave-safe bowl. Microwave at HIGH 1 minute or until melted, stirring after 30 seconds. Let stand 2 minutes. Spread chocolate mixture evenly over top. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve. Cut into 20 pieces.

Cottage Pudding (Cake for Strawberry Shortcake)

"This is a wonderful shortcake recipe my grandmother used to make for strawberry shortcake. It is moist and sweet and can be eaten by itself too."

Ingredients Edit and Save
Original recipe makes 1 9-inch square cake Change Servings

    2 cups all-purpose flour

    2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

    1/4 teaspoon salt

    1/3 cup vegetable shortening

    1 cup white sugar

    1 egg

    1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

    1 cup milk

Directions

    Preheat an oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Grease a 9-inch square cake pan. Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a bowl; set aside.
    Beat the shortening and sugar with an electric mixer in a large bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in the egg and vanilla extract until smooth. Pour in the flour mixture alternately with the milk, mixing until just incorporated. Pour the batter into prepared pan.
    Bake in the preheated oven until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean, about 25 minutes. Cool in the pans for 10 minutes before removing to cool completely on a wire rack.