December 2019 - Page 108 of 170

December 15, 2019

Tiger leads U.S. rally to win Presidents Cup

Tiger Woods set the Presidents Cup record for most victories when he recorded his 27th match victory in the event by beating Abraham Anceer in the opening singles match Sunday. The U.S. team rallied behind him and is now 11-1-1 in Presidents Cup play.

December 15, 2019

Bucks Fastbreak: Defense paves way to 18th consecutive victory

Craig Coshun and Steve Novak share their final thoughts on the Milwaukee Bucks’ 18th straight win.

December 15, 2019

Brown Butter Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Homemade gnocchi is easier to make than you think! So light and so pillowy using just 4 ingredients! SO SO GOOD.

Brown Butter Sweet Potato Gnocchi - Homemade gnocchi is easier to make than you think! So light and so pillowy using just 4 ingredients! SO SO GOOD.

Okay, so full disclosure. If you have not made sweet potato gnocchi from scratch, your mind WILL BE BLOWN.

Because homemade gnocchi is way easier to make than you think. And the homemade version is a million times better than the packaged version. BUT if you’re in a pinch, the premade ones will also work just fine here, and should get dinner on the table in just 20 minutes. (There’s absolutely no shame in the packaged ones – I use them all the time myself!)

Brown Butter Sweet Potato Gnocchi - Homemade gnocchi is easier to make than you think! So light and so pillowy using just 4 ingredients! SO SO GOOD.

But if you have some time, you’ll see just how easy this really is. And once your beautiful, pillowy gnocchi bites are ready, they’ll get cooked twice – once in boiling salted water (to make sure they’re cooked through) and a second time to get them nice and crispy. From there, you’ll serve these with foamy, epic brown butter, infused with fresh sage leaves and garlic. SO SO GOOD.

Serve with shaved Parmesan and some glasses of wine.

Brown Butter Sweet Potato Gnocchi - Homemade gnocchi is easier to make than you think! So light and so pillowy using just 4 ingredients! SO SO GOOD.

Brown Butter Sweet Potato Gnocchi

Yield: 6 servings

prep time: 1 hour

cook time: 1 hour 30 minutes

total time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Homemade gnocchi is easier to make than you think! So light and so pillowy using just 4 ingredients! SO SO GOOD.

Print Recipe

1 hour1 hour 30 minutes

Ingredients:

2 medium sweet potatoes
1/2 cup whole milk ricotta
1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan
1 large egg
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 to 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
1/2 cup unsalted butter
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chopped fresh sage leaves
1/2 cup shaved Parmesan

Directions:

Preheat oven to 400 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Pierce potatoes with a fork; place potatoes onto prepared baking sheet. Place into oven and bake until tender, about 1 hour. Let cool completely.
Cut in half; scoop flesh into a medium bowl and mash. Transfer 1 1/2 cups to a large bowl; stir in ricotta, Parmesan, egg, 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Add flour, 1/2 cup at a time, until a soft dough forms, being careful not to over-knead.
Working on a lightly floured surface, divide dough into 6 equal pieces. Roll each piece into a 20-inch long rope, about 1-inch in diameter, sprinkling with additional flour as needed to prevent sticking. Using a sharp knife, cut each rope into 3/4-inch bite-size pieces; transfer to baking sheet.
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil; working in 3 batches, cook gnocchi until tender, stirring occasionally, about 4-6 minutes. Drain well and transfer to clean rimmed baking sheet.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium high heat. Add gnocchi and cook until golden brown and crisp, flipping once, about 2-3 minutes per side; set aside.
Melt butter in the skillet over low heat, 1 tablespoon at a time, until butter starts to foam. Add garlic and sage, and cook, stirring frequently, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Stir in gnocchi and sprinkle with Parmesan.
Serve immediately.

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December 15, 2019

I’m a Shopping Specialist—These Are the Under-$100 Items to Add to Your Closet

My online shopping carts are overflowing right now—what with Christmas just around the corner, upcoming travel plans, and holiday parties galore, there’s a little something I need (okay, want) for every occasion. If you’re looking for chic pieces to get you through December and into 2020 in style, then read on because I’ve gladly done all the hard work for you!

As market editor and shopping specialist, it’s my job to search the internet high and low for the absolute best pieces worth adding to your closet, and this month’s sartorial gems do not disappoint. Included in the mix are the coziest winter layers, some striking party pieces for all your festive soirées, and plenty of chic trends that will be huge in 2020. And because there’s no question December can take a serious hit to our bank accounts, I’ve kept all the picks under $100. So sit, back and relax with a glass of mulled wine, and indulge in some low-stress online shopping with these must-have pieces below.

Voluminous dresses are the must-have silhouette of the moment.

Because we can’t get through winter without one.

Add interest to your winter look with a mock croc belt.

Fair Isle prints are trending (and made for the winter season!).

This looks way more expensive than its price tag.

Get in on 2020’s colorful leather trend.

Expect to see waistcoats everywhere in 2020.

Tired of your jeans? Wear a chic knit skirt with your boots instead.

Zhuzh up a sweater and jeans with these cool-girl link earrings.

Houndstooth print makes everything look more luxurious.

This makes for a wonderful holiday gift.

Just add a soft and cozy oversize sweater for one stunning winter look.

Perfect for traveling and lounging this holiday season.

We can’t say no to a chic extra layer of warmth.

Nail two trends in one with this bold blouse—polka dots and puff sleeves.

These are giving us major Katie Holmes vibes.

Wear over a similarly hued turtleneck sweater for an expensive-looking winter ensemble.

Flared and boot-cut jeans are back in 2020, friends! Get ahead of the trend now.

Heeled loafers were all over the spring 2020 runways.

We can’t get enough of the sumptuous Laura Ashley x Urban Outfitters collab.

Up next, 20 brilliant buys for under $200 each.

December 15, 2019

10 Trends That Look Sensational on Insta and Are Practical IRL, Too

Ask just about anyone of your friends where they go to for fashion inspiration, and we’d venture to guess the answer will almost always be Instagram. Unlike 10 years ago when magazine spreads were the destination of choice, the social media platform has unequivocally become the easiest way to discover new brands, outfit ideas, and the ilk in no time flat. Fashion trends, specifically, are ripe for the picking on Insta, but sometimes there are certain looks that don’t seem to translate to real-life so well (I’m talking directly to you, extremely low-slung jeans).

Thankfully, there remain plenty of Instagram fashion trends that look sensational not only on the confines of your iPhone but also in real life where it matters most. Ahead, see 10 of our favorites and shop the pieces to up your personal style game on social media and IRL.

Head-to-toe leather was spotted all over the fall/winter 2019 runways and has trickled into the Instagram circuit since. As illustrated above, the extra texture looks elevated and interesting.

Skip the inconveniences of the micro-bag trends and reach for a purse with plenty of room instead.

With the holiday season in full swing, there’s never been a better time to embrace the sequinned skirt trend that’s beloved on social media.

The sweater iteration of polo shirts is, as expected, polished and stylish.

Thanks to runways like Dior that paired floral gowns with grunge boots, combat footwear is everyone on Instagram right now.

“Sexy” cardigans are picking up steam on Instagram, which is great for winter’s colder months when lightweight blouses simply aren’t an option.

Ahh, python print. The pattern that keeps on giving and goes with literally everything in our closets.

Though you may associate tie-dye with summer, the psychedelic trend translates to cooler months seamlessly. Consider opting for a color palette that feels warmer for winter.

Just in time for the release of Little Women.

For when your basic black tights become a snoozefest.

And now, the plethora of trends I bought solely because of Instagram.

December 15, 2019

I’m Cleaning Up My Beauty Routine—These 18 Nontoxic Products Are Actually Legit

Confession: My beauty routine has not always been the cleanest. But after recently learning more about all the gross chemicals the FDA fails to regulate in our beauty products, I’ve made it a goal to eliminate products from my collection that contain any of these chemicals. Now, I didn’t just dump my entire medicine cabinet one day (for budgetary reasons, plus I don’t want to be wasteful), but I made it a rule that once I finished something, I would replace that item with a clean option.

I’ll admit that some things I tried were a bit lackluster, but then there were other products that knocked it out of the park—not just in the clean beauty category but in the beauty world as a whole. From the miracle cleansing balm that removes waterproof mascara in one swoop to the only natural deodorant I’ve ever liked, below are the 18 best nontoxic beauty products I’ve tried that I’m now totally committed to.

This is hands down the world’s best makeup remover, and it happens to be 100% clean. The green balm melts in your hands and with one swipe over your face, your makeup is gone. It even takes off my stubborn waterproof mascara and eyeliner with ease—zero rubbing required and no damage to my eyelashes. I’ve gotten pretty much all of my friends hooked on it because I can’t stop talking about it.

Another makeup remover I’ve recently discovered that exceeded my expectations is Pai’s Rosehip Cleansing Oil. It seamlessly removes my waterproof eyeliner and mascara, and the oil consistency doesn’t seem to strip my skin of moisture. If, like me, you wear waterproof makeup, do yourself a favor and give this cleanser a try.

As far as facial sprays go, this is the crown jewel. It’s full of hyaluronic acid to help plump the skin and antioxidants to protect against environmental stressors. Oh, and it smells like a garden in full bloom.

Behold: the world’s best moisturizer. Drunk Elephant’s Lala Retro Whipped Cream is a thick moisturizing cream that gives your skin a major dose of hydration upon contact and soothes dry winter skin in seconds. Containing six African oils, this miracle product feels like heaven on the skin. Despite it being super thick, it absorbs quickly and can even be worn under makeup. This is another one I’ve gotten all of my friends (including my boyfriend) hooked on thanks to its moisturizing powers, and it’s better than products I’ve tried with triple the price tag.

May Lindstrom’s Blue Cocoon exceeds the hype. It’s soothing, calming, moisturizing, and smells lovely. The blue tansy and lavender promote a calm complexion, which is particularly helpful for sensitive, easily irritated skin like mine. The balm melts instantly in your hand to the consistency of an oil and then absorbs right into your skin. The price tag on this little jar is steep, but it lasts forever, as you only use about a pea-size amount each time.

Confession: I have seriously dark circles under my eyes that seem to appear even if I’ve had 10 hours of sleep the night before. It’s just one of those things I’ve come to accept, and I’ve purchased a large collection of concealers as a result. This brightening eye cream from Ole Henriksen helps lighten my dark circles thanks to its potent vitamin C, making concealing those bad boys just a little bit easier in the morning.

Another Drunk Elephant pick is its cult-favorite Marula Oil, which is loaded with antioxidants to soothe and moisturize skin. I use this one at night underneath a thick moisturizer (usually Lala Whipped Cream) and wake up with skin that feels calm and refreshed.

This omega booster oil is my sensitive-skin hero product. It contains omega-3, -6, and -9 plus lavender to nourish and calm my complexion and leave my skin glowing.

Pai’s Rosehip Oil soothes my inflamed skin instantly as it’s full of antioxidants (and formulated specifically for sensitive skin). I typically use this one at night since it’s an oil, so it’s a bit thicker. I layer it under my heavier moisturizer and wake up with skin that looks and feels refreshed.

Biossance has caused quite a commotion since its launch, and that’s because it creates powerful products with clean ingredients. I recently started using the Squalane + Vitamin C Rose Oil and am already hooked. It brightens my skin with zero irritation. (I have ultra-sensitive skin, FYI.)

Talk about a brightening serum. Seriously, this stuff is amazing. It makes your skin look brilliantly radiant, so much so that I usually won’t wear makeup over it when I’m running around on the weekends.

It’s not breaking news that one of the keys to long-term skin health is sunscreen, and this nontoxic formula from Supergoop! is the perfect consistency. It’s light enough to be worn under makeup and blends into the skin effortlessly—with no greasy white residue like some other sunscreens leave. This has become my go-to whether I’m wearing makeup or not.

Finally, a natural deodorant that actually works. Kopari’s coconut deodorant is a gel formula that not only smells amazing but also manages to keep me feeling fresh all day. Other natural deodorants I’ve tried either left me feeling so sticky I had to get back in the shower or stopped working about an hour after application. Now this formula takes some getting used to if you’re coming from the non-natural deodorant world, but it’s by far the best one I’ve found so far.

It took me a long time to realize I should be paying attention to ingredient lists in the haircare category. For some reason, I thought about what I was putting on the skin on my body but not about the skin on my head. Once it finally occurred to me, I set out to find a clean shampoo that not only washes my strands well but also won’t ruin my color. (I’m not naturally blonde anymore, unfortunately, so I spend a lot of money on hair color.) This product from Playa delivers on all accounts—and smells amazing to boot.

I obviously needed a conditioner as well.

If you’re looking for a body wash that smells insanely refreshing and has totally clean ingredients, look no further. Nécessaire’s whole line is nontoxic and offers both scented and unscented versions of most products. My favorite body wash is the eucalyptus because it makes my shower feel like a chic spa, but my boyfriend uses the sandalwood one, which smells amazing.

For body lotion, on the other hand, I prefer the unscented version from Nécessaire. It does a great job moisturizing my skin without feeling too sticky or greasy after. I like the unscented so that it doesn’t interfere with my perfume, but the brand also offers the same scent options as its body washes, which, as I’ve already mentioned, are heavenly.

This body butter is the newest addition to my skincare collection, and it has definitely earned a permanent place. Created as a clean option for preventing stretch marks and moisturizing skin during pregnancy, Mutha’s founder just launched her line this fall, and it’s already creating buzz. I personally love the thick cream for my dry winter skin right now, and it rubs in and absorbs easily despite the heavy consistency.

Next up: I tested 27 redness-reducing makeup products—these nine are legit.

December 15, 2019

I Never Scrimp on Quality—These 20 Picks Are Affordable and Made to Last

In my earlier days, I always thought a high price point meant a quality product. As I’ve gotten older (and possibly more cynical), I’ve realized that’s not the case at all. You can pay steep prices for low-quality products, but you can also find some real gems at affordable prices if you know where to shop.

Whenever my friends are on the hunt for a specific item, there are four retailers I always recommend to them for good quality pieces at prices that will surprise them (in a good way). From the ethical retailer that makes excellent basics to the under-the-radar spot where I find pieces that always get me compliments, below are the four places I turn to when I’m looking for affordable items that stand to the test.

Everlane is one of those retailers that once you discover it, you’re hooked. Known for its ethical practices and standard of transparency, Everlane produces quality basics that you can feel good about. Not only are they produced in factories use ethical practices, but it also sources the best materials so that the pieces are built to last. I’m a huge fan of Everlane’s sweaters and love that the perfect-fitting denim usually comes in at under $100.

If you’re not into skinny jeans, this more modern cut is equally comfortable.

The brand’s cashmere is so chic yet so affordable.

Mango is the affordable retailer I turn to for cool pieces that are far from basic. From chic trousers to structured blazers to jewelry that could be mistaken for designer, Mango is the retailer that keeps on giving. The prices are a bit higher than most other high-street retailers, but so is the quality. It’s 100% worth spending a bit more to have pieces with better materials and polished tailoring.

Tweed is having a huge moment right now, and this blazer is reminiscent of Chanel runways. Pair it with the matching skirt for a very 2020 look.

These look significantly more expensive than they are.

Mango doesn’t mess around with its coats.

The belted waistline makes anything you pair it with look polished.

Pixie Market is the hidden gem retailer I turn to for seriously cool pieces nobody else has. The price points are super reasonable, and every piece I own from the brand has stood the test of time. I’m always surprised by how expensive-looking its products are once I receive them in person from my online purchase, and they always manage to garner compliments.

This shirt has been on my wish list for a while now.

Bet you don’t already have a sweater like this in your closet.

The ruched detailing makes this top look so expensive.

I want to style this skirt exactly like this.

When you need quality leather goods or new denim, turn to Madewell. I’ve gotten my favorite belts and work bag from Madewell and am always impressed by its T-shirt cuts and quality. It’s no wonder the brand’s tees have such a cult following.