7 things making us happy
…that we just ha to ud share with yo!
Bliss in every bite
Easy eggplant stacks
“Eggplant Parmesan is one of my favorite meals,” shares Alyssa Rosenthal, FIRST associate editor. “But in advance of sundress season, I’ve been whipping up this lighter variation. To make, I slice an eggplant into 1⁄ 2"-thick rounds. Then I spread the slices on a baking sheet, drizzle with olive oil, season and roast at 400°F for 15 to 20 minutes. While the eggplant is in the oven, I slice fresh mozzarella into
3⁄4"-thick rounds and chop 2 cups of cherry tomatoes. Next, I alternately stack the eggplant and mozzarella and top with the tomatoes, fresh basil, olive oil and black pepper. It’s light, fresh and oh-so tasty!”
Dazzling on adi me
Summer sparklers
“The easiest way to amp up ambience at a backyard party is by sprinkling candles or posies all around,” says Melissa D’Agnese, FIRST senior decor editor. “I like to combine both by creating blooming candle cups. To make them, I pop a 3"-tall votive candle into the center of a wider, 2"-tall glass jar. Then I snip a handful of herbs and flowers, like primroses and parsley, to 4 inches. Next, I wrap baker’s twine around the outer jar and knot and tuck the herb and flower stems under the twine. Stunning and simple!”
C rafting ups miles
Cheery party pails
“Last weekend I decided to throw an impromptu barbecue, when I realized I had no cooler for drinks,” shares Patty Bontekoe, FIRST deputy editor. “My quick fix: I rinsed out a few garden pails from the garage, filled them with ice and popped in bottles. To add extra flair, I tied party-store flags around each bucket with bright ribbon. They were the perfect mix of fun and functional.”
Geniusfind
Stay-fresh container
“I’m the go-to guacamole maker in my house, but even the best batches turn brown quickly,” says Melissa Sorrells, FIRST senior editor. “That’s why this airtight server is the best—guac stays perfectly fresh for days!” (Casabella Guac-Lock, $19, Amazon.com)
Accessory we❤
Stunning stones
“When warm weather arrives, I like trying out new accessories, especially cheery necklaces with bright stones—like Lori Loughlin’s,” says Lauren Gatcombe, FIRST assistant editor. “Vivid stones with a glossy finish reflect light onto skin to brighten my complexion and add a youthful glow. Plus, necklaces that rest near the collarbone draw the eye up and down, optically slimming the face.”
ONE WE LIKE: Peach Round & Aqua Teardrop Cabochon Necklace, $26, Kohls.com
—Rumi
“What you seek is seeking you.”
MONEY SAVER Clever use for expired sunscreen
Oops! That sunscreen you saved at the end of last summer has expired. Instead of tossing it, use it as shaving cream. The thick, creamy formula provides a barrier that helps prevent razor burn and leaves your legs soft and smooth. Bonus: You can skip applying moisturizer after shaving since most sunscreens have moisturizing properties.
MONEY SAVED: $4 for a 7 oz. can of shaving cream
READER TIP Deep-clean makeup tools
“I admit it: I’m not the best about cleaning my makeup brushes—who has the time? Then a friend taught me this easy trick: Mix two parts dish soap with one part olive oil. Wet the brush, dip it in the solution and wipe the brush back and forth on your hand to remove grime. Rinse in warm water and dry. The soap disinfects and the oil keeps the bristles soft.”
—Sasha Prince, Atlanta