The Easiest Baked Chicken

Do you need to make quick easy dinners on your busy days? The Kitchn has found the easiest ways to bake chicken. The best part about this recipe is that leftovers can be used for up to three months. Check out the recipe below.

Stay Happy at Home

Who we are at home greatly affects how we feel outside of our homes. Often times the habits that we take part in during our “at home” hours have a significant effect on how we view the rest of our day. If you’re having a hard time keeping a positive outlook on life, maybe it’s time to make a few small tweaks to your daily routine.

It may be time to stop looking at outside sources and start focusing more on your habits inside the walls of your home. This quick guide from apartmenttherapy.com has a few interesting ways to boost your mood that may surprise you. Keep reading to find out what they have to say!




1. Make your bed. In a popular post last month, I explained the many benefits of daily bed-making. Gretchen Rubin, New York Times best-selling author of The Happiness Project, explains that this three minute task is one of the simplest habits you can adopt to positively impact your happiness.

2. Bring every room back to "ready." I learned this trick from Marilyn Paul's clever book, It's Hard to Make a Difference When You Can't Find Your Keys. It's a known fact: Clutter causes stress; order creates a haven from it. This mood-boosting routine is simple: Take about three minutes to bring each room back to "ready" before you depart it. (Unless you have a toddler, or a partner who likes to simulate earthquakes, three minutes should be sufficient.)

3. Display sentimental items around your home. One reason that experiences (and memories of those experiences) make us happier than material things is due to the entire cycle of enjoyment that experiences provide: planning the experience, looking forward to the experience, enjoying the experience, and then remembering the experience. Make your home a gallery of positive memories.

4. Start a one-line-a-day gratitude journal. Before bed, simply jot down one happy memory from that day. (If you have kids, you can ask them, "What was the best part of today?") Reflection is an important part of happiness, and pausing to reflect on a positive event from each day cultivates gratitude. (An added bonus: Later, when your memory is defunct, you will already have all of your meaningful adventures recorded!) If you have trouble getting started with journaling, consider buying a book to guide you. Simple Abundance, by Sarah Ban Breathnach, is a great one.

5. If you can't get out of it, get into it. This tip comes from The Happiness Project. I love the message: The dishes are not going to clean themselves, so you will do it, and you will like it! (Unless, of course, you can outsource this job, in which case I say: Nice work!) Otherwise, get into doing the dishes. Feel the soothing warm water on your hands. Enjoy the tickle of the tiny bubbles. Crank your favorite album at an unusually loud volume, do a couple fist-pumps while shouting "Can I get a hell yeah for the dishes? Hell! Yeah!" and pretend you love it.

6. Before you get up each morning, set an intent for the day. In The Art of Happiness, the Dali Lama says ""Every day, think as you wake up: today I am fortunate to be alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it." Wow. What a wise man. I tend to wake up with a strong visceral reaction that says, "Attention human beings: Be afraid of me before coffee. Be very afraid!" Setting a daily intent makes a huge difference. Your daily intent could be something like "be productive" or "enjoy today's delicious moments" or it could be something more specific like "say thank you to my loved ones today." But it should not be another "to do" item on your list.

7. Do small favors for your housemates, expecting nothing in return (not even a thank you!). (That's right, I said it: nothing!) Mow the lawn for your husband, but don't expect him to pat you on the back. Make the bed for your wife, but don't try to get bonus points for it. Take the trash out for your roommate, just because. The ability to cultivate strong, healthy relationships is one of the biggest contributors to health and happiness, but when you start to keep score, the benefit is lost. (No! It's YOUR turn to clean up the dog poop!) It's a well-known fact: When you do good, you feel good.

8. Call at least one friend or family member a day. You can do this while you clean, while you make the bed, or while you walk the dog. Texts and emails do not count! Make an actual phone call to a loved one, just to chat and catch up. We humans are social beings and studies show that even when we don't feel like it, even if we are naturally introverted, socializing with our loved ones makes us feel better.

9. Spend money on things that cultivate experiences at home. Save money for a new grill for parties or a new DVD for family movie night — something that will encourage you to have people over and entertain. Plan a summer barbeque, invite your closest friends, kick back and relax. (And don't forget to print out the pictures to remember the good times.)

10. Spend a few minutes each day connecting with something greater than yourself.Whatever your spiritual beliefs — or non-beliefs — may be, studies show that connecting to a high power is correlated with happiness. Just stepping back to realize that we are part of an enormous universe can put some perspective on your annoyance with the those-are-definitely-not-mine-and-they-are-abso-fricking-lutely-repulsive socks under the coffee table. Before bed, spend just a few minutes contemplating something larger than yourself. Take a walk in nature. Write in a journal. Create a sacred space in your home. (Or if spirituality is really not your thing, create a home spa: light some candles, soak in a hot bath, delve into a good book… are you feeling better yet?)

Take That Out Of Your Freezer

Is your freezer packed to the brim? There are many things that do not belong in your freezer that may end there. These items take up space, and they also do not save well in these conditions. Keep reading to learn about what to clean out of your freezer this weekend. You can learn more at Apartment Therapy.


As you know by now, I'm a huge fan of the cook and freeze method. I've been doing it for almost half my lifetime which probably makes me officially "old." I've frozen everything from lemon juice to lasagne to buttercream frosting. I know which casseroles my family loves and which ones are better left unmade.

Also? I've learned that there are indeed a few foods better left unfrozen.

Over the years I've been able to adapt our family's favorite recipes for freezing in order to save time and to preserve ingredients that I find at a great price. Almost any cooked recipe that you love can be frozen at some stage in the game, even if it's just roasting the peppers and slicing the onions that you'll use in a freshly made skillet dish.

While there's a long list of things that will freeze well, there's also a short list of things that don't belong in your freezer:

Blocks of cheese - Cheese will freeze well, but its texture often undergoes a transformation, making it crumbly instead of easy to slice or shred. Instead of freezing the whole block, do your shredding and slicing prior to freezing.

Soft cheeses, like Brie or Camembert - Again, the texture changes when soft cheese are frozen and thawed. They won't go "bad", but they won't work for fresh uses.

Salad greens or other vegetables for fresh use - You can freeze spinach and other hearty greens that you plan to cook, but those you plan to serve fresh are better left unfrozen. Soggy salad? No thanks.

Canned goods - Canned goods are shelf-stable; they don't need to be frozen. And I'm pretty sure the can will explode if you try. However, if you open a can of something, like chipotle peppers in adobo, and decide you can't use it all in the next four days, feel free to repackage it for freezing.

Eggs in the shell - Ever forget a soda in the freezer? Yeah, same thing will happen to the egg. Things expand when they freeze. Don't put whole eggs in the freezer, but you can mix up a quiche and freeze that (unbaked).

Cream sauces - Cream-based sauces can separate during freezing making them a less preferred candidate for freezing. However, I have frozen soups with cream many times. If you're curious about your recipe, freeze a small amount next time you make it, thaw, and do a taste test.

Mayonnaise - Mayonnaise is another item whose texture doesn't hold up well. Store it in the fridge instead.

Short list, right? The most important thing not to freeze, though, is...

Any food you don't like - If you don't like it, then it shouldn't be taking up valuable real estate in your freezer. It's kitchen clutter that you will be better off without. At some point, it's okay to declare freezer bankruptcy on the things you just can't deal with. Give yourself a clean slate and stock up on the foods you do love.

Creative Gifts for Valentine's Day

What are you doing for your loved one this Valentine’s Day? Valentine’s Day can be special without spending your savings account. Here are some romantic and affordable Valentine’s Day ideas for you to try this year. You can read about some more ideas on Apartment Therapy.

Finding a creative way to spend Valentine's Day has the added benefit of avoiding the crowds at overbook restaurant and florist shops. The best way to show your sweetie you love them? Think outside the box and get creative. Here are a few ideas to get you started.

1. Get dressed up. Book tickets somewhere you might not usually go and put your fancy pants on. Try the local ballet, symphony or theater.

2. Do something creative. Attend a paint night or take a DIY class, you'll both walk away with a memento from the night.

3. Get cooking. Take a cooking class then head home and make dinner in together.

4. Get physical. Go for a hike, try kayaking, or take a bike ride. Added bonus, exercise releases endorphins and you get to enjoy the outdoors together.

5. Get an adrenaline rush. Do something that scares you, if you've always wanted to skydive or go climbing try it out together (just make sure your partner is on board first.)

6. Go tasting. You can go with the classic wine tasting or go for chocolate tasting,cheese tasting or coffee cupping.

7. Learn to dance. Don't know how to dance? Perfect, you can learn. Try out a class, be it ballroom, salsa, swing or square dancing. It's fun and a great way to learn to work together.

8. Take a tour. Instead of dining out, try a food tour—it's a meal and activity rolled into one.

9. Get a new perspective. Find out where the best views in your city are and make it a date. San Francisco has Twin Peaks and Los Angeles has the Griffith Observatory—bonus points if you pack a picnic.

10. Get lost. Grab a guide (or make your own) and go explore a part of town that you've never spent time in.

11. Get away. Book a weekend away, but look for creative lodging. You can stay in a yurt, a treehouse, a boat or even a wagon for something more adventurous, Airbnb has a whole section devoted to unique options.

12. Dwell on the past. Revisit places that were a part of your shared history, take a walk, grab a glass of wine or visit the restaurant where you had your first date. You can even have a custom map made on Etsy.

13. Do good. Take the day to volunteer together. You can visit Volunteer Matchto get matched up with a cause you both care about.

14. Have a game night. Pick a couple of favorite board games (even better if they are from your childhood), set out some snacks and a bottle of wine. "Sorry!"

15. Find a new way to explore. Try exploring a favorite place in a new way. Take a train ride through the Redwoods, go horseback riding, take a harbor cruise or even go for a hot air ballon ride in wine country.

The New Year and Your Finances

It is almost tax season. At this point in the year, many people start to look at their finances and see how they can improve. However, as much as it seems like a good idea, do not throw away your credit cards. Here are some items that are great for those credit cards in your wallet. You can learn more at Apartment Therapy.



It's January which means that you may have resolved to beef up your budgeting prowess and get your debt under control. Great! But don't cut up all your plastic just yet. There are some very good reasons to (responsibly) use a credit card. We fill you in on some perks you may not have thought of.

Electronics — Check the fine print! Most cards provide extra protection or an extended warranty (often double) on many categories of purchases and almost always on electronics. You'll save the price of an extended warranty and have the peace of mind that you'll get the most out of your purchase for longer.

Travel expenses — When traveling abroad, you should absolutely get some local cash ASAP for taxis and snacks, but when you reach your hotel, charge it. Your credit card company will almost always offer a better exchange rate and fewer fees than the cash price, so save your paper money for incidentals and charge what you can. Also, your plastic is so much safer to carry since your card is protected against thieves and fraud; once your cash is pick-pocketed, it's gone forever.

Rental cars — Fun fact: I recently rented a car and realized that I didn't need to buy insurance because my credit card provided it automatically. Score! Check your card's benefits, of course, but it was a fun little discovery that you may not be aware of.

Bills you pay every month — This one is just about convenience. Ten separate paper bills, checks and stamps to remember each month? If you're still facing that hassle, then it's reeeally time to get online and put those suckers on auto-pay! One thing to remember: if you need to cancel your card for any reason, you'll need to update your billing information or you'll be facing a logistical mess of late fees. Keep a list of what you're signed up for so if you do need to switch out your payment, you won't miss any by mistake.

Reimbursable expenses — Sure, you save your receipts so your company can pay you back or you can claim certain benefits on your taxes, but being able to track what you paid electronically gives you an extra level of protection that, should there be a mix-up, will help you know exactly how much you paid and to whom.

Breakfast Tips and Tricks

How many times a week do you skip breakfast? Everyone has always told you breakfast is the most important meal of the day. However, this saying does not always stay in your brain as you are running out the door in the morning. Make sure you get your breakfast every morning with these five tips. You can learn more at The Kitchn.





1. Keep breakfast in mind when you grocery shop.

This sounds simple, but when the week gets busy, this step can be easy to overlook. If you've ever filled your cereal bowl only to realize you were out of milk, you know what I'm talking about.

During the weekend I like to stock up on all of the staple items I'll need for the week. Think about what you want to eat for breakfast during the week — maybe it's fresh fruit, a simple bowl of cereal, oatmeal, yogurt, or muffins. Whatever it is, pick up everything you need before the week gets rolling. There's a good chance you'll eat a better breakfast when you have the things you want to eat on hand.

2. Prep breakfast basics ahead of time.

This one simple step makes all the difference in the world. If your mornings are anything like mine, time is a precious commodity, so the less work I have to do, the better! It makes your routine easier, when your favorite foods are prepped and ready to eat. Keep breakfast foods easy and convenient.

For you, maybe this means cutting up fruit, prepping smoothie ingredients, or leaving the bowls, spoons and boxes of cereal ready to go on the kitchen table.

3. Hard-boiled eggs are your friend!

This is one of my top picks for a quick and easy breakfast! I make a pot of hard-boiled eggs on Sunday night, and they last me through the week. Hard-boiled eggs are quick to make, nutritious, and so versatile! Eat them on their own, or slice on top of a piece of toast along with some greens. (Soft-boiled eggs can be made ahead too.)

4. Find a few make-ahead breakfasts you like.

When food is prepped, prepared, and pretty much at your finger tips it's a lot more likely you'll end up eating a better breakfast. Whether it's porridge, granola, or scones, find something you like and make and make a week's worth ahead of time.

5. Grab and go containers are a game changer.

Don't stop at make ahead breakfasts; also make them ready to go. Again, convenience is the name of the game in the morning. The less work you have to do, the better. I love making a week's worth of oats on Sunday night, then portioning them into individual-size containers (along with toppings!). In the morning all I have to do is reach in the fridge and grab it as I'm running out the door for work.

What's your best tip for eating a better breakfast during the week?

Ten Great Desserts To Try

Having a go to dessert is crucial for any dinner party. Check out these top ten desserts from apartment therapy that everyone should know how to make. What is your go to dessert?




What are the desserts you know by heart? The sweets you make over and over, to the point where you barely need the recipe? Dessert can be a special treat to end a meal, or a simple comfort during a tiring week, and we have a few we love enough to memorize. These are often the simplest and the easiest to remember, like a batch of warm chocolate chip cookies or that light-as-a-feather one-ingredient ice cream.

Others of these sweets have a classic elegance, like the chocolate layer cake that your friends always beg you to make for their birthdays, or that most perfect of all desserts: panna cotta. Here are 10 desserts, big and small, that we think are worth knowing by heart.


A "by heart" dessert really means two kinds of recipes to us: Those that are so easy that they barely require a recipe, like One-Ingredient Banana Ice Cream and fruit poached with wine and spice. And then the recipes that are maybe a little trickier — like a good pie crust or a batch of ice cream — but that we make so often that the process feels intuitive.

Both kinds of desserts form the bedrock of our dessert repertoire. Know how to make a pie crust and you can whip up a galette or a fruit-filled pie on a whim. Memorize the formula for a creamy panna cotta and you have an easy, crowd-pleasing dessert whenever you need one. The process for making a chocolate cake is more or less the same for any kind of cake — take this muscle memory with you as you take on new recipes. And so on with just about every recipe on this list.

What desserts do you know by heart? Which ones do you think are essential for the home cook to know?

1 How to Make Chocolate Chip Cookies - You just can't go wrong with chocolate chip cookies. With this version, you don't even need a mixer.


2 Chocolate Layer Cake - Does a chocolate cake sound intimidating to you? It shouldn't! This fluffy, tender, and deeply chocolatey cake is ready in about an hour and couldn't be easier.
3 One-Ingredient Banana Ice Cream - Yup, that's right. Frozen bananas whizzed in a food processor are a dead ringer for vanilla ice cream. Take a look at our 5 favorite flavor variations when you feel like switching it up.

4 How to Make Panna Cotta - This is Faith's ultimate dessert for everything from a weeknight treat to a big dinner party. It's easy, it's elegant, and it's endlessly adaptable.

5 Roasted Strawberry Goat Cheese Squares on Puff Pastry - This is the perfect example of what you can make with a package of puff pastry in the freezer. If strawberries aren't in season, go for apples, a few black berries, or any other ripe fruit — even just a dollop of jam and a sprinkle of nuts!


6 How to Make a Pie from Start to Finish - Knowing how to make a good pie crust is one of those essential skills that's always handy to have in your back pocket. And it's not as intimidating as you might think!

7 Chocolate Wafer Icebox Stacks - These ¨ber-simple little cakelets are more delicious and more addictive than they have any right to be. Just trust us on this one. Switch it up with different cookies or by flavoring the whipped cream.

8 How to Make Ice Cream at Home - Use this base to add any other flavorings your brain can imagine — fresh blueberries, a swirl of chocolate fudge, candied nuts, peppermint... Plus you can still make ice cream without an ice cream maker.

9 How to Make a Fruit Crumble with Any Kind of Fruit - No matter the season and no matter the fruit, a fruit crumble is always there for you.

10 Honey and Spice Poached Pears - Last but not least, we have poached fruit. It's amazing how decadent a simple piece of fruit can feel once you've poached it in a little simple syrup or leftover wine with a handful of spices. The method in this recipe applies to any tree fruit you have in the kitchen — apples, apricots, peaches, plums... You get the idea!