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The kids are out of the house and it’s finally time to get back to the life you lived before kids. But a lot has changed since you were in prime-time parenting mode and, since we’re living longer, more-fulfilling lives than ever before, we want you to take advantage of it. So, here are ten tips, tricks, and tidbits that will help you make the most of the next phase, from how to reinvent yourself, to what technology can do for you. The empty nest years are going to be the best time in your life, but only if you know the secrets to making the most of it. The post 10 Secrets Every Empty Nester Should Know appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2Rr6DLk

For the on-the-go pet parent If the person on your list is constantly taking her dog (or other pets) on long walks, it’s no secret that she’s probably short on hands. The FreshStart DogiPack is a hands-free system that helps streamline pet walking by offering all sorts of helpful compartments in a trendy belt-bag style. Plus, it’s pretty affordable and made our list of Christmas gifts for people who are impossible to shop for . Buy now The post 51 Best Holiday Gifts for Animal Lovers appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2PfXG6E

Save on windshield wiper fluid by using water “Windshield washer fluid is a mixture of solvent, detergent, and antifreeze agents. If it’s replaced with water, you risk clogging the reservoir and associated hoses. In addition, in low-temperature climates, the reservoirs will crack when the water freezes and expands.” —Kevin Coyle, General Manager of Carvana ‘s inspection center near Philadelphia The post The 12 Worst Car Tips Mechanics Have Ever Heard appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2SmZSua

Balsamic & Gourmet Vinegar Gift Set Price: $8.99 This assorted vinegar set is the perfect gift for anyone in your family that likes to cook. Help them add a little flavor to their holiday recipes. Check out these Christmas gift ideas for people that are impossible to shop for . The post 16 Great Gifts Under $30 from Aldi appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2E7WcZU

Daufuskie Island, South Carolina Ready to get away from it all? Like really get away from it all? This 1,100-acre island is only accessible via ferry from Hilton Head, South Carolina or water taxi—there isn’t even a bridge. That also means you can leave your car on the mainland; visitors to the island tool around on electric golf carts. The island is home to an undeveloped nature conservancy oasis where you can spot loggerhead turtles, deer, storks, egrets, and whales. Daufuskie Island Trail Rides offers horseback rides on the beach and tours of the island’s historic sites, including the First African Baptist School. And with more than 3½ miles of beachfront, you’ll be able to find your own personal spot of sand. Daufuskie Island is just one of the great islands you can visit without a passport . Book now The post 15 Under-the-Radar Places to Visit in 2019 appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2Smru2h

Cars Sure, you may park it there for the duration of your trip but why wouldn’t you come back for it? According to Jeff Martinelli, CM, manager of customer programs, Pittsburgh International Airport there’s a host of reasons including unpaid parking fines, it’s a junker, or the death of the owner and no one comes forward to claim it. Some recent standouts of abandoned cars include a 2015 GMC Sierra and 2005 Land Rover, shares Martinelli. Find out what you can get for free at the airport .   The post 18 Craziest Things Left Behind at Airports appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2E9hQNq

You might think with the number of golden arches you see that McDonald’s is the fast food chain with the most franchises around the world. But it turns out that distinction belongs to another chain: Subway. According to CNBC , the sandwich franchise operated 43,912 stores around the globe in 2017. McDonald’s wasn’t far behind, however, with 37,241 franchises. In third place? Relative newcomer Starbucks, with 27,339. That doesn’t mean, though, that business is good for Subway. Sales have been slipping at the sandwich maker since 2014, CNBC reports. Since 2016, the chain has closed more than 1,650 locations. Subway management has said they plan to consolidate in the United States while continuing to expand overseas. It doesn’t help that industry experts say Subway has been slow to innovate and adapt to changing tastes. However, the company has been working to change course; in 2017, the chain launched its first major redesign in almost twenty years. The company that became Subway 

Future development When you have a specific house in mind, think about potential developments. For example: If the home is near a busy road, will there be expansion in the near future? If there is a lot of open space around the home, will more homes be built in the area soon? If there are several homes for sale in the neighborhood, are they selling quickly and who’s moving in? It may be difficult to find concrete information about future developments, but keeping some what-ifs in mind as you look can help you find your ideal home. Also, keep in mind the potential resale value of your future home because no one knows what the future holds and you may need to sell earlier than you imagined. Learn about some of the  best and worst projects to improve resale value . The post 10 Things People Regret Overlooking When Buying a Home appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2E60LE7

Whale earwax shows stress levels Over their long lives, whales accumulate earwax plugs that can get as long as ten inches in large species. The plugs show bands that correspond with their age—every year, they have heavy feeding times and migration times that change the color of the wax. In a report published in the journal Nature Communications in November, researchers described how they studied the chemical make-up of the bands and discovered that the whales produced significantly more of the stress hormone cortisol during years when the most whales were being hunted (the early 20 th century and the 1960s), as well as during World War II, when whaling was low but submarines, battleships, and depth charges were common. Cortisol levels have been steadily rising in recent decades too, despite the fact that whaling has been uncommon since the 1970s hunting moratoriums were put in place. Warming sea temperatures appear to be creating stress for the marine mammals, scientists told the A

’Tis better to give I knew I was not supposed to be quite so excited. I was too old for that. At age eleven, the oldest and my mom’s “grown up” girl, I had to keep my cool. I was in middle school after all. But every chance I got, when I was alone, I checked each present under the tree. I read every tag and felt every package, guessing at the contents within. I had examined each gift so often that I could tell which present went to which person without even looking at the tags. It had been a tough year for my family. Whenever my mom looked over at the tree and scattered presents, she would sigh and warn us, “There won’t be as much for Christmas this year. Try not to be disappointed.” Christmas had traditionally been a time for my parents to spoil us. In years past, the presents would pile up and spill out from under the tree, taking over the living room. I had heard the phrase “giving is better than receiving,” but thought that whoever had said that must have been out of their mind.

Women who are emotionally tormented by a spouse or partner may suffer from more night sweats, painful sex and hot flashes when their periods stop, researchers say. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/2Qw3VGY Women who are emotionally tormented by a spouse or partner may suffer from more night sweats, painful sex and hot flashes when their periods stop, researchers say.

Some children diagnosed with acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) actually have some other neurological disorder, a new study suggests. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/2PbpW9i Some children diagnosed with acute flaccid myelitis (AFM) actually have some other neurological disorder, a new study suggests.

People with moderate-to-severe depression saw significant improvement in their mood after electrical stimulation of a brain region called the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), a small study suggests. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/2zyIKKI People with moderate-to-severe depression saw significant improvement in their mood after electrical stimulation of a brain region called the orbitofrontal cortex (OFC), a small study suggests.

Marijuana vaporizers heat pot to a temperature just below combustion, allowing people to inhale the intoxicating chemical THC from the plant material without breathing in any smoke. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/2KJBkc4 Marijuana vaporizers heat pot to a temperature just below combustion, allowing people to inhale the intoxicating chemical THC from the plant material without breathing in any smoke.

Alabama: Ivy Green At Ivy Green , Helen Keller’s birthplace in the town of Tuscumbia, you can wander the rooms where “America’s First Lady of Courage” grew up. If you visit during the week-long Helen Keller Festival in June, watch a live production of the award-winning play Miracle Worker , which was based on her life. Don’t miss the most charming small town in every state. The post The Most Historic Landmark in Every State appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2BJyUHm

Sortland, Norway Witnessing the ethereal beauty of the northern lights is the ultimate bucket-list experience. And Sortland is the perfect place to turn your fantasies into reality. In addition to celestial pursuits, there’s all kinds of frosty action. Choose between cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Or maybe whale watching is more your speed. Book now The post 12 Best Places to See the Northern Lights appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2E6q5tJ

Travel smart Traveling today is easier than it’s ever been, if you know how to travel smart. From being flexible with booking your tickets and lodging, to packing better, to working out how to get the most out of your phone while you’re at your destination—there are tons of things you can do that will make traveling easier, cheaper and more fun. Read on as our travel experts Andrea Woroch, James Ian, and Janice Lintz share their essential travel tricks that will help make your next vacation the best one yet. The post 10 Travel Tricks That Will Change Everything appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2SjjE9R

Stewardesses making friends American Airlines stewardess Jean Hoder enjoyed getting to know passengers in the airport during her down time between flights. She made a special connection with these children who were particularly interested in her career. They would return to the airport almost every day to greet her when she got off the plane. Check out these rare, vintage photos of what daily life was like in the 1950s . The post 11 Rare Vintage Photos of What Flying Was Like in the 1950s appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2E7LYsu

New Zealand The largest national park in New Zealand, Fiordland National Park, is in Southland, the southernmost region in the nation. Much of it looks like this—snowcapped mountains reflected in deep, serene lakes, marked by glaciers. Did you know that 84 percent of New Zealand is under water? Here’s what else you might not know about the world’s “eighth continent.” The post 50 Jaw-Dropping Photos of the World’s Most Beautiful Countries appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2SjjC1J

Welcome to the North Pole The  geographic North Pole is the center of the Northern Hemisphere and the northern-most point on the Earth, and it stands at a full 90 degrees latitude from the Earth’s equator. Here, tourists gather around the North Pole’s “90° N” sign. The post 20 Majestic Photos of the Real-Life North Pole appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2E6q1Kv

Many Americans are caregivers, bus some aren’t prepared for the job when it falls into their lap. Read advice for caregivers as they embark on their new role. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/2KMFkbC Many Americans are caregivers, bus some aren’t prepared for the job when it falls into their lap. Read advice for caregivers as they embark on their new role.

Due to gaps in vaccination coverage, there were measles outbreaks in all regions of the world, killing an estimated 110,000 people in 2017. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/2BHJNcW Due to gaps in vaccination coverage, there were measles outbreaks in all regions of the world, killing an estimated 110,000 people in 2017.

You can whip them up in just 20 minutes. from Food - Health.com https://ift.tt/2KKFVee

Alabama: Noccalula Falls Along a trail that winds its way through the Black Creek ravine on Lookout Mountain you’ll find Noccalula Falls , a 90-foot gushing waterfall named after a Cherokee princess. It’s said that Noccalula, daughter of the tribe’s chief, ended her life by jumping off the top of the falls on the day she was to marry the man her father had forced her to be with after he exiled her true love. Find the most gorgeous waterfall in your state . The post The Most Scenic Nature Getaways in Every State appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2QuDotL

Free beauty and nutrition samples If you’re always looking for the next best cream, hair product, or protein bar, you’ll love knowing there’s an almost-secret club for Amazon Prime members who want to try out all the best new products for free. You can see more about how to score some of these through their Sample Box program . Ordering these sample boxes is only open to Prime members right now, and costs a few dollars up front, but once the box ships, you’re promptly refunded—making all the goodies free. Find out the Amazon products you’ll definitely use every day.   The post 13 Things You Can Get for Free on Amazon appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2BIIhY5

In a small new study of people who vape, about half said they had a cigarette occasionally but did not consider it a complete relapse into smoking. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/2zxsp9g In a small new study of people who vape, about half said they had a cigarette occasionally but did not consider it a complete relapse into smoking.

A mountain climber from Maine is scaling rock walls again after having a new type of amputation surgery that eliminates the “phantom limb” effect. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/2E5UU1E A mountain climber from Maine is scaling rock walls again after having a new type of amputation surgery that eliminates the “phantom limb” effect.

Americans have unwelcome eight-legged visitors from the East, and they're here to stay. The Asian longhorned tick has already turned up in Arkansas, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia, where it's been found on domestic animals and wildlife, and at least two people, the researchers said. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/2AFDHYD Americans have unwelcome eight-legged visitors from the East, and they're here to stay. The Asian longhorned tick has already turned up in Arkansas, Connecticut, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia, where it's been found on domestic animals and wildlife, and at least two people, the researchers said.

All of the recalled products have ingredients manufactured in either China or India. The sudden rush of recalls because of ingredients made overseas has put more scrutiny on these foreign labs and on the FDA’s ability to effectively monitor their products for safety. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/2TZxTCf All of the recalled products have ingredients manufactured in either China or India. The sudden rush of recalls because of ingredients made overseas has put more scrutiny on these foreign labs and on the FDA’s ability to effectively monitor their products for safety.

Japan As Tokyo gears up for the 2020 Summer Olympics, all eyes are on this fascinating country full of amazing food and well-preserved arts and culture, yet as modern as modern gets, says Larry Olmsted, author of Forbes  column “ The Good Life .” There is simply no other place on Earth that boasts this side-by-side duality of tradition and cutting-edge. Tourists are starting to look beyond just Tokyo and Kyoto, and skiing in Japan has emerged as the hottest winter sport destination on earth, while more and more visitors are following culinary routes to Hokkaido, Osaka, and the Noto Peninsula. “The thing about Japan is that while it surprisingly spread out and varied, the excellent high-speed rail infrastructure makes it easy to explore,” adds Olmsted. Don’t miss these 10 under-the-radar hidden gems you can only find in Japan . Book now The post 15 Places You Need to Go in 2019, Recommended by Travel Experts appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https:/

Sometimes you wake up more tired than usual. Sometimes the weight seems to pile on for no reason. But it’s rare that your skin will turn purple after a walk. That’s what it took for Jodie Christopher, 43, of Jacksonville, Florida, to finally figure out why her body was going haywire—and her diagnosis radically altered her life. Christopher is on active duty in the U.S. Navy: Upon returning from an African deployment in 2010, she began to suspect something was wrong. “I was working in recruiting, so I assumed it was the new desk job that was responsible for my weight gain. What was different, though, was that no matter what I tried, I couldn’t lose it.” Prior to the sudden onset of fatigue and weight gain, Christopher had been in great shape; she worked out three to five times a week, and she provided fitness training to others—something she loved to do. Watch out for these 10 silent signs of anemia you shouldn’t ignore . “I was struggling to take deep breaths, and I couldn’t figure

You no doubt know that aerobic exercise like walking, cycling, and swimming can help your heart. But now it looks like strength training may be just as important for your ticker, according to research from Iowa State University. The best part? You only need to do it for about an hour a week. In the study , published in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise , researchers analyzed the health, hearts, and exercise habits of more than 13,000 adults. They were focusing on three health issues: Heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular events that weren’t fatal; total cardiovascular events including deadly ones; also, death from all causes. Watch for the 7 silent signs of a heart attack. The researchers discovered that people who regularly strength trained had a much lower risk of all three conditions. In fact, lifting weights for less than an hour per week could reduce the risk of a heart attack or a stroke by a staggering 40 percent to 70 percent. “People may think they need

Historically, marriage among royals wasn’t so much about love as it was about strengthening alliances for political gain, which could be achieved most conveniently through marriages arranged between members of European dynasties. What was also achieved, however, whether intentionally or not, was that most of Europe’s royal families now share common ancestors. That’s why it’s really not surprising that Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth and His Royal Highness Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh are not only cousins, but cousins through more than one line of descent. Here’s how the two royal lovebirds, whose marriage was not arranged by their families, are related: Both are great-great-grandchildren of Queen Victoria: Queen Elizabeth: Queen Elizabeth was born Princess Elizabeth Alexandra Mary in 1926, the eldest child of then-Prince Albert (later, King George VI), who was the second son of King George V, who was the second son of King Edward VII, who was Queen Victoria’s second child. Find

Kimberly Palmer and her husband were watching Madam Secretary  one night when he pointed out that the lead character and her husband were wearing matching Canada Goose coats. “And we were like, ‘how do they afford that? She’s a government employee,'” recalls Palmer, a personal finance expert at NerdWallet . “But they looked very warm.” Palmer’s husband wants one of the coveted coats, but she thinks the price tag of more than $1,000 for many Canada Goose styles is too much. “They’re very expensive compared to other winter coats,” Palmer says. “So to me and probably to a lot of families on a budget, it’s just too much money to spend on a coat.” Here are 9 tips to stay warm and stylish this winter . So why are Canada Goose jackets so expensive? Part of the appeal is that the goose-down-filled jackets are very high quality and keep people warm. “But the bigger part is the brand and cachet that they’ve built up around this idea of the Canada Goose jacket,” Palmer says. “They’re

It’s the sick season Flu season is here, triggering memories of the last year’s severe season. Especially for vulnerable people like children, the elderly, and those with lung ailments such as asthma and cystic fibrosis, classic flu symptoms including a sudden fever, muscle aches, fatigue, and a dry cough can be cause for worry. But not every flu-like symptom signals the flu. Many other illnesses can prompt the same symptoms, says Sean Cloonan, MD, an internist and infectious disease specialist at Scarsdale Medical Group. Here’s a rundown of seven copycat conditions that could make you think you have the flu. The post 7 Times You Think You Have the Flu—but Don’t appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2BIaqyn

What is leukemia? Leukemia is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow, a malignancy that causes an abnormal production of certain blood cells. As the unhealthy blood cells crowd out healthy ones, blood function begins to falter and you may notice physical symptoms. The disease may get worse quickly if you have a type known as acute leukemia; the disease may progress slowly and get worse over time if you have chronic leukemia, according to the National Institute of Health. Regardless of which type you have, if you notice a collection of these subtle leukemia symptoms, see your health care provider for an evaluation. Make sure you know the other symptoms of cancer that women commonly ignore . The post 16 Silent Symptoms of Leukemia You Shouldn’t Ignore appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2oxLLF7

I remember the first time I ever pointed a weapon at someone with the intent to kill them. The experience was very different from how I had imagined it would be—far more ambiguous, confusing, and subjective. The training scenarios and exercises had never really covered situations like the one I found myself in. I hadn’t been in Iraq that long, maybe 60 days. My assignment: gunner for a troop transport vehicle known as an MRAP. There were 30 or so troops in the platoon, and our mission this evening was a reconnaissance patrol taking us to the edge of our battle space, the dividing line between the areas of responsibility for military units. That was where the bad guys tended to collect, much in the same manner that the space between tiles in a bathroom collects mold and grime. For this assignment, we were the Mr. Clean. The plan: look around, talk to the locals, try to winkle out some actionable intelligence, and then start kicking the hornets’ nest. Depending on where we went, this

Berries You can’t go wrong when snacking on berries of all kinds—especially since they’re the best foods for a cold. That’s because berries, such as strawberries, raspberries, and blueberries—which have loads of health benefits—are a hydrating source of vitamin C. “Vitamin C functions as an antioxidant and plays an important role in immune function,” explains Alex Miller, MS, RDN, the corporate dietitian at Medifast . He recommends getting your fill using fresh berries when possible: Add them to yogurt, cereal, salads, or smoothies. “Have fun with it—make a parfait with low-fat yogurt, fresh berries, nuts, and a sprinkle of cinnamon.” Make sure you know the 50 ways to avoid catching a cold this season . The post 14 Feel-Better Foods to Eat When You Have a Cold appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2Cw04D0

Rockefeller Center, New York City “Wow, that’s a big one!” Buddy the Elf (Will Ferrell) says when he spies the Rockefeller Center tree for the first time, before planting a kiss on love interest Jovie (Zooey Deschanel) at the skating rink. All of New York City, though, is practically one big Christmas movie set: Besides 2003’s Elf , there is the Macy’s on 34th Street (of Miracle on 34th Street fame); plus Bloomingdale’s, the Waldorf Astoria, Central Park’s Wollman Rink, and the titular sweet shop of Serendipity . The Family Man, Scrooged, and Home Alone 2: Lost in New York were also shot at various locations around the Big Apple. Check out the best Christmas movies of all time, ranked . The post 16 Christmas Movie Locations That Exist in Real Life appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2BFzjus

Evaluating nearly 4,500 British adults who underwent cardiac imaging, researchers also learned that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may be vastly underdiagnosed among snorers. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/2FOk7j1 Evaluating nearly 4,500 British adults who underwent cardiac imaging, researchers also learned that obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) may be vastly underdiagnosed among snorers.

New research offers a possible explanation for why hair grows on some parts of your body but not others. Scientists found that hairless skin secretes a protein that blocks a signaling pathway (WNT) that controls hair growth. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/2rbmd26 New research offers a possible explanation for why hair grows on some parts of your body but not others. Scientists found that hairless skin secretes a protein that blocks a signaling pathway (WNT) that controls hair growth.

U.S. life expectancy has declined for the third year in a row, largely because of opioid abuse and suicide, new government statistics show. from WebMD Health https://ift.tt/2FQuL8I U.S. life expectancy has declined for the third year in a row, largely because of opioid abuse and suicide, new government statistics show.

Eggnog French Toast This delicious eggnog french toast is one of the most festive (and delicious) Christmas brunch recipes. Serve with syrup and enjoy next to the tree. Get the recipe The post 15 Must-Try Christmas Brunch Recipes for a Happier Holiday appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2AysoSe

“I’m going vegetarian” Novice vegetarians sometimes gain weight because they don’t realize cheese, pasta, and other vegetarian standards are loaded with calories. Instead of becoming a full-fledged vegetarian, Erin Palinski-Wade, RD, LDN , a nutrition consultant and author of Walking off the Weight for Dummies ,  suggests eating a mostly plant-based diet while slowly reducing your meat intake. “Add puréed beans or lentils into ground beef to create a burger patty with less animal protein and more fiber,” she says. “This swap won’t leave you hungry. A study found that the protein in peas staved off hunger better than whey protein [from dairy], making it a filling option. Adding in vegetarian sources of protein like beans and lentils can be a good way to boost fiber in your meal plan, and that can help promote a healthy body weight.” She suggests snacking on roasted chickpeas instead of pretzel or chips, or tossing beans on pasta and salads. “You’ll add more protein to a vegetarian di

Chicago For Melissa Erickson , January 1st isn’t just the start of a New Year, but it’s her birthday, signaling a new lap around the sun and another candle on her cake. And while she calls Minneapolis home, her been-there, done-that mentality encouraged her to shift her new-year-new-age parties to Chicago, where the Windy City offers a multitude of options. “We went to the Navy Pier where we spent around $150 for the ticket, but it was totally worth it. We got unlimited food, drinks, toast at midnight, and amazing view. We watched a ship light off fireworks without having to go outside in the cold. It was the best New Year’s and best birthday ever,” she shared. Don’t miss the top 10 destinations to ring in the New Year . The post 26 of the Best New Year’s Eve Celebrations Around the World appeared first on Reader's Digest . from Reader's Digest https://ift.tt/2zlLLeN