Keep herbs fresh.
Proper storage can prevent herbs from languishing in the refrigerator. Hetty McKinnon, Brooklyn-based author of cookbooks including the forthcoming Community, shares her tips:
Parsley, cilantro, dill, and mint: “Spread them out on a sheet of paper towel, roll it up, and store in a ziplock bag or airtight container.”
Basil: “Store stem-down in a glass of water at room temperature.”
Rosemary, thyme, and oregano: “Hard herbs like these tend to dry out, so dampen a paper towel before loosely wrapping them. Then, place in a tightly sealed container and store in the fridge. Or, you could dry them by tying a bunch at the stem and hanging them upside down in the kitchen. They maintain their flavor as they dry out.”
Cross off and conquer.
“It’s very satisfying to look at a list and see all the things that have been crossed off,” says Katie Morel, Ph.D., licensed clinical psychologist in New York City. She makes a case for adding low-level to-dos—making the bed, eating lunch—to your list.
Every morning, write each item down and decide how you’ll reward yourself (with a FaceTime date, a cocktail) once you cross them all off, Morel says.
Give (better) thanks.
There’s an art to thank-yous. A study in Social Psychological and Personality Science found a tactic called other-praising helps your partner feel more love towards you. To use it, give thanks in a way that highlights one of your SO’s good qualities with statements like “You go out of your way to…” and “You’re really good at…”
As much as possible, avoid starting out with self-benefit statements like “It gave me...” or “It allowed me to…,” which put the focus on yourself.
Equinox photography auction
Today, bid on Lawrence Schiller’s 1962 photo of Marilyn Monroe, taken while the star was filming what would be her last film, Something’s Got to Give. All proceeds from the auction will benefit the WhyHunger COVID-19 Rapid Relief Fund.
