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How to Do Dip Powder Nails

 Staying at home means avoiding the nail salon, and as someone who always  smudges regular nail polish (seriously, how is it possible that they can still  be ready to smear by the time I go to bed?), I have a newfound appreciation for the variety of modern manicure solutions available. I previously reviewed Ohora's at-home gel strips , which are a great option for hassle-free designs. Another option that I really like, even though I am far  from a pro, is dip powder. Dip powder is essentially an acrylic powder that contains pigments or glitters. You purchase a set of liquids that can be used with the powders of your choice for a quick and clean manicure that requires very little dry time. Dip powder is easily accessible, and if you're new to dip nails in general, I'd suggest a reasonably priced option for practice. I started with the Lavender Violets brand on Amazon, which comes with a set of powders + all the liquids you need for a beginner. I did find that the l...

Sweet and Smoky Butternut Squash Soup

It's fall, and all types of squash are in season. Pumpkins and butternut squash are plentiful, and while squash is easily roasted, there is something about soup that just screams "Fall". Plus, it's a filling meal in one easy dish.

Did I mention it's great for you, packed with nutrients, low calorie, and super filling? A perfect balance to all of that Halloween candy you've been sneaking from your child's trick or treat basket.


When I set out to make this soup, I found a bunch of soup recipes that were all very similar to each other. Trust me, I know that pumpkin soup is great with cinnamon, but I was looking for something a little more savory, with a flavor that didn't depend on throwing chopped bacon on it.

This is what I came up with. The smoky flavor of the paprika paired with the light sweetness of the vegetables is excellent, and the cheddar cheese takes it to the next level. It's the perfect fall comfort food, without all the calories!

Sweet and smoky butternut squash is a little bit smoky and a little bit cheesy. Perfect for fall!

Sweet and Smoky Butternut Squash Soup

Ingredients

  • 1 butternut squash, peeled and diced, seeds removed
  • 3 carrots, peeled and chopped
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 tbsp butter
  • 1/2 tsp herbs de provence (sub rosemary and thyme if needed)
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1/2 tsp turmeric
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
  • salt and pepper
  • olive oil


  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.
  2. Toss the vegetables on a baking sheet or in a dish, and drizzle with a little olive oil. Bake for 45 minutes, until soft.
  3. Add to a large pot and puree with an immersion blender. Alternately, blend in a conventional blender, but careful! Hot soup may splatter.
  4. Place the pot of pureed vegetables over medium heat. Stir in chicken broth and blend further if necessary.
  5. Add butter and all seasonings, stir and continue to cook on stovetop until hot.
  6. Add cheddar cheese and stir until blended.
  7. Serve immediately, topped with a little cheddar cheese and smoked paprika if desired.

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How to Do Dip Powder Nails

 Staying at home means avoiding the nail salon, and as someone who always  smudges regular nail polish (seriously, how is it possible that they can still  be ready to smear by the time I go to bed?), I have a newfound appreciation for the variety of modern manicure solutions available. I previously reviewed Ohora's at-home gel strips , which are a great option for hassle-free designs. Another option that I really like, even though I am far  from a pro, is dip powder. Dip powder is essentially an acrylic powder that contains pigments or glitters. You purchase a set of liquids that can be used with the powders of your choice for a quick and clean manicure that requires very little dry time. Dip powder is easily accessible, and if you're new to dip nails in general, I'd suggest a reasonably priced option for practice. I started with the Lavender Violets brand on Amazon, which comes with a set of powders + all the liquids you need for a beginner. I did find that the l...

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