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Much like the recycling movement allowed people to feel OK about buying products in plastic bottles, items made of bioplastics seem environmentally harmless to many consumers. But the lifecycle of these products is misrepresented. The biggest challenge? Ensuring bioplastics are disposed of properly. I chatted with sustainability expert and consultant Shannon Kenny, who broke down the challenges with these items. “Anytime you add the term ‘bio,’ ‘compostable’ or ‘plant-based’ to a product name or description, people automatically think that makes them good for the planet....

I’ll walk you through a few ways to upgrade those plastic containers into a new home for your plants. Materials Leftover Tupperware in any shapes or sizes Cotton rope Spray paint Hot glue gun Scissors Tupperware looks like Tupperware because of that raised brim that holds onto the lid. To give these vessels a new life you’ll want to remove that brim with a pair of scissors. Just note that Tupperware comes in all plastic densities, and some containers are easier to cut than others....

When you think of a farm, you probably think of rows of corn, seeds popping through the soil, farm animals, and the men and women who work the fields. Historically, farms have existed in a largely utilitarian sense. Their main goal has been to produce healthy crops or raise animals to feed the population while, naturally, making a living at the same time. However, with advances in technology, the agriculture industry has become more and more industrialized....

And, as a bonus, these ideas are easily found and readily affordable. No need to go on an Easter hunt of your own. Money Yes, you’ll have to raid your piggy bank for this item, but kids love money, even when it’s just a few dimes or a quarter or two for the little ones. This Easter gift can’t be beat. MORE: 6 new Easter candy & cookies coming in 2019 — from M&M’s to Oreos...

Color by number Easter bunny MORE: Free printable Easter coloring pages your kids will love Color by number Easter egg MORE: Free printable Easter coloring pages that’ll relieve stress for adults Color by number Easter basket WANT MORE? See our 8 free printable Easter coloring pages your kids will love and fun Easter color by number pages — then, from our friends, lots of other Easter coloring pages & printables!

If comfort food is calling your name, we recommend answering with our Alton Brown-inspired shepherd’s pie — a scrumptious, filling meat pie topped with a billowy mashed-potato crust. True shepherd’s pies are made with lamb meat, while similar mashed-potato topped pies made with beef are called cottage pies. Both versions of this dish are drop-to-your-knees good, but the distinct flavor of lamb gives shepherd’s pie something special. ALSO TRY: Thyme mashed potatoes with mascarpone cheese Alton Brown’s rendition of shepherd’s pie features a delectable ground lamb filling made with onion, carrots, corn, peas and garlic....

Do you have a tableful of guests coming for the holidays and need an impressive appetizer that whets their appetite for the holiday meal? Let this baked Brie with blackberry compote be your go-to holiday nibble! Warm cheese, berries, and nuts are a heavenly combination that never disappoints. Brie is always a special treat for holiday meals, but when it is dressed up with vanilla-scented blackberries and cayenne-kissed sugared pecans, your family and friends will be begging you for the recipe....

Adapted from Thistlewood Farms 1 vote Yield 6 Courses Dessert Cuisine American Pecan pie cupcakes Crunchy, toasted pecans and a flakey piecrust highlight the sugary sweet frosting in these Pecan pie cupcakes from My Recipes. Chocolate pecan pie snack mix Forgo a pie altogether and toss together Chocolate pecan pie snack mix from The Cookie Rookie Packed. Pecan pie cake Pecan pie cake from Something Swanky has all of the fluffy characteristics of a cake combined with the sticky, nutty goodness of a pecan pie....

Pots de crème (or pots-au-crème) translates to “pots of cream” or “pots of custard,” owing to the cute little pots or cups in which this traditional French custard is served. Dating from the 17th century, it’s a lighter, looser version of modern-day custard — creamier and richer than pudding and mousse, and not as firm as a baked custard or flan. Made by baking real cream, milk and eggs together in little cups in a low-temperature water bath, these are truly divine experiences of texture and taste....

This beautiful citrus, berry and feta cheese salad is a rainbow-colored feast for the eyes that proves veggies don’t have to be boring. Bursting with color, flavor and nutrients, it’s an escape from the usual humdrum salad fare. Start with a base of crisp romaine lettuce and add the sweet-tart flavors of plump blueberries, blackberries and raspberries. Feta cheese provides a bold, tangy contrast and creaminess that makes the salad really pop....

In every other aspect of my life, fashion is king. I’m a career fashion editor, for Gucci’s sake! So, phoning this one in officially ends today. And if you’re guilty of the same fashion faux pas (you know you are), you should do the same. Sorry, floral dress, you’re out. Literally any other pattern on the planet, you’re in. It’s time to get our Instagram profiles back to lookin’ fleek....

If you and your friends drink, it’s easy enough to build a drinking game with a holiday movie or a football game. But whether you do or don’t choose to imbibe, there are tons of other ways to make Friendsgiving fun. In the spirit of spending time together on holidays and killing time in case someone’s dish isn’t quite ready by the time everyone shows up to eat (don’t forget to put the turkey in on time!...

“Do not abandon yourself to despair. We are the EASTER. People and hallelujah is our song.” – Pope John Paul II “The Bible tells us that Jesus Christ came to do three things. He came to have my past forgiven, you get a purpose for living and a home in Heaven.” – Rick Warren “God proved His love on the Cross. When Christ hung, and bled, and died, it was God saying to the world, ‘I love you....

Case in point: Brunch. I personally don’t remember a time when a Bloody Mary or a mimosa wasn’t a must-have staple of weekend social meals, but I’m sure there was one. In fact, I imagine brunch, at some point in time, was quite civilized with tea and coffee, and health-conscious, portion-controlled plates. You can still have that kind of “brunch,” sure, but let’s be real: That’s just not what it’s about anymore....

Cheesy, crunchy and garlicky: Could you ask for anything more from green beans? Kicking the classic green bean casserole up a notch, this Instant Pot green bean casserole recipe, inspired by Stay Snatched, will have you and your fellow diners digging for seconds. Made for generations, the green bean casserole is one of the ultimate comfort foods — but your mama’s green beans weren’t made in an Instant Pot. There are so many advantages to using this modern marvel of an appliance....

Not only is this vegetable side dish gorgeous, but it would make a refreshing addition to your springtime dinner menu. It’s rich and light all at the same time, with bright green peas and fava beans, creamy ricotta cheese, a splash of tangy lemon, and chive and sage blossoms. This recipe would be a lovely treat at an Easter or Mother’s Day brunch, too. Plus it’s healthy and a great way to get the kids to eat their veggies!...

The new year usually brings resolutions of things not to do, but this is a list of things you can do. These new challenges will help you break out of your shell, get out of a rut, explore new avenues and improve your quality of life. Want more? See other features on gratitude and thankfulness here! Give RV life a spin If you’re a city dweller who has dreams of being on the open plains Laura Ingalls-style, then a road trip is in your future....

This simple cauliflower side dish is elevated by using the best and freshest ingredients I could find: veggies and herbs from my local farmers market, and real Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese because of it’s bold flavor. When making a simple meal, go for the best ingredients you can find and it will make all the difference. This simple side dish is perfect in the springtime for lunch or dinner, or makes a festive and rustic holiday side dish....

We’re unabashed hopeless romantics over here, so it didn’t take much (read: any) convincing to pull together a piece centered on some seriously heartwarming marriage proposal stories. MORE: 15 most romantic movies to watch on Valentine’s Day But once we got started, we didn’t want to stop there. Did you know that more than 36 million heart-shaped boxes of chocolate are sold on V-Day? How about the fact that 1 billion cards are expected to be exchanged around the world on this annual lovefest?...

If you’re looking for something a little different to serve for dessert this Thanksgiving, you must try this elegantly-glazed, fabulously-spiced Pumpkin Bundt cake inspired by Sally’s Baking Addiction. This amazing cake was so moist and flavorful and utterly delicious, it totally took care of our pumpkin pie craving — and everyone who tried it already loves pumpkin pie. The brown sugar glaze paired with it perfectly, while the toasted pecans added just the right amount of crunch....