slideshow

If you've just moved to a new city or are learning to cook for the first time, it can be hard to nail down new recipes, let alone all those kitchen tools. Just ask Eunice, who recently wrote in with this request:

"I've just landed my first real job, am moving across the country, and out of my parents' house for the first time. What are some kitchen essentials I should get? Can you direct me toward some companies that produce quality products [that won't] blow my whole budget? I'd like a good set of knives."

Eunice: we're here to help you — and anyone else looking for a complete set of cooking tools. Here are 10 pieces of kitchen equipment that are sure to be put to good use.

If there's one protein that should always be in your freezer, make it chicken. It's delicious, healthy, affordable, filling, easy to defrost, and incredibly versatile. From soups to stuffed peppers to sandwiches, there isn't much you can't do with it. Don't have a lot of time to spare for most meals? That's OK: slender chicken tenders can be ready in a flash, and even a whole bird is small enough to roast in under an hour. Join us for some fast and creative ideas with America's most popular meat.

We all know that the elbow plank is a great core exercise. But this move, like any other, can get a bit stale. And if you're bored with an exercise, chances are high your body has become accustomed to the move and you're no longer benefiting from it.

If you're ready to add variation to your core routine, here are five moves to strengthen your mid-section courtesy of Core Performance Women. These exercises target the back, glutes, abs, and inner thighs. Add two to three of these exercises to your strength training sessions and you will notice a more toned middle and stronger core in all your activities.

Photos courtesy of Core Performance Women (Penguin)

If you and your pup find yourselves with time on your hands today, then celebrate and make it a play day! There are plenty of outdoor activities to take part in, even if Labor Day traditionally signals the end of Summer. Take a cue from one of these outside playdate ideas, or take your best friend on one of your favorite outings. Whatever your choice, get out and have some fun!

Source: Getty

Pregnancy is the easy part. The true task of parenthood is picking a name your child will go by for the rest of his or her life. If you and your spouse are having trouble agreeing on a moniker for your impending mini me, there are several sources of inspiration that might assist you in your search.

Happy Friday — and welcome to 2012's rendition of the date 4/20! Even if you're not a part of America's cult cannabis movement, you'll still need to figure out what to eat for dinner tonight. Looking for something to munch on? Here are a few smoky, spicy recipes to light up your day.

I remember when online photo editing sites were practically nonexistent, and you had to drop a load of cash to buy into software like Photoshop. That situation is a thing of the past thanks to free online photo editing websites that can turn your snapshots from drab to fab in just a few clicks. Here, find nine online photo editing sites that are totally free.

Perhaps one of your culinary resolutions for 2012 was to make more things from scratch. If that is the case, we applaud you: Making store-bought items from scratch is a great way to improve basic cooking techniques and understand what goes into the foods we know and love. Not only do you get to control what goes into your food this way, but the flavors are often fresher and bolder than their store bought counterparts. Here are 20 homemade recipes that we think you should try.

Do you know the number one thing that dogs eat that they shouldn't? (Hint: It's not your homework!) Find it out and more when you start the slideshow of the top 10 sneaky non-snacks that often cause choking, surgery, or worse!

Source

Since so much thought, time, and preparation goes into making the Thanksgiving meal I think it's important to properly set the table. From the utensils to the water glass, it can be hard to remember where everything goes. That's why I've put together this helpful slideshow — learn how to create an elegant place setting now.