5 Fab Finds Under $50

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peacoat | cable knit sweater | sequin mules | faux shearling hobo bag | distressed skinny jeans

On a budget but still want to look great? Here are 5 fab finds under $50 that won't break the bank but will keep you (or your home) looking cute. All items are from the Nordstrom Half-Yearly Sale that's happening now through January 2nd.

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New Year, New Home?

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Here we are on the doorstep of a new year, and if you're dreaming of a fresh start, a new home could be the answer in 2019. Whether it's moving in with a partner, making room to start a family, downsizing, or even making a major cross-country move, that dream home is out there and you can start making it happen how. January is a great time of year to list your current house for sale or think about buying a new home. Moving is an upheaval, but it doesn't have to be stressful and chaotic if you plan ahead.

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Top Posts of 2018

I published 242 blog posts in 2018. That was about 50 less than I published in 2017. But I like to think that this little blog is more about quality than quantity. Here are the 10 most popular posts of 2018.

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Best Online Reads

The ten stories from around the web that I am loving this week:

1. A complete list of unspoken social etiquette rules everyone should follow via Country Living.

2. The first 15 things flight attendants notice about you when you board the plane via MyDomaine.

3. Seven reasons to choose a hotel over an Airbnb via Business Insider.

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What We're Reading

It's Christmas break and what better way to spend it than by reading? And by binge watching Dawson's Creek on Prime Video. Yes, so there's that too, and I have to admit, I am living my best life right now. I'm in the middle of a good psychological thriller that's moving fast, so Dawson and friends are on the back burner, but not for long!

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Best Online Reads

The ten stories from around the web that I am loving this week:

1. Four times you never need to apologize at work via Business Insider.

2. How to make budgeting successful via Refinery29.

3. The cities around the world with the worst traffic via Hopes & Fears.

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My Best Buys of 2018

I made countless purchases this year, but only a few stood out. From experiences and travel to beauty and home, here's a short list of my best purchases of 2018.

1. CoxRx Acne Master Pimple Patch ($6/pkg. of 24) - I've been a devotee to Mario Badescu's Drying Lotion as a cure for my pesky pimples. But when I discovered this product from Korean brand COSRX via the Forever35 podcast, I immediately bought them and added them to my regime with the drying lotion. They are tiny medicated stickers that come in various sizes. You simply apply the sticker to your pimple, and it draws out impurities to significantly reduce the size of the pimple. I generally wear them overnight as needed. But if you are home on the weekends, you could pop one on in the morning and leave it all day.

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Weekend Dispatch

As we head into the last weekend before Christmas, I've got a to-do list that's a mile long (anyone else?) I'm trying to wrap up work commitments and blog posts this week so I can relax next week. I'm heading to a cookie exchange on Sunday evening (more about that below), and I also have gift wrapping to start. But, I always make time for downtime, and here's how I plan to spend the few spare moments I have this week.

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Holiday Gift Guide: Harper's Wish List

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air pods | facial spray | iPad | bath bomb | sneakers | wireless charger | pocket printer | necklace

Every year since they were able to write, my daughters have put together Christmas lists. They've been helpful to "Santa" as well as to family members looking for gift ideas. As the years have passed, the lists have evolved. They started out as short lists of scribbled misspelled words and have now become elaborate lists of printed photos and URLs since they now know who "Santa" is.

And I might add that as my girls have gotten older, the items on the wish lists have become fewer but more expensive. Gone are the days of the $20 art kits and $5.00 books. Now it's expensive electronics and brand name clothing.

For today's gift guide feature, I'm sharing what's on Harper's holiday wish list. It's short, sweet, and age-appropriate for an 12 year old.

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5 Things To Know When Traveling with an Infant

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The holidays are upon us, and for many families, travel is in the plans to celebrate the holidays with family. A new baby suddenly makes traveling a whole lot more overwhelming for a parent. At such times, it may sound more appealing to stick close to home. But don’t worry. Traveling with an infant doesn't have to be a nightmare. By keeping these 5 things in mind, you can make the whole experience easier and fun.

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5 Gifts For Every Wine Lover

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If you've got someone on your gift list who is a big fan of wine, you may be surprised by how many wine accessories are out there for gifting. Every wine lover needs the ideal wine gadgets to make that glass of satisfaction taste even sweeter. Here are five gift ideas for the wine lover on your list.

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How To Make Time For Mindfulness Over The Hectic Holiday Season

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With just a couple of weeks left in the year and just over a week to go until Christmas day, a lot of us will be winding down for the holidays over the coming days…at least in theory. Many of us (especially those in the gig economy) will be rushing to finish year-end work projects and holiday shopping and preparation before the holidays. Christmas shopping these days is like a dress-rehearsal for the stage production of Battle Royale. 

In this backdrop of noise, movement, chaos, confusion and inevitable mess, it’s important for all of us to afford ourselves a little time to come back to center. To reorganize our minds and rise above the chaos and calamity. Here are some ways I do exactly that:

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Best Online Reads

The ten stories from around the web that I am loving this week:

1. The 18 best cookies in America via PureWow.

2. The best apps for learning a foreign language via The Washington Post.

3. Five tricks to cut your morning routine in half via The Everygirl.

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How to Care For Your Health as You Age

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Last year when I turned 50, I made a pact with myself to take better physical care of myself and to prioritize self-care (everything from skin care to clean eating). Aging is inevitable, and it's only natural that our bodies go through a process of wear and tear. While I can't stop that process, I can take steps to delay it.

I approach my health more in the context of going on vacation, in that I know I only have a limited amount of time to enjoy my trip, and as a result, I squeeze the most out of it. We often become complacent and live as if we are going to be around forever. Unfortunately, we aren't but you can extend your life span by staying in good health. My mantra is always "prevention is better than a cure."

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What To Consider Before Becoming a Pet Owner

It's during this time of year that a lot of parents considering gifting a pet to the children for the holidays. Welcoming a furry friend to the household will undoubtedly bring you a lot of happiness, but it will also add to your workload. Even the most independent and well-behaved pets need care and attention. If you’re on the cusp of making a decision to introduce a new member of the family, here are some top considerations to make before making the final decision.

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Gift Guide: For The Crazy Cat Lady

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We all have a special crazy cat lady in our lives. I am a self-professed one myself. Love anything and everything cat-related, so I chose a few of my favorites to make it easy for you to cross the cat lover off your gift list.

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Why It Matters To Keep Your Home Tidy and In Order

I have a basic rule that I try to abide by on most occasions, and it's that my house should take no more than 5 minutes to tidy up in the event that a guest calls or texts that she'll "be right over".  We all basically know that it’s a good idea to keep our homes in order, and to maintain a certain baseline of tidiness and structure, but accomplishing that, especially with kids, is another feat altogether.

However, it's only natural that we all become distracted by life and by our competing responsibilities, preoccupations, and everything else we happen to be juggling at that moment. For some, being orderly and organized just isn't in their DNA. But it’s really worth your time and effort to try to maintain some sort of semblance of order in your home. When you maintain a tidy home, you can relax more readily. And the state of your home can impact you in many more ways than you might think.

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Best Online Reads

The ten stories from around the web that I am loving this week:

1. The 50 most expensive zip codes for renters in the U.S. via Rent Café.

2. How to survive the holiday office party via The Cut.

3. Thirty-one Starbucks drinks you had no idea existed via Cosmopolitan.

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My Holiday Wish List

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Many of you have asked what I am hoping for this holiday season. I never really need anything, and I generally buy myself something that I want, but I do like to give my family a few hints as to items that would be nice but not necessary to have. So, here are 6 things on my list this year.

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Tips For Caring For Your Car

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Your car is one of the most important parts of your life and plays a major role in helping your family live their lives. Whether you plan to have your car for 2 years or 20 years, it's important to take care of your car There are many things that play a role in taking care of your vehicle.

Yesterday I had my 20,000 routine maintenance check up on my car, and as I was picking my car up, I got into a discussion with the service manager about the importance of taking care of what's under the hood as well as what's outside of it.

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POM Picks: All About Plaid

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robe | sleeveless top | initial mug | hair tie | slippers | change purse | wine bag | tray | passport holder | d'Orsay flats

This time of year, I admittedly go a little overboard with the plaid. I wear it. I decorate with it. I dream about it. The thing is...can you ever really have too much plaid in your life? Um, no. So, if you aren't convinced that plaid is the greatest print ever, here are a few of my favorite plaid items to help convince you. And many of these would make great gifts too!

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Tips For Securing Your Home From Intruders

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After we were robbed almost 10 years ago, home security became our top priority. We quickly realized that it’s not enough to simply rely on a set of locks. We took some additional steps to ensure that we were safe inside and outside the home.

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Best Online Reads

The ten stories from around the web that I am loving this week:

1. This could be Tom Hanks' next big screen role via Collider.

2. Why you should teach your children the correct terminology for private parts via Huffington Post.

3. The scientific reason you feel lazy over the winter via Bustle.

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What To Do With Unwanted Presents?

Ah, Christmas time. A time of food indulgence, sparkling decorations, and festive outfits and celebrations. But above all, Christmas is a time of gift giving and receiving. We take pride in choosing the perfect gift for everyone on our list. And they'll take pride in choosing the ideal gift for you. As you begin to unwrap, you might have to put on a brave face when you receive something that doesn't entirely suit you. It happens, and there's no reason to feel guilty about not liking a present you've been gifted. But rather than allow the unwanted gifts to accumulate in your home, there are ways to deal with the gifts.

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Weekend Dispatch

Happy Tuesday! I hope you enjoyed a restful and relaxing Thanksgiving and you are easing back into your regular routine. I love Thanksgiving and am always sad to see the weekend end. It's always such an easy and refreshing weekend spent with family and friends. But now it's back to biz as usual. It's a busy time of the year for bloggers who, generally, are overwhelmed with putting together gift guides this time of year. But I am managing to squeeze in plenty of "me" time to help me take a step back from all my work obligations that come this time of year.

Here are some recommendations for your week and what I'll be up to as well:

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3 Books That Aren't Just For Kids

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Many people have read a number of books that have been deemed children's books in a variety of different genres. But, as adults get enjoyment out of them, why should they be marketed solely as books for kids? You know those ones that you loved but sometimes might feel a little embarrassed to admit it? I've read several series of books that would be considered children's books but are just as enjoyable and stimulating for adults.

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How To Give Back on #GivingTuesday

Today is #GivingTuesday, a day dedicated to giving back to make a positive impact in our communities and our world.

Since 2014, we have been supporting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) in hope of a cure for our daughter Harper who was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes in February 2014.

Millions of people with T1D—and the families who love them—are hoping for a cure. Advances funded by JDRF, such as the artificial pancreas system and encapsulated cell replacement therapy, are bringing us closer to the day when we can defeat this terrible disease. You can learn more about advances being made in the quest for a cure for type 1 diabetes at JDRF.org.

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My 10 Favorite Cyber Monday Deals

Cyber Monday is one of the biggest shopping days of the year with retailers competing to offer the biggest discounts around. It's one of the best days to purchase big ticket items, such as electronics, kitchen appliances, designer bags, and high end clothes and makeup.

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Gift Guide: For The Hostess

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Although your host and hostess may make entertaining look effortless, they are likely to have put a lot of time and effort into preparing and executing their party. Show your appreciation with a thoughtful gift.

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5 Fab Finds Under $50

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off the shoulder top | booties | quilted vest | ruffle sleeve sweater | one shoulder dress

On a budget but still want to look great? Here are 5 fab finds under $50 that won't break the bank but will keep you (or your home) looking cute. J.Crew Factory is having an enormous Black Friday sale with up to 80% off clearance items. All of the above apply to that, and they only caveat is that these items are final sale. So, not returns.

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Best Online Reads

We're coming at you early this week due to the Thanksgiving holiday. Enjoy these 10 great stories from around the web that I am loving this week, and have a wonderful Thanksgiving!

1. How often you should wash your throw blankets via Apartment Therapy.

2. Twenty-five subscription boxes that make great gifts via Cosmopolitan.

3. The most popular diet the year you were born via Harper's Bazaar.

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Apple Cider Floats

Let's agree. Dessert is pretty much the best part of any meal, especially Thanksgiving. Pies, pies, pies! Yes, please. But if you are looking to switch things up a bit this year when it comes to Thanksgiving dessert, why not try an apple cider float? They are especially fun for the kids, are easy to make, and don't require a ton of ingredients or a long baking time.

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Friday Favorites: Stay Warm

We returned to New Jersey from a 9-day vacation in Florida today. As expected, we were greeted with temperatures in the mid-40s. Not exactly the welcome home hug I was looking for, but I can't expect much more from November in the northeast. Today, I'm surrounding myself with all things warm and cozy and sharing a few favorites with you in today's Friday Favorites.

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Best Online Reads

The ten stories from around the web that I am loving this week:

1. Ten things you should do 10 days before Thanksgiving via Apartment Therapy.

2. At what age should your child have a cell phone via Huffington Post.

3. Stop believing these 5 money myths via MindBodyGreen.

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Cocktails for the Holiday Season

The holidays are quickly approaching. One of my entertaining must-dos is to have a signature cocktail that I serve at our gatherings. It takes the pressure off of you to be mixing up all sorts of custom-made cocktails all night long and gives you more time to mingle with and enjoy your guests and your party. Here are two of my favorites.

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What We're Reading

We are currently enjoying a much needed vacation in Captiva, Florida. And when you're on vacation, lots of reading happens. Shortly after boarding the plane last Wednesday, I finished reading this book which was downloaded on my Kindle. At the last minute I threw a book in my carry on bag since I didn't have one downloaded. I started it on the plane, and finished it 2 days later. It was so good.

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Friday Favorites

Happy Friday!! I am starting this one off in sunny Fort Myers, Florida where I've been since Wednesday. Today we are heading out to Captiva Island for the next week. But first, before I go into complete vacation mode, let's talk the Nordstrom Fall Sale. As is the case with any Nordstrom sale, it's epic. Here are five of my favorite items from the sale.

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Best Online Reads

The ten stories from around the web that I am loving this week:

1. Nine things to focus on when you're exercising via Bustle.

2. Secret Santa gifts under $25 that recipients will actually want to keep via Business Insider.

3. The worst color to wear in photos via PureWow.

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What's In My Carry-On Bag

On Wednesday we leave for a 9-day vacation in southwest Florida. I pay as much attention to packing my carry-on bag as I do my suitcase. Making sure I have everything that's essential to a comfortable flight is a must regardless of whether the flight is 6 hours or 60 minutes. I always carry a big bag that I can carry on my shoulder. These types of bags are more convenient and put less strain on my lower back.

These are the go-to items in my carry-on bag:

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Friday Favorites

Who remembers the Friday's Fresh Picks posts I used to do? It was a weekly series that I participated in with several other bloggers. It was a fun way for us to share the things we were currently loving or obsessing over with our readers in hopes that they'd love it too.

This week I was thinking about how much I miss writing those posts and participating in the link up. While I don't have any plans to get back into a link up, I am reinstating a similar type of post, Friday Favorites. Let's get to it!

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Best Online Reads

The ten stories from around the web that I am loving this week:

1. How to eat like a local while traveling via The New York Times.

2. What it's like to take the longest flight in the world via Vogue.

3. Which money personality type are you via Camille Styles.

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Weekend Dispatch

This coming weekend is the last weekend before we leave for Captiva, Florida. This is an annual trip for us and one we look forward to pretty much from the day we leave the year prior. While I'm sure this weekend will be filled with packing and last minute preparations, I do plan to squeeze in a few fun things and some downtime too.

Here's what I'll be up to this weekend:

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8 Books I've Read Recently

I've been on somewhat of a reading kick since mid-August. I can't pinpoint exactly how or why it happened. I've always loved ready, but something clicked while we were on vacation in Rehoboth Beach in mid-August, and I haven't been able to find a book that haven't liked. Here are the books I've read since August and my overall feeling about each one.

1. Saving Grace by Jane Green
I love Jane Green's style of writing and her subject matter, so it was so surprise that I loved this book. Her characters are rich in depth and so vividly described that it's easy to feel as if you know them personally. Such is the case with the protagonist Grace Chapman, a middle-aged woman struggling to find her identity after spending most of her adult life tending to her husband (a successful writer) and daughter. Grace's world is turned upside down when her husband hires an assistant who turns out to be sinister than sincere.

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5 Home Improvement Trends To Implement Now

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No matter what our age or number of children, busy moms always invest in our homes and treat them as another child who needs to be pampered and nurtured. Regardless of the size and location of the house, there are many little things we modify over time. There can be multiple reasons for home improvement such as changing trends, a new liking developed for something, or overall efficiency. No matter how many trends you follow, there are still a few you may miss. Among the crazy smart gadgets operating your home, here are some home improvement trends you will want to follow to update your home:

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Best Online Reads

The ten stories from around the web that I am loving this week:

1. Hacks for getting ready faster in the morning via The Zoe Report.

2. The reason men talk 90% of the time on conference calls via Career Contessa.

3. Six things you should never do after a workout via Refinery29.

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Weekend Dispatch

Last weekend was jam packed that it didn't leave much down time. We had a casual family dinner on Friday night before my sister-in-law and brother-in-law returned to Denver. On Saturday I met friends for coffee at the café at the Herbary at Bear Creek. It was a lovely place to meet and a nice change from our "on the beaten path" coffee shops. Saturday night my girlfriend had a birthday party, and Sunday was a slow start, naturally, and full of errands and prep for the week.

After a busy weekend, here's how I plan to spend this coming one:

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5 Fab Finds Under $50

featured: 

mules | backpack | detox in a box | lip set | crochet top

On a budget but still want to look great?  Here are 5 fab finds under $50 that won't break the bank but will keep you (or your home) looking cute.

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How To Buy Your Dream Home

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Do you have a dream of owning a house that you absolutely love? Do you want a bigger house, a prettier house, a house in a different location? If you’ve answered yes to any (or all) of those, you’re not alone. You may find yourself so far away from where you actually want to be. But that doesn’t mean that you can’t get the house that you really want. It just means that you need to work that little bit harder to get it. You may need to think about selling your home in order to move forward with buying your dream home. But how exactly do you go about doing that when you seem so far from your ultimate goal? Start here:

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Tips For Dealing With Common Childhood Ailments

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As a parent, seeing your child in pain will be one of the worst things you can be put through. Their    discomfort becomes your discomfort, especially when there isn’t much that can be done about it. Thankfully, nowadays, it’s rare that you’ll find a medical condition without some sort of solution. 

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Best Online Reads

The ten stories from around the web that I am loving this week:

1. I am loving Benjamin Moore's color of the year via Domino.

2. The top late-night restaurants in 7 major cities according to Lyft via Food and Wine.

3. Why you feel dizzy after spinning via Popular Science.

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