Latest news with #seasonal
New York Times
8 hours ago
- Lifestyle
- New York Times
For a Better Stir-Fry, Velvet Your Chicken
I'll be honest — I am stubbornly Team Thighs 'n' Legs when it comes to chicken. But I do appreciate that there are applications where white meat is the better choice. I like to use chicken breasts (preferably with skin and breastbone) as the base for a chicken soup, or poached for cold salads. And while I'd normally reach for boneless, skinless thighs for stir-fries, the technique that Kevin Pang uses for his new butter-soy chicken and asparagus stir-fry has caught my eye. The technique, you might guess, is velveting. Velveting — a two-step process that involves marinating the meat in a cornstarch mixture and then blanching it in either oil or water — keeps the chicken breast slices from drying out and helps the soy-butter sauce cling better. I'll make this dish with asparagus while it's in season, and then switch to green beans or snap peas. Kevin doesn't add anything spicy to his stir-fry, but I wouldn't say no to some spoonfuls of — all together now — chile crisp. Featured Recipe View Recipe → Speaking of soy sauce and chile crisp: We recently published this very handy guide to which condiments belong in the fridge and which are plenty happy in your pantry. It's both informative and good for settling arguments. Here's the tl;dr version: Sesame salmon bowls: This Kay Chun one-pot recipe, inspired by chirashi, combines vinegared rice with just-cooked salmon, crunchy vegetables and a soy vinaigrette. If you have any furikake, I'd sprinkle some on the rice before assembling your bowl. Pasta with green bean ragù: From the wizard who brought us gochujang buttered noodles and a glorious pasta al pomodoro comes this rich, stick-to-your-bones pasta that still feels summery. Eric Kim, always. Easy chickpea salad: Any recipe that includes za'atar gets my attention (and yes, I am fully committed to this za'atar and labneh spaghetti). Kristina Felix's potluck-perfect dish includes cucumbers, red onion, tomato, lemon, fresh herbs and that lovely, sumac-y spice mix. Pistachio halvah Rice Krispies treats: I mean, the name kind of says it all, doesn't it? A delightful recipe adapted by Lisa Donovan from Shilpa and Miro Uskokovic, who opened Hani's Bakery and Café in Manhattan in 2024.
Khaleej Times
4 days ago
- General
- Khaleej Times
The art of seasonal scents: Choosing the right perfume for every season
Perfume is a deeply personal luxury, an invisible signature that lingers long after you leave the room. It has the power to uplift your mood, spark memories, and transform even the most ordinary days into sensory moments. From the delicate burst of florals in spring to the warm embrace of oud in winter, the right fragrance can capture the essence of a season with just one spritz. As seasons shift, so too does the way perfume interacts with your skin and environment. Summer's warmth can intensify lighter scents, making citrus and aquatic notes feel fresh and vibrant, while cooler months are perfect for rich, full-bodied compositions like amber, musk, and spice. Wearing perfume in harmony with the weather not only enhances its impact but also adds a touch of sophistication to your daily ritual. With the help an expert insight, you can explore the delicate balance between choosing fragrances that match the mood of each season, while also being kind to your skin and body. Whether you're layering your signature scent or discovering new seasonal favorites, let this guide inspire a more mindful and elegant way to wear fragrance; one that complements your style, the seasons, and your sense of wellbeing. Spring: A time for florals and fresh starts Spring welcomes lighter, breezier notes that mirror the rebirth of nature. Think peonies, lilies, green tea, or citrusy neroli. After the musky cocoon of winter, your body and nose crave something fresher. However, if you're prone to allergies, this season might come with a caveat. Dr Suresh Puri, Consultant Pulmonologist and Internal Medicine at JTS Medical Centre, Dubai, advises caution with fragrance choices, particularly for those with health sensitivities. 'Use scent-free products, try avoiding strong perfumes including smoky (Bakhur) fragrance,' he suggests. As some stronger scents may trigger respiratory reactions and create a stuffy indoor environment, especially if ventilation is poor. For spring, alcohol-free body mists or eau de toilette versions of your favorite fragrances; are suggested as they're usually less concentrated and less likely to overwhelm. Summer: Light, airy, and skin-safe The heat of summer calls for crisp, clean fragrances that won't become cloying in the sun. Popular choices include marine notes, citrus, and fruity blends like watermelon or grapefruit. But with increased sweating and sun exposure, fragrance application becomes tricky, especially for people with sensitive skin. Dr Teena Mathew, Specialist Dermatologist at JTS Medical Centre, Dubai, highlights the importance of skin health when using perfumes. 'For people with sensitive skin wishing to use fragrances, it is best to conduct a usage test. Apply it to a small inconspicuous area for two weeks. If there is no reaction, then it should be safe to use,' she explains. She also emphasises the need for proper skin hydration: 'It is important to keep the skin well moisturised since dry skin can precipitate irritation.' In other words, layering a good unscented moisturiser underneath your fragrance not only helps the scent last longer but also forms a barrier that protects the skin. So, for summers, it's best to opt for oil-based perfumes — they tend to be gentler on the skin and evaporate less quickly. Autumn: Warm, spicy, and grounding As temperatures drop and the air gets crisp, we begin to crave more warmth and that extends to our fragrance choices. Autumn is the season of vanilla, amber, sandalwood, and fig. These rich, spicy, and slightly sweet aromas mimic the cozy feeling of sweater weather. This is also a good time to explore niche or artisanal scents that evoke earthy tones and natural elements. But it's important to be mindful of where and how you apply these stronger perfumes. For individuals with sensitive skin or eczema, direct application on pulse points like the neck or behind the ears can trigger irritation. Dr Mathew suggests, 'Spraying fragrance on clothes instead of directly on the skin can help minimise contact with potential irritants.' Just be sure to test it on a small patch of fabric first to avoid staining. In cooler months, your skin tends to be drier. 'It is also important is to keep the skin well moisturised since dry skin can precipitate skin irritation,' she added. Winter: Bold, deep, and intimate Winter invites bold fragrances with depth; think oud, patchouli, leather, musk, and incense. These perfumes shine in colder temperatures and linger longer in the dry winter air. However, heavier scents can sometimes feel overwhelming, especially indoors or in confined spaces. Dr Puri warns against using smoky or overpowering scents. 'Have a well-ventilated home and workplace environment,' he advises, adding that scent-heavy spaces can negatively affect respiratory health. This is especially relevant during the holiday season when candles, incense, and perfumes are used simultaneously. A good rule of thumb is to balance your olfactory space, if you're lighting a strongly-scented candle, maybe skip the heavy perfume that day. Layering is key in winter. Start with a scented body wash, follow up with a matching lotion, and finish with a spritz of perfume to lock in the fragrance all day. Year-round wellness: Finding balance with fragrance No matter the season, your fragrance should enhance your day. With the rise of clean beauty and dermatologically tested perfumes, consumers now have access to options that are safer for both the skin and the lungs. If you have asthma, allergies, or sensitive skin, patch testing is essential. As Dr Mathew stresses, 'A two-week trial on a small skin area can help detect any delayed allergic reactions.' It may seem tedious, but it's worth it if it saves you from irritation or discomfort. Equally important is ventilation. 'Avoid strong perfumes and ensure your environment is well-ventilated,' says Dr Puri. This small habit can significantly improve indoor air quality and overall wellbeing, especially if you use fragrance daily. You might also consider scented hair mists, lightly fragranced deodorants, or diffuser oils in your personal space to maintain a subtle and pleasant scent. Scent with sensibility Lastly, wearing perfume isn't just about smelling good; it's about feeling good too. It's about understanding your body, your skin's needs, and the subtle ways your surroundings shape how a scent is received. A well-chosen fragrance can be a quiet act of self-care, a daily ritual that speaks to your mood, your story, and your sense of place. By tuning into the rhythm of the seasons and being mindful of your skin's sensitivity and others' comfort, you transform perfume from a fleeting indulgence into something more meaningful. You give it thought, intention, and grace. So, whether you're layering notes of jasmine on a spring morning or wrapping yourself in the velvet of oud on a winter's night, let your scent echo something deeper, your awareness, your wellbeing, and your respect for those around you. Because in a world full of noise, sometimes the softest things like a well-chosen fragrance can leave the strongest impression.
CTV News
6 days ago
- Climate
- CTV News
Cooler today but the heat is back for Saturday
Edmonton Watch According to CTV Edmonton's Cory Edel's forecast, Friday will be cool, Saturday hot, and Sunday seasonal.
Yahoo
7 days ago
- Climate
- Yahoo
Scattered showers become more isolated overnight, patchy fog late, t-storms Friday
The Storm Team 11 forecast calls for mostly cloudy skies with a 50% chance of scattered showers and maybe a few embedded thunderstorms will become more isolated overnight. Patchy fog will be possible late. The low will be 60 degrees. Friday will conclude the week with a rainy outlook, featuring an 80% chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms. A few could be on the stronger side through the afternoon. The primary threat will be damaging winds and hail. The high will be around 70 degrees. Scattered showers and thunderstorms are expected to continue Friday night, with a low of 52 degrees. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Additional scattered showers and thunderstorms are anticipated Saturday afternoon and evening with a high of 72 degrees. The rain chance is 40%. Saturday night will be partly cloudy with a low of 48 degrees. Sunday will be partly cloudy with a 20% chance of isolated showers. The high will be 75 degrees. Sunday night will be partly cloudy with a low of 50 degrees. Monday, we will start to warm back to near seasonal highs under partly cloudy skies. The high will be 80 degrees. Monday night will be clear with a low of 55 degrees. We continue the warm-up into Tuesday with a high near 83 degrees. Tuesday night will be partly cloudy with a low of 58 degrees. Wednesday will be partly cloudy with a 30% chance of scattered showers and thunderstorms. The high will be even warmer with a high of 84 degrees. A few showers and thunderstorms are possible once again into next Thursday. The high will be around 85 degrees. Have a great night and stay dry. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
CBC
28-05-2025
- Climate
- CBC
Riley Laychuk's Manitoba forecast for Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Wednesday brings another day with temperatures above seasonal for this time of year. Smoke continues to be an issue across a wide swath of the north due to wildfires.
