6 Creative Ways To Host A Fall Dinner

Bacon Pastry Twists

Using pre-made puff pastry strips saves you so much time in the kitchen with these bacon-filled treats! If you want to go all out for your guests, make sure you don't skip the beer cheese meant to go alongside these dippable apps. (via Brit + Co)

Smoked Salmon Poke Bites

This bite-size appetizer recipe is a staple in our appetizer recipe roundups, and for good reason. They don't require any baking or cooking (other than the rice, which you could buy already made) – just pure passion for bite-size appetizers and a few minutes of your time. (via Brit + Co)

Cheesy Cauliflower Tots

For these tiny tots, simply combine all of the ingredients in a bowl, shape into bite-size portions, and bake for about 20 minutes. They'll be gone even quicker. (via Brit + Co)

Pineapple BBQ Chicken Meatballs

If you're short on time, you can use frozen meatballs to craft this delicious appetizer! Either way, the juicy bites still get swarmed in a sweet BBQ sauce that's downright addictive. (via The Real Food Dietitians)

Vegan Jalapeño Poppers

Ready in just 30 minutes, you truly cannot go wrong with jalapeño poppers for parties, movie nights, and backyard shindigs. Though this iteration is vegan, each bite is wondrously cheesy! (via Crowded Kitchen)

Baked Taco Cups

These easy baked taco cups hit all the marks in terms of texture: they're cheesy, soft, and crunchy all at the same time. You'll get a subtle kick of spice from the jalapeños and cumin, too. (via Averie Cooks)

English Muffin Pizzas

Okay – so these might actually require a bit more than a single bite, but they're so worth the extra chew. The best thing about these appetizers is they're entirely customizable, so simply pile on the toppings that speak strongly to you! (via The Girl On Bloor)

Cheese & Tomato Pinwheels

Everyone loves bready. Everyone loves cheesy. That's exactly why you need to make these bite-size appetizers for your next function! Plus, they're ridiculously easy, being made with 5 ingredients in 30 minutes tops. (via The Fast Recipe)

Crab Rangoon

You'll find that putting in the work to make your very own crab rangoon bites pays off. After a single bite of these homemade ones, you'll never go back to takeout. (via Takes Two Eggs)

Deviled Eggs

Deviled eggs are an undeniable classic, and there's bound to be someone at your party that goes nuts for them. You can customize the filling any way you like, but we recommend keeping things simple. (via Culinary Hill)

Spinach & Brie Triangles

The phyllo dough in this recipe turns so scrumptious and flaky once baked. It's the perfect texture complement to the creamy, cheesy filling. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Buffalo Tofu Wings

Your vegan pals are definitely gonna want some substantial bite-size appetizers to fuel their fun. Opt for this vegan offering that assumes the iconic Buffalo spice! (via Earthly Provisions)

Spinach Artichoke Stuffed Mushrooms

Parmesan, artichokes, and spinach are a wonderful combo on their own, but when you stuff some mushrooms with it, you've achieved bite-site snack greatness. (via Completely Delicious)

Honey Glazed Halloumi

Halloumi is a very mellow cheese that flexes well for sweet or savory situations. In this case, it gets a generous glaze of honey that tastes like pure heaven alongside some fresh lemon, spices, and herbs. (via Hello Little Home)

Easy Italian Pinwheels

These pinwheels are the epitome of a make-ahead appetizer, but they'd also be a stunning spread for a quick weekday lunch! (via Kathryn's Kitchen)

Asparagus & Ham Puff Pastry Pockets

Store-bought puff pastry comes to the (very tasty) rescue in this bite-size appetizer recipe. If your crowd isn't big on eating ham and/or asparagus, you could easily swap the insides for something else based on personal preference. (via Woman Scribbles)

Air Fried Olives

Olives are ​too​ good, and this air fried recipe just ​screams​ happy hour! They're super easy to coat and air fry, then pop in your mouth for a satiating salty snack. (via This Wife Cooks)

Brie, Apple, & Honey Crostini

These elevated bite-size appetizers are speaking to our soul. They're gently sweet form the apple and honey, and ultra-creamy thanks to the melty brie cheese! Pair with wine for a super good time. (via Two Peas & Their Pod)

Antipasto Skewers

You gotta love a skewered snack! These take on the flavors of salami, olives, and artichokes for a savory bite you'll definitely want seconds of. And thirds. And fourths. (via Salt & Lavender)

Crispy Cheesy Brussels Sprouts

It's true, you can convince everyone that Brussels sprouts are the superior vegetable, as long as there's some cheese involved. Thankfully, this quick appetizer recipe includes plenty of parmesan. (via The Endless Meal)

Chicks in a Blanket with Everything Bagel Seasoning

Meaty and bready, these chicks in a blanket make for an amazing snack alongside some ice-cold beer in the summer. (via Cozy Cravings)

Baked Sweet Potato Wedges

These crispy potato pieces might just be better than any restaurant's version. They're oven-baked, which supplies a much healthier alternative to deep-frying. Simply slice, season, and bake to absolute perfection. (via Two Spoons)

Crispy Spicy Tuna Sushi Bites

These fresh bites of sushi-grade tuna sit atop tiny pieces of crispy rice, and they are very addictive. They have a bit of everything, flavor-wise and texture-wise, so no one at the snack table is left out. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Pack protein like lemon tofu and edamame to this salad that's filled enough to be its own stand-alone dish. The tangy vinaigrette is so refreshing, too! (via Two Spoons for Brit + Co)

This light meal is made magical with some crispy chicken cutlets that you can either prepare yourself, or buy at the store to save you some weeknight time! The blood orange brightens things up a bit, while the fennel and toasted walnuts add some wondrous texture. (via Brit + Co)

Rich in nutrients, this veggie salad packs a mouthful of sweet flavors from the roasted butternut, paired with perfectly with a homemade apple cider dressing. (via Brit + Co)

This NASA-inspired recipe, originally developed for deep space travelers, only requires seven ingredients: soybeans, poppy seeds, barley, kale, peanuts, sunflower seeds, and sweet potatoes are all tossed together to create an (ahem) out-of-this-world salad. (via Brit + Co)

There's a little bit of everything in this tasty salad recipe: protein from fish and eggs, crunch from spinach and tomatoes, and tons of flavor from the homemade dressing. (via Brit + Co)

Here's our favorite go-to spring salad recipe, chock full of fresh fruit + veg we love to savor all season long. (via Brit + Co)

We recreated one of Pinterest's most popular Whole30 recipes and learned exactly what all the fuss is about, so good! (via Brit + Co)

The Japanese-style tahini-ginger dressing in this salad is so good that you'll want to drizzle it on all your veggies — sauteéd kale, steamed broccoli, and more. (via Season Cookbook x Brit + Co)

Spring Chicken Salad With Sauce Verte

Low-carb fans will love this bright spring salad with seasoned chicken and a mix of veggies like asparagus, English peas, and plenty of greens. (via Brit + Co)

Watermelon radishes are nothing like your average watermelon. Earthy and packed with a spicy kick, these vegetables go best paired with a simple balsamic vinaigrette. (via Brit + Co)

Sweet Potato Salad

This hearty salad mixes together roasted sweet potato, fluffy quinoa, arugula, crumbled feta, and a quick + delicious hummus dressing. (viaLive Eat Learn)

Grilled Cajun chicken, orzo, romaine lettuce, and avocado and peppers tossed together with a creamy thousand island dressing is a meal we'll happily add to our weekly salad rotation ASAP. (via Half Baked Harvest)

Roasted beets, farro, goat cheese, and crunchy almonds is hearty enough to serve as a meal on its own but also a dish you'll totally want to share. (via Barley & Sage)

Peach lovers, unite! This salad puts the juicy stone fruit front and center and finishes with a sweet and tangy olive oil dressing. (via Feel Good Foodie)

The best thing about salads is their versatility. Swap the endive here for radicchio, chicories, frisée or some other favorite and grill the stone fruit for added flavor. (via Most Hungry)

Top this beef salad with your favorite taco toppings and an easy and delicious 2-ingredient dressing! (via Salt & Lavender)

Loaded with asparagus, peas, and a delicious lemon vinaigrette dressing, this salad will satisfy you through summer and beyond. (via Munching With Mariyah)

This gluten-free and vegetarian salad features shaved broccolini, Brussels sprouts and kale (*all* the greens) and is so easy to make. (via Rachel Mansfield)

Grilled Buffalo Chicken Salad

Toss crispy romaine hearts, spicy buffalo chicken, and all your favorite veggies with a healthy and super tasty avocado ranch dressing for your next salad craving. (via The Endless Meal)

Berry season is a perfect time to make this salad, mixed with kale, red leaf lettuce, blackberries, blueberries, apples, and walnuts. (via Pink Owl Kitchen)

These Are The Best Salad Recipes To Mix Up This Summer

Snap peas, cucumbers, radishes, and creamy burrata cheese is the healthy + totally satisfying mix we want in a salad. (via Cozy Cravings)

This Chili's copycat salad recipe is loaded with spicy chicken, yummy veggies, tortilla strips and a zesty Santa Fe sauce. (via The Girl on Bloor)

Panzanella Bread Salad

This salad made with grilled bread, heirloom tomatoes, capers and herbs can be served warm or cold depending on the season and mood. (via Veggie Society)

Make the most of summer's best produce with a delicious dressing and crunchy homemade pita chips for the ultimate bread salad. (via Forks & Foliage)

Grains are a great way to turn a salad into a meal. This Mediterranean-inspired salad uses turmeric and rice to add a beautiful color, great texture and a lot of nutrition. (via Feel Good Foodie)

Inspired by the classic club sandwich, this salad uses similar ingredients grilled to perfection. (via The Edgy Veg)

This easy, 10-minute salad is packed with antioxidants and introduces dragonfruit to your salad go-to ingredients. (via No Eggs Or Ham)

Mix in sundried tomatoes and artichoke hearts to create a simple and satisfying salad with huge flavor. (via Gastroplant)

Turkish Shepherd Salad

Tomato season is our favorite salad time. Add fresh summer tomatoes, cucumbers and onions, plus sumac, lemon juice and olive oil to make this tasty and refreshing salad in just 5 minutes! (via Give Recipe)

A simple Thai vinaigrette made of sesame oil, lime juice, fish sauce, ginger, and garlic turns your summer produce into a delightful feast! (viaA Spicy Perspective)

This peppery, sweet, and savory bo luc lac is delicious served on a bed of crisp watercress, red onions, and cherry tomatoes, so salad-esque. (via Takes Two Eggs)

This colorful kale salad made with a fresh strawberry vinaigrette is an ode to California cuisine. (via Culinary Hill)

This winter salad is a great one to bookmark come the holidays or try anytime you're craving crunchy and sweet. (via Allo Simone)

This plant-based version of the Middle Eastern dish still has the same kick of spices but with hearty chickpeas and a dressing that’s tangy, sweet, and tart all at once. (via Chef Bai)

This healthy summer salad is quick and easy, featuring toasted almonds, sliced cucumbers and in-season strawberries, plus an easy balsamic vinaigrette dressing. (via Two Spoons)

There are few things better than watermelon in season, and this salad takes advantage of all of it with complimentary flavors of feta, basil, and balsamic. (via Cilantro Parsley)

Black Eyed Pea + Cornbread Salad

This Southern-style salad had us at cornbread, plus plant-based toppings that are healthy and delicious and totally filling. (via This Wife Cooks)

What causes weak fingernails?

But first, what causes unhealthy, brittle, breakable nails? A lot of factors that may not instantly come to mind. According to WebMD, these factors can contribute to weak nails:

• Aging: As we get older, our nails get thinner and can crack or peel.
• Harsh nail products: Both nail polish and nail polish remover can have strong chemicals that can damage and dry out your nails, leading them to break.
• Wet nails: Consistently have your hands in water, maybe doing the dishes or bathtime for the kids? This could be drying out your nails.
• Underlying health issues: Vitamin deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, and many other health issues could be the cause of nails breaking.

How can I strengthen my nails?

Dealing with some of these factors? While we can’t help you with the underlying health issues (please see a doctor if you think you may be dealing with something!), there are many easy things you can do to improve your nails and encourage growth.

• Cuticle oil
• Biotin
• Diet
• Nail protection
• Avoid picking and peeling

Find a Cuticle Oil

You may only use cuticle oil when your manicurist applies it, but that doesn't have to be the case. Cuticle oils are an inexpensive and easy way to promote nail health and growth by keeping your nails hydrated. Cosmetically, cuticle oils encourage longer-lasting manis and leave your nails looking shiny and polished. But they do much more below the surface: cuticle oils create a healthier environment that allows strong growth for your nails.

Interested in adding cuticle oil to your beauty routine? Check our a few of my faves:

• Cuccio Naturale Revitalizing- Hydrating Oil
• Olive & June Cuticle Serum
• OPI ProSpa Nail and Cuticle Oil

Explore Biotin

Biotin is an important type of B vitamin that helps our bodies turn food into energy. It’s also one of the top recommended supplements for hair and nail growth, and for good reason. Many scientists say a daily biotin supplement can improve nail strength in as little as a few weeks.

“Since it is water soluble, biotin (or vitamin B7) can’t be stored in the body and must be acquired from diet or through supplementation,” shared Rachel Kilroy, Director of Product Innovation at Solaray, the original pioneers in supplement health and wellness. Solaray has developed a new supplement that provides biotin in a unique way.

“Solaray’s Timed Release Biotin strategically supports nail health with a powerful 5,000 mcg of this important nutrient, delivering half of the biotin rapidly and the other half gradually over a period of up to 8 hours for sustained support,” Kilroy continued. “With consistent use, this vegan formula—lab verified for purity and potency—can provide comprehensive support for longer, stronger nails.”

Supplements not your thing? Biotin can be found naturally in many foods, like cooked eggs, whole grains, soy and other beans, nuts and nut butters, salmon, mushrooms, and cauliflower.

Eat A Nail Friendly Diet

Nails require a balanced, healthy diet for proper growth and strength. According to Medical News Today, making small tweaks to your diet can make a big impact on your nails. Adding in nutrients like more iron or calcium in your diet will have your nails growing long and strong.

Dieticians recommend a colorful diet for nail growth consisting of colorful fruits and veggies, nuts, seeds, eggs, lean meat, avocado, sweet potato, and whole grains.

Protect Your Nails While Wet

Constantly doing dishes, managing bath time, gardening, or swimming? The water may be the cause of your breakage.

Your nails are like sponges, constantly expanding and contracting when water goes in or out of the nail cells. This can strain your nails, causing them to weaken, peel, and then break.

When possible, grab a pair of rubber gloves to wear while cleaning to protect your nails from the water and make sure to fully dry your nails after they’re in water. Hand creams are also a win for your nails after water exposure.

Avoid Picking, Peeling or Biting

Bad habits that are addicting. While peeling off your gel manicure can be so satisfying, it’s one of the worst things you can do for your nails. Same with constantly picking or biting your nails. As someone who used to constantly bite her nails down, I can assure you my nails are much healthier and stronger after kicking that habit.

Want to quit that habit? Try a nail bite deterrent, like this one from ella+mia or this one from LONDONTOWN and watch your nails grow before your eyes.