I always imagine that summer should feel like vacation, but instead I find my responsibilities piling up higher than ever, and I'm convinced the laws of science are somehow robbing me of a full 24-hour day. But I've discovered one little life hack that helps: When I have a moment in the morning, I fill up my Zojirushi 3-cup rice maker and set the timer to finish precisely at the time I wish to eat my dinner, right when I predict I'll reach peak levels of being overwhelmed. When I hear the happy little Zojirushi song play at dinnertime and smell freshly cooked rice steaming in my kitchen, it feels like someone (ahem, me) is taking care of me. (And then I just pile whatever's in my fridge on top of the rice ― eggs, salad, leftover veggies and always loads of hot sauce ― and dinner is done.) The 3-cup version is perfect for me because I live alone, but the larger versions with pre-programmable settings are also great for crowds. Just thought I'd share, in case you could use a little magic in your life.

XO, Kristen

10 foods you'll be surprised should never go on the grill

If you just got pork chops for your grill, hold your horses. Certain cuts of meat, and even specific types of fish, just don't taste their best when they're grilled. (And if you're a vegetarian, you should check out our experts' thoughts about tofu, too.)

7 coffee alternatives to try if coffee makes you jittery

What kind of beverage you drink, and even when you drink it, can give you that wired feeling often associated with drinking coffee. If you'd like to lessen that buzz, we've got tips and specific drinks to try that'll do the trick.

Telly Justice: 'There is no space for identity' for queer chefs in most kitchens

Voices In Food continues to highlight queer voices this month, and chef Telly Justice share some enlightening thoughts about the inherent problems with kitchen uniforms, the importance of non-gendered bathrooms in restaurants and more.

Lesbian bars aren't what they used to be ... but in a good way

Deb Gordon, who helped run Slammers, a popular lesbian bar in Columbus, Ohio that opened in the '90s, reflects on what's changed and what still needs to change.

Stock up:

• 5 Best-Selling Air Fryers From Target, And How To Pick The Right One

• Do You Really Need A Rice Cooker? (The Answer Is Yes)

• It's Time To Buy A Portable Generator To Keep Your Appliances Running

Does somebody keep forwarding you this newsletter? Subscribe here!

© HuffPost

BuzzFeed, Inc 111 E 18th St, 13th Floor, New York, NY 10003

You are receiving this email because you signed up for updates from HuffPost

Feedback | Privacy Policy | Unsubscribe