What a Nurse Keeps in Their Medicine Cabinet (and What to Toss Today)

By Jason Dunne, Chief Academic Officer at Arizona College of Nursing

Most of us have a medicine cabinet filled with things we haven't looked at in years. There's the half-used bottle of cough syrup, a few mystery pills rolling around in the back, and medications that may have expired long ago.

The truth is, many of us don't think about what's in our medicine cabinet until we actually need something. That's why summer is the perfect time for a reset. A quick cleanout can help you safely dispose of expired medications and make room for the essentials nurses recommend keeping on hand for everyday illnesses, minor injuries, and unexpected health hiccups.

How to Safely Clean Out Your Medicine Cabinet

First and foremost, before adding anything new, take everything out. This is extremely important for older individuals who are managing multiple prescriptions and over-the-counter medications, as there is a great risk of expired medications. 

Start by looking for anything that has passed its expiration date, appears to have changed color, or is no longer identifiable. Medications should only be kept if they are clearly labeled, within their expiration date, and stored properly. 

Keeping expired or unused medications in your home is more dangerous than most people realize. Over time, medications break down and lose their effectiveness, and in some cases can even become harmful to take.

When it comes to disposal, the safest option is a drug take-back program or authorized collection site. If one isn't available near you, most medications can be mixed with an undesirable substance like dirt, cat litter, or used coffee grounds, placed in a sealed bag, and thrown in the household trash. Before disposing of any medications, be sure to check the FDA's guidance for a full list of disposal instructions.

One more thing worth noting: excess medications in the home increase the risk of children or pets accidentally getting into bottles and are harder to maintain. 

Restock Your Medicine Cabinet, A Nurse's Way

Once the cabinet is cleared out, it's time to restock with the essentials. Many nurses recommend keeping the following common items on hand: 

Bandages and wound care: A good assortment of adhesive bandages in multiple sizes, along with sterile gauze pads and medical tape, should be the foundation of any medicine cabinet. Add an antibiotic ointment like Neosporin for minor cuts and scrapes.

Pain and fever relief: Keep both acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil or Motrin) on hand. They work differently and having both gives you options depending on the situation.

Antihistamine: An antihistamine such as loratadine (Claritin) or, when appropriate, diphenhydramine (Benadryl) may be helpful for seasonal allergies, insect bites, or minor allergic reactions. Older adults should consult their healthcare provider or pharmacist regarding the most appropriate option.

Hydrocortisone cream: A 1% hydrocortisone cream is a go-to for insect bites, rashes, and minor skin irritations. It reduces inflammation and relieves itching quickly.

Antacid: Tums or a similar antacid is a simple fix for heartburn and indigestion and a staple most people reach for more than they expect.

Thermometer: A reliable digital thermometer is non-negotiable.

Cold and flu basics: A decongestant and a cough suppressant are worth keeping around, especially during cold and flu season. Just be sure to check expiration dates regularly since these tend to sit unused for long stretches.

Electrolyte packets: Often overlooked, electrolyte packets like Liquid IV or Pedialyte powder are incredibly useful during illness, heat, or dehydration. Parents should consult their child's healthcare provider regarding appropriate hydration products for children.

How to Properly Store Medicine

Despite being called a medicine cabinet, the bathroom is actually one of the worst places to store medications due to heat and humidity. A cool, dry drawer or shelf away from direct sunlight is a better option. Medication should not be accessible to children or pets. 

And some medications, like insulin, require refrigeration, while inhalers and liquid medications should be kept at room temperature and away from heat. Store frequently used items at eye level and keep an up-to-date list of medications, including dosages and expiration dates, to stay organized and avoid confusion.

Medication Safety Reminder 

Always read and follow package directions. Medications that are safe for one person may not be appropriate for another based on age, medical history, allergies, pregnancy status, or other medications being taken. When in doubt, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist.

The post What a Nurse Keeps in Their Medicine Cabinet (and What to Toss Today) appeared first on The Chalkboard Mag.

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What Lifespan Gets Right About the Difference Between Living Longer and Living Better

Most of us have had the experience of meeting someone in their 80s who seems decades younger than their age. They travel, stay active, have a packed social calendar, and somehow possess more energy than people half their age. We've also seen the opposite. Someone may live a long life, but spend years dealing with declining health, limited mobility, and a growing list of doctor's appointments.

Both people are aging. But they're having very different experiences of it.

That distinction sits at the heart of David Sinclair's bestselling book Lifespan: Why We Age—and Why We Don't Have To. While the book is often associated with longevity science and the possibility of slowing the aging process, one of its most compelling ideas is actually quite simple: living longer isn't necessarily the goal. Living better for longer is.

The Longevity Conversation Has Been Missing Something

When we talk about longevity, we tend to focus on lifespan, or the total number of years we live. It's an easy metric to understand because it's measurable. You either make it to 80, 90, or 100.

But Sinclair argues that healthspan deserves just as much attention.

Healthspan refers to the years we spend healthy, active, and free from serious disease. It's the stretch of life when we can still do the things that make us feel like ourselves:

+ Taking long walks
+ Traveling independently
+ Spending time with family and friends
+ Pursuing hobbies and passions
+ Continuing to work if we choose to
+ Getting through the day with energy to spare

When you think about it, that's what most of us are actually after.

Few people dream about adding another decade to life if those years are spent feeling unwell. What we really want is more years that feel good.

It's the difference between living longer and living well.

Aging Isn't Just About Wrinkles

One of the reasons Lifespan resonated with so many readers is that Sinclair challenges the way we've traditionally thought about aging.

For decades, aging was viewed as something that simply happened to us. You got older, your body declined, and eventually disease followed.

Sinclair presents a different perspective. He argues that aging itself may be the biggest risk factor behind many of the chronic diseases we associate with getting older, including heart disease, Alzheimer's disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers.

In other words, the diseases may be different, but aging is often the common thread connecting them.

This idea has helped reshape the longevity conversation. Instead of focusing exclusively on treating diseases once they appear, researchers are increasingly interested in understanding why our bodies become more vulnerable to disease in the first place.

The goal isn't immortality. It's helping people stay healthier for longer.

Modern Life Is Comfortable. Maybe a Little Too Comfortable.

One of the most relatable ideas in Lifespan has nothing to do with futuristic science.

It's the idea that humans may have become a little too comfortable.

Think about it. We rarely have to walk anywhere. We can have groceries delivered to our front door. We spend much of our lives sitting, whether that's at a desk, in a car, or on the couch. We keep our homes at the perfect temperature year round and have access to food whenever we want it.

None of these things are bad. Most of them are wonderful conveniences.

But Sinclair points out that the human body evolved in a very different environment. For most of history, movement wasn't exercise. It was survival. Food wasn't constantly available. Temperature fluctuations were part of daily life.

According to the book, our bodies seem to respond positively to certain types of manageable stress. Exercise is perhaps the best example. A workout temporarily challenges the body, but the recovery process leaves us stronger and more resilient than before.

The takeaway isn't that we need to make life harder for the sake of it. It's that our bodies still benefit from being challenged.

Whether that's strength training, hiking, carrying groceries, walking instead of driving short distances, or simply moving more throughout the day, those small challenges remind the body to stay strong and adaptable.

One of the Best Longevity Tools Isn't Very Sexy

If you've spent any time on wellness TikTok or listened to longevity podcasts, it's easy to assume the secret to healthy aging is hidden inside an expensive supplement stack or some cutting-edge biohacking device.

But one of the strongest messages that emerges from both Lifespan and the broader longevity conversation is surprisingly unglamorous.

Keep your muscles. As we get older, we naturally lose muscle mass and strength. That loss affects far more than appearance. It influences balance, mobility, independence, recovery, metabolic health, and overall quality of life.

When researchers talk about aging well, they're often talking about preserving function.

Can you get up off the floor without assistance?
Can you carry your own suitcase through an airport?
Can you walk up a flight of stairs without becoming winded?
Can you continue doing the activities you enjoy?

These may sound like simple questions, but they become increasingly important as we age. Longevity isn't just about adding years to life. It's about maintaining the ability to fully participate in those years.

The Future Might Be Exciting, but the Basics Still Matter

A significant portion of Lifespan explores where longevity science may be headed in the future. Sinclair discusses emerging research around genetics, cellular repair, and biological pathways that could one day help us better understand and potentially influence the aging process.

Some of these ideas remain controversial. Others are still in the early stages of research. The science continues to evolve, and many questions remain unanswered. Yet one of the book's most refreshing messages is that we don't need to wait for future breakthroughs to start supporting healthy aging.

The fundamentals still matter:

+ Move your body regularly
+ Prioritize sleep
+ Maintain muscle through strength training
+ Spend time with people you care about
+ Manage chronic stress
+ Eat in a way that supports your long-term health
+ Continue learning and challenging your brain

None of these habits are particularly flashy. They won't go viral on social media. But they consistently show up in conversations about longevity because they have stood the test of time.

What We Took Away From Lifespan

+ A long life is valuable, but a long healthy life is the real goal.
+ Healthspan may be a more meaningful metric than lifespan alone.
+ Aging is a major risk factor for many chronic diseases.
+ The body benefits from movement and manageable physical challenges.
+ Maintaining strength and mobility becomes increasingly important with age.
+ The most powerful longevity tools are often the least glamorous.

Ultimately, the biggest lesson from Lifespan is that longevity isn't really about living forever. It's about preserving the things that make life enjoyable in the first place. The ability to move your body, maintain your independence, stay connected to the people you love, and wake up each day with enough energy to participate in your life is what most of us are actually after.

Living longer may be the headline. Living better is the real story.

The post What Lifespan Gets Right About the Difference Between Living Longer and Living Better appeared first on The Chalkboard Mag.

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How to Know When to Let Go of a Relationship, According to a Therapist

Some relationships end with a clear break. Most just quietly run out of road. You keep waiting for clarity to hit like a lightning bolt, and instead you just feel tired, confused, and a little guilty for even questioning it. We've all been there, or maybe you're living it right now, reading this on your phone while the person in question sits in the next room. Either way, you're not alone, and you're not crazy for wondering.

Figuring out whether to stay or go is one of the hardest things any of us will sit with, which is why we brought it to the person we trust most with it. Erin Pash, MA, LMFT, is a couples therapist, founder and CEO of Caveman to Casanova, and our go-to for untangling the messy, human stuff that comes with loving other people. She's walked our readers through why we keep choosing the same type of partner, what to do when stress starts creating distance, how to spot an emotionally unavailable partner, and even how to make real friendships as an adult. Her gift is naming the thing you've been circling for months but couldn't quite say out loud.

Here, she does it again, this time with the signs that a relationship has run its course, including the ones most of us work hard not to see. If you've been quietly asking yourself whether it's time to let go, start here.

When to Let Go of a Relationship

"If it's the right relationship, it shouldn't feel this hard." How do you distinguish natural discomfort from deeper misalignment? Hard and wrong aren't the same thing, but people collapse them constantly. Intimacy requires you to be seen, and being seen is uncomfortable. That's normal. What's not normal is chronic dread, walking on eggshells, or feeling like you have to shrink to be loved. The question I ask clients isn't "is this hard?" it's "is this hard in a direction that's growing me, or hard in a way that's hollowing me out?"

What emotional patterns do you see in people who know intellectually a relationship is unhealthy but psychologically can't let go? Rationalization is the big one. They become brilliant attorneys for the relationship, explaining away every red flag with context, history, or "but you don't know them like I do." Underneath that is usually shame: if they admit this isn't working, they have to admit they stayed too long. So the mind protects the ego by staying in debate mode instead of decision mode.

How do attachment wounds distort someone's ability to accurately assess relationship health? Attachment wounds don't just affect how you feel, they affect what feels familiar, which your nervous system often mistakes for safe. Someone with anxious attachment will interpret inconsistency as exciting. Someone with avoidant patterns will mistake emotional distance for independence. The wound doesn't just pull you toward unhealthy dynamics, it makes unhealthy feel like home.

What are signs someone has become more committed to the fantasy of a relationship than the reality they're consistently experiencing? They talk more about who this person could be than who they are. They're emotionally invested in potential, in the version of the relationship that shows up on the good days, while minimizing the pattern that shows up on all the other days. When someone says, "I love them, I just can't stand who they are right now," that's a signal. If "right now" has been going on for two years, it isn't a season. It's the relationship.

A lot of people normalize chronic confusion in relationships. What does that confusion actually signal emotionally? Confusion in relationships is rarely about a lack of information. It's usually a protective state. When someone says "I'm so confused about what I want," what I often hear is: "I know what I need, and I'm terrified of what happens if I honor it." Confusion keeps the options open. It's the emotional equivalent of keeping one foot out the door so you don't have to grieve the exit.

How do emotionally unavailable dynamics impact self-worth over time, especially when the inconsistency is subtle? Subtle is actually more damaging, because it keeps you questioning your own perception. Overt toxicity is legible, you can name it. Subtle emotional unavailability makes you feel crazy for even bringing it up. Over time, people start to believe that needing connection is the problem, not the person who refuses to show up for it. That's when the damage goes deepest, when you've internalized someone else's avoidance as evidence of your unworthiness.

What are the most overlooked forms of emotional incompatibility that erode relationships long term? Differing emotional bandwidth. One person processes externally, one shuts down under stress. Neither is wrong, but over years, it creates chronic disconnection. I also see mismatched repair styles wreck otherwise solid relationships. If one person needs immediate resolution and the other needs 48 hours of space to regulate, and neither person understands the other's biology, they'll fight about the fight forever. Values misalignment around growth is another one, when one person is doing deep work on themselves and the other isn't interested, the distance becomes philosophical, not just emotional.

What questions should someone ask themselves when deciding whether they're staying out of genuine love versus fear? Three I come back to: If I knew with certainty that leaving would not result in loneliness, financial hardship, or starting over, would I still stay? Second: Am I in love with this person, or am I in love with the idea of not losing them? And third: In ten years, will I look back and see this as love, or loyalty to a story I was afraid to end?

If someone reading this feels emotionally exhausted right now, where do you encourage them to begin? Stop trying to figure out what to do and start getting honest about how you actually feel. Most exhausted people are exhausted because they've been working overtime to manage their own emotions, their partner's emotions, and the relationship's survival simultaneously. That's not love, that's a second job. Begin by letting yourself feel the weight of it without immediately problem-solving it away. The clarity usually lives just underneath the exhaustion. You don't need more information. You need permission to trust what you already know.

The post How to Know When to Let Go of a Relationship, According to a Therapist appeared first on The Chalkboard Mag.

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In The Kitchen With Francesco Mattana: On Sardinian Cooking, Blue Zone Living, and Eat Like a Sardinian

With more than 1.6 million followers across social media, Francesco Mattana has become one of the most recognizable voices in Italian cooking today. The Sardinian-born chef built a loyal global following by sharing approachable recipes rooted in authentic Italian traditions, helping home cooks feel more confident in the kitchen one pasta dish at a time.

After working in professional kitchens in Sardinia and Australia and later serving as Head Teacher Chef at Jamie Oliver's Cookery School in London, Francesco is now introducing readers to his roots with his debut cookbook, Eat Like a Sardinian. Inspired by the food culture of Sardinia, one of the world's original Blue Zones, the book celebrates seasonality, simplicity, community, and the joy of gathering around the table.

We sat down with Francesco to talk about his journey from chef and teacher to social media sensation, why he decided to write Eat Like a Sardinian, the lessons he learned growing up in Sardinia, and the cooking tips every home cook should know.

In the Kitchen with Francesco Mattana

You grew up in Sardinia, worked in professional kitchens, taught at Jamie Oliver's Cookery School, and now have millions of followers around the world. Looking back, what has surprised you most about this journey? After teaching in person for many years and then teaching people all over the world online at the Jamie Oliver Cookery School during Covid, I never expected to go on to open my own online cookery school, build such a large, loyal community or to write my first cookbook all about my very own Sardinian cuisine and become an Instant Sunday Times bestseller. It has all been a beautiful journey and incredibly exciting.

What has surprised me most is that you never know what's coming next. Working in different jobs, restaurants and cookery schools, all while travelling and living far from home, can take you in so many different directions. If you're curious and work hard, you will meet great friends and colleagues, be surrounded by amazing people and learn from them. All of this plus following your own passions can really lead to something beautiful if you truly believe in it.

It has been an incredible journey so far and even though I take life day by day, I'm very excited about the future.

What was your first viral recipe, and how did that moment change things for you? It was a simple Spaghetti al Pomodoro: spaghetti cooked with fresh, sweet summer tomatoes, garlic, basil and good olive oil — nothing else. So simple, yet incredibly delicious. It represents Italian food at its best and what it is all about: simplicity, seasonality and good-quality ingredients.

I started building my online presence in 2017, sharing dishes we used to put on as specials in the restaurant or meals I would make for the staff. In 2023, I decided to focus on growing this community full-time. So when a few videos went viral towards the end of the year, those people who saw my viral videos stayed and became followers because there was already a library of other simple, traditional and authentic Italian recipes for them to enjoy.

That recipe gave a spark to my social media and helped us build a beautiful online community. It also gave me the opportunity to show people around the world what I had been working on for many years as a chef and teacher.

These viral videos also helped us be noticed by an agency, which led to the opportunity to write a cookbook shortly after.

After years of teaching in person and online, what inspired you to finally put your philosophy and recipes into a cookbook? After many years of teaching both in person and online, the idea of writing a book had been on my mind for at least four or five years. As a chef with a passion for research and recipe writing, publishing a book is always a major goal. At a certain point, I almost felt the need to do it because people from all over the world had been asking me for years to talk more about my cuisine and my roots.

The idea to focus the cookbook on Sardinia was a shared decision with the entire team behind the project. It was one of three initial ideas, but we immediately knew it was the right one because I wanted to introduce myself to a new and existing audience by saying, "Here I am. I am an Italian chef, yes, but above all, I'm Sardinian." It felt like the perfect way to begin this journey as an author: starting from my roots and my identity.

I love seeing people cook my recipes and knowing they can bring back memories, help them in the kitchen, or support them in building an important life skill. As a teacher, I always write my recipes with readers of all levels and experience in mind, making sure they are reliable and include tips and tricks so they always work.

This book was a way to truly celebrate Sardinia, its values and ethos, and to inspire more people to cook. It is also a way to show Sardinia as truly Italian and Mediterranean, and to highlight how Italian food changes from region to region.

Do you ever feel pressure to create trend-driven content, or do you prefer staying rooted in tradition? How do you balance authenticity with the fast pace of social media? I don't feel the pressure. I simply follow my ethos and stay true to my values. I love sharing the things I enjoy cooking myself, as well as traditional and family recipes, along with the history behind the dishes. I think this in itself is quite unique and resonates with a wide variety of people.

My goal is to genuinely help people become better in the kitchen and enjoy their food more. I don't see it as a challenge, but as a way of sharing what I love, in the hope that others will love it too and learn something from it.

Things like seasonality and sustainability have always been a way of life where I come from, but these days they have become trends in themselves. What I have always done is now considered a trend, and it's great to see so many other people and businesses embracing and tapping into this too.

You often speak about the women in your family who taught you to cook. What's the most valuable lesson they passed down that you still carry with you? Simple is best. Eat with the seasons, cook with love and pay attention to the details. Make the most of what you have and get excited about what's available and in season.

These are the values the women in my family passed down to me, and they are lessons I still carry with me every day.

For readers who have never been to Sardinia, what does "eating like a Sardinian" really mean? It means eating well and eating everything, without wasting anything. It means respecting seasonality, always having good semolina bread on the table and accompanying meals with a good glass of wine.

It also means favouring simple, unprocessed foods, lots of fruit and vegetables, legumes, nuts and natural sweeteners like honey. And then treating yourself to an occasional glass of red wine and, if possible, taking a walk after meals.

It is also about history, making the most of what you have and respecting regional traditions, which can change from town to town. It is rooted in pastoral traditions, with pasta, legumes, vegetables and beans at the centre of everyday cooking.

Historically, Sardinians lived more inland to escape invaders and rarely ate seafood, instead living off products from the land and the animals they raised. Nowadays, as people live closer to the coast and there are more tourists, Sardinia has become famous for its fresh fish and seafood, and you'll find plenty of it on restaurant menus.

What are three pantry staples you think everyone should keep stocked? Tomatoes in all their different forms: tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes, tinned plum tomatoes or fresh tomatoes when in season.

Definitely different beans and legumes.

And of course different types of flour and semolina to make a good sourdough or homemade bread and pasta.

What kitchen tool do you think every home cook should invest in? A good knife and a knife sharpener. Keep your knife sharp and take care of it. A good knife will last a long time and make you enjoy the process of cooking and preparing just as much as the result. Plus, a sharp knife is safer than a blunt one.

For someone picking up Eat Like a Sardinian for the first time, which three recipes would you recommend they make first and why?

Live to 100 Minestrone: This is a staple of Sardinian cuisine and is steeped in history. Minestrone is a big deal all over Italy, but the most famous version comes from Sardinia. For many years, this comforting and delicious dish was the main meal in Sardinian households, and our grandparents ate it almost every day. It is a simple, accessible dish packed with seasonal vegetables and legumes and a great example of why Sardinia is one of only five Blue Zones in the world.

Apple Cake: Torta di mele is a staple in many Italian households and has been one of my favourite sweet treats since childhood. It's one of my mum's recipes for special occasions and always a hit. I love its simple sweetness, soft texture and the fact that it is packed with apples. Whether enjoyed for breakfast or served as dessert, it is a guilt-free pleasure.

Pasta alla Carlofortina: This dish is full of influences from traditional tuna fishing and comes from the village of Carloforte. Traditionally, it was born from leftovers, combining pesto, tomato sauce, preserved tuna and pasta. It remains one of my favourite pasta dishes in the book.

What recipe in the book best represents who you are as a chef today and why? Spaghetti allo Zafferano,  a classic Italian plate of pasta that everyone loves but with a Sardinian touch: saffron.

It's very similar to my viral Spaghetti al Pomodoro recipe and because it's so quick and simple, it's a great way to get people into the kitchen, even when they feel shy, lack confidence or are short on time.

Many people have asked me over the years what my favourite pasta is, and the answer might surprise them. It's a simple Spaghetti al Pomodoro. This version, with the addition of saffron, adds a subtle but beautiful aroma that works perfectly with the sauce.

The quality of the ingredients is very important here. If possible, buy the best-quality extra virgin olive oil you can afford and bronze-drawn dried pasta. As this is a summer dish, make the most of tomatoes during or at the end of the season when they are at their sweetest. SHOP THE BOOK HERE

Food plays such an important role in Sardinian culture. What's one tradition around the table you'd love to see more people embrace? Don't rush when you eat. If you can, wait for each other to come back from school and work, eat together and take time around the table to share your day and reconnect. Some of the best conversations happen around the table.

Food in Sardinia is not just about what is on the plate, but about the experience of being together. I would love to see more people slow down, enjoy what they have cooked and really be present at the table.

I would also say not to serve everything on one plate. I love the way we enjoy courses so that meals last longer and you eat a variety of dishes.

The post In The Kitchen With Francesco Mattana: On Sardinian Cooking, Blue Zone Living, and Eat Like a Sardinian appeared first on The Chalkboard Mag.

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The Father’s Day Gift Guide: For the Dad Who Has Taste (and Opinions About Pizza Crust)

Some of the links in this story are affiliate links, which means we may earn a commission if you choose to purchase—helping us continue to share mindful, inspiring content.

Let's be honest: dads are notoriously difficult to shop for. Ask what they want and you'll usually get a shrug, a "nothing, really," or a request for more socks. But we know better. Beneath that low maintenance exterior is a man who would absolutely appreciate a 950 degree pizza oven, a robe that feels like a five star spa, or a speaker that finally does his record collection justice.

This year, we've rounded up gifts that feel thoughtful without trying too hard. A little luxury, a little practicality, and a lot of "how did you know?" Whether he's happiest behind the grill, perfecting his morning coffee ritual, or recovering from pickleball in peace, there's something here he'll actually use. Happy shopping, and happy Father's Day to all the great ones.

Father's Day Gift Guide 2026

Therabody Theragun Prime Plus

For the dad who's always nursing a sore shoulder or tight lower back, this is the upgrade he didn't know he needed. The Prime Plus combines deep percussive massage with a heated attachment, pairing warmth and percussion to help loosen stiff muscles and speed recovery. It features five speed settings, three heat levels, and a quiet anti stall motor powerful enough for even the most stubborn knots. The patented triangle grip makes it surprisingly easy to reach his own back, and it syncs with the Therabody app for guided warm up and recovery routines. Built to withstand everyday use, it's the kind of wellness tool he'll reach for night after night. SHOP HERE

Cuyana Men's Toiletry Case

A grown up grooming bag for the dad who's still tossing his toothbrush into a plastic bag. Handcrafted in Argentina from 100% pebbled leather, the Cuyana Men's Toiletry Case is equal parts handsome and practical. The spacious interior and thoughtfully designed pocket keep everything organized, while the compact silhouette slips easily into a carry on or weekender. Like all great leather goods, it only gets better with age. Expect this one to become a permanent travel companion.  SHOP HERE

Oura Ring 5

For the dad who loves a good data point (and could use a nudge toward better sleep). The newest Oura is the world's smallest smart ring, slim titanium that wears like regular jewelry, day and night. It tracks 50+ health metrics with research grade accuracy, from sleep stages to a daily Readiness Score that tells him how recovered he is. It auto detects over 40 activities, monitors heart health and stress, and even flags when he might be getting sick before symptoms hit. With six to nine days of battery and waterproofing up to 100 meters, he can wear it through showers, swims, and workouts. SHOP HERE

Bombas Men's Friday Slide

The off duty shoe he'll live in all summer. Made from lightweight, water resistant EVA, the Friday Slide feels nearly weightless while offering the kind of support Bombas is known for. The contoured footbed provides real arch support, while the textured outsole adds grip whether he's poolside, running errands, or grabbing his morning coffee. Easy, comfortable, and surprisingly versatile. SHOP HERE

Buck Mason White Field-Spec Cotton Heavy Tee

The white T-shirt, perfected. Buck Mason's Field-Spec is cut from a substantial cotton jersey that's twice the density of a standard tee, inspired by vintage military base layers and old school sportswear. It's pre-washed for a soft, lived in feel from day one, with a classic fit that hits the sweet spot between fitted and relaxed. The kind of wardrobe staple he'll keep reaching for until you get one in every single color. SHOP HERE

YETI Rambler 30 oz Tumbler With MagSlider Lid

The tumbler that works as hard as he does. Made with kitchen grade stainless steel and double wall vacuum insulation, the Rambler keeps coffee hot and iced drinks cold for hours. The MagSlider lid uses magnets for easy opening and closing, it fits neatly into most cup holders, and the whole thing is dishwasher safe. Not flashy, just incredibly useful, which is exactly why he'll love it. SHOP HERE

Ooni Koda 2 (2nd Generation) 14" Gas Powered Outdoor Pizza Oven

For the dad who takes pizza night very seriously. The Ooni Koda 2 reaches an impressive 950°F and turns out restaurant worthy pizzas in about 60 seconds. New G2 Gas Technology helps distribute heat more evenly, while a thicker stone improves heat retention between pies. At just 35 pounds, it's portable enough to move around the backyard but powerful enough to become the centerpiece of every gathering. And while pizza is the obvious star, it also handles steaks, vegetables, seafood, and more with ease. Consider adding a pizza peel to complete the setup. SHOP HERE

Flamingo Estate Summer Spicy Set

The gift for the dad whose love language is hot sauce. Flamingo Estate's Summer Spicy Trio includes smoky Salsa Macha chile crisp, sweet and savory Spicy Honey infused with Morita chiles, and bright Spicy Olive Oil layered with fruity heat. Crafted with regeneratively grown chiles, each bottle instantly upgrades everything from eggs to grilled vegetables to whatever is coming off the barbecue. As a bonus, the set includes founder Richard Christiansen's new 140 page summer recipe guide. Equal parts pantry staple and countertop decor. SHOP HERE

Marshall Stanmore III Bluetooth Home Speaker

For the dad with a soundtrack to his life and very specific opinions about how it should sound. The Stanmore III brings Marshall's iconic rock inspired design into the home, complete with signature script logo and brass control knobs. A powerful two way driver system delivers rich, room filling sound with crisp highs and satisfying bass, while Bluetooth 5.2, RCA, and 3.5mm inputs make it easy to connect everything from a phone to a turntable. It looks just as good sitting on a shelf as it sounds filling a room. SHOP HERE

Parachute Classic Turkish Cotton Robe

The closest thing to bringing a luxury hotel home. Made from 100% long staple Turkish cotton, the Parachute Classic Robe is plush, absorbent, and perfectly weighted for year round wear. With a substantial feel, roomy pockets, and a below the knee fit, it's the kind of everyday indulgence most dads would never buy for themselves. Which is exactly what makes it such a good gift. SHOP HERE

Fellow Stagg EKG Pro Electric Gooseneck Kettle

For the dad who treats coffee as both ritual and craft. The Stagg EKG Pro has become the gold standard among pour over enthusiasts thanks to its precision temperature control, elegant design, and beautifully balanced gooseneck spout. A high resolution color display, built in brew timer, scheduling feature, and 60 minute hold mode make every cup a little easier to perfect. Functional, beautiful, and guaranteed to earn a permanent spot on the counter. SHOP HERE

Ninja CREAMi Deluxe

For the dad with a sweet tooth and a competitive streak in the kitchen. The Ninja CREAMi Deluxe transforms frozen ingredients into ice cream, gelato, sorbet, frozen yogurt, milkshakes, and more with the touch of a button. The larger 24 oz containers hold 50% more than the original, while the Deluxe Creamerizer technology creates impressively smooth results in minutes. Whether he's experimenting with protein packed creations or recreating his favorite ice cream shop order, this one delivers endless entertainment. SHOP HERE

Loftie Alarm Clock

For the dad who deserves a better wake up routine. Designed to help reduce phone dependency at bedtime, the Loftie features a signature two phase alarm that eases him awake more gently than a traditional alarm. It also doubles as a sound machine with over 100 white noise, meditation, and nature sound options included, plus a Bluetooth speaker, soft nightlight, and complete blackout mode for a truly dark room. Thoughtful, practical, and surprisingly life changing for anyone trying to sleep a little better. SHOP HERE

Brightland The Mediterranean Duo

For the dad who takes his olive oil seriously (or is about to start). Brightland's Mediterranean Duo is a rare take on two of the world's most beloved snacking olives, pressed into luscious, single varietal extra virgin olive oils. The Castelvetrano EVOO, cold pressed from Sicilian Nocellara del Belice olives, is bright and peppery with notes of green olive and citrus peel. The Kalamata EVOO, from ancestral groves in the Greek Peloponnese, is lush and complex with a long, lingering finish. Best enjoyed drizzled, dipped, or sipped over everything from burrata to crusty bread. Available in limited quantities from this season's harvest, so when it's gone, it's gone.  SHOP HERE

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The Best Hair and Body Mists for Summer 2026

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If you grew up during the Victoria's Secret Love Spell era, the return of body mists probably wasn't on your 2026 bingo card.

There was a time when body spray was practically a personality trait. If you weren't carrying a bottle of Love Spell, Warm & Cozy, or Japanese Cherry Blossom in your bag, were you even participating? We sprayed them before school, after gym class, before the movies, and probably a few too many times in between.

Then perfume became the grown up choice. Body mists felt a little too youthful, a little too nostalgic, and for a while they quietly disappeared from the beauty conversation.

Until now.

Somehow, hair and body mists have staged one of the beauty world's most unexpected comebacks. Only this time around, they're far more sophisticated. The formulas are better, the fragrances are more nuanced, and many of them pull inspiration from the same scent profiles we'd happily wear in a luxury eau de parfum. Some even double as skincare or haircare, offering hydration, shine, or styling benefits alongside the fragrance.

After months of testing, these are the bottles that kept finding their way into our bags, bathrooms, and carry ons.

The Mists Worth Making Room For

PHLUR Paradise Nectar Hair & Body Mist

The name promises something tropical and sweet, but it feels far fresher and more composed. Mandarin and black currant create a juicy opening that smells more like biting into ripe fruit on a warm day than sipping a poolside cocktail. As it settles, tuberose and jasmine soften the edges without taking over, adding a subtle floral lift that stays well clear of cloying.

The dry-down is where it won us over. Woods and patchouli add just enough depth to keep it from feeling overly fruity or beachy. It holds onto that vacation feeling while staying polished enough for an ordinary weekday. If you usually gravitate toward warm weather fragrances but find most of them too sweet, this one strikes a very nice balance. SHOP HERE

Maison Louis Marie Fleur de Vanille Hair & Body Mist

If you're after that clean girl kind of scent, this is the one we kept reaching for.

Raspberry opens bright and almost jammy, then vanilla blossom and cane sugar melt in and turn the whole thing warm and comforting. A little smoked birch and oud keep it from going full candy, grounding it with a quiet woodiness that makes it feel more elevated than expected.

We also love that it's alcohol free and loaded with hydrators like hyaluronic acid, sodium PCA, and seaweed extract, so skin and hair felt soft rather than dried out every time we spritzed.

The one honest catch is longevity. It wears light and fades fairly fast, but that turned out to be half its charm. We happily reapplied throughout the day, and it layers beautifully under richer fragrances when we wanted a little more staying power. SHOP HERE

Ellis Brooklyn New Crush Perfume Mist

This is the mist we ran through quickest once temperatures started climbing.

Blood orange opens bright and sparkling, like a popsicle pulled from the freezer on a scorching afternoon. There's sweetness in the mix, but it reads as fresh squeezed juice rather than syrup. A soft floral middle keeps it smelling playful rather than overly sweet.

After such a bright opening, we assumed the citrus would dominate from start to finish. Instead, almond flan, vanilla meringue, and tonka bean slowly come forward, softening the edges and adding a gentle warmth.

It's also the one we experimented with most. Layering a spritz of Guava Granita on top made it feel riper and more tropical. SWEET pulled it toward dessert territory, while Dear Sky added a softer floral finish. Depending on what you pair it with, it can feel like several different fragrances in one bottle. SHOP HERE

OUAI Melrose Place Hair & Body Mist

There are rose fragrances, and then there are rose fragrances for people who swear they don't like rose fragrances. This falls firmly into the second category.

Lychee and berry add brightness up front, while pink pepper keeps the rose feeling light, lively, and modern. Think less vintage rose bouquet and more something you'd happily wear every day.

Mostly, it just fits into everyday life. The rose feels relaxed, never fussy, and while the fragrance never becomes overwhelming, it lasts far longer than we'd expect from a hair and body mist. We especially loved it sprayed through the hair, where traces of rose lingered well into the evening. SHOP HERE

Deborah Pagani The Vital Mist

Technically, it's a heat activated hair essence designed to prep and prime hair before styling. Realistically, it's the product we keep spraying because we can't stop smelling our own hair.

The formula helps smooth frizz, soften strands, boost shine, and create that polished, glass like finish without leaving hair stiff or heavy. Even better, it disappears into the hair rather than sitting on top of it, leaving behind movement and softness instead of that crunchy product feeling some styling products can create.

Then there's the fragrance.

Deborah Pagani's No. 1 scent is one of those fragrances that makes strangers ask what you're wearing. Saffron, pistachio, jasmine petals, condensed milk, black leather, vanilla, ambroxan, pink sugar, and cinnamon somehow come together to create something warm, addictive, and unexpectedly sophisticated. It's gourmand, but in a grown up way.

We first discovered The Vital Mist last year and immediately understood why it had developed such a loyal following. In fact, we loved it enough that we later sat down with Deborah Pagani herself to talk beauty rituals, intentional design, and creating products women actually want to use every day. If you haven't read it yet, our interview with Deborah Pagani is well worth bookmarking. (Internal link opportunity.)

For anyone who wants their hair to smell incredible long after they leave the house, this is the one. SHOP HERE

DedCool Xtra Milk Eau de Parfum

It's the only eau de parfum that made it onto this list.

We know, technically it doesn't belong here. But every time we sat down to edit this roundup, Xtra Milk somehow refused to be left out.

If you've ever gotten a compliment and immediately thought, wait, I'm not even wearing perfume, this is that kind of fragrance. White musk, amber, and bergamot come together to create something clean, soft, and familiar. Not laundry detergent clean. More like your favorite sweater, fresh sheets, and really good skin.

The scent stays close rather than filling a room, which is exactly why we like it. It never feels like you're wearing fragrance. You just smell good.

What we love most is how easy it is. There's no occasion required and no season where it feels out of place. We reach for it on work days, travel days, gym days, and days when we can't decide what to wear.

It's soft, comforting, and one of those rare fragrances that almost everyone seems to love. Even though it breaks the rules of this list, it earned its spot. SHOP HERE

Salt & Stone Neroli & Basil Body & Hair Fragrance Mist

When everything feels like a lot, this is our reset button.

Neroli and basil keep it crisp and green, with a cool herbal freshness that feels instantly grounding. It has earned a permanent spot near the door for days when we need a clean slate before heading out.

Unlike many fragrance mists, it does a little more than smell good. Glycerin and red algae help boost hydration, so skin feels refreshed rather than dry after each spritz.

It won't last all day the way a perfume would, but that's part of the appeal. This is the one we find ourselves tossing into a bag for a midday refresh. SHOP HERE

By Rosie Jane Birthday Suit Body + Hair Mist

Green apple and lemon create a bright, crisp opening that feels instantly uplifting. As it settles, cedar and musk emerge to create something clean, warm, and incredibly easy to wear.

This one became our favorite after a shower, especially on hot summer mornings when a traditional perfume felt like too much. It wears lightly on skin but lingers much longer on clothing and hair, often still noticeable the next day.

For something a little softer, we loved layering it with Rosie. The apple and lemon bring brightness up front, while Rosie's skin musk adds warmth and smooths out the edges. Together they smell effortless in the best possible way. SHOP HERE

The post The Best Hair and Body Mists for Summer 2026 appeared first on The Chalkboard Mag.

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5 Things We Learned From Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker

A decade ago, getting less sleep was practically a badge of honor. Early flights, late nights, 5 a.m. workouts, and inboxes cleared before sunrise were all signs that you were doing something right. Today, the conversation looks very different. Sleep has become one of the most valuable currencies in wellness, and few books have shaped that shift more than Why We Sleep by Matthew Walker.

Part science book, part wake up call, Walker makes a compelling case that sleep isn't downtime. It's one of the most important biological processes in the body, influencing everything from memory and mood to metabolism, recovery, and long term health. Years after its release, the book remains one of the most influential reads in the wellness space.

Here are five lessons that stuck with us long after turning the final page.

+ You Can't Catch Up On Sleep As Easily As You Think

Many of us operate under the assumption that a few late nights can be balanced out by sleeping until noon on the weekend. According to Walker, it doesn't work quite that way.

While extra sleep can help alleviate some immediate fatigue, chronic sleep debt has a cumulative effect on the body. Missing an hour or two of sleep night after night can impair cognitive performance, mood, metabolism, and immune function in ways we often fail to notice because the decline happens gradually.

One of the more surprising insights from the book is that people who are sleep deprived often become poor judges of just how impaired they actually are. In other words, you may think you're functioning fine, even when your brain is operating well below its potential.

The takeaway isn't perfection. It's consistency. A regular sleep schedule matters more than most of us realize.

+ Sleep Is Your Brain's Most Important Performance Tool

We tend to focus on exercise when we think about improving performance, but Walker argues that sleep is every bit as important.

During sleep, the brain is far from inactive. It organizes information, consolidates memories, strengthens learning pathways, and essentially files away everything you've experienced throughout the day.

Think of sleep as the brain's nightly maintenance shift. Without it, information doesn't get properly stored, making it harder to retain new skills, recall facts, and think creatively.

This helps explain why pulling an all nighter before a presentation, exam, or major work project often backfires. The extra hours spent working may actually undermine the very cognitive abilities you're trying to optimize.

For anyone chasing peak performance, whether in business, athletics, or everyday life, sleep may be the highest return investment available.

+ Poor Sleep Impacts Nearly Every System In The Body

One of the most eye opening themes throughout Why We Sleep is just how interconnected sleep is with overall health.

Walker outlines research linking insufficient sleep to challenges in areas including immune function, blood sugar regulation, hormone balance, cardiovascular health, weight management, and mental wellbeing.

The relationship works both ways. Poor health can disrupt sleep, but poor sleep can also contribute to health issues over time.

Perhaps most importantly, sleep isn't simply about feeling rested the next day. It's a long term investment in how the body repairs, restores, and regulates itself.

In a wellness culture that often focuses on supplements, biohacks, and complicated routines, Walker's research serves as a reminder that one of the most powerful health interventions is also one of the most accessible.

+ Dreaming May Be Doing More For You Than You Realize

Most of us think of dreams as random stories our brains create while we're asleep. Walker suggests they may serve a much bigger purpose.

A significant portion of dreaming occurs during REM sleep, a stage associated with emotional processing, creativity, and problem solving. According to the research highlighted in the book, REM sleep appears to help the brain process emotional experiences in a way that reduces their intensity while preserving the memory itself.

In simple terms, sleep may help us gain perspective.

Walker also explores how REM sleep contributes to creative insight. Some of history's most famous inventions, artistic breakthroughs, and scientific discoveries have reportedly emerged after periods of sleep.

The phrase "sleep on it" turns out to be surprisingly scientific advice.

+ Sleep Is One Of The Strongest Predictors Of Healthy Aging

Longevity conversations often focus on nutrition, exercise, and emerging wellness technologies. Walker argues that sleep deserves an equally prominent place in that discussion.

Throughout the book, he presents evidence suggesting that sleep influences many of the biological processes associated with aging. Consistently poor sleep has been linked to increased inflammation, reduced cognitive function, and a greater risk of age related decline.

What makes this particularly compelling is that sleep is something most of us can improve without adding another expensive wellness habit to our routine.

The goal isn't necessarily to achieve perfect sleep every night. Rather, it's to recognize that the hours spent sleeping are not time lost. They're an active investment in future health, resilience, and quality of life.

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