Reader's Digest
Is My Dog Mad at Me? Telltale Signs and How to Respond
If you’ve ever playfully teased a dog, you know it’s all fun and games until, well, it’s no longer fun. After you’ve stolen a dog’s bone or pretended to throw a ball one too many times, the dog may bark, stiffen, growl or even walk away. Most pet owners have been there, sheepishly wondering Is my dog mad at me?
I Tried the Ostrich Beach Chair That Lets You Comfortably Lie Face-Down
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases. How many times have you been relaxing and reading on a lounge chair by the beach or pool, struggling to find a comfortable position? Let alone an even tan. Enter the Ostrich beach chair.
12 Ways You’re Annoying a Dog Without Realizing It
You come home from a long day of work, exhausted but thrilled to see your dog wagging his tail and looking up at you with big, expectant eyes. But when you drop to your knees and give your dog a big squeeze, he can’t wait to get away from you. What just happened? If it seems like you’re annoying your dog, that’s because you are!
10 Signs Your Dog Feels Neglected and Needs More TLC
If you’re among the millions of Americans who own a dog, you may find it challenging to spend enough time with your furry best friend. And that can cause problems. Despite our best efforts, our dogs can sense when they’re getting only the leftovers of our attention. But what are the signs your dog feels neglected, and how much attention does it need from you?
I Took the Béis Front Pocket Carry-On on Multiple International Trips, and It’s a Winner
Our editors and experts handpick every product we feature. We may earn a commission from your purchases. So far this year, I’ve traveled to six countries—and each time I’ve checked a bag. Why? Because I knew my carry-on luggage, including my beloved Béis Carry-On, was designed for domestic flights and too big for international flights. Thankfully, with my frequent flier status, I can check my bags for free, so I wasn’t stuck spending a fortune. But sometimes I want the flexibility and security of having my bag onboard with me—especially after nonstop headlines last year about a record number of lost or delayed bags (ones that never made their connection). Plus, who wants to waste time waiting at baggage claim? Imagine my delight when I learned about the Béis Front Pocket Carry-On Roller international-sized bag, part of its Commuter Collection.
May Holidays and Observances to Celebrate Year After Year
May isn’t just about blooming flowers and warmer weather—it’s a month packed with spring celebrations and appreciation. While many know about Mother’s Day, there’s a whole tapestry of May holidays and observances, from honoring educators during Teacher Appreciation Week to delving into the magical world of Harry Potter on International Harry Potter Day (on May 2, to be exact). And let’s not forget that the Force is strong with Star Wars fans on May 4, as they gear up to fight against the dark side (and enjoy a few punny Star Wars jokes too!).
Can You Go to Jail for Collecting Rainwater?
Putting a bucket outside to catch water while it rains may not seem like a huge deal. But in more than a dozen states, it actually is. State legislatures established rules on catching rainwater, and what you can or can’t use the water for. So if you’ve built a rain barrel for your home, be sure to review local laws to make sure you’re in compliance and not accidentally doing something illegal.
How to Use Baking Soda in Laundry to Remove Smells and More
What can’t baking soda do? This simple ingredient is an unsung hero in baked goods, of course, but it also can freshen up a stinky fridge, gently remove stains from countertops and walls, and even give your laundry a boost. In fact, using baking soda in laundry is one of the best ways to get fresher clothing—and one of my tried-and-true cleaning secrets.
Harry Potter Exclusive: Tom Felton Shares New Draco Details
It’s been more than a decade since the last Harry Potter movie premiered, but fans’ demand for more from the Potterverse hasn’t slowed down. A new streaming series from Max is on the way in 2026, the video game Hogwarts: Legacy released in 2023 to huge success, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child continues its hit run on Broadway and, of course, the Harry Potter theme parks attract massive crowds. We recently caught up with Draco Malfoy actor Tom Felton about the ongoing popularity of the series, his latest ventures and what it’s like to have a Funko Pop figure of yourself, just in time for International Harry Potter Day on May 2.
Procter & Gamble Is Recalling 8.2 Million Bags of Laundry Detergent Pods—Here’s Why
This recall is a must-read if you buy laundry detergent pods. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has shared a recall from Procter & Gamble that affects its popular laundry detergent packets, aka Tide Pods and Gain Flings. Here’s what to know before doing your next load of laundry....
It’s Time to Stop Using Your Vintage Corelle Dinnerware—Here’s Why
Nearly all of us have a set of Corelle dinnerware in the cupboard. It may have been purchased after a ’70s kitchen update or kept on hand since the kids were born in the ’80s. (It is unbreakable, after all.) Because of that decades-long connection, it feels like a member of the family.
30 Genius WD-40 Uses for Your Home—Inside and Out
Learn about the many surprising ways WD-40 can clean and protect items all around your home, outdoor space and more. I only just discovered that WD-40 can do so much more than fix squeaky doors—and I’ve been writing about cleaning and organizing for well over a decade. After speaking with cleaning and chemistry experts, I’m well-versed in how the product works and know all of the genius WD-40 uses the pros employ. I, for one, will never be without my own can (or several) again!
Male vs. Female Dogs: What Are the Real Differences?
Male and female dogs are not the same, but do those differences really matter? We asked a vet to find out. There are so many things to think about when you’re looking for a new canine companion. Dog behavior, size, age, grooming needs and activity level are all important, but what about male vs. female dogs? Is a dog’s sex something else you should take into consideration before making your decision?
25 Coffee Puns for a Whole Latte Laughs
Start your morning with a cuppa jokes (and some funny coffee quotes). Drink up these coffee puns based on your flavor-ite songs, bands, movies, TV shows, and books. Cool story, brew! If you like your roast strong, hit the (coffee) grounds running, with these nutty, rich, and stimulating puns! They’re perk-fection for procaffeinating during the daily grind. Stay frappé! (P.S.—save these hilarious wine puns to browse through during happy hour.)
Why Do Dogs Lean on You?
There are few things more heartwarming than feeling your furry companion pressing up against your leg or cuddling itself against your side. The unconditional love you receive from a dog may be why you added one to the family in the first place. Despite all the love, dogs have some seemingly unusual habits, like eating grass, sniffing each other’s butts—and leaning on their human for seemingly no reason.
20 Quotes About Autism for Autism Awareness Month
When my son was diagnosed with autism at age 4, I had mixed emotions. I was relieved to finally have an explanation for his developmental delays and rigid behaviors, but I worried about his future—life is often harder for those who dance to a different drum. It took me a while to embrace some of those unique traits and to see strength in difference.
How to Use Vinegar in Laundry to Eradicate Smells and More
If you’ve ever looked online for cleaning hacks, then you’ve probably come across the tip to use vinegar in laundry. It was something that I’d seen for years, and I have to admit, I put off trying it because I was worried about my clothes smelling like pickles when they came out of the wash. But after I tried it, I realized how much I had been missing—and how the vinegar smell totally dissipated in the machine. Not only that, but my clothes smelled fresher and looked better.
How to Get Crayon Off the Wall in Minutes
Young children and crayons are a terrific combination … but you might rethink that statement when the resulting “art” ends up on your walls. Trust me: I know how painful this is. I had been wanting to paint my family room for ages, and I finally went from boring builder’s white to Revere Pewter. It was perfect—until my then-preschoolers decided to make the color a little more exciting with a massive crayon mural. I wasn’t happy, to say the least, but thankfully I knew how to get crayon off the wall.
How to Use a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser for a Sparkling Home
Household cleaning products often have flashy names indicating how well they clean, but in the case of Mr. Clean Magic Erasers, it’s not hyperbole. These unassuming, flexible chunks of foam really do work like magic. If you don’t know how to use a Magic Eraser, you’ll be pleased to learn that it couldn’t be easier: Wet it, wipe it and watch the grime and stuck-on food vanish.
April Holidays and Observances to Celebrate Year After Year
April isn’t just about April Fools’ Day—it’s a holiday-packed month! Besides the day of playful pranks on April 1, there are a bunch of other celebrations that should be on your radar. Get ready for National Poetry Month, Autism Awareness Month and National Library Week, as well as National Burrito Day, National Siblings Day and National Hug Your Dog Day, to name a few. And guess what? Easter might have hopped away in March (on March 31, to be precise), so you’ll have time to explore all of those lesser-known, super fun holidays in April. Don’t worry—we’ve made it easy for you. Ahead, you’ll find all the monthly, weekly and daily April holidays to put on your calendar.
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