Jordan Bissell

When it comes to cats and dogs, I'm hesitant to generalize, as each furry cutie is totally unique. But in broad terms, dogs tend to be much simpler to figure out than cats. In my experience with pups, they pretty much always want to eat, cuddle, or…

To all the pets I've loved before: Thank you for loving me back unconditionally. I mean really, one of the things I appreciate most about pets is the way they're so quick to forgive, and so eager to show you all of the affection their little hearts…

I've always been enamored with the idea of throwing a sophisticated dinner party. Setting out perfectly folded cloth napkins and whipping up dishes full of gourmet ingredients seems like the pinnacle of adulthood. But when it comes to the actual…

After almost three years of following a plant-based lifestyle, I recently started eating cheese again. At first, this made me feel a little bit like a failure, but then I remembered how much I've been craving creamy goat cheese, fragrant bries, and…

For at least the past 10 years, I've been falling asleep to the sound of my favorite NPR podcasts. No offense to the hosts of Car Talk or the wonderful cast of Wait, Wait Don't Tell Me, but there's nothing more relaxing than playing a podcast,…

I've always been a little reluctant to commit to big changes. Whether in previous relationships, in career moves, or in everyday decisions, it takes time for me to really feel confident that I'm making the right choice. There's no concrete way to…

Look, I'm not going to pass up the chance to eat my favorite Thanksgiving foods, even if they have the potential to send me into a mega napping session. I care too much about the traditions, the amazing flavors, and the time spent catching up with…

If you picture the most idyllic Thanksgiving feast, you probably imagine an enormous table filled with plates of creamy mashed potatoes, delectable green beans, and a number of sweet pies. But the star of the holiday is typically a crisp, roast…

Talking to people whom you believe are in positions of authority can be intimidating. Whether it's a mentor at school or even the optometrist, I'm personally trying to become more confident about asking questions of these professionals. For…

When I was growing up, we did things a little differently on Thanksgiving. Since my mom's from Cuba, she decided to put her own spin on the classic turkey and stuffing combo by filling the inside of the meat with black beans and rice instead of…

As my late childhood dog S'mores approached old lady status, she became more than a little protective over my family's house. She had a little bed by one of the front windows, so any time anything crossed her field of vision, she would be on high…

I'll get right to it: '90s TV star and pop queen Hilary Duff did something pretty surprising after giving birth to her adorable daughter, Banks Violet Bair. She saved her placenta after she gave birth, blended it with a few other ingredients, and…

I love technology as much as any other millennial, but I have definitely been experiencing some eye strain lately. If I'm not writing on my computer for work, I'm drafting documents for grad school or watching one too many YouTube videos in the…

I have a Spotify playlist for just about every mood I experience, and music in general really is a lifesaver for me. Whether I'm looking for something to pump me up, calm me down, or just help me get out a good cry ("When She Loved Me" from Toy…

Breakfast is the only kind of fast that works for my body, personally. I am definitely someone who gets hangry really easily, and whenever my blood sugar levels start to drop, I just don't feel like I'm functioning at my best. I have friends who…

There's nothing quite as heart-wrenching as the sad little eyes of your pup as soon as she spots you eating food. My dog, Hank, can immediately sense whenever I'm sitting down to eat, and will instantly be at my side, resting his face on my knee.…

If you've ever wanted to give your brain a bit of a boost in preparation for a big test or an important presentation at work, chances are you turned to a cup of coffee (or three) to give your mind that extra kick. Most of my college days were spent…

Until about a year ago, I did not buy into the chocolate hype. If given the choice, I used to pick cookie dough ice cream every time, and I always preferred fruity desserts to anything rich in chocolate. Dang was I missing out, though. Once I was…

Sometimes I'm overwhelmed by the array of dietary lifestyles that exist. There are people who cut out certain foods, like vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free folks. There are those who support a paleo diet, while others swear by intermittent…

I feel like the cleanliness of my living space can sometimes affect my mental state, which is why I try to make sure my apartment is tidy and thoroughly scrubbed most of the time. But during all my years of making sure my bathroom is squeaky clean,…