Remove the mussels from whatever packaging the store used right away, otherwise the mussels are at risk of suffocating. If you don’t have time to sort through them immediately, at least move them out of the package and into a bowl in the fridge, and cover them with ice. Mussels are the best when bought and cooked on the same day, though they can last in the fridge for 1 to 2 days if you need to buy them beforehand. Look at each mussel individually. Any mussels that have large cracks across them or that are smashed and crumpled need to be thrown away. Chances are, they are already dead. If a mussel is open, that is also a sign that it has died and should be discarded.  Not all gaping mussels need to be discarded. You can quickly test to see if it’s still alive by tapping it on the counter or against another mussel. If it closes, that means the mussel is still alive and you can use it. If it doesn’t move, throw it away. Some mussels that are stressed, but not dead, will open slightly, so give them a quick check before throwing them out. You can sometimes leave them in the fridge for longer, but 1 to 2 days is a safe window. If you do leave them for a few extra days, make sure they still smell like the ocean (rather than like rotten fish) and that they haven’t gotten slimy. If you find you won’t be able to use your mussels in time, you can transfer them to a resealable plastic bag and store them in the freezer for up to 2 to 3 months.
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One-sentence summary -- Examine the mussels as soon as you get home from the store. Discard cracked, smashed or open mussels, as they can make you ill. Use fresh mussels within 1 to 2 days of purchasing them.


Unless the bridal shower is a surprise, you should get the bride’s input on who she wants to attend. Write a list of everyone she wants to invite, and ask for the guest’s addresses so you can send them invitations, as well. Remind the bride that anyone invited to the shower should also be invited to the wedding. Typically, the hostess pays for the bridal shower. If you aren’t sure you can manage tackling the cost on your own, consider asking a few of the bride’s close friends or family members to co-host the shower with you. The cost of the shower can be split evenly between the hostesses.  You don’t need to shell out a ton of cash to have a nice shower. Consider splurging on a beautiful location and keeping decorations and refreshments to a minimum. Alternately, host the party in someone’s home to save money and purchase cute cupcakes and simple floral arrangements for a fancy feel. Typically, bridal showers are held on the weekend. Speak to the bride well in advance to find a date and time that works well for her. She’ll be busy planning the wedding and may have other engagements, like cake tastings or dress fittings, to work around. Opt for a mid-afternoon shower if you want to avoid serving a full meal. If possible, give the bride a choice of several locations and let her decide which she likes best. For example, you could offer to host the party at your home, at a local restaurant, or at an outdoor event venue in town. Once she’s selected a location, book the venue, if applicable. Speak to the bride about what she envisions for the shower. Oftentimes, the wedding colors will work for the shower as well. Or, you can choose a theme based on the bride’s interests or plans for the marriage.  For instance, if the duo plans to honeymoon in the Caribbean, go for a Caribbean-themed bridal shower. Decorate with seashells and tropical flowers, play reggae music, and serve island cocktails. Alternatively, if the wedding has a roaring 20s theme, decorate the invitations and space with feathers and bling, play 1920s music at the shower, or even request that guests come in flapper dresses. To ensure that guests can make arrangements to attend, party invitations should be sent out no less than 1 month before the event. You can hand-make invitations, buy invitation templates to fill in, or have invitations printed specifically for the event.  Include information about where the bride is registered for the bridal shower, if applicable. Keep track of the RSVPs so you know how many guests to expect, and make a point to reach out to anyone you don’t receive an RSVP from.
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One-sentence summary -- Speak to the bride about the guest list. Determine the budget. Select a date and time. Choose a location or book a venue. Choose a theme for the shower that matches the wedding theme or colors. Send out invitations 1 month before the event.


Bathe or shower every day using mild soap, warm water, and a loofa or washcloth. People with very short hair, very oily hair, or who sweat a lot should wash their hair daily. Otherwise, wash your hair two or three times a week to keep your hair healthy.  If you wash your hair too often, you'll strip away helpful oils that make your hair shiny and soft. If you have long hair, use a conditioner after shampooing to hydrate the ends of your hair. There is no specific age at which you should start wearing deodorant. However, if you're concerned about your body odor and you want to smell fresh, consider applying deodorant after you shower. Read the directions on the back of the deodorant to see how it should be applied. You can buy a stick of deodorant that is rubbed against your underarms or spray-on deodorant. Brush your teeth at least twice a day to keep your teeth healthy and your breath fresh. Use a clean toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste to brush your teeth. Additionally, floss once a day to help prevent gum disease.  Avoid eating sugary foods to prevent cavities from forming on your teeth. If you have any concerns about your teeth, visit your dentist. A part of looking fresh is having clean, well-groomed nails. First, wash your hands after using the bathroom, touching something dirty, or petting an animal. Use a small nail brush and soap to clean dirt out from under your nails. Alternatively, use a toothpick or small wooden wand to remove dirt from under your nails.  Keep your nails trimmed to avoid snagging them on your clothing or scratching yourself.  Paint your nails to add a pop of color to your look. Additionally, nail polish can hide any stubborn stains on your nails.
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One-sentence summary --
Bathe yourself daily. Wear deodorant. Brush your teeth. Keep your nails clean.