LeeAnn Whittemore
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Author/Co-Author of 94 articles
LeeAnn Whittemore is a writer, artist, and graphic designer who grew up in the Midwest before moving to the Gulf Coast. As a Creative Writing undergraduate, she was selected to read in the Chicago Citywide Undergraduate Poetry Festival and has since earned six Hoosier State Press Association Awards for her work in advertising. When she’s not working, she enjoys reading biographies, questing to listen to every podcast ever recorded, and curling up with a good Netflix binge. Please reach out to The Manual editorial staff with any questions or comments about LeeAnn’s work.
How to Throw the Perfect 4th of July Cookout
If you're considering hosting a party this Independence Day, don't stress. We've got some helpful 4th of July cookout ideas that will make planning a breeze.
The 7 Best Roast Turkey Alternatives to Try This Thanksgiving
Maybe you should try one of these best roast turkey alternatives this year and really knock it out of the park.
How to cook rice perfectly every time, no matter how you choose to make it
We've got two tried-and-true methods for preparing rice: in a rice cooker and on the stove. Here's how to make sure your rice turns out perfect every time.
5 Alternatives to College for Both Young and Experienced Professionals
If you're looking to change or advance your career, a four-year degree isn't always the best option. Here are five alternatives to college for young and experienced professionals alike.
5 Reasons You Should Be Embracing the Tongue Scraper
To truly battle bad breath, you need the focused design of a tongue scraper. Here are the top five reasons why you should be using one.
Your Sheets are Filthy: Here’s How You Should be Taking Care of Them
How often do you wash you sheets? What's the best way to fold fitted sheets? Where do you store them? We turned to the experts at Brooklinen for the answers to theses questions and more.
8 Ways to Keep Your Drinks Cold on a Hot Day
From Corkcicles to king-sized ice cubes to insulated bottles and beyond, these are the best products for keeping your drinks — alcoholic or not — cold on a hot day.
Get Blinded By The White: Best Teeth Whiteners
We all want perfectly white teeth, so The Manual did some investigative reporting to figure out which (of the 100's of brands) are the best teeth whiteners.
These Amazon Echo Accessories Will Make Alexa Your New Best Friend
Make sure you're getting the most out of your Amazon Echo with these Alexa accessories. This gear lets you control everything from the lights to the temp.
Give the Gift of Good Space: The Home and Living Gift Guide
From audiophiles to book lovers to barbecue masters and grooming gods, we've rounded up the best living and home gifts for guys.
Tips and Recipes for Meat-Eaters Who Are Grilling for Vegetarians
So, your idea of a summer barbecue is hamburgers with a side of hot dogs, and you just found out you’ll be hosting some vegetarian guests at your next cookout. Don’t panic! There are so many easy vegetarian grilling options that are so damn delicious, you might skip a burger or two.
Shore Thing: 10 Beach Essentials Every Guy Needs
This is our definitive guide to the 10 things you need to have a great beach day. From sunscreen to games, it's all here in our list of beach essentials.
8 Apps to Help You Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions in 2022
Every year, millions of people make New Year's resolutions. Achieve your 2022 goals — whether they be fitness, financial, or something in between — with the help of these apps.
7 Best Finance Apps for Budgeting, Money-Saving, Investments, and More
They say money makes the world go round, but trying to manage your finances can also be incredibly stressful. Here are the best finance apps to help you get the most out of your income, whether you need help budgeting, investing, saving money, keeping track of expenses, and more.
6 Best Productivity Apps for 2022
Whether you're trying to achieve a better sleep schedule or curb your proclivity toward procrastination, the best productivity apps will help you manage your to-do lists this 2022.
How to Apply to Grad School When It’s Been a While Since Undergrad
Applying to graduate school can be nerve-wracking, even for students who just completed undergraduate work. It can be more intimidating if it’s been a long time since you were in school. Here’s our advice on how to apply to grad school and make sure your exam scores are at their best.
The Cauldryn Is a Travel Mug That Does Everything
Attention all outdoorsmen, coffee lovers, and smoothie enthusiasts: The travel mug you’ve been waiting for has arrived. The Cauldryn is a hand-held powerhouse for anyone who has experienced the let-down of cold coffee, the hassle of blended drinks, or the unique challenges of campfire cooking.
The Best Anti-Aging Eye Cream: A Difference You Can See
Use anti-aging eye cream to refresh your tired eyes and make a difference that you can clearly see.
5 Scenic Boating Destinations to Set Sail
Without a shadow of a doubt, the U.S. has some of the best boating destinations in the world. So pack your bags and set sail to these destinations.
Public Speaking Tips: Everything You Need to Know to Nail the Big Speech
How can you temper your fear and deliver a powerful, confident speech? In this public speaking guide, we’ll share tips to help you get comfortable in front of a crowd and tackle your next speaking gig whether you’re stepping behind a podium or leading a meeting.
The 5 Best Podcast Apps for 2020
Enhance your listening experience with one of the five best podcast apps and RSS readers. Even better? They're all free.
A Perfect Summer Starts with Great Patio Furniture
The perfect summer begins in the backyard. Make sure yours is ready for the warm nights, cold beers, and cookouts with this cool and modern patio furniture.
9 History Podcasts You Need to Listen to Right Now
Here are our picks for the best history podcasts to listen to in 2020.
Listen Up: These Podcasts Can Help You Get Your Life Together
Whether it’s financial woes, a creative void, too much clutter, or too little confidence, there’s likely something in your life you wish you could change. We’ve rounded up a list of the best podcasts to help you dig out of that rut and pave your own path.
The Best Hemp Oil Grooming Products for Your Skin and Hair
Head-highs and pain relief aren’t all the green goddess has to offer. Hemp seed oil is a powerful and popular ingredient in grooming goods. We've rounded-up some of the best hemp oil products for skin and hair.
Game On: Our Favorite Board Game Podcasts Right Now
From non-gamers to hardcore tabletop fans, there's a series for everyone on our list of the best board game podcasts. Favorites include The Daily Tavern, Married with Board Games, Shut Up & Sit Down, and more.
Leatherman Celebrates Its 35th Anniversary by Upgrading Celebrated Multi-Tools
The multi-tool pioneer is upping its game again with special 35th anniversary upgrades, including a limited edition PST release, a Wave upgrade, and a Surge upgrade.
How to Get Rid of Mosquitoes: Tips for Keeping Pests Away
For expert advice on how to get rid of mosquitoes, we turned to Karen Reardon of Responsible Industry for a Sound Environment (RISE)
Why Every Man Should Get a Pedicure (Really, It’s For Your Health)
To learn a little more about the health benefits of men's pedicures (and why every man should be getting them) we turned to celebrity manicurist, founder of Organic Body Society, and all-around men’s hand and foot grooming guru Natasha Ray.
The HuskeeCup: A Greener Way to Drink Coffee
The makers of HuskeeCup are setting out to clean up coffee waste with this new eco-awesome mug. The secret? It's made of coffee.
Forget Hot Dogs and Follow this Tailgating Recipe for Game-Ready Sausages
Don't settle for mystery-meat hot dogs. Take your grill game to the next level with this tailgating recipe: Half Smoke Sausage by Chef Kosta Kontogiannis.
Diamonds in the Dirt: How to Select and Prepare Winter Truffles
'Tis the season for truffles! Learn how to master the funky little fungi that is often called a culinary diamond with help from Chef Domenico Natale.
Who Wouldn’t Want a River Running Through Their Mansion?
The Metchosin House, designed by renowned architect Marko Semcic, is a unique Vancouver Island home inspired by the surrounding landscape.
How to Create a Fun and Functional Outdoor Living Room
If you follow a few simple guidelines, you can win the season with your own fun, functional outdoor living room.
Why You Really Should Make Your Bed Every Morning
National Make Your Bed Week is the perfect time to start the healthy habit of making your bed every morning. Here are a few tips and reasons why you should.
Bamboo Wants to Help You Stay Creatively Mindful with this Handsome Smart Folio
Bamboo's Mindful Meetings campaign will help you write free and be more productive, especially with their easy to use smart folio.
10 Fun Facts About the Fourth of July You Probably Forgot
Before you start celebrating, bone up on some interesting history with these Fourth of July fun facts you've probably forgotten since your last history class.
Adam Richman Dishes on His Favorite Indoor Grilling Recipes
TV host and chef Adam Richman teaches us how to turn even the tiniest apartment into an indoor grilling paradise and share some of his favorite (and simple) recipes.
8 Tips on How to Quit a Job Like a Real Professional
Quitting your job can be awkward even in the best circumstances. These tips will help you stay prepared and professional.
How to Make Your Own Beef Jerky at Home
Learning how to make beef jerky at home is easier than it sounds. We enlisted Minneapolis-based chef Thomas Boemer to explain the process and share a beef jerky recipe.
5 Ways to Enjoy Spring Break, Even if You Don’t Technically Have One
Sadly, adulthood doesn’t tend to come with built-in breaks, but that doesn’t mean it’s not important to take one from time to time. Even if you don’t have the time or budget to take an extended vacation, you can still enjoy a well-earned spring break.
9 Job Interview Tips That Will Help You Land Your Dream Gig
Do you have a job interview coming up? We’d like to share a few advanced tips that will help you stand out from the crowd and make you analyze whether you are a good fit for the company.
The Sweet, Sweet Science of Chocolate: Why Does It Taste So Good?
For more info on the science of chocolate — and how to craft the tastiest chocolate pairings — we turned to Thierry Muret, executive chef chocolatier at Godiva.
Hurricane Preparedness Checklist: How to Get Ready for the Next Storm
Hurricanes, tropical depressions, and tropical storms can be swift and unpredictable, so it’s important that you prepare well and prepare early. Follow this guide to hurricane preparedness to stay safe during the next big storm.
How to Cook Bacon in the Oven, Stove, and Microwave
How to cook bacon? From the oven to the stove to the microwave, we've included instructions for the three most common (and delicious) methods of cooking bacon.
Whiskey Whiskers: Bourbon Grooming Products for Celebrating National Bourbon Day
Olivina Men has a different way to celebrate the popular American spirit: a high-quality bourbon-inspired grooming line, perfect for National Bourbon Day on June 14.
Party Hard in the Big Easy this Spring at These Boozy New Orleans Festivals
Let the good times roll at these New Orleans Spring festivals, including New Orleans Bourbon Festival, Top Taco Agave Week, and the Top Taco Festival.
Summer Vacation Ideas: A Ranking of America’s Most Fun Cities and States
With warm weather and longer days, summertime means fun time for most people. WalletHub conducted full studies on The Most Fun States and The Most Fun Cities in America. Check out our breakdown for some summer vacation ideas.
Boat in a Bag: Kokopelli’s Latest Packraft Makes a Splash on Kickstarter
The new Kokopelli Packraft is light enough to take on a hike and small enough to strap to your bike. In fact, it can compress down to the size of a paper towel roll. Oh, and its durable as hell.