Alia is an Atlanta-based freelance writer who has contributed content to HowStuffWorks for going on a decade now, with a specialty in health writing. She’s also been published by TLC, Animal Planet, and a number of corporate clients. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Georgia (Go Dawgs!), and might someday get around to setting up a professional website. Until then, check her out on LinkedIn.
She and her husband are proud parents to three handsome, too-smart-for-their-own-good boys. Alia is a passably not terrible tennis player, lover of all things dance and music, brownie-obsessed, avid reader and off-key car singer. Her two favorite types of people are those who have a healthy sense of humor and those who actually read articles in their entirety before posting comments.
Recent Contributions
It's a term that's often used in an argument. But gaslighting has a very specific meaning that is often lost. What is it and how can you know if you're really being gaslighted?
By Alia Hoyt
During the fall months, you may see unfamiliar birds in your area as those from the north begin to fly south. But how do they know when it's time to migrate and where to go?
By Alia Hoyt
Fall's official beverage, as some call it, is seriously lacking in pumpkin and spices.
By Alia Hoyt
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Fame can be fleeting but some names manage to live forever. Is it possible to determine who is the most famous person on Earth?
By Alia Hoyt
Queen Elizabeth II reigned over England for a record-breaking 70 years. But with King Charles taking the throne, how does the line of succession look now?
By Alia Hoyt
Air travel is far more than getting from point A to point B safely. How much do you know about the million little details that go into flying on airplanes?
By Alia Hoyt
Lemon zest imparts a bright and citrusy flavor to both savory and sweet foods. Best of all, it's super simple to make using the right tools and the peel of a lemon.
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Before you hit the road, download these six apps to make your journey even more successful.
By Alia Hoyt
Laundry stripping is a hack that's been trending on TikTok. It's supposed to remove built-up gunk from your "clean" clothes. But does it work?
By Alia Hoyt
In the last few decades, there's been a sort of arms race to build ever-taller skyscrapers. Which seven currently rank as the world's tallest buildings?
By Alia Hoyt
No can opener? No worries! We've got five ingenious ways to get that tin can open.
By Alia Hoyt
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Death in real life is tragic, but in books, plays, movies and so on, it's entertainment. How well-versed are you in some of the most famous fictional deaths throughout history?
By Alia Hoyt
Not all pencils are created equal. There's a reason why teachers and school supply lists specify one pencil brand.
By Alia Hoyt
The world is a huge place, yet some GeoGuessr players know locations in mere seconds. Are you one of GeoGuessr's gifted elite? Take our quiz to find out!
By Alia Hoyt
Increasingly, people want their pets to be part of their wedding day. Pet attendants keep the festivities from, well, going to the dogs.
By Alia Hoyt
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A sorority can be a great way to make lasting friendships and find opportunities for leadership and service. But people also associate sororities with many negative stereotypes.
By Katie Lambert & Alia Hoyt
Let's face it. Baseball is a dirty game. Sliding into home leaves quite a stain on those pristine white pants. But nobody has to know if you follow these six ideas.
By Alia Hoyt
In addition to its role in cooking, coconut oil has a ton of uses in health and beauty. We highlight 10 of them.
By Alia Hoyt
You've just seen 11:11 on your phone's clock or 777 on a house you've driven by. Is the universe trying to send you a message? What do these angel numbers mean?
By Alia Hoyt
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Nothing is better than a pair of sharp white shoes. But it's hard to keep them looking that way. Or is it?
By Alia Hoyt
Ever notice you see more tire debris on the side of the road during the hottest months of the summer? Could the heat have anything to do with it?
By Alia Hoyt
The old-school savings bond is suddenly hot again, thanks to its inflation-protected interest rate.
By Alia Hoyt
The recipe for petroleum jelly hasn't really changed in more than 150 years. This wonder product can do lots more than just soothe chapped lips and skin.
By Alia Hoyt
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Say a guy mistakes "the Pill" for a breath mint. Is he going to have any lasting side effects if he takes one? What about if he took it regularly?
The current record holder is an actress and social media influencer who uses her celebrity to spread positive messages.
By Alia Hoyt