Indholdsfortegnelse for June 2013 i Good Housekeeping

Krista Watterworth isn't intimidated by tight deadlines. As host of decorating makeover shows on HGTV, the designer revamped rooms in 48 hours—so it's not surprising that she overhauled her entire Mediterranean-style home in Palm Beach Gardens, FL, in a mere three months. "You get drywall dust in your bra," jokes Watterworth about the accelerated pace at which she transformed dark Italianate interiors into easygoing, airy spaces perfect for husband Eric, son Griffon, 4, and daughter Skylar, 3. Relying on neutral shades of taupe and cream and unfussy furniture, Watterworth has achieved a family-centered home that's "lived-in and completely livable." HOT SEATS Krista Watterworth, above, chose deep, sized-for-sharing woven chairs for her backyard lounge IN PERFECT HARMONY As a surprise for her husband, Watterworth had the lyrics to the couple's first-dance…

Just for telling us what you think of the new GH! We've made big changes at Good Housekeeping lately, all designed to bring you issues that are packed with fun ideas to make your life better. So…how did we do this month? What do you love? What should we lose? We want to know! We're looking forward to hearing from you—thanks. VISIT JUNESURVEY.GOODHOUSEKEEPING.COM TO GET STARTED! No purchase necessary to enter or win. Reader Feedback Sweepstakes sponsored by Hearst Communications, Inc. Beginning January 1, 2013, at 12:01 A.M. (ET) through December 31, 2013, at 11:59 P.M. (ET), go to junesurvey.goodhousekeeping.com and complete and submit the entry form pursuant to the on-screen instructions. One (1) Grand Prize winner will receive $5,000, one (1) Second Place winner will receive a $500 American…

Stoop sale. Garage sale. Tag Sale. Yard sale. Whatever you call it, you may be more inclined to dig for treasures at someone else's sell-fest than to sort through and off-load your own stuff. But a well-planned tag sale can easily net you enough for a month's mortgage payment or a weekend getaway, not to mention the joys of freeing up extra closet space. The key: Borrow a few proven tricks from the retail world. Here, how to clean up. —Julia Califano SIGN UP Write YARD SALE TODAY! in big letters with an arrow; it's all anyone driving by can see. Post in obvious spots, and don't skimp. You can't have too many! MARK DOWN Try the 50-30-20 rule: Charge about 50% of retail for new items, 30% for barely…

No Seal for you! Kooky Anti-Aging Trends HOW FAR WOULD YOU GO TO LOOK YOUNGER? If the latest crop of extreme anti-aging spa services and products are any indication, some marketers must believe women are willing to go very far indeed, even if it means subjecting themselves to questionable (or downright icky-sounding) treatments. The weirdest ones we've heard about: a meteorite elixir ($300), a placenta facial ($135), and a facial that features powdered nightingale droppings (a.k.a. bird poop!), long popular in Japan as a skin-brightener and cleanser. We'll stick with our retinol cream, thanks.…

Beauty and fashion tips, trends & deals p. 55 Drugstore deals—and free stuff! p. 68 Best suits for every body p. 63 Disguise thinning hair, fast p. 67 Pair these with a floral cardigan…

Quick Fix for Thin Hair CONCEALING YOUR SPARSE STRANDS needn't require complicated styling products or techniques. An easy new option: hair fibers. Post-styling, shake onto thinning areas on your scalp, then pat or rub in. The electrostatically charged particles will bind to strands, creating a fuller, thicker look that lasts until you shampoo. Try: Viviscal Hair Filler Fibers ($25, five shades; Rite Aid) or Toppik Hair Building Fibers ($25, nine shades; toppik.com). 7YY TIP OF THE MONTH "If anti-aging eye cream makes your eyes sting, you're likely applying it too close to your lashline. To avoid irritation, pat it on along your orbital bone," says Kavita Mariwalla, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City. Get More—Free! We'll send additional ways to look seven years younger right to your e-mail inbox:…

Step away from the muu-muu. Whether your trouble spot is your stomach, hips, waist, or thighs, we've got you covered with the 10 best suits (out of 270 try-ons!) tested and photographed in our GHRI labs Free Swimsuits! For a chance to win one of 380 suits, see page 178 OVERALL WINNER GREAT FOR ANY SHAPE This eye-fooling champ holds you in with a reinforced panel; the cross-body stripes visually nip in the waist. Even better: the wallet-friendly price! $59, Aquabelle TRIMMED TUMMIES BYUP TO 1 ¾" TESTERS VOTED CUTEST SUIT Retro in a good way, this one-piece excelled at concealing tummies, but it was the "adorable" and "fun" patterns that really wowed testers. Who knew dots and stripes could be so slimming? $142, Tommy Bahama DE-BULGED BELLIES BY UP…

Too Little, Too Late! VACATIONERS IN SUNNY CLIMES MAY remember to pack sunscreen, but often that's all they do with it. In a Danish study, sun-lovers on a six-day trip to Egypt (who knew they were being monitored!) applied protection too late (when they were 13% of the way toward burning), too sparingly (turning SPF 15 protection into SPF 3), or sometimes not at all (a key area was missed 28% of the time). So slather your sunscreen on first thing—and keep slathering. Derm on Call Pocket Mole Watch When a dermatologist asks if a mole has changed, it can be hard to be sure. The University of Michigan's UMSkinCheck App reminds you to snap photos so you can keep track over time. But beware of other apps that claim…

The next time you get happy news, like a promotion, don't keep it to yourself—phone a pal and tell her. You'll get a second dose of the positive feelings associated with the event, finds research from Brigham Young University. Just be sure to call someone who'll be as enthusiastic as you are (i.e., not your slightly jealous coworker). "It's best to share your joy with someone who truly cares about you," says lead study author Nathaniel Lambert, Ph.D. That way, you'll both get a happiness boost. Real women, real-world advice p. 105 Bad guests? Peggy Post has tips p. 101 Summer magic…guaranteed! p. 117 Surprisingly easy ways to save cash p. 111 Ditch dessert guilt for good…

Men, Marriage, and Making It Work Singer Brad Paisley reveals… What makes mymarriage so strong Why the country star and his wife are so darned happy 1 The only reason Kim gave me a second date was because I made her laugh. And it's the only reason she's still with me! 2 Kim doesn't hold a grudge. If I listen to what she has to say, she gets over her anger. 3 Date night is important, even if it's going to Schlotzsky's. A preacher once told us that after the kids leave home, if you haven't had a conversation in 18 years, it'll be pretty hard. 4 Kim has learned that my not being able to do the small-talk thing for an hour doesn't mean…

Have a question? Send it to Carmen at goodhouse keeping.com/carmen RECENTLY, IN ONE DAY, I SPENT $35 ON CLOTHES FOR MY DAUGHTER online, $15 on parking, $15 for the dog-walker, $45 on last-minute grocery shopping, and $57 on toiletries. How did $167 leave my wallet in 24 hours? Granted, some expenses were necessary (the toiletries were a good deal, and I was out of toilet paper). But if I'd paid more attention, I could have knocked 10% off the dog-walker's fees by booking a block of walks in advance. And if I'd picked up my kid's clothes at the store near our home versus ordering online, I'd have saved the $5 for shipping. Here, new habits to adopt so more money will stay where it belongs: in the…

NAME: MARIA CARR, 37 OCCUPATION: ONLINE RETAILER LOCATION: IONE, CA 1 WATER COLORS After living with a serene palette of whites for years, Maria added the robin's-egg blue cabinet to her dining area. The weathered piece, used to store ironstone serveware, cookbooks, and grain sacks for her shop, dreamywhitesonline.com, reminds her of her years spent along the coast. "I love the beachy hues," she says. 2 TALL ORDER To add some timeworn texture to her daughter's room, Maria sanded peeling paint off an old, narrow door and propped it against the wall. 3 COZY QUARTERS The whitewashed bedroom gets texture from the linen bedskirt, pops of red from the pillow and blanket—and personality from the dog. A LITTLE BIT COUNTRY For a simple centerpiece, Maria puts lush peonies in a…

Ask Heloise for help at goodhousekeeping.com/heloise Q I've heard that purses can pick up a lot of germs. What is the best way to clean my handbag's exterior? —ROSEMARY DUCKWORTH, VIA E-MAIL YOU'RE RIGHT! Many of the places we rest our bags—public bathrooms, restaurants, even doctors' offices—can be pretty germy. To clean a leather or faux-leather (but not suede) purse, wipe it down with a hand-sanitizing towelette or apply hand-sanitizing gel with a tissue, paying special attention to the bag's handles and bottom; then let dry. For a fabric purse, use a microfiber cloth or terry towel dampened with plain old rubbing alcohol (don't try this on delicate fabrics like silk or linen, however, or on anything hand-painted). In each case, test a small, hidden spot for colorfastness…

Pepperoni Pizza SALAD Italian cheeses and pepperoni make this dish as delish—and fast—as a delivery pie. In a rush? Sub in cherry tomatoes for sliced, and it's ready in 20. Recipe, page 154 Shrimp TACO SALAD Dig in: This fully loaded Mexi-Cali meal has it all, from grilled shrimp to avocado to fresh corn from the cob. For the easiest-ever kernel removal, cut corn ears in half width-wise first. Recipe, page 159 Crab Rangoon SALAD TOTAL TIME 25 minutes MAKES 4 main-dish servings 1 bunch asparagus, cut into 1-in. lengths ⅓ c. mayonnaise 2 green onions, finely chopped 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice 1 tsp. honey 2 tsp. lower-sodium soy sauce 8 oz. good-quality crabmeat, picked over 8 c. torn frisée lettuce 1 c. coarsely crushed rice crackers (2 oz.)…

How much time do you have? 15 min Quick Chicken Saltimbocca HEAT 1 Tbsp. olive oil in 12-in. skillet on med.-high. PRESS 2 sage leaves onto each of 4 thin-sliced chicken-breast cutlets; wrap each with 1 strip bacon. Dredge chicken in ¼ c. cornstarch. Add to skillet; cook 3 min. per side or until chicken is cooked through (165°F). ADD 1 (14-oz.) can lower-sodium chicken broth and 3 Tbsp. lemon juice to skillet. Cook on high 5 min. or until reduced slightly, stirring. Stir in ½ tsp. salt and ¼ tsp. pepper. MEANWHILE, in lg. bowl, mix 10 oz. spinach, 2 pressed garlic cloves, and 2 Tbsp. water. Cover with vented plastic wrap; microwave on High 1 min. or until spinach wilts. Serve with chicken and pan sauce. Serves…

Curl up, relax, and recharge My sister saved my life when I was just a baby. Here's what happened: After a fight with her family, our mother decided to leave home, taking us with her. She put me in the infant carrier and set it on the roof of the car, then settled my sister, Liz, who was 3, in the backseat. Mom was going through a rough period—"craziness, craziness, craziness," she'd say later. Completely forgetting about me—I was only a few months old—Mom drove off. Liz shrieked my name and pointed toward the roof. At first Mom didn't understand. Then she slammed on the brakes, and the carrier slid onto the hood. I was strapped in, so I was all right—in fact, I wasn't even crying. Years later, whenever…

293 That's the number of sirloin steaks, pieces of chicken, and slices of bread we cooked atop 12 new gas grills we tested—just in time for summer cookouts. Find out which ones flamed supremeon page 140. We do something that no other magazine does… If any product that has earned our Seal is defective, we'll replace it or refund your money—just notify us within two years of purchase (see details at right). DIRECTOR Miriam Arond TECHNICAL MANAGER & ENGINEERING DIRECTOR Rachel Rothman FOOD DIRECTOR Susan Westmoreland FOOD ASSOCIATE FOOD EDITOR Catherine Lo ASSOCIATE FOOD EDITOR Erin Phraner ASSISTANT FOOD EDITOR Sherry Rujikarn EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Katie Holdefehr NUTRITION NUTRITION DIRECTOR Samantha B. Cassetty, M.S., R.D. HOME HOME APPLIANCES, CLEANING PRODUCTS & TEXTILES DIRECTOR Carolyn E. Forté SENIOR PRODUCT ANALYST Christina Peterson…

BRIDLE PARTY $28 A headstrong, horse-obsessed teen in the 1930s South grapples with family scandals in Anton Disclafani's enthralling The Yonahlossee Riding Camp for Girls FOOT LOOSE $34 For chic comfort (no orthopedic look here!), B.Ø.C. by Børn's baby-blue Hanna sandals (qvc.com) have a padded footbed and a nonskid sole They work with shorts, jeans—and even dresses Drink up: It's stain- and odor-proof and BPA-free PITCHER PERFECT $23 When life hands you lemons (or limes…or oranges), grab Takeya's Flash Chill Lemonade Maker (amazon.com). The clever combo of a manual juicer and a leakproof pitcher holds 66 ounces of fresh-squeezed liquid refreshment LIP SERVICE $2 each Swipe on Essence's unsticky Kiss Care Love Lipbalms (ulta.com) for super-hydrating moisture with a subtle tint of color and fruity flavor We love…

WORDS OF WISDOM PINTEREST Pinned by Darling Lindsay from Mable Tan's Etsy store, happeemonkee GUARANTEED TO MAKE YOU LAUGH YOUTUBE :) The cat in this video is either brilliant or a huge pain. Search for "Cat Unique Way of Knocking" on YouTube to watch. FUNNY ONE-LINERS TWITTER PATRICIA HEATON "I've given up drinking and taken up Häagen-Dazs (rum raisin, to be exact). Problematic." STEVE CARELL "Lunch and a movie with my daughter today. I love that she still holds my hand." EMMA WATSON "I just dropped my iPhone in my soup. I think it might be time to tone down the multitasking…." Fave line Instagram "This is how I conduct business." —Chelsea Handler (@chelseahandler) A FUNNY CARTOON…

SURE, JULIA LOUIS-DREYFUS IS A PRO AT MAKING PEOPLElaugh (who can forget the Elaine dance on Seinfeld?). But the star of HBO's Veep also knows how to have a good time off camera. She loves games and admits that she has a competitive streak, "though not in a way that zaps the fun—I don't take it too seriously." The actress, 52, likes to invite friends over to her and husband Brad Hall's Los Angeles home for raucous rounds of charades and Celebrity; she'll play the card game Oh Hell and recently started taking bridge lessons, too. Louis-Dreyfus keeps these get-togethers casual: "I'm not one of those people who can carry on a fluid conversation while getting the chicken out of the oven—I can't handle the stress!" she says. Instead, she…

2-Minute Tutorial "How I score a natural look" Angela Salveo Personal trainer, New York City "Tinted moisturizer gives me coverage and a hydration boost in one easy step." Stila Tinted Moisturizer SPF 20 ($34, Sephora) "Using a brightener under my eyes is my trick to looking wide awake." Bare Escentuals Well-Rested Brightener ($22, bareescentuals.com) "I'm a lip gloss girl; a nude shade makes me look polished and put together—with minimal effort." Nars Lip Gloss in Supervixen ($25, Sephora) Go to goodhousekeeping.com/2minbeauty for a video of quick and simple makeup tips Beauty Decoded mattifier matΔtiΔfiΔer \'ma-t-,fī(-Ə)r\ Consider this shine stopper your new summer beauty staple. It relies on silicone or powder to sop up excess oil and keep skin from looking greasy—a boon in hot weather. Wear it…

Q. Know of any chic summer dresses with sleeves? Until my biceps look like First Lady Michelle Obama's (as if!), I want to keep them covered up—especially at the office. —REBECCA T., VIA FACEBOOK TOP TIER The draped tulip hem =work-friendly and breezy 1. Jersey Girl Lightweight and flowy, this bright-coral number skims upper arms—and won't cling even on the stickiest days. ($64, Lands' End) 2. Fine Print This patterned frock's three-quarter sleeves spotlight the slimmest part of the arms—nice! ($118, Maggie London) 3. Blue Belle If the AC is blasting, roll down the sleeves of this crisp cobalt shirtdress—and show off the gold cuff buttons. ($128, Vince Camuto)…

AS IF THEIR YUMMINESS weren't enough, here's another good reason to make berries your go-to snack. In a Harvard study of 90,000 women, those who enjoyed at least three servings of strawberries or blueberries per week had a 32% lower risk of heart attack than women who ate them only once a month or less. This was true even if the berry-skippers had lots of other fruits and veggies. Berries' potent ingredients? Anthocyanins—plant pigments that make blood vessels more flexible and reduce blood pressure. p. 85 Easy, must-read sunscreen tips p. 88 Have your sorbet—and be slim, too p. 91 Make a date with the milkman p. 78 More fruit for pear shapes…

IN DALLAS, where I grew up, it's warm most of the year, and my family was the kind that lived outdoors—hiking, camping, playing soccer, going to the beach. Back in the seventies, few people paid much attention to the risks of sun exposure. Even when I was in my 20s, it was still the thing to be tan. But by then we were more aware of the dangers of skin cancer, so my friends and I took what we (mistakenly!) considered to be a precaution—we went to tanning parlors. After we'd achieved our "base tans," we would lie by the pool for hours and get darker and darker. I didn't think about it much, but in the back of my mind, I figured that, yeah, I might have some things…

1 CELEBRATE WHATEVER Why not turn a tall drink of lemonade into a fancy party sipper by dipping the (moistened) rim of the glass in rainbow nonpareils? Or, invest in a packet of paper parasols to add fun to your at-home "happier hour." After all, the sun is out, the citronella is working, and you're all together. The three happiest words in the English language (after "I love you") could be "June," "July," and "August." Sure, the winter holidays get top billing, but we all know those frantic months can bring more stress than bliss. In the summer, sunny days boost serotonin levels, which can make you feel sunnier, too. And because it gets dark later (8:30 sunsets!), you get bonus time on your good mood. So why is it…

IMAGINE YOURSELF facing a bowl of candy at the office. When it comes to resisting, are you better off abstaining or telling yourself you'll enjoy just a small amount? The standard advice is to be moderate and have the occasional treat—it will help you stick to your plan, because you won't feel deprived and end up bingeing later. For a long time, I believed that. So I kept trying to be moderate—and failing. Then I read a line by the writer Samuel Johnson, who, when offered a glass of wine, famously said, "Abstinence is as easy to me as temperance would be difficult." Aha! I thought. That's me. Like Johnson, I'm an abstainer. Case in point: As much as I tried to resist, there was a time when I'd eat…

1 Sleigh Bench Price $120 SUPPLIES $117.50 After a date with paint stripper, the once fussy-looking seat is now casually inviting, with walnut stain and graphic navy-and-white upholstery Total cost $237.50 2 Jewelry display Price $25 Supplies $25 Turning this Greco-Roman plaster bust into a necklace perch required only a white-painted wood box—and a sly sense of humor Total cost $50 3 cool garden table Price $50 Supplies $99 With some glossy coral-red spray paint and a cut-to-fit glass top, this wire base becomes a mod outdoor table for displaying plants Total cost $149 4 milk-MOLD LAMP Price $45 Supplies $65 This wooden milk-jug mold reminded Henderson of a gourd lamp; with a socket…

Curtain Rods Used in pairs, adjustable tension rods become shelf dividers—keeping baking sheets, serving platters, and cutting boards organized and easy to grab. smart storage tip… Rachel says "I also use a tension rod to maximize the cabinet space beneath my kitchen sink. Just hang the rod horizontally several inches below the sink (in front of the plumbing), then suspend bottles of household cleanser from it by their spray nozzles. It works in the bathroom, too!" —RACHEL ROTHMAN, GHRI TECHNICAL MANAGER…

HOW WE TESTED We sizzled 90-plus lbs. of steak, chicken, and more to see how they cooked FILL 'ER UP Look for a grill with a handy propane gauge, like the Weber 1 Best Overall WEBER SPIRIT GAS GRILL SP-320 ($700) This compact grill with three burners was ranked easiest to use. It heats evenly and rarely flares. Helpful add-ons include a warming rack, hooks for grilling tools, a thermometer—and even a nifty condiment shelf. 2 Bargain Buy BRINKMANN MEDALLION 5-BURNER GAS GRILL 810-4580-SB ($400) Get more burners for your buck (38 patties fit!)—great when hosting a crowd. We love the lighted controls and the manual with cooking tips. 3 Total Multitasker CHAR-BROIL TRU-INFRARED COMMERCIAL 4-BURNER T-47D ($500) Four burners—each with its own thermometer to…

No one likes soggy salad, so we whirled lots of lettuce to see which dryers delivered 1 Winner Spinner OXO GOOD GRIPS SALAD SPINNER $30 (holds 4.5 qts.) Our top-rated pick eliminated an impressive 90% of water. The one-handed pump is comfy to use. Also comes in a mini 2-qt. version (good for herbs). 2 Very Versatile KITCHENAID SALAD AND FRUIT SPINNER $44 (holds 6 qts.) This mega model has removable dividers to keep foods separate while spinning. A no-skid base prevents it from scooting across the countertop. 3 Space Saver PROGRESSIVE COLLAPSIBLE SALAD SPINNER $22.49 (holds 3 qts.) It can be folded (with some effort) to half its size and stacked in tight spaces. Best for occasional salad eaters. How We Tested OUR KITCHEN PROS put 18 devices and…

MINTED CHICKEN WITH ASPARAGUS 30 minutes or less ACTIVE TIME 25 minutes TOTAL TIME 30 minutes MAKES 4 main-dish servings 1 lime 1½ c. packed fresh mint leaves 1 clove garlic 2 tsp. brown sugar ½ tsp. ground coriander 3 Tbsp. canola oil 1¼ lbs. thin chicken cutlets 1 bunch (1 lb.) thin asparagus, trimmed 4 thick slices multigrain bread (about 2 oz. each) 8 c. mixed baby greens 1. Prepare outdoor grill for covered direct grilling on med. 2. From lime, grate ½ tsp. peel and squeeze 2 Tbsp. juice. 3. In food processor, pulse mint, grated lime peel, garlic, sugar, coriander, and 2 tsp. oil until smooth, occasionally scraping down side of bowl. Transfer to sm. bowl. 4. Rub chicken with 2 Tbsp. mint mixture; sprinkle with ¼…

Like it? Find it here… This Works! Page 33 Sultra The Midnight Travel Dryer, Sultra; nordstrom.com. Conair MiniPro Tourmaline Ceramic Styler, Conair; conair.com. Revlon Perfect Heat Travel Speed Dryer, Revlon; revlonhairtools.com. "Solve My Style Problem" Page 64 Coral V-neck tulip dress, $64, Lands' End; landsend.com. Belt, $35, Cole Haan; bloomingdales.com. Red bracelet, $35, ABS by Allen Schwartz; Lord & Taylor stores. Gold viper bracelet, $39, Rosena Sammi; rosenasammi.com. Wedge sandals, $168, Tommy Bahama; tommybahama.com. Printed-jersey dress, $118, Maggy London; maggylondon.com. Opal "acra" necklace, $88, Arthur and Livingston; arthurandlivingston.com. Kitten heels, $119, CC Corso Como; bloomingdales.com. Shirtdress, $128, Vince Camuto; vincecamuto.com. Starfish cuff, $150, KiraKira;…

I remember my first yard sale: I was in fifth grade, trying to earn money for camp, and I carefully culled toys, books, clothes, and other household items I deemed worthy of sale—including my mother's favorite cast-iron skillet. Big mistake. I didn't make as much money as I'd hoped and got into a lot more trouble than I'd intended. You can do better: On page 24, we give you the smartest strategies for holding a tag sale that will both declutter your house and net a lot more than camp money. Consider it your summer start-over. Just as January and September signal new beginnings in the year, so does June, with summer weekends, vacations, and even weekdays that linger longer. The ideas in "Your Best Summer Ever," on page 101,…

"I recycle glass bottles as watering globes when I leave town. Just rinse and fill with water. Dampen the soil, make a hole the size of the bottle neck, then quickly invert and plunge into the dirt. This trick keeps my plants alive for up to two weeks!" —MEGAN ANDERSEN READ, 36, LOS ANGELES Reader feedback Cleaning House If you had Heloise's help one weekend, what dirty work would you have her tackle? 50% TOILETS, TUBS, AND GROUT 7% PLATES CAKED WITH YESTERDAY'S DINNER 43% CARPET AND TEXTILE STAINS Your best tips for… Feeling Confident at a Party Dress for Comfort "It helps to like your outfit and feel good in it (shoes included!). That's one less distraction, so you can focus on what you have in common." —TIMI LEWIS,…

Don't forget to pack a tiny yet mighty blow dryer on your next trip Hotel dryers are often just short of useless, but standard ones are too bulky to lug. Our Beauty Lab judged 13 travel models to see which would rival their full-size kin. We checked for weight, speediness, and durability; then 10 women put the best to the test. All the winners have nozzles to help direct airflow and can be used abroad. Prepare to be blown away. Top Picks Best Blowout SULTRA The Midnight Travel Dryer ($95) This sleek, folding top pick checks in at just over 1 lb. and does the job quickly, smoothly, and quietly. It's comfy to hold and a cinch to use. Budget Mini CONAIR MINIPRO Tourmaline Ceramic Styler ($20) Considered…

ROSEMARY ELLIS It's been two years since you left the co-anchor spot on the Today show. On the stress-o-meter, how much less stressed are you now? MEREDITH VIEIRA I'm less stressed in the sense that I'm less tired. I don't feel like I'm operating on empty all the time, with only adrenaline getting me through the day. So in that sense, it's great, but I have a lot of different forces bouncing off me on a regular basis now. Strangely enough, I thought leaving the Today show would somehow make life easier, but there's something to be said for having one job as opposed to a bazillion. RE Right, having your schedule so prescribed… MV Yes; that way you can say, "I can't…." I couldn't do events in…

$6 This hair oil hydrates skin, too $12 Your lips' new best friends: jumbo crayons $8 Wash your face and degunk pores $13 A blush that won't blotch or streak $14 Hello, commitment-free tan ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN! We're giving away 100 of each item with the "Enter to Win!" symbol. See page 178 for details. $6 Hydrate hair Oils are a treat for summertime strands: They keep hair smooth, shiny, and manageable. Apply a dime-size amount throughout locks, then blow out as usual. Try Garnier Fructis Triple Nutrition Miracle Dry Oil (drugstores). If you have fine hair prone to limpness, use the oil as a pre-shampoo treatment instead: Work a spritz through hair; let it soak in while you shave, exfoliate, etc.; and then shampoo it out.…

Carry On Chic and roomy, this dark blue tote is 24/7 versatile ($30, Old Navy) Solar Flair Throwback alert: Go incognito in vintage-y shades ($125, Gant) Linked In No shrinking violet, this bracelet goes for the bold with rhinestones and jet jewels ($48, T Tahari) Hello, Yellow High-waisted linen pants in tart citrus riff on the bright hues of the sweater and are an instant pick-me-up ($80, Banana Republic) Pop it over a basic tank Merry Janes With color-blocking and a 3.75-inch heel, these ankle-straps hold their own with graphic blooms ($195,Nina Originals) In full flower The combo of navy blue and lush pastel blossoms goes with everything—so layer it on all summer long ($96, Three Dots) MetalWinner Subtly double down on the floral motif with this necklace's abstract petals…

A Better Chocolate Milk KIDS AND THEIR MOMS can drink to this: TruMoo delivers all the nutrition of unflavored milk (protein, calcium, vitamins) with less sugar than other flavored national versions and no high-fructose corn syrup or artificial ingredients. It's sold in a low-fat (1%) version, above, and in some regions in nonfat, too. EVERY 7 GRAMS OF FIBER… cuts your stroke risk by 7%. That's what a new British analysis of 20-plus years of research reports. It's easy to get there: A bowl of whole-grain cereal for breakfast and two servings of fruit or vegetables, and you're at 7 grams. Most encouraging: While the majority of women get only about half the recommended 25 grams per day, small bump-ups especially benefit those whose initial intake is low, say the…

During her regular checkup last year, a Los Angeles theater producer was surprised when her internist told her to stop taking calcium supplements. She was postmenopausal—a time when you're supposed to be concerned about your bones, she thought—and her gynecologist had advised her to take 1,200 mg of calcium every day. "Really?" she asked the doctor. "None?" "Really," he answered. "I'm worried about heart problems from supplements." The internist's suggestion: "Eat lots of greens and dairy." This doctor is not some fringy "everything natural is better" type. Rather, "he's the kind who's always up on the scientific research," says the producer. And over the past several years, that research has pointed to possible heart risks from calcium pills. "When you take a supplement, you get a spike in your blood…

Q I couldn't attend a friend's birthday party, but I sent a gift. After I called her to make sure she'd gotten it, she thanked me via Facebook. Is this now an acceptable way to acknowledge a present? THE ETIQUETTE VERDICT A handwritten thank-you note is still the best option whenever you've received a gift. P.S. (PEGGY SAYS) While a Facebook message or a text can be an efficient way to let someone know her gift has arrived (especially if it was shipped) and that it's appreciated, the recipient should then send a note, ideally within a month. An exception: New moms get a grace period, since sleep deprivation could keep anyone from penning a thank-you. Of course, if you can't attend a birthday party, you don't have to give…

For the better part of a year, I've been dating a man long-distance. I'm in New Jersey. Jack's in Washington, DC. We're single, working parents, and neither of us intends to move any time soon. We are together two weekends a month, when our kids are with our exes. It's not ideal. It helps that we give good text. In the morning, I'll be juggling breakfast and hunting for car keys when—ping!—in comes a photo from Jack of kayakers on the Potomac at sunrise. It works on me like a caffeine jolt. Suddenly I'm inspired instead of tired. Jack knows what my 7 A.M. looks like, but he's far enough away from it to give me just what I need. We are attuned to each other's rhythms like songbirds on…

Sunny Seat The original powder-coated-steel Tolix chair ($295), available in over 200 colors, is handmade in France. For roughly a third of that price, World Market's rust-proof look-alike ($99) will make a statement indoors or out. Sculptural Lanterns With a clear glass hurricane, Target's 10-inch brass handled version ($20) will light up your patio. Arteriors' 14.5-inch iron one ($255) casts a flattering glow thanks to its frosted-glass insert. Both come in three sizes. Folk Art Pillow Muslin pillows ($85 each) from Tlalli Designs are hand-embroidered by Mexico's Otomi people. Inspired by her Mexican homeland, designer Paulina Reyes created this silk-screened silk cover ($39) for West Elm.…

1 Sponge them off with a solution of a squirt of liquid dish soap in a bowl of warm water; rinse with a hose. Attack extra-grimy spots with a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser or Goo Gone Patio Furniture Cleaner. 2 Check care labels to see if covers can be machine-washed. If not, spot-clean with a dish-liquid-and-water solution, as above. Note: Some new outdoor fabrics can simply be hosed off. 3 Zap mold, mildew, and discoloration with 30 Seconds Outdoor Cleaner ($9.26 per gallon, Home Depot). First, test a small spot; then apply, wait, and hose off! 4 Erase leaf stains from concrete, brick, or stone with a rust remover like Whink Rust Oxy ($7, hardware stores). 5 Use the same solution as…

Test-kitchen recipes, ideas, and tips SPREAD ¾ c. canned almond pastry filling on 1 (9-in.) refrigerated premade piecrust (rolled out to 12 inches on parchment-paper–lined cookie sheet), leaving 2-inch border; top with 4 to 5 sliced med. plums, fold in edges, and bake at 400°F for 30 to 35 min. or until crust is golden and filling is bubbling. Serves 8 to 10 p. 144 13 summer salad suppers (quick & tasty)! p. 166 Flavor plain yogurt at home p. 165 What's for dinner? Try pork chops! p. 153 Whirl-winning salad spinners…

Sure, you can toss it with hot pasta—or get creative with these recipes that'll make you say, "Yum!" GOT JUST A DROP LEFT? Add olive oil to jar; shake, then serve with bread for dipping 1 CREAMY PESTO DIP Mix 1 (8-oz.) pkg. softened cream cheese + ¼ c. milk + 3 Tbsp. pesto; beat until smooth, and serve with pita chips. Serves 4 2 STEAK MARINADE Mix 1/2 c. orange juice + 3 Tbsp. pesto + 1 tsp. salt + 1 (1¼-lb.) skirt steak; marinate (in resealable plastic bag) 20 min., then grill on high heat 5 to 6 min. per side for med.-rare. Serves 4 3 ITALIAN-STYLE SCRAMBLE Whisk 8 eggs + ¼ c. crumbled soft goat cheese + ¼ tsp. salt. Cook in buttered 12-in.…

Easy add-ins transform a plain 6-oz. serving into a luscious, creamy treat Fun, Fast & Easy PEACH & TOASTED ALMOND MICROWAVE 2 Tbsp. sliced almonds on plate 1 min. or until toasted. Mix 1 sliced peach and 1 Tbsp. brown sugar in bowl; spoon over yogurt. Top with almonds. CHOCOLATE & RASPBERRY STIR in 2 Tbsp. chocolate-hazelnut spread and 1 tsp. raspberry jam; garnish with fresh raspberries. BLUEBERRY & GRAHAM CRACKER TOP yogurt with ¼ c. each blueberries and cinnamon-flavored graham crackers, crushed, 1 Tbsp. honey, and ¼ tsp. vanilla extract. PIÑA COLADA MICROWAVE ¼ c. sweetened shredded coconut on High on plate, 1 to 2 min., until toasted; spoon over yogurt with 1/2 c. chopped pineapple. Ask Susan GHRI FOOD DIRECTOR SUSAN WESTMORELAND Q What's the difference between…

Your parents don't give you everything you need. It's a fact worth pondering, even talking over with a psychotherapist. But eventually you have to decide what to do about it. What my parents didn't give me was a home. By the time I left for college, we'd moved nine times, twice by eviction, only once leaving the confines of the rowdier neighborhoods of San Francisco. So I grew up with a longing for permanence, glamorizing the most mundane domestic details: attics and mailboxes and those smudged pencil marks on kitchen doorjambs showing just how much the kids have grown. It wasn't until I was 40, and living in a small town in Maine, that I realized I could give myself a home—that in fact it was time to stop waiting…