Indholdsfortegnelse for August 2013 i Good Housekeeping

When they purchased this beach getaway in Water Mill, NY, five years ago, the homeowners had two requests for designer John Bjornen: timeless rooms and kick-off-your-shoes comfort. With two young boys, a baby due soon, and extended families bringing the guest count to 20 over the weekends, it's no surprise the couple requested crowd-proof livability—and Bjornen delivered with classic, casual rooms in a palette of marine blues. Like the unfussy sunporch, above: The rustic storage-chest coffee table came pre-distressed, the beige rug camouflages any dragged-in sand, and the vintage reed furniture is almost indestructible. "It's stylish as well as kid-friendly," says Bjornen, who continued the theme by upholstering sofas in weather-resistant Sunbrella fabric and choosing accessories with more personality than pedigree. The result: a chilled-out vacation home as laid-back as…

$40…and Under Treats for You THE ICEMAN COMETH $26 If you want your beach read to deliver some goose bumps, snag Stephen P. Kiernan's The Curiosity. In this romantic thriller, a man who's been buried in Arctic ice for over a century is reanimated, with shocking results GEM DANDY $22 Juicy Jewels' statement necklace in refreshing mint and aqua tones (shoplately.com) will rev up a sundress or tee TOTAL BASKET/CASE $34 Tote towels to the pool in Dash & Albert's ample cotton carryall (garnethill.com); come fall, use it for stashing blankets or corralling clutter WE CAN'T RESIST …HannahMax Baking Cookie Chips ($5, Safeway). These thin, crisp, and insanely addictive treats are only about 25 calories each. In Original, Cinnamon Sugar, Chocolate Chip, and Sea Salted Peanut Butter (our staff pick)…

Flats are fashionable; folding versions are convenient to carry and take the pain out of partying, traveling, or commuting. But which are toughest? Cutest? Cushiest? Our Textiles Lab put 12 pairs through their paces. Then each was worn by 10 women for a day. The rub: Easier to tote means less comfy to wear. These walk the line between compact and practical. Top Picks Overall Winner CC CORSO COMO Ballasox "Prince" ($60) This leather pair looks and feels the most like standard shoes; rubber soles add comfort and protection. They are big for some purses, but testers said they'd buy 'em. Slim and Sturdy SPARE SOLES Metro ($17) These flexible lightweights impressed our textile pros with strong uppers and soles plus a smart convertible pouch/tote. Best Value SOLEMATES Purse Pal…

2 Minute Tutorial If the dog days of summer have your complexion looking (and feeling) slick, try these simple tricks: Morning Use a product with zinc; it doesn't affect oil production, but it will make skin appear matte. Try: Cetaphil DermaControl Oil Control Moisturizer SPF 30 ($16, drugstores). DURING THE DAY Blot away sheen before touching up makeup; we like the fresh green tea scent of Nuance Salma Hayek Ageless Clarity Facial Blotting Papers ($8 for 50, CVS). EVENING Tweak your cleanser MO: Use one with 10% benzoyl peroxide, like Oxy Maximum Action Advanced Face Wash ($7, drugstores). Too drying? Use only on the T-zone. DEAL OF THE MONTH New CoverGirl Outlast Stay Brilliant Glosstinis ($4 each, nine shades; drugstores) aren't just an adorable bargain: They have…

Wrinkle Stopper WE'VE ALWAYS BEEN TOLD that sunscreen could protect our skin from sun damage; now, in the first major study on the topic, Australian researchers have proven it can. In a 4II-year trial, a group of young and middle-aged adults instructed to apply a broad-spectrum SPF 15-plus product daily showed 24% less aging (wrinkles, spots, etc.) than those who used sunscreen at their own discretion. PS: The skin-cancer protection still holds, too. PREVIEW OUR NEW BOOK! Sign up at 7yearsyounger.com/newsletter to get a sneak peek at the latest youth-boosting diet and nutrition advice in 7 Years Younger: The Anti-Aging Breakthrough Diet (available August 1). TURN UP THE VOLUME The latest innovators give hair mega lift while leaving it soft and touchable. For fullness, try: John Frieda Luxurious Volume Fine…

Easy Does It Whether it's a playful floral tunic, left, or a classic button-down and Bermudas, right, nothing's as laid-back as linen. For a quick de-wrinkling, dampen hands with warm water and smooth creases. The island-bright print says "chill out"—and hides stains From left: Tunic, $88, Boden. Jeans, $63, Ami Clubwear. Cuff, Karen London. Sandals, Ami Clubwear. Shirt, $30, Uniqlo. Shorts, $198, Eileen Fisher. Hat, Cuyana. Bracelets, Roman. Belt, Vince Camuto. Wedges, City Classified. Cool Aid A wool top in summer? Yes, if it's as weightless as this merino tee. Amazingly soft (no itchiness) and breathable, it's comfy even on sweltering days—and perfect paired with a madras plaid skirt. Tee, $60, Icebreaker. Skirt, $92, Cape Madras. Tote, The Sak. Sandals, Ami Clubwear. WHY MERINO WOOL = AIR-CONDITIONING It slurps up…

Single-Size Me If you haven't noticed that the calorie count on ice cream is pegged to a ½-cup portion (the FDA standard), you could be serving yourself a lot more than you realize. When we told volunteers to dish out "what you'd normally eat," they came pretty close to the label amount—but only if they were given a smaller (10-ounce) bowl. When scooping into a larger, 18-ounce cereal bowl (the size many of us might use at home), they served themselves, on average, 20% more ice cream. Some even doubled their calorie load. Try this visual aid: Dish up a tennis ball–size portion. Best tip we've heard this month Some like coffee, some like tea…and both groups get a reduction in stroke risk. In a new study, 1 cup of…

It's an unexpected perk of feeling powerful: You're likely to be happier, too. But you don't have to be the boss to reap the emotional benefits, say researchers at Tel Aviv University. Tap into the personal skills that make you feel powerful and confident—you're the problem-solver at work or the best cook on the block; you still make your husband laugh—and you'll be less apt to worry about what others think. What's not happy-making about that? Our takeaway: Be true to yourself, play to your strengths, and enjoy the results. p. 86 Give summer dreams staying power p. 97 Peggy Post on splitting the bill p. 106 Need a nest egg? Here's help p. 101 Get happier in a snap…

Capturing a moment in time isn't just about securing a memory—it can help you appreciate your life more every day I DON'T KNOW ABOUT YOU, but I take more pictures than ever now that cameras and smartphones have made photography so much easier. I used to begrudge the time I spent on photos— stopping to snap them, putting them into albums. Now I realize the important role they play in a happy life. Here's why: 1 I'VE NOTICED THAT HAPPY FAMILIES tend to display large numbers of photos. In my bedroom, a long shelf is crowded with pictures of my husband and kids, and I love to look at them while I'm getting dressed. (The only challenge is that I'm running out of wall and shelf space!) 2 PHOTOS TILT…

KELLY MOORE CLARK IS A DOWN-TO-EARTH gardener. A handbag designer and also the mom of three, Clark has zero time for high-maintenance plants in her Ruston, LA, backyard. Instead, she's a fan of undemanding botanicals, from drought-resistant succulents to no-fuss herbs that thrive with minimal upkeep. "My top gardening priority is convenience," says Clark, whose husband, Kelly (yes, they share the same first name), is a pilot and whose three daughters are all under 6. "I put everything in containers, so if something dies, it's no big deal—it's just one plant, in one pot, easily removed." Clark's laid-back attitude also extends to the rest of the outdoor space. Dotting the raised deck and patio are lots of DIY projects (often inspired by ideas she spots on Pinterest) pulled off with…

Ask Heloise for help at www.goodhousekeeping.com/heloise Q: "I purchased a pair of black jeans, and either the fabric or the dye is giving off a terrible odor. Any tips for getting rid of the smell?" —PHYLLIS FORD, VIA E-MAIL NO ONE WANTS stinky new jeans. Here's my advice: Turn the pants inside out and wash according to the care label, adding a cup or two of washing soda along with your detergent. (Not to be confused with baking soda, this product can be found in your grocery store's laundry aisle.) Next, hang the jeans outside to air-dry—Mother Nature can do wonders to get rid of odors. If they smell less, you're on the right track; just wash them a few more times as above. Still reeking? Try taking them back…

TOSS 1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cubed, 3 Tbsp. olive oil, and 2 Tbsp. soy sauce; thread on soaked wooden skewers, alternating with 3 lg. nectarines, cubed, and 1 bunch green onions, cut into 1-in. pieces, and grill on med.-high, basting with ¼ c. cider vinegar, 10 min. or until chicken is cooked through (165°F), turning over once. Serves 4 p. 151 Tastes like homemade (but it isn't) p. 132 Tomato time:ripe off the vine p. 149 Delish shrimp dinners p. 146 Sandwich, anyone? (Ice cream, of course)…

How much time do you have? 15 min Spicy Shrimp Fajitas PREHEAT oven to 400°F. HEAT 2 Tbsp. olive oil in 12-in. skillet on med.-high. Add 1 lg. onion and 2 lg. red peppers, sliced; cook, covered, 10 min. or until softened, stirring. MEANWHILE, in lg. jelly-roll pan, toss 1 lb. shrimp; 1 Tbsp. each olive oil and lime juice; 2 cloves garlic, pressed; ½ tsp. chili powder; and ¼ tsp. salt. Spread in single layer; bake 8 min. or until shrimp turn opaque. WRAP 8 flour tortillas in damp kitchen towel, then in foil, and warm in oven 5 min. while shrimp cook. Serve tortillas, shrimp, and onion mixture with 1 c. salsa, ⅔ c. reduced-fat sour cream, and lime wedges. Serves 4 Each serving about 490 calories,…

This Works! Page 33 Ballasox "Prince," CC Corso Como; corsocomoshoes.com. Metro, Spare Soles; sparesoles.com. Purse Pal, Solemates; yoursolemates.com. "Solve My Style Problem" Page 58 Striped top, $55, Lolë; lolewomen.com. Capris, $114, Lisette L; lisettel.com. Friendship bracelets, $35 each, Kara Ackerman; karaackerman.com. Faux-leather tote, $39; kohls.com. Leather sandals, $179, Canfora; canfora.com. Cotton top, $48, August Silk; augustsilk.com. Shorts, $98, French Connection; usa.frenchconnection.com. Bracelet, $68, Vince Camuto; vincecamuto.com. Wedge sandals, $155, Geox; zappos.com. Tank, $70, Coldwater Creek; coldwatercreek.com. Jeans, $16, Jordache; walmart.com. Bangle, $80, Amrita Singh; amritasingh.com. How to Wear It Page 61 Skirt, $59, Spiegel; spiegel.com. Blazer,…

192,700 That's how many times the soles of 12 pairs of foldable flats rubbed against sandpaper on our abrasion-testing machine. Find out which can really pound the pavement on page 33. 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, HOME CARE Christina Peterson TEXTILES PRODUCT ANALYST…

My Smart Solution " I make smoothie packs for quick breakfasts: Split two 1-lb. bags of frozen fruit among six quart-size resealable plastic bags. Add half a peeled banana to each, seal, date, and freeze. On a busy morning you can just dump one into a blender with milk or juice!" —BETH MONCEL, 32, NEW ORLEANS reader feedback The Price of Pretty In June, our beauty editors rounded up top drugstore deals. What's the max you've shelled out for makeup? 20 % NO MORE THAN $5 37 % $15 23% $25 20% $50 Your best tips for… Actually Enjoying Exercise Pump It Up " My very crazy and embarrassing playlist keeps my workout fun. (I've been caught doing some interesting dance moves with my arms while running!)" —JACQUI GOLDBERG O'CONNELL,…

I overheard my kids telling their friends that the homemade board games I'd created were so much better than the store-bought ones. It made me so proud." Go to goodhousekeeping.com/mlp-games to learn how to make Mary-Louise Parker's adorable homemade board games for your family Ticket to Ride Seal Star TAKING THE REINS When Kathi Meenan first got the idea for Wishes for Horses, a group that gives underprivileged kids the chance to ride and learn about caring for horses, she was inspired by her own love of riding as a child. It taught her self-confidence and a respect for animals that led to her career as a veterinarian, says the Norwalk, CT, mother of three. Meenan has helped over 100 kids gain similar self-esteem, and Wishes for Horses' newly minted…

Does sunscreen go on before or after moisturizer? —ANONYMOUS 1 Before. All sunscreens work optimally when applied directly to skin. Although mineral-based ones, namely zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, work well when applied on top of other skin care (see question 2), save yourself the guesswork and start with sunscreen. Better yet, simplify: Use a daytime moisturizer with SPF 30 daily. 2 I know I should reapply sunscreen at least every two hours, but what if I'm already wearing makeup? —DENISE L., BUFFALO Look for exclusively physical (a.k.a. mineral) sunscreens listed on the ingredient label (see question 1). Like little white T-shirts for the skin, they can be worn over makeup, but they also tend to be pasty. Fortunately, certain brands have made them with a tint to mask any…

Q Can you suggest some great-looking summery tops I can actually wear with a bra? There are so many shirts with skinny straps and plunging necklines, but I can't go bra-free! —GINA M., VIA FACEBOOK IN THE BAG A faux-leather tote adds some texture. ($39, kohls.com) 1 Set Sail An adjustable boatneck in timeless sailor stripes shows off your collarbone and a bit more without being too bare. ($55, Lolë) 2 Play Peekaboo Strategically placed eyelet cutouts in fuchsia cotton show just a hint of skin. ($48, August Silk) 3 Full Tank Stay cool in something sleeveless: This graphic top lets you bare arms, not your lingerie. ($70, Coldwater Creek)…

Easy ways to stay well, eat right, get fit MANGO MAY TASTE LIKE CANDY, but it's rich in health-boosting polyphenols and carotenoids. It may also help improve glucose levels: In one study, obese participants who ate the equivalent of about 2/3 cup of the tropical treat (roughly 65 calories) daily for 12 weeks significantly lowered their blood sugar—possibly due to the fruit's fiber, which can slow sugar absorption, say researchers. p. 71 An easy trick fora better pick p. 80 Diet-friendly freezer finds p. 77 Sit! Come! Help me exercise! p. 73 Drink up (and slash stroke risk)…

I know why I spent my 30s weighing more than 200 pounds. There was my health: I grew up having asthma, which turned me off sports, and then I was diagnosed with a thyroid condition that made losing weight difficult. There was also my lifestyle: I married a Navy guy, and we were always moving—12 times in 18 years—which made it hard to stick to healthy routines. Our son, Jackson, was born in 2001, and I felt lonely caring for him; in each new city I'd get a little more depressed, a little heavier, and a little more ashamed. I would snack all day—especially on anything cheesy. Then I'd have a big dinner with my husband, to hide from him how much I had already eaten. The lowest point came…

Life's a beach…when you're at the beach, that is. You wake up feeling inspired, affectionate toward your family, clearheaded (well, except when you've had too many of those drinks with the little umbrellas in them), and motivated. When you get back home, you'll finally start a blog! Have more dates with your husband! Snag that promotion! The trouble is, once you step in your front door, that energy and passion can quickly get buried beneath a pile of dirty laundry and backed-up e-mail. You don't have to let that happen. "You might think the experience of vacation is dependent on being someplace exotic, but re-creating that energy is really about asking yourself, How do I generate that same feeling within me?" says Susyn Reeve, author of The Inspired Life: Unleashing…

One day, if you live long enough, all the skin on your body will be down around your ankles. Which is why I was not looking forward to my family's summer reunion at the lake. For years, I went enthusiastically. But now I'm 78, and I had to buy a new bathing suit for the occasion. The other day, I'd put on my old one and discovered that the bra had disintegrated and the seat was see-through. I thought, Gee, this used to have shape and substance—like I did! Of course, I could sit on the shore in my cover-up watching my grandchildren as they jump off the dock, kayak, and burst with the fun of being young. I could watch the sporting life pass me by. But I don't.…

Try it indoors, too… Carolyn says "This vinegar has so many uses around the house. A few lesser-known ones that I recommend: Wipe drinking glasses with it to remove hard-water marks; sanitize a dish sponge by soaking in it for five minutes; and pour it in a bowl to absorb kitchen odors." CAROLYN FORTé, GHRI DIRECTOR, HOME CARE Double Duty Brilliant new uses for everyday items…

Eco-Smart GOO GONE Grill Cleaner ($6.59) Sticky BBQ sauce didn't stand a chance in our tests. This plant-powered gel in an easy-to-use trigger bottle needs to sit for just two minutes before you wipe it off. Best Value ZEP COMMERCIAL Heavy-Duty Oven & Grill Cleaner ($4) Price plus performance makes this aerosol a bargain. Let foam stand for 10 minutes, then wipe to cut tacky, baked-on messes. (Use in a well-ventilated area.) SHOPPING DETAILS, page 161 Top Pick CARBONA 2 in 1 Oven Rack & Grill Cleaner ($9) This 2010 GH VIP Award–winning kit got a perfect score. Use the whole bottle to soak grates overnight in a bag, then rinse—no scrubbing needed in our lab tests. Run the grill for 10 minutes (set a timer) to burn off food…

RECIPES DEVELOPED IN THE GOOD HOUSEKEEPING TEST KITCHENS PASTA PRONTO In a rush? Swap ½ cup store-bought Italian dressing for the vinaigrette and save 5 minutes Heirloom BLT SALAD ACTIVE TIME 20 minutes TOTAL TIME 35 minutes MAKES 4 main-dish servings 1 lemon ⅓ c. low-fat buttermilk 2 Tbsp. light mayonnaise 1 Tbsp. snipped fresh chives 8 oz. bacon, cut into 1-in. pieces 3 slices good-quality white bread, well toasted 1 Tbsp. cider vinegar 1 Tbsp. brown sugar 1 head Bibb or Boston lettuce (about 8 oz.), leaves separated 3 med. heirloom tomatoes, sliced 1. From lemon, into sm. bowl, grate ½ tsp. peel and squeeze 2 tsp. juice. Whisk in buttermilk, mayonnaise, chives, and ¼ tsp. salt. 2. In 12-in. nonstick skillet, cook bacon on med. 9 to 14…

Winners Classic NEWMAN'S OWN Old Fashioned Roadside Virgin Lemonade ($2.29 for 59 oz.) Tasters raved about its "bright and refreshing" flavor and the bits of lemon pulp that made this drink seem homemade. Runner-Up: Classic SIMPLY LEMONADE ($3 for 59 oz.) Light CRYSTAL LIGHT Natural Lemonade Drink Mix ($2.49 for 20 servings) With its balance of "strong lemon" tang and sweetness, this powdered mix was described as "fresh," unlike some of the other contenders. Runner-Up: Light MARKET PANTRY Sugar-Free Drink Mix Lemonade ($2.09 for 48 servings) DID YOU KNOW… 16 Number of lemons you need to make 56 oz. of fresh lemonade Freeze lemonade into ice cubes to chill your drinks without watering them down TEST KITCHEN tip Save 60 calories: Make a spritzer with ½ c. lemonade…

July 31 would have been our 19th anniversary. I usually remember it in passing, looking up the day's appointments or writing the date across the corner of a check. This year, I knew upon waking. When we separated after our second anniversary, I walked out with one suitcase, returning later to remove the few keepsakes neither of us knew what to do with. I left them in a shed on my mom's property, thinking I'd deal with them someday. Someday came this year when Mom sold her land. While my family combed the beach for treasure, I walked into the shed. Parting the corrugated flaps of a box, I peered into a swirl of bridal ephemera: toasting flutes and teacups filled with congratulatory cards, extra invitations too pretty to throw…

Let it never be said that you can't learn something new from your husband: Mine just taught me how to wash my hands. Really? you may think. (I thought that, too.) Then Jim explained that he had seen a short video online in which a guy discussed how many of us use multiple paper towels when we dry our hands (ummm, guilty as charged: I've always been at least a two-paper-towel girl, sometimes three). How Americans alone use 13 billion pounds of paper towels every year. How if all of us used only one paper towel fewer per day to dry our hands, we could save more than 571 million pounds of paper each year. He had my attention. Here's what you do: 1. Wash your hands as usual.…

You want to chill—that's why you're heading out of town—and there's no reason to sweat the packing process. The happy news is how few items you really need for a weekend away, wherever you're going. Adopt a "less stuff, less stress" attitude from the start by committing to a carry-on–size bag—or an even smaller one, for that matter. Then pull out clothes that fit a basic color scheme: a neutral along with your favorite bright or pastel for effortless mixing and matching, suggests Anne McAlpin, author of Pack It Up: Travel Smart, Pack Light!, who shares her expert tips on these pages. For the most flexibility, leave prints at home and stick with solids; you can keep things interesting by changing up your accessories. Finally, packing is always more fun…

Here's how we're used to seeing hunky male superstars in their downtime: tuxedoed up on the red carpet, holding hands with pencil-thin beauties. Or driving absurdly expensive cars through Beverly Hills. Or, bleary-eyed, exiting ultra-exclusive nightclubs at 3 A.M. Not Hugh Jackman. The Oscar nominee and Tony winner, 44, who moved us to tears in Les Misérables and who stars this summer in The Wolverine as the hirsute X-Men superhero, is an almost shockingly normal family guy. He's snapped by paparazzi walking around his New York City neighborhood in well-worn jeans and a sweatshirt. He might be clasping the hand of his daughter, Ava, 8, and holding her scooter as they head for a park. In other shots, he's walking with his son Oscar, 13, or strolling arm in arm…

How We Tested WE STARTED with 25 frizz-fighting creams and serums; our Beauty Lab analyzed their prowess at preventing frizz (in a controlled-temp room with up to 95% humidity!) and adding shine, testing them on human-hair swatches. Nearly 300 women (with self-reported frizz issues) tried the products, reporting on how well they smoothed and softened hair, upped shine, and more. "The humidity in Florida is so hard on my hair. This product keeps it frizz-free." —JENNIFER L. "It did a great job at taming flyaways. My hair was smooth and sleek." —ADRIANNA T. 1 Overall Winner JOICO K-PAK Protect & Shine Serum ($17.50, joico.com for salons) This contender was the only one to nab perfect scores in our lab's humidity tests. Our volunteers liked the serum's…

Buzz Worthy Attract attention with a glam, gem-flecked bee bracelet ($20, Ami Clubwear) Stripe It Rich Balance the skirt's softness with this fun graphic blazer ($20, Ami Clubwear) Chain Reaction Long, luxe links have an easy, breezy vibe (28 inches; $129, Lulu Avenue Designs) Polka Time Lots of spots brighten a polished pintucked top ($33, Pleione) Flat-Out Fabulous Braided sandals with gold touches are comfy-chic (and cute!) all day and night ($45, Chinese Laundry) Made for Shade A stylish sun shield: the fedora. Blue trim lends a pop of color ($59, Grace Hats Tokyo) Red Alert Taking color-blocking for a spin has never been easier: Just add this bold crepe blouse ($105, Tess Dress) An A-line cut skims curves HAVE IT YOUR WAY In swirling black chiffon with satin trim,…

Eat-Well Equation GRILLED FISH AND VEGGIES may seem more appealing once you consider the time and sweat it'll take to work off that fried chicken entrée. When diners were given menus that included the minutes of brisk walking needed to burn off each item, they ate about 100 fewer calories than when menus offered no extra intel. Listing calorie counts alone (also tested in the study) didn't help people restrain themselves, so better to think about your favorite treats in terms of exercise costs. Want help with the math? The calorie-converter app by AthleteInMe.com ($2.99) calculates the amount of biking, swimming, jogging, or walking you'd need to do to work off up to 4,000 food items. Bedroom Rx Smoother (Healthier) Sex If you need a little help shifting an intimate…

GRANNY WOULD BE HAPPY Some old-time remedies are still the best way to soothe a miserable gut, research shows treatment STOP IT NOW …AND FIND OUT WHAT'S GOING ON BURPY, BLOATED? GAS Reach for a remedy with simethicone—it busts up gas bubbles fast, easing stomach pressure. Two over-the-counter products to try: Gas-X and Mylanta Gas. And don't collapse onto the couch—walking around helps move painful gas through your digestive system. YOU'RE ON FIRE! HEARTBURN All OTC antacids—like Rolaids, Tums, and Maalox—ease heartburn, though liquids may work a little faster than tablets or chewables. If you have GERD, drugs that slash stomach acid help head off repeat heartburn attacks. FEELING STUCK CONSTIPATION Stimulant laxatives (Ex-Lax, Correctol) work in six to 12 hours, but can trigger an OMG! I need a bathroom!…

Q: I arrived at my town pool early and put my towel on a beach chair to reserve it, then left to run errands. When I got back two hours later, someone had moved my towel and taken the chair. We ended up having a blowup. Who was right? THE ETIQUETTE VERDICT It's "your" chair only if you are there (or at least nearby) and will soon be in it. P.S. (PEGGY SAYS) Even if saving chairs is common practice at your pool, it's never good manners to reserve a seat at a public facility, then leave (never mind have a blowup). It's one thing to get up briefly, but if you weren't even on the premises, the other person had every right to the empty chair. Next time, stake…

SAVING FOR RETIREMENT, stashing enough in an emergency fund, and paying those (relentless!) monthly bills: Clearly, these topics are on your mind. When we surveyed GH readers on Facebook asking about their top money quandaries, those issues led the pack. And no wonder—they're financial concerns every one of us has to cope with. So let me help: Here, I've tackled your questions. Heed the tips that follow, and you'll emerge smarter, wealthier, and much better able to sleep at night in this still-challenging economy. Q: I raid my emergency savings much too often! Should I invest the funds so I can't dip in so easily? DON'T DO IT! Money you might need in an emergency shouldn't be invested, because investing means taking on risk and possibly losing the funds. There…

1 When are intruders most likely to break into your home? A July and August B April and May C December and January ANSWER (A) Wily thieves like to strike in the summer, when you're most likely to be on vacation; home burglaries go up a notch in July and August. But don't be careless during the other months—including December, when empty electronics boxes by the curb signal new, expensive toys. Hold the packaging in your garage until pickup day. 2 Keeping a light on for the entire time you're out of town will deter burglars. A True B False ANSWER (B) Leaving the lights on can actually alert them to the fact that you're not home. Instead, use timers on different lamps or even one on a TV to…

NAME LAYLA PALMER, 38 OCCUPATION BLOGGER (theletteredcottage.net) LOCATION PIKE ROAD, AL 1. Recycled Chic "I love items with a history," says Layla. In this reading nook (previously a closet), crisp white linens—brightened by pops of barn red—nestle next to a wall paneled with floorboards salvaged from a local school gym. She even used a "rust kit" ($22, wholesaletrains.com) on the legs of a new demilune table to give it character. "Now it looks pulled out of an old house," she says. With the daybed, this sliver of space doubles as a guest room for friends and relatives. 2. Shelf Life Seasonal decor rotates onto Layla's pine mantel, built of stained and distressed lumber. Here, she mixes less-than-a-buck ceramic pitchers with rattan chargers and faux branches. 3.…

Fun, Fastv & Easy NEAPOLITAN 4 scoops Neapolitan ice cream between 8 cookies; freeze 1 hour, then roll in ½ c. chopped pistachios. SERVES 4 S'MORES 4 scoops chocolate ice cream and 1 c. mini marshmallows, toasted, between 8 cookies; freeze 1 hour. SERVES 4 COCONUT-MANGO 4 scoops mango sorbet between 8 cookies; freeze 1 hour, then roll in ½ c. toasted coconut. SERVES 4 DULCE DE LECHE 4 scoops dulce de leche ice cream between 8 cookies; freeze 1 hour, then roll in ½ c. toasted pecans, chopped. SERVES 4 Ask Susan Q: I want to mix fruit into ice cream. What's the best way to soften the ice cream? —CAITLIN CLARY, BOSTON WHETHER YOU'RE SOFTENING ICE CREAM to build an ice cream cake or to mash in summer's…

Curl up, relax, and recharge Our store was expensive, I mean Ex-Pen-Sive, as anything would be if all its requests were clothing in the colors of natural elements. The duke wanted shoes the color of rock, but rock is many colors. The distinction's subtle, but it is not just plain gray, that I can promise. So we had to trek over to his dukedom, take bagfuls of rocks back with us, and then use them at the studio as guides. I spent five hours one afternoon just staring at a rock, trying to see into its color scheme. Gray, my head kept saying. I see gray. At the shop, in general, we build clothing and shoes—we treat the leather, shape and weave the cloth. Even when an item isn't ordered…