Indholdsfortegnelse for September 2013 i Good Housekeeping

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 septembersurvey.goodhousekeeping.com TO GET STARTED! TELL US what you really think! 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 septembersurvey.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…

$40 …and Under Treats for You Glow on—in saffron, white, or purple, too SPOT ON $24 and $14 A stretchy, silky cami and boy shorts from Cosabella Amore (jcp.com) look sweetly sexy for lounging anytime NIGHT LIGHT $25 Hang or carry it: This handblown solar lantern catches rays by day and powers an LED by night (allsopgarden.com) LOVE DOWNTON ABBEY? $26 Get your grand-house fix with Rhidian Brook's The Aftermath, a riveting read about Brits in postwar Germany GH readers bag it for nearly half off retail ($75)! SWING TIME $39 Get classic French style—that posh chain—hands-free with the Amy crossbody purse (izzyandali.com; use code Gp013 at checkout for this price) SOFT TOUCH $20 A mix of beeswax and lavender oil smooths rough spots, plus a dab helps soothe a…

WORDS OF WISDOM PINTEREST Pinned by user beelori from Stephanie Ackerman's blog, Homegrown Hospitality WITTY ONE-LINERS TWITTER BETTE MIDLER "Gillette has a new trimmer so men can style their body hair based on 'what women want.' What's the style for equal pay and benefits?" JENNIFER WEINER "I do enjoy a restaurant that lists mac and cheese under 'vegetables.' " ANIMAL ANTICS INSTAGRAM And lift! And press…two, three, four, five…! A FUNNY CARTOON YOU WOULDN'T BELIEVE HOW APPROPRIATE THIS OUTFIT WAS ON VACATION.…

Country superstar Trisha Yearwood is in New York City, racing from one TV-show set to another. She's in town to promote the upcoming season of her Emmy award–winning Food Network series, Trisha's Southern Kitchen. But instead of asking for Yearwood's secret recipes, the first thing every TV host begs to know is the suddenly slender singer's diet secret. Finally, to one, Yearwood just says it: "I'm hungry!" Honesty is the hallmark of the three-time Grammy winner and multiple winner of country music's Female Vocalist of the Year award. That gosh-I-wish-she-were-my-best-friend genuineness, plus her endless talent for finding humor in heartbreak, has endeared Yearwood to music fans for more than 20 years—and no doubt has something to do with her 11 gold albums (more than a half-million copies sold, each). Now,…

Curvy all over Cut full through the hip and thigh, stretchy cobalt trousers skim your shape. Bonus: the higher-in-back no-gap waist. $90, Banana Republic 1 FLEX APPEAL Spandex (1% to 2%) is a must for the right fit: Without it, you'll size up to accommodate wider parts, but fabric will bag around your slimmer spots—no, thanks! 2 TAKE THE LONG VIEW A styling tip for hourglass gals: Your top should end just below the widest point of your hips for maximum flattery. 3 Soft Touch Swap tentlike tunics for fluid, drapey pieces, like the sweater shown here—it's a chic counterpoint to fitted pants. $218, Eileen Fisher Skip the Skinnies Leggings are trendy, but you'll look better in an easier cut What happened to pleats? Those forgiving folds mostly made way…

Smoothie Talk Drinking your fruits and vegetables may weaken your tooth enamel, Scottish researchers warn. It's the acids in the produce, explains senior author Graham Chadwick, Ph.D., who suggests that you include dairy (but not sugar) in homemade smoothies. He also advises using a straw to aim the sweet treat away from your teeth, rinsing your mouth with water after drinking a smoothie, and waiting an hour before you brush your softened teeth. Best tip we've heard this month Trick yourself into feeling full: When study participants were given teaspoon-size sips of soup, they consumed 30% less than those whose premeasured mouthfuls were larger or who took as much as they wanted. Sweet Heat The most ubiquitous couple in the food world these days? That would be sweet and spicy.…

Q I don't have a guest room in my home. Should I offer overnight guests my own bed, or is it OK for them to sleep on the couch? THE ETIQUETTE VERDICT The couch is fine, as long as it's in good condition and in a space that's comfortable and that provides some privacy. P.S. (PEGGY SAYS) It also depends on who's coming to stay. If it's your Aunt Sue with a bum knee, she would probably be better off in your bed. But your son's college buddy who's crashing at your place for the night while he job-hunts would undoubtedly be grateful to sleep on the couch. If you do give up your bed, your guest may need to be convinced you want to swap. You could say, "I'm…

When my husband and I told our families and friends that we, at 47 and 42, were going to have a baby, we didn't get the whoops of joy we expected. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't disappointed. But why should their stunned responses have been any different from my own? Five years earlier, when John and I got married, we'd agreed to try having a child—as long as "trying" did not involve infertility treatments. To be honest, a baby hadn't been a preoccupation, let alone a priority, in the six years we'd dated. We loved our life—lazy weekends, last-minute get-togethers—just as it was. Colleagues said I looked 10 years younger than my age because I didn't have kids. As months turned to years with no missed periods,…

THE CRISP PATTERN is enjoying a new heyday. Since having been popularized by Braveheart-era Scottish clans 500 years ago, plaid has been treasured by everyone from preppy types to lumberjacks for its graphic good looks. But now it's finding its way into more and more modern decor. Lightened up with freewheeling colors and layered on in unconventional ways, tartans can add flair all through the house, from foyers and halls to bedrooms and baths. The home office nook above shows off the pattern's versatility. The look is whimsical, not fusty-uppercrusty, with checked wallpaper used as a backdrop for framed photos and lit by a delicate twinkling chandelier—surprising, and very chic. It seems any room looks better when you just add plaid. CHECK MIX Plaid pendant shades add exuberance to a…

…that make you look younger! CREAMY Caesar Salad Recipe, page 147 Star Fish Smoked salmon adds a dose of heart-protective omega-3s to this easy meal NEW ENGLAND Chowder This skinnied-down chowder gets its velvety richness from potatoes and reduced-fat milk—and still delivers plenty of calcium to strengthen bones. Not a shrimp fan? Swap in 12 ounces of cod—studies show that eating fish twice a week can lower your risk of cardiovascular disease. Recipe, page 142 Save Face This fish-shack fave is chock-full of lean-protein shrimp, a collagen booster—hello, firmer skin Classics on a Health Kick Lean protein, veggies, and whole grains in these delicious do-overs keep you fueled and full. 1 3-Cheese Lasagna 2 Crispy Chicken Parm3 Crunchy Fish & Veggie Chips 4 Shrimp & Bean Scampi Recipes start on…

Not many can resist this luscious spread: It's found in 90% of American pantries. Here, the ones we went nuts for PB FACT The largest PB and J sandwich was made in Texas and weighed 1,342 lbs. 1 Smooth SKIPPY ($3 for 16.3 oz.) Tasters found everything they were looking for in this one, describing it as "creamy, classic, and delish." Its perfect balance of salt and sugar complements the "toasty peanut flavor." Runner-Up: PLANTERS ($2.38 for 16.3 oz.) 2 Crunchy JIF EXTRA CRUNCHY ($3.25 for 18 oz.) This "super-chunky" contender earned two thumbs up for its texture. Thanks to the satisfying crunch, no one minded that it was a little "less sweet" than other butters. Runner-Up: PEANUT BUTTER & CO. CRUNCH TIME ($4…

Curl up, relax, and recharge HE DOCTOR WAS RED-FACED. His hands were abrupt. "Mrs. Commeford," he said. "You are not cooperating." Although I could not see it, I knew there must be perspiration beaded on his forehead because as he leaned to shout at me, a drop of it hit the sheet beneath my chin. I didn't see it fall, but somehow I heard the sound it made, and in my pain I imagined that out of that sound, the sound of a raindrop on a dry roof, there rose more profoundly the scent of the hospital laundry, the scent of industrial bleach on the sheet that nearly reminded me, too, of some experience in this life that I might have liked, might have loved, even—my first night with Tom,…

350,860That's how many rotations this tireless lab equipment made to help us determine how long dozens of pens would last. Check out which ones, from ballpoint to rollerball, had the "write" stuff 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…

My Smart Solution " I made my bath mat out of 175 wine corks! Just carefully cut each one lengthwise using a utility knife, arrange on an 18½" by 30" nonadhesive rubber shelf liner, and hot-glue them down. It's OK to get it damp, but dry it off to prevent mold—mine lasted 18 months." —MONICA EWING, SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA reader feedback A Little More for You In July, we shared 10 ways to be a little bad. How do you take a slightly selfish (but much deserved) break? 40 % LEAVE DISHES IN THE SINK FOR ANOTHER DAY (OR ANOTHER PERSON!) 50 % SAY "NO" TO KEEP A WHOLE MORNING CLEAR ON THE CALENDAR 10 % SNAG THE LAST COOKIE IN THE BOX √ Tell us what you think…

It's no wonder people are picky about pens. When you need them most, they dry up, smudge, or cramp your hand. But the right one turns a tedious task into quick work. We lab-tested pens $50 and under—medium point, black ink—for longevity, precision, and resistance to bleeding. Consumers then put pens to paper and noted ink flow, comfort, and balance. Top Picks Overall Winner PILOT PEN Dr. Grip Center of Gravity ($8) This GH Seal holder rubs hands the right way with its thick, cushy grip. Users found the ballpoint balanced and exact: "I'd use it daily," said one. Worth a Splurge RETRO 51 Classic Tornado ($25) This pleasantly weighty stainless steel refillable rollerball merits the cost with long-lasting velvety ink and swank looks. Best Value PENTEL RSVP BK91 (from…

Every day, a new wonder cream hits store shelves with sky-high promises to make you look young. In fact, since our last anti-aging skin-care awards three years ago, well over 300 products have launched in just the 10 categories we've focused on here—moisturizers, eye creams, and more. So we set out again to discover, scientifically, which products really work. It took a team of scientists at our Good Housekeeping Research Institute, an advisory board of top dermatologists, almost 1,000 volunteers, and many months of work, but here they are: 10 gold and 11 silver winners. They do plump skin, diminish spots, and more—our lab tests prove it. 1 Facial Moisturizer With SPF 30 THE CONTENDERS moisturize and deliver ingredients like peptides and retinol to firm, plump, and even out skin…

THE JUICY FRUIT has long enjoyed a heart-healthy reputation. But now researchers at the University of Michigan Cardiovascular Center have figured out how grapes help: They turn on genes that boost defenses against heart-tissue damage, new animal research shows. The study also suggests grapes can help combat the unhealthy effects (stiff arteries, high blood pressure) of consuming too much salt, says lead author E. Mitchell Seymour, Ph.D. Easy ways to stay well, eat right, get fit p. 77 Blend a smile-friendly smoothie p. 81 Countdown to a slimmer you p. 74 Heart-healthy puppy love p. 78 Low-cal swaps that keep you full…

TRADITIONAL wisdom holds that a sluggish metabolism is a curse of midlife, like needing reading glasses to use a smartphone or starting to worry about your retirement plan. So we fight the slowdown, eating like parakeets for a few days or launching into an intense exercise routine. When a week goes by with no miracles, we give up and resume the same bad habits—sloppy portions, half-hearted workouts, and non-petite servings of imported cheese. OK, put away the Brie and consider this: About 30% of your metabolism is under your control (the rest, devoted to such mundane but essential functions as digesting food and repairing cells, isn't). And as researchers get deeper into the physiology of weight regulation, they're fine-tuning their understanding of what it takes to ramp up that 30%…

Men, Marriage, and Making It Work Eric Bana, star of the movie Closed Circuit, on… What makes my marriage so strong The Australian actor opens up about his home life 1 I knew my wife, Rebecca, was "the one" because she was the greatest and most fun friend—who I could also date! 2 My wife is very patient about my watching soccer with friends and riding a motorcycle. 3 We like exercising together; we both hit a not- bad tennis ball. 4 She looks her most beautiful without makeup, even when she's just helping the kids (Klaus, 14, and Sophia, 11) with homework. 5 I can make her laugh, which, quite simply, is good for my ego. 6 We don't really like going out without our kids, so for a…

WHETHER IT'S STEERING A TRUSTY MINIVAN to lacrosse practice or saving for the convertible of our dreams, we all want a sweet ride at a lower cost. Here, five secrets for saving big on everything from fill-ups to a whole new set of wheels. Maximize your mpg YOU'D RATHER BOOK a spa treatment for yourself than pamper a hunk of metal under its hood. But a clean engine runs better—and more cheaply, especially if your car is over 10 years old. Check your owner's manual; many manufacturers suggest regular tune-ups (which cost $200 to $800 or more) starting by 30,000 miles. "Your engine is like an oven," says Duane Richardson, 3M auto technical service engineer. "If it's dirty and you keep using it, you get really hard, baked-on soot. In…

Q. " My stoneware dishes have what appear to be scratches on them. Scrubbing with water and baking soda has helped, but I can still see lines. Should I be concerned that the glaze is cracking?" —ROSE, VIA E-MAIL THOSE MARKS aren't actually scratches that go through the glaze; the surface of these plates is actually textured with tiny hills and valleys, like orange peel. As knives go over this, they leave traces of metal. No amount of scrubbing is going to remove all the marks, but to erase most of them, make a paste of 3 to 4 tablespoons of baking soda and ¼ cup of hydrogen peroxide. Rub it on with a microfiber cloth, rinse under hot water, and dry with a clean cloth. Think twice… before buying…

Yes, it does more than just top burgers. Put a bit of this favorite cookout condiment to use in these quickie recipes 1 TANGY RUSSIAN DRESSING Whisk ½ c. mayonnaise + ¼ c. ketchup + 2 Tbsp. sweet pickle relish + 1 Tbsp. lemon juice + ¼ tsp. salt. Serves 4 2 SLOPPY JOES Cook 1 lg. onion, chopped, in skillet with 1 Tbsp. olive oil for 5 min. or until soft. Add 1 lb. ground turkey; cook, stirring, 5 min. or until cooked through. Stir in ½ c. ketchup + 1 Tbsp. hot sauce; cook 5 min. more. Serve on buns. Serves 4 3 CURRIED CHICKEN SALAD Mix 2 c. cubed cooked chicken + 2 stalks celery (chopped) + ¼ c. ketchup + 1 Tbsp. mayonnaise +…

Why stop at cream cheese when these deliciously different toppings await? Fun, Fastvv Easy CLASSIC NEW YORK SPREAD 1 Tbsp. softened cream cheese on 1 toasted bagel half; top with 1 slice lox or smoked salmon, a few thin slices red onion, and 1 Tbsp. roughly chopped fresh dill. CHOCOLATE- BANANA TREAT SPREAD 1 Tbsp. chocolate-hazelnut spread on 1 toasted bagel half; top with ½ banana, sliced, and 2 Tbsp. toasted sweetened shredded coconut. GROWN-UP PIZZA BAGEL SPRINKLE ½ c. cubed fresh mozzarella on 1 toasted bagel half; broil 1 to 2 min. to melt slightly. Top with ½ c. halved grape tomatoes, 1 Tbsp. torn basil leaves, 1 tsp. olive oil, and ⅛ tsp. salt. SWEET RICOTTA-STRAWBERRY SPREAD ¼ c. ricotta cheese on 1 toasted bagel half; top with…

This Works! Page 33 Dr. Grip Center of Gravity Retractable Ballpoint Pen, Pilot Pen; pilotpen.us. Classic Tornado, Retro 51; retro51.com. RSVP BK91, Pentel; office supply stores. InkJoy 500 RT, Paper Mate; papermate.com. Pants That Really Fit Page 66 Pants, $90, Banana Republic; bananarepublic.com. Orange sweater, $218, Eileen Fisher; nordstrom.com. Earrings, $130, Daniel Espinosa Jewelry; danielespinosa.com. Cuff, $168, Alexandra Beth Designs; alexandrabeth.com. Pumps, $129, Vince Camuto; vincecamuto.com. Pants, $58, Jennifer Lopez for Kohl's; kohls.com. Pants, $58, Rafaella; rafaellasportswear.com. Page 67 Pants, $116, Lisette L; lisettel.com. Striped sweater, $240, Gerard Darel; bloomingdales.com. Pumps, $198, Johnston & Murphy; johnstonmurphy.com. Pants, $50, Body by…

I'd like to introduce you to two friends of mine: Lynn and Trisha. Both are pictured here. Both have lost more than 25 pounds. And both look gorgeous. Trisha (Yearwood, who's also on our cover) dropped it in a responsible and smart way, finally having that come-to-Jesus talk with herself and creating a program on her own that follows the 80/20 rule (read about it on page 38). And Lynn answered a mass e-mail I sent out some months ago to many friends and acquaintances, asking if they knew of anyone willing to test Good Housekeeping's new diet, a seven-week program designed not only to help you lose weight but also to help you boost the anti-aging nutrients in your diet. I had no idea she herself had signed up…

At some point , your wardrobe will get hit with a case of the "terrible toos": clothes that have become too tight, too loose, or too old. Rather than toss 'em, spruce up your old favorites with smart upgrades and a few sly supplies. You can tackle these fixes in an afternoon whether you're a craft queen or not, says designer Bridgett Artise, author of Born-Again Vintage: 25 Ways to Deconstruct, Reinvent, and Recycle Your Wardrobe. Your reward: great "new" clothes. —Nina Malkin 1 Loosen too-skinny jeans Wash denims in cold water, then button them around a cutting board, a cookie sheet, or a chair top that's about an inch wider than the waistband. (Air-dry to prevent further shrinkage.) 2 Transform a passé pullover Create a cute buttonless cardigan…

A FRESH START: That's what Denene Yates wanted to give victims of prostitution and sex trafficking in Baltimore when she opened Safe House of Hope in 2010. The organization, run by Yates and about 50 volunteers, provides a 24-hour helpline, free counseling, and day and emergency shelter for women and men looking to get off the street. "They feel isolated," says Yates. "We listen, and we help them figure out their goals." Last year alone, Yates's team aided over 1,000 women. Now, in a new location known for prostitution, she hopes to help even more. KERI RUSSELL Star of the movie Austenland "I know I've earned the GH Seal when… I can get my 6-year-old to brush his teeth morning and night without either of us having a breakdown. On…

A Fresh Twist Vitamin C (herbs, tomatoes) and omega-3s (walnuts) help keep skin smooth and supple. 1. Pulse 2 c. basil leaves, ½ c. each walnuts and parsley leaves, ⅓ c. grated Parmesan cheese, 1 clove garlic, and ¼ tsp. salt in food processor until coarsely ground. With motor running, slowly add 3 Tbsp. olive oil and 2 Tbsp. water. 2. Toss pesto with 10 oz. whole wheat fusilli, cooked, and 2 c. cherry tomatoes, halved. Serves 4; 490 calories per serving Free Plastic Surgery? When we polled our Facebook fans about whether they'd have cosmetic surgery if it didn't cost a cent, 57% said yes, 35% turned it down, and 8% set limits: "Only for something minor, like frown…

GIVING YOUR NOGGIN A workout is the best way to keep it sharp, say University of Toronto researchers who reviewed 32 studies that involved about 25,000 people with healthy, normal brains. Ginkgo, omega-3 supplements, vitamins, and other drugs—none of these were as consistently effective as programs that aimed to train the brain and improve memory. In fact, some medicines previously thought to help brain health—such as estrogen—may actually increase the risk of dementia, the reviewers found. For at-home mental exercise, try crossword puzzles, Sudoku, computer games, reading, or whatever stimulating activity you can do daily, says study author Raza Naqvi, M.D. Bow wow wow! Call In the Dogs A tail-wagging pal can melt your heart—and may make it stronger. The American Heart Association reports growing evidence linking dog ownership to…

Take a breath. Doing a basic meditation on a busy day is good for your health—and it may help you be kinder, too. A new study from Northeastern University suggests that people who meditate are more likely to spontaneously assist people in need (e.g., help a senior cross the street, hold the door). And you can do it anytime, anywhere, says study author David DeSteno, Ph.D. Close your eyes and focus on your breathing for 15 minutes, three times a week: "Even brief moments of meditation increase the odds that you'll step up and help." Real women, real-world advice p. 105 Don't let happiness float away p. 93 Found: more time and energy p. 101 Chatty coworker? Peggy can help p. 111 Give car costs a tune-up—and save…

THERE'S A SLOW, QUIET force in our lives that can cause enormous unhappiness if it goes undetected. I call it "drift." Drift is the result of the decisions you make by not deciding, by falling into things, or by taking the path of least resistance. You get married because your friends are all getting married. You take the first job someone offers you instead of searching for one you really want. You work on the school fund-raiser simply because your friends are working on it. That's drift. And it scares me—not because drifting puts you in danger, but because you slowly lose touch with the instincts that would normally guide you toward the choices that would make you the happiest. The result is that your life stops reflecting your own…

the RUFFOS the new STUFF the BEFORES NO STORAGE LIMITED SEATING WASTED SPACE SPRAWLED TOYS icole and Andrew Ruffo knew their living room needed an overhaul. But after they moved into their 1920s fixer-upper in West Orange, NJ, last year, decorating was trumped by other priorities: replacing the water heater, Andrew's new job—and bringing newborn twins home from the hospital. The couple were so full-tilt busy, "I could barely paint my nails, let alone the walls," says Nicole, 33, mom to Andrew, 5; Jack, 4; and Sophia and Natalie, 16 months. With zero downtime, the family tried not to notice the room's design drawbacks: The too-small sofa sagged, the grayish-beige color scheme was depressing, and there was no storage for Nicole's photography equipment (she loves chronicling her clan), Andrew's sports…

Nonstick Cooking Spray Speed-dry your manicure: Hold the can four inches from your freshly painted nails and spritz. Wait five minutes and rinse in cool water—done! MORE SMART USES… Sharon says "In the kitchen, nonstick cooking spray isn't just for pans and skillets. Other food tricks: Coat a cookie scoop to release dough more easily; spray a colander before draining pasta to prevent sticking; and mist the underside of plastic wrap before covering cupcakes to save the frosting." SHARON FRANKE, GHRI KITCHEN APPLIANCES & TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR…

Pork Chops with Soy-Mushroom Gravy We used ½-in.- thick bone-in pork chops, but boneless ones will work, too HEAT 2 tsp. vegetable oil in 12-in. skillet on high. Season 4 pork chops with ¼ tsp. each salt and pepper. Cook 4 min. or until browned, turning over once; transfer to plate. HEAT 1 tsp. vegetable oil in same skillet on med.-high. Add 10 oz.shiitake mushrooms, stems discarded; cook 3 min., stirring often. MEANWHILE, whisk 1 c. lower-sodium chicken broth, 3 Tbsp. lower-sodium soy sauce, 1 Tbsp. each rice vinegar and sesame oil, and 2 tsp. cornstarch in sm. bowl; add to skillet with mushrooms. Add 1 (8-oz.) pkg. snow peas and pork to skillet; cook 3 min. or until pork is 145°F. SERVE with 2 c. cooked brown rice. Serves…

1,368 slices of bread, bagels, and english muffins were toasted in testing 1 Overall Winner FRIGIDAIRE Toaster FPTT02D7MS ($60) This star performer turned out toast in just over two minutes (faster than average). It browned bread evenly and consistently from batch to batch; its digital controls include a progress display and Bagel, Defrost, and Reheat options. 2 Fastest T-FAL Avanté Icon 2 Slice ($50) Chronically running late? It took only a minute and a half for this speed demon to take two slices to medium. Angled slots make toast a snap to snatch; Reheat and Bagel settings are handy. 3 Best Value OSTER Designed for Life 2-Slice ($30) The low price and the five-year warranty make this a hot pick (but at 2½ minutes, toasting took…

The BLACK leg brace, fastened with Velcro straps, isn't glamorous. Neither are the crutches I hobble around with after my knee goes out from under me. There's nothing exciting to blame this on—no skiing accident, no pop heard while crossing the marathon finish line. The only explanation is the least attractive: I'm just getting older. Age was never something to be afraid of when I was growing up, because I had two inspiring role models for life after 50. Grandpa swam every day and caught our dinner fresh from a nearby inlet; Nana never went anywhere without her signature shocking-pink lipstick, which made her crystal-white hair even more striking. She was one of the most dazzling women I knew, and definitely the most stylish grandmother. Her rule for good conversation…