Good Housekeeping November 2013

210 That's how many plates we dirtied with dried-on cheese dip, above, and a coating of margarine to test dishwashing liquids that promise pampering. On page 39, learn which formulas turned greasy messes into light work. 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…

I feel happiest when I feel most grateful. And it's not just me; it's true for humans in general: Study after study has shown that when we stop to count our blessings, smell the roses—pick any cliché you like—we not only appreciate the good things in our lives more, but also expand our sense of well-being in ways scientists can measure but can't always explain. The trick is slowing down long enough to do it. If something trips my "be thankful" wire (and it can be anything from an arrestingly beautiful sunset to a story I hear on the news), I lean into it, pausing long enough to enumerate things and people I'm grateful for. But on my own steam, barreling through the days as I do, I'm not so…

$40 …and Under Treats for You BE JEWELED $19 This high-wattage stretch bracelet by Foreign Exchange (feclothing.com) looks major, solo or with a stack of gold bangles ENGLISH CLASS $28 Stella Bain, new from Anita Shreve (The Pilot's Wife),is the gripping, touching tale of a shell-shocked American in post–WW I London A wool/nylon blend makes 'em warm and durable POINT AND CHIC $38 eachTap away at touchscreen gadgets all winter long with your hands cozily ensconced in these ruffled tech-friendly gloves (echodesign.com) DAILY GRIND $40 Nescafé's Dolce Gusto Piccolo brews terrific joe at a tiny price (amazon.com; use code GUSTOGHK2013) At 5 to 7 inches tall, for the mantel PERFECT CUT $29 to $39 Glinting like precious gems, these faceted glass vases barely need flowers to look fab (West Elm)…

My Smart Solution "I sort mailing supplies using a dish-drying rack with a dowel added for tape. Each divider fits two to three bubble envelopes, while the other half has space for twine and a jar of pens. It's such a time saver—now I don't have to rummage through drawers and closets to find what I need." —KELLY ROWE, 39, LAKE ST. LOUIS, MO Your best tips for… Keeping Calm in the Kitchen Check It Off "My trick: lists! They help get everything finished that can be done ahead of time—and let my husband know his responsibilities before the party." —DEVORAH GRUNAU, 65, JERSEY CITY, NJ Wear a Smile "Laugh when things don't go as planned—no one likes an 'everything is always perfect' hostess!" —FRAN SCHROEDER, 33, VERONA, NJ Set…

You need to be prepared for surprise visits, especially during the holidays: Cousins, friends, or neighbors may just drop in. But whether you have half a day or half an hour to get ready, it's possible to pull off an effortless yet polished party without panic. "What's most important is not what your home looks like or what you serve, but how relaxed and happy you feel," says Erika Lenkert, author of The Last-Minute Party Girl, whose freewheeling entertaining suggestions follow. Here's how to impress without stress. —Paula Derrow FESTIVE AND AFFORDABLE Jaume Serra Cristalino Brut Cava, a favorite pour of party experts, costs onlyabout $8! THE TASTE 1. ELEVATE HORS D'OEUVRES Serve on rustic cutting boards. Go with fare that will keep well in your refrigerator for those few…

Holiday entertaining is a recipe for dry hands (why can't everything be dishwasher-safe?). To wring some pleasure out of time spent sinkside, our cleaning pros tested 21 pampering formulas (some making skin-renewing claims) for cleaning ability, suds longevity, skin-softening prowess, and fragrance. Consumers also took home the handful of products promising to moisturize. If only for a few moments, these three took us away. Top Picks DAWN Hand Renewal with Olay Beauty ($3 for 20 oz.) Less drying than most, and great on grease. Some testers' hands felt softer after use. CALDREA Sea Salt Neroli ($9 for 16 oz.) Essential oils turn a chore into a nearly spa-like experience. Just a squirt or two went a long way for us. PALMOLIVE Soft Touch Coconut Butter ($3 for 25 oz.) Took…