Indholdsfortegnelse for May-15 i Good Housekeeping

I GREW UP IN A DIY HOUSEHOLD. Both my parents are wizards at fixing and making things. By the time they sent me out into the world, I’d learned to frame a wall, knit, crochet, sew, bake bread, quilt, navigate a boat, hang wallpaper, countersink a screw, drill a hole in most materials, jump-start a car, disconnect a toilet, hang a door, solder a pipe — even sponge-paint (it was the 1990s). My parents will probably be amused by this list, knowing how few of those things I still do. But pushing me to learn was one of the greatest gifts they ever gave me. Just having these skills in my toolbox is empowering: I know that no matter what happens, I can rely on myself to get things done.…

INSTANT SMOOTHERS The new blur creams diffuse flaws with light reflectors and fill uneven texture for a soft-focus effect. Lab Notes These winners immediately minimized pores (Lumene by 18%) and improved skin’s texture (Kiehl’s by 25%). Bargain: Lumene Bright Now Blur Line & Pore Minimizer, $20, drugstores. Splurge: Kiehl’s Micro-Blur Skin Perfector, $35, kiehls.com SUPER EXFOLIATOR This power peel mimics in-office versions with high levels of glycolic, salicylic and mandelic acids. Lab Notes After only two uses, testers’ skin showed reduced spots, minimized pores and improved texture, with zero irritation. Peter Thomas Roth Professional Strength 40% Triple Acid Peel, $88, Sephora FAST WRINKLE FIX Like Spanx for your face, this single-use packet contains a sheer liquid silica film that temporarily lifts and tightens as it dries. Lab Notes It immediately…

$ DEEP MOISTURIZER Not just for the face anymore, this body serum delivers heavy hydration with a light touch. Lab Notes In our tests, skin’s moisture levels increased 44% after six hours. Vaseline Intensive Care Healing Serum Deep Repair, $8, drugstores Enter for a chance to WIN YOUR CUSTOM SCENT SEE PAGE 184 Fragrance Finder Get sample sachets (shown) of your perfect scent matches when you take this site’s quiz — its algorithm is based on what colors, environments, sounds and more appeal to you. Choose your fave for full-size. Lab Notes “Effective — I loved one of mine!” Pinrose Eau de Parfum, $9 to $50, pinrose.com $ BODY PERFECTOR The first BB cream for the body perfects instantly (via a subtle tint) and over time (with emollients). Lab Notes…

BEST IN: UNITED KINGDOM Pioneering a new makeup category — serum foundation — this feather weight formula (it suspends mineral pigments in a coconut-derived liquid base) won Reader Recommended status from the U.K.’s GHI for “lasting, but natural-looking coverage,” says GH U.K. Beauty Director Eve Cameron. BareMinerals BareSkin Pure Brightening Serum Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF 20, $29, Macy’s BEST IN: KAZAKHSTAN What rules: moneysaving multi-taskers like this moisturizer, line smoother, pore refiner and tone evener in one. Olay Total Effects 7 in One Anti-Aging Moisturizer, $20, drugstores BEST IN: INDONESIA Instant results are wanted here. “Skin feels tighter and softer after one use” of this mask, says GH Indonesia Beauty Editor Natasha Dame. Glam Glow Youth Mud Tingling & Exfoliating Mud Mask, $69, Nordstrom BEST IN: RUSSIA Custom complexion enhancers…

ON THE HOME FRONT “It’s time to lighten up and brighten up for summer: Think bold colors and patterns. As you can see, I’m loving all things green!” FOLLOW ME @SarahRichardsonDesign SWEET DREAMS LIVE HERE What kid—or adult—wouldn’t love snuggling up in this cozy, contemporary “house” bed? With four drawers on each side, it’s a perfect place to stash extra sheets or toys. $1,299 for twin, restorationhardware.com FRAGRANT SOLUTION Hang these scent bars in a small room or closet to infuse the air with a fresh floral touch. Bonus: They’re super-pretty and last up to nine months. $22 for two, rosyrings.com “Invest in a bar cart—they occupy a small footprint and are a good way to conceal an unsightly corner.” —EMILY SCHUMAN, CUPCAKES AND CASHMERE EXPERT ADVICE Whether or not…

UPSIZE YOUR DINING TABLE Maximize guest seating with a large farm-style table. For an unobstructed view outside, opt for a see-through chandelier. PALETTE Serene Seaside Set the tone with soft watercolors. LAYER IN COLOR & PATTERN Add subtle prints, stripes and other graphics to boost visual interest in a mostly neutral room. Keep the look calm and cohesive by choosing complementary tones. DECORATE WITH FOUND OBJECTS Look no farther than your natural surroundings for pretty accents. Think shells, seaglass, driftwood or greens. PICK A BOLD BACKSPLASH Use graphic tiles (these are glass and limestone) to create a pretty focal point behind the range. Get the Look These pretty finds add a breezy summer vibe year-round EXPERT ADVICE Inside Out Designer Becky Owens shares tricks for creating a space that transitions…

HAVE A QUESTION? E-MAIL HELOISE@GOODHOUSEKEEPING.COM. 1 PROBLEM, 3 SOLUTIONS How can I remove a stubborn price sticker from… GLASS? Put a little baby or vegetable oil on the sticker and rub it in with a finger. Let it soak for 20 to 30 minutes, then lift a corner of the sticker and slowly pull it off. METAL? Lay a damp paper towel over the sticker for up to an hour to soften it; peel it off. If it resists, work it off with an acetone-based nail polish remover and a plastic scrubbie. WOOD? Cover the sticker with aluminum foil, then press it with a dry clothing iron on med.-high. Remove the foil and peel off the sticker. SECRET WEAPON 3 Uses for Sliced White Bread SPILL SAVER Soak up oily…

HOW IT WORKS: Starting June 1, 2015, submit your story of 1,500 to 2,500 words at good-house-keeping.com/memoir-contest. You’ll be entered for a chance to win $2,000 and possible publication of the winning story in a future issue or on goodhousekeeping.com. DEADLINES: Entries must be received by midnight September 1, 2015. One entry per person is allowed. Submitted material cannot be returned or acknowledged. The winner will be notified by March 1, 2016. ELIGIBILITY: Open to anyone age 21 or older who is a legal resident of the United States, the District of Columbia or Canada (excluding Quebec). For details, see page 184.…

GH READ OF THE MONTH IN KATE ATKINSON’S gorgeous, thought-provoking new novel (the companion to her time-bending best seller Life After Life), WW II pilot Teddy shelves his dreams, expecting he won’t live to pursue them. Instead, comrades die, and he goes home, where he must build a new life. But after such loss, how? Once again, Atkinson explores the concept of paths not taken versus those that are. Her hero’s journey has its trials— family illness, relationship regrets—but also joys and deep love. Quiet, humble Teddy is easy to root for. At the end of this tender story (a weeper, by the way), you won’t want to let him go. A God in Ruins by Kate Atkinson ($28, Little, Brown and Co.) VINTAGE POSTCARDS KITCHEN KITSCH Looking for the…

PLAN & DISCOVER Plug in your route, and this app will map out attractions along the way, from hidden historical sites to state parks. CAMPER’S BFF Get info on thousands of campgrounds, bridge clearances and Walmarts that let RVs park overnight for free. GAS & LODGING How looong until the next rest stop?! Now you’ll know. The app also finds nearby cheap gas stations and top Yelp-rated hotels. MEMORY MAKER Create and share photos and videos with soundtracks, captions and more. No editing experience needed.…

TRICKS OF THE TRADE SMART STORAGE Obvious Solutions Roller Keeper, $7 Can’t complete the job in a day? No need to clean the roller. Stash it in this container and pick up later where you left off. In our test, the roller was still moist and ready to go after a week. MINI ROLLER Shur-Line Touch-Up Painter, $6 This dynamo lets you navigate tough-to-paint spots like corners and crown molding while still delivering the smooth finish of a roller. No brush marks or missed areas. CAN DO Handy Paint Pail, $10 Small jobs call for downsized tools. This pint-size bucket carries one quart of paint and has a magnetic brush holder. You can also buy liners for it (six for $4), so it’s easy to clean for the next job.…

HEALTH SMARTS JULIA EDELSTEIN HEALTH EDITOR “Walking is my favorite mood booster, whether I’m in my hometown or traveling (above, I’m pounding a dirt path in France!). But walking doesn’t just make you feel better; it can also help you lose weight — and keep it off. See how on page 151.” FOLLOW ME @juliasedelstein SEAT YOURSELF Thanks to this waterproof cover (which fats on just about any saddle and folds into a teeny two-inch packet), germaphobes can now rest — and ride! — easy on shared bikes. It’s great for spin class, too. $35, cityseat.com BIKE TO WORK WEEK STARTS MAY 11 10-SECOND “SHOWER” A little sticky after the walk or ride to the office? rub one of these mint and-cucumber wipes over sweaty spots. You’ll feel and smell…

JACLYN LONDON, M.S., R.D. GHI Nutrition Director FOLLOW ME @jaclynlondonrD 1 in 133 that’s how many people have celiac disease in the U.s.; 83% have not been diagnosed.* *Source: the University of chicago celiac disease center THE ANTI-GLUTEN BUZZ has grown downright deafening — but that doesn’t mean listening to it is wise. In many cases, gluten free (GF) products are worse for you than their gluten-fled equivalents. When manufacturers remove gluten (a protein found in wheat, barley and rye) from a food, they typically replace it with one (or all) of three big favor boosters: fat, sugar and salt. Eat these processed foods regularly, and you’ll likely gain weight. (Below, packaged GF options that are better than most.) More evidence: Gluten-laden whole-grain breads contain nutrients (B vitamins, fiber, iron)…

Mily FOR KOHL’S MODERN GIRLY The feminine with-an-edge line (normally sold at posh stores like Bergdorf) was inspired by sunny Capri. Girl’s dress, $48, and capris, $48, kohls.com Lily Pulizer FOR TARGET PRETTY PREPPY Snag a signature look from this iconic brand — known for its preppy pink and-green prints — for a fraction of what you’d usually pay. Girl’s dress, $20, and dress, $38, target.com HOW THEY DID IT DYNAMIC DUO Frustrated by the search for gentle, healthy skin care for teens, Christy Prunier and her daughter Willa created the ideal line together THE SPARK “It started when Willa wanted to begin taking care of her skin,” says Christy. “We couldn’t find products that didn’t contain lots of heavy perfumes or chemicals, so we started making them ourselves at…

After a hectic day, I always look forward to finding a stack of reader-contest stories in my inbox, like our current winner, “No One Ever Asked If He Had My Eyes,” page 93. Sometimes they make me tear up; I usually end up feeling grateful; and almost always, I am inspired. So keep those essays coming — it’s time for another contest! Now we want to hear about a time when a wrong turn has taken you to the right place or you’ve found unexpected happiness at the end of a long road. Send us your personal “Silver Linings” story. I can’t wait to read them! See page 99 for details.…

DIY DERM Formerly doctor’s office– only, the face laser is now in your hands. Lab Notes In our test, it visibly reduced wrinkles and improved skin tone and texture after four weeks of daily use. Tria Age-Defying Laser, $495, triabeauty.com $ PHOTO RETOUCHER Like a digital magic wand, this app lets you correct imperfections with a touch. Lab Notes “Flawless and easy-to-use technology,” says Director of Engineering Rachel Rothman. Ava Photo, free (iOS) $ VIRTUAL MAKEUP TESTER Try before you buy: Upload your pic and “paint” on new shades. Lab Notes “Impressive concept—and fun!” Rothman reports. L’Oréal Paris Makeup Genius, free (iOS) $ SALON SCHEDULER Book nearby salon and spa sessions on the fly by entering your location. Tester Notes Includes reviews, too! Beauty Now, free (iOS, Android) POWER DRYER…

Every year, the GH beauty team scours the marketplace for the most exciting, groundbreaking new product launches — the ones that make us say, “Wow!” and “How did we ever live without this?” But we don’t stop there. The chosen group are then given the ultimate litmus test: submission to the GHI Beauty Lab for evaluation through rigorous laboratory and consumer tests using high-tech equipment like the Visia Complexion Analyzer (to assess skincare product efficacy) and the QUV Accelerated Weathering Test (for hair color longevity). What you see here: the year’s best beauty innovations.…

MORE FOR LESS! Try this trend with these outfit-making finds…

ULTIMATE CLASSIC WAFFLE recipe, page 173 Ultimate Classic Waffles PREP 10 MINUTES TOTAL 25 MINUTES 1¾ c. all-purpose flour 1½ tsp. baking powder 1 tsp. baking soda ½ tsp. salt 2 c. low-fat buttermilk 2 lg. eggs 3 Tbsp. sugar 3 Tbsp. vegetable oil 1 Tbsp. vanilla extract 1. Preheat waffle maker. In lg. bowl, whisk flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. In med. bowl, whisk buttermilk, eggs, sugar, oil and vanilla. Add buttermilk mixture to flour mixture. Stir until just combined (small lumps are OK). 2. Spray waffle maker with nonstick cooking spray. Add ½ c. batter to waffle maker. Close waffle maker and cook 2 to 5 min. or until golden brown and crisp. Keep warm by placing directly on oven rack in 225°F oven. Repeat with…

HAVE A QUESTION? E-MAIL PEGGY@GOODHOUSEKEEPING.COM. 1 PROBLEM, 3 SOLUTIONS I always make an effort to celebrate my mom on Mother’s Day. My brother doesn’t, which upsets her. How can I address it without causing family drama? TELL HIM DIRECTLY. Don’t flaunt your effort or accuse him of not doing his part. Say, “Hey, Dave, I know a card or flowers from you would boost Mom’s spirits.” ASK FOR HELP. If you and your brother aren’t close, another family member might be a more effective messenger. GET OUT OF THE MIDDLE. Encourage your mom to talk to your brother (her son) about how she feels. After all, this problem is between the two of them. Q We’ve been invited to a graduation party for our future son-in-law and his twin brother.…

GH GOT THE MOM OF TWO TO DISH ON HER BABIES, THE SURPRISING SECRET TO HER HAPPY MARRIAGE TO PARENTHOOD STAR DAX SHEPARD, HER HARD LINE ON THE VACCINATION DEBATE—AND WHY SHE’S NOT WORRIED ABOUT THOSE LAST 17 PREGNANCY POUNDS It’s one thing to be punctual. It ’s another entirely to do what Kristen Bell did not long ago when she arrived super-duper early for her interview with Good Housekeeping—a full day early, to be exact. “If you received a prank call, it was me,” she says with a chuckle when she shows up at an organic eatery in the hip Los Angeles enclave Los Feliz the next day, explaining the mysterious, muffled voice mail she left after realizing she’d shown up 24 hours ahead of schedule. “I was too…

LAB WINNER Silk’n SonicCleanPlus This gadget beat out all others for cleaning in our Lab analysis and topped testers’ lists for leaving skin soft after one week (it was second in user satisfaction). Raved one fan, “My pores even looked smaller.” $89 TESTER WINNER Clarisonic Smart Profile The iconic brand scored highest in user satisfaction, due in part to its Turbo setting’s rigorous massage (it was second in cleaning in our Lab test). “My face felt lifted,” said a tester. Bonus: includes a body brush. $265 BEST UNDER $50 Olay ProX Advanced Cleansing System This Seal holder snagged the top spot in the under-$50 range. It’s also the lightest in weight of our recommendations—perfect for travel. “It was gentle but effective,” said a tester. $33 FACIAL BRUSH 101 TIPS FOR…

THINK ABOUT STYLE If you’re replacing a window, you’ll likely want to install one that matches the others in style. Starting from scratch? You have lots of options: double-hung (ideal for a window AC unit), awning (helps keep rain out even when open), casement (a side hinge allows an unobstructed view) or bay or bow (offers a panoramic view). DECIDE ON MATERIALS Your main choices are vinyl, wood and aluminum. Vinyl’s the most popular, partly due to its weather resistance and affordability. Wood, often chosen for aesthetic appeal, may require more upkeep (regular staining/painting). Aluminum is low-maintenance, though it may not insulate as well as the others. CONSIDER ENERGY EFFICIENCY New windows can help lower bills. Pick ones that are Energy Star–certified — most styles from our Seal picks (below)…

69% of Americans suffer from digital eyestrain (a.k.a. pain from screens).* DIM YOUR SCREEN When your computer outshines the overhead lighting, the resulting glare can feel like an assault on your eyes, says optometrist James Sheedy, Ph.d., head of the Vision Performance Institute at Pacific university. Lower your screen’s brightness level until it matches up with the room. SCOOT TO THE LEFT Most word processing software defaults to left aligned pages that force you to shift your focus — you guessed it! — to the left, says Alan Hedge, Ph.d., director of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Lab at Cornell university. If you sit left of center, you can gaze forward instead. Much better! CHECK YOUR GAZE Adjust your chair so your eye level hits near the top of your…

YOU WANT: PASTA TRY: Nasoya Pasta Zero Fettuccine Made from konjac (a Japanese tuber) and chickpea four, these noodles are slippery and light. Toss with veggies or add to soups. 30 cals per package YOU WANT: COOKIES TRY: Lucy’s Lemon Goodness Cookies They’re chewy on the inside, crunchy on the outside and sweet and citrusy the whole way through. 120 cals for three YOU WANT: PIZZA TRY: Amy’s rice-Crust Roasted Vegetable Pizza The rice-based crust is crispy — just how you like it! top with roasted cauliflower and kale for extra favor. 430 cals per pie YOU WANT: BREAD TRY: Rudi’s Gluten-Free Double Fiber Bread Less dense than other Gf breads, this thick, nutty loaf pairs well with peanut butter and jelly. 70 cals per slice YOU WANT: CRACKERS TRY:…

DID YOU WALK FROM YOUR BEDROOM TO the kitchen this morning? Then out to the car? Maybe to the mailbox and back? Nice work: You’ve already done something great for your waistline. A study in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise found that the more miles women covered each day in a brisk walk, the more their body mass indexes decreased. And the health benefits don’t end there. Even small increases in activity, like a heart-pumping 20-minute walk each day, can up your odds of living longer by 16% to 30%, reports a study in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition. Walk even longer, and experts say the perks and pounds lost will multiply. Intrigued? We’ve got easy calorie-torching routines, plus ab moves and gotta-get-’em shoes to get you…

FROM THE KITCHEN SUSAN WESTMORELAND FOOD DIRECTOR “We love the easy trick below to remove strawberry leaves, no paring knife or huller required. It’s even fun for kids. Bring on berry season!” FOLLOW US @ghtestkitchen #GHHACK Hull, yes, there is a faster way to prep strawberries. Just insert a plastic straw through the bottom center of the fruit, then push out the green stem. Remove and repeat. You’ll be blending, baking and snacking in no time. straw + berry = genius! LOCAL FLAVOR Premium ice cream maker Häagen-dazs teamed up with food artisans from around the country to create six flavors (mmm, Applewood smoked caramel Almond, Banana rum Jam…) inspired by their handcrafted sweets. Scoop up a pint before summer’s end! $5.29 for 14 oz., haagendazs.us MARGARITA MASTER Think of…

YOU COULD WIN For a chance to win the custom scent pack on page 28, go to goodhousekeeping.com/mayperfume. And for a shot at the earrings on page 36, go to goodhousekeeping.com/maybling. No purchase necessary to enter or win. Sponsored by Hearst Communications, Inc. Beginning April 20, 2015, at 12:01 A.M. (ET) through May 20, 2015, at 11:59 P.M. (ET), go to goodhousekeeping.com /mayperfume and/or goodhousekeeping.com/maybling, respectively, on a computer or wireless device and complete the entry form pursuant to the on-screen instructions. Important notice: You may be charged for visiting the mobile website in accordance with the terms of your service agreement with your carrier. Odds of winning will depend upon the total number of eligible entries received. Open to residents who have reached the age of majority and are…

$ GH* AIRBRUSHED FOUNDATION This GH Seal– holding cream base goes beyond coverage of redness, blemishes and spots—it actually evens out your skin’s surface and helps tamp down facial fuzz. Lab Notes Its combination of silkening Olay serum, stay-put polymers and a smoothing silicone disk applicator (the pink orb above!) refines skin texture for a flawless-looking finish. CoverGirl Ultra Smooth Foundation, $13, drugstores CHAMELEON COVER-UP The ultimate multitasker, this concentrated yet blendable liquid pigment can act as a concealer or as a full-cover foundation. It also mixes well with other makeup to adjust coverage, and with face and body products to create a custom tint that hides whatever you’d like (we tested with serums, lotions, creams and even oils). Lab Notes “It enabled me to lighten up and use my…

$ STRAND SMOOTHER Hair oil that’s not oily? Look no further than the new dry oil sprays. Lab Notes They offer the shine-boosting, smoothing benefits of natural oils like argan and jojoba in “silky yet dry-touch light mists that work even on fine hair.” Bargain: Ogx Renewing Argan Oil of Morocco Weightless Healing Dry Oil, $8, Walmart. Splurge: Alterna Bamboo Smooth Kendi Oil Dry Oil Mist, $25, sephora.com $ AT-HOME COLOR Mimicking pro salon techniques, this kit treats roots and lengths in two steps to achieve a uniform look. Lab Notes “The most salon-quality home color I’ve ever tried,” a tester raved. Others praised the “rich,” “perfect,” “beautiful” lasting coverage, which our Lab test confirmed. Vidal Sassoon Salonist Permanent At-Home Colour, $14, Walmart SALON SHADES Finally! Salon hair color with…

WHITENING DEVICE Add the included peroxide gel to your paste and click the built-in blue light to activate whitening. Lab Notes Ninety percent of testers saw whiter teeth after two days of using this electric toothbrush. Go Smile Sonic Blue Teeth Whitening System, $129, gosmile.com $ PRETTY PASTE A paste with real whitening power: It has a high level of the active bleaching ingredient hydrogen peroxide. Lab Notes Some testers’ teeth lightened a full shade in just three days. Colgate Optic White Platinum Express White Toothpaste, $5, drugstores $ $15 or less!…

Soft GINGHAM Popping up everywhere this season, the picnic table classic takes a sophisticated turn in subtle shades. Dress, Maison Jules, $89, macys.com. Bracelets, $28 each, oliveandpiper.com. Colorful ring, $39, stelladot.com. Ring, Kathryn’s own. Grown-up “TUTU” Swishy (and ultra-feminine) tulle is so en pointe with a chambray oxford and a cinched leather belt. Top, $69, zara.com. Skirt, $143, asos.com. Hoops, $9, shopprimadonna.com. Necklace, $218, goldphilosophy.com. Cobalt belt, $50, shopladybowtie.com. Bracelet, $4, and bar ring, $3, forever21.com. Turquoise ring, $58, suzsomersall.com. Shoes, Steve Madden, $99, lulus.com. ON LOCATION: Van Brunt Still house, Brooklyn Every spirit (whiskey, rum, grappa) sold by this Red Hook distillery is made in-house from scratch. Go online to schedule a tour. vanbruntstillhouse.com A shot of COLOR You can combine prints, stripes and brights! The trick is to…

HAVE A QUESTION? E-MAIL SARAH@GOODHOUSEKEEPING.COM. Sarah Richardson Home Design Director @SarahRichardsonDesign Q What’s the fastest, most affordable way to improve the curb appeal of our home? Add some color! Painting your front door is an easy and effective way to bring some wow factor to the front of your home without a huge investment of time or money. Most shades will end up looking great, but it’s important to take into consideration the exterior finish of your home. Choose a cool hue like blue, green or teal to help balance the warmth of red brick, or opt for a classic red or yellow to brighten up a home with a neutral finish. Here are a few of my favorite looks for this season. NEW TRADITIONAL A calming sage complements both…

UNBEATABLE PRICE This iron turns out fluffy, meltingly tender waffles—and it’s earned the Good Housekeeping Seal. Like pro irons, this one gets flipped during baking for even browning (a little more work, but worth it). Plus, its cheery red exterior will brighten your kitchen. Cooks Electric Ceramic Flip Waffle Maker, $60, jcpenney.com BELGIAN BELLS & WHISTLES Fans of superthick waffles can select the type—Belgian, classic, chocolate or buttermilk—and desired degree of doneness, from 1 (light) to 12 (dark). An LCD timer counts down the minutes to “Done,” and a moat catches excess batter before it can drip out. You can even hit the A Bit More button when you want your waffle just a wee bit crispier. Breville Smart Waffle, $200, brevilleusa.com TOP PERFORMER No fancy features here—just perfectly crisp,…

1 BRING A GIFT (OR SEND ONE LATER) It could be something for the house, your hosts or the family (home-baked muffins, upscale soaps, a game). Or, treat your hosts to dinner out or cook a special meal. Also an option: If you come up with an idea while you’re there, mail the gift to them with your thank-you note. 2 HELP OUT WITH HOUSEWORK Offer to lend a hand, unless your hostess insists that you “just relax.” (You can still be a great guest by talking with her while she works or entertaining the kids.) Remember to keep your room and bathroom tidy and your belongings out of the way. No one likes a messy guest. 3 KNOW WHEN IT’S TIME TO GO There’s truth in the classic quip,…

KNOW-IT-ALL SOIL SENSOR Edyn Garden Sensor, $100 (iOS only) Not sure where to sow the spinach seeds? Pop this tool into the dirt, and it’ll report on nutrition, moisture and available sunlight (via the app) and suggest what to plant where. You’ll also get alerts when plants need watering and fertilizing. It runs on sunshine (of course). WEATHER WATCHER Blossom, $199 The device, which works with your existing in-ground sprinkler system, adapts to weather reports. (Expecting a shower? It will turn sprinklers off.) You’ll save on your water bill and never overwater or underwater again. SMART FEEDING Miracle-Gro LiquaFeed Universal Feeder, $16 Busy gardeners, rejoice: Fertilizing is now as simple as turning on the water. The system attaches to an outdoor faucet, then dispenses the right amount of fertilizer. Use…

HOW IT WORKS We consider Downy Wrinkle Releaser Plus a godsend here at the Institute. The magic of its smoothing power is in a proprietary (hush-hush) blend of chemical compounds that coat and relax fibers. QUICK RESULTS Ripples disappear as fabric dries, in about five to 10 minutes. Just spritz, tug and—presto!—it erases wrinkles, removes odors from clothing and bedding and eliminates static. BEST USES It’s most effective on lightweight to medium-weight fabrics, like pillowcases and light cotton clothes. For deeply wrinkled or heavier fabrics (e.g., denim, drapes), use it in addition to ironing. As a water-based formula, it’s not recommended for dryclean– only materials like silk and rayon.…

Here’s a fun experiment: Ask your husband/boyfriend/dad to show you his palms, and then see if his ring fingers are longer than his pointer fingers. Men with this digit combo (it stems from above-average testosterone levels in the womb) are sweeter to women than most other men, finds research in Personality and Individual Differences. They tend to bestow more compliments and refrain from sarcasm, says lead study author debbie Moskowitz, Ph.d. Why do they act this way? Moskowitz says in utero experiences may affect the brain’s organization, which could have a lifelong impact on behavior. Whatever the reason, isn’t it nice to know when you’re in good hands? Thanks, science. *Source: The Vision Council…

GH TRAINER ON CALL Latreal “La” Mitchell FOLLOW ME @latrealmitchell @latreal_mitchell 1 FIGURE 4 STRETCHES HIPS, GLUTES Lie on your back with knees bent, feet flat on floor. Cross right leg over left, resting right ankle on left thigh. Reach forward to link fingers behind left hamstring. Gently hug leg toward belly (as shown). Hold for 30 seconds, then switch legs. AM I DOING IT RIGHT? You should feel a stretch in your hips and glutes and the top leg’s hamstring. If not, press your elbow into the top leg’s inner thigh to open your knee wider. BEGINNER TIP If you can’t reach the floor, bend your knees. 2 INCHWORM STRETCHES GLUTES, HAMSTRINGS, CALVES Stand with feet hip-width apart and gradually bend forward at waist until palms touch floor about…

TREADMILL LOOK FOR: A lightweight, flexible shoe that bends at the base of the toe. TEST IT: Pull the toe backward; the shoe should give a little at the ball of the foot. BUY IT: New Balance 1745, $120, newbalance.com TERRAIN LOOK FOR: A contoured sole with grooves and a sticky grip. Avoid mesh uppers: Webbing may collect dirt. TEST IT: Twist the shoe as if wringing out a towel. You should feel light resistance. BUY IT: Altra Superior 2, $110, altrarunning.com PAVEMENT LOOK FOR: A sturdy, durable fabric “upper” (especially around the heel) and a shallow tread. TEST IT: Squeeze the heel from both sides; it should feel firm, not pliable. BUY IT: Vionic Venture Walker, $100, vionicshoes.com + CHOCOLATE? NO, THANKS. A 15-MINUTE WALK CAN HELP YOU EAT…