Indholdsfortegnelse for Jan-15 i Good Housekeeping

Time WELL SPENT THIS MORNING, I finally made it to Pilates — which doesn't happen all that often. If you're anything like me, the struggle to fit fitness into your schedule continues to dog you, no matter how many times you've resolved to make it a priority. I try not to beat myself up too much over it, though, because I do make time for other really important things, like reading each night with my son, Grey. Lately we've been poring over the pages of the Little House on the Prairie series (who'd have thought an 8-year-old boy, growing up in the digital era, could be so entranced with the real-life story of a family homesteading in the 1800s?). When my mom read these to me as a kid, I…

Zhuzh up a casual sweater-and-jeans combo with a polished doctor's bag. $149, ninewest.com Furry, pettable fabric and deep pockets make this jacket posh and practical.$178, guess.com Spotted: snow leopard! This white-hot version of the traditional print feels so right now.$59, zara.com "A leopard pencil skirt's as versatile as your black go-to, but way more fun." — Kristen Saladino, fashion director Test-drive the trend with a fierce watch. $165, guess.com Turtleneck, $275, hautehippie.com. Coat, $199, zara.com. Skirt, $295, pinktartan.com. Anne Michelle shoes, $23, lulus.com. A hot shoe for a cold night — the dance floor (and a red pedi) awaits! $70, solesociety.com A sheer back takes this sweater for a walk on the wild side. Gap Factory, $55; gap.com for stores…

April Franzino Beauty Director @aprilfranzino try it BLUR CREAM These new gel-like creams "smooth" wrinkles and pores. Here's how to airbrush your skin: Time it right. Apply blur cream after skin care as the last step before makeup. (I like to dab it on as an afternoon boost, too.) Target issues. To temporarily blur wrinkles, place a bead of cream on each line. Dot larger beads on forehead, cheeks, nose and chin to address pores and uneven texture. Don't rub. Tap cream into problem spots with fingers. Let set for a few seconds. TRIED + TESTED Kiehl's Micro-Blur Skin Perfector, $35, kiehls.com. Lumene Bright Now Blur Line & Pore Minimizer, $20, CVS. Watch April demo at goodhousekeeping.com/beautyhowto. Q "How can I get my home haircolor to look more natural and…

WHAT YOU'LL NEED NESTING BOWLS $168 for three, luluandgeorgia.com You could also use baskets or any thin metal bowls — just choose three varying sizes. NYLON-CORD SET $29, westelm.com CLEAR BULB $5, homedepot.com TIN SNIPS $18, acehardware.com 1. CUT hole in base of bowl using tin snips — it should be wide enough to fit the light-cord end. 2. INSERT end of cord, where it will attach to bulb, into the hole. Screw ring attachment onto other side to secure. 3. SCREW bulb into end of cord, then attach to a power source and hang.…

Inspiring stories. great reads. everYday advice. WHEN DANIELLE DIETZ-LIVOLSI and her husband, Kevin, adopted their son Greg from Ukraine in 2002, they were concerned about how malnourished he was. Then 3?, Greg "was a little peanut," Danielle recalls, "the size of an 18-month-old." His pediatrician told her to feed him protein, so she tried, serving him beef and chicken at mealtime. But after having been raised on porridge, "Greg didn't like the texture of meat," she says. A lifelong creamy peanut butter lover, Danielle thought Greg might like it, too. So she began experimenting with making her own to feed him. Then a radio sales rep, Danielle was also a passionate home cook who regularly read books on food and nutrition. That was how she discovered that peanuts were an…

GH's manners expert helps you sail through life with kindness, style and grace Q I was tagged in unflattering FB photos, and I'd like them taken down, not just untagged. How can I ask nicely? Ask clearly, firmly and pleasantly — preferably by phone or face-to-face, since it's easier to convey a kind tone that way. Tell the person, "I hate to bother you, but I really dislike those photos you posted of me. Can you please remove them from Facebook? Thanks!" And if the person still wants to keep the photos up, ask that she crop you out. GYM CHEAT SHEET What to do when someone is… HOGGING A MACHINE Is there a time-limit policy? Then politely remind her of it (or flag a staffer). No rule? Say: "Could…

BRILLIANT BAG This sleek tote multitasks as much as you do: With one swift zip, it transforms from a yoga-mat carrier into a roomy gym bag. Lara Yoga Mat Bag, $80, lolewomen.com LAYER WEAR Hitting the trail or the slopes? No sweat — this full-zip hoodie has you covered. It wicks away moisture to keep you comfortable and dry, whether you use it under another jacket or on its own. Trail Crush Sporty Hoodie, $65, columbia.com SWITCH-IT-UP HANDLES Strength training is key. And using bands makes it easy —they're light, flexible and portable. We love this option; changing the bands lets you match the resistance to your fitness level. Sklz Quick Change Handle, $12, and Training Cable, from $8, sklz.com Best buds! HIGH-TECH HEADPHONES This set of Bluetooth earbuds tracks…

Reach your get-slim goals with our favorite trackers — all vetted by the GH Institute MYFITNESSPAL Android, Apple & Windows, free WHY WE LOVE IT It's the most intuitive and comprehensive tool we tested; no other choice allows you to track food and fitness so easily in one place. HOW IT WORKS Use the food and exercise logs to record eating and activities. With a built-in database of over 4 million items, it keeps track of everything and provides a detailed summary of calories consumed and burned. STANDOUT FEATURE It syncs with fitness apps and devices by Nike, Runtastic, Apple, Jawbone, RunKeeper, Fitbit and Adidas as well as MapMyFitness. ACCOUNTABILITY Inviteyour friends for a little healthy competition and encouragement. Joining with a pal can lead to twice as much weight…

SCIENCE IN YOUR POCKET How many calories are in that chocolate chip–banana loaf? Will my avocado ripen before Sunday's party? What's that pill on the counter — aspirin or ibuprofen? Get instant intel by scanning it with the Scio, the first handheld molecular spectroscope for consumers — think of it as DIY CSI. It uses near-infrared (NIR) light to analyze an item and zaps info to a phone app, which then gives a read-out. For now, it decodes food, pills and plants, but soon it'll work on other items. Scio, $249, expected to ship in March 2015 ANALYZES:      • calories      • fat grams      • carb grams      • protein grams…

THEY'RE LIKE SNOW BOOTS FOR YOUR CAR! Winter tires are made to withstand the cold and grip snowy, slippery surfaces. Consider springing for a set if you commute in extreme winter weather (snow, sleet, ice) or if temperatures in your area often dip below 42°F — cold temps decrease the elasticity of the rubber of all-season tires, which reduces traction. Below, four things you need to know about winter wheels. Tiny pores can suck up H20 and ice on the road for better traction. 1 THEY GRIP THE ROAD Their rubber stays flexible in the cold for extra traction. Sipes (tiny cuts) add "biting edges," which help the rubber stick to snow for better grip. 2 THEY'RE CUSTOMIZED FOR YOUR CLIMATE There are lots of choices — some best for…

IT'S 12:15 P.M. on a Wednesday, and Jillian Michaels is antsy. At a Starbucks not far from her home in Malibu, CA, she's stuck behind a slowpoke ordering coffee. "My mom says, 'Honey, patience is a virtue.' Why isn't 'hurry up' a virtue?" she deadpans. Her kids with partner Heidi Rhoades — Lukensia, 4, and Phoenix, 2 — "have improved me a little. But impatience is one of my tragic flaws." You'd think that since she left The Biggest Loser, Jillian would have had more time to spare. Nope. "The minute I wasn't on the show, it opened up a lot of opportunities," she says of the many projects she's already begun, like taking her "Maximize Your Life" tour to Australia and the U.K., launching a Kmart clothing line and…

ONE-WEEK MEAL PLAN Turn to page 126 for the SuperCarb Diet 7-Day Meal Plan featuring these recipes and more delicious, dietitian-approved menu ideas. SPICED BANANA-CHOCOLATE MUFFINS Carb Stars: Oats, Whole Wheat Page 123 FRUITY YOGURT PARFAIT Carb Stars: Oats, Brown Rice, Buckwheat, Millet, Amaranth, Quinoa Page 122 WILD RICE & SPINACH EGG BOWL Carb Stars: Brown Rice, Quinoa, Oats Page 122SOUTH OF THE BORDER BREAKFAST WRAP Carb Stars: Sprouted Wheat, Millet, Lentils Page 122 "BBQ" PORK WITH SWEET POTATO SALAD Carb Star: Sweet Potato Page 123 SUPERCARBS 101 What Are Supercarbs? They're an A-list group of complexcarbs that includes: SUPER GRAINS: 100% whole wheat,buckwheat, oats, quinoa, brown rice, millet, amaranth. SUPER STARCHES: squash, sweet potato, lentils, pumpkin, parsnips, beans (black, navy, pinto, edamame, chickpeas). What makes them "Super"? Unlike simple…

PALEO A favorite of CrossFit fans, the "Caveman Diet" asks you to eat like a hunter-gatherer (read: high protein; no processed foods, dairy, grains or legumes). Steak Pizzaiolo In 12-in. skillet, heat 1 Tbsp. olive oil on high. Season 2 (1-in.-thick) boneless top loin beef steaks (1½ lbs.), trimmed, with ¼ tsp. salt. Cook steaks 3 min. per side or until browned; transfer to plate. Reduce heat to med. Into skillet, stir 1 med. red pepper, very thinly sliced; 1 med. onion, thinly sliced; 1 can (14 oz.) diced tomatoes; and ⅛ tsp. salt. Cover; cook 5 min. Return steaks to pan. Cook, uncovered, 3 to 5 min. for med.-rare, or as desired. Slice steaks; serve over lightly dressed greens. SERVES 4 About 440 cals, 39 g protein, 13 g…

BREAKFASTS Wild Rice & Spinach Egg Bowl CARB STARS: brown rice, quinoa, oats TOTAL 5 MINUTES Nonstick cooking spray 1 lg. egg 2 c. packed baby spinach 1 container (1 c.) Minute Rice Multi-Grain Medley 1. Spray 12-in. nonstick skillet with nonstick cooking spray;heat on med. To 1 side, add egg; cook 3 min. Sprinkle egg with 1/8 tsp. black pepper. Then, to other side of skillet, add spinach and pinch salt. 2. Cover; cook 3 min. or until spinach wilts and egg white sets. 3. Heat rice as label directs; top with spinach, then egg. SERVES 1 About 305 cals, 14 g protein, 47 g carbs, 10 g fat (2 g sat), 9 g fiber, 530 mg sodium. South of the Border Breakfast Wrap CARB STARS: sprouted wheat,…

FASHION FINDS. BEAUTY SECRETS. STYLE FOR LESS. Transform a sparkly brooch into a glam hair clip: Just slip bobby pins over the clasp and onto hair. It's the perfect accent to the side twist seen on the fall/winter runways, which is "quick and easy and works on most hair types," says Harry Josh, John Frieda international creative consultant in New York City. Pull a two-inch front section of hair from one side, twist it back above your ear and pin. Pin, $112, lulufrost.com.…

WORK Mix those textures! The flowy silk bow-tie blouse softens the toughness of the pleated faux-leather skirt. And the blue and brown color combo exudes sophistication. Skirt, $79, zara.com. Top, $54, loft.com. Cuff, $45, isaacmizrahi.com. Clutch, $138, calvinklein.com. Shoes, $130, tjmaxx.tjx.com. EVENING A neutral sweater and a printed midi take all the guesswork out of a dressy winter outfit. Up the ante with a blush coat and strappy heels. Skirt, $35, hm.com. Sweater, $50, gap.com. Coat, $129, zara.com. Bag, $248, calvinklein.com. Jessica Simpson Collection shoes, $89, macys.com. WEEKEND The stripes on this cozy turtleneck are the perfect amount of print for this twirly tulle skirt. Make the look more modern (and comfy) with studded flats. Skirt, $172, showmeyourmumu.com. Top, $69, massimodutti.com. Bracelet, $6, forever21.com. Bag, $95, angelaroi.com. Shoes, $155, rowenfootwear.com.…

$16 This mix of 12 natural oils, including argan and apricot, deeply nourishes skin, but won't clog pores. Yes to Blueberries Age Refresh Face & Neck Oil, Target $25 Sweet-scented hand salves with anti-aging grape seed oil from Bordeaux vineyards. Caudalie Small Harvests Hand and Nail Cream Trio, us.caudalie.com $25 A trio of fancy glosses in red, champagne and fuchsia for a fraction of the usual price — you'd normally pay $20 for just one! Jouer Bisou Bisou Limited Edition Lip Gloss Trio Gift Set, jouercosmetics.com $8 A spritz of this finishing mist, laced with subtle gold flecks, makes a party 'do shine. Joico Gold Dust Shimmer Finishing Spray, loxabeauty.com $6 Stay hydrated on the run with this totable, no-spill shea butter–and-aloe moisturizer for face and body. E.L.F. Studio Daily…

GH's decor expert answers your questions and shares her secrets for creating spaces you'll love Sarah Richardson Home Design Director @SarahRichardson Design Q HOW DO YOU DECORATE A WALL WITH A BUSY WALLPAPER PATTERN? I suggest letting the bold print be the star of the show! Keep additional artwork sparse and simple: A small collection of simple white plates, for example, won't overpower the paper's design. A mirror hung on the wall can also add a nice sparkle, and candle wall sconces can help create a warm ambience — all without competing with that fabulous wallpaper you've put up. Q I like the look of chrome and clean lines, but I know I should work in other materials to temper the look. What's the correct mix? Your instincts are good…

IF I HAD KNOWN THAT every day I would lose a piece of Jason, a lot of our days might have been different. Maybe I would have not cared so much about the small stuff. Treasured each moment. Loved him more. But I just didn't know. The first time I saw Jason, he was playing the guitar in the band at church at our college. I was a freshman and he was a junior. He was really cute; he had these big blue eyes and great dimples. We went on a weekend retreat with our youth ministry group, and I came back thinking he was so funny. Afterward, I wrote in my journal, I think I met the guy I want to marry. Jason was so romantic; he'd buy me…

THRILLER The Girl on the Train by Paula Hawkins ($27) WHAT IF SOMETHING you witnessed while staring out of a train window had the power to change people's lives — and put yours in danger? It's a scenario expertly imagined in The Girl on the Train, by first-time novelist Paula Hawkins. Rachel, a lonely 30-something divorcée who is almost always nursing a wine hangover, rides the train to London every day from her sleepy suburb, looking out at the world that is passing her by. The train stops daily at a signal near her old house, still occupied by her ex-husband, Tom, who is now remarried to his former mistress, Anna. By virtue of the route, Rachel is forced to notice the signs of their happy life, such as…

And it will love you back! You'll eat 55% fewer treats and exercise more, finds new research. Here, fun options to try at home: BANG, BANG Air drumming is a blast and burns cals, too. LIVING ROOM DANCE PARTY Celeb trainer Anna Kaiser (she works with Kelly Ripa) brings her dance-based program to you. Her new DVD features high-energy, easy-to-follow cardio and strength training set to great music. Happy Hour, $25, aktinmotion.com GAME ON FOR SWEATING Tell your kids it's your turn to play Xbox. This Blu-ray disc's fun workout games use Kinect to sense movement. Exercise with friends or record workouts and compete against yourself. Shape Up, $60, shop.ubi.com ROCK-OUT WORKOUT Channel your inner Keith Moon with this fast-paced jam session, which uses drumsticks for added resistance. Think aerobics,…

GH Trainer On Call Latreal "La" Mitchell FOLLOW ME @latrealmitchell @latreal_mitchell Jump-start a slim new you with this exclusive workout that tightens and tones from head to toe — plus expert cardio ideas to speed up your results! THE PLAN YOU NEED A pair of three- to eight-pound weights (yoga mat optional). STEP 1 Do 2 sets of these moves in order, three days a week on alternate days. STEP 2 Add 10 to 20 minutes of your favorite cardio at least twice a week — or try our treadmill ideas, opposite. 1 SKIER SWING WORKS GLUTES, HAMSTRINGS, HIPS Stand with feet hip-width apart, knees bent slightly, a dumbbell in each hand. A. Push hips back and bring dumbbells slightly behind you. B. Quickly thrust hips forward, squeezing glutes as…

THE CLAIM These machines supposedly clean and soften — without detergent or fabric softener! A device (which hooks up to the machine's cold-water line) infuses water with oxygen particles, creating ozone and other agents with alleged cleaning power. THE TEST Our Home Care Lab applied 19 stains (from grass to ink) to cotton fabrics, washing with and without stain remover. We compared the three systems' results with fabrics washed with detergent and in cold water alone. We also checked towel softness and used sardine oil to assess odor removal. THE VERDICT A washout. The devices didn't zap stains any better than plain water. While Wash It removed odor best , it didn't beat detergent. All left towels softer than water did, but not as soft as detergent and softener combined.…

BY THE HOME ELECTRONICS & ENGINEERING LAB It's the number one exercise machine sold in the U.S., but not every model walks the walk. GHI engineers assessed 14 treadmills for safety, speed, power and more. These are our five standouts, one for every budget TOP TECH PICK HORIZON ELITE T9 HOW IT STACKED UP: While this model is an investment, it's super-solid and worth the money. The display's scenic routes practically transport you to, say, the Northern Rockies. Thanks to built-in Wi-Fi, you can log exercise stats and sync data from devices like a fitness tracker on viafitness.com. Testers found its high-tech bells and whistles easy to use, and its five-year parts warranty means you can pound it daily with no worry about wear and tear. $1,999 HANDLES They're rubberized,…

ANDY He produces the Fox show and plays hotshot detective Jake Peralta — he snagged a Golden Globe for the role! The funny guy cut his comedic teeth in his seven years on Saturday Night Live. Remember his viral video spoof of Beyoncé's "Single Ladies" with his buddy Justin Timberlake? Worth. YouTubing. Now. MELISSA You may recognize the show's breakout star from her soap opera days on One Life to Live, but in the fictional Brooklyn precinct, the New Jersey native is more silly than serious as Detective Amy Santiago, Jake's rule-abiding, overachieving partner on the force. ANYTHING BORDEAUX This wine–inspired hue, the season's It color, makes a faux- leather midi skirt look luxe. Tuck in the top to define your waist. Skirt, $90, oasis-stores.com. Calvin Klein top, $69, Lord…

DELICIOUS RECIPES. NEW COOKING TOOLS. EASY PREP TIPS. The countdown to yum is on: These crowd-pleasers take only 10 minutes to make! PRETZEL WANDS Line cookie sheet with waxed paper. Melt 6 oz. white or milk chocolate candy melts as label directs. Pour into tall, narrow glass (we used a Champagne flute). Dip two-thirds of each pretzel rod into candy, letting excess drip off; sprinkle with edible gold and silver stars or sugar pearls. Place on prepared sheet. Wash glass immediately so candy doesn't harden in it. Let pretzels stand 1 hr. or until set. Makes 12.…

1 CUT a toilet paper tube in half. (A paper towel roll works, too — cut in quarters and use two.) 2 COVER the pieces with wrapping paper or construction paper, securing on one end with festive ribbon. 3 FILL from the other end with playful prizes and treats like bells, toy animals, pom-poms and stickers. 4 SECURE the open end with an additional piece of ribbon. Pull at both ends to crack.…

Born: 1971 Lives in: Calabasas, CA; New York City Hometown: Baltimore What's new: Catch her in the Fox comic book–inspired TV drama Gotham Lives with: Hubby Will Smith; kids Trey, Jaden and Willow HOUSEHOLD CHORE I ACTUALLY ENJOY: BIGGEST HOUSE DISASTER: BEFORE COMPANY ARRIVES, I HIDE: MOST RECENT MUSIC DOWNLOAD: THE LAST THING I BOUGHT ONLINE: I HATE TO SHOP FOR: I'D GIVE THE GOOD HOUSEKEEPING SEAL. FAVORITE FAMILY RITUAL: I SLEEP IN: I SLEEP ON: I HAVE A STYLE CRUSH ON: WHAT'S UP WITH THE TREND? I'M CURRENTLY READING: HOW DID I EVER LIVE WITHOUT……

DISCREET DETANGLER Slip it in your wallet with your credit cards — the other side's a mirror. Go-Comb in Brass Leaf Mirror, $16, go-comb.com outside inside out EASY SMOKY EYES Glide the rich kohl pigment along lashlines. It never needs sharpening! Maybelline Master Kajal Eyeliner, $8, drugstores REVERSE-A-PURSE A super twofer: Take this tote from solid and polished at your desk to pretty and printed out for drinks. $98, echodesign.com FACE TINT TO GO This twist-up stick may look like mini deodorant, but it actually holds tinted moisturizer to swipe on anywhere with no mess. Marc Jacobs Beauty Smart Wand Tinted Face Stick, $42, Sephora ONE-TOUCH SHOPPING An app that shows what's trending and lets you buy anything from clothes to couches to cup holders all in one place. Keep…

Go ahead, live in your black leggings! Comfortable has never been more fashionable Trench coat, $128, gap.com. Fruit of the Loom sweatshirt, $11, walmart.com. Leggings, $60, gap.com. Sunglasses, $19, fantas-eyes.com. Lulu by Lulu Guinness bag, $70, jcpenney.com. New Balance shoes, $100, zappos.com. Karlie Kloss YES, SNEAKERS! $70, reebok.com Adidas shoes, $120, footlocker.com Nike shoes, $100, zappos.com chicer than flats! PRETTY SPORTY Runway trends like bold florals are now popping up on gymwear Jacket, $128, lululemon.com. Pants, $69, beyondyoga.com. Headphones, $200, wearefrends.com . Bag, $170, saturday.com. Puma shoes, $70, zappos.com. Vanessa Hudgens gym bag or purse!…

DESIGNER HOME OFFICE Fashion icon Cynthia Rowley makes desk accessories chic with her new line, exclusively at Staples, featuring moody florals and other stunning prints. $10, staples.com GOOD NIGHT'S REST Bedtime gives back with Crane & Canopy's Linden Purple Collection — sheets and a portion of proceeds are donated to domestic violence shelters. $30 to $200, craneandcanopy.com GEO SPACE-SAVER Take clutter off the counter with a geometric catchall wall pocket. $9, cb2.com QUICK HOW-TO PRETTY PEGS Screw L-hooks (found at hardware stores) into a plywood plank. Attach wooden beads to the tops of hooks with hot glue. Paint with your favorite shade of polish for an extra dose of color. DIY DISPLAY L-hooks topped with wooden beads that are painted with nail polish (brilliant!) transform a piece of wood into…

GH's stain-busting expert shares her fixes for household dilemmas and life's little "oops" moments Q I've heard that laundering clothes in cold water saves money. But don't bath towels and underwear require hot water?— Janet Arnow Going from hot water to warm can cut energy use and cost by over half — and going to cold saves even more. Now, technically, water must be 140°F to 150°F to kill bacteria. But water that hot may also shorten the life span of the material. Luckily, it's not just heat that cleans, but also detergent and the motion of a garment. So for lightly soiled items (even towels, assuming they've been used to dry a clean body!), using cold water is fine, as long as your detergent was designed for cold-water washes.…

IN YOGA CLASS, of all places, I'm having a hard time feeling present. For starters, I've worn the wrong clothes. I've gained a few pounds (all right, 10), so my V-neck T-shirt and sports bra are too tight. There is a very real possibility that one or both breasts could burst forth during downward-facing dog. But my thoughts are mostly on my 16-year-old daughter, who is here on the mat beside mine. This solo time with her is rare. She has drifted so far into her sports and art and friends lately that I hardly see her anymore. I know this is as it should be. Still, it seems as if only moments have passed since she was a baby and we were spending our afternoons not in exercise class,…

HEALTH BREAKTHROUGHS. FUN FITNESS. DIET TIPS. A surprising new reason to strength train Lifting for just 20 minutes may improve memory by 10%, finds a new study from Georgia Tech. Researchers think temporarily stressing muscles using bands, dumbbells, machines or your own body weight releases hormones that benefit memory. So strength training right after trying to memorize something (say, key talking points for a presentation) could make you more likely to retain the info. Check out page 61 for a brain-boosting, body-firming workout.…

NEED TO KNOW A SHOCKING HEALTH RISK FOR WOMEN Over the past 20 years, the prevalence of stroke in women under the age of 55 has tripled, reveals USC research. The massive spike is likely due to our ever-expanding waistlines, which can lead to high blood pressure, the main cause of stroke. The good news: You can slash your risk with a few healthy tweaks, suggests a Swedish study. It found that women who followed the habits below — all of which help lower blood pressure — were half as likely to have a stroke as those whose lifestyles were less healthy. 5 WAYS TO LOWER YOUR STROKE RISK 1 Avoid or quit smoking. 2 Stick to moderate amounts of alcohol: roughly two to seven drinks per week. 3 Keep…

1 KEEP EACH OTHER IN CHECK The simple strategy behind GH's Girlfriends Diet: Get faster results by losing with a friend. In fact, dieters who team up with a partner who successfully loses weight can drop twice as much as those who diet alone, confirms a Brown University study. BOTTOM LINE: Experts say that if a buddy is checking up on you, and you on her, you can guide each other through the rough spots. It's like an extra dose of willpower! 2 AMP UP THE FUN FACTOR Recruiting a friend to lose weight with you turns dieting into an easy way to socialize more often. Plan a coffee-and-workout date with your girlfriend, for example, or train for a charity walk or run together. When you get tickets to see…

It's the Cadillac of sweater materials for good reason: "Cashmere goat fibers are warmer, lighter and more durable than sheep's wool," says our Textiles Lab pro Lexie Sachs. And, of course, it's soft as butter. But if you're going to spend a small fortune on a sweater, you want to get your money's worth. Here's Sachs's buying advice for a sweater that will stay as good as new for years. CARE TIP: Store cashmere sweaters folded in a drawer — not on a hanger, which can cause dents and sagging. "I fold mine inside out so the outer fabric stays protected," says Sachs. CHOOSE 100% CASHMERE While a blend (listed on the sweater's label) may cost less, it's more likely to pill or shed: A blend twists together fibers of…

IT'S HOT STUFF: Induction cooking is faster and safer and uses less energy than electric or gas. Because range makers are embracing the technology, you'll see prices dropping (but still expect to pay about $1,000 more than you would for a traditional range). How does induction function? Food starts cooking instantly in the pot, even though the cooktop never gets hot. A current flows through a copper-wire coil beneath the cooktop's surface, producing an electromagnetic field that "induces" cookware to heat up. On an electric or gas cooktop, the elements heat up and transfer heat to the pot — induction cuts out the middleman. Pretty cool! THE BOIL TEST Our Kitchen Appliances Lab compared induction, gas and electric ranges to see which could boil six quarts of water fastest. The…

JUST PAPER IT! Set the tone by covering a simple piece of wood in a graphic or patterned paper. OPT FOR SLIM LAMPS Tall, sleek lamps in a solid neutral color complement a statement headboard without competing for attention. MIX UP THE PILLOWS Cultivate a modern, relaxed feel with mismatched pillows — a variety of sizes and fabrics is key! BRING IN A BENCH Place a long, low coffee table or bench at the foot of your bed. It's the perfect spot for showing off your favorite books and special collections. ADD GOLD ACCENTS Inject polish into the room with glam accessories like ornate gold leaf side tables and rich metallic tones. COOL Elegance Rich fabrics, wintry neutrals and a marbled pattern create a luxe oasis. HEADBOARD HOW-TO: 1. Begin…

WHAT WE'RE EXCITED ABOUT THIS MONTH MAGIC POWDER The secret ingredient your fave dishes have been waiting for: a jar of ground porcini mushrooms. Add their delicious, earthy flavor to pasta sauces, stews and rubs. $17 for 5.6 oz., dartagnan.com DRINKING GAMES Shake things up at your next party: Set out the spirits, mixers and garnishes featured on these wooden dice, then have guests roll to create the best cocktail for the crowd. Who knows, they could invent the next Cosmo! $16, cocktaildice.com WORLD'S SMALLEST COOKIES! We found 'em — and yes, they're just as chocolatey as the big guys. If you're like us,you'll be tempted to eat 'em by the handful. $14, jkchocolate.com actual size FIESTA IN A FLASH These tortillas are the next best thing to homemade —…

FAT CAT (OR DOG) More than half of the U.S. feline and canine population is overweight or obese, a survey from the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention has found. So how do you tell if your pet is pudgy? Ernie Ward, D.V.M., founder of the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, gave us three simple at-home tests: Stroke the ribs. You should easily feel bones under a thin layer of fat. Look at your pet from above. The body should be hourglass-shaped, thinnest at the waist (unlike the flabby tabby at right). Inspect your pet's profile. When standing, the belly should tuck up at the hind legs, not lie flat. If your animal fails, use these tips and tools to help him shape up… GET-FIT GEAR FOR PETS A CHUCKIT THAT…