Indholdsfortegnelse for Feb-15 i Good Housekeeping

MY DAD HAD A sweet tooth and grew up eating his mother's fabulously decadent goodies. When I was only 8, his mother (my grandma) passed away, and my mom worked really hard on recreating his childhood favorites. My grandmother didn't leave any written recipes, so each baking experience was an attempt to get as close as possible to the original. My brother and sister and I would wait with glee to see my dad's reaction to the offering of the day: strawberry cream pie, banana cream pie, butterscotch pie (we've not yet been able to replicate that one). My mom also liked to experiment with new recipes, and one of the desserts I remember most is a heart-shaped cake we all helped her make for Valentine's Day. This recipe was…

GH's beauty guru sifts through the latest buzz to help you look (and feel!) your prettiest April Franzino Beauty Director @aprilfranzino DIY LIP "FACIAL" Exfoliate winter's dry skin and get soft, kissable lips with an at-home version of Bliss Spa's Fabulips treatment from SoHo pro Nandi Wagner. 1. SCRUB To smooth, rub lip scrub on with a finger, in a circular motion, for 30 seconds; remove with a warm cloth. Mix 1 tsp. each brown sugar and olive oil, or try Tarte Maracuja Lip Exfoliant, $16, Ulta. 2. MASK Spread on a soothing lip mask — combine 1 tsp. yogurt with ½ tsp. honey, or try Bite Beauty Agave Lip Mask, $26, Sephora. Leave on for five minutes; wipe off with a cloth. 3. TREATMENT Pack in moisture with a…

WHAT WE'RE EXCITED ABOUT THIS MONTH ON THE HOME FRONT… Sarah Richardson Home Design Director "I may be bundled up here on a chilly site-check day, but I'm dreaming of all the color and creativity a new season can bring. Below, our favorite picks to help you spring forward." COLORFUL COLLAB Now you can bring Kate Spade Saturday's signature floral print home, thanks to a new collaboration with West Elm, debuting this month. $599, westelm.com MINI MAKEOVER Transform any dresser or cabinet with a set of pretty colored crystal knobs. Instant upgrade! $15 and up, emtek.com ALFRESCO A.M. Bring the outdoors in by moving a bistro table inside for a charming breakfast spot. BENEFICIAL BINS Far & Wide Collective items, like these sisal baskets, score you design do-gooder points —…

Q I bought a pair of jeans with a tag that says the color bleeds. Is there any way the color can be "set" so that it won't rub off on light-colored upholstery? — Alice T. There really is no way to "set" color on new jeans. In the old days, people would use a strong solution of vinegar and water, or even salt, to try to set jeans' color, but today's dyes don't respond the same way. What you can do: Before wearing them, wash the jeans several times in cold water to rinse out any loose dye that may rub off. (Turn jeans inside out so they won't rub against other items, and wash with other dark clothes.) You could also treat them with a fabric-protector spray (found…

GH's manners expert helps you sail through life with kindness, style and grace Peggy Post Etiquette Expert Q After we left a store, I discovered that my toddler had pocketed a toy. How should I handle this? First, have a talk and explain, without shaming him, what stealing is and that it's wrong. Plan a return to the store with your child, and rehearse what he'll say: "I'm sorry I took this. I'm giving it back." (Prep the manager beforehand, to keep things discreet.) Afterward, praise your son for doing the right thing. Your loving support can make this a positive life lesson. ETIQUETTE IN THE NEIGHBORHOOD How to handle… A NOISE COMPLAINT (E.G., LOUD TOOLS) Ask them to observe reasonable quiet hours (10 P.M. to 8 A.M. is a…

EDITORS' PICKS HEALTH SMARTS… LAURIE JENNINGS DEPUTY EDITOR "I love the feel-good power of fresh air and exercise. Can't wait to take my nephew out on the slopes for the first time! " FOLLOW ME @laurieajennings FITSPIRATION Nothing says "Hit the gym" like a cool new pair of sneaks in a chic graphic print. New Balance X Kate Spade Saturday Collection, $95, newbalance.com SNAP & GO! BRILLIANT BRA Monitor your heart rate without a chest strap. Most wireless heart rate sensors will snap right into the bra band — or use this sensor, which syncs to your smartphone via the Adidas MiCoach app. Adidas MiCoach Seamless Sports Bra, $55, and Adidas Bluetooth Smart Heart Rate Monitor, $60, numetrex.com WHAT WE'RE EXCITED ABOUT THIS MONTH STEALTH HEALTH If you're a fan…

Get the Gear: Bra, lululemon.com. Pants, beyondyoga.com. Shoes, reebok.com. Watch, puma.com. GH Trainer On Call Latreal "La" Mitchell FOLLOW ME @latrealmitchell @latreal_mitchell EVER WONDER how a pro trainer works out? La showed us her best can't-live-without-'em moves. When she's short on time, she turns to this fast, effective firm-up to target everything (and we do mean everything) from her ponytail down to her Reeboks. For best results, do the circuit three times, three days a week. 1 PUSH-UP WORKS ABS, CHEST, ARMS Start in a modified push-up position on your knees, with wrists directly below shoulders (as shown). Lower torso until your chest hovers above the floor. Pause, then return to start. Do 10 reps. FIT TIP Keep your belly button pulled in to engage your abdominals. 2 SUPER SQUAT…

INSIDE THE GOOD HOUSEKEEPING INSTITUTE Outages happen — but a generator can save the day! What to consider before the blizzard hits 1 PORTABLE OR PERMANENT? If you'd like to power the basics but not spend a bundle, go for a portable model, which you can set up by yourself for around $1,000. (Budget for gasoline or propane to fuel it, too — typical gasoline usage is seven gallons for 10 hours.) A permanent model will cost you around $1,900 to $5,000-plus and requires professional installation (which can cost as much as the generator itself). But it turns on automatically, and there's no need to hook up appliances. 2 WATTAGE NEEDS Generator sizes are based on wattage. Use our chart below. 3 THE RIGHT CORDS A portable model should sit…

INSIDE THE GOOD HOUSEKEEPING INSTITUTE FROM OUR HOME APPLIANCES & CLEANING LAB Our Appliance and Cleaning experts share loading strategies, top Lab-tested models and detergent tricks that'll leave your dishes sparkling FULLY LOADED The debate over the best way to load the machine ends here. Follow these tested tips from the GH Institute's cleaning pros, Carolyn Forté and Michaelle Exhume. UTENSILS GO UP AND DOWNForks: prongs up. Spoons: some up, some down to avoid nesting (a.k.a. "spooning"), which makes them harder to clean. Knives: blades down for safety. STOP SPOTS Nestle glasses between tines — if they go over them, drops may dry where tines touch glasses; also, glasses can shift around and crack. FACE DISHES INWARD Load with the dirty sides facing the center, where the spray is the…

PRIME SEATING Match an L-shaped banquette with a rectangular table to maximize seating, then pile high with pillows and cushions in an easy-to-clean fabric, like a cotton blend, for an inviting eat-in area. Designer Amber Lewis chose stark white cabinets with a clean profile — they blend in with the wall and keep the space open. "Have a big bedroom? Transform the extra space into a relaxing seating area." — DESIGNER AMBER LEWIS UPHOLSTER AN OTTOMAN WITH A RUG Yes, a rug! Lewis used vintage carpet and a sleek metal base to give new life to this thrift-store ottoman, which doubles as an eye-catching coffee table. SUNNY SANCTUARY When privacy isn't an issue (hello, wall of greens!), use sheer, gauzy curtains to allow light to pour through patio doors. KEEP…

GO-TO CLASSIC Every would-be Julia Child needs a roast-chicken dish in her cooking repertoire, and this simple dinner will always impress. Rosemary-Lemon Roast Chicken Preheat oven to 475°F. In lg. roasting pan or rimmed baking sheet, toss 1 lb. carrots, cut into 2-in. lengths, and 1 lb. fennel bulbs, trimmed and thinly sliced, with 2 Tbsp. olive oil and ¼ tsp. salt; spread in single layer. Arrange 8 sm. chicken pieces (drumsticks and thighs), patted dry, on top of vegetables. From 2 lemons, grate peel all over chicken. Sprinkle chicken with 2 Tbsp. loosely packed rosemary leaves and ½ tsp. each salt and pepper. Thinly slice lemons and place on top of chicken. Roast 30 min. or until vegetables are tender and chicken is cooked through (165°F). SERVES 4 About…

SECRETS FROM HOLLYWOOD'S HOTTEST ANIMAL TRAINER Meet Brandon McMillan: He trained the tiger in The Hangover, coaches canines on his TV show Lucky Dog and even taught Ellen DeGeneres's dogs to sit (and stay). Here, he breaks down the top three mistakes he sees dog owners make and gives us expert tips to get any pup on track When guests arrive, your dog goes bonkers. NEW TRICK You have to be 49% animal lover and 51% trainer. Doing nothing rewards bad behavior. Put a handful of pennies inside an empty water bottle, and when your dog starts barking, shake the bottle and say, "Quiet." The strange noise will get his attention and snap him out of protective mode. Continue this for a week or so, and he'll settle down without…

THE JOGGER Comfy (drawstring waist! roomy fit!) has never been so darn cute. Consider these the favorite "sweats" you can actually wear out of the house. Jeans, $165, joesjeans.com. Jacket, $34, and top, $27, forever21.com. Bag, $35, lulus.com. Sam Edelman shoes, $130, zappos.com. THE NEW TROUSERS Fool them at the office with jeans that sure look like pants, thanks to their tailored cut and concealed zippers and buttons. Troa jeans, $225, barneys.com. Jacket, $268, usa.frenchconnection.com. Top, $80, saturday.com. Necklace, $12, shopprimadonna.com. Clutch, $34, lulus.com. Shoes, $99, guess.com. TUXEDO BLING Nothing boyish about a boyish cut when it has so-right-now sparkly side stripes. Petite? These will give you legs for days. Jeans, $339, paige.com. Blazer, $195, aritzia.com. Top, $77, lulus.com. Necklace, $65, krisnations.com. Clutch, $22, forever21.com. Shoes, $75, solesociety.com. THE GIRLFRIEND…

You brace your car to brave the elements. Well, your skin requires winter prep, too. Think of these beauty tricks as insurance for a hydrated, glowing complexion all season — and beyond 1 AVOID (HOT) WATER Nothing sounds better than a steaming hot shower on a cold day, but hot water is actually the enemy of dry winter skin. "Too much water, especially hot, causes increased evaporation of your skin's natural hydration," says dermatologist Anne Chapas, M.D., medical director and founder of Union Square Laser Dermatology in New York City. On your face, minimize skin's contact with hot water by using one of the new "micellar" cleansers — gentle liquids swiped on with a cotton round to lift off grime and makeup, no rinsing required. On your body, swap parching…

GH's decor expert answers your questions and shares her secrets for creating spaces you'll love Sarah Richardson Home Design Director @SarahRichardsonDesign Q My dining room has very traditional furniture and decor elements that are family heirlooms — how do I incorporate them without making the room seem too formal? Don't be afraid to mix and match your more traditional pieces with contemporary ones to achieve a look that feels balanced and very you. To start, try bringing in chairs that hit a more modern note, as I did with the striped ones below. Hanging a playful piece of art is another easy way to loosen up your living space . A blown-up horse portrait is an unexpected twist that keeps the room from feeling too stuffy. Q What is…

INSPIRING STORIES. GREAT READS. EVERYDAY ADVICE. Rifle Paper Co.'s Anna Bond is building a booming stationery business, one pretty brushstroke at a time From left: the invites Anna designed for her wedding; company products; Anna WHEN HER MUSICIAN BOYFRIEND, Nathan, popped the question in 2008, freelance illustrator Anna Bond couldn't wait to create their wedding invites. "A few friends had asked me to do theirs for their weddings. I loved designing something that fit their personalities," Anna says. "Our reception was going to be full of color. I wanted the invites to reflect that." She painted a vibrant portrait of Nathan and herself. "Guests loved them!" Within days of posting pics of the invitations on Flickr, Anna received dozens of e-mail requests from brides-to-be. With her inbox bursting, she began…

FABULOUS READS. AUTHOR INTERVIEWS. BOOKWORM FUN. In his latest, pop-lit king Nick Hornby imagines a Brit Lucille Ball NOVEL Funny Girl by Nick Hornby ($28) WITH HIS BELOVED 1990s novels High Fidelity and About a Boy, author Nick Hornby made his reputation channeling the inner lives of emotionally paralyzed male protagonists floundering at work and in romance. But his first book in five years is the story of a woman who knows exactly what she wants out of life, no dithering about it. Sophie Straw is a working-class girl living in 1960s England whose dream is to become Britain's answer to Lucille Ball. Witty, clever and blessed with a "large bust, blonde hair and big, fluttery eyelashes," she wins her hometown's beauty-queen title, moves to…

Q If my blood pressure is normal, do I still need to worry about salt? Sadly, yes. But I'm less concerned about the salt you're adding to meals than I am about the sodium you may be consuming unknowingly. About 11% of our daily sodium intake comes from a salt shaker, 12% is from food's natural contents and a whopping 77% is in the form of sneaky sodium bombs in restaurant and processed foods like some sodas, baked goods, cured meats, soups and sauces. So even if you don't have high blood pressure, chances are your diet contains more sodium than the Tolerable Upper Intake Level (UL), 2,300 mg per day — most Americans consume 3,300 mg! A diet that's high in sodium puts you at risk for a number…

IN THE WINTER OF 2012, LeAnne Bonser thought she had the weirdest cold. The 35-year-old Richmond, VA, mom had recently run the Marine Corps Marathon with her husband, Justin, 37. Both had finished in less than four hours, and LeAnne was still easily running five miles a day — six, if she could fit in the extra mile before picking up her younger daughter from preschool. But she also had a cough that would not quit for a month. Around Presidents' Day, she went to a local urgent-care center. A doctor there ordered a chest X-ray, which revealed congestion in LeAnne's right lung. He diagnosed pneumonia and prescribed antibiotics. "She didn't seem sick, so that was sort of a bombshell," Justin says. A far bigger one was about to fall…

INSIDE THE GOOD HOUSEKEEPING INSTITUTE FROM OUR ENGINEERING LAB Sealing leaks and insulating can save you 10% or more. Our experts tell you how 1. DETECT LEAKS INCENSE TEST Turn off the furnace and water heater; turn on exhaust fans. Hold a lit incense stick by windows, outlets, etc. If smoke blows sideways, you likely have a leak. LIGHT TEST At night, shine a flashlight on door and window frames; if the person on the other side sees light, you may have a leak. Also a sign: You can slip paper into the crack. THERMAL LEAK DETECTOR Ones like the Black & Decker TLD100 ($30) read surface temps of walls, doors, etc. If the reading is a lot colder than the air, you've got a leak. 2. DEAL WITH DRAFTS…

DAYTIME SPARKLE Shimmer before dark is a thing! But if you're afraid you'll be mistaken for a disco ball, limit the glitz to your accessories. A glittery clutch and silver pumps make a casual look insta-glam. Obey jacket, $171, lulus.com. Top, $49, designhistoryny.com. Skirt, $24, forever21.com. Necklace, $59, anntaylor.com. Bracelet, $4, forever21.com. Nila Anthony clutch, $34, lulus.com. Shoes, $23, cicihot.com. A SKIRT WITH FLOUNCE This full, knee-length style is forgiving and fabulous, especially in neon pink. Add red pumps (yes, red — the combo works because red and pink are so close on the color wheel). Then tame the girliness with a neutral, like this white knit top. 1.State sweater, $88, lordandtaylor.com. Skirt, $295, pinktartan.com. Umbrella, $89, davekny.com. Bracelet, $8, forever21.com. Bag, $33, amiclubwear.com. Shoes, $130, isaacmizrahi.com. COLOR-BLOCKING Pair two…

Slow-braised beef ragu page 129 3-bean sweet potato chili page 130 GET EVEN MORE SUPERCARB RECIPES AT GOODHOUSEKEEPING.COM/SUPERCARB. Gingery meatball soup page 130 Tuscan Veggie stew page 130 Tomato-Quinoa soup page 131 Chicken & Bacon Chowder page 132 Chicken Soup 5 WAYS 1 classic CHICKEN NOODLE page 132 2 Tortellini en brodo page 132 3 tex-mex page 132 4 lemony Greek page 132 5 coconut-lime page 132 saucy creole shrimp page 133 PROP STYLING BY CARLA GONZALEZ-HART FOOD STYLING BY CHRISTINE ALBANO…

Slow-Braised Beef Ragu PREP 15 MINUTES TOTAL 10 HOURS 15 MINUTES 3 stalks celery, cut into lg. chunks 1 med. carrot, cut into lg. chunks 1 med. onion, cut into lg. chunks 4 cloves garlic, peeled 1 Tbsp. olive oil 1 beef chuck roast (3 to 4 lbs.), trimmed and cut into quarters ¼ c. tomato paste 1 can (14 oz.) diced tomatoes, drained 1 c. dry red wine 2 sprigs fresh rosemary 1 lb. pappardelle or curly egg noodles, cooked Finely chopped fresh parsley and grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish 1. In food processor, pulse celery, carrot, onion and garlic until finely chopped, scraping down side of bowl occasionally. 2. In lg. skillet, heat oil on med.-high until hot. Sprinkle beef all over with ½ tsp. each salt and…

Born: 1969 Lives in: Los Angeles Hometown: Everett, MA Lives with: Hubby (and music producer) Chris Ivery; daughters Stella, 5, and Sienna, 6 months What's new: Ellen is back as Meredith Grey for the 10th anniversary of Grey's Anatomy YOU'LL ALWAYS FIND IN MY FRIDGE RECIPE I'M SCARED TO TRY: FAVORITE FAMILY RECIPE: BEST THING I ATE THIS WEEK: FAVORITE BOARD GAME: BIGGEST HOUSE DISASTER: I'D DO ANYTHING TO AVOID I'M CURRENTLY READING: MY SECRET CLEANING WEAPON IS: HOW DID I EVER LIVE WITHOUT: I STAY FIT BY: I HAVE A STYLE CRUSH ON: I NEVER LEAVE THE HOUSE WITHOUT: I DRIVE: WHAT'S UP WITH THE TREND? IS THE NEW BLACK PARTY TRICK:…

STYLE FILES… Lori Bergamotto Style Director "We're on TV…at a mall near you! Keep an eye out for our new GH video series, All Good Things. I'll take you behind the scenes on cover shoots plus give shopping tips and how-tos!" FOLLOW ME @loribergamotto WHAT WE'RE EXCITED ABOUT THIS MONTH BUILDABLE BAUBLE It's a stud! It's a cluster! It's a drop earring! Mix and match the pieces, and it's all three. $49, stelladot.com ADD ON LINKS FOR A NEW LOOK! CURVE-HUGGING RAZOR No more nicks: Its handle rotates slightly, letting it move around the tricky contours of knees and ankles. Venus Swirl Razor, $13, drugstores A SWEET SPLURGEFor Valentine's season, this peony-vanilla perfume comes with either a dozen roses or a box of Dylan's Candy Bar Belgian chocolates! Ralph Lauren…

$1 That sad old emery board's got nothing on this cheery file. Tropical Shine Trendy Nail File in Chevron, sallybeauty.com $3 Each single-use face mask purifies and nourishes with plant and fruit extracts. Nügg Beauty Deep Cleansing Face Mask, nuggbeauty.com $14 Drop a natural oil–packed tab in the tub for suds and softening that rival a spa soak. Lather Bath Fizz in Vanilla & Almond, lather.com $10 Smooth stubborn rough patches (elbows, knees, heels) with this tropical cocoa butter salve. Yes to Coconut Head-to-Toe Restoring Balm, Target $6 The nubs on this argan oil–infused soap act like a therapeutic masseuse. The Body Shop Wild Argan Oil Massage Soap, thebodyshop-usa.com $6 Exfoliate dry, scaly skin with this rich sugar–shea butter body scrub. Bodycology Toasted Sugar Exfoliating Sugar Scrub, Walmart $10 The…

1 DESIGNER DIGS Jonathan Adler, who's known for pops of color and happy prints, is behind the new rooms at Eau Palm Beach Resort and Spa. eaupalmbeach.com 2 POSH PERCH This Hans Wegner wishbone chair willturn the corner of any room into the hot seat. $220, agmodern.com 3 LIGHT ON, MAN A patterned accent makes this lamp the perfect mellow dose of yellow. $154, wayfair.com 4 NAILED IT Swap out your basic nude mani for something a bit bolder. Walking on Sunshine by Deborah Lippmann, $18, nordstrom.com 5 GOLDEN GLASSWARE Playful citrus dots add a dose of fun to mealtime. $7, fishseddy.com 6 SUN-KISSED SATCHEL A colorful cross-body bag is an eye-catching sartorial statement — tuck in the strap to create a clutch! $125, theoutnet.com 7 SUNSHINE by Benjamin…

PICKING UP THE PIECES OF A BROKEN HEART THE PHONE RANG. It was my daughter. "Mom," she said, her voice wavering, "can you come get me?" "What's wrong?" I asked. "Cole and I are finished," she said. She started crying. My heart broke for her. They'd been dating for over a year. He was her best friend. They recited Monty Python sketches to each other. When they made each other laugh, it was like dolphins having a party. They were 11. "Oh, sweetie," I said. I told her I was on my way. My daughter is the youngest of three, the only girl. She has dark brown hair, baby-thin and wavy, and dark brown eyes. When she was born, her eyes were open wide, as if intent on the world.…

That daily pop habit might be aging your cells by five years, suggests a new study from the University of California, San Francisco. Researchers found that healthy adults who regularly drink 20 oz. or more of sugar-sweetened soda per day have shortened telomeres (the tiny caps on the ends of your chromosomes that protect DNA). Scientists use these to gauge cellular aging, and it turns out too much sugar may cause them to deteriorate. If you crave a fizzy fix, try a refreshing Berry Tea Fizzler instead: Mix two parts brewed, chilled raspberry tea with one part lemon-lime seltzer. Serve with a lime wedge. HEALTH BREAKTHROUGHS. FUN FITNESS. DIET TIPS.…

1 GET HOT AND SWEATY Ahem — exercising together, that is. Working through something as a couple (like training for your first race or mastering a dance move) helps deepen your connection, says Victor Harris, Ph.D., a University of Florida professor of family and relationships. Research also shows you'll put in greater effort and be more committed to your routine when you hit the gym à deux. 2 GO TO BED ANGRY Yep, you read that right! When you're tired, it's easy to say and do things you don't mean that could damage your relationship, says Harris. Instead, table the discussion for the next day so a conflict won't escalate into an argument you might regret later. Waking up rested can provide you with the distance and perspective you need…

From the experts at the Good Housekeeping Institute TESTED IN OUR TEXTILES LAB THIS SHIRT HAS YOUR BACK! Companies are rolling out products aiming to banish bad posture — and the pain that comes with it. From trackers that vibrate when you slouch to clothes that hold you in alignment, spinal-health aids are having a moment. We tested the Posture Shirt 2.0, vetted by docs and plenty of research. Bands keep shoulders back and get noticeably tight when you slump, training muscles to hold proper form. Most testers found it comfortable and a great tool for posture awareness (though some found the high neckline limited what they could wear over it). Several said it even eased back pain. AlignMed Posture Shirt 2.0, $95, alignmed.com (also in white and white/gray)…

INSIDE THE GOOD HOUSEKEEPING INSTITUTE Our experts ran tests and crunched data — a big congrats to these products for earning the iconic GH Seal DYSON ALLERGY VACUUM This clever upright does double duty! Not only does it "suck" in all the right ways, but it also comes with an allergen-trapping HEPA filter so only clean air is expelled. The bottom-emptying dust bin means less mess at the trash can. (Certified by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America.) Ball Allergy Upright, $499, mass-market retailers NIVEA IN-SHOWER BODY LOTION If only someone wouldinvent a lotion you could apply in the shower that would hydrate skin for 24 hours, with no greasy residue. Done! Lotions in Nivea's new line form a protective, moisturizing seal when they hit wet skin . Our…

She's funny and fierce, and her career is on fire. BUT THERE'S A SOFTER SIDE TO MINDY KALING. In a candid interview, THE OFFICE ALUM AND CREATOR of TV's The Mindy Project opens up about growing up shy, holding out for true romance AND LOSING HER MOM TO CANCER: "She was my soul mate" MINDY KALING is a lot of things. Smart. Outspoken. Hilarious. Self-deprecating. "Impatient, hotheaded," she pipes up, tacking on a couple of flaws. But there's one thing the lady is not, and that's a diva. Bare-faced and dressed down in a sweater and harem pants on a recent Thursday night, the prime-time star puts it bluntly. "I was going to blow-dry my hair and put on makeup for you," she says, picking at…

FROM THE KITCHEN… Susan Westmoreland Food Director "In my house, Valentine chocolate rules! I package hot fudge sauce, chocolate conversation hearts, praline brownies and more for 'my boys.' " FOLLOW US @ghtestkitchen WHAT WE'RE EXCITED ABOUT THIS MONTH EAT BUGS …as long as they're dark chocolate truffle Love Bugs flavored with raspberry and strawberry! $15 for four pieces, moonstruckchocolate.com SMART SCALE Toss the measuring cups! With Drop, a kitchen scale connected to an iPad recipe app, just add an ingredient to your bowl and see onscreen when you've put in enough. Short on butter? It'll adjust the recipe. And the app includes GH recipes. $100, getdrop.com DATE NIGHT, DELIVERED! Plated's boxed-meal kit subscription helps you dish up a romantic dinner. Six meals, $24 (for GH readers' first order), plated.com/goodhousekeeping DOWNTON…

CREATIVE ACTIVITIES. KIDS' PROJECTS. FUN, FUN, FUN. 1 Sunflower Seed Butter, Raspberries, Granola 2 Low-Fat Vanilla Yogurt, Strawberries, Almonds 3 Hazelnut-Chocolate Spread, Mini Marshmallows 4 Raspberry Jam, Butterscotch Chips 5 Hazelnut-Chocolate Spread, Heart Sprinkles 6 Raspberry Jam, Pecans, Mini Chocolate Chips 7 Nut Butter, Bananas, Dried Cranberries 8 Low-Fat Vanilla Yogurt, Toasted Coconut, Chocolate Shavings TOOLS FOR TOTS Little bakers will be even more excited with pint-size kitchen props tried, tested and adored by the experts in our Labs 1 This perfectly weighted mini pin glides easily over dough. Non-Stick Rolling Pin, $9, curiouschef.com 2 You get this silicone spatula plus a whisk and a spoon, all with petite chef handles, for one nice price. Joie L'il Kitch 3-Piece Bake Set, $10, kitchenkapers.com just like Mom's! 3 Clearly we approve…