Good Housekeeping May 2019

Last night I was chatting with my dad about a ring I have that used to belong to his father, mentioning that I rarely go anywhere without it on. My dad’s comment was “Well, he is responsible for 25% of you.” Whether you think DNA determines our character or believe environment and experience are more important, most people agree that some combo of these likely determines our futures. So if I am onequarter my Grandpa Francisco, then two women I think of almost every day — my grandmothers, Emilie Guignard Hayhoe and Priscilla Collard Francisco — account for half of what makes me me. Both my grandmas are now gone, yet their imprint on my life is undeniable, and it remains constant. How these two very different women lived informs…

I’ve been so touched by the amazing people who tirelessly run The Floating Hospital (TFH), a medical clinic that offers free health care to homeless moms and their kids. That’s why we partnered with TFH to make this adorable tote (I use mine at the beach!). TFH has been serving families for over 150 years, and the hospital actually used to be a boat! The stunning vintage images below are from their archives—yes, that’s Elizabeth Taylor visiting the boat in the ’70s. The hospital is privately funded by people like you and me, and literally every little bit makes a difference for these families! let’s connect INSTAGRAM @janeseymourfrancisco…

TURN IT INTO SALSA… Toss 2 rhubarb stalks and 2 small Persian cucumbers (both cut into ¼-in. pieces), 1 jalapeño and ½ small red onion (both finely chopped) and ½ cup cilantro (chopped) with 2 Tbsp lime juice and ½ tsp salt. Serve over grilled chicken, fish or steak. …OR SYRUP In large saucepan, bring 1 lb rhubarb (chopped) and 1 cup each sugar and water to a boil, then simmer until rhubarb is broken down, 25 min. Let cool 5 min., then strain and let cool. Add to club soda or use in cocktails. GH TEST KITCHEN TIP: The stalks vary in color, but it doesn’t affect the flavor! Save your reddest stalks for recipes where color is important, such as the syrup, and use the paler stalks where…

eat “In addition to the good taco trucks in the city, Boca is my go-to for when friends come to visit. I’ve never met a Boca taco I didn’t like. Mercado San Agustin is home to a variety of shops and restaurants that’ll give you a taste of the Southwest. While you’re there, be sure to try the pan dulce from La Estrella Bakery.” shop “Bon sells a carefully curated collection of items ranging from clothing to unique planters to kitchen and entertaining ware. They even have a section of stylish goods for kids.” explore “What do you come to the desert to see? Cactuses, of course! At Saguaro National Park, you’ll be surrounded by some of the tallest ones in the nation. Also check out Barrio Viejo, a neighborhood…

WHAT THEY ARE Many spas now provide a private shallow tub of salty water in which you float, usually naked, for 60 to 90 minutes. Often it is enclosed so as to keep out light, noise and other stimuli. An hourlong session can cost from $49 to $125. THE CLAIM Users say seeing and hearing zilch lets the mind reach a deep meditative state. “It’s said to help induce a brain response that allows for lower stress levels and eased muscle tension,” says Tiffany Lowe-Payne, D.O., assistant professor of family medicine at Campbell University School of Osteopathic Medicine. EVIDENCE Early research suggests that a floating session may boost athletic recovery and regular soaks could ease anxiety, but for everyday people, it’ll mostly just feel nice. BOTTOM LINE “There are many…

LOCATION “Think about where you are. While it’s fine to use a chunk of bread to mop up sauce at a friend’s house, this may be frowned upon at a nice restaurant,” says U.K.–based etiquette and wedding consultant Jo Bryant. MESS FACTOR “French fries you dip in sauce or a slice of crispy pizza can be eaten by hand, while fries covered in sauce or pizza laden with toppings requires a fork,” says Bryant. “But when it comes to burgers, embrace the mess!” WHEN TO USE BOTH According to Emily Post’s Etiquette, if part of the handheld food you’re enjoying—say, pastry topping or some filling from a taco or sandwich—falls on your plate, switch to utensils to polish it off.…