Indholdsfortegnelse for March 2020 i Good Housekeeping

Breathe new life into odds and ends by transforming them into unique hooks. Hang a kitchen towel from a pastry cutter, keys from a brass figurine or a dog leash from a charming door knocker. Even an outdoor valve can get you sorted in style! 1 2 3 World Wildlife Day 4 5 6 7 8 Daylight savings time begins — spring forward! 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 March Madness begins 16 17 St. Patrick’s Day 18 19 20 Wooden Shoe Tulip Festival, Woodburn, OR 21 22 23 National Puppy Day 24 25 26 Big Ears Festival, Knoxville, TN 27 28 29 ABC Kite Fest, Austin 30 31…

Two hot topics everyone seems to continually crave advice about are organizing and sleep. No surprise: I’m someone who is obsessed with both. When shut-eye comes easily, you hardly think about it — but if you lie in bed staring at the ceiling, hoping for sleep to take over, and it doesn’t…frustration, anxiety and exhaustion ensue. The same idea applies to clutter: When surfaces are clear and everything is in its place, life just feels easier, but if you struggle to find a home for everything, it can be overwhelming. So when it comes to both sleep and organizing, we are too often faced with the joy/frustration duality. You get it right…delight! When it’s not working…misery! Because these are pretty personal problems, the solutions also need to be personal. So…

Derived from wheat and grains like barley, azelaic acid claims to clarify skin by tackling everything from breakouts to dullness and uneven skin tone. LAB LOWDOWN “The ingredient reduces the look of blemishes and brightens skin’s tone by helping skin renew itself faster and killing the bacteria that can cause acne,” says Sheel Desai Solomon, M.D., a dermatologist in Raleigh-Durham, NC. Look for azelaic acid in over-the-counter skincare products and via prescription in higher concentrations. FIND IT IN: BLISS GREEN TEA WONDER CLARIFYING OVERNIGHT GEL MASK WITH AZELAIC ACID, $15, CVS…

Dress up your nails with party-ready glitter nail polishes in deep shades like navy, espresso and black that make sparkle sophisticated enough to transition from night into day. Pro tip: For the richest finish, paint on one layer of the same or a similar dark shade as a base coat first, then let it dry.…

It’s hard to argue with the growing number of headlines exclaiming that older women are having a moment. One of the most powerful people in the country is 79-year-old Nancy Pelosi; one of the highest-paid morning news show anchors, Gayle King, is 65; during 2019’s fall New York Fashion Week, a slew of designer shows featured models over 50. In our poll about aging and beauty, 63% of women at all ages said they feel more confident now than they did 10 years ago. In the halls of power, on our screens, on the runways and in our own homes, we are fighting back against the belief that women are diminished with each new candle on the cake.…

GH HOME CARE LAB DIRECTOR @fortecarolyn GH CLEANING LAB Q I used a laundry prewash spray on my jacket, and it left a stain. Why? — HALI P. — HALI P. A: Laundry pretreater is made to remove stains during the wash cycle, so it’s always best applied just a few minutes before tossing your garment into the machine. If allowed to dry on a fabric, it can stain. To remove the mark, try rinsing with cold water—that’s likely all it will take. Some stain removers, like Shout Advanced Action Gel, are safe to apply up to a week before laundering: The benefit is that they start to work right away and keep the stain from setting until you have a chance to do the laundry. Read the label to…

BABY STUFF We’ll acknowledge that it’s seriously sad to get rid of those old onesies. But if the clothes are in good condition, they can help a family in need. OLD GREETING CARDS Let yourself keep a few cards that are meaningful (especially if they’re from a now-departed loved one), but recycle the rest or use them for a craft. DVDS/CDS/VHS TAPES You could easily clear up space in your house by dumping movies that are available to stream and downloading your favorite CDs to your computer. (And no, they will not likely bring in money on eBay.) FORMER BEST SELLERS Pass your favorite bygone beach reads on to friends by holding a book swap. Or, find a Little Free Library—these mini shelves filled with books free for the taking…

1 REFRACTIVE ERRORS WHAT IT IS: Ask anyone with glasses or contacts! These are simply garden-variety nearsightedness and farsightedness as well as astigmatism (distorted vision at all distances) and presbyopia, which is the loss of up-close focusing ability (hello, reading glasses!). These issues happen when the eye can’t properly bend light as it enters. THE CAUSE: Being human, basically, although genetics, age and gender play a role. Women 40 and over experience 14% more refractive issues than men. HELP: Glasses, contact lenses or laser surgery. The National Eye Institute says 11 million Americans aren’t sufficiently corrected and would see a whole lot better if they were, so update your prescription. 2 CATARACT WHAT IT IS: Proteins in the lenses clump together into clouds, blurring vision. THE CAUSE: “When people get…

Comedian and The Talk co-host Sheryl Underwood has won major comedy awards, launched her own production company, and led powerful initiatives within her community—and she’s just getting started. “For women, this is our time. 2020 is all about us,” Sheryl says. “I want to stay as healthy as I can because there are other chapters to my journey. I want to enjoy it all!” Beneath Sheryl’s drive is a commitment to daily self-care—manageable lifestyle choices that give her the energy and focus to succeed. “I WANT TO SHOW OTHER WOMEN WHAT’S POSSIBLE. If they see me, they can say, ‘If she can do it, I can do it too.’”— SHERYL Q: WHAT’S THE SECRET TO “DOING IT ALL”? If you don’t take care of yourself, you can’t take care of…

FROM THE EXPERTS AT THE GOOD HOUSEKEEPING INSTITUTE 2020 BEST BEDDING AWARDS GH TEXT I LES LAB how we tested We assess everything from sheets to pillows to PJ’s and more with a combo of rigorous in-Lab testing using specialized equipment and extensive consumer feedback. Here’s some of what our experts look at: • Comfort• Durability• Fabric strength• Washability• Fit SHEETS: BROOKLINEN LUXE PILLOWCASES AND DUVET COVER IN STEEL, FROM $44, BROOKLINEN.COM. PILLOW: COOP HOME GOODS ADJUSTABLE PILLOW, $60, COOP HOMEGOODS.COM. COMFORTER: L.L.BEAN PERMABAFFLE BOX GOOSE DOWN COMFORTER, FROM $389, LLBEAN.COM. LEARN ABOUT THESE WINNING PICKS AND MORE!…

STANDOUT SUPPORT This Coop Home Goods pick comes with extra stuffing so you can tailor it to your exact needs. With a mix of memory foam pieces and microfiber clusters, it feels supportive and plush. LAB RESULTS Adjusting its fill is simple (albeit a little messy!), and we appreciate that you can decide on the right amount at home, in your own bed. COOP HOME GOODS ORIGINAL PILLOW, $60, COOPHOMEGOODS.COM UNBEATABLE VALUE Get two pillows for less than the price of one! AmazonBasics’s down-alternative options are machine washable, making them great for anyone suffering from allergies. LAB RESULTS Our experts say these are ideal for people who need a lower-profile pillow with less support, like stomach sleepers or kids. AMAZONBASICS DOWN ALTERNATIVE SOFT DENSITY PILLOWS, $23 FOR TWO, AMAZON.COM VERSATILE…

1 Superfirm Foam Great for adding support, Tempur-Pedic’s memory foam adapts to your body to relieve pressure; and it’s famous for reducing motion transfer, so you’ll be less likely to feel your partner tossing and turning. LAB RESULTS Reviewers raved about the dense three-inch topper. Plus, the cover is machine washable! TEMPUR-PEDIC TEMPUR-TOPPER SUPREME, $399 FOR QUEEN, TEMPURPEDIC.COM 2 Instant Feather Bed Transform your mattress into a supersoft pillow-top style with Parachute’s down-and-feather topper. If you’re allergic (or want to save some $), opt for the down-alternative version. LAB RESULTS We were wowed by the design—its two layers of fill and baffle box construction keep the fill evenly dispersed. PARACHUTE DOWN MATTRESS TOPPER, $359 FOR QUEEN, PARACHUTEHOME.COM 3 Sustainable Choice Avocado’s wool-and-latex topper is made with natural materials—without sacrificing quality.…

WE USED THE INSTANT POT! Game Day Ringer Wrap cocktail sausages in crescent roll dough, sprinkle with caraway seeds and watch these pigs fly off the app table. GH COOKBOOK SHEET PAN COOKING: 70 EASY RECIPES Hungry for more? We got you! Our new cookbook is packed with tips, tricks and amazingly tasty sheet pan supper ideas from the experts in the GH Test Kitchen. Get excited for yummy (and mess-free!) weeknight meals. $8.50, AVAILABLE WHEREVER BOOKS ARE SOLD Classic Diner Grilled cheese meets burger in this epically gooey griddled sandwich. FROM THE KITCHEN FLAVOR TIME SAVER We added garam masala, a premade blend of cumin, cinnamon and coriander, which packs on flavor with one shake. Roast Chicken 2.0 Removing the backbone from (a.k.a. butterflying or spatchcocking) a whole chicken…

WHY IT EARNED THE GH SEAL Cascade Platinum Dishwasher Cleaner impressed our home care experts with its unbeatable convenience, top cleaning power and more. 1 ODOR BUSTER Info collected in the GH Cleaning Lab shows that consumers often complain about unpleasant smells from their dishwashers—we’ve encountered them too. Use this pack monthly and, GH tests found, the problem will be gone! 2 BUILDUP ELIMINATOR The concentrated powder-gel formula is proven to remove lime scale, mineral deposits and grease, which can settle on the spray arms, the tub and parts you can’t see. If left untreated, dishes won’t get as clean. 3 PROVEN TRACK RECORD Cascade always tops our tests—it’s been a Lab go-to and a GH Seal star since 1984. Stock up on its detergent (we use it in our…

HAWAIIAN SANDWICH Create the sandwich version of a ham and pineapple pizza by topping pumpernickel bread with smoked ham, fresh mozzarella, thin slices of pineapple, thinly sliced jalapeño and fresh cilantro. It’s the perfect combo of savory, salty, spicy and sweet. TANGY SLAW In bowl, whisk together 3 Tbsp plain yogurt, 2 Tbsp lime juice, 1 Tbsp cider vinegar, 2 tsp honey and ¼ tsp each salt and pepper. Toss with 2 scallions (finely chopped), ¼ red cabbage (shredded) and ¼ pineapple (cut into ½-in. pieces). Fold in ¼ cup cilantro. Serve with grilled chicken, fish or pork. TROPICAL SYRUP In small saucepan, combine pineapple cores and ¾ cup each sugar and water. Simmer (without stirring) until sugar dissolves, 12 min. Remove from heat and let cool to room temp;…

CREATIVE CALENDAR “When I started bullet journaling after writing about it for GH last year, my life became 100% more organized. The method involves marking down to-do-list items, notes and events with different symbols so it’s easy to organize it all right there in one place. My ‘bujo’ helps me plan ahead; stay on top of tasks that pop up throughout the day without letting them derail my productivity; and feel less stressed about forgetting something. It’s a game changer, and now I don’t know what I’d do without it.” — Lizz Schumer, staff writer CLUTTER BUSTERS “I put all my purse essentials into little pouches so that whenever I want to switch up my bag, I just have to grab the pouches and my wallet.” — Jessica Teich, products…

STYLE TIP Make your office go-tos (like a pleated skirt or a fitted dress) more weekend-ready by pairing them with chill accessories like fun flats or a sporty jacket, says Kristen. OUTFIT MAKER sizzling sneakers EXECUTIVE FASHION DIRECTOR…

We all know a great night’s sleep is essential for feeling energized and alert (and for our overall health), but getting quality shut-eye can also help you look better in the morning — and beyond. “Rest is essential for repairing skin,” says Debra Jaliman, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City and the author of Skin Rules, giving it the opportunity to recover from damage caused by both external factors (i.e., UV rays and pollution) and internal ones (lifestyle habits like smoking and diet). “When we sleep, the level of our stress hormone, cortisol, goes down, and our sleep hormone, melatonin, goes up, which puts our body and our skin in repair mode,” explains Whitney Bowe, M.D., a New York dermatologist and the author of Dirty Looks: The Secret to…

The best-selling author’s novel Donna Has Left the Building will be out in paperback this June. In pictures from my earliest childhood, my grandmother looks like the Queen of England. She’s dressed in tailored wool suits with brooches, prim hats that match her pocketbook and sensible heels. Every week she had her white hair styled into an elegant meringue at the beauty parlor. I thought she was ancient, but at the time of the photos, she was only 55. Shockingly, this is the age I am now. (Same for Sandra Bullock!) I routinely stomp around in blue jeans, ankle boots and a red leather jacket. My hair is almost as long as it was in high school, and I do not think twice about wearing both sparkly nail polish and…

MEAGHAN B MURPHY EXECUTIVE EDITOR 1 Create the ENTRY of the century. GH’s resident life hacker (and busy mom of three!) Meaghan Murphy shares her familytested tricks for conquering the happy chaos. MEAGHAN’S MUST-DOS I swear by these sanity-saving tips. #thatsgoodhousekeeping HAVE A BASKET OF EASY-ACCESS SHOE COVERS. I first fell in love with these at an open house and bulkordered them on Amazon. Guests and workers never mind slipping them on once I go on a germ/shoe tirade. LINE A BOOT TRAY WITH RIVER ROCKS. On messy, wet days, it catches the drips and minimizes the mess. HANG A MULTI-HOOK RACK BY THE DOOR. We keep the dog leashes, keys and poop bags always within reach as we head out the side door. KEEP A LAUNDRY BAG WHERE YOU…

For years and years, my father and mother battled about cleaning out the house. She was a keeper and he was a thrower-outer. The huge walk-in closet in our guest room housed many of my art projects from elementary school, toys my brother and I played with as children, my amazing Barbie camper van, my Crissy doll with adjustable hair length. (It is important to note — for my mother’s legacy — that while she was a keeper, she was a clean and tidy one! The closets were jammed but thoughtfully organized and the living areas impeccable. The 35-year-old baby clothes were washed every other year to prevent musty odors!) Growing up in wartime Germany, my father became accustomed to minimalist living. He likes neat surfaces, ironed pajamas, closets from…

Self care has become so mainstream, there’s always another tip on how to take an active role in your health. One truly important area is missing—your eyes. Tip: see your eye doctor regularly for a checkup and make sure you have a comprehensive dilated eye exam—it’s the only way to detect and diagnose Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD). What is AMD? Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD) is a progressive eye condition that can impact central vision, causing difficulty conducting daily tasks such as driving, reading and recognizing the faces of loved ones1. It can destroy the macula, the part of the eye that provides sharp, central vision needed for seeing objects clearly. 16 million AMERICANS2 ARE IMPACTED WITH AMD AMD is a leading cause of vision loss in Americans age 50 and…

EYE INFECTIONS Toss that too-old eye makeup! Bacteria in your eyes can result in redness, itching, swelling, discharge, pain and/or difficulty seeing. Contact lens wearers, who may introduce germs as they insert the lenses, are at high risk, says Vatinee Bunya, M.D., codirector of the Penn Dry Eye & Ocular Surface Center and assistant professor of ophthalmology at the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine. DO: Replace mascara every three months to keep it free of bacteria. And take out contacts at night, Dr. Bunya advises, even if they’re labeled for long-term wear—sleeping in them ups your risk tenfold because it gives bacteria time to multiply. DON’T: Ignore infections—you may need Rx antibiotic drops. PINK EYE People commonly refer to any irritant this way, but the term refers to…

WHETHER YOU PULLED AN ALMOST-ALL-NIGHTER because your kid was sick, you couldn’t put down your awesome book or you were having an especially good time, the effects are the same. Just one night of spotty sleep can leave you with a number of unpleasant effects the next day. Acute sleep deprivation can result in: ✓ Irritability✓ Lack of focus✓ Reduced vigilance✓ Higher risk of accidents✓ Fatigue But that’s not only from getting little sleep — it’s due to a lack of deep sleep and REM sleep. They’re the last two sleep stages (out of four), and the ones crucial for keeping your body and brain functioning optimally. “Slow-wave (stage 3) and REM sleep promote memory creation and solidify things we’ve picked up during the day and store them,” says Camilo…

IF YOU’RE NOT DOING DAIRY for whatever reason, there are loads of choices for your coffee and granola. Soy and almond milks, of course, have been around for hundreds of years and are mainstays at coffee bars and grocery stores. And as more of us are going plant-based, the $10 billion-a-year business is projected to keep growing — great news for people who are vegan, lactose intolerant, trying to rely less on animal products or simply interested in tasting something new. But how do these alternative milks (which are generally made by soaking the ingredients in water, then blending and straining for a milky consistency) stack up nutritionally compared with cow’s milk? It depends on which you pick, but generally speaking, if you stick to versions made without sugar, they’re…

SHOP IN-STORE TRUSTED CRAFTSMANSHIP This Stearns & Foster is a true luxury bed. It’s designed with a unique innerspring system and dense memory foam for the best support. You can also customize your bed with three firmness levels and the option to add a built-in pillow top. LAB RESULTS The brand got raves from our panel, with the majority saying the mattresses were worth the price. It’s ideal if you want to buy in-store, but trial period varies by retailer. STEARNS & FOSTER LUX ESTATE CASSATT, $2,299 FOR QUEEN, STEARNSAND FOSTER.COM FOR RETAILERS ULTIMATE CUSTOMIZABLE SMART BED Sleep Number’s techy option has adjustable air chambers so couples can set each side to the preferred firmness. Control it from your phone, and if you move around overnight it’ll auto-adjust to maintain your…

1 Consider your sleeping position. Just as with mattresses, when shopping for pillows, think about how you sleep. Side sleepers need a thick, firm pillow; stomach sleepers require a soft, thinner one; and back sleepers should go for something in between. An easy fit test: When you’re lying down, your neck shouldn’t tilt in any direction. 2 Decide on fill. Next, think about what the pillow is filled with. Down is the fluffiest, but a down-and-feather combo will be firmer and less expensive. Down alternatives feel soft and, since they’re made with synthetic fill, are even more affordable. Memory foam is thicker and firmer. There are also hybrid ones that mix foam and fiberfill for the best of both. 3 Consider the care. While most styles are machine washable, some…

CLASSIC FLANNEL Ideal for chilly nights, L.L.Bean’s brushed cotton set retains heat to help keep you warm. Choose from different plaid colors and with plus, tall and petite sizes. LAB RESULTS In our Textiles Lab test, it outperformed other flannels. It held up well in our pros’ evaluations, and our testers rated these PJ’s softer than average. L.L.BEAN SCOTCH PLAID FLANNEL PAJAMAS, $70, LLBEAN.COM SWEAT-FIGHTING STYLE Lusomé’s cami-and-shorts combo doesn’t just look great; it also helps take the edge off night sweats, say GH testers. LAB RESULTS The winner of our recent Textiles Lab test, this luxe set was the best at managing moisture according to a specialized machine that uses synthetic sweat to analyze fabric. LUSOMÉ GINGER CAMI AND CARA SHORT, $64 EACH, LUSOME.COM EXPERT & EDITOR FAVORITE These…

COMFORT FOOD No-Cook Peanut Chicken Noodles Prep 20 min. | Total 25 min. 1. Place one 7- to 8-oz pkg. thin rice noodles in large bowl, cover with boiling water and let soak until tender, 7 to 9 min.; drain. 2. Meanwhile, in large bowl, whisk together ⅓ cup each peanut butter and rice vinegar, ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce, 2 Tbsp water, 1 Tbsp sriracha and ¼ tsp salt. Add noodles and toss to coat, adding more water 1 Tbsp at a time if noodles seem dry. 3. Fold in 2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast; 1 cup frozen shelled edamame (thawed); 8 oz carrots (about 2 large carrots, coarsely grated) and ¼ cup cilantro, chopped; toss to combine. Top with chopped roasted peanuts and additional cilantro if desired.…

RELATABLE ROMANCE Writers & Lovers by Lily King Casey is blindsided by grief after her mother’s sudden death, drowning in debt and barely making it through her days as a waitress and aspiring writer. As she struggles to finish her novel, she falls in love with two men who can offer her very different lives. More than just romance hinges on her choice, and you’ll hold your breath as she finally makes her pick. GRIPPING MYSTERY Darling Rose Gold by Stephanie Wrobel After Patty Watts goes to prison for slowly poisoning her 18-year-old daughter, Rose Gold, the teen has to learn how to navigate the world alone. Upon Patty’s release five years later, she expects to fall right back in line as her little girl’s keeper. But Rose Gold has…

FRESH MIST Put a little spring in your scent with a zesty, uplifting splash of grapefruit, orange blossom and (Tiffany!) blue basil. PLUSH FLUSH This sheer, watercolor-esque blush is suspended in a bouncy sponge: Dab it with your fingers or the included applicator, then tap on cheeks for an instant rosy brightness. HAIR HEALER Shake up this featherlight dual-phase mist (a cocktail of nourishing aloe juice, vitamin B5 and argan oil), then spritz all over your strands (damp or dry!) to detangle, soften, smooth and protect against damage.…

1 CLEANSE Not removing makeup and impurities that have accumulated by day’s end can cause pores to clog, which can bring on breakouts and dullness, yet 12% of women don’t regularly use any face cleanser, a GH survey found. As a first step every evening before bed, Dr. Bowe recommends washing with a “gentle pH-balanced cleanser, which won’t strip skin of its natural oils, helping your skin barrier stay intact and healthy.” LAB PICK: PURIFYING CLEANSER Clear away the day’s grime (and clear the way for night treatments) by lathering with this mild cleanser, a winner of the Lab’s test for leaving all skin types soft and not irritated. 2 TREAT Once your canvas is clean, layer on your skincare, like serums and creams. Before bed, apply a night-specific treatment…

Go easy on the foundation. “You want to even out skin, not totally cover it—too much foundation can look like a mask. Sweep on a minimal amount of lightweight, highpigment foundation. Buff with a big brush.” Draw the line at feathering. “A lip pencil is your best friend to keep color from bleeding. After penciling the shape, use a brush to apply lipstick. Then run a cotton bud around the edge of the lip to remove the hard line.” Know when to powder. “You need it only if you have oily skin—or if you’ll be taking a lot of flash photos. Lightly dust your T-zone. Avoid powder around your eyes.” Don’t be afraid of color. “There is no look you can’t do, but less is always more. Want to try…

DECOR TREND SLAB BACKSPLASH Instead of tiling the wall, use the same material under the cupboards as for the counters. GET THE LOOK: COUNTER + BACKSPLASH: GH SEAL STAR CAESARSTONE COUNTERTOPS IN EMPIRA WHITE. DECOR TREND CONCRETE INSPIRATION Get the look without the upkeep. New counter designs offer a textured and super durable finish without the fuss! GET THE LOOK: GH SEAL STAR CAESARSTONE COUNTERTOPS IN RUGGED CONCRETE. GH SEAL SPOTLIGHT Caesarstone’s virtually indestructible counters have been a staple in our Labs for almost 14 years. They’re nonporous and stain-resistant, making them very easy to maintain, and they’re backed by a lifetime warranty. CAESARSTONE COUNTERTOPS, $75 TO $125 PER SQ. FT. (INCLUDES INSTALLATION), CAESARSTONEUS.COM. Layer new technology into your kitchen… AT YOUR OWN PACE. Start with a “smarter” faucet (opposite…

Keep the best, toss the rest. Choose a few pieces from an overgrown collection to display. Christine Kell, a decluttering coach at Gaining Space, had one client who made art out of his stamp collection and another who sewed beads from her bridal gown onto another dress. Digitize your memories. Save papers you just can’t bear to part with (e.g., your master’s thesis or old love letters) on your hard drive or a file-sharing service like Dropbox. Take a picture of large items, like your grandmother’s sideboard (which, be honest, you are not going to use), to satisfy your sentimental side. Make this your new mantra: “I love this quote: ‘The barn’s burned down—now I can see the moon,’” says Kell. Remind yourself that you’re not casting memories and heirlooms…

An estimated 61 million of us are at high risk for serious vision loss, which ranks number one on the list of Americans’ worst health nightmares (it trumps fear of losing memory or even a limb), according to Johns Hopkins researchers. “The eyes have many delicate parts, so they simply don’t age very well,” says Irene Barbazetto, M.D., Ph.D., clinical instructor of ophthalmology at NYU Langone Health in New York City. That’s why regular checkups, including a dilated eye exam in which the ophthalmologist can look at your eyes’ inner workings, are key to spotting conditions that put you at risk.…

MUNCH ON VEGGIES. Carrots, squash and pumpkin are full of vitamin A, which is essential to eye health, Dr. Roth says, and dark leafy greens like spinach, kale and collards are high in the eye-friendly antioxidant lutein. GIVE UP SMOKING. Quitting lowers the risk of not only lung and heart disease, but also age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and optic nerve damage. WEAR SHADES. Even in winter it’s important to protect your eyes from ultraviolet rays, which can lead to cataracts and some cancers. Look for large lenses and 99% to 100% blocking of both UVA and UVB radiation. GRAB GOGGLES. Don safety goggles or eye guards for any sport using a ball or any time you are using a hammer, a nail gun or chemicals that might splash or are…

Skip the cocktail. A few drinks may make you fall asleep more easily, but alcohol is metabolized quickly. When its effect wears off, your sleep will be more fragmented, which means you’ll have frequent, often unnoticeable wake-ups that can leave you feeling zonked in the morning. Take a bath. Your body starts to wind down an hour or two before your bedtime, and research shows that to be the best time for a warm soak. Like aiming a hairdryer at the thermostat to kick-start the AC, a bath will trigger a cooling process that helps you drift off and get better sleep. Block all the light. There’s some evidence that light can penetrate eyelids and interfere with melatonin production. Even illumination from streetlights, a clock, the cable box or under…

1 Think about where to buy. Online mattress buying has seen a serious boom, but it’s not right for everyone. Shop in-store if you want a greater variety and to feel them before buying. You can also negotiate the price. Buy online if you have trouble making decisions, since there are fewer options. Plus, you can shop from home! 2 Find your firmness. Traditional innerspring styles have that familiar bouncy feel and may be firmer. Memory foam options have less spring and offer more pressure relief. In general, side sleepers need a softer mattress, stomach sleepers need a firm one and back sleepers fall somewhere in between. 3 Ask about the return policy. Not happy with your pick? You may get a partial refund if you bought it in a…

INNOVATIVE CONSTRUCTION L.L.Bean’s real-down option is designed with useful features like a gate system to stop the fill from shifting around and built-in loops to help you easily attach a duvet cover. LAB RESULTS Consumers love its fluffiness, and our pros love that it has all the “musts” when it comes to down styles, including a down-proof cover and responsibly sourced fill that’s repeatedly cleaned during production. L.L.BEAN PERMABAFFLE BOX GOOSE DOWN COMFORTER, FROM $389, LLBEAN.COM FLUFFIEST DOWN ALTERNATIVE One of our biggest gripes with comforters? Clumping. That’s why we’re excited about Buffy’s innovative style. Its down-alternative fill is a web of fibers (not clusters) to prevent empty spots, and there’s no box stitching that could compress layers and flatten it. LAB RESULTS We were blown away by how incredibly…

1 Wash linens weekly. Schedule laundry day once a week for your sheets and pillowcases to help them stay fresh. Our Cleaning Lab experts recommend using warm or hot water and tumbling dry on Low to reduce shrinkage, wrinkles and general wear and tear. 2 Protect pillows. If your styles are machine washable (most down and fiberfill ones are), clean two at a time in an agitator-free machine to help maintain their shape. Do this every four to six months. We also recommend using a pillow protector to keep it clean and safe from wear. 3 Speed-dry fluffy items. Pillows and comforters with fill can often end up wet and clumpy after a cycle if they don’t tumble freely in the dryer. To help prevent this, toss in two or…