Indholdsfortegnelse for December 2022 i Good Housekeeping

Modern (Easy!) Advent Calendar For a fun holiday craft that doubles as decor (or as a gift!), try a twist on a traditional Advent calendar, suggests designer Ginger Curtis of Urbanology Designs. To make this customizable version, stamp the 24 days onto craft bags and fill them with treats and personalized notes, then seal them with red dot stickers and hang them from wooden dowels with string for all to enjoy. For complete instructions, see page 110.…

COZY COVER Everyone I have gifted the ChappyWrap Blanket to is absolutely obsessed. It always starts with them commenting on how cozy it is when they use it on my couch; not only is it the perfect size and weight and super cozy, but there are so many design options (including maps—think wedding location, favorite vacation spots, etc.) that make it feel like a very special gift. $135, chappywrap.com —Jessica Teich, deputy editor NICE SPICE I recently visited the French Riviera and fell in love with all the fresh truffe salts, oils, vinegars and cheeses. I couldn’t bring a lot back to the States, but this bold and flavorful seasoning is a great alternative. Just a little on scrambled eggs or mixed with ketchup instantly transforms a weekday meal…

Q Do biotin shampoos really help grow hair? —ELEANOR L. A: The short answer: probably not. You may have seen biotin (another name for vitamin B7) touted on haircare products and in supplements for its hair-growth benefits. “Hair loss is a symptom of biotin deficiency, so biotin supplementation may benefit people with hair loss or hair thinning who are biotin deficient,” says Hadley King, M.D., a dermatologist in New York City. But there’s not enough evidence to prove the ingredient’s effectiveness at growing hair in people who aren’t lacking in biotin, she adds. Can biotin shampoo boost hair growth? It’s not likely, as shampoos are rinsed off strands and don’t spend an extended amount of time touching the scalp, where growth occurs, GH Beauty Lab experts explain. That said, there is…

Brushstroke Beauty For complete instructions, see page 108. Candle Countdown Use double-stick tape or craft glue to secure white or blue paper around toilet paper tubes. Create a dripping effect with gold glitter on glue, then cut flames out of gold paper and glue them onto gold circles. Add a number sticker for each night of Hanukkah (or day leading to Christmas) and fill each candle with treats. 3D Paper Snowflake For more ideas and instructions, see page 42. PERFECT PEARS Here’s a bright idea for old lightbulbs: Turn them into decorative pears! Cover lightbulbs with colored twine and hot-glue small twigs to the tops for stems. To make the leaves, fold squares of gold paper in half and cut into crescent shapes, then unfold and attach to stems with…

Q How can I avoid overindulging during the holidays? —Mark P. A: It’s easy to get swept up in the festivities and eat in a way that’s not exactly the healthiest. Of course, certain once-a-year treats are musts, and mindful indulgence in these is totally worth it—you shouldn’t deprive yourself! At the same time, listening to your body is key: When you overeat, your stomach expands and can push against other organs, leading to discomfort and fatigue. Overeating also forces your organs to work harder and secrete extra hormones and enzymes to break down the food, and that can result in heartburn, gas and more. So please enjoy yourself, but tune in to what your body is trying to tell you and make less-rich choices when you can. Below are a few…

Under 10" Shorter mattresses are ideal for Murphy beds, trundle beds, bunk beds and RVs. They’re good for kids because they’re lower to the ground, and they’re a smart choice for adults who prefer a mattress that is easier to lift while making the bed. Add a mattress topper for extra inches. 10" to 14" Most models fall into this range. Foam mattress-in-a-box styles are often 10" to 11" tall (still on the shorter side), while hybrids and ones with more layers are typically 12" or 14". These midrange mattresses leave room for you to add a topper to enhance their comfort. Over 14" A taller mattress often has more layers inside, so it’ll feel luxurious. The height may make it easier to get out of bed in the morning…

SEAL PROMISE All GH Seal products are rigorously assessed by the GH Labs. We stand behind them with our exclusive refund-or-replacement limited warranty.* BATHROOM BUDDY Real talk? With holiday entertaining, bathrooms can become high-traffic areas that need a little help. The Poo-Pourri “before-you-go” bathroom air freshener works by creating a barrier on the toilet water’s surface that can trap odors and keep them from reaching the air. Just spritz three to five times onto the water in the bowl before you go. Poo-Pourri comes in a variety of scents with clever names for the holidays (looking at you, Oh, Spritzmas Tree), and the small bottle is pretty enough to leave out for guests. LAB RESULTS Our experts were impressed by how well Poo-Pourri kept bathroom smells from becoming airborne, and…

Shop the winners! For a full list of our picks, scan here. 18M+ TINY TECH FURNITURE Gamer parents will be tickled by this high-tech tot-size chair. It comes with a tablet that explores letters, numbers, music and more through 26 letter buttons and 10 piano keys, but parents can remove the tablet and use the chair for story time or snack time too. LAB results “This gaming chair is very engaging,” one tester reported. “My son absolutely loves playing with it.” VTECH LEVEL UP GAMING CHAIR, $50 1+ EASY-TO-USE BLOCKS These 25 recycled-plastic blocks are certainly eye-catching, but they also hold a hidden secret: magnets! Toddlers can build more secure structures knowing that magnetism will help hold the blocks together. LAB results The large pieces are perfect for toddlers’ hands. Geomagworld…

Avoid decorating with these varieties or put them out of pets’ reach. Philodendron Can cause vomiting, mouth swelling and diffculty swallowing Peace lily or Calla Lily Can cause mouth and stomach irritation Sago Palm Can cause vomiting, liver and neurological problems or death Pothos Can cause mouth irritation, vomiting and diffculty swallowing Elephant Ear Can cause vomiting, mouth irritation and diffculty swallowing Dumb Cane Can cause mouth irritation and burning as well as vomiting Act quickly when you notice something wrong. If you see your pet acting strange, always call your veterinarian or a poison-control center like the Pet Poison Helpline or the ASPCA Poison Control Center right away, as time is of the essence when it comes to poisoning. In some cases, early intervention can prevent your pet’s symptoms…

p. 107 Wrap Star Dress up delicious gifts (homemade or store-bought) with stunning and sustainable wrapping. Here’s how: Bebida Deliciosa! Coquito is a Puerto Rican holiday drink, similar to eggnog, made with coconut milk and sweetened condensed milk (no eggs!) as well as rum and spices.…

START HERE Active 15 min. Total 1 hr. 10 min. GRAPE TOMATOES Heat oven to 400°F. On small rimmed baking sheet, toss two 12-oz pkgs. grape tomatoes with 2 Tbsp olive oil, ½ tsp kosher salt and ¼ tsp pepper. Roast until beginning to reduce, 25 to 30 min. EVERYTHING BAGELS Arrange 3 medium-size everything bagels (split and cut into 1½-in. pieces) on large rimmed baking sheet and toast in oven with tomatoes until lightly golden brown, 8 to 10 min. EGGS AND MILK Meanwhile, oil shallow 2½- to 3-qt baking dish. In large bowl, whisk together 6 large eggs, 1½ cups whole milk and ½ tsp each salt and pepper. Toss with toasted bagels; let sit, tossing occasionally, at least 15 min. SCALLION CREAM CHEESE Reduce oven temp to…

FENNEL-CRUSTED ROAST PORK G H Active 25 min. | Total 2 hr. plus resting ¼ cup fennel seeds2 Tbsp coriander seeds12 cloves garlic, finely chopped, plus 2 whole heads garlic¼ cup fresh rosemary, chopped5 Tbsp olive oil, divided1 bone-in center-cut pork rib roast (8 ribs), chine bone removed Kosher salt and coarsely ground black pepper4 shallots2 small bulbs fennel1 small acorn squash (1 lb) 1. Heat oven to 400°F. Place fennel seeds and coriander in heavy-duty resealable plastic bag and crush with bottom of heavy pan. Transfer to small bowl and add chopped garlic, rosemary and 2 Tbsp oil. 2. Season pork with 1½ tsp salt and ¾ tsp pepper. Transfer to center of large roasting pan and rub all over with spiced oil. Roast 40 min. 3. Meanwhile, halve…

SKIN THERAPY OIL FACE, $11, PALMERS.COM WHY IT EARNED THE GH SEAL 1 This skin therapy oil for the face performed well in our Lab tests and was rated highly by our home testers. 2 The formula blends botanical oils like argan, Camelina and coconut oil with cocoa butter, which earned it high ratings among testers for immediately moisturizing skin and leaving it softer. 3 This skin oil includes retinol and vitamin C, which can help improve texture and brighten tone. In fact, 75% of our testers agreed that their skin looked more radiant after 10 days of use. 4 Many expensive products delivered great results in our tests—and so did Palmer’s Cocoa Butter Formula Skin Therapy Oil Face, the lowest-priced product we evaluated in our most recent facial oil…

GLAZED MEATBALLS In blender, puree ½ cup each fresh or frozen cranberries and apricot preserves, 2 Tbsp each apple cider vinegar and water and ¼ tsp kosher salt until smooth. Strain into small saucepan. Add ½ tsp Aleppo pepper and cook on medium, stirring occasionally, until thickened, 7 to 10 min. Meanwhile, cook one 20-oz pkg. frozen turkey meatballs per pkg. directions. Toss with glaze and serve sprinkled with chopped cilantro. CRANBERRY FOOL In small saucepan, combine 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries, 1 tsp orange zest and ¼ cup each orange juice and pure maple syrup. Simmer until cranberries have burst and sauce thickens, 12 to 15 min. Smash cranberries using fork or potato masher. Let cool. Whip ¾ cup heavy cream until medium peaks form. Fold in half…

Holiday Sparkle Make your eyes, lips, nails, skin and even hair shimmer this holiday season. Turn the page for top products, how-tos and more for these wearable looks.…

1 Use eyeshadow as liner. No eyeliner? No problem: An eyeshadow can do the trick. “Wet an eyeliner brush with water or setting spray, dip the wet brush into your eyeshadow, then line your eye as you would with traditional liner,” says Dana Rae Ashburn-McKissock, a makeup artist in New York City. “For a softer effect, allow the wet shadow line to dry and lightly run a cotton swab along your lashline.” SHADE MATCH Instead of testing foundation and concealer on your hand, swipe it on your face or neck, as body skin can differ in color. 2 Apply concealer in a triangle. Rather than dotting concealer under your eyes, apply it in an upside-down triangle shape to fully cover and brighten dark circles, then blend thoroughly. 3 Warm up your moisturizer.…

STOCKING STUFFER I’m So Happy You’re Here by Liz Climo With a tone similar to that of your favorite kids’ book and candy-colored animal illustrations guaranteed to make you smile, this is the illustrated pep talk we’ve all needed at one time or another. It’s perfect for people going through a rough patch, new grads, newlyweds or anyone who could use a little sunshine on their bedside table. $20 COFFEE TABLE BOOK Love Shacks by Susan Redman When summer vacation is in the rearview mirror and spring break feels eons away, get out of the house by peering into someone else’s. This richly photographed book hands the reader the keys to a diverse range of homes all over the world—including rustic cabins, bespoke beach houses and breathtaking getaways—that will inspire…

Lights out Scan here to shop our favorite blackout curtains. Noise-Reducing Windows If you’re installing new windows in a bedroom, look for units with glass specially designed to reduce noise transmission, particularly if the room faces a busy street or a construction zone. Check the Sound Transmission Class (STC) rating, which measures how much sound is blocked by a window. A traditional single-pane window has a rating between 18 and 20, while noise-reducing units will have a rating between 28 and 40. Our experts like the 6000 series vinyl windows from Window World, a Good Housekeeping Seal holder. They reduce noise and are available in various colors and finishes. WINDOW WORLD DOUBLE-HUNG VINYL WINDOWS, WINDOWWORLD.COM Smart Blinds Automated blinds can be programmed to open in the morning, nudging you awake,…

How We Test 1 SAFETY CHECK Our engineers and analysts start by ensuring that each toy meets all safety standards. They also assess pinch points and make sure toys won’t shatter into small pieces to pose a potential choking hazard. 2 EASE OF USE Next, we carefully evaluate how simple each toy is to assemble and also how well it’s constructed and how durable it is during play. 3 KID APPROVAL Final decisions are made by more than 450 children, ages 1 to 15, who assess the fun factor!…

1+ LETTERS AND NUMBERS WITH FAVES Kids can spend time with their CoComelon pals without staring at a screen. This school bus comes with letter tokens, and when kids drop a token into the bus, they’ll hear words or phrases that use the letter. Buttons on the outside help kids practice numbers. In addition, there are lights, sounds, songs and colors to keep them engaged. LAB results Parents reported that even without the lights and sounds, their kids enjoyed using the bus as a push toy. Just Play CoComelon Ultimate Learning Bus, $62 18M+ A BABY DOLL WITH EVERYTHING This American Girl baby doll play set comes with so many accessories, you can’t imagine a real infant needing anything else. Kids can feed and dress this doll and put her to…

When relatives and friends start to stream in, it’s great to find entertainment that works for everyone. Enter the Harlem Globetrotters, the flashy, fun basketball troupe that has delighted fans old and young since 1926. Now the group stars in a new television show, Harlem Globetrotters: Play It Forward, hosted by The Offce’s Craig Robinson. While offering plenty of the trick shots and dribbling doozies that have long made the team beloved, the show also delves into the lives of the players off the court, showcasing their interest in space exploration, urban farming and other topics for which they serve as ambassadors of goodwill. TUNE IN: Harlem Globetrotters: Play It Forward debuted in October and airs on NBC on Saturdays at 11 a.m. ET (time may vary — check local listings);…

p. 104 Party-Ready Radicchio These varieties will take salads and sides to the next level. Resembling a head of cabbage, chioggia is the variety most commonly found at the grocery store and has the most assertive bitterness of the bunch. That’s not a giant red endive; it’s Treviso, which has a similar delicate taste. The sturdy leaves are great for scooping up dip. Treviso Tardivo is basically Treviso 2.0 with more intense flavor and a firmer texture, so it’s good for cooking. Castelfranco has red-speckled cream-colored leaves and a mildly bitter flavor that’s wonderful in salads.…

@nicole_papantoniou Q What should I look for when buying new sheet pans? A: Great question! Sheet pans are one of my go-tos, and I can’t resist singing their praises first. Both the GH Kitchen Appliances Lab and the Test Kitchen use sheet pans nearly every day for keeping ingredients organized, roasting at high temps, baking and reheating leftovers. At home, their large surface area makes them great for pulling together full meals (like the breakfast fajitas above) or cooking protein and vegetables simultaneously. Their short sides allow air to circulate more than in a baking dish and help food brown nicely; and by adding a rack, you can produce healthier results by allowing fat to drip away from your ingredients. Plus, sheet pans make cleanup a snap, especially if you…

Craft Stick Wreath p. 38 1. Paint 40 to 50 small and 20 to 30 large wooden craft sticks with 3 shades of green and let dry completely. (Depending on the size of your wreath form, you may need more sticks.) 2. Use hot glue to cover most of a wreath form with the large sticks, overlapping the sticks while mixing up the colors. 3. Hot-glue the small sticks on top of the large ones, mixing colors to create a nicely textured wreath. Brush-stroke Ornament p. 32 1. Remove the cap of a glass or plastic ornament. Spray-paint or hand-paint it with acrylic paint in the color of your choice. Once dry, reattach the cap. 2. Paint the ornament with a variety of colors and simple brushstrokes to create an…

1. HANG PICTURES. Use ribbon instead of wire as a hanger on the back of a light frame. Or make the ribbon visible by looping it around a hook or a nail as the picture hangs below. 2. ADD FLAIR TO A ZIPPER. Tie a piece of ribbon to a zipper pull on your purse or gym bag for a pop of color and to make it easier to open and close. 3. DIY A TAPE MEASURE. To measure a round object, wrap ribbon around its circumference, mark the length and stretch over a ruler or a yardstick. 4. BUNDLE SHEET SETS. Corral matching pillowcases and fitted and flat sheets in the linen closet to save time making beds. 5. ORGANIZE YOUR KEYS. Pick a different color of ribbon to use as…

Decorate the kitchen. Bring cheer to a subdued backsplash with a minimalist macramé hoop adorned with a pair of brass bells and cypress greens. “The aesthetic is bright and airy,” says Kate O’Hara, CEO and creative director of Martha O’Hara Interiors—perfect for a window. Add drama to a banister. “The end result is timeless decor to last through the holiday and winter months,” says O’Hara of this elegant stairway draped in garland. Bonus: The rust-colored velvet ribbons coordinate with wreaths throughout the home. Try nontraditional greenery. The large, flat leaves of the magnolia garland bring an upscale look to this elegant room. Be “strategic with your simplicity,” says designer Stephanie Stroud. Hang an embellished wreath on a bookshelf. A traditional wreath with citrus fruits and blush ribbon can add dimension…

Q Do laundry detergent sheets work? —JEN G. A: These new sheets are perforated strips or swatches of compressed detergent that you place in the washer with your load, and we’ve seen tremendous growth in the category. In a recent GH Cleaning Lab test of 24 laundry sheets, most dissolved well, but there were mixed results when it came to cleaning. Many failed to erase ink, tea and grass stains—the stuff quality liquid detergents can tackle easily. And most did a poor to fair job of whitening. That said, they boast eco benefits like lighter shipping weight and no plastic bottles. If you are eager to try them and don’t mind a higher cost per load than the top liquid and pack detergents, consider the best performers from our test—EC-30 Laundry…

ADVICE A TECH EXPERT’S TIPS FOR SLUMBER Millions of Americans have issues getting to sleep. Here are some steps you can take to help you doze. ✓ Get a humidifier. In cooler and dryer weather (read: winter), a humidifier can help your bedroom reach optimal humidity levels (30% to 50%) by adding moisture to the air. We like cool mist ones for the bedside so there’s no burn risk from warm mist. ✓ Try a sleep app. There are a variety of apps designed to help you optimize your sleep. Our experts like Headspace ($70 per year for full offering), which features calming meditation experiences and breathing exercises designed to reduce stress whether you want to fall asleep or fall back to sleep. ✓ Use sleep settings. Place your phone…

Get the party started! Cheese and crackers can get a glow-up for the holidays. Choose just one, a few or all of these tasty combos for an easy app that can’t be beat.…