Good Housekeeping Dec-15

When I was a kid, every Christmas seemed to burst with pent-up anticipation: presents, cookies (mmm), stockings (couldn’t wait!), stuffing, playing with my cousins, days off school. One year, when our home was packed with relatives who’d driven in from Ohio and Michigan, I remember lying on the living room couch, unable to sleep, staring out the window at the snow falling softly. How magical! I couldn’t contain my excitement — it seemed morning would never come. Fast-forward a few years (who’s counting?!). I’m often so caught up in the grown-up rat race that I feel a bit of dread mixed with that happy eagerness. Time to bring back the merry. When we started working on this issue, I got in on the fun and posed for the camera with…

SPARKLING MAXI SKIRT One wintry sweater + one ankle-skimming sequined skirt + shiny slip-on sneakers = a cozy look that’s infinitely simpler than Common Core math. Sweater, $70, gap.com. Skirt, $30, target.com. Ring, $50, sorrelli.com. Sneakers, $50, gap.com. ON LOCATION: OSTERIA LA SPIGA GET THIS LOOK FOR LESS STATEMENT EARRINGS from $17 PLEATED SKIRTS from $69 BOLD CLUTCHES from $25 LITTLE BLACK TURTLENECK Forget the LBD: This season is all about the day-to-night LBT. Wear it with a metallic accordion-pleated skirt — all the rage right now. Sweater, $95, aritzia.com. Skirt, Lauren Ralph Lauren, $298, bloomingdales.com. Earrings, $140, deepa gurnani.com. Clutch, Danielle Nicole, $58, amazon.com. Cuff, $118, houseofharlow1960.com. Shoes, Blue by Betsey Johnson, $129, lulus.com. +GET HER BEAUTY LOOK For fluttery lashes, try Maybelline New York The Falsies Push Up…

EAT. SHOP. REPEAT! Discover unique food stalls, drinking halls and crafts for all at the iconic Pike Place Market. Make a stop at Beecher’s Handmade Cheese to watch the cheese-making magic happen. And grab fresh flowers before you leave. pikeplacemarket.org PASTA PARADISE Tuck into a bowl of house-made pasta at cozy Tavolàta, in the charming Belltown hood. Get a seat at the bar for happy hour, when dishes run $9. ethanstowellrestaurants.com WHERE WE STAYED Hyatt Olive 8 This downtown hotel is located within walking distance of city hot spots, but you might be just as happy kicking off your wellies and hunkering down at the lobby bar, Urbane Market, for a glass of local wine. olive8.hyatt.com SEASONAL FARE Dig in to authentic Northern Italian food at Osteria La Spiga, where…

@aprilfranzino HAVE A QUESTION? E-MAIL ASKAPRIL @GOODHOUSEKEEPING.COM. Q What are my options for reducing the lines around my mouth that make me look like I’m frowning? I’d never consider a facelift! — CINDY P. A. You’re not alone — this is one of our most-asked questions. When you start to see the signs of aging, it’s hard to know what’s worth trying. The Good Housekeeping Beauty Lab is constantly scouring the market for wrinkle-fighting serums, lotions and devices, then putting them through our rigorous testing. We evaluate efficacy with special instruments like the Visia Complexion Analyzer, a high-tech machine that measures skin changes. Minimizing stubborn “smile lines” (a.k.a. nasolabial folds) requires commitment, but the earlier you start, the better the results you can expect. We pinpointed your best line-erasing bets, from…

1 START SMOOTH Work smoothing lotion or cream through damp strands. With a flat brush, blowdry hair away from your face, says Redken Global Creative Director Guido, who created the look. 2 PONY UP Spritz strong-hold hairspray onto fingertips, then rake strands straight back into a sleek ponytail. Secure at center of head with an elastic, creating a loop by pulling pony halfway through and leaving ends loose. 3 HOLD ON Pin loop up to crown of head. Mist with hairspray to set. Try: Pantene Pro-V Smooth & Sleek Smooth Blow Dry Crème, $6; Suave Professionals Luxe Style Infusion Anti-Humidity Hairspray, $5.…

10 CHANCES TO WIN THEM ALL! Details, page 15…