Innehållsförteckning för March 2013 från Good Housekeeping

Step into a yellow room, and you're almost guaranteed to have a happy disposition. Whether it's covering all four walls or just a few throw pillows, this zippy hue is easy to integrate into almost any decor. And with its ability to swing from traditional to country, yellow has uplifting powers that can invigorate neutrals and pep up light-starved spaces. Combine the color with pattern, and the result is a one-two punch of energy, as in the living room above. Anchored by simple pieces (a white side table and upholstered chairs, a sisal rug), the space gets its vibrancy from bold canary-based leaf-print wallpaper and curtain fabric. Adding patterned yellows to the ottomans and cushions layers on even more liveliness. Ready to catch some rays in your own home? Turn…

$40 …and Under Treats for You SOAP STAR $17 Honeysuckle Rose Bath Soap (olivinanapavalley.com; use code GH13 for free shipping) moisturizes with hydrating olive butter and grape seed oil NECK AND NECK $13, $18 It's a tie for spring's most chic scarf: Old Navy's Floral Paisley (oldnavy.com), left, and Mark's Connect the Dots (meetmark.com), right A fast, pretty way to perk up basics TRIPLE TREAT $4 The delish Peanut Butter & Banana Chocolate Bar (wildophelia.com) subtly blends fave childhood flavors WE CAN'T RESIST …the desk-brightening charm of Wooster & Prince's Desktop Notes ($14, parksidepapers.com) IN A LATHER80¢ each Sample 14 lush scents, from mango to peony, with one-and-done Creamy Body Wash Caps (Sephora)—smart for the gym or for travel THE RIGHT CUFF $32 With its golden circles and coral-hued stones,…

Got five minutes? Take a laugh break (you deserve it!) with this month's top Web and TV moments WORDS OF WISDOM PINTEREST Pinned by user Danielle Minty from graphic designer Valentina's Etsy store, Valentinadesign GUARANTEED TO MAKE YOU SMILE YOUTUBE :) What's cuter than a sleepy baby? One so besotted with Mama that he refuses to drift off. Search "Leo fights sleep" on YouTube. FUNNY ONE-LINERS TWITTER REBELWILSON "Don't lookat me strangely, I always dance in my car." ELIZABETHBANKS "Kids make wonderful vehicles through which you can passive-aggressively speak to your spouse." SUSANORLEAN "Too bad my husband follows me on Twitter; otherwise I could tell you all about the fabulous shoesI just got. (Hi, honey!)" FAVE LINE TELEVISION "Why are my arms so weak? It's like I did that push-up…

Going to the supermarket with Alison Sweeney feels a lot like taking a toddler to a toy store. Walking through the parking lot of her local Ralphs in Los Angeles one recent evening, she gets a little giddy. "Grocery shopping makes me happy, because I love food," she says. "It's a creative outlet for me to envision what I'm going to cook with all the ingredients." Once inside the mammoth supermarket, the host of The Biggest Loser and longtime star of Days of Our Lives makes a beeline for the fresh-produce section, where she ogles yellow bell peppers—good for slicing up and taking on-set as a snack—and spies some kale "to make kale chips. You just bake them in the oven with a little olive oil and a sprinkle of…

Four top performers easily wiped off mascara, liner…the works! How We Tested IN OUR LAB, we screened 48 liquid removers by making one eyeliner mark on a forearm (for uniformity), above, then swiping it with a cotton pad infused with one gram of remover. The top 12 were tested by 129 women, who chimed in on effectiveness, gentleness, and more. Stock up on cotton pads: On average, testers used five to take off eye makeup. 1 Best for Waterproof NEUTROGENA OIL-FREE EYE MAKEUP REMOVER ($6, drugstores) It's unanimous: This bargain got top marks from both the lab and our real-life testers for completely removing "even the toughest mascara" without irritating skin. 2 Natural Choice AUBREY HERBESSENCE MAKEUP REMOVER ($7, Whole Foods) This blend of oils (including jojoba, sweet almond, and…

Help for all your fashion dilemmas Q. I'm turning the big 4-0 in a month, and I'm celebrating with a dinner party at a restaurant. What can I wear that's chic and sexy—but doesn't look too young or like I'm trying too hard? —LESLIE P., VIA FACEBOOK 1 Gold Metalist You'll shine in a bronzy, bias-cut tunic-length top and a sleek jersey pencil skirt. (Top, $79, Cupio. Skirt, $25, Old Navy) 2 Sheer Delight A sophisticated way to show some skin: a flirty chiffon blouse plus a graphic-print skirt. (Top, $120, T.J. Maxx. Skirt, $80, Coldwater Creek) 3 Curves Ahead Nothing wows like a hot color. This ruched sheath in tangerine hugs in all the right places. (Dress, $98, Ann Taylor) 4 Blue Belle Comfy yet eye-catching: a floaty silk…

CINNAMON MAY BE KNOWN FOR ITS ZING, but it can keep your blood sugar levels steady—even after a breakfast of a fast-acting carb like farina cereal, a recent study found. That means fewer blood-glucose spikes and plunges, which can cause those "I'm starving!" moments. Study volunteers added 2½ teaspoons of the spice to their A.M. meal, but sprinkles throughout the day very likely will work, too. Easy ways to stay well, eat right, get fit p. 88 Slim pick (really!) p. 86 Get your back on track p. 97 4 top juicers (from $ to $$$) p. 80 Tune in to pain relief…

I EXPERIENCED MY first symptoms of depression when I was 16. I was on the cheerleading team at my high school in Memphis and about to head to the national championships when I tore a ligament in my knee and had to undergo surgery. Quitting the activity I loved—the one that really defined me—was tough. I stopped seeing my friends and started skipping classes and drinking. I made it to college, but flunked out in my freshman year. That summer, I spiraled deeply into depression. I felt like I wasn't part of anything, that my life had no purpose. I saw a therapist, who put me on Prozac, but it didn't really help. ON A ROLLER COASTER For the next 20 years, I swung between a shaky contentment and despair.…

Get Juiced! Squeeze fruits and veggies into your diet with one of our pulverizing picks TEST KITCHEN TIP Roll leafy greens into a tight ball before inserting in the chute—it will help draw out the juice 1 Best Overall BREVILLE JUICE FOUNTAIN ELITE ($300) Made of sturdy stainless steel, this machine (the top choice of the 24 models we tested) quickly and quietly extracts juice. It has two speeds and a wide feed tube; plus, all removable parts (except the food pusher) are dishwasher-safe. It dispenses directly into a detachable pitcher, minimizing mess. Too Tart? ADD FRUIT TO SWEETEN BITTER VEGGIES LIKE KALE 2 Budget Beauty BREVILLE JUICE FOUNTAIN COMPACT ($100) Features like a wide feed chute (toss in an entire apple!) and a built-in serving pitcher earned…

Ask Peggy for etiquette advice at goodhousekeeping.com/peggy A director of The Emily Post Institute, peggy post has written 10-plus books on etiquette conundrums Q: I love animals, and I always encourage friends to bring their pets when they visit my home. But one friend's dog always goes to the bathroom in an out-of-the-way spot. The owner isn't aware of this; how do I let her know that her dog is making a mess? THE ETIQUETTE VERDICT It sounds like you're a very generous hostess, but it's time to bring up the problem—and put an end to it. P.S. (PEGGY SAYS) Give your friend the chance to be a good guest and take responsibility for her pooch. Say, "I'm sure you didn't notice, but your dog left a…

FOR YEARS, I didn't like my morning routine. Too much crabbiness and foot-dragging—and that was just me. My family wasn't any better. Finally, I thought, The morning is so important; it sets the tone for the rest of the day. How can I improve my—and my family's—experience? The answer: I needed to get out of bed earlier. These days, I rise at 6:00 A.M. every single day—even on weekends and when I'm on vacation. That way, I get a peaceful hour to myself, at my computer, before my family wakes up. I have the opportunity to get organized and prepared for what lies ahead, the apartment is quiet, the light is dim and soothing, and the world feels very serene. I've become so attached to this gift of time that…

Lemon ammonia It's a serious degreaser Medical syringes Use to inject vinegar where pet odors linger Shampoo It cleans more than just hair! Shower pouf With shampoo, left, this can clean a bathroom faucet Fresh mint This herb will help get rid of nasty kitchen odors Baking soda An all-around miracle worker! White vinegar A Heloise favorite for cleaning and deodorizing Lemon It will help refresh smelly drains and microwaves Table salt A key ingredient in stain-removing scrubs Bag clips Surprise: These can free you from ironing! Toothbrush Heloise's weapon of choice for cleaning grout Rubbing alcohol This can often make permanent-ink stains vanish Some couples bond during adventure vacations, others over the genius of their cats. My husband and I are united by our battle against grime. Bliss, to…

Navy Chesterfield Sofa Dressed down in denim on a built-to-last walnut frame, Ralph Lauren Home's classic ($7,735) comes with hand-painted pillows. A recycled-leather version ($1,000) from Home Decorators Collection has a comfy library look. Chandeliers With Pizzazz Z Gallerie's handblown-glass fixture ($400) will brighten up a dining room or a foyer. Glassmakers from the famed Italian isle craft each delicate Murano chandelier ($2,940) from Design Within Reach. Windowpane Mirrors Open up a dark space with Threshold's Old World-style reflector ($60)-its lightweight plastic frame looks like wood. Made with hand-distressed pine, Wisteria's arch-frame mirror ($349) has shabby-chic charm to spare.…

Test-kitchen recipes, ideas, and tips One- Sentence Recipe Asparagus-Ricotta Tart POUR MIXTURE OF 15 oz. ricotta cheese 4 lg. eggs ¼ c. freshly grated Parmesan cheese ¼ c. milk 3 Tbsp. snipped chives ¼ tsp. each salt and pepper into 10-in. nonstick oven-safe skillet; top with 8 oz. pencil-thin asparagus spears, trimmed to fit, and bake in 375°F oven for 40 min. SERVES 4 p. 179 Easy red-sauce recipes p. 159 Pork (and more) stew ideas p. 175 Which cookers take the low-and-slow prize? p. 184 Surprise add-ins for mashed potatoes…

HOW MUCH TIME DO YOU HAVE? MAKE PASTA! Spicy Tuna Puttanesca 15 min HEAT lg. covered saucepot of salted water to boiling on high. Cook 1 lb. penne pasta as label directs. HEAT 2 (5-oz.) cans tuna packed in oil, drained, and 1 tsp. crushed red pepper in 5-qt. saucepot on med. 2 min., stirring occasionally. STIR in 3 c. marinara sauce, ½ c. chopped pitted Kalamata olives, and ⅛ tsp. salt. Cook 5 min. or until heated through, stirring occasionally. ADD cooked pasta to pot with sauce along with ¼ c. fresh basil leaves, torn. TOSS until pasta is well coated. Garnish with additional basil, if desired. Serves 6 GO MEATLESS! Black-Bean Picadillo 25 min HEAT 2 tsp. olive oil in 12-in. nonstick skillet on med. ADD…

Fun, Fastvv Easy CHEESY CHIVE FOLD 1 c. shredded extra-sharp Cheddar cheese and 2 Tbsp. snipped chives into 4 c. mashed potatoes until well mixed. SERVES 4 TO 6 ZINGY BACON FOLD 3 strips crumbled cooked bacon, 1½ Tbsp. prepared horseradish, and 1½ Tbsp. chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley into 4 c. mashed potatoes until well mixed. SERVES 4 TO 6 SPICY 'N' SMOKY FOLD 1 c. frozen corn, thawed, ⅓ c. reduced-fat sour cream, and 1 Tbsp. chopped chipotles in adobo into 4 c. mashed potatoes until well mixed. SERVES 4 TO 6 GARLICKY HERB FOLD 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil leaves, ½ c. grated Parmesan cheese, and 1 clove garlic, finely chopped, into 4 c. mashed potatoes until well mixed. SERVES 4 TO 6 Need a recipe for classic…

I GREW UP IN ALASKA, where "a house in the country" is really a cabin in the wilderness. Cabins in Alaska consist of plywood and aluminum siding, all patched together with scraps of plastic sheeting. There's no electricity or heating or plumbing; if you're a child, your days are spent trudging down to a nearby lake to fill up yet another bucket of water. Still, some of the greatest family moments of my life were spent at our cabin, playing blackjack by kerosene lantern at night, fishing for trout, or baking fresh-picked raspberries in cobblers on the finicky propane stove. Once I became an adult, though, I couldn't understand how my dad had kept it all going. He was constantly repairing the roof or digging a trash pit or badgering…

GOOD HOUSEKEEPING RESEARCH INSTITUTE We evaluate products for the magazine and the Seal to make sure you get good value. 178 That's the number of times our textiles team passed pill-removing gadgets over knit sweaters to smooth their surfaces. See which were the best fuzz-busters on page 35. We do something that no other magazine does… If any product that has earned our Seal is defective, we'll replace it or refund your money—just notify us within two years of purchase (see details at right). DIRECTOR Miriam Arond FOOD DIRECTOR Susan Westmoreland FOOD ASSOCIATE FOOD EDITOR Catherine Lo ASSOCIATE FOOD EDITOR Erin Phraner ASSISTANT FOOD EDITOR Sherry Rujikarn NUTRITION NUTRITION DIRECTOR Samantha B. Cassetty, M.S., R.D. HOME HOME APPLIANCES, CLEANING PRODUCTS & TEXTILES DIRECTOR Carolyn E. Forté PRODUCT ANALYST Christina Peterson…

What GH readers are doing and sharing now My Smart Solution "Rather than plug in a speaker, I use a drinking glass to amplify my iPhone's music while I'm cleaning the house or cooking. The shorter the glass, the less the echo effect. It's easy and portable—plus, no cords!" —ASHLEY BROWN, 27 HANOVER, VA Your best tips Unwind After Work Make Something! " I'll knit, sew, or paint. I find simple, repetitive motions very calming because I'm focusing on something truly rewarding." —DIANE RACINE, 57 PHIPPSBURG, ME Try a TV Dinner " I'll order in for supper and sit down with some guilty-pleasure television shows like The Real Housewives or Storage Wars." —KHRIS DELLA PACE, 42 NEW YORK CITY Wash It Away " A long, hot shower is tantamount to…

These nifty devices can save your sweaters from those annoying little balls Best Overall EVERCARE SMALL FABRIC SHAVER ($8) This pill popper worked faster and more thoroughly than the others, despite its size. Comes with a brush for cleaning fibers from the head. Best Comb MCGOWAN SWEATER COMB ($10) With fine and coarse screens that work on light and heavy fabrics respectively, this tool trounces pills without excessive tugging—which lowers the stretching risk. Its cedar center allows for an easy, secure grip. Best Multitasker ID CORPORATION SWEATER SHAVER/LINT REMOVER ($50) Pricey but powerful, this one has three fabric-height settings (thick, medium, and thin); its large, adjustable head tackles bigger surfaces faster than smaller models. NO STONE UNTESTED! Some stone-style pill zappers worked well, but the pumice-like material eroded, leaving bits…

Beauty and fashion tips, trends & deals 30s RASHIDA JONES Bangs transform from blunt to soft when they're parted on one side and blown dry. 20s EMMA STONE Sleek and face-framing, this cheekbone-length bang is grown-up, not teenybopper. 40s VIOLA DAVISUp the chic factor of a cropped hairdo with a brow-grazing fringe. 50s CHRISTIE BRINKLEYA voluminousversion gives long layers a youthful look. See more celeb bangs at goodhousekeeping.com/beautiful-bangs…

GENTLER LINE-FIGHTERS Retinol, a top-notch anti-ager, has a bad rap for causing flakes and redness. To the rescue: StriVectin-AR Advanced Retinol Night Treatment ($109, department stores), with a form of niacin (a known moisturizer), or Kate Somerville RetAsphere Retinol Night Cream ($85, Sephora), with hydrating lipids to combat dryness. Are They Glad They Did It? MOST SURVEYS OF PLASTIC SURGERY patients are done shortly after their procedures, when it may be too soon to know how they really feel. But in a new study of 98 patients who'd undergone endoscopic forehead lifts five to 18 years earlier, 63% reported they would "definitely" or likely have the surgery again, while 18% were unsure and 12% said they probably wouldn't. Only 6% said never. Be Good to Your Girls Comparing the breast…

A curvy silhouette in a knockout shade delivers amazing spring style 30s Switcheroo: The dress becomes a jumper when worn over a button-down 40s Ready for date night with a sparkly sweater and hot pink pumps How to wear it… 50s Layer on a tropical-hued trench; chestnut accessories ground the look Dress: $154, Lauren Ralph Lauren 60s A knit navy blazer, a sleek clutch, and a chunky necklace calm down the notice-me color GET THE LOOK 30s: Striped shirt, $50, L.L.Bean. Watch, Skagen. Tote, $208, Isaac Mizrahi Live. Navy pumps, $159, Talbots. 40s: Cardigan, $40, Covington. Paisley-print scarf, $38, Echo. Lily of the Valley earrings, Kanupriya. Pumps, $129, Corso Como. 50s: Jacket, $90, Uniqlo. Bag, $50, Ami Clubwear. Scarf, $15, Merona. Sunglasses, $39, Quay Eyeware. Wedges, $59,…

Say Cheese… …not meat. Scientists have found that not all saturated fat is bad for you. When it comes from dairy foods, it boosts heart health— consuming 5 grams per day of the sat fat found in milk products drops cardiovascular disease risk 21%. But when it comes from meat, the risk rises 31%. Cereal Killer Oatmeal, the A.M. superstar, can have more sugar than the late lamented Twinkie—at least at some popular breakfast spots. Happily, a number of them also serve it plain, if you ask.…

Days 1–2 You may think you need to rush to the doctor, but simple at-home tactics can make you feel better—faster. 1 SHIFT INTO NEUTRAL Rest in positions that don't over-arch or flatten your spine. Lie on floor, bend knees, and place calves on an exercise ball or a chair. DETOUR Do seek medical help if your pain started with a traumatic injury, or if you experience numbness, incontinence, or fever or have an underlying illness. 2 POP SOME PAINKILLERS Take the max on the label (choose NSAIDs over acetaminophen unless you have stomach issues). DETOUR Pills not helping? Call your M.D. You might need Rx painkillers or muscle relaxants. 3 APPLY ICE (OR HEAT) Either will help, but after 48 hours, stick with heat—it'll bring healing blood flow to…

Use Chores to Connect Think of it as a new weekend ritual: The next time you need to fold laundry, pay bills, or do dishes, grab your hubby and work in tandem instead of dividing and conquering (and catch up at the same time). Far from resenting making an equal contribution to household chores, men who pitch in report being happier, a University of Cambridge study found. "We actually think that's because their partner complains less," says study coauthor Anke Plagnol, Ph.D. Clearly, less kvetching leads to more cuddling. Besides, folding sheets is easier à deux. p. 123 Gretchen Rubin on her happiest hour p. 119 Guess why LL Cool J stays fit? p. 115 Peggy Post fixes a party flub p. 126 One mom's lesson for the day…

Men, Marriage, and Making It Work WHAT MAKES MY MARRIAGE WORK The TV tough guy on his tender bond with wife Simone 1 Church is the foundation for my family. It helps me stay grounded. 2 I stay in shape. I want to be as attractive as I can for my partner for as long as I can. 3 Simone was diagnosed with cancer when I had an album coming out. It taught me about priorities. Obviously, I chose supporting her. The power of family has to outweigh a career. 4 My wife accepts that I'm a bit of a slob. She might find a sock in the cookie jar. 5 I'm not looking to win arguments; this isn't debate class. We each express ourselves and then either fix the…

Sunday's grocery bags were still on the kitchen floor when I dumped another load next to them yesterday. The new group included about a year's supply of barbecue sauce, because it had been on sale (actually, free after coupons) and we go through a lot of barbecue sauce. I'd put off stowing away everything but the perishables because I needed to reorganize the pantry shelves to accommodate it all, and that's a job I don't like. Particularly not late in the afternoon, when my energy is low and I'm facing dishes, supper, Cub Scouts, and laundry. I was mindlessly slogging through one task after another—emptying backpacks, tidying the front porch, sorting dirty clothes—when I heard a rustling among the paper sacks. "I'm putting away the groceries," my youngest announced. "Oh,…

Take it from dumping ground to decluttered with these easy ideas 1 MANAGE MAIL Keep only what needs immediate attention here-with stamps, pens, and checkbook nearby. File (or toss) the rest 2 SORT & STOW A table or bench with separate bins lets you stash recycling, shoes, and more right by the door. Or, give each family member his own basket 3 CORRAL GEAR End those frantic last-minute searches: Put sports equipment-and anything else the kids need to grab on their way out-into a big wire basket Bonus: Doubles as a lipstick-check station A TRIM FIT Pottery Barn's 7½-inch-deep multitasking organizer ($259) works in the tightest of hallways GOOD SPORT Land of Nod's colorful bin ($39) scores points for its roomy size and sturdy steel construction TOTALLY WIRED See Jane…

Brilliant new uses for everyday items Button hanging by a thread? Avoid this by coating a button's center with a drop of clear nail polish. Once it's dry, it will prevent the stitches from fraying over time. More clever uses for clear nail polish… Carolyn says "Beyond rescuing buttons, a drop of clear polish can keep eyeglasses screws in place. You can also brush it on earring posts, backs, or hooks (to prevent earlobe irritation) and dip the unraveling ends of shoelaces in it to seal them. And don't forget its original off-label use: stopping runs in pantyhose." CAROLYN FORTÉ, GHRI DIRECTOR, HOME CARE…

Want a crazy-good meal that saves and ? We thought so. To make these 16, just add bargain cuts of meat or grains to a in the A.M. Then, when you come, dinner is done. Isn't that a way to end the day? Variation 1 Red Wine-Braised Short Ribs Flavoring Liquids 1½ c. red Burgundy or pinot noir wine and 1 Tbsp. beef broth concentrate or demi-glace Seasonings 2 Tbsp. tomato paste, 2 dried bay leaves, and ½ tsp. dried thyme Vegetables 1½ lbs. carrots, cut into 2-in. sticks, and 8 oz. portobello mushroom caps, chopped TO SERVE Remove and discard bay leaves. Serve meat and vegetables on top of egg noodles. Drizzle with reduced sauce and chopped parsley. Serves 8. EACH SERVING (without noodles) About 590 calories,…

Winner: Plain BETTY CROCKER ORIGINAL SUPREME ($3 for 18.4 oz.) Testers flipped for these dense, "extra-fudgy," and "so-chewy-around-the-edges" bars. Runner-Up DUNCAN HINES DOUBLE FUDGE ($2.60 for 17.6 oz.) Winner: Chips/Chunks BETTY CROCKER TRIPLE CHUNK ($3 for 18.9 oz.) Loaded with semisweet and milk chocolate chunks plus chips, these were deemed "perfect" by many testers. Runner-Up PILLSBURY CHOCOLATE EXTREME ($2.80 for 15.9 oz.) DID YOU KNOW… Flavor Up! For a richer taste, swap in brewed coffee for water when baking a batch 1906 The year Fanny Farmer "invented" brownies TEST-KITCHEN TIP For easier cleanup, line pan with foil, then grease PLAIN "Love that crackly, flaky crust on top" –NICK M. CHUNKS "Nice big bites of silky chocolate" –CHRIS M.…

Curl up, relax, and recharge Tutored by a card-counting charmer, three friends set out to beat the house in Atlantic City. Can you spell "beginner's luck"? Funny how a chance encounter, a casual conversation, a perfect stranger, can turn your life upside down. What is it about that Tuesday morning that makes me decide to drop by the Brooklyn movie set where my friend and fellow film executive is working? Maybe I'm hoping an old pal can take my mind off the fact that my boss just let 100 staff members go. Maybe having a husband whose job forces him to travel constantly is taking its toll. Though lucky to be employed, I am attempting to survive a full 30 minutes without worrying about how we'll manage to afford braces…

How to get More "Me Time" I'm typing these words at 5:22 A.M. Outside, it is still cold and dark, but here inside, I'm curled up on the sofa with the cat snuggled up alongside me. She's purring, and I'm happily typing away on my laptop. This is my quiet hour—when I get work done and prepare for the day in the stillness of the morning, while everyone else is still asleep. My life shifted into a different gear when I discovered that as much as I love to sleep in (especially on lingering winter days), I love having this early-morning quiet time more. And as a woman with a deep appreciation for multitasking, I crave both the calm and the productivity it brings. Gretchen Rubin, our happiness columnist, has…

These themed ideas will make your gathering—whether new or reinvented—your favorite night of the month Maybe you're thinking of starting a book club but worry you'll be stuck with boring selections that you wouldn't use as doorstops. Or maybe you're in a longtime group that's feeling a tad predictable. These fresh ideas for themes (children's classics…made-into-a-movie novels…) are guaranteed to get you excited about what's on your bedside table or tablet—and revved up to share your insights with your best bookish buds. Read on. —Paula Derrow THE RETURN-TO-CHILDHOOD CLUB Revisit a favorite from your past for a glimpse of the girl you used to be, or crack open the latest YA best seller (yes, there are smart, compelling choices that aren't about vampires or zombies, we swear). Reading about characters…

BEWARE MALL MANNEQUINS. They may be recording your gender, race, and even approximate age. The EyeSee, a not-so-dumb dummy made by Italian company Almax, has a hidden camera and software that analyzes facial features. After seeing who shops when (e.g., more kids on Sunday), retailers can adjust displays to lure more buyers. Efficient? Maybe. Creepy? Definitely. ARCHIE PANJABI The Good Wife "I knew I'd earned the GH Seal when… I hosted an English tea party. I spent the whole day making my own scones, strawberry jam, Victoria sponge cakes, cupcakes, and shortbread. I even used my good china. My husband keeps asking me to do it again."…

2-Minute Tutorial "How I make bright lipstick work" "Lightweight foundation creates a neutral backdrop for bold color." L'Oréal Paris True Match Super-Blendable Makeup ($11, drugstores) "Longwear lipstick (applied via wand or brush) + balm on top = perfect lips." Maybelline New York Superstay 24 Color in All Day Cherry ($10, CVS) "I line my top lashes with a metallic pencil to subtly play up my eyes." Sue Devitt Eye Intensifier Pencil in Gold Reef ($22, Macy's) Ace Your Base Becca Cosmetics Shade Match Cards Find the right hue for you with free mini doses—six shades to a card—of the brand's Radiant Skin Foundation ($42), a creamy skin perfector. At select Sephora stores, or sephora.com with purchase. Camu Camu caΔmu caΔmu \'ka-(,)mü \'ka-(,)mü\ n: It…

When we asked, "What's your annual spending limit on makeup?" 60% of you said $100. That's plenty, says celebrity makeup artist Troy Surratt. "Now more than ever, the quality of drugstore makeup is top-notch, and innovations drive industry trends." Turn the page for his favorites. Start With the Basics 4 products + 5 minutes = ready to face the day $9 KO dark circles with this creamy L'Oréal Paris True Match Crayon Concealer (1); the tapered tip fits into hard-to-reach spots. $3 Want a rosy flush—or a golden glow? With the dual E.L.F. Blush & Bronzing Cream (2), you can smooth on either cheek hue. $7 They're our beauty editors' faves for a reason: Burt's Bees Tinted Lip Balms (3) soothe dry lips and add sheer color in one fell…

It took 73.5 try-ons (one pair made it onlyhalfway up her thighs), but our writer discovered some real winners. Here, her success secrets—and smart insider info I HAVE A LOVE/HATE RELATIONSHIP WITH JEANS. There have been good times: when I discovered slouchy-cool Calvin Klein "boyfriend" jeans in college…when I found a pair of Gap bootcuts in the late nineties that finally put "sexy jeans" in my closet and in my life…and, more recently, when dark denim became the uniform I wore as a work-from-home mom who did not want to be seen in mom jeans. But oh, the bad times. I am a woman of a certain size (14, to be exact), and I once endured a denim dry spell that lasted several years. Imagine, a wardrobe with absolutely no…

Furry Worry-Easer An animal friend can help you through tough times—even without a cuddle. In an Israeli study of 120 pet owners, kitty-loving (and dog-doting) participants whose pets were in the testing room with them had a smaller jump in blood pressure when performing stressful tasks. But you don't have to bring Fluffy or Fido to your next tense meeting: People who merely thought about their home companions enjoyed similar blood pressure protection. Say Yes to Headphones …and you may be able to say no to drugs. Scottish patients who listened to music of their choosing during minimally invasive medical procedures (such as angioplasties) were up to 30% less likely to need pain medication, and those who did were comfortable at doses one-third lower than those who didn't get any…

WHO HAS THE TIME to keep up with weight-loss research? It's so technical…and confusing…and often contradictory! And yet if you don't know what's going on in the world of calorie counting, you may not be seeing the pounds drop off as fast as you think they should. In one European diet-and-exercise study, for example, participants who were given detailed explanations of the research itself were more likely to improve (exercise more or eat better or both) than a less clued-in group. Fortunately, we have dug into the latest research. And as we did, we noted that a surprising number of dieting tactics accepted as gospel have recently been shown to be dead wrong. Knowing which still hold up and which are big (fat) lies can mean the difference between winning…

I spent much of the first 35 years of my life in one ocean or another, swimming, floating, bodysurfing, and looking longingly at surfers—mostly men—who could somehow stand atop the waves, then glide down them with a whoosh. During my 36th year, while living in Maine (where the locals were maybe a little more open to newcomers than in my home state, California), I finally got up the gumption to try it myself. A surfer friend who was headed to the beach one day lent me his extra board, along with a ragged, oversize wet suit, and showed me the basics. Then I was on my own. Learning to surf involved a lot of falling and flailing and wondering if I'd ever get it. But eventually I did: I figured…

Oops—you forgot to… 1 Lose weight Instead, try: eating breakfast daily. If you're still skipping it, you may be setting yourself up for a major binge later, studies show. Opt for a meal high in fiber (e.g., cereal and fruit) so you'll stay full longer. 2 Get out of debt Instead, try: paying cash with new bills. You'll spend less than if you use grimy dollars, found a Canadian study. That may be because pristine currency seems more valuable. Apply any $ left in your wallet to your Visa bill. 3 Be more patient Instead, try: declaring Sunday a nag-free day. Acting like a drill sergeant is draining (and we bet it isn't working). So give your vocal cords a rest; chores may not get done as fast, but you'll…

IT'S FUNNY WHAT NUMBERS WE KEEP IN OUR HEADS. I'll bet you could recite your height, weight, Social Security number, and a host of other figures…but do you know your credit score? And even if you do, have you pumped it up as high as it can be? Because that's the key to saving thousands—if not hundreds of thousands—of dollars over your lifetime through lower interest and insurance rates. Here's how to achieve all that. BOOST YOUR SCORE Step 1 Get and review your credit reports from the three big reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) for free once every year. They're instantly available at annualcreditreport.com. Go line by line through each report (each reporting agency is independent), asking yourself: • Is everything here mine? If you see a…

PROBLEM SCRATCHED WOOD Solution For quick camouflage, dab on Guardsman Touch-Up Markers, a GHRI-tested fave; the set of three shades can be blended for a close match to any wood finish. Follow up with a coat of furniture polish. PROBLEM SMALL HOLES IN THE WALL Solution Fill nail holes or small dings with lightweight spackling like Patch-N-Paint; apply with a putty knife to cover the spot, wiping away excess. Let dry for a half hour before touching up with leftover paint. PROBLEM CARPET STAINS Solution Use a rug cleaner, like Bissell's OxyPro Stain Remover for carpet, or mix one teaspoon dish liquid in one cup warm water. Dab (don't rub!) the stain with a damp cloth, working from the outer edges in; repeat with clear water. PROBLEM PEELING WALLPAPER Solution…

In the quest to find tiny speakers that will fill your space with big (beautiful) sound, our Consumer Electronics Lab tuned in to 29 one-piece home audio systems. Here, the very best—whether you listen via iPod, smartphone, computer, radio, or other device. 1 AirPlay BOSE SOUNDLINK AIR ($350) Best overall sound quality, period. Since it's AirPlay-capable, you can stream music wirelessly straight to the speaker from Apple devices or your computer's iTunes library. It hits 97 decibels (lawn mower loud!) sans distortion 2 Bluetooth JAWBONE BIG JAMBOX ($300) Beyond brilliant color, it delivers stellar sound and 15 hours of battery life. Bonus: It has a microphone that (thanks, Bluetooth!) transforms it into a wireless speakerphone. Under three pounds, it's totally totable—take it to the park, the…

Which will work best for you—prepping ultra-budget-friendly dried beans, or grabbing a can instead? Find out here Save $1.10 SOAKING AND COOKING DRIED RED KIDNEY BEANS Time 10 hours Cost 60¢/1½ c. GOOD TO KNOW 1 lb. dried red beans yields about 5 c. when soaked (8 hrs.) and cooked (2 hrs.), more than triple the amount in a 15-oz. can. Prepare the whole bag; freeze what you don't use in resealable plastic bags for up to 3 months. vs. USING CANNED RED KIDNEY BEANS Save 10 hours Time 2 minutes Cost $1.70/1½ c. GOOD TO KNOW These plump beans, loaded with about 7 g each of fiber and protein per ½ c. serving, are a fast, versatile, and fat-free pantry staple—unopened cans keep for at least 2 years! TRY…

PORK CHOPS PICCATA 30 minutes or less ACTIVE TIME 20 minutes TOTAL TIME 25 minutes MAKES 4 main-dish servings 8 oz. orzo pasta 4 boneless pork loin chops (1 in. thick) 2 tsp. all-purpose flour 3 tsp. olive oil 1 pkg. (5 to 6 oz.) baby spinach ½ c. dry white wine 2 cloves garlic, crushed with press ¼ c. fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves, finely chopped 2 Tbsp. capers, drained and chopped 2 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice 1. Heat covered 4-qt. saucepan of salted water to boiling on high. Cook orzo as label directs. 2. Meanwhile, sprinkle pork with ⅛ tsp. each salt and pepper. Dust lightly with flour. 3. In 12-in. skillet, heat 2 tsp. oil on med.-high until hot. Add pork to skillet. Cook 3 to 4 min.…

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