Innehållsförteckning för May 2013 från Good Housekeeping

Whether you have a tablet, an e-reader, or a smartphone, GH's digital edition delivers all the great tips, timesavers, recipes, product reviews, and inspiring ideas you love…in a terrific read-anywhere package! 52% OFF THE NEWSSTAND PRICE! Order online at my.goodhousekeeping.com Even more of what you love Whether you have a tablet, an e-reader, or a smartphone, GH's digital edition delivers all the great tips, timesavers, recipes, product reviews, and inspiring ideas you love…in a terrific read-anywhere package! Order online at my.goodhousekeeping.com…

Thanks to GH's dessert contest ("My mom makes the best…"), we've got some amazing treats waiting to tempt you Mothers and dessert: In many of our minds, they go together. I remember watching my mom wrap an apron around her waist as she pulled out ingredients to bake a cake for Sunday lunch, as well as her steadily stirring her (justly) famous banana pudding on the stovetop. And when it got warm—in May, just in time for Mother's Day—the star dessert was strawberry shortcake. Taking that first bite after watching the juice dribble over the whipped cream and onto the shortcakes, I thought it was about the best thing I had ever put in my mouth. (And I still do: See my recipe for Shortcut Shortcake at right.) For our…

My Smart Solution "My ribbon holder saves me from digging when I'm sewing. Slide spools onto a 14½-inch thin wooden dowel, fit the stick across a slotted plastic bin's top row of holes, and pull ribbon ends through the holes in the sides. Repeat with as many rolls as your bin can hold." —HALSEY BISHOP, 28, ENNIS, MT Your best tips Splurge on Yourself Take a Class "I save extra on the side so I don't have to dip into our joint account when I want to take an art class. There's a larger personal cost if you don't have an expressive outlet." —LISA WILSON GRANT, 49, NORWALK, CT Work It Out "I'll splurge on fitness classes like spinning and Pilates (and I'm saving up for a personal trainer). I…

As if your most indispensable device isn't smart enough, these protective covers for it also perform other functions. Our GHRI Consumer Electronics pros prescreened 100-plus products designed for the iPhone—first for appearance (who wants to carry an ugly case?), then for weight, added bulk, and durability. Consumers tested the top 19 so we could call out the best. * Available only for iPhone 5 ** Also available for some Samsung, BlackBerry, and other smartphones Winning Wallet MOSHI OVERTURE* ($45) A bit bulkier than a flat card case, this bifold has three slots as well as room for cash. Its strong frame and exterior provide good protection. Top Picks CM4 Q CARD CASE ($40) This slim, soft-touch number easily fits three credit cards. It's comfy to hold, and the phone…

Julianna Margulies loves a strong second act. When she first read the script for the CBS hit The Good Wife, a ripped-from-the-headlines drama about a woman who stands by her cheating man, she must have thought, Are you kidding? How could I play that?! But the role of Alicia Florrick, a whip-smart attorney who is rebuilding the career she put on hold to be a stay-at-home mom and politician's wife, also promised juicy twists and turns. Margulies—who endeared herself to America as nurse Carol Hathaway on ER in the nineties—took a risk and said yes. And what a wise decision it was: Over the past four seasons, Margulies' performance has won her an Emmy, a Golden Globe, and two SAG Awards, as well as legions of new fans. And The…

CHIP FIX Use a matching lipstick to hide nicks in a bright hue SHINE STAR A top coat keeps vivid hues from dulling MAKE IT LAST Cuticle oil hydrates nails (even through polish) 1 Pick a pretty shape The most flattering nail shape mimics the arc of your cuticle bed. If it's round or oval, don't make your nails square or pointed. It's different for feet: Keep toenails square or slightly rounded to prevent painful ingrowns. 2 File this way Move smoothly in one direction. Sawing back and forth shreds the multiple layers of protein and keratin that make up the nail, leading to peeling and breakage. 3 Wipe nails clean Mix two parts rubbing alcohol to one part water and swipe it on nails to prep for polish in…

Q Most of my skirts hit right at the knee. It's a flattering length, but sort of same old, same old. Can I go shorter? (I'm 41.) And what about longer? —FRANNIE H., VIA FACEBOOK 1. Go Long This breezy pleated maxi in vivid violet couples nicely with a close-fitting tank. (Top, $58, Ann Taylor. Skirt, $150, Club Monaco) 2. A Fresh Angle A floral dress with a fishtailing hem lets you flash just the right amount of leg. ($68, Simply Vera Vera Wang) 3. Freedom of Choice With a striped tee, a pull-on ruched skirt—adjust the length up or down—is desk-to-dinner versatile. (Tee, $85, Marimekko. Skirt, $118, Three Dots) SHOPPING DETAILS, page 196…

We read the research so you don't have to Take It Outside EXERCISING in a natural setting is more enjoyable—and may also be more motivating. It's not just the surroundings that give the lift, say British researchers—it's also the color green itself. When cyclists pedaled while watching unaltered videos of a woodsy environment, they felt happier and less fatigued than when they viewed the same scenery in black and white or filtered in red. Such positive emotions probably make it easier to work out more often and for longer, says Dominic Micklewright, Ph.D., of the University of Essex. You Go, Worrywart! Stress can be good—if it pushes you to be diligent about your health. In fact, you could even be fitter than people who are just worriers or disciplined, but…

TUNE IN! For more ways to get instant energy, watch Drop 5 Lbs With Good Housekeeping, April 13, 10:30 A.M. ET, on Cooking Channel LOWER-CAL PICK-ME-UPS WHEN YOU HIT YOUR 4 P.M. SLUMP, skip the vending machine snack or creamy coffeehouse drink and get your fix from one of these better-for-you treats: INSTEAD OF… Starbucks Bottled Vanilla Frappuccino (200 calories) 1 Snickers bar (250 calories) 1 (12-oz.) can regular cola (140 calories) 1 package peanut M&M's (250 calories) CHOOSE Starbucks Vanilla Iced Coffee (bottled) (120 calories) Skinny Cow Divine Filled Chocolates (130 calories/pack) 8 oz. Crystal Light Energy (5 calories) Blue Diamond dark-chocolate almonds (100-calorie pack) CALORIES SAVED 80 120 135 150 DO THE MATH BAJA FRESH: 1 Chicken Tostada salad (1,140 calories) = 3+ Chicken Baja Ensalada salads with…

Just in time for allergy season: the best wipes (of 12 tested) for sneeze control TOP TISSUES 1 KLEENEX LOTION ($2 for 75) Thick, absorbent in lab tests, and rated "very soft" by testers, these earned our highest overall score (by a nose over other Kleenex versions). Messy-sneezer alert: Wet strength was just average. NOSES ONLY Don't clean mirrors, glasses, or electronic screens with lotioned tissues; they'll leave a film FOR TENDER TYPES 2 KLEENEX ULTRA SOFT ($2 for 75) Prefer lotion-free tissues? Testers rated these as softest. Our lab trials found them to be super absorbent, with "good" to "excellent" dry strength but so-so wet strength. BEST VALUE 3 PUFFS ULTRA ($2.34 for 124) At about two cents apiece, these non-lotioned tissues scored very well on absorbency, dry and…

Q: My friend constantly reapplies her lipstick at the table when we're out for a meal. How can I clue her in to the fact that this is impolite? THE ETIQUETTE VERDICT Her habit may annoy you, but it's just as rude to impose your rules on your friend. P.S. (PEGGY SAYS) When you're out with friends or family at a casual restaurant, it's OK to discreetly reapply lipstick (sans mirror). But multiple touch-ups or full-blown grooming is better left for the restroom. Since your friend is all right with her habit, however, it's not up to you to call her out. (You know what they say about unasked-for advice.) If it's making you crazy, set an example by saying, "I need to do my makeup, too. Let's go to…

The crash happens while I'm doing one of the 10,000 things I feel obligated to do (or want to do) that aren't active mothering. I rush over to see a standing mirror on top of my 11-month-old. It isn't broken, and he's not hurt; he's just surprised and scared. I scoop him up and take him outside. My baby is like me; he distracts easily. It is summer, and I'm wearing my white shorts, folded up to be a little shorter than they were designed to be. I'm not wearing shoes. It's only 10:30 A.M. The outdoors is still, and the baby has stopped screaming. The sun is behind us, and my child looks down. He waves his hand. "That's your shadow," I say, since my job these days is…

1 PLAN YOUR PLACEMENT Avoid errant nail holes by putting frames on the ground in front of the wall to try different arrangements and spacing, or trace on paper and tape cutouts to the wall; adjust till you love the look. 2 SPACE 'EM OUT Generally, leave two inches between outer edges of frames (less only when they're the same size or shape). 3 THEME IT Group images (whether photos, paintings, or both) by subject—say, landscapes or dogs—to tie together an arrangement. 4 MIX WELL Use a variety of frame shapes and sizes, hanging some vertically and others horizontally, for an intriguing display. 5 STAY CENTERED Start by hanging the picture that will go in the middle of the arrangement, then work your way out. Once there's a basic framework…

1 DOWNSIZE DETERGENTS Decant those oversize jugs or boxes into small, clear containers so you'll know when to refill; stash the big guys elsewhere 2 CLIP AND SAVE Create a safekeeping spot: Mount a rail with clips behind the washer; hang any notes and receipts found in pockets, snipped-off washing-instruction labels—even those single socks 3 SORT IT OUT Set up three labeled hampers—Lights, Whites, and Darks—so family members can pre-sort their own loads HUNG OUT TO DRY A genius solution for delicates, the New Clothesline Company's multi-armed hanger ($20) lets you air-dry up to 16 items at once Perfect for line-drying lingerie and hosiery BEYOND THE PAIL Corral odds and ends in a 5½-inch-tall bucket (Save on Crafts, $6) SPACE SAVER Wayfair's wicker Honey Can Do hamper ($21) fits neatly…

Test-kitchen recipes, ideas, and tips One- Sentence Recipe TOSS 12 oz. cooked shelled shrimp 1 sm. Granny Smith apple, cored and thinly sliced ½ seedless (English) cucumber, thinly sliced 3 Tbsp. orange juice 2 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil 1 tsp. hot pepper sauce (such as Tabasco); ARRANGE on two dinner plates, sprinkle with ¼ tsp. each salt and pepper, and, if desired, garnish with 2 Tbsp. toasted pine nuts. SERVES 2 p. 167 Yum! Mom's best dessert recipes p. 184 Rice pilaf: 4 fun flavors p. 181 Arugula & Pesto Tortilla Pizzas—easy! p. 183 Citrus trick for zingy pasta…

LINGUINE WITH ASPARAGUS & EGG 30 minutes or less TOTAL TIME 30 minutes MAKES 4 main-dish servings 1 pkg. (4 oz.) cubed pancetta 1 med. shallot, chopped 12 oz. linguine 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed and halved lengthwise 1 Tbsp. olive oil 4 lg. eggs ½ c. finely grated Parmesan cheese, plus more for topping 1. Heat lg. covered saucepot of salted water to boiling on high. 2. Meanwhile, heat pancetta in 12-in. nonstick skillet on med.-high. Cook 5 min. or until crisp, stirring occasionally. Add shallot and ¼ tsp. salt; cook 3 min. or until softened. With spatula, transfer mixture to lg. heat proof bowl. Wipe out skillet; set aside. 3. In boiling water, cook pasta as label directs; 4 min. before it's finished cooking, add asparagus. 4. Meanwhile, add…

Curl up, relax, and recharge Years ago, when I was a sullen teenager in love with the Irish boy who lived on the other side of the tracks (literally), my mother picked me up one day after school. "Get in the car," she said. "We're going to get your passport." I didn't want a passport. I didn't even know what one was, really. I expected that my summer would revolve around only two things: learning to touch-type and spending every free afternoon at the beach in the arms of the boy I loved. But my mother had other plans for me. As we drove south from the suburbs where we lived to downtown Chicago, she explained that she intended to take me to Paris, Rome, and London as soon as…

Was a taxi driver actually hitting on my mother? ONE PREDAWN MORNING RECENTLY, I sat in the back of a taxi with my 2-month-old daughter while my mother, an attractive woman of 72, sat up front with the driver. The sky was still black when we started out, with a faint kiss of lavender over the hills. My mother makes a point of talking with cabdrivers, especially if they are Indian. As newlyweds, she and my father had lived in India. Her rusty Hindi impressed the driver, a stout, handsome man in his 50s—I'll call him Anand. How had my mother learned Hindi? he wanted to know. Switching to English, my mother told him. Sadly, her traveling partner, my father, had been dead three years. Trying for a joke, she…

CHICK-LIT WRITER JANE GREEN grew up in London, where, she says fondly, "everything is old." So when she and her husband merged households to create a mega family (six kids, four cats, two dogs), the house hunt began: "The last thing we wanted to do was build." But the search proved fruitless, and in 2010, they gave in and broke ground in Westport, CT. The amply sized farmhouse the couple commissioned looks as if it's stood for centuries, with two-over-two windows, crown moldings, and ceiling beams lending old-world character. Enhancing the time-tested look: Green decorated with pieces she's cherished for years. "We wanted the house to feel lived-in," she explains, "and you can't have that with all new furniture, can you?" CALM, COOL, AND COLLECTED A silvery palette warmed with…

Washington School House Hotel Park City, Utah A CELEBRITY HUB for the Sundance Film Festival and ski season, Park City has a more mellow vibe come spring. And this hotel—originally a circa-1889 limestone schoolhouse—is a perfect downtown home base, with luxe, antique-filled guest rooms and dramatic public spaces, some with 16-foot ceilings. The staff can help you arrange to navigate the nearby Wasatch Mountains' hiking and biking trails, book an in-room massage, or tour the town's boutiques, just blocks away. Peak Retreat Accommodations Talk about indulgent: The 12 chandelier-lit rooms and suites have Pratesi linens, comfy armchairs, claw-foot bathtubs, and reclaimed oak barn wood floors. From $395 per night, including breakfast. dining and relaxing The chef serves an organic take on classic American fare. Gather at the heated pool and…

The writer Iris Murdoch famously said, "One of the secrets of a happy life is continuous small treats." And so the snack-size-chocolate industry was born. We're kidding, but we do believe that savoring little pleasures makes a good life great. To that end, find a reason to dance barefoot (page 110), gather family sans drama (page 30), or pick a pretty new polish for a DIY mani (page 55). Or simply lie back and relax. After all, breakfast in bed is being served (page 21). Welcome to the new Good Housekeeping.…

ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO Win$ 5,000 just for telling us what you think of the new GH! We've made big changes at Good Housekeeping lately , all designed to bring you issues that are packed with fun ideas to make your life better. So…how did we do this month? What do you love? What should we lose? We want to know! We're looking forward to hearing from you—thanks. VISIT MAYSURVEY.GOODHOUSEKEEPING.COM TO GET STARTED! No purchase necessary to enter or win. Reader Feedback Sweepstakes sponsored by Hearst Communications, Inc. Beginning January 1, 2013, at 12:01 A.M. (ET) through December 31, 2013, at 11:59 P.M. (ET), go to maysurvey.goodhousekeeping.com and complete and submit the entry form pursuant to the on-screen instructions. One (1) Grand Prize winner will receive $5,000, one (1)…

It's ambitious to plan a party for relatives who may be scattered across the country. But pleasing far-flung family doesn't have to bring on headaches, especially if you choose a setting where cool things to do come with the territory. If you rent adjacent homes on a lake, for instance, activities like hiking and swimming (and water games—"Marco?" "Polo!") are built in. "You don't have to go anywhere exotic or expensive," says Beth Helmstetter, an event planner in Los Angeles. On homeaway.com, for instance, a four-bedroom lakeside log cabin (with room for eight) in Douglas, MI, with a hot tub and a pool table costs about $100 per person for peak summer weekends. Just give your group at least three months' notice so everyone can make travel plans. Then, go…

No Seal for you! No-Profanity Pledge "I SWEAR NOT TO SWEAR": Female students at Queen of Peace High School in North Arlington, NJ, were urged to take a month-long "no cursing" pledge by the school staff. One problem: Initially, the promise didn't apply to boys. School officials said they wanted "ladies to act like ladies" (though they did tell the boys to steer clear of profanity when the fairer sex was near). A double standard? Definitely. And one that takes one h*!% of a nerve!…

Beauty and fashion tips, trends & deals Michelle CHESTNUT Dockery may be the star of Downton Abbey, but her auburn hue is modern through and through. Jessica CARAMEL Light brown and honey-blond go together seamlessly in Alba's glam take on two-tone ombré. Julia AMBER Butterscotch and coppery highlights make Roberts's long, brown layers look fresh and vibrant. Madeleine ESPRESSO Channel your dark side: Rich, warm tones keep the effect youthful and flattering, à la Stowe's deep-java 'do. See more brown hairdos at goodhousekeeping.com/brunettes…

1 Overall Winner ESSIE NAIL COLOR ($8, over 200 shades; drugstores, essie.com) This standout pulled top points for shine and also did well in five other categories. "It was easy to apply and looked shiny and bright throughout the time I wore it," said a volunteer. Our manicurist gave it perfect scores for how evenly it went on, while many women loved that it came off easily without staining their nails. 2 Longest-Lasting MAYBELLINE NEW YORK COLOR SHOW ($4, 30 shades; drugstores) Volunteers reported that this bargain pick stayed put for an impressive six and a half days on average. "I'm very hard on my hands—gardening, playing sports, scrubbing pots—but the polish stayed perfectly on my nails as if it were the first day," raved one. 3 Quickest-Drying OPI NAIL…

Dress $169, Talbots ERIN PHRANER, 25 If you've got va-va-voom curves, flaunt 'em in a fit-and-flare floral dress. The stylish 20-something touches: a slim metallic belt to accent the nipped-in waist, a major gold cuff, and glossy (glam!) Mary Janes. Belt, $35, Cole Haan. Cuff, $88, Vince Camuto. Pumps, $195, Nina Originals. KATHERINE PHRANER, 51 With its full-skirted silhouette and oversize roses, this stunner is stand-alone elegant. All it needs to be special-occasion-worthy: bow-topped sandals and a classic link bracelet. Bracelet, $20, Jeweliq. Pumps, $165, CC Corso Como. Pants $168, Peace of Cloth BRIDGET FORDHAM, 54 Tone down the trendiness of vivid pants with a belted white shirt—its peplum is super-flattering—and classic sandals. Blouse, $150, Byron Lars Beauty Mark. Sandals, $119, CC Corso Como. KEIYANA FORDHAM, 31 If…

Eating smart made easy Brain Food? In new studies, older women with the highest blood levels of vitamin D had less cognitive decline; those whose diets included lots of D-rich foods—milk, salmon, tuna—had a far lower risk of Alzheimer's. Best tip we've heard this month Want to trim calories from your meal? Start with fruit. But don't have juice: You'll be likely to eat more. Let Your Kids Go Nuts IF YOUR CHILD HAS NUT ALLERGIES OR goes to a nut-free school, you might say, "Welcome, SuperSeedz." These seasoned pumpkin seeds don't contain any of the most common allergens (wheat, tree nuts, peanuts, milk, and eggs) and are so flavorful—in Sea Salt, Coco Joe, Original Curry, Super Spicy, Tomato Italiano, and Sugar & Cinnamon varieties—that your kids won't clamor for…

WONDERING WHY YOU CAN'T LOSE WEIGHT? Even when you're passing on ice cream? Prepare for a shock when you see how much of the sweet stuff ordinary foods can pack into a day. For your waist (and health), move your fork to the bottom row for meals that cut out 52 teaspoons of sugar—836 calories—a day. That could add a whopping 87 pounds (to your hips) in a year! 18 TEASPOONS THE AMOUNT OF ADDED SUGAR WOMEN EAT PER DAY 6 TEASPOONS THE HEALTHY LIMIT START HERE LOOK HOW FAST SUGARADDS UP …AND THAT'S WITHOUT ANY DESSERT! Breakfast 7 ½ TEASPOONS Cascadian Farm Dark Chocolate Almond Granola (3½ tsp.)* with Silk PureAlmond Milk in Vanilla (4 tsp.) WAIT! IT GETS WORSE Coffee 4 ¾ TEASPOONS Black coffee…

Real women, real-world advice Out of sight, out of mind—your phone, that is. The next time you meet a friend, switch it off and stow it. Keeping your mobile in view is distracting and can put a damper on your interaction, found a study at the University of Essex. "When you put your phone away, you show that what you're doing now is most important," says lead study author Andrew Przybylski, Ph.D. In other words, you've got to disconnect to truly connect. p. 110 Sip a fun drink (plus 24 more feel-good tips) p. 117 Peggy Post on job loss, lipstick lapses, more p. 131 Super deals on summer getaways p. 123 Calm advice for all those crazy days…

What makes a good marriage The Texan hottie talks about wife Camila and the kids 1 My wife and I don't compete. We know each other's prefer ences, and we work to provide those for each other. One will take over when the other is faced with something he or she dislikes. That's what friends do. 2 Camila has picked up what she used to think was my worst habit (chewing ice—loudly). 3 On Sunday mornings, I usually make breakfast with the kids, and then we take it back up to bed. It's always Bacon Sunday; when we're in New Orleans, it's Bacon and Beignet Sunday. 4 I really think that endurance and commitment are sexy. 5 We never go to bed holding a grudge. —CORTNEY…

SAVE OVER 50% ON LODGING Try bidding on a vacation the way you'd snag a purse on eBay: Go to a site like familygetaway.com for auctions and "Buy Now" options that let you pay up to 65% less than published rates. (If you change your mind, you have seven days to get a refund on your bid.) Jetsetter.com, owned by the shopping site Gilt Groupe, offers flash sales—a limited number of trips become briefly available for certain travel dates. If one suits your schedule and you act fast, you can save big; at press time, an Adventures by Disney package to London and Paris for a family of four had been marked down by over $4,000! GET A LOT OF ROOM FOR A LITTLE MONEY Instead of booking a hotel…

Mod Leather Lounger Shaped to hug a body's curves, Club Furniture's lounger ($1,400) has a stainless steel frame and sag-proof cushions (they're guaranteed!). New leather that's worked to be soft gives Clayton Gray Home's chrome-base chaise ($3,300) an artfully worn-in look. Fun Floral Rug With stylized blooms on a sky blue background, Safavieh's wool-viscose blend ($432 for 6' by 9') adds graphic punch underfoot. Similarly patterned, with meandering posies against azure, Company C's 100% wool rug ($915 for 6' by 9') is hooked by hand. Personalized Lamp Lamps Plus's curvy glass light ($100) comes in more than 60 vibrant colors with four shade options. Every part of Mottega's handmade-in-Portugal earthenware lamp ($840)—from the base style to the color to the finial design—is customizable.…

Q "I used cooking spray on a nonstick muffin tin, and now there's sticky residue on the pan. How can I remove it?" —KATE, VIA E-MAIL IT'S EASY TO GET RID of that gummy buildup. Put on rubber gloves, pour three tablespoons of ammonia onto a paper towel, and wipe the sticky surface, coating it well. Put the tin and the paper towel into a kitchen garbage bag, seal with a twist tie, and let sit overnight to soften the residue. In the morning, wash the pan with dish soap and a plastic scrub brush, and it should quickly come clean. Next time, skip the cooking spray; it can actually ruin a nonstick finish. You can use a bit of oil or butter if needed—or try paper liners. Did you…

Winner! …almond cake" Lois Bamford Cape Elizabeth, ME Bamford's mom, 84, uses butter and almond extract (not pricey paste, which requires a trip to the store) to create this dessert's rich, nutty flavor. Our surprise topper: cherries Scandinavian Almond Cake See recipe, page 175 PEANUT BUTTER CUP CHEESECAKE ACTIVE TIME 35 minutes TOTAL TIME 1 hour 55 minutes plus cooling and chilling MAKES 16 servings CRUST 6 Tbsp. butter, melted, plus more for pan 1½ c. graham cracker crumbs ¼ c. finely crushed chocolate-sandwich-cookie crumbs ¼ c. sugar ¾ c. creamy peanut butter CHEESECAKE 3 (8-oz.) pkgs. cream cheese, at room temperature 1 c. sugar 1 c. sour cream 1½ tsp. vanilla extract 3 lg. eggs, lightly beaten 1 c. hot fudge ice cream topping Peanut butter cups, cut into…

Fun, Fastvv Easy PECAN & GOLDEN RAISIN STIR ½ c. pecans, toasted and chopped; ¼ c. golden raisins; and ⅛ tsp. ground nutmeg into 1 (6- to 7-oz.) box rice pilaf, cooked, until well mixed. SERVES 4 PEA & HERB FOLD ⅔ c. frozen peas, thawed, and ¼ c. each fresh mint, finely chopped, and fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped, into 1 (6- to 7-oz.) box rice pilaf, cooked, until well mixed. SERVES 4 SPICED RED PEPPER FOLD ⅓ c. roasted red pepper, finely chopped; 2 green onions, sliced; and ⅛ tsp. ground cumin into 1 (6- to 7-oz.) box rice pilaf, cooked, until well mixed. SERVES 4 SAVORY RED ONION FOLD 3 Tbsp. finely chopped red onion and 2 Tbsp. capers, chopped, into 1 (6- to 7-oz.) box rice…

TO GRIP YOU We Need New Names By NoViolet Bulawayo Thanks to an aunt in Michigan, Darling can finally escape the violence in her African shanty-town. Yet fitting into life in America is harder than she expected. Her child's point of view is an eye-opener. FOR LITERARY INTRIGUE Flora By Gail Godwin This tale, set in the 1940s South, finds 10-year-old Helen stuck at home with her cousin Flora while her dad does classified war work. A polio scare sequesters them until a young man turns up, and trouble brews. TO MOVE YOU The Little Way of Ruthie Leming By Rod Dreher Ruthie, a teacher, always loved small-town life; her bookworm brother couldn't wait to get out. But when Ruthie gets cancer, Rod sees what he's been missing—and makes a…

There's something about spring—its soft breezes, sunshine, and blooming flowers—that makes me want to brighten things up around my house. If you're similarly inclined, we've got loads of inspiring ideas for projects big and small. See how author Jane Green built a brand-new farmhouse with old-school character (page 10), or perk up a room with touches of emerald green—the color of the year (page 6). In the kitchen, try the latest remodeling trends (page 16), or shake up your brunch plans with Aida Mollenkamp's yummy seasonal menu (page 20). It's never been easier to start fresh. Rosemary Ellis EDITOR IN CHIEF Tuft Love A classic, now in the color of the moment ($1,074, lovedecades.com)…

1 Faux-Wood Floors Nope, this floor isn't wood: It's low-maintenance porcelain tile, with all the warmth of a natural grain ($11.50 per sq. ft., Walker Zanger Nature Collection in white; walkerzanger.com). Available in "planks" in a variety of widths, faux-wood flooring stands up to heavy traffic—and is surprisingly affordable. Our picks: Mohawk's Stage Pointe line ($3.25 per sq. ft.; mohawkflooring.com) and options from Home Depot and Lowe's that cost as little as $2.40 per sq. ft. 2 Gray Matters This neutral shade isn't just for bedrooms anymore. Gray's now hot in the kitchen; designers' use of the hue jumped to 55% this year, says the 2013 National Kitchen & Bath Association (NKBA) Style Report. You'll even find fixtures like the apron sink at right ($1,681, Kohler Alcott; kohler.com) paired with…

We evaluate products for the magazine and the Seal to make sure you get good value. 200 That's how many features the winner of our Product Tester for a Day Contest, Christine Roeger (above right, with Beauty Lab Director Birnur Aral), rated as she tested wrinkle-smoothers, vacuums, and more at GHRI in January. 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 on page 199). DIRECTOR Miriam Arond TECHNICAL MANAGER & ENGINEERING DIRECTOR Rachel Rothman FOOD DIRECTOR Susan Westmoreland FOOD ASSOCIATE FOOD EDITOR Catherine Lo ASSOCIATE FOOD EDITOR Erin Phraner ASSISTANT FOOD EDITOR Sherry Rujikarn EDITORIAL ASSISTANT Katie Holdefehr NUTRITION NUTRITION DIRECTOR Samantha B. Cassetty,…

FRESH START $11 and $13 Lighten up your scent for spring with a super-refreshing and moisturizing grapefruit-lemon-basil body wash and lotion (lulah.com) SERVES YOU RIGHT $39 With its groovy colors and psychedelic florals, French Bull's melamine Mosaic Salad Servers and Bowl Set (sparkliving.com) is a total trip Take it outside—the whole set is shatterproof UNDER HER NOSE $25 Fragrance, fashion, and a puzzling bequest lead a 1950s British socialite into a whirl of Parisian intrigue in Kathleen Tessaro's The Perfume Collector LUXE LINKS $28 The simple way to accessorize: with a single piece of statement-making jewelry—like this bold gold cuff (shopsosie.com)—punctuating an outfit EARN YOUR STRIPES $30 First introduced by L.L.Bean more than 40 years ago, this 100% cotton boat-neck French sailor's shirt remains an easy, breezy warm-weather essential Extends…

WORDS OF WISDOM PINTEREST Pinned by user Mary Beth Burrell from illustrator Jessica Hische's website GUARANTEED TO MAKE YOU SMILE YOUTUBE :) This country-singer dad may be the star, but son Ethan really steals the show. Search "baby crashes dad's concert" to watch. FUNNY ONE-LINERS TWITTER FELICITY HUFFMAN "Sitting on the plane next to older lady with fancy bag…think I just described myself!" B.J. NOVAK "They should add a 'Did you really mean P.M.?' warning to all alarm clock apps." CONAN O'BRIEN "I just ate a package of Oreo cookies so I wouldn't binge on them later." FAVE LINE TELEVISION " We've been married for a week, and I've only regretted it twice." —Jules (Courteney Cox) on Cougar Town A FUNNY CARTOON IF IT WERENT FOR THE OCCASIONAL VISITOR, THIS…

"IT'S CRAZY, BUT I HAVE THESE NINETEENTH-CENTURY hobbies," confesses Callie Khouri, who created and writes for the hit TV series Nashville. Though she's a self-proclaimed feminist (she cites Gloria Steinem as her inspiration) who won an Academy Award for the script of Thelma & Louise, Khouri also spent three years filet-crocheting a pillow. "I was eight months in and had missed one stitch, so I had to start over," she moans. And she loves to cook…from scratch. "I can throw down Southern," says the Texas-born Khouri of her fried chicken. "The key is getting the oil temperature just right." But this self-taught chef isn't above minor menu mishaps. "I made fresh pasta for a dinner party once and underestimated the timing. Four hours later, and we still hadn't eaten." Her…

2-Minute Tutorial "How I freshen up my makeup on the go" "A few dabs of this creamy two-tone concealer are all I need to hide my undereye circles." Laura Mercier Secret Camouflage ($30, Sephora) "To brighten my cheeks, I swipe on this color stick and blend with my fingers." Revlon Baby Stick for Lips & Cheeks in Tahitian ($9, drugstores) "A face mist is my favorite afternoon pick-me-up: It instantly lifts my look." The Body Shop Vitamin E Face Mist ($16, The Body Shop) Go to goodhousekeeping.com/2minbeauty for a video of more on-the-go makeup tips Return of a Classic The beloved Prescriptives Custom Blend Foundation is back. Via an online video chat and a short questionnaire, a rep will create a foundation just for you in a customized…

Sun Smarts SPF 15 IS NOT ENOUGH: We apply too little sunscreen to get the protection promised on the tube, studies show. That's why the American Academy of Dermatology recommends SPF 30 for any exposed skin (use it daily on your face). An extra safeguard: Rub a sunscreen stick at the corners of your eyes and on other thin-skinned areas prone to sun damage, advises dermatologist Mona Gohara, M.D., of Yale School of Medicine. Try CeraVe SPF 50 Sunscreen Stick ($10, drugstores). 46% That's how much more we spent (in 2011, versus 2006) on drugs for wrinkles, sexual dysfunction, menopause symptoms, and other natural conditions of aging, a recent study found. Indeed, we anted up more for these than for heart disease and hypertension meds. NEW! A PLAN TO SHED…

Easy ways to stay well, eat right, get fit In what could be considered juicy news, a Tufts University study found that people who ate a tomato-rich diet had a significantly lower risk of coronary heart disease. The health boost comes from lycopene, an antioxidant that gives tomatoes their color and (pizza lovers, rejoice!) be-comes even more concentrated in sauce. In the 11-year study, those who ate the most lycopene—watermelon is another rich source—had a 25% lower risk. p. 88 Why these belong in your desk drawer p. 79 One less thing to worry about p. 90 Iced tea's sneaky health secret p. 93 New ways to stop the sneezes…

I BECAME AN EMOTIONAL EATER as a young child. If I was bored, I'd make cookies. When my mom came home from work, she'd cook, and I'd hang out with her in the kitchen—and eat. I avoided weighing myself, but I know that by the time I was in high school I wore a size 18—I had a pair of Calvin Klein jeans that size. Then, after I married, I had a son in 1994 and a daughter in 1996. That was also the year my weight hit 222 —a number you don't forget. Being a science-y person (I later taught ninth grade biology and earth science), I thought I understood what I needed to do to lose weight—cut out all fat and do cardio. I'd eat anything that said…

Allergies are getting more common, and flare-ups worse. Here's why—plus, new ways to weather the change One day, Kathleen Shaputis's nose started running—and it wouldn't stop. At first she thought she had a cold. Then, when the sniffling and dripping got more annoying, she went to the doctor. To her surprise, Shaputis found out she was allergic to mold and to the trees in her Olympia, WA, area. "I was 55!" says Shaputis, now 59. "I'd had some mild allergy symptoms before, but nothing like that." Join the sneezers: The number of people with seasonal allergies has increased dramatically over the past 30 to 40 years—by some estimates, it's more than doubled—and, like Shaputis, many are being hit for the first time in midlife. "I see a big bubble of…

Stop acting your age. If you want to look and feel younger—fast—put more thought into having fun. "When a 40-year-old goes headfirst down a waterslide, suddenly she's not 40 anymore," says Joe Robinson, author of Don't Miss Your Life. You become the person you were before you had a mortgage to pay. You begin living in the moment, which is what happiness is all about. To get you started, we've collected 25 opportunities to let loose in your life. Shut down that computer. We're officially giving you permission to pursue pleasure. Say yes to adventure: That late-night drive, a spontaneous camping trip, or even hopping a fence to see what's on the other side could lead to the most fun you'll have all year. No one ever called Merlot "a…

THE OTHER MORNING, I was feeling rattled: I'd just returned from a business trip; my daughter's schedule had changed, so I had to rejigger my calendar; I'd discovered a mistake I'd made in something I'd written; and I had to finish a project with a short deadline. (I can't stand short deadlines!) None of these issues was anything close to an emergency, but experiencing them all at once made me feel cranky and overwhelmed. To put myself in a better frame of mind, I decided to run through some of my easier tips for keeping calm. Whenever I have the wherewithal to try to soothe myself with these quick strategies instead of giving in to a bad mood, I'm struck by how much better I feel—without spending much time, energy,…

WORTH REPEATINGIn this cozy breakfast nook, identical shadow boxes transform lots of tiny anchors into an instant collection. A hefty wood bracket near the ceiling plays off the anchors' scale and shape. MASS APPEAL An easygoing mix, including vintage seascapes and depictions of farm animals, sets a relaxed tone in this paneled den. Why it works: Similarly colored frames help unify the jumble of sizes and unevenly spaced pieces. Botanical prints complement the art's natural themes ON THE LEVEL Displayed in a tight grid above a sofa, six seashell prints have the visual oomph of a larger piece—at a much nicer price. Search vintage books for images; mat and pop into matching frames. Stack all the way to the ceiling for attention-grabbing drama Artwork is like an extrovert: It's at…

Double Duty Brilliant new uses for everyday items Another top knot solution… Christina says "If powder doesn't do the trick, try rubbing a dab of mineral oil or olive oil on the tangle with your fingers, then go at it again with a pin to loosen it. Once you're finished, clean with a solution of a couple of drops of dishwashing liquid in a cup of water, rinse, and dry with a soft, lint-free cloth." CHRISTINA PETERSON, GHRI SENIOR PRODUCT ANALYST, HOME CARE…

Armed with nearly 12 pounds of dirt (plus pet hair), GHRI pros put 15 contenders to work on bare floors and plush carpet to rate maneu verability, suction strength, motor noise, ease of emptying the dust cup or bag, and more. Here, the top lean machines. LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMP Oreck Magnesium RS, $500 This slim superstar excelled at removing trapped dirt and pet hair from carpet and in just two passes picked up 92% of debris from bare floors. A breeze to use, it lies flat to scoot under furniture to snag dust bunnies. Its one drawback: no attachments. *Weight does not include power cord ALLERGY ADVICE Opt for a vac that uses a dust bag, not a cup: When it's time to empty it, there'll be fewer airborne particles Top…

15 min Arugula & Pesto Pizzas PREHEAT oven to 475°F. Spray 2 cookie sheets with nonstick cooking spray. Arrange 2 tortillas on each sheet. SPREAD 2 Tbsp. refrigerated pesto on each tortilla. In med. bowl, stir together 1 c. ricotta cheese, ½ tsp. crushed red pepper, and ¼ tsp. each salt and black pepper; dollop onto tortillas. TOP with 1 c. shredded Italian-blend cheese. Bake 8 to 10 min. or until edges are golden brown and cheese melts. TOSS 6 c. arugula with 1 Tbsp. balsamic vinegar. Top pizzas with arugula mixture. serves 4 Each serving about 440 calories, 20 g protein, 21 g carbohydrate, 31 g total fat (12 g saturated), 2 g fiber, 62 mg cholesterol, 900 mg sodium. 20 min Peking Pork Wraps TOSS 2 sm. cucumbers,…

1 Overall Winner HAIER CABINET DEPTH REFRIGERATOR $1,900 (20.6 cu. ft.) Our top scorer kept temps steadiest to help food last. A slide-out shelf gives easy access to foods stashed in back. Fits flush with cabinets for a streamlined look. 2 Best for Families WHIRLPOOL GOLD FRENCH DOOR REFRIGERATOR $2,700 (28.6 cu. ft.) With its huge capacity, smudge-resistant finish, and spacious pizza-fitting freezer space, this unit is a real workhorse for big clans. 3 Best for Bulk Buyers SAMSUNG REFRIGERATOR $2,800 (25.6 cu. ft.) With few dividers in the freezer, it's simple to store large items—plus, the fridge doors easily hold gallon containers. Bonus: the easy-open freezer-door handle. 4 Smartest Design LG SUPER-CAPACITY DOOR-IN-DOOR REFRIGERATOR $3,500 (30.5 cu. ft.) Snackers, rejoice! A door- within-a-door allows access to favorite foods without…

Like it? Find it here… This Works! Page 37 Overture, Moshi; moshistore.com. Q Card Case, CM4; cm4.com. SmartFlex View, Speck; speckproducts.com. PowerSkin Battery Case, PowerSkin; power-skin.com. "Solve My Style Problem" Page 66 1: Layered-bottom top, $58, Ann Taylor; anntaylor.com. Pleated skirt, $150, Club Monaco; clubmonaco.com. T-strap sandals, $60, Antonio Melani; dillards.com. 2: Dress, $68, Simply Vera Vera Wang; kohls.com. Enamel bracelets, $38 each, C Wonder; cwonder.com. 3: Striped tee, $85, Marimekko; us.marimekko.com. Ruched skirt, $118, Three Dots; shopthreedots.com. Pendant, $90, T Tahari; dillards.com. Onyx bracelets, $125 for set, Lola James Jewelry; lolajamesjewelry.com. Satchel, $228, French Connection; usa.frenchconnection.com. Style Swap Page 68…

Pillow Play Pair a whimsical, nature-inspired print and a key-bordered solid Emerald City GOING GREEN is becoming more popular than ever: Emerald has been chosen by Pantone as 2013's Color of the Year. "It's a bold color with a richness to it that I love," says Atlanta-based interior designer Cristi Holcombe of Charm Home, who designed the room shown. All you need is a touch of it to brighten any room and help it say "spring." 1 All the Angles In crisp cotton, this chevron pillow (20" by 20") makes a zippy accent on your bed or sofa. Bonus: The removable cover can be machine-washed. $60, zazzle.com 2 Green Light A modern classic: Hand-blown recycled-glass spheres stack up on this 30-inch table lamp, topped with a linen shade. $298, shadesoflight.com…

Tropical Yogurt Parfaits WITH TOASTED COCONUT & ALMONDS See recipe, page 25 Arugula Pesto "Green Eggs & Ham" Sandwiches See recipe, page 25 What better way to celebrate spring than with a brunch menu that's light on effort but full of bright, fresh flavor? Chef Aida Mollenkamp—host of Cooking Channel's FoodCrafters and Food Network's Ask Aida—built her career on using simple, high-quality ingredients and elevating them through inventive combinations. "Food tastes better when it's prepared by hand and made with whole ingredients," she says in her cookbook, Keys to the Kitchen. From a whimsical twist on a classic (a "green eggs and ham" sandwich) to cool new favorites that can be prepped ahead of time (a tropical parfait, a romaine salad with whiskey-soaked onions), Mollenkamp's menu is fun, approachable, and,…