Innehållsförteckning för July 2013 från Good Housekeeping

1,000+ That's how many snips testers took to determine which garden shears pruned best—and were easiest to use! Flip to page 27 to find out which pairs made the cut. 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, M.S., R.D. HOME HOME APPLIANCES, CLEANING PRODUCTS & TEXTILES DIRECTOR Carolyn E. Forté SENIOR PRODUCT ANALYST, HOME CARE Christina Peterson PRODUCT ANALYST, TEXTILES Lexie Sachs KITCHEN APPLIANCES & TECHNOLOGY DIRECTORSharon Franke PRODUCT ANALYST Emily Weinberger CHEMISTRY HEALTH, BEAUTY &ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES DIRECTOR Birnur K. Aral, Ph.D. SENIOR PRODUCT ANALYST Mary E. Clarke CHEMIST Sabina Burdzovic-Wizemann PRODUCT ANALYST Megan Inayoshi ENGINEERING CONSUMER…

My Smart Solution "I make these DIY coffee-scented candles by pouring beans (the cheaper, the better) into a small glass jar; just leave a quarter-inch of space on top, then nestle a vanilla tealight in snugly. It smells like a fresh pot of vanilla coffee—even after the candles are out." —LISA STEELE, 37, SUFFOLK, VA Your best tips for… Nixing the Munchies Take a Sip of Water "I like to keep a pitcher of water and a small bowl of fruit on my desk. When I feel the need to snack, I have a drink first. If that doesn't do it, I reach for the fruit." —KAREN DOYLE, 45, AMHERST, NH Freshen Up "I brush my teeth soon after I get home, and it makes me not want to eat…

Whether FOR your private Eden or a lone window box, you'll need a reliable trimmer—pruning makes plants prettier and helps them live longer. We tested 13 cutters, slicing wooden dowels and branches in the lab and clipping bushes in our home gardens. After we assessed weight, comfort, safety, and performance, here are the three that made the cut. Top Picks Winning Snipper FISKARS POWERGEAR Bypass Pruner 8736 ($25) Paring is painless with this durable but lightweight tool, thanks to unique supersmooth rolling gears that help prevent cramping. It's simple to latch, too. Bargain Buy CORONA COMFORTGEL Bypass Pruner ($16) Soft, gel-covered handles, plus a size and weight testers deemed "ideal," make for comfortable shears. So light that cutting requires a bit of extra force. For Tough Jobs A.M. LEONARD Ergonomic…

71 % of GH readers use permanent color COLOR COMPLAINT Stubborn Grays "I found my first grays a few years ago," says Dana Vivinetto, 32. "I dyed my hair once, but some grays still showed. I want to hide them with minimal upkeep." THE SOLUTION Permanent Color "Try a permanent formula, especially if your grays are resistant to demi-permanent dye," says Julia Youssef, vice president of L'Oréal USA Hair Color Technical Center. "While demis can make grays less noticeable, the color washes out within four weeks, whereas permanent dye lasts until it grows out." Dana's hair color was a medium brown, so, for the most natural results, Youssef chose a shade with those words in its name: L'Oréal Paris Excellence Crème in Medium Chestnut Brown ($9, drugstores; 49 shades). The…

Red-Hot A crossbody bag in a fiery cayenne hue energizes neutrals ($104, The Sak) Cardinal Rules Vamp it up in bold red shades ($30, Carlos by Carlos Santana) A Star Is Worn Beachy starfish earrings bring out the stripes' nautical side ($30, Talbots) At Ease Give the lace a laid-back vibe with casual pull-on linen pants ($69, J. Jill) Walk Tall Echo the crisp black and white with graphic wedge espadrilles ($40, JustFab) In the Dark For nighttime sophistication, pair the tunic with slim black cigarette pants ($89, Spiegel) Wrist Watch Three-quarter sleeves show off a chunky woven cuff ($85, KJL by Kenneth Jay Lane) Pack Leader Tote all your sightseeing extras in this roomy, wipe-clean PVC carryall ($79, Kate Landry) Fruit Loop Add a pop of age-defying color near…

This Should Put You to Sleep THE KEY TO SOUNDER rest is to get up—and go. People who work out are significantly more likely to say, "I had a good night's sleep" than non-exercisers, even when they've logged the same number of zzz's, a National Sleep Foundation survey found. People who did vigorous activities, such as running, biking, swimming, or playing competitive sports, saw the biggest payoff: Two-thirds of them said that in the past two weeks they'd rarely woken too early or had trouble falling back asleep. But even light exercisers slept better than the sedentary group. Just getting up from your desk every so often helps, too. People who sat for less than eight hours a day were nearly twice as likely to describe their sleep quality as…

If you want to be trim, get social. In a weight-loss study at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, researchers discovered that the more men and women post on Twitter, the more pounds they lose. The microblogging site allows for accountability, provides support, and helps people stay focused on their goals, says study author Brie Turner-McGrievy, Ph.D. To get started, she suggests following your favorite weight-loss bloggers. Drop that cone! Ices beat the heat with fewer calories BETTER SNACK-STAND PICKS WHAT IS IT ABOUT LOLLING AT THE POOL or on the sand that makes you so hungry? Opt for these munchies, and you'll still make a splash in your cute sundress. INSTEAD OF… 1 scoop vanilla ice cream + rolled wafer cone (177 cals) 8 oz. fruit punch (119…

Get Out in Nature Enough with the multitasking: The best thing you can do for your productivity is give your brain a break and head outside. Being outdoors (ideally somewhere with greenery) for half an hour can boost creativity and help you feel more focused and less stressed once back at your desk, say researchers at the University of Kansas and the University of Utah. "Plus, if you're having a mental block, taking a quick walk can help you problem-solve," says study coauthor David Strayer, Ph.D. It doesn't matter whether you're in a city park or somewhere bucolic; for maximum benefits, leave your BlackBerry behind. p. 101 "Deals" that are anything but p. 83 Why naughty can feel so nice p. 95 Gretchen Rubin gets her buttons pushed p. 89…

WHAT KEEPS MY MARRIAGE SO CLOSE (His pet name for wife Elizabeth is "Snookleberry"—aww!) 1 My wife and I are best friends who tell each other everything. Elizabeth can always sense when I'm lying to myself, and vice versa. We keep each other honest, and it's fun. 2 I like telling my wife that I love her—it just feels good. I don't need to play the cool guy. 3 No keeping secrets, big or small—becausesmall things can turn into big things. 4 There's no need to argue. We can discuss anything as long as we keep emotions out of it. 5 My wife doesn't like to relax, so I draw baths for her. I say, "It's getting cold— don't waste it," and she'll get in. 6 The home-decorating decisions are…

"NO-INTEREST LOANS!" "THE EASY WAY TO SAVE!" If you're like me, you're noticing more and more sales pitches promising to help you save big in our still-sluggish economy. But with so many alluring promises out there, how can you sift through all the sales talk and put your money in the right place? I'm here to help! Read on as I share the real deal on three newfangled offers that have been advertised like crazy—each of which could be more of a money pit than anything else. Plus, I'll fill you in on one enticing option that really does live up to its promises. 1 Prepaid Cards THE SALES PITCH They're so convenient! A prepaid card is similar to a gift card: The amount of money you put on…

QUICK AND EASY Skip a step, save a day: Paint with primer cuts down work and drying time BEST OVERALL Benjamin Moore Aura, $68 A single coat glided on effortlessly and covered even the darkest backdrop. It ranked highest for appearance, and here's a real bright spot: It can be matched to any shade. RUNNER-UP Sherwin-Williams SuperPaint, $51 A super-close second, it performed impressively, from top-notch coverage to ease of stain removal. Key difference? It comes in fewer hues. TOP VALUE Behr Premium Plus Ultra, $33 Less than half the price of our overall winner, this paint looked gorgeous, but take note: It didn't ace our abrasion test, so it's best for low-traffic areas. How We Tested All 14 of the combo paints we looked at, plus two separate primers…

NAME SARAH FISHBURNE, 38 OCCUPATION HOME DEPOT DESIGN DIRECTOR LOCATION SMYRNA, GA 1 True Blue Sarah felt something was missing in her white-walled dining room—color! Once she painted it a dramatic royal blue, "the room came to life, and the molding suddenly popped," she says. 2 Built to Last A timeless bed frame—bought on clearance years ago—gets a modern update when upholstered in white linen and paired with wall-art multiples (five look better than one). 3 Eastern Influence As a child, Sarah spent time in Tokyo, which shaped her love for sophisticated lines and bold hues. "I have a background in textiles," she says, "and I thrive on finding patterns and palettes that work together."…

Ask Heloise for help at goodhousekeeping.com/heloise Q: "After multiple washings, the collars on my husband's polo shirts have gotten creased and won't lie flat. Any advice on getting them to behave?" —NAME WITHHELD, VIA E-MAIL A DROOPY COLLAR is an easy problem to solve, so there's no need to spend a dime on brand-new shirts. It sounds as if the sizing—a starchlike substance the manufacturer puts on the material to make it stiff—has been washed out. Buy a can of spray starch and use your iron to get rid of those unruly wrinkles. Just spray the back of the collar with the starch, let it set for a few seconds, and then glide your fingers over it, applying some pressure to work it in. With your iron…

1 PROSCIUTTO TARTINES Spread 1 log goat cheese on 4 slices toasted sourdough bread; top with ½ cantaloupe, sliced, and ¼ lb. thinly sliced prosciutto. Serves 4 2 GRAPE–GOAT CHEESE BITES Slice 1 log goat cheese into ¼-in.-thick slices; mold around each of 12 red or green seedless grapes and roll in ⅓ c. ground pistachios to coat. Serves 4 3 BISTRO BURGER TOPPING Mix 1 log goat cheese, softened; 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh tarragon; 1 tsp. lemon juice; and ½ tsp. pepper. Serve on 4 cooked hamburgers. Serves 4 4 INSTANT PASTA SAUCE Whisk 1 log goat cheese, softened; ½ c. each whole milk and grated Parmesan cheese; 1 Tbsp. olive oil; 1 tsp. pepper; and ½ tsp. salt. Toss with 1 lb. cooked spaghetti.…

TOTAL TIME 30 minutes MAKES 4 main-dish servings 1 tsp. dry mustard 2 tsp. ground cumin ½ tsp. crushed red pepper 1½ lbs. pork tenderloin 4 (2-oz.) pieces store-bought cornbread ¼ c. ranch dressing 2 Tbsp. milk 2 Tbsp. snipped chives 1 tsp. lemon juice 1 lb. sugar snap peas, trimmed and sliced ½ med. English cucumber, halved and sliced ½ c. coarsely grated radishes (about 8) 1. Preheat grill for covered direct grilling on med.-high. 2. In sm. bowl, mix dry mustard, cumin, crushed red pepper, and ½ tsp. salt. Rub all over pork. Grill, covered, 15 min. or until cooked through (145°F), turning occasionally. Add cornbread to hot grill 2 min. before pork is done cooking; grill 1 min. per side or until toasted. Transfer pork and…

Curl up, relax, and recharge The rented hall had a flat, gray, dense carpet and a bandstand that seemed too large for the room. The mariachi band had only six musicians, and the trumpet player drowned out the violinist. Bob had inserted his earplugs before leaving the car. Margo walked ahead of him, stylish in stilettos and a swirly black skirt. He and Margo sat at the head table, on a dais, in a row with their friends John and Dee. Miguel was their mutual yardman, and Miguel's daughter was now 15. This was her quinceañera. Wearing a giant pink Civil War dress, she floated around the room, greeting guests and smiling through her glowing pink braces. "She's lovely," Margo murmured to Dee. Or seemed to murmur. Bob's hearing was…

Last week, in a squall of self-pity, I responded to an e-mail from one of my best friends, Susan, blubbering about a fight with my husband, my overwhelming fears about my kids, rejections at work, and how hard it was watching a childhood friend battle cancer. After signing off with a feeble I love you. I want to hear how you are…xo abby, I pressed Reply. Correction: I pressed Reply All. Ugh. I've made my share of computer slipups, but this broke new boundaries. Susan had started a Google group and was inviting us all to a "schmoozefest" to meet up. There I was, beaming out my inner angst to all of these strangers who couldn't care less about my troubles. "Noooo! Really?" I whimpered as soon as my snafu…

When I think of summer, I think of color: the vivid blue sky, the dazzling yellow of the sun, endless stretches of green grass. It's as if a 3-year-old has filled in the world with colors from the Crayola six-pack. Those vibrant hues define summer and give it its bright, optimistic feel (well, along with going on vacation), so color is at the center of this issue of GH. From the gutsy choices singer Shawn Colvin made for her Austin home (page 106) to summer fashions that are infused with cheery color (and cost less than $40!—page 50) to recipes that are steeped in the jewel tones of the season's crop of berries (page 132), we're painting your world in the bright shades of summer this month. And because filling…

Your friend is pregnant, and you're thrilled. But you can't say you feel the same about her upcoming shower. The truth is, many women secretly dread the idea of spending a Saturday oohing and aahing over embroidered burp cloths. "People have less time, so they'd rather catch up or share memories than spend an hour looking at stuff being opened," says Jennifer Gilbert, author of I Never Promised You a Goodie Bag. That's why these tips for keeping guests well fed and entertained are less about gift-opening and more about throwing a bash worthy of this (or another) milestone occasion. After all, it's the laugh-until-you-cry moments that make a party memorable. —Francesca Castagnoli 1. BEST-FRIEND BRUNCH Effortless and informal; guests will want to stay and schmooze long after the presents…

AS A POLICE OFFICER'S wife, Elizabeth Pedrini knew the toll the December shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary would take on the police who'd been first at the scene. So after learning the Newtown Police Department wasn't covered for post-traumatic stress disorder treatment, and that many officers were taking unpaid leaves due to emotional distress, the Woburn, MA, mom of two sprang to action. "I know what missing one paycheck can do," she says. Using the crowd-funding site gofundme.com, she raised $4,000 for the squad in three months and hopes to raise more: "The bills keep coming no matter what they're going through. I want to help." Elizabeth Pedrini delivers a check to the Newtown Police Department MIRANDA LAMBERT Locked & Reloaded tour "I know I've earned the GH Seal when……

BOOST THE BENEFITS OF A LASH CURLER with this easy technique tweak: Stroke on a thin coat of mascara, apply the rest of your makeup, and then curl. Like hairspray, mascara holds the curl for a more dramatic lash-lift; see it on the eye at right. Compare it with the other eye, where lashes were curled pre-mascara. Good Hydrations Hot, humid weather makes it tempting to skip moisturizer, but resist the urge. Instead, swap standard creams and lotions for gel formulas with more water and less weight and stickiness. Stash them in the fridge to maximize their refreshing effects. Some of our favorites: 1. Origins GinZing Energy-Boosting Moisturizer ($26.50, Sephora) contains invigorating ginseng, caffeine, and citrus oils. *2. Sabon Green Valley Sorbet Body Gel ($22, Sabon stores) has…

Don't leave home without it: a reversible tropical-print hat that's face-flattering and squishes flat to fit in your purse. Hat, $20, and shirt, $30, Uniqlo. From left: Tunic, $32, Umgee USA. Pants, $28, Mossimo for Target. Earrings, $16, Emitations. Bracelets, $24, Saachi. Sandals, $40, JustFab. Top, $39, ShopSosie. Jeans, $40, Uniqlo. Necklace, $9, Forever 21. Sandals, $35, Jelly Beans. If you're shy about showing your arms, slip on a three-quarter-sleeve tunic—you'll stay covered up and cool. Team with color-drenched pants for a fresh beat-the-heat combo. $16 EARRINGS! EXCLUSIVE PRICE FOR GH READERS ENTER FOR A CHANCE TO WIN! We're giving away dozens of each item tagged with the "Enter to Win!" symbol See page 166 ENTER TO WIN! What's better than a swishy summer dress—especially one in a bracing lime…

Slimmer Summer Treat Whether you're celebrating Uncle Sam or a more immediate family member, you can have your cake and skinny jeans, too. These frozen treats deliver birthday-cake flavor and are no more than 160 calories—a nice gift when you consider the fact that the bakery version weighs in at 500 calories a slice. 110 cals ½ cup Edy's/Dreyer's Take the Cake Slow Churned Ice Cream 130 cals Good Humor Birthday Cake Bar 150 cals ¾ cup Skinny Cow Cupcake Batter Lowfat Ice Cream 160 cals Blue Bunny Mini Swirls Birthday Party Ice Cream Cone I Love Hamburger Topping your burger with avocado may not turn the grill favorite into health food, but research suggests it may help prevent inflammation and stiffness in blood vessels. Just…

Remember when summertime meant the livin' was easy? Yeah, neither does anyone else. Stress is a year-round reality, though the source may vary. "For some women, it's family issues, while others can't escape the pressures that work puts on their lives," says Regina Mendoza, Psy.D., a clinical psychologist in Miami. And the trigger can shift, too: Today, it may be your credit card balance; tomorrow, your mother's health problems. Experts like Mendoza say you can fine-tune relief so it fits as well as your favorite summer capris, matching the most effective stress-buster to your particular hot button. Figure out what really sets you off—and the solution—so you can finally put your feet up and waggle your toes in those balmy breezes. 1. When it comes to money, you are… A…

You're probably used to worrying about everyone else's good time. But it's OK to have your own fun—and not necessarily the decorous kind. Behaving badly, at least once in a while, can ease stress, put a smile on your face, and make your heart beat faster. And you don't even have to break a sweat—or the law. "If you constantly deny yourself pleasure, you'll feel resentful, and that can increase your risk of getting sick," says Jane Greer, Ph.D., author of What About Me? Stop Selfishness From Ruining Your Relationship. We've found 10 guilt-free ways to misbehave that will leave you feeling as if you've gotten away with something. So go ahead. Be your bad self. PSST! GUESS WHAT I HEARD!?? 1 GOSSIP Next time an acquaintance does something selfish…

I HAVE A VERY TOUGH TIME BEING CRITICIZED. To be honest, I also have a tough time being corrected—even for the smallest mistakes—and I tend to react very angrily. I've wrestled to get this under control in my professional life, but I still have trouble with it at home. All my daughter has to say is something like, "You forgot to remind me to bring my library book to school…," and I'm off: "What do you mean? It's not my responsibility! How was I supposed to know that Wednesday is Library Day?" Or my husband might say—mildly—about our younger daughter, "Don't you think she should be having more playdates?" and I'll blow up: "It's such a pain to do the scheduling—why don't you do it!?" or "She had one last…

Pop Make a built-in stand out A BOLD RED-ORANGE—pulled from an Asian-motif wallpaper found by Colvin in London—energizes the library's built-in bookcases. Twin mattresses repurposed as daybeds are snug spots for all-day reading Surprise Cabinets go vibrant ONCE A SAGE GREEN, the kitchen cabinets are now a zesty chartreuse—the color pairs perfectly with the oak floors, an island topped with mesquite wood, and a stainless steel–tile backsplash 74% of people want to bring more color into their homes, says a Sherwin-Williams survey Drama Deep shades add allure THE LIVING ROOM'S full-tilt blue wall showcases Colvin's spirited gallery—including everything from family photos to decoupaged trays, surrounding a carved shelf—better than white ever could One walk through the Austin home of Shawn Colvin, and it's clear that the three-time Grammy winner knows…

Rubber Band Stretch one over the top of a paint can and use it to wipe excess paint from the brush. With its edges kept clean, the can will be a breeze to seal back up. Another Paint Pointer… Erik says "A great gadget that'll keep paint fresh is Shur-Line's reusable paint-can lid ($3, The Home Depot). It fits over any gallon-size can and forms a tight seal to prevent paint from drying out between uses. Also, the easy-pour spout helps reduce spills and drips." ERIK EIBERT, SENIOR TEST ENGINEER…

2: How many you can expect each guest to eat. ½: Bottles of needed per person. 68: Number of tunes to put on your for a four-hour party. ¾ cup: Amount of to scoop per serving. 4: Disposable used per person. 20%: Percentage of invitees you can expect to RSVP "no." 10 square feet: Area of protection you'll get from a bug-repelling . 2: Paper required for each guest. GENIUS INFO that'll make you look like a pro…

WHISK ½ c. milk and 1 Tbsp. cornstarch in lg. bowl, then whisk in 1 (15-oz.) container ricotta cheese, 4 lg. eggs, ½ c. each chopped basil and grated Parmesan cheese, ¼ c. sliced green onions, and ½ tsp. salt; pour into nonstick 10-in. skillet with oven-safe handle, top with 1 lb. tomatoes, sliced, and bake at 375°F for 35 to 40 min. or until set and puffed. Serves 6 p. 149 Transform corn with summery dinners p. 132 Berry recipes: Not just desserts p. 157 Lab Test: Become a blender whiz-ard! p. 155 Hot dog heaven— four new toppings…

15 min Grilled Flank Steak with Garden Salad PREPARE grill for covered direct grilling on high. MEANWHILE, in sm. bowl, mix 2 tsp. each hot paprika and dried tarragon, 1 tsp. salt, and ½ tsp. pepper; rub all over 2 lbs. flank steak. Spray each side of steak with cooking spray. GRILL steak, covered, 10 to 12 min. for med. (140°F) or until desired doneness, turning over once. WHILE steak cooks, whisk ¼ c. olive oil, 2 Tbsp. lemon juice, and ¼ tsp. each salt and pepper in lg. bowl. Cut kernels off 3 ears corn; stir into dressing with 12 oz. cherry tomatoes, halved, and ½ c. torn basil leaves. TOP steak with ½ c. crumbled garlic-herb cheese. Serve with tomato-corn salad. Serves 4 Each serving about 585 calories,…

Fun, Fast & Easy PIMIENTO-CHEESE DOGS COMBINE 1½ c. shredded Cheddar cheese, ¼ c. minced jarred pimientos, 4 Tbsp. mayonnaise, and ½ tsp. hot sauce; divide among 4 hot dogs. SPICY BLUE CHEESE DOGS COMBINE 1 c. chopped celery, ¼ c. mayonnaise, ½ tsp. cider vinegar, ½ tsp. hot sauce, and 3 oz. crumbled blue cheese; divide among 4 hot dogs. EVERYTHING BAGEL DOGS BEAT 3 Tbsp. cream cheese, 2 Tbsp. milk, and ¼ tsp. salt until smooth. Divide among 4 hot dogs; sprinkle with poppy seeds and 2 chopped green onions. BLT DOGS DIVIDE ¼ c. mayonnaise, ½ c. sliced romaine, 1 chopped tomato, and 6 slices crumbled cooked bacon among 4 hot dogs. Ask Susan Q I love grilling veggies, but they often fall through the grate into…

For romance A Hundred Summers By Beatriz Williams Summer of 1938: A scandalous love triangle and a famous hurricane converge in a New England beach community. Add in a betrayal between friends, a marriage for money, and a Yankee pitcher, and it's a perfect storm. For a saga A Place at the Table By Susan Rebecca White For fans of The Help, a tale of Southern exiles—an older black woman (based on legendary chef Edna Lewis) and a young gay man—who find each other in New York City through their love of down-home cooking. For suspense The Light in the Ruins By Chris Bohjalian Investigator Serafina Bettini fought against Nazi sympathizers in her native Tuscany; after the war, she must find out who's killing off a noble Italian family. That's…

$40 …and Under Treats for You PUFF PIECES $20 each Toss these Moroccan-motif throw pillows (Pier 1 Imports) on the couch or patio lounger for a hit of color and comfort—they can be used indoors or outside PUNCH LINES $30 Even plain ice water tastes better when it's poured from this bold and beautiful hand-painted ceramic pitcher (Pier 1 Imports), which holds 88 ounces—enough to quench a crowd's thirst We're giving away up to 100 of each item with the "Enter to Win!" symbol. See page 166 for details. MADE IN THE SHADE $34 Enlighten a bedside table with Oriental Furniture's 17-inch Yoko lamp (wayfair.com). Its cheery crinkled-paper shade, on a sleek metal base, is like an instant ray of sunshine PONY EXPRESS $5 and $6 Pull back breeze-whipped hair…

WORDS OF WISDOM PINTEREST Pinned by user Beth MMBBGC from wickedpaper, the Etsy shop of designers Jason and Cami ANIMAL ANTICS INSTAGRAM What a clever cat! Clearly, catnip is for amateurs. WITTY ONE-LINERS TWITTER KEVIN BACON "Chinese food with both my kids tonight. If I die in my sleep, I die a happy man." JENNA FISCHER "Let my toddler son walk around the drugstore and he picked up the following: a red car, Nilla Wafers, and an enema." A FUNNY CARTOON…

WHAT DOES IT TAKE TO RUN SANDRA LEE'S MEDIA EMPIRE? (She's about to release her 25th book and has four shows on Food Network, plus her own magazine.) Answer: zero procrastination and total devotion to order. Says the 47-year-old lifestyle expert, "That's how God made me, and I appreciate it." She buys in bulk and raves about the clear plastic containers that hold all her household staples: "No one ever needs to ask me where anything is…they can see it right there." Even Lee's sock drawer is a thing of efficient beauty. "When I open it and see it filled with my favorite big, cushy socks (I buy them by the dozen to wear during downtime), I can really relax," she says. And she organizes not only stuff, but also…

Sunscreen for Your Hair? YOU SHIELD YOUR SKIN FROM THE SUN…who knew you needed to protect your hair, too? A Case Western Reserve study of identical twins found that, along with factors like stress and smoking, exposure to ultraviolet light can lead to hair thinning and loss. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends donning a hat with a wide brim to shade your locks and using a zinc oxide leave-in conditioner. Try Mineral Fusion Lasting Color Mineral Conditioner ($10, Whole Foods). See Spots Go Cover up facial discoloration and get rid of it in one step: Maybelline New York Instant Age Rewind Eraser Dark Spot Concealer + Treatment (five shades, $10; drugstores) delivers a 2% concentration of vitamin C to diminish dark spots over four weeks. Equally nifty: Its sponge…

NOT ONLY DOES FRESH basil add spark when used in caprese salad, pesto, and soup, but it's also full of disease-fighting antioxidants and essential oils. For the biggest health boost, savor it fresh—researchers recently found that a third or more of basil's polyphenols may be lost when the herb is dried. (Of course, dry basil is still a healthy choice if the fresh version is out of season.) Easy ways to stay well, eat right, get fit p. 59 What Facebook reveals about hospitals p. 69 Solve your stress with this quiz p. 72 "I lost 45 lbs. and looked amazing on my honeymoon" p. 61 How to prep a heart-healthier burger…

THE PAIN was like a nail piercing my skull—right through my eye socket. I was a student at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and it was my first migraine. The agony lasted almost two days, radiating through every pore in my body. I threw up and then crawled into bed, pulling the covers over my head to shut out the light while I tried to sleep it off. Migraine: a constant companion Through the rest of college, I learned to expect this routine of pain, nausea, light sensitivity, and hours or days in bed about four times a year. An internist prescribed something that gave me a little relief, but I felt so out of it when I took it that it wasn't worth the trade-off. By my late…

LOST 82 LBS. steal her diet trick Invest in your health. "I was a broke student, so I didn't want to waste the $40 a week I was spending on Weight Watchers meetings. That was hugely motivational." Opening Up Helped Her Slim Down Jessica Odegaard AGE 25 HEIGHT 5' 5"HOMETOWN SCHENECTADY, NY WAS 213 POUNDS NOW 131 POUNDS Aisle trial When Jessica Odegaard's sister asked her to be maid of honor at her wedding, she was thrilled—and anxious. "I thought, I'm so fat, I'll wreck her photos." But the fresh-faced blond, who'd struggled with her weight since puberty, had gone on so many diets, "I was embarrassed to tell anyone I was trying. And then I just gave up." Not just a pretty face Her sister's engagement in July 2010…

Q I host a potluck barbecue every July 4. One of my friends always shows up empty-handed, then invariably takes home leftovers! Is it worth saying something to her? THE ETIQUETTE VERDICT Unless your friend is struggling financially (or otherwise), it's OK to speak up. P.S. (PEGGY SAYS) Potlucks work only when everyone contributes, so when you invite her, try saying, "Jen, don't forget—everyone has to bring something." Then suggest that she contribute a beverage or watermelon—they're easy and, if she forgets, they're not essential. Text her the day of the event: "Can't wait to see you! You're bringing beer, right?" If she shows up with nothing, either chalk it up to cluelessness or take her off next year's list. Q "A former colleague (now a friend) asked me to…

It is a gift. It comes wrapped in a bow. A 10-week pottery session at the local art center, where we will learn to shape and glaze the mighty muck of the earth. We'll make bowls, we'll make mugs, we'll make pots. We'll translate our ideas into things. "But I'm not artistic," I tell the gift-giver, my artist husband. "It's supposed to be fun," he says. "I am not sure I have the time," I say, "and doesn't clay crack your hands?" The truth is, I am a little afraid of being totally, irretrievably bad at this. But he planned for us to do this together, so I go along for the ride. The pottery studio is an expanse of light and wheels, shells and bisque, shelves full of drying…

When they bought the newly constructed Maine retreat in 2007, the owners knew they wanted a fresh twist on typical New England seaside style. Enter Michael K. Bell, a Washington, DC–based designer who blended traditional with modern for a more freewheeling version of beach decor. "There are water and surf references, but it's all bigger and bolder," says Bell. That's apparent in the great room, above, with its aquatic blue and green hues, cotton-slipcovered sofa, and not-so-typical touches like wipe-clean acrylic Louis XV chairs (wet bathing suits are no problem) and a table centerpiece made of enormous ostrich eggs instead of seashells. "It's invigorating," says Bell. "It's an experience, which is what a vacation home should be." POWER GRID To balance the sweeping half-circle of the kitchen's room-spanning granite island,…

Blue Plate Specials Oscar de la Renta's octagonal stoneware salad and dinner dishes ($40 and $46 each) are hand-painted in abstract patterns (the salad plate was inspired by a print from the fashion designer's archives). Portuguese artisans hand-stamp the tile-style designs on West Elm's Glazed Terracotta dinnerware ($10 and $12 each). Industrial Light An American-made design with customizable details like a striped cotton cord, Barn Light Electric's 16-inch-wide powder-coated fixture ($198) comes in 12 colors. For the same style minus the bells and whistles, try Nuvo Lighting's metal look-alike ($40). Rustic Coffee Table Cost Plus World Market's 28" by 46" acacia table ($230) has cool metal detailing at the corners, while Shabby Chic's 42-inch-square Scandinavian pine version ($1,428) has a beachy, done-by-hand whitewashed finish. Both come with a shelf for…

1 TOP SHELF Keep lightweight items you don't use often—think holiday cookie cutters or bakeware—up high in baskets 2 PANTRY RAID Stashed in uniform containers, staples and spices can sit out instead of hogging cupboard space 3 DOUBLE UP Install a shallow shelf beneath cabinets to add extra storage for dishes, spices—even wineglasses A magnetic board ($79) holds recipes and menus STEEL SPACE Three-foot-long shelves and a sleek magnetic board ($49 to $79, potterybarn.com) in easy-to-clean stainless steel give the kitchen a pro-chef look RACK 'EM UP Stash dishes in a pine rack—it mounts below cabinets ($50, etsy.com) HIGH AND DRY Hang paper towels horizontally or vertically ($25, williams-sonoma.com) SHARP IDEA Store your favorite blades front and center on a magnetic knife holder ($20, containerstore.com) BARGAIN BIN Fill with linens…

Fried Chicken WITH SPICY RASPBERRY HONEY The perfect fried-chicken sidekick: this spicy-sweet raspberry dipping sauce. To save two hours, serve wings only—they marinate faster Recipe, page 140 Citrus Switch You can swap in lime curd and raspberries BERRY & LEMON Pavlova Bake the meringue shell up to two days ahead, and this dessert assembles fast: Spoon in whipped cream and jarred curd, then top with berries—done! Recipe, page 140 Small Berries, BIG TASTE These no-fuss recipes max out the fruit's peak-season flavors 1 Banana-Berry Smoothie 2 Rosemary-Rubbed Strip Steak with Blackberry Sauce 3 Baby Back Ribs with Mixed Berry–Chipotle Glaze 4 Mixed Berry Ceviche Recipes start on page 143 Grilled-Chicken Tacos with Strawberry Salsa TOTAL TIME 35 minutes MAKES 4 main-dish servings 1¼ lbs. skinless, boneless chicken-breast halves 1 tsp.…

Classic SWEET BABY RAY'S BARBECUE SAUCE ($2.49 for 18 oz.) "Peppery" with a "mild kick," this contender blew away the competition with its balance of sweet-tomato and "zingy" flavors. Tasters said they "would definitely serve this to guests." Runner-Up: Classic KRAFT ORIGINAL BARBECUE SAUCE ($1.75 for 17.5 oz.) Winners Spicy KC MASTERPIECE HOT 'N SPICY ($2 for 18 oz.) This "pretty thick, but not gloppy" sauce was a big hit with tasters looking for lingering heat and minimal sugary sweetness. Bold flavors of molasses, paprika, and dried chi potle chiles amp up the smokiness. Runner-Up: Spicy SWEET BABY RAY'S SWEET 'N SPICY BARBECUE SAUCE ($2.49 for 18 oz.) DID YOU KNOW… July 4 Most popular day in the U.S. for barbecuing TEST KITCHEN tip Brush on sauce for only…

1 State of the Art BREVILLE The Hemisphere Control BBL605XL ($200, brevilleusa.com) A quiet powerhouse, this 6-cup blender has every conceivable feature: five speeds, "ice crush" and pulse settings, a timer, and even a ring to help remove the lid. The touchpad controls with illuminated buttons wipe clean with zero fuss. 2 Value Buy OSTER Osterizer Classic Blender 4270 ($70, amazon.com) This back-to-basics classic with a 48-oz. glass jar and stainless steel blade turned out near-flawless drinks and finely ground coffee. Its one switch couldn't be simpler. 3 Best Single-Serve OSTER MyBlend Blender BLSTPB ($25, oster.com) Take your smoothie to go with this mini model. It makes drinks inside a 20-oz. sports bottle. Just press down, twist to blend, and screw on the lid. EASY TO CLEAN The dishwasher-safe 48-oz.…

Like it? Find it here… This Works! Page 27 Power Gear Bypass Pruner 8736, Fiskars; fiskars.com. ComfortGel Bypass Pruner, Corona; coronatoolsusa.com. Ergonomic Bypass Pruner 1234, A.M. Leonard; amleo.com. How to Wear It Page 49 Lace-textured striped top, $129, and beaded starfish earrings, $30, Talbots; talbots.com. Linen pants, $69, J. Jill; jjill.com. Juicy Jewels necklace, $22, ShopLately; shoplately.com. Color-block tote, $79, Kate Landry; dillards.com. Cuff, $85, KJL by Kenneth Jay Lane; jcp.com. Pants, $89, Spiegel; spiegel.com. Nautical open-toe wedge, $40, JustFab; justfab.com. Purse, $104, The Sak; thesak.com. Sunglasses, $30, Carlos by Carlos Santana; amazon.com. Summer Steals Under $40 Page 50 Hat, $20, and…