Innehållsförteckning för October 2013 från Good Housekeeping

ALTHOUGH HER HOUSE waS SMALL, Jane Benson Ackerman, an avid collector, wasn't willing to give up her favorite things: literally thousands of books and many years' worth of carefully curated second-hand finds. So when she set out to renovate the circa-1850 home near Norwich, VT, she had a mission: to make the house structurally sound (no more leaks or drafts) and to surround herself with her beloved objects, many of which were languishing in storage. Ackerman, a fund-raiser, had bought the farmhouse in rather sad shape; it had been untouched since the sixties. She knew the home's renovation would be a pricey (and therefore long-term) proposition. So, as she planned and saved, she scoured salvage warehouses, auctions, and flea markets for objects that could work in her dream house, from…

Here is the thing about Michael J. Fox: No matter what you're talking about with him, he's funny. And no matter what you're talking about with him, he's serious. Case in point: He is hilariously irreverent about very serious things, like his Parkinson's diagnosis (evidence: his smart and funny new TV show, airing on Thursday nights starting September 26, which is about a guy with Parkinson's). But he also turns on a dime and, just after cracking a joke about some everyday indignity he has to deal with because of his disease, he explains what having Parkinson's has taught him, how he's thankful for it, and how it has focused his life in a way nothing else could have. Fox is a guy who loves his family, cherishes his marriage,…

What do YOU most want to know how to do? E-mail requests to the GH pros at howto@goodhousekeeping.com. When someone needs a mint before a meeting, a hair elastic for an impromptu ponytail, a safety pin to fix a wardrobe malfunction, or an ibuprofen to stop a headache, odds are your handbag is holding it. But as the seasons change, so should its contents. Whether your bag carries the bare minimum or weighs more than you do, here's what to load up on right now. —Brooke Glassberg Colgate Wisp A tossable (recyclable!) brush preloaded with a mouth freshener: perfect for post-lunch ($3 for four, walmart.com) Tide To Go pen Triumph over food-related mishaps with this Good Housekeeping Seal holder ($3, walmart.com) Multitool Keep a lifesaver like this one…

good housekeeping So let's talk about your new show on NBC: It's about a guy who leaves his job because he has Parkinson's. After five years, he tells his family he's going back to work, and they essentially say, "Don't let the door hit you on the way out." How much of it is true to your life? Michael J. Fox It's pretty true; the names were changed to protect the innocent. In the show, my character realizes that he's not doing what he loves and he has no good reason for it. I kind of felt that way, too; beyond The Good Wife and other things, I thought there was a place for me on television. GH Just for argument's sake, maybe a reason not to do it would…

The Challenge: Defining unruly curls "I avoid alcohol-heavy stylers—they dry out my hair." —Kahshanna Evans 3 easy steps to SPRINGY CURLS 1 Give ringlets shape Run a quarter-size dollop of alcohol-free Ampro Pro Styl Protein Styling Gel ($2) through clean, wet hair and distribute it with a wide-toothed comb. Air-dry, but try not to touch or scrunch curls—doing so causes frizz. 2 Curl (and de-frizz) Use a small ⅜-inch curling iron on various ringlets, taking your finger and twirling hair around its barrel. Just don't do them all: "Not only will it take too long, but it'll make hair look too perfect and 'done,' " explains Anthony. 3 Hydrate and scrunch Curly hair tends to be dry. To restore moisture, use a cream like Organix Smooth Hydration Argan Oil &…

Q "WHAT LOOKS BEST ON MY SIZE 14 HOURGLASS FIGURE?" A To balance your body, highlight your little middle. Shop for fluid knits and deep necklines to showcase curves. CURVY Accentuate the waist DRESS LIKE OPRAH No muu-muus here: Ms. Winfrey knows close-cut tailored classics visually nip and tuck the portraitcollar A dramatic neckline pulls attention upward; bracelet-length sleeves show off slim wrists The swingydress Full and swirling on thebottom + tighter on top = a waist that instantly looks a size (or two) smaller the slim v-necksweater Make it work in a sleek, hip-length cut in a bright hue; dark, slim pants minimize hips and thighs Q "I'M 5' 7" AND A SIZE 12. HELP ME LOOK LEANER!" A Create a slender silhouette by dressing with details that attract…

Best tip we've heard this month FALL FOR ORANGE Recent studies suggest eating more high-fiber, carotenoid-rich veggies may lower breast cancer risk. Score both nutrients from seasonal picks like sweet potatoes, carrots, pumpkin, and squash. Whole Grains, Half the Story Recommendations like "Look for the Whole Grain Stamp on a package" or "Check the ingredient list for the word 'whole' followed by the name of a grain" will lead you to whole-grain products. But not all are necessarily healthy, say Harvard researchers, who scanned 545 grocery items for sugar, calories, and more. How to make the best choices? Select whole-grain products with a ratio of total carbs to fiber that's less than 10:1. For the math-phobic, a serving of Multi Grain Cheerios, with 24 grams of…

As the cab zips up Manhattan's West Side, I hear my boss's words over and over in my head. "You don't look as good as you could," Barbara said at our meeting over breakfast. "I always feel better when I work out," she pressed mildly, neither asking whether I exercise nor telling me to. But I understood her perfectly. And then, in the cab, the reality sinks in: I am precariously close to losing my gig at Good Morning America, where I have worked so hard to be successful. And what's worse, everyone who knows me will know why. Because I'm fat. Period. And if I get dumped by ABC News, my weight will make it all but impossible to get another job in television. I can just hear the…

Q I saw a friend's husband having lunch with (and kissing!) another woman. Should I say something to my friend? THE ETIQUETTE VERDICT Without knowing the circumstances, it's better to stay out of it. P.S. (PEGGY SAYS) Maybe he really is fooling around—but you don't know. Perhaps he's meeting with a touchy-feely relative or an old pal. Or maybe the woman you saw made a move on him. As much as you'd like to alert your friend, it won't lead to a positive outcome for your friendship. Yes, you have good intentions, but she might not appreciate your interference. Instead, focus on being a good friend and listener. And don't mention what you saw to anyone else: Gossiping only makes things worse. Q "My husband and I just received an…

Reading J.M. Barrie's Peter Pan as a kid was a revelation to me. Like the children in the Darling family, who were watched over by Nana, their worried, nanny-ish Newfoundland, I had a dog as my guardian growing up. From the time I was 9, I was a latchkey child. My mother, a single parent, was a social worker. While the other kids in our suburban neighborhood had mothers who stayed at home and were there after school to hear about their day, with—at least in my mind—a warm hug along with cookies and milk, I had Bambi, a standard schnauzer with a nasty disposition. When we saw a sign that a family in the neighborhood had puppies for sale, my mother and I agreed we'd just look. As soon…

Q "I live in a townhouse that has 17 sets of wood venetian blinds. What's the easiest way to clean them? " —JOAN BLANK, VIA E-MAIL WOW—THAT'S A LOT of wood to dust! Enlist a partner so you can get the job done fairly quickly, and gather your tools: two sturdy stepladders, a vacuum cleaner with a soft brush attachment, a lot of microfiber cloths, and a clean paintbrush or two. With the blinds closed, start at the top and vacuum each slat from left to right, then go back across it. Now turn the blinds so you can do the other side of the slats. Wipe both sides with a damp (water only) microfiber cloth and use a paintbrush to clean the area where the cords attach to the…

Pita For pizza on the fly, stash these flatbreads in your freezer—microwave for 20 seconds to thaw; then bake to a crispy, cracker-y crunch. Bonus: A whole wheat pie serves up 20% of your daily fiber needs. Recipes, page 149 Spicy Hawaiian Pizza Cheesy Bacon-Broccoli Pizza MOROCCAN Pizza CLASSIC MARGHERITA Pizza TOTAL TIME 30 minutes MAKES 4 main-dish servings 1 to 1¼ lbs. fresh or frozen (thawed) pizza dough ¾ c. marinara sauce 6 oz. fresh mozzarella cheese, thinly sliced ¼ c. grated Parmesan cheese ¼ c. packed fresh basil, sliced STEP 1 Place lg. cookie sheet in oven. Preheat oven to 475°F. 2. Stretch dough round into sm. circle. Place on lg. sheet parchment paper, stretching and pressing to form 14-in. circle with slight rim. Spread sauce on dough;…

1 CHESAPEAKE BAY MAC 'N' CHEESE STIR ¾ c. lump crabmeat, ¼ c. snipped chives, and 1 tsp. Old Bay seasoning into 4 c. prepared macaroni and cheese. Top with crushed oyster crackers. SERVES 4 2 SAUSAGE PIE MAC 'N' CHEESE SAUTé 1 c. crumbled sausage and 2 c. sliced mushrooms in skillet until cooked; toss with 4 c. prepared macaroni and cheese and 1 med. tomato, chopped. SERVES 4 3 LEAN GREEN MAC 'N' CHEESESTIR 1 c. each baby spinach, frozen peas, and steamed small broccoli florets into 4 c. prepared macaroni and cheese. SERVES 4 4 BACON–RED PEPPER MAC 'N' CHEESE STIR 5 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled; ½ c. sliced green onion; and ¼ c. chopped roasted red pepper into 4 c. prepared macaroni and cheese. SERVES…

my parents were born in South Africa, my mother descended from Swiss-French Calvinists who trekked with their ox wagons into the hot African interior. She believed in hard work, frugality, and "keeping private things private." When we arrived in the States from England, where my father had been in graduate school, she sewed my clothes and bought me lace-up shoes when American girls wore flats. I didn't see her as marching to a different drummer—just as tight-lipped, stingy, and a bit odd. In my 20s, I moved to California, pursuing my own wanderer's dreams. There, I worked, dated, married, divorced, and dated some more. Meantime, back east, my father holed up in his study and my mother kept darning his socks, whipping up silk blouses from photos in Vogue, and…

2,457 That's how many measure-ments we took, including seam strength (above), to determine how well 27 pairs of tights would hold up day to day. See page 35 to find out what legwear won't let you down. 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 170). 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,…

$40 …and Under Treats for You FRINGE BENEFITS $30 Cuddle up on the couch with this 50" by 60" throw in a soft, thick, nubbly weave from Threshold (Target) Yes! Tastefully done dangling earrings HEAD TURNERS $30 Luxe for less: In 18-karat gold plate and enamel, navy quatrefoil earrings have designer style to spare (spartina449.com) NO-GUILT CHIPS $2.49 Barefruit makes apples into an addictively crunchy snack—with only 100 calories per serving (supermarkets) It also cuts the chill in grays or yellows BRUSH UP $27 Smudge, blend, contour, and highlight like a pro with makeup artist Sonia Kashuk's 10-piece tool kit (Target) EYE CATCHING $16 Imagine all the wicked good looks you can mix up with Sephora Collection's sparkly Black Magic Makeup Palette (sephora.com) Try Chewy Sesame and Brooklyn Butterscotch LET'S…

Overall Winner HANES Silk Reflections Blackout Convert-A-Tight ($15) Testers loved how these thick multitaskers folded into leggings. In regular and bootliner styles, too. Splurge-Worthy DONNA KARAN EVOLUTION Satin Jersey ($28) Silky tights with a slimming control top and just a touch of sheen drew raves. Everyday Fave LANDS' END Opaque Tights ($12) For a comfy, durable, lighter basic, try our only non–control top pick. Color was consistent, never see-through. Budget Buy NO NONSENSE Super Opaque Control Top ($6) These tights beat out pairs six times their price! Available in 12 colors. Life's too short for tights that don't last. The GHRI Textiles Lab pros put 27 opaque pairs (control top and regular) through a barrage of tests for seam strength, resistance to shrinking and snagging, colorfastness, how well they held…

Avoid makeup meltdown: In lab tests, Maybelline New York SuperStay 24HR Makeup (12 shades, drugstores) scored big points for lasting the full nine hours of our test, and it's a mere $10. Volunteers also noted that despite the base's long wearability, it still felt comfortable on skin. Beauty and fashion tips, trends & deals p. 65 Styles that flatter, no matter what your shape p. 48 A pretty, solid perfume for a cause p. 52 Drugstore deals that tame frizz, add lift p. 61 Tough on wrinkles, gentle on skin…

"The flat iron heated up quickly, was quite light, and glided through my hair." —RAQUEL R. "It worked faster than my regular straightener, and I loved its long cord!" —ELIZABETH S. Winner! 1 Top Pick ION BEAUTY One Stroke Perpetual Heat Flat Iron ($80, Sally Beauty) Hair swatches straightened in seconds—and then stayed sleek, even in high humidity, a test where the competition mostly fizzled. It has six heat settings, maxing out at 450°F, and a two-hour auto shutoff. 2 Splurge-Worthy BIO IONIC OnePass 1" Nano-Ceramic Iron ($220, bioionic.com) Consumers deemed this tool a standout for completely straightening even thick, wavy, or curly hair. They also liked its silicone strips, which grasped hair without tugging. In the lab, Bio Ionic left strands the smoothest and heated quickly…

Easy ways to stay well, eat right, get fit ONE DOSE doesn't fit all. Having too little vitamin D in your blood ups your risk for heart trouble, but so does having too much. In a large Israeli study, people with D levels below 20 ng/ml had a significantly greater risk (26% or more) of a heart-related event or death, while those with levels above 36 ng/ml carried a 13% increased risk. It's hard to get enough D from food, so you may well need supplements. But before popping pills, talk to your doctor about a just-right dose. p. 77 Eat this fall hue for a healthy you p. 85 62 lbs. lighter! Tory Johnson's how-tos p. 80 "Om" your way to lower BP p. 74 Need-to-know breast cancer news…

Dill Tuna Burgers 1. mix 2 (5-oz.) cans tuna, drained; 4 green onions, chopped; 2 stalks celery, chopped; ¾ c. whole wheat bread crumbs; ¼ c. tartar sauce; ¼ c. chopped fresh dill; 1 Tbsp. lemon juice; 1 tsp. hot pepper sauce; ½ tsp. salt; and ¼ tsp. pepper to combine. 2. HEAT, in 12-in. nonstick skillet, 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil on med.-high. 3. PRESS mixture into 4 patties; add to skillet and cook 3 min. per side or until heated through. Divide burgers, 4 leaves Bibb lettuce, ¼ c. tartar sauce, and 2 oz. (about 36) reduced-fat potato chips among 4 toasted whole-grain buns. SERVes 4 Each serving about 470 calories Mediterranean Feta & Tomato Pasta 1. Cook 12 oz. whole wheat spaghetti 2 min. less than…

That mistake you made hours ago at work? Stop obsessing over it and find another focus stat, say researchers at Ohio University. Yes, your mood will improve—but more important, you'll reduce stress hormones (like cortisol), which are tied to high blood pressure. What works best: thoroughly distracting yourself, says study coauthor Peggy Zoccola, Ph.D. Do a crossword puzzle; browse Pinterest; plan a party. "Shifting gears mentally helps stop the stress reflex," she says. A well-being boost on all levels. Real women, real-world advice p. 113 Debt decisions (this quiz will help!) p. 111 The unexpected babysitter p. 107 Happiness sabotage: the number one source p. 95 Social media decoded…

The secrets to my very happy marriage Why he and wife Jillie are going strong after 26 years 1 Relationships are tricky, but if you are in love with somebody and like them (two different things!), you've got a chance at success. 2 Jillie has boundless energy; I'm a little quieter. It's a good mix. 3 We have separate interests. We don't see "time to ourselves" as a rejection of the other person. 4 We usually sit down to a meal together every day. A lot gets said at the dinner table—about our daughter (Hannah, 24), about our ranch. It's good to catch up. 5 There's very little yelling in our home. We both take a deep breath and think before we get mad. Neither of us lashes out. 6…

Should you whittle down your credit card debt or stash cash in savings? Plunk money into your 401(k) or save for college expenses? This quiz will reveal the $martest strategies ONE OF LIFE'S TOUGHEST MONEY QUANDARIES is how to get out of the red (debt) and build up more green (savings). You probably know firsthand just how tricky it is to achieve this: Should you really move money into an emergency fund when bills are piling up? And how can you funnel moolah into retirement accounts when you have a major balance on your credit card? Take this quiz and let me help you make the best decisions. 1 WHICH OF THESE SHOULD BE YOUR PRIORITY? A Paying off a credit card balance B Saving for emergencies C Both ANSWER…

SEE-WORTHY A boatload of vintage and new but distressed oars, plus lumber and a drill, makes a clever DIY headboard WHO DOESN'T LOVE playing decorator? That's why almost 12 million votes were cast this year to determine the look of DIY Network's annual Blog Cabin house (yes, the one a lucky viewer will win). Of the three guest-room motifs GH developed for this beachy cottage, Recycled Chic sailed away with first place, thanks in large part to its clever reuse of nautical elements. FROM THE DEEP Urban Outfitters' whale-print curtain, $44, above, echoes the home's on-the-Atlantic location Here's how the old-is-new details play out in the guest room of the circa-1892 North Carolina beach home: The seafaring headboard was fashioned from wooden oars; a reading lamp's glass base is actually…

Transform a carton into these delectable dishes 1 BACON–BUTTERNUT SQUASH PASTA Whisk 4 c. hot butternut squash soup and ⅔ c. grated Parmesan cheese; toss with 1 lb. cooked rigatoni and 6 strips cooked bacon, chopped. Serves 4 2 SQUASH CORNBREAD Prepare and bake 1 box cornbread mix as label directs, replacing liquid with equal amount butternut squash soup. Serves 8 3 SPICY VEGGIE CHILI Simmer 4 c. butternut squash soup; 1 (15-oz.) can each black beans and red beans, drained and rinsed; 2 Tbsp. lime juice; 1 Tbsp. chopped chipotles in adobo; and ¼ tsp. salt. Top with shredded Cheddar and sliced green onion. Serves 4 4 INSTANT CURRY DINNER Simmer 4 c. butternut squash soup, 1 (1-lb.) bag frozen mixed vegetables (peas, carrots, corn, and…

Curl up, relax, and recharge Sarah, one of the two Longbourn housemaids, leaned over the washboard, rubbing at a stained hem. The petticoat had been three inches deep in mud when she'd retrieved it from the girls' bedroom floor and had had a night's soaking in lye already. If Elizabeth Bennet had the washing of her own petticoats, Sarah often mused, she'd most likely be a sight more careful with them. Polly wandered by the scullery with a stack of dishes; Sarah could hear her dragging a stool over, then clambering up on it to reach the shelves and put the plates away. But her attention was tugged away across the courtyard by the sound of furniture being shifted, all of it accompanied by a faint whistling. The new hired…

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. TELL US what you really think! VISIT OCTOBERSURVEY.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 octobersurvey.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) Second Place winner will receive a $500 American Express gift card, and ten…

My Smart Solution " I keep chalk in upside-down drawer pulls on our panel of chalkboard wall. That way it's within reach for our kids to use for doodling. Just choose pulls that screw in from the front (not the back), spray-paint in a color to match your fixtures, and attach!" —JENNIFER GRIFFIN, 41, EDMOND, OK reader feedback So Sweet! August cover star Hugh Jackman shows his wife his love with spontaneous lunch dates rather than weekly flowers. You said you'd prefer… 11 % A REGULAR DATE NIGHT, PLEASE 89 % A SURPRISE! KEEP ME ON MY TOES Your best tips for… Saving Time in the A.M. Divide and Conquer " We shop for groceries on Sunday and pack four to five days' worth of snacks as soon as we…

Stepping Up WHEN THE SHOE FITS Christina Preston, 30, of Sacramento, CA, collected shoes for international relief efforts until the local need struck her at a homeless-services fair. And so in 2010, she launched Shoes4Sacramento. With a small team of volunteers, Preston collects new and gently used footwear in bins around town, then distributes the donations at regional events throughout the year. So far, the group has helped more than 3,000 people. Preston says, "Shoe drives changed my views on being homeless and needy. Hardship can hit anyone." Preston has gathered 5,000-plus shoes to give away to the needy Seal Star…

A MAKEUP-ARTIST STAPLE, luminizers were once available only from high-end brands, but now you can get a slew of these multipurpose skin brighteners at bargain prices. How do you reap their beauty benefits? Here are three different ways to get a soft, pretty, youthful glow. Try any or all of these tricks using two of our current favorites: Mode Cosmetics The Illuminator in Halo ($6, modecosmetics.com) and Boots No7 Skin Illuminator in Peach ($10, Target). 1 For the optical illusion of a lifted face, apply along your cheekbones (moving up toward your temples) and along your browbone. 2 Counteract dark shadows: With your ring finger, dab a cream formula on the inner corners of your eyes, blending so it looks subtle. 3 For allover radiance, mix a pea-size drop of…

Q I'm a school-teacher, so I want to be com-fortable enough to chase after the kids, but also look polished enough to meet with parents and the principal. Any ideas? —SUZANNE C., VIA FACEBOOK 1 Pattern Play This multihued no-iron blouse picks up the skirt's punchy color; the belt lends a tailored touch. (Shirt, $78, Foxcroft. Skirt, $189, Lauren Ralph Lauren) 2 Knit Wit Top jeans (these won't gap in back) with a whimsical knit: way more polished than a tee. (Sweater, $128, Boden) A+ FOR EFFORT Aerosoles gives teachers 15% off! (Heels, $99) 3 Well Suited A striped jacket, a bold scarf, and a graceful draped skirt add up to an un-boring new twist on the suit. (Blazer, $130, Banana Republic) SHOPPING DETAILS, page 170…

Exercise Works! GET MOVING and boost your defense against breast cancer. One risk factor for the disease is a high estrogen level, but heart-pumping activity—like walking or biking at a swift pace—can help your body deal with the hormone. In a recent study, after women exercised regularly for four months (30 minutes a day, five days a week), far more of their estrogen was broken down into safer components that reduce cancer risk. Meanwhile, another group who stayed sedentary showed no improvement, says senior author Mindy Kurzer, Ph.D., of the University of Minnesota. And for women who've already had breast cancer, other research finds working out may also help prevent a return. Survival Stats Less Is More Increasingly, women are choosing mastectomy over lumpectomy to treat early breast cancer. But…

EXERCISE RAISE YOUR PULSE A day with a walk, jog, or other aerobic challenge is a day with lower BP. That goes for everybody, but is most important for those with rising numbers. Aim for 30 minutes or more of pulse- and respiration-raising exercise most days. CARRY A LOAD Strength training using free weights, machines, or resistance bands can lower BP a few points. Try twice a week, at a level where you can manage 3 sets of 10 reps. 67 million AMERICANS HAVE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE TIGHTEN YOUR GRIP Squeezing a handgrip or ball (four 2-minute holds, a minute's rest in between) 3 times a week has been shown to lower BP 13 systolic (upper number) and 8 diastolic points. (If pressure is high, ask an M.D. first.) UNROLL…

WHO'S GOT THE BANDWIDTH to man-age an entire virtual life in addition to, you know, an actual one? If you're savvy about the rabbit hole otherwise known as the Internet, you do. Anyone—newbie or pro—can dive in and harness its power to make each day happier, because now there are more life-enriching ways than ever to log on: Have a video "Hangout" with relatives across time zones on Google+, catch up with an old pal on Facebook, or spend an hour solo, bookmarking your favorite GH recipes on Pinterest. Whatever your pleasure, we've got inside tips and tricks that'll help you wring the most out of time spent living social. Where to Share 65% of Facebookers are reportedly over 35…

ONE OF THE GREAT LESSONS of my adulthood is realizing that outer order contributes to inner calm—far more than you might expect. Yet as much as you want to keep your home, office, car, and more reasonably organized, it's tough. You may blame the sheer tediousness of trying to keep clutter at bay, but I think we also succumb to certain myths about decluttering that make it harder to maintain order. Here are my top eight: Myth 1 YOU NEED TO BE ORGANIZED No! When you're facing a desk swamped with papers or a closet bursting with clothes, don't say to yourself, I need to get organized. Your first step should be to get rid of stuff. If you don't keep it, you don't have to organize it. Myth 2…

make an entrance Perched on leaf-topped planters, pumpkins with carved foliage cast a welcoming glow. Complete the autumnal scene with a mix of gourds lining the steps and a front-door wreath crafted from dark-hued artificial garlands stamp of approval A candy buffet gets some Halloween spirit, thanks to no-carve pumpkins. To create the patterns, tape on multiple store-bought stencils (simple graphic designs work best), brush over them with black acrylic paint, and you're done. Sweet! click here For the leaf template and how-tos for projects shown, go to goodhousekeeping.com/halloween-crafts vine dining Top left: For this fast centerpiece, coil flexible craft-store wire vines around gourd stems, then weave in a faux garland super bowl Filled with cider, a hollowed-out peach pumpkin, top right, becomes an organic punch bowl. Four water-jug…

Test-kitchen recipes, ideas, and tips TOTAL TIME 1 hour plus cooling MAKES 6 pumpkins 1 box yellow or chocolate cake mix Orange and green gel food coloring 2 c. confectioners' sugar Orange and green sugars and candy decors Pretzel rods or sticks Marzipan, for leaves 1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray 12 mini Bundt pans with nonstick baking spray. 2. Prepare cake mix (tinting, if desired) and bake as directed, filling pans halfway with batter. 3. When cakes are done, unmold onto wire rack; let cool completely. 4. In 4-c. measuring cup, combine sugar with 3 to 4 Tbsp. water to make thick glaze. With sharp knife, trim bottom of each cake flat; assemble into pairs. Using a small amount of glaze drizzled on flat sides of cakes, assemble pairs…

So light, so fluffy: These fast, tasty-as-homemade treats will have you insisting, "No way did this come from a box!" BELGIAN "Buttery, like the best brioche" —ERIN WHOLE-GRAIN "Yum! Light, but crunchy" —LYNN Winner: Regular JULIAN'S RECIPE SWEET BELGIAN WAFFLES IN VANILLA ($4 for 7.8 oz.) "Sensational!" and "No syrup required!" raved testers who gave this Belgian-style waffle top honors. They especially appreciated its "featherlight" texture, studded with caramelized-sugar bits, and "dessertlike" vanilla flavor. Runner-Up: Regular VAN'S BELGIAN HOMESTYLE ($3.49 for 8 oz.) Winner: Whole-Grain 365 ORGANIC MULTIGRAIN ($3 for 7.4 oz.) While other contenders were dry, this waffle's airy texture and "crisp edges" proved irresistible. Testers said this healthy option could pass for homemade—and loved that it lacked the kind of overpowering…

This Works! Page 35 Silk Reflections Blackout Convert-A-Tight, Hanes; hanes.com. Satin Jersey, Donna Karan Evolution; donnakaran.com. Opaque Tights, Lands' End; landsend.com. Super Opaque Control Top, No Nonsense; nononsense.com. "Solve My Style Problem" Page 62 Shirt, $78, Foxcroft Collection; available at Von Maur. Skirt, $189, Lauren Ralph Lauren; ralphlauren.com. Earrings, $38, Carolee; available at Lord & Taylor. Bag, $92, Olivia + Joy; oliviaandjoy.com. Belt, $17, Mossimo Supply Co.; target.com. Watch, $115, Skagen Denmark; skagen.com. Heels, $99, Naturalizer; naturalizer.com. Sweater, $128, Boden; bodenusa.com. Shirt, $75, L.L.Bean Signature; llbeansignature.com. Pants, $54, Lee Jeans; lee.com. Earrings, $55, Daniel Espinosa Jewelry; danielespinosa.com. Glasses,…