Innehållsförteckning för November 2013 från Good Housekeeping

210 That's how many plates we dirtied with dried-on cheese dip, above, and a coating of margarine to test dishwashing liquids that promise pampering. On page 39, learn which formulas turned greasy messes into light work. We do something that no other magazine does… If any product that has earned our Seal is defective, we'll replace it or refund your money—just notify us within two years of purchase (see details at right). DIRECTOR Miriam Arond 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…

My Smart Solution "I sort mailing supplies using a dish-drying rack with a dowel added for tape. Each divider fits two to three bubble envelopes, while the other half has space for twine and a jar of pens. It's such a time saver—now I don't have to rummage through drawers and closets to find what I need." —KELLY ROWE, 39, LAKE ST. LOUIS, MO Your best tips for… Keeping Calm in the Kitchen Check It Off "My trick: lists! They help get everything finished that can be done ahead of time—and let my husband know his responsibilities before the party." —DEVORAH GRUNAU, 65, JERSEY CITY, NJ Wear a Smile "Laugh when things don't go as planned—no one likes an 'everything is always perfect' hostess!" —FRAN SCHROEDER, 33, VERONA, NJ Set…

Driven to Help Seal Star IT TOOK JUST SECONDS for a teen driver who was programming her GPS to hit and kill Howard Stein in April 2011. Devastated by the loss, his daughter Emily, 32, right, a nurse in Medford, MA, filmed a PSA video for the national End Distracted Driving campaign. More than 55,000 people in 34 states have now seen it, but Stein knows that's not nearly enough: In 2011 alone, an estimated 3,331 people were killed and 387,000 people were injured in distracted-driving incidents. "If hearing our story changes the actions of one driver," Stein says, "it's worth it." To watch the video, visit enddd.org/justafewseconds…

"If you're acne-prone, using an oil can up the potential for breakouts." —DR. JALIMAN "Lack of sleep makes dark circles look worse, but it's not their cause." —DR. WU "There's no way to eliminate a dark spot if you're not diligent about sun protection." —DR. CASSIS Q. "Is a $10 moisturizer just as good as a $50 one?" A. Yes. For basic moisturizer, price doesn't matter. "Hydrating ingredients aren't expensive. What you're paying for in a pricey moisturizer is packaging, fragrance, and the nice lady at the counter selling it to you," says Los Angeles dermatologist Jessica Wu, M.D., author of Feed Your Face. Just check the ingredients for tried-and-true hydrators like glycerin, hyaluronic acid, and panthenol. Our pick: Olay Age Defying Instant Hydration Day Cream ($10, drugstores). Save…

Q. I love eye-catching belts, but I'm not sure how to wear them—especially when my outfit doesn't have belt loops. Any ideas? —REGINA, VIA FACEBOOK 1 Slim down a thick sweater A low-slung belt keeps a long, chunky cardigan on the straight and narrow. Tapered tan pants and booties continue the lean line. (Belt, $40, Bruges) 2 Add some edge to a demure dress Lace can veer toward the sugary. But a menswear-inspired stretch belt in a matching shade of kelly green = instant sophistication. (Belt, $17, Ami Clubwear) 3 Give a classic LBD party pizzazz Studded with rhinestones, a bow-embellished belt makes a jersey dress evening-worthy. The final touches: a chic clutch and pumps. (Belt, $35, The Limited) IT'S A CINCH A double-buckle style helps balance…

I Dream of Gratitude IT'S A TIME TO SAY THANKS…but not if you skimp on shut-eye. Getting too little sleep may make you more self-centered and less appreciative of the good things in your life, even when you make an effort to count those blessings, reports a study from the University of California, Berkeley. Those closest to you—such as your spouse—are particularly likely to suffer. Not only are you grouchy without enough rest, but you may also lack the energy to focus on your hubby's needs or notice his good qualities, which in turn may make him less appreciative of you, says study head Amie Gordon, Ph.D. To feel genuinely thankful this Thanksgiving, plan extra pillow time—for both of you. Natural Rx Hot Flash Solution The pine-bark supplement Pycnogenol can…

STAVE OFF MUNCHIES And silence "Eat, eat!" brain signals 1. MAKE TIME FOR A WORKOUT Before getting ready, do a 15- to 20-minute interval routine (alternate jogging and walking, say). It takes little time and can boost your calorie burn for hours. 2. FUEL UP PRE-EVENT Quash cravings: Eat a trail mix of 1 cup air-popped popcorn, 18 pistachios, and 1 Tbsp. dried cranberries (125 calories) on your way out the door. Its protein and fiber will take the edge off hunger. 3. Give Yourself the Giggles Call it the "Ho, ho, ho!" meditation: Shut your eyes, smile, and make laughing noises for one minute. It feels silly, but stimulates feel-good brain chemicals that can help protect you from emotional eating. 4. GO UNDERCOVER After making buffet picks, put a…

At this time of year, when our to-do lists can edge out the practice of counting blessings, life hurtles by in a blink. But gratitude is a muscle: The more you use it, the stronger it grows, shifting your worldview to one that looks for the good and finds it, day by day. The secret is to slow down just long enough to experience the moments of joy surrounding us. As poet Mary Oliver wrote, "Pay attention. Be astonished." Here, a list of delights to keep the spirit of Thanksgiving alive throughout the month. 1 Two hundred years ago, only the rich could afford family portraits. Now we can capture special moments when we want, every day. 2 Chickadees typically don't fly south for the winter. In fact,…

BECAUSE I'M DETERMINED to get the most happiness bang for my buck, whenever I have a decision to make I try to gauge whether a certain choice is going to bring me more joy. That requires thinking through different aspects of happiness and which ingredients might matter more, depending on the decision at hand. We've all made pro-and-con lists and had endless discussions with friends, colleagues, and family. Sometimes, though, it helps to have another way to look at a tough decision. Here are six questions I ask myself when making one. 1 Will this strengthen my relationships? They're one crucial key to happiness, so decisions that help me build or strengthen ties are the best choices. Yes, it's a bit of a hassle and expense to go to a…

For interior designer Kelly McGuill, an absence of color equals an abundance of personality. That less-is-more philosophy is on full display at her family's 20-year-old Colonial in Walpole, MA, where the walls are white, the furniture is clean-lined, and the antiques are weathered. While the pared-down rooms are neutral, they're rich with character and texture—like the cowhide rug, sea grass ottomans, and steel chair in the sunroom, above—so they feel inviting, not off-putting. The interiors are "warm and welcoming," says McGuill, who wanted easygoing decor for husband Matt and sons Ryan, 21, and Casey, 19. Done on a budget—"I have two boys in college," she laughs—with more creativity than cash, the result is a laid-back take on monochrome that's anything but one-note. REFLECT ON THIS A distressed mirror her sister…

1 TRIMMED DOWN Hanging the same baubles year after year? Beat ornament fatigue by pulling out only your greens, golds, and silvers, opposite. Bolster your collection with inexpensive balls in the same hues for a polished, in-palette effect. 2 IN THE LIME LIGHT Call it eco-chic: Rescue bottles from the recycling bin, give 'em a rinse, then cover the labels with leftover strips of gift wrap and ribbon remnants. Add a taper candle and enjoy the glow! 3 AN EVERGREEN IDEA Dress up your mantel with spruce seedlings (from the grocery store) popped into pails. Snag a garland and attach ornaments to it with floral wire for a sparkling swag in minutes. 4 FROSTED FRUIT Transform artificial edibles into a shimmering centerpiece: Coat faux pears, limes, and grapes with spray…

As Thanksgiving approaches, your growing to-do list (1. Try out the new dressing recipe; 2. Learn deep-breathing techniques before Aunt Sally arrives…) can get a little daunting. So let us make one part of the prep work extra simple: Use the no-fuss cleaning tips on the next page, and your holiday table—and everything on it—will look its very best. Promise. Party-Perfect Linens It's as easy as pie to get 'em clean and crisp 1. see spots go Unpack your tablecloth and napkins a week or so prior to the meal to check for stains. If you find any, presoak the fabric for several hours in GHRI fave OxiClean Versatile Stain Remover ($8 for 3 lbs., drugstores), then wash at the highest recommended temperature—no scrubbing required. 2. smooth WRINKLES Freshen linens…

Q. " I have moths in my closets—how can I get rid of them without a chemical pesticide? I have two cats and don't want to use anything that could hurt them." —JUNE WILLIAMS, VIA E-MAIL THERE ARE SOME natural things you can try, but first you need to be sure you get rid of the moths that are there. Empty out your entire closet, shake out all the clothes (outside!), and dry-clean everything or wash and dry on the highest temperature that is safe for the fabric. Next, wipe down the shelves and baseboards with a solution of a few drops of dish soap in a gallon of water. Then, so the moths won't come back, seal up all cracks and other areas where they might enter. You can…

1. CHERRY-PECAN GRANOLA Toss 2 c. oats, 1 c. chopped pecans, 3 Tbsp. olive oil, and 2 Tbsp. warm honey on jelly-roll pan; bake at 400°F 10 min. or until toasted, stirring once. Add 1 c. dried sweet cherries. Makes 4 c. 2. CRUNCHY BAKED CHICKEN Pulse ½ c. oats, ¼ c. walnuts, ½ tsp. paprika, and ¼ tsp. salt in food processor. Brush each of 4 bone-in chicken breasts (about 3 lbs. total), skin removed, with 1 Tbsp. mayonnaise; coat with oat mixture. Bake at 425°F 20 min. or until cooked through (165°F). Serves 4 3. EASIEST BAKED APPLES With fingertips, blend ⅓ c. brown sugar, ¼ c. oats, 2 Tbsp. each butter and all-purpose flour, and ¼ tsp. cinnamon until coarse crumbs form. With melon baller,…

1 ROSEMARY-OLIVE STIR ½ c. chopped pitted Kalamata olives, 1 Tbsp. chopped rosemary, and ¼ tsp. crushed red pepper into 1 box prepared cornbread mix and bake as label directs. SERVES 4 2 PEPPER JACK–BACON STIR 6 strips cooked bacon, chopped; ¾ c. shredded pepper Jack cheese; and ¼ c. thinly sliced green onion into 1 box prepared cornbread mix and bake as label directs. SERVES 4 3 LEMON-RASPBERRY STIR 1 c. raspberries and 1 tsp. finely grated lemon peel into 1 box prepared cornbread mix; transfer to baking pan, sprinkle with 2 Tbsp. sliced almonds, and bake as label directs. SERVES 4 4 PECAN-APRICOT STIR ¼ c. each chopped pecans and chopped dried apricots and 2 Tbsp. brown sugar into 1 box prepared cornbread mix. Bake as label directs.…

Curl up, relax, and recharge LIFESOLUTIONS 24-HOUR Self-Storage was located by an otherwise farmy and intermittently wooded stretch of two-lane near the New York border. With its overexpanse of parking, its high, barbwire-crested fencing, and its excessive security lighting, it brought to mind a small-scale penitentiary. Sara Tetwick Masoli was there to retrieve a roasting pan and maybe also (if she could figure out which box it was in) the china from her first marriage, but the process—plugging in her security code at the gate; plugging it in again on the keypad by the door; traversing the long, fluorescently lit hallway, her echoing heel-clicks as loud as ricocheting bullets, to Unit 592—made her mission feel weightier. She unbolted the thick brass lock and raised the overhead door. "Oh, my," she…

Alone, we are doomed. By the same token, we've learned that people are impossible, even the ones we love most—especially the ones we love most. They're prickly and set in their ways. So we keep our distance, at one with our own thoughts. Still, hope tends to appear when we see that all sorts of disparate personalities can come together. The manicured lady looks beautiful beside the motorcyclist with neck tattoos, both filling boxes with donated food for Thanksgiving dinners. Only together do we somehow keep coming through seemingly unsurvivable loss—changed but intact. Fifteen years ago, there was a devastating fire on the long, majestic ridge above the coastal town where my family used to go for seafood dinners. Four teenage boys from town had camped on the mountain overnight,…

I feel happiest when I feel most grateful. And it's not just me; it's true for humans in general: Study after study has shown that when we stop to count our blessings, smell the roses—pick any cliché you like—we not only appreciate the good things in our lives more, but also expand our sense of well-being in ways scientists can measure but can't always explain. The trick is slowing down long enough to do it. If something trips my "be thankful" wire (and it can be anything from an arrestingly beautiful sunset to a story I hear on the news), I lean into it, pausing long enough to enumerate things and people I'm grateful for. But on my own steam, barreling through the days as I do, I'm not so…

You need to be prepared for surprise visits, especially during the holidays: Cousins, friends, or neighbors may just drop in. But whether you have half a day or half an hour to get ready, it's possible to pull off an effortless yet polished party without panic. "What's most important is not what your home looks like or what you serve, but how relaxed and happy you feel," says Erika Lenkert, author of The Last-Minute Party Girl, whose freewheeling entertaining suggestions follow. Here's how to impress without stress. —Paula Derrow FESTIVE AND AFFORDABLE Jaume Serra Cristalino Brut Cava, a favorite pour of party experts, costs onlyabout $8! THE TASTE 1. ELEVATE HORS D'OEUVRES Serve on rustic cutting boards. Go with fare that will keep well in your refrigerator for those few…

Beauty and fashion tips, trends & deals No time to color your hair? No problem: Stroke Irene Gari Cover Your Gray Professional ($9, amazon.com) directly on roots for natural-looking coverage that will stay put till your next shampoo. This bargain stick beat out 13 other instant root touch-ups in our tests. (Available in black, dark brown, and medium brown.) P. 48 Easy swipe-on eye shadows P. 64 Got dark circles? Try taters! P. 51 Should you use a face oil? P. 68 Forecast: great winter coats…

"I like that it lasted all day but was still easy to remove with soap and water." —LINDA L. "Went to the gym, had a hard workout, really sweated—and it never came off." —EVELYN G. "Nice fine-point applicator! It didn't go on too wet and smudge." —SUSAN W. 1 Best Pencil MAC COSMETICS Pro Longwear Eyeliner ($19.50, maccosmetics.com) Über smudge-proof, it won raves for going on smoothly, sans tugging. 2 Winning Liquid SEPHORA COLLECTION Long-Lasting 12HR Wear Eye Liner ($12, Sephora) A slim tip made this liquid user-friendly; its color stayed the most vibrant of all. 3 Top Gel BOBBI BROWN Long-Wear Gel Eyeliner ($23, bobbibrown.com) Testers voted this brush-on liner least likely to migrate or irritate eyes. 4 Budget Buy L'ORÉAL PARIS Infallible Never Fail Eyeliner ($8.50, drugstores) This…

Your forecast 40° & Rainy Shrug off storms with this graphic slicker's fleece lining and snap-on hood. Bold polka dots, done up in tonal blues, brighten a gray day Coat, $178, Boden. Sweater, $179, Ann Taylor. Pants, $89, Banana Republic. Umbrella, Shedrain. Earrings, Emitations. Boots, Chooka. Water tight Raincoat losing its repellency? Try this GHRI pick: Gear Aid's ReviveX Spray-On Water Repellent ($14, orvis.com) Your forecast 50° & Drizzling Showers won't dampen date night: This iridescent ruby stunner has the sophistication of an evening coat with a trench's rain resistance Coat, $199, Rainforest. Skirt, $150, Marshalls. Tights, Hanes Hosiery. Earrings, Emitations. Clutch, Kayu. Dry idea Double-breasted styling = twice the droplet protection so you can brave a deluge Your forecast 30° & Cold Below-freezing temps call…

Banish Blemishes French Fries may bring on pimples, but it's likely not the grease—it's the potatoes. A recent scientific review suggests that spuds and other fast-acting carbs—foods that send your blood sugar on a roller-coaster ride—may trigger hormones that lead to acne. To put your best face forward, lay off the white stuff (bread, rice, sugary sweets), and favor slow-acting carbs like whole-grain breads and cereals, veggies, and beans. SWEET DECEPTION Beware the health-halo effect: Adding a nutritious topping like berries to a not-so-healthy treat like ice cream can lead you to underestimate the total calories—by up to 25%. Weighing the Benefits Some 20,000 cancer cases could be prevented each year if just half the U.S. population ate one more serving each of fruits and vegetables per day—yet only up…

SAVED BY A VIRUS BRIDGET HANCHETTE, 49 In early 2009, Bridget Hanchette, then 44, began to have headaches that quickly went from bad to terrible. At first she blamed her schedule. Oh, I forgot to eat lunch, she'd think. The marketing business she and her husband, Tommy, own near their La Crosse, WI, home was thriving, and Bridget also oversaw the school activities of their three children (11, 14, and 16 at the time) and took care of the family menagerie—four horses, three dogs, three cats, fish, and a cockatiel. But one morning in early March, when the pain became so severe that Bridget started vomiting, her husband rushed her to the emergency room. The physician ordered a CT scan. "You know when three doctors and a social worker walk…

Got a sticky situation? E-mail Peggy: peggy@goodhousekeeping.com Q Every fall, my friend gives me a ton of her kids' old hand-me-down clothes, but I never use any of them. How can I let her know I'm all set? THE ETIQUETTE VERDICT Aim to catch your pal before her annual drop-off, and just be frank. P.S. (PEGGY SAYS) Try, "Sarah, you've always been so generous, but my kids have everything they need right now, so we're going to pass on taking the hand-me-downs this year. But thanks for thinking of us!" You could also share your recommendations of a few local shelters or foster homes, or of charities like the Salvation Army and Goodwill that would happily accept her kids' old things. Whatever you decide to say to your friend, remember…

My mother was a brilliant and lovable woman, but not an easy person to have as a mom. About one of her gifts, though, I have never felt one shred of ambivalence: She baked a great pie. Crust was her specialty. When she was diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer at age 66, there remained much unfinished business between us. I had always assumed we'd have a few decades to work things out, but now that we didn't, nothing mattered more than to let her know how much I loved her. For my mother, a big part of loving and caring for a person involved making that person good food (from scratch)—a trait we shared. And so one of the things I did a lot that summer was bake for her.…

Pomegranate MARGARITAS TOTAL TIME 5 minutes MAKES 18 servings 1 can (12 oz.) frozen limeade concentrate, thawed 2 c. water 3½ c. gold tequila 2 c. pomegranate juice 1 c. triple sec 5 limes Ice cubes for serving 1 c. fresh pomegranate seeds (from 1 pomegranate) In lg. pitcher, combine limeade and water until well blended. Stir in tequila, pomegranate juice, and triple sec. Cut each lime crosswise into ¼-in.-thick wheels; cut a slit in each wheel from center to edge. To serve, place ice cubes and a few pomegranate seeds in each glass; place a lime wheel on rim. Makes 8½ c. margarita mixture. EACH SERVING About 210 calories, 0 g protein, 23 g carbohydrate, 0 g total fat, 1 g fiber, 0 mg cholesterol, 2 mg sodium. Virgin…

While you're at the supermarket, snag everything you need to assemble these elegant, all-natural table toppers HERBAL ESSENCE Dried bay leaves are the perfect size for embellishing glass candleholders. Affix leaves with a dab of hot glue; tie on bows made from ribbon remnants and let the ends trail COST: $3 each click here For how-tos for the projects shown, go to goodhousekeeping.com/diy-centerpieces A GRATEFUL GROUP Pears transform into a conversation-starting centerpiece with "leaves" that list what your family is thankful for. Cut the shapes from a brown paper bag and attach to stems with floral wire. Use any extra pears with leaves as edible place-card holders COST: $8 3 (quick!) Ideas Short on time? Turn vegetation into decoration with these grab-and-go picks ARTICHOKES With or without…

Plastic Bottle Separate eggs—without the mess! Crack them into a bowl, then squeeze a clean water bottle, hold it over a yolk, and loosen your grip to vacuum it up. Compress and release to drop it into another bowl. ANOTHER smart use… Sharon says "Take an empty plastic water bottle, refill it, and freeze. Use it later as an ice pack—in your lunch box to keep food cold while traveling, or to hold against bumps and bruises." SHARON FRANKE, GHRI KITCHEN APPLIANCES & TECHNOLOGY DIRECTOR…

1. To hold tucks in place, roll up magazines and stuff into the crevices 2. If the cover is loose in the arms, fill them out with padding or batting 3. Iron first, then fit on sofa, so you don't harm the fabric underneath TESTER FAVE Maytex, $100* This two-piece polyester/spandex knit boasted a polished, snug fit. Pulling it on was a snap. It held up well in the wash, with no shrinking or change in color. TOP COTTON L.L.Bean, $179* A natural-fiber one-piece that fit well and still looked good after laundering (even with moderate shrinkage and staining—typical of the cottons we tested). BUDGET-FRIENDLY Target, $69* Its stain-fighting finish kept this steal looking fresh: It took the top score for durability and washability. Consumers liked its…

How much time do you have? Bean & Corn–Stuffed Sweet Potatoes MICROWAVE 4 sweet potatoes, pricked with fork, on High 10 min. or until tender, turning over once. MEANWHILE, heat 1 Tbsp. olive oil in 12-in. skillet on med.-high. Add 1 med. onion, sliced, and cook 6 to 7 min. or until soft, stirring frequently. ADD 1 (15-oz.) can black beans, rinsed and drained; 2 c. packed baby spinach; 1 c. corn; ½ c. sliced green onion; 1 Tbsp. chopped chipotle chiles in adobo; 1 clove garlic, pressed; and ¼ tsp. salt. Cook 2 min. or until spinach wilts. SPLIT sweet potatoes and fill with bean mixture. Sprinkle each with 1 Tbsp. shredded low-fat Mexican-blend cheese. Serves 4 Each serving about 265 calories, 10 g protein, 50 g carbohydrate,…

EASY BAKING OVENS Reheat more than you cook? Choose a dual-oven range with the smaller one on top to minimize bending Overall Winner (Gas) LG DOUBLE OVEN RANGE LDG3036ST ($1,800) An extra–easy-to-use gas range, plus a double oven, makes this our champ. Tons of features, including griddle burner; warm, pizza, and bread-proofing options; and convection—it even remembers your favorite cooking settings. Good to Know A HIGHER PRICE TAG DIDN'T ALWAYS MEAN SUPERIOR OR FASTER PERFORMANCE Value Buy (Gas) WHIRLPOOL Gas Range with Convection WFG720H0AS ($1,349) Lots to love: warming drawer, center burner; converts temps to convection equivalent. One con: no traditional self-cleaning. Luxury (Gas) VIKING PROFESSIONAL Freestanding Gas VGSC5304B ($6,000) Bested the rest for pro-caliber cooking. Boiled fast, broiled to perfection, and baked brilliantly, even without using convection. Best…

For love and intrigue The Valley of Amazement By Amy Tan Raised in her mother's brothel in 1900s Shanghai, 12-year-old Violet Minturn (who's half-American) hopes to avoid the same destiny. Tan fans, who've waited eight years for this book, will be enthralled. For a twist Havisham By Ronald Frame Before she took to pacing about her cobwebbed London manse in a tattered wedding gown, literature's most famous jilted bride, Miss Havisham, ran the family brewery. Expectations are great for this engaging "prequel" to Dickens' classic. For domestic drama We Are Water By Wally Lamb Annie was married with kids before she began painting. Will her success—and an affair with her art dealer (a woman)—wreck everything? A deeply moving look at the price of self-discovery from the author of She's Come…

$40 …and Under Treats for You BE JEWELED $19 This high-wattage stretch bracelet by Foreign Exchange (feclothing.com) looks major, solo or with a stack of gold bangles ENGLISH CLASS $28 Stella Bain, new from Anita Shreve (The Pilot's Wife),is the gripping, touching tale of a shell-shocked American in post–WW I London A wool/nylon blend makes 'em warm and durable POINT AND CHIC $38 eachTap away at touchscreen gadgets all winter long with your hands cozily ensconced in these ruffled tech-friendly gloves (echodesign.com) DAILY GRIND $40 Nescafé's Dolce Gusto Piccolo brews terrific joe at a tiny price (amazon.com; use code GUSTOGHK2013) At 5 to 7 inches tall, for the mantel PERFECT CUT $29 to $39 Glinting like precious gems, these faceted glass vases barely need flowers to look fab (West Elm)…

Holiday entertaining is a recipe for dry hands (why can't everything be dishwasher-safe?). To wring some pleasure out of time spent sinkside, our cleaning pros tested 21 pampering formulas (some making skin-renewing claims) for cleaning ability, suds longevity, skin-softening prowess, and fragrance. Consumers also took home the handful of products promising to moisturize. If only for a few moments, these three took us away. Top Picks DAWN Hand Renewal with Olay Beauty ($3 for 20 oz.) Less drying than most, and great on grease. Some testers' hands felt softer after use. CALDREA Sea Salt Neroli ($9 for 16 oz.) Essential oils turn a chore into a nearly spa-like experience. Just a squirt or two went a long way for us. PALMOLIVE Soft Touch Coconut Butter ($3 for 25 oz.) Took…

2 Minute Tutorial Those tingly (often uncomfortable) lip plumpers aren't the only way to pump up your pout. Try these quick tips from celebrity makeup artist Vincent Longo to create a lush look: Start With Liner If your lips are smallish or unevenly shaped, line them slightly outside your natural lip line—with the exception of the upper bow—using a color that matches them. Try: Revlon ColorStay Lip Liner ($7, drugstores). Add color Opt for lipstick with a sheen (look for words like "cream" or "pearl" in the name), then dab a light-reflecting colored gloss, like Avon Ultra Glazewear Lip Gloss ($6, avon.com), on the center of each lip (clear gloss looks dated). Perfect the eDges To finish, apply a bit of concealer (a shade lighter than your foundation)…

Stop-the-Clock Strategies Greens to Glow On With pomegranate to fight wrinkles, edamame to promote collagen, and leafy greens to help keep skin from sagging, this lunch is an anti-aging bonanza (and it all comes pre-prepped from the supermarket!). 1. In large bowl, whisk 2 Tbsp. pomegranate juice, 1 Tbsp. extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp. each honey and red wine vinegar, and ⅛ tsp. salt. 2. Add 3 c. baby spinach, ½ c. edamame, and ¼ c. pomegranate seeds. Toss and top with 2 Tbsp. crumbled goat cheese and 1 Tbsp. sliced almonds. Serves 1; 404 calories per serving Spot Check DON'T LET SPLOTCHY HANDS give away your age: Upgrade to a cream with spot-fading vitamin C. Try Garnier Skin Renew Dark Spot Hand…

HERE'S ONE TIME you should drink and drive. In a British study, thirsty people who downed three cups of water with breakfast did better on tests measuring reaction time than those who skipped the beverage. While the researchers aren't sure how hydration affects your brain, it might be that thirst distracts you, making it tough to focus on tasks, says study author Caroline Edmonds, Ph.D. And for those who need an A.M. jolt, good news: Coffee and tea count, too. Easy ways to stay well, eat right, get fit p. 88 Outsmart your sweet tooth this year p. 80 Buying organic: weighing the pros and cons p. 78 Turn on your phone, turn off stress p. 86 To stay slim, pair these with your coffee…

Even as a child, I was an intense worrier. My mother was constantly anxious, which left me feeling like something terrible was always about to happen. Then, during my senior year of high school, something did: My father died of a heart attack, and just a few years later, my mother died of breast cancer. She'd had a lump in her breast for five years, but was too nervous to see a doctor until it was too late. Suddenly, my worst fears were being realized. Inner anxiety, outer strength As a young woman, I lived with a never-ending internal monologue of everything that could go wrong. Two of my friends had died when I was a teenager, and I was positive that I, too, had multiple sclerosis or leukemia. Or…

Rise to the Occasion If you have button-pushing relatives arriving for a holiday feast, don't let anxious feelings quash your joy. Putting a positive spin on a stressful situation (e.g., laughing off your aunt's pushing you to do the potatoes her way) can reduce anxiety, found a study from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. "Shift your focus to what will be good—like quality time with your niece, or the delicious food," says study coauthor Nicole Llewellyn. That will make it easier to roll with the punches, even if your upbeat attitude lasts only until the company leaves. p. 111 One-a-day ways to give thanks p. 130 A piecrust that's made with love p. 119 Turkey Day cleanup: Peggy's tips p. 125 Be more decisive…now!…

Why my marriage is super-strong His secret to 19 years of happily ever after 1 I married my best friend. The seriousness of our commitment is paramount to us. 2 When I met my wife, Jill, I was attracted to how calm and secure she was—those were qualities I didn't possess then. 3 I'll do anything to make her laugh, but sometimes I just annoy her by singing the Sleepy's mattress jingle. I do write songs like "I Love Her" for Jill. 4 We don't celebrate Valentine's Day. I'd rather bring her flowers just because it's Wednesday, because I saw them and thought she'd like them. 5 When just the two of us are out on a dinner date, we talk about our three girls. We're not the kind of…

IF YOU ADD UP HOW MUCH YOU PAY in bank fees, pricey insurance premiums, and other finance-related expenses per year, you've probably got enough money to underwrite a much-needed spa vacation. So let me help you start saving: With its incredible reach, the Web is your key, but it can be a maze of not-always-reliable offerings. I've done the heavy lifting (and hours of online searching) for you. These top-notch sites will help you preserve your precious cash. Have a question? Send it to Carmen at goodhouse keeping.com/carmen Cut Bank Fees UNLESS YOU KEEP your money under a mattress, you're probably familiar with the high cost of banking. The average monthly service charge on a noninterest checking account is now $5.48, and at some banks, the average consumer…

FRINGE BENEFITS Take eye makeup from day to night with a swipe of lash-boosting L'Oréal Paris Voluminous Million Lashes Excess Mascara ($9, Walmart) WELL-RED Scarlet lipstick may be a holiday must, but the classic hue of L'Oréal Paris Colour Riche Lipcolour in British Red ($8, Walmart) is sophisticated enough to sport year-round SET IN STONES Statement necklaces don't get any chicer than Poppy Boutique's bold stunner, twinkling with eye-catching gems ($30, poppyeboutique.com) MIDDLEMANAGEMENT Combining an unfussy bow with sleek hardware, this stretch belt from Express puts a modern spin on a cocktail party classic ($40, Express) BEST IN TOW Every day will feel like a special occasion when you swap your usual carryall for George's roomy, mood-boosting tote in Santa-suit red ($20, Walmart) MANE EVENT Round-tipped bristles on this luxe-looking…

NAME ALI PRICE, 27 OCCUPATION COFOUNDER OF LYDALI.COM LOCATION SAN FRANCISCO Mix and Match In a pared-down palette, Ali's prints look chic, not chaotic. "I like an eclectic look that's easy to live with," she says. The key: Stick to a few calm colors (here, mushroom and cream), and vary the designs' scale. Sitting Pretty Next to a light-filled window, an antique chair—bought at a sidewalk sale for $30—transforms this nook into a cozy reading spot. "We want to take advantage of every part of our small house and not waste any corner," Ali says. Bowled Over "When I shop for my site, I often have my own home in mind," says Ali. So it's no surprise that one of these handmade recycled-paper bowls ($15 to…

1 TALL ORDER Store extras and occasional-use items on higher shelves; keep everyday essentials front and center 2 IN THE CLEAR See-through vessels are a pantry no-brainer: Knowing what you've got on hand saves you an extra trip to the store 3 HIDE IN PLAIN SIGHT Disguise less attractive contents, like compost or recycling, in opaque receptacles with a label on the outside 3 Ways to master the mess CLEAR IT OUT • Pull everything out and set it on a nearby table to check for expired items and products that look moldy, dusty, or generally inedible. Toss anything that's past its prime. CONTAIN IT • Sort your goods into categories (ingredients for baking, dinner grains), and group them together as you fill the shelves. • Keep daily-use items, like…

The Barefoot Contessa's foolproof menuof simple, elegant dishes (and her genius 10-step game plan) "THANKSGIVING IS JUST MY FAVORITE MEAL!" beams Ina Garten—a.k.a. the Barefoot Contessa, as fans of her TV shows and cookbooks know her. But that doesn't mean her feast is a complicated affair. "I use simple recipes," she says. "I'm not a trained professional chef. I'm just a good home cook who's had a lot of experience in the food business." To prove that point, Garten has assembled for GH a no-stress but superb meal, from her savory Marcona Almonds to her famous Apple Crostata—an easy alternative to pie. (Garten is all about fuss-free these days; her Barefoot Contessa line of sauté-and-serve frozen dishes debuted this year.) So get ready for the Thanksgiving of your dreams—one during…

LOWER- SODIUM "Loaded with real chicken flavor" —CATHY REGULAR "Reminds me of snowy days home from school" —KATIE Winners! 1. Regular-Sodium Chicken Broth SUPERIOR TOUCH Better Than Bouillon Chicken Base ($4 for 304 oz.) Surprise: This super-affordable concentrate took top honors. The broth made with it tasted "a little salty," yet still fresh, familiar, and redolent of carrots and celery. 2. Lower-Sodium Chicken Broth KNORR Homestyle Reduced Sodium Chicken Stock ($3.69 for 112 oz.) Tasters loved the "slightly sweet" flavor of this concentrated stock, which takes only seconds to dissolve in boiling water. Bits of veggies and herbs add to the "homemade" taste. 3. Vegetable Broth MANISCHEWITZ ($3.29 for 32 oz.) Unlike some other samples, which tasters equated to "salt bombs," this broth had "great flavor" and…

OUR TEST used 193 cups of flour, 175 eggs, 96 sticks of butter, 83 cups of sugar, and 33 pounds of bananas! 1. Best Value WILTON RECIPE RIGHT Nonstick Loaf Pan 8½" by 4½" ($5, wilton.com) Amazingly inexpensive, dishwasher-safe, nonstick, andeasy to grip, this all-around champ (also in 9" by 5") baked up gorgeous golden loaves. 2. Prettiest Pan EMILE HENRY Ruffled 9" by 5" Loaf Dish ($40, emilehenryusa.com) Take this stoneware looker from oven to table. Baked goods browned evenly, had well-defined corners, and came out of the pan cleanly. Also in four other colors. 3. Top Glass PYREX 9" by 5" Loaf Pan ($7, pyrex.com) Cake and bread cooked fast and were moist and nicely browned in this reasonably priced, dishwasher-safe glass classic. It nabbed a perfect score…

Like it? Find it here… This Works! Page 39 Dawn Hand Renewal with Olay Beauty, Procter & Gamble; dawn-dish.com. Caldrea Sea Salt Neroli Dish Soap, The Caldrea Company; caldrea.com. Palmolive Soft Touch Coconut Butter, Colgate-Palmolive Company; palmolive.com. "Solve My Style Problem" Page 66 Sweater, $40, Uniqlo; uniqlo.com. Striped top, $10, Merona; target.com. Pants, $79, Loft; loft.com. Scarf, $55, Pine Cone Hill; pineconehill.com. Ring, $36, Emitations; emitations.com. Brown belt, $40, Bruges; shopladybowtie.com. Brown booties, $120, Clarks; clarks.com. Green lace dress, $178, Eliza; zappos.com. Gold-leaf earrings, $125, Eva Hanusova; evahanusova.com. Green belt, $17, Ami Clubwear; amiclubwear.com. Gold clutch, $40, Miztique; dailylook.com. Brown pumps,…