Innehållsförteckning för September/October 2024 från Good Housekeeping

MASHED POTATOES In large pot, cover 2 lbs Yukon gold potatoes with water, add 2 tsp kosher salt and simmer until tender, 18 min. Drain potatoes and return to pot. Meanwhile, in small saucepan, simmer 1 cup half-and-half, 1 head garlic (halved crosswise), 3 Tbsp unsalted butter, 4 sprigs thyme and 4 black peppercorns, stirring occasionally, 6 min; remove from heat and strain into potatoes (discard solids). Add ¾ tsp salt and mash. ROASTED-GARLIC SPREAD Heat oven to 400°F. Trim and discard 1 in. from tops of 2 heads garlic. Place garlic on piece of foil, drizzle with 1 Tbsp olive oil and season with ¼ tsp each kosher salt and pepper. Wrap tightly and place in small baking dish. Roast until golden brown and tender, 50 to 60 min.…

WHAT’S NOW: Makeup Serums HERE’S HOW: You know serums from skincare, but now these liquid textures are taking over the cosmetics category. Like their complexion counterparts, foundation, blush, eyeshadow and lip serums have a lightweight feel and a translucent finish that looks fresh and natural. Dot the formula onto skin and blend it in with your fingers, layering as needed for more color impact. WHAT’S NOW: Metallic Touches HERE’S HOW: Like jewelry for hair and nails, updos and manicures adorned with metallics are starring in beauty looks this season. Dress up a simple bun, twist or pony with a shiny accessory like a hair clip, pin or slim headband; elevate a basic clear or neutral mani by adding silver or gold tips. WHAT’S NOW: Fanned-Out Fringe HERE’S HOW: Up the…

THE TRUTH: Some deliver instant effects, but expect minimal long-term benefits. “There is evidence to support the use of these devices, but more studies are needed to prove their effectiveness, and there is a lot of variability in quality and efficacy,” explains Dr. Turegano. “They are not as strong as professional treatments.” In GH Beauty Lab testing of these types of devices, “the firming results they’ve shown with the Cutometer were moderate at best, though a radiofrequency device did produce some visible lifting in Visia Complexion Analyzer imaging after four weeks of use,” Wnek says. “Because microcurrent tools target muscle, you may feel and see immediate skin tightening; these are likely better for quick and temporary lifting.” Consult a dermatologist and check that the device is FDA-cleared before purchasing, Wnek…

…with a microcurrent device These “help tone skin and contour the face,” says Shani Darden, an aesthetician and founder of Shani Darden Skin Care in Los Angeles. To lift the forehead, run the device from above the eyebrows up to the hairline, says Edyta Jarosz, a master aesthetician at Shafer Clinic Fifth Avenue in New York City. …with a face roller Often made with jade, rose quartz or metal, these can help minimize puffiness around the eyes and cheeks, Jarosz says. To define cheekbones, start at each side of your nose and roll the tool out to your temples and ears, following your cheekbones, for two to three minutes. …with a gua sha tool This traditional Chinese medicine tool (usually a flat, smooth jade or quartz stone) “reduces face puffiness,”…

There was a time, earlier in my marriage, when every morning as I walked into the kitchen I braced myself for the rage and resentment that would well up in me. Cupboards left open. Dirty dishes in the sink. Coffee cups strewn around the house. And usually a pair of slippers or shoes, with inside-out socks, on the floor somewhere nearby. Even when I had left the house spotless the night before, I’d wake to a scene of disarray — the mess my husband had left behind on his way out the door for work. I didn’t know which scenario seemed worse, my husband’s consciously expecting me to clean up these messes or his truly not noticing them at all. I found myself silently tallying these small resentments, furious and…

Chronic stress can do a number on your health: It can contribute to high blood pressure, heart disease, sleep problems and weight gain. But is it a proven risk factor for breast cancer? “The evidence is very mixed, and research hasn’t shown a straight line between stress and breast cancer risk,” says Julienne Bower, Ph.D., a professor of psychology and psychiatry at UCLA and an investigator for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation. Still, there is an indirect connection between what stress does to your body and cancer risk. “We know that stress influences the immune system and activates inflammatory activity, which is associated with breast cancer progression,” she says. “But we also know that behavioral interventions that target stress, like mindful meditation, can reduce inflammation and increase well-being. We can’t…

@valerieagyeman Get back into the healthy-eating groove with these three diet styles that are full of produce and lean proteins. They’re nourishing, with just enough structure to keep you on track. Ready to dig in? MIND DIET This style supports cognitive function by limiting butter, red meat, cheese and sugary and fried food and prioritizes healthy-brain bites. Top foods: lots of veggies, nuts (such as walnuts), berries, beans, whole grains, fish, olive oil. FLEXITARIAN DIET Eating more plants will boost your overall health, but if you don’t want to go fully vegan or vegetarian, this is a great middle ground. Top foods: fresh produce, whole grains, beans, lentils, tofu, tempeh, olive or avocado oil, nuts and seeds. BLUE ZONES DIET Eat the way the world’s healthiest and longest-living folks do.…

Respond to spoken commands. If it’s time to replace your old opener, spring for a model with intelligence built in, like this one from Genie. It integrates with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant for remote-operation voice control and more. GENIE SMART GARAGE DOOR OPENER, FROM $250, GENIECOMPANY.COM Open and close the door automatically. This system can be retrofitted to standard sectional garage doors, offering a slew of capabilities including remote operation. It can be programmed to open the door automatically when you arrive and close it once you’ve pulled in. TAILWIND IQ3 SMART AUTOMATIC GARAGE CONTROLLER PRO, $90, GOTAILWIND.COM Add eyes (and ears) to your house. Part video doorbell and part garage door opener, devices like the myQ let you see who’s coming and going, talk with them via two-way…

USE THE RIGHT DETERGENT Many dishwasher detergents contain rinse aid to help items dry more thoroughly. Some — like GH Seal Star Cascade Platinum Plus ActionPacs — even help eliminate the water that can collect in cup bottoms. OPT FOR “EXTRA” DRYING Gone are the days when a heated-dry period was part of every cycle. To cut energy usage, dishwashers now dry dishes with fans or other methods — but not always successfully. Select the Turbo Dry or Dry Boost option for the best results. ADD RINSE AID Even if your detergent contains rinse aid, adding this liquid to the small compartment next to the detergent dispenser will help items dry more thoroughly. It makes water droplets less likely to cling, which helps eliminate spots and film too. It’s a…

Make sure you can look forward to your meal with tips for keeping it cool — or hot — on the go. • Think of your lunchbox as a cooler. The colder your food is when you pack it, the longer it’ll stay that way. When packing cold foods, use a slim reusable ice pack for added food safety, and consider an insulated container that will help keep cool foods chilled even longer.• Insulated containers are great for hot meals too. Before adding just-heated food, rinse the container with very hot water (not boiling water, which could damage the container). Bringing the container’s temp closer to that of the food will help the food retain its heat. For more ideas about what to pack, see page 56. *Applicable if product…

@eatingwitheva I want to make sourdough bread. What tools do I need? — ASHLEY C. A: Baking bread at home can be intimidating, but with some patience and practice, you’ll be turning out crusty, chewy, bakery-quality sourdough that will satisfy any connoisseur. A few tools will help: For ingredients, traditional measuring cups and spoons could suffice, but a food scale ensures precise amounts. If you’re looking to pamper your starter at just the right temperature, consider a starter incubator. A proofing basket, which can help your loaf retain its shape and creates a rustic look, is a valuable replacement for a mixing bowl. For baking, a pan or a Dutch oven will do the trick, but a bread cloche can take your loaf’s crumb and crust to the next level.…

RIGATONI ALLA NORMA V Active 45 min. | Total 45 min. 8 oz fresh mozzarella, cut into ½-in. pieces 1¼ lbs eggplant, cut into ½-in. pieces ¼ cup plus 2 Tbsp olive oil, divided 1 large shallot, finely chopped 4 cloves garlic, pressed ¼ tsp red pepper flakes 1 cup marinara sauce 1 14.5-oz can petite diced tomatoes 1 Tbsp vegetable bouillon base (we used Better Than Bouillon) 12 oz rigatoni 1 Parmesan cheese rind (any you have is great), plus grated Parmesan for serving ½ cup basil leaves, torn 1. Freeze mozzarella until firm, at least 10 min. (see Tip). Meanwhile, heat oven to 425°F. On large rimmed baking sheet, toss eggplant with ¼ cup oil. Roast 15 min. Toss and continue roasting until golden brown and tender, 15…

LIFE LESSONS A virtual program with weekly small-group meetings, Tapouts teaches emotional skills such as how to gain confidence and overcome adversity. Kid testers were engaged, and parents were impressed by how coaches made sessions fun yet informative. STARTER DEBIT CARD Teaching kids financial skills from a young age, Greenlight’s app allows them to set savings goals, earn an allowance, invest and more, all under parental control. Users told us the app was easy to use and said it taught their kids to budget. DYNAMIC DEVICE These Samsung Galaxy smartphones have Bark (a monitoring tool that alerts parents to digital dangers) and other parental-control features built in. Being able to supervise their kids’ interactions gave parent testers peace of mind.…

1. Charming Sheets Brooklinen combines its popular percale sheets with fan-favorite Sesame Street character designs. The fabric is made of organic cotton in a lightweight weave that feels crisp and breathable. “I like to give my kid options for sheets, and he continually picks these,” one tester noted. They’re available in three prints and in six sizes, from crib to queen. BROOKLINEN SESAME STREET CORE SHEET SET, FROM $60, BROOKLINEN.COM 2. Smart Monitor Even with its high-tech features, parents found the Maxi-Cosi monitor easy to use. The camera has noise and motion detectors, and it streams to an included display or a smartphone. Testers valued the fact that it could be used without Wi-Fi, making it travel-friendly and helping to ensure privacy. It’s also designed to use AI (with Wi-Fi)…

Find a Class For the most structured agility option, look for a class or a trainer in your area. Pet shops may have beginner classes to introduce your dog to the sport, but you can also search the American Kennel Club’s website for local agility clubs. Askeland and Demling-Riley suggest visiting a class before committing: Both you and your dog should feel comfortable with the trainer. Set Up in Your Backyard To get you started with agility training on professional equipment, you can find entire courses (including jumps, tunnels, poles and platforms) online at sites like Chewy, FitPaws, Outward Hound and Amazon. Read the reviews first — you want your selection to be safe for your pet. Make Your Own Askeland and Demling-Riley say cardboard boxes are perfect for creating…

Do laundry in the bedroom. The lack of a dedicated place for the washer and dryer in this 1950s Cape Cod inspired designer Jean Stoffer to get creative. Custom cabinetry in an alcove of the primary bedroom conceals a washing machine and a dryer. “Building the cabinets from wall to wall but pulling the paneling with secret storage forward distracts from the full depth,” Stoffer says. Reimagine every alcove. One example: Add a bed under the eaves with a niche in place of a side table. “Shiplap walls painted in Benjamin Moore’s Baby Fawn are perfect for this family-friendly lake house,” says Bridget Tiek of Tiek Byday. Hide the “office” on weekends. Filled with jewel tones, rich wood and brass details, this tiny “office” can be hidden when the workday…

Here One Moment by Liane Moriarty On a delayed flight to Sydney, an older woman paces the aisle predicting how and when her fellow passengers will die. This spellbinding tale tracks the lives of these diverse characters over the next few months and their reactions as the first three predictions prove true. Everything we loved about Moriarty’s Big Little Lies — the pacing, the twists, the taut energy — is here, in a high-flying exploration of free will and destiny. $30 Shred Sisters by Betsy Lerner Olivia is the pretty sister and Amy the smart one, but beneath Olivia’s beauty lies a hellion. Lonely, rule-abiding Amy watches in horror as her sister’s bipolar disorder puts the family in an emotional blender. This absorbing novel follows the sisters into adulthood with…

FREE WORKSHOPS Soul Dimension (souldimension.org) runs a free pranayama-based virtual workshop on Wednesdays. FREE APP Breathwrk offers user-friendly, mood-matching breathing exercises. GREAT BOOK Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art by James Nestor explores the research on breath and tells you how to reap the greatest benefits. COOL DEVICE Moonbird (moonbird.life) is a vibrating handheld gizmo that combines breathing exercises with app-based biofeedback to help grow the mindbody connection.…

Cats might have a reputation for being aloof, but they can be deeply bonded to their people — and experts say they could offer something even more powerful than loyalty. You’ve probably noticed it yourself: Spending quality time with a cat can make you feel less stressed, more relaxed and generally…better. In fact, whether you regularly struggle with anxiety or you are just feeling down in the moment, a cat can be an excellent source of social support. Cats Help Us Cope A recent survey on pets and mental health by the American Psychiatric Association and the American Veterinary Medical Association found that 84% of pet owners reported that their pets had a positive impact on their mental health. For two-thirds of survey participants, the companionship pets offered was key…

Pick a pegboard. Install a pegboard above a workbench or on an open wall to hold frequently used items like lawn gear or hand tools. This customizable system allows you to hang items of various sizes and shapes so everything has a home and nothing hogs floor space. Pro tip: Find an efficient layout and outline each item with painter’s tape; that way everything will go back into its spot no matter who uses it. Select a slat system. A track wall is similar to a pegboard in that it lets you customize your arrangement. Install the horizontal channels on the wall, then clamp on baskets, shelves, hooks and even locking cabinets or other accessories. We love these systems (see our rec at top right) for their uniform look and…

BREATHE EASY This air purifier has been tops in our particle-removal tests over the past two years, and it’s QuietMark certified never to exceed 50 dB. KEEP YOUR COOL TCL’s portable AC delivered best-in-class temperature control for a fraction of the price of the top performers in our tests. WARM IT UP This small yet mighty heater has helpful features like tip-over protection and auto-shutoff. Testers loved how much power it had given its compact size.…

Q What are the best backpacks for carrying a laptop? — LIEZL G. A: Whether you’re commuting or traveling, a laptop-friendly backpack will make the trip a lot more comfortable. Features like a built-in sleeve help distribute the extra weight from the computer and provide added protection with padding, soft lining and a secure fit. When choosing a laptop backpack, consider when and where you’ll be carrying it — to and from the office, back and forth to school or off on vacation. Models differ in size, shape, design, composition and number of compartments. Below are some of the Textiles Lab’s top-tested picks for various needs; find more at goodhousekeeping.com/laptop-backpacks. Shop laptop backpacks! Q What if my bag doesn’t have a laptop sleeve? — JO T. A: No problem! Even…

PRODUCE PICK Kohlrabi boasts a mild cruciferous flavor (think cabbage or broccoli stems) and a crisp-yet-tender texture when sliced thin and served raw. Can’t get enough? Try it cubed and roasted with olive oil, salt and pepper for a simple side dish. BUYING GUIDE Pick smaller lentils, like black or French green ones, for this — they’ll maintain their shape and texture. Larger lentils, which break down easily, are ideal for soups and stews. FAMILY FLAVORS Tzimmes, a stewed-vegetable side dish, was a traditional part of the Rosh Hashanah meal Chief Food Director Kate Merker ate growing up. When the experts in the GH Test Kitchen began developing their version of the family favorite, Kate reached out to her dad for pointers. She learned that her bubbe, or grandmother, had…

Superior Scale This scale stood out in our Lab tests for its accuracy; it features a pull-out display that allows you to view the weight with ease even if your food is in a large mixing bowl. Easy Active Starter This stylish, innovative gadget will keep your starter at the right temp (75°F to 82°F) on the counter so it stays active and ready to bake with regardless of the environment. Dough-Rising Basket Ever wonder why your local bakery’s boule has an intricate ring pattern on top? The shop likely uses a basket like this during the final rise.…

1 SUPER SOFT No one wants coarse tissue, so our pros asked consumer testers to rate this paper’s softness in the Lab via a touch test and in the bathroom. The two-ply premium tissue performed well in both evaluations. 2 HIGHLY ABSORBENT In our Textiles Lab tests, the bath tissue earned perfect scores for thickness and absorbency. That means you’ll likely need fewer sheets per bathroom visit. 3 EXCEPTIONAL VALUE Berkley Jensen Ultra Soft Bath Tissue not only was a high performer in GH tests but also stands out for affordability. Available at BJ’s wholesale club stores (and on its website), a pack of 32 rolls costs 62¢ per roll. 4 QUICK-DISSOLVING To avoid clogs and other related issues, our experts recommend using bath tissue that dissolves fast. This one…

SCRUB “MOMMY” Group Digital Content Director Lauren Matthews and her son as Little Scrub. DOLLY WORLD Social Media Editor Olivia DiTomaso channels the Queen of Country, Dolly Parton! LAUNDRY DAY! These GH kids are a super-fun clean team! For more adorable DIYs, go to goodhousekeeping.com/homemade-halloween-costumes. Francisco: Jillian Sollazzo. Costumes: Mike Garten; costumes by Lis Engelhart and Alex Mata; hair by Meron Weyante for ABTP; makeup by Marc Cornwall for ABTP.…

FACE SERUM This retinol formula increased skin’s firmness by 24% after four weeks of use in calculations with the Cutometer, which gauges skin laxity. NIGHT CREAM Tighten your skin while you sleep with this peptide cream; it upped firmness by 39% after four weeks, one of the highest levels in Lab tests. NECK TREATMENT Treat the skin below your chin: This serum was best at lifting and tightening neck skin in 12 weeks, per Lab digital imaging.…

Spiderweb Sweets Drizzle melted marshmallow on chewy chocolate cookies for deliciously creepy goodies. p. 104 Flower Power An assortment of pressed and dried blooms can turn pretty pumpkins into an elegant display. All it takes is a bit of Mod Podge to keep everything in place. p. 107 DRINK if you DARE Welcome, vampires, skeletons and zombies: This spirit-forward duo may be strong enough to wake the dead. p. 108 Light Up the Night Illuminate creepy critters with these festive lanterns, crafted using heat-resistant glass jars covered in tissue paper. LED tea lights provide a warm glow. p. 107 FRIENDLY FUNGI Shape light, airy meringues into mushrooms that seem straight from the forest floor — no foraging required! p. 108 METALLIC MAGIC Give pumpkins a glow-up with copper Liquid Leaf paint. You’ll…

THE STRESS-BUSTING HACK THAT’S RIGHT UNDER YOUR NOSE “OK, OK, just take a breath.” If that’s what a friend advises after you panic-share about a major-anxiety-inducing situation — your teen taking his maiden solo voyage behind the wheel, work instability, another high-stakes world crisis dinging your phone every few minutes — it’s probably because they hate seeing you so on edge. But also, your friend is offering an effective means of slowing your spin. “The way you breathe affects anxiety, and anxiety affects how you breathe,” says James Nestor, author of Breath: The New Science of a Lost Art. “It’s a two-way street, and while anxiety isn’t a conscious choice, our breathing is.” The idea that breathing consciously can help you calm down and make you feel better may not…

1. GO FOR A WALK. Research shows that just a 10-minute brisk stroll can lower anxiety levels. That makes sense considering the fact that any sort of exercise boosts mood-regulating brain chemicals — such as serotonin, which helps induce a feeling of calmness, and dopamine, which activates the brain’s reward system. Grab your girls, because working out with friends is also a proven stress buster that elevates quality of life. 2. TAKE IT OUTSIDE. Exposure to nature has been linked with improved attention span, lower stress levels, better mood, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders and even increases in empathy and cooperation, according to research. 3. BE THANKFUL. It doesn’t just make others feel good! Numerous studies have shown that practicing gratitude can help you too by relieving stress and anxiety…

If the thought of sneezing and itchy eyes has kept you from bringing home a cat, this food could help: Purina Pro Plan LiveClear Allergen-Reducing Cat Food has been shown to reduce the major allergen in cat hair and dander by an average of 47% starting in the third week of daily feeding. All cats produce allergens in their saliva, but this food has a key protein that binds to and neutralizes Fel d1 (what people are often allergic to). Daily feeding with it can help reduce the major allergen in cat hair and dander, making it more comfortable to spend quality time with your cat.…

FANTASTIC TRACKS This sturdy system from category leader Gladiator includes eight feet of channel and eight assorted hooks. ONE-STOP STATION A work surface, shelving and hook storage in one, HoneyCanDo’s rolling workstation has power outlets and an extension cord. CLEVER CORNER CADDY Keep long-handled rakes, brooms, etc. upright and accessible with Rubbermaid’s tool rack.…

@fortecarolyn Q Will my dishes still get clean if I skip the pre-rinse? — MICHELE H. A: Yes! And you’ll save water too. Today’s dishwashers clean better and are more energy- and water-efficient than ever before. In fact, a new Energy Star–certified dishwasher uses only about three gallons of water to wash a full load — it can take 20 gallons or more to hand-wash the same number of dishes! If you’re running a cycle immediately after loading the dishwasher, simply scrape or wipe away excess food and place the items in. However, if you plan to run the machine later, the next day or whenever you accumulate a full load, it’s best to rinse them quickly at the sink or run a Rinse-Only cycle (it uses only about one…

HOMEWORK HELPER All Pilot Pen G2 Fine Point pens have the same molded grip for comfort so the students in your life can tackle handwritten assignments with ease. The pens come in more than 40 colors, including classic ink hues like black, blue and red as well as a limited-edition Harmony Collection that delivers unique colors like Gray, Apricot Orange, Rose Pink and Grape. LAB RESULTS Testers gave the pens a high score for ink flow, which helps with smooth writing. They also found the pens comfortable to hold and appreciated the variety of options. One tester told us, “I am a big list-maker and note-leaver, and I like having creative colors.” LUNCHTIME HERO Mowi Salmon is an easy way to add protein to your meals. Each portion is vacuum-sealed so it can…

EASY ITALIAN Roasted Sausage & Veggies Active 15 min. | Total 40 min. 1. Heat oven to 450°F. Brush large rimmed baking sheet with 1 Tbsp olive oil; add 1 lb baby yellow potatoes (halved), cut sides down, and 2 medium red onions (cut into ½-in.-thick wedges). Roast 15 min. Flip red onions, then continue to roast until onions and potatoes are golden brown and tender, 10 to 14 min. 2. Meanwhile, heat ½ Tbsp oil in large ovenproof skillet on medium. Add 6 small links Italian sausage (about 1½ lbs) and cook, turning occasionally, until browned, 5 to 6 min. Transfer skillet to oven and roast until cooked through, 10 to 15 min. more. 3. Scatter 2 oz baby arugula (about 4 cups) over onions and potatoes, drizzle with…

BEST OVERALL In our Lab tests, this bread cloche yielded a beautifully browned loaf every time. Both yeasted and sourdough loaves rose higher in this than in other tested cloches. BEST VALUE This versatile set inverts, with the deep pot serving as the dome and the lid as the base, when you want to bake bread. In our tests, it produced a boule with a nice crusty chew. BEST CERAMIC The ridges inside this cloche’s base help prevent sticking and make bread with a crispy bottom. It was simple to clean and lightweight for easy transfer to the oven. Shop bread cloches!…

Five-Star Diaper Bag This backpack from State Bags has a roomy interior and a plethora of easy-to-access pockets. It also comes with a changing pad, an insulated bottle holder and attached stroller hooks for added convenience. Testers unanimously gave it perfect scores, especially raving about its comfort and spaciousness. “I liked how many compartments there were in this diaper bag,” one said. “It helped me stay organized.” Soft Sensitive Wipes Made without fragrance or lotion to help protect delicate skin, these Millie Moon wipes were a hit with parent testers. In fact, users liked them better than the popular brands they had previously been using. “They are substantial and very soft!” one gushed. Parents found them helpful for cleaning up diapers, food and other messes and loved that the wipes…