Innehållsförteckning för Dec-15 från Good Housekeeping

When I was a kid, every Christmas seemed to burst with pent-up anticipation: presents, cookies (mmm), stockings (couldn’t wait!), stuffing, playing with my cousins, days off school. One year, when our home was packed with relatives who’d driven in from Ohio and Michigan, I remember lying on the living room couch, unable to sleep, staring out the window at the snow falling softly. How magical! I couldn’t contain my excitement — it seemed morning would never come. Fast-forward a few years (who’s counting?!). I’m often so caught up in the grown-up rat race that I feel a bit of dread mixed with that happy eagerness. Time to bring back the merry. When we started working on this issue, I got in on the fun and posed for the camera with…

@aprilfranzino HAVE A QUESTION? E-MAIL ASKAPRIL @GOODHOUSEKEEPING.COM. Q What are my options for reducing the lines around my mouth that make me look like I’m frowning? I’d never consider a facelift! — CINDY P. A. You’re not alone — this is one of our most-asked questions. When you start to see the signs of aging, it’s hard to know what’s worth trying. The Good Housekeeping Beauty Lab is constantly scouring the market for wrinkle-fighting serums, lotions and devices, then putting them through our rigorous testing. We evaluate efficacy with special instruments like the Visia Complexion Analyzer, a high-tech machine that measures skin changes. Minimizing stubborn “smile lines” (a.k.a. nasolabial folds) requires commitment, but the earlier you start, the better the results you can expect. We pinpointed your best line-erasing bets, from…

1 ORNAMENT RAINBOW YOU’LL NEED A faux wreath, pine branches, ball ornaments on hooks (10 TO 15 MIN.) HOW-TO Stick in pine pieces so it looks lush. Hang ornaments as if on a tree, grouping by color — warm shades (pink, red, orange, yellow, gold) on one side, cool tones (blue, purple, green, silver) on the other. 2 WISPY & WHIMSICAL YOU’LL NEED Cedar branches, thin wire, garden shears, baby’s breath (45 MIN.) HOW-TO Form a garland (ours was five feet long) by wiring branches together (overlap about four to six inches), making sure all point in same direction. Shape into circle and secure with wire. Add baby’s breath sprigs and your fave miniature creature. 3 STEEL MAGNOLIAS YOU’LL NEED Magnolia branches, a florist’s-foam wreath, garden shears, silver acrylic paint,…

HAVE A QUESTION? E-MAIL HELOISE@GOODHOUSEKEEPING.COM. Q How can I remove fireplace soot from painted drywall? — KEN T. A. First, get out the vacuum and brush attachment and suck up as much soot as possible. Next, for a small area, press some soft white bread into the spot, then lift off. Still see soot? Rub it off with the bread. If it’s a larger area, fill two buckets with cool water and add a few drops of dish soap to one. Dip a microfiber cloth or a clean rag into the soapy water, wring it out (so it’s not dripping wet) and do one little spot at a time, starting at the bottom and working up (so dirty water won’t run down, making a bigger mess). Dip a clean cloth…

HOLIDAY COOKIES Merry Meringues PREP 20 MINUTES TOTAL 2 HOURS 25 MINUTES 3 lg. egg whites Pinch salt ¼ tsp. cream of tartar ½ c. sugar ½ tsp. vanilla extract Assorted food coloring pastes 1. Arrange oven racks in top and bottom thirds of oven. Preheat oven to 225°F. Line two lg. cookie sheets with parchment paper. 2. In med. bowl, with mixer on med. speed, beat egg whites and salt until foamy. Add cream of tartar; beat on med.-high until soft peaks form. Add sugar 1 Tbsp. at a time. Beat until meringue stands in stiff, glossy peaks. Beat in vanilla and a flavor, if using (see “Your Color Code,” below). 3. For each color desired, using sm. brush, lightly paint 3 to 4 stripes of food coloring inside…

When I was very young, my father always let me place our intricate gold star on the tree on Christmas Eve. By the time I was 13, the star had been through a lot. Though my mom still used it after my parents divorced, the spring of the star had warped and it started splitting at the sides. Shortly after she married my stepdad, they bought a new tree-topper — an angel. Something about the replacement saddened me. When I mentioned it to my dad, he said, “Well, you just love tradition, like I do.” Years later, my boyfriend, Steven, and I were celebrating our first Christmas in our new apartment. While shopping for decorations, I saw a star nearly identical to the one I’d had as a child and…

BEST OVERALL JERDON LED This beauty delivered the highest scores for clarity. Testers loved the three settings (cool to warm) — the most of all our winners — and deemed the 8.5-inch mirror the perfect size. Magnifies to 8X, which women found optimal (10X was too strong for many). A little pricey, but worth it. Jerdon LED Lighted Vanity Mirror 8X HL8808CL ($100) BEST FOR DAYLIGHT FLOXITE FLUORESCENT The bright fluorescent light mimics natural light — optimal for putting on makeup. Testers found that the mirror swiveled easily, and they appreciated the base’s outlet, which can power other devices. Has a 7.5-inch mirror and magnifies to 8X. Floxite Daylight Lighting Cosmetic Mirror FL-81FMV ($70) BEST BUDGET CONAIR INCANDESCENT Testers found the soft light flattering and effective: “A good balance between…

GH TRAINER ON CALL Latreal “La” Mitchell FOL LOW M E @latrealmitchell @latreal_mitchell 1 PUSH OVER WORKS: BUTT, THIGHS Stand with left foot flat on a disc. Bend right knee, sliding left foot to left (as shown). Keeping left leg straight, reverse movement, pushing up from right heel as you slide left leg back to start for one rep. Complete 12 reps, then repeat on opposite side. THROW IN A TOWEL: No discs? This move (and the other two) can be done with hand towels on a hardwood floor. 2 LIQUID LUNGE WORKS: GLUTES, QUADS, HAMSTRINGS Stand with feet hip-width apart, toes of left foot on disc, hands on hips. Slide left foot back, lowering until legs are bent at a 90-degree angle (as shown). Push up on right foot…

1 Publication Title: Good Housekeeping 2 Publication Number 0530-2700 3 Filing Date: October 1, 2015 4 Issue Frequency: Monthly 5 Number of Issues Published Annually: 12 6 Annual Subscription Price: $24.97 7 Complete Mailing Address of Known Office of Publication: 300 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019: Contact Person: Ellie Festger, Telephone: (212) 649-2000 8 Complete Mailing Address of Headquarters or General Business Office of Publisher: 300 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019 9 Full Names and Complete Mailing Addresses of Publisher, Editor, and Managing Editor: Publisher: Patricia Haegele, 300 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019. Editor: Jane Francisco, 300 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019. Managing Editor: Sarah Scrymser, 300 West 57th Street, New York, NY 10019 10 Owner: Hearst Communications, Inc. Registered office: 300…

HUEVOS: LITTLE ROOSTER’S EGG-CELLENT ADVENTURE A shy rooster named Rolo confronts an evil rancher in this remake of a Mexican film. Includes both English and Spanish versions so your niños can practice a new language. THE COLLECTED WORKS OF HAYAO MIYAZAKI Own all 11 of Miyazaki’s majestic Japanese animated films, including My Neighbor Totoro and Spirited Away, in this special-edition box set. Comes with tons of manga and anime extras. THE GIANT KING One thousand years after an epic robot battle, two enemies wake up in a futuristic world. With no memory of the past, can Zork and Pinky learn to be friends? ALADDIN It’s a whole new world for your favorite Disney film, available for the first time on digital HD and Blu-ray. Broadway buffs: See how Disney translated…

MEOW THE HALLS Trim your tree with felt ornaments inspired by Instagram-famous animals (like @nala_cat, above). Pet perk: A dollar is donated to the ASPCA for each one sold. ASPCA Animal Ornaments, $12 to $16, westelm.com SCRATCH PADS Cat ladies will want to get their paws on this set of four journals with kitty cover art. Animal Journals: Cats, $17, papress.com TALK OF THE WALK Upgrade your leash: This hip one is handmade in Brooklyn from marine-grade rope and hardware. Buffalo Plaid Rope Dog Leash, $62, foundmy animal.com ROPE PULL Animals shouldn’t chew on real holly (it’s toxic to dogs and cats!), but they can gnaw on these festive rope toys. Jax & Bones Rope Dog Toys, $9.50 to $15, jaxandbones.com PILLOW PET Provide a few photos, and you get…

SPARKLING MAXI SKIRT One wintry sweater + one ankle-skimming sequined skirt + shiny slip-on sneakers = a cozy look that’s infinitely simpler than Common Core math. Sweater, $70, gap.com. Skirt, $30, target.com. Ring, $50, sorrelli.com. Sneakers, $50, gap.com. ON LOCATION: OSTERIA LA SPIGA GET THIS LOOK FOR LESS STATEMENT EARRINGS from $17 PLEATED SKIRTS from $69 BOLD CLUTCHES from $25 LITTLE BLACK TURTLENECK Forget the LBD: This season is all about the day-to-night LBT. Wear it with a metallic accordion-pleated skirt — all the rage right now. Sweater, $95, aritzia.com. Skirt, Lauren Ralph Lauren, $298, bloomingdales.com. Earrings, $140, deepa gurnani.com. Clutch, Danielle Nicole, $58, amazon.com. Cuff, $118, houseofharlow1960.com. Shoes, Blue by Betsey Johnson, $129, lulus.com. +GET HER BEAUTY LOOK For fluttery lashes, try Maybelline New York The Falsies Push Up…

1 START SMOOTH Work smoothing lotion or cream through damp strands. With a flat brush, blowdry hair away from your face, says Redken Global Creative Director Guido, who created the look. 2 PONY UP Spritz strong-hold hairspray onto fingertips, then rake strands straight back into a sleek ponytail. Secure at center of head with an elastic, creating a loop by pulling pony halfway through and leaving ends loose. 3 HOLD ON Pin loop up to crown of head. Mist with hairspray to set. Try: Pantene Pro-V Smooth & Sleek Smooth Blow Dry Crème, $6; Suave Professionals Luxe Style Infusion Anti-Humidity Hairspray, $5.…

@SarahRichardsonDesign Q I love the dark paint color trend, and I’m about to pull the trigger in my bedroom. It’s spacious but not flooded with light, so I’m a little nervous that it might end up looking like a cave. Any tips? — LINDSEY B. A: Your bedroom is a great place to experiment with a deeper hue, since you likely spend the most time in it after dark. If you’re unsure about painting the entire room, install a piece of chair rail molding and use the intense color on one portion of the wall. In the room I designed below (right), I put the dark shade under the molding and used a pale, creamy color up top. Feeling more daring? You could install the chair rail even higher and…

HANUKKAH Cucumber, Roasted-Beet & Pistachio Salad PREP 30 MINUTES TOTAL 1 HOUR 3 lbs. med. beets, trimmed, scrubbed and very thinly sliced 3 Tbsp. olive oil 1 lg. seedless cucumber, thinly sliced 2 Tbsp. sherry vinegar 1 Tbsp. toasted sesame oil ½ c. roasted salted pistachios, shelled and chopped 1. Preheat oven to 450°F. Toss beets with olive oil and ¼ tsp. salt; spread out in single layers on 2 lg. rimmed baking sheets. Roast 30 min. or until tender, switching pans on racks halfway through. Let cool. 2. Meanwhile, in med. bowl, toss cucumber with ¼ tsp. salt; transfer to colander to drain. 3. Toss cucumber with vinegar, sesame oil and ¼ tsp. black pepper until well coated; fold in beets. Transfer to serving platter. Top with pistachios. SERVES…

BY THE EXPERTS AT THE GOOD HOUSEKEEPING INSTITUTE The right pot or pan helps you cook like a pro. But choosing one in a crowded marketplace can be daunting. We rigorously tested 73 lines for searing, simmering, resistance to sticking and more. Here, six standout skillets — flip the page to see the full sets. From Our Kitchen Appliances & Technology Lab Nonstick vs. Traditional Nonstick cookware makes up about 70% of the market, but it’s not for everyone. Use our guide to decide: NONSTICK NS A coating (made of a chemical compound) is applied to aluminum or stainless steel. Pros Foods don’t stick. Great for omelets and pancakes. Easy cleanup. No bits or stains to scrub off. Cuts the fat. No need for extra oil to prevent sticking. Good…

OUR PROMISE GH Seal products are rigorously assessed by the GH Labs. We stand behind them with our exclusive refund-or-replacement limited warranty.* FABULOUS FAUX FIRS Balsam Hill’s prelit artificial trees are easy to set up and take down — no worries about getting tangled in lights. The branches proved flameresistant in our Lab tests, and models come in lots of size and lighting options, including one that lets you switch between colored and clear via a remote. You can also deck your house with the company’s long-lasting battery-operated LED indoor or outdoor string lights. BH Fraser Fir With Multi-Colored Lights and Easy Plug Assembly, from $599 (for 6.5'), and LED lights, from $29 WE’VE GOT THE POWER Put safety first when you flip the switch with a Good Choice indoor…

CIOPPINO This Italian-American fish stew originated in San Francisco. In 7- to 8-qt. saucepot, heat 3 Tbsp. oil on med. Add 1 med. onion, finely chopped; 2 cloves garlic, minced; and 1/2 tsp. salt and cook 8 min., stirring. Add 1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes, 2 bottles (8 oz. each) clam juice and 2 Tbsp. butter. Heat to simmering on high. Add 1 lb. shelled, deveined shrimp; 2 lbs. mussels, scrubbed; and 1 lb. boneless cod fillet, cut into 3-in. chunks. Cover; simmer 10 to 12 min. or until most mussels have opened. Discard any unopened mussels. Sprinkle with chopped parsley; serve in bowls with crusty bread. SERVES 6 ABOUT 295 CALS, 31 G PROTEIN, 14 G CARBS, 13 G FAT (4 G SAT), 3 G FIBER, 980 MG…

10 CHANCES TO WIN THEM ALL! Details, page 15…

1 RED RULES Use this vibrant hue on cushions or curtains to perk up an all-white room. 2-5 cherry Placks FABRIC WALLPAPER PAINT 6 LIP SERVICE Embrace the holiday spirit! 25% of proceeds from sales of this cultfave lip balm benefit the fight against AIDS. Fresh Suga(red) Lip Treatment Sunscreen SPF 15, $23, fresh.com 7 style-spiration Say yes to a bold skirt and clutch. 8 RUBY SLIPPERS The cherry on top… er, on the bottom? Menswear-inspired flats! Suede d’Orsay Loafer Flats, $158, jcrew.com 9 UNDER WRAPS Poinsettias are on point for drafty winter nights. Threshold Red Fair Isle Throw, $20, target.com 10 HAUTE HUB A red-hot console gives an entryway character. $150, wayfair.com 11 CAN’T BEAT THIS CLOCK Tracking the time has never been so stylish. Firenze Wall Clock, $88,…

PUT YOUR TREE IN THE WINDOW Set it up so everyone, inside and outside, can enjoy it. Homeowner Martha Fell (here with her daughters) decorated the family’s tree with one dominant shade (red) and mixed cherished ornaments with new ones matching the room’s color palette. ALL IN THE FAMILY Since it was built by her parents in 1979, Martha Fell has spent Christmas in this charming country home in Collingwood, Ontario. Constructed using the original handhewn timbers from a 100-year-old Mennonite barn, the space was renovated by Martha and her husband, Geoffrey, five years ago. They were careful to preserve rustic features, like stunning exposed beams, and sentimental furniture pieces. The result? A warm cabin retreat where Martha, Geoffrey and their daughters — Jacqueline, 13, and Sophie, 11 — can…

Our gift to you: make-ahead French toast! Now go focus on the fun stuff — like unwrapping presents. ASK PEGGY POST ETIQUETTE EXP ERT As the host of a holiday party, is it rude to step away to clean up when company is still over? — JEN L. PEGGY SAYS: Don’t create the impression that loading the dishwasher is more important than being with your guests. It would be rude for you or your hubby to disappear for a long time during or after dinner, leaving the others alone. But it’s OK to quickly clear the table and stack dishes by the sink during a lull in conversation, as long as everyone has finished the meal. When it’s an informal get-together, family or close friends might even offer to help out.…

The Chilean-American author has sold more than 65 million books worldwide by drawing from personal experience to weave mesmerizingly magical stories of love and compassion. If you’re new to her work, we’ll get your library started: THE JAPANESE LOVER Her newest release traces the sevendecade story of a secret passion that begins on the eve of World War II between a Polish refugee girl and a Japanese boy. THE HOUSE OF THE SPIRITS This debut novel launched Allende to literary stardom by layering a vast, multigenerational family epic over the turbulent history of a Latin-American country. PAULA A powerful autobiography that intertwines the story of Allende’s family history in Chile with the tragic death of her 28-yearold daughter, Paula. EVA LUNA In this novel, Eva, an orphan, relies on her…

From Our Home Care Lab BEST OIL For a luxe sheen, pick an oil. Since it penetrates better than aerosols and wipes, it’s also the best choice for unfinished wood. Pledge Restore & Shine ($4) PROS It got perfect scores for cleaning up fingerprints, crayon and water rings and left zero greasy residue. It’s mess-free thanks to its convenient sprayer and smells like oranges. GOOD TO KNOW Don’t use this oil or others on waxed surfaces — they can dissolve the wax and leave a tacky film. BEST AEROSOL Aerosols, which are easy to apply, generally have a combo of oil and water, so they double as cleansers. Guardsman Anytime Lemon Fresh Clean & Polish ($5.50) PROS This quickdrying winner was one of the few that didn’t streak when touched.…

HOLIDAY PARTY HURDLES YOU HAVE TO EAT GRANDMA’S MASHED POTATOES. SHE’LL BE CRUSHED IF YOU DON’T! Put the spuds on your plate before you help yourself to anything else. Savor a few bites while you catch up with Nana, then cover what’s left with a good-for-you food like roasted cauliflower or string beans. By the time you rediscover the potatoes, you’ll be full. YOU’RE GOING TO A COOKIE PARTY (HELP!) Eat lean protein and veggies at breakfast and lunch, then consider the cookies dinner. (It’s OK once in a while!) Insist on a real dinner? Then be a picky cookie monster: Limit shortbreads, and skip sweets with extra fillings like chocolate, cream or nuts. Try biscotti or meringues (recipe, page 136) instead. OY VEY! YOU’VE BEEN INVITED TO A HANUKKAH…

Check out delish for more super-fun, stupid-easy ideas! RED VELVET HOLIDAY TRIFLE Start with your favorite red velvet cake mix, then throw together this impressive dessert in three easy steps… GANACHE In saucepan, bring 2 c. half-and-half and 1 c. heavy cream to simmer, stirring often. Add 20 oz. semisweet chocolate chips to heatproof bowl and pour cream mixture over. Let stand 5 min., then whisk until blended. Let cool completely. WHIPPED CREAM Using mixer with whisk attachment, beat 6 c. heavy cream, 16 oz. mascarpone (at room temp), 3/4 c. sugar, 2 tsp. vanilla extract and ¼ tsp. salt on low until blended. Increase speed to high; beat until stiff peaks form. Refrigerate until assembly. ASSEMBLY Break cake into chunks. Layer in a deep glass trifle bowl, starting with…

When the weather outside is frightful, a massive indoor water park sounds pretty delightful. Escape the cold at one of 12 Great Wolf Lodge locations around the country. It’s like Vegas for kids — you’ll be greeted with wolf ears, taught the secret paw handshake and splashed silly in the 84-degree pool area. Hit the arcade, bowling alley, kiddie spa — you can even stuff and dress your own cuddly character! For the howl-i-days, don’t miss these seasonal surprises: 3 CHANCE S TO WIN A 3 - N IGHT STAY AT GREAT WOLF LODGE WORTH $2,785 Details, page 15 DINE INSIDE A GIANT GINGERBREAD HOUSE Talk about a unique culinary experience: The Great Wolf bakers build a lifesize dining room from 600 pounds of dough. Order a meal — the…

6+ DIY WINTER WONDERLAND This snow globe kit comes with all the bling to bring three snowy playscapes to life. Creativity for Kids Make Your Own Holiday Snow Globes, $20 How We Tested First, our engineers made sure toys met safety standards set by the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. We also checked for pinch points and drop-tested toys to guarantee they wouldn’t shatter into small pieces with sharp edges or pose a choking hazard (for kids under 3). The final decisions came from 125 children, ages 3 through 11, who assessed the fun factor. 8+CRAFTY KITS Whip up stickers that peel easily from smooth surfaces. Crayola Cling Creator, $25 Decorate barrettes, pencils and more with thread designs. Crayola Creations Thread Wrapper, $25 (not shown) 6+MAD COOL SCIENCE LAB Kids…