Good Housekeeping April 2021

Let this built-in bar spark your creativity in improving an overlooked space. The compact setup, in the home of Studio Ten 25’s Abbe Fenimore, is perfect for entertaining and adds a pop of personality to the room. The glossy subway-tile backsplash and the pastel blue drawers, including a large one for heavy bottles and cocktail mixes, set the foundation for the airy design. Floating shelves “create a modern look and offer an accessible place to display favorite spirits and glassware,” says Fenimore.…

TOMATO VINAIGRETTE In bowl, whisk together 1 Tbsp each rice vinegar, olive oil and grated fresh ginger and ¼ tsp each salt and pepper. Toss with 8 oz plum tomatoes (seeded and cut into 1/4-in. pieces), then 2 scallions (thinly sliced). Serve over vegetables, seafood, steak or chicken. SPRING HERB FRITTATA Whisk together 6 large eggs and ½ tsp each salt and pepper; stir in 6 scallions, 1 cup fresh parsley and ½ cup dill (all chopped). Heat 2 Tbsp oil in medium cast-iron skillet on medium. Add egg mixture; cook 2 min. Dollop with 2 oz goat cheese; bake at 350°F until just set, 18 min. CREAMY RICE Cook 1 cup long-grain white rice per pkg. directions. Combine ½ cup sour cream and 2 Tbsp lime juice. Fold sour…

FEEL-GOOD READ The Little French Bridal Shop by Jennifer Dupee Larisa Pearl doesn’t mean to lie, but when the owner of the Little French Bridal Shop assumes she’s getting married, she doesn’t correct her even though she doesn’t so much as have a boyfriend. Her response just slips out—she’s been so distracted by dealing with her late great-aunt’s estate, settling back into her seaside Massachusetts hometown after her big-city life in Boston implodes and trying to cope with her mother’s worsening dementia. Before long, the small town is abuzz with the news of the nonexistent nuptials. Meanwhile, Larisa reconnects with the estate’s handyman, who happens to be having marital struggles. You’ll laugh, cry and swoon as Larisa tries to keep up the ruse along with a cast of characters who…

TIMING IS EVERYTHING Don’t be too eager to get plants in the ground; sinking them too early can lead to disappointing results. Annuals, tropical plants and newly purchased perennials should not go into the ground until after the danger of the last frost has passed. Check the Farmers’ Almanac to find out when that is near you. TAKE YOUR SOIL’S TEMPERATURE Summer flowering bulbs like dahlias, cannas and tuberous begonias prefer warmer temperatures and shouldn’t be planted until the soil temperature reaches 60°F. You can determine how warm the ground is by sticking the probe of an instant-read thermometer four inches below the surface and leaving it there for five minutes. Knauss advises testing several days in a row for the most accurate results. START BULBS INDOORS If you just…

ANTICIPATE POSSIBLE DISCOMFORT Ask yourself how your question might be received. If you ask a woman when she’s due and she’s not actually pregnant, how will that make her feel? WATCH OUT FOR “OTHERING” When you have a question about how someone is different from you, share your experiences and ask them about theirs to open the door to connection. LET CURIOSITY GUIDE YOU If asked something that makes you uncomfortable, acknowledge that the question was unexpected. Then shift the focus to inquiry by asking a question of your own.…

Breaking any “big” project into little bites can make all the difference. Set your sights on tackling one small job each day, and you’ll feel an ongoing sense of accomplishment and satisfaction. Here are three mini assignments to get you started: 1. Have your supplies and necessities at the ready. Organize your catchall drawer by removing everything that doesn’t serve a purpose: Toss expired coupons, receipts and seldom-used items. Move medical supplies like bandages to a first aid kit. Use a drawer organizer to keep notepaper, tape, scissors, pens and other supplies at your fingertips. 2. Create a shoe haven. Stack clear shoe bins so you can see what’s inside, or hang a shoe organizer on the door. Invest in cedar boot trees to keep boots looking (and smelling) their…