Innholdsfortegnelse for March 2022 i Good Housekeeping

Create a custom glow with a statement fixture you can easily make from craft store staples. Designer Tori Rubinson topped off this family room with woven bowls decorated with colorful accents and wooden beads. Use the ceiling height as your guide, opting for small, shallow vessels if it is less than nine feet. To assemble, cut a hole in the base of the basket, weave the cable through and screw in the lightbulb — or, better yet, take Rubinson’s advice and “get a really good electrician to help you.” FOR SIMILAR: CABLE SET FOR PENDANT LIGHT, FROM $22, ETSY.COM; LOKALT BASKET, $13, IKEA.COM.…

For most of us, our birthday feels a bit like a little personal New Year. And March has always been my month. This year, it also marks an anniversary of another sort — two years since the start of pandemic pandemonium. Can you believe it? And could you even imagine going back to our pre-COVID lives? When it comes to commemorating my own milestones, I usually try to look back on the year to reflect on my goals, the lessons I’ve learned, how I’d like to move forward and what I’m most grateful for. I’m not sure how ready we feel to do this for that other “anniversary,” but let’s give it a go. There’s no doubt that the pandemic has been tough, whether we’ve been struggling to find child…

@aprilfranzino Q Toners seem to be coming back — should I use one, and if so, which is best for my skin? —MIA P. A: It’s true: Toners acquired a bad rap because some older formulas were high in dehydrating alcohol, which could cause dryness or irritation, especially in those without oily or acne-prone skin. But they’re having a resurgence, thanks to a new generation of milder versions. “There are now less-drying toners on the market that are alcohol and astringent-free,” says GH Beauty Lab Chemist Danusia Wnek. They’re often made with ingredients that treat a range of skin types and concerns; add one to enhance your routine after cleansing and before applying other leave-on skincare products. Here’s how to find the right toner for your skin:…

Every day I dry my thermal mug, coffee carafe and permanent filter on the Oxo Good Grips Water Bottle Drying Rack ($20, oxo.com). It even has straw holders! —Sarah Wharton I always fold towels so the folded side, not the side with the towel edges, is facing out. I learned this from a friend who used to work in retail; it’s how they do the shelves, and it looks infinitely neater.— Mariana Tuma Using like-colored bins and storage containers gives closets and pantries a uniform look. But to avoid confusion, I make custom labels with my Cricut Joy (my go-to organizing gadget) and stick one on each bin. — Amanda Garrity We had our handyman put an electrical outlet into our hall closet so we could plug in our cordless vacuum…

1 Notice how well you play with others. Did you react too quickly to your cousin’s social media post? Were you prompted to post a negative response because someone else did? Pay attention to your patterns. 2 Take a pause. Rushing leads us to feel stressed, which makes it difficult to practice empathy and kindness. Avoid looking at social media when you don’t have time to sit and digest everything you’re reading. 3 Try to see it their way. Consider the situation from the other person’s point of view. What led them to do what they did or think the way they do? If you find it hard to humanize the poster, it’s better to disengage: Just put your phone away and do another activity. 4 Create kind habits. Regularly make an effort to…

High Blood Sugar (HYPERGLYCEMIA) • Extreme thirst• Unexplained weight loss• Urinating a lot• Exhaustion• Having trouble seeing or concentrating• Experiencing stomach pain, nausea or vomiting• Having sweet-smelling or “fruity” breath• Having cuts or sores that do not heal and infections (these may be signs of long-term hyperglycemia) Low Blood Sugar (HYPOGLYCEMIA) • Feeling sweaty, shaky and hungry• Feeling weak• Having difficulty walking or seeing clearly• Acting confused or getting disoriented• Having seizures What to Do in an Emergency • Call 911• Offer the person something sugary to eat or drink• Avoid administering insulin if someone has passed out — leave that to the medical experts…

Are smart speakers always listening? Alexa is listening all the time—but so is your smartphone. We give up some privacy when we bring these connected gadgets into our lives. The key is following the best cybersecurity practices. Start by creating a strong, unique password for each device. I recommend using a password manager like Dashlane (never keep passwords on your computer). How can I keep my computers safe? The best thing you can do is called segmentation, creating one network for your computer and a separate guest network for your smart home devices. That way even if someone hacks into your Wi-Fi–connected camera or doorbell, they can’t access your computer. Segmentation is easy to do with most new routers. Check the user manual for instructions. How often should my Wi-Fi…

Thermostats By automatically adjusting temps when you’re asleep or away, smart thermostats save energy without making you sacrifice comfort. LAB RESULTS We like the Ecobee’s supplemental room sensors, which ensure optimal temperatures in the most-used parts of the home. ECOBEE SMARTTHERMOSTAT WITH VOICE CONTROL, $250, ECOBEE.COM Room ACs Wi-Fi–enabled air conditioners can be turned on remotely to cool things down before you return. LAB RESULTS Our testers found the 8,000 BTU LG unit easy to control, with temperature, scheduling and fan speed adjustment done via the LG ThinQ app. LG SMART WINDOW AIR CONDITIONER, $299, LG.COM Garage Openers Never again fret if you forgot to close the garage door. LAB RESULTS Our top pick from Chamberlain also lets you set daily schedules and alerts. Eligible Amazon Prime members can have…

Meater+ This wireless probe monitors internal food temps as well as air temperature. It connects to your phone, estimates the cooking time and serves up helpful notifications. MEATER PLUS, $100, MEATER.COM June Oven Among its many smart features, a built-in camera recognizes the food you place inside and suggests automatic cooking programs using one of 12 functions, including preferred doneness. JUNE, STARTING AT $599, JUNE.COM Thermomix TM6 This cooking food processor with a built-in scale has a large screen that connects to its Cookidoo app, which is filled with more than 70,000 guided cooking recipes, all developed by the pros at the brand. THERMOMIX TM6, $1,499, THERMOMIX.COM…

Smart bulbs can be programmed to match the color temperature of sunlight — warmer during morning and evening hours and cooler through the day. This so-called circadian lighting can help promote sleep. So can smart mattresses like the Sleep Number 360 smart bed, a GH Seal holder. The dual-chamber design is great for couples with different firmness preferences. And testers liked getting regular feedback on how well they slept through the night.…

Q How can I check my home’s exterior for damage caused by winter weather? — JEN L. A: Rain, sleet and snow can really wreak havoc on your home, and roofs and decks are major areas of concern because they’re so exposed to the elements. But even if you live in a mild region, check your deck annually—roughly half of the 60 million decks in the U.S. are in need of repair or replacement, according to the North American Deck and Railing Association. For roofs, the freeze-thaw cycle can cause cracks and openings through which water can penetrate during the rainy spring seasons. Our checklist below will help you identify the best ways to deal with your home’s key trouble spots. DECK ✓ Do a visual check. Look for splinters, which…

1 PORE-PURIFYING MASK Pamper your pores with Mary Kay’s Clear Proof Deep-Cleansing Charcoal Mask, a Good Housekeeping Beauty Award winner. Its activated charcoal and mineral clays absorb oil, and honeysuckle botanical extracts help even out skin tone over time. This powerful formula stands out for its ability to leave skin deeply cleansed and refreshed without overdrying, per our Beauty Lab experts. LAB RESULTS During consumer tests, panelists confirmed that the clay mask left both dramatically clarified skin and deeply cleansed pores. Those with oily and combination skin types can rejoice in the fact that the formula reduced sebum by 89% and visual shine by 84% in under 15 minutes, as a clinical study showed. MARY KAY CLEAR PROOF DEEP-CLEANSING CHARCOAL MASK, $24, MARYKAY.COM 2 SMARTER TILING Hit refresh on your shower…

TRADITIONAL FARE What began as an Irish peasant dish made from inexpensive yet satisfying ingredients evolved into a St. Paddy’s Day favorite, with ingredients like stout beer and fresh herbs added for even more flavor.…

WAITER’S CORKSCREW Slim and portable, this no-frills style takes some practice to use, but it’s sturdy and efficient, with a built-in blade to cut off the foil and a handy bottle opener. PULLTEX PULLTAP’S CLASSIC CORKSCREW, $28, PULLTEX.COM WINGED CORKSCREW My personal favorite—it’s foolproof, and the wings give you more leverage to remove the cork. Plus, many have a built-in bottle opener. OXO WINGED CORKSCREW WITH BOTTLE OPENER, $16, OXO.COM ELECTRIC CORKSCREW Kept charged, it’s the most user-friendly style. The foil cutter safely reveals the cork; open the bottle with the press of a button. OSTER ELECTRIC WINE OPENER, $25, OSTER.COM…

WINDOW WORLD, WINDOWWORLD.COM WHY IT EARNED THE GH SEAL Remodeling and installation company Window World impressed our Lab experts with its quality construction and extensive variety for all weather conditions, and our home improvement pros love the design options. 1 QUALITY MATERIALS When changing your home’s facade, you want reliable products that will last a long time through changing weather conditions. These heat-, sleet- and wind-resistant vinyl windows are less prone to warping and rotting than wood alternatives. GH Lab experts confirmed that they are tested to meet durability standards. 2 ENERGY SAVINGS Installing new windows can help fill cracks or holes around a frame and reduce the amount of air that enters or escapes from your home. This allows your heating and cooling to work more efficiently, a proven…

GRILLED TOAST Brush 2 leeks (halved lengthwise) with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Grill, covered, on medium-high, cut sides down, until nearly tender, 6 min. Turn and cook 2 min. Transfer to bowl, cover and let sit 5 min., then slice. Mix 1½ Tbsp oil with 1 tsp white wine vinegar and a pinch of red pepper flakes and toss with leeks. Spread ricotta on grilled bread and spoon leeks over top. GARLICKY PASTA In large skillet, heat 2 Tbsp olive oil, 2 cloves garlic (pressed), 1 large leek (white and light green parts only, sliced into half-moons), 1 Tbsp fresh thyme leaves, ¼ tsp salt and ⅛ tsp red pepper flakes on medium-low and cook, stirring occasionally, until very tender, 15 min. Toss with 12 oz…

love how it just fits™ for them! “Having seven children, I’m able to work my business around life happening. I’m able to live out my dream of giving my children the best of me! It’s a blessing.”MARNI HENDRICKS “I get to spend more time with my family … taking care of my mom, and it gives me peace. I found balance. I found flexibility.”ASTRID PAGAN “Mary Kay just fits because it is fulfilling. I love the growth … there’s always something to reach for.”SONYA COLEMAN “It’s a way of life — a way to stay connected. We need real connections with people and human affection. It’s definitely more than a business.”JACQUELINE ALARCON “My favorite part of my business is being able to take Mary Kay anywhere I go. No matter…

FAST HAIR FIX Glide this light botanical oil balm, created by a famed New York City salon owner, over flyaway or frayed strands to instantly make hair look smoother, healthier and glossier. RITA HAZAN SHINE BALM, $30, NET-A-PORTER.COM CHIC EYESHADOWS This luxe-for-less quad of satin and shimmer shades, three neutral and one pop of color, feels as silky and looks as rich as versions many times the price. REVLON SO FIERCE! PRISMATIC EYE SHADOW PALETTE IN FULLY LOADED, $11, DRUGSTORES LIP BOOSTER A fresh take on traditional lip gloss, this gel formula offers that signature shine with the softening of a balm thanks to shea butter, plus a mint tint that turns a soft pink on lips. SHISEIDO SHIMMER GELGLOSS IN HAKKA MINT, $25, SHISEIDO.COM…

The ideal bedroom creates calm at night and energizes you in the morning. This one features cheerful wallpaper, plush linens, a delightful color palette and a space-saving pendant light, which makes room on the nightstand for books, glasses and other must-haves. “This is one area where pretty and functional must collide harmoniously,” says designer Lisa Gilmore. GET THE LOOK: COLE & SON FRUTTO PROIBITO SEAFOAM & LEMON WALLPAPER, DECORATORSBEST.COM…

@fortecarolyn Q Do I need to add rinse aid if my dishwasher detergent already includes it? —MICHELE H. A: Yes, I still recommend it. Detergent with rinse aid in the formula is effective at minimizing spotting and filming and helping eliminate food residue during the cleaning portion of the cycle, but these ingredients can be washed away when the dishwasher drains. Adding a separate rinse aid, like GH Seal star Cascade Power Dry, to the chamber beside the one where you place the detergent guarantees that the rinse aid gets dispensed during the rinse cycle, when it’s most effective. It will help remove any remaining bits of food from dishes and glassware, eliminate spotting and filming and improve drying. Using a separate rinse aid is especially important if you live…

(Pronounced: eye•lee•ah) Consumer Brief Summary This summary contains risk and safety information for patients about EYLEA. It does not include all the information about EYLEA and does not take the place of talking to your eye doctor about your medical condition or treatment. What is EYLEA? EYLEA is a prescription medicine that works by blocking vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF can cause fluid to leak into the macula (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye responsible for sharp central vision). Blocking VEGF helps reduce fluid from leaking into the macula. What is EYLEA used for? EYLEA is indicated for the treatment of patients with: • Neovascular (Wet) Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)• Macular Edema Following Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO)• Diabetic Macular Edema (DME)• Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) How is…

“My late brother, Jack, had his name inscribed on the Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial in Colorado, and there was a dinner for the families. It happened to be on Jack’s birthday, and I was alone. While getting ready at my hotel for this very emotional event, I realized I’d forgotten to pack my hairbrush. I was so upset, and the driver on the shuttle bus to the dinner heard me telling someone. She insisted on dropping everyone off, then taking me to a store and waiting for me to buy a brush. I could never thank her enough— she made everything OK.”—Debbie Jeffries, 59, Fitchburg, MA “Years ago at a career fair, I lost my wallet with my driver’s license, credit cards and cash. I frantically retraced my steps but…

Bloating. Gas. Abdominal upset. Digestive issues impact everyone, and yet probiotic use is widely misunderstood. Learn more about how one small change—taking Align every day—can help lead to a balanced gut. Why Go Pro(biotic)?: A Beginner’s Guide To consistently see benefits, understanding how to choose and use probiotics is key. Common issues such as diet, schedule changes, travel, and stress can disrupt the natural balance of good bacteria that are essential for many vital body functions, including healthy digestion. A daily probiotic supplement like Align can help support your digestive system with an extra boost of healthy bacteria so you can better tackle the everyday challenges of life. Effectiveness depends on the strain. Bifidobacterium 35624TM, Align’s flagship strain in 24/7 Digestive Support, can help relieve occasional abdominal discomfort, gas, and…

Vitamin B12, magnesium and the spice turmeric are three of my favorite trendy food compounds because they have multiple benefits and it’s easy to incorporate them into your diet. That said, no single ingredient or nutrient found in food can work miracles, and a lot of the coverage of these three gets oversimplified. Below are the facts so you’ll know what to expect. the buzz: You can pop some vitamin B12 for a quick energy boost. The real story: Not unless you’re deficient in it. Vitamin B12 is involved in many functions in the body, and common signs of deficiency include fatigue, anemia and tingling and numbness in hands and feet, which is why a supplement can make someone who isn’t getting enough B12 feel better. It’s also found in…

Amazon’s Alexa Knowledgeable and informative, this assistant excels with robust smart device compatibility. LAB RESULTS Our pros appreciate the affordability and compactness of this sprightly speaker with an LED display. AMAZON ECHO DOT WITH CLOCK (4TH GEN), $60, AMAZON.COM Google Assistant The most conversation-friendly of the bunch, Google Assistant is great for personalized calendaring and weather support, getting answers to simple queries and, of course, smart home control. LAB RESULTS GH reviewers loved being able to see and hear info, which is optimal for hands-free help in the kitchen. GOOGLE NEST HUB MAX, $189, STORE.GOOGLE.COM Apple’s Siri Beyond turning on lights, adjusting the thermostat or otherwise controlling HomeKit–compatible devices, Siri can respond to personal requests from up to six users. LAB RESULTS Our pros love the Intercom feature, which lets…

Absolutely! Wi-Fi–enabled sprinklers use real-time weather data to deliver more water during dry weather and less when there’s rain in the forecast. The Rachio 3 Controller lets you control zones individually so an area of lawn in full sun can be watered more frequently than shady areas. Robotic lawn mowers are also smart helpers. We like the Husqvarna Automower 430X Robotic Lawn Mower, which operates using a wired perimeter. The built-in weather timer ensures that the mower cuts more often during major growth periods.…

1 Lightbulbs Bulbs are the gateway to having a smart home, since they’re easy to use. Just screw one in, download the app and start controlling the light from your phone or by voice through a compatible smart speaker. LAB RESULTS Our engineers love that the Cync connects directly to your Wi-Fi, so no hub is required. CYNC SMART HOME STARTER KIT, $30, GELIGHTING.COM 2 Light Switches These high-tech switches give you total control over compatible fixtures in the room. That makes it easy to create preprogrammed light settings, from fully bright for cleaning to low and moody for entertaining. LAB RESULTS Lutron’s Caséta is our top pick, thanks to its straightforward installation and intuitive interface. LUTRON CASÉTA SMART DIMMER STARTER KIT, $100, LUTRON.COM 3 Smart Plugs By connecting to…

1 Leak Detectors Place one of these sensors near an appliance that uses water, like a washing machine or a water heater, and at the first sign of a leak you’ll receive an alert on your phone. LAB RESULTS In our tests, setup of the Resideo detector was a breeze, and we like that it will alert you to freezing temperatures and humidity issues. RESIDEO WIFI WATER LEAK AND FREEZE DETECTOR, $80, RESIDEO.COM 2 Water Sensors Whole-home systems use sophisticated algorithms to detect leaks anywhere in your plumbing system. In the event of a burst pipe, they can shut the water off at the main valve. LAB RESULTS This Phyn requires professional installation, but the manufacturer also offers a DIY version that you can install under any sink in your…

@lexiesachs Q I keep hearing about machine-washable rugs. Are they worth buying? —VICTORIA N. A: Absolutely! Machine-washable rugs are a game changer. Whether you have kids, pets or guests coming over, a washable rug provides peace of mind, since it can be thoroughly cleaned after a big mess. These innovative floor coverings typically have a low pile, meaning they are flatter and don’t feel as plush as other rugs. They’re best for high-traffic areas or places where spills are common, like living or dining rooms. After testing multiple brands, the GH Textiles Lab gives top marks to Ruggable rugs, which come in a range of designs and sizes. They offer a unique two-layer system with an underpad topped with a removable cover that can be detached for a trip through the…

Beyond the obvious signs—dried mascara or separated foundation—it can be tough to tell when your makeup is past its prime. U.S. labeling regulations don’t require an expiration date on cosmetics, though some will have an open jar symbol on their packaging that indicates how many months the product will perform at peak quality. When in doubt, follow our expert advice on how often to make over your makeup bag. • Mascara and liquid eyeliner: Every season • Skincare products, sunscreens and liquid foundation: Every six months • Hair products (except hairspray): Every year • Powder-based cosmetics, lipsticks and nail polishes: Every two years…

GAME DAY WINNER! Instead of nachos, try these crispy potatoes with an array of toppings. 1 Tossed with grated Parmesan before broiling 2 Seasoned with taco seasoning 3 Plain with salt and chopped parsley 4 Topped with taco seasoning and grated Cheddar before broiling, then topped with pickled red onion and jalapeño, diced tomato and cilantro 5 Tossed with ranch seasoning before baking, then topped with crumbled bacon and chives 6 Plain and then topped with cayenne pepper sauce (Frank’s RedHot sauce), crumbled blue cheese and sliced scallion…

START HERE Active 20 min. Total 45 min. RED ONION & RED PEPPER Press Sauté on multicooker and heat 1 Tbsp oil. Add 1 red onion and 1 red pepper (both sliced), season with ¼ tsp each kosher salt and pepper and sauté until tender, 5 min.; transfer to bowl. NO MULTICOOKER? Follow the instructions using a Dutch oven on the stovetop on medium heat instead. Scrape up brown bits, cover, transfer to a 350°F oven and bake until beef easily pulls apart, about 2 hr. BEEF CHUCK Add 1 Tbsp oil to pot. Season one 2-lb beef chuck roast (well trimmed and cut into 3-in. pieces) with ¼ tsp each salt and pepper and cook until browned on all sides, about 5 min. COCONUT MILK & CURRY PASTE Whisk…

• TESTED til PERFECT • TANDOORI-STYLE CHICKEN G M O Active 15 min. | Total 55 min. ½ cup plain yogurt2 cloves garlic, grated½ Tbsp grated fresh ginger1 Tbsp paprika1 tsp garam masala½ tsp ground turmeric½ tsp ground coriander¼ tsp cayenne1 Tbsp fresh lemon juice4 small chicken legs, split1 Tbsp olive oil, plus more for air fryer basket Kosher salt and pepper2 small red onions, cut into ½-in.-thick wedges Lemon wedges and fresh cilantro, for serving 1. In medium bowl, whisk together yogurt, garlic, ginger, paprika, garam masala, turmeric, coriander, cayenne and lemon juice. Add chicken, turn to coat and let sit 20 min. (and up to 4 hr.). 2. Coat air fryer basket with oil. Remove chicken from marinade, season with ½ tsp salt and arrange, skin side up,…

FEEL-GOOD READ Chorus by Rebecca Kauffman The members of the Shaw family are no strangers to tragedy: Their mother’s mysterious death when many of the seven siblings were young haunts them still, and the way the clan dealt with a teenage pregnancy divides them for years. Told from rotating perspectives through the eyes of the siblings from early in the 20th century through the 1950s, the tale makes the reader part of the family as the children grow up and deal with addiction, caring for their aging father, the loss of a spouse and finding their places in the world. This is a story about love and resilience. Despite everything the world throws at them, the Shaws persevere, and that’s a hopeful message we can all use. $26 MAGICAL REALISM…

Pro tip: For maximum color payoff, paint on at least two layers, letting the lacquer dry for a minute in between.…

Moisturize right… Obviously hydrating skin is crucial to combating dryness, but not all moisturizing skincare products are created equal. According to GH Beauty Lab testing, “face lotions and creams are generally more hydrating than oils, serums and other formulas—and they can increase skin’s moisture for hours,” says GH Beauty Lab Director Birnur Aral, Ph.D. For maximum efficacy, “look for moisturizers that contain humectants such as glycerin and hyaluronic acid, which can bind or hold on to water effectively,” Aral says, plus “ingredients that help repair the skin barrier, such as ceramides and niacinamide.” …and often. Don’t wait until your face is noticeably dry to moisturize; consistency is key for keeping skin hydrated and healthy in the long term and preventing dehydration from occurring in the first place. “The best treatment…

Color-code kids’ books. Little ones thrive with order, so an attractive display of sorted reading material is brilliant for their space. “Kids will remember the color of their favorite book and where to return it to,” says Pamela Meluskey, cofounder and principal organizer at Settled. Transform an unused coat closet into a deluxe pantry. Put empty space to use by carving out a luxurious cupboard that makes assembling meals and snacks a breeze. The trick: Aim to balance storage bins with acrylic organizers. Put baking essentials and cereal in airtight containers and snacks such as chips in large labeled baskets. “The kitchen is used every day, but can fall to the bottom of our list of organizing priorities. If nothing else, try to keep countertops free of food items, small…

GLASS WINDOWS AND DOORS Nothing says spring to me like sparkling glass. I achieve it with a fresh supply of cloths and a cleaner like Safely Glass Cleaner. Its fine mist doesn’t drip, and it dries without streaks. For very grimy glass, use paper towels or easy-to-wash cloths like the Toryen Microfiber Cloth ($10, toryenclean.com). SAFELY GLASS CLEANER, $7, GETSAFELY.COM HARDWOOD FLOORS Residue and scuffs on wood become obvious when the sun shines in. My go-to tools are Bona’s PowerPlus Deep Cleaner and a microfiber mop. With a light spray and a wipe, the oxy formula loosens buildup, removes scuffs and gives wood a warm glow. If I didn’t know better, I’d swear my floors had been refinished! BONA POWERPLUS HARDWOOD FLOOR DEEP CLEANER, $12, BONA.COM…

Lasagna Love You and your child become chefs and prepare a delicious pasta meal for a local family in need, then drop it off contact-free at their home. The global nonprofit has a network of more than 20,000 volunteers across all 50 states. To get your child cooking, visit lasagnalove.org. Project Linus Help your child learn a skill like sewing, knitting or crocheting so they can join the army of “Blanketeers” and help provide comforting handmade blankets to kids who are ill or otherwise in need. Find a nearby chapter at projectlinus.org. A Million Thanks Teach your kids about the sacrifices brave men and women make for our country. Then go to amillionthanks.org and encourage them to write from-the-heart thank-you notes to active, reserve or veteran U.S. military members.…

1 Choose your ecosystem A major pain point of setting up smart home tech is that devices from different brands may not always work together. Avoid the frustration by picking products that are compatible with your ecosystem of choice. The main options are Google Home (good for Android users), Amazon Alexa (has a wide array of products) and Apple HomeKit (makes sense if you own an iPhone). 2 Check your network First, you need high-speed Internet with enough broadband to handle dozens of devices—at least 200 Mbps (megabits per second). Then make sure a strong Wi-Fi signal reaches every corner of the house. A mesh router with satellites is the easiest solution. For large houses, put in additional access points by running an Ethernet cable from your router to any…

1 Door Locks High-tech locks eliminate the need for physical keys, and they make it easy to grant approved users, like the dog walker or weekend guests, temporary access to your home LAB RESULTS Our experts like the simplicity of the August; this cylindrical device installs in minutes by attaching to the existing dead bolt on the inside of your door. AUGUST WI-FI SMART LOCK, $300, AUGUST.COM 2 Doorbells These smart buzzers let you see who is at the door from anywhere. Most have two-way communication so you can talk with visitors. LAB RESULTS One of the first in the category, Ring remains a leader. Our engineers like the 4’s superb 1080 HD picture quality and night vision; it can be hardwired or battery-powered. RING VIDEO DOORBELL 4, $200, RING.COM…

Dishwashers Smart dishwashers let you start, stop and monitor cycles from the app. LAB RESULTS GH Seal star Miele’s AutoDos models use a preloaded detergent disk for automatic and precise dispensing, and they also send notifications if something in the cycle has gone awry, as in when a spray arm is blocked. MIELE G7366 SCVI SF AUTODOS, $2,000, AJMADISON.COM Washers/Dryers Many of today’s newest machines let you connect the pair and download cycles, like Activewear. LAB RESULTS With GH Seal star GE’s Ultra-Fresh Washer and Dryer, when you sync the units, the dryer automatically selects the best cycle for the coming wet load. GE SMART FRONT LOAD WASHER, $1,300, AND DRYER, $1,200, GEAPPLIANCES.COM Robotic Vacuums Today’s robots use navigation technology to map areas you want cleaned and avoid obstacles. LAB…

Do I need an integrator? We can definitely make your smart home life easier. Our customers will spend $2,500 to $5,000 on a suite of devices—say, a lock, lights, thermostats, cameras and a sound system. Then there’s the $5,000-to- $10,000-and-up customer who wants a whole-house experience: entertainment, security and climate controlled through one app. You’re getting an experience designed for your needs as well as the peace of mind of knowing it will work seamlessly. How has the pandemic affected your business? The demand is greater than ever, especially with so many people working from home. It’s supply that’s the problem. So much of this equipment uses chip-based sensors, and that supply chain is backed up well into 2022. My advice to customers is to think ahead. Even if the…

PRODUCT INFO OVERALL WINNER This is a luxurious pillowcase without a hefty price tag. Fishers Finery’s fabric is made of 25 momme Mulberry silk, among the highest-quality silks you can find. This option uses an envelope closure so you can easily slip your pillow in without having the end exposed. It comes in three sizes and more than 10 colors to match nearly any bedding set. FISHERS FINERY 25 MOMME MULBERRY SILK PILLOWCASE, FISHERSFINERY.COM MOST COMFORTABLE Blissy’s popular pillowcase is the most sought-after style and actually lives up to its hype. Available in lots of neutral colors, bright shades and trendy prints, it has a zipper closure so it won’t slide off and comes in three sizes to fit a variety of pillows. Its incredibly smooth fabric is made of…

A splash of smooth and creamy dark beer adds complexity and depth of flavor to rich cake batter, while tangy cream cheese mellows out the sweet frosting filling. Make these sandwich cookies for St. Paddy’s Day or any time you crave a sweet treat. Recipe, p. 97…

Pork, Pineapple & Onion Skewers Active 25 min. | Total 45 min. In large bowl, toss 1 lb pork loin (trimmed; cut into 1-in. pieces), 2 cups 1-in. chunks fresh pineapple (from ½ small pineapple), 1 small red onion (cut into 6 wedges, each halved crosswise) and 8 oz baby peppers (cut into 1-in. pieces) with 2 Tbsp olive oil and ½ tsp each kosher salt and pepper. Thread onto skewers and grill on medium, turning occasionally, until pork is cooked through, 8 to 10 min., and basting with Garlic-Ginger Teriyaki Sauce (above right) during last 5 min. of cooking. Top with sliced jalapeño. SERVES 4 About 310 cal, 11 g fat (2.5 g sat), 29 g pro, 895 mg sodium, 24 g carb, 2 g fiber CLASSIC TERIYAKI SAUCE Active…

@nicole_papantoniou Q What is a combi-steam oven? I keep hearing about them. — Jesse P. A: A combi-steam oven, which offers both convection and steam cooking, looks like a traditional wall oven but is plumbed or has a refillable water reservoir, and it offers a ton of benefits. Depending on the model, these ovens can cook with different levels of steam and heat—even both simultaneously!—to deliver mouthwatering results like beautifully browned, juicy chicken. They’re also great for delicate desserts like cheesecake and custard—no more cumbersome water baths—and bread, as most can reach low temps for proofing (or letting the dough rise) and high temps for developing a nice crust. Plus, they allow you to skip boiling when making pretzels (like the bites above) and bagels. In addition to being used for…

Stuck inside on a drizzly day? Use the weather to teach kids about the water cycle with a fun hands-on experiment. Initially the “cloud” of shaving cream will hold drops of colored water. But eventually the liquid gets too heavy and it “rains” in the jar. Use this as a jumping-off point for talking about evaporation, condensation and precipitation. COMPLETE INSTRUCTIONS, PAGE 99 MORE EXPERIMENTS! Pick up Good Housekeeping Amazing Science: 83 Hands-On S.T.E.A.M. Experiments for Curious Kids! by Aubre Andrus with Rachel Rothman, $22.…

One day when I was about 9, my mom received a frantic phone call from our next-door neighbor, Mrs. King, who wasn’t home at the time. She had been trying to reach the babysitter who was watching her daughter, and no one was picking up the phone. She had a bad feeling. We ran over to the house and found that they had been locked in a closet by a burglar! Fortunately, they were unharmed. We didn’t socialize with the Kings regularly, though occasionally I played with their daughter, but we knew we could count on one another for everyday help — and in emergencies. Interactions like these in my 1960s childhood in suburban New York informed my behavior as an adult. I like to know my neighbors, even if…

Do I have to walk my dog every day? A daily stroll is the best way to give your pup’s body and brain a workout, says Sarah Machell, D.V.M., medical director of online veterinary service Vetster. Walking gets their heart rate up, all that sniffing provides lots of mental stimulation and the time together gives the two of you a chance to bond. That said, if a walk’s not in the cards, tossing a ball around the backyard (or the living room) for an energetic game of fetch will work in a pinch. It depends on your pet’s breed, their lifestyle and whether they have any medical conditions, explains Antje Joslin, D.V.M., Dogtopia veterinary expert. If your pet is fairly sedentary and their fur is not prone to matting, they…