Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2023 i Good Housekeeping

Turn an old window, a pallet and a couple of pieces of lumber into a picture-perfect potting bench for tending to the season’s best blooms. Finish the look with a bright paint shade (like Cloverdale Paint’s Dreaming of the Day, shown). “This potting bench adds the perfect pop of color and vintage style to make my back deck look truly unique,” says Christina Dennis of home-decor and lifestyle blog The DIY Mommy.…

Beauty Lab Experts BIRNUR ARAL, PH.D. BEAUTY LAB EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR SABINA WIZEMANN BEAUTY LAB SENIOR CHEMIST DANUSIA WNEK BEAUTY LAB SENIOR CHEMIST CHIARA BUTLER BEAUTY LAB REVIEWS ANALYST + BEST PRACTICE SHAVING The most ubiquitous hair-removal choice (over 90% of GH testers opt for it most often), this wet technique uses blades to cut hair off at skin’s surface. ✓ Pros Easy to do and works on all body areas; little to no pain involved; generally cost-effective ✘ Cons Results last only about two days, and blades should be replaced every two weeks for safety and efficacy. ! Key Tips Apply a shaving cream or oil first to guard skin and improve glide. Rinse the blades often to unclog them. GH BEAUTY LAB TEST WINNER: ATHENA CLUB THE RAZOR KIT, $10,…

Q What’s the best way to clean my yoga mat? —Beth L. A: It’s easy to forget about cleaning this accessory once your session is over, but doing so is simple, and a clean mat is almost as important as clean workout wear. Yoga mats come in a variety of materials: Those with closed-cell construction are easier to clean and often last longer than open, porous mats, but no matter what type you have, regular cleaning will wash away germs and grime and help keep it fresh. Start by combining 2 cups of warm water and a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle. Lightly spritz the mat’s surface and wipe it with a clean cloth. Rinse the cloth in clear water, wring it out well and use it…

You don’t have to buy a fancy gym membership or expensive gear for a stronger, more toned physique. “Your body is your own machine, so work it!” says corrective exercise specialist Tatiana Lampa, ACSM-CPT, NASM-CES, founder of the app Training With T. A well-rounded routine like this one also supports immunity, mood management, a healthy heart, good sleep, durable bones and joints and much more. The six exercises here combine to target major muscle groups—upper body, lower body, core—and some also offer a burst of cardio, making for a simple total-body workout. Aim to do the entire routine three times, two to three times a week, and when you’re ready to challenge yourself, use our easy tricks for amping up the intensity. Now, get moving! Squats Targets: glutes, quads, hamstrings, calves,…

MEET THE GH EXPERTS LEXIE SACHS EXECUTIVE TEXTILES DIRECTOR EMMA SEYMOUR SENIOR TEXTILES PRODUCT ANALYST GRACE WU TEXTILES PRODUCT REVIEWS ANALYST AMANDA CONSTANTINE HOME & APPAREL REVIEWS ANALYST Must-Have Mattresses Ultimate Innerspring With a luxurious and resilient feel, this Saatva model is filled mainly with layers of durable steel coils. Ordering online is easy—simply choose from three firmness levels and two heights—and the brand offers free delivery with in-home setup and old-mattress removal. LAB RESULTS Whenever we survey mattress owners, this one earns high scores across the board. One tester raved, “I could spend the whole day lying in this bed!” SAATVA CLASSIC MATTRESS, $1,995 FOR QUEEN, SAATVA.COM Premium Plush This Amerisleep hybrid is your best bet if you want softness without having to sacrifice support. With several layers of…

HOW TO Confirm It’s Done Overcooking chicken renders it tough and dry. The solution: Check the temperature by inserting an instant-read thermometer into the thickest part of the thigh, without touching the bone. When it reads 165°F, it’s ready! HOW TO STACK A SKEWER Everything you need to know to create a standout meal on a stick Make Your Match Pair ingredients that grill in about the same amount of time; cut to similar sizes to avoid overcooking. Divide & Conquer When using metal skewers, space out items so heat can circulate between them—they’ll cook evenly and slightly faster. Double Up Skewer long, skinny veggies like scallions and asparagus with two parallel sticks on the ends to keep them from twisting while grilling. Prep Ahead Using bamboo sticks? They can burn, so…

HOMEMADE TAHINI Active 10 min. Total 20 min. plus cooling 1. Heat oven to 350°F. Spread 2 cups hulled white sesame seeds on rimmed baking sheet and toast until lightly golden (do not let darken), about 10 min. Transfer to second rimmed baking sheet and let cool completely. 2. In food processor (make sure it’s completely dry before adding ingredients), process cooled sesame seeds, scraping down sides as needed, until smooth, pourable paste forms, 5 to 6 min. Refrigerate tahini in jar or airtight container for up to 4 weeks. MAKES 1 HEAPING CUP PER TBSP About 92 cal, 8 g fat (1 g sat), 0 mg chol, 2 mg sodium, 4 g carb, 2 g fiber, 0 g sugar (0 g added sugar), 3 g pro TAHINI APRICOT DIPPERS Active…

SWEET-SPICY BEEF AND BROCCOLI SKEWERS Q O Active 20 min. | Total 20 min. 2 Tbsp gochujang2 Tbsp rice vinegar1 Tbsp honey1½ lbs strip or sirloin steak, cut into 1½-in. pieces1 small head broccoli, cut into medium florets2 Tbsp olive oilKosher salt and pepperSesame seeds, for sprinkling 1. Heat grill to medium-high. In small bowl, whisk together gochujang, rice vinegar and honey. 2. In large bowl, toss beef and broccoli with oil and ½ tsp each salt and pepper. Thread onto skewers and grill, turning occasionally, until steak is cooked to desired doneness, 8 to 10 min. for medium-rare. Baste with sauce during last 3 min. of grilling. Sprinkle with sesame seeds if desired. SERVES 4 About 388 cal, 21 g fat (6.5 g sat), 101 mg chol, 536 mg sodium,…

how we tested: Our pros drove vehicles on thousands of miles of city roads, highways and suburban streets. Reviewing industry standards and our own proprietary protocols, we rated them on: • Safety • Comfort • Driving performance • Design and technology BEST FAMILY SEDAN HONDA ACCORD WHY WE LOVE IT Now in its 11th generation, the Accord has consistently impressed American drivers for nearly 50 years with its almost alchemical just-rightness. Roomy enough for a quartet of adults (or five in a pinch for short rides), its huge back seat is limousine-like for kids. Equally impressive is its cavernous trunk. STANDOUT FEATURES The Accord telegraphs reliability, not just in terms of efficiency or the thoughtful engineering that lasts for hundreds of thousands of miles but also in terms of steadfastness. Opt…

WHY IT EARNED THE GH SEAL Our beauty experts were impressed that this multipurpose makeup provides coverage and hydration in a wide range of shades. 1 SKIN-PERFECT RESULTS This foundation seamlessly covers marks and imperfections for a flawless finish. In one at-home consumer test, 83% of users said it reduced the appearance of redness and blemishes, and 75% said it brightened their complexions. 2 3-IN-1 BENEFITS Get the best technology from CoverGirl makeup and Olay skincare in one bottle. The foundation is made with skin-quenching ingredients like moisturizing glycerin, hydrating hyaluronic acid and a stable form of vitamin C. 3 LONG-LASTING HYDRATION In a clinical study, the formula increased hydration in skin by 40% immediately after application. When tested again eight hours later, skin hydration remained boosted by 32% compared…

PEACH AND CUCUMBER SALAD In bowl, whisk together 2 Tbsp olive oil, 1 Tbsp white wine vinegar and ¼ tsp each kosher salt and pepper. Stir in 1 small shallot and ½ small red chile (both thinly sliced). Add 2 ripe peaches or nectarines (cut into ½-in.-thick wedges) and let sit, tossing occasionally, 5 min. Using vegetable peeler, shave 1 Kirby cucumber into long, thin strips and fold into peaches along with ¾ cup basil (torn). WHITE WINE MUSSELS In large Dutch oven, heat 2 Tbsp olive oil, 2 large cloves garlic and 1 red chile (all finely chopped) on medium-low 3 min. Add 1 cup dry white wine; boil 2 min. Add ¼ tsp kosher salt, then 2 lbs mussels (scrubbed and beards removed); cook, covered, stirring once or…

Display books like art. For the library in their Upstate New York farmhouse, Jeanine Hays and Bryan Mason of AphroChic let their love of the written word and their passion for African Diaspora culture guide their colorful arrangement of books, peppered with sculptures and paintings they’ve collected. “We are lovers of books, so they are displayed so we can see and experience the covers as works of art as well,” Hays says. Put paintings in unexpected places. “I wanted the bathtub to be a showstopping moment, and with the ceilings being so high, the wall called for an extra-large piece to be installed,” says designer Hattie Collins of Hattie Sparks Interiors. An abstract print by Mallory Page fit the bill, since it doesn’t compete with the botanical wallpaper from House…

How We Thrive in the World In honor of Juneteenth, writers Laura Cathcart Robbins and Tracey Michae’l Lewis-Giggetts share their joys, challenges and hopes for the future. The biggest lesson? Community can come together in unexpected ways. How I Became a Familiar Face To those looking for a “sister” or just someone to lean on, I want to fill the gap. by LAURA CATHCART ROBBINS “Remember, Laura, if you’re ever in trouble, always look for a sister.” The year was 1972. I was 7 and about to fly by myself for the second time ever. As my father said goodbye, he knelt down, looked me in the eye and said those words. Meaning that a Black woman, any Black woman, would probably offer me more safety and protection than the white…

HOW TO Find Your Perfect Plant Picks for small spaces, low light and forgetful folks Snake Plant Best for: shady spaces This plant’s eye-catching swordlike foliage deals well with low light and little water, and it grows tall. Rattlesnake Plant Best for: homes with pets The Calathea plant’s reptilian two-tone leaves are nontoxic to pets and love low light. Heartleaf Philodendron Best for: infrequent waterers It’s actually beneficial for this plant to let it dry out slightly between waterings. And it has sweet heart-shaped leaves. Golden Pothos Best for: tricky environments Also known as “devil’s ivy” because it’s very hard to kill, this hardy vining plant can thrive even in fluorescent light. Succulents Best for: bright rooms Though they benefit from good sunlight and dry air, they typically require only…

Vegan? Easy! Swap in the same amount of Hellmann’s Vegan Dressing & Spread, then serve solo or top with a store-bought frosting (check ingredients — many are vegan-friendly). BEST EVER CHOCOLATE CAKE Active 25 min. | Total 1 hr. 5 min. plus cooling FOR CAKE Nonstick cooking spray3 cups all-purpose flour1½ cups granulated sugar¾ cup packed dark brown sugar¾ cup unsweetened cocoa powder (not Dutch process)1 Tbsp baking soda¾ tsp kosher salt1½ cups warm water1¼ cups Hellmann’s Real Mayonnaise (see tip at left)2 tsp pure vanilla extract1 tsp espresso powder FOR FROSTING 2 sticks unsalted butter, at room temp3 cups confectioners’ sugar1½ tsp pure vanilla extract¼ tsp kosher salt2 Tbsp milk¼ cup mini chocolate chips 1. Make cake: Heat oven to 350°F. Coat 9- by 13-in. pan with nonstick spray;…

The traditional home is evolving. Nowadays, more parents, children and grandparents (and sometimes even aunts and uncles!) are living together than ever before. With all this additional foot traffic, it’s important to safeguard your home to protect little ones and older family members too! We know that living safely is living better—and our products make it easy to ensure the safety of your loved ones. Use these easy tips to create a safe, functional and comfortable home for years to come. Safety Essentials REDUCE ACCIDENTS Accidents happen, but you can reduce them with products like bath mats, low-pile mats and rugs with an anti-slip underlay to prevent falls at home. Protect your loved ones from furniture tip-over accidents by securing all dressers, wardrobes, bookcases and any other furniture with drawers…

I GREW UP IN A DIY HOUSEHOLD. Both my parents are wizards at fixing and making things. By the time they sent me out into the world, I’d learned to frame a wall, knit, crochet, sew, bake bread, quilt, navigate a boat, hang wallpaper, countersink a screw, drill a hole in most materials, jump-start a car, disconnect a toilet, hang a door, solder a pipe — and even sponge-paint (it was the ’90s!). My parents will probably be amused by this list, knowing how few of these things I still do. But pushing me to learn new things was one of the greatest gifts they ever gave me. Just having skills like these in your toolbox — knowing that no matter what happens, you can rely on yourself to get…

Choose by… Hair Length UP SHORT DOUBLE TOPKNOT Keep hair off your neck with this fresh take on a typical bun. Smooth strands with an anti-frizz serum, then loop the top section of hair in an elastic at the high point of your head and the bottom section directly below, leaving the ends out. GH BEAUTY AWARD WINNER: JOHN FRIEDA FRIZZ EASE EXTRA STRENGTH SERUM, $11, TARGET DOWN SLICKED-BACK Whether you have a pixie cut or a bob, look sleek (yet straight off the beach) in seconds with combed-back strands tucked behind your ears. Run a few dabs of a shine serum or pomade through damp or dry hair to tame it and add gloss. GH SEAL STAR: HAIR BIOLOGY SILVER SHINE SERUM, $10, TARGET MEDIUM BRAIDED BUN Breeze from balmy day to night…

HOW TO LAYER LIGHTING To get the light you need and the look you want, use a mix of fixtures—including drum pendants, arm wall sconces, under-cabinet lights and recessed lighting. “Start with a statement piece, then build on to it, using a variety of coordinating lighting to create a well-lit space,” says interior designer Nikki Klugh. HOW TO CHOOSE LAMPS FOR A PURPOSE Direct light toward a location with task lighting (1) to brighten a workspace. Draw attention to design elements with accent lighting (2) like picture lights and wall sconces. “A sculptural floor lamp or a ceramic table lamp can sometimes be the feature itself,” says Kelsey McGregor of Kelsey Leigh Design Co. Ambient or general lighting (3) is a room’s primary light source. “Typically it’s recessed, but I’m seeing…

The Celebrants by STEVEN ROWLEY College friends Jordan, Jordy, Naomi, Craig and Marielle made a somewhat morbid pact to throw one another “living funerals” whenever one of them needed to be reminded that life was worth living, and over the 28 years since graduation, some of them have called in the promise. They’ve come together to lift up Marielle as her marriage fell apart, to comfort Naomi after her parents died and to support one another when Craig pleaded guilty to art fraud. But now Jordan has a secret that could mean the end of these life-affirming gatherings and damage their bond forever. This funny, poignant, heartfelt novel is a testament to the importance of friendship, especially when life gets hard. $28 GET FREE BOOKS! Sign up for GH+ Reads…

Q Any tips for healthy eating on vacay? —TARA S. A: Whether your escape is about adventure or zoning out by the pool, making smart food choices when you travel can keep you primed to do all the things you’ve been looking forward to. My thoughts: Try new cuisines and indulge a bit, but don’t leave your common sense at home; pack nutritious snacks and mini meals whenever possible; and stay hydrated, especially if you’re somewhere warm. And look for healthy options at airports, gas stations and fast-food spots—there are more than ever. Below, a few better-for-you swaps for when you hit the road: TASTY TRAVEL SWAPS Eat Well, Sleep Better You know that proper nutrition and sleep are critical to feeling your best, but new research suggests that they are…

how we tested Over the past year, GH Lab pros evaluated 12 new models, collecting over 300 data points. To choose winners, we collected more than 70 pints of water. We rated each model on performance, ease of use, noise and energy consumption. Q How can I get the most out of my dehumidifier? 1 Avoid restricting airflow. Some units have vents on top, allowing them to sit against a wall; others have vents on the sides. Make sure they aren’t obstructed. 2 Think about noise. If the dehumidifier will sit in a bedroom, look for a model that runs at 50 decibels or less. That’s about the level of a quiet conversation. 3 Keep it clean. Most dehumidifiers have an indicator light that tells you when to wash the filter, which will keep…

START HERE Active 15 min. Total 15 min. WAFFLES Cook 8 frozen buttermilk waffles per pkg. directions. Transfer to cutting board and cut into wedges. Heat oven to 450°F and line rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Arrange waffles on top. CHORIZO Heat 1 tsp olive oil in medium nonstick skillet on medium. Add 6 oz fully cooked chorizo or andouille sausage (sliced ¼ in. thick) and cook until browned, 2 to 3 min. per side. Transfer to plate. EGGS Wipe out skillet and heat 2 tsp oil on medium. Add 4 large eggs (beaten) and cook, stirring often, until eggs begin to set. Season with ¼ tsp each salt and pepper. CHEDDAR CHEESE AND PICO DE GALLO Scatter chorizo, eggs and 4 oz Cheddar cheese (coarsely grated; 1¼ cups)…

Q Should I get an outdoor griddle? —JIMMY F. A: It depends on your needs. A grill is great when it comes to cooking large cuts of meat and creating that smoky charred flavor, but a griddle—which offers a large, flat cooking surface similar to that in diner kitchens—has surprising advantages. For instance, you can cook almost anything on it, from bacon and quesadillas to eggs and pancakes, all at the same time. Also, like a grill, a griddle can get really hot and create a beautiful sear, but it’s often easier to use because the uniform surface prevents flare-ups and allows you to cook even the smallest ingredients (fried rice, anyone?). True, you won’t get those coveted grill marks from a griddle, but it can be argued that food…

I was a very dreamy kind of kid, the type who was always drawing. I created a family newspaper at a young age and, with an equally artsy pal down the block, I’d make up stories and write plays and songs to perform for the neighborhood parents. Even today I’d say the number one word I’d use to describe myself as an adult is “creative.” Writing is my profession, and outside work I still enjoy drawing, painting and coming up with creative approaches to solving problems. Not surprisingly, I was always interested in helping my own kids find their creative selves too, and I’m pretty sure it worked: One became an actor, and the other developed a passion for rock climbing, the ultimate problem-solving athletic pursuit. But I had to…