Good Housekeeping July/August 2025

Transform a potting bench into a charming outdoor bar cart that’s fit for entertaining. DIY-er Jennylyn Pringle started with a fresh coat of Brook, a blue-green shade from her company, Fusion Mineral Paint. Then she styled the cart with greenery, drink dispensers and citrus accents. “I’m proud of how accessible this project is — no extensive prep work required,” she says.. MIX MASTER Scan here for our favorite warm-weather cocktail recipes.…

TROPICAL SLAW In large bowl, whisk together 3 Tbsp rice vinegar, 1 Tbsp each canola oil and honey and ¼ tsp kosher salt. Add 1 medium jicama (about 14 oz, peeled and cut into matchsticks), 4 large radishes (cut into matchsticks) and 3 scallions (thinly sliced on a bias). Toss with 1 firm mango (peeled, pitted and cut into matchsticks) and ½ tsp salt. Top with 3 Tbsp roasted pepitas. GOCHUJANG SPEARS Zest lime to get 1 tsp lime zest; set aside, then squeeze 1 tsp lime juice into small bowl. Stir in 2 Tbsp smooth natural peanut butter, 2 tsp gochujang, 1 tsp tamari and 1 Tbsp warm water. Peel 1 ripe but firm mango and cut into spears. Dip bottoms of spears into gochujang-peanut sauce, then into ½…

I recently came across an issue of Good Housekeeping from 1938 — and I haven’t stopped thinking about the product test it describes. Not because it was splashy or surprising. It was the opposite, in fact: highly meticulous and quietly brilliant. The test was for deodorants and antiperspirants, but it wasn’t just about how well the products prevented odor (naturally we’d already tested for that!). The photo above shows a Lab technician measuring fabric strength. Why? Over time, ingredients might break down the fibers in clothing. Most women had no idea, but we knew. That’s the thing about GH testing: Our experts notice the stuff you might not — because we have our hands on these products every day. We’ve seen it all, and we think ahead. Sure we analyzed…

Cotton or microfiber?  For a pool day, go with absorbent cotton terrycloth.  For the beach, choose microfiber: It won’t hold on to as much sand as cotton will. Can’t I just use a bath towel? In a pinch, sure. But a beach towel is typically longer, which makes it better suited for lounging. And bath towels are almost always made of cotton terrycloth for absorbency, whereas beach towels may feature other materials such as cotton velour for a cozy feel or microfiber to repel sand and shorten drying time. Also, towels made specifically for the beach or pool may come with helpful features like built-in hooks and carrying cases. Plus, fun prints can help you find your spot after a walk on the beach. Our top picks: 1 GREAT ALL…

1. Prechill the cooler. Fill it about halfway with ice at least 20 minutes before adding your drinks and snacks. 2. Source from the fridge. If possible, add only chilled drinks and snacks. This simple step will prolong the life of your ice. 3. Organize for easy access. Minimize the amount of time the lid is open by arranging like items in columns so you won’t have to search for things. 4. Add a menu. Keep a list of cooler contents in a resealable bag on the outside of the lid so folks will know their options before they open it.…

BEST OVERALL A top performer in all aspects of our tests, this sleek Yeti cooler has a sturdy handle and strong wheels for easy maneuvering. BEST VALUE This one was among the top performers and comes with many accessories yet costs a fraction of what some others do. BEST FOR HOSTING Great for backyard parties, this option features a removable tap-to-dispense tank for your go-to summer drink.…