Innholdsfortegnelse for September/October 2025 i Good Housekeeping

SHRIMP AND PASSION FRUIT “CEVICHE” In bowl, combine ¾ cup frozen passion fruit pulp (thawed), 1½ Tbsp fresh lime juice and ½ tsp kosher salt. Fold in 1 large poblano (seeded and chopped) and 1 small red onion (chopped) along with ½ serrano chile (thinly sliced). Toss with 1 lb large peeled and deveined cooked shrimp, then 1 small avocado (diced) and ½ cup cilantro (roughly chopped). Refrigerate 10 to 30 min. before serving. POBLANO SALSA Heat air fryer to 375°F. In large bowl, toss 1 large poblano (seeded and chopped into 2-in. pieces) with 1 red onion and 1 vine-ripened tomato (both quartered), 2 cloves garlic, 1 Tbsp olive oil and ½ tsp kosher salt. Air-fry, shaking basket halfway through, until vegetables are tender and slightly charred, 10 to…

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Anyone who has had a rash pop up before a work presentation or woken up with dark circles after a sleepless night knows that mental health and mood affect the complexion. “The skin is a visible reflection of what’s going on internally,” says Alexis Stephens, M.D., a dermatologist and skin of color expert in Boca Raton, FL. “When we’re stressed, our bodies release hormones like cortisol and adrenaline that can disrupt skin function, skin barrier integrity and even our microbiome.” This dysregulation can show up in several ways (see column at right). “We’re only beginning to scratch the surface of how connected skin and emotional well-being are,” Dr. Stephens says. Q: Can skincare help me relax? A: A recent survey from Clinique found a strong link between emotional well-being and…

Products in a new category called “neurocosmetics” aim to reduce stress and also improve mood via specific attributes and use techniques. “There’s growing evidence that sensory experience impacts the nervous system,” Dr. Stephens says. “While more clinical studies are needed, neurocosmetics have potential, especially if they combine effective ingredients with thoughtfully chosen textures and scents, which together can engage the brain in a way that promotes relaxation and comfort.” Below, the hallmarks of neurocosmetics. Soothing Scents “Aromas like lavender, chamomile and neroli can activate areas in the brain linked to relaxation,” Dr. Stephens explains. “This can help reduce stress-induced inflammation.” Tactile Textures “Smooth, silky or cushiony skincare formulas can create a sense of calm through tactile stimulation,” Dr. Stephens says. “The brain associates certain textures with safety and comfort, which…

GET THE SKULL MOLD Scan here! LEND A HAND CROOKED CREW GALAXY GOALS YOUR HALLOWEEN HUB Crafts, costumes and more. Scan here!…

PRESENTED BY: Elevate your world with a CertainTeed roof, and enjoy style, innovation and peace of mind, all under one roof. Through months of rigorous lab testing, CertainTeed earned the Good Housekeeping Seal on the strength of its exceptional performance. With unmatched durability, innovative technology and a wide range of styles, CertainTeed will ensure your home is protected and beautiful for years to come. QUALITY UPGRADE Choosing a new roof can drastically transform the look and feel of your home, so it’s important to consider all the factors—from style and strength to sustainability and performance. CertainTeed roofing shingles are a superb choice for homeowners seeking maximum protection against all kinds of extreme weather, in a range of colors and styles to enhance curb appeal. CertainTeed’s Landmark® PRO Shingles received the…

HIGH FASHION This firepit is a stunner with its clean lines and sleek powder-coated stainless steel. You can load it with natural cut firewood or Tiki Brand’s wood packs, which light within five minutes. TIKI BRAND SMOKELESS PATIO FIRE PIT, $395, AMAZON VERSATILE DESIGN We love this lightweight and foldable dual-purpose option: You can use it as a firepit or top it with an adjustable grill for cooking. Plus, it comes with a carrying case. SNOW PEAK TAKIBI FIRE & GRILL, $320, AMAZON PORTABLE PICK At just 16.5 pounds, this Solo Stove with stand is a fave. It fits in the back of most SUVs for transport and is easy to move around the backyard. SOLO STOVE RANGER + STAND, $250, SOLOSTOVE.COM…

SANDWICH SMARTS Using a griddle, which gets superhot and has a large surface area, is the fastest way to combine and evenly cook the ingredients in this regional favorite, a staple in New York City bodegas. TAKEOUT FAKE-OUT In our spin on General Tso’s, we subbed crispy cauliflower for chicken but kept the iconic sweet-spicy sauce that makes this American Chinese dish so craveable. MEXICAN MASH-UP As a fan of both birria (chile-spiced shredded beef) and enchiladas, Chief Food Director Kate Merker piled the rich, saucy meat on rolled tortillas stuffed with cheese for a totally indulgent dish. ONE-POT WONDER Food Producer Tina Martinez created this soul-warming vegetarian soup recipe with simplicity in mind. It can be cooked in either a Dutch oven or a multicooker, so take your pick!…

I’ll let you in on a little secret I learned in culinary school: Don’t wait until you’re done cooking to salt a dish. Instead, layer flavor throughout the cooking process by seasoning, tasting and adjusting as you go, from start to finish. For example, when I make tomato sauce, I season the onions while they sauté, then again once the tomatoes are added. Right before serving, I’ll give it one last taste to see if it needs a final pinch of salt. Adding salt enhances flavors by suppressing bitterness and highlighting sweetness, sourness or umami. It can also help balance out a dish — if something tastes too sweet or acidic, a pinch can bring everything back into harmony. Just remember that a little goes a long way!…

SALT CELLAR This countertop staple keeps kosher salt within reach for easy use when cooking. WILLIAMS SONOMA HOLD EVERYTHING ASHWOOD SALT CELLAR, $30 GRINDER Best for coarse types like sea salt or Himalayan pink salt, this lets you grind it right onto meats or into veggies or vinaigrettes. PEUGEOT PARIS U’SELECT MANUAL SALT MILL, $75, US.PEUGEOT-SAVEURS.COM SHAKER Everyone can season to their taste with one of these filled with table salt. Bonus: Shakers come in all kinds of fun designs. OLDE THOMPSON HARRISON SALT AND PEPPER SHAKER SET, $12, CRATEANDBARREL.COM…

SEPTEMBER BOOK CLUB PICK My Other Heart BY EMMA NANAMI STRENNER Three lives collide in this touching novel about immigration, motherhood and identity. On her way to Vietnam, Mimi loses her toddler at the airport. Years later, best friends Kit and Sabrina are coming of age one summer: Kit, half-Japanese and adopted by a wealthy white family, travels to Tokyo to connect with her culture as Sabrina, daughter of a strict Chinese mother, begins to confront family secrets. Mimi’s search for her child may upend all their lives. OCTOBER BOOK CLUB PICK Workhorse BY CAROLINE PALMER At a fashion magazine in the early 2000s, there are two types of girls: “show horses,” who wield beauty and privilege effortlessly, and “workhorses,” who struggle to claw their way up from the bottom.…

SOFT & SECURE DIAPERS The stretchy waistband provides a snug, comfy fit for babies and toddlers who are constantly moving around—and helps protect against blowouts and leaks. It proved super absorbent in Lab tests. HUGGIES LITTLE MOVERS HUGGFIT 360, FROM $12, AMAZON EASY-TO-STEER SCOOTER This three-wheeled scooter, designed for kids ages 2 to 5, has a lean-to-steer technology to help improve balance and coordination. Parents said it stayed stable, and kids loved riding on it. RADIO FLYER GLIDER JR. WITH LIGHT UP WHEELS, $80 VERSATILE SHOES For sports and everyday wear, these shoes cushion feet and are easy to put on. Kids of all ages loved wearing them, and parents said they fit and held up well. NIKE COSMIC RUNNERS, FROM $45, NIKE.COM…

…GOOD HOUSEKEEPING! If you’re anything like me, your hands are rarely free, whether they’re stirring pasta sauce, folding laundry or untangling the cord of a charger at the bottom of your bag. Now, finally, you can add Good Housekeeping to the busy mix of your day with no hands needed—by listening. We’re thrilled to share that many of our long-form feature stories are now available in audio right on goodhousekeeping.com. That means you can enjoy our most powerful, surprising and inspiring storytelling without ever needing to turn a page. It’s especially exciting for those with vision challenges and anyone who finds listening easier and more enjoyable than reading. I’ve become a full-on audio convert myself. Before I moved to the New York City area, my commute was 10 or 20…

Affordable Fall Trends You’ll Love Give your makeup, skin and hair routine a refresh without breaking the bank—try these easy pro tricks and GH Beauty Lab–approved picks. WHAT’S NOW: GLOW STICKS HERE’S HOW: Swipe on dewy, radiant skin with the new magic wands — solid skincare and makeup serums, balms and sticks that instantly impart the coveted “glass skin” look. Glide one of the translucent formulas all over your complexion to prep skin or on the tops of cheekbones (or on body skin!) for fresh luminosity. MOISTURIZER: HERO GLOW BALM, $20, ULTA; HIGHLIGHTER: L’OREAL PARIS LUMI LE GLASS HIGHLIGHTER STICK, $13, DRUGSTORES; SPF: OLAY GLOW + PROTECT SUNSCREEN STICK WITH SPF 50, $20, WALMART; BODY: VASELINE COCOA SHIMMER STICK, $8, WALMART WHAT’S NOW: SHEER SHADOWS HERE’S HOW: No need to…

1 Breakouts “Because of an increase in cortisol levels, stress causes inflammation,” says Amy Wechsler, M.D., a dermatologist and psychiatrist in New York City and the author of The Mind-Body Connection. Higher cortisol can also stimulate oil glands to produce more sebum, which, along with inflammation, allows acne-promoting bacteria to thrive. 2 Dark Circles “Stress can disrupt sleep and slow circulation, both of which can contribute to undereye darkness,” Dr. Stephens says. “Poor lymphatic drainage can also lead to puffness and make dark circles more prominent.” 3 Sensitivity “You can develop temporarily sensitive skin during periods of stress, because cortisol increases moisture loss,” causing irritation, Dr. Wechsler explains. Inflammatory responses triggered by stress can also worsen conditions like eczema and rosacea. “Stress will bring out whatever you’re pre-disposed to,” Dr. Wechsler says. 4 Signs…

Natural Light(ing) An oversize pendant fixture like this woven Currey & Co. pick can take a room from sleepy to stunning—and can help make tall ceilings feel lower for coziness. “Beyond its visual impact, the texture brings much-needed warmth to this space,” says Annarya Design’s Jen Cherian.…

1 Cute and Cuddly Testers praised the soft fleece of this throw blanket, with one noting, “It didn’t get staticky, so it didn’t zap me.” Users also liked the attractive ribbed design. Our Textiles Lab experts praised the quality construction. BEDSURE GENTLESOFT BLANKET, $16, AMAZON 2 Power Player Our at-home testers liked that this electric blanket heated quickly and evenly. They also gave the reversible fleece and sherpa fabric perfect softness scores. The built-in timer (up to four hours) automatically shuts off the heat for safety. BEDSURE GENTLESOFT SOLID FLANNEL HEATED BLANKET, $60, AMAZON 3 Worth Its Weight For warmth and gentle pressure, try Silk & Snow’s weighted blanket, in five weights (from 8 lbs to 25 lbs) and eight colors. The heft comes from the cotton fabric (no beaded fills), and testers…

Hot Commodity It is small and quiet and can heat a room quickly. We like that it has a built-in handle so you can easily move it around to combat chilly spots in your home. It has three heat settings and safety features that will turn it off automatically if it’s knocked over or at risk of overheating. VORNADO MVH VORTEX HEATER, $70, AMAZON…

With just water and cashews, you can whip up silky-smooth nut milk (recipe, page 98) that’s much better than store-bought. Here are our favorite ways to use this dairyfree dream: Pour it over your favorite cereal, such as Cheerios. We found that its natural sweetness and slight nuttiness worked well with the simple, wholesome flavor of Cheerios. (PS: It’s good for you too!) Add a splash to iced coffee or froth until foamy for lattes. Have it with cookies like these chocolate chunk ones, ready for dunking. Blend it into smoothies and protein shakes to add a hit of creaminess.…

1. Tenderize proteins. Salt breaks down tough muscle fibers in meat and helps it retain moisture as it cooks—meaning you have salt to thank for that melt-in-your-mouth sensation. 2. Draw moisture out. Sprinkle salt on sliced eggplant or zucchini before cooking to pull out excess water. This helps prevent the veggie from releasing too much water while cooking and making dishes soggy. 3. Make desserts better. Sweet treats benefit from a pinch of salt, which balances their sweetness and sharpens flavors such as chocolate and caramel. Salt also gives gluten a boost in breads and baked goods. 4. Boost brines and marinades. Add salt to water or oil to help infuse flavor when soaking poultry and meats. Blanching veggies? Using salt in the process helps in retaining color and preserving…

Sealed and Secure This five-cup container—short and slim, with a lid that seals when you push down on a tab — is perfect for packing. It comes with a divider to keep foods separated, and it’s microwave-safe. BENTGO MICROSTEEL LUNCH BOX, $30 Smart Set The various sizes in this pack are perfect for salads, sides or snacks. They stack for easy transport, and the see-through lids latch shut. You can also buy them individually. HYDRO FLASK FOOD CONTAINER SET, $70 Great for Greens Perfect for salad, this set includes a container for dressing or mix-ins. The lid is transparent, and the removable tray is microwave-safe (though the bowl is not). S’WELL SALAD BOWL KIT, $50 FOR 64-OZ…

PUMPKIN SPICE ICEBOX CAKE M V O H Active 15 min. Total 15 min. plus chilling 8 oz cream cheese, at room temp1 14-oz can sweetened condensed milk1 tsp pumpkin pie spice Kosher salt1 15-oz can pure pumpkin puree3 cups heavy cream, divided9½ oz Anna’s Thin Swedish gingersnap cookies, divided (about 57 to 63 cookies) 1. Using electric mixer fitted with whisk attachment, beat cream cheese on medium until fluffy, 1 min. Add condensed milk, pumpkin spice and ¼ tsp salt and beat, scraping down sides after 30 sec., until combined, about 1 min. total. 2. Add pumpkin puree and beat, scraping down sides after 30 sec., until combined, 1 min. total. Add 2 cups heavy cream and beat on medium, scraping down sides after 1 min., until medium-stiff peaks…

1 ENDLESS PLAY “I love how these cushions combine active and imaginative play. It was amazing to see what my kids could come up with using the individual pieces. Its self-contained storage is a huge bonus!” —Lexie Sachs, GH Institute executive director and mom of two elementary schoolers NUGGET CHUNK PLAY OTTOMAN, FROM $199, NUGGETCOMFORT.COM 2 SMART SNACK “As a mom, I like offering crunchy puffs for oral motor skill–building, and as a registered dietitian, I love this one’s ingredient list—especially the use of avocado oil, not seed oils.” —Stefani Sassos, Nutrition Lab director and mom of a toddler and a preschooler LITTLE SPOON ORGANIC RICE-FREE PUFFS, $4 3 READING BOOSTER “This device got my daughter really excited about reading. She loves scrolling through all the titles that are available through…

Notes from a Remodel After years of doing styling for others, GH Group Visual Styling Director Lis Engelhart took on her own home and discovered that designing for your life can mean making peace with your budget and your partner — and, sometimes, your nearly 100-year-old plumbing. What We Had vs. What We Needed Before Felix and I embarked on a renovation, this room was just a 1980s kitchen in our 1930s house. It was functional(ish) but full of quirks that had become more challenging over time. The grout never got fully clean, even after we tried every trick from Carolyn Forté, executive director of Good Housekeeping’s Cleaning Lab. The upper cabinets were big enough to keep out natural light but still didn’t hold a sufficient amount for a family…

It was October 2023 when Rebecca Boyle, now 44, a science journalist and book author in Colorado Springs, learned that a bear could open her front door. It was around 10:00 p.m., and she and her husband were getting ready for bed. Their daughters, then 8 and 2, were safely asleep. Then, out of nowhere, their doorbell camera went off, pinging her husband’s phone. The video showed a black bear at the storm door, which wasn’t locked. “The bear walked up, sniffed the door, stood up on its hind legs, turned the door latch and pulled it open,” Rebecca says. Her husband raced to the front door, and the bear fled. That wasn’t the family’s first close encounter with a bear: Right after they had moved to their new development,…

When Karen Jackson was diagnosed with Stage II breast cancer in her 40s, she was overwhelmed by emotions: anger, fear, disappointment and deep concern. Many people find themselves in this position after a cancer diagnosis—as if in a boat adrift, without a clear map of where they’re headed or a chart to help them interpret the night sky. “It made me determined and fueled my passion to make a difference,” Jackson recalls. In 1994, she founded Sisters Network Inc. to address the breast cancer mortality rates among Black women and connect newly diagnosed women with survivors. “When you are diagnosed with any cancer, you become a part of a special sisterhood or community,” Jackson says. “The diagnosis is only the beginning. It’s important that survivors support, empower and learn…

BEST ROBE Brooklinen makes our top pick that works for both men and women. Testers found these 100% Turkish cotton robes soft and absorbent. BROOKLINEN SUPER-PLUSH ROBE, FROM $119, BROOKLINEN.COM BEST PAJAMAS Two Textiles Lab pros sleep in these. Testers liked the cling-free drape. The modal fabric is soft and moisture-wicking to help prevent overheating. EBERJEY GISELE RELAXED LONG SLEEVE SHORT PJ SET, $148, EBERJEY.COM BEST SLIPPERS Consumer testers cozied up to these shearling-lined slip-on moccasins that have rubber soles for traction and durability. L.L.BEAN WICKED GOOD MOCCASINS, $89, LLBEAN.COM…

Look for key features: Choose a model with automatic shutoff in case of overheating, a programmable timer, tip-over protection and an adjustable thermostat. Find level ground: Always place the heater on the floor for stability. Obey the “three-foot rule”: This means a space heater must always be at least three feet from any combustible material such as curtains or bedding. Use the cord that comes with it: Never run a space heater via an extension cord. Check for damage: Discontinue use if you notice signs of damage to the power cord or the housing. Read the label: Look for a model that has been vetted by a third-party safety certification such as UL or ETL.…

1. Try shoes on after 5 p.m. to be sure they’ll accommodate swelling. If assessing them earlier, make sure you can fit a finger behind your heel when your toes are touching the front. 2. Wear your hiking socks. These socks are thick and have padded soles to discourage blisters. 3. Wiggle your toes. They should feel snug but not cramped. If shoes are too narrow, you’ll feel squeezed; if they’re too wide, you’ll get blisters. 4. Walk around. Be sure your forefoot isn’t pinched and that there are no uncomfortable bumps or seams. If your heels slip or the shoes are too tight at the laces, move on.…

A: Actually, you can’t live without it! Salt is a source of sodium and chloride, essential electrolytes that help your body function properly. It’s the amount of salt in your diet that really matters: The Dietary Guidelines for Americans recommend that adults consume no more than 2,300 mg of sodium, or about a teaspoon of salt, each day. Packaged goods such as breads, deli meats and jarred sauces often are high in salt because it increases shelf life and boosts taste. And while cutting back on ultraprocessed foods may give you more wiggle room to use salt when cooking, try not to go overboard: Consuming too much can raise blood pressure, increasing your risk of heart disease, stroke and kidney issues.…

DOUBLE DUTY This bag totes your lunch and also works as a cooler. Carry it by the handles or use the long strap to keep your hands free. STANLEY 1913 ALL DAY JULIENNE MINI COOLER, $100 ROOMY CARRYALL Soft and pliable, this easily fits a full meal plus more goodies in the external pockets. It closes with a drawstring and is easy to carry by the handles or over your arm. CALPAK INSULATED LUNCH BAG, $48 FREEZE AND GO Pop this in the freezer before long treks—it’s like a big ice pack! Lightweight with shoulder straps, it offers ample room for containers and treats. PACKIT HAMPTON LUNCH TOTE BAG, $27…

Haunted Skies p. 39 1. Hollow out a large, round pumpkin from the bottom, leaving the stem intact. 2. Trace our moonlight bat template (goodhousekeeping.com/halloween-templates) onto the pumpkin using a washable chalk marker. Using linocut tools, carve away only the surface skin, leaving the bat shapes intact. 3. With a metal skewer, poke holes all the way through the pumpkin for eyes. 4. Add LED lights inside the pumpkin for a spooky glow. 5. Spray the carving with vinegar to preserve the design. Crooked Crew p. 36 1. Gather a mixture of pumpkins and gourds, embracing any imperfections and areas of discoloration. 2. With a washable chalk marker, draw facial features, using the natural shapes and imperfections of the pumpkins to inform features like eyebrows, noses and hair. 3. Using…

TOUGH STAIN FIGHTER Taking care of kids and babies can get messy, but GH Cleaning Lab stain tests proved that this spray that has gone viral actually works. At-home testers said it removed stains left by fruit, dirt, spaghetti sauce, markers and more. It does the job quickly, comes in a compact container and doesn’t have a strong scent. MISS MOUTH’S MESSY EATER STAIN TREATER, $8, AMAZON CLEAR & CONVENIENT CAMERA This monitor impressed GH engineers and parent testers alike with a crisp picture and rotational capabilities. It also offers more flexibility than others: You can opt to see the display on an included device or on an app, it works with or without Wi-Fi and there’s no subscription needed. EUFY BABY MONITOR E21 WITH 4K, $250, AMAZON ONE-WIPE WONDER Not…