Innholdsfortegnelse for January/February 2026 i Good Housekeeping

BABY BOK SALAD In large bowl, whisk together 1½ Tbsp each ponzu and avocado oil, ½ Tbsp Dijon mustard, ¾ tsp lime zest, 1 Tbsp lime juice, and ½ tsp each toasted sesame oil and honey. Thinly slice 2 medium baby bok choy (about 14 oz; trimmed), 2 Persian cucumbers (halved), and 2 scallions and toss with dressing. Transfer to platter and top with ½ avocado (sliced) and 2 Tbsp roasted salted cashews (roughly chopped). CITRUS-JALAPEÑO-DRIZZLED BOK CHOY Heat grill to medium-high. In medium bowl, toss 4 small heads baby bok choy (1 lb; halved lengthwise) with 1 Tbsp olive oil and ½ tsp kosher salt. Grill, cut sides down, 2 min. Turn and grill until just tender, 1 to 2 min.; transfer to platter. In small bowl, whisk 1…

Though hair is regenerating constantly, it can change with time because of genetics, lifestyle, and hormonal shifts, not to mention styling habits. “Think of hair like a delicate fabric—the more wear and tear it endures, the faster it frays,” says Mona Gohara, M.D., a dermatologist and a clinical professor at the Yale School of Medicine. While we can’t control genetics, we can control our daily routine. “The right lifestyle practices and haircare regimen can keep your hair looking younger and healthier much longer,” says Temur Hamilton, a hair colorist and stylist and the owner of Temur in New York City. Read on for more details and helpful products our experts love. TRESS TRANSFORMATIONS Pros explain the most common hair changes over the years. Loss of pigment Grays appear as pigment-producing…

Is a robot vacuum actually worth buying?—PARIS M. A: Yes, but having one doesn’t mean you’ll never need to tend to your floors again. A good robot delays the buildup of dust and debris, so you’ll likely have to deep-clean less often. And a self-emptying model dumps debris into its charging dock, making cleaning even more hands-off. Note that robots take time to clean, require docking space, and can struggle with getting into tight spaces, but they can be helpful for nabbing pesky pet fur and dander. Consider your home’s layout and floor care needs when deciding whether a robot is right for you. HOW TO GET THE MOST FROM A ROBOT VAC 1 Prepare your floors. A cleaning robot makes and stores a map of your home to plan…

Exercise for five minutes every day. A study in the Journal of the American Medical Directors Association (JAMDA) found that just 35 minutes of weekly exercise could reduce the chance of developing dementia in the next four years by 41%. What the study found: Participants included 90,000 adults in the U.K., and those who did 35 to 70 minutes of weekly exercise saw a 60% decrease in dementia risk. “The results suggest that any extra movement beyond one’s usual daily routine at a moderate or higher intensity could be beneficial,” says the study’s lead author, Amal Wanigatunga, Ph.D., M.P.H., an assistant professor of epidemiology at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. How it works: Previous research has linked physical activity to better blood…

LAB LOWDOWN HOW WE TEST We evaluate massage guns for effectiveness, speed, amplitude, ergonomics, and battery life. Our picks offer versatility and performance for everyone from casual exercisers to serious athletes. MASSAGE GUNS 101 Start low: Begin on low intensity and increase gradually. Target muscles only: Avoid bones, joints, blood vessels, and nerves. Adjust by area: Sensitive spots = light pressure. Big muscles = more pressure. Attachments: • Large/flat: quads, hamstrings, back, glutes• Small/rounded: large muscles of the arms, calves Time: 1 to 2 min. per muscle group Stop if needed: Use caution if you feel pain or swelling. Consult your doctor before using. Most massage guns are FSA/HSA eligible. SHOP OUR FAVORITES! Scan here.…

STRAWBERRIES AND CREAM OVERNIGHT OATS G M V O Active 15 min. Total 15 min. plus chilling 2 cups old-fashioned oats, divided2½ cups milk of choice, divided, plus more as needed (we used unsweetened almond milk)4 Tbsp chia seeds, divided2½ Tbsp pure maple syrup, divided, plus more for servingKosher salt1 cup low-fat cottage cheese1½ oz frozen strawberries (about 4 strawberries)Fresh strawberries, sliced, for serving 1. In each of four 12-oz jars, stir together ½ cup oats, ½ cup plus 2 Tbsp milk, 1 Tbsp chia seeds, ½ Tbsp maple syrup, and a pinch of salt. Refrigerate, covered, at least 8 hr. or overnight, up to 5 days. 2. When ready to serve, in mini high-speed blender, puree cottage cheese, frozen strawberries, and remaining ½ Tbsp maple syrup until creamy and pureed.…

It was morning, and I was folding a mountain of laundry on our screened porch. I was listening to a podcast with the volume turned up to drown out my 3-month-old daughter, who was screaming while fighting naptime. I reassured myself that her fussiness was normal, but inside I silently screamed as intensely as she did. At that moment, the podcast host said something that would change my perspective on motherhood forever: “Matrescence is as intense as adolescence.” Matrescence. I’d never heard the term before, but it immediately resonated with me. Just as adolescence marks the hormonal, emotional, and social transition from childhood to adult-hood, matrescence is the physical, psychological, and (frankly) spiritual transformation someone goes through when they become a mother. It’s a total redefinition and reorganization of self.…

THERE IS SO MUCH in this issue that hits close to home for me. Our story on matrescence (page 90)—the physical, emotional, and identity changes you go through as you become a mom—is one that I can personally relate to. After I had my son in 2024, it was so validating to read in Lucy Jones’s book Matrescence: On Pregnancy, Childbirth, and Motherhood that the shifts I perceived in myself resulted from actual physical changes in my brain. The fact that this life stage was not named and hadn’t become a part of mainstream conversation until recently is shocking but unsurprising. I am so glad GH can help mothers like me better understand the journey. Also, my husband and I recently became homeowners, and the 2026 Home Reno Awards story (page…

How do I make the redness around my nose and chin chill out? A: Look for a topical moisturizer with multitasking ingredients that both hydrate and decrease redness. “Antiinflammatory ones do this best, including vitamin B3 (niacinamide), which also helps even out skin tone, and vitamin B5 (panthenol), which calms and helps strengthen the skin barrier,” says Rachel Nazarian, M.D., a Proactiv partner and dermatologist in New York City. SHOP OUR REDNESS RELIEVERS: 1 GH BEAUTY LAB PICK: OLAY REGENERIST MICRO-SCULPTING CREAM, $25, WALMART.COM 2 GH BEAUTY AWARD WINNER: DERMALOGICA STABILIZING REPAIR CREAM, $69, SEPHORA.COM EXPERT TIPS TO FIGHT THE FIRE Soothe “Ensure that your products are fragrance-free so you don’t irritate skin further,” advises Dara Spearman, M.D., a dermatologist in Fort Wayne, IN. “In addition to niacinamide and panthenol, look for…

Most people would balk at renovating a 300-year-old home, but hospitality expert Ruth McKeaney didn’t think twice. In 2010, her best friend told her about a grand but dilapidated property outside Philadelphia. Despite its extensive damage, Ruth and her husband, Bob, saw its potential. They put in an offer and moved in three weeks later. As they learned, the home had a rich history: Built in 1717, the property first served as a 300-acre dairy farm. In 1902, renowned architect Richardson Brognard Okie bought it for $15,000 and lived there with his family for over 40 years. After his death, over the next 70 years the farm fell into disrepair—the barn burned down, acreage was sold, and some outbuildings were nearly rubble. “We saw abandoned buildings and niches and prayed…

No one likes a kitchen renovation until it’s done. That was especially true for me, a mom of two toddlers with one kid in the picky-eating phase and the other in the throwing-food-everywhere phase. Perpetually stressed about mealtime, I booked a local rental to ease the pain of not having a usable kitchen. This was supposed to be the easy part of the project. We wouldn’t choke on dust from the demolition, we’d get a break from the banging and drilling, and–my favorite perk–we’d cook! No cereal for dinner, no washing three-piece sippy cups in my bathtub next to a pile of PAW Patrol toys. We’d have it all: warm food, dreams of new countertops, and a little staycation. The listing seemed perfect for my family of four. My older…

1 Behold: An Olive Oil Renaissance The options now available when it comes to this golden liquid make it feel more like a fine wine than a pantry afterthought. Finishing oils like those from Graza add flavor and nutrition to elevate any dish. High-polyphenol versions, such as Kyoord’s, boast more antioxidants than traditional olive oil, and Kosterina is introducing shots of EVOO to spotlight its health benefits. Brands are also leaning into sleek packaging and unique taste notes. The display-worthy bottles from Brightland include options infused with herbs, giving this staple of the Mediterranean diet (one of the healthiest and most researched eating styles) a very modern twist. Olive oil is even making its mark in the snack aisle, showing up in products such as Boulder Canyon chips and Khloud protein…

GLUTEN-FREE Fish Tacos with Tangy Citrus Salsa Active 30 min. | Total 30 min. ½ ruby red grapefruit2 clementines½ jalapeño, seeded and thinly sliced1 small red onion, finely chopped¼ cup cilantro, roughly chopped1 Tbsp fresh lime juiceKosher salt1 ¼ lbs cod or other skinless white fish fillets, cut into 1-in. pieces1 Tbsp olive oil1 tsp chili powder½ tsp cayenne pepper8 corn tortillas, warmed1 avocado, cut into ½-in. pieces 1. Grate 1 tsp each grapefruit zest and clementine zest into small bowl and set aside. 2. Remove and discard rind and pith from grapefruit and clementines; slice flesh into quarters, then crosswise ¼ in. thick; transfer to large bowl. Add jalapeño, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and ¼ tsp salt and gently toss. 3. Heat air fryer to 400°F. In medium…

JANUARY BOOK CLUB PICK Lost Lambs BY MADELINE CASH The Flynns are a thoroughly modern, endlessly endearing family of five. The parents are too busy with their own midlife crises to keep a sharp eye on their three adolescent daughters, but what could possibly go wrong? A dubious boyfriend, an online chat room, an evil billionaire, and a church-based support group called Lost Lambs are among the trouble-makers in Cash’s sharply comic romp. FEBRUARY BOOK CLUB PICK So Old, So Young BY GRANT GINDER This juicy dramedy follows a group of college friends as they meet the challenges of reaching maturity and tackling adulthood, one big party at a time—from a boozy bash in 2007 to a wedding in Cancún, a birthday weekend in the Hamptons, a suburban Halloween party,…

Maternal Brain Changes Neurological shifts that start in pregnancy and continue postpartum, turning your mind toward connection and attunement Newborn Fog + First Days Dip A brief, disorienting period when everything feels unfamiliar—often paired with a short emotional dip as hormones rapidly recalibrate Identity Shift Letting go of who you were before motherhood while discovering who you’re becoming Reemergence A gradual return to yourself as your pre-baby identity begins to integrate with your new-mother self…

WHY IT EARNED THE GH SEAL Our textiles experts gave this cotton cover set top scores for washability without shrinkage, and they love that the waffle texture gives it an elevated look. 1 TEXTURED TOP LAYER The duvet cover and both pillow shams are topped with an eye-catching waffle-weave material that adds thickness and texture. The bottom layer of each is made of a flat woven material that is smooth and soft. 2 LIGHTWEIGHT FABRIC Bedsure uses 100% cotton, which makes the set breathable and helps users maintain a comfortable body temperature overnight. Plus, testers said the airy waffle-weave fabric had a plush, “cloudlike” feel. 3 WONDERFUL WASHABILITY Even after repeated washes, the duvet cover and shams looked like new and retained their shape without extensive stretching or shrinking. Our…

Reliable Luggage 1. Wear-Everywhere Pack Perfect as a personal item when flying, this Portland Gear backpack has a wide opening that testers said made it easy to pack and access everything inside. It comes in more than 15 colors. PORTLAND GEAR CASCADE BACKPACK, $109 2. Stylish Spinner This hardside checked luggage from Vera Bradley has a fauxquilted design that held up to scratch-resistance tests in the GH Textiles Lab. Travelers were wowed by its spaciousness. VERA BRADLEY 29" ADAIR SPINNER, $305 3. Kid-Friendly Case This Away spinner is made of the same durable material as its fan-favorite luggage but comes in fun shades and is sized for kids. Parents loved how lightweight and easy to pack it was, and children loved rolling it. AWAY THE KIDS CARRY-ON, $225 4. Do-It-All…

Is it safe to mix skincare products? A: The short answer: It depends on the ingredients. You might have seen “skincare smoothies” or the trend of “cocktailing” products like serums and moisturizers on social media. “The idea is to pair products to boost results,” says Jessie Cheung, M.D., a dermatologist in Chicago. “Combining certain ingredients—like antioxidants and sunscreen for sun protection, or ceramides and hyaluronic acid for hydration—has benefits.” But some skincare ingredients don’t play nicely together: “Avoid mixing actives like retinol, vitamin C, alpha and beta hydroxy acids, and benzoyl peroxide, as mixtures of these can cause irritation and reduce efficacy,” advises Wizemann. —Cameron Jenkins Hot Topic: Collagen Banking A well-known ingredient in skincare, “collagen is a protein that provides structural support in the skin and helps keep it…

In a growing number of communities around the country, kindness isn’t just an admirable quality—it’s a way of life. From a West Coast city that bakes being nice into its traditions to a Southern town that has hospitality down to a science, residents everywhere are leaning into looking after their neighbors. Here, some of our favorite examples. Murray, KY Voted the Friendliest Small Town in America Some tourists are drawn to vacation spots for their natural beauty, food scene, or art. But Murray, KY, while certainly charming, attracts tourists through kindness. “We are a tight-knit rural community focused on helping your neighbor. We all function with the mentality ‘We are better together,’ and that makes for a vibrant community in which we all want to live,” says Erin Carrico, executive…

If Your Focus Is… SLEEP Day 1 Bathe before bed. About 75 to 90 minutes before you plan to go to bed, soak in a warm tub or stand in a steamy shower for a bit. “The warm water initially raises your body temperature, and then as the water cools down or you get out, that helps promote sleep onset,” says Sarah Silverman, Psy.D., a behavioral sleep medicine specialist. Research suggests that you sleep more soundly when your body is allowed to cool down slightly during the night, so don’t keep your bedroom too warm. Day 2 Try amber lighting. Consider switching to an orange-or red-toned lightbulb in a lamp or two—these colors are less mentally stimulating than white and can trigger natural melatonin production, says Silverman. You can also look for color-changing…

2026 WINNERS Kitchen & Bath Chic Countertops GH’s design team adores this four-color engineered stone collection from Cosentino, in a medley of natural hues with metallic accents and subtle veining. The low-maintenance surface doesn’t need to be sealed to retain its beauty. LAB RESULTS: The nonporous countertop repelled tough stains like grape juice and mustard. Our health experts like that it contains less than 10% crystalline silica, which produces a hazardous dust during fabrication. COSENTINO LE CHIC BOHÈME BY SILESTONE XM, PRICING BY REQUEST All-in-One Remodeler Bath Planet has been a GH Seal holder for close to two decades, so our experts can vouch for the company’s ability to create bathrooms that combine style, durability, and low maintenance, often in a single day and at a competitive price. LAB RESULTS: The…

For Mushroom-Cabernet Reduction: A generous pour of the wine goes into the sauce, so it should be affordable but still worthy of your glass. This Columbia Valley Cab has ripe blackberry and toasty notes that deepen the creminis’ savoriness. Chateau Ste. Michelle Indian Wells Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 For Salsa Verde: If a classic Italian red and a Bordeaux had a big, full-bodied baby, it’d be this Super Tuscan. The blend of Cab, Merlot, Cab Franc, and Petit Verdot is robust with bright acidity that stands up to the punchy Italian salsa verde. Tenuta Argentiera Poggio ai Ginepri 2023 For Béarnaise: A special-occasion pick for a date-night steak. This Left Bank Bordeaux is rich and smooth, with dark fruit and just enough earthiness to match the smoky char of the meat.…

Veterinarian and founder of Ultimate Pet Nutrition Gary Richter, D.V.M., explains what you should know about pets’ winter moods: Does my pet have seasonal depression? A. “From a medical perspective, there is no clinical diagnosis of seasonal depression in animals,” Richter says. “However, animals can suffer from emotional and mental distress, and there can be clear changes in pet behavior based on time of year.” In the winter, pets can behave in ways that mirror classic seasonal depression symptoms seen in people such as lethargy and malaise. What causes winter behavioral shifts? A. Cold weather may mean pets get less exercise, which can lead to boredom and frustration. The fact that there is less light during the day can also play a role. “Dogs are diurnal, so it may be…