Good Housekeeping June 2014

How to make the perfect patty -

1. Make mounts - divide 2.5lbs ground meat into 8 mounds [about 5 oz]. Loosely shape into balls

2. Shape disks - using your hands, gently flatten balls into .75in thick patties, but  don’t overwork the meat [doing so makes it tougher]. Smooth patty edges with your fingers.

3. Press centers - place patties on a flat surface. Using your thumbs, press in the centers of patties to make deep indentations. Refrigerate until ready to grill.

How to roast perfect marshmallows-

1. Choose your skewers - long hardwood sticks are best. Avoid wood from resinous trees like pine; they release sap when heated.

2. Perfect the placement - push skewer all the way through 1 or 2 marshmallows, leaving 1in empty at the tip to keep them from sliding off.

3. Go low and slow - a low burning fire is best. Slowly rotate marshmallows on skewer 2in away from heat source for 45 seconds.

4. Coo it down - like em well done? Let them catch fire for 10 seconds, blow out and cool 30 seconds. Never shake to extinguish.

Good Housekeeping May 2014

How to Wash Wisely

Reduce load size - cramming the tub isn’t a shortcut - clothes need to move to get clean! Adjust the water level and drying time, and if the washer and dryer have different capacities, go smaller.

Use the presoak cycle -  this setting agitates the contents and may dispense detergent before starting the main cycle, so extra dirty loads get cleaner without going through twice.

Add bleach yourself -  don’t have a timed bleach dispenser, but want its extra cleaning power? Add chlorine beacher as long as it’s safe for your fabrics to the load five minutes after the cycle starts. Earlier, and it will kill stain-fighting enzymes in the detergent.

Pick the right detergent - use only products with “HE” logo in high efficiency machines. Regular cleaners can generate too many suds, damaging these appliances.

Clean the machine - select the largest load size, fill the tub with hot water and a cup of bleach and run a cycle. Remove dispensers and drawers and rinse under hot water, brushing off residue.

Good Housekeeping July 2013

Good Hydrations - new gel like moisturizers to try for the blazing heat

Origins GinZing Energy Boosting Moisturizer

Sabon Green Valley Sorbet Body Gel

Vaseline Total Moisture Aloe Vera Hydrating Body Gel

Quick Tip - Drop a penny into the water and add a pinch of sugar to keep cut flowers fresh longer.

Double Duty  - Stretch one rubber band over the top of a paint can and use it to wipe excess paint from the brush. With its edges kept clean, the can will be a breeze to seal back up.

Good Housekeeping April 2013

Here is a cool tip -

“Sit down on the floor any way you’d like, using as little support as possible from your hands, knees, etc. Then rise. Done? Now you’ll really want to be sitting: This simple test can help predict a shortened life span. In a new Brazilian  study, researchers found that participants who’d used the most body parts were 5.4 times more likely to die within the next six years than those able to sit and rise using just their own strength or one body part. Get moving: boosting fitness now can help lead to a longer future”. In all honesty, I didn’t do this because I can’t sit down or get up without any assistance and I rather live in denial.

How to wear patterned pants for you body type -

“1. Small busy - horizontal stripes = oomph. Chunky extras balance the graphic prints.

2. Petite - Go for bold: A close - cut cardigan in “ka-pow” yellow and an outsize tote get you noticed.

3. Big Tummy - The peplum’s flare minimizes your middle. Nude stilettos make legs look long and lean.

4. Wide Hips - A flowy cardigan drapes and disguises. Ethnic earrings draw attention upward.”

“Break these fashion rules -

1. You can’t wear navy with black - Surprise: This duo is a win-win when the blue hue isn’t too dark. It should be obvious that your mix is 100% intentional. Pick solids over prints for a sophisticated partnership. Navy and black look best with a hint of brightness.

2. You should never mix patterns -  To make sure a multi-print ensemble looks chic, not clashy, keep everything in the same palette. One mega pattern at a  time is plenty, so calm down oversize florals with understated dots. The secret to these wearable combos: one print is bold, the other subdued and colors don’t compete.

3. If you’re big, hide it with loose clothes - Body skimming styles beat roomier ones at hiding pounds.

4. Always match your shoes to your purse - Fabric oxfords and cognac hued satchel prove that pulled together doesn’t have to mean matchy-matchy --- the pumps echo the guy style lines and the linens of the blazer, while the doctor’s bag riffs on the menswear influences.

5. Horizontal stripes make you look wider - the thin bands and low contrast colors can prove surprisingly slenderizing. “

Pick up the issue for decorating, fashion, cooking tips and exclusive diet by Dr. Oz.