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©2019 P&G

D AY 0

D AY 14

BETTER SKIN FROM A BODY WASH? B E T T E R B E L I E V E I T. Olay Body Wash visibly transforms your skin from dry and dull to strong and healthy in just 14 days.

Dramatization modeled after clinical results.

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POWER SUIT DR. CYNTHIA FL ANIGAN OF FORD TURNS RENEWABLE RESOURCES INTO CUT TING-EDGE CAR PARTS

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the new

POWER SUIT

Today, the definition of a power suit isn’t one-size-fitsall. To celebrate women making moves in traditionally male-dominated fields, Ford is spotlighting female trailblazers, like its Chief Engineer of Vehicle Research and Technology Cynthia Flanigan, PhD. Find out how she suits up, champions sustainability, and paves the way for future scientists.

The all-new 2020 Ford Explorer ST has seat cushions, seat backs, and headrests made with soy-based foam. (Optional features shown.)

Curiosity is in Cynthia Flanigan’s DNA. As the daughter of an electrical engineer and a math and science teacher, she holds degrees in both materials science and engineering. While in school, Flanigan interned at Ford, which led to a position as a technical expert in plastics. Two decades later, as Chief Engineer, she now manages a global team of 275, and takes pride in mentoring young engineers.

FORGING HER PATH

Early in her career with Ford, finding sustainable replacements for plastic in vehicles became a passion. Flanigan was part of an all-female pioneering research team responsible for noteworthy innovations, including a soybean-based foam used in seat cushions.

Searching for ways to help the environment while also meeting Ford’s standards for performance, the team experimented with

a host of materials—soy, wheat, rice, and tomato skins, among others. Today, Ford has several different types of biomaterials in production.

DRESSED TO INNOVATE

For Flanigan, wearing a lab coat is empowering. “It embodies the fact that I can lead the way to find new solutions,” she says.

“There’s nothing more rewarding than inventing something that will be a breakthrough in the field.”

Scan the QR code to learn more about Flanigan’s sustainability and mentoring efforts.* * Data rates may apply.

T H E A L L - N E W 2 0 2 0 F O R D E X P L O R E R

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O N LY Y O U C O U L D M A K E I T M O R E C A PA B L E .

CONTENTS JAN UARY 2 02 0

|

VO LU M E 98

|

NUMBER 1

84

70

LIFE IN COLOR 70 MIRACLE WORKER

With a tight decorating budget, this homeowner relied on creativity to put the polish on her old house.

78 FRONT YARD

FACELIFT These pro tips will help you grow a welcoming garden.

84 WHAT’S YOUR

BIGGEST DINNER CHALLENGE? Three ways to solve the dinnertime time crunch.

HOME 18 DECORATING

Smart ideas for making a small space live large.

78

Get the techniques, tools, and timelines that will ensure a sparkling home.

40 DECOR

Inexpensive, artsy ways to fi ll a blank wall.

49 BEFORE & AFTER

A home makeover for a military family maximizes function and family time.

56 I DID IT!

A DIYer thinks outside the box to build a cat house that doubles as a modern accent table.

FOOD 60 SALAD & PIZZA

Friday night pizza now includes a helping (or two) of veggies.

66

BREAKFAST Dash out the door with these grab-and-go meals.

ON THE COVER P H OTO B L A I N E M OAT S PRODUCER JA R R E T E I N C K

2

| January 2020

FRESH 12 BEAUTY:

ANTI-AGING SOLUTIONS

IN EVERY ISSUE 4 EDITOR’S LETTER 8 BHG.COM 90 THE KITCHEN COOKBOOK

108 THROWBACK

BETTER 98 BETTER 100 MONEY MATTERS Ways to spend less and save more.

PHOTOS: (CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT) BLAINE MOATS, ADAM ALBRIGHT, CLAIRE TAKACS, COURTESY OF PARABO PRESS

40

35 CLEANING

FOR SERVICE ON YOUR SUBSCRIPTION, INCLUDING CHANGE OF ADDRESS, WRITE TO: BETTER HOMES & GARDENS CUSTOMER SERVICE, P.O. BOX 37449, BOONE, IA 50037-0449. PLEASE ENCLOSE YOUR ADDRESS LABEL FROM A RECENT ISSUE. OR VISIT US AT BHG.COM/MYACCOUNT.

27

COLOR Stymied by choosing a wall color? Here are experts’ can’t-miss paint choices.

CLEANSING, REINVENTED and it’s pure genius

new

Sensitive Skin

Waterproof

Mattifying

Hydrating

GARNIER MICELLAR CLEANSING WATER MICELLES WORK LIKE A MAGNET TO micelles

 REMOVE MAKEUP WITHOUT RUBBING  CLEANSE WITHOUT RINSING  REFRESH WITHOUT RESIDUE NO SULFATES OR PARABENS

GarnierUSA.com

©2020 Garnier LLC.

EDITOR’S LETTER

WHAT’S YOUR PROBLEM?

I keep from losing socks in the laundry?

The missing sock mystery is universal.

■ To find lost socks, check the washer.

In front loaders they get caught in the door gasket. In top loaders underneath the agitator is a likely spot. Socks also tend to hide inside duvet covers and sweater sleeves, so check there when you’re folding the laundry.

■ To keep them from ending up on the Isle of Misfit Socks, try one of these solutions: Use sock clips to keep pairs together through the wash.

Or collect them in a mesh laundry bag before washing.

Hang the bag on your hamper and sort as you go so they never have a chance to get separated.

LET TERS + COMMENTS BHGEditor@meredith.com SUBSCRIP TION HELP BHG.com/MyAccount or email us at BHGcustserv@cdsfulfi llment.com or call 800/374-4244

4

| January 2020

PHOTO: MELANIE ACEVEDO/SARAH LAIRD

“Take my advice, I’m not using it.” This is the tongue-in-cheek wisdom a former boss gave me many years ago. The phrase came to mind recently when thinking about the topic for this month’s editor’s letter. In the magazine world, January has always been the time we trot out our annual “New Year, New You” stories. You know, the ones in which we tell readers everything they need to do to improve their homes, finances, exercise routines, and diets. This year, however, we wanted to try something less autocratic. After all, we are here to help and inspire, not to lecture.

So we asked you what you need. During the months we spent preparing for our first annual Q&A issue, we asked our readers and social media followers what problems and challenges they are struggling to solve and received more than 8,000 responses. We heard that improving storage for “pack rat husbands” and general “stress mess” is important. Dogs and kids are messy and hard to train. To-do lists seem unending. Still others expressed a general feeling of being overwhelmed by too many choices.

Readers may think editors live perfect magazine-quality lives. But in reality, none of us do. Our homes are as imperfect as yours, and we struggle with the same things you do: piles of clutter, unfinished DIYs, leaky faucets, unhung artwork, and boredom about what to make for dinner. We don’t have all the answers, but we know where to find them. We tapped dozens of experts to give you the best and most useful information to help solve your quandaries.

Speaking for myself, I want someone to tell me why the laundry gods always manage to swipe one sock from my favorite pairs, leaving the widowed one in the drawer vainly hoping its mate will materialize. And while we’re at it, how can I manage my unruly stable of online passwords? Help! Life is busy and complex, and sometimes learning even one tip to make something easier (and, of course, better) is all you need to have the best day possible. Let us know what you think and how we can improve next STEPHEN ORR, year’s issue. In the meantime, take our advice.

Editor in Chief We’re not using all of it. instagram @steporr

Q How can

© 2019 Tyson Foods, Inc.

STEPHEN ORR

STEPHEN BOHLINGER

Vice President, Editor in Chief

Sr. Vice President, Group Publisher

Creative Director JENNIFER D. MADARA

Associate Publisher, Marketing JODI MARCHISOTTA

Executive Editor OMA BLAISE FORD

Eastern Advertising Director BROOKE VLADYKA

Managing Editor GREG KAYKO

ADVERTISING SALES

HOME & GARDEN Home Editor AMY PANOS Style & Design Director JESSICA THOMAS West Coast Editor/Gardens MIRANDA CROWELL Senior Style Editor EUGENIA SANTIESTEBAN SOTO Senior Editors KATY KIICK CONDON, MONIKA BIEGLER EYERS, KIT SELZER Associate Editor MALLORY ABREU Assistant Editor LAUREN HEDRICK Editorial Assistant SUE MILLER

FOOD & ENTERTAINING Food Editor JAN MILLER Senior Editors JESSICA SAARI CHRISTENSEN, MAGGIE GLISAN Senior Associate Editor CARRIE BOYD Editorial Assistant RENEE IREY

NEW YORK Account Directors MARY ELLEN SOMMA, HALEY COCCO, DANIELLE FULLICK Assistants SHARON TAPLIN, CHERYL CORBIN CHICAGO Account Directors VICKIE SANDBERG-MCNAY, SARAH WITTOSCH Assistant MARGARET THELAN DETROIT Manager KAREN BARNHART Assistant KIM KITCHEN LOS ANGELES West Coast Director CHERYL SPEISER Assistant KIM SCHWARTZ

DIRECT MEDIA

LIFESTYLE

Sales Director CHRISTINA FARRINGTON Assistant JILL O’TOOLE

Features Editor DIANA DICKINSON Health & Features Director AMY BRIGHTFIELD Beauty & Fashion Director ERICA METZGER Assistant Editor SAMANTHA DRISCOLL

National Travel Manager KATY HILDMAN

ART Design Director STEPHANIE HUNTER Deputy Art Directors CHRISTY BROKENS, JARRET EINCK Senior Associate Art Director LORI STURDIVANT Senior Graphic Designers LAURA ENGEL, MAGGIE GOLDSMITH Associate Photo Editor HOLLY PRUETT

ADMINISTR ATION & PRODUCTION Copy Chief MARIA DURYEE Copy Editor MARTHA COLOFF LONG Production Editor CINDY MURPHY Office Manager GINGER BASSETT Executive Assistant LINDA NEWSOM Color Quality Manager TONY HUNT Associate Director, Premedia RICK JOHN Premedia Specialist BRIAN FRANK Product Quality Director JOE KOHLER

BETTER HOMES & GARDENS BR AND Better Homes & Gardens® Test Kitchen Director LYNN BLANCHARD Better Homes & Gardens Test Garden® Manager SANDRA J. GERDES Photo Studio Director REESE M. STRICKLAND

DIGITAL General Manager ANGELIQUE JURGILL Executive Editor RACHEL DESCHEPPER Deputy Editor RACHEL HAUGO Senior Editor, Food & Recipes SHEENA CHIHAK, R.D. Editor, Holidays & Entertaining SARAH MARTENS Editor, Garden VIVEKA NEVELN Senior Associate Editor, Home CAITLIN SOLE Senior Associate Editor, Special Projects ALLISON VANCURA Associate Editor, Food & Recipes KATLYN MONCADA Assistant Editor JENNIFER ALDRICH Assistant Editor, Garden ANDREA BECK Assistant Editor, Home JESSICA BENNETT Assistant Editor, Holidays & Entertaining EMILY VANSCHMUS Executive Producer, Video KAREN BERNER Managing Editor, ShopBHG ANNA KNIEF Branded Content Manager, ShopBHG STEPHANIE PERRY

CONTRIBUTING EDITORS West Coast Sarah Alba, Jennifer Blaise Kramer, Karen Reinecke, Johanna Silver, Nan Sterman, Liz Strong Midwest Jennifer Berno DeCleene, Kelly Ryan Kegans Southwest Lauren Ramirez Northeast Stacy Kunstel, Karin Lidbeck-Brent, Tovah Martin, Anna Molvik, Charlotte Safavi Southeast Andrea Caughey, Paige Porter Fischer, Sandra Mohlmann, Lisa Mowry, Marty Ross BETTER HOMES & GARDENS LICENSING PARTNERS

TR AVEL MARKETING Strategic Marketing Director LAURA FRY Special Projects Director JAIME HOLLANDER Creative Director LUIS VEGA Associate Integrated Marketing Director JUSTINE TROCCHIA Senior Designer CAMILA MONTENEGRO Associate Marketing Manager TORI PISCATELLI Marketing Coordinator CARLY PAULISON Executive Director Research HEATHER DOOLING Research Director DIANE TERWILLIGER-SILBERFEIN Consumer Marketing Director TODD BIERLE Business Manager TRISH SCHRODER Advertising Business Director BOB PARLAPIANO Production Director JOHN BEARD Senior Production Manager LIBBY EHMKE Ad Production Supervisor CAMERON PETERSON

MEREDITH NATIONAL MEDIA GROUP President, Meredith Magazines DOUG OLSON President, Consumer Products TOM WITSCHI President, Chief Digital Officer CATHERINE LEVENE Chief Revenue Officer MICHAEL BROWNSTEIN Chief Marketing & Data Officer ALYSIA BORSA Marketing & Integrated Communications NANCY WEBER

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENTS Consumer Revenue ANDY WILSON Corporate Sales BRIAN KIGHTLINGER Direct Media PATTI FOLLO Research Solutions BRITTA CLEVELAND Strategic Sourcing, Newsstand, Production CHUCK HOWELL Digital Sales MARLA NEWMAN The Foundry MATT PETERSEN Product & Technology JUSTIN LAW

VICE PRESIDENTS Finance CHRIS SUSIL Business Planning & Analysis ROB SILVERSTONE Consumer Marketing STEVE CROWE Shopper Marketing CAROL CAMPBELL Brand Licensing STEVE GRUNE Vice President, Group Editorial Director STEPHEN ORR Director, Editorial Operations & Finance GREG KAYKO

MEREDITH CORPOR ATION PRESIDENT & CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER TOM HARTY CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER JOSEPH CERYANEC CHIEF DEVELOPMENT OFFICER JOHN ZIESER CHIEF STRATEGY OFFICER DAPHNE KWON PRESIDENT, MEREDITH LOCAL MEDIA GROUP PATRICK MCCREERY SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, HUMAN RESOURCES DINA NATHANSON CHAIRMAN STEPHEN M. LACY VICE CHAIRMAN MELL MEREDITH FRAZIER

For help with your subscription or billing, call 800/374-4244. © Copyright Meredith Corporation 2019 Please Recycle This Magazine

Our subscribers list is occasionally made available to carefully selected firms whose products may be of interest to you. If you prefer not to receive information from these companies by mail or by phone, please let us know. Send your request along with your mailing label to Magazine Customer Service, P.O. Box 37508, Boone, IA 50037-0508.

For syndication or international licensing requests or reprint or reuse permission, email syndication@meredith.com.

6

| January 2020

COMBINE HOME & AUTO Feel good knowing you have the home and car insurance policies you deserve. You could even get a Multi-Policy discount.

geico.com | 1-800-947-AUTO (2886) | Local Agent Some discounts, coverages, payment plans and features are not available in all states, in all GEICO companies, or in all situations. Boat and PWC coverages are underwritten by GEICO Marine Insurance Company. Motorcycle and ATV coverages are underwritten by GEICO Indemnity Company. Homeowners, renters and condo coverages are written through non-affiliated insurance companies and are secured through the GEICO Insurance Agency. GEICO is a registered service mark of Government Employees Insurance Company, Washington, D.C. 20076; a Berkshire Hathaway Inc. subsidiary. GEICO Gecko image Š 1999-2019. Š 2019 GEICO

bhg.com

WHAT’S TRENDING ONLINE

Easy ways to save Ready to start the year with a clear finance plan? We’re here to help. Read our story on page 100, then head to BHG.com/SaveMoney for more expert advice on the best ways to set a monthly budget without feeling deprived.

Win $10,000 [ S W E E P S TA K E S ]

to give a room in your home a refresh. Enter for a chance to win at BHG.com/10kRescue.

Details on page 95.

DECLUTTER YOUR FRIDGE So long, expired produce lost in back corners. Learn how to maximize space and keep your refrigerator tidy with our storage and organizing techniques, as well as tips for helping your food last longer.

BHG.com/Fridge

[ E XC L U S I V E

BH&G OFFER]

Hale Groves Honeybells A cross between the Dancy tangerine and Duncan grapefruit, honeybells are available for only a few weeks each citrus season. Hale Groves harvests the ultrajuicy fruits in January then sends them straight to your doorstep along with a peeler, mixed nuts, and honeybell-flavor candies.

Order at BHG.com/Honeybells or call 800/678-1154.

Mention item M165 and offer code MJBHS. The cost of $37.99 includes free shipping in the continental United States for a total savings of 40 percent.

8

| January 2020

PHOTOS: (REFRIGERATOR) CAMERON SADEGHPOUR, (PIGGY BANKS) PM IMAGES/GETTY IMAGES, (HONEYBELLS) HALE GROVES

STORE YOUR FOOD BETTER Hover your smartphone camera over this code to watch our organizing how-to video.

You Asked, We Answered THIS JANUARY ISSUE OF BETTER HOMES & GARDENS IS ALL ABOUT NEW YEAR SOLUTIONS. (RESOLUTIONS ARE SO 2019.)

We asked readers to share their most pressing decorating, housekeeping, cooking, and gardening dilemmas. (You did not disappoint.)

And our editors went to work finding the best answers.

Here’s what we learned: When it comes to decorating, walls cause the most woes.

Choosing paint colors and filling a blank wall top your I-needhelp list. We have ideas for both (see pages 27 and 40). n

If the design genie could grant you one wish, you’d ask for more space. We don’t have the genie’s contact info, but we do have ways to make every room look and live larger (see page 18). n

A clean house is top of mind, and you’d like a little n

10

| January 2020

help keeping it that way. Tips, tools, and a timeline start on page 35.

In the cooking department, dinner is the winner (or loser) when it comes to the most challenging meal. You need new ideas for making it fast, delicious, and inexpensive. Done, done, and done (see pages 60 and 84).

n

Solutions for front yards, finances, pets, and even those darn fine lines and wrinkles fill the pages that follow. n

✽

Look for the Q’s throughout this issue to meet some of the BH&G readers behind the questions and to find our editors’ smart solutions. n

TheraTears® is not only recommended by doctors, it was also created by an ophthalmologist after 18 years of research.

Our clinically proven electrolyte formula restores your eyes’ natural balance and provides immediate long lasting relief.

Learn more at theratears.com TheraTears® electrolyte formula corrects the salt imblance that can cause dry eye

B EAU T Y S O LU T I O N S

Q

anti-aging skincare “I want to keep my skin looking good as I age.

What can I use at home for lines and wrinkles?”

EVA CORETS, Clyde Hill, WA

Good news. We’ve got an anti-aging routine to keep your skin plump and smooth. In fact, you need only five products, all of which can be found at the drugstore. (And you might already own one or two.) What’s the catch? You have to be consistent and patient, says Deanne Mraz Robinson, M.D., a dermatologist in Westport, CT. It takes about 28 days for skin cells to turn over, so most products require at least one month of use before you see results, so the sooner you start your routine, the better.

A.M. VS P.M. PROTECT YOUR SKIN DURING THE DAY. HELP REPAIR IT AT NIGHT.

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| January 2020

skincare routine, but my skin still seems a little dull.

How can I make it really glow?”

EMILY MEYER, New York

1 2 3 4 CLEANSER

Wash with a gentle cleanser at night to remove dirt, pollution, and makeup and, if you like, in the a.m. as a refresh. Try AHC Aqualuronic Cleanser ($20; target.com).

Q “I have a regular

SERUM

To defend against free radicals, blue light, and pollution, apply an antioxidant serum with Vitamin C in the morning. Try Lumene Glow Boost Essence ($25; target.com).

SUNSCREEN

It’s never too late to starting protecting your skin. Top your daily serum with a broad spectrum SPF 30 or plus. Try Avène Mineral Sunscreen Fluid SPF 50+ ($28; aveneusa.com).

MOISTURIZER

Look for a face cream with ceramides.

These fatty acids strengthen the skin barrier and offset dryness or irritation.

Try Curél Japan Skincare Intensive Moisture Facial Cream ($30; ulta.com).

BY D O R I P R I C E P H OTO S JAC O B F OX

5

RETINOL

Skin goes into repair mode at night; support that effort with a product containing wrinklesmoothing retinol.

Try CeraVe Skin Renewing Retinol Serum ($18; walmart.com).

One word: exfoliation. Add a product with glycolic acid (a facial polish, peel, or pad) to your routine one or two times a week to get rid of dead skin cells. Try Neutrogena Bright Boost Resurfacing Micro Polish ($8; target.com).

B EAU T Y S O LU T I O N S

TIP

U S E YO U R RI N G FI N G E R TO TAP CO N C E ALE R O N S KI N WITH O UT TU G G I N G .

“How do Q I apply eye shadow to accentuate my eyes?”

MEGAN ZACH, Des Moines

Q

“Update my makeup bag, please! What products should I be using in my 40s to make my skin look flawless?”

KRISTEN ELLISON, New Providence, NJ

1

CREAMY CONCEALER

Nars Radiant Creamy Concealer ($30; narscosmetics .com) covers dark circles and redness without settling into fine lines.

2

ILLUMINATING FOUNDATION

Pick a hydrating formula with a dewy finish like L’Oréal Paris Infallible Pro-Glow Foundation ($13; lorealparisusa.com).

3

CREAM BLUSH

Add a youthful flush to the apples of the cheeks. Try Julep Skip the Brush Blush Stick in Peony Pink ($14; target.com).

4

MAKEUP SPONGE

Fingers blend fine, but this tool is the secret to a seamless finish: The Original Beautyblender ($20; sephora.com).

Q “I love wearing bright lipstick, but it always

bleeds outside of my lips. How do I prevent this?”

Prep your lips for the color, says celebrity makeup artist Gita Bass. Outline your lips with a transparent lip liner like Marc Jacobs Beauty Poutliner Longwear Lip Liner in Invisible ($25; sephora.com) before applying color to keep the pigment in place. Try Kosas Weightless Lip Color in Electra ($28; kosas.com).

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| January 2020

Start with an eye primer like Lancôme Prime It Boost It ($26; lancome-usa .com) to smooth the lid. Sweep a pale shade over the whole lid then a taupe or soft brown in the crease.

Try Mary Kay Chromafusion Eye Shadow ($8; marykay .com). Can’t find your crease?

“Look straight into the mirror and apply your color just under the brow bone,” says Luis Casco, Mary Kay global beauty ambassador.

Blend with a clean, fluffy brush using circular motions to soften the line. Try Zoeva Rose Golden Luxe Eye Blender Brush ($12; zoeva cosmetics.com). ■

With NEW Depend® FIT-FLEX® Underwear, you can enjoy wherever the moment takes you.

GET A FREE SAMPLE AT DEPEND.COM TRUSTED PROTECTION

ULTRA SOFT FABRIC

BEAUTIFUL DESIGNS

H O M E D E C O R AT I N G

Q

small-space smarts “We downsized to a townhouse. How do I decorate a smaller space?”

B E FO RE

PAULA YABLONSKY, Schenectady, NY

Designer Shannon Claire Smith knows the challenges of smallspace living. Faced with a dated 750-square-foot Washington, D.C., condo, she used paint and smart furniture choices to transform it into a glamorous retreat. (Only the bathroom underwent a full renovation.) Her tips for making this one-bedroom look and live larger than it is can be applied to any small space.

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| January 2020

1

TRIC K TH E EYE

Smith painted the built-ins blue-black.

“Dark colors are counterintuitive,” she says. “A lot of people think they make a space feel smaller, but they really make the ceiling feel higher and the room appear larger.”

2

GO B IG O N S E ATI N G

A low-back sectional actually takes up less space than a sofa and chair would and accommodates her tall hubby, Nick Herman. She pushed it right up to the built-ins, leaving just enough room to open the cabinet doors.

BY D E B S C H WA R T Z P H OTO S B R I E W I L L I A M S

3

S I M PLI F Y S I LH OU ET TE S

Furniture with simple shapes and strong lines, like the round coffee table, keeps a space from feeling cluttered.

The table’s open brass base has a light visual footprint, and its curves are easy to navigate.

PHOTOS: (BEFORE) SHANNON CLAIRE SMITH; STYLING: MICHAEL GRADY

Black window casings draw eyes out, helping make a space seem larger.

White shades trimmed in black retain the effect, even when closed.

Š 2019 Mars or Affiliates. Treat shape is a trademark. US Patent No. 587,428

Vet recommended for dental care that dogs love

H O M E D E C O R AT I N G

STO RE S MARTE R

Q ”How can I make the most

of a small galley kitchen?”

MARY LOU HUGHES, Fultondale, AL

Smith replaced a bulky yet shallow upper cabinet and short glass shelves with deep wood shelves that hold more.

U S E D E AD S PAC E

A picture ledge from IKEA turns the space above a shallow counter into a place to display art, store spices, and hang mugs or utensils.

CAM OU F L AG E IT

B E FO RE

Painting the lower cabinets black blends them with the countertop. Fewer visual interruptions equals a larger look.

The front door opens directly into the main room. So Smith positioned the dining and console tables to designate a “foyer,” which ends at the dresser that she stocks like a bar.

B E FO RE

4

BU I LD CO NTI N U IT Y

A decorating scheme that fl ows room to room is key in a small space, where multiple rooms are often visible at a glance. Smith achieved fl ow with a limited, mostly neutral palette that gets depth and interest from varied shades—whites and ivories, charcoals and grays, navy blues and blacks. She restricted metal fi nishes to matte black and antiqued brass.

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| January 2020

HAN G I N G ART O N A M I R RO RE D WALL C R E ATE S VI S UAL D E P TH .

5 B E FO RE

U S E M I RRORS Smith wanted to preserve the illusion of space the existing mirrored wall created. However, it lacked character, so she installed a grid of molding over it. Seams in the mirror determined the molding placement, and industrialstrength contractor’s glue holds the o-the-shelf pieces in place.

H O M E D E C O R AT I N G

T WO -TO N E WALLS C RE ATE A SENSE OF ARC H ITECTU RE I N A BOX Y ROO M .

Q ”I don’t know what to do with

B E FO RE

my bedroom.

How can I make it feel more decorated?”

STEFANIE SCHMIDT, Las Vegas

AD D D R AMA WITH PAI NT Smith’s

Wooden shutters took up space in the room when open, so Smith replaced them with privacy shades and curtain panels.

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| January 2020

Smith styles the bedside table in layers, starting by leaning a mirror against the wall to anchor the vignette and frame a small painting. Clustering small items gives them greater impact.

two-tone wall delivers instant style. The neutral color combo serves as a versatile background that she punches up with accents in warm metals and dusty rose (a throw and artwork).

C RE ATE FOCAL POI NTS Architectural

elements, like box molding on the walls, plus a bold ceiling light and a statement headboard, give a room flair.

Don’t be the person that brings a veggie platter.

®/©2019 Tyson Foods, Inc.

H O M E D E C O R AT I N G

B E FO RE

Q ”How do I make my small

bathroom feel bigger and function better?”

PAMELA A. CURRAN, Lowell, MA

C RE ATE AN I LLU S IO N

Smith painted the ceiling black because “dark colors are like the night sky—you don’t really know where it ends and it makes the room feel wider and taller.”

U S E EVE RY I N C H

Open shelves fill a previously empty spot above the toilet to put regularly used items in reach. A round mirror breaks up straight lines and amplifies light.

U N I F Y S U RFAC E S

For space-enhancing uniformity, Smith chose white for the large ceramic tilies lining the walls and the small hexagonal tiles covering the floor.

Bonus: Tile is easy to clean, and dark gray grout hides dirt.

SMALL VANITY PICKS Maximize storage in tight quarters by getting a unit that has a combo of doors and drawers.

24

| January 2020

BU I LD I N STO R AG E

2 4" WI D E

3 0 " WI D E

3 7 ¹∕2" WI D E

Scott Living Durham Single in White with Gray top, $349; lowes.com

Goodell Single in Gray with White top, $455; wayfair.com

Windsor Park in Taupe Gray with Silver Ash top, $550; homedepot.com

Pedestal sinks are often recommended for small bathrooms, but Smith opted for a 36-inch-wide vanity with lots of storage instead. She swapped out the hardware for a custom appearance. ■

BUYING IN FORMATION : BHG.com/Resources

ECZEMA: UNDER CONTROL. SO ROLL UP THOSE SLEEVES. moderate-to-severe eczema (atopic dermatitis) for people 12 and up.

RHONDA, REAL PATIENT. Individual results may vary.

DUPIXENT is not a cream or steroid. It’s a biologic that continuously treats eczema over time—even between flare-ups when skin looks clear. See and feel the difference with:

Clearer skin

¥

Significantly less itch

• In clinical trials at 16 weeks, 37% of adults and 24% of teens (ages 12-17) saw clear or almost clear skin vs 9% and 2% not on DUPIXENT. • And 38% of adults and 37% of teens (ages 12-17) had significantly less itch vs 11% and 5% not on DUPIXENT.

TALK TO YOUR ECZEMA SPECIALIST AND VISIT DUPIXENT.COM OR CALL 1-844-DUPIXENT (1-844-387-4936) INDICATION DUPIXENT is a prescription medicine used to treat people 12 years of age and older with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) that is not well controlled with prescription therapies used on the skin (topical), or who cannot use topical therapies.

DUPIXENT can be used with or without topical corticosteroids. It is not known if DUPIXENT is safe and effective in children with atopic dermatitis under 12 years of age.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION Do not use if you are allergic to dupilumab or to any of the ingredients in DUPIXENT. Before using DUPIXENT, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you: have eye problems; have a parasitic (helminth) infection; are taking oral, topical, or inhaled corticosteroid medicines. Do not stop taking your corticosteroid medicines unless

instructed by your healthcare provider. and tell your healthcare provider or This may cause other symptoms that get emergency help right away if you were controlled by the corticosteroid get any of the following symptoms: medicine to come back; are scheduled breathing problems, fever, general to receive any vaccinations. You should ill feeling, swollen lymph nodes, not receive a “live vaccine” if you are swelling of the face, mouth and treated with DUPIXENT; are pregnant tongue, hives, itching, fainting, or plan to become pregnant. It is not dizziness, feeling lightheaded known whether DUPIXENT will harm (low blood pressure), joint pain, your unborn baby; are breastfeeding or skin rash. or plan to breastfeed. It is not known • Eye problems. Tell your healthcare whether DUPIXENT passes into your provider if you have any new or breast milk. worsening eye problems, including Tell your healthcare provider about eye pain or changes in vision. all the medicines you take, including The most common side effects in prescription and over-the-counter patients with atopic dermatitis medicines, vitamins and herbal include injection site reactions, eye supplements. If you are taking asthma and eyelid inflammation, including medicines, do not change or stop your redness, swelling and itching, and cold asthma medicine without talking to sores in your mouth or on your lips. your healthcare provider.

Tell your healthcare provider if you DUPIXENT can cause serious side have any side effect that bothers you or effects, including: that does not go away. These are not all • Allergic reactions (hypersensitivity), the possible side effects of DUPIXENT. including a severe reaction known Call your doctor for medical advice as anaphylaxis. Stop using DUPIXENT about side effects. You are encouraged

YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR AS LITTLE AS A $0 COPAY*

to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Use DUPIXENT exactly as prescribed.

DUPIXENT is an injection given under the skin (subcutaneous injection). If your healthcare provider decides that you or a caregiver can give DUPIXENT injections, you or your caregiver should receive training on the right way to prepare and inject DUPIXENT. Do not try to inject DUPIXENT until you have been shown the right way by your healthcare provider. In children 12 years of age and older, it is recommended that DUPIXENT be administered by or under supervision of an adult.

Please see Brief Summary on next page.

© 2019 Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. All Rights Reserved. DUP.19.07.0597

*Limitations apply. Visit DUPIXENT.com for full program terms.

Brief Summary of Important Patient Information about DUPIXENT® (dupilumab) Rx Only (DU-pix’-ent) injection, for subcutaneous use What is DUPIXENT? • DUPIXENT is a prescription medicine used: – to treat people aged 12 years and older with moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (eczema) that is not well controlled with prescription therapies used on the skin (topical), or who cannot use topical therapies. DUPIXENT can be used with or without topical corticosteroids.

• DUPIXENT works by blocking two proteins that contribute to a type of inflammation that plays a major role in atopic dermatitis.

• It is not known if DUPIXENT is safe and effective in children with atopic dermatitis under 12 years of age.

Who should not use DUPIXENT? Do not use DUPIXENT if you are allergic to dupilumab or to any of the ingredients in DUPIXENT. See the end of this summary of information for a complete list of ingredients in DUPIXENT. What should I tell my healthcare provider before using DUPIXENT? Before using DUPIXENT, tell your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including if you: • have eye problems • have a parasitic (helminth) infection • are taking oral, topical, or inhaled corticosteroid medicines. Do not stop taking your corticosteroid medicines unless instructed by your healthcare provider. This may cause other symptoms that were controlled by the corticosteroid medicine to come back.

• are scheduled to receive any vaccinations. You should not receive a “live vaccine” if you are treated with DUPIXENT. • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether DUPIXENT will harm your unborn baby.

Pregnancy Registry. There is a pregnancy registry for women who take DUPIXENT during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about your health and your baby’s health. You can talk to your healthcare provider or contact 1-877-311-8972 or go to https://mothertobaby.org/ongoing-study/ dupixent/ to enroll in this registry or get more information.

• are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known whether DUPIXENT passes into your breast milk.

Tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you take including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

If you have asthma and are taking asthma medicines, do not change or stop your asthma medicine without talking to your healthcare provider.

How should I use DUPIXENT? • See the detailed “Instructions for Use” that comes with DUPIXENT for information on how to prepare and inject DUPIXENT and how to properly store and throw away (dispose of) used DUPIXENT pre-filled syringes.

• Use DUPIXENT exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.

• DUPIXENT comes as a single-dose pre-filled syringe with needle shield.

• DUPIXENT is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection).

• If your healthcare provider decides that you or a caregiver can give the injections of DUPIXENT, you or your caregiver should receive training on the right way to prepare and inject DUPIXENT. Do not try to inject DUPIXENT until you have been shown the right way by your healthcare provider. In children 12 years of age and older, it is recommended that DUPIXENT be administered by or under supervision of an adult.

• If you miss a dose of DUPIXENT, give the injection within 7 days from the missed dose, then continue with the original schedule. If the missed dose is not given within 7 days, wait until the next scheduled dose to give your DUPIXENT injection.

• If you inject more DUPIXENT than prescribed, call your healthcare provider right away.

• Your healthcare provider may prescribe other medicines to use with DUPIXENT. Use the other prescribed medicines exactly as your healthcare provider tells you to.

What are the possible side effects of DUPIXENT? DUPIXENT can cause serious side effects, including: • Allergic reactions (hypersensitivity), including a severe reaction known as anaphylaxis. Stop using DUPIXENT and tell your healthcare provider or get emergency help right away if you get any of the following symptoms: breathing problems, fever, general ill feeling, swollen lymph nodes, swelling of the face, mouth and tongue, hives, itching, fainting, dizziness, feeling lightheaded (low blood pressure), joint pain, or skin rash.

• Eye problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new or worsening eye problems, including eye pain or changes in vision.

The most common side effects of DUPIXENT include: injection site reactions, eye and eyelid inflammation, including redness, swelling and itching, and cold sores in your mouth or on your lips. Eye and eyelid inflammation, including redness, swelling and itching have been seen in patients who have atopic dermatitis. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

These are not all of the possible side effects of DUPIXENT. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

General information about the safe and effective use of DUPIXENT. Medicines are sometimes prescribed for purposes other than those listed in a Patient Information leaflet. Do not use DUPIXENT for a condition for which it was not prescribed. Do not give DUPIXENT to other people, even if they have the same symptoms that you have. It may harm them.

This is a summary of the most important information about DUPIXENT for this use.

If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare provider. You can ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for more information about DUPIXENT that is written for healthcare professionals.

For more information about DUPIXENT, go to www.DUPIXENT.com or call 1-844-DUPIXENT (1-844-387-4936) What are the ingredients in DUPIXENT? Active ingredient: dupilumab Inactive ingredients: L-arginine hydrochloride, L-histidine, polysorbate 80, sodium acetate, sucrose, and water for injection Manufactured by: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc., Tarrytown, NY 10591 U.S. License # 1760; Marketed by sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC, (Bridgewater, NJ 08807) and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (Tarrytown, NY 10591) DUPIXENT is a registered trademark of Sanofi Biotechnology / ©2019 Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. / sanofi-aventis U.S. LLC. All rights reserved.

Issue Date: June 2019

DUP.19.08.0101

CO LO R H O M E

can’t-miss color

Q

“Choosing wall colors freezes me in fear. What are some paint colors that are sure to look good?”

BLUES ARE SAID TO PROMOTE PRODUCTIVITY AND HELP ONE’S FOCUS. THIS HUE IS CALMING, CREATING A GREAT FOUNDATION FOR A DEN OR STUDY. SUE KIM, color marketing manager, Valspar M E M O RYBOO K B LU E

40 07-5C Valspar

SUZANNE BURNETT, Albany, OR

Staring at a display case full of paint chips can leave even the most confident do-it-yourselfer’s head spinning. We’ve rounded up interior designers’ and paint professionals’ most trusted choices to take the guesswork out of picking wall colors.

“In a satin finish this gray tone is ideal for a media room or library where you want a neutral color with great depth.”

JOHN CIALONE, Tom Stringer Design Partners TO NY TAU PE

SW 70 38 Sherwin-Williams

“I love a good, playful green.

This color has a vintage vibe that can work well in any room that you want to have a little sense of humor, to not be too serious. But it also stands the test of time.”

USE THIS VIBRANT ORANGE AS AN ACCENT IN A FAMILY ROOM TO CREATE A WARM AND INVITING ATMOSPHERE. JUXTAPOSE IT WITH COOL NEUTRAL SHADES OF WHITE, GRAY, AND MIDTONE BLUES.

JEFF ANDREWS,

STACY GARCIA,

interior designer CALKE G RE E N

34 Farrow & Ball

design and color specialist

“I love this moody gray.

It has a slight blue undertone and makes any room feel sophisticated.

Use it in cozy rooms like libraries and dens.”

JESSICA DAVIS, Nest Studio ROC K Y COA ST

1595 Benjamin Moore

CAYE N N E PE PPE R 8-14

PHOTOS: (BRUSHES) CARSON DOWNING

Pratt & Lambert

P R O D U C E D BY M O N I K A B I E G L E R E Y E R S

January 2020 |

27

HOME COLOR

NAVAL

“I like a little drama in the dining room. Navy is timeless, and paired with gold accents, this color seems to sparkle.”

WALL NORI PO RTO L A

SUE WADDEN, director of color marketing, Sherwin-Williams

“I love Glowing Apricot for any room, but it’s particularly beautiful in a dining room where it casts a soft golden glow that makes everyone look radiant.”

DANIELLE ROLLINS, interior designer G LOWI N G APRI COT

16 5 Benjamin Moore

“Nori is a rich green named after dried seaweed, but for me it brings to mind visions of camellia leaves in a shady garden. It brings such depth to this dining room.”

A hint of green gives this gray a more natural and earthy tone. Pair it with deep, rich colors like papaya orange to create a warm yet striking statement in a living room.

SARA HILLERY, interior designer

E SCAPE G R AY

SW 618 5 SherwinWilliams

STEFANI STEIN, interior designer

Kendall Charcoal is a sophisticated, moody color that makes a living room feel elevated and intimate.

I love contrasting it with pastels to anchor and complicate them.

K E N DALL C HARCOAL

HC-166 Benjamin Moore

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| January 2020

PHOTOS: (DINING ROOM) DAN ARNOLD, (LIVING ROOM) ERON RAUCH, (PAINT LIDS) JASON DONNELLY

SW 6244 SherwinWilliams

THIS IS NOT A BED

™

It's proven quality sleep.

Designed to keep you and your partner effortlessly comfortable, the Sleep Number 360® smart bed senses your movements then automatically adjusts. You can actually feel it contour to your head, neck, shoulders, back and hips, relieving pressure points.

AUTOMATICALLY RESPONDS TO YOU

ADJUSTABLE COMFORT ON EACH SIDE

CONTOURS TO YOU FOR MORE PROPER SPINAL ALIGNMENT *

SHOWS HOW WELL YOU’RE SLEEPING

25-YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY†

100-NIGHT TRIAL ‡

REQUEST A CATALOG | 1-877-808-7717 | www.sleepnumber.com/bhg *For a summary of clinical studies, visit sleepnumber.com. †2-Year Limited Warranty on SleepIQ® technology. Warranties available at sleepnumber.com. ‡Restrictions and exclusions apply. Does not apply to adjustable bases, Upholstered Collection, closeout/clearance or demo/floor model purchases or mattresses already exchanged under another In-Home Trial period. You pay return shipping. Refunds will be made to the original method of payment less original shipping/delivery fees. Visit sleepnumber.com for complete details.

SLEEP NUMBER, SLEEPIQ, SLEEP NUMBER 360, the Double Arrow Design, and SELECT COMFORT are registered trademarks of Sleep Number Corporation. ©2020 Sleep Number Corporation

HOME COLOR

WALL CAL AMINE 23 0 FARROW & BALL

This pale wash of a cool pink works as a neutral, or pair it with red to amp it up. I like it best with warm southern and western light.

J OJ O BA

N39 0 -3 Behr

“Jojoba is a soft jade green that lends a serene, spa-like feel in a bathroom.“

SUMMER THORNTON, interior designer

ERIKA WOELFEL, vice president, color and creative services, Behr

WALL WICKHAM G R AY HC-17 1 BENJAMIN MO ORE

“BEDROOMS SHOULD FEEL LIKE AN OASIS OR RETREAT FROM OUR HECTIC LIVES. WICKHAM GRAY IS A RESTFUL TONE THAT SETS THIS MOOD.” MARIKA MEYER, interior designer

HAW TH O RN E YE LLOW

HC-4 Benjamin Moore

“Zen is a chalky gray-baby blue with indigo undertones perfect for a bathroom. Paired with crisp white trim, its cool tone creates a refreshing, uplifting space.”

DEE SCHLOTTER, senior color marketing manager, PPG

“Hawthorne Yellow is a vibrant choice for bedrooms. It has a certain cheeriness and works with tailored patterns in blues, greens, and browns or soft florals in a variety of garden colors.” GARY MCBOURNIE, interior designer

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| January 2020

IT’S A BOLD MOVE TO GO FOR A DARK COLOR, BUT URBANE BRONZE IS ONE THAT I HAVE YET TO REGRET. PAIRED WITH WALLPAPER AND BRASS PLUMBING, IT ELEVATES A POWDER ROOM. CORTNEY BISHOP, interior designer U RBAN E B RO NZ E

SW 7048 Sherwin-Williams ■

PHOTOS: (PINK BEDROOM) JOSH THORNTON, (GRAY BEDROOM) ANGIE SECKINGER, (BATHROOM) ERON RAUCH

ZEN

PPG1 040 -1 PPG

GIRLS IN STEM BECOME WOMEN WHO CHANGE THE WORLD

MEET THE WOMEN WHO ARE CHANGING THE WORLD WITH SCIENCE, TECHNOLOGY, ENGINEERING AND MATHEMATICS: LUCIANNE WALKOWICZ, ASTRONOMER AT THE ADLER PLANETARIUM; BONNIE ROSS, HEAD OF HALO GAME STUDIO AT MICROSOFT; NICKI PALMER, CHIEF NETWORK ENGINEERING OFFICER AT VERIZON; MAYA GUPTA, RESEARCH SCIENTIST AT GOOGLE; LISA SEACAT DELUCA, DISTINGUISHED ENGINEER AT IBM; TIERA FLETCHER, STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS ENGINEER AT BOEING; AND DANIELLE MERFELD, CHIEF TECHNOLOGY OFFICER AT GE RENEWABLE ENERGY

FOLLOW @SHECANSTEM ON INSTAGRAM.

HOME CLEANING

YOUR NEW LEAN, MEAN

CLEANING

ROUTINE There are people who seem to have

effortlessly clean homes. And maybe in this new year you’ve resolved to become one of them. We give you the basic tools, tasks, and timeline to turn this resolution into a lifestyle.

Quick!

It’s Sunday at 4:30 and your neighbor is at the door with an empty measuring cup.

Do you: Dive behind some curtains, cursing the dust bunnies and counters covered with dirty dishes? Or invite her in with confidence, sugar in hand?

If you aspire to the latter, take heart. The secret that perpetually tidy people know is that having a clean home isn’t effortless at all; it’s effortlite.

Because when it comes to cleaning, a little elbow grease goes a long way if applied cleverly and consistently.

Enter your new cleaning routine: a collection of daily, weekly, and monthly habits to tidy and clean your home while blending into the rhythm of your day.

Think of these small jobs as gifts to your future self, sparing you from hours-long cleaning marathons and drop-by guest panic.

bathroom This is a high-traffic

area, so frequent TLC makes a big impact. Your new mantra: Tackle messes as they happen.

Q

“I need a schedule to help guide me on what, where, and how often to clean.”

MICHELLE COLLINS, Valley Springs, CA

EVERY DAY

Dampen a new microfiber sponge (see below left) and give the sink and counter a daily wipe after the morning rush or once everyone has cleaned up for bed.

Swap in a clean sponge every two to three days and wash them when you do a load of towels.

EVERY WEEK

ADD ONE TOOL

Keep a Casabella Microfiber Sponge ($6 for three; casabella.com) on your sink ledge or in a soap dish.

Dried-on toothpaste goo is a thing of the past.

BY J O L I E K E R R I L LU S T R AT I O N S C E C I L I A C A S T E L L I

Establish a short (10–15 minutes, tops) routine that relies on two products: a foaming cleanser like Scrubbing Bubbles and a glass cleaner like Windex.

Spray the foaming cleanser in the tub, sink basin, and toilet bowl. While it fizzes and dissolves grime, spritz the glass cleaner on the mirror, then the sink faucet, and finally the toilet flusher, seat, and cover, wiping them with a dry microfiber cloth.

Wet the used cloth and wipe away the foaming cleanser.

January 2020 |

35

HOME CLEANING

living room This is usually the

EVERY DAY

Take five, literally.

Set a timer and go after discarded socks, abandoned Legos, and half-full glasses of water (give thirsty houseplants a drink) that have a way of stymieing cleaning progress before it starts.

Wipe crumbs and drink rings from the coffee table.

first space guests see. Say it with me, “Never go to bed angry … or with stuff on the living room floor.”

EVERY WEEK

Vamoose pet hair with a lint brush, a hand vac, or a rubber household glove run over fabric surfaces.

Take the feather duster, below left, for a spin.

CUT THE CLUTTER

EVERY MONTH

ADD ONE TOOL

A Libman Big Feather Duster ($9; riteaid.com) is a tried-andtrue classic for dusting book- and knickknackfilled shelves with a few flicks of the wrist. Corner cobwebs and TV-screen lint, be gone.

ONE MORE REASON TO

Break out the specialty vacuum attachments. Use the upholstery brush to give curtains and couches a once over, and get the between-thecushions crumbs with the crevice tool.

You’ll be able to use The Greatest Invention of This Century: the robot vacuum. Plug in the base and walk away while the vacuum runs.

Our (admittedly splurgey) pick is the smartest we’ve seen yet, with excellent mapping skills, a long run time, and a mopping feature.

Deetbot Ozmo 950, $800; ecovacs.com

WHAT’S STOPPING YOU?

Counteract common cleaning irritants by adding one of these specialty vacs to your cleaning arsenal.

A MAT U N D E R PET BOWLS CATC H E S WATE R S PL AS H E S .

36

| January 2020

PA I N PO I NT

PA I N PO I NT

PA I N P OIN T

Bits of dog kibble or Cheerios all over after meals.

Lugging a hefty upright between floors.

Spill- and accidentprone dogs or kids.

TH E F IX

TH E F IX

Install a wallmounted handheld vacuum in the kitchen for quick access. Pivot Vac

by Black & Decker, $65; walmart.com

Invest in a stick vacuum. They’re slim to store, light to maneuver, and cordless. Dyson V7 Motorhead, $249; dyson.com

A spot cleaner makes quick work of messes on carpet or upholstery.

Pet Stain Eraser Cordless Portable Carpet Cleaner, $85; bissell.com

TH E FI X

13 TIPS FOR SPEED CLEANING Simply hover your smartphone camera here to get our best tidying tricks for when time is tight.

HOW DO YOU SAY,

“THANKS FOR BEING MY FURRY BFF”?

TM

ALL NATURAL

REAL CHICKEN

HOME CLEANING

kitchen Yes, a clean kitchen is sanitary.

But your real motivation: Cooking is a pleasure when you don’t have to clean it first.

EVERY DAY

Spend 1 minute wiping down the stove top and counters after you cook. The routine will keep away that sticky film that collects on everything and encourage you to keep work surfaces cleared off.

EVERY WEEK

Do a fridge check as part of trash day.

When you take the trash bag out of the can, head straight to the fridge before tying it up so you dispose of food you know has gone off or won’t be eaten.

Sweep up crumbs collecting under cabinets, and spottreat any small spills on the floor using a multisurface cleaning spray, below left.

EVERY MONTH

ADD ONE TOOL Place a bottle of Multi-Surface Everyday Cleaner ($4; mrsmeyers.com) next to your dish soap as a built-in reminder to spritz away nightly.

Spot-treat oven spills with a gentle abrasive cleanser like Bon Ami. Give the vent hood and cabinets the whiteglove test, and clean as needed with a nonscratch scrub sponge like the Dobie pad and a grease-cutting dish soap like Dawn.

Q “How can I get my laminate countertops to shine again?”

MMICHELLE GONZALES, Albuquerque

A We asked Richard Conde, a technical services manager at Wilsonart, for ideas.

He recommends softly scrubbing the countertops with a nylon brush and a paste of baking soda and mild household cleaner. Don’t brush too hard or long, about 15 strokes to get the brush into the valleys of the finish. This should remove any contaminates or films clouding the surface. For stains, use a cotton ball saturated with bleach or acetone nail polish remover and gently rub the stain for up to two minutes. Rinse thoroughly with warm water and wipe dry using a soft cloth. ■

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| January 2020

A CLEANING TRUISM A made bed instantly makes your bedroom look tidier.

Try to establish a habit with a month of daily bed-making.

If the job takes more than a minute, consider paring down the throw blankets and pillows. Those decorative pillows aren’t especially decorative sitting on the floor anyway.

ADD ONE TOOL

Swap in a sectioned hamper and skip the sorting step later.

Two compartments are good, but three are better for dividing whites, darks, and towels.

SHELTER PET & GLOBALLY RECOGNIZED PIANIST Amazing stories start in shelters and rescues. Adopt today to start yours.

KEYBOARD CAT 8M+ YouTube Views

HOME DECOR

how to fill a

BLANK WALL

Q

The opportunities are endless and a little daunting.

We’ve got you (and your walls) covered with creative solutions for low-cost, large-scale art.

“I never know what to put on a blank wall. Where do I start with picking and arranging art?”

a

KATE POWERS, Atlanta

Basket collection

PHOTO: PAUL COSTELLO; STYLING: LIZ STRONG

Grouping similar objects creates one large art statement.

Hang them in a pattern or in an organic shape, as blogger Dabito did with these African binga baskets. Find sets of seven or eight similar items for about $250 at etsy.com.

40

| January 2020

BY M A L LO RY A B R E U

HOME DECOR

[ FA B R I C

CARE]

Quilts sized as throws or for cribs and toddler beds are an appropriate scale for most walls.

(Linström Throw Quilt, $295; louisegray.com)

Hang quilts and textiles out of direct sunlight to avoid fading.

a

Quilt or textile

Hanging a quilt, small rug, throw, or scarf is also a clever way to fill a wall.

Textiles have another advantage, says Alexandra Gray Bennett, CEO of the modern textile company Louise Gray: “Being able to touch your art adds a warmth that no other art can achieve.”

Avoid warping textiles by hanging them with a wooden hanger that gently clamps the top edge to evenly distribute weight.

Gallery shelf

Even a small number of pieces have major impact when layered on a gallery shelf.

Plus, updating the display is as simple as rearranging or swapping pieces. For a shelf above a sofa, gallery owner Liz Lidgett keeps one about three-quarters the length of the other (so a 60- or 107-inchlong shelf above an 80-inch sofa). Hang the shelf at least 12 inches above the sofa so no one bangs their head.

Similar to shelf shown: Holman Ledge, $149 (60"); potterybarn.com

42

| January 2020

WALLETFRIENDLY BIG ART

Try these sources for affordable large artwork. n T HI RT Y9

This shop offers a curated selection of art photography in a wide range of styles. Get a 40×60-inch giclee print for $204. thirty9.com n J UNI PE R

P RINT SHO P

All prints come in sizes that fit the IKEA Björksta frames. A 55×79-inch print is $160. juniperprintshop.com n MI NTED

Shop limitededition prints by up-andcoming artists. A 30×40inch framed canvas print is about $300. minted.com

PHOTOS: (QUILT) JOSH GRUBBS, (LIVING ROOM) ADAM ALBRIGHT

a

holiday decor that goes beyond

this is how we holiday SIGN UP FOR EMAIL & TEXTS

First-time subscribers get a 20% off one single item offer!

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HOME DECOR

a

Your photos, jumbo-size

Engineer prints are one of the least expensive options for large-scale art. Have a favorite photo printed on 3Ă—4-foot lightweight paper normally used for architectural plans. The slightly grainy look is part of the charm. Prints are $60 with magnetic poster rails for hanging (or $30 without the rails). parabo.press n

[ HEIGHT

GUIDE]

A standard height for hanging art is with the center 60" above the floor. Over a table or sofa, the bottom of art should be about 12" above the furniture.

44

| January 2020

DIY YOUR OWN ART Get creative!

Simply hover your smartphone camera over this code for DIY art ideas that’ll help you save more.

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood.

Schedule a blood donation appointment today.

1-800-RED CROSS | RedCrossBlood.org Download the Blood Donor App

HOME BEFORE & AFTER

Q

one-room makeover

“My wife is why I can serve in the military.

She always puts others’ needs first. Can you update our living room as a gift for her?”

STAFF SERGEANT MATTHEW REYES, New Bern, NC

BEFORE

PHOTOS: (BEFORE) CHANDEE ULCH, (DURING) CHAD CURRIE, (PORTRAIT) KAYLA REYES; ILLUSTRATIONS: CHRIS GLOWACKI

BEFORE

THE ROOM “Our house is a hodgepodge of all the places we’ve been,” says Kayla Reyes, above, with husband Matthew and their daughter, Sadie, 10.

DURING

DURING

THE PLAN Texts and FaceTime conversations with Matthew and Kayla helped designer Maria Mendez Reed, far right, prioritize: bring in more seating and set a fresh scheme in keeping with the family’s style.

BY K I T S E L Z E R P H OTO S L AU R E Y W. G L E N N S T Y L I N G K E N D R A S U R FAC E

Military families get used to changes (the inevitable moves) and challenges (fragmented family time). But Matthew Reyes, an operations chief stationed at Marine Corps Air Station Cherry Point, NC, doesn’t take for granted what the military life means for his wife, Kayla.

He wanted to do something special for her to show his appreciation.

So he turned to an expert in both home makeovers and the military life, designer and Army spouse Maria Mendez Reed. She makes over military families’ homes and fi lms the process for her online video series, Moving with the Military.

Touched

by Matthew’s request, she couldn’t wait to give the Reyes family a new living room that’s all about together time.

We teamed up with Reed, kicking off her design plan with furniture from our BH&G Collection® at Walmart.

January 2020 |

49

WALL KNIG HT ’ S ARMOR PPG1 0 01- 6 G LIDDEN

A gallery wall composed of a few pieces in similar frames creates a focal point that doesn’t overwhelm.

A rug is a clear way to define a seating area. The best size reaches halfway under the furniture.

FOUR IMPACT MOVES

Reed helped the Reyes family look at their long, open living room with fresh eyes using these strategies.

50

| January 2020

1

CONSISTENT FLOORING

The old carpet didn’t do much in terms of style. Plus, it created a visual divide with the kitchen tile. Less disruptive: laminate flooring flowing throughout both rooms. Its wood-look launched the modern farmhouse style.

2

DIVIDED SPACE

Instead of thinking of the space as one big living room and leaving empty space in the center, Reed zoned it into a TV/conversation area and a dining area.

“It’s a place for us all to be together but still each have our own spot,” Matthew says.

3

LIGHTER WALLS

Photos of Kayla’s favorite rooms revealed she loves color in small doses rather than on all the walls. So Reed suggested gray wall paint then brought in spots of color through artwork, pillows, and other accessories.

4

FLEXIBLE FURNITURE

An upholstered ottoman functions as a coffee table or extra seating. The dining table becomes Sadie’s homework spot after dinner. All the furniture is timeless and easy to move, so it’ll work in different arrangements—here or in their next home.

HOME BEFORE & AFTER

TV TRICK

two in one

The wall-mount TV and its electrical cords used to be the first things you’d see when you walked into the house. Moving the TV from the living room entrance to this wall makes it less noticeable. So it recedes even more, Reed painted the wall dark gray.

The simple addition of two chairs creates a conversation area.

Moving the piano to a different room freed space for a fireside dining table. “It’s like we gained a whole extra room,” Kayla says. To watch Reed’s episode on how the room came together, hover your smartphone camera over this code.

No app needed!

A recessedlight conversion kit and a ceiling hook made a chandelier above the table possible.

DURING

BEFORE

January 2020 |

51

Open shelves show off accessories from almost every angle and avoid weighing down the wall.

WHEN YOU HAVE SENSITIVE SKIN YOUR CLOTHES CAN TURN ON YOU

tools of this trade The room’s new additions aren’t only about good looks.

Some check the low-upkeep box; others can be easily moved to—and integrated into— the Reyes family’s future homes.

LI GH T ING

FU RN ITU RE

Like pottery, textured lamp bases add a handcrafted feel. lampsplus.com

Clean-lined pieces have versatile style.

BH&G Collection; walmart.com/BHG

FLOORI NG

ARTWORK

PAI NT

Restoration Collection laminate is waterproof and scratch-resistant. mannington.com

Framed and matted prints play out the color scheme. artfullywalls.com

A paint and primer in one, High Endurance Plus conceals the old color. glidden.com

Try ARM & HAMMER™ Sensitive Skin Free & Clear detergent– no dyes, no perfumes, just clean.

Because every wash counts.

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| January 2020

BUYING IN FORMATION : BHG.com/Resources

HOME BEFORE & AFTER

[ PA S S I O N

P R O J E C T]

MEET MARIA REED BEFORE

FRONT & CENTER

Reed focused the storage on the longest wall. She teamed a pair of bookcases with a credenza that functions as a buffet. Positioning the credenza on the imaginary line between the sitting area and the dining area turned it into a bridge. “It ties the two spaces together,” Reed says. “One bookcase and half the credenza hold dishware; the others have things for the living area.”

She helps military families turn their houses into homes.

Every month, Reed tackles a makeover in a different city with the help of corporate sponsors, other military spouses, veterans, and local volunteers. She and her small crew share the families’ stories through her Moving with the Military series on Farm and Ranch TV, where it has 4 million viewers,

and on her website (movingwiththe military.tv) and social channels. “The best part of what we do is the relationships we make,” she says. “It’s so much more than a makeover show.

It’s about impacting lives and letting military families know they matter.”

January 2020 |

S E N D YO UR C OUG H I NTO H I B ER N AT ION. DAY OR NI GHT.

The real honey you love, plus the fast, effective cough relief of Robitussin.

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NO ARTIFICIAL COLORS

53

HOME BEFORE & AFTER

Q “What’s a

good way to arrange a long, narrow living room?

I can’t figure out how to put the furniture anywhere except against the walls.”

LINDA BAHNUK, Hackettstown, NJ

We heard from readers challenged by openconcept rooms, so we rounded up our best room-arranging tips.

embrace the space The first step: Know that you can’t treat a big open room like a big open room; it’ll end up looking like a ballroom (with a TV). Don’t be afraid to bring your furniture away from the walls.

THE STAYAWHILE SOLUTION

Arrange your space to accommodate a dining table and a place to visit after dessert.

PARTIAL WALLS

Use two backless bookcases as a subtle, see-through room divider. Be sure to secure the units to the wall.

COMPANY SETUP

Try the no-fail configuration of seating pieces, a squared-off U. Avoid the hotel lobby look by mixing furniture styles and upholstery.

ROOMY PATHS

Encourage smooth traffic flow by allowing enough walking space around and between seating pieces.

unify and divide It may sound like a contradiction, but you want to maximize the spaciousness and divvy up the space. Use the same surfaces and color scheme, then arrange the furniture to designate “rooms.”

choose the right pieces Chairs and sofas that have high backs or tothe-floor skirts mark boundaries. Pieces you can see through and under, such as leggy chairs, glass-top tables, and open shelving, promote light flow.

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| January 2020

THE INVISIBLE WALL Divide by function: one area for TVwatching, another for reading or conversation.

MINI DIVIDER

WELL GROUNDED

SEATS FOR FOUR

The sofa back partitions the room but might need to be camouflaged.

Opt for a credenza or low bookcase for storage.

Anchor each furniture grouping with an area rug. Although the rugs should coordinate, they don’t have to be identical to be cohesive.

A grouping of chairs offers more flexibility than another sofa and sets an informal tone. Add a floor lamp that can swivel between two chairs. ■

ADVERTIS EM ENT

This September, Better Homes & Gardens hosted its annual Stylemaker Event in celebration of the September Issue. Held in New York City, the Stylemaker Event brought top lifestyle, entertaining, food, and home influencers together with our editors and contributors for an empowering day of workshops, sponsor experiences and a cocktail party overlooking Manhattan.

Guests mingled, networked, and Instagrammed the night away!

Snapshot from the Tito’s Handmade Vodka Bar • Guests mingling and celebrating at the cocktail party • Stylemakers striking a pose with the Sleep Number® Dream Mural • BH&G Editor in Chief Stephen Orr with Interior Designer and Netflix Star Bobby Berk • KonMari Expert Patty Morrissey presents during the Clear and Cultivate for Creativity session • Stylemakers getting creative with the Behr Paint Bear • The Maybelline New York Super Stay Lip Bar Stylemakers enjoying delicious Magnum® Ice Cream bars at the cocktail party

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HOME

i did it!

T WO COATS O F PO LYU RETHAN E PROTECT TH E TAB LE ’S FI N I S H .

The cats at Brittany Goldwyn Merth’s house live enviable lives. “We love our kitties, Henry and Blanche, and we like to give them special places around the house,” Brittany says.

“I try to make their cozy caves and hiding spots part of a room—not just a piece of cat furniture.”

One clever example: this plywood cubby designed as a side table for her Frederick, MD, home.

Brittany, who writes the blog By Brittany Goldwyn, built it for about $40 over a few evenings and a weekend. As a bonus, she copycatted the piece, using the leftover materials to build a modern indoor planter.

Curious how to make the cat house?

Turn the page.

HAI RPI N LEG S C RE ATE A FU RN ITU R E E FFECT.

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| January 2020

BY K I T S E L Z E R

“I always fear they won’t like the things I make for them because, well, they’re cats,” says Brittany Goldwyn Merth. “But Blanche went inside right away.”

PHOTOS: (CAT HOUSE) STACY ZARIN GOLDBERG, (PORTRAIT AND HOW-TO) BRITTANY GOLDWYN MERTH; FIELD EDITOR: ANNA MOLVIK

An out-of-the-box thinker channels her love for her pets into a cat hideaway that doubles as a midcentury modern accent table.

60% OF WOMEN ARE WEARING THE WRONG SIZE PAD. ALL OF THEM CAN CHANGE THAT.

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HOME I DID IT

WHAT SHE DID

Brittany used a drill attachment called a hole saw to cut a perfect circle for the opening. Another option: Use a jigsaw for a near-perfect circle.

YOU’LL NEED ■

■ ■ ■

Treat Your Pup to e Na ral, Bacon-Style Treat

■ ■ ■ ■

■

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A tasty treat you’ll feel good about giving.

¾"-thick birch plywood Table saw Orbital sander Kreg Jig K4 pockethole guide Drill Pocket-hole bit Wood glue 1¹∕4" pocket-hole screws 6" hole saw and corresponding bit 220-grit sandpaper Finish nailer Wood stain Polyurethane 6" hairpin legs and ¾" wood screws

1

PREP BOARDS

Cut plywood into six pieces: two sides (14¼"×14¼"), front and back (15¾"×15¾"), and top and bottom (15¾"×14¼"). Sand the edges. On the side pieces, drill five pocket holes along two opposite edges and three pocket holes along one edge.

Clamp the bottom piece to workbench.

2

ATTACH SIDES

Glue along one short edge of the bottom piece. Place one side piece on glue so that the five pocket holes face in; screw side to bottom. Repeat with other side piece.

3

ATTACH TOP

Place top piece on workbench. Glue along both short edges, then

Available at a Store Near You!

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| January 2020

1

2

3

4

5

6

place open end of threesided piece on glue. Screw sides to top using the five pocket holes on each side.

4

CUT HOLE

Drill a 6"-diameter hole in the center of the front piece; sand edges with sandpaper.

5

ATTACH FRONT

Place the front piece on workbench, and glue along each edge. Position the box on glue, with the unused pocket holes facing down. Screw the box to the front using the three pocket holes on each side piece.

6

ATTACH BACK

Glue along exposed ends of box. Position the back piece on the glue, and attach with a finish nailer. To finish: Stain and seal the box; screw hairpin legs to bottom. ■

Show us what you made

Send photos of you with your latest project to IDidIt@meredith .com, and post on Instagram with our #BHGIDidIt hashtag.

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SALAD &

FO O D E A SY D I N N E R S

PIZZA

“I’m so Q tired of the same old things every week. What can I cook?”

LYNDIA DECKER, Mabelvale, AR

Repetition is OK if it takes the form of your weekly pizza night, right? Change the dinner docket with lightly dressed greens piled onto hot pizza in the ultimate one-dish meal.

CHICKEN & PEPPER PIZZA WITH KALE

THE CRUST

The first big timesaver is purchased dough, available in the refrigerated section at major grocery and specialty stores. For maximum

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crispiness, brush rolled-out dough with olive oil and parbake before topping. (Have some extra time? Try our food processor dough, page 96).

THE TOPPINGS

Rotisserie chicken could be the patron saint of quick dinners. Shred and scatter over sautéed veggies.

THE GREENS

We channeled our favorite restaurant kale salad with hazelnuts, sundried tomatoes, and pickled red onions. Before you toss them together, drizzle Tuscan or curly kale with olive oil and gently massage to soften the leaves.

Pickling red onions takes only 5 minutes.

BY C A R R I E B OY D P H OTO S C A R S O N D OW N I N G R E C I P E S DA N I E L L E C E N TO N I

RECIPES BEGIN ON PAGE 96.

FOOD STYLING: GREG LUNA

When you have less than 30 minutes to get dinner in the oven, this pie (made with a few step-saving ingredients) will be your hero.

Cheese. Tacos.

No dinner drama.

© 2019 Kraft Foods

FO O D E A SY D I N N E R S

FO R M E AT- LOVE R S

Crumble crisp-cooked bacon over the (otherwise vegetarian) toppings before baking.

POTATO & LEEK PIZZA WITH ARUGULA Sliced potatoes may not be a traditional pizza topper, but this combo will convince you they deserve to be in your repertoire.

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THE CRUST

No kneading required for this homemade dough.

Whirl everything together in the food processor and let it rise. (It freezes well too.)

THE TOPPINGS

Sauté potatoes with leeks and rosemary to soften them a bit before baking.

As they bake on the pizza, the potato slices crisp—this pie could be considered a sophisticated play on a french fry pizza.

THE GREENS

Arugula’s pepperiness means a simple vinaigrette of olive oil, lemon juice, and Dijon-style mustard is the only flavor booster needed. Finish with a dusting of grated Parmesan cheese.

A generous sprinkle of cornmeal keeps the dough from sticking to the baking sheet and eases transfer to a cutting board.

DAMIAN T RAVEN Lifelong athlete and devoted dad

*Among OTC pain medicines. Use as directed. Š2019 GSK group of companies or its licensor.

FO O D E A SY D I N N E R S

For a combo that hits all the right Greeksalad notes, use any pickled sweet pepper (cherry, Peppadew).

HUMMUS & LAMB PIZZA WITH ROMAINE Skip takeout and get your Greek food fix with this combo.

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THE CRUST

Naan, a puffed flatbread traditionally found in Indian cuisine, takes a walk on the Mediterranean side. (Store-bought naan keeps the recipe doable for a weeknight,

or try this one on a pita.) For a crunchy texture, bake the flatbread directly on the oven rack.

THE TOPPINGS

We took the spiced lamb usually found in a gyro sandwich and combined it

with a Greek favorite: hummus.

THE SALAD

Finish the pie with romaine tossed with tart vinaigrette, crumbled feta, and pickled peppers. n

Feel free to swap the ground lamb for ground beef, or turkey.

LET HER KNOW THAT ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE

JA: Inspiring Tomorrows Today, many young people don’t have someone to show them how to believe in themselves, be part of a team, plan for the future, embrace their dreams.

You can help change that. By supporting Junior Achievement, your words, engagement and investment can change lives.

Let’s inspire tomorrows by working together to positively change the future, one life at a time.

LEARN MORE: JA.ORG

F O O D B R E A K FA S T

take it to go

Q

“WHAT CAN I EAT AS A HEALTHY GRAB-AND-GO BREAKFAST THAT DOESN’T REQUIRE A LOT OF A.M. PREP?“ MEAGAN GILLILANDJOHNSON, Naperville, IL

For fully satisfying breakfasts that you can pull off on busy mornings, look no further. Prepping this collection of savory and sweet morning meals on the weekend sets you up for each day of the week.

FREEZER SANDWICHES Line a 13×9-inch baking pan with foil, extending

over pan edges, and coat with cooking spray. In a bowl whisk together 8 eggs, 1/3 cup milk, 1 Tbsp. each snipped fresh chives and Dijon-style mustard, 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh basil, 1/2 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. black pepper. Pour mixture into pan and bake at 350°F for 8 to 10 minutes or until set. Using foil, lift out egg mixture, cut into six rectangles, and halve each. Layer two pieces on toasted English muffins with bacon and sliced cheddar cheese; wrap each in plastic wrap. Freeze in a resealable bag for up to 1 month.

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BY C A R R I E B OY D P H OTO S C A R S O N D OW N I N G

FOOD STYLING: GREG LUNA

HEAT AND GO

Remove plastic and wrap sandwich in a paper towel.

Microwave 1 1/2 to 2 minutes, turning once. If desired, add baby spinach leaves.

© 2019 Tyson Foods, Inc.

F O O D B R E A K FA S T

EGG TOPPERS

Mix one of these spice blends to jazz up hard-boiled eggs. (Store blends for up to 2 weeks.) ■ DUKKAH In a skillet over medium-high, cook and stir ½ cup coarsely chopped hazelnuts 3 minutes; transfer to a bowl.

Add 1 Tbsp. each coriander seeds and sesame seeds and 1¹∕2 tsp. cumin seeds to the skillet. Cook and stir 2 minutes; let cool. Coarsely grind or crush. Combine with hazelnuts, ¹∕2 tsp. salt, and ¹∕4 tsp. black pepper.

■ TURMERIC-CHILI Stir together 1 tsp. each turmeric and chili powder and ¹∕4 tsp. each garlic powder and sea salt flakes (or kosher salt). ■ TOMATO-PARM Combine 1 Tbsp. finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 1 Tbsp. grated Parmesan, and 1 tsp. cracked black pepper.

WAFFLE TARTINES

Take inspiration from trendy toasts and pile toppers on toasted whole wheat waffles from the freezer section. ■ AVOCADO smashed avocado, cucumber, red onion, crumbled feta ■ LOX cream cheese, lox, capers, snipped fresh dill ■ CHIVEMUSHROOM garlic and herb cheese spread, sauteéd mushrooms, snipped fresh chives

HEAT IT UP

For a melty version, fold tortilla in half then ends to the middle. Slide it into a toaster bottom side down and toast for a minute or two.

SMOOTHIE POPS

Blend 1 cup each frozen berries and cran-apple juice; 1 sliced, frozen banana; ¹∕2 cup plain Greek yogurt; and 1 tsp. honey. Pour into ice pop molds and freeze. (For orange version, substitute 1 cup sliced carrots and/or chunked apple for the berries and orange juice for the cran-apple; add ¹∕4 tsp. orange zest.)

SWEET ROLLS

Spread flour, whole grain, or whole wheat tortillas with nut butter, chocolate-hazelnut spread, jam, and/or yogurt. Top with banana slices and/or berries, granola, chocolate chips, and/or nuts. Roll. ■

68

T

WI LD

W I LD S ALM

ON

A UN

Ruthie Jackson, left, uses her home as a lab for clever, budgetsavvy design ideas.

One example: She covered the back of the living room bookshelves with vintage wallpaper (an Ebay find that echoes the sofa) held in place with double-stick duct tape for easy removal.

miracle

worker WITH THE BULK OF HER BUDGET SPOKEN FOR BY BIG REPAIRS, DO-IT-YOURSELFER RUTHIE JACKSON GOT RESOURCEFUL, POLISHING HER OLD HOME’S EXISTING FEATURES AND SPRUCING UP SECONDHAND FINDS.

BY M A R I A V. C H A R B O N N E AU X P H OTO S A DA M A L B R I G H T ST YLING J E S SICA THOMAS AND L I N D S AY B E R G E R

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| January 2020

FAUX MIRROR

Ruthie created a mercury glass effect by covering sheets of Mylar paper with light, uneven coats of metallic golden spray paint.

Between each coat, she flicked water on the wet paint then blotted with a damp sponge for texture. She installed it like wallpaper.

Two velvet love seats sit backto-back to establish dual seating areas.

HUTCH

Black chalk-finish paint and wallpaper taped behind the shelves updated a traditional hutch that belonged to the previous owners.

before &after LIVING ROOM

The long room had ample square footage but needed freshening and a thoughtful furniture arrangement. F L O O R S Once the carpet came up, Ruthie thoroughly scrubbed the fl oors, patched small holes with wood fi ller, and blended fl aws with a coat of coffee-color gel stain and a top coat of high-gloss wood-fl oor restorer. L AYO U T Furniture groupings divide the room into two zones: a sitting area by the fi replace, previous spread, and a game table on the other end, opposite. Identical striped rugs connect the spaces.

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| January 2020

here were a few times over the past two years of renovations that Des Moines-based decorator Ruthie Jackson might have had doubts about buying a 1935 Colonial that needed major updates. Like the time water from the upstairs shower rained through the ceiling onto her toddler son below (who clapped with joy). Or when carpet was lifted to reveal termitedamaged floorboards. Or when the HVAC needed fi xing during a hot Iowa summer.

But the home had the Zip code, floor plan, and architectural detail of her dreams, plus only two other owners in its 80 years. Ruthie, husband Greg, and kids Emmeline and Everett were not afraid to take on the project to turn it into their forever home.

Big-ticket repairs left limited funds for decorating, so Ruthie’s resourcefulness became the home’s saving grace. Neighbors’ castoffs and pieces that belonged to the previous owners found new life in her hands. A thrifting network of her mom, sister, like-minded friends, and followers of her Instagram account (@miracleonthirty fourth) messaged her about fi nds. Her trusted tool kit of double-stick duct tape, gel stain, and Rub ’n Buff took care of the rest. “There’s freedom with a small budget. It’s easier to make decisions when you don’t feel like you have to commit for a lifetime, and there’s less fear to paint or add details,” Ruthie says.

Her love for switching things up means the Jackson house will always be a work in progress, but Ruthie is proud of the evolution. “Daily incremental progress adds up to a big transformation,” she says.

BEFORE

Ruthie found the sofa using one of her favorite tricks: Craigslist email alerts.

“I like to be specific: ‘Pottery Barn chesterfield sofa.’

The listing showed up in my email, and I pounced.” The cushion fabric was slightly pilled, so she smoothed the surface with a razor.

SEAT CUSHIONS Ruthie updated the chairs by painting the seat upholstery with chalkfinish paint and applying sealing wax over top.

C E I LI N G CHARCOAL ULTR A MAT TE INTERIOR CHALKED PAINT RUST- OLEUM

“When you need to work with pieces that don’t match, a dark color on the walls makes everything feel cohesive,” Ruthie says.

The dark table and chairs blend with the walls, and the vintage patterned rug underneath pulls everything together.

Q “What can

I do with my paneled walls? Are there any options besıdes removing the paneling?”

DEBBIE MCDOWELL, Oxford, PA

Rather than rip out the knotty pine paneling in her dining room, Ruthie applied Gray oil-based Gel Stain from General Finishes. It goes on thick, making it ideal for vertical surfaces, and dries to a rich, even finish. To use it: ●

PR E P Scrub wood

with heavy-duty cleaner and rinse with water.

Rough up the wood with a fine-grit sanding pad to improve stain adherence, then wipe off dust.

APPLY Ensure an even application by first painting stain into grooves and corners. Then use a rag (or as Ruthie does, a sock over a rubbergloved hand) to cover the rest. Let dry 72 hours.

RUNNER Ruthie cut and stapled five indoor/outdoor runners in place.

“Adding stair rods helps hide the seams,” she says.

●

●

F I N I S H Brush on

three coats of sealer.

BEFORE

before &after DINING ROOM

Color on the walls and refreshed furnishings were all Ruthie needed to transform the space. C H A N D E L I E R Polishing the brass and cleaning the crystal renewed its sparkle. D I N I N G TA B L E Ruthie acquired it from the previous owners. The style was more ’60s country French than Ruthie likes, so she modernized it by painting the legs with black chalk-finish paint and screwing on gold feet (a trick she repeated on the hutch, p. 72). C U R TA I N S Blue-andwhite peacock pattern curtains lighten up the dark walls.

January 2020 |

75

SHADES

Black ribbon trims basic Roman shades. Ruthie used more double-stick duct tape to secure it.

CAB I N ET S BL ACK FOREST G REEN PM-12 BENJAMIN MO ORE

CABINETS Before painting the cabinets, Ruthie popped the decorative molding off the doors.

Black-and-gold pulls and an IKEA butcher-block countertop complete the sleek update.

REFRESH CABINETS To watch our step-by-step video for the best way to prep and paint cabinets, simply hover your smartphone camera over this smart code.

BUYING IN FORMATION : BHG.com/Resources

Q “How can

The wet bar niche features midcentury-era glass-front cabinets that Ruthie loved.

The metal interiors were a dated harvest gold, so she modernized them with Antique Gold Rub ‘n Buff on the backs and peel-and-stick wallpaper on the sides. Butcher-block countertops, a subway tile backsplash, and new hardware connect the space to the kitchen.

I get more storage out of my small apartment kitchen?”

MICHELLE ULLMAN, Santa Clarita, CA

Install pegboard and use S hooks to hang pots, pans, measuring cups, and anything else with a handle or ring. Pegboard is a cheap, customizable solution that will free drawers and cabinets and make use of empty wall space. (Get more inspiration: Google “Julia Child’s kitchen.”)

BEFORE

PENDANT Ruthie applied metallic Rub ‘n Buff wax for golden accents on a mod all-black light.

before &after KITCHEN

After the doorway was widened, Ruthie had the cabinets reconfigured to create a peninsula. S TA I N L E S S C O U N T E R T O P For $200, a local metal fabricator wrapped a double thickness of plywood in stainless steel. Brass corner plates ($6 on amazon.com) cover sharp edges.

N O O K Ruthie built benches for the eating area, right, out of leftover butcher block and hairpin legs.

Seat cushions hung from hooks serve as backrests. ■

January 2020 |

77

front yard

A LANDSCAPE DESIGN TEAM SHARES 10 TIPS FOR CREATING A GARDEN THAT SAYS WELCOME HOME.

1 BEFO RE

GATHER LOCAL INTEL

For landscaping ideas suited to your region, visit public gardens and note what works in your neighbors’ yards. Then narrow your plant choices by figuring out your palette. Chartreuse and gold with hits of blue define this Oregon front yard designed by Mosaic Gardens.

BY J O H A N N A S I LV E R P H OTO S C L A I R E TA K AC S

facelift

Q

“Our front yard is almost all lawn with a few boring shrubs.

How can we make it more interesting?”

CHARLIE STANTON, Westbury, NY

January 2020 |

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| January 2020

2 3 PLAN FOR ALL SEASONS

Choose a few plants and trees that put on a seasonal performance, like the dogwoods and Japanese maples above, and some for year-round structure, like these conifers and rhododendrons.

CHOOSE TREES FOR PRIVACY

Instead of tall blocks of hedges, which can be claustrophobic, Sams prefers small trees, which are airier. “Some clients think they don’t want to see the sidewalk at all,” she says, “but once we get some trees in, they see trees offer just enough privacy.”

4

WORK WITH YOUR HOME

You want plants with colors that will stand out against, or play off of, the house color.

And pay attention to the architecture. As seen on the previous page, the path establishes straight lines of lawn to the front door.

PHOTOS: (BEFORE) COURTESY OF MOSAIC GARDENS

f

ront yards have long been synonymous with one thing: a swath of green lawn. But landscape designers Rebecca Sams and Buell Steelman, of Oregon-based Mosaic Gardens, believe front yards can be more meaningful spaces. “You don’t need to wait until you’ve reached the door to feel that you’ve arrived home,” Sams says.

How you go about achieving that feeling in a front yard is, of course, highly personal. You may be a plant M E ET TH E DESIGNERS enthusiast with Rebecca Sams and an experimental her husband, streak, a Buell Steelman, founded Mosaic minimalist who Gardens in Eugene, wants a lowOR, in 2002. maintenance space, or a gardener who lands somewhere in between.

But whatever your style, Sams and Steelman encourage incorporating regionally appropriate plants. They’ll give your garden a sense of place and make it a destination for some of the best kinds of neighbors—namely, birds, bees, and butterflies .

THE LAYERED LOOK A perimeter of deep planting beds gives this Salem, OR, front yard a sense of enclosure.

The designers created a layered, tapestrylike effect with perennials that step down in height from the back and have different textures. Using a large number of shrubs and trees rather than plants that need deadheading cuts down on maintenance.

Because the front lot is so large, Sams and Steelman decided to preserve some of the lawn to settle the look.

Lime green foliage brightens shady parts of the garden.

5

PLANT EN MASSE

Cluster the same plant in groups of three or more, as the designers did with the salvia and agastache, above. This approach eliminates the potential of a bed looking like a hodgepodge and goes a long way toward simplifying maintenance.

6

MAKE THE ENTRY FRIENDLY

In a front yard, the entrance is the main event. Keep paths and stairs wide, and add seating to the porch or yard, even if it’s a small bench. “People often pause for one reason or another as they’re going in or out,” Sams says.

7

REACH FOR THE CURB

The patch of land between the curb and sidewalk, lovingly called a hellstrip, often gets forgotten. “Include it!”

Sams says. Repeating a few plants from your yard in the hellstrip is an easy but impactful finishing touch, especially in a small yard.

It’s nice to have a focal point in the front yard: a seating area, a tree, or a path.

REBECCA SAMS, landscape designer

8 9 10 SCALE DOWN LAWN

Consider sacrificing lawn for more planting space, keeping only a patch for aesthetic reasons or kids. If you’re ready to say goodbye to lawn entirely (smart in drought-prone areas), look into local rebates for tearing out turf.

GO BIG

For small yards, people have a tendency to choose plants with small growth habits. “When you do that, you end up with miniature, forgettable gardens,” Sams says. Large plants like the oakleaf hydrangeas and spiky iris give the small yard below presence.

PLAN THE VIEWS

The best yards look as good from the street as they do from the living room window. Situate your focal points accordingly.

At right, for example, the designers centered a large piece of pottery on a window.

[ RESOURCES]

Pro help To find a local landscape designer, start with the listings at Association of Professional Landscape Designers (apld.org).

If you’re on a tight budget, look for designers who will do consults, or try an online service like yardzen.com or landstylist .com, which will create design plans you can install yourself.

FOLIAGE FIRST Sams and Steelman turned this formerly stark front yard in Eugene, OR, into a verdant little garden. Because of the yard’s small size, the designers kept the look calm by focusing on foliage rather than colorful flowers. Alternating between bright green and silvery foliage means each plant stands out.

BEFORE

Don’t feel limited by size. There’s no such thing as a 82

| January 2020

CASCADE EFFECT These homeowners struggled with a solution for their small, awkwardly sloped front yard. Sams and Steelman anchored the yard by planting tall growers like ginkgo and mountain hemlock.

From there, the plants graduate in size from midsize plants like reed grass, maiden grass, and artichokes to shorter lavender, hellebores, and catmint. â–

BEFORE

The yard was designed for nearly year-round color, with lavender blooming in summer and hellebores in winter.

front yard that’s too small to make an impact.

REBECCA SAMS January 2020 |

83

“By the “As a single

mom it’s hard to have

time I get

home, I’m

already hungry

energy to

and donÕt

do it all—

always have the patience

budgeting,

plannıng,

to cook

What’s and after-school your schedules to think bıggest Deciding of what I’m what to to dinner make goıng and remembering challenge cook . ? to take the I’m tired a full meal.

Just trying

juggling

.

of everyand can’t

seem to

AVOID repeats.

My family doesn’t like

eating the

same

meal more than once

or twice a

month.

84

MEAT

We asked readers to tell us about the hurdles they face when preparing weeknight meals, and it’s unanimous. We’re all pressed for time; want fast, smart recipe inspiration; and need a little assistance with meal planning. Although we can’t wave a magic wand to slow the clock for you, we do have three strategies to help solve your dinnertime dilemmas.

out of the

freezer.

I need

ideas

that don’t need

P H OTO S B L A I N E M OAT S F O O D S T Y L I N G K E L S E Y B U L AT

defrosting, something besides a

salad.

“Sometimes I struggle with limited

aboutwhat to prepare

that will be new and interesting and can be made from ingredients

| January 2020

from the supermarket.”

s trategy #1

LET A SLOW COOKER DO THE WORK There’s a reason 85 percent of American households own a slow cooker: Using one is like having a sous chef at work in your kitchen all day. These two recipes require minimal prep in the morning then simmer away while you’re at work. As a bonus, both work in an Instant Pot too. So cook slow or fast, it’s your call.

WEEKNIGHT SHORTCUT: MICROWAVE A PACK AGE OF PRECOOKED REGULAR OR BASMATI RICE .

S LOW C OOK ER

8¹∕2 hours IN STAN T POT

15 minutes

BEEF & BROCCOLI This version of the take-out favorite is fresh, tasty, and practically hands-off. No need to pick up the phone.

While the fl ank steak does well all day on low, the broccoli should be added at the end to keep it crisp-tender.

BUTTER CHICKEN

SLOW CO OK ER

8 hours I NSTANT POT

25 minutes

Our streamlined take on this classic Indian dish is made with bone-in chicken thighs because dark meat stays moist when cooked low and slow. Browning the thighs before putting them in the crock results in deep flavor and golden gravy. But if your morning is really rushed, permission to skip it.

s trategy #2

COOK ONCE, EAT THREE TIMES

We’re making a case for bringing back the Sunday roast. Slip a hunk of meat into the oven for dinner, and you get a head start on meals for the week ahead. In our opinion, the humble pork shoulder is the best cut of meat for this strategy. It’s inexpensive, almost impossible to ruin, can be seasoned many ways, and results in plenty of leftovers to turn into creative new dinner ideas. We take the meat in two yummy flavor directions and give you three quickto-the table meal suggestions.

Italian Pork Roast Season the roast with dried Italian herbs and rosemary, plenty of fennel, and garlic. Toss in mushrooms and cherry tomatoes the last hour of cooking to make a shortcut ragu.

PORK RAGU & PASTA

Put a pot of water on to boil when there are 15 minutes left on the roast’s cooking time.

Choose a pasta shape like rigatoni or penne or a hearty long one like pappardelle to catch and hold the ragu.

CHEESY CALZONE

Divide 1 pound of pizza dough into four portions. On a floured surface roll each into a 6-inch circle. Toss 1 cup pork ragu with enough jarred marinara to make saucy. Top each circle with 1 slice provolone cheese, some ragu, and, if desired, pickled banana peppers. Fold dough over filling; seal edges with a fork. Prick tops, brush with egg wash, and sprinkle with Parmesan. Bake at 425°F for 15 minutes or until golden.

ITALIAN PORK ON CIABATTA

Ciabatta is a natural fit for this Italian version of BBQ pulled pork. We love how the tunnels in the rolls fi ll up with the rich tomato sauce. If you like, top with fresh basil or spinach.

RECIPES BEGIN ON PAGE 90.

Do the math The Italian pork roast ragu makes about 11 cups of shredded meat and sauce. The Cuban pork roast

makes about 7 cups. ■ OUR TEST KITCHEN SAYS 1 cup ragu = 4 calzone; 2 to 3 cups ragu or Cuban roast = 4 ciabatta sandwiches, Cubano sandwiches, quesadillas, or Pork & Sweets Bowls. Chill leftovers up to 4 days or freeze in 2- to 3-cup portions up to 3 months.

86

| January 2020

Cuban Pork Roast Traditionally, Cuban pork is generously flavored with garlic, oregano, cumin, and sour oranges. We used a combo of oranges and limes to mimic the tang of the sour oranges.

We suggest making the Cuban sandwiches the fi rst night and using the leftovers for the bowl and quesadillas. The roast is also delicious shredded straight from the pot with fresh orange or lime squeezed on top.

CUBANOS

On Cuban bread or hoagie buns layer mustard, dill pickles, sliced Swiss cheese, deli ham, and shredded pork. Toast sandwiches in a panini press (or in a skillet and press them with cans of food on a second skillet) until cheese melts.

PORK & SWEETS BOWL

Roast sweet potato slices (we drizzled them with maple syrup). Arrange pork, sweet potato slices, romaine, avocado, and purchased fresh pico de gallo in a bowl. Make a quick garlic-citrus sauce (aka mojo) to spoon over: Cook 4 cloves minced garlic in 2 Tbsp. hot oil. Add ¹∕3 cup each orange and lime juice and ¹∕2 tsp. each cumin and salt. Simmer 5 minutes.

MAKE THIS A CLEAN - OUT-THEFRIDGE BOWL

BY ADDING ANY VEGETABLES AND GREENS ON HAND.

PORK & BLACK BEAN QUESADILLAS

Layer pork, shredded Monterey Jack cheese, black beans, and jalapeño peppers into flour tortillas. Cook in hot oil until brown and cheese melts.

Shred this The Italian and Cuban flavor profiles are just as delicious on other shreddable meats.

■

OUR TEST KITCHEN SAYS

For the Italian version, swap the pork roast with a 4-pound beef chuck roast. For the Cuban, swap in 3¹∕2 to 4 pounds bone-in chicken pieces (drumsticks, thighs, breast halves) and reduce roasting time to 2 hours, adding onions and citrus the last hour.

January 2020 |

87

s trategy #3

COOK STRAIGHT FROM THE FREEZER “I struggle with grocery shopping and remembering to take meat out of the freezer.”

SCOTT WILLIAMS, Chico, CA

The next time all of your dinner plans are still frozen solid, try one of these 30-minute, one-pan recipes that use frozen chicken or salmon. No thawing required.

GREEK CHICKEN SKILLET Let’s set expectations.

When you cook frozen chicken, ice crystals melt and add extra moisture so the chicken steams or poaches and won’t ever brown. We didn’t see that as a negative so much as a good excuse to create a vibrant lemon-dill-olive sauce to carry the fl avor and color for this dish. Orzo and shaved Brussels sprouts cook alongside the chicken in the sauce.

SMART chicken into the

1

CUT THINLY & MARINATE Halve two chicken breast halves horizontally to make four thin cutlets.

Add them to a marinade of lemon juice, oil, and dill in a 1-gallon freezer bag. Remove extra air and seal the bag.

2

FREEZE THEM FLAT Lay the bag flat to freeze so that when you place the frozen cutlets in the skillet to cook, you have an even layer. Recipe timings are based on this key step.

Store the frozen chicken in marinade up to 3 months.

More frozen assets Thin cuts of meat, fish fillets, or small proteins like shrimp work best for this strategy. Freeze

separately on a sheet pan before placing in freezer bags or containers to freeze for longer storage. TRY THESE ■ Cook frozen boneless chicken breasts plus 1 cup water in a multicooker on high pressure 25 minutes. Quick release pressure, then chop or shred for salads, tacos, or sandwiches. ■ Add peeled, deveined shrimp to soups and cook until opaque, or toss into pasta water the last 5 minutes of cooking.

88

| January 2020

PHOTOS: (BAGGED CHICKEN) CARSON DOWNING, (SALMON) ADAM ALBRIGHT

WEEKNIGHT SHORTCUT: PACK AGED SHAVED BRUSSELS SPROUTS CUT PREP TIME .

CRISPY SALMON WITH VEGGIES & PESTO You can’t put just any piece of frozen fish on a sheet pan and expect greatness. You need something with a healthy fat content— like salmon, rather than delicate white fish—so it stays tender and moist when roasted from frozen.

Weeknight Shortcut: We saved time by leaning on ingredients like purchased pesto and crushed flavored croutons. n

FOOD RECIPES

THE

KITCHEN COOKBOOK

R E C I PE S F RO M PAG E S 84 – 89

MAKING OVER DINNER BUTTER CHICKEN

Made by simmering chicken in a creamy tomato-based sauce, this Indian dish is popular all over the world. Serve it over rice with slices of naan—you’ll want both for sopping up the sauce. hands-on time 20 min. total time 8 hr. 30 min. (slow cooker); 1 hr. (pressure cooker) 6 Tbsp. butter 31/2 to 4 lb. bone-in chicken thighs, skinned (6 to 8) 1 Tbsp. grated fresh ginger 1 Tbsp. garam masala 3 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp. ground cumin 1/2 tsp. ground turmeric 1/4 tsp. cayenne pepper 1 14.5-oz. can diced tomatoes 1 cup chopped yellow onion cup heavy cream 1/2

90

| January 2020

SLOW COOKER In a large skillet heat 3 Tbsp. butter over medium. Add chicken half at a time; cook 4 minutes or until lightly browned, turning once. Transfer to a 4- to 5-qt. slow cooker. Add ginger, garam masala, garlic, cumin, 1/2 tsp. salt, the turmeric, and cayenne; toss to coat. Stir in drained tomatoes and onion. Cover; cook on low 8 to 9 hours. Stir in cream and remaining 3 Tbsp. butter. Optional: For a thicker sauce, transfer chicken to a dish; cover to keep warm. Use the browning setting or transfer cooking liquid to a large skillet.

Bring to boiling. Boil gently, uncovered, 7 to 10 minutes or until slightly thickened.

PRESSURE COOKER In a 6-qt. electric pressure cooker use the sauté setting to heat 3 Tbsp. butter. Add chicken half at a time; cook 4 minutes or until lightly browned, turning once. Add ginger, garam masala, garlic, cumin, 1/2 tsp. salt, the turmeric, cayenne, undrained tomatoes, and onion. Lock lid. Set electric cooker on high pressure to cook 10 minutes. Let stand 15 minutes to release pressure naturally. Release any remaining pressure. Open lid carefully.

Stir in cream and remaining 3 Tbsp. butter. Optional: For a thicker sauce, transfer chicken to a serving dish; cover to keep warm. Use sauté setting to bring cooking liquid to boiling. Boil, uncovered, 7 to 10 minutes or until slightly thickened. Serves 6. each serving 409 cal, 25 g fat, (13 g sat fat), 213 mg chol, 542 mg sodium, 7 g carb, 1 g fiber, 3 g sugars, 25 g pro

FOOD RECIPES

Flank and bottom round steaks are inexpensive cuts that become deliciously tender in cookers. hands-on time 15 min. total time 8 hr. 45 min. (slow cooker); 30 min. (pressure cooker)

With 2% milk, at least half of adults had a lower desire to eat than before breakfast for 3 1/2 hours.

2 1

1/2 1/2 3 2 1 1 5 1 4

cups sliced yellow onion 11/2- to 13/4-lb. beef flank steak or beef bottom round steak, cut across the grain into 4 to 6 portions cup reduced-sodium beef broth cup reduced-sodium soy sauce Tbsp. hoisin sauce Tbsp. packed dark brown sugar Tbsp. rice wine vinegar or cider vinegar Tbsp. grated fresh ginger cloves garlic, minced Tbsp. cornstarch cups fresh broccoli florets Toasted sesame seeds (optional)

SLOW COOKER Place onion and meat in a 31/2- to 4-qt. slow cooker. In a small bowl combine broth, soy sauce, hoisin, brown sugar, vinegar, ginger, and garlic; pour over meat mixture. Cover; cook on low 8 to 10 hours. Remove meat, reserving onion and cooking liquid in cooker. Cover meat to keep warm. In a small bowl combine 3 Tbsp. water and the cornstarch. Turn heat setting to high. Stir into cooking liquid.

Add broccoli. Cover; cook about 15 minutes more or until cooking liquid is thickened and bubbly and broccoli is crisp-tender. Slice meat thinly across the grain. Stir into broccoli mixture. If desired, top with sesame seeds. Serve over rice noodles or rice.

PRESSURE COOKER Place onion and meat in a 6-qt. electric pressure cooker. In a small bowl combine broth, soy sauce, hoisin, brown sugar, vinegar, ginger, and garlic; pour over meat mixture. Lock lid.

Set on high pressure. Cook 15 minutes.

Immediately release pressure. Remove meat; cover to keep warm. In a small bowl combine 3 Tbsp. water and the cornstarch. Stir into cooking liquid in

92

| January 2020

[THE

BASIC S]

ELECTRIC PRESSURE COOKER

FI LL IT Place ingredients in cooker, lock lid, and close pressure valve.

The display indicates when the cooker reaches pressure (usually 15 to 20 minutes) then counts down actual cooking time.

LET STE AM E SCAPE When the cooking time is done, the cooker automatically depressurizes (natural release).

For a quick release, carefully open the valve and let out steam as soon as cooking ends.

HOW TO USE A MULTICOOKER For purchase pointers and more step-by-step instructions, hover your smartphone camera over this smart code.

PHOTOS: JASON DONNELLY

BEEF & BROCCOLI

cooker. Add broccoli. Using the sauté setting, cook and stir until cooking liquid is thickened and bubbly and broccoli is crisp-tender. Continue as directed in slow cooker method. Serves 6.

EACH SERVING 273 cal, 8 g fat (3 g sat fat), 43 mg chol, 843 mg sodium, 23 g carb, 3 g fiber, 11 g sugars, 28 g pro

ITALIAN PORK ROAST

HANDS-ON TIME 20 min.

TOTAL TIME 4 hr. 50 min.

1 2 2 2 2 1 2 1 2

¹∕2 ¹∕2

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Place roast fat side up in a 6- to 8-qt. Dutch oven. In a small bowl stir together Italian seasoning, rosemary, garlic, fennel seeds, 2 tsp. black pepper, 1¹∕2 tsp. salt, and the crushed red pepper. Rub all over pork.

2. Roast, covered, 3¹∕2 hours. Add tomatoes, mushrooms, and onion.

Whisk together wine and tomato paste.

Pour over pork and tomato mixture.

Roast, uncovered, 1 hour more or until tender and a thermometer inserted in meat registers at least 190°F. 3. Remove and shred meat.

Return meat to pot. Stir to coat. Store in an airtight container in refrigerator up to 4 days or freezer up to SMART 3 months. Makes 11 cups.

PHOTO: ANDY LYONS

CUBAN PORK ROAST

HANDS-ON TIME 20 min.

TOTAL TIME 4 hr. 50 min.

1

¹∕4

4- to 5-lb. boneless pork shoulder roast Tbsp. dried Italian seasoning, crushed Tbsp. dried rosemary, crushed Tbsp. minced fresh garlic tsp. fennel seeds, crushed tsp. crushed red pepper lb. cherry tomatoes 8-oz. pkg. sliced fresh cremini or button mushrooms cups chopped yellow onion cup dry red wine or beef broth 6-oz. can tomato paste ( ¹∕3 cup)

SLOW COOKER VARIATION Prepare as directed, except place meat in a 6- to 7-qt. slow cooker. Cover; cook on low 8 to 10 hours. Add tomatoes, mushrooms, onion, and wine mixture. (Cooker

will be full.) Cover; increase heat to high.

Cook 1 hour more. Continue as directed.

PER CUP 131 cal, 3 g fat (1 g sat fat), 49 mg chol, 238 mg sodium, 5 g carb, 1 g fiber, 2 g sugars, 20 g pro

2 2 4 4 1 1 1

4- to 5-lb. boneless pork shoulder roast cup chopped fresh parsley Tbsp. minced fresh garlic Tbsp. dried oregano, crushed tsp. onion powder tsp. ground cumin orange, quartered lime, quartered medium onion, quartered

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. Place pork fat side up in a 5- to 6-qt. Dutch oven. In a small bowl stir together parsley, garlic, oregano, onion powder, cumin, 2 tsp. black pepper, and 1¹∕2 tsp. salt. Rub all over pork.

2. Roast, covered, 3¹∕2 hours. Add orange, lime, and onion wedges. Roast, uncovered, 1 hour more or until tender and an instant-read thermometer inserted in meat registers at least 190°F. 3. Transfer meat to a cutting board, reserving citrus, onion, and cooking liquid. Shred meat. In a large bowl toss meat with enough cooking liquid to moisten. Once cool, squeeze citrus over meat to release juices; stir into meat.

Store meat mixture in an airtight container in refrigerator up to 4 days or freezer up to 3 months. Makes about 7 cups.

TIP

EASY CLEAN-UP

Line your slow cooker with Reynolds Kitchens Slow Cooker Liners to eliminate the postmeal soak and scrub.

SLOW COOKER VARIATION Prepare as directed, except place meat in a 6- to 7-qt. slow cooker.

Cover; cook on low 8 to 10 hours, adding citrus and onion the last hour of cooking.

PER CUP 145 cal, 6 g fat (2 g sat fat), 61 mg chol, 347 mg sodium, 3 g carb, 1 g fiber, 1 g sugars, 20 g pro

January 2020 |

93

After eating a bowl with 2% milk, at least half of adults had a lower desire to eat than before breakfast for 3 1/2 hours.

FOOD RECIPES

Choose salmon fillets that are similar in size and shape for even cooking.

HANDS-ON TIME 10 min.

TOTAL TIME 35 min.

4 1 8 4 2

¹∕3 2 3

4- to 5-oz. frozen salmon fillets, about 1 inch thick pint cherry tomatoes oz. fresh green beans, trimmed oz. sugar snap peas, trimmed Tbsp. olive oil cup purchased garlic croutons, coarsely crushed Tbsp. purchased basil pesto to 4 tsp. red wine vinegar

GREEK CHICKEN SKILLET

If you can’t find presliced Brussels sprouts, slice them by hand or coarsely shred.

HANDS-ON TIME 15 min.

TOTAL TIME 40 min., plus freezing 2 2

lemons Tbsp. sliced fresh or pickled jalapeño peppers, drained 1 Tbsp. olive oil 2 cloves garlic, minced 1 tsp. dried dill weed 2 8-oz. skinless, boneless chicken breast halves, halved horizontally 1 14-oz. can reduced-sodium chicken broth 1 Tbsp. butter ³∕4 cup dried orzo pasta 1 9-oz. pkg. sliced fresh Brussels sprouts ¹∕4 cup pitted green olives ¹∕4 cup crumbled feta cheese

1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a 15×10-inch baking pan with foil.

Place frozen salmon in pan.

Arrange tomatoes, beans, and peas around salmon. Drizzle all with oil. Sprinkle with ¹∕2 tsp. salt and ¹∕4 tsp. black pepper.

1. Zest and juice one lemon. In a 2. Bake 20 minutes or until fi sh flakes 1-gal. freezer bag mix together the easily when tested with fork, stirring zest and juice, jalapeño peppers, oil, vegetables once. Remove from oven. garlic, dill, ¹∕2 tsp. salt, and ¹∕4 tsp.

3. Preheat broiler. Arrange rack black pepper. Place chicken in bag.

4 to 5 inches from heat. Sprinkle Slice remaining lemon; add to bag. fi sh with crushed Turn to coat. Remove air croutons. Broil 1 to from bag; seal. Lay flat 2 minutes or until on a baking sheet. Freeze browned. In a small up to 3 months. bowl stir together 2. Remove frozen mixture pesto and vinegar. from bag; place in an Drizzle over fi sh and extra-large skillet. Add vegetables. Serves 4. chicken broth and TIP If using thawed or butter. Bring to boiling; fresh salmon, prepare reduce heat. Simmer, as directed in Step 1. covered, 7 minutes. Add COOK SLOW, Bake 15 minutes or until orzo. Return to boiling; EAT WELL fish flakes easily when reduce heat. Simmer, Find dozens tested with a fork. of better-for-you covered, 10 minutes more. recipes made Continue as directed in Add Brussels sprouts and easy via the slow olives. Return to boiling; Step 3. cooker in our new reduce heat. Simmer, EACH SERVING 308 cal, magazine Good covered, 5 minutes 17 g fat (2 g sat fat), For You Slow more or until orzo is 63 mg chol, 480 mg Cooker, available tender and chicken is sodium, 12 g carb, on newsstands done (165°F). Top with 3 g fiber, 5 g sugars, December 27. feta. Serves 4.

26 g pro

94

| January 2020

PHOTO: BLAINE MOATS

CRISPY SALMON WITH VEGGIES & PESTO

tip If using fresh (not frozen) chicken, combine the ingredients in the skillet through the butter, bring to boiling, then add the orzo.

Simmer, covered, 10 minutes.

Add Brussels sprouts and olives; simmer, covered, 5 minutes more or until orzo is tender and chicken is done (165°F). each serving 349 cal, 13 g fat (4 g sat fat), 99 mg chol, 859 mg sodium, 27 g carb, 5 g fiber, 3 g sugars, 33 g pro

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Sweepstakes is offered by Meredith Corporation and may be promoted by any of Meredith’s publications in various creative executions online and in print and at additional URLs at any time during the sweepstakes.

January 2020 |

95

FOOD RECIPES

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96

1. Preheat oven to 450°F. In a 10-inch skillet cook ground lamb, onion, and garlic over medium-high until meat is browned. Drain off fat. Stir in oregano and 1/2 tsp. each salt and black pepper.

2. Place naan on a large baking sheet;* brush each with 1 tsp. of the oil. Spread with hummus. Top with lamb mixture.

Bake 10 to 15 minutes or until naan edges are lightly browned and crisp.

3. Meanwhile, for salad: In a large bowl whisk together remaining 2 Tbsp. oil, the vinegar, and mustard. Season with salt and pepper. Add lettuce, tomatoes, and peppers; toss. Top pizza with salad; sprinkle with feta. Serves 4. *tip For a crispier crust, bake pizza directly on the oven rack. each serving 619 cal, 34 g fat (10 g sat fat), 55 mg chol, 1,163 mg sodium, 56 g carb, 7 g fiber, 8 g sugars, 23 g pro

POTATO & LEEK PIZZA WITH ARUGULA Leeks are notoriously difficult to get all the soil out of. Our trick: Thinly slice them, then swish them in a bowl of water. Thoroughly pat dry with paper towels before using. hands-on time 25 min. total time 1 hr. 25 min.

2 cups all-purpose flour oz. ground lamb, beef, or turkey 1 pkg. active dry yeast cup chopped onion 1 tsp. sugar large clove garlic, minced 5 Tbsp. olive oil, plus more Tbsp. chopped fresh oregano for brushing dough 8.8-oz. pkg. purchased naan 2/3 cup warm water (105°F to 115°F) (two 81/2×7-inch 8 oz. Yukon Gold or naan breads) red potatoes, sliced Tbsp. plus 2 tsp.

1/8 inch thick olive oil 2 medium leeks, halved 10-oz. container and thinly sliced hummus (2 cups) Tbsp. cider vinegar 1/3 cup thinly sliced onion tsp. Dijon-style 1 tsp. chopped fresh WEEKNIGHT mustard rosemary WINS cups thinly sliced Cornmeal Simply hover romaine lettuce 1 lemon (1 tsp. zest, your smartphone camera over cup cherry tomatoes, 1 Tbsp. juice) this smart code halved 1/4 tsp. Dijon-style to find more cup sliced sweet mustard of our best fast piquanté, cherry, or 1 5-oz. pkg. baby and easy Italian sweet peppers arugula dinner recipes. cup crumbled feta No app required!

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese cheese

| January 2020

1. Coat a medium bowl with olive oil. In a food processor combine flour, yeast, sugar, and 1/2 tsp. salt. With food processor running, add 1 Tbsp. olive oil and the warm water. Process until dough forms. Shape into a smooth ball.

Place in prepared bowl; turn once to coat dough surface. Cover bowl with plastic wrap. Let stand in a warm place 45 to 60 minutes or until double in size.

2. Meanwhile, in a 10-inch skillet cook potatoes, leeks, and onion in 1 Tbsp. olive oil. Sprinkle with rosemary, 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. black pepper.

Cook over medium-high 5 to 6 minutes or until potatoes are light brown and leeks and onion are tender, turning occasionally.

3. Preheat oven to 450°F. Lightly grease a baking sheet; sprinkle with cornmeal.

On a lightly floured surface roll and stretch dough into a 12×8-inch rectangle. Place on prepared baking sheet. Lightly brush with olive oil.

Top with potato-leek mixture. Sprinkle with salt. Bake 15 minutes or until crust is golden.

4. Meanwhile, for salad: In a medium bowl whisk together lemon zest and juice, 3 Tbsp. oil, the mustard, 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/4 tsp. black pepper. Add arugula; toss to coat. Top pizza with salad. Sprinkle with Parmesan and additional black pepper. Serves 4. each serving 511 cal, 20 g fat (3 g sat fat), 4 mg chol, 560 mg sodium, 72 g carb, 5 g fiber, 5 g sugars, 12 g pro

CHICKEN & PEPPER PIZZA WITH KALE hands-on time 25 min. total time 45 min.

1/2 cup white vinegar 1 1

Tbsp. sugar clove garlic, minced

PHOTO: JASON DONNELLY

[ H OW

1 1 3

1/2 8

1/2 2 2 1 1

cup thinly sliced red onion 12- to 16-oz. pkg. fresh white or whole wheat pizza dough Tbsp. plus 1 tsp. olive oil cup sliced red bell pepper oz. cooked, shredded chicken cup purchased pizza sauce oil-packed dried tomatoes, finely chopped Tbsp. finely chopped toasted hazelnuts Tbsp. lemon juice 6-oz. bunch Tuscan or curly kale, stemmed and thinly sliced

1. For pickled onion: In a small saucepan bring vinegar, sugar, garlic, and 1/2 tsp. salt just to boiling, stirring to dissolve sugar. Add 1/2 cup of the onion. Return to boiling; reduce heat.

Simmer 2 minutes; let cool.

2. Preheat oven to 425°F. On a lightly floured surface roll dough to a 12- to 14-inch circle. Place on a greased baking sheet; brush edges with 1 tsp. oil.

Bake 10 minutes. Remove from oven.

3. Meanwhile, in a 10-inch skillet cook bell pepper and remaining 1/2 cup onion in 1 Tbsp. hot oil over medium 5 minutes or until tender. Add chicken; cook to warm through.

4. Spread crust with pizza sauce; top with chicken mixture. Carefully slide pizza onto oven rack; bake 10 minutes or until edges are brown.

5. Meanwhile, for salad: In a large bowl whisk together remaining 2 Tbsp. oil, the dried tomatoes, hazelnuts, lemon juice, 1/4 tsp. salt, and 1/8 tsp. black pepper. Add kale; toss to coat, gently massaging to soften. Drain pickled onion, discarding liquid. Toss with kale mixture. Top pizza with salad. Serves 4. each serving 508 cal, 22 g fat (3 g sat fat), 50 mg chol, 623 mg sodium, 51 g carb, 5 g fiber, 8 g sugars, 27 g pro

TO]

TOAST HAZELNUTS

Place hazelnuts in a baking pan in a 350°F oven. Toast 10 to 15 minutes or until lightly browned. Let cool slightly, then place in a clean kitchen towel to rub away loose skins. n

January 2020 |

97

For recipes, tips and flavor, visit semills.com

©2019 Southeastern Mills, Inc.

better

H E A LT H Y L I F E ]

CPR CHEST COMPRESSIONS SHOULD BE ABOUT 2 INCHES DEEP. That may not sound very deep, but you need quite a bit of force to get there. Push down as strongly as you can (aim for the tempo of Hanson’s “MMMBop”) within the first 5 minutes of a cardiac emergency to boost the odds of survival without nerve damage.

Q

“How can I stop stress eating?”

DONNA FULTON, Hudson, MA

When you have a craving, distract yourself for

5 MINUTES.

That’s enough time for the craving to pass.

Try going for a walk, calling a friend, or dancing to a favorite song.

Also, keeping a diary of what and when you eat and how you feel at that time will help you spot patterns.

98

| January 2020

360 MILLION GLASSES

of sparkling wine are consumed on New Year’s Eve. Although red wine gets the glory when it comes to health benefits, sparkling wine also contains the heart-healthy antioxidants called polyphenols.

Plus, a glass of dry bubbly is lower in calories—about 80 calories compared to wine’s 125. But keep your

50% of Americans

say they exercise regularly during winter.

That is down from 55% in the summer months. Don’t let the cool temps freeze your workout. Take it inside with an online workout service, such as Daily Burn ($15 a month) or Studio Tone It Up ($13 a month).

January 10

NATIONAL CUT YOUR ENERGY COSTS DAY A few smart moves can help you save hundreds on your energy bills. Two steps to start: 1. Plug appliances into an advanced power strip, which prevents them from sucking electricity when off.

2. Keep your water heater set to 120°F.

Water heaters can consume 18% of a

BY: SHARON LIAO; PHOTOS: (CORK) FLOORTJE/GETTY IMAGES, (YOGA MAT) MARTY BALDWIN

[ YO U R G U I D E TO A H A P PY,

YOU CAN’T SHUT DOWN YOUR NEIGHBORS BUT YOU CAN SHUT DOWN YOUR COLD SYMPTOMS

B E T T E R M O N E Y M AT T E R S

manage your

money

What’s the one thing you’d ask a financial expert? When we put that question to BH&G readers, you wanted to know how to spend less, eliminate debt, and save more.

TAME WHAT YOU SPEND We’ve all heard that the best way to stay on top of our finances is to create (and stick to) a budget. But getting your cash flow under control is also about changing your mind-set.

Consider these points to start tweaking your approach to money.

S PEND M O RE TI M E M A N AGI N G YO U R M ON EY

n

Q

Think of it this way: You probably put in 40 or more hours weekly to make money and don’t spend near that amount of time strategizing how to make that money work for you. Even that out.

“Take time each week to open statements and bills; keep track of what you’re spending

on,” says Suze Orman, author of Women & Money. “You’ll be in control of your spending instead of your spending being in control of you.”

AS K , I S T H I S A WA N T OR A N E E D?

n

Needs include housing, food, utilities, and basic clothes.

Wants are everything else. “As a culture we have started to think that we need things that we really don’t: an expensive coffee, a massage,” Orman says. “If you can train yourself to question every purchase (Do I really need this?), you’ll start spending less and less.”

B E D IS CE R N IN G AB O U T T H E WA N T S YOU SP E N D O N

n

What really makes you happy? Maybe it is expensive shoes or a latte. Figure out how to afford those things and give yourself permission to buy and enjoy it.

“You’ll feel empowered to save when you feel good about spending,” says Jill Schlesinger, business analyst for CBS News and author of The Dumb Things Smart People Do with Their Money.

It’s hard to budget when you work on commission. How can we avoid using credit cards to fill the gaps?

Figure out your monthly living costs by adding every cent you spend in a year and dividing the total by 12. “That’s the minimum you need each month,” says author Suze Orman. When you make more than the minimum in a month, save the extra for when you fall short. “If you keep spending what you make as you make it, you’ll never get ahead.”

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| January 2020

BY C A R I W I R A D I N E E N I L LU S T R AT I O N S N E A S D E N C O N T R O L C E N T R E

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B E T T E R M O N E Y M AT T E R S

continued from page 100 CE LEB RATE SAV IN G

■

Think of shopping at sales, opting for less expensive items, or shopping at certain stores only when you have coupons as rewarding yourself—not as deprivation.

Q “How do

my husband and I get a handle on our money before our baby arrives?”

GE T REA L ABOUT T HE R E S ULT S OF OV ERS PEN DI NG

■

Temptations to buy are everywhere and aren’t easy to resist. But once you understand what debt and living paycheck to paycheck does to your financial future and happiness, you’ll be better able to resist. “It’s like when you stop to read what’s in junk food and understand what it does to your body.

Junk food becomes less appealing and the cravings diminish,” Orman says. The same thing happens with money. “When you see the stress of overspending, you won’t want to do it anymore,” Orman says.

Being in control of your money becomes a more satisfying lifestyle.

RAQUEL MARTINEZ, Santa Fe Springs, CA

Q

How should I divide my income between spending on entertainment, bills, and savings?

Most experts suggest a 50/20/30 rule: 50 percent of your income should be spent on needs, 20 percent should be stashed in savings—an emergency and/or retirement fund— and 30 percent can be used for wants. But remember, this is just a general guideline; it never hurts to save more.

COMMON MONEY WASTERS

Keep an eye on these four ways we mindlessly spend money, and you’ll start to save more almost immediately. Every little bit adds up.

1

AN YTHING ON AUTO- RENEWAL

It’s easy to forget about those apps, streaming services, and subscriptions you signed up for. Read your bill and bank statement closely every month and cancel what you’re not using.

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| January 2020

2

FE E S

Monitor your statements for banking and transaction fees.

Always use ATMs in your network. Check credit cards for fees; some up your rate considerably if you’re even a day or two late.

3

GAS

Before filling up, check for the lowest prices in your area on gasbuddy.com. And monitor tire pressure; you can improve gas mileage up to 3 percent by keeping them properly inflated.

4

B EV ERAGE S O N TH E GO

Bottled drinks are one of the most common convenience store purchases and notoriously marked up. Buy in bulk and bring a drink from home; even better, tote a refillable water bottle.

Each of you needs to decide what money means to you. “One person might say ‘freedom’ (which could mean they like to spend). The other might say ‘safety’ (they’re a saver). You have to learn to meet in the middle,” says Kelley Keehn, author of Talk Money to Me. Individually, make a list of financial goals for your family, then come together to discuss them. Talk about how you can attain them as a team, however you both envision it—separate accounts with one joint account; one person pays for housing, the other pays for food, you both pay for baby diapers. “The important thing is to come up with guidelines you both feel comfortable with,” Keehn says.

Also start tackling the other big money conversations, such as life insurance, savings accounts for children, and wills with legally appointed guardians.

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B E T T E R M O N E Y M AT T E R S

Q

GET OUT OF DEBT

NEGOTIATE

ASK FOR A LOWER INTEREST R ATE .

ONE SURVEY FOUND THAT TWO -THIRDS OF PEOPLE WHO DID GOT ONE .

YOU HAVE TO PAY MORE THAN THE MINIMUM EACH MONTH TO GET OUT OF DEBT.

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| January 2020

“I want to eliminate my $20K in credit card debt and figure out a way to put more into my retirement.”

KELSEY OSTRANDER , Columbus, OH

First, consolidate your debt to a low interest card (zero percent if possible). If you can’t, focus on paying off the card with the highest interest rate (not the highest balance) first, Orman says.

Once you pay off the first card, add that payment amount to the minimum you were paying on the card with the next highest rate.

Keep rolling down the line.

And don’t decrease your payment even if the credit card company lowers the minimum amount due.

Another option: If you have high interest debt and a low credit score, contact the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (nfcc.org).

This nonprofit will connect you with a counselor who can negotiate with credit companies on your behalf.

“Often, you make one monthly payment to them instead of the credit card companies,” Orman says.

But beware of debt-relief companies that are forprofit. “Debt settlement is a scam; they take your fee and don’t help you with your debt at all,” she says.

“How Q can I save

while paying off my credit card bills?”

CHRISSY CALLERY, Titusville, FL

“You shouldn’t,” Orman says. “I want any extra cash you have to go toward paying off high interest credit cards.”

Putting money in a savings account that earns less than 1 percent interest while having a balance on a card with a far higher interest rate is “plain dumb,” Orman says.

The exception: retirement accounts that your employer matches contributions to. Always contribute up to the match, then stop and pay your credit card bills.

Not all debt is the same. Mortgages and student KNOW loans tend to have lower interest rates than credit cards. “And using loans to buy a house or fund YOUR your education is not the same thing as using credit DEBT cards to pay for a new wardrobe or vacation,”

Orman says. (Remember, needs versus wants?) Always first pay your student loan bills then your credit card bills. Once student loans are paid off, funnel those payments to the credit card bills.

B E T T E R M O N E Y M AT T E R S

SAVE SMART MONEY SOS

Q “How

can I save for a home and my kids’ college ?”

CARINA ROYBAL, Guymon, OK

Automate saving: Set up your checking account to transfer, say, $50 each month to savings. “Make this amount sacrosanct; don’t be tempted to blow your plan by grabbing the savings through an ATM, debit card, or check,” Schlesinger says. If you get a raise, add that to the amount being transferred.

As for saving for your children’s college, Orman says it’s more important to save for your goal of a down payment on a home. There are loans, scholarships, less expensive schools.

“The sooner you can afford a home, the sooner you will own it outright when you retire,” Orman says.

“You’re not a bad parent if you can’t save for your child’s education. There’s nothing wrong with community college.

Your kid makes the school; the school will never make your kid.”

Q

“I’m divorced and in my late 40s. I’m worried about saving for retirement.”

YOLANDA ORTIZ, Indio, CA

“It’s never too late to create a retirement plan that will work for you,” Orman says.

Start by getting out of all debt. “And be totally out of debt when you retire—no car loans, no credit card debt.” Plan on working until 70 and don’t take Social Security until then. When investing in retirement accounts, take advantage of Roth IRAs; not paying taxes on retirement withdrawals will be a big help. If you plan on keeping your home, have the mortgage paid in full by the time you retire. Not having payments means you won’t need as much income. Also know that if you were married for more than 10 years and haven’t remarried, you may be entitled to half of his Social Security benefits once he reaches retirement age.

Ideally, you should have enough savings to cover six to 12 months of basic expenses (housing, utilities, health care, transportation, and food).

Be sure the money is accessible in a bank checking or savings account or a money market fund in case of emergency.

EVERYONE OF ALL AGES SHOULD HAVE A RETIREMENT ACCOUNT; CONSIDER A ROTH IR A .

MONEY MOVES TO MAKE NOW

Put these three things on your to-do list today.

1

LO O K FO R LOST MO NEY

We leave millions of dollars on the table by not taking advantage of benefits an employer offers (flexible spending accounts, gym reimbursements), missing out on credit card rewards, or not

taking the right tax deductions. Have a session with a financial planner or accountant to go over everything.

2

MAX O U T R ET IR E MEN T C O NT R IBU TI O N S

“The money will automatically be transferred from your

paycheck, and you’ll adjust to living on less,” Schlesinger says.

With a Roth IRA, you’re not taxed on the money when you take it out.

3

DO N ’ T B EAT YO U RS E LF U P

Yes, you’ve resolved to get your finances in order, but you may fall

off the savings wagon.

You’ll make mistakes, and that’s OK. “What’s important is that you get right back on,” Schlesinger says. The resolution isn’t to be rich (at least at first), it’s to be in control. n

January 2020 |

107

1969

BH&G throwback

FOLDING SCREENS

Q

“I love my laundry room, but the hot water heater in the corner is an eyesore.

How can I hide it?”

LORI LEIGHTON, Celebration, FL

a

The folding screen has to be one of the hardest working decorative accessories we know of. It will hide that water heater—or any other feature you’d rather not see—divide a room into zones, and stand in for architectural detail. But its real genius is being both functional and stylish. Our current favorites feature bold fabrics, detailed fretwork, on-trend caning, and arching rattan that also works as large-scale art. Unfold for instant drama.

1

3

1 WINDOW

PANE

Fabric Room Divider in Burnt White by Oriental Furniture, $169; target.com

2 RATTAN Fan Natural Rattan, $599; cb2.com

3 CARVED WOOD Zaria in Natural (also available whitewashed), $230; worldmarket.com

2 5

4 CURVED TOP UPHOLSTERED

Charlotte Room Screen in Boca Medallion, $395; onekingslane.com

5 CANE Light and airy, caning won’t weigh down a room. Ria, $329; urbanoutfitters.com

6 FLAT TOP UPHOLSTERED

6 108

| January 2020

BY L AU R E N H E D R I C K

Choose from 130-plus patterns. Modern in Polo Green Cheetah by Scalamandré, $399; theinside.com ■

PHOTO: (MAGAZINE PAGE) JASON DONNELLY

4

BETTER HOMES & GARDENS (ISSN 0006-0151) JANUARY 2020, VOL. 98 NO. 1, IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY BY MEREDITH CORPORATION, 1716 LOCUST STREET, DES MOINES, IA 50309-3023. U.S.A. PERIODICALS POSTAGE PAID AT DES MOINES, IOWA, AND AT ADDITIONAL MAILING OFFICES. SUBSCRIPTION PRICES, $22 PER YEAR IN THE U.S.; $35 (U.S. DOLLARS) IN CANADA; $35 (U.S. DOLLARS) OVERSEAS. POSTMASTER: SEND ALL UAA TO CFS. (SEE DMM 507.1.5.2); NON-POSTAL AND MILITARY FACILITIES: SEND ADDRESS CORRECTIONS TO BETTER HOMES & GARDENS, P.O. BOX 37508, BOONE, IA 50037-0508.

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A folding screen (covered in the same pattern as the far wall) separates work and living spaces.

HOT COCOA CHEESECAKE MINIS Prep Time: 20 min. | Total Time: 3 hours 53 min. | Makes: 12 servings (incl. refrigerating)

WH AT YO U N E E D 10 OREO Cookies, finely crushed 1 Tbsp. butter, melted 2 pkg. (8 oz. each) PHILADELPHIA Cream Cheese, softened 1/2 cup plus 1 tsp. sugar, divided 1/4 cup plus 1/2 tsp. unsweetened cocoa powder, divided 2 eggs 2 oz. BAKER'S Semi-Sweet Chocolate 3/4 cup whipping cream 1/2 cup JET-PUFFED Miniature Marshmallows

MA K E I T HEAT oven to 325°F. COMBINE cookie crumbs and butter; press onto bottoms of 12 paper-lined muffin cups. Bake 8 min.

BEAT cream cheese, 1/2 cup sugar and 1/4 cup cocoa powder in medium bowl with mixer until blended. Add eggs, 1 at a time, mixing on low speed after each just until blended. Spoon over crusts.

BAKE 22 to 25 min. or until centers are almost set. Cool completely.

Refrigerate 2 hours.

MEANWHILE, cover baking sheet with parchment. Melt semi-sweet chocolate as directed on package; spoon into resealable plastic bag.

Cut small piece off one bottom corner of bag; use to squeeze chocolate into 12 shapes on prepared baking sheet to resemble cup handles as shown in photo. Freeze until ready to use.

REMOVE liners from cheesecakes. Beat cream and remaining sugar in separate medium bowl with mixer on high speed until soft peaks form; spoon onto cheesecakes. Sprinkle with remaining cocoa powder; top with marshmallows. Gently press chocolate handle into side of each cheesecake.

Special Extra: For the adults at your party, blend 1/4 cup BAILEYS Original Irish Cream Liqueur into the cream cheese mixture before adding the eggs if desired.

Please use alcohol responsibly.

©2019 Kraft Foods