BHG - May 2022 by Lawrence Ambrocio

M AY 2 02 2 B H G .CO M

SAVOR STRAWBERRY SEASON

EASY IDEAS FOR EVERY GARDENER

p. 78

FLIP FOR OUR HOME BUYING GUIDE

COSMOS ARE HAVING A MOMENT

p. 52

Spar k an idea, f in d a sol uti on. Rethi nk, r ef r esh. Ever ything yo u need i s her e.

Inspiring Large Pendant Light with Round White Shade, $49.00 each Online only Wood Charcuterie Board, $12.86 Selections and prices may vary by store and online.

walmart.com/bhg

THE WAY YOU LIVE

5' x 7' Light Blue Persian Machine Washable Area Rug, $99.93 Looped Dots Pillow, $24.88 Sage Embroidered Botanical Pillow, $17.88 Selections and prices may vary by store and online.

Introducing

WASHABLE RUGS

We t b oo ts , mu dd y p aws — bring o n you r wor st , i t’s wash able !

walmart.com/bhg

CONTENTS M AY 2 0 2 2

VO LU M E 1 0 0

NUMBER 5

life in color 64 H E AV E N S C E N T

No ﬂower announces spring quite like ultrafragrant, easy-to-grow lilacs.

70 W I T H A F R E S H E Y E Modern touches renew a traditional home with love.

78 S T R AW B E R RY

S E A S O N Our sweet

and savory recipes make unexpected use of this bright, juicy fruit.

84 B I T E - S I Z E G A R D E N S

home

26 E N T E R TA I N I N G

FL OV E R E U S IS UR FO R O YI N G BU HOME IDE . GU

32 C U R B A P P E A L

An exterior facelift in crisp black and white perks up a 1970s suburban home.

37 H A N D S - O N

Make colorful papiermâché vases, pendant lights, and more.

44 R E N OVAT I O N

Practical revelations from a designer’s ﬁ rst home.

51 K I T C H E N S

Budget-friendly updates for cabinets and backsplashes.

52 P L A N T I N G S

Plant now and give cheerful cosmos their day in the sun.

54 I D I D I T !

Paint and a simple hanging planter transform a patio.

food

58 G AT H E R I N G S

Host an updated tea party with snacks made with favorite brews. ON THE C OV E R P H OTO CARSON D OW N I N G PRODUCER JA R R E T E I N C K ON THE B AC K C OV E R I L LU S T R AT I O N S A M K A L DA

| May 2022

in every ıssue

life

10 T H E M A I N E V E N T

6 E D I T O R ’ S L E T T E R Cheers to Mom! 12 G I F T S Craft a classic 8 BHG.COM silhouette as a keepsake. 88 C O O K B O O K DECODING 108 S T Y L E M A K E R 14 Prep and serve Mom breakfast in bed.

17 T H R OW B AC K

beauty

18 P R O M OV E S

The skin around your eyes deserves extra TLC.

25 E D I T O R ’ S

P I C K S Get your

glow on with these ﬁve products.

62 J U S T O N E T H I N G

We tested nonstick pans to pick the best bets.

better

94 T H E G U I D E 100 H E A LT H Brush up on your sun protection smarts.

106 P E T S Thinking of

adopting a pet? What to consider ﬁ rst.

PHOTOS: (FOOD, PLANTER) CARSON DOWNING, (FAMILY) HECTOR SANCHEZ, (CONSOLE) DAVID LAND/PAT BATES

It g n i n Ow I P T H I S

Six easy steps for setting a beautiful spring table.

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.

Edible plants are also decorative stars in these patio containers.

Mixes Well

EDITOR’S LETTER

selective FOCUS

P EP PE R HARROW As this issue was going to the printer, a tornado hit near Winterset, IA, resulting in tragic loss of lives and damage to homes and property. Among those affected was PepperHarrow, the small flower farm featured in our cosmos story (page 52). Thankfully, owners Jennifer and Adam O’Neal were not injured, but all their greenhouses and outbuildings were destroyed. Fundraising pages for aid have been set up at gofundme.com.

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

| May 2022

PHOTOS: (PORTRAIT) MELANIE ACEVEDO/SARAH LAIRD, (FLOWER FARM) CARSON DOWNING

I’m about to embark on a big renovation on the new (very old) house I bought a year ago, so I have research to do and choices to make: Like should I get an induction cooktop instead of my beloved gas? Or how should I future-proof the HVAC system to accommodate changing technologies and climate? All these decisions— big and small—can freeze us in our tracks. The house has been fairly unrenovated for 30 to 50 years, so we know we need a drastic update. There are rooms where you can only turn on the light by screwing in the bulb. The 1990s kitchen is an eyesore, and the oven operates only on convection roast mode at odd temperatures like 377°F or 433°F. (Thanksgiving took a lot of work-arounds!) A hidden rainbow among all the disruptions and delays of modern construction is that we had no choice but to stop and live in the house as is. Turns out, that has been a gift. We don’t want to make the house too perfect. The ﬂoors are wide-plank, old-growth wood and amazing but also scuffed up by the previous owner’s dogs—which I don’t mind. I’ll take historical character over pristine new any day. Renovations are a constant negotiation. My husband and I can’t agree, for instance, if the kitchen ﬂoor should be herringbone brick to match the sunroom or newerlooking tile. I know the brick will look beautiful and give a nod to history, but I also know what a sloppy cook I am (I like to say I’m gestural, which means there might be marinara sauce slung anywhere), so I’m concerned about all the nooks and crannies where debris might hide in the bricks. Bathrooms can get a free pass to be as contemporary as comfort warrants, but even speccing the tile, faucets, medicine cabinet, etc., takes a lot of research and time. Once again, where to begin? I’ll invoke some wisdom I remember from the late, great Betty White as Sue Ann Nivens on The Mary Tyler Moore Show. She gave Mary good advice in an episode when she was cleaning her house. “Now, if you want to tidy up in a hurry, think of your living room as a big clock,” she said. “Start at midnight, and then go around the room working clockwise toward the kitchen. You’ll be done in two shakes of a lamb’s tail.” That’s what I’m doing. Not focusing on the whole big endeavor but giving myself little undistracted slices to work on. One at a time. Today I will work on resolving the kitchen, tomorrow the STEPHEN ORR, laundry room, this weekend the garden (OK, maybe that’s in a couple Editor in Chief instagram @steporr of months). After all, renovations are supposed to be fun … right?

what ’s trending online

TIME FOR RHUBARB

This favorite early-summer stalk gives both sweet and savory dishes just the right amount of tartness. Add a burst of its signature pink to pork and chicken as well as pies, breads, and streusel muffins, left. Browse our recipes online. BHG.com/RhubarbRecipes

To celebrate BHG’s 100-year anniversary, we’re looking at the past century of home design. Travel through the decades with us as we examine how world events shaped our home, culture, and style movements—and the trends that endure today. BHG.com/100YearsDesign Hover your smartphone camera over this code to read our design story.

Grow Your Own Bouquet From garden to vase—learn which perennials are best to plant for a cutting garden that will produce colorful, homegrown bouquets through spring and summer. Mix and match from favorites like garden phlox and peonies, above. BHG.com/CuttingGarden

| May 2022

Win $25,000 [ S W E E P S TA K E S ]

to design your dream outdoor living space. Enter at BHG.com/25kBackyard for a chance to win. Details on page 93.

PHOTOS: (MUFFINS) BRIE PASSANO, (PEONIES) BLAINE MOATS, (KITCHEN) ADAM ALBRIGHT

100 Years of Home Trends

CHICA BONITA.

Suñorita® Rose: BRIGHT SUNNY COLORS, CONTINUOUS BLOOMS, DISEASE RESISTANT, STURDY, GLOSSY FOLIAGE

2022

Before they reach your garden, our flowering shrubs undergo years of trials and testing for color, blossom size, quantity of blooms, foliage, and ability to thrive with ease. Only a few prove they’re worthy of the #1 plant brand.

provenwinners-shrubs.com

the main event BACKSTORY Mother’s Day became a holiday in 1914, but Philadelphian Anna Jarvis planned the first celebration in 1908. Guests received white carnations—her late mother’s favorite.

Be the surprise! I want to break out of our routines. Could be an unplanned trip or getting our nails done.” JAN MILLER, food editor

#PROOF OF MOM

Let this simple prompt by Susie Allison (@BusyToddler) remind you to hop in front of the camera while you’re out making memories.

mom’s the word

Mother’s Day is May 8—the perfect excuse to kick off a season of appreciation for the women who have shaped us. We’re putting thoughtfulness on full display, with sweet ideas sure to please your mom, your friends, and—don’t forget—yourself.

MOM• TRA Our editors share their words to live by as we embark on another year of momming.

| May 2022

CELEBRATE SMALL WINS

“And use the good dishes monthly for candlelight dinners with my kids!” RACHEL WEBER, BHG.com

take care “I schedule my mammogram and checkups in May. Mother’s Day is a good reminder that they’re something to do for the sake of my kids.” KIT SELZER, home editor

“I’m using the One Second Everyday (1SE) app to document my baby’s first year.” CARRIE BOYD, food editor “My mom has Alzheimer’s, and I know there will be a lot of ‘last times.’ So I try to record special things for myself and my kids, like my mother making her mother’s corn bread dressing last Christmas.” HOLLY PRUETT, photo editor

t e Gsilly Counter daily stress by not taking yourself too seriously. “I will sing. I will dance. I will mildly embarrass.” JENNIFER CONDON, home editor

I L LU S T R AT I O N S BY E DW I N F OT H E R I N G H A M P R O D U C ED BY K AT Y K I I C K C O N D O N

PLAYTIME TURNING YOUR KIDDO INTO AN ALLERGY MONSTER? ®

Children’s BENADRYL Allergy works when you need it most.

SUGAR FREE HIGH FRUCTOSREEE CORN SYRUP F ALCOHOL FREE PARABEN FREE DYE-FREE LIQUID © J&JCI 2022 Benadryl.com

Use only as directed.

gifts

Get the look

diymasterpiece

All you need is a reference photo for one of these makers to craft your custom silhouette.

A silhouette is a classic gift easily made by tracing the profile of a photo or shadow, cutting it out, and framing it. Instant heirloom!

J EWE LRY

Keep your loved ones close to your heart. By ChicInGold, starting at $45; etsy.com

●

STARTING POINT Pick a

frame (you can size your silhouette to suit). The trick: Go no smaller than 5"×7" (to cut in details without a microscope) and no larger than 11"×14" (to ﬁt a standardsize piece of paper). ● SOURCE

IMAGE Find a

bright spot and

S.W.A.K.

C ARE PACKAGE

| May 2022

position your child or pet so you see a sharp proﬁ le. The tricks: Have them sit up extra straight and take the photo from their eye level. ●

TEMPLATE

Print the photo or enlarge to size on your computer screen. Tape on a sheet of tracing paper and draw the silhouette. (No tracing paper?

PET PR I NT S

Use a softly curving line at the base of the shoulder.

Because pets are part of the family too. By DevonDesignCo, starting at $34; etsy.com

Shade the back of your printout with a pencil; tape it lead side down to a blank sheet and firmly trace the outline.) Use artistic license to insert eyelashes, add a few wisps of hair, or shorten a ponytail to fit. Cut out the template with fine-detail scissors. The trick: Glue tracing paper to thicker paper

A study says 72% of Americans plan to mail a Mother’s Day card. If you’re one of them, here’s your postmark date. (Send packages by 4/30.)

to reinforce it before cutting. ●

FINAL PIECE

Trace the template onto cardstock (we used ultramatte black silhouette paper by Hygloss, $13; dickblick.com). Carefully cut then glue the silhouette to cardstock in a contrasting color. The trick: Use an acid-free permanent glue stick not liquid school glue.

FAM I LY ST YLE

A ﬁ nely detailed family portrait even the camerashy can get behind (and perhaps the perfect gift for someone with grandkids scattered all over), starting at $110; familyprint shop.com

Send some love with the new USPS stamps honoring the 50th anniversary of Title IX—the law best known for giving women and girls opportunities in sports. Title IX stamps, 20 for $11.60; usps.com

PHOTO: KELSEY HANSEN; CRAFT BY: KIM HUTCHISON

ot h e D a r's

DON’T BE BLUN T

decoding

DEAR MOM:

As a not-so subtle hint to your fam, cut out and complete this door hanger.

ATTENTION, FAMILY!

s ’ r e h t o m dqauyests

e R

STARTERS

DO NOT DISTURB UNTIL

Coffee Tea

8:00

10:00 r lun I’ll see you fo Tomorrow

Add cream Add sugar Mimosa

R E D R O T S A F K A BRE vory Something sa

hat ’s me) (t t e e w s e th Sweets for Takeout from

ON THE SIDE Magazine

keepsakes MADE WITH LOVE

| May 2022

a r's D

ot h e

Newspaper

Hand vac

Anticipating art gifts this year? Celebrate creative kids by turning art into a keepsake album. Hardcover Art Book, from $179; plumprint.com

If you’re planning to treat Mom to breakfast in bed, follow our tips to help the meal live up to its pampering ideal.

The strategy

The look ● If you don’t have

a special tray, use a large rimmed baking sheet lined with a tea towel. Add a matching cloth napkin, bud vase, and tiny bowl with a salt-pepper mix. STYLE POINTS Garnish the coffee mug with donut holes on a bamboo skewer.

● Begin by preheating

the oven to 150°F. Pop in plates to warm while you prep the rest. ● Make two bedside

trips. Start with a tray carrying everything but the food: napkin, silverware, magazine, bud vase, and hot drink. Mom can wake up and enjoy a little quiet time. PRO TIPS Sidestep potential messes. If kids are carrying the drink, let it be in a thermos with the cream and sugar added. Opt for squat, stemless glasses and shallow pasta bowls in lieu of plates.

The meal

● Aim for the big three:

easy to make, easy to carry, and easy to eat. This smoothie bowl checks the boxes: BHG.com/MomBrunch GOOF-PROOF Stock up at the local bakery. Her favorite scones (or fast-food delicacy) are decidedly decadent when served on china.

Art pile runneth over? Help kids curate what to display. (We like this easy-change, slot-sided frame, $27; articulategallery.com). Select a few pieces to gift and a few to save—then toss the rest, guilt free.

GET AHEAD OF ECZEMA AND SHOW MORE SKIN DUPIXENT is a breakthrough eczema treatment that targets a key source of inflammation that can lead to uncontrolled moderate-to-severe eczema (atopic dermatitis). Approved for ages 6 years and up.

Fast itch relief* Clearer skin that lasts* Not an immunosuppressant Not a cream or steroid *In a clinical trial at week 16, 59% of adults taking DUPIXENT + topical corticosteroids (TCS) had significantly less itch vs 20% on TCS only; 39% saw clear or almost clear skin vs 12% on TCS only. 36% saw clear or almost clear skin at week 52 vs 13% on TCS only.

CELISA, REAL PATIENT Individual results may vary.

TALK TO YOUR ECZEMA SPECIALIST AND GO TO DUPIXENT.COM TO FIND OUT MORE INDICATION DUPIXENT is a prescription medicine used to treat adults and children 6 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 6 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 scheduled to receive any vaccinations. You should not receive a “live vaccine” right before and during treatment with DUPIXENT; are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether DUPIXENT will harm your unborn baby. A pregnancy registry for women who take DUPIXENT during pregnancy collects information about the health of you and your baby. To enroll or get more information call 1-877-311-8972 or go to https://mothertobaby. org/ongoing-study/dupixent/; are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known whether DUPIXENT passes into your breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements.

Especially tell your healthcare provider if you are taking oral, topical or inhaled corticosteroid medicines or if you have atopic dermatitis and asthma and use an asthma medicine. Do not change or stop your corticosteroid medicine or other asthma medicine without talking to your healthcare provider. This may cause other symptoms that were controlled by the corticosteroid medicine or other asthma medicine to come back. DUPIXENT can cause serious side effects, including: Allergic reactions. DUPIXENT can cause allergic reactions that can sometimes be severe. Stop using DUPIXENT and tell your healthcare provider or get emergency help right away if you get any of the following signs or symptoms: breathing problems or wheezing, swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat, fainting, dizziness, feeling lightheaded, fast pulse, fever, hives, joint pain, general ill feeling, itching, skin rash, swollen lymph nodes, nausea or vomiting, or cramps in your stomach-area. Eye problems. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any new or worsening eye problems, including eye pain or changes in vision, such as blurred vision. Your healthcare provider may send you to an ophthalmologist for an eye exam if needed. Joint aches and pain. Some people who use DUPIXENT have had trouble walking or moving due to their joint symptoms, and in some cases needed to be hospitalized. Tell your healthcare provider about any new or worsening joint symptoms. Your healthcare provider may stop DUPIXENT if you develop joint symptoms.

The most common side effects in patients with atopic dermatitis include injection site reactions, eye and eyelid inflammation, including redness, swelling, and itching, sometimes with blurred vision, and cold sores in your mouth or on your lips. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away. These are not all the possible side effects of DUPIXENT. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You are encouraged 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 by your healthcare provider. It’s an injection given under the skin (subcutaneous injection). Your healthcare provider will decide if you or your caregiver can inject DUPIXENT. Do not try to prepare and inject DUPIXENT until you or your caregiver have been trained by your healthcare provider. In children 12 years of age and older, it’s recommended DUPIXENT be administered by or under supervision of an adult. In children under 12 years of age, DUPIXENT should be given by a caregiver. Please see Brief Summary on next page.

YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR AS LITTLE AS A $0 COPAY.* CALL 1-844-DUPIXENT (1-844-387-4936) *THIS IS NOT INSURANCE. Not valid for prescriptions paid, in whole or in part, by Medicaid, Medicare, VA, DOD, TRICARE, or other federal or state

programs, including any state pharmaceutical assistance programs. Program has an annual maximum of $13,000. Additional terms and conditions apply.

throwback

From the start, we’ve had a lot of women (and moms) in our editorial ranks. So come the second Sunday in May, you can trust that our advice is well-tested.

Mother’s Day Gift Guide 1927 From a reader

letter: Instead of ﬂowers, “Give her a growing plant. Last year [we] gave our mother rose bushes, so this year she had many beautiful ﬂowers.” 1942 Our suggestions included a new doorbell, so “there’s music in the air” whenever it rings. A 2022 update: Give her a video model. (We like the Google Nest Doorbell, $229, or if she’s in an apartment, Ring Peephole Cam + Chime, $150.) 1960 “Not one thin dime to rub against another? Don’t despair! Give her a seed catalogue wrapped and trimmed with a rose.” And add a coupon for labor.

[ J U ST

BETWEEN US]

“The family pie secret: Always a dash of grated lemon rind in the meringue and two teaspoons in the ﬁlling.” BACKSTORY In anticipation of Mother’s Day 1940, we asked

readers for their moms’ secret recipes, including the tip above for lemon meringue pie and another reader’s “Mother’s Oh and Ah! Cake” (left, in center): “She dips the tines of a fork into melted chocolate, and lets it drip here and there, onto soft white frosting. She swirls through the chocolate dots with a toothpick. Pretty.”

B RUN C H!

Nearly half of us plan on it this Mother’s Day, but the meal hasn’t always been a Sunday staple.

1988

Why try it? As we noted then, brunch is a party on the cheap. “Egg dishes and coﬀee cakes run considerably less than dinner menus. And people drink less or not at all.” (By 2002, though, bubbly had become de rigueur. That year’s pairing for bagels and cream cheese holds up: Piper Sonoma Brut, $22; wine.com.)

1973

A new take on a brunch buﬀet? “Instead of centralizing everything in one area, divide it between ‘satellite’ sites.” Find spots for plates, cutlery, drinks, and diﬀerent courses to avoid a “guest pileup.”

1938

Still ideal for waffles or griddle cakes: creamed butter. Beat softened butter with cream or milk (1 Tbsp. at a time) until “fluffy and light.” We’d add a little honey too. ■

hint hint NUDGE

Our 1943 advice for how to elicit what Mom might want for her special day: How’s about taking a quickie at this list of ideas, and making a pencil check here and there to give us an inkle? Then drop NUDGE this page open, casual-like, where we’ll see it, and leave the rest to [us]. Signed, The Family May 2022 |

P RO M OV E S

revive youreyes

BE GEN T L E Eye skin is super delicate. Avoid rubbing your eyes and apply and remove cosmetics with a light touch.

where to dab ”I recommend applying eye cream under the eyes and along the sides of the eyes,” Zeichner

says. The upper lids tend to be more sensitive, so be cautious about applying potentially irritating ingredients like retinol. If you can tolerate them, great. He prefers applying cream in single strokes, starting from the inner corner of the eye and gently swiping outward, but any application technique is OK as long as you don’t press too hard (which leads to irritation and inflammation).

| May 2022

BY M E G A N D E E M

PHOTO: CECILE LAVABRE/GETTY IMAGES

Eyes can be your best feature and your biggest tell. “The skin around the eyes is among the thinnest on the body, making it more prone to premature aging and irritation,” says NYC dermatologist Joshua Zeichner, M.D. “In addition, the thin skin is folded on a regular basis, which leads to wrinkling.” If your sole concern is hydration and you don’t have sensitivity issues, a basic face moisturizer can do the trick. But if you’re looking to remedy dark circles, puffiness, or more, consider one of the affordable treatments on the next page.

TARGETED TREATMENTS ■

MINI MAS SAG E R

The stainlesssteel, roller-ball applicator enhances the serum’s depuﬃng eﬀects.

DA RK C IRCLE S

For undereye discoloration, NYC derm Shari Marchbein, M.D., likes skin-plumping peptides such as those found in Neutrogena Rapid Firming Peptide Multi Action Eye Cream ($30; target.com). “They help thicken the skin and build elastin and collagen, which can be helpful for shadows,” Marchbein says. Vitamin C improves darkness in a different way. It has the ability to help brighten skin and block production of hyperpigmentation, Zeichner notes. Find both ingredients in Olay Vitamin C + Peptide 24 Brightening Eye Cream ($30; olay.com). ■

FI NE LI N E S

Retinol can be used around the delicate eyelid skin as long as it isn’t causing irritation, Marchbein says. Choose an eye-specific formula to ensure it’s a mild

level. No7 Pure Retinol Eye Cream ($20; walgreens.com) has a soothing shea butter base. A product with peptides will also help address fine lines. ■

PUF FIN E SS

Constricting the blood vessels in the undereye area can reduce the swelling that causes temporary bags. According to Zeichner, a cream rich in caffeine is one surefire way to shrink these vessels and remove excess fluid. Try NakedPoppy Awaken Eye Cream ($48; nakedpoppy .com). Anything cooling, such as a skin roller, will also depuff: L’Oréal Paris Revitalift Derm Intensives 2.5% Pure Hyaluronic Acid + Caffeine Eye Serum ($33; lorealparisusa.com). ■

ALL OF TH E ABOVE

“If you have more than one concern, I recommend using one eye cream in the morning and a different one in the evening, just as you would with your face,” Zeichner says.

GOT SPF? When you’re applying your morning sunscreen,

remember to protect the skin around your eyes too. You can use your favorite SPF on your entire eye, including lids. Mineral formulations (made with zinc oxide or titanium dioxide) are less irritating—something you’ll appreciate if you accidentally get them in your eye.

| May 2022

makeup

THE BIG COVER-UP

Even the most diligent eye cream user may still have need for a concealer from time to time. These formulas do more than mute imperfections— they actually treat the area with powerful skincare actives.

Hydrating hyaluronic acid and antioxidant vitamins C and E combine in Elizabeth Arden Flawless Finish Skincaring Concealer. The lightweight, long-wearing (up to 16 hours) formula blends easily and won’t cake or flake. $27; elizabetharden.com

Available in 18 shades, Wander Beauty Dualist Matte and Illuminating Concealer comes with a matte stick and a highlighting liquid that contains green tea and skin-plumping hyaluronic acid. $30; wanderbeauty.com

Colorescience Total Eye 3-in-1 Renewal Therapy SPF 35 provides mineralbased sun protection, a cocktail of peptides and vitamins to address fine lines and sagging skin, plus light camouflage. A little goes a long way! $74; colorescience.com ■

PHOTOS: JACOB FOX

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WET AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION (WET AMD)

KEEP LIVING LIFE THROUGH YOUR EYES TAKE CONTROL OF YOUR SIGHT WITH EYLEA. If Wet AMD has impacted your eyes—and how you see life— ﬁght back with EYLEA. • EYLEA is clinically proven to help improve vision—which may help you read letters and see details more clearly • EYLEA helped maintain vision improvements for up to 4 years with continued treatments in a clinical study

ASK A RETINA SPECIALIST ABOUT EYLEA. INDICATIONS EYLEA® (aflibercept) Injection 2 mg (0.05 mL) is a prescription medicine approved for the treatment of patients with Wet Age-related Macular Degeneration (AMD), Macular Edema following Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO), Diabetic Macular Edema (DME), and Diabetic Retinopathy (DR). IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION EYLEA® (aflibercept) Injection is a prescription medicine administered by injection into the eye. You should not use EYLEA if you have an infection in or around the eye, eye pain or redness, or known allergies to any of the ingredients in EYLEA, including aflibercept. Injections into the eye with EYLEA can result in an infection in the eye and retinal detachment (separation of retina from back of the eye) can occur. Inflammation in the eye has been reported with the use of EYLEA. In some patients, injections with EYLEA may cause a temporary increase in eye pressure within 1 hour of the injection. Sustained increases in eye pressure have been reported with repeated injections, and your doctor may monitor this after each injection. There is a potential but rare risk of serious and sometimes fatal side effects, related to blood clots, leading to heart attack or stroke in patients receiving EYLEA.

FDA-APPROVED treatment in its class for patients with Wet AMD*

The most common side effects reported in patients receiving EYLEA were increased redness in the eye, eye pain, cataract, vitreous (gel-like substance) detachment, vitreous ﬂoaters, moving spots in the ﬁeld of vision, and increased pressure in the eye. You may experience temporary visual changes after an EYLEA injection and associated eye exams; do not drive or use machinery until your vision recovers sufficiently. Contact your doctor right away if you think you might be experiencing any side effects, including eye pain or redness, light sensitivity, or blurring of vision, after an injection. For additional safety information, please talk to your doctor and see the full Prescribing Information for EYLEA. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Please see the Consumer Brief Summary on the adjacent page. *IBM Truven MarketScan data: Number of injections administered, from Q4 2018 through Q3 2019; Data on File.

VISIT EYLEA.COM

12/2020 EYL.20.11.0083

(Pronounced: eye•lee•ah)

Consumer Brief Summary This summary contains risk and safety information for patients about EYLEA. It does not include all the information about EYLEA and does not take the place of talking to your eye doctor about your medical condition or treatment. What is EYLEA? EYLEA is a prescription medicine that works by blocking vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). VEGF can cause fluid to leak into the macula (the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye responsible for sharp central vision). Blocking VEGF helps reduce fluid from leaking into the macula. What is EYLEA used for? EYLEA is indicated for the treatment of patients with: • Neovascular (Wet) Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) • Macular Edema Following Retinal Vein Occlusion (RVO) • Diabetic Macular Edema (DME) • Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) How is EYLEA given? EYLEA is an injection administered by your eye doctor into the eye. Depending on your condition, EYLEA injections are given on different schedules. Consult with your eye doctor to confirm which EYLEA schedule is appropriate for you. Who should not use EYLEA? Do not use EYLEA if you have an infection in or around the eye, eye pain or redness, inflammation in the eye, or are allergic to aflibercept and/or any other ingredients in EYLEA. What is the most important information I should know about EYLEA? • EYLEA must only be administered by a qualified eye doctor. Injection into the eye with EYLEA can result in an infection in the eye and retinal detachment (separation of retina from back of the eye) can occur. Inflammation in the eye has been reported with the use of EYLEA. If your eye becomes red, sensitive to light, painful, or develops a change in vision, seek immediate care from an eye doctor • In some patients, injections with EYLEA may cause a temporary increase in eye pressure within 1 hour of the injection. Sustained increases in eye pressure have been reported with repeated injections, and your eye doctor may monitor this after each injection • There is a potential but rare risk of serious and sometimes fatal side effects related to blood clots, leading to heart attack or stroke in patients receiving EYLEA • Serious side effects related to the injection procedure with EYLEA are rare but can occur including infection inside the eye and retinal detachment • You may experience temporary visual changes after an EYLEA injection and associated eye exams; do not drive or use machinery until your vision recovers sufficiently • Because EYLEA is composed of large molecules, your body may react to it; therefore, there is a potential for an immune response (allergy-like) in patients treated with EYLEA What are possible side effects of EYLEA? EYLEA can cause serious side effects, including • See important safety information listed under “What is the most important information I should know about EYLEA?”

The most common side effects include • Increased redness in the eye • Eye pain • Cataract • Vitreous (gel-like substance) detachment • Vitreous floaters • Moving spots in the field of vision • Increased pressure in the eye There are other possible side effects of EYLEA. For more information, ask your eye doctor. It is important that you contact your doctor right away if you think you might be experiencing any side effects, including eye pain or redness, light sensitivity, or blurring of vision, after an injection. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088. What should I tell my eye doctor before receiving EYLEA? • Tell your eye doctor if you have any medical conditions • Tell your eye doctor if you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant. It is not known if EYLEA may harm your unborn baby • Tell your eye doctor if you are breastfeeding. It is not known if EYLEA may harm your baby. You and your eye doctor should decide whether you should be treated with EYLEA or breastfeed, but you should not do both How is EYLEA supplied? EYLEA is supplied in a clear, colorless to pale yellow solution. It is provided in a pre-filled glass syringe or glass vial containing the amount of product required for a single injection into the eye, which is 0.05 mL (or 2 mg of the medicine product). Where can I learn more about EYLEA? For a more comprehensive review of EYLEA safety and risk information, talk to your health care provider and see the full Prescribing Information at EYLEA.com.

Manufactured by: Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. 777 Old Saw Mill River Road Tarrytown, NY 10591 EYLEA is a registered trademark of Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. © 2020, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. All rights reserved. Issue Date: November 2020 Initial U.S. Approval: 2011 based on the August 2019 EYLEA® (aflibercept) injection full Prescribing information.

11/2020 EYL.20.06.0003

editor’s picks

buzz LIST

Beauty director Erica Metzger rounds up five glow-getting products she’s loving for spring.

SHEER

DELIGHT

PHOTOS: (ERICA’S PORTRAIT) KATHRYN GAMBLE, (MODEL) GREG SORENSEN/TRUNK ARCHIVES, (PRODUCTS) CARSON DOWNING

LI QU ID SH ADOW

I’m always surprised at how quickly a smidgen of color wakes up my eyes (and how tired they look with zero makeup). Kosas 10-Second Eye Gel Watercolor Eyeshadow ($15; kosas.com) is the simplest shortcut for lids. It comes in six shimmery neutrals (my favorite is Heat, a rose gold). Dot on, wait 10 seconds, then tap to blend. N AI L B OOSTER

Confession: I’m the person who peels off a gel mani (instead of safely soaking it off with remover), so I was excited to get my hands on Essie Hard to Resist Nail Strengthener in Glow and Shine ($10; ulta.com). A pink tint instantly brightens neglected nail beds, while the bonding treatment reduces brittleness.

buh-bye, spots For a skincareobsessed beauty editor, my routine is surprisingly minimal. I multitask with retinol, the derm-approved ingredient for brighter and smoother skin. Neutrogena Rapid Wrinkle Repair Retinol Serum Capsules ($35 for 30; target.com) are gentle doses that are also travel-friendly.

virtual vacay My kids have their fingers crossed for a beach vacation soon. But I’m already enjoying sun-kissed cheekbones thanks to Dibs Beauty Desert Island Duo Blush/Bronzer Stick ($32; dibsbeauty.com). The coordinating combo is creamy and blendable, and I swipe them on my lids and lips too. Available in six shades for a range of skin tones.

no-makeup makeup

Hydrating, lightweight, and easy to blend, this skincareinfused foundation is like a tinted moisturizer with a bit more coverage and glow. I wear it to fake amazing skin without looking fake. Comes in 30 shades. T RY: Charlotte Tilbury Beautiful Skin Foundation ($44; charlottetilbury.com) May 2022 |

■

E N T E R TA I N I N G

setthe table May has many events to celebrate— including the arrival of May itself. We’re making it a goal to gather (safely) with friends and family, preferably around tables as beautiful as this one by Austinbased artist Erin Donahue Tice. See how she puts together a display as dynamic as her colorful artwork, then re-create her look in six easy steps.

The salad plate is delicate china, but the dinner plate is actually melamine.

| May 2022

BY L AU R E N B E N GT S O N P H OTO S M O L LY C U LV E R

PROP STYLING: LAUREN RAMIREZ

S U R PR I S E !

entertaining

This tablescape palette was inspired by Erin’s own abstract painting, which hangs in her dining room.

LAY D OW N A PAT TE RN

“Starting with the tablecloth is a tried-and-true way to build a tablescape,” Erin says. She likes to use a blockprint cloth with at least three colors to drive the palette.

PLAY W I T H PA P ER

An aﬀordable peony-shape paper place mat amps up the pink in the tablecloth. Bonus: easy cleanup.

MI X I N ME LA M I N E

Melamine is casual and durable, and it helps a set table feel more inviting and laid-back. “These plates are inspired by expensive china, but I can throw them in the dishwasher when the party is over,” Erin says.

US E O LD TH I N G S

“Vintage pieces are personal, tell a story, and add

| May 2022

soul to a table setting,” Erin says. She ﬁ nds most of her china secondhand, but you can get a similar eﬀect with new pieces in a delicate, fine china-inspired pattern.

A D D N AT U RA L E L E M EN T S

“Rattan and bamboo add a sense of earthiness and give the table some much-needed texture,” Erin says. The relaxed feel of the nubby materials on glasses and ﬂ atware also keeps the table from going too fancy.

P I C K A GL ASS

Chunky green goblets won’t get lost on a layered table the way clear stemware might. “Colored glassware is an easy way to add color and pick up on the greens in the tablecloth,” Erin says.

I love working with different elements in my art and on a table. Here I mixed fabric, paper, melamine, and rattan— and they work so well together. ERIN DONAHUE TICE

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entertaining

get the look

FRESH FOR SPRING Punchy springtime colors and a mix of materials create a well-layered tablescape that’s playfully elegant without going over the top.

GLASSES

C H I NA PL ATE

Rattan Cage Glassware, $10 each; shoppe.amberinterior design.com

Chelsea Salad Plate, $17; cb2.com

M E L AM I N E PL ATE

Personalized Bates Melamine Plates in Pink, $87 for 4; gracecharles.com F L AT WAR E

PL AC E MAT

Die-Cut Peony Placemat, $30 for 12; hesterandcook.com

TAB LEC LOTH

Pink and White Hand Block Print, $56 (48"×102"); fabricrush .etsy.com

Block prints are so versatile. You can make them look different each time by focusing on their different colors.

| May 2022

G O B LET S

Embossed Green, $30 for 4; kirklands.com ■

PHOTOS: (RATTAN GLASSWARE, FLATWARE) JACOB FOX, (TABLECLOTH, GOBLETS) KELSEY HANSEN

Cambridge Silversmiths Bamboo, $25 for 4 settings; amazon.com

Feed the good. ™

Dogs bring out the good in us. Pedigree brings out the good in them™. Pedigree.com

curb appeal

retrofit g

WE LCO M E I N

A wood-look front door warms up all the black and white.

etting a fresh look for a dated exterior can be as simple as changing the colors, especially if the bones are good. Ashley and Connor Moore loved the frame and stucco details on their 1976 house, but the overall look was too dark, and the brick all but disappeared under the overhang. To reimagine the facade, they searched Pinterest for inspiration then crowd-sourced suggestions on Houzz. One commenter gave them the confidence they sought: “Paint the brick. Don’t be afraid to make the house your own.” So they went for it. Connor, a graphic designer, mocked up several schemes in

| May 2022

Photoshop to sample colors and styles. A strong blackand-white combination—a crisper version of the original cream and brown—won the day. Up top, Ashley and Connor re-created the Tudor details using James Hardie fiber cement products (white stucco-texture panels and black cedar-look planks) in factory colors, which made the project go faster because they didn’t have to paint the whole house. On the first story, white paint color-matched to the panels brightens the brick but preserves the visual interest it brings. A resurfaced driveway and ornamental grasses planted at the garage and mailbox extend the fresh feel right to the curb.

BY K AT H Y B A R N E S P H OTO S M A R T Y B A L DW I N

PROP STYLING: JOSEPH WANEK

An exterior facelift in black and white celebrates— rather than hides—the 1970s Tudor Revival character of this Midwest house. Thanks to the color scheme, this home is ready for its close-up.

[GET

THE LOOK ]

FINISHING TOUCH Remember the details. House numbers, planters, and lights round out the look. HOUSE NUMBERS

Aurele 4" Matte Black House Numbers, $8 each; cb2.com F R E S H - FAC E D

PL ANTE R

White stucco-look panels are framed with durable Hardie trim boards.

BHG Collection Marklin Black 16" Round, $25; walmart.com/BHG

SCO N C E

Portfolio Valdara 1-Light 11.5" Black Outdoor Wall Light, $60; lowes.com

F U LL SWE E P

A modern black garage door carries the palette across the entire facade.

PL ANTE R

before Painting the brick was cause for alarm in the neighborhood, but once the project came together, it was transformational. CONNOR MOORE

That ’70s house This suburban Des Moines

home hadn’t been updated since it was built. The brown brick, garage door, and window trim made it look outdated and bottom-heavy. White paint on the brick gave it a huge lift. ■

BUYING IN FORMATION : BHG.com/Resources

Large Ceramic Sevilla Outdoor Planter in Gray, $120; worldmarket .com

MAI LBOX

Anthony Minimalist, $250 (post sold separately); vsons design.etsy.com

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hands-on

paper-mâché pap er-mâché

ARTFUL WAYS WITH

Don’t toss those newspapers. Upcycle them into one-of-akind home accessories using this old-school crafting technique.

BY: KIT SELZER; PRODUCED BY: JESSICA THOMAS

he first thing to know about papier-mâché: It’s messy but in a fun, squishbetween-your-fingers way. And the cleanup isn’t hard. Wear an apron and cover your work surface with plastic, then let yourself go. For all our modern paper sculpture projects, like these bowls and fruit, start with our paste recipe, page 40. You’ll likely find the ingredients on your pantry shelf.

Hollow structures require more paper layers than solid ones to ensure they keep their shape.

P H OTO S C A R S O N D OW N I N G C R A F T S BY K I M H U TC H I S O N

May 2022 |

hands-on This pendant socket and cord set comes as a hardwired ﬁxture or a plug-in. AiO; colorcord.com

WATCH OUR VIDEO To see how to make the cylinder pendant, hover your smartphone camera over this code. For howto on the others, see page 43.

Copper leaf dresses up the inside of these pendant shades. Use an LED bulb for safety.

To create this cylinder, cut flexible cardboard (our choice—a cereal box) and seal seam with masking tape.

These vases owe their ceramic look to an extra layer—a coating of paper clay.

Balloons, bowls, and cups give the vases their shapes. How-to for the green and blue vases is on page 41. For a video on the yellow one, go to BHG.com /YellowVase.

May 2022 |

hands-on paste Heat 2 cups water and 1 Tbsp. salt in a saucepan on medium. In a bowl whisk ½ cup flour with ½ cup cold water until lump-free; add to pan. Gently boil, stirring 2–3 minutes, until mixture thickens to a puddinglike consistency. Allow to cool before using. (If you need to avoid inhaling or touching flour, use this glutenfree option: Elmer’s Paper Maché Art Paste; amazon.com.)

| May 2022

paper clay A thin layer of paper clay added to a dry piece makes it feel more substantial. Soak 4 cups shredded paper in hot water; leave overnight. Use an old blender (one that’s not used for food) to mix and shred paper into small pieces. Use a strainer to drain most of the water. Stir in ½ cup paste (recipe, left). TEXTURED For dimpled citrus (page 37), apply thin layer of paper clay to structure with your fingers. ■

SMOOTH For the porcelainlike finish on the vases (page 39), prepare paper clay and add 1 Tbsp. vinegar, 2 Tbsp. salt, and 1 cup flour. Mix with a spoon, then knead to form a sticky, doughlike ball. Place dough ball on a piece of waxed paper coated with a mixture of ½ cup flour and 3 Tbsp. cornstarch. Continue to knead ball until smooth. Apply thin layer to structure with a silicone spatula. ■

Be patient. Let your pieces dry overnight after every four paper layers to avoid warping and mildew.

chalkﬁnish paint Mix 2 oz. craft paint, 2 Tbsp. baking soda, and 1 Tbsp. cornstarch. Thin with a little water to create a smooth consistency for painting. After painting structure with primer or white paint and allowing to dry, apply two coats of the chalk-finish paint, allowing structure to dry between coats.

SHAPE TAKING Use thick cardboard for a sturdy base and thin cardboard (like a cereal box) when creating curves. Masking tape smooths bumps, gaps, and transitions between different materials.

vase

Paste (recipe, opposite) ■ Glass bowls, each wrapped in plastic wrap (for blue vase, right) or a tapered balloon (for green vase, page 39) ■ Thin cardboard ■ Smooth paper clay (recipe, opposite)

removing excess paste by sliding strips between fingers. Lay vertically until the bottom of each bowl or balloon is covered; smooth. Place a layer horizontally. Repeat both layers; let dry overnight. Repeat layering and drying steps until structure is rigid.

1 APPLY STRIPS

2 ASSEMBLE

(page 39)

Key Materials ■

Pour paste into large bowl. Coat 1"-wide strips of newspaper,

PARTS

Blue vase: Gently remove structures from bowls. Cut off bottom of one structure; glue structures together along top edge. Glue

on ring of cardboard. Green vase: Pop and remove balloon. Trim top edge evenly. Cut off bottom; glue on a cardboard circle for a flat bottom.

3 BLEND

CARDBOARD

BOWL

PIECES

Seal edges with masking tape. Repeat layering and drying steps for entire structure.

BOWL

4 ADD CLAY LAYER Using a small silicone spatula, apply a thin layer of clay; let dry.

CONTINUED

hands-on TAKING SHAPE (Continued)

flower (page 39)

Key Materials ■ ■

Paper bowl ■ Florists wire Paste (recipe, page 40)

1 CREATE

FORM

Cut paper bowl from outside rim toward center, creating petal shapes. Crumple newspaper into ball for flower center; attach to bowl with masking tape. For stem, poke florists wire through back of bowl; secure with tape.

2 PREP

LEAVES

Cut leaf shapes from multiple layers of newspaper; set aside. Wrap a few short wires around stem.

3 APPLY STRIPS Pour paste into large bowl. Coat a ½"-wide strip of newspaper, removing excess paste by sliding strip between fingers. Smooth strip onto flower form. Repeat, covering form and all wires with several layers. Coat leaves with paste; affix some to each other with a short wire between. Let dry overnight.

You can store paste between projects for three or four days in a jar in the fridge.

| May 2022

fruit (page 37)

Key Materials Florists wire ■ Paste (recipe, page 40) ■ Textured paper clay (recipe, page 40) (optional) ■

bowl (page 37)

Key Materials Paste (recipe, page 40) ■ Glass bowl wrapped in plastic wrap or a balloon ■

1 APPLY STRIPS Pour paste into large bowl. Coat 1"-wide strips of newspaper, removing excess paste by sliding strip between fingers. Lay vertically on bottom of bowl or balloon; smooth. Place a layer horizontally. Repeat both layers; let dry overnight. Repeat layering and drying steps until structure is rigid.

2 REMOVE

FORM

Gently remove structure from bowl or pop and remove balloon. Trim top edge evenly.

1 FORM

SHAPE

Crumple newspaper and wrap with masking tape to form fruit. Add stem by poking piece of wire into form.

pendant (page 38)

2 APPLY STRIPS

Key Materials

Pour paste into large bowl. Coat a ½"-wide strip of newspaper, removing excess paste by sliding strip between fingers. Smooth strip onto fruit form. Repeat, covering form and wire completely with several layers; dry overnight.

Paste (recipe, page 40) ■ Glass bowl wrapped in plastic wrap or a balloon ■ Thick cardboard ■ Pendant socket and cord set ■ Copper leaf

3 ADD CLAY LAYER If you like, apply a thin layer of paper clay using your fingers; let dry.

4 MAKE

LEAVES

Cut leaf shapes from multiple layers of newspaper. Coat with paste; affix several to each other with a short wire between; let dry.

5 ADD

LEAVES

After painting fruit and leaf, poke hole in fruit; secure leaf wire with hot glue.

■

1 APPLY STRIPS Pour paste into large bowl. Coat 1"-wide strips of newspaper, removing excess paste by sliding strips between fingers. Lay vertically on bottom of bowl or balloon; smooth. Place a layer horizontally. Repeat both layers; let dry overnight. Repeat layering and drying steps until structure is rigid.

2 PREP

FOR SOCKET

Gently remove structure from bowl; trace socket onto top and cut hole. Or pop and remove balloon; cut cardboard circle to fit top and cut hole for socket.

3 FINISH

A layer of textured paper clay on the orange mimics a dimpled peel.

STRUCTURE

Trim edge evenly; seal with masking tape. Repeat layering and drying steps for entire structure. Apply copper leaf following package instructions. Attach socket on top. ■

May 2022 |

a designer’s

PLAYGROUND

First-time homeownership is a lot like first love: Interior designer meets house; house meets new owner; a mood board is drawn; euphoria ensues. Designer Angela Belt shares the renovating secrets her first house revealed to her. G ET TH E LOO K

Textural, handcrafted pieces give built-ins an artist’s touch. Angela shopped Reflektion Design for woven fans made by artisans in Ghana and Effortless Composition for the minimalist head sculpture.

renovation

before

Angela proudly displays the jumping broom from her wedding.

G ET TH E LOO K

Pillows from Lulu and Georgia and Modish Decor and an Anthropologie rug add pattern.

PHOTOGRAPHER AGENT: PAT BATES & ASSOCIATES

TH E PROJ ECT An appetite for bold patterns and quirky architecture had interior designer Angela Belt wanting more from her home than an apartment could provide. So when this 1939 Colonial in West Hartford, CT, went on the market, she scooped it up. “I could finally invest like I never had before,” she says. TH E GOAL Light renovation and decorating room by room to create comfortable, personal spaces that reflect her family and their creative backgrounds. (She isn’t the only artist in the family; her husband, Leon, is an art director at ESPN.) TH E RE S U LT A home that champions Angela’s mission to elevate others. “Black people make up less than 5 percent of the interior designer demographic,” she says. “In my work and home I want to make sure those people are seen.”

create a focal point “I was most excited about all the custom millwork we got to do,” Angela says. Wanting a console that would hide the radiators and corral tech, Angela worked with her carpenter to design built-ins with movable interior shelves and holes for wires. The structure is radiatorsafe, with breathable caned doors.

BY M A L LO RY A B R E U P H OTO S DAV I D L A N D S T Y L I N G R A I N A K AT T E L S O N

May 2022 |

before

prioritize comfort “Adding this banquette, with its storage drawers and performance velvet, makes the space feel like a restaurant,” Angela says. “It makes a typical meal feel special, but nothing is too precious.” A tulip-base table gives everyone more legroom. Nubby throw pillows and a linen pendant from Room & Board soften the room even further. Desert color combos of pink, orange, rust, and navy—including new paint on the hutch—lend warmth.

G ET TH E LOO K

Society6 features a vast selection of artwork by Black artists, like this piece from ThingDesign.

G ET TH E LOO K

Assata plates and silverware are from Kultured Kitchens; pillows are from Leilon Home.

renovation Insider sources

G ET TH E LOO K

The pattern on the panel, designed by Sheila Bridges for The Shade Store, continues the soft tile color.

“Promoting Black artists and designers is top of mind for me,” Angela says. “If there’s an opportunity to use work by a person of color in my projects, I try to integrate it.” Here are a few of her favorites.

FORBES + MASTERS

Shop this design ﬁrm’s wallpaper collection—including the Kazi in Peach paper in Angela’s dining room, left— through Mitchell Black. mitchellblack.com

APHROCHIC Angela’s sister, Jeanine Hays, created this shop with husband Bryan Mason. Browse pillows, wallpaper, fabric, and Juju hats that introduce bold color and global style. aphrochic.com

REFLEKTION DESIGN One of Angela’s go-to sources for accessories, this brand works with artisans in Ghana, Kenya, and Uganda to create one-of-a-kind items like baskets, fans, and pillow covers. reﬂektiondesign.com

MODISH DECOR PILLOWS Find uniquely patterned pillows, like those on Angela’s sofa. modishdecorpillows.com

before if it isn’t broken, don’t fix it

“When we fi rst moved in, I had the urge to gut the kitchen area,” Angela says. “But everyone who visited loved the kitchen, and I started to see the problem was in my head.” The island already comfortably fi t the whole family, and appliances had been updated by the previous owner. But details—hardware, recessed lighting, and a lack of window treatments—did need fi xing. She swapped can lights for matte gray Lumens pendants over the island, updated the back door with a coat of Meet Cute from Clare Paint, and brought in hits of color with Smeg countertop appliances. ■

BUYING IN FORMATION : BHG.com/Resources

May 2022 |

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ASK YOUR DERMATOLOGIST ABOUT OPZELURA. VISIT OUR SITE AT OPZELURA.COM

INDICATION AND USAGE

OPZELURA is a prescription medicine used on the skin (topical) for short-term and non-continuous treatment of mild to moderate eczema (atopic dermatitis) in non-immunocompromised people 12 and older whose disease is not well controlled with topical prescription therapies or when those therapies are not recommended. The use of OPZELURA along with therapeutic biologics for atopic dermatitis, other JAK inhibitors, or strong immunosuppressants such as azathioprine or cyclosporine is not recommended. IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

OPZELURA cream is for use on the skin only. Do not use OPZELURA cream, in your eyes, mouth or vagina. OPZELURA may cause serious side effects, including: Serious Infections: OPZELURA cream contains ruxolitinib. Ruxolitinib belongs to a class of medicines called Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. JAK inhibitors are medicines that affect your immune system. JAK inhibitors can lower the ability of your immune system to ﬁght infections. Some people have had serious infections while taking JAK inhibitors by mouth, including tuberculosis (TB), and infections caused by bacteria, fungi, or viruses that can spread throughout the body. Some people have been hospitalized or died from these infections. Some people have had serious infections of their lungs while taking OPZELURA. Your healthcare provider should watch you closely for signs and symptoms of TB during treatment with OPZELURA. OPZELURA should not be used in people with an active, serious infection, including localized infections. You should not start using OPZELURA if you have any kind of infection unless your healthcare provider tells you it is okay. You may be at a higher risk of developing shingles (herpes zoster) while using OPZELURA. Increased risk of death from all causes, including sudden cardiac death, has happened in people taking JAK inhibitors by mouth. Cancer and immune system problems: OPZELURA may increase your risk of certain cancers by changing the way your immune system works. Some people have had lymphoma and other cancers while taking JAK inhibitors by mouth, especially if they are a current or past smoker. Some people have had skin cancers while taking OPZELURA. Your healthcare provider will regularly check your skin during your treatment with OPZELURA. There is an increased risk of major cardiovascular events such as heart attack, stroke or cardiac death in people with cardiovascular risk factors and who are current or past smokers while using JAK inhibitors to treat inﬂammatory conditions. Blood clots: Blood clots in the veins of your legs (deep vein thrombosis, DVT) or lungs (pulmonary embolism, PE) can happen in some people taking OPZELURA. This may be life-threatening. Low blood cell counts: OPZELURA may cause low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia), low red blood cell counts (anemia), and low white blood cell counts (neutropenia). If needed, your healthcare provider will do a blood test to check your blood cell counts during your treatment with OPZELURA and may stop your treatment if signs or symptoms of low blood cell counts happen. Cholesterol increases: Cholesterol increase has happened in people when ruxolitinib is taken by mouth. Tell your healthcare provider if you have high cholesterol or triglycerides. Before starting OPZELURA, tell your healthcare provider if you: • have an infection, are being treated for one, or have an infection that keeps coming back • have diabetes, chronic lung disease, HIV, or a weak immune system • have or had TB, or have been in close contact with someone with TB • have had shingles (herpes zoster) or hepatitis B or C • live, have lived in, or have traveled to certain parts of the country (such as the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys and the Southwest) where there is an increased chance for getting certain kinds of fungal infections. These infections may happen or become more severe if you use OPZELURA. Ask your healthcare provider if you do not know if you have lived in an area where these infections are common. • think you have an infection or have symptoms of an infection such as:

diarrhea or stomach pain burning when you urinate or urinating more often than usual feeling very tired • have ever had any type of cancer, or are a current or past smoker • have had blood clots in the veins of your legs or lungs in the past • have high cholesterol or triglycerides • have or have had low white or red blood cell counts • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if OPZELURA will harm your unborn baby. There is a pregnancy exposure registry for individuals who use OPZELURA during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about the health of you and your baby. If you become exposed to OPZELURA during pregnancy, you and your healthcare provider should report exposure to Incyte Corporation at 1-855-463-3463. • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if OPZELURA passes into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment with OPZELURA and for about 4 weeks after the last dose. After starting OPZELURA: • Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of an infection. OPZELURA can make you more likely to get infections or make worse any infections that you have. • Get emergency help right away if you have any symptoms of a heart attack or stroke while using OPZELURA, including: fever, sweating, or chills muscle aches cough or shortness of breath

blood in your phlegm weight loss warm, red, or painful skin or sores on your body

discomfort in the center of your chest that lasts for more than a few minutes, or that goes away and comes back severe tightness, pain, pressure, or heaviness in your chest, throat, neck, or jaw pain or discomfort in your arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach shortness of breath with or without chest discomfort breaking out in a cold sweat nausea or vomiting feeling lightheaded weakness in one part or on one side of your body slurred speech • Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any signs and symptoms of blood clots during treatment with OPZELURA, including: swelling, pain or tenderness in one or both legs, sudden, unexplained chest or upper back pain, or shortness of breath or difﬁculty breathing. • Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop or have worsening of any symptoms of low blood cell counts, such as: unusual bleeding, bruising, tiredness, shortness of breath or fever. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. The most common side effects of OPZELURA include: pain or swelling in your nose or throat (nasopharyngitis), diarrhea, bronchitis, ear infection, increase in a type of white blood cell (eosinophil) count, hives, inﬂamed hair pores (folliculitis), swelling of the tonsils (tonsillitis), and runny nose (rhinorrhea). These are not all of the possible side effects of OPZELURA. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to Incyte Corporation at 1-855-463-3463. Please see the Brief Summary of the Medication Guide for OPZELURA on the next page. You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit MedWatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

ELIGIBLE PATIENTS MAY

COPAY SAVINGS CARD

PAY AS LITTLE AS

PER TUBE

FOR OPZELURA* *Terms & Conditions apply

Brief Summary of Medication Guide for OPZELURA™ (ruxolitinib) Cream What is OPZELURA? After starting OPZELURA, call your healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of an infection. OPZELURA is a prescription medicine used on the skin OPZELURA can make you more likely to get infections (topical) for short-term and non-continuous treatment or make worse any infections that you have. of mild to moderate eczema (atopic dermatitis) in non-immunocompromised people 12 and older whose • Increased risk of death from all causes, disease is not well controlled with topical prescription including sudden cardiac death, has happened therapies or when those therapies are not recommended. in people taking JAK inhibitors by mouth. • Cancer and immune system problems. The use of OPZELURA along with therapeutic OPZELURA may increase your risk of certain cancers biologics for atopic dermatitis, other JAK inhibitors, or by changing the way your immune system works. strong immunosuppressants such as azathioprine or Some people have had lymphoma and other cancers cyclosporine is not recommended. while taking JAK inhibitors by mouth, especially if they It is not known if OPZELURA is safe or effective in are a current or past smoker. Some people have had children less than 12 years of age. skin cancers while taking OPZELURA. Your healthcare Important: OPZELURA cream is for use on the skin provider will regularly check your skin during your only. Do not use OPZELURA cream, in your eyes, treatment with OPZELURA. Tell your healthcare mouth or vagina. provider if you have ever had any type of cancer. What is the most important information I should • Increased risk of major cardiovascular events know about OPZELURA? such as heart attack, stroke or death has happened OPZELURA may cause serious side effects, including: in people with cardiovascular risk factors and who are current or past smokers while using JAK • Serious Infections. OPZELURA contains ruxolitinib. inhibitors to treat inflammatory conditions. Ruxolitinib belongs to a class of medicines called Get emergency help right away if you have any Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. JAK inhibitors are symptoms of a heart attack or stroke while using medicines that affect your immune system. JAK OPZELURA, including: inhibitors can lower the ability of your immune system to fight infections. Some people have had serious ○ shortness of breath ○ discomfort in the infections while taking JAK inhibitors by mouth, with or without center of your chest including tuberculosis (TB), and infections caused by chest discomfort that lasts for more bacteria, fungi, or viruses that can spread throughout than a few minutes, ○ breaking out in a the body. Some people have been hospitalized or died cold sweat or that goes away from these infections. Some people have had serious ○ nausea or vomiting and comes back infections of their lungs while taking OPZELURA. ○ feeling lightheaded ○ severe tightness, ○ weakness in one part or pain, pressure, or ○ Your healthcare provider should watch you closely on one side of your body heaviness in your for signs and symptoms of TB during treatment chest, throat, neck, ○ slurred speech with OPZELURA. or jaw OPZELURA should not be used in people with an active, ○ pain or discomfort in serious infection, including localized infections. You your arms, back, neck, should not start using OPZELURA if you have any kind jaw, or stomach of infection unless your healthcare provider tells you it is okay. You may be at a higher risk of developing • Blood clots. Blood clots in the veins of your legs shingles (herpes zoster) while using OPZELURA. (deep vein thrombosis, DVT) or lungs (pulmonary Before starting OPZELURA, tell your healthcare embolism, PE) can happen in some people taking provider if you: OPZELURA. This may be life-threatening. • are being treated for an infection ○ Tell your healthcare provider if you have had blood • have had an infection that does not go away or that clots in the veins of your legs or lungs in the past. keeps coming back ○ Tell your healthcare provider right away if you • have diabetes, chronic lung disease, HIV, or a weak have any signs and symptoms of blood clots during immune system treatment with OPZELURA, including: • have TB or have been in close contact with • swelling, pain or tenderness in one or both legs someone with TB • sudden, unexplained chest or upper back pain • have had shingles (herpes zoster) • shortness of breath or difficulty breathing • have had hepatitis B or C • live in an area, or have lived in an area, or have traveled See “What are the possible side effects of to certain parts of the country (such as the Ohio and OPZELURA?” for more information about side effects. Mississippi River valleys and the Southwest) where Before using OPZELURA, tell your healthcare there is an increased chance for getting certain kinds provider about all of your medical conditions, of fungal infections. These infections may happen or including if you: become more severe if you use OPZELURA. Ask your healthcare provider if you do not know if you have lived • have an infection • have or had tuberculosis (TB), or have been in close in an area where these infections are common. contact with someone who has TB • think you have an infection or have symptoms of • have had shingles (herpes zoster) an infection such as: • have or had hepatitis B or C ○ fever, sweating, ○ weight loss ○ warm, red, or painful skin • have had skin cancer in the past or chills • are a current or past smoker or sores on your body ○ muscle aches ○ cough or shortness ○ diarrhea or stomach pain • have or have had low white or red blood cell counts ○ burning when you urinate • have high levels of fat in your blood (high cholesterol of breath or triglycerides) or urinating more often ○ blood in • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not than usual your phlegm known if OPZELURA will harm your unborn baby. ○ feeling very tired

• Pregnancy Exposure Registry. There is a pregnancy exposure registry for individuals who use OPZELURA during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about the health of you and your baby. If you become exposed to OPZELURA during pregnancy, you and your healthcare provider should report exposure to Incyte Corporation at 1-855-463-3463. • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if OPZELURA passes into your breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment with OPZELURA and for about 4 weeks after the last dose. Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your healthcare provider and pharmacist when you get a new medicine. What are the possible side effects of OPZELURA? OPZELURA may cause serious side effects, including: • See “What is the most important information I should know about OPZELURA?” • Low blood cell counts. OPZELURA may cause low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia), low red blood cell counts (anemia), and low white blood cell counts (neutropenia). If needed, your healthcare provider will do a blood test to check your blood cell counts during your treatment with OPZELURA and may stop your treatment if signs or symptoms of low blood cell counts happen. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop or have worsening of any of these symptoms: ○ unusual bleeding ○ bruising ○ tiredness ○ shortness of breath ○ fever • Cholesterol increases. Cholesterol increase has happened in people when ruxolitinib is taken by mouth. Tell your healthcare provider if you have high levels of fat in your blood (high cholesterol or triglycerides). The most common side effects of OPZELURA include: • pain or swelling in your nose or throat (nasopharyngitis) • diarrhea • bronchitis • ear infection • increase in a type of white blood cell (eosinophil) counts • hives • inflamed hair pores (folliculitis) • swelling of the tonsils (tonsillitis) • runny nose (rhinorrhea) These are not all of the possible side effects of OPZELURA. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects to Incyte Corporation at 1-855-463-3463. Manufactured for: Incyte Corporation, 1801 Augustine Cut-off, Wilmington, DE 19803 Issued: September 2021 PLR-OPZ-00010 OPZELURA is a trademark of Incyte. All rights reserved. U.S. Patent Nos. 7598257; 8415362; 8722693; 8822481; 9079912; 9974790; 10610530; 10639310; 10758543; 10869870 For more information go to www.Opzelura.com or call 1-855-463-3463

banish the basic

kitchens

Designer Emily Henderson wants you to know that even if your house was built cookie-cutter, it doesn’t have to stay that way. In her new book, she shares tricks for a custom look for less.

enovating the kitchen is where you’ll likely spend the most money and feel the most stress, but it’s also the space that will add the most value in the long term. When a kitchen calls for something bold but budget-friendly, here’s what I do.

PAINT THE CABINETS A MODERN COLOR When designer Velinda Hellen redid her kitchen (where I’m standing), right, she opted for lower cabinets in a fresh robin’s-egg blue, for example. White is a forever classic, but darker kitchens are moody, dramatic, and modern. Consider this: Light on top, darker on the bottom can make a kitchen feel bigger without committing to a whole room of color.

REPLACE THE CABINET FRONTS Before you start from scratch and replace your cabinets, consider whether they just need a facelift. Changing

HOT TIP! For a sleeker and higher-end look, opt for concealed hinges not exposed ones.

the panels will renew your kitchen and save you money. I love the cabinet fronts and hardware from online shop semihandmade .com for transforming IKEA cabinets. They give you a more custom and modern look on a budget. Stylewise, Shaker doors, above, are popular and generally modestly priced, with a wide selection

to choose from and typically with a shorter lead time.

OPT FOR OPEN SHELVING Think about how much closed cabinetry you need. Open shelves lend an airier feel and are a more affordable option than investing in traditional uppers.

UPGRADE THE BACKSPLASH White subway tile is a classic, but don’t rule out other options. Zellige tiles, above, which are handmade in Morocco, used to be a rare fi nd, but more affordable look-alikes are going mainstream. The glazed terra-cotta has a lot of organic texture and refl ects light beautifully. ■

BY E M I LY H E N D E R S O N P H OTO S A R A L I G O R R I A-T R A M P

Adapted from The New Design Rules: How to Decorate and Renovate, from Start to Finish, by Emily Henderson, $33; penguinrandom house.com

May 2022 |

plantings

COSMOS

‘ V E LO U E T T E ’

No experience required: A sunny spot and a package of seeds are all you need to grow summer’s happiest flower.

‘SEA SHELLS’

‘ B R IG H T L IG H TS ’

‘VERSAILLES’

‘DOUBLE DUTCH RO S E ’

Many cosmos, like ‘Versailles’ and ‘Sea Shells’, are sold as color mixes.

‘A P R IC OT L E M O NA D E ’

‘VERSAILLES’

| May 2022

‘DOUBLE DUTCH WHITE’

C . SU L PH U R E US Y E L LOW

Cosmos 411

What to know before you plant. FULL SUN LIGHT WATERING WELLDRAINED SOIL 18"–4' TALL NOT WINTERHARDY

PRODUCED BY: JESSICA THOMAS AND JARRET EINCK

osmos are a summer annual with perennial appeal. From midsummer through frost, each plant produces dozens of silky-petaled flowers, which range in color from pale pink to fiery red and orange. The flowers may Clockwise from top left: The petals of ‘ Cupcakes’ cosmos form a bowl. ♦ Jennifer harvests ‘Sensation’ look delicate, but cosmos at PepperHarrow Farm. ♦ Graceful cosmos pair well with dahlias in a vase. ♦ Scatter a seed mix in a patch for a wild look or sow seeds of taller cosmos in the back of a bed. the plants are tough, standing up to both ■ PLANTING leggy growth them to 9–12 inches drought and steamy instead of fl owers. apart to encourage Cosmos are so easy summer conditions. strong stems. If to grow that most ■ PESTS & Their stems are also you’re transplanting PROBLEMS gardeners will fi nd remarkably strong, seedlings from a Cosmos are not success planting from even as they grow garden shop, water susceptible to bugs seed (a package up to several feet tall. well after planting or blight. Planting typically contains That combination of and for their fi rst two in well-drained soil 50–100 seeds). In early soft, romantic looks weeks in the garden. prevents root diseases. summer, after the and sturdy stems The tallest varieties soil has warmed up, ■ CARE makes them favorites PepperHarrow’s should be planted in sow seeds in a sunny Jennifer and Adam for arrangements, Once up and a spot protected place, barely covering O’Neal share tips says Jennifer O’Neal, growing, the plants from strong winds. for starting a flower them. Firm the soil co-owner of cut flower shouldn’t need farm in their new ■ SOURCES and keep the planting farm PepperHarrow supplemental book, Small Farm, area moist (not soggy) in Iowa. “They’re the watering, even in johnnyseeds.com, Big Dreams ($28; until seedlings appear, perfect light, sparkly summer heat. kitchengardenseeds bloomimprint.com). in 7–10 days. When accent to bouquets.” Don’t fertilize, as .com, rareseeds.com, the plants are about it encourages pepperharrow farm.com ■ 4 inches tall, thin BY M A R T Y R O S S P H OTO S C A R S O N D OW N I N G

May 2022 |

i did it!

A ho-hum patio outside this Memphis homeowner’s sunroom window became a little oasis after she popped the lids on a few gallons of exterior paint and applied some DIY know-how.

A planter suspended from hooks serves as wall art. Turn the page for the how-to.

before A pro’s $5,000 estimate to paint all the vinyl siding on Emily Rone’s ranchstyle home persuaded her to do it herself for a fraction of the cost. What she discovered she needed most: patience. “Finding windows of time between rain and work and while it was still daylight was tough,” she says. But her diligence paid off. Besides freshening the siding, Emily revived the concrete patio with porch and fl oor paint. And now when she enjoys her new dining spot, she uses a tablecloth that is, fi ttingly, a painters drop cloth.

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.

| May 2022

BY K I T S E L Z E R P H OTO S E M I LY R O N E

DON’T JUST PAINT IT. PROTECT IT.

Made with advanced water-beading technology, Valspar Defense does more than just look great. It’s made for exceptional moisture protection.

i did it

FRESH FILES

WHATSHEDID

Though it requires a few power tools, creating this hanging planter for a dozen pots using wood planks and rope is a good project for a beginner.

YOUR PICK

Fill pots with live plants or faux ones, like this assortment from IKEA.

SINGIN’ IN THE RAIN LOOK FOR IT ON DIGITAL & 4K ULTRA HD™ Singin in the Rain, starring Gene Kelly, Debbie Reynolds, and Donald O’Connor, turns 70 years old and is coming

to stunning 4K Ultra HD. Experience spectacular dance numbers and iconic songs in

For the 48-inch-long planter boards, Emily used wood from free discarded pallets. She took apart the pallets with a pry bar and a hammer, taking care not to split the wood by prying too hard. “It’s not easy and is physically exhausting,” she says, “but I’d say the DIY is worth it.”

the beloved musical classic, as you’ve never seen them before. warnerbros.com/movies/singin-rain @SinginInTheRainOfficial #SinginInTheRain

2022 Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc.

HOVER YOUR PHONE CAMERA OVER THE CODE TO GET MORE INFORMATION ON OUR EVENTS, PROMOTIONS, AND OFFERS OR LOG ON TO BHGPROMO.COM

BREAK UP PALLETS

PLAN HOLES

For rope holes, mark each corner of the

| May 2022

boards 1 inch from the side and end. For pots, trace circles onto each board to ﬁt your pots. Emily made four 3½-inch-diameter circles on each board for 4-inch-diameter terra-cotta pots.

CUT HOLES

Drill rope holes using a drill bit the same diameter as the rope. (Emily used ½-inch rope.) Cut the holes for the pots with a jigsaw. Sand the boards, “just enough to take away the risk of splinters,” Emily says.

HANG PLANTER

Mount two steel ceiling hooks into an overhang, about 46 inches apart. Loop a length of rope over each hook, then thread through holes in boards, making an overhand knot in the rope under each board as you go. If necessary to get desired length, tie lengths of rope together. Adjust the position of the knots to level the shelves. Insert pots in holes.

ON PAINT

Emily, who shares home improvement ideas on her blog, Emily Rone Home, oﬀers the ways she ensured success for her painting project. ■

LOCAL CO LO R Start your color search with a walk around

your neighborhood. Don’t be afraid to knock on doors to ask for the names of paint colors you like. ■

TE ST RU N Sample three to ﬁve paint colors by applying them

to small sections of siding on all sides of your house. See how they look in diﬀerent light. ■

STR E AM LI N E STE PS Skip painting window and door trim if it’s

PHOTO: CARSON DOWNING

in good shape and works with the siding color. Instead of taping oﬀ the trim, hold a large putty knife against it as you paint to keep the brush from touching it. ■

S H I F T WO R K Painting in direct sunlight can make the paint dry

too quickly, so aim for dawn and dusk or work in the shade.

[ INSIDER

INFO]

PROJECT SPOTLIGHT SC H E D U LE

Emily’s siding wasn’t in need of repair, so her prep—spraying it with a hose—didn’t take long. She primed and painted her entire house a few hours at a time over the course of a month. The planter was a weekend project. BU DG ET

Half the single-story house is covered in brick, which Emily left unpainted, so paint and supplies cost only about $130. The planter rope, pots, and plants: 50 bucks.

D IY ADVI C E

”Do your research and ask questions; read and compare tutorials,” Emily says. “And don’t be afraid to think outside the box to make a project fit your space.” ■

We’ve teamed up with the SeeHer initiative to authentically represent women in the media. We’re proud to feature female do-it-yourselfers and entrepreneurs. May 2022 |

G AT H E R I N G S

Time for Tea Instead of meeting friends for happy hour, host an easygoing afternoon tea. Set out a pot or two to share with an inviting spread of snacks, each infused with a different type of tea. Then welcome the relaxation and reconnection—it’s time to be in the moment, drink up, and replenish your cup.

Stack cake stands of two sizes to make a tiered display for treats.

What to brew To serve a group, prep two teapots: one with a caffeinated black tea (like Portland

Breakfast; $14 for 15 sachets; smithtea.com) and a caffeine-free tisane (like Cape Town Rooibos; $12 for 4 oz.; taooftea.com). Both require similar water temperature for optimal steeping, which makes offering two options simpler.

| May 2022

BY A N N E L I E S Z I J D E RV E L D P H OTO S C A R S O N D OW N I N G F O O D S T Y L I N G K E L S E Y M OY L A N

gatherings

Quality Time

To host a fuss-free tea party, keep a few pointers in mind. ♦ RE FRE S H REG U L ARLY If the pot is nearly empty after pouring the tea, begin steeping the next brew instead of leaving a scant amount, which will cool quickly. Having a covered stockpot of water on low heat keeps hot water at the ready. ♦ GO LIG HT Don’t feel you need to serve a whole meal at tea. The snacks are part of the charm. ♦ SWE ETE N TO TASTE Traditionally, black tea can take milk (dairy or plant-based) or lemon but not both at once. For other types, skip milk and stick to sugar or honey. But feel free to bend these rules—the point is to make tea you like.

Masala chai is a blend of black tea and spices like cinnamon and cardamom. These warm ﬂavors blossom in buttery shortbread cookies glazed with white chocolate.

MatchaCucumber

GREEN TEA

BLACK TEA

1 tea bag / 1 tsp. loose tea

WATE R TE M P ERATU RE

WAT ER T EM PERATUR E

hot but not boiling (175°F–180°F)

boiling (208°F–212°F)

STE E P TI M E

4 minutes

Q UA N TI T Y

Masala Chai

QUANT IT Y

CROSTINI Think of these little toasts as an update to those crustless white bread cucumber tea sandwiches. Grassy matcha and lemon zest add freshness to the tangy goat cheese spread on top.

ST EEP T IM E

2–3 minutes

BREWING GUIDE (PER 8 OZ. WATER)

Smoky Tea

DEVILED EGGS

HERBAL & ROOIBOS

OOLONG TEA

1 tea bag / 1 Tbsp. loose tea

1 tea bag / 1 tsp. loose tea

WAT E R T EM P E RATU RE

WATER T EM PERAT URE

boiling ( 208°F–212°F)

sub-boiling (190°F–195°F)

ST E E P TI M E

STEEP T IM E

5–7 minutes

4 minutes

Q UA NTI T Y

Q UANT IT Y

Earl Grey

TEA CAKE

[ TA B L E T O P ]

TEA WARE

No need for matchy-matchy dishes to set an inviting table. Mix vintage, thrifted, and modern pieces in complementary colors for an equally charming look.

| May 2022

This spin on the picnic classic is inspired by Chinese tea eggs. Boiled eggs are marinated in a mixture of soy sauce and Lapsang souchong tea, which gives them a crackly look and savory ﬂavor.

SWEET & STURDY

MOD PATTERN

VINTAGE STYLE

A whimsical yet practical spin on cabbage ware, this 43-oz. teapot is large enough to brew a pot for a whole party. Lilypad Teapot, $48; anthropologie.com

Adding a modern block-print napkin prevents the table from looking entirely retro. Willow Ship Mixta Cocktail Napkins, $30 for 4; westelm.com

Get the mix and match look without scouring antiques shops with this coordinated set. Famille Rose Blue Appetizer Plates, $40 for 4; williams-sonoma.com

This fresh raspberry version of classic British Victoria sandwich cake starts with a box mix. The Earl Grey teainfused syrup lends a heady aroma to the cake, cream, and fruit in this royal confection. ■

Hit up your favorite antiques shops, thrift stores, or flea markets for an assortment of mix and match teacups. MASAL A C HAI COO KI E S

MATC HACUCUMBER C ROSTI N I

E ARL G REY TE A CAKE SMOKY TE A D EVI LE D EGG S

RECIPES BEGIN ON PAGE 91.

just one thing

FAQs n

Nonstick cookware doesn’t last forever. All three types degrade over time. Depending on how often you use your pans, plan to replace them every three to five years.

PTFE

Conventional nonstick pans are coated with the chemical compound polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE). Known commercially as Teflon, it’s the slickest cooking surface available. n CERAMIC These pans are lined with a layer of thin, hard ceramic and a silicone finish. n HYBRID Stainless-steel mesh is interspersed with PTFE in this coating.

cooking with

nonstick nonstick pans pans The nonstick skillet is a kitchen MVP for everyday cooking. Our Test Kitchen staff put more than 20 pans through their paces, weighing performance and value to pick our favorites, and polled experts on how to help them last.

| May 2022

Dos & Don’ts n

Skip cooking spray Nonstick cooking sprays often contain propellants, which can burn and compromise the surface. Instead, heat the pan and brush with oil. n No metal utensils Sharp edges dig into the nonstick surface causing premature wear. Stick to heat-safe plastic, silicone, nylon, or wood tools. n No scrubs When it comes to cleaning, stay away from abrasive scrubbers or cleansers. Soak pans in warm, soapy water and wash gently with a sponge. n Skip the dishwasher Dishwashers hit high temperatures during wash and dry cycles, which can cause wear to nonstick coatings. Hand-wash instead. n Avoid extremes To prevent warping, don’t cool a hot nonstick pan suddenly in water. Cool it to room temp, then wash. n Wash up Don’t leave food in a nonstick pan overnight. Although it won’t cause corrosion, it can stain, and oil residue can make food stick in future uses.

Some manufacturers offer in-house recycling programs to sustainably dispose of pans that have lost their slide.

FOOD STYLING: CHARLIE WORTHINGTON

Types of Nonstick

Are they safe? The FDA advises that nonstick pans are safe. Manufacturers instruct against using nonstick cookware on high heat because of concerns that PTFE can degrade and release dangerous fumes when heated above 500°F. n Can they go in the oven? Check your pans’ specific instructions. Most are heat-safe to a point. Overheating can damage the nonstick coating and leave a residue. Never use them under a broiler. n Can you skip adding oil? Nonstick pans perform best with a small amount of fat added. n When to replace? Once scratched, peeling, chipped, or worn to the point food sticks readily, they need to say goodbye.

THE INNOVATOR

BH&G Test Kitchen staffers evaluated the pans by frying eggs, cooking crêpes, and searing skinless filets of oil-brushed tilapia.

A different shape than most, this pan’s near vertical sides and heavy bottom made it especially good at browning delicate pieces of fish with less splatter. Adamant Comfort Nonstick Fry Pan, 9.5”, $100; fissler.com

THE HIGH-END OPTION Testers loved the heat retention and performance of this weighty ﬁve-ply stainless-steel pan, but the price may feel high considering that no nonstick coating lasts forever. D5 Nonstick Fry Pan, 10”, $170; all-clad.com

THE UTILITY PLAYER Testers were impressed to learn this aluminium and stainlesssteel pan was so inexpensive. Among the budget pans, we liked its balance of aesthetics and performance. Oumbärlig, 11”, $20; ikea.com

THE DESIGN DIVA A standout in testing. Culinary specialist Sarah Brekke praised this pan’s sleek appearance and found its rivetless construction especially easy to clean. Madura Plus, 10”, $70; zwilling.com

THE INSTAGRAM STAR The pan our testers said they would be most likely to buy for home use. They loved the comfortable handle, medium heft, and fun color options of this ceramic-lined skillet. Caraway Fry Pan, 10.5”, $95; carawayhome.com

THE ALL-AROUNDER The Always Pan from direct-to-consumer brand Our Place has a shape that walks the line between skillet and saucepan. Because it comes with a steamer basket, spatula, and lid, it oﬀers multipurpose functionality beyond that of a basic skillet. Testers loved its ceramic nonstick lining, modern look, and overall value. 10”, $145; fromourplace.com ■ BY H A N N A H S E L I N G E R P H OTO S C A R S O N D OW N I N G

May 2022 |

HEAVEN

Scent

NO FLOWER ANNOUNCES SPRING’S ARRIVAL QUITE LIKE FLUFFY, ULTRAFRAGRANT LILACS. AND HAPPILY FOR GARDENERS, THE SHRUBS ARE ONE OF THE LEAST DEMANDING PLANTS AROUND. | May 2022 64

freshly cut Charle-Pan Dawson, opposite, holds an armful of lilacs outside the studio where she makes perfume from the flowers that grow on her property. A mixed arrangement shows off the flowers’ spectrum of colors. For longer-lasting flowers, Charle-Pan cuts early in the morning, snipping mature, woody branches rather than new growth. Before arranging flowers, she makes a blunt cut across the bottom of a branch and a slit that reaches an inch or so up to help it absorb water.

BY T OVA H M A R T I N P H OTO S DA N A G A L L AG H E R ST Y L I N G L I N D S E Y TAY L O R

May 2022 |

V E RYO N E I N C H E R RY VA L L E Y knows

the art of

E N FLE FLEURAG U RAG E Charle-Pan’s method for extracting the scent from lilacs, a process known as enfleurage, can be done with any fragrant flower. Here’s how.

1. Spread a thin layer of solid, room temperature deodorized fat such as avocado butter or coconut oil on a tray (she uses a specialty tray, but a baking pan works fine).

2. Layer flowers on the fat, then cover with plastic wrap or a second tray. Keep at room temperature so fat stays solid; replace with new flowers daily for three to four weeks.

3. After removing the final flowers, scrape off pomade and store in a jar to use as a body moisturizer or solid perfume. For more info, see cherryvalleylilacs.com.

| May 2022

when Charle-Pan Dawson’s lilacs are in bloom: The news is literally blowing on the wind. For several weeks in May and June, this small New York town is perfumed with the scent wafting from her orchard of 150 lilac shrubs. After a long winter, the cottony clouds of blue, purple, pink, and white flowers are a welcome sight too. “It’s like a spring awakening,” Charle-Pan says. When she and her husband, Dana, bought the property nine years ago, they inherited a lilac legacy. The previous owner, nurseryman George Alverson, had amassed a large collection of hardy European and Canadian lilacs. Charle-Pan, who had never grown the shrubs before, spent time walking the land with Alverson, learning about the plants and how to care for them. As she discovered, lilacs—especially well-established plants—don’t need much to thrive beyond a nice, cold winter and some summer pruning. “George left me his knowledge, tools, notes, and records,” she says. “Still, I had no idea of the collection’s magnitude or splendor until my first spring on the property.” As the flowers bloomed, they sparked an idea. Trained as a chemist, Charle-Pan began experimenting with enfleurage, the extraction of essential oils from flowers. Beyond selling the essence of lilac, Cherry Valley Lilacs now hosts tours and enfleurage classes. Charle-Pan also continues the tradition of collecting shrubs. In recent years she’s added compact new cultivars as well as a couple of repeat-blooming lilacs, which extend the flowering— and that unmistakable scent—all the way until the first frost.

CREDITS TK

harvest season Trimming lilac branches for arrangements helps keep shrubs tidy. Charle-Pan recommends waiting several years before radical pruning: “They naturally form a beautiful shape.” To revive an old lilac, remove thick, woody stems gradually over three years.

GROUND Rules

▲ Although Charle-Pan’s lilacs grow in an orchard, the shrubs also work well in mixed plantings. Pair them with perennials that flower or have pretty foliage during lilacs’ off-season (when not in bloom, the shrubs aren’t particularly interesting).

With the right care, a lilac shrub can flower for decades. Mark Quinn, who supervises the 1,000-lilac collection at New York’s Highland Park, shares his expertise on all things lilac.

CLIMATE Hardy from Zones 3–8, lilacs are survivors in cold regions but fail to flower in warmer climates where they don’t get a big chill.

LIGHT Without sufficient light, your lilac will not reach its blooming potential. The minimum is six hours of full sun daily. More is even better.

| May 2022

WATER When planting a new shrub, water if necessary to supplement rain for the first two years. Then leave the bush to its own devices, “unless there is a massive drought,” Quinn says. A welldrained location is a must; standing water can spell death for a lilac.

SOIL Lilacs prefer alkalineto-neutral soil with a loamy consistency. An acid pH might lead to issues with nutrient absorption. But again, lilacs are adaptable. “If your soil is relatively

fertile, lilacs do not need additional fertilizer,” Quinn says. Light fertilizing is recommended if your soil is poor. Generally, he layers on about half an inch of compost once every five years. “A thicker layer encourages roots to gravitate toward the surface,” he warns. Surface roots might result in frequent wilting.

PRUNING Quinn is a major proponent of pruning mature lilacs on a regular basis. He removes older, less productive branches to encourage new growth. That said,

he advises against removing more than a third of the overall plant. Timing is everything. Make cuts right after blooming in late May or early June. If lilacs are pruned later, they will forfeit flowers the following year. Beyond keeping a lilac tidy, pruning “opens up airflow into the bush,” he explains. Good air circulation and using drip irrigation instead of overhead watering help prevent powdery mildew. Although powdery mildew doesn’t cause permanent harm to the plant, it does look unsightly. n

lilac varieties Of the more than 20 species of lilacs, Cherry Valley’s collection is primarily made up of the ultrafragrant and easily grown common lilac (Syringa vulgaris). Shrubs range in size from 3 to 15 feet tall. Some flowers have four petals (like the bicolor ‘Sensation’); others (like ‘Beauty of Moscow’) are more dense spires of petals.

‘AG I N C O U RT B E AU T Y ’

‘MARIE FR ANCES’

‘PRÉSIDENT GRÉVY’ ‘ S AUG E A NA’

‘ S E N S AT I O N ’

‘ F R E D E R IC K L AW O L M ST E D’

‘ RO C H E ST E R’

‘J E S S I E G A R D N E R’

‘ B E AU T Y O F M O S C OW ’

BY JODY GARLOC K PHOTOS H ECTOR SANC H EZ ST YLING PAG E M U LLIN S FIELD EDITOR SAR AH ALBA

WITH A FRESH EYE AFTER MOVING HIS FAMILY TO HIS OKLAHOMA HOMETOWN, AN INTERIOR DESIGNER WELCOMES THEIR 1918 HOME TO A NEW ERA, QUIETING ITS TRADITIONAL DETAILING WHILE BRINGING TOGETHER THE MIX OF LOOKS THEY LOVE.

| May 2022

den

before

Designer Dustin Dorr turned the formal dining room into a den where he and his wife, Sarah James, watch TV and play card games with their kids, Anders and Malou. “It’s our most comfortable, most used space,” he says. “I like that it’s cozy and close to the kitchen.”

A bold rug sets off the clean-lined chairs and tables.

May 2022 |

living room

before

fter 21 years away, Dustin Dorr and Sarah James returned to their hometown of Oklahoma City. They felt pulled back to raise their kids close to family, yet they weren’t looking to re-create their own childhoods. “We wanted to experience this city as a whole new place rather than the place we grew up,” Dustin says. They eventually found an old house with a stucco exterior and Spanish architectural influences that reminded them of homes in Southern California, where they last lived, and Santa Fe, a favorite place to visit. The dated interior didn’t faze Dustin, who knew he could flip the script. “I’m kind of pushing the boundaries and making this house ours—creating something that reflects us and where we’ve been,” he says. Dustin’s fi rst love is midcentury modern, but he says, “that alone is overdone and boring.” So he sprinkles in flea market fi nds, formal antiques, and new pieces. But fi rst he simplified the backdrops and surfaces. “When you neutralize,” he says, “new, old, and everything in between work well together.” He didn’t take things too far, though, to keep the home’s historical integrity. “It feels correct, yet up-to-date and fitting for our life.”

| May 2022

“Backgrounds are the ﬁ rst thing I think about,” Dustin says. “I like to white out things so the focus is on the art and objects.” Painting crown molding the same white as walls was his way to downplay the traditional millwork. It gives the living room an updated look, as does the dark gray paint on the doors, sashes, and mantel.

A hand-rubbed aging solution gives the brass curtain rods a dark, always-beenthere look.

Two sitting areas— one set off by the rug, the other along the window—make efficient use of the long space.

May 2022 |

front yard In a bit of a rebel move, Dustin replaced the grass lawn with a xeriscape garden of stones and drought-tolerant plants that will survive an Oklahoma winter. “It’s going against our rolling green lawns here, but it piques people’s interest,” he says. He retained the trees that keep the house rooted in tradition. “We have giant pecan trees and blue atlas cedar mixed with yucca and cacti,” he says. “The unexpected mix is key.”

before

kitchen Grayish green kitchen cabinets counterbalance a pink backsplash and checkerboard floor. “We really went for it on the floor and backsplash—those were risks for us,” Dustin says. Both the checkerboard pattern and the hex tile have traditional references, but the larger scale updates the look. A midcentury tulip table base topped with a new piece of marble fills the breakfast nook. “It’s a small space, but it has such a great feel,” he says.

“A bold color on the front door prepares visitors for what to expect inside,” Dustin says.

| May 2022

The dentil molding, a holdover from a previous owner’s remodel, nods to the home’s traditional styling.

Shelves replaced boxy upper cabinets to help modernize and visually open the small kitchen.

before

Dustin restored oak flooring under the carpet and swapped one vintage light for another.

primary bathroom The vintage desk, right, is Sarah’s vanity and where she records videos for her beauty blog, Whoorl. Dustin had the wall behind it plumbed for a possible future tub. Shiplap hides some of the old home’s settling issues by evening out where the ceiling meets the wall—a less invasive option than tearing out the ceiling. “It makes the room almost go a little beachy, which tells a little bit of our story too,” Dustin says.

primary bedroom “We feel lucky,” Dustin says, of having a bedroom ﬁreplace. To mimic the look of the living room ﬁreplace, he replaced the tile surround with white marble and painted the rest of it blackish gray. His usual rule of thumb next to the bed is to use matching lamps if there are mismatched nightstands and vice versa. Here, though, he went mismatched for both and used old chests as night tables. Window treatments are natural linen pleated curtains. Hanging just one panel on the outer side of each window streamlines the look. ■

| May 2022

BUYING IN FORMATION : BHG.com/Resources

Dustin chose the old-school reddish marble vanity top as a surprise— ”like it could have been here the whole time,” he says.

ETON MESS WITH STRAWBERRIES & WHIPPED RICOTTA

RECIPES BEGIN ON PAGE 88.

Eton mess is a classic English dessert of layered meringue, fruit, and whipped cream. We stepped it up with macerated berries spiked with a hint of orange liqueur and vanilla bean-flecked, whipped ricotta.

strawberry these sweet and savory Recipes make unexpected use of all the bright red, juicy strawberries at the market right now— just in case you ever get tired of eating them straight from the carton.

| May 2022

BY M E R R I T T WAT T S P H OTO S C A R S O N D OW N I N G F O O D S T Y L I N G G R E G LU N A R E C I P E S BY M A R I S A M c C L E L L A N

B E R RY BOOST

Top with crushed freeze-dried strawberries for a colorful hit of flavor.

STRAWBERRY CRUMBLE SCONES The tender crumb of a berry scone meets the crisp topping of a fruit crumble in this stir-and-bake recipe. One idea: Split them open and fill with whipped cream for a strawberry shortcakeinspired treat. May 2022 |

W hen strawberry season is at its peak, it’s hard to resist stocking up. ✦ S H O P S MART

Strawberries don’t ripen further after picking, but they do soften: Suss out berries that are ready to eat but not on the edge of mushy. They should be bright red and fragrant, without any moisture (even those near the bottom of the carton). Avoid any with green or white “shoulders” at the leaf end, which means they were picked before fully ripe. ✦ PI C K E AR LY

If you’re getting your berries at a U-pick field, it’s best to harvest in the a.m. before the day gets too warm. Pick with about ½ inch of stem still attached to each berry. ✦ PR E P PRO PE R LY

Don’t wash or hull berries before refrigerating. If you can spare the space in your fridge, the best way to store them is on a paper towel-lined baking sheet—the air circulation helps them stay fresh. ✦ STO R E M O R E

Save a big harvest on ice: Wash and hull your berries (halve if large), spread on a parchment-lined baking sheet, and freeze overnight. Transfer to a storage container and freeze up to 12 months.

| May 2022

GRILLED STRAWBERRY SALSA FRESCA Strawberries play the part of tomatoes in this smoky grilled salsa. Char berries in a grill basket, then stir together with salsa’s usual suspects: jalapeños, garlic, cilantro, and lime.

ROASTED STRAWBERRY FROZEN YOGURT The trick to this tangy dessert is roasting the berries with a bit of sugar and vanilla bean paste to concentrate the strawberry flavor. Serve dusted with pulverized freeze-dried berries or top with crushed pretzels to strike that sweet-salty balance.

B E R RY BOOST

Serve with chips or spoon over grilled chicken or shrimp skewers.

May 2022 |

STRAWBERRY SALAD WITH FETA, ARUGULA & PICKLED RED ONIONS This summery side takes its cues from the ubiquitous spinachberry salad. We swapped out the spinach for arugula and engaged the ultimate shortcut: Quick-pickled onions add crunch and sharpness, while their pickling liquid becomes a bright, zippy vinaigrette.

| May 2022

B E R RY BOOST

Also try the jam on ricotta crostini, stirred into yogurt, or spooned over pork chops.

STRAWBERRYGINGER LIMEADE FREEZER JAM This sweet-tart spread requires just five ingredients and no cooking, so it’s an ideal way to put up peak-season strawberries (and even those that are going a little soft). Ginger and lime zest lend an almost tropical note. n May 2022 |

gardens

bite-size

We all know we should eat more fruits and veggies— but we can decorate with them too! These pretty, edible plants add star power to containers.

BY PA M P E N I C K P H OTO S CARSON D OW N I N G P R O D U C E D BY SCOT T J . JOHNSON

| May 2022

silver and gold

Starring ... broccoli? Absolutely. Supersize silvery leaves make early purple sprouting broccoli as eye-catching as any ornamental plant. Accent with golden ‘Samantha’ lantana flowers and yellowstriped ‘Evergold’ carex (both ornamentals). This combo likes cool weather, full sun, and plenty of water.

[ P L A N T I N G T I P] STAKE TALLER PLANTS LIKE TOMATOES, EGGPLANTS, AND PEPPERS TO PREVENT THEM FROM TIPPING.

tip Prolific globe basil retains its natural round shape even with regular harvesting.

sweet as summer

Snack-size ‘Lunchbox Orange’ peppers hang like Chinese lanterns when they ripen from late summer through fall. Tuck in edible ‘Spicy Globe’ basil for structure and scent plus ‘Superbells Yellow’ calibrachoa for sunny color. Give the pot full sun, and water at the pepper roots for healthy growth. May 2022 |

tip Eggplants have prickly stems and fruit that bruise easily, so use snips to harvest.

purple reigns 86

| May 2022

Going all in on purple gives this sun-loving planter pizzazz. Two compact eggplants anchor the center. Different-shape fruit is a bonus: ‘Little Fingers’ produces slim eggplants that look like its name; ‘Patio Baby’ grows rounder, egglike ones. Tricolor sage plus ornamentals calibrachoa and verbena bring frilliness to the base.

bounty in a box

’Patio’ tomatoes pump out an impressive amount of fruit on a relatively small plant, topping out at about 2 feet tall. Contrast the bright red fruit with ornamental plants in blue and silver, including ‘Indigo Moon’ wishbone flower and trailing ‘Silver Falls’ dichondra. Give the container full sun and plenty of water.

[ PLANTING

T I P]

MOST EDIBLE PLANTS NEED A POT THAT’S AT LEAST 18 INCHES DEEP. THIS GIVES ROOTS ROOM TO GROW AND HOLDS MOISTURE LONGER. n

tip Direct water to the tomato plant roots, avoiding leaves, to prevent disease.

FIND MORE EDIBLE CONTAINER IDEAS AT BHG .COM / VEG CONTAINER .

May 2022 |

COOK ALONG Hover your phone camera over this code to watch a video of us making Eton Mess with Strawberries & Whipped Ricotta.

2. In a large bowl combine ricotta, cream, powdered sugar, and vanilla bean paste. Beat with a mixer on low to combine. Gradually increase speed, beating 2 to 3 minutes or until mixture is thick and fl uff y. 3. Place Meringue Cookies in a resealable plastic bag; seal. Use a rolling pin to lightly crush cookies to a mixture of dust and larger shards (you should have about 1¹∕2 cups crushed cookies). Fold 1 cup of the crushed cookies into the whipped ricotta mixture. 4 . Spoon ricotta mixture into six 8-oz. glasses or half-pint Mason jars. Top with berries and the remaining crushed cookies. Serve immediately. Makes 6. PER ETON MESS 337 cal, 19 g fat (12 g sat fat), 65 mg chol, 65 mg sodium, 38 g carb, 2 g fiber, 33 g sugars, 5 g pro

STRAWBERRY CRUMBLE SCONES HANDS-ON TIME 25 min. TOTAL TIME 50 min. 2¹∕4 3 1 8

STRAWBERRY SEASON Recipes by Marisa McClellan, the blogger behind foodinjars.com.

ETON MESS WITH STRAWBERRIES & WHIPPED RICOTTA HANDS-ON TIME 15 min. TOTAL TIME 45 min. 1

lb. fresh strawberries, hulled ¹∕4 cup granulated sugar 2 Tbsp. orange liqueur (such as Grand Marnier, Cointreau, or triple sec) or orange juice 1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese 1 cup heavy cream ²∕3 cup powdered sugar 1 tsp. vanilla bean paste or vanilla 1 recipe Meringue Cookies (right) or 12 purchased meringue cookies

| May 2022

1. Quarter large strawberries and halve smaller berries. Place berries in a large bowl. Add granulated sugar and orange liqueur; stir. Let stand 30 minutes or until berries have released their juices, stirring once or twice.

Place oven rack in center of oven. MERINGUE Draw twelve 3-inch circles on two COOKIES pieces of parchment. Invert paper on baking sheets. In a medium bowl beat 3 room temperature egg whites, dash salt, and dash cream of tartar with a mixer on medium until soft peaks form. Add ³∕4 cup sugar, 1 Tbsp. at a time, beating on high until stiﬀ peaks form (tips stand straight). Beat in ¹∕2 tsp. lemon juice and ¹∕4 tsp. vanilla. Sift 1¹∕4 tsp. cornstarch over mixture; fold in gently. Spread mixture on circles on paper. If you like, swirl in 1 to 2 tsp. pureed strawberries into each (shown right). Bake 45 minutes at 250°F (do not open door). Turn oﬀ oven; let cookies stand in closed oven 1 hour.

PHOTOS: (STRAWBERRY) CARSON DOWNING, (MERINGUES) ANDY LYONS

R E C I PE S F RO M PAG E S 78 – 8 3

cups all-purpose ﬂour Tbsp. granulated sugar Tbsp. baking powder Tbsp. cold unsalted butter ¹∕2 cup heavy cream 1 egg 1 tsp. lemon zest 1¹∕2 cups chopped fresh strawberries ¹∕3 cup chopped toasted walnuts ¹∕4 cup regular rolled oats 3 Tbsp. packed brown sugar ¹∕2 tsp. ground cinnamon

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separate the wedges so there is about 1 inch of space between each. 6. Bake 25 minutes or until tops and streusel are golden brown; let cool. (These scones are best eaten the day they are baked.) Makes 8. per scone 381 cal, 21 g fat (11 g sat fat), 71 mg chol, 491 mg sodium, 43 g carb, 2 g fiber, 12 g sugars, 6 g pro

ROASTED STRAWBERRY FROZEN YOGURT Roasting strawberries concentrates their flavor and caramelizes their natural sugars. Adding a bit of corn syrup to the mixture before freezing keeps it scoopable. hands-on time 20 min. total time 5 hr. 35 min., plus freezing 1 2 1 3

lb. fresh strawberries, hulled Tbsp. sugar tsp. vanilla bean paste or vanilla cups plain whole milk yogurt 2/3 cup honey 2 Tbsp. light corn syrup 1 cup crushed pretzels and/or crushed freeze-dried strawberries (optional)

1. Preheat oven to 300°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Place strawberries, sugar, and vanilla bean paste on the baking sheet; gently toss to combine. Roast 30 to 40 minutes or until berries are very tender and juicy. Let cool to room temperature (45 minutes). Using a potato masher or fork, coarsely mash cooled berries. 2. In a large bowl stir together plain yogurt, honey, corn syrup, and 1/4 tsp. salt. Add the mashed berry mixture to the yogurt; mix well. Cover; refrigerate 4 to 24 hours or until very cold. 3. Freeze yogurt mixture in a 11/2- to 2-qt. ice cream freezer according to manufacturer’s directions. Transfer to a freezer container and freeze 2 to 4 hours or until firm. 4. If you like, serve with pretzels and/or freeze-dried berries. Makes 5 cups. per 1/2 cup 157 cal, 3 g fat (2 g sat fat), 11 mg chol, 101 mg sodium, 32 g carb, 1 g fiber, 31 g sugars, 3 g pro

GRILLED STRAWBERRY SALSA FRESCA hands-on time 15 min. total time 1 hr. 25 min. 1 2 2 1

1/3 1/4

After baking, if you like, dust scones with crushed freeze-dried strawberries before cooling.

| May 2022

large sweet onion jalapeño peppers cloves garlic, unpeeled lb. fresh strawberries, hulled cup chopped fresh cilantro Juice of 1 lime cup roasted, salted peanuts, coarsely chopped (optional)

1. Heat a grill to medium-high. Place a grill pan on the grill rack. Leaving the root and stem ends intact, cut onion into quarters. 2. Grill onion wedges and jalapeños on grill rack 5 minutes, turning to brown evenly. Add garlic and strawberries to hot grill pan. Grill 5 minutes (10 minutes total for onion and jalapeños), turning frequently, until slightly charred. Transfer strawberries and vegetables to a cutting board; let cool. 3. When cool enough to handle, coarsely chop strawberries and onion. Peel garlic. Finely chop jalapeños (if you like, remove and discard seeds) and

PHOTO: CARSON DOWNING

1. Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment. In a medium bowl whisk together 2 cups of the flour, the granulated sugar, baking powder, and 3/4 tsp. salt; whisk to combine. 2. Cut 6 Tbsp. of the butter into small pieces and add to the bowl. Using your fingers, rub the butter into the flour mixture until the mixture resembles coarse crumbs. 3. Pour cream into a measuring cup and add egg and lemon zest. Whisk to combine. Add cream mixture to flour mixture; gently stir. Add strawberries and walnuts; stir just until dough comes together (a few dry crumbles are OK). Form dough into a ball and transfer it to prepared baking sheet. Pat dough into an 8-inch round. 4. For streusel: In a small bowl stir together the remaining 1/4 cup flour, the oats, brown sugar, cinnamon, and 1/4 tsp. salt. Add the remaining 2 Tbsp. butter and work it into the dry ingredients until it is crumbly. 5. Spread streusel on top of the dough round; gently pat into dough. Cut round into eight wedges. Using a small spatula,

garlic. In a bowl combine berries, onion, jalapeños, garlic, cilantro, lime juice, and 1/4 tsp. salt. Cover and chill 1 hour. If you like, top with chopped peanuts. Serve over grilled chicken or shrimp, or with tortilla chips. Makes 31/2 cups. per 1/4 cup 12 cal, 43 mg sodium, 3 g carb, 1 g fiber, 1 g sugars

STRAWBERRY SALAD WITH FETA, ARUGULA & PICKLED RED ONIONS start to finish 20 min. 1

large red onion 1/2 cup white balsamic vinegar 1 tsp. sugar 5 oz. baby arugula 1/4 cup chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley 1/4 cup chopped fresh mint 2 lb. fresh strawberries, hulled and halved or quartered 3/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (4 oz.) 1/2 cup toasted pistachios 1/4 cup olive oil

1. Cut onion in half lengthwise and thinly slice into half-moons. In a medium bowl stir together vinegar, sugar, and 1/2 tsp. salt; add sliced onion and stir to combine. Let stand 10 to 15 minutes. 2. Meanwhile, on a platter or salad plates arrange arugula, parsley, and mint. Top with strawberries, feta, pickled onions, pistachios, and, if you like, additional parsley and mint. Stir olive oil into pickling liquid; drizzle over salad(s). Serves 8. per serving 224 cal, 14 g fat (3 g sat fat), 13 mg chol, 316 mg sodium, 22 g carb, 4 g fiber, 15 g sugars, 5 g pro

STRAWBERRY-GINGER LIMEADE FREEZER JAM hands-on time 20 min. total time 20 min., plus standing 2 2 2 2 6

lb. fresh strawberries, hulled limes, zested and juiced ( 1/4 cup juice and 1 Tbsp. zest) Tbsp. finely chopped crystallized ginger cups sugar* Tbsp. instant powdered fruit pectin (no-cook; not regular pectin)* (see “Pectin 411,” top right)

PECTIN 411

1. Wash and dry five 8-oz. freezer-safe containers, glass jars, or freezer jars. 2. Place half of the strawberries in a large baking dish and mash with a potato masher. (This gives the finished jam a better consistency than using a blender or food processor to break down the strawberries a bit.) Transfer mashed strawberries to a large bowl and repeat with the remaining berries. (You should have about 4 cups mashed strawberries.) Stir lime juice, zest, and ginger into the fruit. 3. Whisk the sugar and instant pectin together. Pour sugar mixture into the strawberries in a steady stream. Stir constantly 3 minutes. Spoon jam into freezer containers, leaving a 1/2-inch headspace to allow for expansion in the freezer. Seal and label. Let jam jars stand at room temperature 24 hours before freezing. 4. Freeze jam up to 1 year. To use, let jam thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Thawed jam will keep up to 3 weeks in the refrigerator. Makes 5 half-pints. *tip To use regular pectin (not instant), wash and dry six 8-oz. freezer-safe containers, glass jars, or freezer jars. Prepare strawberries as directed in Step 2. In a large saucepan combine the sugar and one 1.75-oz. pkg. powdered fruit pectin for low-sugar recipes, such as Sure-Jell Premium Fruit Pectin for Use in Less or No Sugar Needed Recipes (in pink box), and 1 cup water. Bring mixture to boiling over medium-high; boil 1 minute, stirring constantly. Remove from heat. Add strawberry mixture; stir 1 minute. Follow directions in Step 3 to fill Pectin is a gelatinous carbohydrate that’s naturally present in some fruits, and it’s the key to jelling. It comes in powdered and liquid forms, and we suggest using instant powdered pectin (such as Sure-Jell or Ball) for this recipe. Avoid substituting one form of pectin for another and add it as directed in the recipe. Using less (or different) pectin is likely to deliver a syrupy result.

containers, seal, label, and let stand. Freeze and thaw to use as directed in Step 4. Makes 6 half-pints. per 1 tbsp. 29 cal, 9 mg sodium, 7 g carb, 7 g sugars R E C I PE S F RO M PAG E S 5 8 – 61

TIME FOR TEA

MASALA CHAI COOKIES hands-on time 20 min. total time 1 hr.

11/2 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 cup sugar 5 tsp. loose-leaf masala chai* 3/4 cup cold butter, cut up 1/3 cup white chocolate chips 2 Tbsp. heavy cream

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. In a food processor combine flour, sugar, and loose-leaf chai; add butter. Pulse until dough begins to clump together. Transfer mixture onto a piece of parchment paper. Gather dough, pressing into a disk. Top with an additional piece of parchment; roll dough to 1/8 inch thick. 2. Using a 2-inch cutter, cut out dough. Place cutouts 1 inch apart on ungreased cookies sheets. Bake 15 to 20 minutes or until light golden brown. Cool cookies on a wire rack. 3. For ganache: Place white chocolate chips in a small bowl. In a separate bowl microwave cream 15 seconds. Pour over chocolate chips; let stand 1 minute. Stir until smooth. (If white chocolate chips don’t melt completely, microwave mixture 5 seconds; stir until smooth.) Let cool 10 minutes. Spread a thin layer of ganache on cookies. Let stand until white chocolate ganache is set. Makes 40. *tip If you can’t find loose-leaf masala chai, in a small bowl stir together 1 Tbsp. black tea leaves, 1/2 tsp. ground cardamom, 1/4 tsp. ground cinnamon, 1/4 tsp. ground nutmeg, and a pinch of black pepper. per cookie 68 cal, 4 g fat (3 g sat fat), 10 mg chol, 29 mg sodium, 7 g carb, 3 g sugars, 1 g pro

May 2022 |

FRESH FILES H

CELEBRATE

BHG’S 100TH

WITH A GIFT FOR YOU! We’re celebrating our anniversary by giving you 100

MATCHA-CUCUMBER CROSTINI

Look for culinary-grade matcha for cooking. It is cheaper than ceremonial matcha and has a stronger flavor. start to finish 20 min. 1 8 4 1 2 1 1

reasons to shop for your home. This month, refresh your space by entering for a chance to win $100 to one of our favorite retailers. Scan the smart code to enter.

Check back each month for more chances to celebrate and WIN!

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1. Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut baguette into 1/2-inch-thick slices. Brush both sides with olive oil. Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until lightly toasted, turning halfway through. 2. Meanwhile, in a food processor combine goat cheese, cream cheese, matcha powder, honey, lemon zest, 1 Tbsp. olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Cover; pulse until mixture is smooth. 3. Spread toasted bread slices with cheese mixture. Top with cucumber. Sprinkle with salt and pepper. If you like, add edible flowers. Makes 20. make ahead Cheese spread can be refrigerated up to 3 days. Toast baguette slices and assemble crostini up to 1 hour before serving. per crostini 164 cal, 11 g fat (4 g sat fat), 15 mg chol, 243 mg sodium, 12 g carb, 1 g sugars, 4 g pro

SMOKY TEA DEVILED EGGS

We recommend the texture and smoky flavor of hot-smoked salmon to echo the Lapsang souchong tea notes. For a vegetarian alternative, substitute chopped tomato. hands-on time 20 min. total time 50 min., plus chilling 6 3 3

1/2 1/4 HOVER YOUR PHONE CAMERA OVER THE CODE TO GET MORE INFORMATION ON OUR EVENTS, PROMOTIONS, AND OFFERS OR LOG ON TO BHGPROMO.COM

8-oz. baguette oz. goat cheese, at room temp oz. cream cheese, at room temp Tbsp. matcha powder tsp. honey tsp. lemon zest small cucumber, very thinly sliced Flaky salt and ground black pepper Edible flowers (optional)

1 1

large eggs Tbsp. Lapsang souchong tea leaves Tbsp. soy sauce tsp. five-spice powder cup mayonnaise tsp. rice vinegar to 2 oz. hot-smoked salmon, flaked Cracked pink peppercorns Chopped fresh chives

| May 2022

1. Place eggs in a single layer in a 3-qt. saucepan. Add enough cold water to cover eggs by 1 inch. Bring to a rapid boil over high heat. Remove from heat, cover, and let stand 15 minutes; drain. Place in ice water until cool; drain. Tap eggs all over with the back of a spoon to crack shells; do not remove shells. 2. Meanwhile, in a saucepan combine 2 cups water, the tea leaves, soy sauce, and five-spice powder. Bring to boiling; reduce heat. Cover and simmer 15 minutes. Inset a medium metal bowl in a large bowl filled with ice. Pour hot tea mixture into the medium bowl to quickly chill. 3. Transfer eggs to a quart-size resealable plastic bag. Add chilled tea mixture to bag. Marinate eggs in the refrigerator at least 24 hours and up to 5 days. 4. Drain and discard tea mixture from eggs. Peel eggs. Cut in half lengthwise and remove yolks. Set whites aside. Place yolks in a small bowl; mash with a fork. Add mayonnaise and rice vinegar; mix. 5. Spoon or pipe yolk mixture into egg white halves. Serve immediately or cover and chill up to 24 hours. To serve, top each egg with salmon, pink peppercorns, and chives. Serves 4 . per serving 212 cal, 18 g fat (4 g sat fat), 286 mg chol, 419 mg sodium, 1 g sugars, 11 g pro

EARL GREY TEA CAKE Start infusing the cream the day before you plan to bake for a delicately perfumed filling. We recommend eating this cake within a day for the best texture. hands-on time 30 min. total time 1 hr., plus chilling 4 1

1/2 1 3

Tbsp. Earl Grey tea leaves cup heavy cream cup granulated sugar pkg. two-layer-size yellow cake mix cups fresh raspberries Powdered sugar (optional)

1. Stir 2 Tbsp. of the tea leaves into cream. Cover; refrigerate 24 hours.

2. For tea syrup, in a small saucepan bring 1 cup water to boiling. Add the remaining 2 Tbsp. tea leaves; steep 5 minutes. Strain and return tea to the saucepan. Return mixture to boiling; add granulated sugar, stirring to dissolve. Continue boiling mixture 5 minutes or until slightly thickened and syrupy. Remove saucepan from heat. 3. Meanwhile, grease and flour two 9-inch round cake pans. Prepare cake mix according to package directions. Spread cake batter in prepared pans. Bake as directed. Cool cake layers in pans 10 minutes. Remove cakes from pans and place on wire racks. Brush 1 Tbsp. tea syrup over top of each warm cake layer. Cool cakes. 4. Strain infused cream into a chilled bowl. Add 1 Tbsp. of the remaining tea

syrup. Beat with a mixer on medium until stiff peaks form (tips stand straight). In a medium bowl toss raspberries with the remaining tea syrup. 5. To assemble, place one cake layer on a serving plate. Spread with half of the whipped cream. Using a slotted spoon, place 2 cups of the raspberries in an even layer over cream. Top berries with a spoonful of cream and second cake layer. Top cake with the remaining whipped cream and raspberries. Refrigerate cake up to 4 hours. If you like, dust with powdered sugar just before serving. Serves 8. per serving 381 cal, 11 g fat (3 g sat fat), 10 mg chol, 433 mg sodium, 69 g carb, 4 g fiber, 15 g sugars, 4 g pro n

SWEEPSTAKES RULES

BACKYARD PARADISE SWEEPSTAKES No purchase necessary to enter or win. Subject to Official Rules available online at BHG.com/25k. The $25,000 Sweepstakes begins at 12:01 a.m. ET on 1/1/22 and ends at 11:59 p.m. ET on 6/30/22. Open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia, 21 years or older. Void where prohibited. Sponsor: Meredith Operations Corporation. Sweepstakes is offered by Meredith Operations 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.

May 2022 |

................’s Special Chicken Fried Rice 1 Long day 1 Hungry partner 1 Ben’s Original Jasmine rice 2 Dashes of secret sauce 2 Clean plates

Find this recipe and more at bensoriginal.com

HAVING A GOOD LISTENER IN YOUR LIFE CAN MAKE YOUR BRAIN 4 YEARS YOUNGER. Scientists performed MRIs and tests on more than 2,000 people, and those who had someone they could easily talk to had a younger cognitive age than those who didn’t. Older cognitive age may be a risk factor for Alzheimer’s disease; protect your brain and schedule regular phone dates with a good friend.

ﬁve

hours a week of moderateintensity exercise may help prevent certain cancers. Research from the American Cancer Society shows exercising could prevent 3 percent of all cancer cases (including breast, stomach, and esophageal cancers) each year. Any exercise that gets you breathing a little harder while still being able to talk—doubles tennis, gardening, brisk walking—counts.

Nearly a quarter of American workers plan to find a new job this year—part of

the Great Resignation. Before calling it quits, work out a budget (ideally, you have three to six months of living expenses saved). Also focus on paying down any highinterest credit cards or transfer the balance to a zero-interest card.

May 9 is National Women’s Checkup Day. Seeing your doctor annually is crucial for preventing illnesses or catching them in the earliest stages. The average checkup lasts just 18 minutes, so make the most of that time: Bring up your biggest concerns at the start of the visit and have a list of questions for the doc to answer. ■

| May 2022

10 11 P.M. to

That’s the ideal time to go to sleep for your heart. A new study found that people who nodded off during that window slept longer and more soundly. They also were about 25 percent less likely to develop heart disease compared to those who fell asleep after midnight or before 10 p.m. Getting less than six hours of shut-eye nightly raises your risk of heart disease, so aim for a minimum of seven.

BY: SHARON LIAO. PHOTOS: GETTY IMAGES—(TENNIS BALLS) STOCKCAM, (STETHOSCOPE) PETER DAZELEY

your guide to a happy, healthy life

THE FIRST SURVIVOR OF

ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE IS They’re out there, and they’re going to hold on to everything the disease steals away. And the Alzheimer’s Association is going to make it happen by funding research, advancing public policy and spurring scientific breakthroughs. And by providing local support to those living with the disease and their caregivers, we’re easing the burden for all those facing it until we accomplish our goal. But we won’t get there without you. Visit alz.org to join the fight.

OUT THERE.

health

BRUSH UP ON YOUR

SUN

PROTECTION SMARTS

Expert advice, insights from skin cancer survivors, and trusted products to add to your arsenal.

T H E EX P E RT S

Jeremy A. Brauer, M.D., clinical associate professor, Ronald O. Perelman Department of Dermatology, New York University. Nada Elbuluk, M.D., M.Sc., associate professor of clinical dermatology, director of the Skin of Color Center and Pigmentary Disorders Clinic, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California. Ata Moshiri, M.D., M.P.H., dermatologist at the Seattle Cancer Care Alliance, assistant professor of dermatology and dermatopathology, University of Washington School of Medicine.

Apply a shot glass’ worth of sunscreen 15–30 minutes before heading outdoors. If you’re going to the beach, you may need a bit more.

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| May 2022

BY B A R B A R A B R O DY

need to worry if I’m not fair-skinned? Elbuluk: It’s true that people with very fair skin are at highest risk, but even if you have a darker skin tone, sun exposure without protection increases your chances of developing skin cancer. In fact, many people of color don’t get diagnosed until their cancer is in a later stage (in part because of lack of awareness about the skin cancer risk in darker skin), so they face a higher risk of mortality. No matter your skin color, consider the other factors that increase your risk, including having a lot of moles and a family history of skin cancer.

Q: Is it true that if I got burned as a child, the damage is already done? Brauer: While just one blistering sunburn during childhood or adolescence doubles your chances of

ILLUSTRATIONS: JAMIELAWTON/VISION VECTORS/GETTY IMAGES

THE DOCTOR IS IN

Q: Do I really

When your allergies are out of control, one sneeze can rock the boat.

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health SUN SAFETY TOOL KIT

developing melanoma, don’t throw in the towel on sun protection. More burns and excessive sun exposure can raise that risk even more. Talk to a dermatologist about how to protect your skin and how often to get screened for cancer.

When you do a skin check, remember your eyelids, ears, hands, and feet.

Q: What does SPF actually mean? Moshiri: It stands for “sun protection factor” and indicates how long you can stay in the sun without getting burned. For example, if you normally burn after being in the sun 10 minutes and you put on SPF 30, you should then be able to stay outside without getting burned for 30 times as long, or 300 minutes. But if you’re someone who burns after two minutes, the same SPF will protect you for only 60 minutes. The other facet of SPF is the percent of UV rays it stops your skin from absorbing; the higher the SPF, the more UV rays it blocks. Wear a minimum of SPF 30, and no matter the SPF number, reapply after two hours—sooner if you’re swimming or sweating a lot.

Chemical sunscreens use ingredients like avobenzone or homosalate to absorb UV rays. Mineral sunscreens (also called physical blockers) use metals like zinc or titanium oxide to deflect rays. Mineral formulas can be chalky, but new products blend more easily on all skin tones.

Q: Are mineral

Q: Do mole-

Elbuluk: I use both types, but I advise children and pregnant women to stick to mineral. There’s some data to suggest that the ingredients in chemical sunscreens may get into the

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| May 2022

For daily protection: CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion, SPF 30 ($15; target.com). Headed to the beach or park? La RochePosay Anthelios Melt-In Milk, SPF 100 ($27; ulta.com)

bloodstream, but to date this hasn’t been shown to be harmful. SUN S MA RT S

tracker apps like MoleMapper and Miiskin really work? Brauer: Any app that enables you to take pictures of your moles and helps you monitor how they might change

over time is potentially useful, because it’s easy to forget how many moles you have and what they look like. But—and this is a big but—using an app shouldn’t replace seeing a dermatologist, especially if you see a new spot or one that’s changing, regardless of whether an app flags it.

Q: Experts often advise staying out of the sun during peak hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.), but often that’s unrealistic. What’s the best protection then? Moshiri: Sunscreen is a must, but don’t discount the power of sun protective clothing: While any dark-color, tightly woven clothes will block some rays, items with a built-in UPF—ultraviolet

protection factor— really work. The UPF number tells you how much protection you’ll get from wearing it. For example, a shirt with UPF 50 will allow only ¹/50 of the sun’s UV rays to reach the skin underneath. This protection mostly comes from the type of fabric and the tightness of the weave; sometimes it’s treated with chemicals to enhance UV-blocking powers. A wide-brim hat and UV-protective sunglasses also offer good protection.

SUN PROTECTIVE CLOTHING

Look for a rating of UPF 50+ to make sure you’re protected. Coolibar Women’s San Clemente Cover-Up, UPF 50+ ($95; coolibar.com)

SUN SMART S

Do a monthly skin self-check, and if you notice any new or changing spots, have a dermatologist check them out.

WIDE-BRIM HAT

For the best coverage, the Skin Cancer Foundation recommends choosing a tightly knit hat with a brim at least 3 inches wide. Solbari Holiday Sun Hat UPF 50+ ($55; solbari.com)

PHOTOS: (SUNSCREEN, HAT) KELSEY HANSEN

sunscreens safer than chemical ones?

SUNSCREEN YOU WON’T HATE WEARING

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health

HOW WE’RE STAYING SAFE AFTER SKIN CANCER

Susan Oakley

39, Oklahoma City I used a tanning bed throughout high school and early in college. After college, I had a few abnormal moles removed, so I started having annual skin checks. In 2017 I was diagnosed with basal cell carcinoma and was told to come in for skin exams every six months. About two years later I found out I had melanoma. The spot my doctor found was smaller than a black Sharpie dot, but I ended up with a scar that’s about 3 inches long. Since then I’ve made sun protection a priority. Applying sunscreen is the last step in my makeup routine; I use it daily on areas of my skin that will be exposed. I’ve also developed a love of hats, rash guards,

* Survey of 1038 consumers 50+ who drank 1 Ensure Max Protein shake per day for 14 days and reported feeling more energy vs water as control group. Ensure Max Protein has 150 calories, 30g protein, and 8 B vitamins for energy metabolism. Use as part of a healthy diet. ©2021 Abbott 20217501/April 2021

and cabanas. I have sunscreen on hand at all times and seek shade as much as I can. And I try to warn others that even occasional tanning bed use can be dangerous. No tan is worth the price of your life.

Laurie Segura

48, Salt Lake City

I’m Hispanic and have brown skin, so I didn’t think I was at risk for skin cancer. I went to the dermatologist last summer because I had an odd-looking mole on my right knee that had gotten slightly bigger over the years. That mole turned out to be fine, but the doctor found a tiny freckle on my left ankle that looked suspicious.

When the biopsy results came back as melanoma, I was shocked. I’ve never gotten burned, and nobody in my family has had skin cancer despite being in the sun all the time. I was lucky we caught the melanoma early. Because removing skin from around the ankle can be tricky, my dermatologist referred me to a plastic surgeon. I had to stay off my foot for two weeks. Now, whether it’s summer or winter, the minute I step out of the shower I put UVA/UVB broadspectrum sunscreen all over my body, even if I’m not going outside or if it’s cloudy out. The sun still comes through windows and clouds, and I’m not taking any chances.

Sandra Johnson

79, Norfolk, VA I have a lot of moles—they run in my family—but I didn’t think that

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was a problem. I found out I had melanoma at age 75 thanks to a health fair at a local hospital. I noticed it in passing and decided to stop in. The doctor discovered a black mark between my toes that turned out to be melanoma. I was stunned; as a woman of color, I didn’t know I could get skin cancer. I was especially surprised at where it was located, but I’ve since learned that some melanomas aren’t caused by sun exposure. The surgical removal I had was quick and not painful, though I couldn’t wear a regular shoe until the area fully healed. Before my skin cancer diagnosis, I never dreamed I would need to wear sunscreen. Now I apply it all over—on my face, arms, legs, and feet when I wear sandals. I also wear baseball caps more regularly when I’m outdoors. That random stop at the health fair saved my life. n

PORTRAITS: (SUSAN OAKLEY) MADISON JONES, (LAURIE SEGURA) LAURIE SEGURA, (SANDRA JOHNSON) SANDRA JOHNSON

What three women who have been diagnosed want all women to know about sun protection.

HIGH PROTEIN, LESS SUGAR

& NUTRIENTS TO SUPPORT IMMUNE HEALTH

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‡ Survey among 1038 consumers 50+; those who drank 1 Ensure Max Protein shake per day for 14 days and reported feeling more energy vs control group. Ensure Max Protein has 150 calories, 30g protein, and 8 B vitamins for energy metabolism. * 90% less sugar than Ensure® Original. Ensure Original 8 fl oz = 10g sugar vs Ensure Max Protein 11 fl oz = 1g sugar. † Vitamins C and E. § Contains 100 mg caffeine. Use as part of a healthy diet. ©2021 Abbott 20218962/September 2021 LITHO IN USA

pets

welcome home

Considering adding a furry family member? Here’s what to think about before you take the plunge.

your lifestyle may not be a match for all pets Shelters want to help you make the right match in the beginning. “Ask questions and lean on the shelter staff for guidance—they’re the experts at making matches and can provide information to help you decide

whether or not the animal is a good fit,” says Ruth Allen, director of admissions and matchmaking at the ASPCA Adoption Center. Your personality and lifestyle, along with the amount of time spent at home, should be explored to choose a pet that’s right for your household. If you’re not a big exerciser or outdoors person, for example, you may not be the best fit for an energetic dog who wants to go on 5-mile hikes every day, says Gina Hardter, director of marketing and communications with Animal Welfare League of Alexandria in Virginia. The good news: A senior dog or cat might do well in that household.

career or lifestyle changes? What might that mean for your pet?

a pet can impact your options If you’re going to rent an apartment or house, keep in mind that rental properties might prohibit pets, particularly large dogs or certain breeds, or having multiple pets. “This is one of the reasons we see animals come back to our

shelter,” Hardter says. “People have to move and didn’t know their pets might not be permitted to live in certain types of housing.”

1in5

FAMILIES ADDED A DOG OR CAT TO THEIR HOUSEHOLD IN THE FIRST YEAR OF THE PANDEMIC.

remember expenses Think beyond the daily cost of food. Vet visits and boarding when you’re out of town can add up. Unexpected costs can also arise. “If your pet gets sick, those bills can be in the thousands,” Yohannan says. Certain types of pet insurance that may help keep those surprise bills down are available, so look into them if you’re worried about finances. n

think about the future Consider how your life looks right now and talk to the adoption center about what might change in the next five to 10 years. Will you be moving? Might you expand your family? Are you anticipating

[GOOD

T O K N OW ]

It’s not uncommon for newly adopted pets to have behavioral issues. Some shelters have specialists who can help. 106

| May 2022

BY A L I C E O G L E T H O R P E

PHOTO: MARTIN POOLE/GETTY IMAGES

he pandemic made a lot of people crave comfort, love, and companionship— and who better to offer that than a dog or cat? But pets are a big responsibility that you’ll likely have for 10 to 20 years. “The pandemic was a good time to adopt a pet because you could spend a lot of time with them, but it could be a problem if you don’t factor in how that might change if you return to an office,” says Joanne Yohannan, senior vice president of operations at North Shore Animal League America.

Don’t let perfect be the enemy of the good. Gardens are living, breathing organisms just like us, imperfect and flawed.

“I love dahlias as a cut ﬂower with their big, round blooms and bright hues, but they don’t like my soil and summer heat. Instead, I grow a look-alike: zinnias, the giant varieties with 5-inch-wide ﬂowers.”

new book In The Elegant & Edible Garden ($30; quarto.com), Linda shares her strategies for elevating gardens. One trick: “Enclosing a space with living walls, like tightly pruned hedges and shrubs, makes it feel more intimate and private. It adds a sense of coziness.”

WHAT YOU WANT

tools to use

dregaamrden

“I’m a big fan of fabric hoses. They’re super-lightweight, expandable, and easy to move around and store.” Linda’s pick: TheFitLife ﬂexible hose ($17– $29; theﬁtlifestore.com).

GARDEN CONDITIONS

L IF E ST YL E FACTO RS

garden advice A dream garden happens when you converge what you want and what will succeed in your speciﬁc space. “I love Rosemary Verey’s sprawling English country gardens, but I can’t have one with my small yard in drought-prone Oklahoma. I can have the ﬂavor of an English garden by letting go of plants that won’t grow here and replacing them with ones that will.”

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plant doppelgängers

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LINDAVATER

FL AT TE N ING TH E LEARN ING C U RVE FO R G ROWI N G ST Y LI S H GARDE N S WITH REAL- LIFE LE S SON S A N D C O M M O N S E N S E A DV I C E .

The self-described “gardening evangelist” and popular YouTube instructor is known for her fresh, unstuffy take on traditional English gardens. Here the Oklahomabased author shares her favorite growing tips and tools.

BY D I A N A D I C K I N S O N I L LU S T R AT I O N S LU C Y T R U M A N

if i were a plant ... “I’d be a boxwood, because it provides structure and foundation. It has a strong form, a little bit of a sheen, and it’s versatile—preferably a blight-resistant variety like ‘Wintergreen’.” ■

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✱ STRATEGIES FOR A HOT MARKET

✱ CHECKLISTS

FOR BUYERS AND SELLERS

Owning It

OUR GUIDE TO BUYING YOUR FIRST, NEXT, AND BEST HOME

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what to know

house …

| May 2022

t CONTENTS

FIRST STEPS

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he real estate forecast doesn’t show any signs of cooling off. So how do you navigate a hot market (more buyers than sellers) prone to bidding wars and all-cash offers? Our BHG Owning It guide zeroes in on the most important strategies for house hunting and financing. And if you’re ready to sell, there’s info for you too.

BY N A F E E S A H A L L E N I L LU S T R AT I O N S S A M K A L DA

KNOW YOUR FINANCES

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MAKE A PLAN

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LEARN FROM OTHERS

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BETTER HOMES & GARDENS® (ISSN 0006-0151) MAY 2022, VOL. 100 NO. 5, IS PUBLISHED MONTHLY EXCEPT FOR COMBINED ISSUES IN JANUARY/FEBRUARY AND JULY/AUGUST BY MEREDITH OPERATIONS 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. IN CANADA: MAILED UNDER PUBLICATIONS MAIL SALES PRODUCT AGREEMENT NO. 40069223; CANADIAN BN 12348 2887 RT. YOUR BANK MAY PROVIDE UPDATES TO THE CARD INFORMATION WE HAVE ON FILE. YOU MAY OPT OUT OF THIS SERVICE AT ANY TIME. ©MEREDITH OPERATIONS CORPORATION 2022. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. PRINTED IN THE U.S.A.

So you want to buy a

starts with a home.

Whether you’re searching for a house to begin your story or selling one to write the next chapter, every new beginning starts with a home. Let our affiliated agents help you find your next beginning.

BHGRE.COM

©2022 Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. All rights reserved. Better Homes and Gardens®, the Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Logo and Expect Better® are service marks owned by Dotdash Meredith and licensed to Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC. Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate LLC fully supports the principles of the Fair Housing Act and the Equal Opportunity Act. Each franchise is independently owned and operated.

first steps

Focus the

hunt Finding the right place is the most difficult step in the home buying process. Keep these things in mind to help hone your search.

NEW (NOT FOREVER) HOME

First-time buyers might want to look for a starter home (length of stay: three to five years) instead

of their dream home, so they can save money and build equity.

SQUARE FOOTAGE (NOT ROOM COUNT)

In the past, counting bedrooms and bathrooms would help you get a sense of how big a home is. But today’s construction methods and fix-and-flips allow builders and remodelers to be creative with tight spaces. “Think about how spacious you want your home

ONLINE TOURS (AND OPEN HOUSES)

to feel,” says Joseph Magsaysay of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Preferred Properties in St. Louis. “Usable square footage is a better indicator of roominess and comfort level than bedroom and bath counts alone.“

LOCATION (SHORT AND LONG TERM)

If you plan to stay in your home for longer than five years, think beyond nearby coffee shops and proximity to work. Also look at long-term needs like schools and hospitals that become more important as you age.

“Buyers used to shop for homes by loading the kids into the minivan and going from open house to open house every weekend,” says Zillow home trends expert Amanda Pendleton. Shoppers now do much of that legwork online using interactive floor plans and virtual 3-D home tours to winnow their options. “It means they tour far fewer homes in person but are saving time, so they can jump on the right home as soon as it’s listed,” she says.

TH EN & N OW

We’ve been helping people with their homes for a while. Take a look at this comparison.

1922 average home price:

$7,200 (about $120,000 today)

2022 average home price:

$360,000

percent of home buyers would use their real estate agent again. Source: National Association of Realtors

12 things

toknowabout realestateagents

| May 2022

Working with a licensed pro to compare homes, negotiate an offer, and navigate myriad specifics and paperwork will save you time and ease your mind. Consider these points.

➽ THE BEST SOURCE FOR

FINDING ONE? FRIENDS WHO JUST BOUGHT OR SOLD A HOUSE.

know your finances THE KEY TO SUCCESS IN A COMPETITIVE MARKET: “

Home buyers should be preapproved and flexible on closing and possession dates. ”

Katie Butler of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate Reliance Partners in Sacramento, Yolo, and Placer counties

C AU T I O N

Let’s talk

DON’T WAIVE CONTINGENCIES

money

best mortgage practıces

Before you start comparing houses, find a lender who can work with your financial situation and offer the most mortgage options. Five things to keep in mind: PREQUALIFIED VS. PREAPPROVED Mortgage prequalification gives buyers a sense of how much home they can afford. Preapproval requires documentation of the buyers’ financial stability and credit history. Being preapproved lets sellers know you’re serious and ready to buy.

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COMPARE AND SAVE Many people assume that their local bank will deliver the best mortgage rates and terms. But online banks without a physical location can also have competitive rates. Websites like bankrate.com and nerdwallet.com let you plug in your ZIP code, credit score, estimated purchase price, and other loan factors to see a list of competitive and licensed lenders. n

MORTGAGES ARE NOT ONE SIZE FITS ALL Ask your lender to explain the different mortgage options—such as fixed rate and adjustable rate—and help you determine the best financial fit.

WHO’S A REALTOR? A real estate pro who is a member of the National Association of Realtors and commits to the organization’s code of ethics.

| May 2022

NO-MORTGAGE OPTIONS In 2021, 30 percent of home purchases were allcash buys. Some buyers are independently wealthy or investors. Others stockpile savings for years, choose to take out loans against retirement funds, or cash out stock options.

MORTGAGE SAVINGS It can feel like a mortgage goes on forever. Making two extra payments a year by paying half the monthly payment every two weeks instead can shave years off your mortgage and save thousands of dollars in interest. Check with your lender first to make sure it’s an option.

➽ Your agent can recommend

other team members, such as the lender, inspector, and title company.

Last year, some people felt compelled to waive contingencies (for financing, inspections, appraisals, and more) to make their offer look more desirable to a seller. Contingencies are safeguards for the buyer, so waiving them absolves the agent and seller from any responsibility.

percent of first-time home buyers were pleasantly surprised that they could afford a higherpriced home. Source: NAR

OTHER COSTS TONOTE EARNEST MONEY Also known as good faith money or deposit. It’s a portion of the down payment buyers include with their purchase offer.

ways to save on home insurance These tips can save money for first-time buyers and current homeowners. SHOP AROUND Like mortgages, it saves to shop around. Check out sites like hippo.com and policygenius .com to find the best coverage for the lowest cost in your area. n

BUNDLE UP Insurance companies offer discounts when n

you combine services. Auto and homeowners insurance are likely pairings, but recreational vehicles (ATVs and boats) and life insurance can also be combined. ADD SAFETY AND SECURITY FEATURES Putting in an alarm system or security cameras or installing an overhead sprinkler system rather than just a smoke detector may get you better rates.

They’re trained to compare homes, communicate promptly, and keep up with financing options.

GET THE COVERAGE YOU ACTUALLY NEED Tragic stories exist of people being underinsured, but many people are overinsured and don’t realize it. Did you opt for a fine jewelry rider, forgetting that you have since gifted the family heirlooms? Did you mistakenly add earthquake insurance, although there hasn’t been one in your area in known history? The insurance you purchase needs to mesh with the reality of your risks and estimated losses. Look up weather n

➽ Your agent can handle

the arrangements if you find

a “for sale by owner” home.

risks, appraise any jewelry and art, and consider whether it is worthwhile to opt in or out of riders and additional coverage.

1 in 3

people never shopped around for home insurance a second time after settling on their initial policy. Policyholders should check insurance rates every year to see if they’re getting the best premiums.

HOME INSPECTION A report conducted by a licensed inspector that gives buyers a better understanding of the condition of the home and what should be fixed.

CLOSING COSTS Fees and processing expenses for obtaining a loan, usually around 3–5 percent of the home purchase price.

MONTHLY FEES Property taxes, association dues, and utilities (could include garbage removal).

Statistic: Policygenius

Agents have access to a proprietary database of homes for sale known as a multiple listing service (MLS).

May 2022 |

make a plan

c h e c k l i st s Moving into or out of a home can be chaotic. Make sure these tasks are on your “don‘t-forget“ list.

before youmovein [ ] Line up insurance

Lock in your insurance provider and plan so you’ll have coverage the day you officially take ownership.

[ ] Contact utilities

Have the electric, gas, water, internet, and phone services placed in your name and new address.

[ ] Forward mail

Stop by the post office to forward your mail to your new address or do it online at USPS.com (it’s free). It’s best to allow two weeks’ notice.

[ ] Arrange moving help

Hire a moving company, rent a truck, or gather boxes for a moving party with friends (free pizza and beer always help). Keep in mind rental vans and trucks are busiest on the first and last of the month when most leases and rental periods end.

[ ] Meet the neighbors

Introduce yourself and give neighbors your number before you move in—in case they have questions about people coming and going. The Nextdoor app lets you connect with neighbors and find lost pets.

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Agents know the pros and cons of your neighborhood.

| May 2022

before yousell

[ ] Toss and donate

Start throwing things away. If you haven’t used it in a year, it’s not worth packing up and moving to a new place or paying for storage. Websites like caringtransitions.com help older adults and their families with downsizing, estate sales, online auctions, and relocating.

[ ] Think like a buyer

Real estate agents agree: It’s all about making rooms look larger and livable. “Less is more,” says Scott Vaillancourt of Better Homes and Gardens Real Estate The Masiello Group in Bedford, NH. “Try to depersonalize and declutter so that prospective buyers can envision their families moving in.”

IS THE MEDIAN NUMBER OF YEARS NEW OWNERS EXPECT TO STAY IN THEIR NEW HOME. Source: NAR

[ ] Do an inspection

Have a friend walk through your home with fresh eyes and give honest advice for fix-ups. Another option: Pay for your own home inspection (around $400) and get a heads-up on the repairs potential buyers may ask to have done.

Not sure about sell ing? ✽ Con sider renting not sell ing you r home Keeping your home as a rental (short or long term) might be a good option if you don’t need to sell it to buy another. Ask your real estate agent if it makes sense in your area.

MOVING OUT OF TOWN? A real

estate agent where you live now can connect you with an agent in your new city.

what’s the difference? INSPECTIONS

help you understand a home’s condition.

VS. APPRAISALS

help you understand a home’s value.

➽ You might be able to hire your

agent as a property manager if you choose to rent rather than sell your house.

learn from others

our

How did you ﬁnd available homes?

first

A We started by

home Q Last year, Jacob and his fiancée, Victoria, video producers living in a New York City apartment, decided to move to the New Jersey suburbs. They wanted a yard for gardening, a guest room, garage, and space to work from home. Here’s how Jacob describes their six-month experience (search to closing).

Where did you start?

A At the beginning of the process, Victoria and I made lists of must-haves and things we were willing to sacrifice (like a garage). My biggest must-have was a backyard where I could garden, and hers was enough space for family to visit. Luckily, we have similar tastes in homes. When we toured the home we bought, we both fell in love.

looking at homes on Zillow and other websites and contacting the listing agent for a tour. But they wouldn’t show the home to us unless we were represented by an agent, so we found one through a friend. She set up tours and communication with other agents.

How did the ﬁnancing go?

A We shopped

different lenders, but ultimately went with a local company because their staff knew and trusted our agent. They also had

✽ New homeowners start most improvement projects within a month of moving in, says the Home Improvement Research Institute.

the lowest interest rate. Working with them has been great, and they helped us a lot throughout the process to get all of the paperwork approved.

What did you think of the home buying process?

A It was a whirlwind.

Every single week was a roller coaster of emotions and stress. We’d start the week by touring a home on Sunday, put in an offer by Tuesday, put in a second offer by Thursday, and find out we didn’t get the house on Friday. Then we’d do the whole process again the next week.

What did you learn about the current market?

A We were forced

to offer an extra $10,000 to sweeten our deal—something that is apparently very common right now. Also there is very little negotiating power. Houses in this area get 30 to 40 offers, so you pretty much have to take the house as it is.

Did you buy your “forever” home?

A We call this home

our “equity” home. We have plans for a family and will eventually need more space. Our current plan is to stay here around 10 years and pay off about a third of the house then use that equity toward a bigger home. n

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BONUS Your agent might also be a notary—handy for future business paperwork.

| May 2022

They can recommend contractors and other home improvement pros.

Take the money you think you need to close on a house and double it. JACOB,

new homeowner

new series Join several firsttime home buyers, including Jacob and Victoria, on their journey to homeownership. Our BHG Owning It series explores how they navigate budget lessons, purchasing hurdles, and other challenges. WATCH IT To see the first episode of Owning It (April 7 premiere), hover your smartphone camera over this code or go to BHG.com/OwningIt.

➽ THE AGENT YOU

CHOOSE LOOKS OUT FOR YOUR BEST INTERESTS.