Blog Posts by Good Housekeeping

I was appalled to see that in the last two weeks, four recalls have been issued by the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) on children's hooded sweatshirts from four different manufacturers because they didn't comply with the CPSC guidelines. (Related: Stay up-to-date with the latest recalls) The reason this is so upsetting to me is that these guidelines were issued way back in 1996! Certain states have even made it illegal to sell kids' jackets, sweaters, and coats that have drawstrings. The fact that the recalled products come from small companies is simply no excuse. Any manufacturer that's making and selling items to the public, and let's face it, particularly for kids, should know and follow the industry standards that were put in place to keep us all safe. (Related: Children's products recalled because they contain lead) Too many times in the apparel business, I've seen manufacturers ignore the guidelines either because they didn't know they existed or because they got in

Get the eyelash style you desire with these application tips and product picks.

The Look: Long & Lush Start with dark liner from the tear duct to the outer corner. "This gives the illusion of length before you even apply mascara," says Brett Freedman, a makeup artist in L.A. After you curl your lashes and put on primer, slick on two coats of lengthening mascara, wiggling the wand back and forth at the base and extending the color out to the tips.

Product Picks Use a medium-to-thick lengthening formula and a brush with lots of bristles, such as Victoria's Secret VS Makeup Extra-Lengthening Mascara ($12, Victoria's Secret), or Avon SuperExtend Mascara ($8.50, avon.com), with tiny fibers that stick to and elongate lashes. Related: The Best Waterproof Mascaras

Lash Look: Fat & Full Follow curling and primer with two or three coats of mascara, says Kelly Haley, a Sephora Pro Beauty Team makeup artist in Omaha. On the second coat, nudge the inner eyelashes toward the center of your face, the

photo credit: Brian Blade/iStockThe American Pet Products Association forecasts that total pet spending in 2009 will reach $45.4 billion, up from $43.2 billion in 2008. But just because you want to give your pets the best doesn't mean you have to sit back and watch your bills escalate. Instead, try these smart tips for spending less - while still showering them with love.

Can your pet make you sick? Find out.

Lower Food Costs

• Feed less. If you can't see or easily feel your pet's ribs, he could probably stand to shed a few pounds. Some 44 percent of dogs and 57 percent of cats in America are overweight, the 2008 National Pet Obesity Awareness Study found. If a medical condition isn't to blame, you may be unintentionally overfeeding. Petobesityprevention.com will tell you your critter's true caloric needs. Then, feed the lowest recommended amount on your pet food package. If your pet stays at a healthy weight, you may help him avoid diabetes, kidney disease, and other ailments - and you'll definitely save cash.

Spring showers aren't limited to the month of April, so take inventory and replace your worn-out rainy-day essentials now. We've gathered our favorite (and stylish!) wet-weather finds and included some great bargains too! Find more great rain boots, trench coats, and more here.




Classic Value
The basic L.L.Bean Wellie ($59) aced our water-resistance tests and won fans with its easy-on, easy-off style and comfy contoured footbed. Consumer testers also complimented the softness of the lining fabric, but be aware: It could take a day or so to dry if it gets wet. In five colors and prints, and whole sizes 6 to 11.

Check Out the Top-Rated Rain Boots for Women




Bargain Style
The novelty prints of the Western Chief Rain Boot ($40) are sure to brighten a gray day. Another reason to smile: They're a good deal. The side buckle allows a roomy fit for larger legs or tucked-in trousers. And although the lining isn't as plush as those of our other picks, it dries out more quickly. In 20 prints, and

Everyone is familiar with all-out energy drain - that exhausted day (or night) when no matter how enticing that new movie, fabulous shoe sale, or friendly barbeque, we just can't psych ourselves up to go.
What can be harder to recognize is a low-grade energy drain. In this case, you may not necessarily feel the classic signs of exhaustion - like achy muscles or that all-over tired feeling. What you do experience is an increasing lack of get-up-and-go for many of the activities you used to love.

Take this quiz to find the best fixes to increase your energy.

These research-proven pick-me-ups will get you going and keep you charged, even if you've had too little sleep.

1. Pull Up the Shades, Pronto
Sunlight is a powerful natural signal that can shift your circadian rhythms from drowsy to alert, whether you're sleep-deprived or not. The light that hits at dawn, just before sunrise, stimulates special cells in your eyes, which then send a wake-up call to your brain's internal clock. In

Sure, that new camera you bought advertises a pretty substantial rebate, but when will you find the time to fill out the form, cut up the box, and wait in line at the post office? And after you've jumped through all the hoops that are required, will you actually receive the rebate in the end? As for groceries, can the little rebates really add up?

Truth is, there is a lot of savings to be had in rebates; sometimes the rebate is even worth more than the item. And once you get organized and develop a system, sending them in isn't as hard as it may seem. Here are some simple tips to make rebates work for you.

Learn the supersave secrets of savvy shoppers.

• Watch out for rebates, in the grocery store, on big ticket items, and in the weekly circulars that come in the newspaper-and don't forget you'll often find them online.

• Instead of dropping receipts in the abyss of your purse or leaving them in the grocery bag, carry a small pouch or organizer

Suppose there were a screening test for cervical cancer that could detect potential dangers with far more sensitivity than the Pap. A test so reliable that when it was done with the Pap, you could trust the results nearly 100 percent. Sounds like all women would be getting it, right?

Well...there is such a screen - the HPV test. It's been approved by the FDA and endorsed by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) and the American Cancer Society as an option to be done with your Pap, and yet only an estimated 15 percent of doctors are using it.

If your ob-gyn has never mentioned it, then get all the facts here and learn how to start the conversation.

What is the new HPV test?
Almost all cervical cancers are caused by prior infection with human papillomavirus, or HPV. There are more than 100 strains of HPV, about 40 of which can be spread by having sex. Some cause warts, others no symptoms at all. But some types cause cell abnormalities in the

Photo by: Reggie Casagrande/Getty ImagesNavigating a Form 1040 often requires several hours, well-organized paperwork, and a few doses of aspirin. But thanks to recent changes in the law you may owe less or deserve a bigger refund than you think. Between the February stimulus and President Obama's foreclosure-prevention program, it's the rare taxpayer who will wind up empty-handed.

What to do with the money you've saved? Try this.

Here are some new incentives that may help you:
Making Work Pay Credit
The daily grind just got a little less taxing. During 2009 and 2010, the stimulus Making Work Pay Credit is $400 per worker or $800 for a married couple. Those who owe no tax can still claim the credit.

Ideally, you won't be working forever. Take these easy steps to be sure you can retire in style.

Going Green Credits
Did you make any adjustments to your home last year to bolster energy efficiency? The stimulus offers a credit for 30 percent of the purchase price for some improvements, up to $1,500 (note: there's no cap on