Blog Posts by Good Housekeeping

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

Considering a new dog? Here's everything you need to know about the most popular breeds. Plus, take this quiz to find out which canine fits your personality!



Giant Dogs
These dogs really give you something to hold onto! To fit into the giant category, these powerhouses weight from 75 to 150+ pounds. Common breeds include Great Danes, Akita Inus, Great Pyrenees, Mastiffs, Newfoundlands, Rottweilers, and Saint Bernards. Learn more about giant breeds.





Large Dogs
Larger than life? We're sure they think so! Large dogs typically tip the scales at 55 to 85 pounds. Boxers, Collies, Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, Golden Retrievers, and Poodles all fall into this category. Learn more about large breeds.





Medium Dogs
Not too large, not to small, these pooches could be just right - for you! Dogs in the medium size category range from 35 to 65 pounds. Airedale Terriers, Dalmatians, English Springer Spaniels, Bulldogs, and Basset Hounds are all considered medium dogs. Learn more about

Ever wonder if you're really saving by buying bulk at a club like Costco or Sam's? Many coupon clippers insist that food is as cheap or even cheaper at the grocery store - especially if you have double coupons or if you combine your coupons with weekly sales. But you can find some great deals at your favorite club, as long as you know what to look for. Don't miss these brilliant tricks for cutting your grocery bill in half.

Best Food bargains:
Milk, spaghetti sauce, microwave popcorn, peanut butter, juice boxes, pickles, sugar-free sweeteners, instant hot chocolate

Best Nonfood bargains:
Gas, brand-name clothing, film developing, baby wipes, Christmas decorations, laundry detergent, tires, batteries

Want even more savings? Check your grocery list to see if any of these items are on there. You might be surprised by how much you can save by tweaking your habits.

• Mix it yourself. You can pay up

If the thought of clipping coupons, makes you groan, consider this: these days, if you worked at it, you could actually make money by using them. With double- and triple- coupon deals, and the internet making everything easier, there's no excuse for paying full price.

Try simple swaps to save even more on items you normally buy.

Consider Stephanie Nelson, who shaves $100 off her grocery bill each week. To save 80 percent or more, she matches her coupons existing deals at the supermarket. And better yet, she estimates she needs just 15 minutes a week to organize coupons and another 30 to match them up with store sales. If you don't have the patience her site, couponmom.com, boils the whole process down to ten minutes.

These tricks will help you save money at the grocery store.

Try This Easy Game Plan
1. Get a coupon organizer - and no, a plastic baggie doesn't qualify. Try something stylish, like the ones on galison.com, to keep you motivated.
2. On Sunday mornings, log into the