Good Housekeeping articles from April 2006

Good Housekeeping archives from April 2006

The danger you know.(Letter to the editor)
April 1, 2006... I read with interest the article on sex-offender registries ("The Sex Offender Is Still Next Door," January). As the mother of a four-year-old daughter who was molested by a 14-year-old boy, I agree completely that there is an invisible...

Pension protection.(Letter to the editor)
April 1, 2006... "Is Your Pension Secure?" (January) really hit home for my husband and me. He retired after 41 years, and his company went out of business shortly thereafter. We've recently been informed of a major cut in our pension. Our advice to everyone is...

A loving farewell.(Letter to the editor)
April 1, 2006... What a wonderful tribute Leslie Billera and her family gave to their beloved, vibrant mother ("Saying Goodbye to Mom," January). I'm sure she would have been very proud. Having lost my morn five years ago, I can relate to the heartache Billera...

Setting a good example.(Letter to the editor)
April 1, 2006... Thank you for "Words of Hope for the New Year from Laura Bush" (January). I happened to read it on New Year's Eve, and I felt such a peaceful and sweet feeling. What a great example she is to all of us. --Beth Burton, Salt Lake City, Utah

Gray is great.(Letter to the editor)
April 1, 2006... Our January beauty feature ("Amazing Grays") focused on the glories of gray hair. Numerous readers who have chosen to embrace their silvery strands wrote in. Pamela Lawrence of Glen Allen, Virginia, said: "1 feel younger, sassier, and more...

Mad about the boy: gossip columnist Liz Smith thought she had it all. Then she became godmother to a kid who showed her what she needed most.(blessings)
April 1, 2006... I've been married twice but never had children. To be honest, I was used to leading a childless existence: I'd admire babies on the street, then go on my way and enjoy my sophisticated, adult pursuits. I thought I was happy and successful. I...

E-mail our expert.(carpet cleaning and stain removal tips)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... "I removed a stain from my carpet last night--and this morning, it's back." Once you've cleaned up the spot and the carpet begins to dry, the residue wicks up along the fibers and reaches the surface. To prevent this "stain bounce-back,"...

Did you know?(GH on your side)
April 1, 2006... Every year, the Good Housekeeping Institute tests more than 1,000 products, from refrigerators to hairspray.

Her "free" flight cost $250.(airline reservation tips)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Ouch! Recently, I made reservations for five people on Delta Air Lines using my Delta SkyMiles. But since I was calling less than 14 days before our flight, I was told there would be a $50 fee per ticket. I told the reservation agent that...

April: idea of the month.(creative storage space ideas by Heather E. Adams and Earl G. Adams Jr.)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Transform a corner of your bathroom (or any room) into a creative storage space. A coffee table becomes an inviting seat when topped with a tufted cushion and oversize throw pillows in cheerful fabrics. And the empty slots are a perfect fit for...

Stash your pills inside souvenir mugs.(keeping prescription drugs and medicines)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... If taking prescription meds and vitamins is part of your daily routine, make the process easier: Store the bottles in mugs on a shelf. Just grab your cup in the morning (your husband can grab his)--and everything will be right where you need...

Sock exchange.(preventing damage to electronic gadgets)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Want to keep your cell phone, iPod, digital camera, and other electronic gizmos from getting damaged? You could buy a designer case, but there's a simpler solution right in your dresser drawer: Simply slide each gadget into a thick sock before...

Go nuts! A heated treat.(using mixed nuts as special party snack)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... In the first-class cabins of many airplanes, the lucky customers don't get just a tiny foil packet of peanuts. They're served warmed nuts in little bowls--a welcoming touch for the weary traveler. Next time you're having guests over, why not...

Good advice: Heloise to the rescue.(windows maintenance, housekeeping)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Q Several windows in the house are stuck. How do I get them to open? --Cheryl Higer, Valparaiso, Indiana Windows often swell and stick in warm, humid weather. To loosen them, gently wedge a putty knife or paint scraper between the...

Chewing gum, begone!(removing chewing gum from a sweatshirt)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... "What's the best way to remove chewing gum from a sweatshirt?" writes Jeanna Jones of Sibley, Iowa. Put the sweatshirt right into the freezer to harden the gum (don't cover with plastic). Once the gum is firm, carefully pick off as much of it...

Hints around the house.(maintaining yearbooks and toothbrushes)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... 1. STUCK-TOGETHER PAGES "The bottoms of my yearbooks got wet, and now the pages are stuck together. Is there a way to save them?" writes Teresa Kresge of Cocoa, Florida. Many yearbooks are printed on special glossy paper; when the paper...

Ways to deal with rude relatives: they say they're family, but sometimes you'd like to ask for a DNA test. Peggy Post explains how to keep your head--while keeping them in line.
April 1, 2006... Offender No. 1: Your mother, who finds fault with your cooking. What to do: As hard as this may be, you should take the high road. Stay calm, thank her as graciously as possible for her advice, and change the subject. Confronting her won't...

Dishwasher tips and tricks: from GH Institute expert Carolyn Forte.(using dishwashers, dishwashing)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... 3 loading basics * PRERINSE dishes if they're going to sit in the machine all day. But if you're running a cycle right away, just scrape off the food and leave it at that. * SECURE ALL PLASTICS. If you don't, blasts of water may cause...

Into the light: clean design and loads of white spread sunshine to every nook of this Massachusetts home.(home design analysis)
April 1, 2006... as an architect who specializes in renovating older homes, Mollie Moran has seen her share of charming fixer-uppers. But 20 years ago, when she first laid eyes on this Dedham, Massachusetts, house, she just knew: This would be her home. Located...

Dress up your desktop: want to upgrade your computer? Or make your laptop easier to use? Try these smart, user-friendly accessories.(your Good house)
April 1, 2006... EXPANSION PLAN When you plug Belkin's Hi-Speed USB 2.0 7-Port Hub ($49.99) into your PC, you make room for seven devices: flash drives, digital cameras, printers, scanners, and more. 800-223-5546 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] MINI MOUSE...

Best deals in decorating.(websites and stores offering home decoration products)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... We've got it all--pages of price-worthy picks, great giveaways, and instant inspiration for your home. Start here, with the secret places designers shop. IN STORES IKEA "The Malm bed looks high-end, but it's inexpensive and...

Steal this look! Live in luxury (for a lot less) with these decorating doubles.(home decoration products)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Romantic toile print pillows never go out of style. $29.99, Waverly [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] This extendable lamp fits any space. $199, Crate & Barrel [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] This mirrored lamp is a real looker. $189, Crate &...

18 frugal finds: great home bargains to liven up any room.(housewares and home furnishings)
April 1, 2006... Pillows with streams of color perk things up. $28 each, West Elm [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Golden vessels with great shapes. $19 to $29, West Elm [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Love the simple bevels. $69.99, Home Depot [ILLUSTRATION...

Discounts just for you: cash in on these great deals for GH readers only.(Good house)
April 1, 2006... Storehouse Get $50 off a purchase of $250 or more. Use code GH50 at retail stores, 888-786-7346. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 25% off Exposures products. Use code 7360100 at www .exposuresonline.com/gh, 800-222-4947. [ILLUSTRATION...

Good deals: looks you'll love-for less.(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Oh-so-chic chandelier earrings; Mark, $14 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A bag to brag about; Dressbarn, $27.99 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SPLURGE VS. STEAL Pick up a trendy polo shirt in a sunny shade; Lacoste, left, and Old Navy, right....

Powder that's pure.(skin care and makeup)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Ever wonder why your eyeshadow, blush, and face powder go on so smoothly? They all contain "binding ingredients," which make application easy--but can also irritate your skin if it's sensitive or breakout prone. For those skin types, the fewer...

Better hair--instantly.(hair care products tested)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Spring may be in full swing, but is your hair still suffering from post-winter distress syndrome? For lackluster locks, here's a very quick fix: a new crop of in-shower treatments that take only three minutes to help revive your hair--no...

Big news! Flattery for over-50s.(Revlon Inc. launches new line of cosmetics Vital Radiance)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Keep an eye out for Vital Radiance, a brand-new cosmetics line from Revlon that debuts in stores this month. From foundation to lipstick, the 125 items were designed for women who are 50-plus. Translation: All the makeup is moisturizing,...

Luxe skin care for less.(BJ's Wholesale Club Inc. partners with Perlier and Orlane to develop new skin care line of products)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... BJ's Wholesale Club has partnered with the makers of luxury brands Perlier and Orlane to create a new line: Altaire Paris--high-quality cleansers, moisturizers, and treatments at great prices. Not ready to commit? The trial kit features...

Fake a perfect face: here's a busy mom--before and after. Like what you see? Then check out the simple tricks and must-have products that made the difference.(grooming tips)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... fill Eyebrows sparse? Pencil them lightly with a color matches your that hair or brows. gloss Lips look fuller with a shimmery topcoat; apply lipstick first, then add shine. lift To get volume, wrap front pieces around a...

To try our tricks, use this little cheat sheet: get perfect-looking skin.(self skin care tips)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... * Go for a subtle glow. Apply foundation with a dampened sponge--it'll give you a sheer, natural finish that's nongreasy, light, and lasting. * Make your face look slimmer. Strategic highlighting and contouring will make you seem svelter,...

To try our tricks, use this little cheat sheet: wake up your eyes.(eye care and grooming tips)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... * To hide circles, you're usually advised to use undereye concealer in a shade lighter than your skin. Instead, go with concealer that's slightly darker, since a shade that's too light can mix with the blue in your skin and look gray. Try Kevyn...

To try our tricks, use this little cheat sheet: make the most of your lips.(grooming tips, lip care)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... * DO A PRE-LIPSTICK PRIMING. Apply a little concealer around your mouth and just a touch in the middle of your bottom lip, then add color. Your lips will look more shapely, and your lipstick will last longer. * TURN THIN LIPS INTO FULLER...

Your face-fixing tool kit: with the right products, minimizing flaws is a whole lot easier. Try some of our house favorites.(grooming products)
April 1, 2006... The color correctors 1. Enhance your eyes with Almay Intense I-Color Powder Shadow Trio. It's sold in shade combos that flatter specific eye colors--blue, hazel (kit, above), etc. 2. Look vacationed in just a day with Jergens Natural...

The screening test that could save your life.(colonoscopy reduces colon cancer risks, research)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Need another reason to schedule that colonoscopy? In a British study, regular screening cut the number of cases of colon cancer by 80 percent--and that was for people with a family history of the disease. Since this cancer is highly...

Quick daytime pick-me-up.(massage tips, self care)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Nodding off at your desk or in the middle of chores? Researchers from the University of Michigan Medical School have found that stimulating certain pressure points can perk you up. Try any of the following for three minutes, using enough...

Sore back? Try taking a swim or ...(back exercises increases aches, research)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... ... a brisk walk. (Other kinds of recreational workouts are good too.) What you should not do: exercises designed specifically to treat lower-back pain. According to a recent study from the University of California, Los Angeles, traditional...

Weighing in.(weight loss measurement)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... It has long been the "rule" to weigh yourself no more than once a week (some experts advise tossing your scale altogether). But in a recent study of successful dieters--those who'd lost an average of 44 pounds and kept it off for at least 18...

Message on a bottle, but can you read it?(reading warning labels, and tips on using medicines)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... it's two o'clock in the morning and your stomach is aching (that spicy taco probably wasn't such a good idea). So you make your way to the medicine cabinet and pull out a bottle of pills. You know that somewhere on the label, you're told how...

A second chance for mom: Parkinson's disease was destroying her life. Then we heard about an amazing operation that could change everything.(deep brain stimulation)
April 1, 2006... it started with tremors in her right hand. But what really upset my mother--and finally sent her to the doctor in the fall of 1987--was a general slowing down of her life: Ordinary housework, shopping, even her beloved golf game had all become...

The vitamins you really need (and those that can actually hurt you).(taking multivitamins and dietary supplements)
April 1, 2006... Supplements? Until recently, most nutritionists would have said, Nah, you can get all the vitamins and minerals you need from a healthy diet. Now, though, many experts are eating their words as new studies show that we can benefit from extra...

The Medicare drug plan: how to help your parents: there's a new prescription benefit for the elderly. But choosing the right insurer is complicated, and time is running out. Here's what to do now.(using Medcare part D for health insurance of elderly)(managing health care costs)
April 1, 2006... if you're like me, you've recently gotten a panicky call from your mother or father saying, "The new Medicare drug plan is so complicated, I haven't signed up yet--and the deadline is May 15. Help!" Seniors who are confused have plenty of...

Making money from tiny toys: forget Beanie Babies. This mom came up with a new stuffed animal--and started a tween craze.(Heidi Jacquin sells stuffed toys and grows her business)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... HEIDI JACQUIN Sebastopol, California What she sells Tiny stuffed animals that clip onto backpacks and belts. They're sold in matching pairs, so a kid can keep one and give the other to a friend. Her inspiration In 2003,...

No-hassle container gardening: the GH Institute checks out the latest backyard trend: money-saving kits that you can use from season to season.(planters, vases, and gardening kits)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... 1. GOOF-PROOF COMBOS It's tough to know which plants will grow well together. That's why Jackson & Perkins offers its Medallion Planter ($59.95) and Yellow Vase ($79.95, shown) collections. Both come with preselected compatible...

Fastest blow dry.(hair dryer testing)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... If a fancy hair dryer costs ten times more than the average blower, it'd better save women a heck of a lot of time. That was the spirit in which the GH Institute tested two high-end dryers: the recently introduced T3 Tourmaline Evolution ($300)...

Luxury sheets that aren't.(GH Institute tests branded bed sheets)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Did you recently buy bedding from Bed Bath & Beyond, Linens 'n Things, Linen Source, or Walmart.com? If so, you may be in for a surprise. GH Institute tests found that some brands sold exclusively at these retailers carry exaggerated thread...

The real scoop on the new hybrids: our GHI engineers drove the latest models--and found some surprises.(hybrid vehicles)(Buyers guide)(Table)
April 1, 2006... THE REAL SCOOP ON THE NEW HYBRIDS Our GHI engineers drove the latest models--and found some surprises MILES PER ANNUAL GAS ESTIMATED MODEL/PRICE GALLON * SAVINGS ** TAX CREDIT ***...

Cell phones for children: your kid may not need one, but she sure is begging. And it just might help you keep tabs on her. Here, a GH Institute guide.(Buyers guide)(Table)
April 1, 2006... Cell phones for children Your kid may not need one, but she sure is begging. And it just might help you keep tabs on her. Here, a GH Institute guide. FOR A CHILD CONSIDER COST 6 to 8 Verizon ...

How to talk so your kids will really listen: you can skip the screaming and yelling--but still make yourself heard.(parenting tips)(How to Talk So Teens Will Listen & Listen So Teens Will Talk)
April 1, 2006... are you getting the silent treatment from your kid lately? Or maybe a nasty look every time you ask a simple question like, say, What do you want for dinner? It's tempting to let the silence take over. After all, it's one way to keep the...

Getting personal: Joy Behar solves your problems.(presenting gifts to husbands)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Q No matter what I give my husband, Bill, for his birthday or our anniversary, he always returns it. He claims he likes whatever I get him--but a few weeks later, he admits that he took the sweater or shirt back to the store because it didn't...

Teen troubles.(getting personal: Joy Behar solves your problems)(helping children to acquire hygeine and grooming habits)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... I'm worried about my nephew Sam. He is going off to college and has the worst grooming habits. Sometimes he smells like he hasn't changed his clothing in a month. I have to admit that his morn, my sister, is a pretty horrible housekeeper--so I...

Joy to the world.(getting personal: Joy Behar solves your problems)(using the words 'I Love You' to end a conversation)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... WHEN DID "I LOVE YOU" BECOME the only acceptable way to end a conversation? It's gotten to the point where those three words have replaced "goodbye." I overhear phone conversations that go something like "OK, I'll pick up a quart of milk. I...

Does this sound familiar?(Getting personal: Joy Behar solves your problems)(confrontation with a neighbour)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... A neighbor admired an oil painting of ours that no longer matched our decor, so my husband gave him the painting as a gift. Well, a month later, this guy actually boasted to us that he had sold the painting for quite a nice sum at a local...

What your bedroom says about your marriage ... Plus, ways to make the place where you sleep a setting for true intimacy.(managing bedroom and husband-wife relations)
April 1, 2006... a year or so ago, a woman named Trisha came to me for counseling. The passion, she said, was evaporating from her marriage. She and her husband, Phillip, had not been physically close for months. "We go to bed now and watch TV together,"...

The right way to comfort a friend with cancer: Candid advice from a woman who knows.(advicing cancer patients)
April 1, 2006... i sincerely hope none of your friends ever get cancer, but I'm afraid the chances of this are slim to none, especially as we get older--or not even that much older. I was 49 when I was diagnosed with endometrial cancer last year, and I...

Trapped! These three women faced imminent death--and managed to survive. What they did and how their quick thinking can help you.(real life scenarios, life saving, rescue, and safety tips)
April 1, 2006... Caught in an avalanche it was supposed to be a relaxing Sunday hike. On March 28, 2004, Joan Napolitano and four friends packed the car with snowshoes and a picnic lunch, then drove an hour and a half from Seattle, where they lived, to the...

Kathryn Erbe: she's tough as nails on NBC's Law & Order: Criminal Intent, but offscreen, this wife and mom has a softer, sunnier side.(National Broadcasting Company Inc.)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... On TV, Kathryn Erbe doesn't get to crack many smiles. As Detective Alexandra Eames, she's the straitlaced sidekick to oddball investigator John Goren (played by Vincent D'Onofrio) on Law & Order: Criminal Intent. Real life is another story. At...

Easter's on its way: give your spring decor new life with these easy-to-make crafts using flowers, eggs, ribbons, and more.(home decoration)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... petal pusher Carve an eight-inch floral-foam ball into an egg shape. Cut heads from artificial daisies, leaving a half-inch stem. Starting at the top, push daisies into egg and secure each with a pin in the center. [ILLUSTRATION...

Geena Davis from heartbreak to happiness: she's got a hunky younger husband, three small kids, and a hit TV show. How the star of Commander in Chief turned her life around.(romance with younger man)
April 1, 2006... Geena Davis is running behind schedule. She was detained at a gown fitting, and now the rest of her jam-packed day is off-kilter. When she finally sits down at a funky outdoor cafe near downtown Los Angeles, wearing faded jeans, a hooded...

Against all odds: as teenagers, Brenda and Bart gave up their baby and their hopes of marriage ... never imagining they'd get a second chance at first love.
April 1, 2006... October 25, 1977. The young parents--high school students in Edmonds, a small town north of Seattle--stared at their newborn son through the hospital nursery window. Watching him as he slept in his bassinet, they drank in the sight of his tiny...

Spring trends for every body.(women's clothing products)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... These three pieces are pretty, fun--and 100% figure friendly * prairie skirt * tunic sweater * white suit Prairie skirt This easy piece, from Boston Proper is light, loose, and curve concealing. Size 8 AIDA...

When words become weapons: some husbands make their wives feel small with public put-downs and private tantrums. How to recognize verbal abuse ... and stand up to it.
April 1, 2006... When Meredith * got married, she was a successful executive in New Jersey. Then she had triplets. Overwhelmed, she decided to quit her job to stay home with the babies. A few months later, she and her husband, Michael,* were having dinner with...

Sweet nothings: luscious and easy treats that will make every chocolate lover swoon.(chocolate and candy recipes)
April 1, 2006... cakewalk Bake this basic Chocolate Buttermilk Cake, then top it with your favorite fluffy frosting (like vanilla cream cheese, pictured here). a la tart Like your confections ooey-gooey? Try this Chocolate Walnut Caramel Tart-just...

In Susan's kitchen.(home cooking breakfast recipes, asparagus-Romano frittata)(Table)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... To our family, Easter means my grandmother's asparagus frittata, the centerpiece of a special breakfast that's been a tradition for the past 80 years. It was a rite of spring: My grandfather, who was in the produce business, took joy in...

Quick chicken casserole.(home cooking/your recipes)(chicken cordon bleu casserole)(Table)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... Sharon Brenneman of Lima, Ohio, sent us this easy casserole recipe "for folks who like the flavor of chicken cordon bleu but hate the work involved in making it." We followed Brenneman's suggestion to add potatoes and broccoli for a tasty...

Cutting-edge tool.(home cooking/your recipes)
April 1, 2006... No room to store a wooden chopping board. These superslim SiliconeZone Cut by Emblem Flexible Cutting Boards ($9.95 for four) can be tucked into tight spaces. They're printed with pictures to help you avoid using the same board for veggies and...

The most delicious fish.(home barbecue cooking, Asian honey-barbecue tilapia )(Table)(Brief article)
April 1, 2006... GH reader Gwen Schrader of Hamden, Connecticut, calls this oven-roasted tilapia one of the best seafood meals she's ever had. While visiting Virginia Beach, Virginia, Gwen's family enjoyed the fish dinner at Tautog's Restaurant at Winston's...

Best new knife on the block.(home cooking/restaurant request)
April 1, 2006... The wide, thin-blade Japanese santoku has recently replaced the chef's knife as the tool of choice for cutting and chopping. The santoku has become a staple in our test kitchen and a favorite in homes around the country. Now a mini version is...

The "big day" diet: how to slim down fast--and wow friends and family you haven't seen in ages.(diet fitness)
April 1, 2006... Uh-oh. That family wedding (or anniversary or high school reunion--yes, you really did graduate 25 years ago) is coming up. You had vowed to lose weight, but so far, the scale hasn't budged. It's time to stop making excuses and to start some...

Recall alerts.(consumer news)(unsafe products recalled)(Table)
April 1, 2006... Are there unsafe products in your home? Check the list below. These items were recalled by manufacturers in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. For more information, contact the companies at the numbers listed below,...

The stand-in: after years of looking, Suze thinks she's finally found the right guy. But to make the best impression, she needs a favor from her sister....(Short story)
April 1, 2006... the first thing you need to know is that, even though she's a year younger, my sister, Suze, and I are often taken for twins. We have the same dark-blond hair (streaks of gray artfully concealed, so far), the same hazel eyes, and we're both...

The best bottles under $12: cheers! These wines got rave reviews from our GHI food guru Susan Westmoreland.(Good Housekeeping Institute)
April 1, 2006... Bubblies and aperitifs 1. Warre's Fine White Port, Portugal 2. Codorniu Napa Brut Cava Classico, California 3. Domaine Ste. Michelle Cuvee Brut, Sparkling, Washington 4. Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut, Sparkling, Spain Dry,...