Good Housekeeping articles from April 2008

Good Housekeeping archives from April 2008

What's wrong with fido? Does your dog have a home-wrecking hobby?(goodhousekeeping.com)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Our new pet expert, Kathy Santo, can help him lick his bad behavior. Submit an online video of your dog in the act, and you may get a personal consultation with Kathy.

Diet matchmaker.(goodhousekeeping.com)
April 1, 2008... Compare different weight-loss programs to find your perfect fit BOB GREENE FAT SMASH JENNY CRAIG SOUTH BEACH ULTRAMETABOLISM WEIGHT WATCHERS

5 ways to look younger by Monday.(goodhousekeeping.com)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A hectic week can make anyone feel years older. Find easy tips to turn back the clock and get rejuvenated--fast!

Ideas, delivered.(goodhousekeeping.com)(recipes from Good Food newsletter)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Want new dishes to try? Sign up for our Good Food newsletter, and yummy recipes (like the one for Fish & Chips) will be sent to you weekly.

n my mind: editor's letter.(Editorial)
April 1, 2008... Where I grew up, in the deep South, spring seemed to last for about 15 minutes. Then it got hot--and stayed that way. So one thing I love about living in New York is the equal allotment of days each season gets. Just as I am growing really sick...

Road rescue.(on your mind: Letters)(Letter to the editor)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "The 2004 fatal car crash in your February story ["Friends Against the Odds"] happened right in front of my brother and father," writes Jessica Krueger of Minneapolis. "My brother held the hand of Angela's husband as...

On your mind: letters.(Letter to the editor)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Kate Torgovnick's article "The Single Best Way to Lose Weight" [January] motivated me to stash a notebook in my purse and start scribbling. Writing things down made me realize that I was spending a fortune on...

Love your body.(on your mind: Letters)(Letter to the editor)
April 1, 2008... Geneen Roth's article "Big Fat Lies" [Feed Your Soul, January] was an eloquent reminder that our bodies are the packages that allow us to experience all the sensations of being alive. Her piece definitely goes in my "keep and share" file! ...

Celebrating survivors.(on your mind: Letters)(Letter to the editor)
April 1, 2008... Ally Cook's story of the shooting at her college ["I Lived Through Virginia Tech," December] helped me come to terms with my own loss. A dear friend died that day, but I now feel a sense of closure after reading more about what happened in that...

Product to shout about.(on your mind: Letters)(Letter to the editor)
April 1, 2008... Your product ratings in "The 2008 Good Buy Awards" [January] were spot-on. Because of your great review of Shout Advanced Gel, I felt comfortable buying a cute but stained blouse at an outlet store. I brought it home, used Shout Advanced, and...

Peas offering.(on your mind: Letters)(Letter to the editor)
April 1, 2008... I laughed out loud when I read your five ideas for frozen peas [Good Food, December]. The article brought back memories of my childhood in the mid-sixties, when my mother, Margot Johnson, drove her four children across the country in an...

Facing the music.(on your mind: Letters)(Letter to the editor)
April 1, 2008... It was a real pleasure to see the Paisley and Black families featured in "First Families of Country" [January]. I hope their commitment to family and to the sacrament of marriage continues to flourish. Your other couples were less...

Wonderful web site.(on your mind: Letters)(Letter to the editor)
April 1, 2008... Goodhousekeeping.com is fantastic! It's always full of great articles, recipes, and useful advice. I can't believe all of the excellent information at my fingertips. HOLLY SCHEUERLE, Lake Mary, FL

Ask our expert.(on your side: HELP FROM THE GH RESEARCH INSTITUTE)(whether or not it is safe to use lead crystal stemwares and decanters)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Q I have a beautiful set of lead crystal stemware and a matching decanter. With all the concern about lead, I'm wondering if they're safe to use. A: Sad but true: Lead can leach out of crystal into the beverage inside. The longer your wine...

Botched-up bill payment.(GH TO THE RESCUE)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] My husband and I each recently opened US Airways MasterCard accounts as a way to earn frequent-flier miles. When we received the first statements, we wrote one check to pay the total balance of both bills, something...

Did you know?(on your side: HELP FROM THE GH RESEARCH INSTITUTE)(storing winter clothes)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... "You don't have to store winter clothes with mothballs, which have an unpleasant Stash clean garments in a cool, dry closet and the bugs will stay away." --Carolyn Forte, GHRI home appliances & cleaning products director

Easy organizing: closet.(good (enough) housekeeping: simple solutions for smart living)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] EASY ORGANIZING | CLOSET The best way to conquer clothes clutter: Hold your own once-a-year fashion show. Empty the closet, then try on each garment in front of a full-length mirror. Does it fit? With what outfits...

Clean windows--quick: put away the ladder. Here's your insider's guide to the easiest way to wash winter away.(SPEED CLEANING)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Biggest Challenges * Dirty sills and frames * Dusty, grimy screens * Spotty, smeared glass Fastest Fixes 1 Give dirt the brush-off We know--going at the glass with the cleaner is the most...

12 ways to bring on spring: want your place to feel fresh in a flash? Here's how.(good enough: Do It Smarter)
April 1, 2008... 1 GATHER UP THROW RUGS and take them outside for a good shake. Then air them on a clothesline or railing for several hours. 2 BUY A FEW POTTED PLANTS (pansies and gerbera daisies will be flowering soon), and tuck them into nicer...

Bathe bath jets.(good enough: Heloise to the Rescue)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Q. Can you clean jets in a spa tub? Ours wasn't used for a while, and now icky stuff pours out of the sprayers. Ruth Rothman, via e-mail A: Fill the tub with hot water above the jets. Pour in 2 cups chlorine bleach and 1/4 to 1/2 cup...

Uncover shelves.(good enough: Heloise to the Rescue)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Q. How do you remove old self-adhesive shelf paper? Linda Schiefen, Le Mars, IA A: Cover the paper with foil, then gently press with a medium-hot iron to loosen the glue. Do one small area at a time. Apply baby or mineral oil around...

Ask Heloise: the big dust-off: you'll never banish bunnies completely--the sources (dirt, fibers, hair, soot) are here to stay. But the right techniques can keep dust in check.(good enough: Heloise to the Rescue)
April 1, 2008... Sure, a feather duster may look fancy or even fun to use. When you're tackling serious scuzz, though, skip the classic sweep--it'll only move particles around, not pick them up. Instead, capture dust with a soft cloth dampened with water or...

WIN! Free maid service for a year.(GH giveaway)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Yes, we're always giving you savvy strategies to make cleaning and decluttering easier. But let's admit it: A professional housekeeper is the biggest time-saver of all. Now, one (very) lucky reader can win an entire...

Tennis balls.(DOUBLE DUTY)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Use a tennis ball (needn't be new, hut must he clean) to erase scuff marks on hardwood or vinyl floors.

Prep garden gear for spring.(Total Time Savers: SHORTCUTS TO MAKE IT LESS OF A CHORE)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] GOOD WAY 1 Put all of your metal tools (spade, pruner, weeder, trowel, etc.) into a bubble bath of dish liquid and hot water. Scrub off stubborn rust with steel wool. 2 Take tools out and let dry; then...

Counting zzz's.(good health: SMART WAYS TO STAY WELL, EAT RIGHT, GET FIT)(sleeping)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Morn was right: You need seven to nine hours of sleep a night. That amount ensures the lowest risk of diabetes, a new study shows. Get five hours or less, and you almost double your chances. "Losing just an hour of sleep a night decreases...

Name that itch.(good health: SMART WAYS TO STAY WELL, EAT RIGHT, GET FIT)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... When a maddening itch and discharge seem to signal a vaginal yeast infection, most of us rush out to buy an over-the-counter medicine. But being so hasty may not be wise: After 150 women who thought they had a yeast problem were tested, only 26...

Labor relations.(good health: SMART WAYS TO STAY WELL, EAT RIGHT, GET FIT)(sex in late pregnancy does not induce child delivery)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Folk wisdom to the contrary, having sex late in pregnancy may not be the way to jump-start labor, report researchers from Malaysia. They divided 210 near-term women (all were scheduled to have labor induced in about...

Needles for your nose.(good health: SMART WAYS TO STAY WELL, EAT RIGHT, GET FIT)(use of acupuncture to ease nasal passages)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Pollen, pet dander, dust, and other airborne particles are a pain in the nose for people with chronic hay fever. Most sufferers rely on medication to ease their clogged, itchy noses, but a nondrug treatment shows...

Cancer myths: are you a believer?(good health: SMART WAYS TO STAY WELL, EAT RIGHT, GET FIT)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Misinformation about cancer continues to be passed along--from friends and relatives, and on the Internet. Some wacky misconceptions are easy to dismiss, but others seem more plausible. Here are three--and the reasons they're harmful. ...

Bone up!(good health: SMART WAYS TO STAY WELL, EAT RIGHT, GET FIT)(alternative treatment for osteoporosis)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Osteoporosis treatments can be inconvenient--you have to sit up or stand for at least 30 minutes after taking your pill--and can cause nasty side effects, including chronic heartburn. Now there's an alternative: a liquid (brand name: Reclast)...

5 easy ways to keep cancer away.(good health: Nutrition News)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Obesity is a risk factor in six types of cancer, a landmark report recently announced. Consuming alcohol, red meat, and processed meats (ham, sausage, bacon) also raises your odds, while eating more fruits and...

Garlic works!(good health: Nutrition News)(herb lowers blood pressure)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Garlic's reputation as a heart helper just got a reprieve. Last year a study reported that neither fresh cloves nor supplements lowered cholesterol, but a new lab analysis has found that the herb may help in another way. When University of...

Everyone's favorite dip.(good health: Nutrition News)(Wholly Guacamole)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] EVERYONE'S FAVORITE DIP has just arrived in a healthy new 100-calorie snack pack. Not only is Wholly Guacamole portion controlled and preservative free, it also provides relate, vitamins K, C, and [B.sub.6], fiber,...

Bye-bye, ab flab.(Drop 5 lbs: TIPS AND TRICKS TO TRY TODAY)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The secret to a slimmer stomach may be strength training. Researchers from the University of Pennsylvania divided 133 women into two groups: Half lifted weights for an hour twice a week; the other half received...

Diet aid: creamy soup.(Drop 5 lbs: TIPS AND TRICKS TO TRY TODAY)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... DIET AID: CREAMY SOUP Spooning up lobster bisque before a meal can help you cut calories, reports a study from the VA Medical Center in Oklahoma City. Volunteers were given equal amounts of a high-fat cream of chicken or a low-fat egg broth...

No cane, no gain.(Drop 5 lbs: TIPS AND TRICKS TO TRY TODAY)(coffee drinks)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] People who sip gourmet coffee drinks like syrupy lattes and Frap two to three times in 260 more calories and eight teaspoons more sugar per day than those who don't, say researchers from Simmons College in Boston. A...

Do the math: who ever thought onion rings could be considered diet-friendly?(Drop 5 lbs: TIPS AND TRICKS TO TRY TODAY)
April 1, 2008... 1 Chili's Awesome Blossom with seasoned sauce (2,710 calories) 9 orders of Burger King's medium-size onion rings (310 calories each) [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Whole-grain rotini with asparagus & snap peas: spring break: fresh snap peas and asparagus lighten up a pasta dinner (and add plenty of vitamins). Choosing whole-grain pasta over regular helps triple the cholesterol-lowering fiber.(Healthy in a Hurry)(Recipe)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Total time 30 minutes Makes 4 main-dish servings 1 pkg. (13.25 oz.) whole-grain rotini or fusilli pasta 8 oz. asparagus, ends trimmed, cut into 1-in. pieces 1 bag (8 oz.) stringless snap peas 1 Tbsp. olive oil 1 sin. onion,...

Reverse your risk: many chronic illnesses have early warning signs. Here's how to recognize them--and turn your health around.(good health: SMART WAYS TO STAY WELL, EAT RIGHT, GET FIT)
April 1, 2008... "Good news! Your blood pressure is going up, your cholesterol is a little high, and your blood sugar is slightly above normal!" No doctor would announce results of your latest medical tests this way, of course. But learning that these key...

This mom's life.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "I used to think, What if there's an interesting movie and it conflicts with the boys going to a new school for the first time?... Well, I didn't anticipate that was going to be about a two-second dilemma. I didn't...

How to get the look.(Star Style: The Ivory Coats)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] April showers are more bearable in a bold coat, The white trench has been embraced by Ali Larter, Angelina Jolie, and Eva Longoria, and for good reason: It makes any outfit look crisp, and the belted style is ultra...

Man of the house: Brian Williams.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Interview)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] As the anchor of NBC Nightly News, Brian Williams, 49, is in millions of homes every evening. But it turns out the journalist is happiest in his own living room. "I'm really such a homebody," he says of life in New...

Why I love my age.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "Maybe if you're younger you have more energy--but that's a big maybe. Because at this stage of life, I have more patience, understanding, wisdom, resources--and a husband. I didn't get him until I was 39. But I got...

Turning point.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... "After my parents passed away, it forced me to really make a conscious effort to nurture the friendships and relationships in my life, to start making the right choices for the right reasons. Really, this is absolutely the best time of my life,...

Why I give: Natalie Portman.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... "The concept of the Foundation for International Community Assistance (FINCA) is so simple: They set up village banks in developing countries and give small business loans, starting from $50, to poor women--those living on $3 a day or less....

Keeping house: Quirky advice and springtime tips from stars.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "I learned this from the wardrobe guys on The King of Queens. Take a Polaroid of each of your pairs of shoes, then stick the photo to the outside of the shoebox that you store your shoes in. That way, you can stack...

Animal house.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Alicia Silverstone)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "I have a husband and four rescue dogs, There is no option of no dogs on the bed. This is how I know my husband will be a good father someday. The pit bull sleeps on top of my husband. On top of him! He has to remove...

Matthew Fox's monkey smoothie.(CELEB DISH)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 1/2 c. soy milk 2 Tbsp. protein powder 2 Tbsp. peanut butter 2 Tbsp. honey 2 ripe med. bananas, cut up 1 c. ice cubes * Place all ingredients in blender; cover and blend until smooth....

The diet trick that worked for me.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... "I eat meat, I eat carbs, I even eat McDonald's.... What I don't do is ever overeat. I don't eat desserts, and I can limit the chocolate chip cookies to one or two." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] --Jennifer Lopez

Sherri shakes it up: The View's new cohost, Sherri Shepherd, tells it like it is about her messy marriage, the other woman, and fans who wish she wouldn't lose weight.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Last September, when Sherri Shepherd was named the newest cohost on ABC's hit talk show The View, she expected her life to change dramatically. She's still waiting. An actress and comedian who used to...

The clear-skin makeover: fighting pimples and wrinkles? here's how to give your old routine a grown-up overhaul for radiant results.(good looks: BEAUTY AND FASHION NEWS, DEALS, TRENDS)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Like high school pop quizzes and awkward prom dates, pimples are supposed to be distant bad memories. If only. But these days, even moms of teens are battling blemishes-and wrinkles, too. In fact, between 15 and 35...

Good deals: beauty: no, you aren't seeing double! Each pair here shows a pricey pick--and a look-alike for less.(good looks: BEAUTY AND FASHION NEWS, DEALS, TRENDS)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] PINT-SIZE PRECISION If you've always found liquid liners too tricky to handle, these petite pens will solve your problem: Their steady grips and fine felt tips make it a cinch to draw on the drama. Stila Liquid...

Best pore potions.(GHRI TESTED)(Biore Pore Minimizing Lightweight Moisturizer and Estee Lauder Idealist Pore Minimizing Skin Refinisher)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Bigger isn't better when it comes to pores. Fortunately, a new batch of lotions promises to make them look smaller-at least temporarily. To find out if pore minimizers live up to their billing, the Good Housekeeping...

Newest flake fighters.(good looks: Beauty News)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] If your antidandruff routine consists of medicated shampoo followed by your favorite conditioner, it may be time for a revision: A recent Procter & Gamble study found that ordinary conditioner can wash away up to 70...

Do-anywhere manicures.(good looks: Beauty News)(products from Sally Hansen Group and OPI)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] With their spill risk and bulky bottles, nail polishes have never been super-portable. The ingenious new solution: polish in a pen. These two--Nicole by OPI Nic's Sticks Paint & Go Nail Lacquer ($7 each, Target;...

Go green--for less.(good looks: Beauty News)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Natural beauty products usually go for premium prices, but a new line proves it's possible to be earthand wallet-friendly. Physicians Formula's Organic Wear makeup, tucked inside recyclable packaging, is free of parabens, harsh chemicals, and...

Taffeta: this rustles-when-you-move fabric is no longer just for bridesmaids. The key to keeping it citified instead of saccharine: Choose clean-lined silhouettes cut close to the body, and pair with less luxe materials, like the jeans here.(good looks: Trends for Grown-ups)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Trench, $199, Lauren by Ralph Lauren. Tunic, $58, White House | Black Market. Jeans, $69, Liz Claiborne. Earrings, R.J. Graziano. Purse, Nine West. Shoes, Talbots [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] DAY GLOW Taffeta's dramatic luster doesn't...

Good deals: fashion: snag Hollywood style on a budget with celebrity-designed togs that put the spotlight on savings.(good looks: Trends for Grown-ups)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... SARAH JESSICA PARKER SJP's gravity-defying Manolos made her famous, but her Bitten line for Steve & Barry's is amazingly down-to-earth: Nothing in this ultra-wearable 500-piece collection costs over $20. Look for sharp, snappy...

From plain to pretty.(good house: GREAT BUYS, STYLISH IDEAS, SAVVY ADVICE)(flower arranging)(Cover story)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Don't let the adage fool you: This month's flowers herald spring just as much as May's post-shower buds. And what smarter way to display a bunch of hyacinths or daffodils than with this easy update of a basic glass vase? To do: Head to a crafts...

Can do.(EASY IDEA)(work-space holders)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Here's a cheap way to cheer up your work-space: Save tin cans from the recycling bin and cover them in pretty gift wrap or wallpaper remnants. Gather a collection of different-size holders--from a tiny tomato-paste can to a larger juice...

Rug rehab.(good house: Idea File)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Let us guess--your once-natty natural-fiber carpet has multiple stains. You've tried cleaning it, to no avail, and now you want to toss it. Don't. Try this four-step revival plan instead: Put down a drop cloth; place the rug on top and roll its...

Make a stand.(good house: Idea File)(displaying a houseplant on a stool)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Elevate an everyday houseplant to greatness by displaying it on a stylish stool. If you don't have a seat handy, check yard sales for a vintage perch or pick up a sleek new one for less than $40 at stores like...

Ribbon cutting.(good house: Idea File)(ribbon-made curtain)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Let spring breeze into a child's room through a fluttery curtain made of ribbon. You'll need a tension rod and about 10 yards each of five different ribbons (the amount will vary depending on window size). Cut the...

Photo op.(good house: Idea File)(turning a napkin dispenser into a picture frame doubling as a bookend)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Cook up a new use or two for a diner-style napkin dispenser: Turn it into a fun frame that doubles as a bookend. Find a chrome holder at restaurant supply stores or at bakedeco.com ($6.25 and up). Take a piece of cardboard, trace the...

The giving tree.(good house: Idea File)(membership in the Arbor Day Foundation)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... The perfect gift for your green-minded friend or the neighbor's newest little family member? A yearlong membership in the Arbor Day Foundation (arborday.org). When you register, the organization will send you or your recipient 10 free saplings...

Good deals: home: stock your at-home workspace with fun, frugal office extras that still get down to business.(good house: GREAT BUYS, STYLISH IDEAS, SAVVY ADVICE)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] BLUE-LIGHT SPECIAL It's easy to look on the bright side with PBteen's metal task lamp ($69). Available in six cheerful colors (including ice blue, above, and pink), it gives you three pivot points for optimal...

House of ideas: charm comes organically to a botanical bedroom that brings the outdoors in.(good house: GREAT BUYS, STYLISH IDEAS, SAVVY ADVICE)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Natural Selection Thanks to garden accents and vintage pieces, this bedroom's cottage style is both effortless and earth-friendly. Five tips to try: 1 Woodsy artwork, like a tree branch and a trio of tramp art...

Bite-size style: a small-scale kitchen lives large, thanks to affordable alterations and space-stretching updates.(MAKEOVER: KITCHEN)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Paying big bucks to remodel a claustrophobic kitchen was never part of David Cargill's plan. In 2004, the documentary filmmaker finally bought his long-awaited dream house--a condo in picturesque Marina del Ray, CA,...

Summertime shoe danger.(good family: FROM KIDS TO MONEY, WHAT TO KNOW NOW)(flip-flops and Crocs)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] As the weather warms, kids break out their flip-flops and Crocs. But a rise in accident reports around the country suggests that this kind of comfy footwear is causing injuries to children who ride escalators--some...

Make computer play count.(good family: FROM KIDS TO MONEY, WHAT TO KNOW NOW)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] So your youngster won't touch an educational Web site with a 10-foot mouse? Send her to Whyville (whyville.net), a free online community for ages 8 to 15. Kids join this virtual world to chat and play games, but...

ADHD can be easy to miss.(good family: FROM KIDS TO MONEY, WHAT TO KNOW NOW)(attention-deficit/hyper-activity disorder)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Though some parents feel that attention-deficit/hyper-activity disorder is overhyped, a new study from the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Meical Center finds that about half of the estimated 2.4 million children with the condition haven't been...

Will work for money: more and more parents are asking kids to earn their allowances. Here, three families share their systems--and the lessons they teach.(good family: FROM KIDS TO MONEY, WHAT TO KNOW NOW)
April 1, 2008... All Lori Mackey wanted to do was inspire her two children to get ready for school on time. But no amount of cajoling or prodding worked. One day, out of desperation, she promised to pay them $1 apiece for every morning that they got up when the...

Smart money moves to make in '08: seven easy ways to boost your savings, improve your credit, and protect your family.(good family: Saving Money)
April 1, 2008... You know you need to save for retirement and, as long as the economy continues grumbling, keep a close eye on spending. But if you want to do more than just avoid a financial disaster, you need to go beyond the obvious and add these seven steps...

Save big on your taxes: sail through the 1040 seas on your 2007 and 2008 returns by making these wise maneuvers.(good family: Saving Money)
April 1, 2008... Navigating a Form 1040 often requires several hours, well-organized paperwork, and a few doses of aspirin. (They don't call the process "taxing" for nothing.) But thanks to recent changes in the law-aside from the new rebate checks-you may owe...

Don't buy it! Rent it! Need a fabulous purse for one night or a loaner love seat for your home? These Web sites can help.(good family: Saving Money)(Website list)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Whether you want a jaw-dropping bag to seal a job interview or a sexy gown for a party, you can save big by renting items online. And you won't just be cutting costs, you'll be buying peace of mind: Rentals let you...

Great new paints: 6 specialized formulas for better results.(the goods: WHAT TO BUY, WHAT TO SKIP: Testing from the Good Housekeeping Research Institute)(Product/service evaluation)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Painting a room is one of the most common do-it-yourself home improvements. But before you put brush to wall this spring, consider trying some of the recent formulations companies have introduced to make painting...

The best carpet-cleaning pros.(the goods: WHAT TO BUY, WHAT TO SKIP)(Stanley Steemer and Sears Carpet & Upholstery Care and cleaning services)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Winter's slush may be past, but the lingering dinginess of your carpets still leaves you cold. You could spot-scrub the worst of it, but if your wall-to-wall hasn't had a deep cleansing in a while (or ever), now's a...

Which cell phones are tops?(EASY TEXTING)(Buyers guide)
April 1, 2008... As a mom of a tween or teen, you've likely found yourself text-messaging on your cell phone--or wishing you could--just to stay ill touch. You may also have noticed that typing words on a phone's numeric keypad can be frustrating. Enter QWERTY...

Super shapewear (to fit your body and budget).(the goods: WHAT TO BUY, WHAT TO SKIP)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... The GH Research Institute reviewed 13 of the newest slenderizing body shapers under $50. Women of various sizes tried them on and evaluated each for fit, comfort, and quality. Waists, hips, and busts were measured both before and while wearing...

She drives me crazy! Difficult people can be, well, difficult. Here, 17 strategies to help you stop the emotional tug-of-war.(good advice: STAYING CENTERED, COPING, LIVING FULL)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I like to imagine that I'm a kind, patient person. That I embody calm when confronted with prickly personalities. That their aggravations roll off me like water off a duck's back. But this delusion is quickly...

The limits of thin: losing weight may shrink your belly, but it won't make your life pain free.(good advice: Feed Your Soul)
April 1, 2008... My romance with It things began when I was 6 and convinced that having a Patti Playpal--a life-size doll with a blue-and-white plaid jumper--was the answer to, well, everything. Soon after that, my fervor for clothes, shoes, and jewelry was...

Pop quiz.(good advice: Everyday Manners)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... Q A well-meaning acquaintance always gives your tween gifts that are age inappropriate, like perfume, sexually explicit music, and R-rated DVDs. Should you: A Say nothing, but take the gifts away from your child to save until she's older...

Ask peggy.(good advice: Everyday Manners)(Peggy Post)(Brief article)
April 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Q My sister-in-law wants to be a good houseguest, but that means she "tidies up" my home by throwing out things I need. What can I do? Kudos for recognizing that her actions are well intended. Now the key is to...