Good Housekeeping articles from December 2003

Good Housekeeping archives from December 2003

On my mind.(editor's letter)
December 1, 2003... The gift of giving There's something about the holiday season that makes us grateful for the companionship of family, the goodness of friendship, and the extraordinary courage of many Americans. This year, like last, Good Housekeeping is...

What's the best present you've ever received?(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... "A set of Bose noise reduction headphones, which helps to make my commute really enjoyable." HARRIET SHARRARD, EXECUTIVE ADMINISTRATOR "Walkie-talkies! My brother and I thought they were the wildest gift ever!" JOSEPH CAVALIERI,...

Offscreen affection.(On your mind)(Letter to the Editor)
December 1, 2003... Thank you for your wonderful article on Trista Rehn and Ryan Sutter, "Real Life Love" (October). I have been an avid fan of their love story since the beginning, and have to say that this was the most well-written article about them that I have...

Mothers and child.(On your mind)(Letter to the Editor)
December 1, 2003... The story "'I Never Did Forget You'" (October) really hit home. I am an adoptee, and I was recently reunited with both of my birth parents. It has been a really wonderful, overwhelming, and exciting experience. Adoption is a blessing; it breaks...

Heart trouble.(On your mind)(Letter to the Editor)
December 1, 2003... The article "This Healthy Woman Had a Heart Attack. Could You?" (October) struck a chord with me. I had a heart attack at the age of 40 and had to have two angioplasties. That was 14 years ago. Since then I've had two angina attacks, and last...

Better budgeting.(On your mind)(Letter to the Editor)
December 1, 2003... I read with interest the article "Living Below Your Means" (October). I have nothing but respect for those couples with annual incomes ranging from $40,000 to $110,000 who have chosen to spend less. But how about an article on people like me,...

A timely story.(On your mind)(Letter to the Editor)
December 1, 2003... The article "Problems with Your Period" (September) saved my life. After reading it, I immediately phoned my physician. I had been bleeding abnormally for five days. My endometrial biopsy came back as stage-one uterine cancer. We are now...

Sleepiest Santa.(On your mind)
December 1, 2003... When three-month-old Jenna Rae Marcella fell asleep while being photographed, her mother, Shelly Marcella of Hanover, Maryland, slipped a tiny hat on her head. This serene picture was submitted by her proud grandmother Marlene Gerner of Monona,...

Holiday heads up! What's festive fun, and homespun this season.
December 1, 2003... stars of wonder Silk star ornaments in bold colors add a bright touch to your tree. Designed by Gecko Traders, they're available in nine shades; $10 each at the Museum of Arts & Design; 212-956-3535. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] flight...

If Santa were a bargain shopper.(gift guide)
December 1, 2003... FOR HER He'd fill his sleigh with these great finds $50 and under--and, for those who've been very good, a few fabulous splurges. This is one gift list you'll want to check twice. FOR HER Signature bags: monogrammed totes by Liz...

Come home for the holidays: a holiday gift worth smiling about.(Oral-B ProfessionalCare[TM] 7000; electric toothbrush )(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Give the Gift of Better Oral Health This holiday season, give the gift of a healthy smile with new Oral-B ProfessionalCare[TM] 7000, the world's most advanced power toothbrush you can count on for healthier teeth and gums. TIPS FOR...

Put on your party face: no, it's not magic: it's makeup! cosmetics guru Trish McEvoy gives three readers a very merry makeover.(beauty)
December 1, 2003... before In makeup," says Trish McEvoy, "one size does not fit all." And it shouldn't. Though stores all recommend the latest trends, you're not always going to like them, or they may not look good on you. Your makeup is like your hair--to...

Household helpline: Heloise to the rescue.
December 1, 2003... Dealing with disaster Q: My showerhead has started spraying water in six directions! There's lime buildup clogging the holes--how can I get rid of it? --Cindy Miller, Fountain Hills, Arizona Heloise: Your best bet is to remove the...

You asked, Peggy answer.(Do the right thing: Peggy Post on everyday etiquette)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Q: A major time crunch is forcing me to break my vow that I'd always write out my Christmas cards--and never send one of those word-processed newsletters. Any tips on how to create one with style? Also, what are your thoughts on e-cards? ...

Christmas gifts at the office: five things you should know about ...(Do the right thing: Peggy Post on everyday etiquette)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... 1. A present for the boss is inappropriate because it can be misread as an attempt to curry favor. 2. Two exceptions to this rule: The gift is from a group, or the giver has worked with the boss for several years. In either case, the...

So what would you do?(Do the right thing: Peggy Post on everyday etiquette; spotting a child shoplifter)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Q: At a department store, you see a girl, age nine or ten, pocket a watch. Her mom, busy looking at earrings, doesn't notice the shoplifting. What do you do? "I'd inform the mom. I couldn't let a child miss a lesson about right and wrong."...

Pop quiz.(Do the right thing: Peggy Post on everyday etiquette; dealing with unwanted visitors)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Your husband's brother will soon be visiting--and he's bringing his new girlfriend along. They want to share a room, but you feel that letting them do so would set a bad precedent for your teenagers. Would you... a. Give your...

Talk to me: Joy Behar solves your trickiest problems.
December 1, 2003... Q: My daughter is a scrooge. Lisa is 17, and she says the holidays have become overcommercialized. She wants us to abstain from giving gifts and to make a donation to charity instead. But there's no way I'm depriving my three younger children...

Institute Junior: hot new toys for babes, tots, and tweens--all safety-tested to make you one smart Santa.(family)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... GOOD VIBRATIONS This supersoft blanket comes with its own cuddly cow--which has a gentle, baby-soothing "heartbeat." Tendertones Cow; $29.99; ages newborn and up. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] BEGINNING BAKERS Calling all child chefs: A...

Bake 'em or fake 'em: chocolate chip cookies.(Testing Testing! News For You From The Good Housekeeping Institute)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Now you really can cheat in the kitchen. We tested homemade chocolate chip cookies against the ready-bake varieties, and the results were a sweet surprise: Most tasters preferred Nestle's chewy, chocolatey Toll House Ultimates ($3.49 for 12) to...

How to pick the perfect tree.(for Christmas )(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Did your last Christmas tree turn into a carpet of needles? Beat the Charlie Brown syndrome this season by choosing the right species. In our tests of five different types of fresh-cut trees, two outlasted the rest. The balsam fir's lush...

Best kitchen time-savers: want homemade meals fast? Check out these efficiency experts.(Testing Testing! Good Housekeeping Institute; Rival Recipe Smart-Pot Slow Cooker and Breville Gourmet Wok)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... you shop, it cooks Rival Recipe Smart-Pot Slow Cooker, $99.99, takes its time so you don't have to. It has a database of 200 recipes (we loved the Garlic Pork Roast) that can simmer to perfection while you're at the mall. Running late? The...

Speedy does it! New microwaves put food in the fast lane.(Testing Testing! Good Housekeeping Institute)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... micro multitasker Whirlpool g2microven GH9177XLQ, $719. Steam, grill, roast, or hake faster with this g2, which uses microwave power and light energy. We roasted a chicken in 47 minutes, then wiped the nonstick interior clean. 800-253-1301...

Gifts that give back.(Testing Testing! Good Housekeeping Institute)
December 1, 2003... Cool Hair, for teens. One coauthor's profits go to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. Hello Kitty For every shirt, $10 goes to Youth-AIDS, a group that educates kids on HIV/AIDS. Filofax Duo Organizer Twenty-five percent of sales...

New winter jackets: light but warm.(Testing Testing! Good Housekeeping Institute)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... The forecast for winter outerwear: Thin is in. Several manufacturers have introduced jackets made of fabrics that promise warmth without the bulk. Which ones fight the cold and fit best? When we tried on the latest brands at teeth-chattering...

GH to the rescue!(Testing Testing! Good Housekeeping Institute; query around Home Depot's refund policy)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... "Why is it so hard to get a cash refund?" Several months ago, I tried to return floor tiles to Home Depot. The salesclerk and me that because I'd paid the $175 by check, I'd have to wait ten days from the date of purchase for a cash...

Holiday tipping: a face-saving guide: who should you tip this season--and how much? Experts explain when to be Santa and when it's OK to be Scrooge.(advice)
December 1, 2003... It's that moment of hesitation: You'd like to hand your hairdresser a little something extra as a holiday gift--but how much is enough? The etiquette can be confusing, because every community sets its own tipping standards. But our experts have...

Are you calcium deprived? Most women are. Find out how much you really need to keep your bones strong. Plus: new ways to sneak more calcium into your diet.(your health)
December 1, 2003... Calcium not only builds strong bones, it also helps prevent bone loss as we age. It may even ease PMS, ward off high blood pressure, and prevent colon cancer. But most of us still don't get enough of this essential mineral--despite the...

Teachers who prey on kids: why they're still going free: vague laws. Weak prosecutors. Indifferent judges. How the criminal justice system fails our children--and how you can make a difference.(Special Report)
December 1, 2003... As 12-year-old Jordan Smith walked down the school hallway, she wasn't just nervous, she was terrified. She was about to be questioned by four people: the principal of J.N. Fries Middle School, in Concord, North Carolina; two assistant...

Get your arms around the holidays.(consumer electronics)
December 1, 2003... The holidays. They're dazzling, they're delightful... but they can be downright exhausting. Maybe you can't go out and rent your own private holiday elf, but technology is the next best thing. This holiday let the latest hi-tech do the...

The 2003 Heroes for Health Awards. Courage. Compassion. Acts of extraordinary caring.(Jessica Lynch; Alexandra Scott; Sheri Fink; Tanya Brown; Rhonda Fincher; Goldie Hawn)
December 1, 2003... Five women, and one little girl, saw how they could make a difference in the lives of others--and they never hesitated. To celebrate their achievements, Good Housekeeping, in partnership with GE, now honors these six with our second annual...

The family that kept on growing: they didn't plan it this way. But one child led to another. Meet the Muhlesteins ... and learn the rules for raising 11 lively, loving children.(Elaine and Brent)(Interview)
December 1, 2003... There are two basic approaches to running big Families," says Elaine Muhlestein from the kitchen island of a brick ranch house in the foothills of Utah. She shovels flour into a mixer for dinner rolls, while two of her daughters funnel pound...

Christmas cuties: want to make a holiday outfit for your munchkin? These sparklers couldn't be simpler (honest!).(just for kids)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Tot trimmings Start with a white cotton onesie. Buy a rubber Christmas stamp and a fabric ink pad at a craft, stationery, or Christmas store. Put a layer of clean cardboard inside the onesie (to keep the ink from soaking through), then lay...

Christmas crafts: fun, easy projects that draw children into sharing the spirit of the season.(just for kids)
December 1, 2003... Poinsettia pointers Turn paper cups into festive flowers. Cut half-inch-wide slits around an eight-ounce cup, then flatten the tabs to flare out petals. Variations: Cut cup into about ten petal shapes, and trim to blunt the ends. For a...

More than just merry: inside the festive home of Today's Al Roker and his wife, 20/20 reporter Deborah Roberts.(decorating)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Christmas is hard to miss when you step inside the New York City home of Al Roker and Deborah Roberts. From the vibrant wreath on the front door to the elaborately draped banisters to the living room's glimmering tree, this house radiates...

Elizabeth Smart: the Christmas she missed: their older daughter had vanished without a trace. In this exclusive excerpt from their new book, Lois and Ed Smart tell how they celebrated the holiday without her ... and comforted her sister and brothers.(book bonus)(Excerpt)
December 1, 2003... During the nine months Elizabeth was missing, her sister and brothers never let her out of their thoughts or prayers. This was especially true as the holidays approached. When we talked to them about what was in their prayers, one of her...

Let it snow! Just outside your window, a winter wonderland awaits. Whoop it up with these fun and festive ideas.(Holidays You'll Remember)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Outside: Romps in the snow on crisp, cold days. Inside: Christmas, with all the warm, delicious trimmings. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Ring it on! Hoist a wreath of juniper and holly berries, shown here and opposite, to brighten a...

Let it glow: a wealth of enchanting looks for the most precious time of the year.(Christmas)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Fir trim For an elegant railing wrap, accent a garland with wreaths of blue and green glass ornaments. Luxury line Stockings cut from such rich fabrics as velvet, damask, and satin give your mantel a makeover. Glass-bead initials...

Goldie's gifts: the sassy star on what matters most: a brand-new grandchild, her red-hot romance (still!), and feeling like a kid again at 57.(Interview)
December 1, 2003... It's strange to ascend to the top of a posh Manhattan apartment building--the sort of dwelling where you'd expect to find mahogany-paneled walls and austere furnishings--and find a jewellike aerie, decorated like an Indian palace right down to...

All the trimmings: deck the halls--and walls, tables, mantels, banisters, even your bed--with swishes and swags you make yourself.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Tick, tock--it's almost Santa time. A simple rope of evergreen adds a holiday note to a cozy country corner. Add dashes of holly and pinecones, some candles, and you're there. Are the stockings hung by the chimney with care? If not, string them...

Teddy bears everywhere: for Christmas in Connecticut, one couple blends the best of tradition with wonderful whimsy. How they create a home--and a holiday--to remember.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... To me, Christmas is the most creative time of the year," says Alicia Joslin, a homemaker who dedicates her December to creating a rich country setting for her holiday celebration. "I love to go for the wow factor," she says. "I want people to...

Sweets of the season: from easy to exquisite, holiday treats to enjoy with family and share with friends.
December 1, 2003... Spumoni Icebox Cookies PREP 55 minutes plus chilling and cooling BAKE about 10 minutes per batch MAKES about 7 1/2 dozen cookies 2 3/4 cups all-purpose flour 1/2 teaspoon baking soda 1/8 teaspoon salt 1 cup...

New baker's helpers.(Good Housekeeping Institute Report: Wilton Tilting Cake Turntable; Cake Pan Liners; Nordic Ware Wreath Cake Pan; Nordic Ware Deluxe Bundt Cake Keeper; Bonjour Cookie Factory)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... The Wilton Tilting Cake Turntable, left, takes the biggest challenge out of decorating a cake by locking at a 12- or 24-degree angle, so you can keep your hands in a natural position while piping garlands, flowers, or other designs. (The...

Batches of fun: with the right tools and these tips, kids will love decorating their own holiday cookies.(Recipes)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Coat with frosting Outline the area to be iced (this might take grown-up expertise) using stiff white or tinted Ornamental Frosting (see page 157) in a decorating bag fitted with a small writing tip; let piping dry. With water, thin a...

Classic Christmas dinner.(Recipes)
December 1, 2003... Cranberry-Fig Conserve with Brie pictured at right PREP about 10 minutes plus chilling COOK about 15 minutes MAKES 24 appetizer servings 2/3 cup packed brown sugar 1/4 cup brandy 1 lemon 1 bag (12 ounces)...

Easy slice and dice.(Zyliss Safety Rail-Guided Mandoline)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... When dishes call for thin, uniformly cut strips (see our Root Vegetable Gratin, page 178, and Tarragon Vegetables Julienne, page 176), chefs turn to an adjustable-blade slicer. The one we like for both its professional results and affordable...

Don't forget the wine.(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Whether you're buying for your own table or a host's, you can't go wrong with these choices from wine expert Andrea Immer (her reviews follow). All bottles are widely available and will fit most budgets. Just choose your price range (Steal or...

Yummy recipes.
December 1, 2003... My Mother's Weirdly Delicious Chocolate Cake Cake: 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 1 1/8 cups sugar 4 tablespoons cocoa powder 1 teaspoon baking powder 1 teaspoon baking soda 1 teaspoon ground ginger Pinch of salt 1 cup...

Home cooking: "the side dish stole the show!".(Recipes)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Ellen Levine, our editor in chief, loved this casserole from the Mabbettsville Market, in Millbrook, New York--and so did her family and friends: "When I served the dish at a weekend party, everyone raved about it. So I thought it would be...

In my kitchen.(tips on baking cookies)(Brief Article)
December 1, 2003... Bake like a pro I was watching Karen Tack, our fabulous baker/decorator, turn out perfect thumbprint cookies with the handle of a wooden spoon at our "Sweets of the Season" photo session. This got the two of us talking about what we have...

The 10 commandments of holiday weight control: do you tell yourself each year, "Thou shalt not gain a million pounds by January"? This time, you can keep that vow--if you follow these ten rules from our fitness guru.(Diet)
December 1, 2003... We are now entering what I call the fitness danger zone, where there is temptation all around us--office parties, family celebrations, annual neighborhood get-togethers. This year is going to be different, though, because you will be prepared....

Best pets: contest winners! Furry or feathered, our favorites in the 2002 Dress Up Your Pet contest are all adorable.(Contests)
December 1, 2003... FIRST PLACE Debbie Gerrity of Silver Spring, Maryland, submitted this shot of her sister's sledding Westies, Maggie, Buster, and Lucy. These top dogs had a leg up on the competition. RUNNER-UP Rocky the squirrel was saved by Alice Rowe of...

Gingerbread grand slam: check out our 2002 contest winners--not a cookie-cutter creation in the bunch!(Contests)
December 1, 2003... FIRST PLACE Becky Stella of Minneapolis crafted this striking cathedral with melted Jolly Rancher candies for the stained glass and piped icing for the authentic-looking ironwork. SECOND PLACE Aria Gibbons of North Logan, Utah, achieved a...

The nine-year-old who stole Christmas: she wanted to give her son a great Christmas. But when a brash new kid at school boasted that Santa was a fake, Frankie knew she had to produce a miracle--and fast.(short story)(Short Story)
December 1, 2003... the pine tree groaned under the ax and crashed, finally, between my father and me. A great curtain of dust rose, and when it lifted we stared at the tree, tumbled into a mass of bramble. Not at all festive. The forlorn moment could not be...

Holiday survival 101: simple lessons to ease the holiday frenzy.(advertisement)(Brief Article)(Advertisement)
December 1, 2003... The crackle of roaring fires, the smell of roasting chestnuts and a certain nip in the air are all signs that the holidays are fast approaching. Yet every year, the holiday season seems catch us by surprise. Before you know it, the big day...

Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen: the teen stars on perfect presents and happy homecomings.(their favorite things)(Interview)
December 1, 2003... Mary-Kate Olsen GIFT YOU'VE RECEIVED "I got my pony, C.D., when I was eight. We actually spent Christmas at Disney World that year, and when we arrived, there were pictures of him underneath the Christmas tree." GIFT YOU'VE GIVEN "I...