Good Housekeeping articles from December 2008

Good Housekeeping archives from December 2008

Give more, spend less!(goodhousekeeping.com)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Save big on holiday shopping with Good Housekeeping's help. We have 25 great deals waiting for you in our daily coupon calendar--bookmark it so you can easily nab major savings. Extra bonus: You can avoid the crowds...

Holiday cravings 911.(goodhousekeeping.com)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Don't sabotage your diet! Find healthier options for what you crave now CHEESE STRAWS [down arrow] CHOCOLATE LAYER CAKE [down arrow] EGGNOG [down arrow] PECAN PIE [down arrow] PIGS IN A...

Season's best cookie recipes.(goodhousekeeping.com)
December 1, 2008... From gingerbread to rugelach, we've got 30 treats for every day of the season. Hint: Pack a few cookies in a pretty box for a homemade, thoughtful gift. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Party-ready hair in a flash.(goodhousekeeping.com)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Boost your hair's bounce and shine with these quick tips.

Editor's letter.(on my mind)(Christmas )(Editorial)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] My favorite Christmas movie is a little-known gem from the 1940s called The Bishop's Wife. Starring Cary Grant, David Niven, and an impossibly lovely Loretta Young, it centers on the struggle of an ambitious young...

Ask our expert.(on your side: HELP FROM THE GH RESEARCH INSTITUTE)(pillar candles)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Q. How can I prevent pillar candles from burning unevenly and becoming lopsided? A: Most often, candles burn unevenly when the wick is too long or there's a draft nearby. At the first sign of a slant, gently blow out the candle, trim the...

Trapped TV!(GH TO THE RESCUE)(television warranties)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Last November we bought a Westinghouse 20" LCD TV from Best Buy for $299. In May, the TV began to turn on and off by itself. After living with this for a few weeks, we took it back to the store for repair. Seven...

Did you know?(on your side: HELP FROM THE GH RESEARCH INSTITUTE)(CFL bulbs )(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... "CFL bulbs work best in rooms where they'll be left on for at least 15 minutes. Frequent on-and-off (say, in a closet or pantry) can shorten bulb life, so the replacement cost can outweigh energy savings."--Todd J. Kent, GHRI senior test...

Gift wrap station.(EASY ORGANIZING)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Santa may have a whole workshop--and 364 days to prepare-but you don't. Here's how to handle the holiday present-wrapping rush: Designate a table, then clear off the surface, so you have ample room to spread out and...

Keep vs. toss.(good(enough): Easy Organizing)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * KEEP wrapping-paper scraps for year-round use. Small sheets are perfect for creating custom gift tags, scrapbooking, and decoupaging. Lay pieces flat (or carefully fold), and store in an expandable accordion folder...

Don't skip this tip.(good(enough): Easy Organizing)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... After the annual gift wrapping marathon, the last thing you want to think about is next year's session. But January is the best time to stock up on supplies, as prices can drop by 75 percent. 1 ON A ROLL Forget the frustration of tangled...

Degrease your range: want a shiny stovetop and clean oven without breaking a sweat? Here, the simple de-gunking steps.(Speed Cleaning)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Biggest Challenges 1 Splatters on the burners and knobs 2 Charred spills on the oven's bottom 3 Greasy window in the door Fastest Fixes 1 Clean the cooktop Full disclosure: While you won't be...

Install surround sound.(Total Time Savers: SHORTCUTS TO MAKE IT LESS OF A CHORE)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] GOOD WAY 1 Most surround sound systems (which cost $300 and up for a good one) come with five speakers and a subwoofer to enhance bass. Place the center speaker above or below the TV, the two front ones to the...

Free home theater!(Total Time Savers: SHORTCUTS TO MAKE IT LESS OF A CHORE)
December 1, 2008... Long lines, overpriced concessions, plus $40 to get tickets for the family--no wonder you skip the movie theater in favor of a DVD, even if your TV's antiquated. Now, we're giving one lucky reader a chance to outfit her living room with the...

Old rolling suitcase.(DOUBLE DUTY)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Stash a luggage castoff in the garage or shed for hauling firewood into the house.

Scuzzy slippers.(WHAT I'M CLEANING THIS MONTH)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... I love my house shoes: the silk half-slippers that I got in China in 1979; three pairs of moccasins (one real leather, the others man-made); and my sock booties with leather soles and faux fur to warm my ankles. Come winter, I give them a good...

Carrying-on cologne.(Ask Heloise)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Q My husband's cologne leaked into his luggage. I've sprinkled it with baking soda--no luck. Ideas? Karen, via e-mail Lightly scour the inside with a little rubbing alcohol poured onto a clean terry cloth...

Handy wrappers.(Ask Heloise)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Q Can you suggest any other uses for the plastic bags newspapers are delivered in? Alice Alderman, Jacksonville, FL Good question! Rather than toss out those plastic sleeves, here are some ways to recycle them: * Hold small trash...

Ceiling cleanup.(Ask Heloise)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Q The textured ceilings of my apartment have grayish-black stains. How do I get rid of them? Becki, via e-mail Do not attempt to clean an older, sprayed-on "popcorn" ceiling--this material may contain asbestos, and should be evaluated...

Got shopper's brain?(good health: SMART WAYS TO STAY WELL, EAT RIGHT, GET FIT)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Choices, choices, choices If holiday shopping leaves you befuddled, it may be that you had too many decisions to make. (Stilettos or flats? Bronze or red?) In a study of 58 shoppers, researchers at the University of Minnesota found that the...

A different drinking problem.(good health: SMART WAYS TO STAY WELL, EAT RIGHT, GET FIT)(Report)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Overactive bladder can keep you running to the bathroom, but the solution may be as simple as... drinking less. British doctors asked 24 men and women who suffered from urinary frequency and urgency to keep diaries...

Superman does it again.(good health: SMART WAYS TO STAY WELL, EAT RIGHT, GET FIT)(Christopher Reeve, NeuRx Diaphragm Pacing System)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... This holiday season, we're grateful to the late Christopher Reeve and the 49 other volunteers with an upper spinal cord injury who tested a new implantable breathing aid, now approved by the FDA. Thanks to them, others have access to the NeuRx...

Eat to beat queasiness.(good health: Health News)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Help for nausea--whether due to pregnancy, motion sickness, or even chemotherapy treatments-could be as close as your kitchen cabinet or fridge. When chemo patients drank super-shakes containing 32 grams of protein,...

Itching for jewelry.(good health: Health News)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] You love the silver necklace that your husband gave you, but you're less enthusiastic about the rash that has suddenly erupted around your neck. The likely culprit: nickel. Don't think that your spouse stinted on his...

Health-wise gift of the magi.(good health: Health News)(frankincense )(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Frankincense may be a perfect stocking stuffer for today's arthritis sufferer. In a recent study, patients with osteoarthritis of the knee had significantly less pain and better mobility after taking the Indian...

Pick a pepper (not a cuke).(good health: Nutrition News)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] All fruits and veggies are good for you, but some appear to be better at preventing disease. Italian researchers put a group of adults on a produce-rich diet, with participants eating high-antioxidant foods for two...

Bet you can eat just one.(good health: Nutrition News)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Willpower works: In a new study, people who'd been primed to think like dieters were less likely to open a standard-size bag of chips than a small snack pack--and when they did open the bigger bag, they ate only half as many chips. You need...

Going nuts.(good health: Nutrition News)(almonds )(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Not only are almonds good for your heart, but new research suggests that these nuts may also promote beneficial bacteria in your gut--the kind that boost your immunity. Here, appealing flavors for a holiday party (or your own party of one): ...

The latest brain food ...(good health: Nutrition News)(chocolate)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] THE LATEST BRAIN FOOD... is chocolate. Harvard researchers recently found that cocoa flavanols (protective substances that are also abundant in dark chocolate) help improve blood flow to tile brain, which could slow...

Be in mint condition.(Drop 5 lbs: TIPS AND TRICKS TO TRY TODAY)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 1 Starbucks Grande Peppermint White Chocolate Mocha (530 calories) = 10 candy canes (55 calories each)

Handy holiday helper.(Drop 5 lbs: TIPS AND TRICKS TO TRY TODAY)(personal digital assistant )(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Good news, partygoers: The key to navigating that table of temptation--a.k.a. the holiday buffet--may be your personal digital assistant (PDA). Just go to calorieking.com/mobile, type in the treat that's threatening your willpower (the database...

Mind over munchies.(Drop 5 lbs: TIPS AND TRICKS TO TRY TODAY)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... To curb those 4 P.M. snack attacks, think about lunch. In a recent study, British researchers fed 47 women a midday meal and then, three hours later, asked them to write about either the meal or their morning commute. Those who described lunch...

Slim pickings.(CALORIE COUNT)(Table)
December 1, 2008... CALORIE COUNT Slim Pickings Winter weight gain? Bah, humbug! Prevent seasonal pudge with these cold-weather calorie burners. ACTIVITY CALORIES Shoveling your driveway * 430 ...

Festive Fusilli.(Healthy in a Hurry)(Recipe)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... A HOLIDAY-HUED pasta dish delivers cancer-fighting lycopene in the tomatoes, roasted for extra benefit and sweetness. Broccoli adds a dose of heart-healthy fiber and vitamins Festive Fussilli Total time 30 minutes Hakes 4 main-dish...

Best way to burn fat ... plus 9 other great health breakthroughs of 2008.(NEWS!)(List)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [BEST] Fat Trimmer Slo-mo. Strength training that uses slow movement and fewer repetitions builds more muscle and reduces more fat than standard weight lifting, a 12-week study of women ages 45 to 55 reported....

What I love about my kid.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Kate Hudson quotation)(Quotation)
December 1, 2008... "My favorite thing about my son is that he comes home from school and the clothes go flying! clothes go Like, clothes off, right down to the undies." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

How to get the look.(Star Style: Triple Play)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Stars like Drew Barrymore, Katie Holmes, and Kristin Davis are giving the "black skirt, white shirt" combo a festive touch: brightly hued heels--perfect for holidays. Try it with a turtleneck by day or fitted blouse...

Mark Harmon.(Man of the House)(Interview)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas at Mark Harmon's house, which can only mean one thing: smoked salmon. The star of the hit series NCIS has an annual holiday feast with his wife, actress Pam Dawber, their...

Lori Loughlin.(WHY I GIVE)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Lori koughlin, who stars in the CW's 90210, talks about her pet cause. "I'm a dedicated supporter of Much Love Animal Rescue (muchlove.org). I grew up with dogs and have always loved animals. I was particularly moved by the fact...

My favorite holiday tradition.(good buzz)(Meredith Vieira quotation)(Quotation)
December 1, 2008... "Pulling out the boxes of ornaments is a bit like a time machine, transporting you back over the years. There are all the bells, Christmas trees, and wreaths cut out of construction paper that the kids made in school. There isn't a year that...

Hyper housekeeping.(good buzz)(Jada Pinkett Smith quotation)(Quotation)
December 1, 2008... "I'm very, very particular about how things look when I open up a cabinet. My sheets are folded very neatly. My towels are stacked by color. Under the sink I have baskets of sponges.... It has to be in order!" [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

This Dad's life.(good buzz)(Brad Paisley quotation)(Quotation)
December 1, 2008... "Huck's going to get stuff I want; that's what's going to be funny. 'Look, Star Wars figures!' I know it's for ages 4 and up, but still, I will play with them until he's old enough."

Listen to your mother.(good buzz)(Sissy Spacek quotation)(Quotation)
December 1, 2008... "From the time I was little, my mother told me, 'We're all just a product of our choices.' That advice stuck with me as a reminder that all of the choices I make--from my career to my husband to how I raised my girls--have made me into who I...

Reese Witherspoon's Slow Cooker Coq au Vin.(CELEB DISH)(Recipe)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Slow Cooker Coq au Vin 8 oz. sliced bacon, diced 1 quartered chicken (4 1/2 Ibs.), skin removed 8 oz. sin. mushrooms 1 c. frozen sin. white onions, thawed 6 cloves garlic 1/2 c. dry white wine 2...

Smile makeover: turn your grin into a dazzler--fast--with these expert lip tips and teeth-whitening treatments.(Do-it-Yourself)(Buyers guide)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Smiling, which usually feels good, can also make you feel self-conscious if your teeth are less than white or your lips are lined or cracked. But a slew of new treatments and products can keep you from wanting to...

3 tips for great lips.(good looks)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... 1 Wipe out flakes Smooth lips by gently rubbing them with a damp washcloth or soft toothbrush, then apply lip balm, suggests Jo Strettell, makeup artist for Rimmel. If the rough patches persist, it may actually be a reaction to the fragrance in...

Who's afraid of bold, red lips?(good looks)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Red lipstick looks festive--and can make your teeth look brighter. Here's help in finding (and putting on) the right red hue for you. Use this foolproof method Choose a color based on your undertones, says L.A....

Lasting tip.(good looks)(L'Oreal Paris Infallible Never Fail Lipstick in Rose)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Give your favorite shade more staying power by filling in lips with liner, placing color over it, then dabbing on translucent powder. Add another coat of color and a second light dusting of powder. Or try a long-lasting lipstick; the latest...

A brush for your face.(GHRI TESTED)(Clarisonic Skin Care System)(Neutrogena Wave Power-Cleanser )(Product/service evaluation)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Cleansers have come a long way since the days when cold cream was the ultimate makeup remover. The latest innovation: battery-charged or electric facial brushes. But is there any benefit to using a gadget instead of...

Get the red out.(good looks: Beauty News)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Rosy cheeks are cute on kids and Santa, but less charming when your complexion is chronically red due to rosacea or reactive skin. Carmindy, the makeup artist on TLC's What Not to Wear, suggests these tips for...

Kitchen cure for dry skin.(good looks: Beauty News)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Move over, olive oil--safflower oil contains more than three-quarters linoleic acid, a fatty acid that helps skin hold on to water, according to New York City dermatologist Amy Wechsler, M.D. She recommends rubbing it into damp skin straight...

Ruffles rule.(good looks: Trends for Grown-Ups)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Feminine and flirty, these flounces add elegance--as long as they're worn with restraint. The right moves: Choose sophisticated hues and posh fabrics, and pair with streamlined pieces FRILL SEEKERS Beware the ill-placed ruffle. Billowing...

The ultimate gift guide.(good holiday)(Buyers guide)
December 1, 2008... Perfect presents for every budget! (under $10) [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] BOOK 'EM Learn the hidden meanings of dreams, names, and birth dates in Chronicle's retro-cool Fortune Telling books ($9.95 each, henribendel.com)--perfect...

Tune up your tree.(good house: GREAT BUYS, STYLISH IDEAS, SAVVY ADVICE)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Create noteworthy ornaments that show off favorite songs. Copy sheet music: then gather scissors, while glue, ribbon, and cording from a trim or crafts store, and a corrugated cardboard box (break it down and peel...

Get loopy.(good house: Idea File)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Break the bonds of tradition with this glam update to the classic paper-chain garland. The secret: shimmery double-sided scrapbook paper (a 12" by 12" page will yield two dozen 6" by 1" strips). Cut out strips, then staple bands to make...

Christmas chandelier.(good house: Idea File)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Here's a way to let leftover ornaments branch out. Pick up a photo mobile like this one (Kikkerland, $10; kikkerlandshop.com), and gather ornaments in various sizes, colors, and finishes from your stash--even simple...

Skirt the issue.(good house: Idea File)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Give your dining room a wardrobe change by temporarily transforming a tree skirt into a stylish holiday table topper. (If you've collected more than one tree skirt over the years, this is a perfect opportunity to display your favorite so it...

Snow adorable.(good house: Idea File)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Build a Frosty that will last no matter what the forecast. You'll need wooden skewers, a pack of oven-bake clay, white yarn (whatever's in your budget: anything from fuzzy white angora to inexpensive acrylic yarn...

It's a wrap.(goodhouse: Idea File)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Make place settings look like a present with napkin rings crafted from leftover wrapping paper, rick-rack, and double-sided tape. To do: Snip strips of paper roughly 1 1/2 inches wide and five inches long (test one...

Room for hope: GH's gift to a family touched by tragedy: a comfy, kid-friendly space where all is calm and bright.(MAKEOVER: LIVING ROOM)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Justine Thompson's living room has endured some tough times. It was last painted eight years ago, when the Staten Island, NY, morn and her husband, Ned, a police sergeant, moved into their 1950s ranch house and began...

Protect your kid's teeth.(good family: FROM KIDS TO MONEY, WHAT TO KNOW NOW)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dental erosion, or the loss of protective tooth enamel, is on the rise among youngsters. Thirty percent of 900 middle schoolers examined in a recent multi-university study already had the irreversible condition,...

A game that fights hunger.(good family: FROM KIDS TO MONEY, WHAT TO KNOW NOW)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... You can't get your child off the computer because she's studying and helping to end world hunger? Believe it or not, that describes a hot new trend on the Web: FreeRice (freerice.com). This online quiz for kids 8 and up launched last year as a...

Before you buy that flat-screen your kid's been begging for ...(good family: FROM KIDS TO MONEY, WHAT TO KNOW NOW)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] CONSIDER THIS: Teens with TVs in their bedrooms watch about four to five more hours a week than those without them, report researchers at the University of Minnesota School of Public Health. And with the TVs, girls...

Staying close to your teen: though bonding may seem like the last thing your kid wants, now is the time she needs you most. Try these smart strategies.(good family)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] My 17-year-old phoned me at work last week and said, "Come home soon! I really want to be with you, Mommy." Lisi hardly ever calls me Mommy anymore. As my heart swelled, I must confess I felt just a tad superior to...

The best toys of 2008.(the goods: WHAT TO BUY, WHAT TO SKIP)(Buyers guide)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Selecting the winners of Good Housekeeping's first annual Best Toy Awards was serious fun. GHRI looked at hundreds of playthings for ages 3 to 14, evaluated 51 favorites, and then let dozens of kids loose to play and...

Super stocking stuffers: great gadgets--all under $20.(the goods: Best Stocking Stuffers)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] RUB IN IT HoMedics Quad Extreme Massager ($15) has an easy-grip handle and four vibrating "fingers" to soothe tired muscles. Another plus: The battery lasted 85 minutes on one charge. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Card game: streamlining your season's greetings doesn't require elves--just a little resourcefulness.(good advice: STAYING CENTERED, COPING, LIVING FULLY)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I shall now whisk you back to the Christmas Past when I was 8, my sisters were 6 and 2, and my brother was a few months old. My sisters and I were wearing stiff velvet dresses. My brother was wearing tiny plaid...

Let your heart break: when you accept that hurting and healing are part of living, you can give up the fantasy that being thin controls your happiness.(good advice: Feed Your Soul)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] His name was David, and I was crazy in love with him. The way his shiny dark hair curled around his collar, and how his long fingers waved oh so eloquently in the air as he talked. Every breath he took, every word he...

Ask Peggy.(good advice: Everyday Manners)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Q My office is holding a secret Santa exchange. I'd like to participate, but my family's holiday budget is already squeezed to the limit. Is it OK to opt out? Secret Santa works best when everyone participates, so do try, if you possibly...

Pet peeve.(good advice: Everyday Manners)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Q I've been receiving lots of holiday e-cards, and find I feel somewhat slighted by the quick-click gesture. Is it rude to send Yuletide greetings over the Web? Concentrate on the kind sentiments, and don't take offense: E-cards are a...

Pop quiz.(good advice: Everyday Manners)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Q Your sister-in-law keeps comparing your life to her own--and bemoaning hers. You don't think they're that different (or that bad). Should you: (A) Delve deeper into her complaints (B) Ignore it; maybe she's naturally negative ...

What would you do?(good advice: Everyday Manners)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Should you gripe about a gift donation? Instead of sending a present, your cousin donates to a charitable organization in your name--but for a cause you don't support. Should you say something? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Yes "I'd...

A very Paula Christmas: our modern-day Mrs. Claus shares her favorite holiday memories--of gumdrops, treasured gifts, and lopsided trees--plus the 5 cookie recipes no one can resist.(Paula Deen)(Interview)(Cover story)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "It don't matter what we do, so long as we're all together": That recipe for a wonderful Christmas comes to you from Paula Deen--doyenne of down-home cooking, Food Network host with that remarkably rich twang, and...

Boys & girls.(GINGERBREAD)(Paula Deen)(Photograph)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "I don't know why I don't call mine gingerbread men or gingerbread women." Deen wonders aloud. "I've made a house out of gingerbread, and though rolling out the dough and the cutting can be tedious, this is one of...

Homespun holiday: fill your house with natural, easy-to-craft decorations that celebrate the unhurried joys of the season.
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] If the commercialized razzle-dazzle of Christmas is leaving you feeling more frenzied than festive, try an understated Yule this year. * With some burlap, brown paper, and twine, plus seasonal fruits and greenery,...

Better-than-store-bought gifts: delight family and friends with homemade treats that are fast, frugal, and festive.(Photograph)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Searching for a can't-fail present that's always in good taste? The answer is as close as your kitchen. Food is a perennial crowd-pleaser, and these yummy goodies will satisfy everyone on your list, from the...

Get a great night's sleep every night!
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I thought insomnia was my lot in life. I hadn't had a good night's sleep in-well, I honestly couldn't remember when. And neither, it seemed, had most of my friends. We made jokes about starting a book club that would...

Best aids for restful sleep: GHRI picks to block light and noise.(GET YOUR ZZZ'S)(Good Housekeeping Research Institute)(Buyers guide)
December 1, 2008... Light Fighters Exposure to artificial light from lamps, TVs--maybe even the glow of your radio alarm--can keep you awake at night. So shut off appliances or turn them away from you. Still not dark enough? Try one of these winning sleep...

O, Christmas wreath: ring in glad tidings with creative holiday hoops that are as simple to make as they are sensational.(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Mixed Greens This woodsy design, studded with fruit and plants, blends faux and real. From the crafts store, purchase a 16-inch grapevine wreath and artificial Granny Smith apples. Use a hot glue gun to affix the...

"I love my ...(Buyers guide)
December 1, 2008... No matter how long your list of self-cataloged figure flaws, we bet there's at least one body part you're not afraid to show off. This holiday, flaunt it--with party-ready, scene-stealing styles designed to play up positives, boost your body...

Open house.(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... For the ultimate in fuss-free festivities, throw a party with serve-yourself dishes whipped up the day (or even week!) before. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] HOSTING A HOLIDAY get-together doesn't have to turn you into an exhausted stress...

Ask Susan.(good food: HOW TO MAKE EVERYTHING BETTER)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... Ask Susan Q: Why do many of your baking recipes call for "butter, no substitutions"? Marje Derrick, Troy, NY A: Other than the rich taste of real dairy, there are practical reasons to use butter, particularly for rolled cookies:...

Berry-balsamic pork chops.(Express Lane)(Brief article)
December 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Total time 30 minutes Makes 4 main-dish servings 1 c. bulgur wheat 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh parsley 1 Tbsp. olive oil 4 bone-in pork rib chops, 3/4 in. thick (8 oz. each), trimmed 1 c....

5 ideas for ... roasted red peppers.(good food)
December 1, 2008... Acid an instant taste of summer to savory winter dishes with a peck of bright peppers. When you can't--or don't have time to--grill them yourself, grab a 12-ounce jar off the pantry shelf, drain well, and chop, and try them in one of these...