Good Housekeeping articles from February 2008

Good Housekeeping archives from February 2008

Ask our expert.(on your side: HELP FROM THE GH RESEARCH INSTITUTE)(minicomputers )(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Q: I have added a small desk to my kitchen and am considering getting a computer for it. I don't have much room, but I'm not a fan of laptops because of their smaller keyboards and screens. What are my options? A: Good news for you:...

GH to the rescue.(on your side: HELP FROM THE GH RESEARCH INSTITUTE)(Good Housekeeping)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... I Last January, I bought a bed with a 90-day trial at Select Comfort on a payment plan from GE Money. I paid on time, but just after the trial I decided to return it. Select Comfort agreed to take it back and GE Money agreed to refund my...

Did you know?(on your side: HELP FROM THE GH RESEARCH INSTITUTE)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... "To get a winter vitamin C boost, swap your cup of juice for a large orange. You'll get almost nine times the fiber--and save calories to boot."--Delia Hammock, GHRI nutrition director

Organizing: laundry area.(good (enough) housekeeping: EASY SOLUTIONS FOR SMART LIVING)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Make wash day less of a chore by turning your laundry room or closet into a clutter-free work zone. To streamline tasks and save loads of time, create a sturdy place for fluffing and folding (a piece of cut-to-fit...

Easy wall overhaul: if your painted surfaces have seen better days, don't assume they need a fresh coat. Fixes for 5 stains--no roller required.(good (enough): Do It Smarter)
February 1, 2008... 1 CRAYON Harold and the Purple Crayon--cute story, right? Then your kid, inspired, starts scribbling on your walls. To dissolve the waxy artwork in a hurry, use a citrus-based cleaner like Goo Gone ($5). Apply it with a soft cloth, and once the...

A clean mudroom? Sounds like an oxymoron. But with these quick steps you can ditch entryway dirt and disarray long before spring-cleaning.(good (enough): Speed Cleaning)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] BIGGEST CHALLENGES * General clutter, from mail to mismatched mittens * Wet jackets, shoes, and boots that need a place to go * Tracked-in mud, leaves, and other debris FASTEST FIXES 1 Remove...

Gone fur good.(COOL TOOL)(Pet Pack by Bissell)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Sometimes it seems like there's more pet hair on your furniture than on your critter--that's when it's time to start your own antifur campaign. Your new ally: Bissell's innovative Pet Pack ($30). The kit includes two attachments with rubber...

Saving face towels.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Q: My washcloths have a sour smell even after laundering. How do you eliminate the odor? Tracie Skaurud, Fargo, ND Wash them in hot water at full-load setting. Use the normal amount of detergent, plus 1/2 cup washing soda (sodium...

Metal maintenance.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Q: Any hints for keeping our new stainless steel appliances shiny? Nancy K. Roop, Normal, IL For starters, don't use powdered abrasives, metallic scrubbers, or products containing chlorine on steel--all of which could damage the...

Ask Heloise: cosmetic cleanups: spills in the bathroom always seem to happen when we're rushing to get out the door. Here's how to manage five common makeup messes.(good (enough): Heloise to the Rescue)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Nail polish drips On porcelain or glazed surfaces: Mop up as much as you can with a paper towel, then dampen a sponge with acetone nail polish remover to wipe away streaks. Rinse with water. On rug: For latex-backed or synthetic mats, moisten a...

This mom's life.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... "As a mom, you have to look at how much time you're spending with your kids. There is nothing you will regret more in your life--nothing--than not being present for your children." Star Style | Scarlet Fever How to get the look In The...

Man of the House: Tom Selleck.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Interview)
February 1, 2008... Not since Clark Gable has one mustache meant so much to so many women. And while his facial hair has grayed a bit, Tom Selleck, 63, remains essentially the same: still married to actress Jillie Mack (for 20 years and counting), and still a star...

How I fake my age.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... "You don't want to stay the same. The thing that was great for you before isn't going to be great for you now. A woman should have many faces through her life, not just one face, not just one hairdo, not just one way. You want to keep...

Turning point.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... "When it comes to dealing with my parents, I finally realized that their life is not my life. At this point, you take what's good about them, and God knows there's plenty of that, and you don't dwell on the bad. And ultimately, I think it's...

Meryl Streep's heart cookies.(CELEB DISH)(Recipe)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 1 1/2 c. butter (3 sticks), softened 3/4 c. honey 1 tsp. vanilla extract 2/3 c. almonds, finely ground 1 3/4 c. whole wheat flour 1 3/4 c. all-purpose flour Jam or preserves...

My get-slim trick.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... "I've always hated those people who say that eating right and exercising is the only way to lose weight, but now, sadly, I'm with them. I use a StairMaster, go to Pilates classes, and run regularly. It doesn't matter how you raise a sweat, so...

Why I give: Halle Berry.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The Oscar-winning actress, whose first child is due shortly after Valentine's Day, participates in various programs that reach out to women and children in need. "For several years, I've been working with the...

How I stay sane.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)
February 1, 2008... "Actually, I scream a lot.... I guess sometimes I handle things well, sometimes I don't."

37-minute lifesaver.(good health: SMART WAYS TO STAY WELL, EAT RIGHT, GET FIT)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In less time than it takes to watch Grey's Anatomy, you can learn CPR just as well as someone who attends a three-hour course--and you can do it at home. When tested right after training, and again six months later,...

Family matters.(good health: SMART WAYS TO STAY WELL, EAT RIGHT, GET FIT)(heart attack)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Here's a startling statistic: More than 40 percent of early heart attacks could be prevented, say researchers at the University of Glasgow. Doctors just have to provide extra screening and, if necessary, treatment...

Vitamins: no help for your heart.(good health: SMART WAYS TO STAY WELL, EAT RIGHT, GET FIT)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... There are many proven ways to head off heart attacks and strokes, but taking antioxidant pills (vitamins C, E, and beta-carotene) is not one of them, recent research suggests. Despite promising early studies, new, more rigorous ones--like this...

Ditch this diet.(good health: SMART WAYS TO STAY WELL, EAT RIGHT, GET FIT)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Women who load up on fast food are significantly more likely to develop early heart disease than those who make healthier food choices--even if the empty-calorie eaters are no heavier and their blood pressure, cholesterol, and smoking habits...

Calcium: no days off.(good health: Nutrition News)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Skip your calcium supplement every now and then and you could be missing out on big benefits. When Australian researchers reviewed 17 studies, they found that people who consistently took calcium reduced their risk...

Organic = healthier.(good health: Nutrition News)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Advocates of organic farming can point to many environmental advantages, but when it comes to nutrition, benefits have been harder to pinpoint. Slowly, though, these have been emerging, too. Take a recent study from...

Cola vs. citrus.(Jolting News)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Which soda packs the bigger buzz--a cola drink like Coke or a citrusy choice like Mello Yello? Surprise: It's not the Coke, which has 15.6 fewer milligrams of caffeine per 12-ounce can than Mello Yello (33.9 versus...

7 heart-smart dinners.(good health)
February 1, 2008... Can mouthwatering meals be cardio-friendly? Here's proof: a week's worth of family-pleasing, quick-prep suppers loaded with just the right nutrients. Eat them to your heart's content [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Red Lentil & Vegetable Soup...

The secret to online dieting.(Drop 5 lbs: TIPS AND TRICKS TO TRY TODAY)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Researchers Tracking a Web-based weight-loss program for six months found that one-on-one attention was key. Of the 192 participants in the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill study, one group received a weekly e-mail from a...

How to pump off pounds.(Drop 5 lbs: TIPS AND TRICKS TO TRY TODAY)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... If you're hitting the gym without seeing results, try doing reps with heavier dumbbells. An Ohio State University study showed that women often choose weights that are 50 percent lighter than what they can handle. (Fess up: How long have you...

Tasty low-cal treat.(Drop 5 lbs: TIPS AND TRICKS TO TRY TODAY)(Recipe)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Our Valentine's Day gift to you: chocolate-pistachio apricots, only 25 calories each. To make a dozen: Melt 1/2 ounce semisweet chocolate n the microwave on Medium for 45 seconds stirring after 20 seconds. Dip one...

The skinny on sandwich spreads.(CALORIE COUNT)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... The Skinny on Sandwich Spreads Some condiments do more damage than others CALORIES * GRAMS OF FAT * Mayonnaise 90 10 Pesto 75 ...

Home haircolor--in just 10 minutes!(good looks: BEAUTY AND FASHION NEWS, DEALS, TRENDS)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Coloring your hair at home is a great money saver, but it comes with some downsides, too--namely, a chemical-y odor (phew!) and the 30-minute goo-drenched wait in the bathroom for the color to take. Not anymore: With Perfect 10 by Nice 'n Easy...

Good deals beauty: spice up your everyday look (and bring on the romance!) with these subtly sexy steals.(good looks)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] FABULOUS FRINGE Many false lashes look, well, fake, but Arden DuraLash Naturals ($4, drugstores) are a wearable way to fill in sparse spots or add a hint of glamour to your look [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Romantic blouses: feminine tops work best with tailored trousers. Also essential: good fit. Too tight, and the plunging necklines and front-button plackets are overly revealing. Too loose, and you look sloppy, not chic.(good looks: Trends for Grown-ups)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... SHAPE UP Tops with a belt or darts keep the flowy look under control--and keep ruffles and ruching from overwhelming your frame [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Mossimo for Target, $18 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] O Oscar, $89 ...

Good deals fashion: give your wardrobe (and wallet) the warm fuzzies with fun, easy-fit fleece pieces.(good looks)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SEEING A PATTERN Herringbone puts a natty spin on Uniqlo's trim zip-up ($30) [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] COLOR SCHEME Banish winter blahs with the vibrant periwinkle of Lands' End's stretch cowl-neck...

Open books.(good house: GREAT BUYS, STYLISH IDEAS, SAVVY ADVICE)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The perfect valentine for a bibliophile: a favorite poem or passage turned into artwork. You'll need a hardcover book, a shadow box (available at crafts stores), two lengths of fishing line, a paring knife, and a...

Sew simple.(EASY IDEA)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Maybe you've moved and need longer drapes Or maybe you just feel like a new look. Either way, it doesn't have to mean curtains for your curtains--just change them up by adding a complementary panel to the ends. The long and short of it: Find a...

Photo finish.(good house: Idea File)(use of disposable cameras in parties)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Don't have any sweet snaps of you and your mate sans kids? You aren't alone. Next time you have the adults over, place disposable cameras in various spots and encourage pals to click away. Then send out the best shots after the party. Guests...

Tea lights.(good house: Idea File)(candle made from a teacup)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Give a vintage teacup life beyond breakfast by turning it into a one-of-a-kind candle. Lay a skewer across the top of the cup and wind a wick (sold at crafts stores) around it so the wick hangs into the center. Melt...

Hey, good looking.(good house: Idea File)(makeup compact as a gift for Valentines Day)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Skip the sappy card and transform a makeup compact into a pretty-and pretty simple--way to say "I love you" to a teen. Trace the powder puff onto a piece of valentine-worthy paper (think pink or red), and cut out the...

Dressed-up dresser.(good house: Idea File)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Update a bland bureau by covering the surface with a pattern. Trim decorative paper to fit, and top it with a piece of glass that's cut to order (it will both protect the paper and hold it in place). Since this makeover is so fast and...

Name that ingredient.(good house: Idea File)(tags for staples)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Let your staples announce themselves by sticking on classic name tags ("Hello, my name is... Sugar"). Pick up a pack for less than $5 at office supply stores; label with permanent marker so the names stay put. If a...

Buy smart: countertops: how to find a stylish surface that resists slices, spills, and scorches--and still fits budget.(good house)
February 1, 2008... natural stone Geology 101 refresher: Granite, marble, limestone. and soapstone are all formed inside the earth under enormous amounts of heat and pressure. So it makes sense that, once turned into countertops, they are particularly...

House of ideas: a bedroom gets the alpine look down cold with simple wintry touches.(good house)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Anti Freeze For a crisp, Scandinavian-inspired suite, start with a neutral backdrop, then layer on low-cost, low-fuss accessories that you can switch with the seasons. Four simple steps: 1 To blur the line between...

Sleepwear safety alert.(good family: FROM KIDS TO MONEY, WHAT TO KNOW NOW)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Your kid needs pajamas or a robe--but a lot of the things you see advertised are called loungewear, cover-ups, and dressing gowns. Watch out: This is how some companies dodge federal safety standards, which require...

When doctors overprescribe.(good family: FROM KIDS TO MONEY, WHAT TO KNOW NOW)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Here's a stat to keep you up at night; When children visit the doctor for sleep problems, 81 percent go home with a prescription--even though the FDA has never approved an insomnia drug for patients under 18. This...

How video games affect schoolwork.(good family: FROM KIDS TO MONEY, WHAT TO KNOW NOW)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... If your teen is a master of Halo 3, you know he's been practicing. What you may not know is how much his hobby has cut into his learning time. A multi-university study found that 10- to 19-year-olds who played video games spent about 30 percent...

Friends against the odds: drawn together by disaster, two women prove how powerful forgiveness can be.(good family)(Sari Evanson and Angela Mathison)
February 1, 2008... Sari Evanson, a 20-year-old with a creamy complexion and shiny chestnut hair, stands before a group of suburban Minneapolis teens and parents, patiently waiting to get their attention. The kids, prospective drivers, don't know what to expect....

A smart shopper's eBay guide: how to avoid scams--plus new ways to find exactly what you want.
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] As one of the most popular Web destinations, eBay is well established as a fun shopping site. But online buying does have its tricky moments, so check out our latest tips: Be on the alert for "positive feedback"...

Cut your heating costs! You could pay about 11 percent more to keep your home warm this winter. How to conserve your heat--and your cash.(the goods: WHAT TO BUY, WHAT TO SKIP)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] To save big, all you need are just a few small home improvements, which include using a programmable thermostat and space heaters. The GH Research Institute tested them to find the ones that are most user-friendly....

Get-in-shape gear: do these newfangled exercisers actually work? Our experts and volunteer panel evaluated each for safety, performance, and ease of use. Here's what we found.(the goods)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] BEST OF THE BUNCH The Deluxe Bean by GreenHouse International ($50) This easy-to-inflate kidney-shaped seat muscled its way to the top, thanks to its ease of use and versatility. The Bean comes with simple...

At-home air care.(the goods)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Those sniffles and teary eyes could be a winter cold--or they could be your body's reaction to stale air in your home. When windows are shut tight to hold the heat, allergens like dust, pet dander, and pollen get...

Ready, set, sew!(the goods)(Euro-Pro Shark and Brother CS6000i)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Once the domain of home ec classes, sewing is now a hip craft--there are 35 million machine stitchers in the country, reports the Home Sewing Association. If you'd like to stitch a few seams but can't tell a bobbin...

No-fade towels.(AT HOME)(Stay Bright by WestPoint Home)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... If you've ever cheered up a bathroom with colorful fabrics, you've probably also felt frustrated watching them fade--sometimes after just a few washes. Now one brand promises to do better: Stay Bright towels from WestPoint Home (six-piece set,...

Stop procrastinating--right now! 6 ways to outsmart your paralysis and actually get something done.(good advice: STAYING CENTERED, COPING, LIVING FULLY)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I procrastinate horribly--not about everything, just about phone calls. Sometimes I put off making dinner reservations until all I can get is a 10 P.M. slot at my third-favorite restaurant. I regularly run out of...

Ask Peggy.(good advice: Everyday Manners)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Q One of my coworkers is constantly pushing chocolates my way. Sounds great, I know, but I'm on a diet and I've tried to ask her to stop-to no avail. What can I do? Since your initial requests didn't work, take her aside and lay out the...

Pet peeve.(good advice: Everyday Manners)(sending thank you notes through email)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Q I hate when people e-mail thank-yous rather than take the time to write proper notes--or is this now acceptable? E-mail may be quick and easy, but it doesn't convey the same effort and personal warmth as putting pen to paper. Thus, gifts...

Pop quiz.(good advice: Everyday Manners)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Q The kid your neighbor hires to shovel snow seems to be dumping half of it on your driveway. Do you: (A) Ask your neighbor to handle the problem (B) Confront the kid while he's doing the work and request that he be more careful ...

Should you shush the hard of hearing?(WHAT WOULD YOU DO?)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... At the movies, a man with a hearing aid is clearly unaware of how loud his comments are. Can you tell him to keep it down? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Yes "I'd put a finger to my lips to signal 'quiet'--but kindly." Elizabeth ...

Love the one you're with: instead of feuding with your thighs and hating your love handles, focus on the blessings of your body.(good advice: Feed Your Soul)
February 1, 2008... People usually read my column or come to my workshops because they want to lose weight. They want to stop suffering. They want to be happy. I talk to them about trusting themselves and about listening to their bodies. Once you do that, I say,...

Dr. Phil & Robin's: do-it-yourself marriage makeover: the famous couple on how to cope with the 5 biggest relationship busters, and their stay-together secrets for no-longer newlyweds.(MAKEOVER / RELATIONSHIP)(Phil and Robin McGraw)(Cover story)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dr. Phil McGraw has worn multiple hats in his 57 years--college football star, clinical psychologist, trial consultant, best-selling author, talk show phenomenon. But in the most basic ways, he is still pretty much...

The 48 hour living room fix: yes, you can revamp a blah space in a weekend--without tearing out the walls (or your hair). Use the smart ideas we came up with for this family, and make your place look spectacular by Sunday.(MAKEOVER / HOUSE)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Like plenty of parents with full-throttle schedules, Kathy Lee, 36, and her husband, Jay, 38, don't have endless hours to devote to decorating--and their bland living room showed it. Seven years after moving into...

ScreamFree Parenting: has your tween or teen mastered the art of making you unravel? Here, a guide to keep-your-cool discipline that really gets results.(MAKEOVER / PARENTING)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Peace in your family is not as impossible as you might think. Just give your kids exactly what they want. OK, calm down. I don't mean be totally permissive and let them run wild. I do mean give them the kind of...

5 years younger.(MAKEOVER / LOOK YOUNGER)
February 1, 2008... Linda Cecere | 57 "I found out color isn't so scaly after all" Look closer--who's that lurking under all those dark, shapeless layers? "It's sort of an unwritten rule in New York City that you wear black," says Linda, and this...

Lose weight in '08 (without even trying!).(MAKEOVER / SLIM DOWN)
February 1, 2008... Fill your plate with these nutritious, delicious foods, and watch the pounds disappear--effortlessly You won't find any admonitions like "You can't eat that" or "Cut back on those foods" here. The reason why: Research has shown that...

Ask Susan.(good food: HOW TO MAKE EVERYTHING BETTER)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... Susan Westmoreland, food director, GHRI Q: Do I need a mortar and pestle? What else can I use? Amanda Hutchinson, Alexandria, VA A: If you crush a lot of spices, herbs, or garlic, this kitchen duo can be a time-saver--it works as...

Sausage calzones.(good food: HOW TO MAKE EVERYTHING BETTER)(Recipe)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Total time 30 minutes Makes 4 main-dish servings 1 c. part-skim ricotta cheese 1 link (3 oz.) fully cooked Italian chicken sausage, diced 3/4 c. frozen peas 1/2 c. shredded part-skim ...

5 ideas for ... cream of celery soup: in grocery stores since 1913, this condensed classic may not be as famous as its creamy cousins--mushroom and chicken--but it's just as tasty. Check out our five easy updates for a 10 3/4-ounce can.(good food)(Recipe)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Pasta with Peas & Mushrooms In 12-in. nonstick skillet, heat 1 Tbsp. olive oil on medium 1 minute. Add 1 sin. onion, chopped, and cook 8 minutes. Add 1 pkg. (10 oz.) sliced mushrooms and cook 5 minutes. Stir in 1 can...

Hot cocoa.(TASTE TEST)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When the wind is blowing outdoors, the smart move is cozying up indoors--and a steaming mug of chocolate is the perfect companion. For the quickest fix, try a hot cocoa mix. We tested 19 nationally available...

Romantic reds: just in time for Valentine's Day, we've got five rich, lush (dare we say sexy?) wines, perfect for sharing with the love of your life--even if the kids are playing video games in the next room.(WINE PICK)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] CHARLES KRUG MERLOT 2004 California ($22) From Napa Valley's first winery (bottling since 1861), this organically grown, berry-scented Merlot strikes a nice balance among fruit, tannins, and acidity ...

Campari tomatoes.(SUPERMARKET PICK)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sure, fresh tomatoes are sold year-round, but winter s mealy, tasteless specimens are hardly worth trying. An exception: the Campari, which has the sweet juiciness of summer well into winter. Grown in greenhouses,...

Sticky situation.(INSIDE THE GH TEST KITCHEN)(hos to cut fruits like apricot)(Brief article)
February 1, 2008... If dried fruits like apricots and dates cling to your knife when you cut them, try spritzing the blade first with vegetable cooking spray. It'll keep the fruit on the cutting board, not your utensil. For larger pieces, spray kitchen shears, and...

Love beyond words: a father chronicles the daily battles he and his family face to help his speech-impaired daughter find her true voice.(good reads: STORIES, BLOGS, AND BOOK PICKS)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When his daughter, Schuyler, was 18 months old, a simple question from a pediatrician ("Is she making any effort to speak?") transformed Robert Rummel-Hudson from befuddled new dad into the last thing any father or...

The valentine box: in a flash, my preschooler's project turned me into that kind of mom.(BLOGGER)
February 1, 2008... When my daughter's teacher handed out a flyer announcing that each child must bring in 20 unmarked valentines--treats optional--along with a decorated box for storing received ones, I did not blink an eye. Oh no, not me. You see, I bought...

No matter what mood you're in, we have a great book for you.(good reads: BOOK PICKS)(Brief article)(Book review)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] To get lost in People of the Book By Geraldine Brooks Brooks's artful tale puts a 400-year-old manuscript in the hands of rare-book appraiser Hanna Heath, whose research helps restore the lost treasure...

Lose weight in '08.(good food: Recipes)(Recipe)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Granola-Yogurt Parfait (also pictured on page 145) Prep 5 minutes Makes 1 serving 1/2 c. fresh or frozen (partially thawed) raspberries or other favorite berry 3/4 c. vanilla low-fat...

Good laughs.(Cartoon)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "Listen, you. I'm in the mood for some frozen food." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "So this is where the magic happens." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "Thank you, Adrian. Parenting is a learning process, and your...

Recall alerts.(good to know)
February 1, 2008... Are there unsafe products in your home? Check the following list. These items were recalled by manufacturers in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. For more information, contact the companies, call the CPSC at...

Big love: sometimes the most outsize expressions of affection take the humblest form.(blessings)
February 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Shortly after my husband and I told our families we were expecting baby number five, my father-in-law stopped by the house with a dozen donuts. Buelo (as Paul's dad is known) had been out grocery shopping early and...