Good Housekeeping articles from February 2009

Good Housekeeping archives from February 2009

Editor's letter.(Samuel J. Green Charter School's Edible Schoolyard New Orleans project )(Editorial)
February 1, 2009... I spent a recent Friday morning poking through perfect rows of lettuces, dewy from a rain shower. Across the way, aw satsuma orange tree was in full fruit; down the path, beets grew alongside peas and carrots. It was a garden reminiscent of...

Ask our expert.(on your side)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Q I recently purchased a high-efficiency washer. I have some regular detergent left over; can I use it? A: In a word, no. HE washers use a lot less water--therefore, HE detergents are formulated to produce less suds. Even using less of your...

PayPal payback.(GH TO THE RESCUE)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Last year, I bought an electric keyboard for $549 on eBay and paid for it through PayPal. I never got the keyboard. The seller said there was a mix-up and he'd sold it to someone else--but he still had my money. I...

Did you know?(hypoallergenic beauty products safety)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... "With beauty products, 'natural' doesn't mean hypoallergenic--you can react to plant extracts and synthetic ingredients alike. Spot-test new products on your inner forearm before use." --Birnur Aral, Ph.D., GHRI health, beauty &...

Underwear, etc.(managing your drawers and clothes)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It seems impossible for something as small as a pair of panties to cause such a mess, but your overflowing dresser drawer begs to differ. To instill some undergarment order, first edit out tattered, ill-fitting, or...

Countertop attack! Are your kitchen workhorses screaming for a cleaning? Spiff them up fast.(Speed Cleaning)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Biggest Challenges 1 Greasy, crumby toaster oven 2 Splattered microwave 3 Sluggish coffeemaker; stained carafe Fastest Fixes 1 Tackle the toaster oven This little guy takes on breakfast, lunch,...

Tech 911: quick fixes to try before calling customer support--or the repair shop.(FILE THIS!)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "I dropped my cell phone in the tub!" Or maybe it splashed into a sink, a puddle, or (gasp!) the toilet--if you act fast, your phone might not call it quits. Remove the battery and SIM card (a portable memory...

Cozy throws.(laundry )(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... In the deep of winter, nothing's nicer than snuggling up with a good book or movie and a comfy throw (oh, and my precious mini schnauzer, Cabbie!). But those lightweight blankets don't often get the attention we give to other linens and...

Banishing tea stains.(tea cups)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Q I am an avid tea drinker, but the bags leave stains on my cups. How can I get them sparkling again? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dawn Williams, Peabody, MA To remove stains on everyday ceramic cups and mugs, first rinse the cup with...

Help for "tacky" wood.(wood kitchen table maintenance)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Q My wood kitchen table is about 10 years old, and the top has become very sticky. Dish soap doesn't seem to work. Other ideas? Lisa Spencer, via e-mail Several things could be causing this: old food and drink spills, cooking sprays...

Stinky jeans.(Ask Heloise)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Q My son spilled kerosene on a pair of jeans. They've been washed twice with regular laundry detergent, but the strong odor remains. Is there a remedy? Brenda Mell, via e-mail Air the jeans overnight--outside, if it's not too cold--to...

The cubicle workout.(good health: SMART WAYS TO STAY WELL, EAT RIGHT, GET FIT)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sitting tensed in your office chair squinting at a computer screen can lead to headaches and neck and shoulder pain. But a 90-second exercise routine, done every two to three hours, may be all you need for relief....

Marriage matters.(Alzheimer's disease)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] You may feel at times as though your husband's driving you crazy, but sharing your days with another person actually protects your brain. People living alone at midlife are twice as likely to develop cognitive...

Medical money saver.(good health: SMART WAYS TO STAY WELL, EAT RIGHT, GET FIT)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... The next time your doctor offers you a free drug sample for an ongoing condition, think twice before accepting. Drug companies typically give out only more expensive brand-name drugs for samples, and in the long run, that can cost you money. If...

Jump-start a healthy heart: a simple 4-week plan designed for the busiest woman.(good health)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] This year, give yourself a valentine: Adopt a program to keep your heart strong. These tiny, easy steps pack research-backed power to stop cardiac disease--the number one killer of women. And while more of us than...

This mom's life.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "As a working mother, high heels don't really fit into my life anymore but in a totally wonderful way. I would much rather think about my than myself."

How to get the look.(leather jackets)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Add some octane to your outfit by swapping a classic blazer for a leather motorcycle jacket. As Alicia Keys, Kim Cattrall, and Debra Messing show, this notice-me piece pairs well with sleek, sophisticated basics like...

Eric McCormack.(Man of the House)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Eric McCormack, who spent eight years charming us from behind the kitchen island in Will Truman's apartment on Will & Grace, is back on TV, starring on TNT's new series Trust Me. And while McCormack, 45, says he...

Turning point.(daughter-mother relations)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "When my daughter was 4, she was having a tantrum that t could not stop. Finally, I dropped to my knees and said, q don't know what to do when you are like this!' She gave me this quizzical look--and said, 'Well, how...

How I stay sane.(balance of life)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... "As far as maintaining the balance of life, I just take it one day at a time. And I make a lot of lists." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] --Jennie Garth, mom of three, 90210

"I felt like I earned the Good Housekeeping seal when ... I spoke out on nuclear issues before a Senate subcommittee hearing.(good buzz)
February 1, 2009... "I Felt Like I Earned the Good Housekeeping Seal When... I spoke out on nuclear issues before a Senate subcommittee hearing. I was working with the Star Foundation, which was credited with closing two leaky nuclear reactors in Long Island,...

The marriage rule I never break.(good buzz)
February 1, 2009... "My husband, Jordan, and I never break our date night. We love time with [our son] Max, but we also need mommy-and-daddy time."

Why I give: David Boreanaz.(Facing Forward Foundation )(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... The star of Bones shares why he supports the Facing Forward Foundation (facingforward.org), which provides corrective surgeries for children with facial deformities. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "Growing up, I saw my dad do charity work for...

Amy Grant's.(banana nut bread)(Recipe)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Grandma Grant's Banana Nut Bread 1 c. sugar 1/2 c. butter (1 stick), softened 2 lg. eggs 3 bananas, sliced (2 c.) 2 c. all-purpose flour 1/2 c. pecans, chopped 1 tsp. baking soda...

Get the color you want: whether it comes from a kit or a salon service, here's how to find (and keep) your perfect match.(good looks: BEAUTY AND FASHION NEWS, DEALS, TRENDS)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] You hate it--the smell, the cost, the time commitment--and yet you wouldn't dream of going without it. Coloring your hair can take years off your looks--even if it sometimes feels like a bad habit you can't break....

Body lotions that last (we swear!).(good looks: Beauty News)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] When 24-hour moisturizers first began appearing on store shelves, we couldn't help wondering if they were all hype. So the Good Housekeeping Research Institute tested 10 of the newest body lotions that make this...

Wave a magic wand.(mascara)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... It's one of those beauty paradoxes: Small mascara wands deliver supersize lashes. Huh? "A tiny brush can fit right up against the lash roots so you get a fuller effect," explains New York City makeup artist Emily Kate Warren. The wee wand can...

Luxe hairbrush for less.(Sonia Kashuk's Kashuk Tools Hair Brush )(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Hairstylists can sound downright rapturous when discussing a certain handmade hairbrush. The catch? It costs a whopping $170. But now there's a similar combination of the famous nylon and boar bristles, rubber...

Paisley.(good looks: Trends for Grown-Ups)(Buyers guide)
February 1, 2009... This swirling ethnic print is surprisingly versatile--if you balance the attention-getting graphics with tailored pieces. Pair with separates in neutral hues, or match to the darkest color within the design PATTERN PLAY Paisley is...

Good deals fashion.(sleepwear)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Snooze in style with hibernation-worthy pajamas--all at prices you won't lose sleep over [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] MALE ORDER Modeled on traditional men's pj's, these cotton classics ($30) from T.J. Maxx combine a natty notched...

Sweet glow.(romantic Valentine's dinner)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Set the mood for a romantic Valentine's dinner (see page 184 for one delicious idea) or any cozy night at home with votive holders slipped into something specials--lace trim that lets the light dance through its open...

Remote possibilities.(no-sew pillow pocket)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Keep the clicker in easy reach of your armchair quarterback with this no-sew pillow pocket. You'll need: a throw pillow with a removable cover, the pocket from a pair of jeans (men's work best size-wise), and fusible webbing (found at fabric...

Best of the bunch.(personalized bouquets)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Skip overpriced store-bought bouquets, and follow these simple steps to personalize a valentine nosegay. Gather two or three stems in your hand (compact blooms like roses and ranunculus work best); add flowers one by one until you reach the...

Sweater set.(coasters)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] What to do with a worn-out sweater? Or one you accidentally washed in hot water? Don't sweat it; this simple craft turns your tattered cardigans, shrunken V-necks, or the kids' castoffs into cool coasters. Wash 100...

Truffles to go.(confessions of love in Valentine's Day)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Homemade confections say, "I love you... a lot." Start with our simple DIY truffle recipe (see page 182). Then, nestle the goodies in an empty clear plastic six-or 12-egg carton, cutting out the inner plastic flap...

Handle with care.(clothes hamper)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Give lingerie a hamper that befits its beauty--and separates delicates from the rest of the laundry. Gather a pretty patterned pillowcase, an embroidery hoop (we used a 12-inch ring), and 10 inches of ribbon to hang....

In-style in-box.(good house: Idea File)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Just because it's home to your mundane paperwork doesn't mean it has to look like it. Update your in-box by covering it in a jazzy pattern. Purchase a wallpaper sample ($1 at home-improvement stores), Matte Medium (a...

Style from scratch: an apron designer cooks up a family-friendly kitchen for not much dough.(MAKEOVER: KITCHEN)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Fifteen years ago, Pam and Mark Mariutto fell for a 1912 Craftsman house in Minneapolis that came with myriad charms, from the wood floors to the detailed molding. But the honeymoon soon ended when the home's...

Jonas Brothers' mom talks diabetes.(good family: FROM KIDS TO MONEY, WHAT TO KNOW NOW)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Denise Jonas, mother of the Jonas Brothers, was devastated when Nick (below, center), now 16, developed type 1 diabetes in 2005. Her tips on dealing with it: Facing It Together "I was terrified that diabetes might ruin Nick's life. Our...

The write sites.(creative writing websites for kids)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] If you think the Web only teaches your child to write things like "lol" and "brb," listen up: The cyber world can help her write creatively and nurture her love of language--if she knows where to go. "The best...

Sweet cough cure.(good family: FROM KIDS TO MONEY, WHAT TO KNOW NOW)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... SWEET COUGH CURE Buckwheat honey is a safe alternative to OTC cold meds, say Penn State researchers: It's actually more effective than dextromethorphan, a common cough syrup ingredient. Study leader Ian Paul, M.D., recommends 1/2 teaspoon for...

I was an undercover penguin: what one mom learned in her journey through kiddie cyberspace--and what every concerned parent needs to know.(good family)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In the middle of a playdate with one of his best buddies a few months ago, my then-8-year-old came over and asked me how to spell "penguin." "Penguin?" I asked, puzzled. "As in Mr. Popper's Penguins?" "No,"...

7 ways to get a better credit score: aiming for a higher number can lower everything from your credit card rate to your insurance.(good family: Saving Money)
February 1, 2009... Proving you're worthy of a low loan rate or a new credit card isn't easy in today's lending world. Some 70 percent of banks restricted their mortgage lending standards last fall, for example, according to the Federal Reserve. And financial...

1st Annual VIP (Very Innovative Products) Awards.(the goods: WHAT TO BUY, WHAT TO SKIP)(Product/service evaluation)
February 1, 2009... Thousands of products are reviewed in GHRI's labs each year. Many are problem-solving. Many perform well. And quite a few are innovative. But to champion those that meet all three criteria--those breakthroughs that truly improve your life in...

Build a better date night: whether your trysts are regular or once in a blue moon, you can rev up your romantic routine.(good advice: STAYING CENTERED, COPING, LIVING FULLY)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Tell the truth: Did your date nights vanish years ago, along with sleeping in, Sunday brunches, and reading the newspaper over coffee? Or have they become as stale as, well, 15 years of the missionary position? ...

Juggling act: if you find yourself eating between errands and e-mails, make time for meals--and allow yourself to really taste what you love.(good advice: Feed Your Soul)
February 1, 2009... Ever since I first saw pictures and statues of Kuan-Yin, the Buddhist goddess of infinite compassion, I've wanted to be like her. Not only is she gorgeous--the kind of woman my 13-year-old nephew would call "a babe"--but she also manages to...

Pet peeve.(good advice: Everyday Manners)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Q Our neighbors park their huge RV on the street all winter. It's an eyesore and makes pulling our car into and out of our driveway tricky. Can I ask them to move it? Sure! Tell your neighbors you need their help with a problem. Say, "You...

Ask Peggy.(church ethics)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Q At church, I keep seeing kids playing with handheld games during the sermon--and hearing the annoying beeps. Should I say something to their moms? Ask an usher to step in. They generally have experience with such requests, plus they...

Should you drop a no-show?(friendship)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... One of your friends cancels three out of four times you make plans--at the last minute. Should you stop setting up dates with her? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] No "Friends are hard to come by. I would never give up that easily." Deborah...

Pop quiz.(good advice: Everyday Manners)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Q A woman in your work carpool keeps boasting about her kids, her husband--even her salary. It makes everyone uncomfortable. Do you: (A) Change the subject every time she begins (B) Put up with it; it's just the way she is (C) Say...

30 days back to love: you married a great guy. But you're stuck in a romance rut. Here's your road map to getting the relationship you want with the husband you still cherish.(marriage tune-up)
February 1, 2009... A happily married woman told me recently that she has a secret way of recapturing the feeling of being in love that she had as a young bride. When she and her husband go out to dinner, she'll watch how other people--a waitress, a friend they're...

5 things no one ever told me about married sex.(marriage tune-up)
February 1, 2009... There tend to be certain givens about married sex--it's less frequent, less heated--but there can also be some very interesting (and pleasant) surprises. To wit, you probably never expected happily married sex would be... ... on the...

Scenes from a marriage: three wives reveal why it's never too late to learn--or teach your spouse--something new about love.(marriage tune-up)
February 1, 2009... Message in a Bottle His gift was lovely, expensive--and nothing I'd ever told him I wanted BY ANN HOOD I am a woman who likes traditional presents: lingerie, kitchen appliances, and Chanel No. 5--my signature scent since I was 15 years...

Staying thick in thin times: recession-proofing your marriage.(marriage tune-up)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I never used to pay attention to foreclosure notices. They were just inscrutable boxes of black-and-white text I had to flip past to get to a more interesting section of the newspaper. These days, I slow down when I...

A bedtime story ... with a sweet ending: create a soothing retreat with these easy updates, all $100 or less.(Buyers guide)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Start With the Bed 1 PAINT AN ACCENT WALL * Establish the room's restful tone with a serene hue around the bed. Misty Spring, $35, Freshaire paint. 2 MIX & MATCH LAMPS * Two different bedside lights...

Jeans for every body.(jeans for women with different body types )(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Your jeans shouldn't scream Mom!--you have kids for that. That's why we found chic solutions that camouflage figure flaws and feel all-day comfy. Genius! [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] And now, check out the back view 1. for short legs...

Ciao down.(Italian cooking and pasta recipes nutritional aspects )(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Yes, you can eat pasta and lose weight. These guilt-free Italian dinners trim the calories and fat, not the richly satisfying flavor Zucchini & pepper CIAMBOTTA It might be meatless, but this chill-chasing veggie stew, a staple in...

Ask Susan.(storing chocolates and converted rice)(Brief article)(Column)
February 1, 2009... Q: Is there a best way to store chocolate? Louise Stoll, Burlington, VT A: Absolutely. To protect it from developing off flavors, moisture, and melting, think dark, dry, and cool. Keep chocolate in its original wrapper if you have it;...

Sweet & savory chicken.(Express Lane)(Recipe)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sweet & Savory Chicken Total time 30 minutes Makes 4 main-dish servings 1 3/4 c. lower-sodium chicken broth 1 c. bulgur 1 1/2 lbs. chicken-breast tenders 1 Tbsp. olive oil 1 sm. onion, chopped...

5 ideas for ... kidney beans.(good food)(Recipe)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] This inexpensive go-to is versatile, virtually fat-free, and brimming with fiber and protein. See what a 15- or 19-ounce can of the popular legume, rinsed and drained, can easily become. 1 Vegetable Curry In...

Chocolate truffles.(DIY)(Recipe)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It's Valentine's Day, but a pricey box of chocolates isn't in the budget this year. No worries: We believe--and maybe you do, too--that the most special gifts are often homemade. Try our recipe for 24 luscious...

Mustard-crusted lamb.(DINNER FOR TWO)(Recipe)
February 1, 2009... Mustard-Crusted Lamb Active time 25 minutes Total time 40 minutes Makes 2 main-dish servings ReciTip All lamb has a small flap of fat and meat that covers the top of the loin. If the rack you want still has the flap, ask the...

Meat your match.(WINE PICKS)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... Maybe no marriage is perfect, but this one comes close: robust, tannic red wines like Cabernet Sauvignon and rich, succulent steaks and chops, like the ones above. Add some spice to your life with this Southern Hemisphere selection of...

Sharing bread: a writer plumbs the mystery of her mother's food fixation--and her own.(good reads: STORIES, BLOGS, AND BOOK PICKS)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I was not born a liar. I became one when, in the household of my youth, candy was outlawed. My mother, already wary of anything smacking of excess, had read several popular books on health, and these books confirmed...

No matter what mood you're in, we have a great book for you.(Shelter Me, The Mighty Queens of Freeville: A Memoir, Lake and Termite, and The Well-Dressed Ape)(Brief article)(Book review)
February 1, 2009... To cheer you up Shelter Me By Juliette Fay [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] An engaging debut about a feisty young widow frozen with grief, When a contractor appears at Janie's doorstep to build her dream porch--a gift from her...

Dear husband: what happens when a rambunctious "six-pack" pushes their mom a little too far.(BLOGGER)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 10:20 P.M. The purpose of this letter is to inform you that I am leaving my position with your family, effective immediately. I will be relocating to the Bahamas in the near future. As much as I'd love to stay on...

Ciao down.(good food: Recipes)(Recipe)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Whole Wheat Penne Genovese (also pictured on page 174) Active time 20 minutes Total time 30 minutes Makes 6 main-dish servings 12 oz. whole wheat penne or rotini 1 1/2 c. packed fresh basil...

Grains explained: here, the skinny on whole wheat and multigrain pasta.(good food: Recipes)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... As delicious as traditional semolina pasta is, it doesn't pack the fiber punch of whole wheat or multigrain varieties, which provide 5 to 7 grams of fiber per serving (2 ounces, uncooked), compared with regular pasta's 2 grams. Either can make...

Our triple-test promise.(Good Housekeeping Research Institute tested recipes)(Brief article)
February 1, 2009... At Good Housekeeping, we want to make sure that every recipe we print works in any oven, with any brand of ingredient, no matter what. That's why, in our test kitchens at the Good Housekeeping Research Institute, we go all out: We test each...

The love letter: an old flame's proposal left an indelible impression.(blessings)
February 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] My mother was once invited to have an affair. We knew she was somewhat tickled by this from the look on her face when she told us. We were all seated around the dinner table-my mother and father, my sister and...