Good Housekeeping articles from January 2007

Good Housekeeping archives from January 2007

On my mind: editor's letter.(Editorial)
January 1, 2007... THE OFFICIAL STORY: January is a month full of promise--new year, fresh start, all that. The real story: If December is like one big party, January is like the morning after--no more holiday festivities or lights twinkling in trees; just short,...

Tall tales, big bucks.(Letter to the editor)
January 1, 2007... How encouraging to read about Maia Haag, the author of personalized children's books [Dream Job, November]. I've been writing for years, and I am now striving to make a full-time income from it. Reading about Haag's take-home pay of...

Lean machines.(Letter to the editor)
January 1, 2007... I'm disappointed that your item on fuel-efficient cars failed to mention any domestic vehicles [The Best of Everything, November]. Please don't let consumers think that only overseas car manufacturers care about fuel economy! --Laurie...

Meals and mess.(Letter to the editor)
January 1, 2007... I always look forward to your November issue. This year's was a double delight, with a great collection of recipes and some very helpful speed-cleaning tips ["Good (Enough) Housekeeping"]. On Thanksgiving, my family will enjoy a wonderful meal,...

Cashed out.(Letter to the editor)
January 1, 2007... I was infuriated by the story on debit card rip-offs [Money Talk, October]. It is inappropriate to blame banks for causing overdrafts on an individual's account. Writing a bad check isn't legal; why would one assume otherwise when using a debit...

Healthy sites.(Letter to the editor)
January 1, 2007... I e-mailed everyone in my online address book about your excellent guide to trustworthy health Web sites ["Untangling the Web," October]. Several people said they would buy the issue right away. These Web addresses are now permanent bookmarks...

A children's crusade.(Letter to the editor)
January 1, 2007... Amie Zyla ["A Victim No More," October] is an amazing young woman who showed commendable courage in coming forward to help other victims of child molestation. Hopefully, Amie's Law will spare many children from going through what she did. ...

Unsafe supplements.(Letter to the editor)
January 1, 2007... Our November story about Beth Houser, the woman who became seriously ill after taking an herbal supplement ("When 'All Natural' Spells Unsafe"), drew a strong response from readers. Lamont Kelsey of Evansville, Indiana, wrote: "I have a...

"Do at-home dry-cleaning kits really work, and are they environmentally friendly?".(E-MAIL OUR EXPERT)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... In our tests, the kits were great at removing odors and light stains, but some are not so good at getting out tough spots. And you have to do the pressing yourself. Consider using a kit to cut back on professional services, but not to replace...

"America Online may have hurt my credit. Please help!".(GH TO THE RESCUE)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... Problem Over a year ago, I paid my AOL bill in full, then canceled my account. The next month, I was sent another bill, as if my account were still open. When I called AOL, a representative said the bill was a mistake--but a year later, a...

January idea of the month: chalk up a clever message board.(Good ideas)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... Turn a cabinet into a memo board by brushing on chalkboard paint (Benjamin Moore, $11 per quart). Apply two coats right over the existing finish, let dry, and you're ready to jot down grocery lists, reminders, whatever. With a large board like...

Screen play= instant nook.(Good ideas)(room designing)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... Carve out a private corner in an open room by placing a shuttered divider next to your favorite chair. The slats give you space to store dozens of magazines or newspapers in plain view. To make a screen like this one, take three old shutters...

Free of chargers.(Good ideas)
January 1, 2007... If cell phones, MP3 players, PDAs, and other plugged-in gadgets are cluttering up your bureaus or counters, try one of these storage solutions. To conceal charging gizmos and their cords in the kitchen, use our decoy (far left), which blends in...

Room service.(Good ideas)(The Space Planner)(Brief article)(Book review)
January 1, 2007... Whether you're moving to a new home or rearranging your living room, this new book will ease the transition. The Space Planner by Meg Mateo Ilasco comes with grids to map out rooms--and show what will fit where. Use the vinyl furniture stickers...

Science of storing jewelry.(Good ideas)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... Remember petri dishes from high school biology class? Now these lab basics have a place at home. The clear plastic discs are ideal for housing necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. They keep long strands separate (less tangling) and make it easy...

Create a cork place marker.(Good ideas)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... After your next dinner party, save the stoppers. Bundle six corks together and they become an anchor for a decorative place-card holder. Tie corks with twine, ribbon, or raffia (secure with glue if needed). Then slide in a piece of stiff paper...

Q Is there a way to clean chandelier crystals without removing them?(Good advice: HELOISE TO THE RESCUE)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... Q Is there a way to clean chandelier crystals without removing them?--Patricia Mader, Louisville, KY Yes. First, switch off the chandelier and let it cool. Cover the floor and nearby furniture with a plastic tabledoth to catch drips. Don't...

Out with the old wallpaper treatment.(Good advice: HELOISE TO THE RESCUE)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... "How do you remove wallpaper borders without ruining the wall?" --Jennifer Guerra, Flushing, NY There are several ways. Start by spraying the lower edge of the border with warm water and let it soak a while. Then use a plastic scraper...

Second life for wipes.(Good advice: HELOISE TO THE RESCUE)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... "Can you rehydrate unused baby wipes that dried out?" --Keith Kobb, Harrisburg, PA Many readers tell me they add a few drops of tap water or baby oil to the bottom of the plastic container, seal it, and turn it upside down. If you keep...

My cleaning resolutions.(Good advice: HELOISE TO THE RESCUE)
January 1, 2007... Yes, there are some chores even I avoid. These top my pledge-to-do-better list. TOASTER OVEN I'll line the crumb tray with aluminum foil so debris (a potential fire hazard) can be cleaned out more easily, and wipe down the glass doer with...

Pop quiz.(Good advice: PEGGY POST ON MODERN MANNERS)
January 1, 2007... While a coworker is on vacation with her family, your boss decides to call her. And knowing that the two of you are friends, he assumes you have her cell number (which you do). How do you respond? (a) Lie and say that you don't have the...

Pet peeve.(Good advice: PEGGY POST ON MODERN MANNERS)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... My favorite restaurant has a restroom attendant who holds the paper towels hostage. Do I really have to tip her? You should. You may not feel the need for ladies' room assistance, but try accepting it as part of the ambience at this...

You asked, Peggy answers.(Good advice: PEGGY POST ON MODERN MANNERS)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... Q: Our neighbors up the street don't shovel the sidewalk in front of their house. Asking politely hasn't worked--what else can I do? A: You can't force your neighbors to take responsibility. They may feel that the sidewalk is the town's...

Should you confront a gift returner?(Good advice: PEGGY POST ON MODERN MANNERS)
January 1, 2007... While hitting the after-holiday sales at the mall, you bump into your cousin bringing back the sweater you bought her. Do you say anything? PEGGY SAYS: No. You may feel angry or hurt, but resist the urge to mention the return. Remember...

Slash your heating bill: this winter, try caulking--the job is simple and can save you hundreds.(Good advice)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... not a handywoman? You don't have to be. Caulking calls for a few tools and a little patience. Start by examining your windows and doors (both the interior and exterior of each) for cracks in the panels or gaps behind the frames. If you find old...

Prevent indoor air pollution.(Good advice)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... Sealing your house keeps cold air out, but it also keeps stale air in, possibly triggering allergies, asthma, and other health problems. (The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that air pollution indoors may be two to five times higher...

Bright ideas: switch on one of these statement-making lamps, and you'll see winter-weary rooms in a whole new light.(Good house)(Buyers guide)
January 1, 2007... If your space needs a lift, plug into one of these stylish lamps. They can punch up any room and brighten your mood during the darkest days of the year. The latest trend is to top lamps with drum shades, which give a striking silhouette to many...

Obey the airlines--and still look great when you land.(Good looks)
January 1, 2007... The latest regulations from the Transportation Security Administration: You can bring any kind of personal product onboard (including liquids, lotions, aerosols, and gels)--you just aren't allowed to carry very much of anything. The rules: Your...

Must-try mascara trick.(Good looks)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... On many photo shoots, we've spotted makeup artists bending their mascara wands where the bristles begin. Here's why: An almost L-shaped wand makes it easier to apply mascara to every lash, says San Francisco-based makeup artist Arianne...

News: safer nail polish.(Good looks )(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... Health and environmental groups have long raised questions about the safety of the nail polish ingredients dibutyl phthalate (DBP), formaldehyde, and toluene. Though all of these ingredients meet the Food and Drug Administration's safety...

Color yourself younger: whether or not you dye your hair, the latest at-home highlighting kits can make you look terrific--even if you're not a blond.(Good looks)
January 1, 2007... you can turn the clock back--way back--simply by changing the color of your hair. Yes, covering gray does help, but with the latest technology, you can do more than that, says colorist Patrick McIvor, owner of the eponymous Color Studio in...

Stick it to your pain.(Good health)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... There's no known cure for fibromyalgia--a mysterious ailment with symptoms that include stiffness, fatigue, and pain. But acupuncture may help, according to research from the Mayo Clinic. Twenty-five patients underwent six sessions of...

Baby bulletin.(Good health)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... Nearly 20 percent of pregnancies end in miscarriage, often for no apparent reason. But recent research offers insight, as well as hope: * NEW DRUG TREATMENT For women who've had recurrent miscarriages, taking a four-drug combination of...

Double trouble.(Good health)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... If you suffer from high blood pressure (140/90 or higher) and high cholesterol (bad, or LDL, cholesterol of 130 or higher), make sure you're being treated for both. Having the two problems together dramatically increases the risk of heart...

Ace your next dental exam.(Good health)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... In case you need encouragement: It takes only 14 days to start seeing good results from flossing, says a New York University study of 51 sets of twins. All the participants brushed regularly, but one twin in each pair also flossed. After two...

Cold comfort: the latest news to help you get over the sniffles--or avoid them altogether.(Good health)
January 1, 2007... if Sudafed has been your drug of choice for a stuffed-up nose, you'll find it harder to get these days. Federal law now requires that the decongestant (and other products containing pseudoephedrine, the active ingredient) be stocked behind the...

The little scratch that almost killed him: a deadly new skin infection put this healthy ninth grader in intensive care--and we're all at risk. Here's how to protect your family.(Good health)
January 1, 2007... it was August, and in the fierce heat of a south Texas summer, 14-year-old Matthew Ykema eagerly went through the drills at high school football practice. That evening, his left knee hurt slightly, but he didn't think anything of it. After...

Check, please! How to pay less when you eat out.(Money talk)
January 1, 2007... everyone likes going to restaurants. But with gasoline and menu prices rising, you may have reservations about making a reservation. To spend less while dining out (without eating less), try these easy money-saving strategies: ORDER...

Get richer this year: 6 habits to change.(Money)
January 1, 2007... do you put off making money decisions? If so, you're like most of us (including me). Sometimes we delay because we're too busy. But often it's that dealing with money makes us anxious. Unsure of what's best to do, we feel safer letting things...

Dream job: teaching karate to kids.(Money)(Dawn Barnes)
January 1, 2007... Dawn Barnes WHERE SHE WORKS Santa Monica, CA HER SALARY IN 2006 $600,000+ Hooked on a hobby When her two boys dragged Dawn Barnes to a family-style karate class in 1984, a passion was born. "I got the hang of things quickly," she...

Best photo-swapping sites: you took a zillion pictures over the holidays. Now, the GH Research Institute evaluates which online services make sharing a cinch.(the Best of Everything: TESTING FROM THE GOOD HOUSEKEEPING RESEARCH INSTITUTE)
January 1, 2007... Using the Internet to exchange photos is a growing trend--and you don't need computer smarts to take advantage. Upload your digital images to one of the sites below, following the instructions that each provides. Then e-mail a link to your...

Boots: which ones will really keep you dry?(the Best of Everything: TESTING FROM THE GOOD HOUSEKEEPING RESEARCH INSTITUTE)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... When we started testing, we figured lots of boots that promised to keep your feet dry actually would; the hard part would be finding stylish ones that did the job. So we were shocked when our experts evaluated 15 pairs for water-resistance and...

Low-price printers (that do more than print).(the Best of Everything: TESTING FROM THE GOOD HOUSEKEEPING RESEARCH INSTITUTE)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... With the newest units, you get a color printer plus a copier and scanner--all without breaking the bank. To find out how well these bargain models perform, we tested six from the top brands and found two standout units. OUR FAVORITE The...

12th annual good buy awards: the GH Research Institute salutes the most innovative problem-solving products of the year.(the Best)(Buyers guide)
January 1, 2007... Choosing these winners was no small feat for our GH Research Institute experts: They evaluated more than 2,000 products last year before coming up with their first list of 46 nominees. And to find the final nine, they did 60 stain-removal...

New online ads that target your kids.(Family time)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... You know how annoying it is when your child begs for junk food because she's seen it advertised on TV. Now, you also need to watch out for "advergames," free online games featuring popular branded characters, products, or logos. These games are...

Warm up an iPod.(Family time)
January 1, 2007... Here's a crafty little project for your tween or teen: knitting a cozy for her iPod. Send her to craftbits.com for easy instructions, then bookmark this fun, kid-friendly site for a rainy day. Chock-full of cool knitting patterns, it also...

Too young for teeth-whitening?(Family time)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... Maybe you've had your teeth whitened or you've used those over-the-counter strips. But if your kids want to, they need to wait until they're 13, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. "Unless all the permanent teeth are fully...

Is your teen too tired? How to know if he isn't getting the sleep he needs, and what to do about it tonight.(Family)
January 1, 2007... if your teen is a night owl and struggles to get up in the morning, he has plenty of company: Almost 80 percent of adolescents don't get the recommended amount of sleep, reports a recent National Sleep Foundation poll. Sleep-deprived teens...

True survivors: they were stranded, desperate, and losing hope. How they made it out alive--and honored a missing man's dying wish.(Real lives)
January 1, 2007... last May, Brandon Day, 28, and his girlfriend, Gina Allen, 24, went to Palm Desert, California, for a convention of financial advisers--not exactly the sort of gathering that brings to mind death-defying adventure. The couple, from Texas, took...

Lorraine Bracco: the Sopranos star on handling heartbreak, overcoming depression, and living with gusto (bring on dessert!).(AT LUNCH WITH LIZ)(interview)(Interview)
January 1, 2007... from her distinctive throaty voice to her curvy figure, Lorraine Bracco is used to standing out in a crowd. Which is why her role on the HBO hit The Sopranos seems tailor-made: As the unflappable psychiatrist Jennifer Melfi, she's one of the...

Dr. Phil's plan to help you change for good; once again, you've resolved to lose weight, fix your marriage, or get out of debt. Dr. Phil explains the four steps you must take for those promises to really pay off.(Cover story)
January 1, 2007... In an auditorium packed with 200 jaded kids, a restless silence has fallen over the room. The assembled students, all from a working-class town in eastern New York, have got their share of problems, from alcoholic parents to sibling feuds and...

Dress 10 pounds thinner: forget dieting. These slimming styles instantly make you look leaner, no calorie counting required.(Buyers guide)
January 1, 2007... Yes, there's a stress-free way to lose weight--and it's as close as your closet. Choose clothes that play down your imperfections and play up your pluses, and you'll look like you spent two weeks at a pricey spa. Start by finding the figure...

Trying to do too much? New research says multitasking actually slows you down. Here's how to be more productive--and less crazed.
January 1, 2007... LISA Maxwell, 31, a fitness trainer and mother of three from Cookeville, Tennessee, considers herself a master multitasker. She routinely answers her children's homework questions while running on a treadmill, and she drills her kids on...

Group dynamic: collections of everyday objects hung like gallery pieces prove that home is where the art is.(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... BLANK ISN'T BEAUTIFUL. But you can add pizzazz to bare walls without spending big bucks. All you need are pieces full of personality rather than pedigree--in other words, anything from vintage cheese graters to plastic plates. Here, tips on...

15 foods to help you lose: want to curb your appetite and stop sugar cravings? Then put these on your grocery list.
January 1, 2007... Thirty billion a year--that's about how much Americans spend on slim-down products, many of which don't even work. A better way to get real weight-loss results? Go grocery shopping. New research points to more than a dozen foods, from beans to...

The cruise ship danger no one tells you about: things can (and do) go wrong when you get sick onboard. Here's how to stay safe.
January 1, 2007... dale Wood used to take his wife, Eileen, on a Caribbean cruise every year for Valentine's Day. "We loved spending time together while being well taken care of," he says. For their 2005 trip, Dale and Eileen, who own an embroidery and...

Healthy comfort food: these nutritious, delicious dinners-packed with whole grains--will have your kids saying, "Make that again, Mom!".(Recipe)
January 1, 2007... If you're looking to add some good-for-you dishes to your weekly dinner lineup, it's time to go whole grain. Fiber-rich and low in fat, disease fighting whole grains can reduce your risk of everything from heart disease to cancer. To reap the...

Braising basics.(home cooking: IN SUSAN'S KITCHEN)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... "But my stews always turn out bland," a friend lamented when I suggested she make Provencal beef stew for her next dinner party. When I think of stews and chilis, hearty and satisfying are what come to mind, so I was determined to solve her...

The new bargain beef to buy now.(home cooking: IN SUSAN'S KITCHEN)(Recipe)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... Flat Iron Steak, one of the new value cuts of beef, is considered the second most tender (after tenderloin)--and it's our pick of the five new chuck and round cuts that will be in your supermarket soon. You might find the Flat Iron Steak...

Bubbly on a beer budget.(home cooking: IN SUSAN'S KITCHEN)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... New Year's is prime time for popping corks--or flipping caps. If you need a low-cost bottle, check out Cava, a Spanish sparkling wine, or Prosecco from Italy. We like the refreshing Segura Viudas NV Brut Reserva or Freixenet Cordon Negro Brut...

In season: clementines.(home cooking: IN SUSAN'S KITCHEN)(Brief article)
January 1, 2007... Sweet, aromatic, and typically seedless, clementines are the perfect citrus for snacking. Because they're so little (the smallest of the mandarin family) and easy to peel, clementines are especially popular with kids. And their high levels of...

Bakers' best recipe cards.(home cooking: IN SUSAN'S KITCHEN)
January 1, 2007... Satisfy your sweet tooth with a collection of more than 80 recipes for pies, cakes, cookies, and desserts from our GH test kitchens. From classics like Banana Cream Pie and Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting to new favorites like Espresso...

After Dahlia: Loretta is caught off guard when her daughter brings home a spoiled, showy friend with an uncommonly beautiful name.(Short story)
January 1, 2007... Emily wants to be a fashion designer when she grows up, or an astronaut, or a Peace Corps volunteer. She wants to live somewhere exotic, somewhere that has the letter Z in it: Mazatlan, Cuzco, Zanzibar. "Yes!" she tells her mother. "Zanzibar!"...

Laughs.(Comic)(Cartoon)
January 1, 2007... "Objection, your Honor--he's quoting Law and Order." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "I feel so last year." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Recall alerts.(consumer news)
January 1, 2007... Recall alerts 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...

Adopting Katie: she may not have been the dog I'd dreamed of. But this bossy old broad was clearly meant for me.(Blessings)
January 1, 2007... i'd endured breast cancer treatments for almost a year when I decided to volunteer at my local animal shelter. Dogs are my true passion, but the homeowners association where we live forbade them, and I longed to run my fingers through soft fur...