Good Housekeeping articles from July 2007

Good Housekeeping archives from July 2007

Your road map to radiant skin.(WHAT'S NEW ON goodhousekeeping.com)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... Location, location, location: Did you know your face has special needs depending on where you live? For example, if you're pimple-prone, your city may be to blame. Learn how your zip code affects your pores at goodhousekeeping.com/july2007, and...

Good Housekeeping on the go.(WHAT'S NEW ON goodhousekeeping.com)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... Don't ever be without your GH fix again. If your cell phone is Internet enabled, you can access our tips and advice from wherever you are! Try it now: All you have to do is type m.goodhousekeeping.com into the phone's Web browser, and check out...

Play it cool on the fourth.(WHAT'S NEW ON goodhousekeeping.com)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... Beat the summer heat with a slice of blueberry-sorbet pie. Red, white, and blue, it's the perfect all-American ice cream treat for your backyard barbecue. Get the recipe at goodhousekeeping.com/july2007.

Editor's letter.(on my mind)(Editorial)
July 1, 2007... I've just gotten back from a week in New Orleans--my first visit since Hurricane Katrina. I was there for a conference with a group of executives from Hearst Magazines, the company that owns Good Housekeeping. But before we settled down to...

Letters.(Letter to the editor)
July 1, 2007... Dear GH, "I felt like I was reading a page from my own life," writes Rhonda Schennek of Hayward, CA, about "The Hidden Epidemic of Very Young Alcoholics" (May). "My alcoholism began at age 14 and was finally treated at 23.... I hope...

Hooray for May.(on your mind: Letters)(Letter to the editor)
July 1, 2007... "I've always considered Good Housekeeping to be a magazine with good standards," writes Barbara Dellard of Paso Robles, CA, "but the May issue was fabulous, with pages of helpful information and ideas to live by."

A mom's pov.(on your mind: Letters)(Letter to the editor)
July 1, 2007... I am Brooke B.'s mother from "The Hidden Epidemic of Very Young Alcoholics." While most of the article is correct, it implies that I was unaware of my daughter's problems and gave mundane punishments for her behavior. Her stepfather and I...

Standing tall.(on your mind: Letters)(Letter to the editor)
July 1, 2007... "Living Large" [Blessings, May] really Struck a chord with me. I am 5'10" and have always been a large, strong woman. My parents told me to hold my head up, be proud, and "don't slouch!" I met my 6'6" husband right after high school, and we...

Family ties.(on your mind: Letters)(Letter to the editor)
July 1, 2007... Thanks for the brutal honesty in "My Other Family" [Blessings, April], about a child invited to live at her friend's home. Cecile Gilmer honors a family who sacrificed to include her, and she recognizes that their unconditional love was a...

Breast-milk benefits.(on your mind: Letters)(Letter to the editor)
July 1, 2007... I breast-feed my 14-month-old daughter and work fulltime. I salute the women pumping for children whose moms can't nurse ["Banking on Breast Milk," April]. KIMBERLY TIWATER, Wenatchee, WA

Fully satisfied.(on your mind: Letters)(Letter to the editor)
July 1, 2007... Your article about taking control of emotional eating, "What Are You Hungry For?" [Feed Your Soul, May], was amazing. I haven't read a story that good in a long time. BARBARA LEA, Irving, TX

Ask our expert.(on your side: HELP FROM THE GH RESEARCH INSTITUTE)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... Q: Is juicing fruits and vegetables a good way for me and my family to get our nine daily servings? A: Squeezing a fresh glass of juice is a fast way to down a serving of produce--but it's not the healthiest. You'll rack up more calories...

GH to the rescue.(on your side: HELP FROM THE GH RESEARCH INSTITUTE)
July 1, 2007... In late 2005, my family bought a 52-inch RCA television (price: nearly $2,000) for my elderly father, who lives in a small town in Tennessee. It broke about a year later and, even though the TV was still under warranty, RCA's authorized service...

Did you know.(on your side: HELP FROM THE GH RESEARCH INSTITUTE)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... In 2004, the GH Research Institute warned against motorized scooters such as the Razor E100. Our tests showed they could take too long to stop--and put your kid in danger.

Organizing: greenhouse effect.(good (enough) housekeeping: EASY SOLUTIONS FOR SMART LIVING)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... What gardener hasn't lingered over the gorgeous cedar potting benches on display in stores? But at $400 and up, perfection is pricey. Here's a cute, thrifty version, for a garage or basement, that will roundup your tools and give you a good...

Take the grrr out of grill cleanup.(good (enough): Speed Cleaning)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... 1 Burn it off Why do today what can wait until tomorrow? Don't tackle burned-on bits right after cooking. Sizzle them off when you preheat for the next cookout. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 2 Foil that gunk Cook food on aluminum foil--punch...

"GH, please make my life easier": you told us which cleaning tools you'd love to have but can't find. And now, presto!--the GH Research Institute has done the searching (and testing) for you.(good (enough): Do It Smarter)(Good Housekeeping)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... You want a dishwasher that'll save you from scouring gunk for an hour We found the Kenmore Elite Dishwasher With TurboZone Rotating Spray Jets ($1,150). In our tests, we washed casserole dishes covered with baked-on beans and frying pans...

Ask Heloise: shoes get a good workout during the summer--at the beach, on hiking trails, and in the garden. Here, cleaning and care hints that will save your soles.(good (enough): Heloise to the Rescue)
July 1, 2007... Footwear Rx Q: How do you remove black tar from rubber soles? Peru Stanley, Lexington, KY Try a disposable plastic picnic knife. Use its sharp edge to scrape off as much of the tar as possible, taking care not to gouge or scratch...

A diet pill that works.(good health: SMART WAYS TO STAY WELL, EAT RIGHT, GET FIT)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... There are many ineffective, even dangerous, weight-loss products out there, none endorsed by the FDA. Now the agency has approved its first over-the-counter diet pill--Alli. Just arriving in stores, Alli is a half-dose form of the prescription...

The prepared patient.(good health: SMART WAYS TO STAY WELL, EAT RIGHT, GET FIT)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... You know it's a good idea to bring a list of questions when you see your doctor. But if you go through each item in order, you may not get to the most important one, says Ming Tai-Seale, Ph.D., an associate professor at Texas A&M University...

Long life.(good health: SMART WAYS TO STAY WELL, EAT RIGHT, GET FIT)(Brief article)(List)
July 1, 2007... WHAT CUTS IT SHORT? These are the habits and health problems that take the most years off your life. Clean up your act now, and you could be around to hug your great-grandkids Smoking = 8 Years Lost Obesity = 7 Years Lost ...

10 years after laser surgery: they can still read this.(good health: Health News)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... When the eye procedure became widely available in the 1990s, millions of people shed their glasses. But can they still see clearly now? Yes, reports a study on LASIK and PRK, the older surgery. Ten years later, patients have generally...

Fallout from burnout.(good health: Health News)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... New proof that your job can be hazardous to your health: In a study from Tel Aviv University, employees suffering burnout--a combination of emotional exhaustion, chronic fatigue, and mental weariness--were nearly twice as likely to develop...

Home remedy: heal heel pain.(good health: Health News)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... If you have plantar fasciitis--inflammation in the band of tissue connecting your heel bone to the base of your toes--a simple exercise can relieve your pain, reports a study from the University of Rochester School of Medicine and Ithaca...

Dense breast tissue.(good health: Health News)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... DENSE BREAST TISSUE not only makes mammograms harder to read, it's also a risk factor for breast cancer, says a recent Canadian study. Don't know if you have dense breasts? Ask your doctor. Your previous mammogram report should say. If you do,...

Don't chill that melon!(good health: Nutrition News)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... Watermelons stored at room temperature have much higher levels of antioxidants (beta-carotene and lycopene) than those kept in the fridge. They even outscore freshly picked melons. If you like, you can cool watermelon for a few hours before...

Where trans fats lurk.(good health: Nutrition News)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... With all the bad press, you'd think trans fats had become a thing of the past. Many manufacturers have reformulated their products to get rid of these artery cloggers. But trans fats still abound in convenience foods, including frozen biscuits,...

Got D? (probably not enough).(good health: Nutrition News)(vitamin D)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... Most of us are low in vitamin D, which means we stand a greater chance of developing osteoporosis, certain cancers, heart disease, diabetes, and possibly asthma, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. And here's the kicker: Even if we follow the...

Drop 5 lbs: tips and tricks to try today.(good health)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... DID YOU KNOW? 6 Natural Choice Organic Full of Fruit Frozen Fruit Bars (around 53 calories each) = 1 Vanilla & Almonds Haagen-Dazs Ice Cream Bar (320 calories) Portion Patrol TIRED OF COOKING? We hear you. But consider this before you...

Scallops, scampi-style.(good health)(Recipe)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... SCALLOPS ARE LOW IN FAT, calories, and cholesterol, and high in vitamin [B.sub.12]. Zucchini and summer squash deliver some fiber, but to boost it even more, serve with a side of whole wheat couscous. Prep 15 minutes Cook 8...

Can you trust your lab results? Mixed-up samples, misread slides, contaminated specimens--lots can go wrong. Here's how to protect yourself.(good health)
July 1, 2007... Shortly before her 33rd birthday, Molly Akers, a stay-at-home mom in New Lenox, IL, learned she had a cancerous tumor in her neck. Because a scan had found something suspicious in her lymph nodes, she underwent a biopsy. The day after the...

Summer peaches.(good food: Recipes)(Recipe)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... Brown-Butter Peach Tart Prep 40 minutes plus cooling Bake 1 hour Makes 12 servings Crust 7 Tbsp. butter (no substitutions), melted and cooled to room temperature 1/3 c. sugar 1/4 tsp. vanilla...

My life as a mom.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... "Before, my career came first. All I had to think about was myself. Now my children prevail. It doesn't mean my career is less important; I just have to position things differently."

Green thumb.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... "I always found growing orchids to be a challenge. Then I created a special 'juice' for them--one part Black Gold Garden Compost to four parts water in a five-gallon watering can. Now I have easy-care orchids that also make great gifts." ...

Star style: summery scarves instead of belts.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... How to get the look A flirty alternative to a brown or black leather belt, lightweight scarves are sure to add flair to your favorite pair of jeans. Reese Eva Longoria, and Cindy Crawford (right) have the right idea: Choose a scarf that's...

Man of the house.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Interview)
July 1, 2007... A native of New Orleans, pop crooner/ matinee idol Harry Connick Jr., 39, dedicated his most recent album, Oh My NOLA, to his embattled hometown (NOLA is short for New Orleans, LA). When he's not singing about his birthplace, he's helping...

My favorite diet snack.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)
July 1, 2007... "Edamame. It's low in calories, low in fat, and high in protein."

Animal house.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... Mariah Carey's Jack Russell terrier is almost as big a celebrity as she is: "His full name is Jackson P. Mutley, but I call him Jack. He's such a star! He's been in my videos and built up his own fan base. He even has Web sites dedicated to...

Why I give: Ben Affleck.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... "I was filming near Washington, D.C., and there was a family watching the shoot. The son, Joe, was in a wheelchair. We started talking and became friends. I learned that he had ataxia-telangiectasia, a degenerative disease that affects muscle...

Turning point.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... "My senior year of high school, my mother was diagnosed with an advanced form of breast cancer. She was put on intensive chemotherapy and had to take time off from her job as an attorney. Suddenly, I was the grown-up: I took her to her first...

Why I love the fourth of July.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... "I grew up in a small New England town called Holliston, learning about Paul Revere and the battle of Lexington and Concord, and surrounded by parades and fireworks--heck, I even played Betsy Ross in my first-grade school play. All this reminds...

How I fake my age.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... "You know how they always say men look five years younger than women? Well, I thought, hmm, they're shaving. There's that constant turnover of skin cells. So I always used the strongest exfoliant I could find."

Oprah's chocolate strawberry smoothie.(CELEB DISH)(Oprah Winfrey)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... 2 c. low-fat chocolate soy milk (preferably 8th Continent) 2 med. bananas, cut up 2 c. frozen or hulled fresh strawberries Put all ingredients in blender and blend until smooth. Serve very cold. Makes about 4...

Your summer fix-it guide: makeup's melting? Hair won't cooperate? We've got solutions for all your biggest beauty bummers.(good looks: BEAUTY AND FASHION NEWS, DEALS, TRENDS)
July 1, 2007... GOAL 1 SMOOTH, HEALTHY HAIR Problem Summer damage and dryness Prevent It "The combination of sun and chlorine dehydrates and bleaches your hair, so you need to take really good care of it," says Brenda Berry, owner of Brilli Salon...

Good deals beauty: smart steals to protect you from the sun (and, OK, a few to make you look tan).(good looks)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... GLOSS THAT DOES IT ALL E.I.f. Super Glossy Lip Shine SPF 15 ($1, drugstores) adds sheer color, softens with mineral oil, and gives sun protection. Three good reasons to smile (and reapply!) all day, Here, in Watermelon (above) and in Pink...

Sheer brilliance.(good looks: Beauty News)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... Love the staying power of lipstick, but hate how it can look so heavy this time of year? Summerize instantly by switching to a see-through version of your favorite shade. The latest formulas (think lipstick meets gloss meets balm) make it easy...

The sweat stops here.(good looks: Beauty News)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... THE SWEAT STOPS HERE If you tend to perspire heavily, even when you're nowhere near the gym, this new product could be for you: Secret Clinical Strength Anti-Perspirant/Deodorant ($10, drugstores), the first over-the-counter antiperspirant to...

Do good, smell great.(good looks: Beauty News)(Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... Behind every great man is a great woman--but in the case of the late Dana Reeve, it was "beside" rather than "behind." She and her husband, Christopher Reeve, tirelessly fought for increased research on spinal cord injuries. After his death,...

The secret to seriously clean hair.(good looks: Beauty News)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... A dollop of mousse on Monday, a dab of serum on Tuesday--by week's end, your hair is bogged down with residue (even if you shampoo daily), costing you shine and volume. To help, stylists suggest using a clarifying formula once a week to remove...

Cropped pants.(good looks: Trends for Grown-ups)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... The basic look is weekend-only, but wait--with just a little dress-up, these bottoms can be office-ready. All you need: a linen safari jacket (summer's blazer), a structured bag, and a slight heel for the lift that says "I'm serious." ...

Good deals fashion.(good looks: Trends for Grown-ups)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... T-shirts hit the shopping A-list each summer. What's special this year: detailing that's simple but stylish V-LIGHTFUL Banana Republic's crossover ($38) is cool--and subtly sexy [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] IT'S THE TOPS ...

Americana, the beautiful.(good house: GREAT BUYS, STYLISH IDEAS, SAVVY ADVICE)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... AMERICANA, THE BEAUTIFUL This July 4, bring mini fireworks to your tabletop with a spirited centerpiece--for a maximum of nostalgia and charm, with a minimum of prep. Start with a vintage lunch box as the base. Place a few inches of floral foam...

Make scents.(EASY IDEA)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... Present these handmade sachets the next time you're a weekend houseguest--but only if you want to be invited back. Filled with aromatic, moth-repelling lavender, they are practical, inexpensive, and don't require any sewing. All you need are...

So blooming simple!(good house: Idea File)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... For a seasonal take on the traditional welcome mat, go botanical. With an awl, punch holes in an old tea tin, like this quaint Twinings of London canister, and loop twine or wire through the holes to form a handle. Fill with freshly cut sprigs,...

High and dry.(good house: Idea File)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... Always struggling to balance your blow-dryer on the sink as you do your hair in the morning? For a safer alternative, try an appliance holster. Buy a metal cup holder (be sure its diameter is large enough to accommodate the dryer's nozzle)....

Inn style.(good house: Idea File)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... Next time you stay at a hotel, don't return one of your key cards at checkout (trust us, they have plenty). Hake it over into a fun--and funny--key chain for your own out-of-town guests. Friends will get a kick out of calling your house The...

Everything is illuminated.(good house: Idea File)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... Ah, driftwood--so perfectly weathered, so darn pricey ($150 a piece, unless you find it on a beach). A cheap, chic substitute: manzanita branches ($15 each, crafts and flower stores). Its twisty limbs create good wall art, while its lighter...

Clip and save.(good house: Idea File)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... By the time you hunt down the picture-perfect frames for your family's vacation photos, that road trip will be a distant memory. Instead, put everyone's favorite prints on immediate display with these cheerful, cut-rate holders. They're a snap...

Kitchen aid: this outdated eyesore was begging for rescue. Here, clever extras and a space-maxing floor plan deliver a stylish reward.(MAKEOVER / KITCHEN)
July 1, 2007... After enduring their kitchen for more than a decade, Laura Baer and her husband, Mike Levine, could stomach it no longer. Dated and dreary, the 10' by 12' space had been renovated by a former owner, but shoddily, so it lost the historic charm...

Good deals home: stock up on fun beach and pool gear that won't drown your budget.(good house)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... SAND POPPER With its knockout graphic, Garnet Hill's kids' cotton towel ($22 for almost six feet) is easy to spot on a busy beach [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SOUND WAVE Pool time will be a smash hit with this floating,...

Turn off the tube!(good family: FROM KIDS TO MONEY, WHAT TO KNOW NOW)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... Two more reasons to pry your kids away from the TV: In a University of Buffalo study, children ages 9 to 12 were each given 1,000 calories of a favorite snack and told to eat as little or as much as they liked. Those who watched a TV show while...

New online danger.(good family: FROM KIDS TO MONEY, WHAT TO KNOW NOW)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... Generation Y has added a tech twist to teen fights: Kids are now videotaping their brawls and posting the footage online. "A lot of teens are looking for their 15 megabytes of fame," says Parry Aftab, founder of Wiredsafety .org. Some even...

Decoding Cyberslang.(good family: FROM KIDS TO MONEY, WHAT TO KNOW NOW)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... DECODING CYBERSLANG Your kid won't stop instant messaging, and you want to know what she's up to. But a glance at her computer reveals mostly acronyms. Netlingo.com can help you decode even the most cryptic conversations. This dictionary of...

Your house is on fire! The escape plan you must have, and the new tools to buy now.(good family: FROM KIDS TO MONEY, WHAT TO KNOW NOW)
July 1, 2007... When Michelle Singleton's husband, Randy, first noticed a glow coming from beneath his closet door, he thought someone had left on a light. It was 1 A.M., and he'd just been woken by the family poodle, Teddy, who wouldn't stop barking. Stepping...

Find a vacation home--fast!(TRAVEL)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... You'd love to rent a house for a week this summer, but now it's too late. Or is it? Because of an increase in the supply of available homes this year (some in such prime locations as Orlando, FL, and along the California coast), you can get a...

Don't get charged for a free credit report.(good family: Saving Money)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... By law, you're entitled to one free copy annually from each of the three big credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion). And they will fulfill that obligation, at no charge--but only if you order from the right Web site. Log on to the...

Smooth operators: the GH Research Institute tested 16 blenders and found four top performers.(the goods: WHAT TO BUY, WHAT TO SKIP)(Good Housekeeping)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... BEST OVERALL Braun's PowerMax ($50) is strictly no-frills (white is the only color, and it comes with a dial instead of touch keys). Why we love it anyway: It performed best in our tests, turning out perfect smoothies and fruit drinks....

Pick the safest shades.(the goods: WHAT TO BUY, WHAT TO SKIP)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... Sunglasses aren't just about style: A good pair blocks UV rays, which can cause cataracts and other types of eye damage. Experts say lenses should absorb 99 to 100 percent of UV. But labels are often confusing or absent, so it can be tough for...

An easy way to lock up.(the goods: WHAT TO BUY, WHAT TO SKIP)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... Dead-bolting the door is such a bother--especially when you or the kids are rushing--that it often seems there must be a simpler way. And now there is: the new Turner lock from Safety by Design ($45). You secure the dead bolt from the outside...

Swim with the fishes.(the goods: WHAT TO BUY, WHAT TO SKIP)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... BEST NEW GOGGLES Don't let burning eyes ruin your dip in the deep end: The right goggles can keep eyes dry and sting free. With the help of volunteer swimmers, we tested 28 new models--some for adults, some for kids--and found two that blew us...

Laptops for less: we tested 14 models--all under $1,100. Here, three to take on the road this summer.(the goods: WHAT TO BUY, WHAT TO SKIP)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... 1 STAR TECH This Acer Aspire 5630-6672 * ($999) comes with lots of perks, including more shortcut keys than our other winners. Each of these four buttons opens a frequently used function, such as the Internet, so you don't have to navigate...

Failure to discard: how to assess your mess--and make room for the life you want to live.(good advice: STAYING CENTERED, COPING, LIVING FULLY)
July 1, 2007... Most evening, between 9 and 10:30 P.M., I fervently wish that I were more tidy. I long not to spend the twilight of my day facing down the horde of Littlest Pet Shop animals strewn about my daughter's room, the buckling cases of sparkling water...

Summer: the naked truth: when you're overweight, a swimsuit is the enemy. How to look in the mirror and make peace with your body.(good advice: Feed Your Soul)
July 1, 2007... Hot weather is here. Time to lighten up on clothes. Time for shorts, sleeveless tops, swimsuits. Translation: Time for bare thighs, bare arms, bare back. Sigh. I have a friend who dreads summer because of what she calls the...

Q At work, two of us are part-timers and share a desk. The other woman is there when I'm not and always leaves everything a mess. Can I ask her to neaten up?(Ask Peggy)(Brief article)(Column)
July 1, 2007... Q At work, two of us are part-timers and share a desk. The other woman is there when I'm not and always leaves everything a mess. Can I ask her to neaten up? Sure! But to keep things friendly, chat with her in person rather than leaving a...

Pet peeve.(Ask Peggy)(Brief article)(Column)
July 1, 2007... Q As a vegetarian, I hate it when people don't stock veggie burgers at barbecues. Is it rude to bring my own? A host can't cater to every guest's preferences. That said, if the party giver is a good friend, you can provide for yourself...

Pop quiz.(Ask Peggy)(Brief article)(Column)
July 1, 2007... Q In a crowded movie theater, someone is saving seats for people who haven't shown up yet. It's the only row where you and your family can all sit together. Do you: (A) Plop down anyway and let the guy yell (B) Split up your party and...

What would you do? Must you pay for someone else's kid?(Ask Peggy)(Brief article)(Column)
July 1, 2007... You invited your son's pal to the water park. He came--but without money--so you had to shell out big bucks. No "I would let his mom know what he did all day, and how much it cost." Karen McGuire, 65, WA Yes "If you...

What she did for love: Michelle Pfeiffer left Hollywood (but stayed in the picture). Now she talks about raising her two kids ... and the secret to her marriage.(Interview)
July 1, 2007... When I first laid eyes on Michelle Pfeiffer many years ago, she was standing on the stairs of a palazzo in Venice for a ceremony honoring the director Martin Scorsese. Surrounded by paparazzi and press, she looked timid and afraid, a fawn...

Flea market finds: to add country charm on the cheap, shop for simple secondhand pieces that can spruce up any garden.(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... Play Matchmaker Don't bother trying to find complete dining sets at a flea market--this is your chance to mix things up. For a look that's personal and distinctive, gather different but complementary chairs, and variations on plain White...

Cool (and covered).(Buyers guide)
July 1, 2007... You don't have to bare it all to beat the heat. These airy fabrics and generous cuts will breeze through the most sultry in style don't sweat it OPPOSITE When the temperature rises, the loose fit of these trousers and the plunging...

Stay away from the fridge! Instead, help yourself to 12 strategies proven to beat emotional eating--and lose big.(Hey you! Happy? Sad? lonely?)
July 1, 2007... When Lisa Downs, 43, is in a good mood, she sits in front of the TV and munches on Lay's Potato Chips. When she's stressed at work, she gets relief from black jelly beans and Twizzlers, and when she's bored, she turns to Snickers bars or...

Is your spending normal?(Brief article)(List)
July 1, 2007... Here's the yearly average of what middle-income American parents shell out for each kid. See how you compare Food $1,916 Transportation $1,629 Child care/ education $1,324...

Are you spending too much on your kids? Retirement savings--or new iPods all around? How to keep them happy without mortgaging your future.
July 1, 2007... What made me snap when I started looking at how much parents pay to raise their kids? Maybe it was seeing all those $400 Nintendo Wiis and $200 iPod Nanos fly off the shelves. Or perhaps it was the $10,000 "princess party" for a 3-year-old. Or...

How two families put on the brakes: no one is saying it's easy. But these clever parents have turned their kids from casual spenders into savvy shoppers.(Brief article)
July 1, 2007... THE PARENTS Susan and Michael Beacham of Chicago THE GOAL To involve their daughters, Allison, 15, and Amanda, 13, in helping the family find ways to trim expenses. THE PLAN Put the kids in charge of being cheap. Allison and Amanda...