Good Housekeeping articles from July 2008

Good Housekeeping archives from July 2008

A girl's guide to grilling.(goodhousekeeping.com)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Host a backyard barbecue and actually enjoy the party. Our summer guide to easy outdoor entertaining shows you how to buy a great grill for your needs, find and accessorize the perfect patio set, and whip up a crowd-pleasing menu in a flash....

Got a taste for travel?(goodhousekeeping.com)
July 1, 2008... Our adventure mom blogger ditches the carpool lane for hiking, white-water rafting, and a hit of adrenaline.

Recipe finder.(goodhousekeeping.com)
July 1, 2008... Search through thousands of GH's triple-tested recipes by: COURSE CUISINE MAIN INGREDIENT PREP TIME SPECIAL DIET TYPE OF DISH

Bronzer basics.(goodhousekeeping.com)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Achieve a convincing, sunless glow. Try our simple self-tanning tricks for smoother, streak-free color.

Burgers and beyond.(goodhousekeeping.com)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Beef up your classic cookout menu with new mouthwatering takes on the basic burger, plus inventive chicken, fish, and vegetarian patties.

Firm up--fast!(goodhousekeeping.com)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... You can shed belly flab without a single sit-up--really! Our super strengthening moves for a flatter and sexier stomach can earn you a tighter tummy in just 10 minutes a day.

On my mind: editor's letter.(Editorial)
July 1, 2008... Are you as confused as I am? Every time I go to the store, I see more and more labels touting the superorganic, energy-saving, chemical-free, Earth-loving qualities of products, from moisturizer to microwaves to toilet-bowl cleaner. Come...

Ask our expert.(on your side: HELP FROM THE GH RESEARCH INSTITUTE)(use of cleaning products during vacations)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Q I like using cleaning products that kill germs--especially when we're on vacation--but how do I know they're working? A: While it's not necessary to use antibacterial cleaners on every household surface, they can give you peace of mind...

The GH seal: what's in it for you?(on your side: HELP FROM THE GH RESEARCH INSTITUTE)(Good Kousekeeping)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... We do something that no other magazine does: If any product that has earned our Seal is defective, we'll replace it or refund the cost to you--just notify us within two years of purchase (for details, see page 16).

A call for help.(GH TO THE RESCUE)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Last October, I switched my telephone, cable, and Internet service to a packaged deal to save about $10 a month. The offer speed Intern plus AT&T local and long-distance calling and satellite TV. It's been less than...

Did you know?(on your side: HELP FROM THE GH RESEARCH INSTITUTE)(fluoride level of bottled waters)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... "Most bottled waters don't contain the fluoride level recommended dentists. But water-filtration pitchers, like Brita, retain most of the fluoride that's added to water." Samantha B. Casselly, GHRI nutrition director

Easy organizing your grill.(good enough housekeeping: SIMPLE SOLUTIONS FOR SMART LIVING)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In summer, not even your food wants to be inside. Set up for barbecue season with a smart outdoor cook station. Place your grill on a flat surface that's well ventilated yet protected from winds that might cause...

Win! A dream deck.(GH giveaway)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... One lucky reader will win an outdoor living room worth $5,000, including the Char-Broil grill on page 25, a seven-piece outdoor furniture set, a music system, and more. See page 210 for details.

Post-beach cleanup: sand and surf are fun. The aftermath--not so much. Make tidying up a breeze with these easy tips.(Speed Cleaning)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Biggest Challenges * Sand tracked into the house * Salty or sticky chairs, coolers, and other gear * Soggy bathing suits and towels Fastest Fixes 1 End the beach trail Because sand can scratch...

De-creak a wood floor.(Total Time Savers: SHORTCUTS TO MAKE IT LESS OF A CHORE)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A common cause of noise--one floorboard has come loose from the subfloor and is rubbing against its neighbor. Two ways to fix it: GOOD WAY 1 In a single-story house, go into the basement or under-floor crawl...

Double duty credit card.(Total Time Savers: SHORTCUTS TO MAKE IT LESS OF A CHORE)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Put your money where your mess is. Use a plastic credit card as a scratch-free way to scrape up candle wax, crayon, and food spills from a tabletop.

Win! A riding mower.(GH giveaway)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Cutting the lawn is a big time commitment, even if you cut corners--by, say, keeping the front yard pristine but clipping the backyard only every few weeks. Save the shortcuts for your other chores, and enter to win the Snapper LT100 Lawn...

Ants in the pantry.(WHAT I'M CLEANING THIS MONTH)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... The summer invasion has arrived, as ant colonies hit their peak in warm weather--I swear, they're marching to the Alamo right through my San Antonio kitchen. Some ants like sweet stuff, some like grease, and in my house pasta and grains are the...

Squirt alert.(Ask Heloise)(how to remove mustard stains)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Q What do you recommend for removing mustard stains? Anita Dover, via e-mail Treat stains on washable fabric ASAP. Scrape or wipe off the mustard. Then rinse in cold water, from the back of the fabric to push...

Coffee-cup cleanup.(Ask Heloise)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Q My husband uses a stainless steel vacuum container for his coffee. I cleaned it some time ago with baking soda and boiling hot water and some other forgotten ingredient. Can you jog my memory? Dena Warstlere, via e-mail The missing...

Staying power.(Ask Heloise)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Q The suction cups on our car sunshade aren't very flexible. Any advice for applying them? Josephine Chadwick, via e-mail For a strong seal, the glass must be completely smooth and clean. Wipe the area with rubbing alcohol to remove...

Keeping rays at bay.(Ask Heloise)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Q Is there a way to prevent outdoor fabric from fading? Diane McGowan, Sanford, NC Weatherguarding sprays (buy it at home centers) protect new fabric for a time; be sure to apply before putting furnishings outside. Alas, even treated...

Breast cancer: city women's risk.(good health: SMART WAYS TO STAY WELL, EAT RIGHT, GET FIT)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The shopping may be better, but urban life poses unforeseen hazards. One risk: Women who live or work in large cities have more dense breast tissue than those in suburban or rural areas, which means urbanites face a...

Nonsmokers take heart.(good health: SMART WAYS TO STAY WELL, EAT RIGHT, GET FIT)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Studies have shown that when towns ban smoking in public places, the number of heart attacks drops significantly. Now research from Indiana University pinpoints that it's nonsmokers who benefit first. In the 22 months after Indiana's Monroe...

Travel trouble.(good health: SMART WAYS TO STAY WELL, EAT RIGHT, GET FIT)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Imagine being stopped at airport security because you set off alarms. That's happened to people who've had a diagnostic procedure such as a bone, heart, or thyroid scan using a radioactive tracer--lingering radioactivity can trigger sensors for...

Can vitamin D put the brakes on aging?(good health: Nutrition News)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In a British study of 2,160 women, researchers compared subjects' blood levels of vitamin D to changes in their DNA (in units called telomeres, which shorten as you get older). When those changes were analyzed, the...

Sweet news.(good health: Nutrition News)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The history of sugar substitutes has been like a "good news/bad news" joke. The good news: They save calories. The bad news: They can cause gas, bloating, and sometimes an unpleasant aftertaste. But now there's a new...

Crunchy cancer fighters.(good health: Nutrition News)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Eating broccoli and its cruciferous cousins cabbage and cauliflower at least three times a month can cut the risk of bladder cancer by 37 percent, researchers from Roswell Park Cancer Institute have found. But put away the saucepan--cooking...

Beeeep--time to exercise.(Drop 5 lbs: TIPS AND TRICKS TO TRY TODAY)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] To jump-start your motivation to exercise, look no further than your purse. A new Stanford University study found that people who used a handy gadget like an iPhone or a BlackBerry to monitor their fitness routines...

Do the math.(Drop 5 lbs: TIPS AND TRICKS TO TRY TODAY)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 6 Baja Fresh Shrimp Original Tacos (200 calories each) = 1 Baja Fresh Shrimp Fajita with Flour Tortillas (1,120 calories)

Why breakfast counts.(Drop 5 lbs: TIPS AND TRICKS TO TRY TODAY)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Go ahead and savor the scrambled eggs and sausage: Two new studies show that people who eat more in the A.M. eat less overall and gain less weight than breakfast skimpers. Texas researchers analyzed the food diaries of 867 people and found that...

The joy of soy.(Drop 5 lbs: TIPS AND TRICKS TO TRY TODAY)(nondairy milk)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Fans of this nondairy milk will love the latest news: Drinking several glasses a day may help you shed pounds just as well as cow's milk does. Researchers from Northern Illinois State University tracked women on an...

Three-bean tuna salad.(Healthy in a Hurry)(Recipe)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... ALL YOU NEED IS A CAN OPENER for a meal that serves up heart-healthy omega-3 fats (the tuna) and nearly three-quarters of a day's worth of cholesterol-lowering fiber (the beans) Total time 15 minutes Makes 4 main-dish servings 1...

Are you wrecking your diet? You know about calories and portions and exercise. But if you don't know about these 12 surprising weight-loss traps, you may not see the scale budge.(good health)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 1 YOU ASSUME HEALTHY MEANS LOW-CAL The label trumpets "low fat," "zero trans fats," or "no carbs." But these virtuous pronouncements don't tell you a thing about calories--which is what you need to pay attention...

This mom's life.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(working mothers)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "I think every working mom probably feels the same thing: You go through big chunks of time where you're just thinking, 'This is impossible--oh, this is impossible.' And then you just keep going and keep going, and...

Star style: the white stuff.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(tote bags)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... How to get the look A big purse doesn't have to weigh down a breezy warm-weather outfit. A bold white bag perfectly accents summertime styles. As Elizabeth Hurley, Cindy Crawford, and Reese Witherspoon show, these large totes still look...

Man of the house: Pierce Brosnan.(good buzz)(Interview)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] He first stole our hearts as the dashing Remington Steele, then became everyone's favorite secret agent, James Bond. Along the way, he's been an art thief (The Thomas Crown Affair) and an assassin (The Matador). But...

Turning point.(good buzz)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... "I watched the Olympics on television and realized these girls were trying to do the same things I was trying to do. And I started to think. Maybe I can go to the Olympics. That was a big moment for me, because when I was growing up in the...

Animal house.(good buzz)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "Sophie, my dog, is the high in the highlights of my life. Even through rain, snow, ice, and general laziness, she is the reason I smile when I wake up and a comfort to me continually. I could never have imagined...

Why I give John Stamos.(good buzz)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... John Stamos is a national spokesman for Project Cuddle, a charity that works to prevent baby abandonment. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "Two of my friends tried for a long time to have a child, and in the end they decided to adopt. They went...

What I've learned: Kim Cattrall.(good buzz)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Four years after their TV farewell, the women of Sex and the City returned, this time to the big screen. And Kim Cattrall, now 51, looks better than ever as sexy siren Samantha Jones. Here, the star opens up about staying stunning, feeling...

Nicole Kidman's crispy orecchiette with broccoli, pine nuts & garlic.(CELEB DISH)(Recipe)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 1 lb. orecchiette pasta 7 Tbsp. vegetable oil 5 c. sm. broccoli florets (12 oz.) 2 cloves garlic, slivered 1/4 c. dry white wine 3 Tbsp. fresh lemon juice Salt and freshly ground black...

9 smartest summer makeup solutions: from last-all-day eye shadow to mascara that won't run, we've found the best beat-the-heat beauty secrets.(good looks: BEAUTY AND FASHION NEWS, DEALS, TRENDS)(Buyers guide)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Summer is full of pleasures--but melting makeup, sliding eyeliner, and super-sticky lipstick are not among them. "In hot weal her, applying your makeup should be as simple and comfy as putting on your favorite pair...

Good deals fashion: keep your cool--and your cash--with these dollar-savvy beach finds.(good looks)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] COAST GUARD Shield yourself from the sun and still look stylish with Fantasia Accessories' tightly woven, goes-with-everything floppy straw hat ($16) TWICE AS NICE Streamline your suitcase with Echo's...

Tanners with a twist.(good looks: Beauty news)(suntan lotions)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The latest self-tanners are true glow-getters, providing sun-kissed color--plus unexpected extras. Here are our favorites: * Sun protection When you want safety as well as a little color, Neutrogena Color...

Travel-friendly dryers.(GHRI TESTED)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] With airlines starting to charge for luggage and suitcase space at a premium, traveling light is more appealing than ever--which is why we were intrigued by new portable hair-dryers that promise high performance in a...

Your best shave ever.(good looks: Beauty news)(Gillette Venus Embrace)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Think an extra blade on your razor won't make a difference? We did too--until we actually lathered up and tried the five-blade Gillette Venus Embrace ($12, drugstores; right). This new shaver was specially engineered to skim over skin for...

Beyond the pail.(good house: GREAT BUYS, STYLISH IDEAS, SAVVY ADVICE)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] If you're burned out on the same old backyard party decorations, try this dirt-cheap dazzler. Collect leftover tapers from holidays past: fill a metal bucket wit h sand (dig your own. or pick up a four-pound bag for...

See shells.(good house: Idea File)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] No beachfront view? No worries. Fake one with a window covering that suggests surf. Pick up a roller or Roman shade (or use one you already own) and shells (a gallon bag should run you about $13 on seashells.com),...

Meat your match.(good house: Idea File)(hamburgers)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Add a little fun to your buns, and let diners know how burgers are cooked--well-done, medium, or rare--with flags made of toothpicks, scrapbook paper, and plain round stickers. Take sheets of patterned paper (like the bandanna motif here),...

All hung up.(TRY THIS)(beach towels)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... The best way to keep beach towels off the floor: Trick them out with loops of brightly hued ribbon. Get sturdy grosgrain trim no less than one inch wide; cut it into lengths of about 16 inches per towel (each piece should fit around your wrist,...

Candid cameos.(good house: Idea File)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Improve on staid silhouettes with action-packed versions. You'll need pre-stretched canvases (at art stores), acrylic paint, a pencil, and lively photos or photocopies. Paint canvas one color; let dry. Pencil lightly...

Can do.(good house: Idea File)(can decoration)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Save your next tomato can (or any oversize can with a handsome label--look for imported and ethnic foodstuffs, which often have interesting, decorative designs). Clean it out, and drop in a smaller vase, so the metal...

Good deals home: take a price break with smart, wallet-friendly backyard party gear.(good house)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 1 BUZZ OFF Restoration Hardware's portable insect zapper ($39) delivers 10 hours of pest-free fun from a single battery charge [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 2 YOU'LL FLIP This extra-wide, heat-resistant silicon...

Pool alarms.(GHRI TESTED)(Table)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] If your kids stray too near the water, a good warning system can alert you before an accident turns fatal. GHRI tested seven pool alarms (they tell you when the water is disturbed) and six gate alarms (installed on a...

Get your kid hooked on books.(good family: FROM KIDS TO MONEY, WHAT TO KNOW NOW)('Bookadventure.com,' 'Teenreads.com,' and 'Guysread.com')(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Young people now spend an average of only seven minutes a day reading for pleasure, reports the National Endowment for the Arts. That's one reason 12th grade reading scores are declining. But these Web sites can get your kids excited about...

Run outside and play! Why kids are spending so much time indoors, how it hurts them--and what to do about it.(good family)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When I was 10, the age my oldest son is now, I raced outside nearly every summer morning. All the neighborhood kids left their houses right after breakfast, eager for another day of exploring streets and trails,...

Haggle your way to savings: it's easier than you think to negotiate--on anything from cars to cashmere. Here's what to say.(good family: Saving Money)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] As retailers struggle with slowing sales, tightening credit, and rising energy costs, they may well be more willing to work with you to strike a deal, whether you're buying diamonds or door frames. You'll be...

Great grills (under $500!).(the goods: WHAT TO BUY, WHAT TO SKIP)(Product/service evaluation)
July 1, 2008... If it's time to update your outdoor cooker, you'll be surprised at what's in store: Even inexpensive grills now have side burners, and some include additional utilities, like a rotisserie or a griddle. In GHRI tests of 12 new grills, we found...

No excess baggage.(GHRI TESTED)(Product/service evaluation)
July 1, 2008... Most airlines charge for checked bags over 50 pounds. Save the fees (and body strain) with one of these [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 1 Sporty Space Saver The only duffel recommended, Victorinox E-Motion 360[degrees] 4.0 30" Collapsible...

Best portable chairs: comfy, convenient seats for any summer outing.(GHRI TESTED)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... HOW WE TESTED We looked for: * Strong fabric and weight capacity by putting 300-pound weights on seats * Finger pinch points in the frames * Ease of removing chair from its bag, unfolding, refolding, and storing *...

The story that can change your life: it's not on any bookshelf. The tale with the greatest impact on your future is your own.(good advice: STAYING CENTERED, COPING, LIVING FULLY)
July 1, 2008... Recovering in my hospital bed a few hours after an emergency cesarean section, I was, through my fuzziness, focusing on the good news: My son, Charlie, whose heart rate crashed during labor, was healthy and snoozing at my side. Then I heard my...

Mirror, mirror: the next time you gaze at your reflection, look with your heart--and discover your own brand of beauty.(good advice: Feed Your Soul)
July 1, 2008... In my high school, the most beautiful girls belonged to a club called the Kilties. The Kilties wore kilts and white sneakers and stood on the sidelines at football and basketball games waving their green and white pom-poms when the team scored....

Ask Peggy.(good advice: Everyday Manners)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Q My coworker has been bringing her little boy to work (after his day camp) several times a week. He's sweet, but having him around is disruptive; what can I do? Ask why her son has been visiting so frequently, then try to help her find a...

Pop quiz.(Ask Peggy)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Q Your next-door neighbor has a giant yard sale without alerting you. It's really loud, people trample your lawn, and days later, there's still trash all over. Should you: (A) Ask her to let you know next time she's planning an event--and...

Should you reject a legacy?(WHAT WOULD YOU DO?)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Your mother-in-law has a collection of knickknacks you hate, and she offers to leave it to you in her will. Can you refuse? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] No "I wouldn't want to hurt her feelings; plus, we could donate them to Goodwill!"...

Pet peeve.(Ask Peggy)(on too cold theaters)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Q Whenever I go into stores or movie theaters this time of year, they're freezing, even if I wear a sweater. Is it worth it to complain to someone? Overzealous cooling is a serious summertime nuisance (and not ecologically responsible)....

Gorgeous & green: the healthy breakthrough that's made Julia Roberts glow. Plus: Kate Hudson, Jennifer Aniston, and other stars share their strategies for living an eco-smart life.(Cover story)
July 1, 2008... Julia Roberts doesn't seem to want for much--she's got a happy marriage, beautiful children, an incredible career. And the woman who has it all must know it all, too, right? Wrong. The star is quick to list the litany of daily dilemmas that...

Summer steals: $50 and under.(Buyers guide)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] TIME TO TURN DOWN THE HEAT--on your wallet. Our brilliant bargains (swingy skirts, breezy blouses, dazzling dresses) are big on style and easy on the budget MADE IN THE SHADE Look put-together and still feel...

28 days to a flatter belly: the moves and foods to help you shrink the flab and firm your abs.
July 1, 2008... If you're like most women, the start of swim season (and this year's parade of brash, look-at-me tropical-print beachwear) is enough to make you feel downright cranky. But there's no need for a mood meltdown. Culling the most cutting-edge...

Get fired up.(grills)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Turn on the grill and dinner's done in a flash--nothing beats the open flame for feeding a crowd fast. And when the heat is really on, reduce your kitchen time even more by making the entire meal directly over the...

Do it all, deliciously.(get fired up)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] So how do you grill a three-course meal--quick appetizer, rib-sticking meat, and delicate dessert--and have it come out tasty and on time? Try these tips: Prep school Make sure you have all the necessary gear: a...

Ask Susan.(good food: HOW TO MAKE EVERYTHING BETTER)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Q: What's the best way to peel peaches? Thelma Wilkie, Tewksbury, MA A: If your fruit is ripe, remove the stem with a paring knife and make a 1/2-inch-long cut where the stem was. Insert the knife just under the skin, then lift the...

Thai shrimp & asparagus.(Express Lane)(Recipe)(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Total time 25 minutes Makes 4 main-dish servings 1 lb. shelled and deveined shrimp 4 tsp. green curry paste 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil 1 lb. asparagus, cut in 2-in. pieces 2 limes 1 can (13.5 to 14 oz.)...

5 ideas for ... Ricotta cheese.(recipes)(Recipe)
July 1, 2008... Italians have known it all along: This fresh, creamy cheese isn't just for lasagna. Take these five fast dishes, some savory, some sweet. They're made with part-skim ricotta--which has 41 percent less fat but no less flavor than the whole-milk...

Healthier hot dogs.(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Served at sports games, on city sidewalks, even in school cafeterias, this fast-food fixture is usually anything but good for you. Most hot dogs are loaded with sodium, preservatives, and saturated fat. And don't be...

Potato salad.(HEALTHY MAKEOVER)(Recipe)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] We surprised even ourselves this month. Our healthy take on a favorite recipe is now our favorite recipe. This slimmed-down salad (minus 50 calories and 7 fat grams per serving) has just the right level of tangy...

Mann's stringless sugar snap peas.(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Imagine if farmers cross-pollinated the plump English peas you grew up eating with the flat, crunchy snow peas you may have noshed on in Chinese takeout. You'd get snap peas--crisp, green pods enclosing sweet, round...

Inside the GH test kitchen.(Brief article)
July 1, 2008... Stick Trick In perfecting our grilling technique for the "Get Fired Up" food feature on page 154, we loved the convenience of bamboo skewers. But even after the sticks soaked in warm water for 20 minutes, the ends with no food on them...

One foot in front of the other: when Lindsay Nielsen entered her first marathon at age 40, she was simply aiming for a good race--but she got back more than she expected.(good reads: STORIES, BLOGS, AND BOOK PICKS)(Short story)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Before dawn, I run east so I can watch the sunrise paint the sky in ribbons of red, orange, and hot pink. I slow to a walk, and in the time it takes my heart rate to match my steps, the colors fade. Like so much in...

Balancing acts: trying acrobatics gave my kids--and me--a sense of possibility.
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Last summer, my children (11, 9, and 7; boy, girl, boy) and I spent a day in New York City. By late afternoon, the kids were blissfully grimy and feeling their oats. We'd climbed rocks in Central Park, stuck our feet...

No matter what mood you're in, we have a great book for you.(Recommended readings)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] To grip you More Than It Hurts You By Darin Strauss The season's smartest, most eye-widening suspense plot involves a mysteriously ailing baby, a mother with a secret, and a skeptical doctor (and...

Get fired up.(Potato Halves with Smoked Salmon and Dill)(Recipe)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Potato Halves with Smoked Salmon & Dill (also pictured on page 155) Active time 20 minutes Total time 30 minutes Makes 12 appetizer servings [ReciTip] For ease arranging serving, cut a thin slice...

Gear up for grilling: these GHRI-recommended picks will help you barbecue like a pro.(Buyers guide)
July 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] (1) LIGHT UP THE NIGHT With the Perfect Flame Grill Light ($25) and its 16 LED bulbs, you won't squint in the dark to see if your steak is perfectly cooked. Cordless, it has a clamp and powerful magnets--attach...