Good Housekeeping articles from March 2008

Good Housekeeping archives from March 2008

Colored eggs to keep.(goodhousekeeping.com)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... Hard-boiled eggs are great... in salads. For Easter, consider blowing out eggs instead--that way you can save them for years. Get instructions (and ideas for easy centerpieces) on our site. And check out our elegant Easter decorations on page...

Tasty (and surprising) spring chicken.(goodhousekeeping.com)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Tossed in a sauce of fresh lemon, sage, and prosciutto, Roman-Style Chicken & Asparagus is a light, citrusy way to serve dinner in a hurry.

On my mind: editor's letter.(Editorial)
March 1, 2008... "Easter," my daughter announced in the midst of Christmas festivities last year, "is my favorite." Coming from a 4-year-old who at that moment seemed pretty enraptured by Santa Claus, it was a surprising statement. (But then, she had also...

On your mind: letters.(Letter to the editor)
March 1, 2008... Dear GH, I loved your tip about how to lose weight by walking your dog [Drop 5 lbs, November]. My pup, Keeley, motivated me to exercise--I lost five pounds in a month! Plus, I've met more of my neighbors (canines are great conversation...

Sweet memories.(on your mind: Letters)(Letter to the editor)
March 1, 2008... I was so moved by "The Secret Ingredient" [Blessings, December]. The story reminded me of my own dear mother. I treasure her small, yellowed cookbook that has handwritten notes next to the cake and pie recipes. I can almost smell the faint...

Health alert.(on your mind: Letters)(Letter to the editor)
March 1, 2008... "One Cough, Three Causes" [Health News, December] was informative, but I want readers to know there's a fourth cause. I had a deep, dry cough for months and was treated for simple allergies. Turns out, I had lung cancer-and I'm not even a...

Giving thanks.(on your mind: Letters)(Letter to the editor)
March 1, 2008... I loved Maeve Binchy's article "Two Little Words" [December]. As a child, I was made to write thank-you notes--and I vowed I wouldn't make my own children do the same. Years later, when my dad was collecting my grandpa's belongings after he...

Time-saver.(on your mind: Letters)(Letter to the editor)
March 1, 2008... I really appreciate your subject-by-subject index in each issue. As a new subscriber, it helps me feel more familiar with your pages. It also saves so much time. MARILOU ANGELASTRO, St. Augustine, FL

Clutter control.(on your mind: Letters)(Letter to the editor)
March 1, 2008... My TV area was a disaster until, thanks to your advice, I alphabetized my DVDs and kid-proofed the wires by taping them to the wall ["Organizing: Media Center, December]. Now I can truly sit back and relax! KATE MCMULLEN, Baltimore

Easy celebration.(on your mind: Letters)(Letter to the editor)
March 1, 2008... Thanks for recognizing that not all folks are willing to spend hours in the kitchen fixing Turkey Day dinner ["Thanksgiving as Easy as 1-2-3," November]. Dressing up convenience food is just fine! SUSAN FORKNER, Salem, OR

Mad for Meredith.(on your mind: Letters)(Letter to the editor)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I enjoyed the article about Meredith Vieira ["Counting Her Blessings," November]. I related to her story, to her Thanksgiving menu, which is similar to ours, and to losing her pet cat (I lost my dog recently)....

Ask our expert.(on your side: HELP FROM THE GH RESEARCH INSTITUTE)(how to dispose old medications)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... Q I heard it's unsafe to flush old medications, which is what I've always done. What's the best way to get rid of them? A: You're right to check this out. Drugs put down the toilet can get into groundwater. What's more, in February 2007,...

The GH Seal: what's in it for you?(on your side: HELP FROM THE GH RESEARCH INSTITUTE)(Public notice)
March 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 223).

Diet program woes.(GH TO THE RESCUE)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In 2006, I paid $675 to join LA Weight Loss Centers. While I stuck to the program for three months, I wasn't seeing progress and asked to terminate the contract. My request was approved six months ago, but I still...

Did you know?(on your side: HELP FROM THE GH RESEARCH INSTITUTE)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... "A good walking shoe should have a beveled heel--one that angles about a half inch up at back--with a sole curving toward the front."--Kathleen Huddy, GHRI textiles, paper & plastics director

Easy organizing: photos.(good (enough) housekeeping: SIMPLE SOLUTIONS FOR SMART LIVING)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A picture is worth a thousand words--but not if you can't find it. To keep precious memories on instant recall, first collect all the snaps that have been tossed into drawers or piled up in stacks. Then do a serious...

Give winter grime the boot: follow these quick spiff-up tips for stained or scuffed footwear now, and be a step ahead next season.(Speed Cleaning)
March 1, 2008... Biggest Challenges * Telltale road-salt stains on leather * Black scuff marks on leather or rubber * Dirty, flattened suede Fastest Fixes 1 Banish salt lines If your town fights icy streets with road salt, you've surely...

Appliance 911: the GHRI's guide to fixing 5 common hang-ups--without calling a repairman.(GHRI TESTED)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] WHAT'S WRONG? The refrigerator's not cold enough even on its chilliest setting. WHAT TO DO If you haven't dusted the condenser coils recently (or ever), your fridge may be overheated because it's overworking....

Reader tip.(Idea File)(cleaning up)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "My husband's great at frying (fish is a favorite), but I take charge of clean up. When grease is splattered everywhere, I just spritz a mix of ammonia and water. It's a cheap way to tackle a messy job."--Deborah...

Dust: busted!(COOL TOOL)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... It's your little secret: The bare floors under your bed, sofa, and bookcases rarely got cleaned because they're just too difficult to reach. Well, now the resident bunnies will have to find another hutch to hide beneath- the new Good Grips...

Win a shiny new kitchen!(GH giveaway)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] You spend so much time there--give it a makeover with these 4 fab appliances Ready for your $5,000 upgrade? The stainless steel Frigidaire Professional Series collection looks snazzy, but it's practical,...

Rug rescue.(good (enough): Heloise to the Rescue)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... Q How do you get Silly Putty off carpet? Carole, via e-mail A: First, pick off as much as you can. Then apply a small amount of household spray lubricant. Let it sit for a couple of minutes, and use a terry washcloth to lift any...

Fuel removal.(good (enough): Heloise to the Rescue)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... Q A gasoline nozzle accidentally sprayed fuel on my son's clothes. Is there any way to remove the awful odor? Heidi, via e-mail A: Spread the clothes outside in the shade for a few hours to let the petroleum fumes dissipate. Then wash...

Ask Heloise: TLC for textiles: about twice a year, show cushions, pillows, comforters, throws, and slipcovers a little care, and they'll stay fresh looking and last longer.(good (enough): Heloise to the Rescue)
March 1, 2008... 1 Clean Dingy Curtains When the weather permits, take down drapes, curtains, or sheers and shake them outdoors to remove surface dust. Then machine wash at the highest water level, adding window coverings after the tub fills so they can move...

Germ warfare.(good health: SMART WAYS TO STAY WELL, EAT RIGHT, GET FIT)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] When it comes to washing away bacteria, you might think that an antibacterial cleanser would outshine ordinary soap. But in three out of four studies recently reviewed by researchers from the University of Michigan...

Smoke gets in your eyes.(good health: SMART WAYS TO STAY WELL, EAT RIGHT, GET FIT)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Yet another reason not to light up: Cigarette smoking quadruples the chances that you'll develop age-related macular degeneration, the leading cause of blindness in people over 55. Never taking that first puff would...

Combat the blues, naturally.(good health: SMART WAYS TO STAY WELL, EAT RIGHT, GET FIT)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... COMBAT THE BLUES, NATURALLY Fish oil capsules, celebrated for their role in protecting heart health, can also boost your mood. When Taiwanese researchers combined findings from 10 investigations, they found that omega-5 fatty acid supplements...

Top electric toothbrushes.(THE BUZZ)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... These power tools for your teeth are making big promises--often attached to big price tags--so the Good Housekeeping Research Institute tested seven new models. Using a panel of seven brushers and dentist Denis Vu, D.M.D., we evaluated the...

To help avoid a repeat colonoscopy.(good health: Health News)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... TO HELP AVOID A REPEAT COLONOSCOPY, be sure to ask the doctor how many times he or she has done the procedure--before you make your appointment. The answer you want: at least 150, reports a South Korean study that analyzed the results of some...

4 minutes to stronger muscles.(good health: Health News)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Stretching not only makes you more limber, it also makes your muscles stronger, reports a new study from Brazil. When a group of young adults were guided through stretches designed to lengthen tight muscles in the...

Tricky diet trap.(Drop 5 lbs: TIPS AND TRICKS TO TRY TODAY)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... Fast-food diners who assume they're eating a low-cal entree overcompensate, reports a Cornell University study, by treating themselves to a larger drink or cookies. The researchers interviewed 518 people who ate a McDonald's Big Mac (600...

Sit down to slim down.(Drop 5 lbs: TIPS AND TRICKS TO TRY TODAY)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... Before you eat, take a seat--it may help you shed pounds, Researchers at the University of Toronto fed two groups a meal with the same number of calories: The first had lunch at a table (complete with linens); the second ate while standing at a...

Easter sweets cheat sheet.(HOLIDAY HELP)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... The skinny on calorie counts [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] TREAT CALORIES 1 Marshmallow Peeps Chick 28 10 small jelly beans 41 1 chocolate-covered marshmallow...

Pasta with a slimming twist.(Drop 5 lbs: TIPS AND TRICKS TO TRY TODAY)(FiberGourmet Light Pasta)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... We're usually skeptical of new diet foods, but FiberGourmet Light Pasta won us over: It has 40 percent fewer calories than standard noodles (130 versus 210). The pasta was created with FiberFlour technology, so it's packed with zero-calorie...

Extra virgin, extra benefit.(good health: Nutrition News)(olive oil)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... While all types of olive oil are good for your heart, increasingly, research shows that extra virgin and virgin varieties are better than "pure" or "light" oils. Their edge: an abundance of compounds called phenols. In the latest study, Spanish...

Dodging diabetes.(good health: Nutrition News)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] BUMP UP YOUR MAGNESIUM Eating a diet rich in this mineral significantly cuts your chances of developing type 2 diabetes, report Swedish researchers. Only about half of Americans get the recommended daily 320 to 420...

Espresso lane to high cholesterol.(good health: Nutrition News)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... If you have a serious grande-cappuccino habit--and tend to have high cholesterol levels--you may want to switch brews. The oil in coffee beans (both regular and decaf) contains cafestol, a potent cholesterol booster. Paper filters absorb almost...

Pork chops Marsala.(Healthy in a Hurry)(Recipe)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... RESTAURANT-STYLE RICHNESS minus the fat and calories: A lush but light wine sauce tops lean chops. Mushrooms deliver cancer-fighting selenium, while asparagus is rich in potassium Total time 25 minutes Makes 4 main-dish servings ...

The surgery you (probably) don't need: every year, 600,000 women have hysterectomies. More than two-thirds could be cured with simpler, less risky procedures--or even pills.(good health)(Medical condition overview)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] As a busy mom, business analyst, and occasional golfer, Amy Mills, 46, of Lancaster, OH, had a hard time coping with her long, increasingly heavy periods. "I couldn't do anything spontaneously," says Mills, who was...

This mom's life.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Quotation)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... "There are moments when I feel like I have a looong road ahead of me, with college and dating and driving and all of that. But then I realize it just means that I have so much time left to enjoy my kids. And it really does go by so quickly."...

How to get the look.(Star Style Swing Low)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Though the weather might not be warm enough yet for lower necklines, dazzling necklaces have started taking the plunge. As Sarah Jessica Parker, Gayle King, and Nicollette Sheridan show, large pendants that sit well...

Man of the house: Kyle Chandler.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Interview)
March 1, 2008... There's something about a guy who still says "doggone" and counts his grandfather as one of his heroes. Kyle Chandler is that kind of guy, a throwback to a classic, Jimmy Stewart breed of celebrity. In all his major roles, he shows the same...

Animal house.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "We have 11 horses up at our country home, six of which are rescue animals.... Two of them are 'cop horses' from the mounted police, ages 4 and 5, who turned out to have physical problems that weren't suitable for...

Turning point.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Reba McEntire)(Quotation)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... "When I was starting out, I worked in a man's world. Men were getting paid more than women--men were headliners. women weren't, All I knew to do was work harder. So I made up my mind and I just said to myself, By golly, I am going to do this. I...

Why I give: Scarlett Johansson.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Quotation)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... The actress, star of the upcoming The Other Boleyn Girl, supports U.S.A. Harvest, which helps feed hungry Americans. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "I became involved right after Hurricane Katrina. People seemed so desperate. I was looking for...

How I stay sane.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Brooke Shields)(Quotation)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "When I start to look outside myself and start to compare myself to other people, I start to weaken a little bit. It's a very juvenile way of doing things, that sort of comparison. If I begin doing that, I have to...

My family's stay-slim secret.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Kristie Allie)(Quotation)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "My children are very physical; they're moving all the time, and they eat good, healthy, organic food. I tell them, 'I know you want to be beautiful and handsome. Beauty and handsomeness first come from being happy,...

Conan O'Brien's St. Patrick's Day Stew.(CELEB DISH)(Recipe)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Conan O'Brien's St. Patrick's Day Stew 2 c. diagonally sliced carrots 2 c. diagonally sliced parsnips 2 c. sliced onions 1 1/2 lbs. small white potatoes, each cut into quarters...

Does your hair make you look old? Don't let your tresses age you. Try these easy, take-the-years-off tricks, tips, and products.(good looks: BEAUTY AND FASHION NEWS, DEALS, TRENDS)(Buyers guide)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] We're accustomed to fussing over our faces, trying to turn back the clock on sunspots and lines. But there's another age giveaway that could use more attention. "A woman in her 40s doesn't have the hair she had at...

Good deals beauty: wash away stress (and take some time for yourself!) with these tempting tub treats.(good looks: BEAUTY AND FASHION NEWS, DEALS, TRENDS)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... BATHING BEAUTIES Love your bubbles, but not their drying effect? Mistral Foam Bath in South Seas and Gardenia ('$15 each, mistralsoap.com; below, from left) contain shea butter to moisturize [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] WHAT A DISH! ...

Fatter lashes--minus the clumps.(good looks: Beauty News)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Barely there lashes get a bold boost from CoverGirl LashBlast Mascara ($7.49, drugstores) Its chubby brush may look a little odd (one GH editor dubbed it "caterpillarlike"), but there's serious engineering at work:...

Give your eyes a lift.(good looks: Beauty News)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Wrinkles, crepiness, dark circles, puffiness--you name it, the eyes have it. Good Skin Pharmacy Eyliplex-2 ($40, Kohl's) aims to tackle all these issues with a double-duty duo: a day gel packed with ingredients like...

Color that lasts: best stay-put lip tints.(GHRI TESTED)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Long-wearing lip colors usually leave your mouth parched and cakey, but new formulas promise last-all-day color and moisturizing comfort. To find out if they would earn our kiss of approval, the Good Housekeeping...

Pleats.(good looks: Trends for Grown-ups)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... These crisp creases distract the eye and conceal problem--but only if the folds are positioned strategically. They should fall where you need extra room, which for most of us is at the waist and hips JOIN THE FOLD Worried the style...

Good deals fashion: these warmer-weather bags are priced so low they'll induce reverse sticker shock.(good looks: BEAUTY AND FASHION NEWS, DEALS, TRENDS)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] YOU'RE NO SLOUCH A studded, supple suede hobo ($50) by T.J. Maxx looks good and holds a lot [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] PUT IT IN NEUTRAL The herringbone texture of Rosetti Handbags' tote ($48) spans...

To dye for.(good house: GREAT BUYS, STYLISH IDEAS, SAVVY ADVICE)(easter egg)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... For a twist on predictable Easter eggs, try this clever cross-hatching technique. All you need are a dozen white eggs, a dyeing kit, cheesecloth, and a pair of rubber gloves to keep your hands color free. First, dip your eggs into a base hue...

Funny bunny folds.(good house: Idea File)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] These cute-as-a-button cottontails, made from spray-starched square napkins, will energize any Easter table. For illustrated instructions, hop over to goodhousekeeping.com/bunnyhowto. But here are the basics: Once...

Just the write gift.(good house: Idea File)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... Cover pencils in pretty paper for a custom look. Cut paper to measure (the length of the pencil and about an inch wide). Smear the back of each strip with glue from a glue stick, wrap paper around pencil, smooth wrinkles, and bundle all with a...

Mirrors, mirrors ...(good house: Idea File)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... Give handsome handheld looking glasses a second life--as an artful wall grouping. Check out flea markets and eBay for affordable vintage versions (the more eclectic, the better; here, we mixed ornate silver with wood and Bakelite). Plan the...

Egg-cellent cards.(good house: Ideal File)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... Say hello to spring with pretty greetings created from simple craft supplies (colored cardstock, patterned scrap-booking paper, embroidery floss). Cut pieces of stock; fold in half. Then snip an egg shape out of the scrapbook paper. Place the...

Spice up your bed.(good house: Ideal File)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] If your sleeping space is too bland, dress up your headboard. Start with a piece of thin quilting batting large enough to drape over the headboard. Then choose a fabric you like and cut two pieces, each two inches...

String theory.(good house: Ideal File)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... This may look like an art object from a chichi boutique, but it's something much better: a project your kids can make with yarn and Elmer's glue. To create, turn a bowl over and cover the outside with plastic wrap. Soak pieces of yarn (we...

Good deals home: turn your dwelling into a detox destination with spa-inspired finds that won't stress your wallet.(good house: GREAT BUYS, STYLISH IDEAS, SAVVY ADVICE)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] THE WHIRLED AT YOUR FEET Treat tired tootsies to some do-it-yourself reflexology: Just roll your soles over The Body Shop's natural wood massager ($15) for an energizing podiatric pick-me-up BASKET CASE ...

Buy smart coffee tables: wanted: the perfect spot for a stack of books, a casual dinner, or your tired feet. Here, how to find the multitasker of your dreams.(good house: BEAUTY AND FASHION NEWS, DEALS, TRENDS)
March 1, 2008... size Before setting foot in a store, consider proportion: You don't want a piece that dwarfs its surroundings or vice versa. If you're thinking of a classic oblong table, go with one that's half the couch's length or shorter (usually 44 to...

House of ideas: extras that are anything but kitchen-y add bling to a boring cooking space.(good house: BEAUTY AND FASHION NEWS, DEALS, TRENDS)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Stir It Up Bring some character to a cookie-cutter kitchen by adding quirky touches that have nothing to do with meal prep. Five fresh ideas: 1 To establish the room's freewheeling tone, aim high--swap the usual...

New pot dangers.(good family: FROM KIDS TO MONEY, WHAT TO KNOW NOW)(marijuana)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Smoking marijuana is even riskier for kids now than when you were a teen. "Yet kids still hear it's harmless," says drug expert David Deitch, Ph.D., chief clinical officer of Phoenix House treatment centers. "Adults...

Let big brother drive.(good family: FROM KIDS TO MONEY, WHAT TO KNOW NOW)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Nervous about your teenager ferrying his kid sister home? Relax--while children are safest riding with an adult, their risk of being injured in a teen car accident drops by 40 percent if the chauffeur is a sibling...

The scoop on skateboards.(good family: FROM KIDS TO MONEY, WHAT TO KNOW NOW)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... It's a spring thing: two boards designed to make kids feel as if they're surfing the ocean instead of the pavement. Your children may do kickflips at the prospect, but before you buy, check out the Good Housekeeping Research Institute's...

My country or my child? In Iraq, our armed forces know the dangers. But few realize that military duty may cost them custody of the kids they left behind.(good family: FROM KIDS TO MONEY, WHAT TO KNOW NOW)
March 1, 2008... On Christmas 2006, Lisa Hayes slung her rifle across her shoulder and headed over to the row of phones at Camp Cropper. Every day for the past three weeks, the National Guard member had been calling the States from Baghdad, trying to reach her...

Ever feel like you're drowning in debt? Talking to other women online could help. The members of this support group paid off $1.6 million they owed.(good family: Saving Money)(Women in Red Racers)
March 1, 2008... A stay-at-home mom with two little girls under 6, Alexis Sheppard didn't feel she was living la vida loca--yet her family's debts were escalating. She and her husband, Scott, who live in Mesa, AZ, had piled up more than $14,000 in car loans,...

The best green cleaners.(TESTING YOU CAN TRUST)(Buyers guide)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] You care about the environment, but you also want clean laundry, shiny dishes, and a spotless kitchen. The GHRI's home appliances & cleaning products department put 23 green cleaners--nine laundry detergents, seven...

Lower your light bill.(the goods: WHAT TO BUY, WHAT TO SKIP)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] For the average American household, lighting accounts for 15 percent of the electricity bill, reports the U.S. Department of Energy. These cheap and easy GHRI-recommended changes are smart ways to save. GET NEW...

"I hate asking for help": it's the four-letter word no woman likes to utter. How to ask for what you need.(good advice: STAYING CENTERED, COPING, LIVING FULLY)
March 1, 2008... It wasn't until Kathleen Hornstein realized that she couldn't move he legs that she finally broke down and asked for help. A 34-year-old Pilates instructor and morn of two, Hornstein was pregnant with twins, and despite being overextended and...

The cookie burglar: you can lock up dessert, but you won't lose weight until you find out what your fat wants to tell you.(good advice: Feed Your Soul)
March 1, 2008... A few years ago, I worked with a woman who had decided to stop her nighttime bingeing by locking her food in cabinets and giving her husband the key. "It sounded like a perfect plan," she said, "until I spent the hours after my husband went to...

Pop quiz.(good advice: Everyday Manners)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... Q A good friend of yours needs constant reassurance about her appearance, but it's never enough. You want to be supportive, but you're reaching the limits of your sympathy. Do you: (A) Change the subject when she mentions her weight or...

The right call.(good advice: Everyday Manners)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... (B) Tell your friend, "You're a wonderful person, and I hate to hear you criticizing your looks so often. Can we talk about why you feel this way?" Be prepared with resources--books, Web sites, or support group contacts. And compliment her on...

Ask Peggy.(good advice: Everyday Manners)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... Q I'd love to set up a recently divorced acquaintance with one of my husband's friends. However, they belong to different faiths, and I'm not sure whether either of them is open to that. Should I go ahead? Since you don't know their views,...

Pet Peeve.(good advice: Everyday Manners)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... Q Why do so many cell phone users treat public spaces as their private phone booths? Is it OK to ask such people to take their loud personal calls elsewhere so the rest of us don't have to listen? Sometimes it seems as if we just can't get...

Should you scold a smoking mom?(WHAT WOULD YOU DO?)(Brief article)
March 1, 2008... My child recently went to a party where his friend's mother smoked throughout the event. Should I complain to her? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Yes "I smoke, but never around my children. It's just not fair to them." Beth Foley,...

It takes hands to build a house.
March 1, 2008... "It takes hands to build a house, but only hearts can build a home" --Unknown

Lose the weight for good! These five women shed a whopping 408 pounds and have kept it off for years. Here, the slim-down secrets to steal for yourself.(Cover story)
March 1, 2008... How many times have you gone on a diet, lost 20 pounds (or more), then gained it all back again--plus a little extra? We understand. Yo-yo dieting is a reality for most of us. How did these five women beat the odds and lose big? Read on to...

Valerie's victory: how Valerie Bertinelli finally won her 30-year weight war--and the real reasons she's happy at last.
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] This wasn't where Valerie Bertinelli ever thought she'd find herself. She had somehow agreed to go bathing suit shopping--with her boyfriend. Now she was standing under the bright fluorescent lights, with him...

Easter parade: welcome spring with time-smart crafts that will give your celebration new life.
March 1, 2008... ALL IN ONE BASKET Streamline your decorating by combining undyed eggs and a casual bouquet in a single, simple arrangement. The key: a minimalist wire basket reminiscent of the kind used to gather eggs in henhouses. Inside, set a clear...

Spring for it: the smart way to greet the season: mix a few key pieces with what's already in your closet. Here, the newest must-haves (and fun-to-haves) to brighten your basics.(Buyers guide)
March 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Must Have Brocade jacket, $80, Nicole by Nicole Miller for JCPenney The understated color keeps this regal jacket looking opulent rather than over-the-top. A reliable mixer, it works best with pared-down...