Good Housekeeping articles from May 2003

Good Housekeeping archives from May 2003

On my mind. (Editor's Letter).(Editorial)
May 1, 2003... Mother love Just in time for Mother's Day, we sat down with Kelly Ripa, star of TV's Live with Regis and Kelly, who recently had her third baby. She's also been working on a new book. I Love You, Mom!--published by Hyperion and due in stores...

The chosen child. (On your mind).
May 1, 2003... I just finished reading "The Favorite Child" (Your Family, March) and can wholeheartedly relate to the author's conclusions. We had the "Mom's favorite" joke in my family, too, and after the kids went off to college, I received cards signed...

The joy of teaching. (On your mind).(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2003... I found "`I Couldn't Afford to Teach'" (My Story, March) to be very discouraging. I'm a preschool teacher, and I am passionate about what I do. Because my passion is strong, money is not an issue. I love the children and the excitement....

Daddy's girl. (On your mind).(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2003... Today is the anniversary of my beloved father's death, and I had been depressed for days. But then I picked up Good Housekeeping and read the story about a woman who lost her father in a plane crash before she was born ("`As Always, Jack,'"...

Boy's best friend. (On your mind).
May 1, 2003... Jackie Denman of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, submitted this shot of her seven-month-old great-grandson, Brandon Lawrence Pensinger, and his buddy, the Pensingers' dog, Cameron. The family calls these pals "the two blonds." Says Denman,...

Wonderful Willis. (On your mind).(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2003... Thanks to Liz Smith for her interview with Bruce Willis ("Bruce Willis: Family Man," March). It was a nice change to read something about this actor that was truthful and not based on gossip and innuendo. I was also pleased to read about the...

Get a taste of the tropics: Havana style is heating up for summer. (Heads up! This month's news and trends).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Fiji pillow with beads from CWL Designs; fringed pillow from the Sanibel collection by Dianne Morris for Bay Linens; pillow and tuffet from Havana 1515's Floral & Fauna Botanical Collection. Chunky resin necklace from Dinosaur Designs. ...

Room in bloom. (Real deals: bargains you'll love).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Put a little flower power into your decor with bright wall art from Bombay Kids. The 14 1/2-inch daisies are made of metal, but at $19 each, they won't dent your budget. 800-829-7789 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Checkmate: a sandal steal. (Real deals: bargains you'll love).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Just in time for the dog days of summer, you can walk away with a free pair of flirty straw-and-gingham sandals, a $39 value from New York Transit. For details, see page 253. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Present perfect. (Real deals: bargains you'll love).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Wrapped and ready to go, Burnes of Boston's floral frame comes with a matching magnet. It's great for a friend or teacher and at this price ($9.99), you'll want to stock your gift drawer. 800-343-6290 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Stylish spout. (Real deals: bargains you'll love).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... If you like gardening, you'll love this cheery vinyl watering-can handbag. It's water-resistant-and a surefire conversation starter. From Citylimit, $17; 800-345-6404. Shopping Details, page 250

A simple way to shine. (Beauty: tips trends truth).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... "As we age our skin cells dont turn over as quickly as they used to," says Nancy Silverberg, M.D., a dermatologist in Newport Beach, California. "Eventually your skin starts to look dull." Light-reflecting particles, she says, can create the...

Fruity beauty. (Beauty: tips trends truth).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Get your fresh-summer-fruit fix from a new wave of products scrumptiously scented with green apple, mango, and peach. From left: OPI Avojuice Skin Quenchers in Peach Juicie; Suzanne Somers Somerspa Lickety Split hair treatment in green apple;...

5 new magic wands. (Beauty: tips trends truth).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Long lashes define and open your eyes--and sure, falsies can help if you've been stuck with the short end of the genetic stick. But they won't stay on unless you have time to apply them properly, points out Philadelphia-based celeb makeup...

1,500 Dove shampoos and conditioners--free! (Beauty: tips trends truth).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Dove, the body-care giant, broke new ground this year with its first-ever line of shampoos and conditioners. Haven't had a chance to try them yet? Have we got a deal for you! 500 readers will win an Intense Moisture Formula shampoo and...

The sweet smell of spring: this Mother's Day, why not send yourself flowers--in a bottle? Now blossoming at fragrance counters: orchids, lilies, sweet peas, and more. (Beauty).
May 1, 2003... Origins Frolic Floral Fantasy Mist sparkles with honeysuckle, a traditional May Day bud. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Escada Ibiza Hippie eau de toilette captures the famous isle with water hyacinth, passionflower, and pear. ...

How to score a perfect smile: wish your teeth were straighter, whiter? With the new fast and easy fixes, you too can have an A-list grin. (Beauty).
May 1, 2003... Americans are putting a lot of money where their mouths are--$3.4 billion a year on oral care, to be exact. And why not? A great smile can make you look younger and feel more confident. Our guide offers you the latest options to chew on. *...

Household helpline: Heloise to the rescue.
May 1, 2003... Q: I would like to try a home dry-cleaning kit. Are they OK for most of my clothes? --Ann Vasser, Clearwater, Florida Heloise: Generally, yes. These kits are good for freshening "dry clean only" garments--sweaters and blouses in...

Peggy Post's golden rules of e-mail etiquette: the right way to write--in the office and at home.
May 1, 2003... E-mailing a coworker (1) BE RESPONSIBLE. Work e-mail is a public document: If you wouldn't write it in a memo and hang it on the bulletin board, don't put it in an e-mail. E-gossip about colleagues could have nasty repercussions, like...

Talk to me: Joy Behar solves your trickiest problems.
May 1, 2003... Q: A lot of people in our office are on a diet so that we can look decent in swimsuits this summer. But this one woman, Marcia, keeps bringing in cookies, fudge, you name it. She says she loves to bake and wants to share her creations, but I...

Paint for plastic--fantastic! (Extra! Extra! Breaking news from the Good Housekeeping Institute).(Krylon's new Fusion Spray Paint)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Got a lawn chair that needs a second life? Now you can give it a makeover with Krylon's new Fusion Spray Paint. The first of its kind, this paint bonds to plastic--no need to sand or prime the surface first. Our engineers liked Krylon's even...

The big squeeze: best lemonades. (taste test).(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
May 1, 2003... So many lemonades--which are the best thirst quenchers? We sipped five top national ready-to-drink brands (plus one popular powdered mix) to find these two winners: MAIN SQUEEZE Florida's Natural Brand Premium Home Squeezed Style Lemonade...

E-mail invaders. (Extra! Extra! Breaking news from the Good Housekeeping Institute).(anti-spam software offered by Internet service providers)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... "Make $24,000 in 24 hours!" "Flush away fat!" Unsolicited offers like these are called spam--and we all want to stop it. How? GH tested anti-spam software, and we have good news: With the right Internet service provider, there's no need for...

Easy-care linen? Buyer beware! (Extra! Extra! From the GH Institute).(wash-and-wear linen clothing should not be put in dryer)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Our spin on wash-and-wear linen: Don't go there. Sure, it looks easy to care for in the spring catalogs. But our testing reveals that the labels should come with a warning: "May fade, shrink, and shrivel." In all but one case, the shirts,...

Boxing day: drawer decor. (60-second chic).(storage boxes)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Stylish storage boxes get prettier--and more practical--when you add decorative knobs like these crystal rose and ivy leaf styles ($13.99 to $19) from Gracious Home. Just punch a hole through the box's lid and screw the knob in place from the...

Did you know? (extra info).(The Bone Vault)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... The Bone Vault, Linda Fairstein's latest bestseller, is a fast-paced murder mystery set in the great museums of New York City. But just how long will it take you to uncover the secrets of the vault--and solve the crime? A time check on this...

14 ways to spoil Mom: make Mother's Day beautiful, with gifts that pamper and smooth--from head to toe. (Extra! Extra! Buyer's guide: the better way to give and receive).(Buyers Guide)
May 1, 2003... Heavenly hands A fast track to silky-soft hands, Revlon's MoistureStay Luxury Paraffin Bath ($39.99; 800-487-7273) melts the wax in a third of the time it takes other units. When your paraffin treatment's done, complete the look by slicking on...

GH to the rescue: "trying to get my recliner repaired has been anything but relaxing!" (Extra! Extra! From the GH Institute).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Last year I bought a $430 Catnapper recliner. Within two months there were problems--it started to lean to one side and make strange popping sounds when I sat down. The furniture store where I made the purchase had closed, so I wrote the...

The pen with an elephant's memory. (Extra! Extra! From the GH Institute).(Logitech io Digital Pen)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... It's a pen. It's a penlight. No, it's the Logitech io Digital Pen. A WHAT? This new $199 device memorizes everything you write (up to 40 pages at a time). Jot down a recipe or draw a sketch, then place the io in its docking station. In...

Recalls. (Extra! Extra! From the GH Institute).(Illustration)
May 1, 2003... Recalls: For more information, contact the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission at 800-638-2772 or visit www.cpsc.gov. PRODUCT CONTACT Computer backup power-supply devices. American Power...

Clean sweep: this spring, defeat dirt and dust bunnies with these cool new tools--and maybe win a year of free housekeeping! (Homekeeping).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... COLOR ME CONVENIENT Speed through chores with Casabella's sturdy sponges ($3.99 for a three-pack) and large dust cloth ($2.99). 800-841-4140 DISAPPEARING ACT Zap carpet and upholstery stains with Black & Decker's SteamBuster ($66,99)....

The widows of war. (Homefront).
May 1, 2003... IN THE TIME IT TAKES TO ANSWER THE DOOR, these young wives saw their lives collapse. Their husbands had been killed in the first wave of casualties in the Middle East, after the September 11th attacks. With the world in so much turmoil now,...

Easier swaddling. (your family).(Amazing Miracle Blanket )(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Fussy babies have been known to magically calm down when they're swaddled-that is, wrapped tightly in a blanket with a few strategic folding moves. Now a new blanket has earned, a thumbs-up from the Good Housekeeping Institute's textiles...

Smart parenting. (your family).(bras for preteens)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Q My daughter wants to wear a bra, but she's only nine and doesn't need one. Should I get her one anyway? a You certainly don't need to rush to the store, says Michael Riera, Ph.D., a parenting expert in Berkeley, California. First, try to...

Caffeine alert. (your family).(highly caffeinated new soft drink called Bawls Guarana)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... If you notice your kid sipping from a funky-looking blue bottle, take note: It could be a highly caffeinated new soft drink called Bawls Guarana. A cult favorite with older computer-game junkies, this cream soda-flavored beverage is being...

Closing the SAT gender gap. (your family).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Since the mid '60s, boys have consistently scored about 40 points higher overall than girls on the SATs. Now a new book offers tips to help girls catch up. Alexandra Freer, author of Girls' Guide to the SAT, published in March by the Princeton...

How to raise a hopeful child: no matter what's going on in the world, parents can do a lot to instill optimism in their kids. (Your Family).
May 1, 2003... Euphoria had turned to despair for my 15-year-old son, Scott. Last summer, he hit the employment jackpot: a cashier's position at the supermarket. But on the way home from his first day, my crestfallen kid recounted his mistakes in gory detail:...

Shocked by soaring insurance rates? Jane Bryant Quinn shows you easy ways to pay much less. Plus: two families who fought for better deals--and won. (Your Money).(Buyers Guide)
May 1, 2003... These days, you may feel as if you're paying more to insure your house and car than it cost to buy them. Premiums are expected to jump 9 percent by the end of 2003, and some people could face double-digit hikes. How to keep your costs down?...

Hats off to color: whether it's an eye-popping paint or a great collection, says designer Jennifer Paganelli, a shot of originality can revive a room. (Homekeeping).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Necessity has given rise to some good ideas, and Jennifer Paganelli's need for more space is no exception. When she couldn't cram a pedestaled glass cake plate into a cabinet, she moved it and several other favorites to a windowsill. They lit...

The pain truth: life can be hard when you're constantly hurting. But changing views on pain and cutting-edge treatments are finally offering hope. (Special Report)(Your Health).
May 1, 2003... In early 1997, Allison Gollin's world seemed just about perfect. A graduate student in social work at Columbia University, she was in love with a man she planned to marry. Then one day she started feeling pain in her lower abdomen. Agonizing...

You don't have to tough it out ... or suffer in silence, says Dr. Nancy Snyderman. How she eases her patients' pain--as well as her own. (Your Health).
May 1, 2003... I just found out that if I plan to renew my medical license in California (which I do), I must take 12 hours of continuing medical education on the subject of pain. California is the first state to require such classes. While I don't love the...

10 myths about pain: think you know the facts? Read on! (Your Health).
May 1, 2003... myth 1 Pain that goes away when you take an over-the-counter (OTC) medication is nothing to worry about. FACT How easily your pain is helped by an OTC pain reliever has nothing to do with the seriousness of your ailment. Some problems that...

Living with pain: she visited top docs and quacks, took drugs, and tried surgery. One woman's quest for a cure. (Your Health).
May 1, 2003... I remember it clearly: My daughter, Sarah, then 14 months old, was parading around the house in my shoes. She clomped over to the couch where I lay propped up with pillows, then chirped, "Mommy, my back hurts." She hadn't fallen or injured...

35 top pain centers. (Your Health).(Directory)
May 1, 2003... To streamline your search for a pain specialist, Good Housekeeping partnered with Castle Connolly, which publishes the popular guide America's Top Doctors. A physician-led research team identified 35 cutting-edge pain centers all over the...

Drive, she said: I was 40 years old and taking driver's ed again, determined to conquer my qualms and make my children proud. But was I really ready for the open road? (Learning Curve).
May 1, 2003... Will someone come with me to the drugstore to get the newspaper?" I asked hopefully. But my husband was on the Stairmaster, and my children were watching Scooby-Doo. So I headed for the garage alone. It may not look like it, but this was a...

Puppy love: she's only 29, but Sharon Montrose is already a top pet photographer. Learn her secrets for getting the perfect shot! (Snapshots).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... It's a dog's life these days for Sharon Montrose--and she's savoring every minute. When she started photographing pets in the 1990s, her first snaps were of her own: Simon, a rottweiler; and Avery, a greyhound, bulldog, and shar-pei mix....

"He looks just like you": adopted at birth, ABC correspondent Cynthia McFadden knew none of her biological relatives. Then her son, Spencer, came along, shaking up her ideas about blood ties and genetic codes. (Getting Personal).
May 1, 2003... It happened again. This time it was a stranger. As always, it was unexpected. I was standing on the beach watching Spencer, four and a very important half, investigate a particularly intriguing washed-up sea creature. "It's a jellyfish, Mommy....

Spring tips for summer survival. (Advertisement).(air conditioning)(Buyers Guide)
May 1, 2003... Summer. That time of the year where the words "hot" and "humid" are a fact of life. Fortunately, most people won't have to lose any sleep over the thought of that. Others, however, won't be so lucky. If your central air conditioner is up for...

The other side of Kelly Ripa: what you'll never see on TV: candid talk about her brand-new baby, missing her husband, and her love for a woman called Mom. (Cover Story).(Interview)
May 1, 2003... Only two years ago, Kelly Ripa was the newly minted cohost of the hit talk show Live with Regis and Kelly. She was also seven months pregnant and occupying a dressing room filled with baby gifts. Ripa had that baby--a little girl named...

Beyond blossoms: to make the most of freshly cut flowers--and we mean most, stalks and all--check out these ideas from floral designer Rebecca Cole.
May 1, 2003... When Rebecca Cole, cohost of the Discovery Channel's Surprise by Design, uses cut leaves and stems to create her signature floral arrangements, she's just showing her roots. As a girl helping in her grandfather's garden, she learned that...

A rejection recovery plan: even small slights can really sting. Five ways to keep brush-offs from boxing you in.
May 1, 2003... I just want you to know that the first version of this story was rejected. Yes, it was. The editor thought it needed "restructuring." Under other circumstances, I'd have considered throwing a fit and having writer's block for weeks. But thanks...

Petal power.
May 1, 2003... Not your garden-variety clothes, these floral prints are simultaneously sweet and sexy. And who better to pull off that combo than Kimberly Williams, the spunky sister on ABC's According to Jim. IT'S A TOSS-UP! Bold pink sunflowers, right,...

The predator in the classroom: it's called "pass the trash": a staffer molests a student, then makes a deal to resign and move on--to another unsuspecting district. A shocking report on the dangerous games schools play, and why you can't rely on background checks. (Sex abuse scandal).
May 1, 2003... TRABUCO CANYON, CALIFORNIA Teacher Jason Abhyankar came to Portola Hills Elementary School in the fall of 1999 with a glowing recommendation from his former principal. "Within a few months, the new fourth-grade teacher had become a favorite of...

Diet delish! A meal plan so tasty we wouldn't even use the D-word ... except that these dishes will make you ten pounds lighter this month! (Diet/Fitness).
May 1, 2003... Hear the word diet, and what comes to mind? For starters, pain, guilt, and pants that won't zip up--and let's not forget food that tastes like cardboard. If it's good in your tummy, it must be bad for your body, or so goes the old thinking. But...

Yogurt goes Greek. (Frontburner: what's new, what's hot, what's cooking).(Total Greek Yogurt)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Think plain yogurt is blah? Try the Greek version, which is showing up in specialty food stores and select supermarkets. Thicker and creamier than the typical U.S. varieties, it's perfect for adding body and a mellow tang to dips, soups, and...

Zing in a bottle. (Frontburner: what's new, what's hot, what's cooking).(Spice Hunter's Garden Harvest line of herbs and vegetables)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Spice Hunter's new Garden Harvest line of herbs and vegetables are flash frozen and vacuum dried. When they're rehydrated with water or the moisture from your cooking ingredients, they deliver all the aroma and flavor of fresh. In 12 varieties,...

Small is ... so cute. (Frontburner: what's new, what's hot, what's cooking).(mini cookware)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... No, you don't actually need these. But we think that serving individual portions in tiny pots and pans--the trend in New York City's chicest restaurants--is irresistibly charming. Try soup, scrambled eggs, or even a grilled sandwich. Mini...

Cool duo: cookies and cream. (Frontburner: what's new, what's hot, what's cooking).(Progressive International's Ice Cream Sandwich Maker)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Concoct frozen desserts with Progressive International's Ice Cream Sandwich Maker. Whether you use vanilla ice cream and oatmeal cookies or sophisticated mango sorbet and gingersnaps, fillings will taste fresher and cookies will be crisper than...

Small wonders: irresistible cupcakes--from the simple (really!) to the spectacular. (Recipes).
May 1, 2003... Top row: Hungry Caterpillar, Spotted Puppy, Purple Monster, Shining Sun, Festive Flowers, Heavenly Clouds. Second row: Stop Sign, Bicycle, Gumball Machine, Hot-Air Balloon, Peachy Peach. Third Row: Hens & Chicks, Ice Cream Cone, Baby Buggy,...

Rush hour! Family dinners in under 30 minutes.
May 1, 2003... pasta presto Pasta Primavera 1 pound corkscrew pasta (rotini) 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil 1 garlic clove, crushed with press 1 pound asparagus, trimmed and cut diagonally into 2-inch pieces 1 1/4 cups packaged...

"How do you make this salad?" (A Reader Asks Us).(Confucius Chicken Salad)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Diane French of Laurence Harbor, New Jersey, recently celebrated her birthday with her mom, sister, and cousin at New York City's China Grill. They each ordered the Confucius Chicken Salad--an Asian-style mix of chicken and greens with sesame...

Instant gourmet dessert. (in my kitchen).(strawberries dipped in chocolate)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... When strawberries actually have an aroma as I walk down the produce aisle, I go crazy. My family loves these berries plain, but my eight-year-old son, Lucio, and I also have a favorite way to dress them up--we dip the strawberries in chocolate....

Cupcake carriers. (in my kitchen).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Cupcakes are perfect for bake sales or school birthdays. But how can you get them to the party without squashing them? An 11" by 17" cookie pan with 1-inch-high sides holds 2 dozen cupcakes nicely, To keep cupcakes from sliding, line bottom of...

Light housekeeping. (Laugh Lines).
May 1, 2003... "And stretch and rip... and stretch and rip...." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] `My idea of heaven is a great big baked potato and someone to share ot with.' --Oprah Winfrey "I don't have to help my mom with the housework. She knows...

Pack your bags! Vacation bargains: for family fun without the credit card hangover, try these top travel deals. (Best).
May 1, 2003... BEACH DESTINATIONS Alabama Gulf Coast Why go Beyond the white sand beaches and warm water, there's golf, hiking, deep-sea fishing, a zoo, an aquarium, and historic Fort Morgan. Where to stay From May 18 to December 31, GH readers...

Deals at sea. (Summer Travel Section).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... With a fleet of new ships launching this summer, cruises will be more affordable than ever-plus, families can now drive (rather than fly) to many of the starting-point ports (typically located in such cities as New Orleans and New York). Summer...

Web sites that help you save big. (Hot tips).(travel web sites)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... CheapTickets.com The My Trips tool lets you e-mail itineraries to travel companions. When you purchase airline tickets here, you won't pay the $5 to $10 per-ticket service fee that many sites charge. CheapTickets can also help you hunt for...

Next-generation minivan: Toyota's new Sienna: A+ in family safety features. (Sneak Preview).(Brief Article)(Product/Service Evaluation)
May 1, 2003... Tougher tires First minivan to include "run-flat tires" (Toyota claims you can drive 100 miles with no air pressure). Plus: side curtain airbags on all seat rows. Custom carpool Hate struggling to slide out the backseat to create...

Getaway gear: bags and gadgets that aced our travel tests. (Best).(Brief Article)
May 1, 2003... Trip flicks Keep the memories alive with Sony's DCR-TRV 350 digital camcorder ($500). It has a medium-size LCD and plays 8mm tapes too. Packable knapsack Travelpro's Cascade Sling Bag ($19.99) is luggage-grade nylon and folds to fit in a...

At the beach: on a beautiful summer day, a husband and wife are silent after a bitter quarrel. Then a mother's cry shakes them to the core. (Short Story).(Short Story)
May 1, 2003... My wife put Jennifer into the car seat in back, and then climbed into the front seat next to me. Her hair was in a long braid, and she wore a flowered sort of beach dress over her bathing suit. She shut the door without speaking. "All set?" I...

My sister Alice: Jenny was happy to play second fiddle to her older sibling--until they both fell in love with the same man. (Short Story).(Short Story)
May 1, 2003... When we were children, Alice and I, how we loved dressing up in Great Grandma's white cotton nighties. I remember the smell--a mixture of camphor and lavender--when we took them out of the kist, the old oak chest Great Grandma brought over...

Like it? Find it here ... (Shopping Details).
May 1, 2003... To order or to locate a store near you, contact the source at the phone number or Web site listed below. HEADS UP! (SEE PAGE 17) Fiji pillow with beads, $100, from CWL Designs; 800-989-2409. Decorative pillow with gold fringe, $70,...

Ann Curry's juicy secrets: the Today show news anchor on smart snacks and great gifts. (My Favorite Things).(Brief Article)(Interview)
May 1, 2003... MOVIE "The Sound of Music. I was nine when I first saw it, and I've probably seen it 20 times since. I love the story of a young woman who struggles to discover who she really is and finds happiness." WAY TO EXERCISE "Yoga. I feel so...