Good Housekeeping articles from May 2009

Good Housekeeping archives from May 2009

On my mind: editor's letter.(Editorial)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The days are longer now; summer is just beyond our reach, with the promise of backyard barbecues, sand between our toes, and the first bite of a ripe peach. But the reverie of lazy afternoons quickly gives way to...

Seal deals giveaway.(goodluck: Pampering Mom)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... This month we're celebrating Mother's Day and Good Housekeeping Seal's 100th birthday by giving away 100 free Seal Products that mom will love. Total value: $15,935! Enter to win at goodhousekeeping.com/sealdeals or page 191. Questions about to...

Ask our expert.(on your side: HELP FROM THE GH RESEARCH INSTITUTE)(towels made from bamboo)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... Q My local department store is selling towels made from bamboo. Do their eco-claims hold water? A: While bamboo is an easy-to-grow plant, in order to turn it into a soft, weavable yarn, the raw fibers go through a chemically intense...

In-store promo gone wrong.(GH TO THE RESCUE)(Kmart's credit card promotion)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In early October, I bought some appliances at Kmart. Its prices were competitive, and if I paid with our store credit card, I'd receive a $10 reward for every $200 I spent. In early December, I received four...

Did you know?(on your side: HELP FROM THE GH RESEARCH INSTITUTE)(organic milk)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... "Organic milk costs more, but it can last four times longer if it's high-heat ultrapasteurized. Why do this? Fewer dairies produce it, so it may travel farther to get to stores." --Samantha B. Cassetty, M.S., R.D., GHRI nutrition director

Easy organizing: yard sales.(good (enough) housekeeping: SIMPLE SOLUTIONS FOR SMART LIVING)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] One man's trash might be another's treasure--but hosting a yard sale can be even better than picking through one, thanks to the extra cash and space you'll gain. Choose a good moneymaking day, such as a Saturday near...

Shape up your drapes: it's curtains for dingy window treatments with these quick fixes.(Speed Cleaning)
May 1, 2009... Biggest Challenges 1 Dusty board-mounted valances 2 Grayed delicate sheers 3 Stains on fabric shades Fastest Fixes 1 Rescue your valances Drapes are Simple enough to take to the dry cleaner (and if they're silk, polished...

Ok to microwave?(Ask Heloise)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Q I have my mom's dishes, which hold fond memories. Is there a way to tell if they're microwave-safe? Carolyn Aslin, Hope, AR If the dishes have gold, silver, or metal trim, do not microwave with them....

Stray hairspray.(Ask Heloise)(removing hairspray stains on wood furnitures)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... Q How do you remove hairspray from wood furniture? My dresser is covered with it. Linda Depoy, via e-mail Pour a bit of isopropyl alcohol (70 percent) on a paper towel or microfiber cloth. Rub small areas at a time in a circular...

Blues bled.(Ask Heloise)(stain removal)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... Q I accidentally washed my favorite khaki pants with a new pair of dark denim jeans. The pants now have faint blue streaks and the edges of the cuffs have a bluish tint. Is there anything to do? Lisa Kurker, Duxbury, HA While there's...

Something smells fishy.(Ask Heloise)(removing fish smell on your cooler)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... Q Fish was left in my cooler for a couple of days. We washed the cooler, used vinegar then bicarbonate of soda, and even left it open on the balcony, but it's still smelly. Help! Soly Berkowitz, via e-mail Try again: Wipe the inside...

Grimy drains.(WHAT I'M CLEANING THIS MONTH)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... Food, grease, toothpaste, hair--the things we wash down kitchen and bathroom drains can turn them into a real mess. So this month, I'm giving my fixtures some preventive TLC to keep them clean, odorless, and free-flowing. Hair's a particular...

Power to the flowers: dig these 5 easy tips for gorgeous summer blooms.(FILE THIS!)
May 1, 2009... By definition, annuals last only a season, so yes, you have to invest a little time and energy to plant them every year. But they're worth it: There's nothing like the pop of color these vibrant flowers can give your yard (not to mention how...

A Wiki warning.(good health: SMART WAYS TO STAY WELL, EAT RIGHT, GET FIT)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When you use an online search engine for drug info, Wikipedia is often the first link to pop up, But relying on this encyclopedia, which allows anyone to edit entries, can be risky. A team led by pharmacists from...

Making your heart sing.(good health: SMART WAYS TO STAY WELL, EAT RIGHT, GET FIT)(reducing risk of heart attack and stroke through listening to music)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Putting on your favorite CD not only helps you mellow out, it may also reduce your risk of heart attack and stroke. In a recent study, when l0 men and women spent a half hour listening to recordings they found...

Forget ginkgo for memory.(good health: SMART WAYS TO STAY WELL, EAT RIGHT, GET FIT)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... If you've been buying this herb in hopes of preserving brainpower, hang on to your money. In an eight-year study of 3,000 older people, those who took ginkgo biloba were just as likely to develop Alzheimer's as participants who took a placebo;...

Jump in the pool!(good health: Health News)(health benefits of water aerobics for pregnant women)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Pregnant women who did water aerobics for 50 minutes three times a week in a recent Brazilian study were nearly 60 percent less likely to need painkillers during delivery than non-exercisers, even though their labor...

Ministroke, major error.(good health: Health News)(diagnosing transient ischemic attacks)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A ministroke, in which blood vessels feeding the brain close off temporarily, is a scary warning sign that a full stroke may occur soon, So it's understandable that doctors take these episodes (technically called...

Carb control.(Drop 5 lbs: TIPS AND TRICKS TO TRY TODAY)(carbohydrates and acids)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... When life gives you lemons, squeeze them on starchy foods like grains and potatoes--this may help you eat less overall. Acids (vinegar works, too) slow your body's digestion of carbohydrates, so you just might feel full longer. BY SAMANTHA...

Milk it.(Drop 5 lbs: TIPS AND TRICKS TO TRY TODAY)(use of dairy products for post-dieting)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Drinking and eating dairy while dieting is a proven technique to help you shed pounds. Now, a multicenter study suggests that sticking with milk products after you've lost weight allows you to eat more without...

Band aid.(Drop 5 lbs: TIPS AND TRICKS TO TRY TODAY)(use of resistance bands for at-home workout)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... You can tighten your belt and your waistline: Using low-cost resistance bands for an at-home workout is just as effective for beginning to trim down as weight machines, report researchers from the University of Valencia, Spain. In a recent...

Turn your back on food.(TABLE TRICK)(restaurant buffets)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... Can't stop refilling your plate at the restaurant buffet? Choose a seat that faces away from the spread, suggests Cornell University's Brian Wansink, Ph.D. When it isn't in direct view, you won't be as tempted to go back for more. BY...

Granola grows up.(BAR FOOD)(new varieties of granola bars by Quaker Oats Co.)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... With mere bits of fruit and flavors like S'mores, most granola bars seem like kid fare. Now Quaker is offering a new line aimed at adults. The three gourmet varieties--Toasted Coconut Banana Macadamia Nut, Honey Roasted Cashew Nixed Berry, and...

Hearty blooms.(good health: Nutrition News)(health benefits of herbal tea made from hibiscus)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... If herbal tea is your cuppa, here's welcome news: Like black, green, and white brews, varieties containing hibiscus can benefit your heart, too. In a Tufts University study of 65 people with borderline-high blood pressure, drinking three cups...

Six sense.(good health: Nutrition News)(relationship between eating eggs and risk of diabetes)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] You can fry 'em, scramble 'em, soft-boil 'em. but it maybe wise to stop at six whole eggs a week. A recent analysis of tile diets of more than 56,000 men and women in the Physicians' Health and Women's Health studies...

Beyond vitamins and minerals.(good health: Nutrition News)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... 17.7% of Americans take a supplement. Top of the list: omega-3 (37.4% of users). That s smart; studies confirm omega-3s promote heart health. For other favorites, like glucosamine (19.9%) and echinacea (19.8%), evidence isn't as convincing. ...

Citrus scallops.(Healthy in a Hurry)(Recipe)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... Lean, green, and zesty lemon and lime add a boost of vitamin C to this ultra-low-fat seafood entree. for heart-healthy fiber, serve with a side of whole wheat couscous Citrus Scallops Active time 25 minutes Total time 30 minutes...

Solved your personal energy crisis: these research-proven pick-me-ups will get you going and keep you charged, even if you've had too little sleep.(24-HOUR MAKEOVER)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Before the advent of electric lights, coffee bars in Target stores, and wee-hours Will & Grace re-runs, "early to bed, early to rise" wasn't just a quaint prescription for health and wealth--it was a way of life. But...

This mom's life.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "Your toddler will do what they need to do, and not necessarily what you say. If you're patient, then they will be patient. If you speak gently, then they will be gentle. Whatever you want them to be, you have to...

How to get the look.(Star Style: Earn Your Stripes)(Reese Witherspoon, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Anne Hathaway)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Celebs like Reese Witherspoon, Sarah Jessica Parker, and Anne Hathaway are sporting easy striped tops, but in neutrals like gray and olive--versus the usual navy and white--for a fresh twist on a casual favorite. Our...

Animal house.(good buzz)(puppy named Paulie)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... "Our family adopted Paulie from a shelter as an 8-week-old puppy. We've had him for 11 years, and I think it was valuable for the kids to learn to be responsible for a pet. It's a wonderful thing for families--the unconditional love you get...

My favorite mother's day memory.(good buzz)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "When my son, Devin, was 4, he made me a card at nursery school and sang me 'You Are My Sunshine.' Giving Mom a performance always melts me!" --Vanessa Williams, Ugly Betty

"I felt like I earned the Good Housekeeping seal when ...(good buzz)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "I Felt Like I Earned the Good Housekeeping Seal When... I made up a meal on the spot and my son Marco told me, 'Mama, this is the best chicken and pasta I have ever had!'" --Jill Hennessy, star of Lymelife, in...

10 tips from the mom of 10: she has three sets of multiples, but her sanity's intact. Here's how the star of TLC's reality show Table for 12 keeps it together.(good buzz)(Betty Hayes)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Betty Hayes isn't easily fazed. "My husband, Eric, and I aren't the high-strung type," she says. "We don't get flustered easily"--which is a good thing, The couple had two sets of twins within four years and then...

21 ways to outsmart the sun: deflect harmful rays--and look younger, too--with these expert tips.(good looks: BEAUTY AND FASHION NEWS, DEALS, TRENDS)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Your love affair with the sun can end rather abruptly. One day you look in the mirror and--when did this happen?--see wrinkling and brown spots, or worse, a...

Good deals beauty.(good looks)(skin care products)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... Let these beauty botanicals put a little spring in your step--and in your skin and hair, too 1 BUTTER ME UP Fast-absorbing Avon Liiv Botanicals Body Butter ($10, avon.com) has a clean, green aroma and shea butter to soothe parched skin...

Cardigans.(good looks: Trends for Grown-Ups)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... Punchy prints invest this buttoned-up workhorse with some weekend ease. Keep the look laid-back with casual separates, and go easy on accessories--the pattern is adornment enough THE FINE PRINT For a slimming (not overwhelming) effect,...

Lift your glasses.(good house: GREAT BUYS, STYLISH IDEAS, SAVVY ADVICE)(wine tags for stemware)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... Enhance same-old stemware with quick-and-easy wine tags that let guests know whose drink is whose. Start with a sheet or two of medium-weight card stock from a crafts store and cut out simple flower shapes (use the base of the wineglass as a...

Night light.(EASY IDEA)(lantern)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Create a custom lantern that will cast pretty, patterned shadows long after the sun sets on your outdoor parties. Use an old lantern with glass panels, or purchase an inexpensive one at a discount home or garden...

Top player.(good house: Idea File)(game board-topped table)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... To craft a game board-topped table you'll never have to--or want to--put away, you'll need: three colors of paint (at least two that contrast), a ruler, and painter's tape. Find the center of the table; divide it into 64 squares (eight columns...

Glamour push.(good house: Idea File)(costume jewelry-embellished pushpins)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Even your tired to-do list will seem fashion-forward if it's tacked up with pushpins embellished with costume jewelry. Gather earrings and pins you no longer wear (or snag low-cost vintage finds), craft glue,...

Just add flower.(good house: Idea File)(edible flowers for cupcakes)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... Next time you're charged with whipping up cupcakes for a birthday party, bake sale, or other event, don't stress about piping on bakery-quality decorations. Instead, hit the grocery store's produce section and pick up a pack of edible flowers,...

Lace is more.(good house: Idea File)(picture frame made from doily)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... Rescue a seldom-used doily from the linen closet (or flea market) to make a homespun matte for a favorite photo. Buy a small shadowbox, mounting tape, and paint in a pretty hue (all from a crafts or art-supply store). Paint the interior of the...

Made on the shade.(TRY THIS)(lampshades)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Brighten a basic lampshade with a border that coordinates--without costing a fortune. Measure one-quarter of the way up from the bottom of the shade; mark off the line with painter's tape. Paint on two coats of latex...

Best teen job-hunting tips.(good family: FROM KIDS TO MONEY, WHAT TO KNOW NOW)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In today's economy, just finding a summertime gig may be hard work for your kid. Get your job seeker going with these smart strategies from Nathan Dungan, president of family-finance organization Share Save Spend...

Tuck her in on time.(good family: FROM KIDS TO MONEY, WHAT TO KNOW NOW)(relationship between risk of obesity in adulthood and child sleep)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A good night's sleep now may help your child stay trim as an adult. Kids ages 5 to 11 who clock less than 11 hours nightly are more likely to be obese adults than kids who get more shut-eye, say New Zealand...

Prep for a safer prom.(good family: FROM KIDS TO MONEY, WHAT TO KNOW NOW)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... Don't let your teen's night of dining and dancing include drinking and driving. "Prom is a high-risk time," says Steve Pasierb, president of the Partnership for a Drug-Free America. Help her stay safe with this parental primer from the...

Family vacations for less: 12 smart strategies. Plus: win a free trip!(good family)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Money-Smart Web Strategies * Time it right Try surfing the Web for wallet-friendly airfares Mondays (after 3 P.M. ET) through Wednesday nights, says Rick Seaney, CEO of farecompare.com. That's the window airlines...

Save $500 (or more) with five phone calls: ask for these deals and you'll put money in your pocket.(good family: Saving Money)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] If you think lowering your bills will involve hours of research and endless number crunching with a calculator, take note: With these five simple phone calls, you could save $500-or even $2,575 per year. It gives a...

Mother's Day gift: for moms behind bars, the holiday can be a lonely one. But here's how one woman is making a difference.(good family: Good Works)(Suzanne Jabro's Get on the Bus program)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] For many American kids, Mother's Day means getting up early to prepare breakfast in bed for Mom, perhaps with a bud vase of roses on the side. But for 25 or so sleepy boys and girls in Los Angeles, the day starts in...

Backyard spiff-ups: from plantings to patio, all you'll need to get summer party-ready.(TESTING YOU CAN TRUST)(Product/service evaluation)
May 1, 2009... NEW GARDENING GEAR The right tools make creating and maintaining your yard easier and faster. We dug up this year's most innovative finds, evaluated them for performance and durability, and asked recreational gardeners and experts alike to...

Outdoor spray paint.(the goods: Backyard Spiff-Ups)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... When cleaning isn't enough, spending just a few dollars and an afternoon could save you hundreds on a new table and chairs. To find the best spray paints for coating faded plastic, weathered wood, wicker, and metal, we tested 18 formulas for...

Best patio-furniture cleaners.(GHRI TESTED)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... To start the barbecue season, you'll want to spruce up your outdoor table and chairs. We tested the scouring power of eight products, including regular dish soap and water, to find the top cleaners. We recommend: [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Solar lighting.(the goods: Backyard Spiff-Ups)(Portfolio Outdoor 2-Pack Solar Pewter Carriage Lights)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... Illuminating a walkway or the edges of a patio adds a decorative touch to your home and ambience to an evening party. For quick and easy impact, consider using solar-powered lights. Their pluses: * You don't need to hardwire anything Simply...

Insect repellents.(the goods: Backyard Spiff-Ups)(Product/service evaluation)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Here, your backyard options-all EPA registered or generally recognized as safe for kids, pets, and the planet when used properly. REPELLENT PROS CONS TABLETOP PRODUCTS ...

The worry cure: hitting the panic button only makes things worse. Here are nine smart ways to cope with your fears.(good advice: STAYING CENTERED, COPING, LIVING FULLY)
May 1, 2009... I am a habitual worrywart. If I don't have something substantial to stew about, I'll inflate a minor issue--like an anxiety blowup doll. I can lie awake for hours ruminating about what results I'll get from a critical medical test; but I can...

Hidden gifts: your struggle to lose weight may be your best opportunity to find what you've always wanted.(good advice: Feed Your Soul)
May 1, 2009... Recently, I drove into in a nine-story parking garage in San Francisco, and after I finished my errands, I couldn't remember where I'd parked. My husband, who was in Antarctica at the time, had called just as I pulled into the space, and I was...

Ask Peggy.(good advice: Everyday Manners)(graduation gift)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... Q Last year, my neighbors gave my daughter an expensive necklace for graduation. I can't afford anything comparable for their son. What should I do? The price tag isn't the only measure of a present's value--and gifts should always fit...

Pet peeve.(Ask Peggy)(use of 'reply all' in emails)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... I'm on an e-mail list with a group of friends, and they're always hitting "reply all" instead of "reply." Is it rude to ask them to be more careful when they respond? Rude? Not at all. When a personal reply goes out to everyone, the...

Should you chastise your parents?(WHAT WOULD YOU DO?)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... Your morn and dad share way' too much family" information with strangers and your kids. Would you ask them to stop? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Yes "I'd interrupt or change the subject. Family info should be private." Beth Rawling, 52....

Pop quiz.(Ask Peggy)(motor vehicle driving)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... Q Your husband drives aggressively, and you worry about how other drivers--and your kids--take his behavior. Should you: (A)_Talk to him to express your concerns (B) Confront him next time he cuts off another car (C) Say nothing,...

Home is not where you live.
May 1, 2009... "Home is not where you live, but where they understand you"

Secrets from the biggest loser: behind-the-scenes tips, tricks & strategies that could help you drop pounds, too.
May 1, 2009... Recently, a mysterious bag of Doritos has been appearing on contestants' beds at The Biggest Loser ranch in Calabasas. CA. No one's been fingered yet, and perhaps more remarkable, no one's opened it, either. Or maybe that's not so surprising:...

The 4 best haircuts of all time.
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] You're longing for a new hairstyle, but nothing too extreme. The solution: Choose from these four...

Putting the green in Greensburg: after a tornado leveled a Kansas town, the community banded together to rebuild--only better. Here, the story of how they're saving their home ... and maybe the planet.
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In all her 58 years, Dea Corns had never so much as seen a tornado. Contrary to what The Wizard of Oz would have you believe, destructive tornadoes are rare on the Kansas flatlands, where the small farm town of...

A new nest (for $35 or less): love where you live: these 3S guilt-free finds add instant chic to any room.(Buyers guide)
May 1, 2009... Granted, this may not be the economic moment to overhaul your home with a big-ticket, floor-to-ceiling remodel, but don't let that fact stifle your enthusiasm or squelch your creativity. Not when there's a wealth of almost effortless,...

20 easiest ever chicken recipes: three weeks' worth of fresh, fast, flavor-packed dinners to delight both kids and adults.(good food: Recipes)(Recipe)
May 1, 2009... For time-starved morns facing a frantic dinner rush hour, nothing's more convenient than boneless, skinless chicken breasts. This smart-cut ingredient cooks quickly, contains almost zero fat, and is endlessly adaptable when food prep needs to...

Ask Susan.(good food: HOW TO MAKE EVERYTHING BETTER)(unsalted butter and avocados)(Brief article)(Column)
May 1, 2009... Q: When a baking recipe calls for unsalted butter, can I use salted? Brooke Kociuruba, North Babylon, NY A: If buttery flavor is a star in your creation, as it is in shortbread or a classic buttercream frosting, stay with unsalted....

Mexican Pizza.(Express Lane)(Recipe)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Mexican Pizza Total time 15 minutes Makes 4 main-dish servings 1/2 c. prepared black bean dip 1 1g. thin pizza crust (10 oz.) 1/2 c. shredded Mexican cheese blend (2 oz.) 1 to 2 limes 1 ripe...

5 ideas for ... frozen concentrated orange juice.(good food)(Recipe)
May 1, 2009... This thrifty stand-in for fresh OJ (it's simply pasteurized juice with the water removed) is versatile, loaded with vitamin C, and lasts up to 12 months in your freezer. One 12-ounce can defrosts into 1 1/2 cups, so you can use its tangy...

Salsa.(TASTE TEST)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The word means "sauce" in Spanish and is derived from the Latin for "salty" but to many Americans it's synonymous with party time. Given the wide range of varieties in the market today and to make sure we weren't...

Fresh Ricotta.(DIY)(Recipe)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... It's amazingly simple to make--just three ingredients and less than a half hour required--and it's more delicate than store-bought fresh ricotta. Plus, it's only half the price! Use this rich, fluffy cheese for lasagna, cannoli, or simple...

Brownies.(HEALTHY MAKEOVER)(Recipe)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The rich texture and chocolatey goodness of these bake sale favorites speak of decadence, but compare each square's 95 calories, three grams of fat, and zero cholesterol to a regular brownie's doubly high calories,...

The long way home: with her daughter now in college, Amy Dickinson attends to a neglected project: her love life.(good reads: STORIES, BLOGS, AND BOOK PICKS)(Excerpt)
May 1, 2009... My first extended fantasy about taking Emily to college happened when she was 3 years old. She was flipping out in the parking lot of an Applebee's restaurant somewhere in Maine. The chase ended in a row of bushes just next to the windows...

No matter what mood you're in, we have a great book for you.(BOOKS PICK)(Brief article)(Book review)
May 1, 2009... To charm you Home Safe By Elizabeth Berg [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When a newly widowed novelist develops writer's block, she finds herself leaning on her grown daughter and students in this witty and astute tale of love, loss,...

A sense of place: it's the little things that make us feel rooted--like pink dogwood in spring.(BLOGGER)(Essay)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Each spring here in Michigan, I ache in a small place I can't name. It's not simply that slogging through snow in April makes me long for the landscape of my Southern childhood. It's the realization that my kids and...

Heaven hot chocolate.(goodfood: Recipes)(Recipe)(Brief article)
May 1, 2009... For this 100-calorie treat, spoon a tablespoon of un-sweetened cocoa into a mug. Add a pinch of cinnamon and a tablespoon of fat-free milk; stir to blend. Stir in a cup (8 oz.) of fat-free milk and microwave on High for 90 seconds. Add no-cal...

Funny girls: for one Hollywood star, life as a mom means "It's payback time!".(blessings)
May 1, 2009... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In social gatherings, parents of adopted children will often discuss, with awe, how much our children share our personal traits. We'll wonder what the appropriate response is when strangers tell us our kids resemble...