Good Housekeeping articles from November 2004

Good Housekeeping archives from November 2004

Cast your ballot.(Behind The Scenes)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Women really can make a difference. In the 2000 election, nearly eight million more women than men cast their votes! We've outnumbered male voters at the polls in every presidential election since 1964, in fact. Each vote counts, so make sure...

Where's the (bad) beef?(Behind The Scenes)
November 1, 2004... Would you believe that when a food product is recalled, no one is required to tell you where it was sold? On page 162, you'll find the alarming article "What She Ate Almost Killed Her," the second part of our series on recalls. (The first, on...

Five things I learned in this issue.(On my mind: editor's letter)
November 1, 2004... 1... that a napkin ring doesn't have to be traditional. For a touch of whimsy, try twisting on a pretty hair tie. page 30 2... that 30 million American women are losing their hair! But now there are beauty tricks that really work--and new...

Wife support.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2004... "The Women Left Behind" (September), about wives who lost their husbands to the war in Iraq-and then failed to receive the assistance they expected from the military--drew varied responses. Some of those we heard from insisted that the military...

Intimate matters.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2004... The story "Betrayed by Her Body" (September) was most welcome. As a vulvodynia sufferer, I hope that the forthrightness and bravery of Chris Veasley and her husband in revealing the intimate details of their lives will help others who suffer...

Miracle child.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2004... Thanks for "The Comeback Baby" (September). My daughter was diagnosed with a rare syndrome that causes developmental delays. We, too, have therapists coming to our home at no cost. I truly believe that without them, my daughter, now three,...

Sous chef.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2004... For Elizabeth D'Angelo, three and a half years old, of Bedminster, New Jersey, even pots and pans can be a source of amusement. Parents Joe and Sally D'Angelo say she loves to help her room bake bread and cake (although she loves to eat healthy...

Wynonna's wisdom.(Letters)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2004... Thank you for the Wynonna Judd article (September). It was enlightening to read about her family struggles. I appreciate your sharing real stories that offer encouragement.--Karen Heermans, Avondale, Arizona

November idea of the month.(Signs Of Great Style)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... What do your walls say about you? With lettering-a fun decorating trend-you can add a personal touch to any room. This hotel sign, for instance, tells guests to expect the royal treatment; it's almost as welcoming as the vibrant bedding. To...

Wine: take 2.(Good ideas)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... What to do with the Chianti or Riesling left in the bottle after you've had your fill? Instead of pouring extra wine down the drain, save it for cooking. Pour the wine into separate glass bottles with tight-fitting lids (screwtops are fine) and...

Hang up your handbag.(Good ideas)(Advertisement)
November 1, 2004... It's a dining-out dilemma: where to stash your purse when you're eating at a restaurant. On the floor? It might get dirty. In your lap? It'd be in your way. Instead, try the PursePal, a mini-hanger for bags. Just place the PursePal on top of...

Fruit bowls for teatime.(Sugar And Spice)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... For a special touch when you're serving tea, spoon condiments (sugar, cloves, honey, etc.) into bowls carved from fruit. To create a tea service like this one, start by choosing oranges and lemons that aren't perfectly round. Cut about an inch...

New napkin rings--a simple twist of taste.(Good ideas)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... For a festive, decorative table setting, try wrapping an attractive hair tie around a rolled-up napkin. With hair accessories getting more sophisticated every season (think beyond basic elastics), there are plenty of choices to glam up a plate....

Buy it or make it: ribbon watches.(Good ideas)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... CALL IT WRIST CANDY The feminine ribbon watch is so versatile, it fits almost any occasion--and it's easy to make. Weave colorful ribbon through a watch face (find one at crafts stores or online). Or, take an old watch you never wear anymore,...

Freshen up your footwear.(Shoe Sachets)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... If your feet are feeling tired at the end of the day, chances are your shoes could use a pick-me-up too. But don't pour powder into them (save that for your feet). Instead, tuck a scented sachet into the toes of your favorite pumps to keep them...

Tie the knot.(Draped In Style)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... This elegant window treatment is one of the easiest we've seen. Simply take soft drapes, tie a slipknot in each panel, slide the loops onto a curtain rod, and you're done? For other tips to spruce up your home, check out Nell Hill's Decorating...

Q any hints for removing food stains from nice necktie?(Good advise: Heloise to the rescue)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... HELOISE: Most ties are tricky to clean, particularly silk ones. Your best bet is to deal with the spill right away--the longer the stain sits, the harder it will be to remove. Unless the label says "dry-clean only," gently dab the area with a...

There's a mouse in the house.(help for tricky, sticky situations)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... "I live on a farm, and mice have gotten into our home. What nontoxic method can I use to control them?" asks Barbara Strowd of Port St. Lucie, Florida. If you're dealing with lots of mice, try multicatch live traps or resettable mousetraps. The...

Cleaning stove burners: a grating problem.(help for tricky, sticky situations)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... "Is there an easy way to keep burners from getting grimy?" writes Elizabeth Malvey of Wakefield, Massachusetts. If you cook, there's really no way around it--but you can give burners a thorough cleaning. Start by wiping grates and burners with...

Tips for traveling.(Good advise: Heloise to the rescue)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... "How can you get wrinkles out of a cotton shirt if you don't have an iron?" writes Courtney Carter of Chicago. Many road warriors know this problem well. We heard that one desperate traveler actually used her curling iron. But I recommend...

How to store pasta.(Good advise: Heloise to the rescue)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... "Should I use a plastic or a glass container?" asks Susanne Hoskin of Minot, North Dakota. As long as the containers are airtight, either type will work. Kept away from extreme temperatures, dried pasta can last at least two years. If there's a...

Clean your house in 16 minutes: unexpected guests are on their way--but your place is a mess. Time for our fast four-step plan.(Good advice: Heloise to the rescue)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... 1. Beautify the bathroom Almost all guests end up in here, so wipe down the sink, countertops, and toilet top with an all-purpose cleaner. A great helper: Lysol's Scrubbing Wipes ($2.99), which are premoistened with cleanser, are strong...

The dirty dozen.(Good advice: Peggy post on modern manners)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Based on mail from GH readers and on surveys conducted by the Emily Post Institute, these are the 12 most offensive behaviors ever. * Using obscenities in public, especially around children * Telling racist jokes * Doing the "cell...

So rude! Being polite doesn't mean you have to be a pushover. Here's how to deliver effective comebacks to even the most ill-mannered.(Good advice: Peggy post on modern manners)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... A speeder tailgates you on the freeway. An acquaintance asks how much money you make. A man you've just met makes suggestive remarks about your figure. The woman at the cash register fails to even acknowledge your presence, much less say thank...

Can you rise above other people's bad behavior? Good. If not, here's what to say.(the retort report)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... WHILE SHOPPING... What happened You're next in line at a counter where service is as slow as molasses. When a new line opens up, the person behind you rushes to get there first. What you say "I'm sorry, but I was ahead of you in line....

Power of being positive.(Good advice: Peggy post on modern manners)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... When someone's behavior irks you, size up the situation: Will fighting back accomplish anything? I suspect you know the answer--but if you really feel the need to take a stand, then the best response is to kill the perpetrator with kindness....

"Why would she act that way?".(Good advice: Peggy post on modern manners)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Many people who choose to be rude have a secret agenda; others are simply oblivious. Here's a guide to the kinds of bad behavior: Aggressive rudeness intentional and no-holds-barred, it's designed to punish you for something you've done or...

Finishing school: put away your pocketbook! After three colorful paint jobs, this low-cost cabinet is fit for a queen.(Good house)(Advertisement)
November 1, 2004... We teamed up with Glidden paints and designer Ingrid Leess to jazz up an unfinished cabinet from Gothic Cabinet Craft. Leess first gave it a light sanding and a coat of primer, then transformed plain pine into three bright cabinets that'll fit...

Warm front.(Good deals: looks you'll love--for less)
November 1, 2004... Luxurious cashmere has never been so affordable--and this classic cardigan will never go out of style. From Mossimo at Target. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Jungle fever.(Good deals: looks you'll love--for less)
November 1, 2004... Mix cool corduroy with hot animal prints for a wear-anytime look. By Isaac Mizrahi for Target. $24.99 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Shoe in.(Good deals: looks you'll love--for less)
November 1, 2004... Walk on the wild side: mock-croc mules from Kmart. $14.99 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

String along.(Giveaway)
November 1, 2004... Bead necklaces from Fat Chance are free to 30 readers (a $90 value). See page 240 for details. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Be suede.(Giveaway)
November 1, 2004... Twenty readers will win this stylish suede jacket from Izod. See page 240. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Best vests.(Good deals: looks you'll love--for less)
November 1, 2004... Go paisley or plain with a colorful, reversible down vest from Lands' End. $39.50 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Hang time.(Good deals: win! $45,000 of beauty freebies)
November 1, 2004... Crabtree & Evelyn scented hangers for 100 readers. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Sweet dreams.(Good deals: win! $45,000 of beauty freebies)
November 1, 2004... Romantic and comfy, A this set of silky undies from Mark for Avon is free to 50 readers. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Shiny hair.(Good deals: win! $45,000 of beauty freebies)
November 1, 2004... Shampoo and conditioner from Nature's Gate Organics for 1,000 readers. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Say chic.(Good deals: win! $45,000 of beauty freebies)
November 1, 2004... Twenty-five readers will travel in style with a colorful Vera Bradley cosmetics case. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Heart of gold.(Good deals: win! $45,000 of beauty freebies)
November 1, 2004... Just in time for holiday parties, 20 readers will sparkle in a Cecile & Jeanne gold-plated necklace. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Something to smile about.(Good deals: win! $45,000 of beauty freebies)
November 1, 2004... Bedtime will bring brighter, whiter teeth to 500 readers with Crest Night Effects. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Save face.(Good deals: win! $45,000 of beauty freebies)
November 1, 2004... Five hundred readers will keep wrinkles away with Avon's Deep Crease Concentrate. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Clean up!(Good deals: win! $45,000 of beauty freebies)
November 1, 2004... One hundred readers will get super-rich lather from colorful De-luxe soaps. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Better than balm.(Good looks)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Brisk weather and low humidity bring cozy scarves and better hair days, but they can also leave you with dry, cracked lips. A good balm--one with botanical emollients like avocado oil or vitamin E--will maintain moisture and prevent chapping,...

Good cause, great color.(Good looks)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... L'Oreal has teamed up with the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund to create Color of Hope--a shimmery mauve lipstick that's worth considering for two reasons: First, it flatters every skin tone. And this new shade of Colour Riche Lipcolour was...

The tap-water fade factor.(Good looks)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... If you can't figure out why your hair color needs so many touch-ups, the answer may be in your shower. "Minerals in hard water can strip away color pigments, dulling your hue," says celebrity hairstylist Philip Pelusi. To fight back:...

Brow know-how.(Good looks)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... As you age, your eyebrows may thin out and even go gray. To return to a fuller, more defined look, all you need to do is pick up a brow pencil and put down the tweezers, says Hollywood makeup artist Alejandro Falcon. His thickening trick:...

How to your own skin doctor: want a fresher, younger-looking face? Take our crash course and find great solutions to your complexion problems--no M.D. required.(Good looks)
November 1, 2004... Sure, most of us would benefit from a dermatologist's advice. But unless you develop a serious condition, seeing a skin doctor often falls into the same "luxury" category as going to a makeup artist or a masseuse. So here's our new idea: Be...

What a real derm knows that you don't (yet) ... Inside tips from dermatologist Doris J. Day, M.D., author of the book 100 Questions & Answers About Acne.(Good looks)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... How to read a product label "Fragrances and oils can be irritating," says Dr. Day. So if you're sensitive, look for products labeled fragrance-free or perfume-free (not unscented, which means the aroma has been masked so you won't smell...

Peel away years-at home.(Good looks)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... New peel kits from companies like Lancome, Neutrogena, Therapy Systems, and Avon can lighten brown spots and reduce the appearance of wrinkles with consistent use over several weeks, says Heidi Waldorf, M.D., director of laser and cosmetic...

User-friendly skin care.(Good looks)
November 1, 2004... Good Skin, a brand-new line available exclusively at Kohl's, provides "indicators" right on the package that clue you in to your skin type and let you know if the product is right for you. For example, a moisturizer for severely dry skin has...

Could your mattress be too hard?(Good health)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... If you have a bad back, maybe you should be sleeping on a softer bed. Despite what we've all heard, in a recent comparison test, people with lower-back pain who slept on a medium-firm mattress-as opposed to one that was super firm--reported...

Stroke signals: test yourself.(Good health)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... A survey from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that 80 percent of Americans don't know the five warning signs of stroke. Do you? Be concerned if any of these comes on suddenly: * confusion or trouble speaking *...

A mysterious mouth infection.(Diagnosis)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The symptom When her gums became swollen and infected, Anne chalked it up to being too busy to brush and floss properly. She made an appointment to see her dentist. The cure Steeling herself for a lecture on hygiene, Anne was startled when...

The "changed your mind" baby.(Good health)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... A vasectomy is meant to he permanent. Still, some couples later regret their decision--or a man may remarry and want a baby with his new wife. Surgery to reverse the procedure is now far more successful than it was in the past. A study from...

"I did it for love": my sister-in-law could die without a kidney transplant--and I was her best hope. But with two young daughters at home, how could I take the risk?(Good health)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Dad was at the hospital visiting my mother, so I went to bed without kissing either of them good night. I was asleep, warm under the covers, when my brother Gary shook me awake and said, "Morn died." That happened more than 30 years ago,...

New hope for thinning hair: the majority of women are losing their hair by age 50. Now there's help: treatments and styling solutions that really work. Plus, fake "fixes" to avoid.(Good health)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... mom and Dad's DNA determined your eye color, skin tone, foot size--and, unfortunately for 30 million American women, a tendency to go bald. What it is: genetic alopecia, also known as female pattern hair loss (FPHL). How to tell if...

This will put hair on your head.(Good health)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The only FDA-approved treatment for women with thinning hair is an over-the-counter solution of 2 percent minoxidil, a clear liquid that's applied topically. (Rogaine for Women is one brand; generic versions are also available.) * How...

Watch out! Remedies to pass up.(Good health)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... When you're feeling desperate, those testimonials for "miracle" pills, creams, and potions can seem totally credible. Unfortunately, they're not. "Trying unproven remedies that are promoted only by their manufacturers is a waste of time and...

Hair apparent: locks won't grow? Don't let it show.(Good health)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Style Start with a flattering cut--a short, layered crop--or try pulling back long hair (use a cloth band, Which is more gentle than an elastic one). To prevent strands from dumping, stick with foams, gels, and mousses that use polymers...

Should you have surgery?(Good health)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... It's expensive ($6,000 to $8,000) and not for everyone--but a new technique known as follicular unit transplantation can deliver a result that's much more natural-looking than the plugs of the past. Doctors take grafts consisting of one to four...

And the culprit B ... Genes aren't always to blame. Here, other causes--and solutions.(Good health)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... * STRESS A shock to your body--high fever, surgery, childbirth--can trigger a massive shed, called telogen effluvium. The only remedy is time; hair should begin growing back within eight weeks of the loss. * NUTRITIONAL IMBALANCES A...

Credit card bonuses.(Money talk)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... These days, 40 percent of all major credit cards offer tempting extras such as store discounts, cash refunds, and frequent-flier miles. But watch out. A number of these deals are little more than come-ons designed to get you to add or switch...

Warning: your room key may not be safe.(Money talk)
November 1, 2004... When Debra Weaver, 49, checked in at the Sagamore Hotel in Lake George, New York, last summer, she didn't give her room's electronic keycard a second thought. But later that night, another guest barged into her room, also using a keycard. "I...

Slash your phone bill: you can save big bucks--whether you're addicted to your cell or happy with your landline. How to find a cheaper plan.(Money talk)
November 1, 2004... aT&T dropped a shocker on its customers last summer. Don't call us, it said, and we won't call you. The former Ma Bell is pulling back from home phone service to focus on business accounts and new telephone technologies. You can still sign up...

Stranded? Get help fast.(Testing Testing! News For You From The Good Housekeeping Institute)
November 1, 2004... When your car breaks down, calling a tow truck is the first line of defense--but on nasty winter days, you might have to wait for hours. To help you get out of a jam on your own, the GH Institute engineers found several auto products that...

Shop for the coziest bed: we tested sheets and blankets to find the all-around champs for cold-weather cocooning).(Testing Testing! News For You From The Good Housekeeping Institute)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Warmest blanket Snuggle up! Berkshire Blanket's Softest Microplush, right, was the toastiest in our tests, and it scored big points for durability. Runner-up: Vellux. It's velvety smooth--and less expensive than the Berkshire. ...

"They sold me a broken TV".(GH to the Rescue!)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2004... Last Christmas, I got a big-screen Apex Digital TV on sale at a Hy-Vee electronics store. But when we brought it home, it didn't work! I called Apex's customer service and was assured that a repairman would come within 24 hours. No one showed...

Modern day Rosie: she steps up. She commits. She leads.
November 1, 2004... You know Rosie, the 1940s icon, with her shirtsleeves rolled up and the "can do" attitude. She took over the jobs the men left behind as they headed off to war. And she never really gave them back. But that's just part of it. Did you know...

Best overall.(Let them entertain you! Best new gadgets for music, movies, and fun on the run)(Apple)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Of the MP3 players we tested, Apple's iPod Mini ($249) had the clearest sound. And the iPod's big display and user-friendly menus make it simple to organize your music and create playlists of your favorite songs. Stores 1,000 tunes. * ...

Mix to the max.(Let them entertain you! Best new gadgets for music, movies, and fun on the run)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... For the ultimate in song selection, check out Sony's Hi-MD Walkman ($200). It works with MiniDiscs, which can hold 250 songs each. Take a stack of discs with you on a trip, and your choices are almost unlimited. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Top song sites.(Let them entertain you! Best new gadgets for music, movies, and fun on the run)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Want to download music? Napster.com has 800,000 songs at 99 cents each, with an easy drag-and-drop interface. Musicmatch.com offers 700,O00-plus songs, also for 99 cents each. Wal-Mart's music site (musicdownloads.walmart .com) offers 88-cent...

Get sporty.(Let them entertain you! Best new gadgets for music, movies, and fun on the run)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Designed for active people, Panasonic's SV-SW30V ($189.95) has an adjustable armband so you can listen while you're walking. Switch to the radio to hear your favorite station. Like all players shown here, the Panasonic is shock resistant and...

Tiny tunes.(Let them entertain you! Best new gadgets for music, movies, and fun on the run)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Samsung's YP-T5H ($149.99) gives new meaning to compact. Weighing under an ounce, it's smaller than a lipstick tube! The Samsung is a cinch to operate: Just plug it into your PC and drag music files over to the device. The YP-T5H holds 64...

Just for kids.(Buyer's guide: videos to go)(Hasbro's Tiger Electronics)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... An affordable movie player for children, VideoNow Color from Hasbro's Tiger Electronics works with special discs: SpongeBob and Trading Spaces Kids are just a couple of the titles. $75 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Laptop cover-up.(Buyer's guide: videos to go)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... With a bag from Lodis ($195; near right) or Casuari ($88), you can tote your PC in style--and know it's protected: Both water-resistant cases passed our three-foot-drop test. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Film star.(Buyer's guide: videos to go)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The slim, lightweight RCA DRC618N DVD player has a crystal-clear seven-inch screen and excellent sound quality. Plus, it didn't skip a beat during bumpy car rides. $399 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Totable TV.(Buyer's guide: videos to go)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Sneak a peek at your favorite shows during your lunch hour (or anytime) on Casio's SY-30 2.7-inch color TV. We were hooked by the sharp picture and superior sound. $149.99 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Multimedia.(Buyer's guide: videos to go)
November 1, 2004... RCA's Lyra Jukebox does it all, storing 40 movies (or 80 hours of video), 5,000 songs, or 100,000 photos. To download TV shows, just plug the Lyra in and hit Record. $450 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Handheld helpers.(Tech gifts adults will love)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Getting organized just got easier. The Palm Zire 31 handles the basics, like keeping your calendar and contacts, while the Zire 72 is loaded with extras, including wireless technology and a built-in digital camera. $149 and $299 ...

Skinny scanner.(Tech gifts adults will love)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Just run DocuPen over the text or photo you want copied, then connect it to your PC at home to view the document. Stores up to 100 pages. $199 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Custom cup.(Tech gifts adults will love)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Mr. Coffee Coffeemaker FTX25 brews your joe as you like it: You can control the strength of the coffee and turn up the warming plate for hotter java. The 12-cup machine also lets you know how long ago the coffee was made, so you can decide...

Moving pictures.(Tech gifts adults will love)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... The new Canon Elura 70 digital camcorder can snap photos even as you're recording video, "freezing" images without missing the action. Worth the splurge. $799 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Portable printer.(Tech gifts adults will love)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2004... Epson's PictureMate is small enough to fit into a handbag and prints photos on the spot, right from your digital camera. $200 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Karaoke at home.(Tech gifts adults will love)
November 1, 2004... Sure to be a hit with American Idol fans, the Magic Sing karaoke microphone is fun for families, with 792 songs. $319 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]