Good Housekeeping articles from November 2005

Good Housekeeping archives from November 2005

Helpful Rhonda.(On your mind: LETTERS)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2005... I am a big fan of Rhonda Britten and Starting Over and enjoyed the article "Help Me, Rhonda!" (September). I had no idea she had endured such tragedy as a child. Watching her help others on the show also gives those of us in the audience the...

Getting real.(On your mind: LETTERS)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2005... Thank you for putting real people on your August cover. The women in your profile "They Did It Their Way" show that weight loss can be accomplished by the everyday woman who doesn't have the time or money for trainers or tailored diets. There...

Lifesaving info.(On your mind: LETTERS)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2005... My wife read your Good Looks article on top nail questions ("Want Strong, Healthy Nails?" August) and was immediately struck by the passage on how skin cancer could be hidden beneath fingernails or toenails. She realized that a black mark under...

Smart savings.(On your mind: LETTERS)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2005... "The Trick That Can Make You Rich" (July) helped me make a decision about paying off my credit cards. It also explained different types of retirement accounts and how to utilize them best. This article could not have come at a better time,...

Double pleasure.(On your mind: LETTERS)
November 1, 2005... Twins Hannah and Haley Breen, just over two and a half years old, of South Glens Falls. New York, can't decide which is more entertaining: the Wiggles or Good Housekeeping. Says grandma Peggy Breen, who submitted the photo, "I've been a GH...

Wynonna's journey.(On your mind: LETTERS)
November 1, 2005... Our September cover story on Wynonna Judd ("Wynonna's Big Change") resonated with readers who've been through similar struggles. Jennifer Davis of Tifton, Georgia, wrote: "Wynonna has been such an inspiration to me." Sunny Kreis of Santa...

November idea of the month: [chair play: mix and match seats].(Good ideas)(Decorating Idea Book by Heather Paper)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Bring life to a dull dining room by shaking up the seating arrangement. Skip the matching sets and try upholstering each chair in a different color of fabric. Here, the seats of the painted chairs are covered in the same pattern but in various...

Have table, will travel.(STYLISH STACK)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... A group of suitcases serves as a handsome alternative to an ordinary end table. This flexible arrangementit's easy to change the height or move pieces around-can double as storage for your living room. Use the cases to stash games, throws,...

Make a mug minty.(Good ideas)
November 1, 2005... For a festive touch when you're serving hot cocoa, try trimming the rims of teacups or mugs with crushed peppermints. Moisten the edge of each mug with milk. Dip the wet rims into a saucer covered with fine mint pieces. To give the drinks extra...

Easy, edible centerpiece.(Good ideas)
November 1, 2005... Flowers are beautiful, but a sleek vase filled with fresh produce can look just as lovely. These table "garnishes" come from a New York City restaurant, Abboccato, that's right up the street from our office. Simply place grape tomatoes or red...

Keep your boots looking new.(SMART SHOE SOLUTION)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... To hold the shape of boots, tuck empty water or soda bottles inside them. The plastic containers will keep the leather from drooping over and getting creased (your closet will look more organized too!). To add fresh scent to this storage idea:...

Let the kids dine and draw.(Good ideas)
November 1, 2005... If you have a children's table at holiday gatherings, keep the little ones entertained-and preserve your linens too: Place a large sheet of freezer paper (you may need several) over the table. Use a special paper punch, available at crafts...

Vintage mementos.(Good ideas)
November 1, 2005... Savor special occasions by keeping the corks from wines you enjoyed and using them to record the memories. Write the date and event right on the corks-that anniversary dinner or an evening at your favorite restaurant-then save them in a vase....

Good advice: Heloise to the rescue.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Q "How do you remove burned-on food from a glass stovetop?" --Pauline Hall, Sun City, California Let the surface cool, then apply a cleanser made specifically for glass tops and wipe the charred area with a paper towel. Gently pry up...

Holiday photo hints.(Good advice: HELOISE TO THE RESCUE)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... * KEEP extra batteries on hand for your digital camera-or fully charge the ones you have before Thanksgiving Day. * BUY an extra memory card so you won't have to edit family pictures while you're shooting. * TAKE multiples of the same...

10 etiquette mistakes you didn't know you were making: surprise: it's not OK to wait a year to send a wedding gift. From Peggy Post, a refresher course on this and other tricky rules.(Good advice: PEGGY POST ON MODERN MANNERS)
November 1, 2005... 1. THE MISTAKE: Skipping an introduction. You don't introduce your friend Jen to acquaintance Ann because you've forgotten Ann's name. WHY IT'S WRONG: You're being rude to both parties by not acquainting them with each other. WHAT TO...

Confessions of Real women who love to clean: do you dread housework? These domestic divas might just change your mind. With their tips (plus our expert advice), you'll clean up faster--and, yes, have fun doing it.(Good advice)
November 1, 2005... MICHELLE SINATRA, 38 Employment manager at a center for handicapped adults in Norwalk, Connecticut; married with three kids Her obsession: laundry Why she loves it: "Housekeeping is a source of therapy for me. When times are stressful,...

8 ways to freshen up-fast!(Good advice)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... 1 Hang clean towels in the bathroom. 2 Replace grimy kitchen sponges with new ones. 3 With Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, remove marks around doorknobs, entryways, etc. 4 Wipe off faucets so that the handles and spout shine. 5 Take...

"It doesn't have to be perfect" ... and more lessons from the FlyLady.(Good advice)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... It all started with a pile of dirty dishes. Six years ago, Maria Cilley--who's now known as the FlyLady and has a popular cleaning and organizing Web site--looked around her Brevard, North Carolina, home and saw a mess everywhere. Rather than...

Is there a right way to ...(THE GREAT CLEANING DEBATES)
November 1, 2005... replace toilet paper: 67% Hang so the paper falls over the roll 33% Hang so the paper falls under the roll store socks: 63% Roll them 37% Fold them hang towels: 68% Fold in thirds 32% Fold in half ...

What I taught my mom about cleaning.(Good advice)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Growing up in a home where spring-cleaning was a weekend-long event (which we repeated in the fall), I guess it was my destiny to become the GH Institute's home care director. Of course, my morn, Annette Hughes, did weekly housecleaning too--I...

Hints from hotel housekeepers.(Good advice)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... CLAIRE BUTLER Director of housekeeping at Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa in Honolulu * Before you start work on any other rooms in your house, spray cleanser on bathroom surfaces and in the toilet. This will help loosen...

Outdoor decor: capture the robust beauty of fall with these rustic decorating ideas for porches, doors, and more.(Goodhouse)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... A row of graceful gourds perched on a stone wall is simple and seasonal FALL GUYS The deep greens and fiery oranges of these shapely gourds echo the intense colors of autumn foliage. LEAFY GREENS Well-turned urns of vibrant auburn mums...

Good deals: looks you'll love-for less.
November 1, 2005... SPLURGE VS. STEAL These tall brown boots look so similar, even we couldn't tell them apart! By Isaac Mizrahi for Isaac Mizrahi for Target, near right, and Nina. What's in style for fall: fitted jackets and embroidery. Get both looks...

Big hair is back.(Good looks)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... "Hmmph," you may say, "that's fine for celebs who can just turn to their stylists" (see Jessica Simpson, right, with two 'dos: sleek and full-bodied). But real women, alone in their bathrooms, can also make the look happen, says Toronto-based...

GI-tested: some kind of wand-erful.(Good looks)(Max Factor created Lash Perfection Mascara )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Max Factor created the first-ever wand mascara back in 1958--so when the company announced a new breakthrough, the Good Housekeeping labs just had to try it out. THE COMPANY'S CLAIM: that the iFX brush (above) in the new Lash Perfection Mascara...

Family-friendly beauty.(Good looks)
November 1, 2005... If you'd like to do everything from making your face glow to getting your kids into the tub, have we got a line for you: Grassroots, a collection of upbeat beauty loot for the whole family that's hitting Kohl's stores now. Each of the 76...

Raking: an extreme sport.(Good health)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Raking is more than an unpleasant chore. It's actually a "demanding physical activity" that can strain your back and shoulders, says Judy Cline of the Canadian Physiotherapy Association. To avoid injury: WARM UP. Taking a walk around the yard...

The never-ending rash.(DIAGNOSIS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Symptom After working in her garden last summer, Vickie Watts broke out in an itchy rash that she assumed was poison ivy. Her internist prescribed oral prednisone, but when the pills ran out, the rash came back. Vickie then saw a dermatologist,...

Too much medical info? At last, a cure.(Good health)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Want to make Sense of all the health news that bombards us in the media? Log on to www.patientinform.org. This new Web site has links to authoritative medical organizations that describe the latest research. The site also provides free access...

What doctors wish you knew: 75 surprising tips--from heading off a headache to avoiding a heart attack.(Good health)
November 1, 2005... 1 Hate to wait at the doctor's of rice? The first appointment of the day may not be best if your doc does morning rounds at the hospital. Try early afternoon; doctors often get back on schedule by lunch.--Robert Kaniecki, M.D., University of...

Supplement effectively enhances mood, says a US Government report.
November 1, 2005... Report adds new data to existing pool of US and European research "MoodPlus will give you your punch again" Life wasn't always as promising for Debbie Bonick. Her moods were sometimes quite low and other things she tried felt like they were...

Not all SAM-e is created equal.(Advertisement)
November 1, 2005... Independent testing by ConsumerLab.com revealed that the best-selling Nature Made [R] MoodPlus [TM] is one of the brands that actually delivers all the SAM-e promised on the label. According to ConsumerLab.com, LLC (an independent, nonprofit...

Pay less at the vet: sure, your pet deserves the best, but you can still save on your bill. Here's how.(Money talk)
November 1, 2005... 1. ASK ABOUT NEW VACCINES Some states and counties have begun to allow rabies vaccines every three years instead of every year. You'll probably pay about $16 for the three-year shot, compared with $13 for the annual variety. And some...

Are you holding the right (credit) cards? If not, you may be stuck with costly fees and high rates. How to get a better deal. Plus: worthwhile rewards.(Money)
November 1, 2005... You rely on credit cards almost every day. But do you know how they really work? Especially the ones with those tempting offers for zero percent interest? Most companies hide important info from unsuspecting customers in a sea of fine print....

High-heeled shoes that feel good--and look good!(the Best of Everything >> TESTING FROM THE GOOD HOUSEKEEPING INSTITUTE)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... 1 2 WORK WONDERS Easy Spirit's Felicidad and Larissa pumps (both $89) have stack heels to help your balance (and unlike stilettos, they'll never slip into grates). Gel pads cushion the key pressure points: the heel and toe. Which pair to...

Test: driving directions online.(the Best)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Planning a road trip? Map sites can be convenient and tim. But are any of them 100 percent glitch free? To find out, we followed directions from six online services, driving around the upstate New York area for hours. Bottom line: To be safe,...

Plugged-in presents: give the gift of music with these cool new gadgets (all under $100).(the best >> BUYER'S GUIDE)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... SUPERSLIM STEREO The Philips Micro Hi-Fi System MC235 ($79.99) sounds as good as it looks. Less than four inches deep, it includes a CD player, removable speakers, a remote control, and lots more. Great on a table, it can also be mounted...

Getting personal: Joy Behar solves your problems.
November 1, 2005... Q My sister Sally has no control over her two sons, ages nine and seven. They destroy my house every time they come over! Now, I'm about to have a birthday party for my daughter, who's 11, and she's begged me not to invite the "mean, rowdy"...

Wish you were more persuasive? You can be! Four top saleswomen share their tricks of the trade to help you get what you need from almost anyone.(Getting personal)
November 1, 2005... Have you ever bought a dress (or a car or a couch) that you were on the fence about-and later wondered how that salesperson managed to win you over? It's all about the powers of persuasion, and once you understand the basic sales tricks, you...

Finally a shine that lasts: miracle polish ends struggle with tarnishing metals.(Advertisement)
November 1, 2005... I have noticed quite a few newspapers and magazines praising a polish formulated by a homemaker. The articles report that Donna Maas grew frustrated with rubbing and scrubbing her silver, brass and other metals only to see them quickly become...

17 things to be secretly thankful for: we're not talking about the big, important stuff. Here are some little (even naughty) reasons to smile this Thanksgiving.(Getting personal)
November 1, 2005... 1 Remember how last Thanksgiving Uncle Horace hid the TV remote as a practical joke and no one could watch the football games? Well, he's amusing the other side of the family this year. 2 The supermarket was sold out of the expensive...

Home alone: your parents are getting older. Can they make it on their own? What to do now to keep them safe. Plus: the GH Institute on products that can help.(Family Time: Special Report)(Editorial)
November 1, 2005... Experts call it aging in place. Older people simply call it their deepest wish. In a national survey, almost 90 percent of seniors said they wanted to stay in their own homes for as long as possible. But as Mom and Dad get older, health...

Everyday struggles.(PROBLEM: LIMITED MOVEMENT)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Most elderly people are simply not as limber as they once were. Arthritis, hip problems, and other ills often make it hard for them to stoop, bend, climb stairs, and use their hands. How to help: * Replace wobbly tables and chairs with...

It's easy to slip and hurt.(PROBLEM: FALLS)
November 1, 2005... Kathy Jurgens's 77-year-old dad fell when he tripped over the phone cord. Turns out, Jurgens's brother had moved the phone away from the wall to fix the air-conditioning and didn't put it back in the same place. Luckily, her dad, who lives in...

Is mom eating enough?(PROBLEM: POOR NUTRITION)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... Lori Schmitt, 50, of Cleveland, worries about her 9l-year-old mother-in-law: She doesn't see well enough to use the stove, and when she's left to her own devices, dinner may be a can of beans or corn. But Schmitt takes healthy meals to her...

Reading is a challenge.(PROBLEM: FALLING EYESIGHT)
November 1, 2005... Mary Wehr-Anderson's mom suffer from macular degeneration, one of the most common causes of vision problems in older adults. "She can't drive anymore," says Wehr-Anderson, 47, of South Bend, Indiana. "And she used to love to read, but now even...

Is the alarm loud enough?(PROBLEM: HEARING LOSS)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... One third of people over 60 have trouble hearing. The challenge? Getting an older person to admit to his condition. Have your parent take the "Do I Have a Hearing Problem?" quiz from the National Institutes of Health...

Missed doses and overdoses.(PROBLEM: TAKING MEDICINE)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... "My mom is on five different medicines, and she needs to take them twice a day," says Chris Fay, 51, of Ellicott City, Maryland. "That's a lot for an 85-year-old to keep track of." So in addition to taking her mom to the doctor, paying her...

Handi-grip portable grab bar.(products that failed our tests)
November 1, 2005... This uses vacuum levers to attach the suction cups to a smooth surface. But it isn't designed to hold the full weight of an adult-making it a potential hazard. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Safeguardian GPS cell phone #GPS2000.(products that failed our tests)
November 1, 2005... This emergency contact device is supposed to locate the person in trouble wherever she may be. But in our test, emergency personnel couldn't find us during six of the seven calls we made. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Med-time pill dispenser #991019.(products that failed our tests)
November 1, 2005... It lets caregivers organize a month's worth of medicines into locked compartments. But GHI staffers found it hard to program and had trouble getting the pills out of the tiny nooks. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Can your parent afford to stay home? Here's how to make sure.(Family/Special Report)
November 1, 2005... Look into long-term-care Insurance These policies primarily cover nursing-home costs, but some provide home-care benefits, too, typically $150 a day. That's a big help-but keep in mind that it probably won't be enough if your parent ends...

Getting help in an emergency.(Family/Special Report)
November 1, 2005... Whether you live across the country or across the street from your parents, you always worry: What if something happens? Will Mom and Dad be able to get help? A medical alert device can help put your mind at ease. These machines are designed to...

What women want: tech you can trust.(Advertisement)
November 1, 2005... The experts at the Consumer Electonics Association present some of the newest innovations on the market today. Visit www.ce.org today and download the "Tech You Can Trust" portable guide. Get Your Work Done Without Lifting a Finger The...

Tough questions kids ask: are we safe from terrorists? Is it OK to tell a little lie sometimes? What to say when your child puts you on the spot.(Family)
November 1, 2005... What's going to happen to us now that Dad has lost his job? YOUR RESPONSE Calmly explain that Dad is looking for another job and the two of you have saved enough money to take care of the family. Then say that for a little while, everyone...

Real-life "mediums": can crimes really be solved using psychic powers? These women say yes ... and you won't believe who agrees with them.(Real lives)
November 1, 2005... Ever since the show Medium hit TV airwaves last January, the real Allison DuBois has been bombarded with questions. "People are always asking, 'Is this detail real? Is that real?'" says DuBois, 33, a Phoenix-based psychic profiler whose work...

Miracle in Chicago: it was the darkest moment of their lives. But friends, neighbors--even strangers--rallied around the Miglore kids and gave them an amazing gift.(Real lives)
November 1, 2005... Among the photos on display in the Miglore home on the northwest side of Chicago is one of son Adam at his 2004 college graduation. Clad in cap and gown and flanked by his beaming parents, the young man brandishes his new accounting degree. Who...

Shirley MacLaine: the offbeat star on loving her grandkids, hating the red carpet, and what she'll do in her next life.(Real lives: At lunch with Liz)(Interview)
November 1, 2005... Shirley MacLaine may not be who you think she is. You know her, of course, as an acclaimed actress who first found fame in movies like The Apartment and Sweet Charity and later in hits like Terms of Endearment (for which she won an Oscar) and...

Behind the movie: the girl who got dumped and then got famous.(Real lives)(Jennifer Weiner )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... When Jennifer Weiner had her heart broken, she didn't gorge on chocolate, watch weepy movies, or live in her sweatpants. Instead, she started writing. Today, Weiner is a novelist whose best-selling book In Her Shoes has been turned into a movie...

Change your life ... for good! The self-help guru on how to take charge--from fixing your marriage to losing weight to learning to stand up for yourself.(Dr. Phil)(Phil McGraw)(Interview)(Cover Story)
November 1, 2005... When the ornate, wrought-iron front door of Dr. Phil McGraw's house swings open, any visitor who steps inside could be forgiven for checking to see if this is the right ad dress. Yes, the home is in an elite, well-heeled section of Beverly...

American beauties: meet Maria, Gina, Tiffany, Dianne, and Bethany--five "ordinary" women who are actually extraordinary. Brought together from across the nation, they embody all the kinds of inner and outer strength and grace that make our country great.(Our contest winners)
November 1, 2005... When GH partnered with American Beauty (the cosmetics line sold at Kohl's) last spring, we set out to find real women doing really good things. The winners were brought to life in loving letters from the people who nominated them. And though...

Love your curves: for maximum figure flattery this fall, check out the new secrets of plus-size style: flowing skirts, tailored jackets, and much more.
November 1, 2005... * Calf-length skirts and pants not only are hip-they balance out wider hips! * Lycra is your friend. Jeans with a little bit of stretch, like the velveteen pair on Dana, provide a comfy fit, * Light, layered tops hide tummy bulge...

Living large.
November 1, 2005... * A sparkly beaded cardigan draws all eyes up-to your great smile. * Wear brights wisely: They scream "Look here!" so pair them with a low-key neutral. Orange button cardigan, $29.99, and shell, $24.99, from T.J. Maxx. Camel long...

Big is beautiful.(Advertisement)
November 1, 2005... * Chocolate brown is the new black--its rich hue disguises any flaws. * A deep V-neck plays down an ample bust and lengthens the neckline. Brown shawl surplice sweater, $39.50, from Lane Bryant. Bark long faux-suede skirt, $44.95,...

Coming to America: born in Ethiopia, they were orphaned by HIV/AIDS. Then these kids got a lucky break--and a loving new family. Melissa Fay Greene traces their remarkable journey.
November 1, 2005... Backstage, an elegant little girl with high cheekbones and huge eyes shivers inside her pink-and-turquoise leotard. She is fifth in the line of eight girls, students of Miss Trish's beginning tap class at the Carol Walker Dance Academy in...

Thanksgiving favorites: GH staffers share 18 treasured family recipes for this special holiday meal.(Editorial)
November 1, 2005... THE MAIN DISH Opposite page: Corn bread dressing from our beauty editor, cranberry conserve from our senior features editor, glazed turkey breast from our associate food director, candied sweet potatoes from our managing editor, creamed...

Celebrate the Golden Anniversary of a holiday classic.
November 1, 2005... For 50 years, the Green Bean Casserole has been an essential on American holiday menus. Created by Campbell's Kitchen manager Dorcas Reilly in 1955, the recipe fulfilled the need for a quick and simple yet satisfying dish that still delights...

Thanksgiving favorites.(november recipes)
November 1, 2005... leek & chive mashed potatoes "My mom's potatoes were the perfect vehicle for gravy," says our executive editor. "Adding leeks and sour cream made them even better." Prep 35 minutes Cook about 30 minutes Makes about...

Homemade holiday gifts: 12 easy ideas for special edible presents, from savory nibbles to sweet treats.(recipes)
November 1, 2005... A little Italy Parmesan toasts, hearty minestrone, and orangeolios Morning do Hazelnut & fruit granola, hot mocha mix, and oat & cranberry scone mix Cocoa stuff Toasted almond & cherry chocolate bark and walnut fudge Go nuts I...

Home cooking: my favorite thanksgiving shortcuts.
November 1, 2005... When I was growing up, my family's Thanksgiving dinners took hours to eat-and days to prepare. Platters of antipasti, wedding soup, and lasagna preceded the American classics. My grandmother was a fabulous cook who made everything look simple....

A twist on bread pudding.(homecooking)
November 1, 2005... Trish and Tom Brodock and their son, Colton, recently traveled from their home in Montana to visit the West Edmonton Mall in Canada. While there, they dined at Cafe Europa in the Fantasyland Hotel. "I loved the bread pudding so much that there...

More great ideas for Thanksgiving leftovers.(homecooking/your recipes)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2005... * "My family loves cranberry sauce, so I make a huge batch, and we eat it with yogurt and in smoothies." --Olive Davidson, Ballston Lake, New York * "To make potato croquettes: Mix mashed spuds with grated Parmesan and pepper to taste....

The easiest way to lose weight: want to drop pounds without giving up the foods you love? Here's the secret: cut 20 percent of your daily calories.(diet)
November 1, 2005... Chances are, the last time you tried to diet, you made some sweeping decisions: "I'll never eat carbs again. I won't buy anything that's not fat flee. I'll never have a glass of wine, even on my birthday." We all start with lofty goals--and we...

Laughs.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2005... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Caption: "For what we are about to receive this Thanksgiving, with the possible exception of these instant mashed potatoes, we are truly thankful." "We refer everyone to Oprah now." "With this medication,...

Recall alerts.(consumer news)
November 1, 2005... Recall alerts Are there unsafe products in your home? Check the list below. These items were recalled by manufacturers in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. For more information, contact the companies at the...

A beau for Aunt Sheree: even in dark times, Jesse learns, there's always room for hope. Just look what happened when they fixed up her aunt at Thanksgiving dinner.(Short Story)
November 1, 2005... When President Kennedy was killed, Jesse thought her morn took it worse than any other mother in Kansas City. It was scary and weird to see her mother so heartbroken. "Beside herself" is how Dad described Mom when he called Aunt Sheree in...

Jill Hennessy: the star of Crossing Jordan on the scariest thing she's ever done and what really hurts her feelings.(Interview)
November 1, 2005... Who is your hero? "I could say Oprah Winfrey or Rosa Parks or Eleanor Roosevelt. But now that I have my little boy [son Marco is two], I am just so in awe of anyone who raises children well. It's the most incredible achievement." ...