Good Housekeeping articles from November 2006

Good Housekeeping archives from November 2006

On my mind.(EDITOR'S LETTER)(Editorial)
November 1, 2006... GOOD HOUSEKEEPING has always been a part of my life. My morn subscribed for decades, so I grew up with it on the coffee table, read the short stories as a teenager, and watched my older sisters cut out recipes after they became brides....

E-mail our expert.(On your side: GOOD HOUSEKEEPING RESEARCH INSTITUTE)
November 1, 2006... No, and here's why: You should be eating no more than two grams of artery-clogging trans fat per day (assuming you consume a total of about 2,000 calories). Most of us hit the two-gram mark each day without even knowing it because of labeling...

"An online store owes me cash!".(GH TO THE RESCUE)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Ouch! A few months ago, I ordered a personalized sweatshirt through the Web site preppychicks.com. I'd bought from the site before without any problems, but this time, there was a typo in the message printed on my sweatshirt. I e-mailed...

Special delivery: the summer I was pregnant, my anxiety rose with the mercury. Even with the world's sweetest husband, I wanted my mother.(Blessings)(Column)
November 1, 2006... Postpartum depression, I was ready for that. But prepartum? From the instant that sperm collided with egg for my first and only pregnancy, I was knocked off balance. The hormonal lunacy was compounded when my three best friends--the ones who'd...

November idea of the month.(BRANCH OUT: CREATE AN ICY VASE)
November 1, 2006... Simple twigs become centerpiece sculptures when frozen in ice. To make: Arrange thin branches in metal vases filled with water, then set the containers outside until solid ice forms (if the weather's not cold enough yet, clear a space in your...

Bring nature into the light.(MAKE YOUR OWN LAMP)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... In a few steps, you can turn a glass jar into a one-of-a-kind table lamp. Start with an attractive canister (the ones at right are from Anchor Hocking, $17 to $22). Fill the base with organic items: seasonal materials, like leaves or grass, or...

Candles sprout up in an unlikely place.(LEAFY & LUMINOUS)
November 1, 2006... Move beyond garden-variety votive holders and use an assortment of cabbages instead. Place the produce in shallow bowls of water, trimming the bottoms if necessary to help them sit better. Then arrange a group in a wooden tray--we chose a...

Perfume box as storage.(Good ideas)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... After you open new cologne or a fancy candle, give the box a second life as a bathroom-necessities holder. You can house everything from cotton swabs to tampons while being environmentally friendly (no more tossing the boxes). The best part:...

Embellish a sweater-no sewing required.(Good ideas)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Adding simple trim can turn a cardigan from plain-Jane into Chanel chic--and you don't even need a needle. Instead, try a fabric glue like the new Fabri-Tac, sold at crafts stores. Squeeze a line of the adhesive onto the edges of a sweater and...

Oranges blossom.(Good ideas)(Linens 'n Things Inc.)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Carve flower designs into citrus for an elegant twist on a basic centerpiece. A channel knife is the gadget that makes the job easy (Oxo's lemon zester comes with one built in; $7 at Linens 'n Things). This tool removes just the outer rind,...

Easy recipes for a cleaner house.(Good advice: HELOISE TO THE RESCUE)
November 1, 2006... These mix-it-yourself cleaners use environmentally friendly ingredients--like baking soda and vinegar--and are cheap, cheap, cheap! So if you've run out of your favorite cleaning solution, don't run to the store--try one of my standbys instead....

Good advice: Peggy post on modern manners.
November 1, 2006... Pet peeve I hate it when people park in the loading lane at the grocery store. Then I need to search for a close spot so I don't have to carry my things a mile. Can I call them on their behavior? You could speak to the driver yourself,...

Good (enough) housekeeping.(Good advice)
November 1, 2006... wish you could sweep that mess under a rug? Our ultimate quick-clean guide delivers 59 smartcuts and shortcuts to get the house shipshape fast.

Super sneaky shortcuts: how to banish all kinds of messes in minutes.(Good advice)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Cut cleaning in half Wash just the bottom part of a window. Forget the top, which is usually covered by a shade or a blind. Blow it off Use a hair dryer to speed-dust books, artwork, and figurines. Vacuum up whatever falls to the floor. ...

5 things people really notice.(Good advice)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Unexpected guests? Here are the dead giveaways of a dirty house. Fool even your mother-in-law by taking care of: 1 Piles of mail Hide them in an attractive basket with a lid, or keep one kitchen drawer empty for last-minute stashing. 2...

Hide your sin: home accessories and furniture that help you conceal clutter.(Good advice)(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... Smart storage This two-cabinet, walnut-finish bench opens up to stash toys, books, clothes, or whatever else is strewn on the floor when your friends call to say they're right around the corner. At Target, $119. Washable paint A...

Cleaning tricks for every climate.(Good advice)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... SEATTLE: RAIN Problem: Spotty windowpanes Solution: For streak-free glass, use Windex and a microfiber cloth. To tackle water spots, spray on household vinegar, wait a few minutes, then wipe with a mesh scouring pad. LOS ANGELES:...

The lazy cleaner's shopping guide: here's the dirt on which gadgets really do the work for you.(Good advice)(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... 1. Robomop Kick up your feet while iRobot's Scooba ($300) takes care of your kitchen, foyer, or any sealed hard floor area. First, it picks up dirt; then it washes with water and a Clorox cleaner; finally, it squeegees and dries the floor....

Lighten your load.(Good advice)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... if you feel like you're drowning in laundry, you're not alone--the average American family does six loads per week. To make this dreaded chore less painful, try these tricks and favorite products. Top time-savers * If the dryer buzzed...

Easy mantel makeovers: turn your fireplace into a focal point with these simple, stylish--and affordable--design strategies.(Good house)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Tranquil traditional Doctor the family photos: Instead of setting out a mismatched pile of pics, blow up shots into black-and-white or sepia-toned beauties at a copy shop. Slip them into inexpensive white frames ($14 to $32, from Pearl...

Good deals: looks you'll love--for less.
November 1, 2006... SCARF Tied around your neck, this sash adds style to a classic blazer; Forever 21. PUMPS Patent leather is a hot fall trend; get the look in red from Newport News. CARDIGAN Sag Harbor's two-in-one argyle sweater comes...

How singer Sara Evans gets gorgeous.(Good looks)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... She's one of country music's real beauties, not to mention an Academy of Country Music female vocalist of the year. But Sara Evans is also a multitasking mother of three, so she's figured out how to took fantastic without much fuss. How she...

New relief for red skin.(Good looks)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Do you avoid blush because your face is already too ruddy? If you also experience sensitivity and bouts of acne, you may have rosacea (14 million other Americans do, reports the National Rosacea Society). Doctors still aren't sure what causes...

Whiten yellow nails.(Good looks)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... It's hard to wear no polish or a pale shade on nails that are dull or yellow. If that's your problem, try this trick from Jan Arnold of Creative Nail Design: Before polishing, brush your nails with a child's toothbrush and a drop of whitening...

The no-knife eye lift: surgery isn't the only way to look younger. Here, safer, less scary alternatives, from high-tech to low.(Good looks)
November 1, 2006... for busy moms, the holidays deliver a special double whammy: 'Tis the season to go out and look your best, but you're so tired and tense that you may feel closer to your worst. The secret to looking sensational rather than spread-too-thin is to...

Picking a procedure--and a price.(Good looks)(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2006... Picking a procedure--and a price Want big results, no matter how much it costs or hurts? Or is visible but modest improvement good enough? Check out your choices, and all the costs--physical as well as financial. WHAT IT...

Whittle your middle.(Good health)(reducing fat)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Starting in your mid-20s, tummy fat begins to creep on by a pound or two a year--a jeans-zipping challenge and, more seriously, a health worry: Abdominal fat is linked to both heart disease and type 2 diabetes. But even if you can't stick to a...

Got vitamin D?(Good health)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... For strong bones, vitamin D is just as important as calcium, showed a Landspitali-University Hospital of Iceland study of 2,310 adults. The vitamin is in eggs, fatty fish, and fortified milk. Your body also creates it from sun exposure, but if...

Who needs a flu vaccine?(Good health)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... This year, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has added a new group to its list: children six months to five years old (previously, age two was the cutoff). Others who should roll up their sleeves: * Adults over 50 *...

Mushrooming benefits.(Good health)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Colorful veggies have long been hailed for their antioxidants--which help slow aging and stave off illness. Now add some not-so-colorful ingredients to the menu: In a lab test, researchers at Penn State University found that pertobellos and...

Best sites for staying well & shaping up.(UNTANGLING THE WEB)(healthywomen.org)(intelihealth.com )(kidshealth.org )
November 1, 2006... Want to lose weight? Find a workout program you can do indoors? Or maybe you'd like to learn how to cook more nutritious meals for your family and get everyone exercising? In the second of our two-part series, we point you to the best sites for...

The skinny on weight-loss sites.(SPECIAL HEALTH GUIDE/PART 2)(calories count.com)(ediets.com)(health media.com)
November 1, 2006... No books to buy, no meetings to attend, and 24/7 access to customized eating advice: There's a lot to like about cyber diet plans. But there's also a bit of work to do. "You must fill out the diet-and-activity questionnaire very carefully,"...

Best sites for shaping up.(SPECIAL HEALTH GUIDE/PART 2)(acefitness.org )(mayoclinic.com )(presidentschallenge.org )(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... FOR A FITNESS CLASS demandfitness.com You can download more them 100 videos, including Pilates, yoga, step, cardio kickboxing, and treadmill workouts. Preview any class free; sign-ups range from 99 cents for a day to $99 for a year. ...

Sites for help with emotional problems.(BEST)(www.nimh.nih.gov )(nmha.org)(www.adaa.org )(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... When you're searching, watch out for links to dot-coms: You're likely to land at a site that's trying to sell you something, whether it's an antidepressant (such as Effexor at thechangeyoudeserve.com) or treatment at a private center for $7,000...

Best sites to quit smoking.(SPECIAL HEALTH GUIDE/PART 2)(lungusa.org )(smokefree.gov )(quitsmoking.about.com )(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Individually tailored online stop-smoking sites can help you quit, according to research published in the journal Addiction. But not all sites are so helpful. Quitnet.com, for example, will calculate how much money you'll save by giving up...

Your home health library on the Web.(SPECIAL HEALTH GUIDE/PART 2)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... You can donate your family medical manual to the local charity book sale: Online reference guides are more up-to-date and include more topics. If ease of use is especially important to you, we advise that you skip one of the bestknown general...

The sites that doctors prescribe for their patients.(SPECIAL HEALTH GUIDE/PART 2)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... We asked experts in a number of fields to tell us which specialized sites they particularly liked. FOR SLEEP PROBLEMS sleepfoundation.org "You get good hints on little things you can change to help you rest better, plus advice on when...

Sites for helping problem drinkers.(BEST)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... TO SEE IF YOU HAVE A PROBLEM alcoholscreening.org It offers an easy-to-follow self-test from the Boston University School of Public Health and provides links to extensive resources for help. TO FIND A VIRTUAL MEETING e-aa.org The...

When "all natural" spells unsafe: Beth Houser took a simple energy supplement, bought at a convenience store. Days later, she developed an odd symptom. Weeks later, she was fighting for her life.(Goodhealth)
November 1, 2006... Beth Houser studied the display of pills, looking for something to combat her fatigue. She and her husband, Walt, were on a long, tiring drive from their home in Ridgefield, Washington, to Las Vegas. Beth was about to buy NoDoz at the gas...

Are you an emotional spender? If you hit the stores when you're bored, mad, happy, or sad, it's time to get a grip.(Money talk)
November 1, 2006... Shopping is fun for most women, but it comes with two price tags: one financial and one emotional. We spend more than we can afford and then beat ourselves up about it. But you can break this cycle (and save yourself a lot of money). Before...

You've saved $500. Now what? Seven smart ways to put your money to work.(Money)
November 1, 2006... Saving $500 is easier than you think. Over a year, that's just $9.62 a week--I've saved that much by dumping my pocket change into a jar every day! Or, to keep things simple, you could just take a $10 bill from your wallet every Monday and tuck...

Dream job: writing personalized children's books.(Money)(Interview)
November 1, 2006... Maia Haag WHERE SHE WORKS Minneapolis TAKE-HOME IN 2006 $50,000+ Discovering her inner artist Maia Haag says that giving birth transformed her from corporate bigwig to creative writer. Her turning point came during maternity...

Cake worth the dough: we tested six fancy new mixes and found the yummiest. These four taste like gourmet--and cost a lot less.(the Best of Everything: TESTING FROM THE GOOD HOUSEKEEPING RESEARCH INSTITUTE)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... BROWNIE POINTS Here's one sweet deal: Nordic Ware Original Tunnel of Fudge Bundt Cake Mix ($10). It baked up a brownie-like middle and had a mouthwatering flavor that wowed our food pros. THE BIGGEST BUNDT Cooking for a crowd this...

"What time is it really?".(the Best of Everything: TESTING FROM THE GOOD HOUSEKEEPING RESEARCH INSTITUTE)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Your microwave says it's 8:20 A.M., your wristwatch says 8:23, and the alarm clock in your bedroom says 8:26. Meanwhile, you have to get the kids to school by 8:40 on the dot. When precision counts, look at: A CELL PHONE It's the quickest...

Be a smarter web surfer: three ways to search faster.(the Best of Everything: TESTING FROM THE GOOD HOUSEKEEPING RESEARCH INSTITUTE)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... 1 Go beyond Yahoo! and Google. Other engines may do a better job on your particular query. Consider: ANSWERS.COM Type in a question and you'll get a direct response (instead of just zillions of links that don't give the facts you need)....

Bra Breakthrough.(the Best of Everything: TESTING FROM THE GOOD HOUSEKEEPING RESEARCH INSTITUTE)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Annoyed by padded bras with bulky cups? The new gel-pad construction is designed to feel lighter and look smoother--but will it give you the boost you desire? To find out, we tested popular brands on women sizes 32A to 38D. The winner: Jockey's...

Spending a fortune on fuel? These cars, tested by the GH Research Institute, will save you money at the pump.(the best: BUYER'S GUIDE)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... SPENDING A FORTUNE ON FUEL? These cars, tested by the GH Research Institute, will save you money at the pumpr MILES PER MODEL/PRICE * GALLON ** GREAT FEATURES Toyota 36 A uniquely...

The cheapest gas in town: sites that find the bargain pumps near you (just enter your zip).(the best: BUYER'S GUIDE)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... automotive.com/gas-prices This site returns the easiest-to-read price chart, with the lowest rate for each gas grade--regular, plus, premium, and diesel--clearly flagged by a bright color. gaspricewatch.com You can filter the results by...

Best backpacks.(Family time)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Tweens carry tons of stuff in their bags--an average of 10 pounds (even though doctors say kids shouldn't lug more than 10 percent of their body weight). So the Good Housekeeping Research Institute tested 16 new bags, looking at load...

Healthy snacks, kid approved.(Family time)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Many companies are now producing more nutritious versions of sugary treats-taking out trans fats and adding in fruit. But will kids eat them? The Good Housekeeping Research Institute put 12 kids, ages 6 to 14, on the case. Snack ...

Are "pox parties" safe?(Family time)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Sounds crazy, but parents across the country are deliberately exposing their kids to chicken pox. At pox parties, healthy kids mingle with sick ones in order to contract the virus--and the immunity that comes with it. Their parents argue that...

More tests = more anxiety: many kids are wilting under the pressure of the new high--stakes standardized testing. How to help your child do her best ... and keep her cool.(Family)
November 1, 2006... Most kids get jitters before an exam. But these days, many kids are feeling outright panic. One reason is the increase in standardized tests. Under the No Child Left Behind Act, all public school students must take annual exams in reading...

Reaching Austin: he's been deaf and blind since shortly after birth. But with help, this little boy is learning to explore his world.(Family)(Austin Howell )
November 1, 2006... When seven-year-old Austin Howell gets home after a long day at school, he might stretch out on the floor with his face pressed against an air vent, laughing as the cool breeze hits his cheek. Or he'll play in the water from a bathroom faucet,...

Friendship on the rocks: how to heal--and get close again. Plus: a quiz to tell you when to let go.(your Good life)
November 1, 2006... maria * came to see me several weeks after her marriage ended. She was concerned about how the split would affect her two young children. But even with all the problems weighing on her, what apparently brought Maria to my office was that her...

Weaving hope: Terry Helwig found a way to bring people together--one stitch at a time.(Real lives)
November 1, 2006... Shortly after September 11, 2001, Terry Helwig had an inspiration. "Our world is hanging by a thread," she thought. "But maybe a thread is all we need." As a gesture of unity, Helwig, 57, asked friends in her hometown of Charleston, South...

She never gave up: as a cop, Kathy Burke was roughed up, shot at, and pushed around. Nothing stopped her--and she isn't about to slow down now.(Real lives)
November 1, 2006... When Kathy Burke went for a physical to qualify for the New York City Police Department, she passed every test except one: She came up just short of the five-foot-two height requirement. For the next three years, she tried everything to squeak...

Taking a chance on herself: her risky new job isn't the only change in Katie Couric's life. Here's how she's handling her two growing girls, a new romance, and her 50th birthday.(Cover story)
November 1, 2006... Everyone assembled in the New York City photo studio seems stuck in a kind of low-key limbo. The photographer checks lights and chats with an assistant while others sip coffee or browse idly through magazines. Suddenly, the room hums with a...

Living color: stuck in neutral territory? Here's how to get over color phobia and choose the best hues for paints, fabrics, rugs, and more.(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... while we might snatch up a cerulean sweater or a fuchsia handbag, most of us shy away from decorating with bold color, opting instead for the safety of white walls and matchable accents. "People are worried they'll pick the 'wrong' color, but...

Coat check: from bargain brocades to washable parkas, fall styles that are easy to wear and easy on your wallet.
November 1, 2006... warmt isn't everything (no matter what your mother said). Whether you need a new winter coat or just want one, this season's keynote styles--mostly menswear- and military-inspired--will seduce you. But as you shop, keep three thoughts in mind....

How to end impulse eating: cheer up, Bridget! You can lose 10 pounds by making just a few changes--no diet or exercise required. A guide from food researcher Brian Wansink, Ph.D.
November 1, 2006... Be honest: Have you ever taken the last piece of pumpkin pie just because it was there? Or finished off a dish of candied yams even though they were cold and soggy? Most of us have committed these diet sins, and there's a reason: At almost...

A moveable feast: from the quickest cranberry sauce to make-ahead stuffing, our Thanksgiving potluck plan is your recipe for a stress-free holiday.(Recipe)
November 1, 2006... If you've ever prepared an entire Thanksgiving dinner by yourself, you know that by the time the big day rolls around, you feel more like passing out on the couch than passing the sweet potatoes. That's why sharing duties with your...

Hot to trot.(potluck partners)
November 1, 2006... Want to keep your sweet potato casserole hot without having to take up precious real estate in your host's oven? Turn to Corningware or Pyrex Portables, $26 to $50. These sets consist of one or two Pyrex or Corningware French White (shown)...

Say ciao to chafing dishes.(potluck partners)
November 1, 2006... Keep your buffet spread at the perfect temperature with BonJour Stainless Steel Serveware, $20 to $30. These insulated pieces come in a variety of shapes and sizes, including a divided dish. Food stays hot enough for everyone to help themselves...

Remember, it's just a turkey.(home cooking/Thanksgiving)
November 1, 2006... Whether you're a first-timer or a seasoned cook, our tips will help you confidently prep and roast the bird. WHAT TO BUY * Frozen turkeys are widely available and often on sale during the holidays. Some are prebasted to enhance...

If you're bringing a dish to a potluck.(home cooking/Thanksgiving)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... * Don't forget to pack garnishes separately in a sealed plastic bag. * If you're preparing a casserole that can be frozen ahead of time, use this space-saving tip: Line a casserole dish with heavy-duty foil, spoon in the mixture, cover,...

A better baster.(handy holiday helpers)
November 1, 2006... To pump up the flavor of your big bird, try the Sill Gourmet Silicone & Stainless Steel Baster/Injector Set, $20, from William Bounds. With one tool, you can inject succulent seasoning (in broth or wine) into the meat, then baste as you brush....

No-stick rolling pin.(handy holiday helpers)
November 1, 2006... Although the Cuisipro Stay Cool Rolling Pin is pricey ($35), it's worth the dough. Fill this stainless steel model with ice water to keep dough chilled as you roll, which means less sticking--without having to add all that extra flour....

Super soup tool.(handy holiday helpers)
November 1, 2006... To infuse homemade soup with herbs and spices, put seasonings in the stainless steel Sill Gourmet Silicone Herb Ball, $15, from William Bounds. It's extra-large, so it can accommodate a crowd-size batch of chowder, and its long handle and...

Simple slicer.(handy holiday helpers)
November 1, 2006... Wonder how we get the veggies so thin in our Root-Vegetable Gratin (page 165)? it's the work of a slicing device called a mandoline. It's probably not a tool you'd use every day, so we recommend the inexpensive Zyliss Easy Slice 2 Folding...

Start a new tradition.(In Susan's kitchen ...)
November 1, 2006... I love Thanksgiving. Over the years, I've spent the holiday with many friends and their families, and I always enjoy their culinary twists on the feast--from soup to stuffing. But I'm even more intrigued by the creative ways families celebrate....

Giveaway: elegant, unbreakable dishes.(home cooking/susan's recipe)
November 1, 2006... Arrange a pretty yet practical holiday table with this great giveaway from Tupperware. Three readers will receive a set of four 14-inch charger plates in bronze, Champagne flutes and wine goblets in jewel tones, and "crystal" bowls--plus a...

Canned pumpkin.(Healthy pick)(Recipe)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Think outside the crust: Canned pumpkin isn't just for pies. The puree is a wonderful, healthy addition to many savory (and sweet) dishes. Naturally low in calories, sodium, and fat, pumpkin is an excellent source of fiber and contains...

Toast a bargain.(High/Low)
November 1, 2006... Have your eye on those trendy stemless wineglasses? A set of four with a decanter from Libbey (right) is $20; the famous Riedel "O" glasses and decanter cost $247.

A little Italy.(High/Low)
November 1, 2006... free! Twenty readers will receive a basket filled with delectables from Lucini: a bottle of extra virgin olive oil, ten-year-old Gran Riserva Balsamico, white wine vinegar, five tomato-based cooking sauces, a stainless steel colander, a...

A fresh take on deli meats.(High/Low)
November 1, 2006... If you love a good turkey or ham sandwich but want to avoid the preservatives in most packaged cold cuts, check out Hormel Natural Choice Dell Sandwich Meats. Unopened, they stay fresh Ionger--without any added nitrites or nitrates--thanks to a...

Low-care linens.(High/Low)
November 1, 2006... On Thanksgiving, gravy and wine spills are practically a given. But stubborn spots won't be if you use one of the new Reflections stain-resistant cloths from Bardwil. Made of microfiber polyester in a variety of sizes and colors (from white to...

Recall alerts.(consumer news)
November 1, 2006... Are there unsafe products in your home? Check the following list. These items were recalled by manufacturers in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. For more information, contact the companies at the numbers below, call...

20 best family films: for cold and wintry nights, movies that will be a hit with your kids and you.(the Good list)(Brief article)
November 1, 2006... Holiday favorites 1. How the Grinch Stole Christmas! One green meanie can't spoil the Whos' holiday. 2. The Nightmare Before Christmas A Halloween ghoul decides to play Santa. 3. Miracle on 34th Street A child learns to believe in...