Good Housekeeping articles from November 2007

Good Housekeeping archives from November 2007

Easiest-ever thanksgiving.(goodhousekeeping.com)(holiday cooking)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Get our of the kitchen on Thanksgiving Day! Let the GH food director's two-week count down get you organized. Starting November 8, daily videos and tips prepare you for every aspect of the big day, like: * Menu...

Best holiday dishes.(goodhousekeeping.com)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Create a memorable dinner by making your dinner by making your classics shine. Brush up on your technique with recipes and cooking videos from top chefs in the GH test kitches.

On my mind.(Editor's Letter)(Editorial)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I recently got some family news--tough news, the kind that pulls you up short and halts the rush of an overscheduled life. It was sobering and sad, but it also had an odd reverse effect, as well. Because I was...

On your mind.(Letters)(Letter to the editor)
November 1, 2007... Dear GH, "I had a 'Wow!' moment as I read and reread Geneen Roth's article on mindless eating ["How to Eat Less and Enjoy It More," August]. Her words sank in," writes Vicky Goddard of Marietta, OH. Goddard says Roth's advice can be...

Lead danger.(on your mind: Letters)(Letter to the editor)
November 1, 2007... We thought our troubles were over with the discovery of lead in necklaces from Claire's. I had no idea of the extent of lead in kids' toys ["Playing With Poison," September]. My son, Anthony, had a couple of Thomas and Friends trains that were...

Log on, live well.(on your mind: Letters)(Letter to the editor)
November 1, 2007... I have been a loyal subscriber to Good Housekeeping for more years than I want to admit. Your new Web site is super! I didn't want to stop reading all your informative articles. GH is the magazine I rely on for honest and accurate information....

As seen on TV.(on your mind: Letters)(Letter to the editor)
November 1, 2007... I read with interest "Which Infomercial Gizmos Really Work?" [The Goods, August]. I'd bought one of the Spin Spa shower brushes you reviewed [Editor's note We gave it low marks] but I didn't like it. So I removed the batteries and use the brush...

Return to sender.(on your mind: Letters)(Letter to the editor)
November 1, 2007... Your article "Yard Sale Smarts" [September] advises readers to put presale flyers in mailboxes. You should never put anything inside someone else's mailbox. That is a federal offense. MOLLY DEMCHAK, Pittsburgh Editor's note You're...

Ask our expert.(on your side: HELP FROM THE GH RESEARCH INSTITUTE)(avoiding weight gain)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... Q: Every year, I gain five pounds during the holiday season. Am I doomed to repeat history? A: No. The secret to keeping weight gain from becoming an annual tradition is planning ahead. Instead of skimping on meals all day to "make room"...

GH to the rescue.(on your side: HELP FROM THE GH RESEARCH INSTITUTE)(DIRECTV Inc.'s customer problem)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... Last December, I decided to switch my satellite TV service to DIRECTV in return for a $150 cash-back offer. The company promised to credit $10 each month to my account for 15 months. Before I made the switch, I spoke to two customer-service...

Did you know?(on your side: HELP FROM THE GH RESEARCH INSTITUTE)
November 1, 2007... After GHRI found some cell phone "shields" were ineffective at blocking radiation, the FTC fined two of the companies, who are now out of business.

Organizing: bedside table.(good (enough) housekeeping: EASY SOLUTIONS FOR SMART LIVING)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Been awhile since you've seen the top of your nightstand? You'd rest easier (and get to the bathroom at night without tripping over the piles that have migrated to the floor) if you cleared the clutter, keeping only...

Make-do makeover: five steps to a tidy kitchen.(good (enough): Speed Cleaning)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... One peril of Turkey Day togetherness: Friends and family will be all over your kitchen eyeballing the cook space. To make sure they have nothing to tsk-tsk about, follow this fast routine. 1 CLEAR THE COUNTERS Cooking is your kitchen's top...

Small fixes, big results: four household repairs anyone can do.(good (enough): Do It Smarter)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] STAINED GROUT Because it's porous, tile sealant inevitably absorbs more grime than you can remove. So rather than go at it with a bleach-dipped toothbrush yet again, pick up Grout Ink from Stone Care International...

Idea file: three things to be thankful for this month: smart carpet, a steely cleaner, and car wash wisdom.(good (enough))(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... CARPET GOES VERSATILE Leave it to Martha Stewart to infuse some magic into workaday rug squares. She's teamed up with a modular floor covering manufacturer to produce Martha Stewart Floor Designs with Flor--a new line of carpet tiles that...

Reader tip.(how to make your car clean and smell good)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... "Before I get my car cleaned, I pour scented carpet powder all over the seats. This forces the car wash employees to vacuum my car really well and makes it smell good!"--Blueglass74 on goodhouse keeping.com [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Ask Heloise: winterize your home.(good (enough: Heloise to the Rescue))(energy consumption)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... To lower your heating bills this year, make a date with your utility company to get a home energy cheek. But first, do your own inspection, from the roof on down--it will give you a sense of what repairs you may need to tackle Grab a pair...

Bathtub blues.(good (enough): Heloise to the Rescue)(stain removal)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... Q: Help! I unknowingly knocked an indigo-dyed jewelry box into my bathtub, where it sat in a puddle all day. Now my tub has a dark-blue tattoo. How do I remove it? J. Matthews, Brooklyn Try this: Put 1/4 cup powdered dishwasher...

Good night, mites.(good (enough): Heloise to the Rescue)(mite control by washing your pillows once a week in hot water)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... Q: Can I kill dust mites in pillows by washing and drying them? Patricia Trepper, Wilmington, DE Yes--if you wash them, along with pillowcases, sheets, and blankets, once a week in hot water (at least 130 degrees). To test the...

Before you sign up ...(INSURANCE ALERT)(health care plan)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ... for a health plan, do read the material your employer sends. Glossing over the details could cost you a lot. Many companies are now encouraging employees to sign up for consumer-driven health-care plans. These...

A site for sore stomachs.(good health: SMART WAYS TO STAY WELL, EAT RIGHT, GET FIT)(reportfoodpoisoning.com)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... If you come down with food poisoning, don't simply assume it was Aunt Sadie's stuffing. Report your illness so your local health department can see if there's a community outbreak and track tainted food back to stores or producers. The easiest...

Another plus for the pill.(good health: SMART WAYS TO STAY WELL, EAT RIGHT, GET FIT)(oral contraceptives' health benefits)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... Taking oral contraceptives may cut your chances of developing colorectal cancer. And even if you only took the Pill for a short time years ago, you might still benefit: In a study of 40,000 women, those who'd been on the Pill for a period of...

Anticancer combo.(good health: Nutrition News)(calcium/vitamin D supplements may prevent cancer)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It's the best twofer we've heard of recently: Taking calcium/vitamin D supplements not only keeps your bones strong, it may also prevent cancer. In a study at Creighton University in Nebraska, researchers found that...

Cereal + sandwich = healthy heart.(good health: Nutrition News)(eating whole grains may prevent heart diseases)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] You may know that eating whole grains lowers your risk of heart disease. But you may not know how little it takes to make a difference. When researchers at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center analyzed...

Where are the veggies?(good health: Nutrition News)(food packaging)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Some brands of frozen dinners have started bragging about their vegetables. And while it's good that they're including more vegetables than they once did, portions may be skimpier than labels suggest. Lean Cuisine...

There are lots of reasons.(good health: Nutrition News)(eating salmons and other fatty fish's health benefits)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... THERE ARE LOTS OF REASONS to eat salmon and other fatty fish. Now add better vision. In a study of more than 4,500 adults, researchers found that people who ate the most omega-3 fats (found mainly in fatty fish) had a 39 percent lower risk of...

Drop 5 lbs: tips and tricks to try today.(good health)(fast food restaurant's calorie-full food)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] FAST FOOD: THE 2-SECOND QUIZ Which has more calories at McDonald's--two Big Macs or a large chocolate shake? How about at Denny's: the country-fried steak and eggs or the ham and Cheddar omelet? If you guessed...

Get fit with Fido.(WALKING WORKOUT)(dog walking as a form of exercise)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... The most effective personal trainers may be furry and four-legged. Researchers from the University of Victoria in British Columbia found that people with dogs walk almost twice as much as those without. One key reason: Even when pet owners are...

Pie chart: some slices are more diet-deadly than others (all calorie counts are for an eighth of a nine-inch pie).(good health)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... Pumpkin 316 Chocolate cream 522 Pecan 503 Mince 477 Apple 411 Banana cream 387 Sweet potato 363 Lemon meringue 362 SWEET (DIET) SNACK Finally, a...

Flank steak with red wine & oven fries.(good health)(Recipe)
November 1, 2007... CALL IT FRENCH LITE: Lean flank steak has all the protein of the high-fat cuts typically used for a bistro-style "steak frites" dinner. It's also rich in iron, zinc, and several key B vitamins. A side of spinach boosts the vitamin and mineral...

The endless cold: what to do when your sniffling and coughing just won't go away--and to keep from getting sick in the first place.(good health)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] For Sarah Null, a middle school teacher in Marietta, GA, her first year in the classroom stands out as the year she was always sick. "It was as if I had one long cold that started in November and lasted until April,"...

This mom's life.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Sandra Bullock on motherhood)(Quotation)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "My love for my stepchildren, and my desire for their happiness, for their homework to be done, and for them to know how smart and beautiful they are, is no less than if I'd had a child on my own."--Sandra Bullock

Star style / major chic.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(women's clothing)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] How to get the look Stars like Kelly Ripa, Julianne Moore, and Amanda Peet are joining the ranks of women embracing fall's hottest trend: military-inspired coats. Moore's curve-hugging blazer creates a sleek...

Man of the House: Christopher Meloni.(good buzz)(Interview)
November 1, 2007... With his distinctive blue-eyed stare and that don't-mess-with-me scowl, actor Christopher Meloni, 46, seems right at home playing troubled detective Elliot Stabler on the hit show Law & Order: SVU. But Meloni's real home is refreshingly low on...

Reese Witherspoon's spiced tea.(CELEB DISH)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... "My grandmother had this spiced tea recipe--it's very Southern. You take instant powdered tea, a can of Tang, a can of powdered lemonade, and you mix them all together with some nutmeg and cinnamon. I'm telling you, Southern people will know...

What I'm thankful for Gloria Estefan.(CELEB DISH)(the singer on Thanksgiving Day celebration)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Her new album, 90 Millas, celebrates her Cuban roots, but when Gloria Estefan and her family gather for Thanksgiving, it's a multicultural affair. "At our house, we have both traditional American food, because it's...

Why I give: Naomi Watts.(good buzz)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The actress supports the Joint United Nations Programme on HIV/AIDS (UNAIDS), which hopes to halt HIV/AIDS by 2015. "When I traveled to Africa on a safari, I also went to surrounding villages to see the faces of...

Animal house.(good buzz)(Jenna Fischer)(Quotation)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "My cat, Andy, has been my best buddy since I was 18, and he doesn't care if I'm on a TV show or if I'm red-carpet ready. He just likes it when I'm there."--Jenna Fischer, costar of The Office

My favorite slimming snack.(good buzz)
November 1, 2007... "Popcorn is always good--especially made with a little bit of olive oil." --Virginia Madsen [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Hair makeovers that make a difference: three readers went from long to short--for a good cause. Check out the new crops (and get some style tips).(good looks: BEAUTY AND FASHION NEWS, DEALS, TRENDS)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] If you've ever wished you could do your bit even when you didn't have much cash, consider this: The Pantene Beautiful Lengths program collects hair from people across the country, then turns the donations into wigs...

Good deals beauty: we're oh-so-thankful for these time-saving treats that get us gorgeous--fast.(good looks)(skin care products)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] HINT OF TINT Perfect in a pinch, these add sheer color to cheeks, lips, and lids. Wet N Wild 3-of-a-Kind Twist-Up Sticks in (above, from left) 730 and 729 ($4 each, drugstores) WASH AND GO Many...

Chanel for every day.(good looks: Beauty News)(Chanel No. 5 Eau Premiere)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Ever since its 1921 debut, Chanel No. 5 perfume has been the epitome of chic. But if you've always found the scent a bit too heavy--or if you own a bottle but notice yourself saving it for special occasions--try the...

Quick lipstick trick.(good looks: Beauty News)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... Bored with your usual shade? Instead of automatically heading to the store, try creating a new color by layering lipsticks you already have, says celebrity makeup artist Laura Mercier. Her suggested combos: beige over a bright hue (for a softer...

Goofed? Fix bad haircolor fast.(good looks: Beauty News)(Color Oops Hair Color Remover)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] If you've ever chosen a less-than-flattering shade--or ad your teen appear with an impromptu blue streak--you've probably wished for a magical do-over. And now you have one: Color Oops Hair Color Remover ($13,...

The latest in eco-beauty.(good looks: Beauty News)(Pangea Organics Malagasy Ylang Ylang and Linden Flower Facial Cream and PlantLove lipstick)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It's a trend: packaging "green" cosmetics and skin products in earth-friendly boxes. Here's how it works. The boxes (made from recycled materials) are embedded with seeds. So instead of tossing the box into the...

Gems.(good looks: Trends for Grown-ups)(women's clothing)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Add some seasonal sparkle to basic skirts and trousers with a stone-studded topper. Options abound: If you favor lots of glitz, go for a lavishly embellished knit pullover or cardigan. For a subtler take on the...

Good deals fashion: for holiday polish, try a velvet blazer that won't rub your wallet the wrong way.(good looks)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] DRESSED TO FRILL The rich cocoa of Anne Carson's ruffled jacket ($30) keeps the look sophisticated, not girly [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] BESPOKE SMOKE Avon's answer to the classic smoking jacket ($35)...

Cheep chic.(good house: GREAT BUYS, STYLISH IDEAS, SAVVY ADVICE)(decorative cushion)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A pretty pillow instantly updates any nest. But boutiques often charge prices that soar upward of $100 per decorative cushion. Why join the flock of overspenders when you can easily make your own accent piece at a...

Cutting edge.(EASY IDEA)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... If there's a bold wallpaper you love, but you don't want to commit to an entire room of it, opt for a framed set of paper cutouts. First, find a floral pattern with a large graphic motif (search eBay for vintage rolls or old sample books)....

Plate date.(good house: Idea File)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Yes, Wedgwood is wonderful. But there's nothing more precious for holiday entertaining than plates painted by your own pint-size Picasso--especially when the finished products double as place cards and party favors....

Ring it on.(good house: Idea File)(table decoration)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Dress up your table this fall with napkin rings using a sumptuous-yet-simple detail: velvet ribbon. You'll also need D-rings (from fabric or crafts stores) slightly larger than the trim, scissors, and a needle and...

Chill out.(good house: Idea File)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... Stop frigid drafts at the door with a simple sewing project. Cut a rectangle of fabric about nine inches wide by the length of your door frame plus four inches. Fold the cloth in half, lengthwise, with the pattern facing in. Stitch up one short...

Bin around.(good house: Idea File)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... A gym-dandy storage solution for crowded bathrooms: vintage locker-room baskets to hold your toiletries and towels. You can find the wire bins at flea markets and on eBay for as little as a few dollars each. Just be sure to hang them with...

House special.(good house: Idea File)(candlesticks using maple syrup canisters)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When the last drop of your special Sunday-morning maple syrup is finally gone, put the cabin-shaped canisters to work as charming candlesticks. Just wash and dry the tiny tin houses and place candles in the rooftop...

Good deals home: bring leaf season indoors with autumnal accessories that brighten a room and go light on your wallet.(good house)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] POUR ON THE CHARM Serve beverages beautifully in Boston Warehouse's graphic-print pitcher ($25). Made of sturdy earthenware, it holds two and a half quarts, so whatever you offer (apple cider, anyone?), there'll...

On the home front: a resourceful mom surprises her soldier husband, back from Iraq, with a comfy new living room--after she enlists some special help from GH.(good house: Makeover)(Good Housekeeping)(Colin and Lori Jorgenson)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] As a military wife with a spouse serving overseas, Lori Jorgenson had become an expert at single-handedly holding down the fort. Since 2006, when her husband, Colin, a captain in the Minnesota National Guard, was...

Make your home welcoming--in minutes.(holiday countdown)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 1 Focus on First impressions Forget the living room for a moment, and fix up what guests will see immediately: your doorway and its surroundings. Sweep away leaves on the front step, cobwebs around the doorbell, and...

4 weeks to a foolproof feast: the ultimate thanksgiving to-do list.
November 1, 2007... Week 1 (starting October 29) * Stock up on extra pumpkins, potted mums, and holiday decorations white the best selection is out for Halloween. (Yes, the fresh stuff will last a few more weeks.) * Create your guest list; check to make...

Turkey day troubleshooting: what to do when things (inevitably) go wrong.(holiday countdown)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Q It's Thanksgiving morning and my turkey is still frozen. How can I salvage the main attraction? A Don't have a meltdown; quick-thaw instead: Submerge turkey, still wrapped, in a large container of cold water...

Carving 101: when your crowd is starving, slicing the bird needs to be simple. Here, a full platter in 4 easy steps.(holiday countdown)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] STEP 1 Remove stuffing. Grasp a drumstick. Place long carving knife between thigh and body and cut through to joint. Pull leg outward and disjoint it with knife point. Separate thigh from drumstick; put pieces on...

Making the cut.(GHRI TESTED)(Cuisinart Electric Knife and Rival 1205)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A good electric carving knife (yes, purists, they do exist) can help you dissect your bird like a professional, working expertly around the bones and producing those gorgeous wide slices of white meat trimmed with...

Microwave to the rescue! This pint-size powerhouse can do more than just heat gravy. Here, 7 shortcuts for t-day.(holiday countdown)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... Did you know that your microwave can cook a pound of just about anything in 4 to 6 minutes? And that's only one of its tricks. So when your stovetop and oven are totally occupied, here's how to do some micro-management. * Cook cranberry...

Why it's all worth it: we get up at 5 a.m., endure a marathon of work, eat way too much--and then have thirds. GH readers dish on why they wouldn't do the great American holiday any other way.(holiday countdown)
November 1, 2007... "My mother and I get up early and drink coffee while stuffing the turkey. It's our time together before the madness begins, and it's the perfect balance between being her child and being the wife and mother that I have become." --Suzanne Scull,...

Top teen skin savers.(GHRI TESTED)(Proactiv Solution and Neutrogena Advanced Solutions Complete Acne Therapy System)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Pimple-fighting products line drugstore shelves, but which are most likely to cure your kid's blemishes? The Good Housekeeping Research Institute asked six board-certified dermatologists * to evaluate five popular...

Undercover veggies.(good family: FROM KIDS TO MONEY, WHAT TO KNOW NOW)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... If your kid says "ick" at the sight of lima beans or carrots, don't let him get a glimpse of the healthy veggies he's eating. Researchers at Penn State University served kids two different pasta dishes: Both were covered with tomato sauce mixed...

Protect your kid online.(good family: FROM KIDS TO MONEY, WHAT TO KNOW NOW)(ParentCare by MySpace)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... MySpace has released free software to help parents monitor the way kids present themselves on the site. If users think your 15-year-old is in his 20s, he may be exposed to inappropriate content. ParentCare, downloadable at myspace.com/safety,...

Kid for a day: can a midlife mom survive a day in middle school? And what will it teach her about her 13-year-old son--and herself?(good family)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] School starts at 8:15 sharp, but the thing is, I really need a cup of coffee. "Too bad," my son, Sam, and his friend Adrian tell me. "Anyway, it'll get confiscated." "Coffee?" I grumble. "They confiscate coffee?...

How to buy a great used car ... for as little as possible.(good family: Saving Money)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] I have never bought a brand-new car. But I've bought plenty of used ones--from national chains, independent auto dealers, and from the woman at the bakery down the street. By my reckoning, I've saved upward of...

Nervous about nonstick? Easy to clean and incredibly popular, this cookware is still considered potentially toxic by some experts. GH settles the debate--and tells you how to use it safely. Plus: The best pans in every category.(the goods: WHAT TO BUY, WHAT TO SKIP)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] How much do women love nonstick? The sales figures tell the story: In 2006, pots and pans with this special coating (Teflon is the best-known version) constituted 90 percent of all aluminum cookware sold, according...

Getting over jealousy: it's normal, it's human--and it's wrecking your relationships. Here's what to do.(good advice: STAYING CENTERED, COPING, LIVING FULLY)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Maria came to see me because she was having second thoughts about the clothing boutique she'd opened with Kendra, a close friend of many years. "It just isn't fun for me anymore," she said. "Before, it was all...

The no-diet weight-loss method: the best way to change what you do with food is to change what you do without food.(good advice: Feed Your Soul)
November 1, 2007... Today, I was interviewed by a talk show host from a military radio station. She wanted to know about emotional eating during stressful times. Like deployment, she said. Like sending your husband off to war and not knowing if he'll come back....

Ask Peggy.(good advice: Everyday Manners)
November 1, 2007... Q At a wedding shower, the hostess handed each guest the envelope for a thank-you note and asked that we address it to ourselves. The idea is to save time for the bride-but isn't this really rude? I'd call it inappropriate. Sure, this makes...

Counting her blessings: this season, Meredith Vieira is grateful for the right job at the right time, her fabulous kids, her mom's thanksgiving legacy--and even the tough times that strengthened her marriage.(Interview)(Cover story)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "Sit here," Meredith Vieira says in that delicious butter-pecan scoop of a voice (serious shot through with sexy, the A student who's still up for mischief). She offers me one of two small, straight-backed chairs in...

Get a flatter belly by Christmas: under your tree this year: 4 foods that fight fat, 5 tummy-tightening moves, and a 2-second trick to help you look 5 pounds slimmer.
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] This holiday season, you can fill up on food and still whittle your middle. Our slim-down plan tackles the worst waistline wreckers: weak core muscles, belly-bulging foods, stress, and poor posture. With our diet...

Get firm fast! Our 10-minute miracle.
November 1, 2007... You can shed belly flab without a single sit-up. Don't believe us? The surprising facts: Although crunches tone your rectus abdominis (the muscle that runs from ribs to pelvis), they don't pull in excess belly flab. The key to a tighter tummy:...

Details make the difference: carefully crafted architectural accents--and a clever use of color--make this diminutive house feel rich and expansive.
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Sometimes a house grows on you. When Sukie and David Amory purchased a tiny Craftsman-style cottage in 1988, the duo figured they would briefly tolerate the cramped quarters (just 1,280 square feet--which included...

Send your kid to college without going broke: cancel that second mortgage. Here, surprising new ways to fund a great education (for a lot less than the list price).
November 1, 2007... In three years, my older daughter will start college. I miss her already. But the "I can't believe my baby is growing up" pangs are nothing compared to my anxiety about paying for school--first for her, then for her younger sister. Because,...

His made hers: new for fall: textured tweeds, plaids, and argyles, all from his closet--but tailored for you.(Buyers guide)
November 1, 2007... Fresh Coat This refined wool topper, right, is exactly like his--only more chic, thanks to its A-line shape and loose, nubby weave. Coat, $199, J. Jill. Turtleneck, $36, Designers Original. Pants, $118, Ann Taylor. Earrings, Wendy...

Thanksgiving as easy as 1-2-3: whether you're feeding the entire clan or just a few close friends, we have the menus you need (and time-saving tricks you'll love). Dinner in 60 minutes, anyone?
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Thanksgiving can be a pressure cooker. Even if you make no claims to super-chefdom the rest of the year, guests arrive expecting a lot: a glistening, Norman Rockwell-worthy bird, side dishes that are showstopping yet...

Ask Susan.(goodfood: HOW TO MAKE EVERY THING BETTER)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Q: What's the difference between baking soda and baking powder? Carol Marino, Commack, NY A: Both react with liquids and heat to produce gas bubbles that help cakes rise (muffins and pancakes too). The...

Fish tacos.(goodfood: HOW TO MAKE EVERY THING BETTER)(Recipe)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... Fish Tacos Total time 15 minutes Makes 4 main-dish servings 2 limes 4 c. shredded cabbage mix for coleslaw (half 16-0z. bag) 1/2 c. reduced-fat sour cream 1 Tbsp. olive oil 1 1/4 Ibs. tilapia fillets 1/4 tsp....

5 ideas for ... canned tuna.(goodfood: HOW TO MAKE EVERY THING)
November 1, 2007... Everyone's go-to ingredient for basic sandwiches and cheesy casseroles, this popular protein has been in kitchen cabinets for more than a century--so we figured a few new recipes might be in order. (For each, use one or two 6-ounce cans of the...

Hummus.(TASTE TEST)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The word means chickpea in Arabic, but to us, it's a luscious Middle Eastern dip. Until the mid-1990s, hummus was unfamiliar to many Americans; now it's a multimillion dollar industry. No wonder--made nutty and tangy...

Meatloaf.(HEALTHY MAKEOVER)(Recipe)
November 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Meatloaf In the kingdom of comfort food, meatloaf is royalty. Rich in carbs and fat, it fills you up and makes you feel good--that is, until your waistband becomes too tight. To get the comfort without the...