Good Housekeeping articles from October 2007

Good Housekeeping archives from October 2007

On my mind.(Editor's Letter)(Editorial)
October 1, 2007... It all began with a taste test in the Good Housekeeping Research Institute kitchens. Susan Westmoreland, GHRI's food director, and Delia Hammock, its nutritionist, had been working for months to fine-tune our Amazing All-You-Can-Eat Soup Diet...

Dear GH.(on your mind: Letters)(Letter to the editor)
October 1, 2007... Dear GH, "I'm proud of the women who lost weight without surgery ["I'm Half My Size!" August]," writes Carrie Blackburn of Graniteville, SC. But she's also proud of herself for choosing surgery, a "last resort" that took her from 250...

Grade A extra-cute.(on your mind: Letters)(Letter to the editor)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Leah Marie Johnson of Calhoun, LA, was 8 months old when she came out of her shell to nab first place in our 2006 Halloween Costume Contest. Mother hen and costume creator Brooke Johnson says her little chick was a...

Scary misdiagnosis.(on your mind: Letters)(Letter to the editor)
October 1, 2007... "Can You Trust Your Lab Results" [July] could have been written about me. I was diagnosed with breast cancer and, based on the pathology report, told I'd need IV treatments for at least a year. I decided to get a second opinion. I was retested,...

Keeping tabs on teens.(on your mind: Letters)(Letter to the editor)
October 1, 2007... I appreciate the articles you've been publishing about teens. Many magazines discuss early childhood development, but few address the issues that teens are facing. Thanks for keeping us informed. KATIE RUVALCABA, Dallas

Mother knows best.(on your mind: Letters)(Letter to the editor)
October 1, 2007... My mother passed away recently, and I canceled her subscription to GH, which I thought was generationally irrelevant. I considered the magazine to be beneath me. How wrong I was! I find your publication to be insightful and full of educational...

Net gain.(on your mind: Letters)(Letter to the editor)
October 1, 2007... I picked up your magazine while food shopping, and I was so impressed, I had to go check out your new Web site. I love the ease of navigation and the overall design, but the best part is the content. Thanks! TRACY A. WEHRINGER, Burlington,...

Food for thought.(on your mind: Letters)(Letter to the editor)
October 1, 2007... Geneen Roth's monthly column, Feed Your Soul, is an awesome addition to your already great magazine. Women deal with their eating habits and weight changes in a self-destroying way. Roth shows us how to be kinder to ourselves while still...

Dare to care.(on your mind: Letters)(Letter to the editor)
October 1, 2007... Blowing Kisses [Blessings, July] brought tears to my eyes. Leah Hager Cohen's story about her mother reminded me how important it is to care about others-even strangers. Thanks for the little nudge. JOAN MCQUOWN, Moreland Hills, OH

Ask our expert.(HELP FROM THE GH RESEARCH INSTITUTE: on your side)(anti-tipping device for stoves)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... Q: I never installed the anti-tipping device that came with my range. Should I bother to do it now? A: Absolutely. Without this hardware, your stove can accidentally fall forward (if, say, your kid uses the oven door as a step stool or you...

GH to the rescue.(HELP FROM THE GH RESEARCH INSTITUTE: on your side)(Good Housekeeping)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... Last September, I bought three plane tickets from British Airways. When I received an e-mail confirming the purchase, I realized the booking agent had made a mistake, and my kids and I were now scheduled for the wrong flight. I immediately...

Organizing: linen closet.(Good (enough) housekeeping: easy solutions for smart living)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Has this storage area for your bedding and towels turned into a crowded catchall? Here's how to restore order: First, relocate random items (odd gifts you feel guilty about dumping, your teen's baby clothes, etc.)....

Garage overhaul--in minutes.(good (enough): Speed Cleaning)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Do you park in the driveway because old lawn chairs live where your car should be? Here's how to revamp your auto zone--without knocking yourself out. REALLY LOOK AT THE SPACE The darker the garage, the more the...

Refrigerator refresher course: where to put your milk, veggies, meats, and more--so they won't spoil too soon.(good (enough): Do It Smarter)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The best place to store... 1 HEAT, POULTRY Put anywhere inside the fridge except the door, unless your dell bin has a temperature control. If so, set it on the coldest level and stash items there. 2 FRUIT...

Be a blooming genius.(COOL TOOLS)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Flash back to last April: Did your daffodils droop or your crocuses, well, croak? Don't be discouraged. Two new products will help get your bulb garden in shape this fall--so the flowers will look more beautiful next...

Click Fixes.(ONLINE SOLUTION)(Homeminders.com)(Website overview)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... Is the only time you think about your roof the day it springs a leak? Did you know that your furnace has a filter--and it needs changing? If you answered "yes" and "no," log on to Homeminders.com right now and for just $29 a year, set up a...

Reader tip.(Idea File: This month, grow better bulbs, curb kid clutter, and prevent home-maintenance mishaps)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... "Cut clutter by telling your kids that anything they don't put away during the week will be placed in the Saturday Box--meaning, they don't get hack a toy left out on Monday until Saturday. (To defeat rescue attempts, I keep the box in the car...

Q How can I make my home less of a target for gags?(HINT)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... Q How can I make my home less of a target for gags? * Be friendly when you hand out candy. * Place jack-o'-lanterns in windows, rather than on steps or walkways, so they can't be kicked over or smashed. * Keep exterior lights on...

Ask Heloise: surviving Halloween pranks.(good (enough): Heloise to the Rescue)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... Older kids and teenagers love them almost as much as they love treats--but what a hassle it is to clean up the next morning. If your property gets trashed, adopt this triage plan: First, tackle vehicles; second, the house--front door, steps,...

Don't just sit there--stretch!(good health: SMART WAYS TO STAY WELL, EAT RIGHT, GET FIT)(deep vein thrombosis)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Deep-vein thrombosis--a blood clot in the legs that can be fatal if it breaks off and travels to the lungs or heart-is a hazard for long-distance fliers. But people who work so hard that they never take vacation are...

Never too late for a healthy heart.(good health: SMART WAYS TO STAY WELL, EAT RIGHT, GET FIT)(healthy lifestyle for the elderly)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... Good news: Adopting a healthy lifestyle even in your 50s or 60s can significantly cut your risk of heart disease or premature death, report researchers from the Medical University of South Carolina, who have been tracking data from nearly...

The annual checkup.(good health: SMART WAYS TO STAY WELL, EAT RIGHT, GET FIT)(regular physical examination)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... THE ANNUAL CHECKUP is alive and well--and should keep you that way, too. A recent review of 21 studies has found that people who have regular physicals are more likely to get important screening tests, such as cholesterol checks, Pap smears,...

Does your purse need a diet?(good health: Health News)(heavy bags as cause of pain)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] If you feel as if you're carrying the weight of the world on your shoulder, look inside your purse. A heavy bag can cause pain in your neck, headaches, and tingling in your fingers, says Jane Sadler, M.D., a family...

Top 3 lies we tell our doctors.(good health: Health News)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] More than half of women hedge the truth when talking to their health-care providers, reports a new survey of over 500 women. What do they lie about? 1 Following doctor's orders or taking medication as directed...

Common drug, common mistake.(good health: Health News)(Tylenol (acetaminophen))(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... Most people who use Tylenol and other brands of acetaminophen are not aware of the drug's risks, a University of Michigan survey has found. Too much acetaminophen can cause liver damage. But nearly 60 percent of those surveyed weren't aware of...

The baby vaccine you may need.(good health: Health News)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... Cases of infant pertussis (whooping cough) have tripled over the past two decades, and it's Usually grown-ups who are passing it on. The problem is that immunity from childhood vaccination wears off, leaving adults vulnerable. Often, they don't...

Pass (on) the salt.(good health: Nutrition News)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... PASS (ON) THE SALT Nutrition guidelines say that we should get no more than 1,500 to 2,300 milligrams of sodium daily. Yet most of us consume up to double the recommended amount. Banishing the saltshaker can help, but only a little....

Cholesterol buster? Garlic stinks!(good health: Nutrition News)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... Despite its reputation as a natural remedy for high cholesterol, garlic doesn't work any better than a sugar pill. In the most rigorous study on the subject, researchers from Stanford medical school found that neither raw garlic nor the two...

Help for husbands.(good health: Nutrition News)(enlarged prostate)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... Men who consume about six servings of vegetables daily are significantly less likely to develop an enlarged prostate than those who have fewer than two servings a day, reports a large multicenter study. Sound like a lot? A serving is as small...

The newest cancer fighter.(good health: Nutrition News)(watercress)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... THE NEWEST CANCER FIGHTER Add watercress to the list of superfoods that may keep cancer at bay. In a recent study, people who ate three ounces of the peppery green every day for eight weeks (about a cereal bowlful) had significantly higher...

Go online before you dine.(Drop 5 lbs: TIPS AND TRICKS TO TRY TODAY)(Healthydiningfinder.com)(Website overview)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Eating at restaurants doesn't have to be lethal to your diet. You can find healthy menu choices at nearly 30,000 eateries (from fast to fancy food) at Healthy diningfinder.com, which is partly funded by the Centers...

Do the math.(Drop 5 lbs: TIPS AND TRICKS TO TRY TODAY)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] DO THE MATH 6 Deep Chocolate VitaMuffins (100 calories each) = 1 Dunkin' Donuts Chocolate Chip Muffin (630 calories)

Bye-bye baby weight!(Drop 5 lbs: TIPS AND TRICKS TO TRY TODAY)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... To shed post-pregnancy pounds, turn off the tube and head outdoors, say researchers at Harvard Medical School. They tracked 902 new moms and found that for every hour of TV watched daily, a mother's risk of retaining baby weight increased by 24...

3 "healthy" foods that aren't.(FOOD SLEUTH)(Sun-Maid Vanilla Yogurt Raisins, Calbee Snapea Crisps and R.W. Knudsen Lemon Lime Spritzer)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... 3 "Healthy" Foods That Aren't Sun-Maid Vanilla Calbee Snapea R.W. Knudsen Lemon Yogurt Raisins Crisps Lime Spritzer Raisins? Check. They're just baked How can seltzer with...

Fusilli with Swiss chard, garbanzo beans & bacon.(good health: Nutrition News)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... Healthy in a Hurry DARK-GREEN SWISS CHARD is loaded with vitamins K, A, and C, as well as minerals; toss it into an already good-for-you bean and whole-grain pasta dish, and you've got a nutrition powerhouse. The single slice of bacon...

Breast cancer: new ways to beat the odds: there's a lot of advice out there. Some of it is right on target--but some isn't. Here's the latest on what really works By Francesca Coltrera.(good health)(Disease/Disorder overview)
October 1, 2007... News flash! A mammogram isn't enough. You need a breast MRI too. Hold it! You don't even need a yearly mammogram. News flash! A high-fat diet definitely contributes to breast cancer. Hold it/High fat may not be that bad. It's red meat you have...

This mom's life.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "Motherhood is the most completely humbling experience I've ever had. It puts you in your place, because it really forces you to address the issues that you claim to believe in--and if you can't stand up to those...

How to get the look.(Star Style: Cap It Off)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Madonna, Marisa Tomei, Kirsten Dunst, and Kristin Davis have tipped their hats to fashion's menswear trend by donning newsboy and captain's caps in herringbone, plaid, and wool. We love this tweedy one (above) by...

Man of the house: Greg Kinnear.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Interview)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Actor Greg Kinnear has become best known for playing men down on their luck--the embattled artist in As Good As It Gets, the frustrated father in Little Miss Sunshine. But in reality, Kinnear, 44, has been on a...

My bargain beauty secret.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "I put in some cheap Velcro rollers under a plastic shower cap while I get ready in the morning. When I take my hair down later, it maintains its shape all day!"

The diet trick that worked for me.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "I own a pair of jeans that fit great and are most comfortable when my weight is just right. When I'm feeling heavy, or I've been overindulging, I try on those jeans. If I have to lie down on my back to get the...

Why I give: Renee Zellweger.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... "In 1999, I got a call from my publicist, Nanci Ryder, saying she had been diagnosed with breast cancer. I watched Nanci go through her treatments, her multiple surgeries, her radiation. Thanks to the UCLA Jonsson Cancer Center Foundation,...

Turning point.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Elvis Presley's 1975 performance in Mississippi)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "For me, perhaps the single most influential moment that helped define my professional path came in 1975. Elvis Presley was performing in Mississippi, and, needless to say, I had to go. I sat in the top row of the...

My craziest Halloween costume.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "I was once a tube of Crest toothpaste--I wore a lampshade as the top."

Sara Evans's Peas & mushroom alfredo.(CELEB DISH)(Recipe)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sara Evans's Peas & Mushroom Alfredo 1 box (1 lb.) fettuccine 2 Tbsp. olive oil 1 pkg. (10 oz.) sliced mushrooms 1 jar (15 to 16 oz.) Alfredo sauce 1 pkg. (10 oz.) frozen peas 1 to 2 c. grated...

Having her say: The View's Elisabeth Hasselbeck tells her side of the story--from her health struggles to how she really feels about Rosie.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Interview)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] On one of those sweltering New York City days when the sidewalk feels like a sauna, Elisabeth Hasselbeck is freezing. Huddled on a chair in her cluttered, shabby-chic dressing room, she wraps herself in a large...

Brighten up: how to kiss age spots, freckles, and uneven skin tone goodbye.(good looks: BEAUTY AND FASHION NEWS, DEALS, TRENDS)(Buyers guide)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Splashed across a little kid's cheeks, a smattering of freckles is charming. Later in life, though, extra facial pigmentation--in the form of brown patches or changes in tone and texture--sends a different, less...

Secrets to longer-lasting haircolor: GHRI puts new color-extending products to the test. Plus, easy tips for hiding roots and boosting shine.(good looks: BEAUTY AND FASHION NEWS, DEALS, TRENDS)(Good Housekeeping Research Institute)(Product/service evaluation)
October 1, 2007... Which Color-Extending Products Work Best? GHRI TESTED New color-extending shampoos and conditioners promise to prolong the life of color treatments. But which ones really do the job? The products fall into two categories,...

Quick fixes for roots & strays: overdue for a dye appointment? The whole world doesn't have to know. Here's how to eliminate telltale signs ...(good looks: BEAUTY AND FASHION NEWS, DEALS, TRENDS)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] IN MINUTES Don't worry about coloring your whole head when it's touch-up time. Dying just the roots does the job and protects the ends of your hair from damage. If you're doing it at home, Min Kim, senior colorist at...

3 Ways to shower--proof your color.(good looks: BEAUTY AND FASHION NEWS, DEALS, TRENDS)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... 1 Shampoo less Try for three--times a week, maximum--even if you use color-extending products. "Cleansing agents, even the ones designed for color-treated hair, can lift up the cuticle layer of the strands, fading dye to some degree and leaving...

The Power of shine.(SURPRISE TIP)(hairdressing)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "When hair is glossy, it fools the eye into seeing color as fresher than it is, says Kim. Boost shine with an at-home kit like Clairol Shine Happy ($9, drugstores; above). In a GHRI test last January, Shine Happy...

Good deals beauty: get look-at-me eyes with these ingenious products--each with a little something special to offer.(good looks: BEAUTY AND FASHION NEWS, DEALS, TRENDS)(Buyers guide)
October 1, 2007... IN THE BUFF This subtle beige shadow is natural looking, only prettier--and has its own brush. L'Oreal Paris Bare Naturale Gentle Mineral Eye Shadow in Bare Nude ($10, drugstores) [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] BRIGHT IDEA If you've...

Hair-repairing brushes.(good looks: Beauty News)(Styling Therapy by Goody)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] You count on yours to smooth and detangle and... well, that's about it. But what if you could get just a little bit more out of brushing your hair in the morning? Goody's new Styling Therapy collection ($12 each,...

Top eye makeup removers.(good looks: Beauty News)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... GHRI TESTED Though your mother may have used cold cream or petroleum jelly to take off eye makeup, today you can get the best results with a product specifically made for this sensitive area. But with so many out there, how do you know...

Stronger, shinier polish.(QUICK TIP)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... "Metallic polishes adhere better to your nails and are more chip-resistant than normal lacquers because their pigments are heavier," explains Roxanne Valinoti, education director for Creative Nail Design. Even if ultra-bold polish isn't your...

Plaids.(good looks: Trends for Grown-ups)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... Tartan goes from schoolgirl to sophisticated this season, thanks to sleek cuts, elegant color combinations, and grown-up details like ruffles and ruching. Check it out... Lauren by Ralph Lauren, $279 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

Good deals fashion.(good looks: Trends for Grown-ups)(women's bags)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... Whether you're heading to work or enjoying a weekend, fall's best bags are roomy and ready for anything. The designer detail they lack (thank goodness): horrifyingly high prices 1 BOLD SHOULDER Studs, ruching, and a right-now color give...

Picture of fun.(good house: GREAT BUYS, STYLISH IDEAS, SAVVY ADVICE)(use of pumpkin as picture frame)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Jack-o-lanterns are jovial. But those carved grins can't hold a candle to your kids' smiles. Here's ho to turn any pumpkin into a frame for family photos: Print favorites onto acetate sheets (at office supply...

Stirring things, up.(good house: Idea File)(storage rack)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Create your own pretty rack for purses, aprons, or whatever else you have hanging around. All it takes is a wooden plaque (available at crafts and hobby stores), a handful of attractive vintage spoons (raid your own...

Fresh printing.(EASY IDEA)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... For a festive fall tablecloth, fabric paint and a Granny Smith are all you need. Slice an apple in half, vertically; blot the cut side with a paper towel and brush on a layer of fabric paint. Stamp a pattern on the cloth, let it dry, then paint...

Pattern play.(good house: Idea File)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Admit it: You've stashed a lot of cool fabrics somewhere, waiting for the inspiration to turn them into a quilt or some other project, but it just never happens. So let's make it easier. Those remnants can become a...

Hot rod.(good house: Idea File)(drapery hardware)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... Drapery hardware can cost a small fortune. But that doesn't mean you have to settle for boring, budget models. One stylish alternative that won't break the bank: a length of bamboo. At a garden supply store, choose a piece in its light natural...

Frame game.(TRY THIS!)(wall hangings)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Are your walls too bare--or too boring? We hear you. The trick is to find art eye-catching enough to make a statement without subtracting too much from your bank account. So skip all the overpriced yet uninspiring...

Good deals home: tome, sweet tome: create an ultra-cozy reading nook with these smart-looking steals.(good house: Idea File)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... SHELF EXPRESSION Sleek and sophisticated, Stacks and Stacks's solid beech-wood three-tiered stand ($75) makes even dog-eared potboilers seem as stylish as first editions [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] BOOKED UP Who needs the Dewey...

Buy smart: recliners: there's nothing like kicking back in a comfy chair after a hard day. But finding a recliner that fits your body and budget (prices range from $250 to $5,000) isn't as relaxing. A quality lounger should last at least 10 years with regular use. Here's how to pick one that won't break down prematurely under pressure.(good house: Idea File)(Buyers guide)
October 1, 2007... a moving experience Which chair, as Goldilocks so aptly put it, is just right? Rocker recliners--think traditional La-Z-Boy--rock when upright and lower fully, usually by means of a hand lever. They start at about $350, but expect to pay...

House of ideas: eclectic extras loaded with personality cozy up a stark living room.(good house: Idea File)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... Warming Trend This unadorned space was too spare to feel homey--until snuggly textures and quirky accessories took the chill off. Four strategies: 1 Soften the severe lines of a modern sofa with toasty wool pillows in a mix of offbeat patterns....

The latest word in games.(good family: FROM KIDS TO MONEY, WHAT TO KNOW NOW)(Yamodo)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Just what is a utypoto? Let your kid decide with the addictive new game Yamodo ($17, yamodo.com). It comes with pens and a pad, each page of which displays a fake word, such as "utypoto," and the beginning of a...

Tinted-lens terror.(good family: FROM KIDS TO MONEY, WHAT TO KNOW NOW)(contact lenses)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... If your kid wants werewolf or zombie contacts this Halloween, be warned: They're not one-size-fits-all Legally, lenses--even non-corrective ones--can be purchased only with a prescription, but black-market colored contacts are sometimes...

Cheating goes high-tech.(good family: FROM KIDS TO MONEY, WHAT TO KNOW NOW)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When math teacher Jean Morsch catches a student listening to an iPod in her algebra class, she confiscates it. "Media players can be used to cheat on exams," says Morsch, 45, of West High School in Iowa City, IA....

Does your child need a tutor? How to tell--and where to find the best help.(good family)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It wasn't just her daughter's dropping grades that disturbed Joyce Present, a 48-year-old caterer in suburban Detroit. She was tired of the fights. Ten-year-old Noelle was having trouble mastering fourth-grade math,...

Fight sky high cell phone bills: how to lose those sneaky fees.(good family: Saving Money)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When Jessica Persson's house near Wilmington, DE, burned down in January 2006, she and her husband, Colin, lost almost everything, including his cell phone. They were shocked when they went to a Nextel store to...

Car leasing traps to avoid.(good family: Saving Money)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Leasing a car rather than buying one has its advantages, such as lower monthly payments and easy trade-ins. But you can also be blindsided by unexpected problems. For example, after the 60-month lease on my SUV...

Debit cards for teens?(KIDS & MONEY)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] For parents leery of giving teens credit cards, prepaid debit cards may seem like great training wheels. You "load" the cards--Allow Card, PAYjr, and MYplash--with a fixed amount of money. Kids use them with no...

Celebrity cookware: they may wow you on TV, but is their kitchenware as impressive as their star power? We tested top chefs' latest products to find out.(the goods: WHAT TO BUY, WHAT TO SKIP)(Buyers guide)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Ah, charisma--a TV audience can feed on it for years. Not every chef makes chopping onions sexy, but those who do get a big payoff from selling products to the fans. Buy an Emeril gadget, and feel "bamtastic" at your...

Fast fall cleanup: new tools that make leaf duty a cinch.(the goods: WHAT TO BUY, WHAT TO SKIP)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... AMAZING RAKE Spend less time bending with the Rake-N-Grab ($20). Designed like a pair of tongs, its head gathers and scoops--so you don't have to squat (and strain your back) to pick up and toss foliage. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A...

Va-va-va vacuums: four models that are easy to manage--and really suck up dirt.(the goods: WHAT TO BUY, WHAT TO SKIP)(Buyers guide)
October 1, 2007... LIGHTWEIGHT CHAMPS Lugging a vacuum from room to room, floor to floor is enough to make you say, "I can live with those crumbs!" But the Electrolux Intensity ($299; right) takes the torture out of toting. It weighs just 16 pounds (about a...

The secret is everywhere ... ... but does it work? One woman's real-life test-drive.(good advice: STAYING CENTERED, COPING, LIVING FULLY)
October 1, 2007... I was skeptical about The Secret before I even knew what it was. "You haven't heard of The Secret?" gasped an obnoxious woman at a party. "Have you been hiding in a cave?" "Apparently," I replied. "It's a book," she continued....

True kindness has no calories: bad day? Sure, the ice cream is waiting. But there's a much better way to be good to yourself.(good advice: Feed Your Soul)
October 1, 2007... Imagine this: You are walking in a meadow on a fresh autumn day. The leaves are turning a burnished gold and red. You come upon a long table covered in a white linen cloth with vases of flowers at perfect intervals. Then you notice the food....

Pop quiz.(good advice: Everyday Manners)(job application)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... Q The day after you send your resume to a potential employer, you find out she's a good friend of your current boss--who doesn't know you're looking, Do you: (A) Contact the woman and ask her to be discreet, for obvious reasons (B)...

Ask Peggy.(good advice: Everyday Manners)(gifts for twins)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... Q My daughter was invited to a birthday party for twins, but she only knows one of the girls. Do I have to buy two gifts? While not mandatory, taking a small present for each birthday girl (or a bigger one for them to share) is a nice gesture,...

Do you itemize with good friends?(WHAT WOULD YOU DO?)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... My husband and I often have dinner with another couple and split the bill. Lately, they're ordering way more than we are. Can we start paying only for what we eat? No "Just let it go--friendship is more important than money." ...

Pet peeve.(good advice: Everyday Manners)(trick or treating)(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... Q I hate when older kids trick-or-treat. Can I refuse them candy? Masked teenagers at the door might seem intimidating, but it's best to take this in stride and hand out some treats anyway. After all, Halloween is an occasion for teens to...

Halloween magic: simple, spooktacular pumpkins and decorations, plus anything-but-tricky treats.(Brief article)
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Scare Tactics Try these easy ideas for your fright lest. Top left: To conjure up a devilish-looking dessert, frost slice-and-bake sugar cookies with white royal icing. Then, starting at the cookie's center, pipe...

All new! The amazing soup diet: eat as much as you want ... and lose 20 lbs fast. Bonus: The dinners are hearty, delicious--and ready in 20 minutes.
October 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] If you like food, you'll love our new diet. Every meal is packed with flavor--from hefty sandwiches (yes, you can have carbs) to super-filling soups and stews (we even added cheese). So how can you inhale as much...