Good Housekeeping articles from October 2008

Good Housekeeping archives from October 2008

Editor's letter.(on my mind)(Editorial)
October 1, 2008... We couldn't find a princess costume anywhere. They were all in sizes too big for a 3-year-old, or they looked like princess-as-vixen: a parade of sleazy getups better suited to a barmaid than a preschooler, prime examples of the disturbing...

Dear GH.(on your mind: Letters)(Letter to the editor)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "Hats off to Kyran Pittman and GH for a fun glimpse into the designer world of fashion," said Char Walters of Palm Desert, CA, one of the many readers who loved "Mommy Wears Prada" (August). "The feature was witty,...

Dollars and sense.(on your mind: Letters)(Letter to the editor)
October 1, 2008... Many Americans are financially overwhelmed now, so a feature in your August issue didn't seem appropriate. I don't know anyone in my family or circle of friends who can afford to pay $240 for skin cream--no matter how good it is ["The Buzz on...

Smarter snacking.(on your mind: Letters)(Letter to the editor)
October 1, 2008... Thanks to Geneen Roth for her August column, "Just One Bite" [Feed Your Soul]. I usually stuff my face with chocolate-covered mint cookies--but when I took her advice and ate them slowly, I realized they taste like wax. One a day is enough. ...

Up and running.(on your mind: Letters)(Letter to the editor)
October 1, 2008... Lindsay Neilsen's story about running with a handicap touched my heart ["One Foot in Front of the Other," July]. My 10-year-old son is disabled, too--he's deaf in his right ear-but this also hasn't stopped him from doing things he loves. He was...

Ask our expert.(on your side: HELP FROM THE GH RESEARCH INSTITUTE)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... Q My kids are apple-juice addicts. Is there a nutrient difference between cloudy cider and clear juice? A: Yes. And the clear winner is... cloudy cider. While both are juice from an apple, clear has undergone a clarification process to...

Phone failure.(GH TO THE RESCUE)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In September 2007 I purchased a Moto Q cell phone from Motorola at a Sprint kiosk in the mall. I loved it; it synced all of my contact info straight from my computer and I was set. Then, in February, the phone...

Did you know?(on your side: HELP FROM THE GH RESEARCH INSTITUTE)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... "Fleece outerwear labeled 'recycled polyester' is made from old soda bottles or postconsumer or postindustrial fiber. Look for 85 percent." --Kathleen Huddy, GHRI textiles, paper & plastics director

Cookware.(EASY ORGANIZING)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] You've got big plans tonight for dinner--if only you could find the pot to make it in. The first step to ending kitchen chaos: Store pots and pans near the stove and oven for easy access. Then, story cookware...

Keep vs. toss.(good(enough): Easy Organizing)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * TOSS lids with loose handles, especially those that stay wobbly even after you try to tighten them--they could detach dangerously, mid-boil. Replace with a one-size-fits-all lid, like Nordic Ware's universal model,...

Easy organizing. (goo.(enough)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... 1 JUNK DRAWER NO MORE Bring order to utensils with spring-loaded drawer dividers, like these easy-to-install sorters by Improvements ($20 for two). They'll keep your spoons and spatulas separate from your tongs and timers, so you can grab...

Go for the glow: as days shorten, lights take center stage, and turning them on can spotlight grime. Here's how to make them sparkle in minutes.(Speed Cleaning)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Biggest Challenges 1 Hard-to-reach cobwebs 2 Filmy crystals, dusty bulbs 3 Dingy lampshades [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Fastest Fixes 1 Wipe out webs Dust and cobwebs seem to disappear when it's...

Winterize your yard.(good(enough): Do It Smarter)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Here, 8 ways to prep your property for healthier plants come spring 1 MOW THE LAWN until the first frost, raking up clippings--this keeps roots from being smothered over the winter. 2 TRIM PERENNIAL FLOWERS...

Freshen your bed.(Total Time Savers: SHORTCUTS TO MAKE IT LESS OF A CHORE)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] GOOD WAY 1 Take off the bedding. All but foam and embellished covers can be washed, but read labels first. Wash pillows, mattress pad, and comforter in a front-loading washer on the highest temperature allowed,...

Dental floss.(DOUBLE DUTY)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Surprisingly sturdy, this string makes a smart replacement for frayed wire on the back of an old frame. How to rig: Run a few lines back and forth, then cut to length, twist together, and tie into a tight knot.

Win! Luxe launderers.(GH giveaway)(LG Electronics SteamWasher )(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... With shiny new appliances, even laundry seems like less work--especially for the lucky reader who wins this top-of-the-line pair from LG Electronics: The super-capacity front-loading SteamWasher senses load size, from bulky bedding to delicate...

Windows inside and out.(WHAT I'M CLEANING THIS MONTH)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... Since cleaning solution dries too quickly on bright, sunny days, I save this chore for spring and fall. As you may know, I love vinegar--it's my go-to cleaner for everything from the coffeemaker to soap scum in the bathroom. But when it comes...

Creepy crawlers.(Ask Heloise)(getting rid of daddy longlegs )(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... Q I have a problem with daddy longlegs spiders in my home. Is there a way to get rid of them that doesn't involve bug spray? Julie Schettenheim, Palm Beach, FL They're often confused with long-legged house spiders, but true daddy...

Foul-smelling fireplace.(Ask Heloise)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... Q Our fireplace gives off an odor of wet ashes. Any idea why? Anya Archer, Burke, VA Creosote--a by-product of steam and soot from burning logs-could be the source. Over time, it can build up inside the chimney. After sweeping the...

Marshmallow mess.(Ask Heloise)(how to launder marshmallow cream on shirt)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... Q My grandson got marshmallow cream on his shirt. How do I launder it? Rita Schmack, via e-mail You're dealing with a lot of sugar, so presoak it in the hottest water that's safe for the fabric, then wash as usual. Or try this:...

Doggy dilemma.(Ask Heloise)(removing pet hair from clothes)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... Q The Velcro fasteners that close my dog's jacket are clogged with lint--how do I remove the fuzz? Linda L. Gadde, via e-mail Whether on clothes or bags, these fasteners often get so full of hair and fibers that they stop closing. A...

No more bad breath.(good health: SMART WAYS TO STAY WELL, EAT RIGHT, GET FIT)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A multitude of foods and dental products are touted as breath fresheners, but when Japanese researchers tested a variety in the lab, there was only one winner: green tea. Bad breath is largely caused by sulfur...

Risky racket.(good health: SMART WAYS TO STAY WELL, EAT RIGHT, GET FIT)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... When things go bump in the night, so does your blood, pressure--even if you don t wake up. That's what researchers found when they studied 140 sleeping adults, monitoring their bedroom noise and their blood pressure. Airplanes passing overhead...

"This hurts me more than it hurts you".(good health: SMART WAYS TO STAY WELL, EAT RIGHT, GET FIT)(pain sensation)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Researchers tested people's reactions to a hot device placed on their skin while they watched an actor experiencing similar pain. Some were primed to feel sorry for the guy--they'd seen a video in which he described...

Rebirth of an old idea.(good health: Health News)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... Haven't midwives known this for centuries? The practice of easing childbirth by lubricating the tissue around the vagina has now been put to a scientific test. In a recent study of 120 deliveries, obstetricians applied either lubricant or a...

Allergy alert.(good health: Health News)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... Many asthma and allergy sufferers make heroic housecleaning efforts to get rid of dust mites--microscopic bugs that inhabit beds and bedding. Now they can relax, say researchers who reviewed 54 studies involving 3,000 asthma patients, and found...

Fat but fit.(good health: Health News)(obese persons that engage with physical activity have a healthy heart)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... Here's encouragement for the less-than-svelte: Exercise can reduce your risk of heart disease, even if your scale doesn't budge. In the Women's Health Study, 38,987 women reported on their activity levels and heart health for nearly 11 years....

Flip for fiber.(good health: Nutrition News)(Fiber One Complete Pancake Mix)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] No need to chew on cardboard-like cereal to start your day with fiber. The new Fiber One Complete Pancake Mix makes deliciously light and fluffy flapjacks-while delivering five grams of fiber per serving. (Regular...

Genes and your jeans.(good health: Nutrition News)(lifestyle and exercise associated with genes help convert food to energy were suppressed, leading to insulin resistance and weight gain)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] If you believe there's nothing you can do to alter your biological inheritance... go for a walk. Finnish researchers studied a group of "mismatched" identical twins--one obese, the other normal weight--and found...

Reel in cancer risk.(good health: Nutrition News)(seafoods lowers chances of getting colorectal cancer )(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... When men eat seafood more than five times a week, they may lower their chances of getting colorectal cancer by 37 percent compared with those who dine on fish less than once a week. That's what the long-running Physicians' Health Study found...

For a quick pick-me-up.(good health: Nutrition News)(smelling coffee's aroma may be enough to reverse the effects of a poor night's sleep)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... FOR A QUICK PICK-ME-UP, take a deep breath... of coffee's aroma. New research on rats shows that simply smelling java may be enough to reverse the effects of a poor night's sleep, while another study found that inhaling the scent helped people...

Calorie count.(Drop 5 lbs: TIPS AND TRICKS TO TRY TODAY)(Table)
October 1, 2008... Calorie Count Treat--or trick? Here's the surprising scoop on Halloween candy faves. TRICK VS. TREAT Butterfinger Fun 2 Hershey's Kisses Size (85 calories) With Peanut Butter ...

What's your beef?(Drop 5 lbs: TIPS AND TRICKS TO TRY TODAY)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... Do your part for the earth and your girth: Swap meat for veggies just once a week, and you could lose more than five pounds in a year. When Johns Hopkins researchers fed 54 men and women similar lunches (one mushroom-based, the other...

Game on, pounds off.(Drop 5 lbs: TIPS AND TRICKS TO TRY TODAY)(Dance Dance Revolution video game helped reduce weight)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... Video games aren't just for your kids. Researchers from the University of Pittsburgh taught 31 postmenopausal women how to play Dance Dance Revolution--a popular video game among teens and tweens in which the dance moves become increasingly...

Fall vegetable chili.(Healthy in a Hurry)(Recipe)
October 1, 2008... NOT JUST FOR VEGETARIANS Meatless chili has the rich flavor--but not the fat--of its beefy cousin. There are also enough beans in one serving to supply a whole day's worth of fiber, while carrots and tomatoes deliver heart-healthy antioxidants....

Can you trust your mammogram? Why even smart doctors miss breast cancer--and how to make sure that you're getting the best care.(good health)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] No matter what you know about other diseases, breast cancer is probably the one that scares you most. It is frightening, striking nearly 182,000 women this year and plunging them into a world of complicated, arduous...

This mom's life.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Teri Hatcher)(Quotation)
October 1, 2008... "I'm really clear about my priority in my life-it's being a mom... I love doing films, but I wouldn't like to do that more than I'd like to be my daughter's mother." [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

How to get the look.(Star Style: What a Cinch)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... Beat autumn's chill in style by belting your favorite cardigan. Rita Wilson, Alicia Keys, and Jessica Alba have the right idea: Thin-gauge knits pair best with skinnier styles; chunkier sweaters call for a wider option. One winning combo is Ann...

Man of the house: Tim Daly.(good buzz)(Interview)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] He plays a doctor with a flair for alternative medicine on Private Practice, but in real life, Tim Daly may have discovered the fountain of youth. The actor, who looks far younger than his 52 years, has been married...

Why I give: Tea Leoni.(good buzz)(Quotation)
October 1, 2008... Actress Tea Leoni has served as an ambassador for UNICEF since 2005. "Growing up, I was incredibly inspired by my grandmother. She started out as an actress and went on to become a philanthropist. In 1947 she founded the U.S. Committee for...

The diet trick that works for me.(good buzz)(Valerie Bertinelli)(Quotation)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "It's about taking the time before food goes in your mouth to be aware. Am I aware that I'm eating this? And am I eating it because I'm hungry or because I need to soothe myself?"

Turning point.(good buzz)(Melissa Etheridge)(Quotation)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "After I was diagnosed with breast cancer, I learned that, ultimately, cancer is what you make it. It can be frightening, but it can also give you a whole new outlook and make your life healthier and much happier."

Candyland.(good buzz)(favorite Halloween treats of celebrities)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... Hollywood hunks share their favorite Halloween treats [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "Peanut M&M's. I like to bite the candy shell and eat the nut on its own. If you see a dish with all the nuts missing, you know I was there. I'm the nut...

Easy fixes for your age-giveaway zones: how to keep your hands and neck from adding years to your looks.(good looks: BEAUTY AND FASHION NEWS, DEALS, TRENDS)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] While you've been slathering anti-aging creams and sunscreen on your face to help stave offlines (and years), the skin on your hands and neck may be telling another story. A recent study published in Plastic and...

Good deals: beauty.(good looks)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... Upkeep of your face-framing arches is a breeze with this brow-shaping tool kit (plus a few irresistible extras). GO STEADY The curvy, easy-to-hold stainless steel handles on Revlon's Control Grip Tweezer ($7.49, drugstores) help your...

Instant wrinkle fighters.(GHRI TESTED)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] GHRI TESTED Anti-aging creams have always been an exercise in patience: It usually takes weeks of diligent use to reduce wrinkles. But now new potions are also touting instant (albeit temporary) gratification,...

Shinier-hair solution.(good looks: Beauty News)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] You may be used to exfoliating your body and face, but it turns out there's another spot that could use some sloughing--your scalp. It, too, can suffer from dead-skin and product buildup. "When that happens, hair can...

Rock stars.(good looks: Beauty News)(Bare Escentuals BareMinerals SPF 15 foundation and Pur Minerals 4-in-1 Pressed Mineral Makeup foundation )(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Minerals have become the makeup ingredients du jour. What explains their star power? It starts with weightless coverage: They go on light and sheer, creating a luminous, soft-focus finish that doesn't feel heavy or...

Lace.(good looks: Trends for Grown-Ups)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... Lace Once for boudoirs only, this delicate fabric has gone from seductive to sophisticated. It's daytime-appropriate when the pieces are lined, the palette is refined (no pinks, please), and the silhouettes are sharp [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]...

Good deals: fashion.(good looks)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... These trendy twosomes of wardrobe-boosting bags and shoes are priced so low, you'll do a double take [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] PURPLE REIGN Showcase the eggplant strap on LifeStride's color-block Mary Janes ($55) with Rosetti's fun...

Candle handles.(good house: GREAT BUYS, STYLISH IDEAS, SAVVY ADVICE)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Serve up candlelight for special dinners in something surprising: ladies turned into: wall sconces. Take new or vintage metal ladles (collect them from your kitchen, a flea market, or online), plus tiny tealights in...

Measure up.(good house: Ideal File)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Give the mess on your desk an inch, and it takes a mile! Reclaim your workspace with a wooden carpenter's ruler that lets important business cards, stamps, and note cards have their own measured space--while staying...

Pumpkin eater.(good house: Ideal File)(festive pumpkin holder for candies)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... If you really want to bowl over guests, carve this festive holder for candies. First, scour the pumpkin patch for a gourd that's wide and deep enough to fit a serving dish. Next, cut off the pumpkin top, and scoop out innards. Sink the bowl...

Cabled case.(good house: Ideal File)(laptop cover)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] To create this cozy laptop cover, you'll need: a thick sweater, chalk, embroidery floss, a yarn needle, a large button, and elastic. Lay your computer on the sweater just above the waist; trace for a snug fit; cut...

Ghostly glow.(good house: Idea File)(Halloween lanterns)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Spook trick-or-treaters with haunting hanging lanterns. To craft these clever Caspers, use inexpensive white paper lanterns (available at party stores) and black permanent marker. Sketch on the boo-worthy faces in...

Blanket statement.(good house: Idea File)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Bundle up on chilly game nights in a blanket sporting your favorite team's initials. Purchase pre-embroidered letters and an inexpensive fleece throw; affix the letters to a corner of the blanket with fabric glue.

Put a cork on it.(EASY IDEA)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Come fall and its heartier fare, home cooks need more trivets for hot, oven-to-table dishes. So why not roll out a simple, sleek runner with some heft? Buy 1/8-inch cork in a 24" by 48" roll for about $15 from any...

Good deals home.(good house)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... Getting in on the typography trend is as easy as A-B-C with these smart steals BLOCK LETTERS Modeled after toy blocks and screen-printed by hand, these hardwood maple salt and pepper shakers ($10 for both) from Fred and Friends will...

Tasteful transformation: a trapped-in-time kitchen goes from dark and dated to bright and beautiful with smart space-stretching tricks.(MAKEOVER: KITCHEN)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] As a developer-builder who's rehabbed more than 15 historical residences in the Washington, D.C., area, Brook Rose was confident he could restore even the most dilapidated eyesore of a kitchen. That is, until he...

Election 101.(good family: FROM KIDS TO MONEY, WHAT TO KNOW NOW)
October 1, 2008... This fall, show your kid what being a good citizen is all about. Whether she's in kindergarten or college, you can help get her involved and informed. Try these tips from Myrna Blyth, chair of Take Your Kids 2 Vote (takeyourkids2vote.org), and...

Beware candy with a kick.(good family: FROM KIDS TO MONEY, WHAT TO KNOW NOW)(caffeine-laden candies)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... Caffeine-laden sweets may prove more trick than treat if they end up in your kid's Halloween bag. Mars recently released limited-edition Snickers Charged, which packs 60 milligrams of caffeine, and Jelly Belly Candy Co. now sells Extreme Sport...

Loaded lyrics.(good family: FROM KIDS TO MONEY, WHAT TO KNOW NOW)(Billboard chart-topping songs mentioned drug and/or alcohol use)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... One-third of 2005's Billboard chart-topping songs mentioned drug and/or alcohol use, reports the University of Pittsburgh: The words often linked the usage with sex, violence, or peer pressure. Rap ranked highest, with references in 77 percent...

The healthy-plate club: want your kids to eat healthy, exercise, and enjoy it? Here's how parents in Somerville, MA, turned the kid-obesity epidemic around.(good family)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Five-year-old Ben Tull pulled a big, ripe apple out of his Bob the Builder backpack one afternoon three years ago--and launched a health revolution at home. "The school cafeteria had given kids--even...

Need some cash--fast? 3 simple, safe ways to get it.(good family: Saving Money)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Soaring prices don't leave much wiggle room in your budget, so you might need extra cash quickly. "You've got to prepare for when trouble comes, not if it comes," warns Roch Tranel, a financial planner in...

Doormats.(GET-READY-FOR-Winter Guide: Products and pointers for inside and out--to get your home and family cold-weather ready)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Welcome the bad weather in style--and leave it outside. We tested 17 mats in several materials-recycled rubber, cast aluminum, coir, polypropylene, and olefin-for how well they removed dirt and moisture from shoes....

Patio furniture protection.(the goods: Winter Prep Guide)(Buyers guide)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] We tested eight brands of furniture covers for their fit on a variety of furniture, how they stand up to the elements (by subjecting the fabric to abrasion, tear-strength, and water- and UV-resistance tests), and how...

De-draft your home.(TIP SHEET)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 3 fast ways to warm rooms--and lower heat bills * SMOKE OUT COLD-AIR LEAKS using a stick of incense. With the stick smoldering, move it toward the edges of windows and doors. If there's a draft, the smoke will be...

Dry-skin relief.(GHRI INSIGHTS)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... Dry skin and chapped lips are more than uncomfortable--left untreated, they can itch, flake, and even crack and bleed. Look for hand and body moisturizers and lip balms with ingredients like cocoa, shea, and avocado butters, as well as these...

Humidifiers.(the goods: Winter Prep Guide)(Buyers guide)
October 1, 2008... We reviewed 21 of the newest room-size models for how quickly they moistened the air in our humidity-controlled room, as well as for ease of use, appearance, and energy cost. Our engineers compared units of three humidifier types: cool mist,...

The right gloves.(the goods: Winter Prep Guide)(Buyers guide)
October 1, 2008... To get our hands on the best gloves, we evaluated 23 pairs in our lab for insulation, water repellency, and washability where applicable, and had real women try them on and assess warmth in our climate-controlled room set at a chilly 30...

Coat-buying advice.(GHRI INSIGHTS)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Here's how to choose the perfect outerwear to keep warm. To stay extra snug, don't forget to top your look with a cozy hat. * Before shopping, think about when and where you'll be wearing the coat. The less...

The happiness experiment: could a decorator turned love guru save my marriage?(good advice: STAYING CENTERED, COPING, LIVING FULLY)(Alexandra Stoddard)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In the day-to-day, my marriage was rock solid. Steve and I shared chores; we equally divided kid care. Sexually? We didn't scrimp (if "scrimp" were a newfangled sex technique, we would try it). And yet, in the...

Binge-proof your life: what to do before, during, and after you're knee-deep in fast-food wrappers and empty pizza boxes.(good advice: Feed Your Soul)
October 1, 2008... Last week, when I was at a gas station filling the tank, washing my windshield, checking the oil, and adding little whooshes of air to my tires, I noticed a woman in the car next to me eating a piece of pizza. And then another. And then the...

Pop quiz.(good advice: Everyday Manners)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... Q Your daughter's history teacher often shares his views on the election with the class. Should you: (A) Ask him not to express his beliefs to his students (B) Be thankful. Your daughter is learning how important elections are (C)...

Ask Peggy.(good advice: Everyday Manners)(Peggy Post)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... Q My husband and I will be attending a dinner party hosted by a couple who don't drink alcohol. Usually, I'd bring a bottle of wine as a present--what's a good alternative? Hostess gifts should always be matched to their recipients. Though...

Should you protest a petty tyrant?(WHAT WOULD YOU DO?)(church fund-raising organization makes decisions without consulting other group members)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... The chairwoman of your church fund-raising organization makes decisions without consulting other group members--but she does get things done. Should you object? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Yes "I'd prepare with specific examples of...

Pet Peeve.(good advice: Everyday Manners)(Brief article)
October 1, 2008... Q My coworker always replies to e-mails with "Will do!" or "Thanks!"--unnecessary messages that clog my in-box. How do I ask her (nicely) to stop? Those accumulated e-mails can be an annoying time waster. Have an honest, upbeat chat...

Simply Halloween: step away from the knife. There's no complicated carving required to create these gorgeous gourds and shockingly easy pumpkins.(Cover story)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Any way you slice it, carving a snaggletoothed jack-o'-lantern can be a sloppy, labor-intensive task--from hacking through the toughened rind to scooping out all the pulp and squishy seeds to contending with the...

Lose 3x the fat in half the time! There's a faster way to make strides toward your ideal weight. Add these pulse-raising moves to your power walks--and watch the weight fly off.
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It may sound like a trick, but it's not: You really can triple your fat loss in half the time it would take doing your usual walk. What's more, you can also shed pounds a lot faster. The secret? Adding short bursts...

Rx for disaster: prescription pills are cheap, easy to explain, and even easier to score. But kids don't realize how deadly their new drugs of choice can be.
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] It was just after dawn on one of those hot, sticky July days when the sun doesn't rise so much as slide up slowly like an egg poached by the humidity. Minutes earlier, a small platoon of police officers had eased...

Top coats: stay warm and chic all winter with outerwear that flatters every body--and every budget.(Buyers guide)
October 1, 2008... For years, bundling up was a fashion letdown. Coats protected against frostbite and frigid temps, but they were utilitarian and uninspired on the style front. Not anymore. This season, designers are riding the creative coattails of their runway...

Let the kids cook? Yep--your children can make dinner tonight, thanks to these easiest-ever, low-mess recipes (with just a little help from Dad).(Recipe)
October 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] pasta! Colorful veggies rev up the flavor--and the nutrition--of these speedy noodle dishes Rotini with Marinara, Broccoli, Carrots & Peppers | p. 204 Corkscrews with Cheese, Tomatoes & Peas | p. 204 ...

Ask Susan.(good food: HOW TO MAKE EVERYTHING BETTER)
October 1, 2008... Q: Why do you roast in jelly-roll pans in many of your recipes? Michelle LeFebvre, Windham, ME A: In two words: better results. These pans (15 1/2" by 10 1/2" by 1") have a larger surface area and are shallower than typical roasting...

French toast.(HEALTHY MAKEOVER)(Recipe)
October 1, 2008... French Toast Our slimmed-down take on this Sunday-morning favorite is practically saintly. Subbing in low-fat milk and egg whites gives it half the fat and a third less cholesterol than traditional French toast. Plus, it's a cinch to...