Good Housekeeping articles from September 2007

Good Housekeeping archives from September 2007

Editor's letter.(on my mind)(Editorial)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The headlines hit just as we were sending this issue to press: 1.5 million wooden Thomas and Friends train toys were recalled because of the lead paint that covered them. Anyone who's raised a toddler--or just...

Dear GH.(on your mind: Letters)(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "I struggle with my weight, and Geneen Roth describes perfectly the love-hate relationship I have with the scale," writes Julie Young of Orlando, FL, about "The Toss-Your-Scale Diet Plan" (Feed Your Soul, June). "I...

Health alert.(on your mind: Letters)(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2007... Thanks for spreading the word about ovarian cancer ["6 Symptoms You Should Never Ignore," June]. I write this in honor of my mom. She died two years ago from this disease, and now I receive her subscription to GH. I'm also a member of the...

Katrina relief.(on your mind: Letters)(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2007... I tearfully read On My Mind [July] about the recovery efforts in my home, New Orleans. We have a long way to go and need all the help we can get. Thanks for encouraging readers to volunteer, donate, and engage their congresspersons. AMANDA...

Life story.(on your mind: Letters)(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2007... I'm a cancer survivor, and my body is scarred from surgeries. I framed the first paragraph of "Scarred, for Life" [Good Reads, July] to remind me that when I look in the mirror I, too, must embrace my scars--they tell the story of who I am! ...

Keeper of the keys.(on your mind: Letters)(Letter to the editor)
September 1, 2007... I am dismayed that you suggested keeping hotel key cards and turning them into key chains [Idea File, July]. How can you advocate stealing? In the future, I hope you'll uphold the standards of honesty in GH instead of encouraging readers to...

Editor's note.(on your mind: Letters)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... We hear you loud and clear. The hotel industry, it turns out, isn't as strict on the matter. "We treat the loss of key cards as part of the cost of doing business," says Virginia Osborne, director of brand communications for Inter Continental...

Ask our expert.(on your side: HELP FROM THE GH RESEARCH INSTITUTE)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... Q: After a summer spent in the pool, my hair looks and feels like straw--and my conditioner isn't helping. What can I buy that will? A: Your current conditioner is probably not designed to compensate for the drying effects of chlorine and...

GH to the rescue.(on your side: HELP FROM THE GH RESEARCH INSTITUTE)(Good Housekeeping)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... We receive lots of letters from readers who need help collecting on a rebate. Sometimes there's little we can do because the consumer has made a mistake, large or small, in her application. To get what you're owed, avoid these common flubs: ...

Did you know.(on your side: HELP FROM THE GH RESEARCH INSTITUTE)
September 1, 2007... The Good Housekeeping Research Institute has been awarding the Seal to trustworthy goods (see left for details) since 1909.

Organizing: help desk.(good (enough) housekeeping: EASY SOLUTIONS FOR SMART LIVING)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ORGANIZING: HELP DESK Why is it that, whether you have a real home office or just a table tucked in a corner, there never seems to be enough room to work? To maximize your space, try these tricks: Mount a shelf above...

From scummy to shiny: make your bathroom sparkle--fast.(good (enough): Speed Cleaning)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Probably the busiest spot in your house, the bathroom is also the place almost every guest visits. So if you start sweating whenever someone asks, "Do you mind if I freshen up/ use the toilet/secretly judge your...

Make wood floors shine: (in the least possible time).(good (enough): Do It Smarter)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Wood surfaces are high style, but they don't have to be high maintenance. Most of the time, they just need a weekly once-over to lift away dust and dirt. This isn't a down-on-your-hands-and-knees job; just grab your...

Word of mouse.(ONLINE SOLUTION)(Website overview)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... Looking for an honest repairman or an affordable hairstylist? To avoid ending up with leaky pipes or bad bangs, you need feedback from folks who've hired good people in the past. How to find your word-of-mouth network fast? Meet Angieslist.com,...

Cool tool: great paper towel holder.(good (enough) housekeeping: EASY SOLUTIONS FOR SMART LIVING)(Brief article)(Photograph)
September 1, 2007... Tired of grabbing for a single piece, only to have the whole roll unspool? Then get ready to fall in love with the new Simplehuman Quick Load Paper Towel Holder ($25, simptehuman.com), which we like so much, we installed it in all our GHRI labs...

Reader tip.(good (enough) housekeeping: EASY SOLUTIONS FOR SMART LIVING)(Brief article)(Photograph)
September 1, 2007... "To clean my kettle, I fill it with a cup each of apple cider vinegar and water and boil for five minutes (repeat if needed). All the stains-gone!" [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] --Leila El-Youssef, New York, NY

The top 5.(KID STAINS)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] (1) FELT-TIP MARKER Sponge on dry-cleaning fluid (sold at supermarkets). Work from outer edge of stain toward middle so it doesn't spread. Place facedown on a few layers of paper towel; put cleaning fluid on another...

Ask Heloise: kid grime: you can't escape it. But you can show kids how to take care of their stuff--and one day they'll thank you.(good (enough): Heloise to the Rescue)
September 1, 2007... SMELLY LUNCH BAGS/BOXES TO CLEAN Place a paper towel dampened with white household vinegar inside. (Alternatively, sprinkle odor-neutralizing baking soda into the bag/box, or stuff with crumpled newspaper to absorb moisture.) Leave...

Don't have a stroke!(good health: SMART WAYS TO STAY WELL, EAT RIGHT, GET FIT)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 1 You know that if you have high cholesterol, you're at greater risk of having a heart attack. Now add another threat: When researchers at Boston's Brigham and Women's Hospital analyzed the health histories of nearly...

To get your husband on the exercise bike ...(good health: SMART WAYS TO STAY WELL, EAT RIGHT, GET FIT)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Tell him about a recent study at the University of California, Berkeley. Researchers found that women who sniffed a chemical in men's sweat experienced greater sexual arousal. Their heart rates sped up, their...

Easier to swallow than electrolysis.(good health: Health News)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... In the "can't hurt, might help" category: If you're plagued with excess facial hair, try drinking two cups of spearmint tea a day. In a small Turkish study, women who did this for five days had a significant drop in levels of circulating...

Easing jaw pain--no dentist required.(AT LAST)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... Treatment for temporomandibular joint disorder-problems with the muscles and joint that control jaw movement-can be as challenging as the ailment itself. (Even the name is a challenge: Once known as TMJ disorder, it is now called TMD.) Dental...

Online drug danger.(good health: Health News)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Last winter, a number of people who ordered drugs through Internet pharmacies received an antipsychotic drug called haloperidol instead of the medication they'd requested. As a result, several patients ended up in...

You may lose bone strength.(good health: Health News)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... YOU HAY LOSE BONE STRENGTH if you diet without exercising. In a study at Washington University, dieters who dropped weight simply by cutting calories lost 2.2 percent of bone density in two areas prone to fractures, the spine and hips. To help...

Check your fridge.(good health: Nutrition News)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When a team of food-safety experts recently measured the temperatures in various sections of 200 home refrigerators, the results were chilling. In many of the fridges, temperatures rose above the danger zone (40...

Pick a pepper.(good health: Nutrition News)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Bell peppers come in a rainbow of rich colors and, while there's no such thing as an unhealthy choice, some are nutrition standouts. Red peppers pack the most powerful antioxidant punch, but yellow and orange peppers...

The moo--chew connection.(good health: Nutrition News)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Eating more calcium-rich dairy food may help in the battle of the bulge, recent studies have suggested. Not surprisingly, the dairy industry was quick to spread the word. But since studies are still preliminary, this...

Rethinking a "miracle pill".(good health: Nutrition News)(antioxidant supplements)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... RETHINKING A "MIRACLE PILL" Antioxidant supplements, once hailed as a frontline defense against cancer and heart disease, aren't living up to their hype. A review of 68 studies showed no evidence that supplements of beta-carotene and vitamins A...

Skip the gym. Get outside.(good health: SMART WAYS TO STAY WELL, EAT RIGHT, GET FIT)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Fresh air may lead you to work out more. People who walked, hiked, or biked on trails at least once a week-were twice as likely to get 30 minutes of exercise almost every day as those who didn't head outdoors, say...

Dread getting on the scale?(good health: SMART WAYS TO STAY WELL, EAT RIGHT, GET FIT)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... Weighing yourself regularly may be scary-but it won't make you blue. A University of Minnesota School of Public Health study found no link between stepping on the scale and clinical depression. Research also shows that weekly weighing can help...

Do the math.(good health: SMART WAYS TO STAY WELL, EAT RIGHT, GET FIT)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Craving salt? 37 small dill pickles (4 calories each) = about 15 potato chips (10 calories each)

Fast-food breakfasts.(CALORIE COUNT)(Table)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... Dunkin' Donuts isn't the only chain tempting you with early-morning treats anymore, Here, a cheat sheet to help you avoid the major calorie pitfalls--and what to order instead. DIET DETOUR DIET FRIENDLY ...

Easy seafood stew.(Healthy in a Hurry)(Recipe)
September 1, 2007... Easy seafood stew LOW IN FAT AND RICH IN PROTEIN, this speedy version of a classic fisherman's stew also delivers an abundant serving of red tomatoes, which lower your risk of heart disease and certain cancers Prep 10 minutes Cook...

Tired all the time: the latest on what really helps--whether you have too much on your plate to get to bed or too much on your mind to get to sleep.(good health: SMART WAYS TO STAY WELL, EAT RIGHT, GET FIT)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Every other Monday around 8 P.M., Kim Micho, 44, sits in the car waiting to pick up two of her three kids from their religious-education classes. Often, she falls asleep. Micho, an X-ray technologist in Castle Rock,...

This mom's life.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... "I'm strict about manners. I think that kids have a horrible time with other people if they have bad manners.... The one thing you've got to be prepared to do as a parent is not to be liked from time to time."

Star style: leaves of gold.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Brief article)(Photograph)
September 1, 2007... Turquoise accents are flattering next to Lucy Liu's porcelain skin [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Angie Harmon's pick makes a big, bold statement [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] These angular drops contrast with Christina Ricci's rounded...

Why I give.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... "For the last nine years, I've worked with Heifer International, which fights global poverty by providing women and families in poor countries with practical help, like giving them livestock to generate income. Women gain respect when they...

The diet trick that worked for me.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... "I stopped eating everything that I like. My idea of the perfect meal is pasta with a baked potato and some bread. But instead, I ate a lot of fish and veggies and lost 35 pounds."

Turning point.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... "I watched an episode of Oprah where Dr. Mehmet Oz showed what a smoker's lung looked like, and it scared me. Also, I got tired of being the friend who smokes, who had to go outside to smoke, whose clothes smelled like smoke. So I quit--cold...

Man of the house: Matt Lauer.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Interview)
September 1, 2007... He's done everything from circumnavigating the globe to interviewing crown princes to dressing up like Jennifer Lopez (hey, it was Halloween). But ask Matt Lauer, cohost of the Today show, what he loves most about his action-packed life, and...

My stay-young secret.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)
September 1, 2007... "Ever since I started drinking a gallon of water a day, my skin just glows."

Animal house.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Brief article)(Photograph)
September 1, 2007... Rebecca Romijn, who costars on Ugly Betty, has a miniature poodle--"He's like a teddy bear come to life!"--with the lengthy official name Better Business Kisses Galore. But, as Romijn has explained, "I call him Better because as soon as I got...

Whoopi Goldberg's beef ribs.(CELEB DISH)(Recipe)
September 1, 2007... Whoopi Goldberg's Beef Ribs 18 beef back ribs (not short ribs) Marinade 1/2 c. bottled barbecue sauce 1/2 c. Worcestershire sauce 1/3 c. fresh lemon juice 1/4 c. Dijon mustard 2 Tbsp. orange juice concentrate 2 Tbsp. chopped...

Are you letting yourself go? Turn frazzled into fabulous with these smartcuts to a prettier, pulled-together you.(good looks: BEAUTY AND FASHION NEWS, DEALS, TRENDS)(Brief article)(Photograph)
September 1, 2007... Maybe your high school reunion is coming up. Maybe you found a photo of yourself from 10 years ago. Or maybe you spotted your perennially perfect neighbor at the market and ducked behind the grapefruit tower so she wouldn't see your advanced...

Look good in 60 seconds: quick tricks to get you ready to face the world beautifully--in a mere minute.(good looks: BEAUTY AND FASHION NEWS, DEALS TRENDS)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... EDIT YOUR MAKEUP "You can get a great, polished look with just three products," says Jason Pike, makeup artist for Sephora's Pro Beauty Team: 1. Even out skin tone with tinted moisturizer, dabbing on a little extra over dark circles or...

Get the most from your underwear.(good looks: BEAUTY AND FASHION NEWS, DEALS, TRENDS)(Buyers guide)
September 1, 2007... Even a pulled-together outfit can be instantly ruined by an ill-fitting bra or visible panties, says Susan Nethero, owner of the lingerie chain Intimacy. Here, her advice for an undergarment overhaul. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Size it...

Brow wow.(good looks: BEAUTY AND FASHION NEWS, DEALS, TRENDS)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... "Devoting a little extra time to your brows can really pay off in how polished you look," says San Francisco makeup artist Arianne Damboise. Try this no-pluck plan for getting groomed [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] * TO DO A "MINI LIFT"......

Little extras with big impact.(good looks: BEAUTY AND FASHION NEWS, DEALS, TRENDS)(Buyers guide)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Yochi Design drop earrings ($18, 212-947-7826) [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Talbots nylon hobo ($68, talbots.com) [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sag Harbor gator tote handbag ($42, JCPenney) [ILLUSTRATION...

Fit back into your skinny jeans: forget the fat pants! With these belly-blasting tricks, you'll be back in your favorite clothes in no time.(good looks: BEAUTY AND FASHION NEWS, DEALS, TRENDS)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... Eat less at night Your metabolism slows during the day, so the goal is to consume two-thirds of your daily calories before dinner. Then, for your evening meal, eat lightly and skip dessert. Lift a little weight University of Pennsylvania...

Celebrity cuts worth copying: forget fussy, tough-to-style 'dos that need constant salon attention. New York City hair guru Nick Arrojo says these three looks are flattering, low maintenance--and will last for months!(good looks: BEAUTY AND FASHION NEWS, DEALS, TRENDS)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] JENNIFER ANISTON STRAIGHT LAYERS Choose it because Hair that hits just below the shoulders (and even a bit beyond) flatters the neckline. Add face-framing layers, and you've got a style that can go for weeks...

The only 2 manicure secrets you need: can't get to the salon for the full treatment? Never mind. Stick to these steps, and your nails will be neat in no time.(good looks: BEAUTY AND FASHION NEWS, DEALS, TRENDS)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... 1 Keep them at a wearable length--no more than a quarter inch. They look best that way and are less likely to break, says Jin Soon Choi, celebrity manicurist and owner of Jin Soon Natural Hand & Foot Spas in New York City. She recommends...

5 ways to look as if you slept for 8, hours.(good looks: BEAUTY AND FASHION NEWS, DEALS, TRENDS)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... 1 Get glowing skin A dull, dry complexion leaves you looking even more exhausted, says Susan C. Taylor, M.D., a Philadelphia dermatologist. To increase radiance, gently exfoliate with a product that contains alpha hydroxy or glycolic acid. Try...

Exercises to do while watching Rachael Ray: glued to the tube? You can still burn calories with these three easy moves from fitness instructor Laura Stannard, author of Secrets of a Skinny Housewife.(good looks: BEAUTY AND FASHION NEWS, DEALS, TRENDS)(Brief article)(Photograph)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] LEG KICK Lie on the floor, resting on your right side and propping your head up with your right hand, as shown. Slowly raise and lower your left leg (you should feel tension in your upper thigh). Aim for at least 10...

Good deals beauty: why spend a lot to look great this season? These fall finds prove that adorable can be affordable.(good looks: BEAUTY AND FASHION NEWS, DEALS, TRENDS)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] TUB-TIME TREATS Sweet-smelling bath goodies often come in luxe containers like these--but with much higher prices. GapBody Bath Salts in Loveshack ($14.50; left) and Bath Oil in Sunnyside ($18.50, gap.com; right)...

Super-luxe cream--for (much) less!(good looks: Beauty News)(Product/service evaluation)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When it comes to face lotion, does price matter? Olay Regenerist Micro-Sculpting Cream ($25, drugstores) claims to moisturize just as well as those expensive formulas sold in department stores. To see if the potion...

Look-younger blush trick.(QUICK TIP)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)(Photograph)
September 1, 2007... Strategically applied blush can take years off your face, says makeup artist Casi Harabedian. Follow these three steps: [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 1 Apply a soft rosy hue to the apples of your cheeks and blend. Try Lancome Magique Blush in...

Be a better scent shopper.(good looks: Beauty News)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Looking for a new fragrance? Here's how to make the right buy, says Mary Ellen Lapsansky, executive director of the Fragrance Foundation: DO A TEST Sample perfumes on paper first (not your wrist) so you can...

Wide-leg: trousers are all the rage for fall. Rejoice! They're slimming superstars: a fuller cut conceals less-than-perfect thighs, while a slight flare at the hem balances large hips.(good looks: Trends for Grown-ups)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] Apt. 9, $44 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Daisy Fuentes, $49 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Great Plains, $98 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Isaac Mizrahi for Target, $40 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Newport...

Good deals fashion: chic leather and suede jackets for $100 and under? We found them for fall.(good looks: Trends for Grown-ups)(Buyers guide)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] FLATTERING FIT Jessica London's jacket ($100) carves out a shapely silhouette for plus sizes. Special price for GH readers; see page 238 for details [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] HAPPENING HIDE A fun...

Make perfect scents.(good house: GREAT BUYS, STYLISH IDEAS, SAVVY ADVICE)(Brief article)(Photograph)
September 1, 2007... Reed diffusers are an elegant way to spread aroma throughout a room, but their steep price-from $40 to $80 in many shops-can feel like a real stickup. Here's how to get the same sweet-smelling effect (and stylish look) without forking over so...

Do it your-shelf.(good house: Idea File)(Brief article)(Photograph)
September 1, 2007... For a serviceable, surprising display ledge, attach a yardstick to your wall-it'll show off everything from spools of thread to greeting cards to kids' curios. Get a wooden three-footer; add four 1-inch L-shaped corner brackets and some glue....

The wheel deal.(QUICK SOLUTION)(Brief article)(Photograph)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Want attention-getting kitchen hardware? Skip the overpriced brass pulls, and try this plumb genius idea instead: Repurpose bright-red sillcock wheel handles, or hose-cock handles, used on outdoor faucets, to get an...

Mousy no more.(good house: Idea File)(mouse pads)(Brief article)(Photograph)
September 1, 2007... Your workspace won't feel so workmanlike once you personalize that generic (or grimy) mouse pad with a punchy pattern. All you need is a colorful piece of cloth, fusible interfacing (resin-coated fabric; available at fabric and crafts stores),...

Light touch.(good house: Idea File)(Brief article)(Photograph)
September 1, 2007... Lampshades are meant to hide ugly bulbs--so why aren't they always pretty themselves? Luckily, you can turn a humdrum cover into a custom stunner in mere minutes with some ribbon and fabric glue. Just affix ribbon around the edge of your shade...

Flour flower.(good house: Idea File)(Brief article)(Photograph)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] School's in session, and you know what that means-cupcakes for the whole class! Here's a simple shortcut for making your kid's special-day snacks anything but garden variety: Bake chocolate cupcakes in silver foil...

Stripes of fancy.(good house: Idea File)(Brief article)(Photograph)
September 1, 2007... To paint your walls with pizzazz, create a pattern of imperfect stripes--the messier, the better. Measure where the stripes will fall and use a chalk line to mark the spots. For this pattern, masking tape was applied from left, as follows:...

Buy smart: area rugs: think of them as mini magic carpets with the power to transform a room. Here, how to choose a rug that suits your life, your style, and your budget.(good house: GREAT BUYS, STYLISH IDEAS, SAVVY ADVICE)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] They're really rather amazing, area rugs, creating maxi-mum impact minimum space, sparking visual interest, adding welcome cushioning, and muffling the sounds of foot traffic. Between a $10,000 Persian and a cheesy...

Good deals home: forget Grandma's damask. The only thing old-fashioned about this trendy pattern is its low price.(good house: GREAT BUYS, STYLISH IDEAS, SAVVY ADVICE)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] LETTER PERFECT Here's an envelope-pushing take on the stodgy stationery box. The snazzy George Stanley version ($20) includes 20 note cards and envelopes, and four sticker sheets [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

House of ideas: add zing to a kid's room with cartoon colors and touches of whimsy.(good house: GREAT BUYS, STYLISH IDEAS, SAVVY ADVICE)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] STARRY NIGHT Swap cold overhead fixtures for these special pendant lights--their inviting glow says, "Welcome to the world of make-believe" [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] SHELF HATES This well-placed perch...

Heart help.(good family: FROM KIDS TO MONEY, WHAT TO KNOW NOW)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Rachel Moyer's son, Gregory, had passed all his physical exams and played three sports a year. But at 15, Gregory died of sudden cardiac arrest during a high school basketball game. "It took the ambulance 35...

Best high-tech backpacks.(good family: FROM KIDS TO MONEY, WHAT TO KNOW NOW)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The newest backpacks on the market are high-tech and gadget friendly, but are they worth the money? The GH Research Institute, along with 24 kids (ages 12 to 18), put 14 new bags to the test. Our two favorites: ...

Search engine--just for kids.(good family: FROM KIDS TO MONEY, WHAT TO KNOW NOW)(Website overview)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... Web sites like Google.com can direct your child to lots of good data. But they can also point him toward plenty of bad stuff if he types in words like "porn." To keep curious kids from viewing inappropriate images or information, encourage them...

Not just fun and games: abusive coaches. Burned-out players. Rising injury rates. Here's how to protect your child from the new risks of playing sports.(good family: FROM KIDS TO MONEY, WHAT TO KNOW NOW)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] This is way too intense, Kathie Smith remembers thinking last fall when she heard about her son's football schedule. "Games on Saturdays, two-hour practices every weeknight--there was no time for homework or family,"...

Teen jobs: the big payoff: whether it's wearing a chicken costume or working in an office, part-time employment is a plus for high schoolers.(good family: FROM KIDS TO MONEY, WHAT TO KNOW NOW)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Claire Schlessinger is a little different from most of her classmates, but not because she gets straight A's or loves being on the debate team. The 16-year-old Omaha junior also punches a clock. "A lot of my friends...

Supersaver secrets: think you know how to stretch a dollar? Wait till you see the ways these clever moms saved thousands on everyday expenses.(good family: Saving Money)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] There are two kinds of shoppers in this world: those who look for a bargain and those who live for a bargain. Think of the second group as guerrilla savers who've found creative ways to cut their costs and still get...

Yard sale smarts: you'll rake in the most cash by following these tips.(good family: Saving Money)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] I'd always thought yard sales weren't worth the trouble-until I held one and made more than $500. These are the strategies that worked for me: Timing Saturdays in the spring and early fall are generally best,...

Put a lid on it! 4 storage containers that really keep food fresh.(the goods: WHAT TO BUY, WHAT TO SKIP)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... TESTING YOU CAN TRUST 1 ROAD WARRIORS Whether you're driving your special dish to a potluck or carrying lunch to work, a no-leak container is key. Here's one that will protect your car from salad dressing: Rubbermaid's Premier set...

Zip up.(the goods: WHAT TO BUY, WHAT TO SKIP)(Brief article)(Photograph)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ZIP UP Forget scrunching, tying, or clipping. Instead, close packaged goods with QuickSeals ($1.29 for six), which fit over a bag's opening to create a secure zippered seal.

"Can you hear me now?" Hang up your statickly cordless phone and pick up one of these terrific models, all tested by the GH Research Institute.(Testing from the Good Housekeeping Research Institute the goods: WHAT TO BUY, WHAT TO SKIP)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] GHRI TESTED NUMBER ONES The VTech 6032 ($60; $90 with an extra handset; right) and Panasonic KX-TG1032S ($80, including two handsets) tied as the top performers in our tests, delivering crystal clear voice...

Customize your bed.(the goods: WHAT TO BUY, WHAT TO SKIP)(Buyers guide)
September 1, 2007... Mattress too firm? Mushy? Lumpy? Get it just right with bed toppers-cushiony layers that rest on your mattress to make it softer and more comfortable. We tested 10 brands in our labs and also had panelists score the pads. The Winners ...

Don't splurge on sneakers.(WORKOUT)(Buyers guide)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] If you've been using the high price of quality sneakers as a reason for not exercising, well, you can kiss that excuse goodbye. Two companies are now selling pairs for up to three-quarters less than some competitors....

New, easy ways to rent moves (without ever leaving home).(the goods: WHAT TO BUY, WHAT TO SKIP)(Table)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] New, Easy Ways to Rent Moves (Without ever leaving home) SERVICE HOW IT WORKS COST Vongo.com Download flicks to Buy a subscription: ...

6 surprising stress fixes: simple, field-tested strategies you can use right now.(good advice: STAYING CENTERED, COPING, LIVING FULLY)
September 1, 2007... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] You know what stress looks like: The sun rises; so do you. Your child suddenly remembers that he needs cupcakes for the school party. The dog's gotten sick in the living room. Your spouse leaves for work in a huff...

First things first: do you secretly believe it's selfish to put yourself ahead of others? If so, you may never stop packing on pounds.(good advice: Feed Your Soul)
September 1, 2007... There are some things in life you take for granted: Your children will outlive you. No matter how tough it gets, you won't poison your spouse with arsenic-laced toothpaste. And if you have a best friend, you will attend her wedding. But...