Good Housekeeping articles from September 2008

Good Housekeeping archives from September 2008

On my mind: editor's letter.(Editorial)
September 1, 2008... It wasn't headlines about the subprime-mortgage scandal or the skyrocketing price of gas that did it for me--although, heaven knows, they should have. What really made the penny drop was a carton of cottage cheese. As I was reaching into the...

Ask our expert.(on your side: HELP FROM THE GH RESEARCH INSTITUTE)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Q We have an "organic" dry cleaner in town. Is it better than a regular one? A: There aren't any standards for "organic" in terms of dry cleaning. Likely, it means they don't use perchloroethylene (perc), the solvent used by 80 percent of...

Did you know?(on your side: HELP FROM THE GH RESEARCH INSTITUTE)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... "Replacing a pre-1990 refrigerator with a new Energy Star one saves enough energy to light an average house for nearly four months." --Sharon Franke, GHRI kitchen appliances & technology director

Paid in full.(GH TO THE RESCUE)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Back in November 2005, I purchased a Dell laptop over the Internet for $1,543.79. Although I had financed the purchase through Dell Financial Services, I paid for the computer in full a few months later. The billing...

Easy organizing: your purse.(good (enough) housekeeping: SIMPLE SOLUTIONS FOR SMART LIVING)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] You may have a lot on your shoulders, but don't let it literally hang from them. Your bag should weigh less than three pounds and be toted on alternate shoulders during the day, according to the American Chiropractic...

The no-scrub tub plan: if your shower feels more like a science experiment than a spa, try these easy tricks to make it gleam.(Speed Cleaning)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Biggest Challenges * Soapy film on tub and tiles, dingy grout * Sluggish drain * Clogged showerhead Fastest Fixes 1 Zap scum and mildew Before you grab your favorite tub-and-tile spray cleaner,...

Total time savers: shortcuts to make it less of a chore: ironing a shirt.(good (enough))(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] GOOD WAY 1 Undo the buttons and lay the shirt flat on the ironing board, back facing up. With a properly set iron, press the whole back from the tail to the collar. 2 Press the undersides of the buttons and...

Win! A fresh, new closet.(GH giveaway)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Pretty soon, as the days turn colder, it'll be time to rearrange your closet--swapping summer attire for fall and winter's sweaters and suits. Make the task go faster (and the switch next spring more orderly) with...

Ice cube trays.(DOUBLE DUTY)
September 1, 2008... Put them to use for separating out screws and nuts when assembling new furniture of toys. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Bath mat blues.(Ask Heloise)(Brief article)(Column)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Q Some pieces of the rubber backing from a cheap bath mat are stuck to my new ceramic tile floor. How do I remove the rubber? Diane Butler, East Hanover, NJ Apply spray lubricant, like the kind you use on...

Un-tarnish towels.(Ask Heloise)(Brief article)(Column)
September 1, 2008... Q Is it safe to throw flannel jewelry-polishing cloths in the laundry? Susan Schewel, via e-mail First check the care label or package instructions. I tested several cloths by hand- and machine-washing them separately in cool water...

Battered dinnerware.(Ask Heloise)(Brief article)(Column)
September 1, 2008... Q Our dinner plates have lots of metallic-looking scratches. What's the cause--and are they permanent? Jane Fiedler, via e-mail Most likely, they are from regular silverware use or utensils rubbing against the plates in the dishwasher....

What I'm cleaning this month: fridge & freezer.(good (enough): Heloise to the Rescue)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Usually, I clean as I go-if I see a spill, I grab a sponge to wipe it up right then. Before going to the grocer, I clear out the veggie bin. And periodically, I wipe the door seal and gasket with a damp microfiber cloth (just water; anything...

20 minutes to lower blood pressure.(good health: SMART WAYS TO STAY WELL, EAT, RIGHT, GET FIT)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Call it a case of mind over medicine: In a study of 122 people who had high blood pressure despite taking two or more drugs, those who practiced the relaxation response for 20 minutes a day for eight weeks were over...

Who's absentminded?(good health: SMART WAYS TO STAY WELL, EAT, RIGHT, GET FIT)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... It's not just a sitcom stereotype. Men really are more prone than the fairer sex to memory problems as they age, causing missed appointments, misplaced keys, and more. The culprit: mild cognitive impairment. Men 70 and up are more than 50...

Does it take you longer than 30 minutes to fall asleep?(good health: SMART WAYS TO STAY WELL, EAT, RIGHT, GET FIT)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] DOES IT TAKE YOU LONGER THAN 30 MINUTES TO FALL ASLEEP? If so, be on the alert for diabetes and heart disease. Research at Duke University found that women who have trouble nodding off have higher levels of insulin,...

Price of silence.(good health: Health News)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Certain ailments maybe just too embarrassing to talk about, even with your doctor. But it might help to know that if you're suffering from overactive bladder, stress incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, or anal...

They're called disposable for a reason.(good health: Health News)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Here's an easy way to spread bacteria from one part of your kitchen to another: Clean with a use-and-toss wipe. When Welsh researchers recently tested a variety of these sanitizers, they found that even ones...

Best time to quit.(good health: Health News)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... If you're determined to kick butts for good, wait until day three of your period to toss that last pack of cigarettes. "You'll be more than twice as likely to succeed," says Teresa Franklin, Ph.D., of the University of Pennsylvania, who...

The cookie cure? Don't bite.(good health: Nutrition News)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] A growing variety of spreads and snacks--even chocolate chip cookies--now boast that they contain plant sterols or stanols, natural substances that tackle bad LDL cholesterol. The claim isn't wrong: Adding...

No brushing after meals.(good health: Nutrition News)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... The acids in many foods soften tooth enamel, making it vulnerable to damage from brushing. Wait at least 30 to 60 minutes; by then, the acids will have cleared and the enamel will have re-hardened. You can't speed the process: Rinsing your...

Surprising sneezes.(good health: Nutrition News)(Brief article)(List)
September 1, 2008... If your eyes water when ragweed blooms in fall, don't be alarmed if eating cantaloupe makes your tongue itch. Up to a third of allergy sufferers experience cross-reactions: Substances in select foods that are chemically similar to airborne...

Drop 5 lbs: tips and tricks to try today.(good health)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Think Sweet Thoughts You've heard it before: Try to stop thinking about something, and you'll only obsess about it more. New data suggest this also holds true for chocolate. Researchers told 67 women to...

Almond crusted tilapia.(Healthy in a Hurry)(Recipe)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... NO FISHY TASTE Appealingly mild and lean, tilapia still has plenty of heart-healthy omega-3 fats. (Bonus: It is one of the least mercury-laden fish, and is also low in sodium.) Green beans and mushrooms deliver fiber and potassium, while...

Slash your medical costs: 15 smart ways to save hundreds this year--maybe thousands-on doctors, dentists, insurance, and drugs.(SPEND LESS LIVE BETTER)
September 1, 2008... Recently my wife, Dilly, got an estimate for a new pair of prescription sunglasses. As much as we like our optometrist, $400 for basic frames and tinted bifocal lenses just wasn't in our budget-not with our daughter about to start college. So...

This moms' life.(good buzz: STAR TALK ON HOME, FAMILY, FASHION)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "Having kids--the responsibility of rearing good, kind, ethical, responsible human beings--is the biggest job anyone can embark on. As with any risk, you have to take a leap of faith and ask lots of wonderful people...

How to get the look.(Star Style: Sheer Beauty)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Summer's prettiest celeb trend: floaty, sheer blouses. As Angelina Jolie, Rachel Bilson, and Maggie Gyllenhaal show, a bold print or embroidery with a tank underneath eliminates the see-through worry. We love this charmer by Style Fusion. ...

Man of the house: James Denton.(good buzz)(Interview)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] He's the man every woman wishes would crawl under her sink. And it turns out James Denton, who plays steamy plumber Mike Delfino on the hit series Desperate Housewives, knows what to do with his hands off the set,...

Turning point.(good buzz)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] "When I was 9, a teacher had us write a skit and perform it. I knew right then that acting was something that made me come alive."

The diet trick that worked for me.(good buzz)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... "High blood pressure and cholesterol run in my family. From a young age, I knew that most problems that go along with these conditions can be fixed through diet and exercise. I altered my diet by eating lean protein, like chicken or fish, and...

Why I give: Denzel Washington.(good buzz)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Denzel Washington has been the national spokesperson for the Boys & Girls Clubs of America since 1992. "I grew up in the Boys Club of Mount Vernon, NY, going there afternoons from ages 6 to 18. Ny mother thought...

Jennifer Aniston's 5 step happiness plan: she's cracked the code for putting joy in everyday life. Learn her secrets here.(good buzz)(Cover story)
September 1, 2008... Jennifer Aniston owns a gold necklace--a gift from friends--with a charm blending good-luck symbols from around the world: an elephant, a horseshoe, and an owl. But lately, it looks as if that necklace can stay in Aniston's jewelry box....

21 look-great shortcuts: expert tips, tricks, and products--most under $10- to save you 50+ valuable minutes, morning and night.(SPEND LESS LIVE BETTER)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Maybe you were having a dream about George Clooney that continued, thrillingly, well past the trilling of your alarm clock. Or perhaps your kids begged you to make homemade pancakes (which left you with three minutes...

Morning-rush makeover.(good looks)
September 1, 2008... Yikes! You overslept, and now you have to get ready and out the door at warp speed. These tips eliminate almost an hour of prep time--and you'll still emerge looking fresh and pulled together. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Instead of: A...

Makeup multitaskers.(good looks)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Five cosmetic overachievers that save you time--and purse space--by offering at least three beauty benefits in one small package [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Foundation + makeup brush + sun protection = Neutrogena Mineral Sheers Liquid...

The ultimate time saver.(good looks)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Surprise! It's beauty sleep. You maybe off in dreamland, but your skin is working overtime. "Inflammation is down and stress hormones reach their lowest levels by the middle of the night," says Amy Wechsler, M.D., a...

Speedier showering.(good looks)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Could you get in and out any faster--and still emerge with clean, soft skin and hair, and a refreshed spirit? Absolutely, say the experts. Here are six ways to make your time under the spray deliver more. 1...

5 perfect looks, pronto.(good looks)(Buyers guide)
September 1, 2008... Reach for these sleek, simple, no-fuss pieces to get your morning moving [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 1 IT'S A WRAP A wrinkle-free jersey top and skirt (Isaac Mizrahi for Target, $30 and $35) combine ease with luxe style. The wrap top...

Good deals beauty.(SPEND LESS LIVE BETTER)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Sure, your back-to-school years are done, but you can still refresh your fall look with these fun must-haves FRINGE BENEFITS Lashes look soft and pretty, not stiff or gloppy, thanks to the gentle formula in L'Oreal Paris Bare Naturale...

Good deals fashion.(SPEND LESS LIVE BETTER)(women's jackets)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Fall for these lightweight, season,, bridging jackets that won't trip up your budget [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] INTO THE BLUE Dressbarn's flirty take ($33) on the utilitarian jean jacket features teal twill and a nipped-in waist for a...

Scarf it up.(good house: GREAT BUYS, STYLISH IDEAS, SAVVY ADVICE)(pillow covers)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Put a new twist on a tired pillow with this no-sew cover. Raid your closet--or a thrift store--for a square scarf slightly bigger than your cushion (but not so large that it won't wrap tightly). Lay the scarf out...

Wall hung up.(EASY IDEA)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... The key to never losing spare keys? Attach hooks to a picture frame to keep them centralized and your foyer accessorized. Choose a sturdy wooden frame (real, not laminate, wood of a hearty thickness works best so the hooks won't damage the...

Creation station.(good house: Idea File)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Give your future Rembrandt a workplace that lets his or her masterpieces dry without being disturbed--and cuts down on cleanup, too. A cheap dish-drying rack works just as well for paints and pastels as it does for...

Cane & table.(good house: Idea File)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] For each of these DIY place mats: Buy cane webbing, fabric glue, and a packet of bias tape (or five feet of ribbon) at the fabric store. Cut caning into 12" by 18" pieces. To make trim, snip four lengths of tape or...

Stacking the benches.(good house: Idea File)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Give your busy family a handy advantage by creating entryway storage space with ascending benches. Find seats of several sizes (paint them to match if you like); stack. To secure: Drill screws up into the legs from each bench below. Affix to...

Petal pushers.(good house: Idea File)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Turn plain tacks into pushpins as pretty as perennials. You'll need either wool or acrylic felt in different colors (a letter-size sheet should yield at least four flower shapes), a hot-glue gun and glue sticks,...

Stuck on you.(good house: Idea File)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Storing and using all your rolls of tape--from painter's to duct--is a cinch if you turn a regular belt into a utility belt. Grab an old one (or buy an inexpensive fabric one at an army-surplus store), slip on your...

Bargain basement: thanks to a can-do attitude and some elbow grease, a couple save big on their revamp.(MAKEOVER: DOWNSTAIRS DEN: SPEND LESS LIVE BETTER)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The unfinished, unused cellar in Megan and Casey Collins's 1920s Minneapolis bungalow was the stuff of horror movies. Slanted cement floors, exposed pipes, dangling wires, and slapdash wood paneling made the...

Steer clear of food dye.(good family: FROM KIDS TO MONEY, WHAT TO KNOW NOW)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... If your child just can't sit still, the culprit may be in your pantry. Although many factors play into hyperactivity, a British study recently showed a link between artificial food coloring and children's behavior. Kids under 10 displayed a...

Teen-trend danger.(good family: FROM KIDS TO MONEY, WHAT TO KNOW NOW)
September 1, 2008... An hour of puffs on a charcoal- burning hookah (water pipe) exposes kids to more carbon monoxide than a pack of cigarettes. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Facebook cheat sheet.(good family: FROM KIDS TO MONEY, WHAT TO KNOW NOW)(Table)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Facebook Cheat Sheet High school without Facebook? That's so 1998. The number of kids ages 12 to 17 on the networking site more than doubled from May 2006 to May 2007: This April, it hit 5.9 million. So if you...

"How much money do you make?" What to tell your child about family finances.(SPEND LESS LIVE BETTER)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] When my 17-year-old daughter said she needed a car of her own, I agreed she probably did--but I had no clue how to handle the finances. What should I expect her to pay for, and what should I foot the bill for? Who...

Drive down your car costs: a few simple shifts can save a bundle.(SPEND LESS LIVE BETTER)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] After the roof over your head, a car is likely your biggest expense. The average sticker price tops $30,000, and ownership costs are 4 percent more than last year. Try these moves to avoid steep mechanic and gas...

Get up & go: everything you need to rise, shine--and make it out the door on time.(the goods: WHAT TO BUY, WHAT TO SKIP: Testing from Good Housekeeping Research Institute)(Product/service evaluation)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] BEST WAKE-UP CALL With a perfect score for performance, the iHome iH9's ($100) ascending alarm awoke testers pleasantly and effectively to their iPods or the radio. Other pluses: eight dimming settings, dual...

Iron-free de-wrinkling.(GHRI INSIGHTS)(Downy Wrinkle Releaser)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... If the outfit you planned to wear is creased, it can put a real wrinkle in your morning schedule. No need to haul out the ironing board: GHRI tested four less arduous methods--a handheld steamer, a tumble in the dryer, a wrinkle-releaser spray,...

Fill-and-go mugs.(the goods: Get-Up-and-Go Guide)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] We evaluated 28 travel mugs for temperature retention, leak- and spill-resistance, stability, comfort while drinking, ease of opening with one hand, ease of washing, and durability. These are a good bet: * 1 TOP...

Great coffeemakers.(the goods: Get-Up-and-Go Guide)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... For hectic, manic mornings, brewed coffee that's ready to go can be a lifesaver. We tested 15 programmable coffeemakers, including those that make one cup, for ease of use, brewing temperature, taste, appearance, and more. These four winners...

Shower radios.(GHRI TESTED)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Catching news and weather while showering is an easy way to multitask, but shower radios can get poor reception and be hard to hear over the running water. We tested 10 of the newest ones for reception and sound...

2-in-1 drying and styling.(GHRI INSIGHTS)(Product/service evaluation)
September 1, 2008... We tested nine hairstyling appliances that can be used on damp hair. These four proved faster than a hair-dryer-plus-styler in our lab tests--and won raves from testers. * FOR A SLEEK LOOK Our top performer, Remington's Wet 2 Straight Flat...

Top pop-up toasters.(the goods: Get-Up-and-Go Guide)(Product/service evaluation)
September 1, 2008... A smart way to speed up breakfast: Use a pop-up toaster, which is at least twice as fast as a toaster oven at browning bread. GHRI tested 27 of the newest pop-ups, checking for toasting speed and evenness of results. Ease of operation, slot...

Brain-boosting breakfasts... in 5 minutes or less.(the goods: Get-Up-and-Go Guide)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Try these quick dishes for a winning combo of protein and carbs to keep you on task. MORNING "DOG" Spread 1 Tbsp. peanut butter on a whole wheat hot dog bun. Add 1 sm. peeled banana. To add even more kid appeal, sprinkle with 1 tsp....

Voluntyranny: can't say no to a good cause? Five ways to get your helping-out habit under control.(good advice: STAYING CENTERED, COPING, LIVING FULLY)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Maybe you're still smoldering about that night last fall when you stayed up late painstakingly crafting 150 pumpkin-shaped sandwiches, only to learn that the teacher you were helping sliced them all into...

The pleasure paradox: the less you like food, the more likely it is that you'll overeat. So get ready to fall in love.(good advice: Feed Your Soul)
September 1, 2008... When my friend Ed wanted to stop smoking, a Zen master told him that he needed to love smoking first. "Create a ritual each time you smoke," the teacher said. "Take a cigarette and wrap it in a beautiful cloth. Go to a quiet place where you can...

Pet peeve.(Ask Peggy)(Brief article)(Column)
September 1, 2008... Q Dogs are supposed to be kept on leashes in my town, but I often see them loose, their owners trailing behind. I don't think it's safe, but what can I do? Dog owners rarely perceive their pets as threatening, but since you feel safety is...

Ask Peggy.(good advice: Everyday Manners)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Q My 5-year-old told our crossing guard that she hated him. I made her apologize, but we see him every day, and I'm mortified. What more call I do? To help your daughter reestablish a respectful relationship with the guard--and to ease...

Should you complain about cookies?(WHAT WOULD YOU DO?)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Your child's teacher sometimes rewards good grades with sweet treats, but you don't think that's healthy. Should you ask her to stop? [ILLUSTRATIONS OMITTED] No "A cookie given as a reward every now and then is perfectly fine...

Pop Quiz.(good advice: Everyday Manners)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Q The garage you and your husband use has been charging you more for tune-ups than it bills him. Should you: (A) Switch garages (B) Request an explanation from the service manager (C) Have your husband ask the mechanic to justify...

How to weather the storm: make these five smart money moves to protect your family's finances.(SPEND LESS LIVE BETTER)
September 1, 2008... Call it "the 'R' word," or just tough times. Whatever name you want to use, the reality is here. Home foreclosures are at an all-time high; so are gasoline prices. In the past year alone, grocery prices rose 6 percent--that's the most in 18...

Seeds of hope: you can't control the price of groceries, but you can recession-proof your soul. Three thoughtful writers explore how.(SPEND LESS LIVE BETTER)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] My Mother's Cure-All By Sarah Bird I'M ONE OF the millions of nervous Americans who, looking to save a few ever-shrinking dollars, trimmed back far enough on the lattes this year to give Starbucks its first...

Your house can make $2,056 this weekend: got a minute? An hour? An afternoon? These quick home fixes put big money back in your pocket.(SPEND LESS LIVE BETTER)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In the time it takes to file your fingernails or watch an episode of Desperate Housewives, you can easily pare down household costs. Start this weekend, and by this time next year, you could earn back as much as...

Smarter shopping.(SPEND LESS LIVE BETTER)(Buyers guide)
September 1, 2008... This year, be strategic about back-to-school buying: hit a single affordable store, and outfit the entire family--from toddler to spouse. Here, six busy, bargain-loving families show hot they save time... and their sanity JCPenney ...

Home economics: take flea market finds from bargain to beautiful with these fast, easy tricks from two design-on-a-dime experts.(SPEND LESS LIVE BETTER)
September 1, 2008... For cost-conscious Minnesota moms Sue Whitney and Ki Nassauer, stylish decorating is more about creativity than cash. They both love to transform garage sale steals, curbside castoffs, and Dumpster discoveries into one-of-a-kind home decor....

Save $70 a week!(SPEND LESS LIVE BETTER)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Chop your daily dinner costs in half by: * Shopping smart and sticking to lists * Switching to surprising ingredients * Cooking no-funs dishes from scratch A home-cooked supper costs the typical...

Ask Susan.(good food: HOW TO MAKE EVERYTHING BETTER)(Brief article)(Column)
September 1, 2008... Q: My favorite chili recipe calls for dried beans. How do I substitute canned? Carin Smith, Port Saint Lucie, FL A: Generally, 3/4 cup of dried beans is equivalent to a 15-ounce can of prepared beans (drained, about 1 1/2 cups). If...

Chipotle steak & corn salsa.(Express Lane)(Recipe)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Total time 30 minutes Makes 4 main-dish servings 4 corn tortillas Olive oil nonstick cooking spray 2 green onions 2 c. fresh corn kernels 1 c. mild salsa 1/2 to 1 tsp. ground chipotle ...

5 ideas for ... tomato vegetable juice.(good food)(Recipe)
September 1, 2008... No matter which brand of tomato-veggie juice you prefer, it likely packs a major nutritional punch: The typical eight-ounce serving delivers not one, but two servings of vegetables. Poured into any of these five fast-yet-filling dishes, the...

Lasagna Toss Bolognese.(Cheater's: GUIDE TO LASAGNA)(Recipe)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Lasagna Toss Bolognese [ReciTip] Tempted to cook up no-boil lasagna noodles to save time? Don't: They'll break apart when tossed. Active time 15 minutes Total time 30 minutes Makes 6 main-dish servings ...

Balsamic Vinaigrette.(DIY)(Recipe)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Why ruin a bowl of fresh baby greens with a heavy salad dressing loaded with high-fructose corn syrup, xanthan gum, and caramel coloring? In less than five minutes you can shake up a cup of vinaigrette that's tastier, healthier, and cheaper...

Chocolate chip cookies.(TASTE TEST)(Product/service evaluation)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Legend says the credit for creating the original goes to Ruth Wakefield, owner of the Toll House Inn in Massachusetts, who whipped up a batch by mistake in the early 1930s while trying to make chocolate cookies with...

New England clam chowder.(HEALTHY MAKEOVER)(Recipe)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Cream, potatoes, and salt pork or bacon give classic chowder its rich flavor. What else they add: about 370 calories and 22 grams of fat per serving. To slim the dish-by more than half the calories and cholesterol-we...

Under $10 from Down Under.(WINE PICKS)(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... Grapes ripen quickly in Australia's hot southern wine-growing regions, and produce lush, flavorful wines. Our selections are easy-drinking and light on your wallet. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] LINDEMANS BIN 65 CHARDONNAY $6.99 | Tastes like...

Clip and save: how to freeze anything.(good food)(Table)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Sure cream, frozen veggies, and TV dinners belong in the freezer. But you can store almost any fresh food there, too-from sale items you stock up on to perishables you'd rather not throw out before your family goes...

Impossible dream: would a simple Fair Isle sweater for my 7-year-old be asking too much?(BLOGGER: QUINN CUMMINGS)(Column)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The kilt arrived in a box of hand-me-downs from a friend with a taste for chic clothing and a daughter who grew quickly. My 7-year-old put it on and we both grinned. The kilt managed to be traditional yet scream...

No matter what mood you're in, we have a great book for you.(BOOK PICKS)(Brief article)
September 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] To intrigue you American Wife By Curtis Sittenfeld With her first line--"Have I made terrible mistakes?"--Alice Blackwell (a fictional First Lady modeled after Laura Bush) reels us into a gripping epic of public...