February 1968

HOW TO BE A SMARTER TAXPAYER IN 1968

GETTING THE DEDUCTIONS Even if you don't fill out your own tax return, you still should know the tax rules affecting you. Remember, the man who prepares your return probably fills out hundreds of others; he can't possibly quiz you on all your financial affairs to be sure you're getting maximum tax benefits

EXPENSES THAT ARE GENERALLY DEDUCTIBLE IN WHOLE OR PART

Accounting fees-- business investment or tax matters Alimony and child support payments Attorneys' fees for business, investment and tax matters Automobile expenses-- repairs, operating costs, and depreciation (if for business)

GOOD NEWS FOR MEN!

Stop those sliding specs! Even if you're the active type, these long-lasting, washable, and easy-to-adjust holders will prevent that annoying nose-slide. Ideal for any active sports participant and for the do-it-your-selfer in the shop, under the car, or in the garden.

GOOD NEWS FOR THE GALS

BISQUE FIGURE ORNAMENTS

If you're looking for a field of collecting in which objects are still fairly abundant, consider that of small bisque figures, once made by the thousands in the United States, England, Germany, France, and elsewhere.

AVOID THE LITTLE DISTRACTIONS: PREVENT THE BIG DRIVING CRISES

Not just drivers but clothing, cargo, and even passengers cause accidents every day. In fact, anything that momentarily diverts the driver's eyes or attention from his all-important job can cause an accident. How many of these hazards are in your car?

HOW TO BUY A STATION WAGON THAT WILL REALLY TOTE A LOAD

Despite its spacious interior, a station wagon is still little more than an overgrown passenger car. It can carry a reasonable amount of cargo, but isn't meant for day-in, day-out use as a bus or truck. However a few well-chosen factory-installed options can make your station wagon a safe, sturdy hauling vehicle.

OIL CONTAMINANTS CAN KILL AN ENGINE

PRIZEWINNING CENTERPIECES

BRIGHTEN YOUR HOME WITH BUILT-IN LIGHTING

Looking for a new kind of light? Why not make your own? Built-in lighting puts you in charge. You decide where the light goes, what it does, how it looks, what it costs.

A gardener's calendar of color

In this second installment of our color calendar, we pick trees, shrubs, perennials, and bulbs to brighten your garden during those welcome warm days when it's so invigorating to be outside. Start a want list of plants that will show their best in your garden, and order them soon. Many are available from your local nursery or garden center-- others must be ordered from mail-order nurseries.

WHY SHOULD YOUR KITCHEN HAVE TO BE LIKE ALL THE OTHERS?

It doesn't! Here and on following pages you'll see four kitchens-- each, one-of-a-kind. With imagination and daring, you, too, can make your kitchen the most loved and lived-in room in your home. No need to hunt for a special utensil with this handy hang-up. It slides out on a center-mounted drawer glide below. Hooks may be moved or new ones added at any time. To convert an ordinary narrow-door cabinet, remove hinges, attach drawer-like box to bottom; slip perforated hardboard panel into a vertical saw kerf cut in back of door.

A SPLIT-LEVEL THAT MAKES ITS OWN PRIVACY

Few houses sit alone. Most have a street in front and other houses on either side. In many city neighborhoods-- and in some suburbs, too-- the street and those other houses are so close you can almost touch them.

CRAFTS TO SEW, SAW, GLUE... AND REALLY USE

Bedazzle a bed or bench with bold appliques paint an... enormous picture with yarn... stage a sunny scene at your front door! That's just a sample of exciting decorative crafts you'll find on these pages-- things you can make and money can't buy.

RECIPE TOO BIG--OR TOO SMALL?

Does your recipe make four servings when you need two or eight? Multiplying or reduc ing a recipe needn't be hazard ous if you follow this advice:

HOW TO AVOID APPLIANCE SERVICE CALLS

Why doesn't household mechanical equipment last longer and require less service? In many cases, it's because homeowners don't give it a chance. Here are some common causes of expensive-- and often unnecessary-- service calls:

MULTIPLY YOUR PLANTS

If a house plant gets leggy or its crown is too crowded-- or if a vine gets too viny-- cut it back to get the size plant you want and start new plants from the trimmings. You needn't worry about starting too many plants. The ones you can't use will make excellent gifts.

QUICK DIPS AND SPREADS

No need to panic when company is expected and your time is short-- or when friends drop in unexpectedly. Here are suggestions for appetizer dips and spreads you can make in a jiffy with foods you have on hand. Serve with crackers or chips, and you're sure to be voted most gracious hostess.

TWO-WAY WINDOW DISGUISE

A PLANNING GUIDE FOR YOUR MEXICO VACATION

Just south of our border, Mexico is a world away from the United States when it comes to customs, language, and way of life.

HOW TO ORDER MATERIAL FROM THE MAGAZINE

CULTIVATE A CORNER

Combine your favorite houseplant with a coordinated flower arrangement and you can vitalize an uneventful corner. To relate the arrangement and the plant, you may have to elevate one of the two elements with glass blocks, a planter, or a basket.

SHOPPING EDITOR'S CHOICE

Discover the fun and convenience of shopping by mail! You can order with complete confidence any of the items shown: each company will refund your money if you're not delighted.

THE MAN NEXT DOOR

Some of our friends take summer vacations and others go south for the winter. We are blessed with the kind of climate that's always nice to get away from.