August 1973

Driving: when you get off the good roads

Often the memorable aspects of a vacation include just getting there-- especially if you're going somewhere that involves driving on unpaved roads. If you're heading for a remote national parkland, for instance, or one of the end-of-the-road wilderness destinations in Canada that are described in another article in this issue, you'll have to keep driving after the concrete quits-- a prospect that might give you pause.

How to carve and prepare the watermelon on our cover

Your guests will be impressed with your artistry when they view this handsomely carved Fresh Fruit Melon Compote. An art knife used to cut paper is all you need to carve our spectacular buffet dessert. With the instructions below and a little time,

Fabric labels: new guides for clothes care

In shopping for clothes and apparel fabrics recently, you may have noticed that most have new labels attached telling you how to take the right care of the material. This information is the result of a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulation that requires such labeling on most apparel and fabrics that have been finished after July 3, 1972.

How much money should you put down on a house?

That depends upon a number of factors, such as how much cash you can pull together, how much you'll need for other things, what kind of financing you want.

HOW TO MAKE YOUR HOUSE NEW AGAIN WITH PAINT

Absolutely nothing can do as much for the looks of your house for so little money as a fresh new paint job. The houses on these pages show what a whopping change you can make in the character of your house just by choosing a something-different color.

Succulents: plants for all seasons

The word "succulents" literally means "juicy plants," ones that are capable of storing water to withstand long periods of drought. Cactus is the best-known example, but there are many other succulents, too. They come in countless shapes and sizes, and many are surprisingly beautiful. They're easy to care for, and most will flower under proper conditions.

GOOD NEWS

Weighing just 8½ pounds, this compact outboard motor is the heart of a complete power system for the water sportsman. The motor uses either gas or electricity and the motor provides all the thrust needed for a small rowboat, canoe, or rubber raft.

An add-on activity room

Perhaps you'd like to add on a family room to your house, but you're afraid your narrow lot won't permit expansion. Here's an alternative idea that could be the perfect solution.

Cookout cabinet

The American Southwest look... a blend of yesterday and today

What we call the Southwest style of architecture, furniture, and craft design is a feeling as much as a look. Its uniqueness springs from the special character of the land, and from the blending of Spanish and Indian cultures.

The American Southwest look... in crafts and table settings

Today, the originality and beauty of Southwest design are just beginning to be fully appreciated. You'll find them reflected in the exuberant and bold tableware motifs-- in geometric pottery, chunky glassware, heavily embossed flatware-- on these and the following pages. The crafts of this area, as well, have come into their own. Drawn from a rich heritage of Spanish, Indian, and ecclesiastical traditions, the charming folk art and Indian-inspired objects shown here provide exciting accents for the home.

Great tasting sandwiches

Next to the neatly packaged egg, the man-made sandwich is probably our most ingenious food. It's fast and easy to fix... fun to eat... and wonderfully portable. For all these reasons, sandwiches are favorite family fare all year round, but especially in summer.

End-of-the-road vacations in canada

In America, the word "wilderness" has come to mean parklands --tiny islands of a prehistoric yesterday scattered across a land that's in pursuit of tomorrow. But in Canada, wilderness means today. Well over half of this enormous country has managed to retain its primitive state, with only the rare comings and goings of a few Indians, Eskimos, and trappers to punctuate the silence.

How to order material from the magazine

Better Homes 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

Burt, Jr., came home from camp with a clutch of trophies, a rattlesnake skin, a live frog, and the address of a little girl from K-Wah-Sho-Kai across the lake.