November 1974

New car options that help you stretch mileage

Since gasoline became premium priced, more than a score of add-on devices "guaranteed" to improve fuel economy have appeared. With few exceptions, most do no more to stretch mileage than would a good tune-up. There are, however, some factory options and modifications that will help cut the operating expenses of a 1975 car.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING

The national sport in Scandinavian countries, cross-country skiing was the forerunner of downhill skiing. Downhill skiing requires costly boots, bindings, skis, poles, clothing, lessons, and lift tickets. In contrast, all you need for "cross-country" are lightweight skis, heel-free bindings, shoe-like boots, poles, a few inches of snow, and room to roam.

Will your car start this winter?

A heated garage, of course, is the best winter protection your car can have. But if yours isn't housed that luxuriously you can still ensure quick cold weather starts with one of today's heating accessories. When the temperature drops, they can help your car start in one of three ways: by heating the coolant that circulates through the engine and radiator, by directly heating the lubricating oil, or by keeping the battery at full charge either by warming or actually charging it.

Lead-free fuel: what are the facts?

Unleaded gasoline is here to stay. Since July 1 all service stations selling 200,000 or more gallons of gasoline per year have been required by the federal government to have it available. If you're wondering how unleaded gasoline could affect your driving, and your budget, here are some answers to your questions:

HAND--CRAFTED GIFTS YOUR CHILD WILL CHERISH

These handcrafted wooden toys are such special gifts that your children will treasure them long past childhood. We've revived several classic playthings you may remember from your own childhood, and we've also dreamed up some new designs.

Appliances that help cut food costs

Kitchen appliances that once gathered dust in cabinets are making their way to front positions on cabinet counter tops. Here are a few examples of appliances and gadgets that can help you cut grocery bills and make food go further.

How to care for caged pets

The cuddly little caged pets we talked about last month-- guinea pigs, hamsters, and rabbits-- have cousins that make equally enjoyable pets. While many mothers have a difficult time finding a place for gerbils, rats, and mice in their hearts, these animals require much less space and care than dogs and cats do. In fact, these quick little creatures ask little more than love, and kids supply that.

TWO INCOMES? HERE'S HOW TO MAKE THE MOST OF YOUR MONEY

If yours is one of the more than 21 million U.S. families where both husband and wife work at least part time, it's likely you face a set of financial decisions quite different from those of a one-income household. Here are some pointers that may help your paychecks and other work benefits stretch further now and in the future.

New ways to pay less for the things you buy

In recent years, several new types of discount operations have sprung up across the country. They enable you to buy a wide variety of items-- from television sets, typewriters, and toasters, to cameras, carpeting, and cars-- at prices far below what you would pay through customary retail channels.

PLANNED NEIGHBORHOODS SINGLE-FAMILY DETACHED HERE'S WHAT TO LOOK

Remember the housing developments of the late '40s and '50s? Row after row of neat little boxes, all lined up in a military formation. Fortunately, we're seeing fewer and fewer repeats of these old mistakes, mainly because farsighted developers and discriminating buyers realize that there are better ways to design a neighborhood community.

DECORATING WITH TILE--EASY, INEXPENSIVE, PRACTICAL

Tile squares are the do-it-yourselfer's dream come true. Unlike bulky, hard-to-handle sheet goods, tiles are small and a snap to work with. Since installation doesn't require special skills (or unwieldy tools), you can turn out a tile project in no time at all-- single-handedly, or with help from the whole family.

GOOD NEWS

Using this pregrouted ceramic tile system, you can tile the area around your tub in less than two hours. Since the grout on the finished wall is flexible silicone rubber, it will never flake out, won't support mildew, and can be wiped clean with a damp rag. Here's how to install the sheets of tile:

Sleep-cheap motels: why pay for unused frills?

With travelers being greeted at every turn by higher prices-- for gasoline, air fares, meals on the road, you name it-- the emergence and quick flowering of budget motels is welcome relief indeed. Frequently, the savings these "sleep-cheaps" represent allow a family that might otherwise stay home on their vacation to take a reasonably priced trip after all.

MAKE SOME-- ONE HAPPY WITH A HOLIDAY CRAFT GIFT

One of the great joys of Christmas is the delightful custom of giving and receiving gifts. It's that special season when you can share part of yourself with someone close to you through a gift you've selected or, even better, made yourself with loving care.

GIFTS TO STITCH IN TIME FOR CHRISTMAS

Browse through our eleven stitch-up styles and you're bound to find something irresistible to make for your family or friends.

Small worlds for plants and pets

Did you ever wish you could shape the world to your personal specifications? These indoor plant-and-animal habitats let you do just that. True, your world-shaping is very small scale. But even a small world is filled with a number of miraculous things. Plants grow... animals eat and exercise... life changes daily, right before your eyes.

We're Listening

Your family can make market research work. If you do not consider your family "typical" so much the better. Let food manufacturers know how you do things. They are using your attitudes and activities as guide lines. You can create changes in the areas where you need changes most.

How to order material from the magazine

Shopping editor's choice

Discover the ease and pleasure of shopping by mail. Order from the convenience of your own home with complete confidence. If not delighted, each company will happily refund your money.

The man next door

The golden years would be lonelier, Grandpa Hillis agrees, were it not for the comforting knowledge that somewhere there is a computerized data bank that cares a great deal about him.