February 1977

New tax laws: how they affect you

The massive tax bill passed last fall not only continued the 1975 tax cuts and plugged up a few loopholes; it also brought a number of specific changes that will benefit the average family-- for example, changes concerning child care costs, alimony payments, and do-it-yourself pensions.

Could income averaging save you a bundle?

It could be just the right technique to use when your income has taken a big upward jump-- because of a sizable raise, say, or capital gain, or the fact that you've suddenly become a two-income household.

How can you file late without penalty?

One thing's for sure: If you cannot file your income tax return on time, but do nothing about it, not only are you exposing yourself to monetary penalties; you might even be subjected to heavy civil and even criminal repercussions.

How can you change your return after filing?

Suppose you discover your original tax return was wrong. Does it pay to file an amended return, or are you asking for trouble? According to informed sources in the IRS, filing an amended return will not automatically result in an audit.

How to protect your children's school records

A child's school record is an important history of his or her life. It is a legal document that can be used to verify age, school attendance, graduation, achievements, financial eligibility for scholarships, and college admission eligibility.

COLD WEATHER AND YOUR SKIN

Whether you're an ardent cross-country skier or the stay-at-home ... dry winter weather makes ... demands on your skin. You're ... potential victim of dry skin whenever humidity is low, as it usually is from November to April in most of this country and year-round in the southwest.

Wildflowers--an infinite variety

Wildflowers are so refreshing we couldn't resist picking them for our designs-from-nature series. From the myriad irrepressible varieties that color our countryside, designer Mimi Shimmin has chosen for us a basic bouquet of eight floral designs. Here and on the following pages you will see how beautifully these piquant motifs adapt to many different types of needlework. You may scatter the blossoms blithely, as we've done for the projects pictured here, or you may arrange the motifs more precisely, as we show on the next pages-- the possibilities are infinite!

What are your rights with the IRS?

The hard truth is that your legal rights are more restricted with the IRS than with most other government agencies, including the FBI and your local police. On the other hand, you do have substantial rights you should know about. And, while the new tax laws have strengthened some of your rights, there is little likelihood that the tax agency's powers will be significantly diminished.

ARE YOUR SHOCKS IN SHAPE?

Of all your car's steering and suspension parts, the shock absorbers deserve your special attention. The shocks work with the other suspension parts to keep your car's wheels and tires on the ground as you negotiate turns and drive over different road surfaces.

TIPS TOOLS & TECHNIQUES

A REGULAR FEATURE DESIGNED TO MAKE AROUND-THE-HOUSE JOBS EASIER FOR YOU

Just right for a small fry

Charge it!

Portable forced air heater

A bright idea in lighting

Super smooth & super strong

A sound investment

Brush-on waterproof coating

Self-cleaning portable barbecue

HELP! "We're trapped in a 'Basic Box' House."

I have been a faithful reader of your magazine for the past five years. Your decorating ideas are great, but unfortunately I am often at a loss when it comes to applying them to my home. You see, I live in what you might call a "basic box"-- the kind of house you see repeated all over America. I suppose if I had a million dollars, or if I lived in a rambling old house with lots of charm, I wouldn't be writing this letter. But I am writing, and my request is this: In the future would you please work on some ideas that will help me and others cope with our cookie-cutter homes? Small rooms and lack of storage are part of the problem, but what we also need are some decorating ideas (not too expensive, please) to get rid of that boxy look. Help!

A Whiz of a Kitchen And What A Personality!

Does an efficient kitchen have to look like something only a dietitian or time-and-motion expert could love? Not at all-- and here's the proof. This kitchen is a marvel of efficiency, yet it's still inviting and personal.

BUILD-IT-YOURSELF FURNITURE THAT GROWS WITH YOUR KIDS

You might think you outgrew building blocks years ago, but here are some easy-to-build blocks you can't help but enjoy arranging and rearranging. They're your key to furnishing children's rooms easily, inexpensively, and imaginatively-- and the beauty of these blocks is that your kids will never outgrow them.

A SEEING ROOM YOU NEVER HAVE TO CLOSE THE DOOR ON

Even if you love to sew, you doubtless hate the hassle of getting ready. Dragging equipment out of hiding, finding fabric that's stashed here and there, and hunting for pins and thread are all time and energy wasters. You can solve these problems-- and more-- with a simple sewing room like this one that also functions as an office, wrapping center, and craft shop.

GROW A COLOR FEST OF FLORIBUNDA ROSES

"Fabulous" may be an overworked word, but in the case of the floribunda, the adjective fits. Floribundas are landscapers par excellence, bearing clusters of colorful blooms on each stem intermittently from June till frost.

How to plant a rose

Roses like sun, so pick a well-drained location that receives at least six hours of sun daily. If you have a choice between morning or afternoon sun, choose morning so the dew on the leaves will dry sooner, reducing the threat of powdery mildew and black spot.

3 ways to install a drawer

GREAT SPRINGTIME VACATIONS ALONG THE GULF OF MEXICO

The Gulf of Mexico is our national reservoir of warmth. From its waves, spring is born to pulse across the northern lands and finally possess them. This doesn't mean, however, that all the Gulf shore is tropical all year.

How to tell when your cat needs a vet

Even though cats are reputed to have nine lives, your feline deserves the best care you can give him this time around. Your veterinarian, of course, is the one to diagnose ailments and prescribe treatment. But you can help out by staying alert to early signs that may spell trouble.

Shopping editor's choice

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

The Man Next Door

Our annual blizzard is long overdue and we don't know whether to enjoy the reprieve or wish Mother Nature would go ahead and get it over with.