May 1978

What's Happening to the American Family?

HOW TO CLEAN YOUR ENGINE

Cleaning your car's engine is not just a cosmetic exercise to help you sell the car. Periodic removal of grime and grease can improve starting and performance, and will make all exposed engine parts run smoother.

AN UP-TO-DATE VICTORIAN KITCHEN

Imagination, restoration, and perspiration produced the attractive and efficient kitchen pictured here. When Dr. and Mrs. James Gohman began the remodeling, their goal was an up-to-date kitchen with a Victorian flavor. Not only did they get what they wanted, they did it themselves.

No-hassle camping

When you can't see the forest for the hassle, it's time to get your camping organized. With a little preplanning, you can make your next camping trip a real vacation for the whole family. Here's the lowdown on how to go about rounding up and packing all the essentials.

HOW SIX FAMILIES TACKLED THE HIGH COST OF COLLEGE

Last September, we ran an article titled "College costs: Are middle-income families caught in the middle?" In that article, we invited Better Homes and Gardens readers to tell us how they're coping with the college-cost squeeze.

THE WELL-EQUIPPED TOOLBOX

If all 50 of the following tools and accessories are in your toolbox, you're well prepared to handle most home emergencies and basic maintenance tasks. You'll still make occasional trips to the hardware store when jobs require special equipment, but you'll have the basics on hand.

WHERE TO GET GOOD FINANCIAL ADVICE WHEN YOU NEED IT

If you can't see paying the $750 or more that most personal financial planners charge for their services, that doesn't rule out getting good financial advice. There are plenty of places where you can get such advice free or at reasonable costs.

GARDENING IN MAY

May is tomato month in many parts of the country. Garden centers, nurseries, and even grocery stores are stocked to the rafters with an almost endless selection of tomato seedling varieties that few gardeners are able to resist. But to be sure you're getting the variety that suits your gardening needs, check the plant's label for important growth information.

Open Up An Old Cape Cod

Two years ago this house was much like other 1935 Cape Cod homes-- skimpy rooms crowded the first level, and tiny unheated bedrooms plus an attic made up the second floor. A previous owner had added aluminum siding, but little else had been done to change the house in the intervening years.

EXPAND AND REDO A BOXY OLD HOUSE

This remodeling makes so much sense that it should start a big move to buy up every boxy old house in sight. In fact, two-story nondescripts like this one deserve to be the hottest thing since ranch houses.

STEP BY STEP TO A STUNNING CERAMIC TILE FLOOR

There's good news underfoot! You can customize any floor in your home with a stunning design of ceramic tile. The possibilities are practically limitless. With the freedom of an artist you can choose from a rainbow of colors and a multitude of shapes to create a one-of-a-kind tile floor.

Does your child have a learning disability?

Suppose your youngster is having trouble in school. The teacher or principal tells you the problem is a "learning disability." What does that really mean? Does the label apply, in fact, to your youngster? What can you do to put the situation into perspective?

Choosing a comforter

Dressing your bed in a cozy comforter is one way to have daytime good looks as well as nighttime warmth. Coordinated with sheets, a comforter can set the stage for a smashing decorating scheme. Here are some tips to keep in mind when you shop for a comforter.

A RAINWATER SYSTEM THAT'S A SNAP TO INSTALL

Installing or replacing your gutters and downspouts need not be as much of a problem as you think. By simply snapping together component parts that are made of durable plastic, you can easily construct your own rainwater system in record time.

HOUSEPLANT HOW-TO

Plants with colorful or unusual foliage make any houseplant collection more attractive. Try calatheas if you don't have much space or time for your plants.

TIPS TOOLS & TECHNIQUES

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

NEEDLEWORK TREASURES FROM Aunt Mary's

Although the charming lady pictured above is related to only one member of our staff, she has become "Aunt" Mary to many of us. The careful curator of a unique family collection of needlework and antiques, Aunt Mary is always willing to share the delights and treasures of her home.

SHADE SHOPPING

If it has been awhile since you stopped for window shades, you may not know what you're missing. As you can see from this sampling, today's shades are as practical as they are good-looking.

QUICK-GROWING FLOWERS FOR YOUR PATIO OR DECK

Get the jump on summer color this spring with started flats of annual flowers. They can transform a dismal backyard almost overnight, and they're available in a wide array of colors and varieties. Although it's probably cheaper to start annuals from seed, you'll get a lot for your investment in started seedlings.

HOW MUCH LIFE INSURANCE DOES A WOMAN REALLY NEED?

Whether you're married or single, a breadwinner or not, and have ten kids or none, life insurance should figure into your financial planning one way or another. Most important, a woman should be sure to apply the same guidelines to insurance planning as a man would; life insurance needs depend upon individual circumstances, not gender.

A HIDEAWAY BAR & SODA FOUNTAIN

AMERICA'S BEST VACATION RESORTS

Last month, we gave you our nominations for America's best vacation resorts in the part of the country where spring comes earliest. This month, the northern U.S. gets equal time, with a look-see at the top one-stop family vacation spots in the cooler climes.

HALLWAY PHOTO GALLERIES

Do you need to feed a tree?

Before you fertilize or feed any tree, whether sapling or mature spreading shade tree, consider the benefits and hazards.

FIRESIDE SEATING

A garage with storage on the side

Green-growing entries

Tabletop computer

Good-looking energy savers

Steady roller

Solar water heater

Baby's safety floater

your own yarn cutter

HOW TO TEACH YOUR DOG GOOD MANNERS

Dogs are a lot more fun to have around when they're well-mannered. The pet that jumps up on visitors, barks at the mailman, or doesn't come when called can be a real nuisance. Whether your dog is a pup or a mature member of the family, obedience training can change him from a ruffian to a model of canine deportment.

How to order material from the magazine

Do-it-yourself headboards

Caring for your electric blanket

One of the easiest of springtime chores is washing your electric blanket prior to summer storage. Dry-cleaning is not recommended for electric blankets, since the chemicals used may damage the insulation on the wires and ruin the blanket.

MISTAKES THAT COULD FOUL UP YOUR WILL

Just as a properly drawn will can help protect your family's welfare, certain mistakes can create unnecessary complications. Here are some of the more common errors to avoid. Not all these pitfalls apply to all wills. Also, state laws and family circumstances vary widely.

Does it pay to pay off your mortgage?

Although you'll save on the overall costs of your mortgage by paying it off early, you could be losing a considerable amount of cash in other ways. Here's why:

Shopping editor's choice

The Man Next Door

Christine doesn't like those new taped telephone sales devices. When you answer the phone, you're greeted by a tape-recorded sales pitch. It's not fair, according to Chris, because not only does the taped voice keep on talking when you say you aren't interested, it doesn't even know it when you hang up in its face.