November 1980

EDITOR at large

The American Bar Association's silver Gavel Award, which in legal circles rivals the Pulitzer Prize for prestige, was given to Better Homes and Gardens this year. Naturally, we're delighted to receive this top honor for "outstanding public service which served to increase public understanding of the American system of law and justice."

Low-cost legal help: HOW TO GET IT WHEN YOU NEED IT

In White Plains, New York, a young woman seeking a divorce went to a local law firm. She and her husband had no children and were in agreement about property division. She paid a $50 fee for the initial consultation with the lawyer, and when she asked what the total costs might be, he said it was difficult to tell at that point.

ENERGY-SMART Window Coverings

Even if your windows are tightly caulked and weather-stripped, they still play hob with your heat bills. Energy pros estimate that those rectangular portholes-- even if they're double-glazed-- are responsible for anywhere from 15 to 40 percent of your home's heat loss.

OPEN-PLAN KITCHEN with out-of-sight storage

Do you like the convenience of open shelving but wish you could stash everything out of sight when the cooking's over? This comfortable kitchen lets you do just that. And when the cooking gear is hidden away, the room can double as a cozy retreat that welcomes friends as well as family.

Nifty Portables

Money-Saving Hot Water Heater

Fold-Up Trailer

Ice Filter

Humidifier

Driveway Patch

Toy Buying: HOW TO MAKE THE RIGHT CHOICES

The annual holiday toy hunt is shaping up. Toy commercials are scrambling across the TV screen, and your kids probably are already dropping not-so-subtle hints about this toy or that. Still ahead are grueling trips to toy departments where you'll be confronted with enormous selections and prices to match.

Hobbyist dollhouses

With the growing popularity of miniature furniture, dollhouses are no longer just for children. Some of the handsomest traditional dollhouse kits for all ages are offered by Batrie Dollhouse (970 Fellsway, P.O. Box A, Medford, MA 02155). Eight houses are described in the catalog ($2) including our favorite nine-room American Victorian mansion pictured here.

UNICEF Christmas

Idea NOTEBOOK

With the growing popularity of miniature furniture, dollhouses are no longer just for children. Some of the handsomest traditional dollhouse kits for all ages are offered by Batrie Dollhouse (970 Fellsway, P.O. Box A, Medford, MA 02155). Eight houses are described in the catalog ($2) including our favorite nine-room American Victorian mansion pictured here.

Gardener's log

The work you do in your garden this month can spell success or failure next spring. Here are some of the worthwhile tasks you can accomplish outside before winter arrives.

Do-It-Yourself Thermostat Timer

By using a thermostat timer to turn your furnace down at bedtime and up before you awaken, you'll save money all night without shivering in the morning. This do-it-yourself timer was developed by Toby T. Benson of the National Center for Appropriate Technology.

ASBESTOS: A SCHOOL HAZARD

Building materials in an estimated 15 percent of the nation's 90,000 public schools contain asbestos. That fact poses a serious public health hazard, and a nationwide, federally mandated school survey now is under way to learn more about the threat.

FEBRILE SEIZURES--NO CAUSE FOR ALARM

A seizure occurring along with a fever in a young child is understandably frightening to parents. Because of concern about possible long-term consequences, physicians have long debated how to treat seizures.

HIDDEN SODIUM ALERT

Did you know that only about one-third of the sodium Americans eat comes from salt added during cooking or at the table? (Salt is 40 percent sodium.) In many people's diets another third comes from such processed foods as sandwich meats, condensed soups, juices, cheese, and bakery products.

TREATING TOURETTE SYNDROME

Tourette syndrome is a disorder characterized by a succession of different muscular and vocal tics that persist over a period of one year or longer. The problem first develops between ages two and 14.

Microwave Cooking: Using Paper Safely

Paper products can help you prepare foods faster in your microwave oven as well as minimize dishwashing. And cooking with paper can be as safe as it is timesaving if you follow these guidelines.

TIPS TOOLS & TECHNIQUES

This feature is written by you. It's a wide-ranging collection of shop hints, installation tips, and repair shortcuts that you-- along with millions like you-- have picked up from your experience as a do-it-yourselfer. We pay $25 for each problem solver we publish. See the box below for submission details.

How to order material from the magazine

RUST PROOFING: Worth The Cost?

Watching little rust spots start popping out on a car you've treated with loving care can be pretty disheartening. But what can you do to prevent the problem? Some rust-proofing companies claim a new car inevitably will succumb to rust in a few years unless you pay them from $150 to $250 to coat the inside of the body and the undercarriage with a special chemical. Yet, most auto manufacturers say their new cars are so rust resistant that they come with three- to five-year rust warranties. Here's how to size up this option.

Turkey Roasting Guide

Preparing a succulent roast turkey for the holiday feast is a lot easier than you might think. Just follow these simple steps.

30 HERITAGE DOLLS TO STITCH AHEAD FOR CHRISTMAS

You'll be enchanted by our three sets of heritage dolls-- each is a distinctive personality from the colonial, pioneer, and Victorian eras. Embellished with a smidgen of paint or a touch of embroidery, then stitched and stuffed, these delightful characters are ready to bestow as gifts or hang on your Christmas tree. And you'll want to make an entire set for your child's dollhouse.

MAIL-ORDER DECORATING

Today you can decorate your home without ever leaving your living room. Whether you're in the market for a storage unit, seating, or a distinctive accessory, you can find it simply by thumbing through mail-order catalogs.

Leaf Projects for Kids

These easy projects are naturals for kids, because most children love to search out special fall leaves to save. To get the ball rolling, plan a full-fledged leaf hunt for your kids and their friends. Take time to study and discuss the differences between leaf shapes (our leaf identification guide will help out here). And make sure the kids gather up plenty of each leaf type so they don't run short.

HOW TO SPRUCE UP A SPLIT-LEVEL

Limited storage, wasted living space, dated decorating-- these were some of the all-too-common problems that prompted Marilyn and Schuyler Patrick to redo their suburban split-level home.

What If Your Child Won't Try New Foods?

According to the experts, a healthful diet is a varied diet. But what can you do if your child is stuck on peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and says "I don't like it" before tasting something new? Here are a few ways you can help your child try, and even like, a healthful variety of foods.

How to Use Drywall in the Winter

If you're planning some drywall work this winter, there are some potential problems you should be aware of. Cold and damp weather is a major or contributing cause of erraift drywall work. Here are some troubleshooting tips.

TRAVEL GUIDE TO AMERICA'S BUSIEST AIRPORTS

With the holiday season in sight, more travelers than ever will be descending on the country's already crowded airports. The resultant traffic jams, baggage tie-ups, and delayed and overbooked flights can add up to a real nightmare.

How to Winterize Your Dog's House

As you ready your own house for winter, don't overlook your dog's quarters. Making just a few simple improvements-- with materials you probably already have around your home-- can ensure your outdoor dog's comfort this winter.

A HEALTH AND MEDICAL GUIDE FOR OVER 40s

It's hard to believe, but although a third of the population is over 40, there's never been a truly complete health and medical guide written especially for them. Most existing books tend to generalize and gloss over the important topics of interest to middle-aged and older people.

THIS YEAR, HAVE A MERRY HOMEMADE CHRISTMAS

Better Homes 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

When asked the other day what his son was going to be after six years of study at the university, Sam Holmes replied succinctly: "Overqualified."