September 1981

EDITOR at large

The Better Homes and Gardens Cook Book and I entered the world in the same year, 1930, and I derive a certain amount of consolation from that knowledge. I figure that as long as the cook book keeps improving with age-- and the newest edition, just published, looks better than ever-- maybe there's a similar chance for some of the rest of us of that vintage.

Fringe Benefits

Fringe benefits are an increasingly important part of family financial planning. Although some benefits are real windfalls-- paid for entirely by your employer-- others require you to make decisions. For one thing, you'll have to determine how much you can afford to contribute.

What Are Our Schools Teaching About Marriage and Family Life?

Statistics for divorce, child abuse, runaways, and teen-age pregnancies present a disturbing picture of family life in America today. Can anything be done to help prevent such problems in the next generation of American families? One solution, say many observers, is family life education in the schools-- specific instruction to prepare youngsters for the many responsibilities of marriage and parenthood.

Four-way oven combo

Totally nonstick cookware

Electronic drill press

Bendable redwood

BEST-SELLING CRAFT IDEAS FROM 10 top designers

If you could use a little extra cash-- and who couldn't these days-- or you'd like to raise money for a special cause, why not capitalize on your crafting skills?

EARTH-SHELTERED HOUSING

Now that the mention of earth-sheltered housing no longer sends zoning officials and lenders into shock, this sensible way to build is becoming increasingly popular. Families in virtually every climate zone are discovering that living tucked into the earth offers some real advantages: low, low costs for energy and maintenance; peace and quiet; and a feeling of security.

Care-Free Hardy Lilies

One surefire way to splash your yard with color is to plant hardy lilies. These majestic aristocrats of the flower border come in a host of vibrant colors and bicolors.

LIGHTING: NEW TECHNIQUES, NEW FIXTURES, NEW LOOKS

With lighting, you can "paint" color and pattern on a wall, imbue a favorite object with a special glow, turn a dull room into an inviting one, or make a large space cozier.

HOW TO GET A NEW KITCHEN Without Going Broke

Take a good look around your kitchen. How many of the following problems do you see: scratched-up counters, worn-out walls, splotchy cupboards, outdated light fixtures, discolored vinyl flooring? If you checked more than a couple of items, your kitchen probably could use some help.

Nutritional Information at a Glance

Chances are, you've become increasingly interested in the nutritional value of your meals, whether you're on a special diet or Just want to keep feeling good. And you have lots of company. More and more Americans want to know Just what's in the food they buy, and many food manufacturers have responded by adding nutritional information to their food product labels or wrappers.

How to Order Material From the Magazine

How to Get the Best Deals on Air Fares

Thanks to escalating fuel costs, the sky is the limit on air-fare prices these days. But by doing your homework in advance, you'll up the odds of getting the best deals.

A Wet Bar From A Butler's Pantry

If you acquired an older house that has a butler's pantry, chances are you've decided to add that space to your kitchen. But Hal Norris elected to keep the original butler's pantry off the kitchen and turn the area into a wet bar. Now when he entertains, guests can mix drinks and mingle in the pantry without slowing up the action in the kitchen.

A Home-Office Divider

Show-Off Niches

What's What in Home Lighting

If you still think of lighting in terms of the 50- or 100-watt bulbs sold in the supermarket, you're in for a surprise. Today's light sources come in a wide array of sizes, shapes, and wattages. By selecting the incandescent bulb or fluorescent tube best suited to your specific needs, you can cut your electric bill and at the same time make your home more livable and attractive. To help you choose wisely, here's a rundown on both types of lighting, plus various bulbs and tubes.

Gardener's log

Correct storage is important if you want your summer bulbs to bloom well next season:

GREAT BUDGET-STRETCHING EUROPEAN VACATIONS

Autumn is the ideal time for a special vacation, and Europe is the perfect destination. Unfortunately, the "golden age" of cheap overseas travel is gone, thanks to skyrocketing air fares. But since the value of U.S. dollars in most parts of Europe is finally on the upswing, your money buys more now than it has in some time. And there are ways to stretch your vacation dollars even further.

Sharing the Road Safely With Big Trucks

As you'd expect, auto drivers and their cars are the big losers in accidents involving heavy trucks. The injury toll for the car drivers is higher, and repairs to their cars are costlier. Can you avoid this type of accident? Safety experts say you can, for although some accidents are caused by truck driver error and truck defects, more are caused by careless auto drivers. Here are some tips to help you share the road safely with the big rigs.

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.

TheMan NextDoor

Eileen Berger, mother of three healthy teen-agers, gave Chris her collection of thrifty recipes that call for leftovers. You see, Eileen never has any.