September 1984

BUNNIES TAKE A HOP UP

BUCKLE UP BABY!

STITCHERY STUDIES

A BOOK FOR DREAMING AND DOING

PLAY "POTTERY" FOR SMALL FRY

DOUBLE PLEASURE--DISNEY AFLOAT

WHAT ARE YOU EATING?

SWALLOWED--BUT NOT LOST

IT'S CRANBERRY TIME

How Well Are Our Schools Teaching Johnny And Judy To Read?

Make no mistake: Reading is still the basic academic skill, even more fundamental than science or math. Will our youngsters be able to cope with the increasing reading demands of the future? Sadly, for many, the answer may well be "no."

Mine, Yours, and Ours Managing Money In a Two-Income Family

Most people face the same fundamental financial concerns: how to reach various economic goals, how to manage a budget, how to protect the family against potential setbacks. Those basic questions can take on some special twists in the two-income household, however.

50 Blue Ribbon Bazaar Projects TO STITCH AND CRAFT

Now's the time to harness your creative energy. Choose from these imaginative crafts and you'll be good and ready for Christmas bazaars or holiday gift giving. For more best-of-show ideas, turn the page. Instructions, page 162. To order patterns or kits, see page 100.

NEW HOUSES WITH THE BEST OF THE PAST

One of the best things about going to Grandma's house (besides her chocolate chip cookies) used to be playing on her front porch. Grandma's porch-- and all the other architectural features that typify turn-of-the-century styling, like dormers, bay windows, and lots of gingerbread-- are making a big comeback in today's new homes.

WE'RE TAKING CARE OF OURSELVES!

HAIR RESTORERS: THIS ONE MAY WORK!

Winning Window Seats

FAST FLOORING

LEAVES AWAY

PORTABLE PROTECTION

COMPACT LADDER

PORTABLE EXTINGUISHER

FOLDING SAW

Choosing Drapery Hooks

Choose the right drapery hook, and your draperies or curtains will look better and last longer. Although there are a number of different hooks available, it's easy to select the right kind once you know what each is designed to do. Here's a rundown:

HOW MUCH CAN A PRESCHOOLER LEARN FROM A COMPUTER?

Just what-- if anything-- a young child can learn using a computer is worth asking these days, as more and more kids are meeting up with the machines in nursery schools and at home.

What Pet Food Labels Can Tell You

That old admonition "you are what you eat" applies to dogs and cats, too. With the help of pet food labels, you can take the guesswork out of feeding your pet a wholesome diet. Labels are loaded with nutritional information. You just need to know what to look for and how to interpret what you read.

Tips, Tools & Techniques

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

Gardener's Log

Though nothing can bring back the hour Of splendor in the grass, of glory in the flower.

Build Your Own Hot Tub...And Save

In the past few years, hot tubs have gotten-- well, hotter, as more and more families have discovered how relaxing and enjoyable a good, warm soak can be. As a result, dozens of new companies have entered the market, offering professionally installed systems, costing from $4,000 to $7,000, and do-it-yourself kits in the $2,000 to $3,500 range.

Roll-Around Plant Caddy

DWARF VARIETIES TO FIT YOUR YARD

Attention, apple lovers. All of the favorite apple varieties of yesteryear, previously grown only in space-guzzling standard sizes, are now available as dwarf or semidwarf trees. With these smaller versions, you can create your own mini-orchard in just an 8x8-foot area. And individual trees will thrive even in large tubs.

How to Make ONE ROOM WORK LIKE 3

MARVELOUS MAKE-OVERS FOR MUNDANE BATHS

A good bathroom blends practicality with good looks, but a great bathroom also expresses its own personality. If fancy towels and accessories fail to give your bathroom the character and distinction it deserves, take your cue from the clever design techniques that distinguish these eye-popping bath remodelings.

Surefire Ways To Dramatize Your Place

Even a good room eventually begins to look the worse for wear. Often, there's nothing wrong with the scheme, yet the effect is dull and uninspiring.

STEP-BY-STEP POT RACKS

Bulky cookware and utensils may be monopolizing valuable storage space in your kitchen. If so, give them a new place to hang out: a custom-designed pot rack you can build yourself. To get your pot rack project started, we've rounded up three versatile, eye-catching designs, complete with step-by-step instructions.

Entryway Storage

ISLAND VACATIONS FOR YOUR FAMILY

There's magic about an island vacation in fall. Along the Atlantic Coast, the low-slung autumn sun signals the season when popular vacation islands again become secluded and tranquil.

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING BY MAIL IS A LUXURY YOU CAN AFFORD

Let these fine catalogs bring joy and convenience to your world. You'll find something special for everyone on your list, with reliable service and affordable prices you'll sing about. Shop now and enjoy the more relaxed pleasures of the holiday season.

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

This year, September is a choice month, observes Earl Reeves. There are five weekends and only four Monday mornings (three if you don't count Labor Day).