November 1985

EDITOR AT LARGE

This month, we have a particularly interesting and exciting feature for you-- the photos and stories of the winners of our 1984 home-improvement contest. If those of you who entered our contest wonder why it takes so long for us to publish the winners, the photo of our beleaguered judges with all the entries might provide a clue.

EARLY-BIRD TICKETS FOR EXPO 86!

DELIGHT THE KIDS WITH SNOWMAN SHEETS

UNICEF'S JOY TO THE WORLD

BRITAIN'S TREASURES TRAVEL WEST

UNENDING ENERGY

BIRDERS' DELIGHT

HOLIDAY CHIC: CAVIAR

CONRAN ENCORE

HATS OFF TO AIRPORT PLANNERS!

Better Homes and Gardens

MORTGAGE COSTS HOW TO SAVE $100,000 OR MORE

An extra $100 a month on a new mortgage could save you $100,000 or more. The same strategy can cut your existing loan dramatically, too. If you can afford the extra cash and don't want to invest it some other way, here's what to do.

COMPUTERS IN THE CLASSROOM

Over the past five years, schools have rushed to buy computers-- often prodded by parents anxious to see that their kids weren't "left behind." But the experiment fizzled in many schools, primarily due to inferior software and inadequate teacher training.

THE WINNERS!

You've proved once more that Better Homes and Gardens readers are the most creative people around. From whole- house redos to simple storage projects, your entries in our contest were imaginative and full of flair.

UPDATED IRONING BOARD

MINI TV/RADIO

GRIPPER BOTTLE

DEADBOLT PADLOCK

HOT WATER NOW A TANKLESS TASK

If your family loves hot water-- and lots of it-- you may be ready for a tankless water heater. These small-butmighty appliances give you unlimited hot water, yet cut your energy costs.

Kids and Manners A FRESH APPROACH

During the holidays, people put many things on display: their homes, clothes, food, the family silver, and their children. But in their haste to clean the house and polish the silver, parents are likely to forget that kids' manners also need polishing from time to time.

NEW ALTERNATIVE TO X RAYS

DAY-CARE PROTECTION

FALLS AND DRUGS

RENAISSANCE OF MIDWIFERY

BUILD-'EM-YOURSELF BIRD FEEDERS

Are you tired of flimsy bird feeders that look like junk in your yard? They fall apart, squirrels chew them up, and they're too small to hold much food. Here are two bird-tested feeders that solve these problems, and they're popular with the birds, too!

A Charles Dickens Family To Make Your Christmas Merry

Right from the pages of a Dickens novel, these enchanting Victorian figures come to warm your heart and make your Christmas merry. The charming characters will delight all who remember Christmases past, steamy plum pudding, and Tiny Tim.

NEW HOUSING ALTERNATIVES FOR TODAY'S FAMILIES

For millions of Americans, home is no longer a traditional, single-family house with a big backyard and a two-car garage. Instead, many homeowners today live in "attached" and "patio" houses or other units that employ land-saving techniques. When you consider that land costs might be 30 percent of the total asking price of a new house, trading off a smaller lot for a lower price can be a good deal. But what are these houses like? Let's find out by looking at three winners in the recent Best in American Living contest cosponsored by The National Association of Home Builders and Professional Builder and Better Homes and Gardens magazines.

WINTER BLOOMS

Holiday cheer blooms in every room when you plant amaryllis and paperwhite narcissus. Potted indoors this month, these spirited bulbs will blossom in heartwarming colors in time for festive family gatherings.

HOOKED ON BOOKS

When you're hooked on books (and nearly buried in the resulting clutter), turn that chaos into charm.

Turkey Roasting Guide

It's turkey time again! Roast your bird to succulent perfection using these cooking times and tips.

AMERICA'S 18 BEST SKI RESORTS TO TAKE YOUR KIDS TO

Few sports are more pleasing than downhill and cross-country skiing, and few vacations are more fun for the whole family.

How To Order Special Offers, Project Plans, and Kits Featured This Month in Better Homes and Gardens...

Instant Romance

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

Ken Floyd commented the other day that the value of hard work can never be overrated, but that sometimes it sure is underpaid.