February 1985

Editor At Large

What we're all really searching for are the human solutions that allow us to lead a happy family life, even though the definition of family has undergone some hefty changes.

CANADIAN PARKS CELEBRATIONS

NO FUSS, NO STICK, NO KIDDING

HIGH-FLYING VIDEO GAMES

PLUG IN SOME COLOR!

COMPUTERIZED BATHROOMS

FLAVORFUL JAMS

SALT ON LABELS

BALI HA'I IS CALLING ...

HERB GARDENING SIMPLIFIED

Power Failures: Keeping Safe And Snug

Power failures are becoming more numerous as the population grows and people make heavier demands on power plants. Usually the electricity is restored within an hour or two, but here are some tips to help you cope in case the blackout lasts longer.

A STATE OF THE ART KITCHEN

Today's lifestyles demand a new kind of kitchen, one that mates hightech efficiency with smart styling and down-to-earth livability. New approaches to family living and a renewed commitment to family ties are reinstating the kitchen as the nerve center and focus of our lives.

New Big-Bearing Miniature Fruit Trees

Now you can have fresh fruit at your fingertips when you grow some of the new and exciting miniature fruit trees. These waist-high wonders rarely grow over 6 feet tall, yet they bear full-size produce only a year or two after planting. And, when they're not in fruit, the trees are still handsome enough to take center stage anywhere in your landscape.

CREATE MUSLIN MASTERPIECES IN A WEEKEND!

In just hours you can create big-impact fabric "paintings" that are long on looks and low on cost. Plain muslin, black sewing thread, and other simple materials take on artistic qualities you never thought possible when teamed with fabric paint. To give us a firsthand look at such paint-and-stitch beauties, designer Carol Maguire (above) shares some of her prize creations. Carol loves her "art" for the same reason you will: it's new and different and you'll get the hang of it right away-- even without previous crafting experience.

Gardener's Log

All work is as seed sown; it grows and spreads, and sows itself anew.

Style Strategies

From the porcelains on the mantel and the dressy "bowtied" artwork to the plump flower-bedecked armchairs, this sitting spot exudes all the charm of 19th-century Victoriana. But there's a difference! Today's interpretations are a crisp and lively departure from the past. Airy wallpaper-- white with a hint of red sprigs-lends coziness, and cheery rag rugs replace the once-requisite Orientals. The chairs, too, typify Victoriana: ample, soft, and inviting, but updated with skirted slipcovers in a crisp gardenlike print.

MAKING STEPCHILDREN PART OF THE FAMILY

Despite the hurdles, stepfamilies can meld into a special kind of strong, loving family unit. A stepchild is enriched, not thwarted, by the presence of a stepparent who really cares-- and knows how to show it.

Covering Medicare Gaps--Not a Choice but a Must!

The breech is widening. Medicare was never intended to shoulder the entire health care bill for the elderly and disabled. But today's high medical fees make the gaps in coverage more cavernous than ever. Not only have overall costs risen dramatically, but Medicare users have faced steady increases in deductibles and copayments.

What's New in Contact Lenses

If you are thinking about switching from glasses to contacts, consider the following options now available. Your lifestyle and vision problems will determine which lens you choose.

Day-Care Maladies

Mopeds: Play It Safe

Save a Child's Life

Car accidents, not childhood diseases, are the leading cause of death for children under age five. Studies show that a majority of those killed or injured could have been saved by proper use of child safety seats.

Used Parts For Your Car: BARGAIN OR BOONDOGGLE?

Most auto service outlets routinely will use new parts when they repair your car, yet you could save from 30 to 80 percent with refurbished parts that often will do just as good a job. It's up to you to get specific: Is the part whose price is being quoted new"?

ALL-DAY KINDERGARTEN

ANOTHER TEACHER SHORTAGE?

HOME COMPUTER U

You have two young children and can't leave home during the day to attend college classes. Or you're a paraplegic who is physically unable to make it to a campus. Or maybe you're a secretary who can't take the time off to learn new word processing skills. Now, thanks to a remarkable innovation called TeleLearning, you can take full-credit college courses via your home computer.

COMPUTER GENDER GAP

Winter Cheer

Relaxing at home with family and friends takes on added warmth during winter months. When your family gathers for supper or snacks, set a welcoming table with a versatile collection of informal tableware: mugs are by Colony Glass; glass bowl and wooden plates are by Ralph Lauren; and the serving plate is by George Briard. Heads turn when an appliquéd quilt is used as a tablecloth; it's a refreshing alternative to everyday linens.

STEP-BY-STEP

Well designed and easy to make, this project gives you good solid woodworking know-how, and the product is a durable, sturdy workbench. There's more than 40 cu. ft. of storage space within the cabinet-- space that can be easily adapted to your needs. A tempered hardboard work surface can be flipped or replaced when worn out.

Magnificent MAIN ROOMS

Tear Down the Walls for Today's New Living Spaces

Fresh Outlooks For Your WINDOWS

Treat yourself to a beautiful new outlook. Fabric window coverings are back-- and they look terrific! From breezy curtains and pretty poufs to sophisticated shades, these room-freshening designs lend themselves to an array of decorating styles.

How To Order Material From The Magazine Editor's Choice!

Better Homes and Gardens Reader Service has selected the products shown below to help you re-create in your home the ideas shown on our editorial pages. You save time because we've done the shopping for you. And you can be completely confident the blueprints, cookware, books, gardening items, and accessories presented on this page are of the highest quality and meet our strict standards of excellence.

Should You Rent Out a Spare Room?

The income can be enticing, but be sure you've considered these questions before you take on a renter:

NEW HELP

There's good news for pet lovers everywhere. Local organizations are stepping in to help do some of the things needy pets and pet owners can't do for themselves. Your community group may be able to help, too.

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

My friend Hank Bell reports that one of life's most pleasant moments is that rare instance when your checkbook balances on the very first try.