November 1987

EDITOR'S LETTER

I recently saw a cartoon in which one woman was saying to another, "If they can send one man to the moon, why can't they send all of them?"

MAIL-ORDER FOODS

PUMPKIN PIE OR PECAN PIE?

TRIM YOUR TREE WITH COOKIES

QUICK NACHOS

THE SEASON'S HOTTEST FOODS

HOT SPINACH DIP

COOKIE GADGETS

GOURMET GRAB BAGS

TURKEY OR HAM DINNER?

MAKE PERFECT COOKIES

DO-IT-YOURSELF FOOD BASKETS

MAKE PERFECT CANDY

MOCHA FONDUE

LEAVES, FLOWERS, AND BERRIES

BRANDIED EGGNOG OR WASSAIL?

AFFORDABLE REDECORATING THREE ROOM REDOS--ON A BUDGET!

Has your den or family room had it? Here's help. Start with a slipcover for that aging sofa (you know-- the one with the kid-worn fabric and dog-chewed trim). Bright accents-- fun and budget priced-- complete the job.

WET/DRY SHAVER

TEA FOR TWO, FAST

GYMBOREE PLAY PRODUCTS

ULTIMATE SALT AND PEPPER MILL

AIR STATION

ANYWHERE GARDEN

CALCULATOR RULER

NEWS FROM ANYWHERE

THE NEW-AGE FAMILY CARS

A former editor of Motor Trend, auto expert Mike Knepper selects six of the best in an all-new generation of family cars.

LOW-COST LIFE INSURANCE

Term life is the least expensive insurance protection available these days-- a boon, especially for young families facing lots of expenses in the years to come. But term insurance premiums vary considerably, even among companies that provide the same basic coverage.

FEED THE BIRDS DINNER ON THE FLY

POT SOME SPRING BULBS

NEW AND IMPROVED HOUSEPLANT

READER MAILBOX

WHAT TO DO WHEN HEALTH INSURANCE WON'T PAY

In 1986, Medicare was denying home health care claims at three times the 1983 rate. Private insurers are following the trend, according to experts, although exact figures are hard to amass.

MAKE YOURSELF DELI WISE

The National Cancer Institute recommends that you include several servings of beta carotene-rich foods each day. Why? Some research suggests that beta carotene, which your body converts to vitamin A, may protect against cancers of the esophagus, larynx, lung, and bladder.

HOW TO SURVIVE THE STRESS POINTS IN YOUR MARRIAGE

Some couples seem to hum along for years without troubles, but most of us eventually face a stern test of our "for better or for worse" vows. Why do some couples sail through these troubled waters safely, while other marriages sink?

BAKING CUTOUT COOKIES

MAILING CHRISTMAS GOODIES

ORGANIZE CUPPED RECIPES

YEAR-END TAX STRATEGIES

The 1986 tax law threw a monkey wrench into many time-tested tax strategies, including year-end maneuvers. Still, you may be able to shave your tax bill by acting before January.

LOOK WHAT KIDS CAN KNIT!

Introduce your kids to the fun of knitting with these easy-to-master squares. Once they know the basic stitch, the sky's the limit.

COACHING FOR SAT TESTS

When the proctor said, "Go," I opened my SAT test booklet. My stomach lurched. But I remembered my edge over other students in the room: I'd had some of the best SAT coaching in the country; they were going in cold.

HOW TO GET THE KIDS TO GO TO BED AND STAY THERE

When our firstborn, Eric, made his triumphant entrance into the world 18 years ago, he was welcomed by two anxious parents who picked him up every time he cried, day or night.

PORTABLE HEATER SAFETY

Use caution when buying and operating a space heater. Be sure your heater is in good condition and has all the essential safety features-- and keep it away from combustible materials.

FROM BLAND TO GRAND

Don't let a square bedroom box you into a ho-hum decorating scheme. Round out the room's character by taking these steps:

BATHROOM BUMP-OUT

GET YOUR LIFE ORGANIZED!

Before you can put things in their place, you have to make a place for your things. Here are eight ways to clear out clutter.

THE BETTER HOMES AND GARDENS HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTEST WINNERS

Congratulations to more than 100 winners-- and to the thousands of homeowners who entered our contest. The quality of your work exhilarated and inspired us.

THE SEASON'S BEST GIFT PLANTS

Surprise the gardeners on your holiday shopping list with an indoor plant to grow and enjoy all winter long. Here's our pick of some of the best mail-order varieties available.

HOLIDAY ACCENTS BY THE BOWLFUL

Hold everything! Put your bowls to work this season as eye-catching holiday attractions. Stuff them with anything from shiny bells to clove-studded fruits-- there's no limit to ways of showing the Christmas spirit!

THE NEW VIDEO CAMCORDERS

Creating home movies 1980s style-- on videocassette-- has become child's play, whatever the age of the photographer.

ARCHITECTURAL ACCENTS

STORAGE THAT STACKS UP

THE BEST CROSS-COUNTRY SKI HAVENS

Try cross-country skiing this winter and you'll be enthusiasts for life. Whether your family follows a trail in a ski resort or explores the backwoods of a national park, this sport offers adventure and fun.

BIRD-WATCHING BASICS

In the depths of the forest, beautiful, flutelike notes resound from a winged singer. Wouldn't it be fun to know what bird that is?

HARDWOOD FLOOR CARE

Go ahead and walk all over them, but if you want your hardwood floors to retain their glorious glow, it's important to care for them properly. Here are some basic cleaning tips and quick first-aid facts to help you keep your planks protected and polished for years to come.

FINE FEATHERED FRIENDS

Birds make great family pets, especially if space is at a premium in your home or a family member suffers from a fur allergy. These species are inexpensive, hardy, easy to care for, and gentle with children.

PICTURE YOUR PET IN Better Homes and Gardens

SPECIAL ANIMALS, SPECIAL CARE

GROOMING TIPS

ALLERGIC TO PETS?

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

I guess we Hillises must set a pretty good table. More than one robin has forsaken its winter vacation for our well-stocked feeder.