April 1987

EDITOR'S LETTER

I don't claim to be an expert on raising kids, and I wouldn't try to prescribe a universal formula for a happy family life; but there's one piece of advice I'd give to every family: have adventures.

THE FABRIC FORECAST

BUILDING CLOSE-IN

PRESSURE COOKER NEWS

QUOTABLES

TRACKS COME HOME TO STAY

PATRIOTIC PLANTINGS

AN OYSTER FOR ALL SEASONS

UP-AND-COMERS IN THE GLASS

SNAP-SHOT

PRETTY IN PINK

CREDIT CARDS GETTING THE BEST DEAL

While most rates on consumer loans dropped considerably over the past five years, average credit card rates rose a full point, to 18.5 percent, and they average 17.8 percent even now.

WOULD IT PAY YOU TO GO BACK TO SCHOOL?

Many adults today, including those with college experience, are finding that additional education is necessary if they are to improve-- or even maintain-- their living standards.

THE WELL-EQUIPPED HOME OFFICE

WHAT YOU'LL NEED AND WHAT IT COSTS

FRONT ENTRY BUMP-OUT NEW FACE, NEW SPACE

Turn a ho-hum front door into a first-rate front entry and gain extra living space in the process!

START-TO-FINISH ROOM ADDITION

Have you ever wondered what it's really like to live through the process of adding a room to your house? To give you a peek, we followed one family from blueprint to finished project. Meet Sara Jane Treinen, her husband, Michael, and their two children, Suzie and Tom.

EASY FURNITURE FIX-UPS

TODAY'S ARCHITECTURAL DETAILS

Whether you're building a new house, refreshing an old one, or just keeping up with today's architecture, here are the trends and terms you'll want to know.

JUST OUT! FOR HOME AND FAMILY

IRON FENCES FROM PLAIN TO FANCY

With some creative thinking and the help of a willing welder, you can assemble old-style iron fencing from stock pieces.

TIPS, TOOLS AND TECHNIQUES

To seal a tube of glue, screw a cup hook into the end. The hook provides a handle for your cap and allows you to hang the tube for storing. Use larger screw eyes for tubes of putty or caulk.

CABINET FACE-LIFTS

Tired of looking at your out-of-date kitchen cabinets? Before blowing a bundle on brand-new ones, consider refacing the cabinets you already have. You'll need to remove only the doors, and the expense should be less than half what it would cost you to buy and install new cabinetry.

THE TERRIBLE TWOS HOW TO MAKE THEM TERRIFIC

Two-year-olds exasperate most adults. But with a few behavior management strategies, parents can take control.

PET-RESCUE STICKERS

PET SURVIVAL TIPS

A dog or cat usually will attempt to flee a burning or smoke-filled building through the nearest exit. But you can help make your pet's escape easier.

FINE TOOLS BY MAIL

Woodworking catalogs are a wonderful compendium of specialty tools and supplies. We've listed some of the best sources here, highlighting their specialties.

COPING WITH EPILEPSY A CHILD'S GUIDE

RECAULKING YOUR SHOWER

Sooner or later, every shower will need its corner and tub seams recaulked. Tackle the job as soon as cracks appear and it will cost only about $3 in caulk and 20 minutes of your time. Wait until dry rot sets in, and the repair bill could run to hundreds of dollars.

OUTDOOR FURNITURE HOW TO KEEP IT LIKE NEW!

With just a little care, today's durable outdoor furniture should last for years. Follow these cleaning and maintenance tips, and your outdoor furniture will look better-- longer!

DOWNSPOUTS AND GUTTERS HOW TO KEEP THEM IN GOOD REPAIR

Clogged gutters and plugged downspouts are more than a nuisance-- they can cause major structural damage to your home. Runoff that freezes in the soil near your house can destroy a basement wall. Woodwork will suffer, too. Here's how to head off the damage.

FINISHING TOUCHES

WINDOW BOXES TO BRIGHTEN EVERY SILL

Grow a view for any room with a flower-filled window box. These cheerful windowsill gardens create colorful pockets of bloom.

HOME-BUYING STRATEGIES

IT'S NO SECRET! Buying a home today, be it your first home or your third, takes a bigger bite out of family incomes than it used to. But, we're a resourceful people, and folks everywhere are finding new ways to fulfill the American dream.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

EVERY RECIPE ANALYZED With each recipe we give important nutrition information. The calorie count of individual servings and the amount, in grams, of protein, fat, cholesterol, and sodium help you keep tabs on what you eat.

HOW TO TEST DRIVE A NEW CAR

There's more to testing a new car than taking a quick spin while you fiddle with the radio dials.

DESTINATION U.S.A. FAMILY ADVENTURE VACATIONS

OVER RIVERS, MOUNTAINS, OCEANS, AND PLAINS

HOW TO ORDER

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

Helen Newsome, our banker, declares that anyone who believes that personal computers will weaken our ability to think has never tried to get one of those infernal machines straightened out after punching the wrong buttons.