October 1988

EDITOR'S LETTER

The central theme of this issue is "The Good Life," and that's as it should be, because Better Homes and Gardens® magazine stands for the good life for American families. We've been providing ideas and inspiration to help families achieve the good life for more than 66 years.

SUMMER DROUGHT HITS HOME

It was an inhospitable year out here in farm country. Day after day, Margie and I would scan the skies for clouds to the southwest, from which our rain is most likely to come.

IS YOUR CHILD BEING TRACKED FOR FAILURE?

Segregating children into high-ability and lowability groups-- tracking-- gets a failing grade from most education experts. Yet, despite exhaustive research on the dangers of tracking, your children are still likely to be funneled into groups that label them for life.

FREE-AND-EASY TABLE ACCENTS

BEADED WALLS MAKE A COMEBACK

BACK TO THE FARM

LACE IS MORE FOR FRILLY FINESSE

WIN A TRIP OR A CEDAR CHEST

ARCHITECTURAL METALS

'RTA' MEANS STYLE ON A BUDGET

PICTURESQUE FABRICS

FURNITURE AS ACCESSORIES

FURNITURE AS ART

FAT FURNITURE

THE RETURN OF OPULENCE

ANTIQUITY UNDERFOOT

ROOMS WITH A MEMORY

REFRESH WITH VINTAGE SCENTS

LINES OF DISTINCTION

TIMELY ACCENTS WITH ANTIQUE FLAIR

THE GOOD LIFE

More and more of us are hanging around the house these days--and loving it. Having time--making time--to dig in the garden, to settle back with a good book, or to putter in the kitchen seems the ultimate luxury. Call it what you will--nesting, "cocooning," being a homebody--the trend is all about do ing what you love, living with the things you love, and sharing with those you love.

WIN A TRIP!

Twenty-five finalists will be selected, and the following winners will be chosen: GRAND PRIZE-- Eight days, seven nights for two in Jamaica. Includes accommodations at the Half Moon Club, Montego Bay, and travel on Air Jamaica from the Air Jamaica gateway city nearest to the winner. (Trip must be taken between May 1 and October 31, 1989.)

NORTHERN SIGHTS

Quality and classic beauty have long been hallmarks of fine Nordic design. This trend-setting seating from the Scandinavian Furniture Fair carries on the tradition in style! Watch for these new-age immigrants--they'll be arriving soon.

BUYING A BRAND-NEW HOUSE

The days of 6-percent financing and no money down are probably gone forever, but a new house is still within reach for middle-income families. You just have to look a little harder to find a good deal. Here are some clues to make the search easier.

NEW FAMILY HOUSES FOR $125,000 OR LESS!

Swinging the deal on a new house takes more clout these days, but that dream home you've been saving for is still within reach. To back our claim, we invite you to tour 13 homes that we visited during our recent coast-to-coast survey of new housing for middle-income families. Our sampling blankets the country-- even the areas where a new home supposedly is out of reach for most buyers.

FINANCING A NEW $125,000 HOME

You CAN get a loan for your dream home, like those we show on pages 99 through 110. But it takes eyes-open planning, plus some savvy shopping and trade-offs.

NEW WALL SYSTEM

Have you noticed those store displays that hang on the wall with little or no means of visible support? How do they do that? Most likely, those displays are clinging to a product called slatwall.

FALL GARDENING

BERRIED SHRUBS FOR AUTUMN COLOR

DAFFODILS

By planting daffodils this month, you can discover the joys of buried treasure next spring. The autumn sun on your back, the dog at your side, it's reassuring to know that just beyond winter's gloom lies the promise of spring bloom.

THE ART OF ARRANGING

Summer's pesky weeds take on a whole new look in the fall, with rich textures and subtle colors perfect for an autumn bouquet.

HOW TO ORDER

You can duplicate the explosions of spring color shown by our Garden Editors on pages 124 to 129 with the Daffodil Gallery Collection specially selected for readers of Better Homes and Gardens magazine.

TOTS 'N' COMPUTERS

From animated puzzles to talking word-processors, new computer software lets small-fry enjoy a grown-up machine.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

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

SAFE DRIVING NEAR TRUCKS

Although most big-truck drivers are pros, the size and mechanics of their rigs create driving challenges that you may not think about as a car driver. These tips will help you anticipate-- and avoid-- problems.

HAWAII'S HIDDEN WONDERS

A Native of the Islands Shows Families How to Enjoy A Vacation of Discovery, Adventure, and Fun!

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

Some folks look for signs of an early winter in the behavior of the squirrels or the fuzzy coats of caterpillars, but Dick Norman says he's found that the cold is no more than two weeks away from the day Isabel suggests that they put up the storm windows.