February 1988

EDITOR'S LETTER

Did you know that the typical homeless person in the United States today is a child under the age of five? An estimated one million kids are homeless in this country, half under age five. Tonight, those children will either be on the streets or in temporary shelters that provide little more than basic protection from the elements.

MIX MATERIALS

CREATE A WINNING ENTRY

BYTE TO THE DRAWING BOARD

SNAP SHOT

THE PANE-FULL CHOICE

TAKE A SEAT, PLEASE

OH-SO-SUITE RETREATS

PAINT A ROOM WITH LIGHT

THE ULTIMATE BATH

CORNICES MAKE A COMEBACK

SNAP SHOT

MAKE WAY FOR KIDS

THE FAMILY ROOM MOVES FORWARD

PUT IT ALL IN A PANTRY

THE PORCH IS BACK!

NEW FASHIONS UNDERFOOT

SNAP SHOT

FAUX GEOLOGIC COUNTERTOPS

HOME IS WHERE THE OFFICE IS

THROW A CURVE IN YOUR KITCHEN

CEILINGS ARE LOOKING UP

$$$$ FOR YOUR DREAM HOME

PIECED-AND-PATCHED HEARTS

Master one simple square, and whip up a whole roomful of dynamic heart accents. Machine-appliquéd hearts form our bold and bright patchwork table runner, pillow, curtains, and picture frame, or endearing kids' clothes.

BRING SPRING ON HOME

BLOOM AWAY THE WINTER GLOOM

LET THE SUN SHINE IN

ORDER ROSES TODAY

MAKE THIS EASY ICE SCULPTURE

Time now to shop for bargains

PLOT YOUR ESCAPE TO THE OUTDOORS

SEE IT ALL AT THE MALL

ENJOY BLOOMING BRANCHES EARLY

HAS AMERICA LOST ITS COMMITMENT TO HOUSING?

"Our homes are in danger-- yours, mine, and the homes we want our children to have someday. Our national resolve to provide decent housing for American families has withered. Our leaders have let it happen and we've let them do it. We must now insist on a responsible housing policy as a top priority when we go to the polls."

SEXISM IN OUR SCHOOLS: TRAINING GIRLS FOR FAILURE?

The first day of school began with a simple request. The boys were asked to sit in the front of the room; the girls were assigned desks out in the hall. Then the teacher closed the door on them and started class.

STORMY-WEATHER DRIVING TIPS

Take some commonsense precautions with your car before you head out on the road, and review these safe-driving skills with every driver in your family.

BATH LINEN BASICS

THE BRASS FACTS

'FINGERNAILS' FOR YOUR FANGS

FILLINGS WITHOUT FEAR

HOME-STYLE HEALTH

BE HAPPY, LIVE LONGER

MUMPS GROW UP

NIGHTMARE NEWS FLASH

ISOMETRICS

NEW CHOLESTEROL GUIDELINES

Cholesterol kills. Studies have confirmed this fact over and over again. Yet shockingly, 35 percent of all doctors don't believe that cholesterol is any big deal, according to the American Heart Association (AHA).

COULD YOU HAVE DIABETES AND NOT KNOW IT?

What is diabetes? With diabetes, your body doesn't make enough insulin. As a result, sugar builds to harmful levels in your blood. Diabetes can lead to blindness, kidney failure, and death. Fortunately, good treatments are available.

FUN FOR KIDS! TWO GREAT PROJECTS YOU CAN BUILD

Our Fun-House Mirror (right) and Kids' Art Easel (page 86) will bring smiles all around when you unveil them in front of the little ones. We built and kid-tested both projects, so we know they're winners! Put yours together in a weekend or two.

ENJOY FOOLPROOF FLOWER BEDS

THE ROMANCE OF ROSES

WORRY-FREE WEED CONTROL

GARDEN TIP

REDER MAILBOX

JUST OUT!

Need a good camera for bad conditions? This camera was made to withstand everything from a day at the beach to an Indiana Jones-style adventure. When rain, snow, or blowing sand or dust might force you to cover up a regular camera, the Minolta Weathermatic Dual 35 will continue to operate. Its tight-sealing O-rings will even allow you to take photos underwater.

8 PRIZEWINNING NEW HOUSES

Elegant styling and lots of amenities-- that is what you'll get for your money when you buy a new home today. As the cost of land continues to rise, creative builders are devising new ways to pack more house onto a smaller site.

THE ULTIMATE LIVE-IN KITCHEN

Better Homes and Gardens magazine, in cooperation with The Frigidaire Company, presents the 1988 Idea Kitchen-- a showcase of innovative products and elegant design.

FROM BOXY TO BEAUTIFUL

PET DENTAL CARE

Veterinarians report that by the age of six years 90 percent of all cats and dogs suffer from some form of dental disease.

HOME IMPROVEMENT CONTEST!

If you're making your home bigger, better, or more beautiful, you could be a winner! We're searching America for the freshest, smartest ideas in home fix-ups. Large or small, if your project has pizzazz-- this contest is for you!

EDIBLE LANDSCAPING

When you're planning your landscape, don't forget to mix in some of your favorite herbs and vegetables. Many crops, like lettuce, cabbage, chive, dill, eggplant, basil, pepper, Swiss chard, and kale, are as good-looking as they are delicious.

HOW TO ORDER

THE SMART SHOPPERS' GUIDE TO CRUISES

You'll never find a better time to set sail on the cruise vacation of your dreams. With so many discounts around, there's really no excuse to pay full price for a cruise.

BRINGING HOME A NEW BABY

Here's a scene that occurs all too often: The beaming parents of a newborn child bring their baby home from the hospital. When they open the front door, out bounds Bluto, their 300-pound Great Dane, tail wagging and ready for action. Oops!

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

"You know your kids have outgrown childhood," observes Liz Randall, mother of five, "when you realize it's been several weeks since you washed the peanut butter off the light switch plates."