October 1989

AND THE WINNERS ARE ...

More than 9,000 of you entered our Home Improvement Contest last year. In this issue, beginning on page 77, you'll see the winners. These projects are full of great ideas, beautifully carried out to the last detail. Unfortunately, what we don't have room to show you are the thousands of other entries also chock-full of great ideas.

CHOICE

Around the country, people are talking about an issue that could change the face of public education: Choice. Quite simply, it means giving parents the option to choose their child's school.

TOGETHERNESS THAT COUNTS

We know that what we eat affects our health and physical well-being. However, it's becoming increasingly apparent that how and with whom we eat is very important, too. Recent research, for instance, shows the significance of a regularly scheduled family meal; parents and children are more emotionally fit when they eat meals together.

WHO WILL CARE FOR MOM AND DAD?

Most elderly Americans are hale and hearty. But when illness or infirmity does strike seniors, their children come running. Here's how to prepare for the day when it's your turn to help.

HOW DID YOU CATCH THAT?

It's tougher to get sick than you might think. Here's a look at how some common maladies are transmitted-- and how to combat them.

MENOPAUSE MYTHS

MEDICAL NEWS YOU CAN USE

DON'T DITCH THE SUNSCREEN

HEADACHE TEST

DECORATOR'S ALMANAC

STYLE CROP Autumn colors and shapes move inside. Look for a bounty of leaves and berries on richly hued fabrics, wall coverings, accents.

PERSONALITY DECORATING

Want to find a look you'll love to come home to? Don't follow fleeting design trends: follow your heart. Folks everywhere are getting personal with color, furnishing-- style.

DECORATING Q & A

Do you have a question about furnishing your home? We're here to help! Drop us a line, and the BH&G Decorating Editors will help you solve your decorating problems in this column.

THE CENTER OF ATTENTION

Forget that tired old candlestick group or plastic bouquet. Here's where to look for the makings of a one-of-a-kind centerpiece.

GARDENER'S LOG

St. Louis roadsides come alive with color every spring, thanks to a community effort called Operation Brightside. Dedicated to putting their hometown on the map as the "City of Daffodils," the group has planted 5½ million daffodil bulbs along the main highways entering the city, and is adding another 1¼ million this fall.

$11,000 GRAND-PRIZE WINNER

"Our dream house has become a reality. We learned so much, and it went so fast; it almost makes you want to build another house."

$1,000 FIRST-PRIZE INTERIOR

"My husband prefers a modern European look. I have a penchant for antiques."

$5,000 GRAND-PRIZE RUNNER-UP

"To get the best value for our money, we paid as we went-- and did it all ourselves!"

$1,000 FIRST-PRIZE KITCHEN

"We planned where everything was to go. We even measured for the height of the cereal boxes to be sure they'd fit on the shelves."

$5,000 GRAND-PRIZE RUNNER-UP

"Our children wanted their own bedrooms and we wanted a master suite. Nothing on the market suited our needs, so we decided to add on."

$1,000 FIRST-PRIZE EXTERIOR

"We took a dated ranch and created a home that's clean and classic. We like to think we gave it lots of character."

$1,000 FIRST-PRIZE OUTDOOR

"We do a lot of cooking here, and it's where we eat on weekends."

WELCOMING WREATHS

October's crisp, dry days turn summer's greenery subtly golden or brilliantly brassy. Snap up the seasonal beauty of such natural materials-- and add a cordial touch to your front door-- with these autumn wreaths.

SLEEPING BEAUTIES

PLAYFUL PAINTED PIECES

THE POTTERY PROBLEM

Your colorful pottery collection, it's a delight on display, but is it a danger on the dinner table? The bright bowls from Mexico or the charming pitcher from the flea market may catch your eye, but they may not be safe for storing or serving food. Here's why:

HOW TO ORDER

13 WAYS TO SAVE ON CAR INSURANCE

You don't have to be a revolutionary to understand the fervor that fueled California's voter revolt and the passage of Proposition 103. Anyone who owns a car knows what inspired the law ordering insurers to roll back auto premiums for all drivers and to knock an extra 20 percent off rates for good drivers:

A WHALE OF A PROJECT

You don't have room for another pet? No problem. When you adopt this one, it doesn't come home with you.

SPECIAL VISA CARD BENEFITS ASPCA

YOUR AGING PET

Fido and Fluffy are living to ripe old ages these days. Here are some things you can do to keep your aging pet in tip-top condition:

AMERICA'S HISTORICAL CITIES

Boston is a city for walking: America's history-- from pre-Revolutionary days to the bold present-- reveals itself on every block. Church graveyards shelter patriots' remains. Colonial town houses grace gaslit streets.

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

Congressman Nick Hanfli calls October the most beautiful month of the year. "Especially," he adds, "when it's one before a nonelection November."