November 1989

A GREAT GIFT IDEA

Every year in this holiday season, I have a problem I'm sure we all share. I start worrying about those people on my Christmas list who are "impossible." I don't know what they want or need, and I'm certain that whatever it is, they probably already have it.

DOMESTICATING YOUR 'WILD' ONE

Your toddler, who's into everything, seems to be running the show at your house. Of course toddlers need to explore, but not at the expense of your sanity. Here are some tips for restoring the peace.

EARTH NEEDS 'RELEAF'

How Do YOU Spell Relief for the Air We Breathe?

TYPE-A TOTS

All parents want their children to succeed. That's only natural. And so is wanting to give your child every advantage. But faster, better, sooner isn't always best for kids, say experts, and some children are paying the price.

THE TROUBLE WITH STEROIDS

Top athletes aren't the only ones swallowing drugs to enhance their muscles; high school students have discovered steroids as a way to improve athletic performance and physical appearance. What users overlook are the real dangers of the drugs.

EXERCISE AND SELF-ESTEEM

HOW MANY TICKS IN THE TICKER?

IN THE PINK

FAMILY TIES TO FITNESS

UP STAIRS, DOWN STAIRS

SAUNA SAFETY

Saunas, hot tubs, and steam rooms are great places to relax, but if you're using them as part of a weight-loss system, watch out.

RX FOR SAFE CRAFTING

As you handcraft gifts for the holidays, keep safety in mind-- first and second. Take care that you're protected while working, and, at the same time, that your creations will be safe for the people who will be using them.

THE TIES THAT HEAL

The ties that bind you to family and friends are a powerful force for physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Here's how to put the latest research to work in your own family.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS FOR YOUR TEETH

SURGERY: LOOK FOR VOLUME

COSMETIC CHANGES?

ASPIRIN AND KIDS: A WARNING

KIDS SHORT-CHANGED WHEN IT COMES TO MEDICINE

TEENS IGNORE AIDS WARNINGS

FUNGUS GETS KIDS' DANDER UP

NEW LIFE FOR OLD EYEGLASSES

WOOD-HEATING WORRIES

INFANT ALERT: BUTTON BATTERIES

NEW BREAST EXAM GUIDELINES

CLEARING THE CONFUSION

HOME STYLE BLACK AND WHITE AND RED-Y TO WRAP

Does the myriad of Christmas gift ideas have you seeing one big gray blur? Look to crisp black and white to define your choices. Here are a few of our favorites.

WIDE-OPEN KITCHEN REDO

Your kitchen could be right on target-- for the needs of a bygone era! Andrea and Craig LaBarge's update of their 1925 kitchen may spark some ideas on how to get the '90s style you need and want.

FIVE GREAT LOOKS FROM FIVE GREAT GALLERIES

The new way to shop for furniture ETHAN ALLEN THE LANE COMPANY DREXEL-HERITAGE PENNSYLVANIA HOUSE THOMASVILLE

SMALL SPACE BATHS

These three minibaths live big by making every inch count. A deft blend of line and light lends big-bath glamour-- a formula that works for any small bath!

SHOCK BLOCKERS

SWING-DOWN CLOTHES RACK

DOWNDRAFT COOKTOPS

GARDENER'S ALMANAC

FLOWERING HOUSEPLANTS

FLOWERING HOUSEPLANTS HOW TO KEEP THEM BLOOMING

GIFTS FOR GROWING WORKSHOPS PRESENTS TO DELIGHT ANY HANDYPERSON

For that helpful home handyperson on your gift list, here are some useful home shop tools that won't blow your budget.

LINGO TO LEARN

The fascia's connected to the rafters... Sound familiar? If not, and you're planning to build or remodel for the first time, here's a list of components used in building a frame and foundation.

25 LAST-MINUTE GIFTS TO CRAFT

Feeling the Christmas crunch? Count down the days by whipping up these eye-popping, easy-on-the-budget presents to fill the blank spaces on your gift-giving list. It's a sure way to solve those what-to-get-for-Uncle-Joe woes!

MAKING MEALTIME FAMILY TIME

Mealtime: the best of times in the busiest of times. It's a time to share good food and family togetherness. But, in these activity-filled days, preserving this family time calls for a conscious effort. And I understand that firsthand.

AFFORDABLE FOUR-DOORS

When it comes to basic transportation, the four-door sedan is still the American family's favorite. For first-time buyers seeking a suitable, smaller sedan at a modest price, today's choices among Affordable Four-Doors are greater than ever before.

SETTING THE HOLIDAY TABLE

Set more than the table this holiday season-- set the stage. Take a cue from your dishes and create a dramatic mood for good eating, happy moments, and warm memories shared with friends.

HOMELESS FAMILIES IN AMERICA

"Families are the fastest growing segment of the homeless population," explains Better Homes and Gardens Editor in Chief David Jordan, "and one-half the kids are under age 6. As the country's leading home and family magazine, we couldn't stand by and let these families founder."

HOW TO ORDER

GETTING A SECOND PET

Millions of American households successfully blend two or more pets. You can have your dog wagging its tail and your cat purring within a week or two, if you follow these guidelines.

AMERICA'S CARIBBEAN

Welcome to another day in America's Caribbean. Your forecast: a balmy 86 degrees, cooling trade winds, and water as clear as crystal. Just over 1,000 miles south of Florida, each of the four major islands is unique. Beautiful, jungly Puerto Rico vibrates with a Latin beat. St. Croix's country roads wander past ruined sugar mills and centuries-old villages.

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

Neighbor Bob Lewis thinks he's figured out to the exact minute when any repairman will arrive to fix something: It's either five minutes after Bob has left on an errand, or five minutes before he gets back.