July 1992

A LOVING COUPLE'S LABOR OF LOVE

The lovely young couple pictured above, Susan and Charlie Dodson, have done something quite remarkable. After falling in love with each other, they fell in love with a forlorn, tumble-down cottage on Catalina Island. The remarkable part of their story is the length to which they went to restore that old cottage to its original turn-of-the-century charm.

BUTTERFLY BANQUET

WAGONS HOE!

DESERT BLOOM

TIP FROM THE SOUTH

The Art of Gardening

The finer things in life are moving outdoors. Gardeners like Willie and Michael Ackley are creating outdoor spaces that rival the beauty and comfort of a living room. Join us for a tour of their Portland, Oregon, garden, followed by products and projects you can use to furnish your own backyard.

TEENS AND JOBS

Juggling school studies and a part-time job can overwhelm some kids. Yet, under the right circumstances, working can give your teen an opportunity to learn the ins and outs of self-reliance and adult realities.

THE NUTRITION SCORES FOR CHICKEN AND TURKEY

Ever since we heard that chicken and turkey are low in fat, we've been gobbling poultry at an amazing rate. In fact, each of us eats about 67 pounds of fresh or processed chicken and turkey a year!

HOME WORKS

Not enough room near your microwave to stir a casserole? The Microwave Shelf and Cutting Board can solve that problem. Set your microwave on top of the plastic shelf. Then when you need room to chop, stir, or whatever, pull out the cutting board hidden in the shelf. About $20.

light & airy country decorating

10 Easy ways to update your favorite Style Say bye-bye to brown and adieu to cute-- new and improved country decorating leaves rooms brighter and lighter in the '90s. You can still have your warm vintage furniture and collectibles; the secret is in the mix. Just ask Marilyn and Wally Bragdon, who gave their new California home simple country charm by following these 10 guidelines.

SEWING SIMPLICITY

Rev up your sewing machine; we have some great new ideas for putting your rooms in stitches. Better Homes and Gardens and Simplicity Pattern Company have joined hands to bring you new designs and patterns you can use to decorate your home. Beginning with a collection of four basic easy-to-make, designer patterns, Better Homes and Gardens Designs with Simplicity are suitable for all sewing levels.

A romantic cottage RESCUED

Most people just dream about living in a storybook cottage. Californians Charlie and Susan Dodson made the dream come true. Their ugly duckling fixer-upper on Catalina Island underwent a Cinderella transformation, but no fairy godmother waved a magic wand. The Dodsons worked the magic themselves with elbow grease, ingenuity, and determination-- a formula that can turn your dream home into reality, too.

BUILD THIS OAK DRY SINK

ENERGY, POLLUTION, AND YOUR APPLIANCES

Generating the electricity needed to run just your refrigerator puts a ton of greenhouse gases into the air every year. Our energy use is also responsible for strip mining, nuclear wastes, smog, and acid rain.

CASH-SAVING KITCHEN REMODELING

Cabinets salvaged from an old high school chemistry lab put this budget-wise remodeling at the head of the class. Rick and Kathy Burns did their homework-- they laid tile, painted, replaced doors and windows, salvaged materials, and plumbed and wired the new kitchen. The result is an A-plus design with personal style, great function, and cozy comforts.

PAPER CHASE

Shoo away those bored-with-summer blues. Try your hand at an all-in-the-family craft-- papermaking. Recycle construction and art papers left from school into wall hangings, sculptures, bowls, and more using the two simple techniques shown on pages 104 and 106 and the instructions that follow.

TEATIME CHOICES

With the dozens of true tea-leaf teas available, it may come as a surprise that all tea leaves come from the same plant-- the Camellia sinensis. The growing conditions, the processing method, and the blending proportions give each tea variety its distinct characteristics.

THE SCOOP ON AVOCADOS

The last avocado you ate was probably mashed as a dip for tortilla chips. That's because guacamole is America's favorite way to enjoy avocados. But move over, guacamole. The versatile avocado is perfect halved as an edible bowl for salad, sliced in an omelet, or cubed atop robust main dishes like Indian curry.

NUTRITION INFORMATION

With most every recipe, we give nutrition information. We list the calorie count of each serving and the amount, in grams, of fat, cholesterol, protein, carbohydrate, sodium, and fiber.

A BANG-UP FOURTH

Most of us look forward to celebrating Independence Day with parades, picnics, and fireworks. But the Fourth can be one of the worst days of the year for your pet.

My Northern EXPOSURE

On her first trip to Alaska, our travel editor, Lois Anne Naylor, experienced vacation thrills she'd never known in the Lower 48. She panned for gold near Fairbanks, crossed paths with a grizzly in Denali National Park, and rafted the Kenai River. Her story follows, with information on how you can enjoy a similar Alaskan adventure.

Shopping editor's choice

Discover the ease and pleasure of shopping by mail. Order from the convenience of your own home with complete confidence.

THE MAN NEXT DOOR JULY 1992

Rosemary joked the other day that her college is giving credit to incoming students for experience playing video games. The funny part is that, for a moment, I believed her.