March 2007

Between friends

Last month we introduced a new look for Better Homes and Gardens, and I hope that by now we have an inbox full of letters and emails with your comments. Because of printing deadlines, however, I won't receive even your earliest responses before this column is published.

In November, we asked you to tell us about your favorite traditions for cooking together as a family

You told us about traditions handed down through generations, traditions you invented, and some you practice every day. And mostly, you told us about the fun.

A Touch of Lace

Take a lovely favorite and give it a new spin. Old-fashioned lace inspired these up-to-date projects that bring a little flounce to your rooms.

Paper Punch

Turn a plain wooden tray into a stylish showpiece with decorative papers. It's as easy as cut and paste.

Buttoned Up

Pillow Talk

One sofa, three takes: Whether your sofa is plain or fancy, solid or patterned, change its look in minutes. It's all in the mix of pillows.

Off-the-Shelf Chicken

Savvy shopping and an eye for accessories help Kate Jackson pull together budget-minded rooms brimming with personality.

Page Turner

"Books are my thing, my passion. Through these books, I can escape to gardens all over the world."

NEEDLEWORK

GOING GREEN

TURQUOISE!

STAMP OF APPROVAL

FLY, FLY AWAY

Easy Room Arranging

Office Help

With a small budget and a lot of paint, Donna Talley gave her dreary attic office a cheery face-lift-- in just one weekend.

1 Family Style

Measuring cups and math are often topics of conversation in this remodeled kitchen filled with cooks and kids. Furniture-like details add comfort and warmth for a relaxed kitchen that functions like a family room.

2 Diary of a Remodel

Writer Denise Gee found the ultimate little white kitchen in need of an update that would be as simple as pie. Or so she thought.

3 Urban Renewal

A once short-on-space kitchen becomes an inviting place to prepare meals-- with enough elbow room to entertain family and friends.

No-Fuss Sunny Garden

Practical Matters

This backyard plot of herbs suits a gardener with a penchant for everything useful-- and delicious.

Screened Play

A seamless addition blends old and new, and creates three-season living space for a busy family.

Bring On the Blooms

Spring-flowering trees start the season with an aerial burst of blooms. Nearly every yard has room for on of these glorious small trees.

COMING ATTRACTIONS

When you can't wait any longer for spring, clip a few branches of early-flowering shrubs and trees and force them into bloom indoors.

THIS MONTH IN THE GARDEN

9 WAYS TO GET A JUMP ON SPRING

YARD GOODS GET A GRIP

Arbor Days

Wisteria, a high-flying vine, cloaks this backyard arbor with lacy leaves and sweetly fragrant flowers.

Aroma Wrap

Let's Go Fly a Kite!

There are strings attached to this story-- but you won't mind because your spirit will soar.

In the You Zone

Who has time for down time? You should. If you're not getting at least a few minutes a day to yourself, try these strategies to make the free time you need-- and deserve.

Best in Shows

Our editor-at-large takes you on a whirlwind tour of flower shows that open this season. Find one close to you and get ready to be inspired.

Stand By Your Girl

When puberty hits, even the closest dads and daughters can become strangers. Help them maintain strong bonds through the awkward years.

Reverse the Charges

The bill shows a purchase you never made, but the bank blames you anyway? Save your credit and your peace of mind. Fight back

Family Affair

Earthy colors, richly patterned rugs, and antique furniture that's meant to be used make traditional style comfy for a young family.

Shades of Sand and Sea

Returning to their roots, a Virginia family lives in barefoot comfort in a home inspired by seaside colors.

Garden of joy

A Midwestern landscape bursts with exuberant color, providing a happy retreat from the everyday.

TV DINNERS

These chefs get high ratings cooking up dinner for studio audiences. Tune in to their new tableware patterns, designed to complement their food and yours.

NEW GENERATION NONSTICK

PASSAGE TO INDIA

REMIND ME

CORNED BEEF

COLOR ON THE SIDE

One-Bite Wonders

Nutrition Information

I DID IT!

MINNESOTAN ANN ZEMKE has stitched more than 150 quilts, but this one changed her life. It tells the story of her grandmother, who at age 8 was sent away on an orphan train and essentially became another family's indentured servant.