February 2008

Between friends

By the time February arrives each year, I'm already counting the days until the start of spring. And this year, there is one extra day to count: Friday, February 29, the Leap Day in Leap Year 2008.

WINNING FLAVORS

We asked: How do you volunteer to better your community?

I STARTED A running club at my daughter's school. My goal is to promote a healthy lifestyle for children and their families. This free program (justrun.org) combats obesity and promotes fitness and healthy lifestyles in 2nd to 6th grade students as well as their families.

Our Apple Upside- Down Cake (October) got great reader reviews on BHG.com...

Play, peep, chocolatize, and get organized ... all on BHG.com!

Objects of Affection

Indulge your sweet side with these ideas to give your home seasonal touches and your friends and family a loving gift.

Paper Chase

Wallpapering just one wall can work wonders in a room, but the perfect paint-and-paper pair can elude you. We track down three winning combinations.

Family Friendly

Hand-me-down furniture and bold color are a young homeowner's calling card.

Dinner Order

What's the hostess with the mostest's secret weapon? A china cabinet that's both pretty and put-together. Here's how to organize a hutch that will serve you and your guests well.

Ease Into Color

A soothing color palette brings a living room, left, to life with paint and easy-yet-powerful accents. The secret to this vibrant color mix: choosing hues of equal intensity so no one color jumps out-- and every element blends beautifully. Turn the page to see the results.

Go for Bold

Color is a powerful tool for transforming a room and expressing your personal style. Here's how to jump in.

Shining Example

Refreshed cabinetry and lustrous new surfaces add budget-wise polish to an expanded kitchen.

Trash Talk

Recycling can slash your household garbage and save resources. But what goes in your bin? Here's how to handle the most common items.

Season's Promise

YARD BIRDS

THIS MONTH IN THE GARDEN

FULL SERVICE

Check seed packet information and the average date of your last frost to calculate indoor sowing dates...

Scenic Route

A front yard goes from bland to beautiful with unique plant combinations.

The Perfumed Garden

29 Ways to Say 'I Love You'

29 Ways to Say 'I Love You' From romantics across the country, fresh, fun ways to share your feelings every day of this Leap Year month.

Where the Deals Are

Local design experts in three great cities highlight their favorite neighborhoods for shopping and dining.

Less-Stressed Kids

10 ways to help your child chill out.

Downsizing Your Debt

Keeping track of your monthly debt-- and knowing how to reduce it wisely-- is the first step to staying financially fit.

For Love of Country

A BUILDER'S PASSION FOR DETAIL TURNED A 1970S CAPE COD INTO A RUSTIC, RESTFUL RETREAT FOR A YOUNG FAMILY.

Splashes of spring

SHRUBS AWASH IN FRESH COLORS BRIGHTEN THIS SOUTHERN GARDEN.

WRAPPED IN LOVE

WHOLE LATTE LOVE

Pamper Yourself

MINI SPA FOR ACHING HANDS AND FEET

I Did It!