May 2009

Between friends

Although our spending priorities maybe changing right now, our life priorities aren't. For Better Homes and Gardens readers, what matters to us most-- and what always will-- is home in its biggest, broadest sense: as the place where we create our lives with the people we love.

Fresh Ways to Enjoy The Outdoors This Month

Here's to Mom

Make this year's Mother's Day gifts sweet and personal with these easy ideas.

Mellow Yellow

the down-to-earth cousin of a cheerful favorite-- has a "stay-cool" feel and an upbeat edge.

Bird's-Eye View

Bird's-Eye View Feather your nest with these creature comforts.

STYLEMAKER

"You can get pulled in all directions by what the neighbors have. You have to create a life that reflects the true you."

A New Chapter

Storybook charm meets simple sophistication in this Minneapolis cottage. Tap into these 6 smart ideas for modernizing a vintage home.

Rooms to Renew

Treat yourself to a pretty at-home getaway where you can relax, read, or revive a dormant interest. These spaces make nesting seem like a vacation.

Ship Shape

This kitchen may be small (12'x16'), but it packs big storage in every inch.

UNUSED SPACE

I do not have a formal home, but I do have a formal dining room that I never really use except for holidays and special occasions. Do you have any thoughts on what I can do with the space the rest of the year?

Office Perks

Office Perks With Barbie pink walls closing in, this small spare room needed some fresh air. A redo with upbeat colors and a multitasking floorplan brought it to life.

Bath NOTEBOOK

THE SMALLEST ROOM IN THE HOUSE SHOULDN'T FALL SHORT ON STYLE. YOUR BATH LIKELY HAS THE POTENTIAL TO GO FROM OUTDATED TO UP-TO-DATE IN A WEEKEND. TAKE A LOOK AT THESE THREE BATHS FOR IDEAS ON HOW TO REFRESH WHAT YOU HAVE.

Super Spring Cleaning

A few specific tasks-- done only once a year-- will freshen up your entire house. Adapt these time-saving tactics to your own cleaning routine.

Scenic Drive

A comfortable outdoor garden room grows in-- of all places-- a driveway.

Guide to Healthy Gardening

Use these tips to maximize the health and wellness benefits of your own patch of earth.

Raising the Bar

A do-it-yourselfer builds an outdoor kitchen from reclaimed cinder blocks and wood shelves.

Glamour in High Places

Oh, Deer

If you're tired of deer dining in your garden, change the menu.

IT'S THE BERRIES

PEACHY PETALS

PORTABLE POTTING

THIS MONTH IN THE GARDEN

GROW WITH KIDS

"Sowing a two-foot row of lettuce A seeds every ten days this month will keep a small family in salad greens through early July."...

Hanging Gardens

Perk up your deck or patio with inexpensive, easy-to-make baskets.

Dream Works

Dream Works WITH A TIGHT BUDGET AND A KEEN EYE FOR REINVENTION, ONE WOMAN CREATED A HOME THAT'S LIVED IN AND LOVED.

Tent Show

This family turned a basic deck into a full-blown outdoor living room. Bring their decorating ideas home to your backyard.

Northern Delights

FINDING BEAUTY IN DISCARDED OBJECTS, AN ALASKA ARTIST TURNS TRASH INTO GARDEN TREASURE

Bullet-Proof Family Finances

Forget that there's an economic crisis for a second. You can still protect what's yours.

Shine in the Shade

Love, Mom

We asked you on BHG.com to share the best gifts you've received as mothers and daughters and special times you've had together. Your stories prove that the tie that binds runs deep and strong.

Inspiring Ideas

Mind Games

Game time can be an ideal-- and very fun-- opportunity to help kids exercise their mental muscles to the max.

Get the Goods

These games help kids build cognitive skills. All of them are available at mass merchandisers, toy retailers, or through the Web sites listed.

I Did It!

"Our guest bedroom feels like a retreat now. The upholstered wall really cozies it up"