August 2009

A month of reading

Make your fall reading list now. Start with these upcoming releases by five master fiction writers.

BETWEEN FRIENDS

As the mother of a summer bride, I've discovered that there are few aspects of wedding planning that lack a magazine, reality show, or downloadable checklist to guide my every step.

How to Keep it Fresh this Month

Freshen Your E-Mailbox

New Sparkle for Plain Old Ice Cream

All-New Desktop Decorator

Things to do this month...

INDISPENSABLE: WATER-RESISTANT WATCHES

Qa: What's the best way to cool off?

IN THE GLASS

Blogged...

Good fun

Good read

Good deed

68% of people online visit social networks

Colorful Cupcakes

Get Smart

Cell phones that do more than dial are no longer just for the business class. Know your options to make the right call.

Local Flavor

Gather the neighbors for a simple supper that's all about the farm-fresh food and laid-back mood of high summer.

Breezing Along

Old-fashioned architecture gives a new home period charm. Open rooms and the colors of summer keep it fresh.

Coral

Coral tones come straight from summer sunsets, giving any room a rosy orange glow.

Vintage Light

Plenty of windows and creative cabinetry give a newly authentic kitchen a fresh outlook.

Table Service

Give a small dining table a new purpose-- as an end table, children's workstation, or nightstand.

Down Under

Tame the rough territory below the kitchen sink with smart ideas and space-saving storage gear.

Light Load

30 big-impact (low-budget) ideas for sprucing up your home

1 Rearrange your furniture. It's free, so if you don't like it, simply move it back. Start with the largest piece-- usually oriented toward a focal point such as a window or fireplace-- and work your way down. If nothing else, angle a sofa, chair, or bed that's hugging a wall.

The Wild Life

A new home in the country cultivates a love of nature.

Easy Eden

Beautiful ferns let you create your own garden paradise.

3-part harmonies

Arrange easy, elegant bouquets of garden cuttings with this foolproof technique.

Qa: Nature's AC

Qa: Nature's AC Can shade trees lower your energy bills? Yes, say the experts. A lot.

Reblooming Irises

Mulch Matters

Perk up

Qa: The tops of my onions fell over. Is it time to harvest them?

PINK POWER

Loop the loop

THIS MONTH IN THE GARDEN

Garden smarts

25% of gardeners surveyed say they garden so that they can create a better home environment, while 23% garden to increase curb appeal and property value.

PRETTY BLUE EYES

Change of Place

Tired of the same old look? This home is chock-full of revamps. With paint, fabric, and a few slick tricks from a creative owner, it's now packed with personality. Change of Place

Garden Jewel

A DESIGNER'S SIGNATURE CONTAINERS ARE THE PERFECT OUTDOOR ACCESSORIES.

Rock the ranch

A FAMILY PUTS THEIR PERSONALITIES ON STAGE IN THE HOME THEY REMADE TO SUIT THEIR LIFESTYLE.

Potato Salad

These stir-ins take a favorite summer side dish from routine to remarkable.

Gym Dandies

Beat the locker room competition with these stylish and multifunctional bags.

A to Z guide to everyday savings

A to Z guide to everyday savings By blending old-fashioned common sense and new technological tools, we've found enough ways of saving money to cover every letter in the alphabet.

Perfumed Peonies

I Did It!