March 2011

Better now

Coming This Spring

Here's one more reason to fix a home-cooked meal

Back on January 1, I made my annual quiet resolution to eat a little healthier this year. Admittedly, I conveniently waited to make my pledge until the last morsel of peppermint cheesecake was eaten. But in my book, a little festive food is part of the holiday spirit. It's the other 360 days or so a year that make the long-term difference in how I look and feel.

WE ASKED OUR READERS: Kids. Pets. Pretty rooms. Can they coexist?

Simplify Your Life with our "Month of Easy" Sweepstakes

Win a Trip to Hawaii!

Things to Do This Month

March is the perfect time to turn a page, get sappy, and take a few extra moments just for yourself.

SUGAR PADDY

Tweet Dreams

Right on Target

Emily and Einstein

Smart Art

Pool Party

Soft leather purses

Cut the cords

Stop wrangling with the tangled mess at your desk. Untethered and multipurpose devices simplify your set-up.

Make-It-Easy Party Plan

Alisa Barry turns a simple appetizer spread into a beautiful event where everyone can help themselves.

Change of Plans

When baby made three, this couple made a few smart adjustments so their pretty (and practical) home would be up for whatever life dishes up.

Easy-to-Love Wall Colors

Put down the paint chips. Designer Grant K. Gibson shares five colors that are practically guaranteed to look great.

30 easy, high-impact decorating ideas

It doesn't take endless hours or big bucks to rev up a room. These quick tweaks will help you get the wow.

Turn Up the Volume

A family fills their remade home with friends, music, and lots of laughter.

Lighten the Load

These time-saving, effort-shrinking tips make every step in the laundry cycle-- from gathering to washing to putting away-- a little bit easier.

Spring Stowaways

Storing your wool sweaters properly now ensures they'll look their best when the weather turns cold again. "The biggest mistake people make is not cleaning their sweaters first," says Tara Knupp, L.L. Bean product manager for sweaters.

Design Discovery

Can I tile over existing tile or vinyl flooring?

A Clear Look at Washing Windows

Just like fine crystal, windows are meant to sparkle. Keep them clean and streak-free with these easy tips.

For Your Convenience

Want to save yourself time, space, and a little aggravation? These 7 clever products are sure to make your life easier.

Easy Cottage Charm

A gardener discovers anyone can create a flowery showplace-- even a novice with a tiny suburban yard.

Matched Sets

Punch up your landscape with bulbs and containers in a matching palette.

Open House

Make your garden sing this spring by giving birds a place to nest. Wrens, chickadees, and other small species will happily raise their broods in birdhouses.

This Month in the Garden

Spring has sprung! In every region, it's time to hit the ground running with these early-season garden tasks.

BHG Test Garden

3 Ways to Ward Off Weeds

Give Frost the Cold Shoulder

BHG Books

Bird's-Eye View

WISDOM

Win A Garden Tour

Cabbage Lasagna Casserole

Take the Heat Out

Archer Farms Preserves

Irish Soda Bread

SWEET TREAT

Q&A

Real food, real families

Getting kids excited about a healthy diet isn't always easy-- but it isn't impossible, either. Read on to see how America's moms are stepping up to the plate.

Reblooming Lilacs

Doc on call

Lip service

Go fish for gum health

Babysitters club

Peeved pets

GI Jane

Paternal problem

Java joints

Starring: you!

Positive 'auntitudes'

Schooled by the silver screen

Father figures

Our Favorite Flavor

I Did It!