(KRT) Sometimes you just have to brace yourself and do it. Take a deep breath, strap your kids in the car and take them shopping. In December. You can survive. Here are a few suggestions from the folks at the Grapevine Mills mall in Texas and Wendy Gordon, author of “I’m Safe! At the Mall […]

(AP) Collectors are given lots of advice on how to display their Christmas ornaments, but relatively little on how to store them, writes Marie Proeller in an article in Country Living magazine.“People love these items and sometimes spend a small fortune for them. Proper storage helps carry the pieces through generations in the best condition […]

Dad will be singing in the shower when he uses the Soap on a Rope made especially for him. LIBBY’S JUICY JUICE boxes provide the form for the soap, so you can make one or several for everyone in the family. WHAT YOU NEED: l Clear glycerin melt-and-pour soap base (available at craft stores)l Disposable […]

New this year, Birkenstock Footprint Sandals Inc. is drawing on nature-inspired colors and materials to bring cozy and reassuring sandals, clogs and shoes to its consumers. Known for incredible comfort, the fall collection combines basic design with ergonomics and is inspired by seasonal themes such as harvest, harmony and evolution. Featuring rich suede and leather, […]

50 Wonderful Ways to be a Single-Parent Family (By Barry Ginsbert, PH.D, New Harbinger Publications, 123 pages, paperback, $12.95) No matter what form your family takes, you can grow and develop strong and emotionally connected lives together. One of the best ways to do this is to play together. Play will boost your family’s fun […]

Camps, Cottages and Cabins: Tips and Ideas for Getting the Most Out of Your Seasonal Home (By Joanne Palmisano, Happy Hollow Promotions, 183 pages, paperback, $19.95) This is an indispensable sourcebook for seasonal homeowners. It includes a wealth of useful information and fun ideas in an easy-to-read format, with checklists, color photos and dozens of […]

Betty Kamen’s 1001 Health Secrets: What the latest Research Reveals About Living Longer, Living Healthier, Living Better – “The Skeptic’s Guide to Alternative Health Care” ( By Betty Kamen, Nutrition Encounter, 599 pages, soft-cover, $23.95) For more than 50 years, Betty Kamen’s specialty has been her ability to extract the most promising developments from the […]

In the Sweet Kitchen: The Definitive Baker’s Companion (By Regan Daley, Artisan Press, 704 pages, hardcover, $35) This simply seductive and undeniably definitive “bible” on sweet cooking can teach anyone to make an incredible dessert. In addition, it has 23 recipes for every type of cookie lover, more than 150 recipes in all, and turns […]

The Anatomy of a Dish (By Diane Forley, Artisan Press, 224 pages, hardcover, $35) Diane Forley, chef and proprietor of New York City’s Verbena restaurant, weaves her recipes and knowledge of the botanical world into an innovative approach to cooking. Her fascination with the properties and groupings of fruits and vegetables – in the garden, […]

Dutch Weather Chalet Skip the weather channel. It’s more fun to check the temperature and humidity with thisr weather chalet. When the well-dressed gentleman steps out, there’s moisture in the air. Drier conditions send him back indoors and let the milkmaid out. Easy to read thermometer; 4″ h x 7″w x 3″d. ($19.95) Available from […]