between friends
By midwinter, I’m ready to
warm up my home, my
friendships, and my life.
^
a
bout this time of year,
I
find myself falling
out of love with winter.
After weeks of short
days and deep-freeze
weather, I’m ready to
warm up my home, my
friendships, and my life. This month we have
five easy ways to get your energies flowing:
BRING EXTRA COLOR
into your life, in a room,
on the table, or in your wardrobe. Our “All
About Color” page is one of our most popular
features, so we know you like a pretty hue.
We’ve taken it a step further this issue with
more color schemes, colorful rooms, and
advice to help you act confidently. Color is
one of the least costly, most impactful ways to
create a new look and mood. And a little can
be just as effective as a lot to lift the spirits.
CREATE A BEAUTIFUL MEAL
Most of
U S
are
eating at home more these days. Why not
make it an experience? Our food editors
have masterminded seven colorful soups
that are as gorgeous as they are delicious and
inexpensive to make. Also see
page 154
for a
new step-by-step cooking series with food
guru Scott Peacock, who has a true passion
for American cooking. Check out “American
Classics,” and get ready to pass the biscuits.
BE A SW EETHEART
It’s easy to let Valentine’s
Day slide by with a card and a kiss. Create a
memory with one of our simple ideas, page 17,
or give someone the best gift of all: a hand-
written note saying why they’re special.
MIX IT UP WITH FRIENDS
“Social networking”
is an unexciting term for one of the most
exciting innovations of our time: the ability
to connect online to others who are like-
minded. I’m delighted to introduce you to
MixingBowl.com,
a new Web site for social
networking that comes from
Better Homes
and Gardens
, but belongs to you. The name
says it all: It’s a mixing place where you can
swap recipes, meet with other cooks and
recipe-seekers, and exchange ideas. Next
time you’re online, go to
MixingBowl.com
and get started.
RUSH SPRING
Borrow a gardener’s trick
for midwinter blossoms
(page 82).
Or, sow
some lettuce seeds now and enjoy the best
fresh (bargain) salad you ever tasted in just
a few weeks. Hang on: The real spring is on
its way soon.
What are
your
best tricks for chasing
away the midwinter blahs?
L E T T E R S & C O M M E N T S
S U B S C R IP T IO N H E L P
BHG.conVservice
W R IT E
1716 Locust Sl , Des Moines, IA 50309-3023
4
FEBRUARY2009 BETTERHOMESANDGARDENS
