If you think the Super Bowl is only about the game, think again. It's also about the grub. In fact, 75 percent of Americans who watch the big game Feb. 3 will be munching while watching, according to the Alexandria, Va.-based Snack Food Association, a trade group representing the makers of snack foods.   BIG MIX FOR THE BIG GAME - This Chipotle-Honey Nut Mix is sure to be a hit at your Super Bowl party. ... [full story]

There aren't many towns as small as Hibbing, Minn., that have given the world not one but two major icons. Most of us know it as the hometown of Bob Dylan, but it was also the birthplace of the Greyhound bus, which changed the transportation system of America, giving its citizens a romantic vision of speeding effortlessly across the wide-open spaces of their country. The Greyhound story dates back to 1914 when a young, Swedish-born ... [full story]

Q: The wooden pull toy seen in this photo is circa 1947. It is 8 inches long and 3 inches wide and is in very good condition. The top of the car and the four "passengers" can be removed. There is a round label on the car that is marked with three trees and the words "Holgate Toys - Made in U.S.A. - Sturdy - Educational - Safe."   TOY TRAIN - This wooden pull toy ... [full story]

Q: We live on a lake and have enjoyed the presence of otters over the years; however, the otters are now presenting what I consider a major problem to my home. I have no issue with the otters coming up to my dock. We actually enjoy watching them play. We have a boardwalk that runs parallel to the full length of the sea wall - it is approximately 15 feet from the wall. The otters ... [full story]

Q: I have always had my heart set on a blue-and-white toile de Jouy bedroom, and now my sister-in-law has gone and done theirs all in toile! I'm so disappointed. I shouldn't have procrastinated, etc., but obviously I can't be a copycat. Can you think of anything that would give the same feeling (of allover blue-and-white print) but still be different? A: First, I have to know how often your sister-in-law is likely to come ... [full story]

Super Bowl Sunday is the No. 1 at-home party event of the year, even bigger than New Year's Eve. That said, it's likely you are hosting or attending a Bowl bash. Which means get out the recipe box.   PARTY FAVORITE - Beer-Poached Shrimp with homemade cocktail sauce makes an easy and impressive Super Bowl staple. CNS Photo by Manny Franco. Chili, Buffalo wings, dips, meatballs and football-themed sweets are in order of course, but you can ... [full story]

Not all dolls were made as children's playthings. There is one category, known as half-dolls, made primarily in the first three decades of the 20th century, that were used by ladies of the period to form decorative tops for various items on their dressing tables - pincushions, jewelry or cosmetic boxes, perfume bottles, brushes and powder puffs, as well as candy containers, tea cozies and lamps. Also known as pincushion dolls, they were generally molded ... [full story]

Q: Enclosed is a photo of a pitcher that my grandmother had for years and I inherited when she died. It is in very good condition, stands approximately 10 inches tall, and the background shades from tan to brown.   PITCHER PERFECT - The Warwick China Co. of Wheeling, W.Va., made this pitcher in the early 1900s. It would probably be worth from $275 to $325. CNS Photo.    HULL POTTERY MARK - The Hull Pottery of Crooksville, ... [full story]

January is National Mail Order Gardening Month. Have you received your garden catalogs in the mail yet? If you haven't gotten enough gardening catalogs or need more specific ones on a certain type of plant, then go to www.mailordergardening.com for a complete list of companies that offer catalogs. It is time to start the new year by buying new plants for the garden that will use less water, be more resistant to disease and create ... [full story]

In style as in life there is one constant: change. Having rung out the old style year, here are some things to look for in style for 2008 for your home and garden.   A LOOK AHEAD - An outdoor kitchen gives your backyard a little bling as it does to this Roxbury Estates home in San Diego’s exclusive Rancho Santa Fe area. CNS Photo by Crissy Pascual. GARDENS: WISE AND WONDERFUL Source: Nicholas Staddon, head of ... [full story]

As the world turns green, the world of color is following suit.   COLOR - Trends for 2008 include warmer metallics including Wattyl's Copper Pearl product which offers an alternative to normal interior finishes with its multidimensional effect. CNS Photo courtesy of Wattyl.    STRANGE - Certain items have a strange appeal, including this giant fish pillow from Baron Bob. CNS Photo courtesy of baronbob.com. A genuine concern for the environment is showing up in the colors we will ... [full story]

  Wall-mounted shower seats can add convenience and comfort to your ceramic tile shower. Seats provide the greatest versatility if installed in larger rectangular showers …  [full story]

Q: We just moved to our first house where we also have our first dining room. Our old apartment had an eat-in kitchen. Scraping together the down payment on the house took all our cash. Maybe you can help us furnish our new dining room ... without buying new furniture? A: Your oxymoron makes more sense than you might expect. Furnishing a dining room just takes a table, chairs and a lot of color ... ... [full story]