Q: We have seven children (under 18 and living at home). We moved into my house because it had the most bedrooms (four), but we are still strapped for living space. My husband thinks we should renovate the basement, but that seems so '50s to me - having a "rec room" in the basement. Do you have any other suggestions? A: Race to your nearest bookstore to buy a copy of "Easy Home   WORLD DOWN ... [full story]

"What got me into cheese? I guess you'd say, cheese got into me," says author Laura Werlin, with a chuckle.   THE MILKY WAY - There is a galaxy of delicious cheeses out there for entertaining. CNS Photo courtesy of Maren Caruso, from 'Laura Werlin's Cheese Essentials.'    SAY CHEESE - Laura Werlin, who won a James Beard Award for Best Cookbook in 2004 for 'The All-American Cheese and Wine Book,' visited San Diego recently for a class ... [full story]

At this time of year you probably roll your eyes when you encounter all the catalogs squeezed into your mailbox. But there was a time when people eagerly awaited the arrival of the catalog that for many was a lifeline to the wider world of merchandise. That was, of course, the Sears, Roebuck and Co. catalog, vintage examples of which provide collectors with a fascinating view of the staples and trends of the past, from ... [full story]

It may be the first time, or the second ... or the third? The kids are going off to school, or moving into their first abode. You want to make sure they have what it takes to get, and keep, the place in shape.   TOOL KIT - Send your kids off to college with this 21-piece dormitory tool kit from GreatNeck Tools. CNS Photo courtesy of GreatNeck Tools.    FLASHLIGHT - If you ever need light in ... [full story]

  When you choose carpet, you have a number of things to think about such as color, pattern and texture. Consider the color of walls, furniture and decorations in the room and how they work together. Loop pile, cut pile, carpet padding, rating system, durability, traffic …  [full story]

Q: We bought a house in the country with a great view - it overlooks the lake and hills beyond. It's wonderful by day, even though the glare is sometimes a problem. But at night the windows are just big, black rectangles. Should I put up curtains for use at night? A: That's one answer. Curtains that can be pulled out of sight by daylight   HIGH, WIDE AND HANDSOME - Beautifully furnished with natural materials, ... [full story]

In my family, Aunt Fannie's tea cake recipe is the one that got away. My friend Stephanie's mother had a way with cabbage and bacon that no one else can seem to duplicate.   LOST, BUT FOUND AGAIN - Cooks Illustrated food writer Jack Bishop describes the book 'America's Best Lost Recipes' as a 'preservation project.' CNS Photo. Every family has special dishes that an aunt or grandpa used to make according to a set of instructions ... [full story]

"Sympathy for the Devil: Art and Rock and Roll Since 1967" by Dominic Molon and others (Yale University Press, $50). Art and rock have been cross-pollinating since at least the time that Andy Warhol was promoting The Velvet Underground, and other artists began to create album covers and later videos. This book, issued in conjunction with an exhibition at MOCA Chicago, offers ample evidence of this synergistic relationship, in both a number of essays and ... [full story]

Q: Enclosed is a photo of a rocker that has been in the family since I was a little girl (I'm now 82). The original back and seat were caned, but my mother had them recovered with needlepoint. The back of the rocker can   VICTORIAN ROCKER - This Victorian Eastlake platform rocker was made around 1875 and would probably be worth from $375 to $425. CNS Photo.    KALK PORCELAIN MARK - The Kalk Porcelain Factory in ... [full story]

Winter is officially arriving, but I am already looking ahead to what I want to plant in my vegetable garden and flower beds next spring. I prefer vegetables that will be easy to grow and good tasting. The flowers need to be free flowering and hardy in my garden.  In order to determine if a new plant is going to work well in my garden, I see if it has been tested and approved in ... [full story]

Great ideas arise from great friends ... and a shot or two of whiskey along the way certainly doesn't hurt. "The idea came from whiskey with friends, of course," said Sandy Glaze, inventor of Sin in Linen.   WHIMSICAL - Cuddle up with these pinups from the '40s, perfect for anyone with a special style. CNS Photo courtesy of Doug Ogle.    HEARTFELT - Designer Sandy Glaze has a special take on making up the bed. CNS Photo ... [full story]

  Faucets come in a variety of designs, material and prices. When shopping for a new faucet, choose a model made by a reputable manufacturer. Here are some things to consider when finding the faucet that’s right for you.  [full story]

Q: At the moment, our bed is up against a blank bedroom wall in our new house. Where we used to live, there was a window over the head of the bed and I used curtains on the wall.   HANGING AROUND - When designing a wall arrangement, work out your items on the floor or bed before you start hanging. Also, remember the eye craves some organization, so you should try to establish at least ... [full story]