Blog Posts by Woman s Day

By Jean Nayar

Got an old piece of furniture that needs a new life? Just because it's worn around the edges and showing its age doesn't mean it has to be shown the door. Sometimes all it takes to give a scratched, faded, stained or tired chair or table a second chance are some low-cost supplies, like fabric and paint, and a little ingenuity. You can also solve a problem-like brightening up a dark room or dividing off an oddly shaped one-by turning an old bottle into a lamp, for instance, or converting closet doors into a folding screen. Here are seven ways to recycle old furniture or repurpose one thing into something new-while saving yourself a bundle at the same time.

1. A Repurposed Lamp
This lamp was made easily and cheaply by converting a big, old water bottle found at a flea market into a base and topping it with a brand-new shade affixed to a harp. You can find lamp kits for under $10 at most hardware stores. We like the Portfolio Bottle Lamp Kit at Lowes.com. Photo credit:

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Sarah Jio

Every woman has a different approach to marriage, says Scott Haltzman, MD, a professor at Brown University and the author of several books, including The Secrets of Happily Married Men: Eight Ways to Win Your Wife's Heart Forever. Whether you're more take-charge or easygoing, bossy or nurturing, experts say that you can make a marriage work by recognizing your strengths and weaknesses. Below are the most common wife types. Which are you?

The Nurturer
If he has a need, you meet it. You make him chicken soup when he's sick. You tuck love notes in his bagged lunches and do the dishes most nights because he seems too tired-after all, you reason, his job is more stressful than yours and he needs some down time. "These are women who are driven by a fundamental need to maintain peace," he says. "The only problem is that when women like this crash, they crash hard."

That's how Kathleen Buczko, 46, approached her marriage for many years. The marketing consultant from San

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By Sarah Jio

You used to think he was insatiable in the bedroom. Now? Not so much. If your husband's sex drive has tanked, it can leave you feeling confused, concerned and maybe even hurt. Here, our experts unlock the secrets to the mysterious male libido and help you figure out what to do when he's lost that loving feeling.

1. Male "Menopause"
It may be surprising to hear, but many health experts say that what menopause is to women, andropause is to men. The good news for our guys: It's not as sudden or intense as the bodily changes women can sometimes face. As men age, it's natural for them to experience a somewhat decreased sex drive, says Jeanne O'Connell, MD, medical director and cofounder of Sylvana Institute for Medical Aesthetics in Frederick, Maryland.

What to do? There's always the little blue pill, but rushing to a prescription may not be the best approach. Bottom line, says Dr. O'Connell: Try not to take it personally if he used to want to tear off your

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By Bunny Wong

Feeling like your house is a little…blah? Maybe it needs a little room therapy. The prescription: color. To find out which hues perk up a room, calm it down or just make people smile, we spoke with color and design experts, who offered decorating tips and product recommendations. Check out the dazzling picks-covering all colors of the rainbow-below.

1. Jump-Start Your Life with Red

Passion, creativity, hunger-these are the words Jamie Goldberg, a National Kitchen & Bath Association-certified designer, associates with this fiery hue. "I would suggest using it in a dining room, kitchen or home office, where it will stimulate creativity," she says. For a home office, try this cheeky lamp or funky plant pot, and for the kitchen, this French press is a must. If you're worried about clashing with other decor items, Goldberg notes that the color works well with light blue (a traditional combo) or crisp white. Lampan Table Lamp in Red, $4.99, and Grapefrukt Plant Pot in

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By Kimberly Fusaro

Don and Betty Draper's Kitchen

You might not covet everything in this kitchen-those appliances don't look EnergyStar approved-but there are plenty of throwback accents that would work in a more contemporary setup. Designer and stylist Heather Colette of HCL Design Studio suggests mixing vintage-style goods with contemporary pieces to keep the room's look fresh.

Teapot
After a brisk fall day, nothing sounds more welcoming than a whistling teapot. This one has a spout-top whistle and a button on the handle to release it. The six-cup version of Revere's Copper Bottom Teakettle is almost identical, but its handle is made from an of-the-moment cool-touch material, so you won't need a potholder when you're pouring. $29.99; Amazon.com

Rotary Phone
Before house phones were abandoned in favor of PDAs and e-mail, a distraction-free phone call (from your kitchen, not your car) was the best way to catch up. Bring back the afternoon chat with Crosley's 1940s

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By Olivia Putnal

Halloween is right around the corner, which means one thing: candy! Besides the standard sugary fare (think candy corn and bite-size bars), over the years there has been an onslaught of gross-out candy concepts created for this spooky holiday. WD set out to find the most disturbing of the bunch, from past and present, and discovered the 15 out-of-the-ordinary treats (if we can even call them treats) below. See the grossest of the gross, but beware-they may make you lose your appetite.

Box of Boogers

You can tell by the name that this box of candy is going to be pretty disturbing. With three flavors (Snottermelon, Sour Green Boogy and Lemon Loogy), the gummy snacks boast a consistency similar to snot and have a sweet-and-salty flavor. Photo courtesy of BaronBob.com.

Bacon Beans

We like bacon with our pancakes, but aren't so sure we would enjoy the cured pork flavor in jelly bean form. Claiming to be "better for your arteries," these bite-size candies come

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By Olivia Putnal


It's football season again! Regardless of whether you follow college teams, the NFL or both, if you can't make it to the stadium on game day, there are plenty of ways you can bring the back-of-the-truck tailgating fun to your home. With lots of spirit, yummy finger foods, cold drinks and, of course, the much-anticipated game on TV, throwing a football-themed party has never been easier (or more fun!). WD has you covered with everything you need to throw the most successful sports get-together. From scrumptious recipes to helpful tips, check out our ultimate guide for hosting a party that is sure to be a touchdown.

Food Musts
For this type of party, appetizer and finger-food recipes are the easiest to prepare and serve. Set up the snacks outside or buffet-style on a kitchen counter or dining room table-making sure to refill them periodically throughout the game. The traditional fare of dips, chicken wings and snack mixes is always a safe bet, but we've also included a

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By Amanda Greene

It's that time of year again-we're ordering our coffee hot instead of iced, the leaves are turning colors and brisk temps are here to stay. One of the best parts about the changing seasons? The clothes! We've rounded up the best fall jackets to get you excited about your cold-weather wardrobe. And they're all under $75, so bring on the chill!

Adirondack Barn Jacket

Ideal to slip into on crisp weekends, this classic barn coat from L.L.Bean comes in five colors and opens up to reveal a cozy plaid flannel lining. Prices start at $49.50; LLBean.com

Wool-Blend Cadet Jacket

Nothing will raise your spirits like a cheery, bold red jacket. Old Navy's wool-blend version has vintage-looking buttons and flap pockets at the hip. $69.50; OldNavy.com

Dory Jacket

This chic and ladylike quilted jacket belies a serious cool-weather warrior: It's water-resistant and insulated with Lands' End's exclusive PolarThin insulation. Prices start at $59.50; LandsEnd.com

Double Breasted

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