5 Chef Secrets to Deep-Frying a Turkey

Bam!

A turkey in 30 minutes. What's not to like about that? Deep-frying - that's the secret. And we got down-and-dirty at WSJ investigating. (I've still got peanut oil on my cowboy boots.) Watch to see June Cleaver's metamorphoses from frustrated housewife to amped up, happy chef.

Plus learn how the experts fry to perfection at Jive Turkey in Brooklyn.

Time to Buckle Up - The Dog, That Is

When's the last time you took the dog for a ride in your car? And when's the last time you buckled up - the dog that is?

With more pets traveling in cars, some animal advocates and law enforcement agencies—as part of their campaign against distracted driving—are pushing seat-belt harnesses, car seats and other restraints for dogs. We write about it here in WSJ. Most of the gear still gives dogs some freedom of movement and a view out the window.

About 89% of pets traveling in cars last year weren't secured properly, says Christina Selter, founder of advocacy group Bark Buckle Up who collects national data from police and fire agencies.

Fido can still ride in style though. Check out your options in the video here on Good Morning America. My dog Dolly makes a cameo - and doesn't fall down!

New Tools to Make Clearing Snow Easier

From shovels and snowblowers to self-melting driveways, the latest ergonomic and low-maintenance snow removal gear is designed to ease consumers' backs and joints, be less taxing on the heart and less stressful to operate.

We show you the goods in today's WSJ and give them a go in the video above on Good Morning America.

Now if it'll ever quit snowing...

Riding Shotgun as a UPS 'Jumper'

For one day, brown had to be my color. I suited up in UPS apparel and rode as a holiday jumper to learn how the delivery company gets packages to our houses on time during the holiday crush.

It's not easy, as we report here in WSJ - dogs, chatty seniors, icy front stoops (did you forget to shovel?) and nosy kids all make it quite a production.

Women Invade the Man Cave

The man cave has a secret: Women use them too. Their new interest comes as these spaces have morphed from cold garage outposts into tricked-out comfy spreads, complete with flat screens, TVs, fully stocked bars, arcade games and plush (clean!) furniture.

As a result, men are learning to share with the family while combating the inevitable intrusion of scented candles, flowers and kiddie toys.

Read all about it here in WSJ.

5 Tips for Winterizing Your Home

Drafty fireplaces, cold windows and doorways, an uninsulated attic - all signs of a not-so-cozy winter.


Today on Good Morning America we walk through 5 Key Tips to Winterizing Your Home. Some of the projects like caulking are easy to do yourself and cost less than $100. Others - like a new furnace -- you can take up and still qualify for Uncle Sam's lucrative $1500 Energy Efficiency tax credit. It only lasts through the end of this year, though, so don't miss out if you're planning a qualifying improvement in the near future.


See some of the latest products out there to help in the video and read more online here.

Shelter from a Storm, and Storage for Your Shoes?

A room where you can store jewelry and guns, send email – and survive 250 mph tornado winds? It’s called a storm shelter or “safe room” and is a surprise popular home renovation, even amid the current laggard real estate market.

These aren’t the dank bunkers your father hid in, as we discuss in today’s WSJ story. And they aren’t cheap. Many of the new shelters are above-ground $4,000 to $15,000 prefabricated pads that can be bolted to the garage’s concrete pad, or even installed inside the home. They boast names like “StormRoom” and “Iron Eagle II” and often lead double lives of offices, tool sheds, closets and even wine cellars in less turbulent times. DuPont makes one reinforced with bullet-resistant Kevlar.

Pictures of the “Iron Eagle II,” “Safe Dome” and even an 800-pound “floating” shelter here.

New Hot Renovation: The Boiler Room

Do you lug dinner guests to see your new energy-efficient tankless water heater? Watch your power meter like a hawk? Risk life and limb to keep solar panels free of snow? Answer yes to any of these, and you might be a Boiler Room Junkie. See video above for six signs of the affliction.

We put together this video in conjunction with a WSJ story about how the new "hot" room on the house tour is the boiler/mechanical room. As more homeowners add renewable energy and other efficient solutions to their heating and cooling equipment, they are increasingly showcasing the appliances as they might a new stove.

Manufacturers are responding with water heaters, furnaces, and air-conditioners that are fashion-forward and in some cases, inspired by the iPod. Check out the story to see a slideshow of a few.

Rise of Poison Ivy-And New Treatments

If you think poison ivy is getting worse - you might be right. We look at some of the causes and new medical treatments for relief in today's WSJ.

As a longtime sufferer, I also test some home remedies in this video (Clorox bath anyone?) and ask doctors whether there's any science behind the methods. More itch alternatives here in an accompanying story.

How Much Space Do We Need to Live & Work?

I spent the 40th anniversary of Earth Day working from a six-foot by six-foot "artists studio" in midtown Manhattan. You can see shots of it at the opening of this video about green home technology products.

While I was able to do all my work with ease using a MacBook Pro and Blackberry, including posting stories, taking video and images, it made me also think about how much space we need to live comfortably and to house the history of our families. That's part of the mission of the artist Simon Draper who started this project called "Habitat for Artists" -- to encourage us to think about being creative with our consumption of materials and use of energy and land.

For instance, I got rid of my formal dining room years ago and turned it into part of the kitchen - now I actually eat in the space. Before, I just spent time dusting it.

Water Filter Wars: Does Your Home Need One?

Filtered water bottles. Shower filters that promise "anti-aging" properties. A $1595 dehumidifier/purifier that makes drinking water from air moisture.

Manufacturers are rolling out new water treatment products for every corner of the home, as we discuss in today's WSJ. They're banking on consumers' renewed appetite for "free" tap water and concerns about the health contaminants that might be coming from their tap - such as arsenic, mercury and lead.

Check out a few of the latest gadgets in this video as well as a pitcher-tasting "showdown." We also explore the topic more on ABC News' show, "Good Money."

Cash for Appliance Rebates Get Rolling Nationally

Today on Good Morning America, we talked about the now-happening "Cash for Appliances" rebate program for consumers to get rebates on new energy efficient appliances when trading in old ones.

Time and money is limited. If your old washer is about to kick it, or that big stand-up freezer is guzzling kilowatts, check out what rebates are being offered in your state. Here's a link to the federal government's Web site that gives you all the details.

Note: not every appliance qualifies in every state. Always look for the Energy Star label when shopping to qualify. You also might get a higher rebate for recycling your old stuff. And there could be additional incentives offered through your local utility or municipality. Here's a link to the Database of State Incentives for Renewables and Efficiency, which outlines other federal and state money you can get for such home improvements.

More details can be found in my WSJ column on the rebates.

On the Roof: Why Solar Hot Water is Sexy

In tomorrow's Wall Street Journal, my job drives me to the roof -- no, not to jump -- but to explain the merits of a solar hot water system.

It's simple, and can get you out of roughly two-thirds of your hot water bill. Plus, the tax incentives to install one are pretty sweet -- cutting costs nearly in half in some cases.

Everyone thinks of electricity when they think of solar. But this is an easy and cheaper way to start cutting your energy costs. That's sexy in my book.

Who Are the New "Ruralpolitans?"

While urban and suburban real estate is still generally under pressure, the rural market is holding up better in many areas, thanks in part to "ruralpolitans," as I report in WSJ. These city and town dwellers are looking at land as their new safe investment, one they hope could prove more stable than their jobs and 401(k)s—and provide a better lifestyle.

Typically there are three groups: young people buying land as an asset or investment, with vague hopes to live on it someday; exurban commuters who have jobs in big towns or cities but want to escape the sprawl; and back-to-the-land types who want to dabble in hobby farming.

They're also driving sales in the outdoor equipment market -- small compact tractors and utility vehicles being among the biggest sellers. I tested the new eco-friendly Polaris Ranger EV (all battery-powered) in this video. And P.S., I'm a relatively new ruralpolitan myself. You can read about my conversion in "From Versace to Chainsaws."

Testing 4 "Easy" Less Messy Composters

Today we test "composters" in The Wall Street Journal -- looking at units that make the practice faster, less messy and even, mildly entertaining.

You'll find worms, a bearded dragon and Sputnik (or a close relative) making appearances in the video above.

And in the story, you'll find a 6-Step cheat sheet for composting -- and a glimpse at the future of "smart" trash cans. Plus, links and prices of the product we test.

ABC News Video: "Winter-Proofing" Your Home

There are good tax incentives available now for "winter-proofing" your home now through 2010. Among them, a 30% federal tax credit up to $1500 for certain energy efficient home improvements including:

Windows and Doors
Insulation
Roofs (Metal and Asphalt)
HVAC (heating and cooling equipment)
Water Heaters (non-solar)
Biomass Stove (wood stoves, pellet stoves)

For more details, we explore this on ABC News. Get the details and find out what qualifies at the government's Energy Star Web site.

Scotts New "Natural" Weed Killer In the Pipeline

A natural weed killer made from thistle fungus ... roach killer derived from soybean oil ... water-saving grass seed mixed with coconut fibers. These are some of the "natural" lawn and garden solutions in the works and on shelves from Scotts Miracle-Gro -- the world's largest player in this market.

Some critics say Scotts' roots in synthetic chemical solutions make its full-force entry into the natural market amount to too little, too late. Others cheer the arrival, saying a strong commitment to naturals by a monolith like Scotts could dramatically alter the face of the industry, and the environment and human health, for the better.

We discuss the opportunity here on CNBC and check out WSJ.com for two videos that give a sneak peak into Scotts' labs as well as a rare in-depth interview with its brash-talking CEO Jim Hagedorn at his Marysville, Ohio home where you can see the one bare spot in the grass chieftain's own lawn. (Note: we had to do a lot of "bleeping" during the interview.)

Lawn Mowers that Don't Use Gas

Recently I've been testing a spate of "gasless" outdoor power tools: trimmers that run off lithium-ion batteries or propane, chainsaws that work on nickle-cadmium batteries and mowers, including a $3299 riding one from Ariens, propelled by electric motors and lead acid batteries.

In this Wall Street Journal story and video, you can see many of the tools in action and get a glimpse of where they perform well and where they fall short. The goal of the new breed of outdoor equipment is less maintenance, fewer emissions.

Channeling Your Inner Lumberjack...

For the last month, I've been playing Paul Bunyan and learning to split wood. Good for the muscles, not so good for the fingernails.

But as I wrote in today's WSJ story, learning to split logs is a road to a bit of economic independence if you have a steady source of wood and a high-efficiency wood stove or fireplace insert. To get through the eight large trees that needed splitting, I tested a raft of tools from a 4lb maul to a gas splitter that cuts with 26 tons of force.

Judging from what retailers and manufacturers tell me, I'm part of a growing number of homeowners trying to ride out the economic storm by becoming more self-sufficient and tackling more complex home improvement projects. As Larry Kudlow points out on CNBC, even Ronald Reagan split his own logs sometimes.

Wear goggles and sturdy boots!

Former Presidents Split Wood Too...

Larry Kudlow and Melissa Francis of CNBC weigh in on my wood-splitting technique...and that of former President Ronald Reagan.


Photo from the Ronald Reagan Presidential Library and Museum archives.