Richard Karn
Actor and TV host Richard Karn is here to show us an "improved" method to deck out your house with Christmas lights and the benefits of LED bulbs. During his time on the fictional show "Tool Time," Richard learned plenty of dos and don'ts of holiday decorating. Plus, Richard explains how sitting next to a Hollywood agent at traffic school landed him the part of Al on "Home Improvement." Now, Richard is excited to be returning to the stage in an English pantomime production of "Aladdin's Winter Wish."
Tips for Hanging Christmas Lights:
1. Make sure lights are rated for outdoor use.
2. Icicle lights work best for straight elements like gutters. 3. Use light clips or specialty staple guns only to attach lights. 4. To avoid shortages, don't string more than three light strands together. 5. Wrap lights around cardboard when storing to keep from tangling.
Follow Richard on Twitter @richard_karn.
Tune in to Hallmark Channel's "Home Improvement" marathon, starting at 4/3c on New Year's Day. Also, thanks to our friends at Duracell, one lucky viewer can enter for a chance to win this beautiful HD TV. Visit the Hallmark Channel Facebook page and click the "Home and Family HD TV Giveaway Tab." No purchase necessary, must be 18 years or older to win.
Save or Splurge on Beauty Products with Kym Douglas
Come on down! Kym Douglas quizzes our family members game-show style to see if they'd save or splurge on a select array of beauty products. She teaches us how to reuse and sanitize the more expensive makeup sponge, making it well worth the money. Kym suggests trying St. Ives Fresh Skin Apricot Scrub for exfoliating. It's only $4.29! Kym also recommends Every Beauty Makeup Remover Pads for $6.99 at
everybeautybrand.com. And, don't waste money on expensive shampoo, but do invest in a high quality conditioner.
Worth the Splurge:
1. Beauty Blender Makeup Sponge, $19.99,
beautyblender.net
2. Tweezerman Tweezers, $22,
tweezerman.com
Get additional tips from lifestyle and beauty expert Kym Douglas at KymDouglas.com. Follow her @KymDouglas and like her on Facebook.
A Little Dickens Carolers
A Little Dickens Carolers raise their voices to entertain us with classic Christmas carols throughout the show. Members Michael Kohl and E. Scott Levin tell us how the group formed while they were college students. They also share storeis of singing for celebrities, such as Dolly Parton, Zach Braff, Forest Whitaker, and Kobe Bryant. Then, the musical group performs "Hark! The Herald Angels Sing."
We invite you to visit A Little Dickens Carolers at
carolers.com.
Cristina Cooks Gramercy Tavern's Gingerbread Cake
We take our cameras inside the Los Angeles Country Club to speak to the executive chef about what goes into creating their annual over-the-top Gingerbread Village display. Among the more than 50 buildings held together by chocolate, is a house inspired by "Home & Family." Back in our kitchen, Cristina cooks a gingerbread cake!
Pediatrician Dr. JJ Levenstein, MD, FAAP
Board certified pediatrician Dr. JJ Levenstein, MD, FAAP fields health and safety questions from our family members. As concerned parents, Jessie Jane, Jill Simonian, Kym Douglas, Richard Karn, and Mark grill the doc about topics ranging from allergies to head bumps to yellowing teeth to recurring injuries to bed time.
For more information on Dr. JJ Levenstein, president and co-founder, go to
www.mdmoms.com.
Jessie Jane's DIY Mitten Garland
Jessie Jane recycles old sweaters, socks, hats, and towels by turning them into garland. For this no-sew craft, you simply use a stencil to cut mittens out of fabric and string the mittens together to hang on a wintery display.
Things You Don't Say to a Stay-At-Home Mom
Jill Simonian leads a discussion about the challenges she faces daily as a stay-at-home mom to her two young children. Mark reads controversial comments often made by men and all the women defensively respond by hashing out why full-time motherhood is in fact a job that involves juggling of responsibilities and guilt when you're absent.
For more on this heated topic, check out "Woman's Day Magazine's" "9 Things Not to Say to a Stay-At-Home Mom" at
www.womansday.com.
Keeping Kids' Brains Active Over the Holidays with Jill Simonian
Don't let your children's education go on vacation during the holidays. Reinforce lessons in every day activities and games. Set electronic devices aside and challenge kids' brains with vintage board games that teach math skills, money management, spelling, and more. Jill also explains how long it can take children to readjust to their school schedule after an extended break.
For more with consumer reporter Jill Simonian, please visit thefabmom.com and follow her on Twitter @jillsimonian.
Get more great recipes and crafts by visiting us on Pinterest at pinterest.com/homeandfamilytv and follow "Home & Family" on Twitter @homeandfamilytv and Facebook.