Famous Homes and Housekeepers

The domestic industry has exploded over the past few years, creating a market for cooking, gardening, and home renovation media not seen since the 1950s. With so many chefs and lifestyle gurus attracting television viewers, it makes sense that most of them have their own web sites.

While many sites replicate the TV programs, detailed online directions facilitate whipping up your menu or decorating your home, thus saving you the bother of furiously scribbling notes as you watch the shows. If you missed an episode or forgot the instructions, you can access archives for recipes and repair tips to quickly find what you’re looking for. Now anyone can follow in the footsteps of Martha Stewart and Jacques Pepin by ordering cookbooks, equipment, and accessories online.

Not surprisingly, Reader’s Digest maintains one of the best lifestyle web sites. Here you can read articles covering everything from low-fat cooking to herbal remedies, and even receive instant recipes by compiling a list of foods you have on hand and submitting it. Voila! Who knew you could make something so scrumptious out of baking soda, pickles, and Tabasco sauce? Recipes are often grouped by category and have links to nutritional information and suggestions for alternating ingredients to create variations. You’ll also find horticultural and home remodeling advice galore, here and elsewhere on the Web. For the total interactive experience, post comments to a message board and ask the experts their opinions. You’re guaranteed to face your kitchen, garden, and living space with new gusto.