Inside and out

How many times a week does your family use a microwave?

Forty years ago there was no such thing.

Imagine defrosting frozen meat or popping popcorn the old-fashioned way.

Amana is celebrating the 40th anniversary of the Radarrange, the first countertop microwave for homes.

It was introduced in 1967 in Chicago, and to prove it, the company found an old ad from the Daily Herald touting it as a "miracle worker."

The Radarange weighed 90 pounds and cost $495. That's similar to today's prices, but it was more than $3,000 in today's money, the company said.

The 40th anniversary edition of the Amana Radarange features convection cooking for baking. The company says it's large enough for a 5-pound roast or a 6-pound turkey.

It costs $449 with the stainless version $549. Oh, yes, it weighs 27 to 60 pounds.

You can use another indispensable new-fangled product -- your computer -- to check out the company's commemorative online cookbook at www.amana.com/cookbook.

There's nothing like wiping feet in style

Do you know what I need this time of year?

A new doormat, that's what. Fall seems like a time of year when we really want people to pause and wipe their paws, that is feet, before coming into the house.

Smith & Hawken has a collection to fit every palette and style. We like the rubber Arts & Crafts version for $39.

There's a store at Deer Park Town Center and Geneva Commons. A few other retailers carry the company's products. Doormats and many other items are sold at smithandhawken.com.

Start thinking about Halloween decor

Aren't you just dying to check out Mary Engelbreit's take on Halloween?

The October issue of her magazine shows how Sara Curtis decorates her St. Louis home. It's worthy of Mary herself, believe us.

Another Missouri woman, Ruth Touhill, decorates in a more sophisticated, adult fashion that you'll want to see, too.