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A broad spectrum of experiences gave interior designer Julianne Fallert a fearless appreciation for living life in a full array of color. She grew up in Minneapolis, Tokyo and Brussels and went to college in Evanston, Ill., where she got an economics degree from Northwestern University.

Runners, in particular women who run in the summer heat, can probably relate to what happened to French President Nicolas Sarkozy on Sunday. Simply put, he fainted, most likely from being hot and dehydrated while jogging in the French countryside.

Doctors call it vasovagal syncope, a sudden drop in blood pressure that occurs shortly after stopping overexertion.

Old-fashioned remedies such as grits, soap or wood ashes won't kill fire ants, but hot water and a shovel will, suggest experts at the Florida Cooperative Extension Service.

DEAR HELAINE AND JOE: These dessert plates are actually too beautiful to be used for that purpose. There are six identical plates in pristine condition, and they are marked "Crest-o-Gold," "Safin" and "Warranted 22k." We believe their origins to be European, but any information would be appreciated. -- K.G., Stuart, Fla.

Not so long ago, it took a broken hip or a permanently curved spine to tell if someone had osteoporosis. Now, the bone-thinning disease can be diagnosed in its earliest stages with a painless bone-density scan.

Pueblo Indian pots start at $1,000 and can rise to six figures, according to "Antiques Roadshow" experts. I know I can never afford the real thing, but I can get the same look free or nearly free with gourds -- and the proof sits all over my budget-decorated home.

There's nothing quite like college. There are so many incredible things to look forward to: football games, intellectual debates, fraternity parties, late-night study halls and pizza runs, group projects, service rallies and a newfound liberation that comes with fleeing the nest.

When I redecorated my living room this year, I struggled with a few of the decorating decisions, like what color palette to choose and what pieces of furniture I'd need. But picking my flooring was a no-brainer. I knew I wanted a natural-fiber area rug.

Raise your hand or nod quietly if the following scenario applies to you: "My tomatoes are big and green on the vine, but they just don't seem to be getting ripe. They just sit there! What's happened?"

Q: Our home is 23 years old and has a pitched roof with common shingles. The roof does not leak, but the shingles are starting to curl and are just plain ugly. We have received different opinions on what to do, and the cost difference makes me want an unbiased opinion. The roof has just one layer of shingles.