DEAR SARA: My daughter is moving into a new home, and she wants
me to help her buy spices to stock her pantry. Which spices
would you start with? -- Linda, New York  DEAR LINDA: I'd buy
spice blends that can cover meats, poultry and vegetables, as
well as spices for sweet and savory dishes. I suggest buying
staples such as oregano, cinnamon, garlic and onion powder,
basil, thyme, rosemary, chili powder, red pepper flakes, nutmeg,
paprika, cumin, ginger, cloves, allspice, celery and parsley.
She can add her own baking ingredients (salt, pepper, baking
soda, vanilla, etc.) and expand her spices from there.  DEAR
SARA: What are your thoughts on potty training early to save on
diapers? I've been reading about elimination communication and
wondered what you think about it. -- Diana D., Wisconsin  DEAR
DIANA D.: After changing diapers for 12 years straight, I feel
qualified to give this slippery slope of a question a whirl.
Personally, I was not in any rush to have my kids use the potty;
it was important to me that