Country Living articles from January 2004

Country Living archives from January 2004

Appreciating artisans.(Dear Country Living)(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2004... I enjoyed reading "One Woman's Yarn" (November 2003), by Matthew Holm. I have the pleasure of waking up every morning to a view of a herd of Angora goats. A woman here raises the goats and spins their wool on an antique spinning wheel in her...

A new family tradition.(Dear Country Living)(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2004... "A Local Tradition" ('Cross Country, October 2003), about Karen Tweed's annual pumpkin-carving party, inspired me to do the same thing. I held my first pumpkin-carving pizza party with some neighbors and it was an absolute hoot! We had all...

Hometown paradise.(Dear Country Living)(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2004... I was reading your November 2003 issue and to my surprise on turning a page found my town, Apalachicola, Fla., in a very sweet article about the area (On the Road, by Catherine O'Neal). I am thankful that I live in a quaint town, full of...

A good read.(Dear Country Living)(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2004... You outdid yourselves in the October 2003 issue--celebrating Country Living's 25th anniversary. I most especially enjoyed "Country Icons A through Z," a wonderful story that I read, over and over--well worth sharing with others. I was...

Bad apples make great cider.(Dear Country Living)(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2004... "Fresh Cider," by Faith Andrews Bedford (Kids in the Country, October 2003), brought back lots of memories for me. Many years ago, we used to pick apples for pies and applesauce, but the best part was turning misshapen ones into delicious...

Editor's journal.
January 1, 2004... By the time we welcome the New Year, most of us are ready for a rest--an opportunity to slow down a bit, take stock, and regroup. There's no denying that January offers a different pace: not one that's inactive, just one that's different. ...

Soothing hues.(Country Classics)
January 1, 2004... sunny 1 Hand-smocked organdy (42"W X 84"L, $92 per panel) lets the sun shine in. Thechandlercollection.com; (800) 258-2229. 2 The Arezzo Armadio (54 1/2"W X 88"H X 27"D; starting at $6,000) is available as an entertainment center, armoire, bar,...

'Cross country: a must-see Savannah shop, a delectable gift idea, a perfect winter flower, and more.(Directory)
January 1, 2004... SHOP ALERT Don't miss the Paris Flea Market, a stylish new home emporium in Savannah, Ga. The shop brims with everything from vintage wire baskets and 19th-century French antiques to crystal chandeliers, fine stationery, beaded handbags, and...

Heart of country: what's new--and what has never gone out of style--in American country antiques.(Antiques)
January 1, 2004... For more than 20 years, aficionados of fine country furniture and folk art have cleared their calendars in February and October to attend the semiannual Heart of Country Antiques Show, in Nashville, Tenn. Not only is the merchandise there known...

WoodPrairie Farm organic potatoes.(Country Store)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... WoodPrairie Farm offers 16 types of gourmet organic potatoes, direct from our Maine farm. Potato samplers, by the pound, and seed potatoes, plus many other vegetables. FREE catalog. 800.829.9765, www.woodprairie.com. WoodPrairie Farm, Dept. 24,...

Memories of yesteryear.(Country Store; Yankee Pride's rug catalog)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... ... come flooding back when you open Yankee Pride's lovely catalog. Traditional patterns, superior craftsmanship, excellent value and hundreds of rugs make this catalog a rare find indeed. Cloth and yarn braids made of wool, cotton and blends....

Crown point cabinetry.(Country Store)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... recognized for their fine-quality period-style cabinetry, is located in Claremont, New Hampshire. Sold direct to consumers, Crown Point's cabinetry is handcrafted in the tradition of fine furniture. www.crown-point.com [ILLUSTRATION...

Bedroom secret.(Country Store; Brass Bed Shoppe)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Buy factory direct and save 50% on heirloom-quality solid brass and iron beds. Once in a lifetime savings. Special layaway and payment plans. Free catalog. A Brass Bed Shoppe, 13800-CL Miles Avenue Cleveland, OH 44105 or call 216.229.4900....

The antique quilt source.(Country Store; Pennsylvania quilt country ca)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Antique American quilts from Pennsylvania quilt country ca. 1850-1940. Over 20 years in-home business. Catalog/Color Photos $8.00. Call 717.492.9876, or write to The Antique Quilt Source, Dept CE, 3064 Bricker Rd., Manheim, PA 17545-9644; or...

Soapstone wood and gas stoves.(Country Store; Woodstock Soapstone Company )(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Enjoy natural radiant heat from America's most beautiful wood and gas stoves. Whole house heating power; beautiful fire; no power required. Fine furniture design. Cast iron frame with beautiful soapstone walls. Free catalog and video. Call...

Spiral stair kits.(Country Store; from The Iron Shop)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Since 1931, The Iron Shop[R] has enjoyed a reputation for quality and value in spiral stairs. As the leading manufacturer of spiral stair kits, The Iron Shop[R] offers its customers the very best in selection, quality and prices. Spirals are...

Pussy willows: a much-beloved harbinger of spring, these catkins have long delighted gardeners of all ages.(Your Garden)
January 1, 2004... One of my earliest, and fondest, gardening memories is of the pussy willow in my grandfather's backyard. There stood a clump of what Gramps always called "French" willows, which bore the most incredibly large, cottony catkins--far bigger than...

On a budget? Sky's the limit? Either way, we've got the best of the best and great buys for less.(Double Take)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... FRUIT-PATTERNED PLATES Whether used at a dinner party or a cookout, good-looking tableware--be it bone china or tinware--makes a lasting impression. * First produced in 1788 for the Duke of Gloucester, Royal Worcester's bone-china Duke of...

Profiles in black: used sparingly or daringly, this dark, beautiful hue has the power to light up a room.(Decorator's Notebook)
January 1, 2004... It's cool, dramatic, and universally accepted as the ultimate in chic. Yet at heart black remains a true basic and quite utilitarian. This classic hue is embraced for its wonderful and endless versatility, which, depending on its application,...

What is it? What is it worth? A professional appraiser identifies and evaluates your possessions.
January 1, 2004... My grandfather used this desk in Colorado early in the 1900s. When my mother gave me the desk, my husband stripped it to its original tiger oak. During its lifetime the drawer pulls were changed from two-hole to single-hole mounts and the glass...

The first snow: eagerly, we anticipate the season's first blanket of white.(Kids in the Country)
January 1, 2004... IT IS COLD IN THE BEDROOM THIS MORNING. IT'S THE kind of chill that makes you pull the covers up over your nose. As my husband and I lie in bed in that state somewhere between sleep and wakefulness, I hear the radio crackling with reports of...

Small steps, BIG changes! See how to make your new year's resolutions really work in 2004.(Special Advertising Section)
January 1, 2004... It's that time again: a new year, a clean slate, a chance to start fresh and plan anew. But perhaps your New Year's resolutions feel like a predictable rundown of "must-do's" and "should-get-to's" and "why-didn't I's?" Especially if, like an...

Breathing easy: new products and smart tips keep your indoor air fresh when your house is closed tight.(Home Almanac)
January 1, 2004... clean [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Cedarwood Mint cleaning products--Floor Cleaner, All-Purpose Surface Cleaner, Dishwashing Liquid, and Hard-Working Hand Soap ($9-$10 each)--cleanse and deodorize naturally. Thymes.com; (800) 366-4071 * A...

House plans you can buy: to order plans for either of these houses, call (800) 839-0084 or see the coupon on page 107. You can also browse more than 100 additional designs on the house plans finder at countryliving.com.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... the deer isle [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [GRAPHIC OMITTED] John Silverio's design features a porch supported by round columns and a second-floor balcony with French doors capped by a circle-top transom. The entry leads past the study...

Living the good life: healthy resolutions that are easy to keep.(Advertisement)
January 1, 2004... With the holiday season behind us and the new year ahead, it's time for a fresh start. Rather than creating stress with a long list of inflexible resolutions, why not simply vow to do something--at least once every day--that you know is good...

Real-estate sampler: here, a look at properties for sale around the country. Call the companies for details.
January 1, 2004... Reproduction Colonial Built in 1978, this 5-bedroom, 3 1/2-bath home in central lowa has a sunken living room, formal dining room, oversized master suite, and custom-built kitchen. A 2-car garage and a tiered rear deck add to its charm....

Pets & the new baby: an infant in the family can mean a time of transition for everyone.(You & Your Pet)
January 1, 2004... having a baby, a friend once told me, was the biggest shock of her life: Everything was turned upside down by the arrival of the delightful bundle. And while hers is an accurate description of what happens, all too often the arrival of the new...

January: our monthly listing of antiques shows, crafts fairs, and festive events.(Country Calendar)(Calendar)
January 1, 2004... If you would like to see your antiques show, fair, or other country festivity in our free listing, please send us a note at least four months before the event is to be held. Send information to Country Living Magazine, Country Calendar, P.O....

Winter's tale.
January 1, 2004... WHAT PULLS US HOME WHEN WINTER CASTS ITS LONGEST SHADOW? THE SHORTNESS OF THESE DAYS AND THEIR SHARPLY FOCUSED LIGHT COMPELS US TO SEEK COMFORT IN OUR MOST CHERISHED PLACES--THE EMBRACE OF A FAMILIAR CHAIR, THE TENDER PETAL OF A FLOWER, A...

For love of home and country: in a tranquil corner of southern Illinois, Bruce and Stacee Droit carry on the traditions of a 25-year-old family business with a loving commitment that goes as deep as their country roots.(Arnett's Country Store in West Frankfort, Ill.)
January 1, 2004... When carefully showcased, even the most humble everyday items offer a thoughtful glimpse into the past. Bearing traces of its original pumpkin-colored paint, a rustic corner cabinet in the dining room holds pottery and baking utensils and, on...

Beauty reclaimed: a New York City homeowner peels back the layers of a far-gone Victorian town house to reveal the building's forgotten wealth of historical character and charm.
January 1, 2004... the house Once a private residence, the three-story town house in New York City's Harlem neighborhood had later been turned into a boardinghouse, with many small rooms that shared a single bath. When Dennis Decker bought the building in...

Midwinter marvel: easy to grow and amazing to behold, amaryllis now delights with new colors and forms.
January 1, 2004... If blossoms are what you crave in winter, the amaryllis rushes in with a rapid response to seasonal doldrums. Lush blooms can be counted on to deliver their ravishing impact for several weeks. Try the precocious double 'Snow White' (opposite...

Perfect palettes: choosing color can be a challenge even for seasoned decorators. In country living's new book, country color combinations, we look to the natural shades of landscapes and gardens for inspiration and offer easy-to-follow suggestions on creating the perfect palette.(Cover Story)
January 1, 2004... pleasing pastels [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Imagine the pink blush of a cherry blossom, the crisp, clear blue of a forget-me-not, and the pale yellow of a primrose and you can appreciate why pastels number among our favorite color choices....

Bigskycountry: making his home in montana's north country, outdoorsman and adventurer dick idol leads a rather enviable life where the hours of any given day can take him from a mountaintop excursion to the creation of a new piece of sculpture to the management of a highly successful lifestyle business that bears his name. For him, it is all in a day's work.(Interview)
January 1, 2004... Originally hailing from North Carolina, Dick Idol has spent most of his adult life in pursuit of outdoor adventure all around the world. "It wasn't enough for me to just visit great wildlife destinations, I wanted to live there," Dick says....

Chill out: make fresh and delicious dishes from scratch now--then freeze them to savor later.(Country Cooking)
January 1, 2004... The freezer is one of the best time-saving tools for a cook who desires fresh-tasting, homemade dishes like Mushroom Soup with Winter Vegetables (above)--ready to serve and enjoy in minutes. NAPKIN AND BOWL: LA CAFETIERE. FOR RESOURCES, SEE...

Cold comfort: sometimes the best medicine is no medicine at all.(potential problems associated with unnecessary use of antibiotics)
January 1, 2004... With cold and flu season reaching its peak, the nation's top health experts are feverishly waging a cold war of their own. Even if your throat is sore and scratchy and your sniffles are now officially Niagara Falls, they want you to just say no...

The recipe file: here's where you'll find the recipes for this issue's dishes. We hope you'll enjoy them.
January 1, 2004... MUSHROOM SOUP WITH WINTER VEGETABLES Shown on page 91 MAKES ABOUT 10 CUPS 2 heads garlic 6 tablespoons unsalted butter 2 large onions, chopped 1 1/2 pounds assorted wild mushrooms, sliced, stems reserved 8...

Shopping guide: use this handy reference for all your buying needs.(Reader's Resource)
January 1, 2004... This Shopping Guide provides our readers with further details and an index of manufacturers, antiques dealers, and stores where merchandise featured in this issue of Country Living can be obtained. Unless privately owned, most of the...

Simple country pleasures.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... I DREAMED THAT, AS I WANDERED BY THE WAY, BARE WINTER SUDDENLY WAS CHANGED TO SPRING. --PERCY BYSSHE SHELLEY [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Appreciating artisans.(dear country living)(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2004... I enjoyed reading "One Woman's Yarn" (November 2003), by Matthew Holm. I have the pleasure of waking up every morning to a view of a herd of Angora goats. A woman here raises the goats and spins their wool on an antique spinning wheel in her...

A good read.(dear country living)(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2004... You outdid yourselves in the October 2003 issue--celebrating Country Livings 25th anniversary. I most especially enjoyed "Country Icons A through Z," a wonderful story that I read, over and over--well worth sharing with others. I was pleasantly...

Editor's journal.(Editorial)
January 1, 2004... By the time we welcome the New Year, most of us are ready for a rest--an opportunity to slow down a bit, take stock, and regroup. There's no denying that January offers a different pace: not one that's inactive, just one that's different. ...

Two new arrivals.
January 1, 2004... Above: Managing Editor Sean Keefe now boasts a new title--"Dad"--with the arrival of his and his wife, Heather's first child, Julia Jessica, born August 29. Below: Our latest book, Country Color Combinations (Hearst Books/Sterling Publishing),...

Soothing hues.(country classics)
January 1, 2004... sunny 1 Hand-smocked organdy (42'W x 84"L, $92 par panel) lets the sun shine in. Thechandlercollection.com; (800) 258-2225. 2 The Arezzo Armadio (54 1/2"W x 88"H x 27"D; starting at $6,000) is available as an entertainment center, armoire, bar,...

Shop alert.('cross country)(Paris Flea Market antique store)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Don't miss the Paris Flea Market, a stylish new home emporium in Savannah, Ga. The shop brims with everything from vintage wire baskets and 19th-century French antiques to crystal chandeliers, fine stationery, beaded handbags, end French soaps,...

A grand view.('cross country)(landscape art exhibit)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... The Nature Conservancy of California has teamed with the Irvine Museum to host "California's Native Grandeur," an exhibit of landscapes by California's late-19th- and early-20th-century Impressionists. The paintings, which inspired early...

Inn of the month.('cross country)(Sundy House)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Come winter, warm-weather seekers in the know head to Delray Beach, a laid-back south Florida town with friendly residents, wide public beaches, and a revitalized shopping district. If you visit, reserve one of the bright, elegant rooms or...

Sweet surprise.('cross country)
January 1, 2004... Lucky recipients of Lilyfield Cakes' Keepsake Boxes ($120) will uncover a fresh rose bouquet, a sterling-silver charm bracelet, and a buttery cake--all nestled inside a colorful handmade satin box. Lilyfield cakes.com; (866) 832-0884

What's your opinion?('cross country)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... In a recent survey on our Web site, 78.3% of readers said they'd rather ring in the New Year at home than brave the holiday crowds. Do you consider yourself a collector? If so, let us know to what lengths you have gone to hunt down a...

Ask an expert.('cross country)(flower arrangements)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Sometimes a seasonal bouquet is all that's needed to reenergize a room--and your mood--during winter's dreariest days. When it comes to choosing flowers in winter, Amy Gardella, a New York City floral designer and owner of Seaport Flowers,...

American life.('cross country)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Last May, the creators of the book A Day in the Life of America invited Americans to take digital photographs documenting their lives during a single week. Amateurs and professionals submitted more than a million images, then editors chose...

Great find.('cross country)(Comfy Cardigans)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... "I design clothes that are fun to wear," says Comfy Cardigans owner Alexandra Wolf, whose cotton jackets offer a tailored alternative to sweatshirts and bulky sweaters. The Palm Springs, Calif., designer's cotton cardigan (above) has...

Heart of country: what's new--and what has never gone out of style--in American Country antiques.(antiques)
January 1, 2004... For more than 20 years, aficionados of fine country furniture and folk art have cleared their calendars in February and October to attend the semiannual Heart of Country Antiques Show, in Nashville, Tenn. Not only is the merchandise there known...

Crown point cabinetry.(country store)
January 1, 2004... recognized for their fine-quality period-style cabinetry, is located in Claremont, New Hampshire. Sold direct to consumers, Crown Point's cabinetry is handcrafted in the tradition of fine furniture, www.crown-point.com

Bedroom secret.(country store)(A Brass Bed Shoppe)
January 1, 2004... Buy factory direct and save 50% on heirloom-quality solid brass and iron beds. Once in a lifetime savings. Special layaway and payment plans. Free catalog. A Brass Bed Shoppe, 13800-CL Miles Avenue Cleveland, OH 44105 or call 216.229.4900....

Soapstone wood and gas stove.(country store)(Woodstock Soapstone Company)
January 1, 2004... Enjoy natural radiant heat from America's most beautiful wood and gas stoves. Whole house heating power; beautiful fire; no power required. Fine furniture design. Cast iron frame with beautiful soapstone walls. Free catalog and video. Call...

Spiral stair kits.(country store)(The Iron Shop)
January 1, 2004... Since 1931, The Iron Shop[R] has enjoyed a reputation for quality and value in spiral stairs. As the leading manufacturer of spiral stair kits, The Iron Shop[R] offers its customers the very best in selection, quality and prices. Spirals are...

Pussy willows: a much-beloved harbinger of spring, these catkins have long delighted gardeners of all ages.(your garden)
January 1, 2004... One of my earliest, and fondest, gardening memories is of the pussy willow in my grandfather's backyard. There stood a clump of what Gramps always called "French" willows, which bore the most incredibly large, cottony catkins--far bigger than...

Double take: on a budget? Sky's the limit? Either way, we've got the best of the best and great buys for less.
January 1, 2004... FRUIT-PATTERNED PLATES Whether used at a dinner party or a cookout, good-looking tableware--be it bone china or tinware--makes a lasting impression. * First produced in 1788 for the Duke of Gloucester, Royal Worcester's bone-china Duke of...

Profiles in black: used sparingly or daringly, this dark, beautiful hue has the power to light up a room.(decorator's notebook)
January 1, 2004... It's cool, dramatic, and universally accepted as the ultimate in chic. Yet at heart black remains a true basic and quite utilitarian. This classic hue is embraced for its wonderful and endless versatility, which, depending on its application,...

What is it? What is it worth? A professional appraiser identifies and evaluates your possessions.
January 1, 2004... My grandfather used this desk in Colorado early in the 1900s. When my mother gave me the desk, my husband stripped it to its original tiger oak. During its lifetime the drawer pulls were changed from two-hole to single-hole mounts and the glass...

The first snow: eagerly, we anticipate the season's first blanket of white.(kids in the country)
January 1, 2004... IT IS COLD IN THE BEDROOM THIS MORNING. IT'S THE kind of chill that makes you puff the covers up over your nose. As my husband and I lie in bed in that state somewhere between sleep and wakefulness, I hear the radio crackling with reports of...

Small steps, big changes! See how to make your new year's resolutions really work in 2004.
January 1, 2004... It's that time again: a new year, a clean slate, a chance to start fresh and plan anew. But perhaps your New Year's resolutions feel like a predictable rundown of "must-do's" and "should-get to's" and "why-didn't I's?" Especially if, like an...

Clean.(Home almanac: new products and smart tips help your indoor air fresh when your house is closed tight)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... Cedarwood Mint cleaning products--Floor Cleaner, All-Purpose Surface Cleaner. Dishwashing Liquid, and Hard-Working Hand Soap ($9-$10 each)--cleanse and deodorize naturally. Thymes .com; (800) 366-4071 * A fan draws air into the RadioShack...

Breathing easy.(Home almanac: new products and smart tips help your indoor air fresh when your house is closed tight)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... By installing a whole-house air-filtration system, you can help ensure your home's air is clean. Broan-NuTone's GuardianPlus offers high-efficiency particulate air filtration to remove pollen, dust, mold spores, and pet dander and reduce the...

House plans you can buy.(Home almanac: new products and smart tips help your indoor air fresh when your house is closed tight)(Advertisement)
January 1, 2004... TO ORDER PLANS FOR EITHER OF THESE HOUSES, CALL (800) 839-0084 OR SEE THE COUPON ON PAGE 107. YOU CAN ALSO BROWSE MORE THAN 100 ADDITIONAL DESIGNS ON THE HOUSE PLANS FINDER AT COUNTRYLIVING.COM. the deer isle John Silverio's design...

Living the good life: healthy resolutions that are easy to keep.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... With the holiday season behind us and the new year ahead, it's time for a fresh start. Rather than creating stress with a long list of inflexible resolutions, why not simply vow to do something--at least once every day--that you know is good...

Real-estate sampler: here, a look at properties for sale around the country, call the companies for details.(Advertisement)
January 1, 2004... Reproduction Colonial Built in 1978, this 5-bedroom, 3 1/2-bath home in central Iowa has a sunken living room, formal dining room, oversized master suite, and custom-built kitchen. A 2-car garage and a tiered rear deck add to its charm....

Property of the month.(Advertisement)
January 1, 2004... Stowell House Now a Pasadena landmark, this 4-bedroom, 3-bath Victorian was completed in 1895 by Frederick L. Roehrig, a noted California architect. Its highlights include a parlor; sunroom, living room. dining room, and state-of-the-art...

Fireplace safety first.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... How can you tell if a fireplace or woodstove in a house you'd like to buy is safe to use? "You really can't," says Carrie Swan, co-owner of Black Swan, a fireplace and stove shop in Newtown, Conn. "A dank creosote smell or water damage on the...

Pets & the new baby: an infant in the family can mean a time of transition for everyone.(you & your pet)
January 1, 2004... having a baby; a friend once told me, was the biggest shock of her life: Everything was turned upside down by the arrival of the delightful bundle. And while hers is an accurate description of what happens, "all too often the arrival of the new...

January: our monthly listing of antiques shows, crafts fairs, and festive events.(country calendar)(Calendar)
January 1, 2004... If you would like to see your antiques show, fair, or other country festivity in our free listing, please send us a note at least four months before the event is to be held. Send information to Country Living Magazine, Country Calendar, P.O....

Contemporary furniture-making symposium in Boston.(country calendar)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... In conjunction with "The Maker's Hand: American Studio Furniture, 1940 to 1990," an exhibition currently being held at the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston, a daylong symposium scheduled for Saturday, January 17, will explore the evolution of studio...

Winter's tale.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2004... What pulls us home when winter casts its longest shadow? The shortness of these days and their sharply focused light compels us to seek comfort in our most cherished places--the embrace of a familiar chair, th tender petal of a flower, a...

For love of home and country: in a tranquil corner of southern Illinois, Bruce and Stacee Droit carry on the traditions of a 25-year-old family business with a loving commitment that goes as deep as their country roots.
January 1, 2004... When carefully showcased, even the most humble everyday items offer a thoughtful glimpse into the past. Bearing traces of its original pumpkin-colored paint, a rustic corner cabinet in the dining room holds pottery and baking utensils and, on...

Beauty reclaimed.
January 1, 2004... the house Once a private residence, the three-story town house in New York City's Harlem neighborhood had later been turned Into a boardinghouse, with many small rooms that shared a single bath. When Dennis Decker bought the building in...

Midwinter marvel: easy to grow and amazing to behold, amaryllis now delights with new colors and forms.
January 1, 2004... If blossoms are what you crave in winter, the amaryllis rushes in with a rapid response to seasonal doldrums. Lush blooms can be counted on to deliver their ravishing impact for several weeks. Try the precocious double 'Snow White' (opposite...

Perfect palettes: choosing color can be a challenge even for seasoned decorators. In Country Living's new book, country color combinations, we look to the natural shades of landscapes and gardens for inspiration and offer easy-to-follow suggestions on creating the perfect palette.(Cover Story)
January 1, 2004... pleasing pastels Imagine the pink blush of a cherry blossom, the crisp, clear blue of a forget-me-not, and the pale yellow of a primrose and you can appreciate why pastels number among our favorite color choices. Their soft, floral...

Big sky country: making his home in Montana's North Country, outdoorsman and adventurer Dick Idol leads a rather enviable life where the hours of any given day can take him from a mountaintop excursion to the creation of a new piece of sculpture to the management of a highly successful lifestyle business that bears his name. For him, it is all in a day's work.
January 1, 2004... Originally hailing from North Carolina, Dick Idol has spent most of his adult life in pursuit of outdoor adventure all around the world. "It wasn't enough for me to just visit great wildlife destinations, I wanted to live there," Dick says....

Chillout: make fresh and delicious dishes from scratch now--then freeze them to savor later.(county cooking)
January 1, 2004... hot and cold Even for the most avid cook, finding time to prepare daily or special-occasion meals can be challenging. One solution is to reach into the freezer and pull out a homemade dish that can be brought to the table with as much...

Cold comfort: sometimes the best medicine is no medicine at all: with cold and flu season reaching its peak, the nation's top health experts are feverishly waging a cold war of their own. Even if your throat is sore and scratchy and your sniffles are now officially Niagara Falls, they want you to just say no to antibiotics. They have their reasons.
January 1, 2004... Everyone around you is coughing and hacking. You've already felt the first telltale sign of the misery to come. What should you do? Just about anything except take antibiotics, according to the nation's leading public health experts. ...

Simple country pleasures.
January 1, 2004... I DREAMED THAT, AS I WANDERED BY THE WAY, BARE WINTER SUDDENLY WAS CHANGED TO SPRING.