Country Living articles from January 2006

Country Living archives from January 2006

January.(editor's journal)
January 1, 2006... As a new year begins it seems only natural to take time to reflect on where we are and what we hope the coming year will bring. Reading through the pages of this January issue, I find myself thinking about the traditions each of us has and how...

It's Saturday and I just finished the November issue.(your letters)(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2006... It's Saturday and I just finished the November issue. After reading Ted Kooser's "A Thanksgiving Surprise" (My Countryside), I can't wait for Monday so that I can share it with my writing students--it's something I want them to emulate. ...

Back in school.(your letters)(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2006... I was really lost in pleasant memories as I read Ted Kooser's personal essay "A Thanksgiving Surprise" (My Countryside, November 2005). I graduated a year after Mr. Kooser from Ames High School in Ames, Iowa, and I don't know of anyone who went...

Bright ideas.(your letters)(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2006... What a surprise to see "a neat idea" in the September Home Almanac ("Do-It-Yourself Dream Kitchen")! I have an ironing-board cupboard in my kitchen similiar to the one you have pictured in your article. I received a new set of pots and pans for...

Winning lineup.(your letters)(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2006... My husband and I recently went on a weekend getaway to Wilmington, Del., and visited nearby Winterthur, where we saw a beautiful exhibition on German fraktur. Imagine my surprise when I came back to our hotel that night, settled in with my...

A treat for the eyes.(your letters)(Letter to the Editor)
January 1, 2006... Your October issue is always my favorite, and I felt that I needed to write to tell you that you have outdone yourselves this year. It was a perfect combination of Halloween whimsy and stunning autumn decor and scenery. Thank you for your hard...

Have an ice day.(out & about)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... As the mercury plummets, take advantage of the chilly weather--and the gorgeous views--at one of America's family-friendly outdoor ice-skating rinks. In Washington, D.C., take a twirl amid sculptures by Rodin and Miro at the National Gallery of...

Great source.(buzz)(Cielo Home)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... When she visits Portland, Ore., Country Living Decorating Editor Frances Bailey heads to Cielo Home, a chic Pearl District outpost owned by Matthew Boyes (above right) and Frederic Koeleman. The stylish partners stock everything from...

Editor's pick.(buzz)
January 1, 2006... The Farm Chicks' pendant necklaces ($16 to $18) feature vintage wallpaper on one side, old sheet music on the other. A sturdy, extra-long ball chain is included; the farmchicks.com. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Tray chic.(buzz)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... Nineteenth-century tole trays found in America and England serve as canvas for Georgia artist Anne Bielowicz, who decorates the antiques with period-style landscapes and still lifes rendered in acrylic. Prices start at $500, depending on the...

Inn of the month.(buzz)
January 1, 2006... Although it's less than five miles from the Los Angeles International Airport, the Inn at Playa del Rey, in Playa del Rey, Calif., seems worlds away. Just three blocks from the Pacific, the breezy, comfortable inn has 21 rooms, all of which...

Hip & Humble: vintage-inspired furniture and accessories fill this home-decor shop in Salt Lake City's 9th and 9th neighborhood.(shopping)
January 1, 2006... creative collaborators Six years ago, sisters Suzette Eaton (near left) and Sheridan Larson opened Hip & Humble in Salt Lake City's 9th and 9th shopping district. The siblings cover a lot of ground at the store, stocking upholstered...

Good-mood hues: let the happy effects of color brighten your New Year's spirits.(country classics)
January 1, 2006... cheerful Find reasonably priced authentic vintage botanical prints dating back to the 1800s on ebay.com or at used-book stores. Prices are often well below $100. running in circles Dress a table with Garnet Hill's Chapelle felt...

Carved bible boxes.(antiques)
January 1, 2006... Although little is known about a man named John Coleby who lived in Amesbury, Mass., in 1673, the record of his household reveals that he owned an oak box in which he kept folded linens and a bible. In the days before households were equipped...

Steiff soft toys: professional appraiser Helaine Fendelman identifies and evaluates your collectibles and antiques.(what is it worth?)
January 1, 2006... valued at: $250 The German toy company Steiff produced the "Peggy" penguin from 1956 to 1975 in five sizes (4" to 19"H). This 1950s example (13"H) has a plush mohair body, a felt beak and feet, and glass eyes. The tag, label, and button,...

Living with color.(idea notebook)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... Vibrant hues make a lively statement at home. Get inspired by the things you love and make color work for you. The shelving's rich, bold red hue makes this collection of new and vintage McCoy and Hall pottery "pop." Uncertain about which...

Bright beauties: to create a carefree and comfortable environment at home, introduce a few cheerful elements that help lift the mood.(get the look)(Brief Article)(Cover Story)
January 1, 2006... Balancing Act To achieve harmony when using many warm, energetic shades, inject a touch of coolness, suggests Leatrice Eiseman, author of Colors for Your Every Mood. Here, blue accents add a contrast that grounds the room. FRENCH WRITING...

Color savvy.(picking paint)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... The rich, saturated hues of this mixed collection of pottery translate perfectly to your home's walls. Each shade will subtly influence how you feel--creating drama, intimacy, or even tranquillity--whether it's used as an accent or in a large...

Make color work for you: follow these simple principles to successfully infuse your entire home with beautiful color you'll enjoy room to room.(inspirations)
January 1, 2006... tone: cool walls The cool blue hue covering the bedroom walls is reminiscent of the similarly-colored crockery on the dining room's shelves. That room's primary color scheme is maintained here, although in different proportions. ...

Ask the expert: Senior Editor Jennifer Vreeland offers useful insight on painted floors and log-home kits.(advice & solutions)(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... Q: Where can I get advice on painting my hardwood floors? Where do I find designs or large stencils for this job? [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] F.S. (VIA E-MAIL) A. I personally love the look of painted and stenciled wood floors. The...

Everything in its place: use the post-holiday lull to organize your fine china and silverware, while keeping it accessible to your everyday life.(entertaining)
January 1, 2006... wrap it up When storing silverware, it's best to separate it into place settings, so you can easily pull what you need for an impromptu dinner party. RIGHT: Felt cases such as these from The Container Store ($9.99/6-piece Silver Place...

Off to a healthy start: "you are what you eat" applies to pets, too, so begin the new year with good eating habits.(you & your pet)
January 1, 2006... When offering between-meal snacks, avoid crunchy, high-carbohydrate baked treats; instead, offer lean snacks such as Dogswell and Catswell (dogswell.com) or Liv-a-Littles (halopets.com). An added benefit: You'll find that meaty treats are much...

The $2,000 makeover: easy, affordable updates give a characterless country cottage an inviting new attitude, both inside and out.(home almanac)
January 1, 2006... big ideas on a small budget When Tom Woodard began to renovate his weekend getaway, he wanted to keep the project inexpensive and uncomplicated. His motto, "Less fussy is best," guided the work. The results are clear: a house that suits...

A simple life: here, a look at properties for sale all around the country. Please call the companies listed for additional details.(small-town living)
January 1, 2006... Built in the 1850s, this Carpenter Gothic-style house is located in Jonesborough, the oldest town in the state of Tennessee and also the National Storytelling Capital. The 3,200-square-foot house has recently been restored and updated, inside...

Joyful junipers: this time of year, just as everything in the garden has lost its luster, the juniper tree provides color and form.(your garden)
January 1, 2006... In late fall, as the last of the leaves have been collected, the perennials cut back, and the garden put to bed, I'm reminded of how much I enjoy the quiet beauty of several upright junipers in my garden. Their glaucous foliage glimmers in the...

This month's highlights: our monthly listing of antiques shows, crafts fairs, and festive events.(country calendar)(Calendar)
January 1, 2006... arizona YUMA LETTUCE DAYS. WHEN: JAN. 20-22. PLACE: YUMA. Celebrate the local lettuce harvest with an arts-and-crafts festival, a cooking contest, and more. (928) 783-3061; yumalettucedays.com. canada 21ST CENTURY FLEA MARKET....

Country news: your guide to exciting special events, promotions, the latest products and online offerings.(promotion)
January 1, 2006... The Dixie[R] "Give Yourself a HAND" Contest Winner! We're giving Ronni of Buffalo, NY a HAND! "I put myself through college and maintained an ambition to do something good with my life. I believe that all you need is a sincere goal and you...

Home comforts.
January 1, 2006... Is there a place at home that always feels calm? Where you go to find serenity, think, or simply enjoy the unexpected warmth of winter's pure light? It's all yours, to make as you wish. So much happens inside. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Country in the city: contributing Editor Randy Florke puts down roots with a timeless approach to decorating.
January 1, 2006... As an interior designer in New York City who is also a realtor in the country, Contributing Editor Randy Florke has always been something of a nomad, moving from home to home, decorating with terrific bargains and flea-market finds in what he...

Storybook charms: surrounded by cherished collections of books, illustrator and author Lane Smith and graphic designer Molly Leach begin a new chapter in a restored 200-year-old Connecticut farmhouse.
January 1, 2006... Although they grew up in Oklahoma and Illinois respectively, Lane Smith and Molly Leach never considered themselves country types. City living seemed to be more their style, a fate that eventually brought each of them to New York City, where...

A winter's day: with January's stillness often comes an opportunity for quietude and reflection. Draw inward and notice the purity of winter's light. Surround yourself with gentle blooms. Fair and scented, fresh white flowers are sure to make fitting companions to wistful thoughts of spring.(Brief Article)
January 1, 2006... White. It's the color of calm. Give in, one lazy winter afternoon, to your January moods and brew a pot of jasmine tea. Find a spot near a window, and sit quietly for a while, doing nothing. Observe the season's light--sometimes flat, sometimes...

Paint primer: after admiring old New England murals from afar, Jane and Phil Workman did extensive research into the history and techniques of 19th-century itinerant painters and commissioned a few traditional-style murals for their own home.
January 1, 2006... When Phil and Jane Workman lived in Florida, they made frequent antiquing trips to New England. "I always booked us in old B and Bs," recalls Jane, "partly because I love their murals." She never dreamed that one day she would be surrounded by...

Heirloom magic: the kitchen of a landmark Virginia home becomes a feast for the eyes, and a glorious backdrop for cherished collectibles.
January 1, 2006... When a house has an illustrious past (as this one does) and it's filled with valuable antiques (as this one is), a common decorating pitfall is to adhere to strict historical accuracy for a "so-and-so slept here" effect. But that's simply not...

Game night.(cook book)
January 1, 2006... staying in Come winter, we often want to linger at home, enjoying its familiarity and warmth. On those weekend evenings when you choose to stay in, why not host a game night? More than just dusting off a Scrabble board and snacking on...

Country Living's 2005 bedroom makeover winner.(ADVERTISING PROMOTION)(Advertisement)
January 1, 2006... Country Living is making over America--one room at a time. Be on the lookout for more Makeovers Across America Contests in our upcoming issues for your chance to win a makeover in the office, dining room, kitchen, bedroom and laundry room! ...

Pan-roasted mussels: quick to prepare, a supper of spiced mussels and oven fries brings satisfying warmth to the winter table.(under an hour)
January 1, 2006... Have a plan: Begin with what cooks the longest--in this case, the fries. Chill wine and set the table ahead of time so you can serve the mussels while hot. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Spiced Mussels with Oven Fries MAKES 2 SERVINGS ...

Shopping guide.(reader's resource)
January 1, 2006... Use this handy reference for all of your buying needs. The Shopping Guide provides additional details and an index of manufacturers, antiques dealers, and stores where merchandise featured in Country Living can be obtained. Unless privately...

Country Living's healthy living.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
January 1, 2006... Healthy living: by definition, it's something we try to do everyday. All those smart habits--getting regular exercise, choosing the right nutrients, saying 'no' to cigarettes--really do add up. Think of healthy living as an investment you make...

Drink your greens.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
January 1, 2006... For thousands of years, tea drinkers have been enjoying tea for its refreshing flavor and its medicinal properties. It was not until recently, however, that scientific research revealed the multitude of wonderful ways that drinking tea can...

Become your healthiest self.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
January 1, 2006... Revamping lifestyle habits for the better can be easier than you think. And the payoff is enormous: A weight loss regimen, exercise program or plan to quit smoking offers untold health benefits. Here's how to get started and stay motivated. ...

Simple country pleasures.
January 1, 2006... January brings the snow, makes our feet and fingers glow. --SARA COLERIDGE