Country Living articles from June 2003

Country Living archives from June 2003

Dear country living.
June 1, 2003... Very Happy with Vera Wares I was happy to read Marie Proeller Hueston's article "Very Vera!" (Antiques, April 2003). For years I've wondered about her-Vera who? How old could she be? I bought my first Vera silk scarf in 1946. It cost $1. I...

Editor's journal.
June 1, 2003... All of us need a special place to retreat to. A place where we can go to renew, enjoy, and simply be ourselves--a place that inspires us in a personal way. For many of us, that place is the garden. In the garden, we're reminded of the power...

At home in our gardens. (25 Years of Country Living Then & Now).
June 1, 2003... IN GARDENS WE RECONNECT WITH THE EARTH AND SURROUND OURSELVES WITH BEAUTY. AS WE PLANT, WEED, WATER, AND HARVEST, WE ARE REMINDED THAT WE, TOO, ARE A PART OF NATURE--AND THIS IS OUR SEASON. Indoors First, decorators brought wicker...

Floral. (Garden Inspired).
June 1, 2003... 1 Rance's Tuberose and Gardenia soaps ($48 per box of six) look and smell lovely. Call (888) 788-0768. 2 Pile up Tracy Porter's wool Magnolia Trellis needlepoint pillows (10", $30; 12", $40; 14" x 18", $70). Call Peking Handicraft, (800)...

Tropical. (Garden Inspired).
June 1, 2003... 1 Picture your loved ones with Danielson Designs' Tropical hibiscus wreath and lily stripe painted wood frames (7 1/2" sq. and 8 1/2" x 7 1/2"; $36 ea.). Call (800) 746-4149. 2 A parchment shade tops the hand-painted Ido ceramic base of...

Cottage. (Garden Inspired).
June 1, 2003... 1 A hand-quilted cotton slipcover in Patience tops the Chandler Collection's padded wood footstool (18" sq., 20"H; $315). Call (800) 258-2229. 2 Hit the beach with Rachel Ashwell's Shabby Chic cotton bag (12"L x 12"W x 16"H; $100) in...

Decorating idea. (Cross Country).(folding screen use)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... An old folding screen smartly camouflages items that may not fit in your closet--and serves as a stylish display board for postcards, letters, notes, and photographs of family and friends.

Close-up. (Cross Country).(Les Roses on CD-ROM)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Stop and view Les Roses. The masterwork of Belgian botanical painter Pierre Joseph Redoute (1759-1840) can now be enjoyed in a CD-ROM version ($50: only at octavo.com). Scanned from a rare edition housed in the Library of Congress--one of only...

A find. (Cross Country).
June 1, 2003... For unique French, English, East European, and Asian antiques, furniture, and accessories, head to Collector's Bazar, a 4,500-square-foot emporium in Coral Gables, Fla. The shop's owners travel the world in search of rare finds like their...

Inn of the month. (Cross Country).(Hostellerie Pierre du Calvet)(Hotel Review)
June 1, 2003... Behind a heavy iron gate on cobblestone-paved rue Bonsecours, visitots to Old Montreal will find the Hostellerie Pierre du Calvet--a nine-room hotel housed in a c. 1725 Breton-style residence with stone walls, winding staircases, and romantic...

Botany buzz. (Cross Country).(Wendy Hollender's artwork)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... If plants and plant life draw you like a bee in search of nectar, botanical artwork from WH Art & Design awaits your discovery. New York nature artist Wendy Hollender's print collection Botanical Sketchbook offers renderings of a botanist's...

Love birds. (Cross Country).
June 1, 2003... Christopher DelMonaco's portraits of two love birds dressed to wed make for a whimsical wedding or anniversary gift. Bird Bride and Groom prints (6 1/2" x 6 1/2"; $70 each) come framed in black laminated wood with a dove-gray border...

What's your opinion? (Cross Country).(interior decorating preferences)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... In a recent survey on our Web site, we asked readers to let us know what natural materials they like best when decorating their homes: 71.1% appreciate the rich tones of wood 12.2% are drawn to the cool texture of stone 7.6% prefer...

America's secret Gardens. (Cross Country).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Visitors can enter nearly 400 private gardens all across the country on select weekends until October 5 through the Garden Conservancy's Open Days Program ($5 per garden). This is a unique opportunity to pick up design ideas and planting...

Clean & green: if Monica Nassif has her way, housekeeping will soon be a sweet-smelling, earth-friendly cause for celebration. (Save Our Countryside).(Caldrea Co.)
June 1, 2003... Here's an EPA statistic that might shock you: The air we breathe inside our homes, offices, and schools may be two to five times more polluted than the air we inhale outdoors. It's enough to make you gasp, especially when you consider that most...

Vaseline[R] Intensive Care[R] presents in her element. (Special Advertising Section).
June 1, 2003... There is a point when it all comes together, when a woman feels comfortable with herself and confident in her abilities. The uncertainty and hesitation are gone...she is In Her Element--and it shows. Being in your element means celebrating...

Water escapes: get ready to set sail! Cool summer vacations designed to suit every budget get started on the water. (On the Road).
June 1, 2003... When the mercury rises and the days stretch long, many a landlubber's thoughts turn to water. So park the car and start planning a restorative vacation exploring the world's waterways. There are boating holidays designed for everyone-from...

Floral fancies: arrange your favorite blooms in easy-to-make color-coordinated containers. (Simple Projects).
June 1, 2003... easy arrangements Make the most of summer's lush and fragrant floral bounty by gathering up a bunch of blooms to display in your home, to decorate a table for a special gathering, or to offer as gifts to friends and family. By following our...

Designing your garden: think before you plant: by following these three basic garden design principles, you can lay out your landscape like a professional. (Your Garden).
June 1, 2003... Once you've decided on the overall style of your garden--whether formal, semiformal, or naturalistic--define, divide, and conquer should be your design mantra. Following these three principal steps of landscape design will make the process of...

What is it? What is it worth? A professional appraiser identifies and evaluates your possessions.
June 1, 2003... When I moved into my house, I found this Chambers stove already in place. One grate has been replaced. I am considering keeping and using the stove. Would that be practical? P.N., VENICE, CALIF. Many cooks find using durable older...

Savory & simple: simplicity meets sophistication in our satisfying grilled flank-steak dinner. (Under an Hour).
June 1, 2003... Dinner preparation tends to take on either of two tempos: a staccato beat or a melodic cadence. A hearty yet uncomplicated summertime meal that uses basic cooking methods, few appliances, and simple ingredients will let the latter pace reveal...

Monogrammed linens: needlework adds identity and dimension to vintage textiles. (Antiques).
June 1, 2003... A white linen bedsheet, in and of itself, can be beautiful. Add a monogram, however, and it is instantly alluring. And antique linens with monograms inspire endless questions for collectors: 'Whose initials are they? Are the stitches expertly...

Spiral stair kits. (Country Store: Advertisement).
June 1, 2003... 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...

Fran's wicker & rattan furniture. (Country Store: Advertisement).
June 1, 2003... Order with confidence from America's oldest and largest wicker & rattan importer. Highest quality, lower prices, and prompt delivery. For a FREE 72-page catalog, call 800.531.1511 and ask for Dept. CLO3 or visit us at: www.franswicker.com

Rugsusa.com. (Country Store: Advertisement).
June 1, 2003... This wool rug from RugsUSA.com offers a variety of decorative colors and sizes including runners. Price ranges from $59 to $999 depending on size. Available online at www.rugsusa.com or by phone at 1.800.982.7210.

Memories of yesteryear. (Country Store: Advertisement).
June 1, 2003... ... 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....

Guardian custom products-table extender. (Country Store: Advertisement).
June 1, 2003... The Guardian Game Table Xtender expands your table surface in seconds. Each player station includes a tray holder for a drink and playing chips. Playing surface is pool table grade, soft felt. The underside is upholstery grade leathergrain...

The Antique Quilt Source. (Country Store: Advertisement).
June 1, 2003... 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...

Fresh Greens: from spring grass to shell peas, citron to chartreuse, green lies at the root of this season's most inspired table settings.
June 1, 2003... PREFTY PAIRINGS To create an inviting setting for a casual meal, capture garden-fresh color. Stick to one or two hues--here, bright greens accented with pure pinks--to allow for mixing patterns. Opposite page: Display a collection of china...

Double take: on a budget? Sky's the limit? Either way, we've got the best of the best and great buys for less.
June 1, 2003... TABLE LAMPS Whether you're in the market for the enduring qualities of Lucite or the timeless luster of lead crystal, these versatile lamps cast a clear light on style. * The Robert Abbey Lucidity's streamlined Lucite and...

Out of the blue: from the turquoise waves of Hawaii to the Atlantic's cobalt blue, the latest building and kitchen products reflect the breezy brillance of the sea. (Home Almanac).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... IN THE MOOD LIGHT Made of blue-lacquered aluminum, IKEA's serene Foto pendant light ($7.95; above) brightens kitchen work spaces; 100 watts maximum. ikeausa.com * (800) 434-4532 PAINT Ranging from airy Fountain Spout to saturated...

House plans you can buy. (Home Almanac).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... To order plans for either of these houses, call (800) 839-0084 or see the coupon on page 1.57 You can also browse more than 100 additional house plans on the House Plans Finder at countryliving.com. [the eustache] TOTAL: 660 sq. ft....

Shades of green: sturdy and practical green-glazed yellowware is now attracting collectors owing to its vibrant gem-toned hues. (Collecting).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Early in the 20th century, many a Midwestern kitchen was stocked with nesting bowls, pitchers, pie plates, and canister sets crafted of light-yellow clay and glazed in dazzling shades of green. These early utilitarian wares--known to...

Florida retreat. (Real-Estate Sampler).(property for sale in Mount Dora, Florida )(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... This 1922 property in Mount Dora has a main house and a fully equipped cottage. The former has 3 bedrooms and 3 baths; the latter, 1 bedroom and 1 bath. Attractive updates complement Old World flavor throughout. $545,000. Century 21/Heritage...

Antenellum alabaman. (Real-Estate Sampler).(property for sale in Lowndesboro, Alabama)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... This restored 3-bedroom, 2-bath 1840 parsonage has high ceilings and heart-pine floors throughout. Formal living and dining rooms and 4 fireplaces are highlights. The 1-acre property is in Lowndesboro, near Montgomery. $169,000. Aronov Realty,...

Michigan farmhouse. (Real-Estate Sampler).(propert for sale )(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Once a bonsai nursery, this 4-bedroom, 2-bath 1853 house sits on 1 1/2 exquisitely landscaped acres. It offers a library, solarium, and eat-in kitchen. A greenhouse and 2-car garage with potting shed are included. $414,900. Century 21 Val-U-Way...

Texas Queen Anne. (Real-Estate Sampler).(property for sale in Fredericksburg, Texas )(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... This 3-bedroom, 3-bath 1910 Victorian has high ceilings and beaded-board walls. A master suite and den were added in 2001. German folk art fretwork befits its location in Fredericksburg's Historic District. $389,000. Texas Territory Real...

Utah four-square. (Real-Estate Sampler).(property for sale in Park City, Utah )(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Featured in our January 2002 issue, this 1895 3-bedroom, 3-bath house in Park City was completely restored in 2000. It includes formal dining and living rooms, a large eat-in kitchen, and all new systems. $575,000. Lewis, Wolcott & Dornbush...

Southern belle. (Property of the Month).(property for sale in McRae, Georgia )(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Exemplifying dignified restrained house style known locally as the James River Georgian this 1972 house stands on 4 1/2 acres in McRae: Ga. It has 4 bedrooms, 4 baths formal living and dining rooms a great rooma nd 3 fireplaces. Decks patios,...

Solar-power retrofits. (Real-Estate Sampler).(installation of panels for generation of solar energy)(information on related services )(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... Last September's installation of 167 solar-energy panels at the White House demonstrates how far photovoltaic technology has come since the 1970s. Back then, energy-conscious homeowners encountered maintenance problems and high prices when...

Summer bounty: enjoy good, fresh food--all season long. (Advertisement).(Hidden Valley BBQ Ranch Dressing)(includes salad recipe )
June 1, 2003... During the school year it can be tough to get your kids to eat those five daily servings of fruits and vegetables recommended by nutritionists. But in summer, it should be a snap. Apricots, blackberries, boysenberries and raspberries are...

The great American summer barbecue. (Special Advertising Section).(Kenmore Elite, gas grills)(includes notes on barbecue cookery, recipes )
June 1, 2003... Summertime: It's when the livin is easy, and the days are ripe for fun...and what summer pleasure is more anticipated than the backyard barbecue? Gather family and friends to savor the incomparable delights of superb food and good company under...

Good neighbors: your pet's relationships--like yours--reach beyond your home turf. (You & Your Pet).(pets and good relations between neighbors )(Column)
June 1, 2003... There's more to pet stewardship than the primary bond between you and your pet. Recently I was embarrassed to learn that some of my dearest neighbors found canine cacophony in what I merely took to be my dogs' self-expression. Their polite...

June: our monthly listing of antiques shows, crafts fairs, and other festive events. (Country Calendar).(Calendar)
June 1, 2003... 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....

Doughnuts to go: on summer saturdays, the families of St. John's Episcopal Church, in Sandy Hook, Conn., serve up sweets with a smile--and raise money for the church's charitable programs. (Local Color).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... On the first Saturday in June, July, and August, folks in Sandy Hook, Conn., have a very good reason to rise and shine--namely the Donut Drive-Thru sponsored by the parishioners of St. John's Episcopal Church. From 9 A.M. to noon, enthusiastic...

Water colors.(interior design and home furnishings )
June 1, 2003... TAKE INSPIRATION FROM THE SEA WITH A POOL OF PAINT, FURNITURE, FABRICS, AND ACCESSORIES IN COLORS DESIGNED TO SOOTHE THE SPIRIT Capture the peacefulness of a summer day at the seashore, lake, or riverside with colors that reflect the clarity...

Garden views: tours of fellow gardeners' carefully tended yards yield inspiration for our own edens.
June 1, 2003... welcome "Come see thc garden!" Few garden enthusiasts can resist a sincere invitation to spend a pleasant summer hour exploring a landscape lovingly designed and maintained by a kindred spirit. What lies beyond the garden gate? What...

Country in the city: a Los Angeles bungalow and art studio reflect a painter's palette and passions.(Andrea Dern )(Interview)
June 1, 2003... few things escape the white treatment when painter Andrea Dern has her way. The leased Los Angeles bungalow and art studio where she and her husband, film actor Bruce Dern, live when he is working in Hollywood was no exception. "The owner...

The potting shed.
June 1, 2003... In the lush countryside of British Columbia, one homeowner converts an outbuilding into an inviting garden retreat in that timeless setting, surrounded by Victorian architectural elements and early 20th century furniture one can set to the...

Where love blooms: in a botanical garden trimmed in blue and white, a fairytale wedding comes to life.(details from Nicole Esposito Polly and David Polly's Wave Hill New York wedding)
June 1, 2003... "Blue is my favorite color," says Nicole Esposito Polly of the palette she and her groom, David Polly, evoked on their wedding day at Wave Hill; in Riverdale, NY From the invitations to the name of the New York City atelier where the bride's...

Inside outside: a short and sweet remodeling job invites the fresh, summery flair of the garden into the kitchen of a 1950s Los Angeles ranch house. (Country Kitchen).(Brief Article)
June 1, 2003... "When you fix someone's ho use up, it's like fixing a part of her body. "says Leslie Corzine, a Los Angeles resident who rebuilds old ho uses for a living. "I think a house very much represents someone's insides. "In her 1950s ranch, Leslie...

Party under the big top: let the sights and sounds of an old-time circus tent inspire birthday fun, with easy-to-make treats, old-fashioned games, and party decorations to delight kids of all ages. (Country Cooking).
June 1, 2003... Bring the circus to town for the next birthday party you plan! Use our guide to re-create the foods and mood of the traveling spectacles that once set up in America's small towns for a week or so every summer. All it takes to conjure a carnival...