Country Living articles from June 2005

Country Living archives from June 2005

Marburger Antique Show.(your letters)(Letter to the Editor)
June 1, 2005... I want to commend you on the April 2005 issue. I own a home-and-garden boutique and attend the Marburger Antique Show to snag great finds for my shop. I was delighted to see Annie McClure recognized ("An Eye for the Unexpected")--she has such...

Comfort update.(your letters)(Letter to the Editor)
June 1, 2005... Over a year ago, I entered my dad, George Gibson, in your Comfort Contest for the work he does for Habitat for Humanity of Yuma, Ariz. Here's an update: We recently received the exciting news that the Yuma chapter recycled more aluminum per...

Tranquility.(your letters)(Letter to the Editor)
June 1, 2005... I've enjoyed your magazine for years and may be the only man subscribing to what is essentially a ladies' magazine. Your articles and artwork are tasteful. Thanks for providing an isle of tranquility. JAMES O. McCLELLAN III,...

A visit to Salt Lake City.(your letters)(Letter to the Editor)
June 1, 2005... I enjoyed the article on Salt Lake City (Antiques Across America, April 2005). However, I would like to bring to your attention the correct name of the Church: It is The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, not just Latter-day Saints....

Refreshed by March.(your letters)(Letter to the Editor)
June 1, 2005... The March 2005 issue was fabulous! It was so nice to see big pictures of homes, and lots of them. I especially loved the feature story "House Proud." I have just about worn this issue out. DONNA KISH, OAKVILLE, ONTARIO, CANADA

June.(editor's journal)
June 1, 2005... A fresh bouquet of purple flowers, a pink skirt, an apple green T-shirt, a yellow McCoy vase--these are just some of the colors that I'm drawn to. Color plays such an important part in our lives. It surrounds us in nature and speaks to us...

Light up your life: there are three basic ways of transforming natural light that can put you in charge of the mood in your home and how you feel.(Advertisement)
June 1, 2005... Basking in the sun's rays can inject a feeling of pure joy into your life. Have you ever stopped to think about the sense of serenity you feel as sunset fades to dusk? These are natural emotional responses to light. Window fashions, a key...

Wedding wonders.(out & about)(wedding cake)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Life is sweet for Elisa Strauss, a 28-year-old cake designer who parlayed her passion for baking into Confetti Cakes, her four-year-old wedding cake business in New York City. A former textile designer at Ralph Lauren, Elisa's fanciful...

Collect it now.(buzz)(collecting sterling-silver ring boxes)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... "I love the mystery surrounding sterling-silver ring boxes," says Arkansas antiques dealer Courtney Hildebrand, whose own collection includes some 60 examples dating from the 1880s to the 1950s. "I wonder who owned them and why they were...

Wedding favors $13 & under.(buzz)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Thoughtful wedding favors don't have to cost a fortune. Harney & Sons Wedding Tea ($13) comes in a sparkly tin and includes 20 sachets of Mutan White tea. Lillian Vernon's pastel pencils ($8 for 40) can feature phrases such as HERE'S TO FINDING...

A classic.(buzz)(Reed & Barton)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... A Classic Handcrafted in America since 1908, Francis I sterling silver has been Reed & Barton's best-selling pattern for nearly 100 years. Today, brides can register for 113 individual pieces, ranging from ice tongs and mustard ladles to salt...

Inn of the month.(buzz)(Inn at Easton)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... Summer is the best time to explore Maryland's Eastern Shore. Let Easton serve as your home base by reserving a room at the Inn at Easton, a 1790 Federal mansion that has seven rooms outfitted with downy featherbeds, claw-foot tubs, and antique...

The appeal of aprons: aprons have become prized collectibles, chic accessories, and the subject of a museum exhibit.(aprons)
June 1, 2005... "Long time ago, people weren't dressed until they put on an apron," recalls 94-year-old Ada Florence Ashford, one of 46 contributors to the traveling exhibit "Apron Chronicles: A Patchwork of American Recollections." Indeed, in the 1940s and...

Every apron tells a story.(aprons)
June 1, 2005... "Apron Chronicles: A Patchwork of American Recollections" showcases 200 vintage aprons along with engaging memories and photographs of the contributors (including Ada Florence Ashford, right). For an exhibition schedule, go to...

Collect it now: on any given day, hundreds of vintage aprons and apron patterns are offered for sale on eBay. And best of all, many sell for less than $5.(aprons)
June 1, 2005... sew your own apron New to contributing editor Amy Butler's line of sewing patterns, the Cafe Apron (left) was inspired by the long aprons typically worn by French waiters. "This particular style of apron has always appealed to me since I'm...

Salvage Sisters: for two resourceful siblings, recognizing the promise in the imperfect is what life is all about.(profile)
June 1, 2005... When in doubt, don't throw it out," says Kathleen Hackett, who with her sister Mary Ann Young penned The Salvage Sisters' Guide to Finding Style in the Street and Inspiration in the Attic. Out this month, the creative, project-filled hardcover...

Making rounds: soften rooms and surfaces with circles and gentle curves.(country classics)(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2005... yellow soft spots Sweeten dreams with Pine Cone Hill's cotton reversible polka dot throw (50" X 70"; $94). Pineconehill.com; (413) 496-9700 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] formal yet fun The Ashley dining chair from Thomasville...

Window dressing: both useful and decorative, Victorian curtain tiebacks reflect the social attitudes of an era.(curtain tiebacks)
June 1, 2005... In the Victorian age, when window dressing was serious business, decorative curtain tiebacks were familiar household accessories. But tiebacks weren't just another pretty facet of 19th-century ostentation. In light of the prevailing conditions...

Bates cotton bedspreads: professional appraiser Helaine Fendelman identifies and evaluates your collectibles and antiques.(what is it worth?)
June 1, 2005... valued at: $200 each Ever since they were first produced in the mid 1850s, Bates bedspreads have been coveted for their bold and colorful designs and lightweight, durable cotton. The full-sized bedspreads shown above, which date from the...

Country news: your guide to exciting special events, promotions, the latest products and online offerings.(promotion)
June 1, 2005... The Country Living Bedding Collection Inspired by classic American design and the casual, comfortable lifestyle of Country Living Magazine, the Country Living Bedding Collection features designs that reflect the many moods of country...

Table dressing: get stylish for summer with the freshest new fashions in tableware.(idea notebook)
June 1, 2005... Gold-rimmed china pairs with a graphic green floral for an effect that's classic, fun, and completely up to date. DINNER PLATE: LA CAFETIERE. SALAD PLATE: NORITAKE. NAPKIN: POMEGRANATE, FLATWARE: REED & BARTON, SEE SHOPPING GUIDE FOR DETAILS....

Spatial effects.(get the look)
June 1, 2005... Set a stunning table, like the one created here for a summer luncheon. Begin by choosing a strong central feature, such as color, to set the tone, then let everything else follow its lead. Pink and green's a classic combination. To keep it...

Places, everyone: thoughtful place cards put guests at ease--and help you orchestrate sociable combinations that promote conversation.(simple project)
June 1, 2005... "Place cards personalize a table and make it more intimate," says Nancy Laboz, creator of the cards pictured here, which she sells at Parcel, her vintage-inspired housewares shop in Montclair, N.J. SWEET Copy a variety of illustrations...

Summer's fashion plates ... perfect for every occasion.(market report)
June 1, 2005... Make color the unifying element, then combine high and low, everyday with elegant, to delightful effect. CLOCKWISE FROM TOP LEFT: "Carolina Verde," Marc Blackwell, $175/five-piece place setting * "Adriatico" charger, $90; bread plate, $32, Marc...

Pretty as you please: like so many sundresses at a garden party, flirty napkins set a summer table with personality and panache.(simple solutions)
June 1, 2005... When there's no time to fuss, colorful cloth napkins instantly lend excitement to the table. Mix and match and let everyone pick a favorite. TOP ROW. LEFT TO RIGHT: 1 "Maroq," Archipelago, $300/set of six. 2 "Hibiscus," John Robshaw, $63/set of...

Ask the expert: stair runners and yo-yo quilts--Editor at Large Jane Dagmi offers helpful decorating advice.(decorating)
June 1, 2005... Q: When you install a carpet runner, how much stair should show? Which is better, Waterfall or New York installation? My wood flooring is natural and the runner will be needlepoint. P.F., ARLINGTON, VA. A: The Waterfall style--where...

Capturing divine light: through the perceptive lens of a 19th-century camera, a bygone world is momentarily brought back to life.(eastfield village)
June 1, 2005... At age four, Don Carpentier asked for a hammer and nails for his birthday. This predilection came in handy when, at 20, he acquired an 1840s blacksmith shop from a farmer in Schodack, N.Y. After disassembling the structure, labeling each piece,...

Savoring summer.(Brief Article)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2005... At long last, summer is here. Who doesn't enjoy this more casual time of year when making dessert is as easy as serving fresh fruit on a plate? With produce at its peak and gloriously long days, summer entertaining doesn't have to be...

Savoring summer meals.(Advertisement)
June 1, 2005... Great alfresco dining can be as simple as eating pizza outside or as elaborate as grilling lobster by the sea. No matter what's on the menu, everything tastes better outdoors. What better time to dust off the grill for a backyard barbecue? You...

Savoring summer together.
June 1, 2005... It doesn't get much better than being at the beach with your family on a beautiful day. Building sand castles, watching the sunset or just playing in the surf all make wonderful memories. family fun * If you haven't spent the last few...

Country store.
June 1, 2005... crown point cabinetry Handcrafts the finest quality custom cabinetry for the kitchen, bath, and other room. Using all-wood construction, we craft period styles in Shaker. Arts & Crafts, Early American. Victorian. Choose from a wide variety...

Open to the public.(public gardens)
June 1, 2005... They began as private houses with verdant gardens. But as eras changed and family fortunes waned, some of these grand estates opened to the public. Visiting their indoor and outdoor rooms has become a popular pastime. The following public...

Put your closet in order: who couldn't use a little more storage space? Follow these organizing tips to discover the hidden potential in your closet.(home almanac)
June 1, 2005... BEFORE: Packed to the brim with bags, shoes, and clothes that hadn't been worn in years, this chaotic closet was in need of a major overhaul. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Conquer closet clutter once and for all! Begin by taking inventory of...

House plans you can buy: to order a plan for this house, or portfolios of previously published plans, call (800) 839-0084. You can also browse more than 100 additional house plans on the House Plans Finder at countryliving.com.(home almanac)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... house plans The Mansfield Gable roofs and a three-sided wraparound porch distinguish Steven Duarte's farmhouse design. A dining room and a large living room with a fireplace flank the entryway. The kitchen has an eating bar and...

Ranch houses: here, a look at properties for sale all around the country. Please call the companies listed for additional details.(real estate)
June 1, 2005... Suburban Style This 1957 ranch house, set on a corner lot in the Mission Hills neighborhood of Los Angeles's San Fernando Valley, is a classic example of ranch style. Located about 25 miles from downtown L.A., the house features 3 bedrooms...

Tie one on: aprons originated for their many uses in the home, but for the author, an organic farmer in Idaho, the garments she keeps are as much a statement of fashion and beauty as of sheer female power.(my countryside)
June 1, 2005... If men can wear power ties, I figure my symbol of professional power can be an apron. But not just for kitchen cleanup. I'm talking high-fashion overdresses. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Before the advent of piped-in water and washing...

This month's highlights: our monthly listing of antiques shows, crafts fairs, and festive events.(country calendar)(Calendar)
June 1, 2005... June is National Dairy Month June 3-5, head to the Great Wisconsin Cheese Festival in Little Chute for a cheese-carving contest, model-your-own-moustache contest, and cheesecake-baking competition. (800) 432-8747. Or celebrate in Harvard,...

Member of the wedding: more marriage ceremonies are including four-footed friends, adding a poignant, personal touch to the occasion.(you & your pet)
June 1, 2005... Bow-wow vows As the most loyal of companions, pets can always be counted on to love us for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health. Isn't it only fitting that they should be present when we join destinies with a human partner? Says...

Summertime.
June 1, 2005... After all, we haven't forgotten the radiance of flowers in full bloom, how the sun is a constant presence that blazes pure light and warmth. And how easy it is to have friends over for a day in the yard or an afternoon picnic. Just as there is...

The spirit of reinvention: very nearly everything in Michelle Joy's home has been repurposed or reimagined through the lens of her loving and highly creative eye. Her diverse talents--from flower arranging to bargain hunting to interior design--come together in the charming Carpenter Gothic home she's renovated from top to bottom on a bare-bones budget.(Cover Story)
June 1, 2005... Plucky and resourceful, Michelle Joy has been working and living on her own since age 16. Eleven years ago, she opened her own floral-design and vintage shop, Primrose. This business, along with her Mauricetown, N.J., home, is a focus and...

Designing woman: after creating a successful line of clothing and accessories, Lisa Meszler took her business to the country. There, in the 19th-century Pennsylvania farmhouse she shares with her husband, Rem, and their cat, Django, the couple enjoys a relaxed but nevertheless colorful life.(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... "I DO A LOT WITH COLOR, while keeping it simple, almost plain," says Lisa Meszler. As a designer for companies such as Tweeds and J. Crew, she traveled to Italy, Portugal, and Spain, where she was captivated by the Mediterranean palette. Later,...

I do, alfresco: the great outdoors provides a glorious backdrop--and a wealth of decorating inspiration--for an unforgettable New Hampshire wedding.
June 1, 2005... Road's End, the tree farm in North Sandwich, N.H., that the McIlvaine family calls "our heart's home," is a majestic setting with breathtaking views of the Ossipee and White Mountain ranges. When Kate McIlvaine, an avid outdoorswoman, and her...

Aged to perfection.(farmhouse kitchens)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... This Watermill, N.Y., kitchen, inspired by the rustic farmhouses in the south of France, is--surprise--mostly new. Its soft, faded palette, gently weathered cabinets, and patina'd tile harmonize with rough-hewn beams and a few antique pieces to...

Past present.(gardens)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... "I have a pretty little garden in which I take more satisfaction than in anything in this world." In the nearly 300 years since resident John Custis penned these thoughts, Colonial Williamsburg has been a beloved source of inspiration,...

A waterfront cookout: nothing says summer like an outdoor party. Simple picnic favorites and entertaining tips make it all a breeze.(summer cookout)
June 1, 2005... easy living is summer's most compelling trait. When you want to relax with family and friends, there's little more to do than head outside and fire up the grill. We've revisited a few cookout classics: Fresh herb butter seasons corn on the cob;...

A taste of summer: dip your spoon into a bowl of creamy ice cream--an old-fashioned summertime treat that never loses its charm.(ice cream)
June 1, 2005... GET THE SCOOP! Thanks to a new slow-churning process, ice creams can now be as rich and creamy as ever while remaining low in fat. Haagen Dazs Light and Breyers All Natural Light each offer seven flavors. They join Dreyer's and Edy's Slow...

Grilling season: get inspired by the sweet and smoky aroma of a backyard barbecue--fire up your grill! Here, tips and products to help get you cooking like a pro.(for the grill)(Brief Article)
June 1, 2005... quest for fire Next time you cook out, use a chimney starter to get your charcoals glowing safely and easily. The aluminum cylinder of Weber's Rapidfire Chimney Starter holds enough charcoal to fill a standard-size (22 1/2") grill and...

The great American summer barbecue.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2005... What's more enjoyable than a backyard cookout? Whether you're partying on a deck, around a pool--even on an apartment terrace--you can capture all the flavor of this timeless summer funfest. The key to a successful barbecue? Simplicity, and...

Time to get grilling.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2005... At any backyard barbecue, meat is more than just the main course... it's the main attraction! That familiar sizzle, aroma, and succulent taste is as much as part of "summer" as the ice cream cone. Meat recipes also win points for being high in...

Solutions for simply amazing grilling.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2005... Backyard cooking is meant to be a pleasure. And by keeping things streamlined and easy, your prep and cleanup will be a snap. Good news: PAM[R] for Grilling can help simplify your grilling experience. It provides a no-stick surface for grill...

Where flavor meets fiber.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2005... Making good food choices is easy--when there are so many good foods to choose from! Summer veggies, tasty fruits, tangy pasta all win points on the "taste factor." At the same time, they're loaded with nutrients and fiber, low in fat and...

Smart seasonings.(SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION)(Advertisement)
June 1, 2005... Low calorie, low fat, low carb: These days, it seems everyone is on some kind of healthful eating plan. But summer barbecues can easily mix good nutritional choices with good taste. The right seasonings give food punch and pizzazz, minus the...

Shopping guide.(reader's resource)(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2005... Use this handy reference for all of your buying needs. The following Shopping Guide provides additional details and an index of manufacturers, antiques dealers, and stores where merchandise featured in Country Living can be obtained. Unless...

Write-away.(reader's resource)(Advertisement)(Buyers Guide)
June 1, 2005... Write away, right here for information to enrich yourself, your home and your family with products and services from Country Living's advertisers. To order, circle the corresponding numbers of the brochures and catalogs listed in this section...

Summer living giveaway.
June 1, 2005... PURCHASE any 2 participating products listed below from May 10 to July 5 SEND your original receipt(s) along with your name, address and phone number to: Summer Living Giveaway, c/o Country Living, PO Box 1723, Sandusky, OH 44871-1723 ...

Simple country pleasures.
June 1, 2005... How shall we beguile The lazy time, if not with some delight? --WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE