Country Living articles from March 2004

Country Living archives from March 2004

The Christmas pin.(dear country living)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2004... I am very grateful for Sharon Graber's article "Small Wonders of Art" (Collecting, December 2003). My mother is a retired elementary-school teacher. Early in her career, she received a wreath pin as a Christmas gift from one of her students. It...

A special gift subscription.(dear country living)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2004... Several years ago my mother gave me a subscription to your magazine for Christmas. I live in remote Alaska, so I looked forward to getting my mail and finding my next issue. It was like celebrating Christmas once a month. My mom was a single...

Five times delicious.(dear country living)(Letter to the Editor)
March 1, 2004... Since I received the December issue, I have baked the Double-Chocolate Snowquakes ("A Sweet Time," Country Cooking) a total of five times! I have given the recipe out to three friends. One friend didn't have milkchocolate chips so she...

Editor's journal.(Editorial)
March 1, 2004... I love to shop. I admit it. For me, it's like a journey--half the fun is in finding what you're looking for, the other half is in the thrill of discovering something you didn't expect or need. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Fortunately, I...

Retro fun.(country classics)(home furnishings)
March 1, 2004... colorful 1 Turn heads at the green market with this shopping basket (11 1/2"L X 7"W X 7 1/2"H; $48), embellished with recycled bottle caps. Africaneclectic.com; (212) 388-0452. 2 Handmade grosgrain-ribbon napkin rings (1 1/2"W; set of...

Inn of the month.(out & about)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... If spring hasn't yet come to you, head south for a visit to the Inn at Robert's Grove, a 15-acre beachfront hotel on the coast of Belize, in Central America. Operated by an American couple, the resort has 32 breezy, oceanview rooms outfitted...

On the go.(out & about)(Brief Article)(Calendar)
March 1, 2004... No experience--just lung power--is required to enter Key West's 42nd annual Conch Shell Blowing Contest on March 20. The boisterous event pays tribute to the 19th-century salts who used conch shells to signal fellow sailors. Entrants are judged...

A literary road trip.(out & about)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... "If I can be said to have a home, it is New Orleans," said playwright Tennessee Williams. From March 24 to 28, the Pulitzer Prize-winning author's adopted city will host the 18th annual Tennessee Williams/New Orleans Literary Festival--five...

Take time for tea.(out & about)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Ever since Mariage Freres, the renowned Parisian tea company, was founded in 1854, it has worked to elevate the service and quality of tea. At its Paris tea salons and retail shop, an encyclopedic 500 types of loose tea are for sale, as is the...

Editors' pick.(out & about)
March 1, 2004... We love Post-It's new Super Sticky Notes. The bright, oversize sheets stick fast to everything, and they're ruled--which makes them ideal for compulsive list makers. A three-pack costs $5. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

What's your opinion?(out & about)(shopping)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... On our Web site, we asked readers where they shop for their home. By a wide margin readers prefer to head to antiques stores and flea markets or local furniture and accessory stores. Which room in your home do you find most difficult to...

Very cherry.(this month: spring fever)(National Cherry Blossom Festival)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... In Washington, D.C., spring doesn't officially begin until the start of National Cherry Blossom Festival. Held March 27 through April 11, the celebration includes free performances and crafts exhibits, and a parade draws some 100,000 spectators...

High & dry.(this month: spring fever)
March 1, 2004... With their thick lug soles and soft cotton lining, Smith & Hawken's Striped Rain Boots ($49) are so warm and comfy that you may not notice the slushy sidewalks and muddy roads that March frequently delivers. The cushioned insoles are removable...

Eye on color.(this month: spring fever)(interior design)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... To give any room in the house a lift, Becky Ralich, a color and design consultant for Sherwin-Williams, recommends you "introduce a touch of pale green. Green is neutral, harmonious, and it renews your spirit."

Antiques & auctions.(this month: spring fever)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... In Pennsylvania's Lancaster County, March signals the start of mud sale season--a series of auctions and antiques sales held during a month when weather is unpredictable and the ground muddy. At the sales--which benefit local fire...

Delightful daffodils: enjoy this ever-cheerful sign of spring.(your garden)
March 1, 2004... As you read this, the first daffodils will be pushing up through the still-half-frozen soil in my garden. While they are not the earliest bulbs to appear--the miniature crocus, snow-drops, and tiny Iris reticulata generally beat the daffodils...

Double take: on a budget? Sky's the limit? Either way, we've got the best of the best and great buys for less.
March 1, 2004... FLUTED VASES The contours of fluted vases remain favorites with collectors. Artisan Jonathan Adler's handcrafted high-fired stoneware vases (6"H; $88 ea.) are from his Lantern Collection. Jonathan adler.com; (877) 287-1910. Family-owned...

A cleaner and healthier home: see why vacuuming not only rids your home of dirt, but also helps to lessen germs and allergens.(Advertisement)
March 1, 2004... Vacuuming plays a surprisingly big role in helping to maintain a hygienic home. Even the tidiest house is a breeding ground for dust mites, bacteria, and other microorganisms; and if you've got a family dog or cat, it's likely that pet hair is...

Volunteer vacations: sierra club service trips let travelers give something back to the communities they visit.(save our countryside)
March 1, 2004... Last summer, 17 tourists from as far away as California and Hawaii picked up shovels, brooms, and rakes and began cleaning Riverside Park, a lush urban green space overlooking the Hudson River on New York City's Upper West Side. The...

A professional appraiser identifies and evaluates your possessions.(what is it? what is it worth?)
March 1, 2004... My English leather fire bucket has a shield on the front with the emblem NOBES & HUNT and the date 1809. Does it have any value? G.M., SOUTH CHATHAM, MASS. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Before there were fire hydrants, water to extinguish...

Country Living directory.(reader's resource)(Directory)(Advertisement)
March 1, 2004... Use these convenient toll-free numbers to obtain information about quality products and services listed below. DECORATING AND REMODELING Airwick[R] Scented Oils 1-800-228-4722 American Blind & Wallpaper ...

Let there be light; With longer days there comes a natural desire for brighter interiors. Happily, you don't need to overhaul your entire decor: a few key items will update what you already own.(quick change)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... the changes The dark, serious palette that looked so right in winter (left) probably wants freshening up for spring (opposite page). Fortunately, a quick change of scenery at home doesn't require a major investment of time or money. Need...

Blanket bingoo: in warmer weather, a bedcover's function shifts from giving warmth to providing comfort in the form of color and pattern--your choice of solids, stripes, or plaids.(high/low)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Essential Cotton blanket, Brahms Mount Textiles $158 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Cashmere Lhasa blanket, Dante Living $700 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Acadia Chenille blanket, Garnet Hill $68 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Pink angora...

Blooms for your room: create the pleasures of a cottage garden with a few well-placed flourishes.(get the look)(interior design)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Potted plants bring the outdoors in. Floral linens, throws, teapots, plates, decorative tins, and insulated flasks, with their springtime-fresh combinations of greens and pinks, also do the job. For a room in full flower, paint the walls a...

Shopping in & around New York: it has a big-city reputation, but this metropolitan area is home to four little stores that are long on country charm.(around town)(Directory)
March 1, 2004... space 27d A 1960s-era globe light fixture nestles in a moss-lined wire basket, neatly summing up the aesthetic of this Jersey City, N.J., store. Owners Craig Keyes and interior designer Daniel Hyland (right) opened it "to teach people how...

Easy decorating solutions: from pedestal tables to pretty eggcup substitutes, we offer answers to your design dilemmas.(solutions)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... up on a pedestal Q: I love pedestal tables, but fine antiques are out of my budget. Where can I find a new one that's elegant and affordable? A: The pedestal table's stately silhouette can be dressed up or down--little wonder it's a...

Homemakers' helpers: utilitarian treasures from the depression era.(collecting)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Homemakers of the 1930s and '40s were nothing if not resourceful. Drawing on limited funds and recycled materials, they decorated their dwellings with stylish accessories. Remnants of dresses and trousers were routinely transformed into...

Rest & relax: kiss jangled nerves, busy schedules, and sore muscles good-bye at these pampering spas.(on the road)(Directory)
March 1, 2004... Everyone can use a break now and then--a few days or even a few hours to slow down, switch off the mobile phone, and escape deadlines, carpool duty, and the nightly news. And where better to turn for relaxation and rejuvenation than to a spa,...

Why wait to decorate?(country store)
March 1, 2004... We offer 25%-85% off most retail store prices on all 1st quality, name brand Blinds & Wallpaper. Call 800.748.7944 or visit us online at www.decoratetoday.com for FREE Blinds, Wallpaper & Area Rug catalogs. We carry all the top brands including...

The National Arbor Day Foundation.(country store)
March 1, 2004... Ten free trees, selected to grow in your area, are yours with your $10 membership contribution to The National Arbor Day Foundation. For information, call 1-888-448-7337, or visit our web site, arborday.org. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Zappos.com.(country store)
March 1, 2004... THE WEB'S MOST POPULAR SHOE STORE. 170 brands of shoes! FREE SHIPPING and FREE RETURN SHIPPING. www.zappos.com. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Spiral stair kits.(country store)
March 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...

Wicker Warehouse.(country store)
March 1, 2004... Located in Hackensack NJ. Beautiful wicker and rattan for indoor and outdoors! National brands from Lane, South Sea, Cebu, Woodard, and More! Plus our own hand-picked Imports of bedrooms, bathrooms, children's Furniture and accessories galore!...

Unique hooked rugs.(country store)
March 1, 2004... Handmade of 100% wool to insure long term durability. This is one of MANY hooked rugs available from Yankee Pride. Beautiful aubussons, fruit, floral and block patterns are all available in an array of colors. Our catalog also features flat...

Crown Point cabinetry.(country store)
March 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...

Noel Studio.(country store)(Advertisement)
March 1, 2004... Beloved artist, N.A. Noel and Noel Studio offers open and limited edition prints, limited edition giclees and award-winning books. Call for a free catalog (800.444.6635 or 317.297.1117) or www.nanoel.com [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

What's in a breed? Breed histories and standards yield clues to temperament.(you & your pet)
March 1, 2004... When you are looking for a pet, think honestly about personality. An eye-catching coat and adorable face are only surface trappings. What lies beneath is temperament, one you'll live with for years to come. But how can you predict the traits of...

Real-estate sampler: here, a look at properties for sale around the country. Call the companies for details.
March 1, 2004... Rustic Retreat Tucked away on 8 rolling acres northwest of Atlanta, this lodge-like 3-bedroom, 2 1/2-bath 1987 structure has a great room and dining area with fireplace, a glass-enclosed sitting room off the master suite, and an office/study....

Laundry rooms organization: transform this often-overlooked work space into an efficient, welcoming room.(home almanac)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... In many homes, the laundry room is an afterthought, sometimes labeled as a mere "utility room." But shouldn't a room in which you work week after week be just as welcoming and attractive as every other room in your home? Here, some ideas for...

Washing day.(home almanac)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... Doing laundry needn't be tiresome. New products--fresh, safe detergents, space- and energy-efficient washing machines, innovative dryers, and high-tech steam irons--promise to ease your labors. Short on space? The LG Wash & Dry Combo...

House plans you can buy.(home almanac)(Brief Article)
March 1, 2004... The Knollwood The entry of Len Mysliwiec's Greek Revival farmhouse leads past the study to a kitchen with an island cooktop and walk-in pantry. Adjoining rooms include a breakfast nook, dining room, and living room. A sunporch, back deck,...

March: our monthly listing of antiques shows, crafts fairs, and festive events.(country calendar)(Calendar)
March 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....

Romancing the home: a Canadian interior designer creates a magical house that honors both the spirit and the craftsmanship of treasured antiques and collectibles.
March 1, 2004... History "The house is really all about romance," explains Donald Kirkby of the dreamy style he has created at his home, nestled among the cedars in British Columbia. Donald, owner of the Watsonian, an interior design and antiques firm, has...

A worthy addition: the renovation of this log home shows respect for the dwelling's 18th-century roots.
March 1, 2004... Successfully adding on to a historic home demands that one get inside the head of the original builder. For homeowners Kim and Jeffrey Finegan, that person was Benjamin Seigle--a militia captain in the Revolutionary War whose family later...

From the garden: a trip to the cabbage patch yields more than just good things to eat. The hues and shapes of these versatile vegetables provide abundant ideas for decorating with cottage stlye.
March 1, 2004... With little fanfare, the winter garden reveals its secrets of perfect harmony through an unlikely source: the modest cabbage. The winter-hardy varieties of this plant hold in their many-layered leaves a wealth of colors and shapes that move...

An abiding love: at a Pennsylvania farmhouse, Laura Bohn surrounds herself with the things she cherishes.
March 1, 2004... From her new bedroom balcony, Laura Bohn takes in "the most extraordinary view in the world: 43 acres of undulating farmland that look like Tuscany." To bring the outdoors in, the New York City interior designer bumped out the living-room wall...

Wine & cheese: it's the couple that's welcome at every party, from an intimate gathering to an open house. Read on for basic tips about wine paired with delicious cheese recipes and you, too, can host a winning combination for easy, sophisticated entertaining.(country entertaining)
March 1, 2004... some things get better over time [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Remember those wine and cheese parties from the '70s? Well, 30 years later they're back, and becoming just as popular. For good reason. With cheeses...

The recipe file: here's where you'll find the recipes for this issue's dishes. We hope you'll enjoy them.
March 1, 2004... COUNTRY ENTERTAINING: Wine and Cheese Dry Jack Cheese Marinated in Herbed Olive Oil Shown on page 128 MAKES 8 SERVINGS 7 ounces dry jack cheese (such as Vella), rind removed and sliced lengthwise into...

Use this handy reference for all your buying needs.(shopping guide)(home furnishings)(Buyers Guide)
March 1, 2004... This Shopping Guide provides our readers with further details and an index of manufacturers, antiques dealers, and stores where merchandise featured in Country Living can be obtained. Unless privately owned, most of the merchandise featured is...

Spring into cleaning: a few handy hints and shortcuts will make this annual ritual a breeze!(Advertisement)
March 1, 2004... Spring cleaning, fun? OK, maybe that's a bit of a stretch. Yet tackling those yearly tasks is satisfying--and when your house has that floor-to-ceiling sparkle, you know every scrub and straightening-tactic was worth it. These pages offer...

Simple country pleasures.
March 1, 2004... WE HAVE BEEN FRIENDS TOGETHER IN SUNSHINE AND IN SHADE. --CAROLINE E. S. NORTON