Country Living articles from May 2005

Country Living archives from May 2005

Leap of faith.(your letters)(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2005... I was thrilled to receive the March 2005 issue and see "Amazing Grace"--we had just finished redoing our kitchen floor (above) in almost the same pattern. Painting the floor was a huge leap of faith, and we are very pleased with the results....

Harmony.(your letters)(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2005... Your feature "Rebecca & Bob" in the March 2005 issue was wonderful. It proves that two heads truly are better than one--even in decorating. I don't particularly care for modern or a lot of dark antiques, but the blend of the two styles works! I...

Perfect timing!(your letters)(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2005... "Design Your Own Logo" (Simple Projects, January 2005) was not only an inspiring article, but also a very easy one to follow. With some basic tools and cutouts that I have collected, I recently came up with a logo for my future business. As...

My marvelous mutt!(your letters)(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2005... Thank you so much for your article on the glorious mutt (You & Your Pet, February 2005)! It is heartening to see a magazine devoted to stylish living praise the often-overlooked mixed breed. I hope your readers will consider, as you suggest,...

Adventures in antiquing.(your letters)(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2005... How delightful it was to discover the article about the two Porch Light stores (Out & About, January 2005). My sister, daughter, best friend, and I make up a very exclusive organization called Girls on Safari--Adventures in Antiquing, and the...

From your pages to our reality.(your letters)(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2005... My husband and I had been thinking about buying a second home when the September 2004 issue of Country Living arrived in the mail, with the 1896 Queen Anne Victorian in Palatka, Fla., listed in the Real Estate Sampler. We went to Palatka, fell...

Back to basics in January.(your letters)(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2005... I have subscribed to your magazine for several years and just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed the January 2005 issue--particularly the series of articles in Cook* Book: From the Pantry, with recipes using basic ingredients and tips on...

Caught up in spring.(your letters)(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2005... As a food and home writer, I look through many magazines. Your March 2005 issue immediately engaged me--I was enticed to turn the pages. The photos in the garden pieces captured spring, especially the one about James Hale's garden. Every...

Praise for the keeshond.(your letters)(Letter to the Editor)
May 1, 2005... Thank you for your portrayal of the big-hearted keeshond breed in "You and Your Pet" (March 2005). I've had a keeshond named Misty for 15 years now. She's the most loyal and devoted pet we've ever had, and we can see how much love she brings to...

May.(editor's journal)
May 1, 2005... Simply the best! That's what I still say about my mom's cooking. She made the best mushroom-barley soup, the best roast chicken, and the best turkey stuffing. As for her desserts, I still remember her making a sponge cake jelly roll--gently...

Spring forward.(out & about)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... At Pom Pom Interiors in Los Angeles, Hilde Leiaghat (below) has been spreading her light, bright European design philosophy for 15 years. A native of Belgium, Hilde fills her elegant store with bold, curvaceous furniture outfitted in pale linen...

Collect it now.(buzz)(vintage letters)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... Any way you arrange them, vintage letters spell universal appeal. And, best of all, you can still find them at flea markets for less than $20. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

The pastry queen.(buzz)(Rebecca Rather of Rather Sweet Bakery & Cafe)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... "If I'm going to eat dessert, I want it to be really, really sinful," says Rebecca Rather, the proprietor of Rather Sweet Bakery & Cafe (830-990-0498), a bigger-is-better bakeshop in Fredericksburg, Tex. The cafe keeps its customers loyal with...

Inn of the month.(buzz)(Congress Hall in Cape May, N.J)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... Steps from the Atlantic in Cape May, N.J., historic Congress Hall features 106 breezy, elegant rooms, a pool with ocean views, five shops, and a full-service day spa. While you're there, rent a bike and explore the town's Victorian...

Go with the flow: for Huck Finn wannabes, houseboating is a leisurely way to explore America's lakes and rivers.(weekending)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... Since houseboats are built for comfort, not speed (most putter along at about eight miles an hour), anyone 21 years of age and older with a driver's license can captain their own vessel--and chart their own vacation course. You can motor...

Shopping coast to coast; Ready, set, shop: from sparkly costume jewelry and antique linens to vintage garden gear and mix-and-match cups, plates, and serving pieces, the 17 stores featured here represent a sampling of the places our editors go for inspiration--and great buys--around the country.(shopping)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... jewelry Victorian bar pins, Lucite cameos, and costume jewelry by designers such as Miriam Haskell, DeRosa, and Coro fill MORNING GLORY ANTIQUES & JEWELRY in Albuquerque, N.M.'s Antique Connection Mall: morninggloryantiques.com. (505)...

Real gems: jewel tones and metal accents make designs sparkle.(country classics)
May 1, 2005... sapphire blue velvet Drexel Heritage Furniture's Eldred chair (27"L X 26"D X 42"H; $2,000) is upholstered with Lillian August cotton velvet fabric in blue topaz. Drexelheritage.com; (866) 450-3434 [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] ...

On wings.(wing chairs)
May 1, 2005... When stripped of its fabric and cushioning, a vintage wing chair's value is revealed by its bones. An anatomy lesson shows off types of woods used, style, carved details, such as ball-and-claw feet rendered in mahogany, and the sweep of the...

Croquet wickets: professional appraiser Helaine Fendelman identifies and evaluates your collectibles and antiques.(what is it worth?)
May 1, 2005... valued at: $1,800 These circa 1940s croquet wickets are one-of-a-kind handmade objects that are considered Folk Art pieces. The figures stand about one foot high and are mounted on foot-high wire supports. The brightly painted, hand-carved...

Sleep tight, good night: take real comfort in a bed that's cozy, inviting, and above all reflects your own personal style. The beauty is in the details.(designer looks)
May 1, 2005... Making the Well-Dressed Bed Today, more and more fashion designers are turning their hands to home decor, often freely incorporating style elements from their latest clothing lines. As Tommy Hilfiger explains it. "Designing is about more...

Upholstered headboards: give your bedroom a strong central focus with one of these handsome, tailored-looking headboards.(market report)
May 1, 2005... JAMES COVIELLO FOR SPIEGEL makes an instant classic with this hand-upholstered, button-tufted headboard. Coviello, a fashion designer, created the glamorous modified camelback style for its vintage appeal. Comes in Natural cotton upholstery...

Four easy pieces: build the foundation of your room around a few key elements, then decorate with fun accessories to make it your own.(quick change)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... the new neutral [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] The perfect shade of pink paint--here, Benjamin Moore's "Touch of Pink"--harmonizes with almost any color, making it easy to redecorate on a whim. A classic iron bed...

More dreamy ideas: make up your bed with an ergonomic pillow, all-natural bedding, and an easy-to-clean mattress, and you'll rest easier.(solutions)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... A clean mattress is a healthy mattress. With that in mind, Simmons created the HealthSmart bed, a unique mattress top that zips off of Beautyrest and BackCare mattresses for easy laundering. Top off your bed with Earth Runnings' natural hemp...

Shopping for towels: a cozy, fluffy towel is an everyday luxury worth every penny. But before you invest, comparison shop among brands. Thick and thirsty, 100 percent cotton towels stand the test of time and come at every price point.(bath towels)
May 1, 2005... 1 Isaac Mizrahi for Target cotton terry bath towels have a waffle weave reverse and come in bright colors. Shown in Turquoise. $9.99. 2 Treat your skin to Baltic Linen's Retreat towel with plush velour on one side and terry on the reverse....

Cute as a button: raid your button box to transform a few everyday objects into one-of-a-kind treasures. With a simple stitch here or a dab of glue there, you can quickly complete these delightfully original projects.(buttons)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... revamp a lamp Light up a corner of your room with this slightly quirky lamp. Any lamp with a plain, neutral-colored shade will do for this project. Here, inexpensive shirt buttons produce a uniform effect, but feel free to go as playful as...

All the salad fixings: at her Napa Valley home, Molly Chappellet grows varieties of lettuce. She shares her techniques.(lettuce)
May 1, 2005... Molly Chappellet, a bold landscape gardener, vintner, and coauthor of Gardens of the Wine Country (Chronicle Books), heads into the Napa Valley afternoon sun to inspect her two salad gardens. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Frothy bronze fennel...

Rose-scented linens: concoct your own potpourri and linen water, then slip between fragrant sheets for a blissful night's sleep.(fragrance)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... create your own potpourri [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] step 1: drying Gather rose petals from your garden in the morning, after the dew has dried. Spread petals out on a screen, and leave in a warm, dry, well-ventilated place. Check...

The comfort of a helping hand.(comfort contest)
May 1, 2005... The Country Living Comfort Contest recognizes those individuals who give of their time and talents to help others in need. From the more than 400 submissions received this year, we honor six individuals whose commitment to making a difference...

Five honorable mentions.(volunteers)
May 1, 2005... According to The Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 64.5 million people did volunteer work in 2004, working an estimated 3.354 billion hours [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] In 1982, Linda Finn of Duluth, Minn., founded North Country...

The master builder: using antique lumber and traditional joinery. Bryce Ritter builds anew.(furniture maker)(Interview)
May 1, 2005... I'm just a country boy who builds furniture," says Pennsylvania-based craftsman Bryce Ritter. But anyone familiar with his work--the antique lumber that he uses to construct each piece, the traditional joinery that marks them as handmade, and...

Zoloft has helped millions with depression.(Brief Article)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... This is Denise's story. DENISE P. AGE 39. TRENTON. NJ. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Denise took...

Ask the expert: senior home building editor, Jennifer Vreeland, offers solutions to your remodeling questions.(remodeling)
May 1, 2005... Q: We are remodeling our 1980s kitchen on a budget and are afraid to remove the soffits--which we don't like anyway--because we're not sure if they are hiding pipes or electrical. Is there an inexpensive way to find out? ANNIE ESPOSITO,...

Better sleep basics: experts have found that the quality of our sleep directly correlates with the quality of our day. You can improve the level of your shut-eye by creating a clean, healthy sleep environment and adjusting simple lifestyle measures. What follows are the ABCs to catching Zs.(special advertising section)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... tailor your environment We spend one-third of our lives sleeping, so our bedrooms should feel like a peaceful retreat. By paying attention to the setup of your room, you'll be on your way to a better night's sleep. NIX NOISE "White...

Garage makeover: take stock of what you're storing--and why. Toss, sell, or donate as much as you can.(home almanac)
May 1, 2005... Unable to find anything in a garage overflowing with nine years' accumulation of tools, sports equipment, crafts supplies, and out-grown toys, this family decided finally to take action. One garage sale, a few trips to the dump, and several...

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)
May 1, 2005... house plans THE NEW BAVARIA Steeply pitched gable roofs, ornate gingerbread trim, and vertical board-and-batten siding adorn R.L. Henry's Gothic Revival design. French doors lead to a living room with a corner wood-burning stove. The...

Tudor revival: here, a look at properties for sale all around the country. Please call the companies listed for additional details.(real estate)
May 1, 2005... Stately Tudors Located 10 minutes from Jackson, Tenn., this Tudor-style home features 5 bedrooms and 3 1/2 baths. A winding staircase connects all four floors of this house. There are oak hardwood floors throughout. The sunken living room...

Groom your room! Cleaning up after pets is one way to show them we care--here's how to make this necessary task fun.(you & your pet)
May 1, 2005... Homes with more than one pet--what I like to call animal houses--obviously require more frequent cleaning than pet-less residences. But who would ever want to live without pets? Certainly not me: Animals make a house a home. [ILLUSTRATION...

This month's highlights: our monthly listing of antiques shows, crafts fairs, and festive events.(country calendar)(Calendar)
May 1, 2005... May is National Barbecue Month. From May 12-14, celebrate the finger-licking fun and flavor of barbecue in Memphis, Tenn., at the World Championship Barbecue Cooking Contest; (901) 525-4611, memphisinmay.org. Head to Owensboro, Ky., May 13-14...

Backyard finds: long after he moved away, a man's nephews discover artifacts buried in his old boyhood backyard in Illinois. Although he had never seen these objects before, they seemed familiar. Later, he, too, shares his secret finds.(my countryside)
May 1, 2005... My four nephews, who now live in my boyhood house in Evanston, Illinois, showed me a shoebox full of artifacts they found in the backyard--blunt axe heads, shards of glazed earthenware chisels, screwdriver-sized nails, broken gear teeth. Even...

Elements of surprise.
May 1, 2005... Just as you're about to take a fresh-baked cake to guests gathered in your dining room, you add a colorful touch--and the moment it arrives at the table, your guests exclaim their delight. While flipping through fabric swatches, you suddenly...

This handmade life.(cottage decoration)
May 1, 2005... With a luxurious mix of lustrous vintage fabrics and antiques, textile artist Robin Brown turned the guest cottage on her Texas ranch into an enchanted escape that's at once rich and rustic. "Everything here, from bits of tapestry to tin...

Splendor in the grass: a splash of sophistication is all it takes to turn a simple country supper into the event of the season.
May 1, 2005... MAGICAL A black-tie dinner served at a table reachable only by a canoe trip across a pond? It sounds the stuff of romance novels, but such was the setting of the "outdoor supper" hosted by Country Living contributing editor Randy Florke...

Giving it the slip: "leave no chair uncovered," might be the unwritten rule in Terri Perry's charming cottage on Cape Cod. Her signature slipcovers, with pleated borders and feminine rosettes, dress up every seat in the house.
May 1, 2005... from the wreaths and bouquets she creates in her shop to the floral fabric slipcovers that define much of her home on Cape Cod, "I've always been drawn to flowers," says Terri Perry. This passion first sprouted with a small shop, Flower Sticks,...

Once upon a mattress: deep in the heart of Texas, at a 75-year-old company, mattresses are still made by hand, one at a time. And City Mattress, the family-owned firm that is keeping this craft alive, has no plans to change anytime soon.
May 1, 2005... Tailor of Sleep "I never planned to spend my life making mattresses by hand," says Roman Weber, the oldest employee of City Mattress, a Fredericksburg, Tex., upholstery firm where cotton mattresses are still hand stuffed and then sewn, one...

You've got mail.(using catalog and website purchases to decorate a home)
May 1, 2005... Here's a question that more and more busy home-owners are entertaining: Is it possible to furnish a new house using only mail-order catalogues and websites? The answer, Country Living recently discovered, is a stylish, resounding "yes"--as you,...

Mom's best cake: we asked you to share your treasured favorite family cake recipes--and now we're serving the results to all our readers.(cook book)(Cover Story)
May 1, 2005... anticipation Some of us like the frosting first, and some of us the cake. Still others insist on both, together with each bite. Whatever you prefer, there's one truth that all can agree on. Everyone is excited when a cake, particularly the...

Ergonomics of housecleaning.(Brief Article)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... You've heard of tennis elbow, but who would have thought you could actually injure yourself while scrubbing the tub. It happens all the time according to David Lipetz, director of rehabilitation for Westside Spine and Joint Rehabilitation in...

You've Got the Power sweepstakes.(promotion)
May 1, 2005... The power to fight hunger is in your hands. Enter the Tyson[R] You've Got the Power sweepstakes for a chance to win and for each entry received, Tyson will donate $1.00 to Share Our Strength[R], one of the nation's largest hunger relief...

On display.(cook book; cake stands)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... Cakes are all about celebrating. Why not elevate the next special occasion and make it truly exceptional by serving your sweet treat on a cake stand. While icing your cake on a stand, keep things neat by slipping strips of waxed paper between...

Cake-baking essentials: when making a cake from scratch, using the right ingredients and tools is as important as following a good recipe.(cook book)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... the flour Always use the flour specified in the recipe. All-purpose flour is suitable for most baked goods, while cake flour is for finer baking, especially angel food and chiffon cakes. King Arthur Flour produces both types. If you don't...

Country essentials.(special advertising section)(Advertisement)
May 1, 2005... The first hint of spring inevitably ushers in a feeling of renewal--you want to throw open the windows, breathe in the fresh air and begin anew. What better time to give your home a welcome refurbishing? And what better place to start than with...

A child's garden.(family)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... "When you help a child pluck a tiny grape tomato from its vine or shell a freshly picked pea, you've opened a door onto a world of wonder," says Sharon Lovejoy, the author of such activity-filled, kid-centric books as Sunflower Houses and...

Nursery news.(buzz; Serena & Lily children's bedding)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... In this stylish new collection of children's bedding, Serena & Lily updates classic patterns--stripes, polka dots, and Matisse-like florals-in fresh colors and super-soft chenilles, velvety corduroys, and Egyptian cottons accented with...

Give-away.(buzz)
May 1, 2005... In Barefoot Summers (Sterling; $14.95), longtime Country Living contributing editor Faith Andrews Bedford shares a selection of her much-loved essays on home, family, and life's simple pleasures. For a chance to win one of 25 signed copies,...

Write away.(buzz)
May 1, 2005... To help buoy the spirits of American soldiers serving in Iraq, the nonprofit A Million Thanks collects drawings, greeting cards, and thank-you letters from children to distribute to soldiers in the Middle East. To participate, visit...

Editor's pick.(buzz)(picnic blankets)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... Made of sturdy, waterproof oilcloth faced with retro-inspired cotton fabrics. Jesse Walker's cheerful gingham-check picnic blankets are great for the beach, for outdoor meals, or as "splat" mats under young artists and messy eaters. Order...

Embroider it: for little hands that might have trouble threading a needle, these simple projects and all-in-one kits make it easy to stitch away.(buzz)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... sew simple Smart embroidery projects created specifically for children ages seven and older fill Kids' Embroidery (Stewart, Tabori & Chang; $19.95), by Kristin Nicholas. In addition to teaching the basic embroidery stitches, the 142-page...

Florida's Space Coast.(weekending)
May 1, 2005... Just 35 miles east of the bustling theme parks of Orlando lies Florida's Space Coast, a laid-back area of beaches and nature preserves, where NASA shuttles rocket toward the heavens and surfboards are more common than briefcases. inns &...

Over the moon: getting kids off to a stylish start is a breeze at this charming home-design shop in Hollywood, Florida.(shopping)
May 1, 2005... Once upon a time, Amy Schwartzbard decided she needed a change. When her daughter was just a baby, she quit her job as a video producer in New York City and headed to South Florida in search of a calmer, less frenetic lifestyle. The sunny skies...

Shopping guide.(reader's resource)
May 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...

Spectrum.(country store; chandeliers)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... WWW.GREATCHANDELIERS.COM 100% Crystal Wrought Iron Chandelier. A Great European Tradition. Nothing is quite as elegant as the fine crystal chandeliers that gave sparkle to brilliant evenings at palaces and manor houses across Europe. This...

Budget Blinds[R].(country store)
May 1, 2005... Let Budget Blinds[R] show you the infinite possibilities for your windows with our FREE Design Guide, Point of Views[TM]. Budget Blinds[R] has a great selection of window coverings, and "Expert Fit" measuring and installation. Call...

Spiral stair kits.(country store)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... 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...

Best braided rug prices.(country store)(Brief Article)
May 1, 2005... This traditional braided rug is both durable and affordable. Rich color and sturdy construction insure it will be a favorite for years to come. Yankee Pride offers many other flat braided rugs. Custom colors & sizes too! Also wool handhooked...

Country news: your guide to exciting special events, promotions, the latest products and online offerings.(promotion)(Directory)(Calendar)
May 1, 2005... The Comfort Zone is home to Country News, Country Link, Travel Link and the Comfort Connection Reader Panel, and features exciting events, promotions, sweepstakes, links and more. Click on these links for special offers: COUNTRY NEWS ...

Simple country pleasures.(Poem)
May 1, 2005... I cannot tell you how it was; But this I know: it came to pass Upon a bright and breezy day When May was young; ah, pleasant May! --CHRISTINA GEORGINA ROSSETTI