Country Living articles from November 2003

Country Living archives from November 2003

Amazing spaces.(designer Alexander Julian)(tips on interior decoration )(Interview)
November 1, 2003... Putting It All Together Good design is about well-positioned details," says fashion and home furnishings designer Alexander Julian. "Whether it's fashion or furniture, the same rules apply." So consider the principles of wardrobe building...

Editor's journal.
November 1, 2003... every few months I would come back to my desire to try my hand at knitting, but I could never find the time to sit down and learn how. Then, all of a sudden, it seemed that everyone was either talking about knitting or involved in the...

A fairytale doorknocker.(dear country living)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2003... I just read "What is It? What Is It Worth?" in the September 2003 issue and would like to tell you what I know about the featured doorknocker's design and inscription. The piece is neither English nor Irish, but Danish. The design depicts a...

Getting the jump on our decorating idea.(dear country living)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2003... I have been reading your magazine for years and have stolen many of your decorating ideas, but this time I beat you to the punch! When my husband and I bought our country home in Otto, N.C., two years ago, I decided to slipcover some of my...

A well-kept secret revealed.(dear country living)(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2003... Country Living has let the cat out of the bag. I just read "A Great Deal in Illinois," by Matthew Holm (Antiques Across America, September 2003) and realized that central Illinois's best-kept secret is a secret no more. The Third Sunday Market...

A music teacher's prize possession.(Letter to the Editor)
November 1, 2003... The article about collector Margo Tantau ("Another Chance," September 2003) really spoke to me. I purchase big- and small-ticket antique items for my home, but if I had to save something in a fire I, like Margo, would grab "... the things that...

Black & white: bold, graphic designs from Highpoint, N.C.(home furnishings )
November 1, 2003... [CASUAL] 1 The antique look of Howard Miller's Enrico Fulvi III clock (25"; $188) belies its modern quartz movement. Howardmiller.com or (800) 873-0506. 2 Pamela Scurry's 19th Hole Bar (44"W x 19"D x 72"H; $800) provides a hanging glassware...

Baby goes vintage.(interior design book Flea Market Baby )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Find new roles for old treasures and achieve a retro look in the nursery with Flea Market Baby (Stewart, Tabori & Chang; $19.95), an inspiring new arrival from Barri Leiner and Marie Moss. Here, a few of the authors' tips for giving flea-market...

A new family tradition.(book The Thanksgiving Ceremony )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Thanksgiving isn't just about preparing a fabulous meal, says writer Edward Bleier. It should also be about history, tradition, and expressing gratitude. In The Thanksgiving Ceremony (Crown; $14), Bleier helps us along by supplying the text for...

Inn of the month.(Hotel Pattee in Perry, Iowa )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Like an old friend, the 1913 Hotel Pattee, in Perry, Iowa, is warm, gracious, and always dependable. Magnificently restored, the Arts and Crafts landmark offers 40 spacious guest rooms, many of which are decorated with vintage quilts,...

Knit chic.(Etui cases for knitting implements)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Protect prized knitting needles and crochet hooks In Etui's neat, stylish fabric carry cases. Available In four sizes and designs, the soft cases feature Vintage-style closures (left to right: crochet hook case, $35; circular needle case, $42;...

Antiques stop.(International Country antique store in Rogers, Minnesota )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Planning a visit to Minneapolis? Schedule a side trip to Rogers, Minn., just 35 miles west of the city, to check out International Country; a 20,000-square-foot emporium that houses a massive inventory of European antiques. Visitors can spend...

What's your opinion?(survey on where families eat dinner most often )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... In a recent survey on our Web site, we asked readers to let us know where their family eats dinner most often: 50.7% gather at the kitchen table 28.2% chow down in front of the TV * 19.5% sup in the dining room * 1.6% frequent...

Great finds.(velveteen pillows by designer Cindy Owings )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Cindy Owings's 16-inch square velveteen pillows (Horse in the Halter, $64; Cowboy in the Creek, $80) pay homage to nostalgic paint-by-number art. "Paint-by-numbers remind me of my childhood," says the Montana designer. "Plus, I'm fond of...

An autumn buffet.(includes pumpkin pie recipe )
November 1, 2003... THANKSGIVING MARKS THE BEGINNING OF THE HOLIDAY SEASON. WHY NOT CELEBRATE ITS START BY BRINGING AN ASSORTMENT OF COLORS, TREATS, TRADITIONS--AND A FEW SURPRISES--TO YOUR TABLE. Everyday objects like mismatched flatware and a favorite tea...

Apalachicola: poised on Florida's panhandle, this laid-back fishing village holds fast to its charm.
November 1, 2003... Bing Crosby once sang about Apalachicola, Fla., though thankfully the song failed to bring fame to the colorful fishing town. While much of Florida became a flurry of theme parks and beach high-rises, Apalachicola remained a well-guarded...

Fields of dreams: photographer Bill Coleman has captured images of rural Amish life for nearly three decades.(photography book Gift to Be Simple )(Interview)
November 1, 2003... "My first visit to the village." recalls portrait and landscape photographer Bill Coleman (left), "was at the suggestion of a friend. I stayed for three days, then returned a month later for a couple more days." Almost 30 years later, he still...

In stitches: to knit or not to knit? Either way, keep warm this winter with a handmade treasure.(knitting)(includes information on books, other resources )
November 1, 2003... knit While the exact origins of knitting have proven difficult to trace--some scholars suggest Ancient Egypt, others medieval Europe--its recent resurgence of widespread popularity is not. Folks of all ages--women and men alike--are...

White ironstone: a close look at the enduring appeal of a country icon.
November 1, 2003... For objects so seemingly simple, white ironstone plates, platters, pitchers, and tureens have enjoyed an unusually long reign at the head of America's dinner tables--from their golden age in the mid- 1800s to their resurgence in the 1970s to...

Gifts that give: Heifer International helps families feed themselves.(food aid organization )
November 1, 2003... In 1938, as relief worker Dan West handed out cup after cup of powdered milk to malnourished refugees of the Spanish Civil War, he began to form an idea. Instead of giving milk to people suffering from poverty and hunger, why not offer them...

Cold comforts: while there's still no cure for the common cold, these simple steps can help you feel better faster.
November 1, 2003... 'T is the season when winter colds can sap all your strength and send you to bed for days at a time. Most colds and flus simply need to run their course. But while you wait to feel like yourself again, ease the symptoms-and possibly speed up...

For the birds: fill your garden with a delectable feast for our feathered friends.(landscaping with native fruit-bearing plants )
November 1, 2003... Making your backyard a haven for the birds that overwinter in your region doesn't have to involve wading through snowdrifts to clean and fill your bird feeder. There's another way to help welcome birds to your yard--Mother Nature's approach....

Dream kitchen: the 2003 dream kitchen makeover winner.(Lynn and Tracy Holloway in Charlotte, North Carolina)(includes notes on kitchen remodeling, related accessories )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Lynn and Tracy Holloway infused their 1960s brick home in Charlotte, North Carolina, with an urbane country charm. But the kitchen--with its dated gold appliances and lifeless wood cabinets--seemed beyond their means. So Country Living,...

Head for the hill's: a home-decorating store's ever-changing inventory draws shoppers back to a small Kansas town.(Nell Hill's home-decorating store in Atchison )
November 1, 2003... Why do people make the long pilgrimage (more than an hour, typically) to home-decorating emporium Nell Hill's in Atchison, Kans., again and again? Perhaps because the shop is full of surprises. "You can come here every five weeks and it will...

Soup of course.(Campbell soups )(Advertising)
November 1, 2003... As a busy working professional, I'm always looking for hints, tips and tricks to make life more enjoyable for you and me. In the midst of our busy lives, the answer to good eating is simple and delicious. Making meals with great homemade taste...

Real-estate sampler.(properties for sale )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... HERE, A LOOK AT PROPERTIES FOR SALE AROUND THE COUNTRY. CALL THE COMPANIES FOR DETAILS. Ranch-Style Texan Set on 10 acres 35 miles northeast of San Antonio, this 4-bedroom, 2 1/2-bath 1986 farmhouse has an open layout with tiled floors in...

The Old Mill Inn.(property for sale in Brandon, Vermont )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... The Old Mill Inn Tucked away on 5 secluded Acres, this 1786 B and B is within walking Distance of Brandon, Vt. There are 6 bedrooms, 6 full baths, and inviting common areas. Bordered on 2 side by a golf course, the grounds include 4...

Attic insulation heads-up.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Now is the winter of our fuel bill discontent--and the time to be sure your attic is adequately insulated. Robin Bectel, director of communications at the North American Insulation Manufacturers Assn., in Alexandria, Va., points out that of the...

What is it? What is it worth? A professional appraiser identifies and evaluates your possessions.(antiques and vintage collectibles)(Column)
November 1, 2003... I inherited this porcelain figure (15"H) flora my great-aunt. It is marked MADE IN AUSTRIA and bears the initials E.W. in a crown. Any information you can give me about my porcelain will be welcome. S.M., DEBARY, FLA. [ILLUSTRATION...

Clay.(glazed earthenware tiles)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Embossed and glazed earthenware tiles make colorful and easy-to-clean, long-lasting backsplashes. The wood-grain-like Sticks (above) and the fern-inspired Quill (below) add organic texture to these pressed tiles from Ann Sacks Tile & Stone....

Metal.(All natural: warm finishes, textured surfaces, and elementary materials bring a nature-inspired feeling to today's country kitchens)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Constructed of 16-gauge copper and measuring 10"H x 30"W x 19"D, the double walls of Stone Forest's farmhouse sink ($1,995) increase installation options--it can even be completely exposed. Its carnubawax finish lets its patina build to a deep...

Leather.(All natural: warm finishes, textured surfaces, and elementary materials bring a nature-inspired feeling to today's country kitchens)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... England's Turnstyle Designs offers hardware made of durable, full-grain saddlery leather vegetable dyed black, chestnut, chocolate, or tan. Pulls, handles, and knobs come hand stitched ($100-$150 each) or machine stitched ($22.65-$70 each) and...

Wood.(All natural: warm finishes, textured surfaces, and elementary materials bring a nature-inspired feeling to today's country kitchens)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... New hand-rubbed glazed finishes enhance KraftMaid's solid-wood and veneer-paneled cabinet doors. The Wedgewood glaze (left) is a stormy blue; Garnet (center), a gem-toned red with black overtones; Oatmeal (right), a soft neutral finished with...

Bamboo.(All natural: warm finishes, textured surfaces, and elementary materials bring a nature-inspired feeling to today's country kitchens)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... In reality a grass that is harvestable after Just four or five years of growth, bamboo is as hard as maple. IFloor.com carries a selection of bamboo floors from seven manufacturers in standard tongue-and-groove boards. $3-$7 per sq. ft....

House plans you can buy.(home almanac)
November 1, 2003... To order plans for either of these houses, call (800) 839-0084 or see the coupon on page 159. You can also browse more than 100 additional designs on the House Plans Finder at countryliving.com. A wide front porch welcomes visitors to J....

Polka-dot pitchers.(Double take: on a budget? Sky's the limit? Either way, we've got the best of the best and great buys for less.)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Early-1700s pottery from Savoie, Franco, inspires La Ferme de la Mer's Pichet Grosse pitcher (medium, $71). Each hand-thrown place is fired in a wood oven and has a crazed finish. Lafermedelamer.com * (631) 298-4646 Ronnie's Ceramics' polka-dot...

Pedestal sinks.(double take)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... American Standard's Porcher Pomezia Pedestal Lavatory sink (24"3N x 34"H, $500) and its Amarilis Jasmine Widespread Lavatory faucet ($350) follow early-1900s Italian design. The pedestal sink is lighter (62 lbs.) yet more stable than older...

Trade blankets.(double take)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Woolrich's Hudson's Bay Point Blanket (74" x 90"; $275) is made of warm hand-brushed wool and is wind- and waterproof. Woolrich.com * (800) 995-1299 Pendleton'S wool Glacier Park Blanket (80" x 90"; $140) was first made in the 1900s to honor...

November: our monthly listing of antiques shows, crafts fairs, and festive events.(country calendar)(Calendar)
November 1, 2003... If you would like to sec 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....

Enter our comfort contest: win a donation $5,000 for an affiliated charity.
November 1, 2003... Last year we invited readers to write to us about individuals who brought comfort to their community through special deeds, selfless acts of kindness, and volunteer efforts. The response was truly overwhelming, and one winner's affiliated...

Guide dog puppies: before guide dog school, puppies are fostered by loving families.(housing of puppies in private residences)(Guide Dog Foundation )
November 1, 2003... Dogs have always helped humans. It's part of who they are and always have been. And the gift of themselves that working dogs offer us gives them a full life in return: They are accomplished, appreciated, proud. One person who embraces the...

Wine-wise buying: saving money when shopping for a bottle of wine can be as easy as picking grapes from the vine.
November 1, 2003... a cynic, observed Oscar Wilde, is someone who knows the price of everything and the value of nothing. When it comes to buying a bottle of wine, price and value can frequently be at odds. Nonetheless, choosing an affordable bottle that will...

A historic hilltop home: in one Newport, R.I.'S oldest neighborhoods, a designer with a penchant for restoring old houses transforms a 1790 gem by filling it with a vibrant mixture of antique furniture, artwork, and accessories.
November 1, 2003... comfort Sandra Tarr is a woman of many talents--textile designer, painter, and interior decorator among them. Yet restoring old homes is one of her favorite activities. During the past 20 years she has rescued nearly 10 houses from the...

Cottage chic: a brand-new cottage in Virginia brims with flea-market finds and inviting ingenuity.
November 1, 2003... "A lot of new houses look the same nowadays," says Ann Nicholson, owner of Brocante, a home-design firm in Raleigh, N.C., "but you can infuse charm and character into a new building by incorporating older materials." While renovating their 1822...

One woman's yarn: inspired by nature's palette, Madison County, New York, Artisan Kristin Thomas spin thick, colorful yarn and hand knits it into woolen goods that warm body and soul all winter long.(Interview)
November 1, 2003... kristin Thomas began knitting while she was expecting her first child. "I had to," says the former schoolteacher, who eventually decided to stay home and take care of her three young boys. "It was part of keeping my sanity." When her husband,...

House of plenty: long-forgotten treasures enrich an old farmhouse in New York's catskills.(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... chances are, if autumn leaves are falling there's a crowd gathering around Charlie Franchino and Arthur Oliva's table. They searched for years for a country home near New York City that would accommodate their love of cooking and entertaining...

Character restoration: decorative painting and a mix of new and antique pieces provide period charm on a budget.(country kitchen)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... "If you have a limited remodeling budget, let that work for you," says artist Carla Goldberg-van der Merwe. "Often, you end up with a more interesting kitchen." Over the past several years, Carla and her husband, Stephen, have been slowly...

Cooks: special bonus section: our stress-free guide to holiday cooking and entertaining.(Thanksgiving recipes )
November 1, 2003... Serving a sumptuous Thanksgiving feast can be an exciting prospect, especially when the entertaining is fuss-free. All it takes is a little planning and recipes that are delicious and simple to prepare. For Shirlene and Mark Brooks, in Otto,...

Well done.(OXO Meat Thermometer, Oven Thermometer )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Take the guesswork out of determining when the roast is ready by keeping close tabs with OXO's Meat Thermometer ($14.99). The OXO Oven Thermometer ($11.99; right) will ensure accurate oven-temperature readings every time--a must for pies and...

Our plan-ahead guide.(food-related planning for Thanksgiving )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... 2 weeks ahead Order specialty foods--turkey, ham, seafood--and be sure to check delivery dates. Gather your recipes, take stock of the pantry, and make a grocery list. Do the same for the table: Assess everything that needs to be cleaned,...

Roast.(The Four Season Contemporary Non-Stick Roaster)(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... Trouble-free roasting begins with the pen. The Four Season Contemporary Non-Stick Roaster from Calphalon, priced at about $80, offers many helpful features: a 17 1/2-by-13 1/2-by-5 3/4 inches size that can accommodate a 25-pound bird, and a...

Cool tools.(SwitchIt, multipurpose cooking utensil )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... The frosty colors of the Switchit, combination measuring spoons, spatulas, and stirring tools from Chef'n ($9.99-$12.99 each), make them fun for the holidays and their versatility assures year-round usefulness. Made of heat-resistant silicone...

Stay on the cutting edge.(kitchen knives )(Brief Article)
November 1, 2003... A good knife is one utensil you should never do without. Choose knives based on what feels comfortable in your hand, the particular task, and the amount you would like to spend. Here are some options: Above, left to right: OXO's...

Home for the holidays: smart solutions to make your home happy and inviting this season.(Air Wick Scented Oil, Nite Lite)(Old English Furniture Polish )(Spray 'n Wash In-Wash Laundry Stain Remover)(Lysol Disinfectant Spray )(Advertising)
November 1, 2003... The sights, the sounds, the scents of home... they're never more welcome than during the holidays. During this festive season, you really want your house to sparkle, shine and help encourage a healthy and happy environment for your family....

Simple country pleasures.
November 1, 2003... AUTUMN IS THE BITE OF THE HARVEST APPLE. --CHRISTINA PETROWSKY