Country Living articles from November 2008

Country Living archives from November 2008

I enjoyed "The Allure of Lavender" in the September 2008 issue.(READERS' LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
November 1, 2008... I enjoyed "The Allure of Lavender" in the September 2008 issue. It reminded me of lavender oil's many healing properties. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] CHARLOTTE A. ERKEL VAN LAAN, SAN DIEGO

Picture perfect.(READERS' LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
November 1, 2008... I was delighted to discover the article on doll collecting (Antiques) in your September issue, as I am a doll collector. In fact, my doll club, the Little Colonel Doll Collectors of Kentucky, is presently restoring a Greiner doll identical to...

Joining generations.(READERS' LETTERS)(Letter to the editor)
November 1, 2008... I want to thank you for turning out quality articles and advice every month for so many years. It is marvelous how each issue appeals to such a wide range of people across the age spectrum. To enthrall both my grandma and me at the same time is...

Coming home to comfort.(READERS' LETTERS)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... My husband and I have collected article clippings from Country Living for years. We bought a reclaimed log cabin built in 1825 and decided to decorate with an authentic primitive look, which allowed us to enjoy the simple lifestyle we wanted...

Traditions: "at this time of year, we celebrate and acknowledge the traditions that root our communities and tie our families together.".(EDITOR'S JOURNAL)(Editorial)
November 1, 2008... There is no denying that we live in challenging times. But it's interesting to note that during periods of uncertainty we often return to what grounds us and brings us true comfort--our homes, our families, and our communities. All of these...

Patchwork: A folk art staple, patchwork now adds crafty style to everything from housewares to clothing.(HOME FRONT)
November 1, 2008... PRETTY PATCHES Inspired by vintage crazy quilts, these updated pathworks instantly draw the eye with their vibrant combinations of color, texture, and pattern. Make your own designs out of fabric remnants from craft projects. TWIN AND...

The corner cupboard: by the mid-18th century, corner cupboards offered storage in American dining rooms. They continue to be useful fixtures in today's homes.(Buyers guide)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... THEN... ORIGIN Cambridge, N.Y., c. 1820. ORIGINAL USE Whether freestanding or built-in, corner cupboards reflected the architectural details of the house. They offered convenient storage as well as a place to display prized objects...

Holiday table ideas: Lifestyle editor Frances bailey serves up easy--and inexpensive-ways to create a warm holiday setting.(at the table)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... For a no-fail centerpiece, buy a dozen roses in autumnal hues. Strip away the foliage and cut stems at an angle. Arrange a bouquet in your hand, and tie it tightly with floral wire or twine. Pair the bouquet with a vessel in an unexpected...

Fireplace fix-up: a renovated chimney and refinished mantel renew a dated fireplace.(make me over)
November 1, 2008... LOCATION A fireplace and mantel in the living room of a c. 1920 Tudor cottage. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] POTENTIAL While renovating their home, the owners were surprised to find a stone chimney hidden behind plaster and drywall....

Leaf pressing: A walk through the autumn woods, garden, or park provides all the materials necessary to craft one-of-a-kind gifts and seasonal decor.(inspiration)
November 1, 2008... FALLING LEAVES A framed collage of pressed leaves mimics the forest floor in autumn--both the source and the inspiration for some simple decorating projects. A chartreuse oak leaf, found in Vermont; a cluster of golden aspen leaves,...

Family activity.(Supply Closet)
November 1, 2008... Assemble an herbarium of local autumn foliage in Kolo's mango cloth-covered album with contrasting red interior and stitching. It contains 18 sheets of acid-free archival paper. Cortina Lux album, $25; kolo.com. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Diy.(Supply Closet)
November 1, 2008... 1 AUTUMN FOLIAGE Take the family to a nature preserve to photograph the fall landscape. Go to nature.org for the Nature Conservancy's list of preserves. 2 PICTURE PERFECT Scan Digital will convert old photographs,...

Expert advice.(Supply Closet)
November 1, 2008... Family albums and scrapbooks can be secured for future generations by using archival-quality materials, such as acid-free paper (editor's note: try archivalsuppliers.com), and by avoiding light, excessive heat, and moisture. Always store these...

Project: crafting with cork stamps.(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Stamps made from cork, a natural and renewable resource, produce a delicate texture thanks to cork's resilient and somewhat porous surface. Roll on acrylic paint and press to decorate walls and furniture. Then clean the stamp with soap and...

The crafter's library.(Supply Closet)
November 1, 2008... In Handmade Nation: The Rise of DIY, Art, Craft, and Design (Princeton Architectural Press; $25), Faythe Levine and Cortney Heimerl travel throughout America to chronicle the indie crafts movement, exploring the work, process, and community of...

Paper chase.(Supply Closet)
November 1, 2008... Amy Beck was bored with standard clipboards, so she decided to embellish them with vintage paper from the 1940s through '70s that she laminates for durability. Small clipboard (shown), $12, and large $17; cottageindustree.com. ...

Turkey china: for more than 100 years, this English transferware graced the finest Thanksgiving tables.
November 1, 2008... BLUE-PLACE SPECIAL While blue remains a signature hue for transferware, it's the exception for turkey china--which makes this Clarice Cliff Autumn Foliage Blue dinner plate quite collectible! For some time after that first solemn feast...

Bonnie Cashin coat: professional appraiser helaine fendelman evaluates and appraises your collectibles and antiques.(what is it? what is it worth?)
November 1, 2008... WHAT IS IT? Bonnie Cashin (1907 to 2000) was one of the most influential American fashion designers of the 20th century. Although she was relatively unknown by the public, Cashin was respected by the fashion world for her original approach...

A flea grows in Brooklyn: two country living editors hunt for vintage and handmade finds at New York City's newest flea market.(antiques across america)
November 1, 2008... On a brisk Sunday, with visions of midcentury modern tables and retro textiles dancing in their heads, editors Monica Michael Willis (near right) and Rebecca Thienes headed to Fort Greene, Brooklyn, for Brownstoner's Brooklyn Flea. Since its...

Fall garden cleanup: protect the garden for winter while also preparing it for spring.(in the garden)
November 1, 2008... AUTUMN SPLENDOR Take a break from fall tasks to enjoy the pleasures of the season. Autumn foliage will delight with its rich colors. Cool season vegetables--such as kale, Brussels sprouts, and broccoli--are at their peak, and sweet apples,...

Expert advice.(Clippings)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... For a quick way to plant a lot of bulbs without digging, put down 6 inches of compost, add bulbs, then cover with 6 to 10 inches of a light mulch, such as pine needles or fine bark. Bulbs are happy and so are you! OWNER OF BRENT AND...

Good for hands.(Clippings)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... GOOD FOR HANDS After a day in the garden, hands can be a mess. Wash soil away with Katie Brown's gentle foaming scrub. It removes dirt and grime without stripping skin of moisture. Use the brush for nails and follow with a moisturizer. Brush,...

Garden with ease.(Clippings)
November 1, 2008... GARDEN WITH EASE Reduce stress on muscles and joints by using ergonomic tools by Radius Garden. The powerful tools are lightweight and feature handles that are designed to lessen fatigue. The bulb planter has an extra-wide step and extended...

Chrysanthemums: take a garden field trip.(Clippings)
November 1, 2008... Celebrate autumn's flower, the chrysanthemum, at one of the many festivals across the country. Highlights include New York Botanical Garden's Kiku Matsuri, one of the most extensive Japanese chrysanthemum festivals outside Japan. It features...

Digging in.(Clippings)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... 1 FEED THE BIRDS In winter when food is scarce, provide birds with seeds and water. Visit audubon.org for tips. 2 SAVE THE MOUNT Edith Wharton's home and garden, the Mount, faces foreclosure on October 31. Help save it by...

Haute Country: known for her Midwest modern style, designer Amy butler fashions a look that is ...(ready to wear)
November 1, 2008... 1 layered basics I love to mix luxury and hand-knit fabrics. Garnet Hill cashmere cardigan, $148; garnethill.com. Echo Design arm warmers, $30; echodesign.com. Eddie Bauer sweater vest, $69; eddiebauer.com. 2 key piece Dress it up...

The sisterhood of crafts: each November crafters flock to Omaha, Neb., for Silver Bella, a weekend getaway that promises fun, fellowship. And craft workshops.
November 1, 2008... OPPOSITE: In artist Charlotte Lyons's class, students crafted trees from felted sweaters, fabric, and vintage spools. RIGHT: Costume jewels add custom sparkle to projects. Teacher Lyons (below right) is known for her fresh ideas and generous...

Come and get it! At holiday mealtime, Julia Szabo advises as to what's safe to serve under the table!(LIVING pets)
November 1, 2008... BONE APPETIT! At this time of year, a cook's most appreciative audience doesn't eat with a fork and knife. However, while we civilized humans indulge in seasonal delicacies that are fatty, salty, and sweet, our pets can't handle all that rich...

Pitch your product! For a chance to be in country living, scores of talented women enterpreneurs presented their products to a panel of editors at our annual celebration of creativity event. The top talents--many in business for just a year--stood out for the originality and creativity of their ideas.(entrepreneur)(Directory)
November 1, 2008... NAME Aimee Jones BUSINESS Corn Bag Critter Co. LOCATION Swoyersville, Pa. CONTACT cornbagcritters.com [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] NAME Tricia Lowenfield BUSINESS Tricia Lowenfield Design ...

Heritage Turkeys.({OUR COUNTRYSIDE})
November 1, 2008... Before the 1960s, Bourbon Reds, an old-fashioned breed of turkey, were the fowl of choice on America's Thanksgiving tables. Over time, however, old-fashioned turkey breeds like the Bourbon Red, Black, and Narragansett were elbowed out of the...

Why save a turkey?(the good life)
November 1, 2008... To understand the perils of cultivating a single variety--be it a vegetable or a turkey like the Broad Breasted White--look no further than the disease that blighted Ireland's potato crop in the mid-19th century. The way farmers and breeders...

November moon phases.(THE GOOD LIFE)
November 1, 2008... On Thanksgiving, which always falls on the fourth Thursday of the month, there will be a new moon, which means the sky will be dark and the moon nearly invisible from earth. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Forsyth Park Inn.(INN OF THE MONTH)
November 1, 2008... A TRUE SOUTHERN welcome awaits visitors to the Forsyth Park Inn, a rambling Victorian bed-and-breakfast whose inviting front porch overlooks one of Savannah's prettiest public parks. Situated in the historic district, the inn features a garden...

To stack firewood.({THE BEST WAY ...})(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Dense, well-seasoned hardwoods (oak, hickory, birch) make for the hottest fires. You can either buy wood that has been preseasoned or season (or dry) the wood yourself. Unseasoned wood can contain up to 45 percent water, so stacking it where...

Henson Brooms.({MADE IN AMERICA})
November 1, 2008... ALL BROOMS are not created equal and those made by Henson Broom Shop & General Store in Symsonia, Ky., sweep the competition. Each broom is handmade from milled hardwood and durable broomcorn; prices start at $12; hensonbrooms.com. ...

Pomegranates.({NATURAL BEAUTY})
November 1, 2008... In recent years, pomegranates have become the pick of the fruit bowl, and not just because of their refreshing sweet-tart flavor. The fruit, which originated in Persia, is rich in antioxidants as well as vitamins B and C. But you don't have to...

America's farms today.(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... "It's not work, it's a way of life," says J.E. "Sonny" Lewis Jr., a fifth-generation Mississippi farmer who is among the 200 citrus growers, dairymen, farmers, and ranchers profiled in American Farmer (Welcome Books; $50), a beautiful oversize...

The eat local challenge.(the good life)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... If you're interested in adding more locally grown foods to your diet but have no idea where to begin, visit eatlocalchallenge.com, a blog written by men and women who have committed to eating foods mainly produced locally for a set period of...

Stone exteriors across the country.(REAL ESTATE SAMPLER)
November 1, 2008... LAKESIDE MANOR Situated off Lake St. Clair in Grosse Pointe, Mich., this c. 1901 Georgian-style home features walnut and marble wall paneling in the living and formal dining rooms, as well as hardwood floors and original crown molding....

Nine festivals with one-of-a-kind holiday gifts.({COUNTRY CALENDAR})(Calendar)
November 1, 2008... ALABAMA ALABAMA DESIGNER CRAFTSMEN'S FINE CRAFT CLASSIC Nov. 1-2; Birmingham Botanical Gardens. Support local artists by purchasing handmade ceramics, textiles, and pottery at this juried show; alabama designercraftsmen.com. ARIZONA HEARD...

In with the new!(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Get a head start on the new year with Country Living's 2009 desk diary (Universe; $14). Packed with favorite photos previously featured in the magazine, the compact, spiral-bound datebook covers the year week-by-week and provides plenty of...

N.Y.C. Marathon.({NOT TO MISS})
November 1, 2008... On Nov. 2 at 9:40 A.M., some 38,000 runners will cross the Verrazano-Narrows Bridge and kick off this year's ING New York City Marathon. The world's best-known foot race traverses 26.2 miles through the streets of N.Y.C.'s five boroughs,...

Artful stitches.({SHOW TIME})
November 1, 2008... If you'll be attending the International Quilt Festival (Oct. 30 to Nov. 2) in Houston, make sure to visit the Country Living Classics exhibit, where 30 reader-made quilts will be showcased in honor of the magazine's 30th anniversary;...

Nov. 4 is election day: to find out the location of your nearest polling station, log on to vote411.org.(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... VOTE Kala's Vote soap, $7.50; kalasyle.com. TRIPS TO TAKE NOW Before planning your next vacation, consult Frommer's new guide 500 Places to See Before They Disappear (Wiley; $20). The book offers eco-conscious traveling...

Judor revival: a cozy Tudor home gets a bright new outlook thanks to a room-by-room application of luminous color and pattern.
November 1, 2008... Many Tudor-style houses, American favorites from the 1920s to 1940s, are charming yet dark--their heavy ceiling beams a little overbearing, their small leaded windows light-restricting, and their wrought iron and stonework a bit ponderous. But...

Small is beautiful: Old objects with stories to tell transform this tiny dwelling in the Connecticut countryside, thanks to the thrifty ingenuity and imagination of collector and antiques-shop proprietor Ann Beckman.
November 1, 2008... Thirty-two years ago, Ann Beckman walked into a house on a hill and fell in love: "It found me," the antiques store co-owner says of the sloping building with one storey in front and two in back, known as a saltbox. For nearly 300 years,...

Squash season.
November 1, 2008... Midway between Chicago and St. Louis, the Great Pumpkin Patch in Arthur, Ill., has been home to six generations of the Condill-McDonald family--farmers and educators who live and work on 200 acres in the heart of Amish country. The family hosts...

Trisha's family thanksgiving: country singer Trisha Yearwood gathers the family at her Nashville home for a little Southern comfort and a lot of thanksgiving favorites. pecan pie, anyone?
November 1, 2008... The first time Trisha Yearwood tried her hand at the kind of home cooking she was raised on, she was far from home. The singer had left her family's Georgia home for college in Nashville and, homesick for biscuits and gravy and potato salad and...

Spice it up: a trio of aromatic spice rubs and out-of-the-ordinary stuffings put a flavorful twist on the traditional thanksgiving dinner.(TURKEY & STUFFING)
November 1, 2008... THE SPICE IS RIGHT At Thanksgiving herbs such as parsley, sage, rosemary, and thyme generally take center stage. But what about what about cumin, lavender, and cocoa? For some flavorful alternatives, turn the page. [ILLUSTRATION...

Provencal rub.(Recipe)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Pulse 1/2 cup dried lavender, 1 tablespoon each salt, fennel seeds, and dried thyme and 2 teaspoons white peppercorns into a spice grinder until mixture is fine but not powdery, about 6 pulses. Rub 4 tablespoons olive oil over and under the...

Lemon-sage rub.(Recipe)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Pulse 1/3 cup dried sage, 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, and 2 teaspoons fresh ground black pepper in a spice grinder until coarsely ground, about 4 pulses. Whisk together 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 2 tablespoons grated lemon zest, 4 tablespoons olive...

Cocoa-spice rub.(turkey & stuffing)(Recipe)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Combine 2 tablespoons cocoa, 2 tablespoons ground cumin, 1 1/2 tablespoons paprika, 1 tablespoon ground coriander, 2 teaspoons each salt and fresh ground black pepper, 1 1/2 teaspoons chipotle powder, and 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice in a bowl....

Cornbread and Chorizo Stuffing.(turkey & stuffing)(Recipe)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Makes 10 servings Working time: 35 mins. Total time: 1 hr., 15 mins. 2 TABLESPOONS CANOLA OIL 1 POUND RAW CHORIZO, CASINGS REMOVED 1 LARGE RED ONION 2 LARGE RED BELL PEPPERS 1 TEASPOON SALT 2 TEASPOONS DRIED OREGANO 1...

Sourdough Stuffing with Sweet Potatoes and Cranberries.(turkey & stuffing)(Recipe)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Makes 10 servings Working time: 35 mins. Total time: 1 hr., 15 mins. 1/4 CUP BUTTER (1/2 STICK) 1 LARGE VIDALIA ONION, CHOPPED 1 POUND PEELED SWEET POTATOES, CUT INTO 1/2-INCH CUBES 2 TABLESPOONS MAPLE SYRUP 1 CUP DRIED...

Brioche and Mushroom Stuffing.(turkey & stuffing)(Recipe)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Makes 10 servings Working time: 35 mins. Total time: 1 hr., 15 mins. 1/4 CUP BUTTER (1/2 STICK) 3 SMALL SHALLOTS 2 CELERY STALKS 1 1/2 POUNDS MIXED WILD MUSHROOMS, SLICED 1 TEASPOON SALT 3 TABLESPOONS PERNOD 1...

Foods by mail.(Tastings)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... 1 SPIRAL-CUT HAM Cured with the same recipe since 1926, Edwards's hickory-smoked hams arrive at doorsteps presliced and oven-ready. From $50/ five lbs.; virginia traditions.com. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] 2 FRESH PECANS ...

Expert tip.(Tastings)
November 1, 2008... If you don't have a rack for the bottom of your roasting pan, elevate your Thanksgiving turkey on crumpled foil so it cooks evenly. This will also give the drippings a chance to caramelize and make the gravy tastier. --mary blingman...

Great find.(Tastings)
November 1, 2008... Turkey Brining Bags and Chefs Brining Blend, $23/set; chefs catalog.com. [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

At City Tavern.(Tastings)
November 1, 2008... At City Tavern, an authentic replica of Colonial America's most popular eatery, costumed waitstaff serves up hearty soups, flaky potpies, and fresh seafood. On Thanksgiving, diners can sample delicious free-range turkey, sage-and-marjoram...

In season: purple potatoes.(Tastings)
November 1, 2008... With a moist flesh and a creamy flavor, purple potatoes offer a delicious way to add color to a meal. Of the many varieties grown, purple Peruvians (left) are the most common; their moderate starch content and deep violet core make them...

Savory spud recipes.(Tastings)
November 1, 2008... Want to serve something other than mashed potatoes this Thanksgiving? Visit countryliving.com/potato to find dozens of delicious ideas, including recipes for rosemary-roasted potatoes, sweet-potato fries, potato-apple kugel, and more.

House plans you can buy: the Ashbourne II offers an abundance of natural light.(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... The arcade porch, numerous windows, and symmetrical build of this Low Country-style home greatly enhance its curb appeal. From the entry, a foyer leads to a great room equipped with a fireplace and two sets of French doors that exit onto a...

Shopping guide.(READER'S RESOURCE)
November 1, 2008... NOTE: ITEMS FEATURED IN ISSUE BUT NOT LISTED ARE PRIVATELY OWNED OR UNAVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE. country classic PAGE 20: (From left to right) Country Living Collection by Lane Home Furnishings, 43"W x 75"H x 19 1/2"D; Seabrook Classics,...