Country Woman Decembre 2015 - Janvier 2016

I wandered into an antique store one day, and as I walked past the owner, she gasped at the rhinestone brooch on my lapel. It’s a stunning beauty that was once my aunt’s. “I can’t believe you’re wearing that on your winter coat,” the store owner said. “Do you know how much that’s worth?” Frankly, I didn’t know its value, but to me it’s priceless. When I wear it, I think about my aunt and uncle as well as my mother, father, sisters and brother, cousins, nieces and nephews. Yes, that one piece of jewelry does that to me. Sure, I could tuck it away in a safe place to preserve its value. But I’d rather pin it on my lapel or on a scarf and keep it close to my…

NEW YEAR, NEW USE Q: When the holidays are over, how do you get crafty with Christmas cards? “Once a week, my mom randomly pulled a card she got that Christmas, re-read it and then sent a “thinking of you” card to that person or family through the new year. If she had more than 52 cards, she sent two a week.” DONNA TORRENCE WERNER VIA FACEBOOK “My favorite idea was my mom’s: advent calendars for the next year. She would draw a grid on poster board and cut various pictures from Christmas cards to fit each box. For Sundays, she would choose a snippet of a church in the snow or a Bible. Christmas Eve would be shepherds; Christmas Day, the nativity scene; and Dec. 18, the star (so it would be directly…

New Flair for Chairs Your “Wake Up Wicker” project in August/September 2015 motivated me to paint my chairs that same shade of blue. Take a look—I think I need to thank you! Only now I need to get some new cushions. KALLEE MCCREERY ESCONDIDO, CA Stylish Sorter Thanks for the idea to repurpose a TV entertainment center (April/ May 2015). I turned this one into a jewelry and accessories cabinet. Now I have everything in one place and necklaces arranged by color. Love it! BRENDA MCINTYRE EVERGREEN, AL Sweet Cover Spot! What a surprise I got when I saw my Toffee Apple Cinnamon Buns on the October/November 2015 cover. The rolls look so delicious and inviting, I feel like reaching right into the picture and taking one off the plate. The food stylist and photographer…

Here’s what we’re looking for right now. Holiday Memories Tell us a Christmas story! Whether it’s about a silly baking mishap, a heartwarming holiday kindness or your trip to see a live nativity, we want to hear it. Put “Holiday Memories” in the subject line—and don’t forget to send photos. On the Farm Have a special duck or guard goat that follows you around? A fond memory of a snow day on the family homestead? A funny barn blooper you’ve just gotta share? Send your photos and favorite country moments to us with “Country Life” in the subject line. Decorate & Celebrate How do you bring holiday cheer into your home? Maybe you string together a homemade garland, create your own table trimmings or gather the whole gang for an annual brunch. Email your entertaining ideas…

“Imagine what the world would be like if people shared the love and joy of the holidays year round.”—MARIE LOUISE LUDWIG PHOENIXVILLE, PA Just before serving, adorn your favorite cake with fun baubles—or a festive cookie. Carefully invert clear bowl over decorations. Free subscription to CW ! Send an idea, project or tip that makes your holiday happier or your life easier—or more fun. If we publish it, you’ll get a year’s subscription to Country Woman for yourself or a friend. Email ideas to submissions@countrywomanmagazine.com .…

Even from afar, Julie Stuhlmacher made sure her son, John, had a piece of home for the holidays in 2002. She trimmed a mini tree with garland and ornaments and sent it from Glendale, Wisconsin, to Iraq, where he served with the National Guard. The tree was such a hit in John’s unit that Julie founded her own charity, Trees From Home. Since then, she’s shipped more than 13,000 trees to troops. Why did you start Trees From Home? John was the one who told me I should send some trees to his wife, Kristina, since it was so special when he received mine. Kristina was deployed in 2009, and we sent trees to her entire unit of 120 people. After that, calls flooded in from people with donations and names. I…