Country Woman February - March 2016

I love my old red accordion. I used to haul it up a flight of stairs to the music room where I took lessons after school. Now, after just a few decades—or more—I can play only a couple chords. But I can’t part with the pretty little squeezebox. Our antiques expert took a look at it, along with a band of other antique musical instruments, in the story “High Notes” beginning on page 32. I’d love to hear your stories or see photos about your favorite keepsake—musical or otherwise. Send them to us at submissions@countrywomanmagazine.com. In this issue, we’ll also take you into an old farm kitchen that’s been painted and polished to take on new life. Owner KariAnne Wood of Grand Rivers, Kentucky, uses rummage sale finds, including platters, plates and…

FUN IN A FLURRY Q: What are your cabin fever cures? “I start planning what chickens I’m adding to our small backyard flock. This year we added White Plymouth Rocks, Dominiques and Buff Orpingtons. It’s fun to have tiny chicks in the house in a big tote storage container. The kids and I watch them get bigger by the day! You know it’s spring when the chicks go outside with the older hens.” KELLY THOMPSON SHOEMAKER STAFFORD, VA “We push the snow off the grill and make our favorite summertime BBQ recipes!” ANNE ORMOND DOVER, NH “The last couple of years I’ve been trying to have a green thumb, so my kids and I start seedlings indoors as soon as we can. They like watching the seeds sprout and grow. Then as soon as the last freeze is…

Drawn to Scale I’m a fan of your magazine, and page 19 of the October/ November 2015 issue inspired a new art jewelry project for me! Thanks for the great inspiration. C. BENNETT JOHNSON CITY, TN Deck the Bunks I was so touched to see Julie Stuhlmacher take a great idea and make it better in “Holiday Hero” (December/January 2016). We sent trees to our son, who served in Iraq through two Christmases. We also sent garlands, which the guys love to string around their bunks and trucks. It meant so much to all of them! NANCY WALLS MASON, MI Shining Examples I love the decorating ideas using miscellaneous brooches in the December/January 2016 issue. They were so beautiful. Now the wheels are turning in my head. ELIZABETH BRAMKAMP GIG HARBOR, WA Same Sparkle I was so excited when I got the…

Show and Tell If you made it, flaunt it. We want to see your latest crafts, from DIY Valentine’s Day gifts to homemade country kitchen decor. Email a picture and project details with “Craft Time” in the subject line. On the Farm Have a funny planting faux pas or baby animal blooper to tell? Or maybe a special memory of an Easter egg hunt or celebration on the homestead? Send your favorite spring stories with “Country Life” in the subject line—and don’t forget to share pics. Sweet Talk Warm our hearts with a love story. Whether it’s about an unforgettable first date, a family barn restoration or a curious country kid who steals your heart with her plucky antics, we want to hear it. Include photos and set the subject line to “Country Love.” Calling All…

BRIGHT IDEA! If your pot is solid on the bottom, drill some drainage holes or add a layer of pebbles to the pot before planting. Spray-paint a small pot gold, applying 2-3 coats and waiting a minute or so between each coat. Plant the pot with a lucky shamrock (oxalis). String a clover charm onto a piece of green ribbon. Wrap the ribbon around the pot’s top edge and tie into a bow. Free subscription to CW ! Send an idea, project or tip that makes your garden greener 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 .…

While working on Wall Street, born-and-raised farm girl Georgia Pellegrini yearned to escape her computer screen and use her hands again. So she quit her job, went to culinary school and started cooking at farm-to-table restaurants, where she harvested and hunted for ingredients just as she had as a kid on the family farm in New York’s Hudson Valley. Now this resourceful chef shows other women the way of the modern pioneer on adventure getaways. What was your childhood like on the farm? Tulipwood Farm has been in our family for 100 years. I grew up foraging for wild edibles, fishing off boulders for trout and eating my catch. My Great-Aunt Ann knew the name of every plant on the property, and I learned how to crush berries and use them as…