Innholdsfortegnelse for June 2015 i Country Living

I GREW UP IN A FARM TOWN IN WEST TENNESSEE, where country music provided the soundtrack of every bonfire, ball game, and barbecue, but it wasn’t until I moved away from the country that I really came to appreciate the genre. I found myself living in the middle of Manhattan—a place that (at the time) didn’t even have a country radio station—and yearning for the comforts of home. Skeptics may say that country music—modern-day country, in particular—is full of clichés (dirt roads, riverbanks, pickup trucks), but those things are cliché for a reason. In this hyper-connected world, I think more and more people crave a sense of escape, and country music lets you kick up your feet and do just that. And its message clearly resonates: Recently, country music surpassed…

Your Ultimate Summer Playlist Roll down your windows and play these reader picks on repeat. “Country State of Mind” by Hank Williams, Jr. —Charles H. Norris, via Facebook “Toes” by Zac Brown Band —@theurbanbarnhouse, via Instagram “Get Your Shine On” by Florida Georgia Line —@becklynn, via Twitter “Strawberry Wine” by Deana Carter —@kathleenmfuller, via Instagram “Life Is a Highway” by Rascal Flatts —@4seasonsmomma, via Twitter “It’s a Great Day To Be Alive” by Travis Tritt —Marcia Woodard, via Facebook “On the Road Again” by Willie Nelson —Dale Sapp, via Facebook “Where the Green Grass Grows” by Tim McGraw —Kai J. Tolvanen, via Facebook “Wagon Wheel” by Darius Rucker —@hoodcreeklogcabin, via Instagram To listen to the playlist, go to countryliving.com/spotify. Pet of the Month The Garrett family of Lowell, NC, shared…

COUNTRY COMEBACK 1. TUFTED CHAIR Ornately turned legs add a bespoke feel. Vaughn Chair, $189; target.com 2. SCENTED CANDLE Infused with crisp lemongrass and earthy sage. Tin Candle, $22; leifshop.com 3. BEACH UMBRELLA Sports a protective UPF 30 coating and a playful touch of fringe. Cockatoos Umbrella, $100; sunnylife.com 4. THROW PILLOW This textured pick is inspired by a flower. Pillow, $95; companyc.com 5. OUTDOOR LANTERN A bright take on a traditional 1900s German design. Kerosene Lantern, $40; kaufmannmercantile.com 6. LEMON NAPKINS A screenprinted motif that won’t sour. Napkins, $16 for two; serenaandlily.com 7. AREA RUG Hand-woven to create an ombré effect. Surya Calvin Striped Area Rug, $175 for 3'6" x 5'6"; wayfair.com 8. DUVET COVER Make the bed twice as stylish with a reversible design. Riviera Duvet, from $175; ballarddesigns.com…

“ love the retro vibe this working jukebox adds to my family room. Is it of any interest?”—N.S., GROSSE POINTE, MI WHAT IT IS: WURLITZER JUKEBOX This coin-operated piece belted tunes from a restaurant booth in the 1960s, when a half-dollar would have bought you seven songs. At the time, it was the newest in a series of musical innovations from Wurlitzer, which also pioneered the coin-operated electric piano, says Marsha Bemko of Antiques Roadshow, who consulted with show appraiser Brian Witherell. While floorsize Wurlitzers from the 1930s go for thousands of dollars, this one’s small scale (18 inches tall) and more recent vintage bring in less. WHAT IT’S WORTH: $70 “I’ve collected pitchers for years, and this one has always been my favorite. Does the pattern have a name?”…

...INVITING "When you visit someone in the country, they better offer you a glass of iced tea—in a Mason jar, of course. It's cliche because it's true. Some of my best conversations have happened over the clink-clink of iced tea in a jar. It's the soundtrack of country life." ...RELAXED "I write best when I'm home on my porch with my guitar. There's something calming about looking out at wide-open spaces and trees as far as you can see. The country is perfect for letting your mind drift to a creative place." ...COLLECTED "I love all things vintage, and I have a growing collection of salt-and-pepper shakers. I have about 50 sets right now, and it's getting out of control. My favorite—a '55 Chevy with an Airstream—came from a fan."…

1836 A migrant wagon train travels from Independence, MO, to Fort Hall, ID, in what was arguably the first “camper” caravan. 1888 Vincent Van Gogh paints The Caravans, an early depiction of travelers with horse-drawn trailers. 1908 After a year of traveling by trailer, Thomas Hiram Holding publishes Camper’s Handbook, giving rise to the modern camping movement in the United States. 1929 The trailblazing Airstream is born in California, when creator Wally Byam builds a teardrop-shaped contraption onto the chassis of his Model T. 1953 A 36-foot Redman trailer is featured in the film The Long, Long Trailer starring Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz. 1954 Bowen Water Heater Co. develops the first-ever hot water system for trailers. Camping enthusiasts rejoice! 1969 Airstream constructs a Mobile Quarantine Facility to transport astronaut…

DINING ROOM Holly chose a gray, white, and black palette for its timeless appeal. The metallic floral wallpaper is from Designers Guild. LIVING ROOM To play up the room’s abundant natural light, Holly skipped curtains and painted the walls a crisp white. In the corner, a baby grand piano inspires family jam sessions. When Holly Williams and her husband, Chris Coleman, a musician and artist, began house hunting in 2011, they faced a challenge: They loved the openness of their downtown Nashville loft but craved the charm of a historic home. “One night, I had a dream that we’d find an airy, historic place with a double fireplace, so the moment we spotted this one connecting the kitchen and dining area, we knew we’d found our home.” A self-proclaimed picker,…

WHO DOES THE COOKING It tends to be a family affair. We love to put on a record, lay out some snacks, then get to work. BEST DESIGN ADVICE Embrace color. Just because kitchens are utilitarian rooms doesn’t mean they should be quiet, sterile, or boring. EVERY KITCHEN NEEDS A cast-iron skillet and a pizza cutter. COLLECTION OBSESSION Do I have to pick just one? I’d say old signs for instant charm and vintage tablecloths for a retro vibe. TOAST OR BISCUITS? Biscuits—homemade only—with butter and molasses. WHAT MAKES IT COUNTRY All the rustic elements, from the beams to the Mason jar chandelier, plus the fact that I can watch cattle graze from my sink.…

MEET YOUR GUEST EDITOR I’VE BEEN A COUNTRY LIVING READER for as long as I can remember. Every time I’m on my tour bus and I flip through the magazine, I can’t wait to get home to try some new idea. It just feels like a little piece of home. So when the editors called to ask if I’d be up for guest editing the June issue—a celebration of country style through the lens of country music—I jumped at the chance. I grew up in Lindale, Texas, where the town motto is Good Country Living (really!), so you could say country life has been in my blood since birth. Even now, my husband Blake [Shelton] and I live in Tishomingo, Oklahoma, which is roughly two hours from any major city.…

June is bursting at the seams with more than 20 major country events (see a small sampling below). Even New York City is getting in on the action with FarmBorough (June 26-28), its brand-new, bootscootin’ music festival on Randall’s Island. Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, and Brad Paisley (shown above, left to right) will take the stage. farm boroughfestival.com CMA MUSIC FESTIVAL, NASHVILLE, TN (June 11-14); cmaworld.com FLORIDA COUNTRY SUPERFEST, JACKSONVILLE, FL (June 13-14); floridacountrysuperfest.com COUNTRY JAM FESTIVAL, MACK, CO (June 18-21); countryjam.com WINDY CITY LAKESHAKE, CHICAGO, IL (June 19-21); lakeshakefestival.com BIG BARREL COUNTRY MUSIC FESTIVAL, DOVER, DE (June 26-28); bigbarrel.com…

1. BAR CART Remove wheels and axles from three wagons of roughly the same size. For the bottom shelf, attach galvanized floor flanges on the inside four corners with nuts and bolts. Mount casters to underside. For the middle shelf, attach two floor flanges (one on the inside, one on the bottom) in all four corners with nuts and bolts. For the top shelf, attach galvanized floor flanges on the bottom four corners with nuts and bolts. Next, use screws and Liquid Nails to adhere wooden dowels (ours were cut to one-foot lengths) to center of the flanges to build one unified structure. (For additional support, attach wire cross braces between the shelves.) 2. WALL SHELF Remove wheels and axles from a wagon. To create a shelf, measure the interior…

1915 INTERNATIONAL MWX It’s no mistake that the earliest trucks resembled wagons; they originated as a speedier version of a horse-and-buggy for rural consumers. This highwheeler (the rims measure 36" tall) topped out at 20 mph, no care or feeding of horses required. Just 181 MWXs were made, making this a rare ride. VALUE: $35,000 1929 FORD MODEL A ROADSTER TRUCK When the Model A debuted in 1927, it proved more user friendly than its Model T predecessor thanks to enhanced suspension and upgrades like exterior door handles. (Model T owners had to open doors by reaching inside the cabs.) Ford kept the price affordable at $395 through ingenious (and eco-friendly!) practices like reusing shipping crates in the truck beds. VALUE: $22,000 1939 CHEVROLET HALF-TON This shiny model was hailed…

Q My basset hound, Hank, hates trips to the groomer. I’m considering clipping his nails on my own. What should I look for in a nail trimmer? -R.R., KUNA, ID A There are a lot of clipper varieties out there, so ask your veterinarian or groomer if you can experiment with a few options to see what makes you (and your pup!) most comfortable. Guillotine trimmers—which have a hollow ring to stabilize the nail—are my favorite. I find they offer good accuracy. If you’re nervous about snipping the quick (the sensitive part of the nail closest to the paw), you may want to consider a battery-powered grinder, which simply sands the nails down. The gradual process helps avoid missteps. Whatever you choose, take your time and stay relaxed. Hank will…

MEET THE DUNNS! Ronnie and his wife, Janine, relax on their spacious porch in the company of their Rottweiler, Anna, and miniature schnauzer, Jackson. SITTING AREA The towering white wingbacks and impressive antler chair demonstrate the home’s cozy-and-inviting meets rough-and-tough aesthetic. WET BAR With the help of designer Rachel Halvorson, Ronnie designed a 13-foot-tall limestone-backed bar that showcases the home’s soaring ceilings. Ronnie Dunn is not one to rush things. He looked for years to find the perfect property where he could pursue the outdoor activities he loves: fishing, hiking, and horseback riding. When he came across 600 acres outside of Nashville, he knew he’d (finally!) found his spot. “It has huge bluffs and ponds, and Big Turnbull Creek cuts through. It was the kind of geographic drama I’d been…

FAMILY ART “There’s nothing more soulful than decorating with reminders of loved ones, like my husband’s paintings.” Chris Coleman Art, from $75; whitesmercantile.com ANTIQUE MAPS “I pick them up on the road as reminders of my travels.” Map, $135 for 12“ x 16.5“; mapsandprints.com CLASSIC RECORDS “From Joni Mitchell to Waylon Jennings, you can bet there’s always a record playing around here.” Record, $50; vvmo.com WOOLRICH BLANKETS “Perfect for chilly nights! My great-grandfather carried them in his mercantile and now I sell them in my own shop.” Blanket, $135; woolrich.com or whitesmercantile.com WEATHERED RUGS “The beauty of an antique rug? It only gets better with time.” Persian Rug, $650 for 4' x 6'; mainstreetrugs.etsy.com LIVED-IN LEATHER “My daughter used my club chairs when learning to pull up. Her tiny fngernails…

“My love of fried chicken comes from my mom, who made it the oldschool way, cutting up the chicken herself and saving the wishbone piece (or the ‘pully-bone,’ as my sister Beth and I called it) just for us kids. But as good as a freshfrom-the-fryer bird can be, here’s a dirty little secret: I prefer it cold. For me there is nothing better than raiding the fridge in the wee morning hours to find a plate of leftovers. The flavors of both the brine and the seasoning are just more intense the next day. In fact, I love it so much that I’m tempted to fry up a batch right now...and wait.” Grammy Award-winning musician Trisha Yearwood is the author of Trisha’s Table and the star of Trisha’s Southern…

EDITOR’S NOTE page 8 (Miranda on porch swing) American Eagle Outfitters jeans and chambray top; both from ae.com. Free People white shirt; freepeople.com. Wimberly Inc. belt; wimberlyinc.com. Vintage Peach bracelets; vincentpeach .com. Workhorse Jewelry rings, earrings, and necklace; all from workhorse jewelry.com. Old Gringo Red/White/Blue boots; oldgringoboots.com. GUEST EDITOR’S NOTE page 10 En Creme shirt; shoptiques .com. American Eagle Outfitters jeans; ae.com. Lana Unlimited earrings; lanajewelry.com. Workhorse Jewelry necklace; workhorsejewelry.com. Streets Ahead belt; streetsaheadinc.com. THE CHECK LIST page 23 Armstrong Architectural Remnants Laminate Flooring; armstrong.com. WHAT IS IT? WHAT IS IT WORTH? page 30 Belt buckle, Linden Hill Estate Finds; rubylane.com. page 31 Pitcher; gleaned.etsy.com. page 32 Marquee letter; therustedkey.etsy.com. Hat; edsfinds.etsy.com. Clock, Susquehanna Antique Company; rubylane.com. page 33 Quilt, Margaret’s Treasures; rubylane.com. TURN THIS COUNTRY SONG INTO A ROOM! page 46 Grainsack pillow, $24; wood sandshore.etsy.com. Wild Flower album by June Carter Cash, $21; amazon.com. page 50 White coverlet,…

A LITTLE RED WAGON (See page 22.) I’ve been on a red wagon kick as of late, so I thought it would be fun to dream up a few DIY projects inspired by the childhood classic. My favorite idea has to be this three-tiered bar cart that would be right at home in my Oklahoma backyard. LOYAL SIDEKICKS (See page 54.) I’ve never not had a dog. Even when I was born, my family’s Lab, Cooter Brown (left), would sleep under my crib. In 2007, I started the MuttNation Foundation devoted to ending animal cruelty and neglect. Recently, we took over the city shelter in Tishomingo and turned it into Redemption Ranch, a safe haven for animals in need. Visiting the Ranch recharges my batteries. I’ll think, “This dog had…

Though I hail from Virginia and live in New York City, I’m a cowgirl at heart. The good ol’ home-on-therange style of country-western collectibles just sits pretty with me. The fringe, the hand-tooled leather, the finely detailed embellishments stir up bygone days of buckaroos and campfires under the stars (not to mention a younger me parked in front of the TV strumming along on my toy ukulele with Roy Rogers looking on). Here are some of my favorite finds collected on those happy trails. Giddyup! 1 wild west artwork Over the years I’ve scooped up an array of Western works that hangs in my carriage house in Upstate New York. Portraits of pioneer sisters (displayed in horse-hair frames) preside over a hodgepodge of equestrian prints and out-West scenes. The hats…

1 HORSE ART Saddle up! This whitewashed filly—reminiscent of an oldschool weathervane topper— evokes a country-western vibe without feeling trite. Its large size and eye-catching shape give it the power to stand out amid the room’s varying patterns. Art, $79; slippin southern.etsy.com 2 A MIX OF PATTERNS Here, the headboard’s large-scale print serves as the jumping-off point for the room’s bold mix of motifs. In a smaller scale and lighter hue, the comforter’s subtle checks look cohesive, not clashing. Ornately patterned pillows provide a visual counter to the bed’s double dose of gingham. Checkmate in Blueberry (headboard), $18/yard; calicocorners.com. Solange in 197-Marine by Duralee (Euro shams), available through DCOTA; 954-921-7575. Clara B in Baltic Blue by Sister Parish Design (accent pillow); available through DCOTA; 954-921-7575 3 POPS OF BLUE From chambray-like draperies and the periwinkle-tinged rug…

SAVE THE TEXAS DANCE HALLS! In the 1800s, nearly 1,000 small-scale dance halls sprung up in Texas. Today, 400 remain intact, with only two operating daily. To learn how you can help preserve these historic sites, visit texasdancehall.org. PAINT Gray undertones make this purple pick surprisingly neutral. Dusk to Dawn, $38/gallon; benjaminmoore.com for stores TEXAS PRINT This handmade piece features recycled sheet music. Print, $18 for 11" x 14"; artpause.etsy.com FLOOR LAMP This iron base and shade towers with country-meetsindustrial style. Base, $150, and Shade, $60; both from worldmarket.com SOFA Get down! This feather-filled blue sofa is a comfy spot to sit one out. Sofa in Midnite, $1,149; wayfair.com DECANTER SET There’s no dancing around the charm of a decanter and glassware set engraved with a down-home greeting. Decanter Set, $125; biscuit-home.com (10% off with code countryliving10.)…

H, THE PLACES YOU’LL GO! There’s a travel trailer renaissance happening across the country, and fortunately the new wagons-on-wheels are much more livable (and stylish!) than the Oregon Trail varieties of yesteryear. From iconic Airstreams to futuristic-looking new options (like the made-in-Portland American Dream; see bottom right), baby boomers and twentysomethings alike are joining the nationwide caravan. In fact, according to Airstream president Bob Wheeler, the company just had a record-setting 2014, making it the best year in its 83-year history. Ride along with us as we celebrate the new mobile home-away-from-home.…

Jolie Sikes-Smith knows a thing or two about making flea market finds look fresh. Along with her mom and sister, she runs the Junk Gypsies shop (gypsyville.com) and stars in the Junk Gypsies show (the third season of which airs on HGTV and GAC on June 1). Here’s how she filled her brand-new kitchen (that she shares with husband Todd and son Cash Baker) with Lone Star style. 1 BUTTERY WALLS The soft creamy hue (Canyon Cloud by Behr), combined with the natural wood stain (Pecan by Minwax) on the windows, trim, and beams, creates a warm backdrop for the room’s bold accents. 2 RED BARSTOOLS Jolie’s barstool mix—a pair of swiveling tractor seats plus a vintage vinyl-covered number—are characteristic of her signature farmhouse-meets-retro look. 3 SALVAGED ISLAND Retrofitted with…

CLASSIC BUTTERMILK FRIED CHICKEN MAKES 8 servings WORKING TIME 1 hour TOTAL TIME 9 hours Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper 2 cups buttermilk 2 large eggs 1/2 sweet onion, grated Grating (versus chopping) the onion releases more of its sweet flavor. 2 garlic cloves, minced 5 to 6 pounds bone-in, skin-on chicken parts (breasts halved, if using) 4 cups self-rising flour Canola oil, for frying 1/2 cup bacon drippings, optional Gives your chicken another layer of great flavor! 1. Whisk together 5 teaspoons salt and 1/2 cup hot water in a bowl until dissolved. Whisk in buttermilk, eggs, onion, garlic, and 1 teaspoon pepper. Add chicken, and turn to coat. Cover and refrigerate, turning occasionally, 8 hours or up to overnight. 2. Drain chicken and discard buttermilk mixture.…