C&B

[Breezy]

I love the new issue - has great articles & there's something for everyone. I esp enjoyed "A Trip to the Country" - had wonderful pics. I love that this magazine isn't just about "cottages" but also bungalows as well. Very informative with great ideas!:)

[Whidbey5]

I've picked up the magazine several times since buying it last week and I've found something interesting each time! I really enjoyed the article on the Cotswold Cottages. I can't wait to visit there someday!

Shelley

[Whidbey5]

Okay. I've picked the magazine up a dozen times in the past week and I kept trying to figure out what made it different from all the others. I think I've got it!

The articles and the ideas are all very realistic! Here's what I mean: in many magazines, I see great remodeling projects and "before and after" stories. When I start to read, I realize that the homeowners usually are not do-it-yourselfers. They've called in architects, and landscape designers, and interior designers. They have personal shoppers. They've just spent $8000 on a pink leather couch. The fabric used to make the drapes in their mudroom costs $150 a yard.

While the projects are beautiful, and ideas are to be had by all, it seem a bit excessive to me. My stomach turns each time I read a "gut-and-clear" article. What about working around the structure you have? That seems pretty realistic for the people I know! We are much more likely to paint walls are get new carpet or plant a new garden than knock down walls, make a bedroom into a closet or reconfigure an entire floor.

So, thanks C & B, for being real! I appreciate it!

Shelley

PS Hillary, is that your CD advertised in the magazine???

[Hillary Black]

Hi Whidbey5,

One of the joys of my job is going to photo shoots, meeting the homeowners and hearing firsthand their experiences renovating and decorating. I get so inspired! One couple "invented" a "crumb catcher" -- a removable stainless steel piece that slides in between the counter and the stove to keep drips and crumbs from hitting the floor. I was enchanted! Another homeowner rolled up his sleeves and built his own wall bed (that's in the current issue) to make the extra bedroom/office more efficient. That was something my dad, Bob, would have done so again, I was charmed. I'm glad you enjoy those "real" stories, too.

And the P.S. -- Good sleuthing! Yes, I am part of an acoustic duo called StuccoRainbow. We just released Seasonsong, a Special Edition CD of holiday music. The proceeds will go to a great organization called Project Night Night. They distribute a stuffed animal, security blanket and storybook to children in homeless shelters throughout the country in an attempt to give them a sense of worth and security during a very traumatic time. You can get more info at www.stuccorainbow.com. Happy Holidays!

[Lisa S]

Hillary, Project Night Night sounds wonderful. Thank you for doing something to cheer up your corner of the world. Kindness adds up to a better world for all of us.

What instrument do you play? Does your group have a website or MySpace page?

[memmey]

I finally found the magazine!!!!! I LOVE it. I LOVE IT. It is so us. This is what I am talking about. Real cottages. Oh my, this is so great. The magazine is excellent. I had never heard of it and now I will be reading it cover to cover from now on.
It has vintage ya'll .I can't believe it has vintage. Not $875 lamps. No offense to our fabulous Rex ( who we will adore for ever).
Little cottages and bungalows .....this has made my day.:)
Real cottages how dreamy is this?????

[Hillary Black]

:) Hi Memmey,

I'm so glad you are enjoying the magazine!! I think you were writing your glowing review while I was cobbling this response together. Thank you so much for your enthusiasm and interest in CB. We so appreciate the kind words; we work hard to make Cottages & Bungalows the best magazine we can.

;) And Hi Lisa,

I play guitar a bit but mostly I sing. My music partner, Leslie, is an awesome guitarist and sings, too. He is also an excellent producer. Our web site is www.stuccorainbow.com.

There are some audio samples on the site, too. On the Christmas CD, Seasonsong, we tried to give each song our "StuccoRainbow" sound -- putting a new twist on them. Thanks for asking!

[Nikki]

Another homeowner rolled up his sleeves and built his own wall bed (that's in the current issue) to make the extra bedroom/office more efficient. That was something my dad, Bob, would have done so again, I was charmed. I'm glad you enjoy those "real" stories, too.



Hilary, what issue was the wall bed in? I don't remember it in the Winter '08 issue :confused: Is it in the Christmas issue?

[Hillary Black]

Hi Nikki!

Yes, the wall bed is part of the cover story in the current (December/January 2009) issue, page 59. :)

[Lynzee]

I still have not found an issue! Great for C&B, as I'm guessing they are sold out, but not so great for Lynzee!

Since there's not one available, picture a pouting smilie here.

[Zuzu's Garden]

Good grief, Charlie Brown! Memmey's review has me wanting to jump in the truck and drive the icy roads into town to find it! :D

Real cottages!?! I can't wait to see it!
:D
Zu

[Lynzee]

I can't wait to see it!
:D
Zu

Me too!

BPG found one when he was shopping this weekend and bought it for me for Christmas!

Then he wrapped it and put it under the tree!!! :eek:

[Zuzu's Garden]

I did jump in the truck and drive the icy roads to town in a quest to find C&B (and a few groceries), but my small town (including Wally World) did not have it. :(

Time to head for the "big city"!

Zu

Hmmmmm, maybe BPG can get me one too!

[Lynzee]

I'm sure he would, Zu! And he'd happily tell you about it, then wrap it and put it under the tree. :rolleyes:

I have to admit that knowing it's there and having to wait is adding to the excitement though. I feel just like a little girl again! :D

[Zuzu's Garden]

Lynz - please tell BPG (Black Paint Guy) that I do not have a Christmas tree this year, so I'd just have to open it immediately. ;)

Zu

[SusiesQs]

OK guys, sadly I have to admit, I have not read C&B yet. However, with that being said, I am on my to Publix right now and hopefully they'll have a copy of it there. :o

I can't wait to read it!

[CohenCottage]

Ok, y'all are going to kick me out for saying this, but I have to do it...I went to Walmart this weekend with my SIL, and while she was shopping, I checked out the magazine aisle. It was the first time I've seen C&B in person, and....I didn't like it. At. All. I tried. I really did. I even almost bought it to convince myself I liked it.

[Breezy]

Hi Cohen - what about the magazine didn't you like? Can you be more specific? Maybe you could make some suggestions to Hillary or Meryl as to how it could be improved. Maybe the next issue will be more to your liking.:)

[CohenCottage]

Unfortunately, I think I just prefer an entirely different aesthetic, so I'm not sure my suggestions would help them with their target audience. I prefer painted trim to original woodwork, modern/clean lines with vintage details, etc. I do love a good mix of cottage and modern, so I think that's why Cottage Living appealed to me. We also subscribe to Dwell (super modern but DH loves it) and Domino, but since CL's demise, I haven't found any one publication that fits everything I like. Using vintage pieces and details in a clean and functional space appeals more to me than restoring a cottage to be historically accurate. I'm not giving up entirely, though, and I plan on checking out future issues of C&B with an open mind!! Hope y'all don't hold it against me!

[rosecoveredcottage]

I agree with Whidbey5, I like the fact that most of the remodels and renovations are done by the homeowners themselves. And aren't costing a gazillion dollars! I also like the photographs that are in the magazine, nice and sharp images, attention to details...very attractive.

[chyna]

OK Cohen we're going to have to kick you out of the clubhouse now. :p I think I like it because of the restore aspect but remember I also subscribe to Old House Interiors, This Old House and the Restore America people keep hounding me to join their ranks. It is so nice ot be wanted. :o

This would be not just you but I'm sure there are others out there but you can enjoy the forum and still not enjoy the magazine. There were plenty of people who didn't realy like CL anymore and still frequented the forum. It happens.;) I'm not overly thrilled with the issue price but like OHI I can buckle down and say it is worth it I hope.

[CohenCottage]

I promise to play nicely with others if you let me stay :D !

[Lisa S]

You just need to bring the dogs!

[CohenCottage]

I will! Actually, I have a ton of video footage that I need to put online, so I will post the links when I get that done. We have funny video of Ruby (the one in my photo) finding her presents under the tree!

[memmey]

Don't leave Cohen, just play sweet;):D

[Lisa S]

I'd love to see your video. I need to record my Golden playing with her toy. Her toy is a big plastic tire swing on a rope. Every since she was tiny, she's loved to grab the rope and run around in tight little circles. Growling all the while, of course!

[LindaLK]

Hi Cohen, :)


Glad to see you decided to stay.



Hugs,
Linda :)

[RoseMary]

Actually, and I'll admit I did not buy the magazine, I just looked at it~it was the dark woods in it that I liked the most! I will probably buy the next issue that comes out, especially now that I know it is about 'real' people.

Cohen, please don't leave:p! I am not very cottagey but I love the forum!

[CohenCottage]

No worries ladies, I never had any intention of leaving the forum...I was just disappointed that the magazine wasn't for me...Will try to post dog videos this week!

[Zuzu's Garden]

Wow. Since we are confessing, I never subscribed to CL. :o To me, the magazine seemed to be either a hit or a complete miss, so I purchased the hits from the grocery store. Hey - you can't please all of the people all of the time! When it came to the forum, I always felt welcome and enjoyed the community very much.

Like Cohen, I did not fall instantly in love with the December issue of C&B, but we all envision "cottage" a little differently. I'm looking forward to seeing the Jan. issue.

Zuzu

[chyna]

I just had a look at the Storybook issue and well I'm not blown away either but I suspect I was caught up in the fairytale aspect of the idea. :p I think I need to take it home and read it a little more seriously. Not a lunchroom magazine read I'm suspecting. This one is a bit more serious, like Old House Interiors. It is impossible to read in the lunchroom. :o

I was a subscriber to CL for years and you about got that right there were months that I said boy that is a waste! I should locate those in my pile and donate to the laundry mat or something. :D

[Breezy]

I agree with Chyna - there were several issues of CL that I just couldn't relate to - some of those houses were huge compared to my idea of what a cottage is and everything was so expensive. I guess it was a tad highfalutin for me.;)

[chyna]

I remember how we all raised a huge stink about how it was being presented and I suspect Rex took notes because a few issues later things did change for the better. I still maintain that they should have had a how-to/crafty section and a more down-to-earth gardening section. Not I bought this mini-mansion and trucked in tons of topsoil and compost then hired someone to plant my perrenials for me or I hired a landscape designer. If you got the funds and don't like to get your hands dirty that is fine and dandy but to me that is exactly what Cottage Living should have been about. No outside help and dirt under the finger nails. Or band-aids on the fingers from some crazy craft you've come up with.

I don't expect C&B to be that way, it isn't that sort of publication but CL should have been. If they had gone that way then maybe all these advertisers they said they needed would have happened. Or a section on using old things for new uses. Last night I used old hankies for a window covering in my kitchen, I got that idea from some magazine (probably a special issue) but it would have been perfect for CL.

I won't lie and say I won't miss CL because I do, however I think they had the makings of a wonderful publication if they had just listened to their readers. And for crying out loud, did we really need a dream house each year?! No!!! Leave that to HGTV or some channel, they have the readership and money to carry it off.

[LindaLK]

Hi Chyna and Breezy, :)


I was one of the members that had chimed in on that very thread. I thought many of the items they hi~lited (show~cased) were too high end for many of us. How many of us can truly do a quarter of a million dollar renovation??? And to pay $1,200 for a vanity table alone, Or $2,000 for a single lawn chair was absurd to me! I could buy a whole patio set for that, and have $1,900 left over. LOL!


We all agreed that cottages weren`t 3~stories tall with 4,500 plus sq ft. It was unrealistic to what my idea of a cottage was suppose to be. My idea of cottage is, small and cozy.


I also had said a craft section or a ``How To`` section would be fantastic. Take a salvaged find and make it shine, or repurpose it, or both. To me, that is what cottage is all about. Cottage is about creativity and simplicity.


I did love Hoyt`s remodelling ideas. That I will really miss most of all. Yes, Rex did make some changes, which I thought were great. He must have listened to all of us. After all, we loved the magazine, and made suggestions to make it more realistic and appealing to those of us with out big pocketbooks.


I had posted on another thread about, how can they give away a million dollar beach house, and not have enough revenew generated from subscribers, as well as advertisers, to keep the magazine alive???

Have a good night my friends.



Hugs,
Linda :)

[RachelB]

Hey, Cohen!

It is funny that you also subscribe to Dwell. I thought that I might have been a little schizo to enjoy both of those magazines! I get Domino, too. What I enjoy is a blend of modern and classic. Glad that you are out there!

[CohenCottage]

I'm glad I'm not the only one with a split personality!

[Zuzu's Garden]

OK, that's three of us with the split personality, so we have enough people to start a support group now. ;)

I saw an article in a magazine years ago where a NY designer decorated her apartment in cottage style. It was a mix of new and old, comfy and fresh with a touch of quirky. But, she didn't use ummmm, weird fabrics, or chrome, or bright orange tiles or lime green walls. She "got" cottage.

Zuzu

[Lisa S]

Four! I appreciate all different types of decorating. I wish I could have 50 houses just so I could decorate them in 50 different ways.

[SusiesQs]

Well, I finally read my first issue of C&B. I liked it OK. I was at the bookstore so I didn't get to read some of the articles in more detail like I would have wanted to. Next time I'll bring my wallet and actually buy the magazine so I'll have more time to read it :)

[Tulip]

I like C&B, but I'm another who doesn't love it (not yet at least ;) ). I liked CL for similar reasons stated by Cohen--I love the mix of traditional with modern (but not weird modern). A tiny bit of something funky is perfectly acceptable to me! I also like the brightness of white painted wood--typically paired with darker wood floors. But I can appreciate truly beautiful original wood too. It depends on the house really.

That said, there were times I rolled my eyes at CL articles because someone even on a reasonably decent budget still couldn't afford half the things in it (esp. the renovation stories). While it was disappointing, it was something to perhaps aspire to one day!

[cheapdiva]

I'm going looking for C&B tomorrow at my neighborhood bookstore. I hope I will have a new favorite magazine!

[Gigi]

Hi Hillary~ it was wonderful to read about Stuccorainbow~ what a way to warm the heart of the many homeless children...

Since I live on the other side of the coast (EAST)~ looks like I will just have to purchase a CD... it sounds lovely. Best of luck~

[rubyslippers]

I really liked the Cottage Living design house in California that was so over the top that everyone else hated. I loved the black and white tile features on the stairs. I also love Domino ... but, I tend to get a lot of my decorating fix from scrounging through Anthropologie catalogs. I love the photography they use in their magazines. Most of the things I like are not even for sale. They just have quirky and bizarre settings for their photo shoots; so, I take a look at wainscoating ... beadboarding ... paint aesthetics, etc. - - I am also equally happy with a Pottery Barn catalog every now and then simply to charge my color engines. With Cottage Living absentee ... Cottages and Bungalows really appealed to me. It may be a little too restoration oriented; however, we may just be missing some of our features. Like that curb appeal feature I LOVED ... well, I miss that. I think I saw Puck mention a UK Country Living magazine. I might have to look that up. Anyway, I'll talk to all of you soon.

Bye,

Jenny

[anneandkita]

I've spent 2 days now trying to track down a copy of C&B, with no success. I tried OSH, Home Depot, and two different Borders (the first one was much smaller than the other). I'm bummed because I really want to check it out!

[chyna]

Did you try Walmart? I was quite surprised to see that my local store carried it. My store is so small that alot of stuff you'd expect to be carried isn't so to see such a publication there was shocking.:eek:

[anneandkita]

We don't have a Walmart here. :) We're not a podunk town at all, but there's a lot of pressure against chain stores coming in. I'll check my local book store and see if they're carrying it!

[ChapterTwo]

We're not a podunk town at all, but there's a lot of pressure against chain stores coming in.

What a nice thought! My daughter and I talk about that all the time...in years to come (or even NOW!), every town looks the same...Staples/Target/WalMart/Home Depot/ etc., etc.

I was thinking the other day that there are already whole generations that never went into a Five and Ten. (Okay, now I'm dating myself...)

[Lisa S]

Granted, I lived in a small town for awhile, but I remember the 5 and 10, the grocery store, the feed store AND the butcher store. They all had wooden floors too.

[ChapterTwo]

They all had wooden floors too.


I remember that too, Lisa! And I remember the makeup was on a counter, covered by a piece of glass.

[Lynzee]

Gosh! What memories! I remember the 5 & 10 in this town. Glass counters, wood floors and a soda fountain on one side. I loved browsing in there!

[Lisa S]

We have a store with it's original soda fountain here in town. It's been converted to an antique mall, but they still serve drinks and ice cream.

[ChapterTwo]

We have a store with it's original soda fountain here in town. It's been converted to an antique mall, but they still serve drinks and ice cream.

That sounds so nice, Lisa. It may have been converted, but it's still THERE. That's more than I can say for much around here nowadays.

And Lynzee...the soda fountains were so cool! When I first started going to the mall with my friend (we were about 13 when we were allowed), we'd go and have a Coke and fries in the Neisner's 5 & 10...we felt so grown up, all by ourselves! :o


I'm heading out now and will see if I can find the new issue of C & B!

[Deb D]

Picked up a copy of C&B at the grocery store yesterday...I've seen it before. I like the historical and regional elements. Sometimes I just want to look at pictures.

I grew up in a town with two dime stores where you could buy a paper sack of candy, and a Penneys that used pneumatic tubes to send your money up to the bookkeeper who would send back your change. Feed and hardware stores all had wooden floors. One of the hardware stores here still has wooden floors and a potbellied stove. That's where I go for really obscure stuff and millwork.

Nostalgia is a funny thing. I'm not crazy about shopping to begin with, but when I get in a big modern store, I almost start running. I want to complete my mission and get out. In old stores, I could wander around for a long time.

[Lisa S]

Oh my gosh, Deb... you described the Wisconsin town where I lived as a kid. I loved the smell of the five and dime. In the fall it smelled like new pencils, paper and waxed harmonicas or waxed lips. In the summer it smelled slightly dusty, but was such a nice reprieve from the hot outside. In the winter, pools of slush would collect on the floor and you had to be careful not to slip. Remember how your feet made a clopping sound when you walked on the wood floor? I went back to this store when I was in my 30's. I'm ashamed to say that I covered my face, walked to the back of the store and cried my eyes out.

I loved going to the feed store and seeing big wooden barrels of corn or grain. The butcher store was right down the street and always an interesting place to go with my mom.

I could go on and on... the memories!