June issue -- LOVE it!!

[Bungalove]

It's so beautiful. :-D First of all, the cover just leaped off the newsstand -- white and hot pink, what a contrast to everything around it, which was varying shades of green and brown. I love the small, simple kitchens shown, very do-able on a budget.

I've just glanced through it and am looking forward to sitting in my garden glider with some ice tea and perusing it thoroughly. Great job!

[shabbychick]

I really liked this issue, too. My favorite article was Recipe for Efficient Design. As someone who can't afford to anything major by way of renovation, it was great to see an article about someone else who didn't have thousands to sink into their remodel. I might just look into Neighborhood Housing Service. The sidebar on Going Green and Staying Green had some good practical information. I would have been interested to know how much money it cost her overall to redo her kitchen.

I really liked From Apartment to Cottage, too. It was neat to see a space that wasn't constructed to be a cottage that can still be made to look like one. I get so envious looking at pictures of bungalows and cottages that people have bought and fixed up, but my reality is a townhouse condo that has its own charm (sort of), and I'm trying to make it look like a cottage inside and, as much as possible, out. This article was an inspiration.

[Bungalove]

I've had time to go through the issue slowly now and I love it even more. Shabbychick, I agree with you in that my favorite article was "Recipe for Efficient Design." I want to dig that kitchen up and put it in my house! I have a small kitchen now that needs some help but can't afford a major renovation. Shoot, I'd be happy if we could just get rid of the soffit above the sink. Anyway, this kitchen shown is proof that "bungalow style" doesn't always mean "dark." I wish there had been some "before" pictures but maybe the homeowner didn't take any.

I also liked the little kitchen on pages 52-53 as well. So cheerful and simple. Plus I'm a sucker for red and white.

I liked "From Apartment to Cottage" too -- just amazing what they did with that small studio space. Also loved "Dining Room Do-over." I could do that!

Another of my favorite articles was "Backhouse Beauty," about the screened porch makeover, because it's so easy and inexpensive. We have a covered flagstone patio whose biggest feature is unfortunately the huge dog crate for our huge dog, and I would love to make it look nicer. I couldn't help but think, though, that most of the things shown in this spread wouldn't work for us -- one strong breeze and it would all be thrown to one side. Oh, well, still lots of good ideas, like the ribbon to dress up plain flower pots.

Several of the homes/rooms were not to my taste but that's OK because we all have different favorites and it would be boring if we liked the same things all the time. A year from now I may be looking through this issue and find different inspirations.

Overall I think this is the best issue in a long time. More do-able things, fewer millionaires' lifestyles. Thanks C&B!

[Breezy]

This issue was ok - nothing special. I bought it without looking inside cause it said 'Get The British Cottage Look' on the cover. What a huge disappoinment.
No article to read - just 'stuff' to buy. I could look that up online for free. On top of that the items for sale didn't necessarily look British to me. You could find them anywhere. Big Zero!

[Rory Bremner]

I agree Breezy, but still look forward to this magazine arriving in my mailbox. Supplier information is so valuable, even if they're all stateside and not located in this country, they provide good inspiration and ideas.

I'd like to see some articles on homes that have undergone restoration work, some before and after features etc. I'm not sure if any of you folk catch a TV show called, "This Old House"? They show it here on the living channel, its full really neat restoration tips, ideas, and products.

I've just enjoyed a wonderful Autumn morning down at the beach with the dogs. Its been great in Wellington the past month. :)

[shabbychick]

We've had some great autumn mornings recently, too, even though it's supposed to be spring. :)

We do have TOH here, though I don't watch it. I get their app on my Yahoo page, though, and have seen some great renovations on their website.

[Rory Bremner]

Yeah, they're great !