living

Visions in white: Decorators tricks add versatility, let colors pop

AP Wire — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 05:00:00 -0400

When interior designer Betsy Burnham redecorated her office recently, she made a decision that surprised her staff: She focused on the color white - white walls, white ceilings, white furniture, even white chandeliers.

"I'm a huge color fanatic," she says, "but I just think white makes color pop so beautifully."

Dave Demarey's otherworldly secret garden in Westhampton

Mcleary — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 05:00:00 -0400

At first glance, the house and yard seem unremarkable - no different, really, from any of the others that dot this stretch of road leading to the Westhampton town common. But the clues are there. That house, that yard, are remarkable.

Alliums can be staples for the gardener chef

AP Wire — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 05:00:00 -0400

Let's suppose that you don't have much time for vegetable gardening, and precious little space, yet you want to enjoy a healthy, easy-to-grow mix of recipe-driven essentials.

That suggests a starter set of hardy alliums, primarily leeks, garlic, shallots and chives.

No Reservations: Buon appetito!

Don Lesser — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 05:00:00 -0400

I used to go to Turners Falls for dinner at the Shady Glen diner. And the few times I've eaten at the Rendezvous, I've liked the food. But I never thought about traveling to Turners Falls for fine dining. Until now.

Ask Mary: Improving old Formica; growing apple remedies

Daily Hampshire Gazette — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 05:00:00 -0400

There are several ways to improve the look of aging Formica. Formica Corp. recommends using Countertop Magic. It won't return the countertops to their original luster, but it should improve the appearance and is safe for food preparation, the company said. Call 800-321-6330 to ask where it's sold in your area. You can also order it at http://www.magicamerican.com.

Chef's Tidbit: A mix and match meal

Daily Hampshire Gazette — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 05:00:00 -0400

Let's face it: Not everyone has time to cook from scratch.

But using a mix of store-bought and fresh ingredients is a good way to make food taste homemade.

Get Growing: Potted bulbs a bargain at Smith College Botanic Garden

sherry wilson — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 05:00:00 -0400

The spring bulb shows at Mount Holyoke and Smith colleges close Sunday at 4 p.m. The Smith show is open tonight from 6 to 8 p.m. and both shows are open daily 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. today, tomorrow and Sunday. Smith will hold a sale of many of its potted bulbs next weekend. Daffodils and other long-lived potted bulbs are great bargains at the sale.