Welcome to the Premier Edition of "Nook News" ~

Our goal is to provide you with information and resources to maximize your creation of a simpler life. Nook News contains incredible rustic decorating ideas for inside and out, fabulous country recipes, excellent handy hints and tips, rustic travel ideas, coffee breaks, a few chuckles and everything in between! We are very excited about the newsletter and we hope you find it informative, entertaining, and most of all, worthy of passing onto friends, family, co-workers, - well, you get the idea.  Although our site is still a work in progress, we encourage you to look around and visit some of our affiliate sites. We will begin by publishing a monthly edition of Nook News with hopes of making it a bi-weekly issue. As we continuously scout for new information to share with you, we will be developing new columns and we welcome your ideas for a column. Who knows? You may find yourself being a guest columnist! So, please, continue reading the Premier Edition of Nook News and be sure to visit us at www.northcountrynook.com

Cyndy & Steve

Living Rustic Everyday

Featured Product                        Get $15 off your purchase over $100 at Black Forest Decor by entering coupon code BF15100 when ordering		Scalloped Potatoes and Corn
Rocky Mountain Bench The rough and rustic Rocky Mountain Bench with open bench offers easy seating for a moment's rest. Measures 51" W x 26" D x 34" H. Please allow 4-6 weeks for shipping.		4 medium potatoes - diced 1 #2 can cream style corn 1/8 teaspoon pepper 1 c milk 1 teaspoon salt 1/4 teaspoon paprika Butter baking dish, place a layer of diced potatoes, then a layer of corn. Sprinkle with salt, pepper,  and paprika. Repeat layers until all ingredients have been used. Pour milk over top and place in medium (350 degree) oven. Bake 1 hour our until potatoes are done. Makes 6 servings.

                 

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HINT: to relieve the sting from mild sunburn:   
To relieve the stinging from a mild burn or sunburn mix a paste of water and Baking Soda and apply to the area.   You can also add baking soda to a cool bath and that will soothe the sunburn too.

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HINT: to relieve the pain from insect bites:
Meat tenderizer can be used to relieve the pain and itching from insect bites - just dissolve 1/4 teaspoon of tenderizer in water and apply to bite.

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Style Guide

One of the fastest ways to add a dose of interest to a home is to bring in some texture . Rustic furnishings do that with charm and style.

Rustic used to mean 'rickety and cheap', but rustic style is all grown up and now borders on sophisticated and trendy.

Beautiful woods, polished logs, and twiggy charm has made rustic one of the most popular styles in the market today. 

If you love the look of rustic furnishings, here are some tips on adding it to your own home.

Since rustic furniture is extremely textural, add it in small amounts. An entire roomful may be too much to take in, while a few pieces allow each item to stand out and be a star. Add some bent willow chairs around an old oak table, or include a few pieces in a fireplace grouping. Warm up rustic seating pieces with cushions and pillows. These will soften the chairs visually and provide an additional level of comfort. Fabric will also serve as a unifying element to tie in a rustic piece with other items already in the room. Traditional formal designs can even be recreated in a rustic style. A beautiful willow canopy bed, would feel at home in both contemporary and country interiors.  With a rustic bed like that you'll notice how visually appealing the room is, even without additional color or patterned fabrics. This is the charm of rustic furniture. Consider using rustic accent pieces such as tables, mirrors, coat trees, or other accessories in guestrooms and powder rooms. These smaller spaces can be theme-decorated in a rustic style around a few interesting items, without committing yourself to an entire houseful. Rustic is great for outdoor spaces as well. Arbors, benches, trellis pieces, and chairs, look terrific surrounded by plants and gardens. Porches, country kitchens, casual dining rooms, or covered patios might be just the right spot for a rustic dining table. It's the perfect backdrop for everything from a family meal to a Fourth of July picnic. Or, picture a cozy rustic Christmas dinner table set with a simple basket of evergreens in the center. You don't have to live in a cabin to enjoy rustic furnishings. They'll bring a homey flavor, charm, and appeal to interiors in city apartments and country homes alike.

Have you ever wondered what to do with that last cup of coffee? OK, me neither, but you can brew extra especially for this purpose. Instead of letting it sit on the hot plate and permeate the house with an aroma of burnt coffee, you can pour the extra into a clean ice cube tray. Once frozen, pop the cubes out and into a freezer bag.  Use these coffee cubes to flavor smoothies, making high energy frozen drinks, or simply to cool your coffee when you just can’t wait for the first sip. Did you know... Adding a pinch of cinnamon to coffee grounds before brewing will cut the bitterness often associated with cheaper brands. Deluxe Bougainvillea Hammock - X Large / Beige		Maskwa Mugs (Set of 2) Maskwa is the Cree word for bear! Deep, rich design with maskwa paw print impression will highlight any kitchen. Dishwasher safe. Measures 3 1/2" Diameter and 4 1/4" High. The Woolly Sheep Mountain Trading Co. Cabin Decor Store