I was expecting the answer to what the 120 yr old gal drinks daily to be urine - I knew a lady that swore by a glass of that every day. Never could go there meeself. Lots of things I never would have thought of for Olive Oil, I'll have to add it to my shopping list. Suzan J

Coming out of my lurking mode to comment. I love the timeless look featured in the article. I confess that's my approach to decorating. I'm still using the furniture I purchased from 1973-1982. I saved for a long, long time to buy that furniture....Henredon dining room furniture, Clayton Marcus upholstered pieces, Henkel-Harris, etc. I can't now remember who made my LR sofa, but when I purchased it in 1973, it was so exceptional -- down-filled cushions, fabulous upholstery, classic design. It cost $1,500 --- I well remember that. I was teaching school then and made $100/week -- $5,200/year, so that was a HUGE investment for me. And I paid cash, savoring the feeling of saving to buy a sofa that would last forever. All that I purchased was considered "high end" in the 1970s -- and all of it was made in the South. And everything was a cash purchase. I purchased excellent quality furniture, and have cared for it carefully. I've reupholstered the sofas & chairs every 15 years or so -- not because I needed a change, but because the fabric was looking a bit worn. I've had the furniture refinished or touched up because of the frequent cross-country moves. But it's all the same furniture, and it's still classic & timeless. And I love it in 2009 as much as I did when I purchased it. I was fortunate to have grown up in the 1950s when the emphasis was on quality, durability, and figuring out what you like and living happily with it for decades. I confess I've been shocked at how, over the intervening decades, our national attitude has shifted to planned obsolescence, to constantly re-decorating, to buying cheap and replacing frequently. It's a thought process to which I truly cannot relate. Five years ago, I needed to purchase lamps because I was moving into my current home, and needed additional lighting. I have regularly purchased Wildwood lamps because I love their unique lamps, their hand-crafted quality, their beauty --- and their durability. I found my beautiful new lamps, and was shocked and saddened to learn that Wildwood was in the process of closing their company (an American company, where the lamps were hand made, painted, and the lamp shades were hand made) because they could not compete with the stuff coming from China, Taiwan, etc. So now the company has closed....although you can still view their lamps at this link http://www.wildwoodlamps.com/catalog.php . But there's no way to purchase this beautiful art work that doubles as illumination. I've so enjoyed the series of classic room photos that Palimpsest (is that who posted it?) has posted. I've so enjoyed seeing these beautiful, timeless rooms, and have mentally applauded the good sense and self confidence of the owners who knew they had created something beautiful and did not need to follow the decorating fashionistas. I admit to being out-of-step and clueless with what is current in decorating. And, fortunately, I really don't care. I love my home, the feeling that the various rooms evoke, and the sense of peace I derive from my home. I readily admit that the house is done. It will look this way next year and 10 years from now. There won't be replaced furniture or new furniture. I doubt there will even be much need to reupholster. I love the colors on the walls, and I can't imagine repainting....unless the walls become damaged. I'm not a stick-in-the-mud....I just am very, very happy and contented with what I have collected over the years, how it's displayed and the emotional sustenance I derive from my surroundings. For me, this is what decorating is all about. I certainly don't judge what others do, and am very accepting of how others choose to decorate. I truly believe decorating is a personal reflection of values, personality, experiences, etc., and that people should feel free to decorate to meet their own needs. This is just a comment about my personal wiring and my personal approach to decorating. By the way, in case you're curious, I'm 62 years old. I do realize my age and my generation affect my perspective on creating a comfortable environment.

Haven't really subscribed to mags for years, but I have bought a number at check-out counter in the past two years, primarily the BHG bath-kitchen ones, and Renovation Style, and one called "Kitchen Trends." Often began reading them while waiting for DH in a store. Also bought the Consumer Reports mag at newstand, without paging through it. I like BH&G for its down-to-earth attitude, its placidity with paint and DIY. Triangulating between the posh mags and House Beautiful and the plebian ones helps me see the field better. I did a lot of reading of library copies of Kitchens and Baths and of kitchen remodel guidebooks. We have a fabulous local library system. Sometimes I go spend a couple hours in library reading latest copies of all those titles that others mention above. Our MPR public radio station sponsorships bring us Minnesota Monthly and its occasional companion Midwest Home, which covers the region's high end building industry primarily. This publication is helpful for showing what are the upcoming open houses, shows, etc. and what are the posh kitchens like, but it is also aimed well above my family's interests and budget and has some downright dumb designs in it sometimes. Portions are online--see link. I do know that a number of helpful images at beginning of project came from this mag--sometimes just a color scheme or a shade or something. Also like reading the pieces put out by local industries--the local co. tile mag, the Parade of Homes promos, etc. Thanks for leads to other online mags. I love to browse. Here is a link that might be useful: Midwest Home Magazine

Oh, gee, Chisue . . . Once I get a good idea (or an idea I think is good), the first draft gets written fairly quickly. I know some good writers who can sit down at the computer without any clue about what they're going to write, but I need to have a beginning and and ending in mind before I start. Either or both may change, but this gives me a framework. My favorite part to write is the dialogue. After that first draft is written, I revise a lot. Woman's World's word count is 800 max, so you have to make every word count. I pick away at it until I'm satisfied. Once a manuscript is submitted, it takes 4 to 6 months (usually 6) until you hear back from them. Thanks for your confidence! I hope you do enjoy it. Murraysmom, I'm glad you did!