From the Editor.

"Yes! is definitely the After weeks of poring over paint chips, peering through windows, and knocking on doors of the homes of friends of friends, my very patient husband and I were sure we had found it--the perfect color to paint our living room. Our vision had been a yellow hue, not just any yellow but something like the rustic, sophisticated shade you might find inside an old Tuscan villa. And after admiring one particular paint chip and then seeing that color on the walls or an antiques shop, we just knew it would be right.

We dashed to the paint store to buy a quart, and slapped a large square of the color onto each of the room's four walls so we could see it in all possible lights. Hello, mustard! How could a color that looked so elegant in one place look so overpowering in another? It was back to the drawing board, as we--thinking we were wiser now--chose what we thought was a much paler shade and painted four more patches of wall. No, it was all wrong, too. This one looked more like a rotten banana. Attempt number three looked even more like a hot dog condiment than the first color did, and the fourth quart was no better.

By this point, our frustration was at a peak. Granted, as first-time homeowners, neither of us had ever really attempted such a project before, but we had no idea that it would be this tough. (And if you're thinking it's never this hard for you, keep it to yourself!) We couldn't bear to keep spending ten dollars a pop on quarts of paint that were non-returnable (truthfully, I think there should be a provision for returns, but that's another issue altogether), so we backed off from our elusive yellow ideal and picked out a buff color that looked closer to tan than to yellow. When we brought home the test quart and squeezed it onto the wall alongside our now gigantic patchwork motif, we both breathed a sigh of relief. For while it was definitely more subdued than all the other colors we had tried, it really was still yellow, and pretty close to what I had in mind from the start. One exhausting weekend later, our living room had been transformed--if not into a Tuscan villa then at least into a warm and comforta ble place to hang out and watch TV.

While our experience may have been slightly traumatic, transforming hum-drum rooms into beautiful living spaces is no big deal for designer Laurie Hickson-Smith of the popular cable television show "Trading Spaces." Smith, who in her spare time resides in Jackson with her husband and newborn son, frequently uses bold or unusual paint colors to give rooms a quick pick-me-up. (Where do you think I got the idea?) Maybe it's her New York design training and years of experience that gives Smith an edge in this department. Whatever the reason, Smith's own house might be considered the ultimate makeover, since she transformed it from her husband's former bachelor pad into an elegant and inviting family home. Beginning on pg. 36, we'll give you the grand tour; you'll also learn more about how Laurie landed that great TV gig, and you'll pick up some quick tips on making the most of your own home.

And in case you haven't noticed, this issue marks our 13th annual Wedding Register. The past year must have been a banner one for romance, because there are more happy couples than ever featured inside these pages-337 in all. For all you brides to be, mothers of the betrothed, or just plain party-throwers, we've included a special feature section beginning on pg. 102 featuring great pre-nuptial events, complete with unique recipes and easy decorating and gift ideas. Many of these tips could be incorporated into any special event, so even if you don't have a wedding in the works, you won't want to skip these pages.

There's no question that love is in the air this time of year, and if you've got the bug, we've got lots of great ideas for you. If you and your honey are looking for a great romantic getaway, what better place than historic Natchez to fan the flames? With an abundance of grand antebellum homes and quaint bed-and-breakfasts--not to mention gourmet candlelit restaurants and horse-drawn carriages--there's something for everyone here. There's definitely a reason that visitors from all over the world flock to visit this charming city, so I urge you not to take for granted this beautiful place within our own state.

With Valentine's Day rapidly approaching, may we offer another suggestion for a romantic gesture any loved one would appreciate--a gift of homemade chocolate desserts. Chocolate itself is the subject of great affection for many people, so it's the perfect ingredient for a romantic feast. Food editor Mary Leigh Furrh has tracked down seven of the most unusual and delicious chocolate delicacies we've seen, including a decadent chocolate chocolate cake (the extra "chocolate" means it's extra yummy); the recipes begin on pg. 16.

There's lots more inside this issue as well, including a college student's reflections on reading and archiving the correspondence of Eudora Welty, easy embellished picture frame projects, and a beginner's guide to setting up a backyard greenhouse. So as we kick off another new year, perhaps the ideas in these pages will help you make a fresh start. Whether you resolve to paint your walls or lust eat more chocolate, I wish you a wonderful 2003.

Kelli L. Bozeman