Like most American Idol contestants, Carrie Underwood’s style improved week-by-week on the show, as fashion experts had their way with her dresses and tresses, trading her sweet girl-next-door duds for haute couture frocks.

“I think Carrie’s really grown into her style wonderfully,” says Libby Callaway, fashion columnist for the Nashville City Paper. “Much like Faith Hill, she has the body and the self-confidence to pull off fashion-forward shapes like the short, graphic dresses she’s been wearing a lot.”

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Martina McBride is famous for having one of the most amazing voices in country music. But in more intimate circles, the world-class singer is also known as a world-class cook.

She has a kitchen that would make a gourmet chef proud, featuring a custom-built pantry and a cozy sitting area. She hosts dinner parties regularly, inviting friends like Faith Hill and Tim McGraw. And how does the Grammy-winning vocalist like to relax? By writing out her grocery list for the week.

While out on the road, McBride has been known to whip up some of her famous dishes (like white chili) for her crew in her tour bus kitchen — a welcome change from take-out or the catering table. If you want to sample her culinary creations, you’ll either have to wrangle a dinner invitation, or try one of her recipes, like the tasty Peanut Butter Incredibles below.

“This is a super-easy recipe, and you probably have everything on hand to make it,” says McBride, who will release a live CD/DVD on April 29. “Just beware, they are totally addictive!”

Peanut Butter Incredibles

2/3 cup butter or margarine
1/3 cup chunky peanut butter
2 Cups powdered sugar
1 1/2 cups fine graham cracker crumbs
1 1/4 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 cup butterscotch morsels

Over low heat, melt butter or margarine in a medium saucepan and add peanut butter. Stir until smooth. Add sugar and graham cracker crumbs. Stir until well blended. Press crumbs into a buttered 9X13-inch baking pan.

Melt the chocolate chips and butterscotch morsels in microwave for a total of 2 1/2 minutes on high, stirring after each 30 seconds. Pour over crumb mixture.

Refrigerate until chocolate is set. Remove and cut into bars. Store at room temperature.

One of my fondest memories of visiting New York City for the first time is my last meal in Manhattan. The loud noises, the people, the honking, the buildings — it can all be somewhat overwhelming, especially to someone like me who comes from fields and fields of corn. As I sat scarfing down a huge Chipotle chicken burrito (walking in New York makes you really hungry), I started to feel a bit anxious. Yet, amid the hustle and bustle, I heard a soothing voice that sounded all too familiar. As I sat in that small booth, in a city so foreign to me, June Carter Cash sweetly piped through the speakers. Instantly, I felt better. “Keep on the sunny side, always on the sunny side,” I quietly sang to myself. I have to admit, I’ve never felt more at home than in that tiny booth in Times Square.

However, my most exciting adventure took place at the Empire State Building. Fortunately, I was not struck by any taxis amidst my continuous gawking and “ahh”-ing at the enormous buildings and advertisements. Looking out from the observation deck, it was beautiful and like nothing I had ever experienced. I then looked over at my boyfriend and he was down on one knee with a beautiful ring. What?! (I was having a Faith Hill moment.) This was totally unexpected and I was speechless. Luckily, I managed a feeble “Yes.” At this point, my heart was pounding, my palms sweating, I was in New York and … now engaged! And though I don’t plan to move (or really even visit) there anytime soon, I will never forget my first trip to New York City.

Holly Williams comes by country music honestly. Literally, it runs through her blood. She’s not only the granddaughter of Hank Williams and the daughter of Hank Williams Jr., but she also fits the country music mold as a singer, songwriter and … fashion guru? Yes, her new women’s clothing store H. Audrey (H standing for Holly and Audrey being her middle name, after her paternal grandmother) carries a wide-range of clothing, accessories and other fashionable items for today’s woman.

“I carry everything from $50 really comfy worn-out T-shirts to $1000 python pumps,” Williams said. “I try to do a mix of everything from European designers to your good jeans and T-shirt basics.” Striking photographs of famous musicians are for sale in the upstairs gallery. Frequent shoppers include Carrie Underwood, Sheryl Crow, Jessica Simpson, LeAnn Rimes and Faith Hill, as well as Nashville stay-at-home moms. “We have a good gamut of stylish women who come in,” she said. (I can just imagine her granddaddy singing in the background, “Hey good lookin’”…)

From the killer Italian boots with a funky side-zip to the all-natural cosmetic line, Holly Williams is not only making a name for herself in country music – her new album is due this summer — but also in country fashion. “In a weird way,” she says, “it’s almost like when you write a song and people respond to your songs.”

Williams’ idea for H. Audrey came about while touring. After her continuous exposure to various fashion designers, she decided it was time to bring her newly found flair home to Nashville. ”I feel like we do have something for everyone and we try to cover price points from low to high, from celebrities to housewives, everyone. We try to fit any age, any type of person, so everyone can find something.”

If you live in Nashville, travel to Nashville, or simply wished you lived in Nashville, chances are you’ve shopped for that perfect pair of boots. Whitney Dunn has — but to little avail. Being the daughter of Brooks & Dunn’s Ronnie Dunn, you’d think she’d have boots, well, to boot.

“I would always get frustrated shopping in town because there wasn’t anywhere to find cool shoes. I wanted funky, off-the-radar designers, shoes that aren’t $1000, but could pass for that quality and look wise.”

After working in the fashion industry in Atlanta for some time, she moved back to Music City to start a business of her own. Dunn and friend Casey Stribling own and operate The Perfect Pair, a one-room store located in the Green Hills area of Nashville. You can find boots, platform heels, belts, clothing, handbags and other accessories that splendidly add to the trendy décor. “We really just focus on trying to be very individual and our product unique,” Dunn said.

While her father Ronnie Dunn may be singing with some of country music’s finest, Whitney is helping dress them. “Oh gosh, let’s see ….Faith Hill, Sara Evans, Martina McBride. We deal with their stylists too. The girls from Little Big Town come in a good bit. We get to know them and they’re just normal fun people. It’s great to see them like the things we picked out. It’s a huge compliment because they’re all so stylish.”

Dunn says she channels her creative instincts through not only the store’s chic attire but also by crafting the shop’s displays, fixtures and other appealing decorations. She compares her creative outlet to that of her father’s. “This store to me is like what his music is to him.”

The Grammys are music’s big night to shine. But Grammy has been known to dress a little funkier than its uptown cousin, Oscar. Artists often take a few more fashion risks and show a bit more skin — remember Jennifer Lopez’s famous plunging green gown a few years back? But in 2008, the Grammys went grown-up in a big way. The out-there outfits were few, replaced with a red carpet full of full-on glamorous gowns.

Carrie Underwood arrived on the red carpet in a fresh-from-the-runway flowing floral gown by Zuhair Murad, seen just days earlier during Fashion Week in New York. Underwood wore the dress when she picked up a Grammy for Female Country Vocal Performance for “Before He Cheats” during the pre-telecast portion of the awards. Artists don’t typically show up for the pre-telecast, but Underwood told the audience, “You couldn’t keep me from getting this actually myself.”

For her performance, Underwood shed the filmy gown for sexy short shorts and sparkly boots. In fact, sparkly could have been the theme for the evening, with sequins, beads and shiny fabrics as far as the eye could see. Disney Channel superstar Miley Cyrus (aka “Hannah Montana” — or Billy Ray Cyrus’ daughter, for those too old to have a tween in the house) sported a short silver dress by Celine, and Beyonce dazzled in a strapless silver Cinderella gown. Even Brad Paisley’s black western shirt subtly twinkled in the spotlight, and Vince Gill was suited up with shine as he accepted his award for country album.

Both Taylor Swift and Natasha Bedingfield picked purple (and strapless) — Swift in a light shade with beaded accents by Nashville designer Sandy Spika, and Bedingfield in a bold royal belted gown. “Brilliant jewel tones really worked well this year,” notes Libby Callaway, fashion columnist for the Nashville City Paper. “Natasha Bedingfield’s purple gown, though a bit too formal for the event in my opinion, was a really gorgeous color of purple. The looks I liked best were the short, pretty cocktail-style dresses like the electric blue Zac Posen number that Rhianna wore, which had a full skirt and feather underlay.”

Some artists bucked the trend toward bright colors and sparkly fabrics. Faith Hill chose a classic black close-fitting gown with a simple bow on one shoulder, and still managed to stand out from the crowd. Of course, that probably has less to do with the dress than with the fact that she’s Faith Hill.
 

It’s understandable if wine isn’t the first thing that comes to mind when you think of Kix Brooks. After all, as half of the record-breaking country duo Brooks & Dunn, Brooks’ name has become almost synonymous with honky-tonks and everything that goes with them (including a certain popular beverage that isn’t wine).

Nonetheless, Brooks will soon be making a name for himself in a very different world. On February 3, the country star will officially launch his latest business venture, Arrington Vineyards, a winery located on 75 acres in the town of Arrington, Tenn., about 30 minutes south of Nashville. They currently offer 12 different wines, including Stags’ White (described as a medium bodied dry white), Desert Rose (a dry rosé), Red Fox Red (a red blend) and Raspberry (a sweet fruit wine).

“Being from Louisiana, I’ve been drinking for a long time,” Brooks joked to Nashville Wine Press. “But there is a difference between drinking wine and appreciating wine. By the time I had kids, drinking became less of a party and more of an appreciation. I’m still far from a connoisseur, but it’s enjoyable to hang out with people who are and can help you appreciate nuances. Wine is like golf in that you can always get better at it over time, but never really know all the answers.”

Brooks cites country stars Tim McGraw, Faith Hill and Martina McBride as fellow wine buffs, and Aaron Tippin, who makes his own Muscadine variety. But Brooks is the first one to take his appreciation to this level, partnering with winemakers Fred Mindermann and Kip Summers to start his own wine business. “Right now, I am doing more listening than I am talking,” Brooks continued. “One thing we are hoping to do is have a few concerts out at the vineyard and make it a great experience for people. As I learn more about the winemaking process, I’ll feel better equipped to talk about it.”

The February 3 kick-off party for Arrington Vineyards will coincide with the Super Bowl kickoff. Held at the Blue Smoke Restaurant and Jazz Standard in New York City, the event will include football viewing, wine tasting, barbecue and entertainment. Proceeds benefit the TJ Martell Foundation.

For most people, getting older means it’s more and more difficult to stay fit. As we age, our metabolism slows, and we burn fewer calories than we did when we were younger. Add to that increased stress, demanding jobs, family responsibilities, unhealthy eating and little time for exercise, and it turns out most people exercise less precisely when they should be amping up their workouts.
 
No diet and exercise routine can completely stop the clock, but experts say making a few lifestyle adjustments can add years to your life and life to your years. Cardiovascular exercise (brisk walking, running, playing tennis — anything that gets your heart rate up) and strength training (which builds muscle) increase your metabolic rate. The more muscle you build, the faster your metabolism and the more calories you burn. Also, as we age, we lose flexibility and balance, which can lead to injuries. Regular stretching keeps muscles long and strong. Classes like yoga and Pilates can improve flexibility and balance.

You’re not 16 anymore, so you shouldn’t eat as though you are. When you hit middle age, your body isn’t as able to shake off the effects of poor eating habits. Cutting back on fats and junk food and eating more fruits and vegetables will make a world of difference in your weight, your overall health and the way you feel. Plus, get plenty of sleep. You’ve heard it all your life, but it’s even more important now. Too little sleep can increase hunger and stress and interfere with your metabolism.
 
For an example of the benefits of a healthier lifestyle, look no farther than Faith Hill, who turned 40 in September. Hill has avoided adding extra pounds and kept her body trim and fit by adding to her workout, which includes cardiovascular exercise, Pilates and weight training. She told People magazine she has also cut back on her favorite junk foods, like barbecue potato chips. Still, she jokes, “My butt, my best asset in high school, is not as tight as it used to be!”

Faith may be on to something. The key to aging gracefully is accepting who you are. And laughter releases endorphins, the hormones that reduce stress, boost immunity and give you a feeling of well-being. “Forget aging and the fact that my butt is becoming a little more familiar with my knees than my tailbone,” she said. “If you are six feet above ground, it’s a good day!”