New Additions to Jadeite

I was thrilled to come home today and find a package on my doorstep. My friends Chris and Dan, who are now vacationing in the south sent me a set of six terrific jadeite finds to add to my collection: FireKing restaurantware luncheon sets!

Each set consists of a chili bowl (which of course could be used for any soup) and a small plate for a sandwich. The bowl sits in it's own little spot on the plate. They are just beautiful and will be put to great use as 'soup season' continues!

Tracie Hotchner Appearing on the Martha Show

Tracie Hotchner, pet expert, author and host of Martha Stewart Living Radio's "Cat Chat" (Sirius channel 112, XM channel 157) will appear on the Martha Show Friday, January 16. Tracie and Martha will be discussing cat breeds and audience members will be able to ask their pet questions during an 'Ask Tracie' segment.

Tracie joined the Martha Stewart Living Radio family just over two years ago (Cat Chat is now in its third year on the air) and is one of the highest rated shows on the channel.

Listeners enjoy a variety of informative guests and can call in with their pet care questions. One of the most popular guests, pet communicator Ann Marie Sawicki makes a monthly visit to the show, jamming up the phone lines for the entire hour!

I became familiar with Tracie shortly after "Cat Chat" began when I caught a replay of the show. I was struck by her 'no nonsense' personality and her philosophy (based on expert research) of pet care. I was instantly hooked! Tracie has been a tremendous help to David and I as we raise our four cats and sometimes face health or behavioral issues. We adore her!

Tracie has so much to offer people with pets. If you're a dog owner, you must own "The Dog Bible" and if you're a cat owner "The Cat Bible." Both books are encyclopedia's of care for your four-legged family member. You can also listen to Tracie on NPR radio station WLIU out of Southampton College, New York where she hosts "Dog Talk, The Radio Show." Podcasts of "Dog Talk" are available.

For more information on Tracie, "Cat Chat," "Dog Talk," and more, log into her website at traciehotchner.com
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Photo of Tracie Hotchner courtesy of Randy Productions. Cat Chat and Dog Talk are registered trademarks of 8 Paws LLC.

Oh No, Not Sandra Lee...

I just read an article with riveting news: Food Network Star and generally irritating Sandra Lee is producing her own magazine titled "Sandra Lee: Semi Homemade."

Lee, who built her franchise on the 70/30 rule; 70 percent ready-made products with 30 percent fresh ingredients said on a recent visit to the company who will print the magazine, that she always wanted to produce her own magazine after thumbing through an issue of Martha Stewart Living in 1992. "I thought to myself, I can do this, and do it cheaper..."

Cheaper, indeed.

Now, I cannot deny that Ms. Lee has a huge following out there in Food Network land. She has a successful television show and has been very successful as an author of several cookbooks. That being said, I cannot get over how irritating her on camera persona is and I find her difficult at best to stomach.

With movements in the kitchen that are as stiff as a freshly starched shirt, and her lack of natural conversation with the camera makes me immediately turn the channel on one of my favorite networks. I've even paid attention to her knife skills... they need work.

I'm sure Ms. Lee is a lovely person... in person. But please.. Sandra.. let's talk a moment about your set design, shall we? Is it necessary, for every show, to have your sweater set match the mixer, that matches the shelf liner, that matches the swath of fabric over your kitchen window, that matches the gi-normous floral arrangement which teeters on the edge of the counter?? Is it necessary to have 'tablescapes' that are so over the top that guests cannot see each other during dinner? Too much. I always feel like the theme for the tablescape is "we'll just try the 1980's once again.."

I can't say I will even give the magazine a chance. I can only guess that the center section of the magazine will be devoted to these over the top tablescapes... a fold out section for sure... like tablescape porn. I don't need 'helpful, easy recipes' on how to fill my diet with way too much sodium, MSG, and other chemicals. I'd rather try to be a bit more healthy.

I do give Ms. Lee some credit though. Her desire to create a magazine was inspired by Martha. At least she has good taste in inspiration.

February Issue Arrives

I get a little irritated when my new issue of Martha Stewart Living arrives in the mail damaged. As you can see from the photo, the entire upper spine area of the magazine was damaged. Not acceptable!

Despite the damage, the February issue of Living once again brings us sweet treats and ideas for Valentine's Day. The heart of mini chocolate cupcakes with a rainbow inspired theme for frosting colors (Kevin's influence here?) is just a sneak peek into 15 new cupcake recipes found inside.

Charming Valentine's Day gifts and card ideas, hearty winter suppers and helpful kitchen time and money saving hints are just a few of the featured articles you'll find in this issue of Living. Who doesn't *heart* a new issue of Living?!

New Arrangements from Martha Stewart for 1-800 Flowers

Are you looking for something gorgeous to send to your Valentine this year? Martha Stewart for 1-800 Flowers has just released new arrangements that are perfect for your gift giving needs this Valentine's Day.
Offered in a variety of styles and price points, these beautiful arrangements bring together Martha's favorite fresh flowers in beautiful, keepsake vessels inspired by Martha's own personal collection of vases, urns and pots.

Give a beautiful gift of flowers this year to the one you love. To see the complete line of arrangements and gifts, log into 1-800 Flowers for Martha Stewart.

Revisiting Three Favorite Decorating Books

Now that I've settled into the winter months, I thought I would revisit three of my favorite "best of" books from Martha Stewart Living; the decorating series.

"How to Decorate," the first book in the series, was originally published in 1996. This book is an inspiration source for many of the decorating projects I've taken on over the years. Page after page of photographs with brief captions offer step by step hints and suggestions to create and consider when creating spaces. My copy of this book is well worn with numerous post it notes and bookmarks throughout.

After learning the basics in "How to Decorate," the next book in this series "Decorating Details" is a wonderful how-to on putting the finishing touches to any room of your house. Covering a variety of subjects from using mirrors and shelves to lighting and pillows, this 1998 publication offers readers timeless instruction with beautiful photographs to inspire.

The last book in the decorating series is the 2002 publication, "Decorating with Color." I have two copies of this book; one copy is so worn and chocked full of paint chips, notes, and tear sheets from magazines. It stays in my portable decorating file. The other copy sits within my "Martha Library" safe and sound. Decorating with Color will walk the reader through understanding color, how to select colors, and how to use color within a room. Several different color palettes in the book provide inspiration and teach readers how to create and look at their own color palette for their home.

Winter is a great time for home projects. Here's what I do each January:

Take a slow walk around the inside of the house. Grab a pen and paper and carefully walk through every room. Make notes on repairs that need to be made or cleaning projects that need to be accomplished. Examples of such notes include paint touch ups, moulding repairs or heavy duty cleaning needs.

Once you've made your list for every room, divide your list into three categories: major project, weekend project and quick fix. Major projects are those that will take more than a weekend to accomplish. Weekend projects are those that you can accomplish within the weekend and still have time to relax. Quick fixes are just that.. quick, easy repairs or projects that you can accomplish in a couple hours or less. Based on your list breakdown, you can begin to plan your strategy to accomplish all the tasks. You'll be surprised how a quick paint touch up can improve the look of your space.

Re purpose, re purpose, re purpose. With the economy making people think twice about spending money, you can achieve a whole new look to a room by re purposing such things as pictures/artwork, furniture, or accessories for use in another room. I recently removed every framed photograph from the family room walls and replaced them with other pieces of framed art that had been used in other rooms or had been stored away. It gave a whole new look and feel to the room. The cost: $0.00

If you do not have the three books mentioned above, you can still purchase them through Amazon.com or you can even find them on eBay. They are worthy additions to your library.

New Craft Project Card

Martha Stewart Crafts has released a new project card to inspire your Valentine's Day crafting adventures. These cards are available at Michaels. To see a larger image, click the photo above.

John's Great Collectible

My Martha Pal John, was the lucky winner of one of the handcrafted ornaments from the Martha Stewart Radio / Taste of the NFL auction. John was the highest bidder on the ornament designed by Sandy Gluck, from Everyday Food.

There were numerous ornaments up for auction created by several of the hosts and guests of Martha Stewart Living Radio. Martha herself created a beautiful glittered bird ornament.

Congratulations to John for winning this great ornament! Kudos to Sandy for her creativity!