Martha has changed the way we live, I can easily see her changing the face of retail. Let's keep our fingers crossed!
Friday, October 31, 2008
Are Martha Stewart Stores in the Future?
Martha has changed the way we live, I can easily see her changing the face of retail. Let's keep our fingers crossed!
Happy Halloween!
Thursday, October 30, 2008
The Halloween Spirit
Martha Stewart and M & M's Sweeten the Holiday Season
Through the integration, MSLO will create a cross-platform 360-degree program promoting stylish, personable and affordable holiday gifts featuring MY M&M'S® Faces. This platform will allow consumers to put their favorite faces and personal holiday messages on M&M'S® Chocolate Candies. In addition to being featured on The Martha Stewart Show, these exclusive do-it-yourself personalized holiday gift ideas will be on Martha Stewart Living Radio on SIRIUS; MSLO's online, eight-week Holiday Workshop at marthastewart.com; and through do-it-yourself articles featured in Martha Stewart Living and Everyday Food magazines.
"We are very excited to launch this strategic alliance with Martha Stewart, as she is the arbiter of creativity, style and good taste," said Jim Cass, vice president and general manager, Mars Direct, Inc. "Millions turn to Martha for do-it-yourself inspiration for holiday gifts, and MY M&M'S® is pleased to provide a platform to personalize gifts that are fun, meaningful, and a treat to eat."
"From family tree ornaments to wish jars, MSLO's personalized holiday decor and gift ideas featuring MY M&M'S® Faces will allow our audiences to tell their own unique holiday stories," said Martha Stewart. "Featuring custom photos and messages with a sweet chocolate twist, each holiday craft idea allows consumers to take personalization to a whole new level to create truly one-of-a-kind holiday memories."
MY M&M'S® has also created two Martha Stewart-inspired autumn and holiday M&M'S® blends that will be given free exclusively to Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia audiences with a minimum MY M&M'S® purchase. MY M&M'S® can be ordered online at http://www.mymms.com/martha.
Handcrafted Holiday Gifts Never Tasted So Sweet
Create your personalized holiday gifts, stocking stuffers and edible season's greetings by ordering MY M&M'S® customized chocolate candies online at http://www.mymms.com/martha.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Book Signing - A Day To Remember
I arrived at 7:45 a.m. and a line had already developed outside the store. An estimated 100 people had already lined up at that hour waiting for the 9:00 a.m. store opening. Those first in line arrived as early as 4 a.m.!!
Fans bundled in blankets, others wrapped in coats and scarves, were all chattering madly about Martha and anxiously awaiting their wristbands. There is a unique bond that happens between total strangers standing in line together. Within minutes, your talking with total strangers as if you’ve known them all your life.
It was an eventful day and I wanted to share a couple Martha photos. I created a recap of the day that I am happy to send anyone interested in reading it. Please feel free to send your request for the recap (it includes many photos!) to houseblend@comcast.net.
Monday, October 27, 2008
Holiday Happenings at Macy's
The seasonal display at the front of the Martha Stewart Collection was beginning to fill with wonderful kitchen items for the holiday season. A selection of dishtowels, cupcake liners in two sizes, a cake stand adorned with the ornament graphic and a cookie cutter set were just a few of the items that have started to fill the display.
The first 150 customers to arrive on Saturday morning were treated to $15 gift cards to use for shopping on Saturday as well as wonderful chocolate star topped cupcakes.
My first stop at Macy's is always on the second floor in the house wares department. As soon as I turned the corner into the "Cooks Tools" section, this wonderful cake/pizza lifter caught my eye. I've added it to my Christmas list!
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Review: Martha Stewart's Cooking School
Arriving home this afternoon, I sat down to begin my exploration. From the moment I opened the book, I was eager for the next page.
Cooking School is very much a text book. Starting with the basics such as a cooks golden rule, equipment, knives, herbs, seasonings, onions, and citrus, the cooking school book provides necessary information to get the home cook started.
The remainder of the book is divided into seven lessons: Stocks and Soups; Eggs; Meat, Fish and Poultry; Vegetables; Pasta; Dried Beans and Grains and ending with Desserts. Within each 'lesson' readers will find step by step 'how-to,' with beautiful photography showing each step of every technique.
Martha Stewart's Cooking School is not your typical cookbook. Instead of being loaded with hundreds and hundreds of recipes, Cooking School provides instruction on numerous cooking techniques and provides recipes to test the new found knowledge. This book is worthy of being required reading at any culinary school.
Sarah Carey, food editor and co-host of the PBS series Everyday Food co-authored Cooking School with Martha. A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Carey has been employed with Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia since 1999 as a food editor.
Of all the cookbooks published by MSLO, Martha Stewart's Cooking School is a departure from the others with it's text book format and focus on the 'how' instead of the 'what' to cook.
I predict Martha Stewart's Cooking School will skyrocket to the top of the charts as a best seller.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Martha Stewart talks about her new book, cooking technique
I recently had a chat with Martha Stewart. Yes, that MARTHA -- the queen of crafts, the doyenne of cooking and the grand professor of how to do, well, just about everything.
On Tuesday, Stewart is out with another cookbook, "Martha Stewart's Cooking School: Lessons and Recipes for the Home Cook" (Clarkson Potter, $45). And chatting with her by phone about the book was no different than hearing her on radio or TV. It was that trademark Martha Stewart tone that fans are fond of: authoritative, confident and convincing.
Local folks will get to sample some of that Martha flavor at a book signing at Borders in Birmingham on Oct. 29.
Stewart said she had plenty of inspiration for the new book because she gets over a million questions a year from readers and viewers of "The Martha Stewart Show." Those questions birthed the book's theme.
"I am a teacher, so I thought this would be a good time to use all of our knowledge and put it down as a cooking school," said Stewart, who turned 67 in August. "We have people coming on the show all the time using some of these techniques, and we've never organized them as we have in this book."
Julia Child paved the way
Stewart suggested that people approach "Cooking School" the way she did with Julia Child's "Mastering the Art of French Cooking" (Alfred A. Knopf, $40).
"I cooked every single recipe; now they're making a movie about what I did," said Stewart. "Julie & Julia," scheduled for an April 2009 release, is about a secretary who decides to restore her ambition by preparing all 524 recipes in the Child classic.
"Not only I did, many of my friends (did). We cooked every single thing in those two volumes of 'Julia Child'."
Her new book, Stewart explained, is like a simplified version of Child's.
"Here we go through the different techniques -- the braising, the poaching, the steaming, the oven roasting, the sautéing so that you really know what you are doing when you say you are sautéing," she said. "And the recipes we give are really jumpstarts for you to then be able to sauté something else. You are going to sauté a piece of chicken cutlet and you will be able to do veal if you wish, or beef or something else."
"Cooking School" is built around technique. The chapters are called "Lessons," with each explaining and showing the how-to's of stocks and soups, eggs, meat, fish and poultry, pasta, vegetables, dried beans and grains and desserts. In some ways it's like a textbook, with the lessons numbered 2.1, 2.2, etc. and "extra credit" sections such as making soup garnishes or homemade mayonnaise in the egg lesson. There are plenty of illustrations and pictures along with step-by-step instructions.
The book has more than 500 pages, 200 recipes and is loaded with color photos. It's also a hefty book, weighing about 4 pounds, and is geared to today's cooking style and trends.
You can cut costs, too
Given what has been going on in the economy, I asked Stewart if knowing how to pull off the techniques in the book will help people save money. "Very, very much so," she said. "We're all about that.
"I think all the how-to's, the do-it-yourselves, are totally reflective of what's going on in the world today," she said. "Paying a lot of attention to nutrition and homemade is exactly where we need to be right now."
The basic techniques in the book will help home cooks save money. For example, when you learn to make stock, you will save money because you are using inexpensive chicken parts or ones that you have saved from cutting up a whole chicken.
"I am a very economical person and I have always cut up my own chicken," Stewart said. "I don't remember buying a chicken breast -- ever. Because I will use the rest of the chicken for something else."
While some parts of the book will prove helpful in daily cooking, others provide a pure culinary knowledge boost, such as learning how to prepare or french your own rack of lamb.
"I think it will be interesting once people see this book. I think it will make them more curious about how they can prepare their own food and how they can economically create delicious meals."
Stewart also spoke with me about the importance of good cooking tools; really goods knives, maybe a chef knife and a paring knife, are essential, she said, as are the perfect sauté pan, the perfect omelet pan and a food processor. The tools are outlined in a basics chapter in the book.
"The right tool for the right job is very important," she said.
'You have to want it'
Make no mistake, "Cooking School" is not for those who say they have no time to cook or can't cook.
"It's not about saying: 'Oh I can't do this. You have to first want to do it,' " Stewart said. "And then once you do start doing it, I think people will really enjoy it. I think people just don't realize how good it is."
Stewart hopes readers will discover that they really like to cook. She said she knows, however, that some people just don't care.
"But I think mothers, especially, should know how to prepare variant, nutritious dishes for their families," she said. "I mean it's their obligation. Don't have a family if you don't know how to feed them."
So what's next for Stewart and her staff? "We're working; we're not slowing down," she said.
November Everyday Food Makes Feasting Easy
With helpful recipes and time savers to make 'the easiest feast ever,' Everyday Food will guide you through a picture perfect meal with time to spare. Here's a look inside this issue:
DINNER TONIGHT
* Sauteed Chicken with Mushrooms and Green Beans
IN SEASON
* Cranberries
* Cranberry Bread
* Braised Brisket with Cranberries
* Basic Cranberry Sauce
KICK IT UP EVERYDAY WITH EMERIL
* Emeril's Turkey Roulade
* Emeril's Wild-Mushroom Stuffing
HOW-TO EVERYDAY WITH SARAH
Glazed Vegetables
* Honey-Glazed Carrots
* Glazed Carrots with Orange and Ginger
* Glazed Turnips and Parsnips with Maple Syrup
* Glazed Sweet Potatoes with Brown Sugar and Lime
FREEZE IT
* Butternut Bisque
HAPPY HOUR
* Mulled Cider
* Parmesan Straws
KITCHEN TIP
* Softening Brown Sugar
HAVE YOU TRIED?
* Flat Iron Stake, Seared with Wine Sauce
BAKING WITH JOHN
* John' Pear and Almond-Cream Tart
SWEET FAVORITES
* Cinnamon-Walnut Baklava
COOKIE JAR
* Cornmeal Cookies
EASY AS PIE!
* Pumpkin Cream Pie
* Chocolate Pecan Pie
* Cheddar-Crusted Apple Pie
* Coconut Custard Pie
DOWNHOME TRADITION
* Roast Turkey with Brown Sugar and Mustard Glaze
* Bourbon Gravy
* Pecan Cornbread Dressing
* Stewed Green Beans with Bacon
* Sweet Potato Casserole
Saturday, October 18, 2008
Martha Stewart's Cooking School Hits the Shelves Tuesday 10/21
Arranged by technique, the book is geared for the home cook at any skill level. Designed to teach 'how' to cook, not simply 'what' to cook, Martha Stewart's Cooking School showcases lessons in roasting, broiling, braising, stewing, sauteing, steaming and poaching to help a beginner learn and a seasoned cook perfect their skills.
Along with techniques, Martha Stewart's Cooking School features 175 all new recipes that put the lessons to work, along with more than 500 color photos including many step by step images to take the guesswork out of cooking.
In addition, the book provides insight into essential equipment, ingredients, and every other aspect of the kitchen to round out the culinary education. Sorry... course credit is not available for reading the book!
Kirkland Signature Martha Stewart Food Line Expands
Martha's holiday ham will return once again with availability beginning in November. It's the perfect main course for your holiday table.
In late October, Costco shoppers will find: Turkey soup, Pork meatballs, Apple/raspberry slab pie, and beef chili with beans. In November several more additions are expected: Mushroom dip, Chicken slab pies, and Olive bruschetta.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Martha Stewart Products Holiday Gift Guide 2008
One of my favorite taste treats is a good bread dipped in olive oil. A perfect hostess gift or gift to bring to the holiday table.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
A Calendar Comeback
From 1991 - August of 2003 readers of Martha Stewart Living magazine could view Martha's calendar each month. From replacing storm windows, to hosting birthday parties, Martha's calendar gave readers some helpful reminders of things to do for the current month. If Martha said we needed to clean our garden furniture in March... by golly, we cleaned it in March. Even if it was still snowing in the northern states!
Martha's calendar was removed from the magazine in September 2003 as the company at that time was making moves to 'de-Martha' the magazine in hopes of retaining advertisers. The calendar, Martha's monthly letter and her 'Remembering' column were all removed as a reaction to the fallout of her legal problems at that time. (what most Martha fans refer to as the 'dark days)
When Martha Stewart Living Television relaunched as "Martha-the Martha Stewart Show" the calendar made a brief appearance for several months. Eventually, that was phased out for reasons unknown.
Today, on "Ask Martha," the live radio call in show on Sirius/XM, a caller asked Martha if the calendar would ever come back. Martha announced that in the 'very near future' we will see the calendar once again. Not in the pages of the magazine; but on marthastewart.com.
For those that loved the calendar as I did, this is welcomed news. As much as I would love to see the calendar back in the pages of Martha Stewart Living, I'm willing to settle for an online version!
Did you read the calendar? Do you miss the calendar?
Monday, October 13, 2008
Martha Makes It Easier To Holiday
The magazines list for 6.95 each. Who doesn't like saving a little money? Click, print, and save on this 'double whammy' of holiday issues!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Taking a Look Back at Special Issues
Friday, October 10, 2008
Early Morning Halloween
More Halloween
Wednesday, October 8, 2008
Martha's Got Issues!
November is one of my favorite issues of Living and this issue lives up to that 'favorite' status, hands down! The simple but sophisticated styling on the cover alone makes it a favorite in my magazine collection.
In every November issue, there are always delicious ideas to make any Thanksgiving feast spectacular! A couple hints of what's inside for this year:
*Turkey for Every Table
* Glints of Genius (Bright cut - a traditional handicraft)
* Sensational Sides
* Woven Welcomes (Geometric patterns for decor and desserts)
* Pilgrim's Progress (Re-creation)
* Soft Focus (velvet)
Also inside this issue is a special ad featuring not one, but TWO special holiday issues! The first issue, "Have Yourself a Handmade Christmas" features 151 easy ideas for everyone on your list; treats from the kitchen and creative cards and wrappings. This special holiday issue goes on sale on Monday, October 13th. (If you're a Target shopper, you will more than likely find it near the check out by Friday of this week.)
Monday, October 6, 2008
A "Scent-sible" Source
I've tried many different manufacturers of candles, room sprays, and 'natural oils' to no avail. Nothing quite captured the scent of a real balsam fir. I recently came across an e-commerce website that was so poorly created (visually), it made me hope that they spent more time on their product!
Paine Products in Maine specializes in balsam fir products, including oils, incense, and balsam filled pillows (among other items). I thought I would order a small bottle of oil to see if it was any better (or worse) than oils I've tried in the past. I have to admit, the balsam fir oil is by far the best I have ever found! Not only is the oil pure, essential oil, it has no chemical processing 'after scent' as it's warmed and released into the air.
Reasonably priced, a bottle of the balsam fir oil will provide you with the scent of Christmas all season long. To order and see other products, log into their website.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
It's Coming...
This year, the Martha Stewart Collection is using a wonderful graphic for their holiday merchandise. Being one that looks at packaging and appreciates good design, I'm loving the holiday tree graphic that is being used. The deep red tone on tone background has the same design elements as the tree. I love the small use of my favorite color blue on the tree design. It's that bit of the unexpected.
This graphic and background is being used on various boxed gifts in housewares and can also be found with several of the decorative house ware items.
What I love most however, is the use of the graphic details on a set of holiday dinnerware. The design lends itself to a retro feel for the holidays. I've already started purchasing pieces for my holiday table this year.
In addition to the basic pieces show in the picture above (dinner plate, salad plate, bowl, and mug), salt and pepper shakers and cream and sugar sets are also available in matching patterns. The price point for the dinnerware is extremely reasonable. Dinner plates: 9.99 Salad Plates: 8.99 Bowls: 8.99 Cups: 7.99 Cream and Sugar Sets: 14.99 Salt and Pepper Sets: 7.99
Give your holiday table a festive feel this year with dinnerware from the Martha Stewart Collection!
Now.. back to our regularly scheduled holiday...
Farewell My Little Friend...
Maxwell and I bonded. He responded to me when we would talk. He loved to be loved. I would spend a great deal of time with Max to socialize him, and reinforce with him that he could trust me... that time proved to be the key to a much happier life for Max. He was my buddy. Max would follow me around the garden, (helping where he could) and frequently would cozy up on one of the patio chairs for a long nap.
As the weather turned rainy and as the nights began to cool down, Max had his own outdoor home. It was cozy and warm on those cool nights and protected him from the rain on a shower filled day. Maxwell had found a home. Maxwell found love. Maxwell found me.. as if it was meant to be.
Despite my best efforts at keeping Max happy, I could not change the fact that he was indeed an outdoor cat and preferred it that way. If I saw him wander off on his next adventure, I always would call for him to come back... but he was a man-cat who enjoyed the great outdoors and wasn't about to give up that part of his spirit. Thankfully, Max always returned, greeting me the next morning for his breakfast and very often would be waiting for me as I arrived home. This was his usual pattern until just a day or two ago.. when Max didn't come home. I was worried that he was lost, or too cold, or something worse.
Yesterday, I discovered that Maxwell's desire for adventure took him to a place where he didn't stand a chance... a very busy street. Maxwell was struck by a car and was killed. My heart sank when I saw him. My little buddy... my little Maxwell. Some say that cats have nine lives... he must have used the prior 8 before coming into my life.
I've cried a lot since yesterday. I've felt guilty for not changing his ways and bringing him indoors. I've said plenty of "...if only I had...." And yet, I wanted Maxwell to be happy... being who he is... with his spirit for adventure.
In the last couple months, Maxwell experienced something that so many animals never have and that's the love of a person. When I held him in my arms, he would burrow so hard against me. He couldn't get enough. He often times would fall asleep in my arms. He knew he was safe. He knew he was loved. I knew that Max loved me too.
The hardest thing to do is to say, 'goodbye' to someone or something you loved so much. But, reality is that I'll never have that time with him again. I'll never see that look of gratitude in his eyes. What I will always hold with me is knowing I did the right thing in giving of myself to a deserving animal. I gave him the best couple months of his life. I'll always love you, Max. Farewell, my little friend.