Welcome 2011

Wishing you a safe and Happy New Year! 

Martha Stewart Weddings Features A Special Wedding

The newest issue of Martha Stewart Weddings (Winter, 2011) is on the newsstand and full of great inspiration for brides and grooms to be. 

I was taken with the story " Celebrating at Aunt Martha's" which featured the wedding of Martha's nephew, Christopher Herbert and his long-time partner, Tim Long. 

Those of you who have followed Martha for any length of time may remember a  young Christopher, from his numerous appearances on the original Martha Stewart Living television series. 

Christopher, an incredible classical singer met his partner, pianist Tim Long while auditioning in Aspen, Colorado.  Two years later, Christopher and Tim met once again at the same festival and they both knew love was in the air.  After two years of long distance dating, the couple moved in together on New York City's Upper West Side.  Four years later, Christopher and Tim broke the news to "Aunt Martha" that they wanted to get married.  Martha gleefully responded, "Let's do it at my house in Bedford." 

The story is a delightful and inspirational look at the celebration enjoyed by friends and family of the happy couple.  The outdoor service was held in front of Martha's stone-crafted horse barn, which proved to be a beautiful backdrop for the special day. 

During the planning, Christopher and Tim made it clear to wedding planners Ann David, Nicky Reinhard and designer David Stark, they wanted the event to feel like a casual afternoon hanging out with friends - no rules, no formalities.  Working with the Martha Stewart Weddings team, the afternoon was just that. 

Guests enjoyed three square buttercream cakes - one chocolate, one vanilla and one marble to symbolize the new union.  The cakes were simply decorated, reflecting the casual feel of the celebration.  I'm always taken with the beauty of the cakes featured in the magazine. 

To see more of Christopher and Tim's special day, pick up the latest issue of Weddings at your local newsstand.  You can also enjoy more online at Martha Stewart Weddings. 

Merry Christmas To All.. and To All A Good Night..

As I sit here to write this post, I'm enjoying the wonderment and magic of Christmas Eve.  I've always loved this night... the world calms down at just about 6pm and we spend the evening at home, with a nice dinner, last minute wrapping, and waiting for Santa's arrival. 

The cookies are baked.  The presents are wrapped.  The cats are trying to get into their stockings.  It's Christmas. 

To my friends, my family, and all who happen upon this small place called "House Blend," I wish you a very Merry Christmas and my best wishes for an inspiring, Happy New Year.  See you in 2011!

Martha Gets Animated

Tune into the Hallmark Channel on Monday, December 20 to see Martha like you've never seen her before. 

Martha gets animated in the new series "Martha and Friends" which follows the adventures of a young Martha and her friends Hannah, Kevin, and Lily.  The series premieres with a Christmas special, "Martha and the Christmas Tree." 

It’s a snowy Christmas Eve and Martha and her friends, Kevin, Lily and Hannah are running late, very late. Tonight is Bedford Falls' annual tree-trimming contest and Martha and her friends have worked tirelessly all year in preparation for the magical event. Time is of the essence. But with every attempt to decorate, an emergency arises among their friends, taking the kids out in to the cold night air and away from their tree. Can they help their friends and still finish in time?  You'll have to watch the show to find out  (something tells me our animated heroine will prevail).

Martha Stewart Living Craft Furniture

Recognizing that every good crafter needs a well organized and functional space, Martha Stewart Living is introducing a new line of craft room furniture, available exclusively with the Home Decorators Collection. 

Each craft room collection includes everything the serious crafter would need to keep their supplies in order and within easy reach.  Storage, work desks, and counter height work islands are the basic pieces found in each collection.  Additional accessories are also available. 

The craft furniture line will be available through the Home Decorators Collection beginning December 21.

Other Martha Stewart Furniture lines (available through Home Decorators) include bedroom, home office, dining, living room, and patio. 

Break Time!

So.. looking at my blog, I realized that I haven't updated since December 1.  That was quite some time ago, eh? 

I'll be posting this weekend.  I have a few things up my sleeve.  :-)

Holiday Cookie Inspiration

Every year, I traditionally make oversized, decorated sugar cookies for family, friends, and guests during the holidays. I was inspired to take on this tradition after watching Martha Stewart bake and decorate sugar cookies on her television show in 1994. 

In 1995, the first of the oversized copper cookie cutters were made available through Martha by Mail.  The Moon and Star cookie cutter set, was one of the most popular sets ever produced for the company and is the most sought after set by collectors today  (Martha by Mail ceased operations during the first quarter of 2005).

For the last two years, I've made oversized snowmen cookies.  This year, I'm inspired by the 20th anniversary of Martha Stewart Living and the very first set of copper cookie cutters, the Moon and Star.  My original set of Moon/Star cookie cutters will be put to good use this year as I create 'anniversary' celebration cookies perfect for the holidays. 

In her second Christmas book, "A Handmade Christmas," Martha featured the moon and star cookies as a theme for a well decorated tree.  To this day, the tree is one of the classic images I remember most from Martha Stewart Living.

What will you be baking this year?