It's no secret that I love Martha Stewart.
I discovered her in 1990 in a book store in London (on my honeymoon actually, come to think of it). It was December and I got her "Christmas" book from one of the bookstores. That was it. I was sold! Here was this woman who appreciated all the things I appreciate AND made money doing what she loved :)
The same year she launched her magazine. I found out through an editor at a Swedish magazine, Damernas Värld, (I was working at a photo agency at the time) who thought I'd like it. Like it? I loved it from the second issue. First issue? I managed to get that on ebay for 79 US dollars a couple of years ago...
In the beginning I contacted somebody by the name Amy Shuler at the magazine's head offices and sent her money orders so she'd send me the magazines. Later on I was able to get an international subscription and since quite a few years we get "MS Living" in our local shops here in Sweden. I'm proud (ha!) to say I have very single issue and I never (never ever!) tear anything out of them. Those "Living" mags are probably the one collection that will stay with me forever. Not that they're worth much monetarily but because I keep getting inspired by them. Constantly.
Apart from "Living" I have most of her other publications too. Of course. I loved "Kids"! Wille and I did so many of the crafts in there. I've kept all of those too. I also love (and keep) all the special editions like the "Holiday" ones and especially one called "Technology at home" from 2001. I enjoy the beautiful photography of "Weddings" but since I'm still happily married I only get that one occasionaly :)
This is where I'm keeping them all
I have to say that apart from "Living" my all time favourite was "Blueprint". It was very Martha but in a younger more contemporary way. Martha, don't get me wrong, but your personal decorating taste is a little bit more grown up than mine.
Martha inspires me all the time (I was going to say daily but that sounded too scary). If in doubt, what would Martha do? Cleaning tips? I check her homekeeping handbook. Organizing inspiration? I find the perfect article in the magazine. The list goes on. The one topic I skip: Cooking. Martin cooks. I clean.
Do I need to add I tape her TV show? It's on at the weirdest hours over here... Wille and I are off to New Your City at the end of August so if they're taping, I'm getting tickets. Wille claims he's happier in the hotel room. But I'll change his mind. For sure!
The photos are from Martha's website, another great source of inspiration.
Love you Martha!
