My Chat With Martha Stewart Tonight...I'm Not Kidding!
I bet that title got your attention! But, it's TRUE! Tonight my husband (the #1 Martha Stewart fan...our whole family calls her his girlfriend) and I went to Times Talks, tonight, a week's series of lectures by celebrated thinkers in the arts, media, politics, and more, organized by The New York Times and held in their new facility in their new, green, building in, where else, Times Square! We're in our city apartment for the weekend, a nice break!
Stewart was interviewed by Kim Severson, a very engaging and funny, New York Times food reporter. Martha Stewart talked about her typical day (breakfast is hot water and lemon (in the car on the way to the city), blueberries, and a hard boiled egg white.) After the morning shooting of her show, she stops all work for one hour, to do yoga and regroup for the second half of the busy day ahead, and ends the day watching David Letterman.
After the talk, there was a Q&A period. I had a question for Martha Stewart. I got up to the microphone and asked Martha Stewart if she had a hands on approach in designing her kitchens. Stewart replied that she has designed her kitchens by herself and was very enthusiastic about her love of the kitchen! Where the sinks should be, appliances, counter space, she knows what she wants.
Martha Stewart also said she really likes the convenience and accessibiity of open shelving. She said that the kitchen is the most important room in the home, even more important than the bedroom. She loves the kitchens that are designed in her KB homes developments.
Mistakes? I heard of one. Martha Stewart made her island in her East Hampton home too big, yet it was useful nonetheless.
After the talk, there was a book signing, and my husband bought two books, Martha Stewart's Homekeeping Handbook, and a cookbook, which I'll update you on tomorrow. How lucky am I? My husband likes to keep a nice (and clean) home, it's a natural for him. A spray bottle and paper towels on the cover, he wants Martha's secrets! Stewart signed both books.
Oh, and when I introduced myself before my question and mentioned I write a blog, Stewart asked for the blog's name. I gave it to her at the book signing. Ms. Stewart, you're welcome to comment to this post! It was a great evening! :)
Friday, January 11, 2008 at 10:48PM
Reader Comments (10)
My, oh my, this could get interesting.....
Well, I hope Martha does check you out, Susan. You have a blog to be proud of.
I know MS has been controversial, but she has nearly single-handedly elevated home management to a fine art. She's built an admirable empire based on good taste and excellence. Her business acumen is pretty amazing, but her attention to detail is phenomenal. I feel like a housekeeping loser compared to her high standards...
Years ago, when we lived in CT, my mother persuaded me to drive onto Martha's Westport property "just for fun." I felt like a trespassing criminal, but did it to please her. Couldn't see much, but I remember thinking the whole place was unpretentious and classy and beautifully maintained. SORRY Martha!
It would be fun to see photos of her kitchens. Plural. <sigh>
Fun! I heard Martha speak at a RISD event 3 or 4 years ago and she is a really good speaker. She is controversial - but she knows her stuff and I agree with the comment that she's single handedly elevated the home arts, while promoting women entrepreneurs. I learned a lot from her recent entrepreneur book - especially about keeping waste to a minimum when making things. I'm being in interviewed on her Sirius satellite station on Monday at 1:00. But, not by Martha.Maybe one day I'll meet her!
Now, if I could just figure out how to be satisfied with hot water, blueberries and egg whites for breakfast...
How exciting! Just a note that if you are interested, Martha has pictures of her homes on her website, and additional ones on her blog. There are some kitchen photos included, and most all photos are beautiful to look at!
Justin, it's funny...your just never know! I'd love to have asked her lots more questions about her kitchens, wouldn't that be fun?
Thank you for that compliment, Wendy! That is much appreciated. I could not agree more with your overall perspective of what Martha has achieved.It's pretty amazing. Cute story about your peek at Martha's property. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.
Linda, give us more details on your interiew! Congrats, that's great! I'd like to check out that book that you mentioned. It was a nice vibe, just conversational and relaxed. Nice event.
Carrie, thanks for your feedback. Maybe one day soon, I'll seek out a collection of images of her kitchens. Thanks for the tips. :)
Love your blog and love Martha. What a great combination! And yes, your title definately caught my attention. What an exciting experience for you.
Cathy, what a cool blog you have! I really enjoy your voice. Yes, it was awesome. :)
Hi again,
Back from my interview. Well, I called in, didn't actually go anywhere. It was on the 1-5 show called "Living Today", right at 1:00 for 30 minutes with host Kerry Nolan. We talked about how one goes from dream to reality when tackling a decorating or renovating project. How to plan, research, budget and work with vendors - like designers and contractors. I also took a couple of phone calls on air - which I didn't realize that I would be doing! It did feel cool to have people call in to ask me questions!! They weren't able to provide me with a transcript - some kind of corporate rule - but I did tape my end of the convo and will transcribe into bullet points for my blog at some point this week.
Linda, that's great, I'm sure you gave very valuable information. I'm glad you stopped back to share the details with us. I do like the concept about the various stages of the process. Sometimes it's back and forth a little. I love the process, and I'm sure you do too. Will look for the post. Thanks for stopping in!
Some very intresting ideas and comments. I came across this page whilst looking for cheaper energy prices http://cheaperenergy.wordpress.com My bills haven risen by 35% this year and am now facing yet another increase by these greedy energy companies. (Thankfully I only rent so don't have to worry about a mortgage as well.) Has anyone tried this green and cheap renewable energy? If so, be intrested to know how it worked for you.