1 of these things is JUST like the other!

As a collector of the Martha Stewart Living Publications I once in a while encounter a problem. Some of the issues/books have completely different covers. So to help here are my finds, there my well be more of these but here are some examples of ones I have double bought due to the fact, I didn't know!

This is the first edition of Martha Stewart's Christmas (hardback)

This was the second paperback re-issue cover of the same book: Martha Stewart’s Christmas.

This Special Martha Stewart Holiday Baking issue was a free give away at Kmart stores during a Holiday door-buster promotion.

This Special Martha Stewart Holiday Baking issue was sold in stores, and was not part of the subscribed issues. This issue was only available through the stores.

This issue of Martha Stewart Living July 2006 was sent out to subscribers.

This issue of Martha Stewart Living July 2006 was sold in stores

This Martha Stewart Living Issue December 2006 was sent out to subscribers

This Martha Stewart Living issue was sold in stores

There is two different covers for Martha’s first book “Entertaining” as well- I did not post them here they are similar enough in my opinion that you can at least still tell its the same publication.
I will post more finds if and when i find them, until then,
Good luck at completing your collection!

www.johnnyseeds.com

Last week on The Martha Show, Martha, talked about this company Johnny Seeds. When I saw the segment I rushed to my computer and ordered the free catalog.
Long story-short, I am in the middle of buying a new house, and so there is this vacant lot of land directly behind my property, that is currently owned by the city and is currently being debated as to the future of it. So it's up in the air as to the future of what will be errected or not, on this land. So you can call me crazy, but I’m going to see what happens if lets say, a pumpkin patch were to spring up out of no where on part of this vacant space, just all of a sudden. (wink)
I can’t wait. I’ll be sure to take pictures and keep you all posted as to the news/drama!

But until then check out what I ordered from Johnny Seeds:

Its best to select your selections and buy soon while quantities are sure to still be “In Stock”

Here is the growing schedule I put together for the varieties I selected. I calculated the dates by counting the dates backward from about a week to the deadline of Halloween. If all goes well- well nevermind, I post pictures! (LOL)

Here are the Item numbers from Johnny Seeds-of the above pictured gourds, and number of days from setting plants to mature crops. If I messed up here please let me know:

(# of Days) Date to Plant (Item #) Variety Name

(125 days) June 23rd: (#2621) Musque de Provence
(120 days) June 28th: (#602) Dill’s Atlantic Giant
(115 days) July 3rd: (#2246) Howden Biggie
(115 days) July 3rd: (#603) Howden
(110 days) July 8th: (#2666) Full Moon
(105 days) July 13th: (#629) Baby Pam- Pumpkin Pie gourds
(100 days) July 18th: (#2164) Queensland
(100 days) July 18th (#2055) Jarrahdale
(100 days) July 18th (#2625) Marina Di Chioggia
(98 days) July 20th: (#2261) Expert (F1)
(95 days) July 23rd (#2261) Wee-B-Little

A whole month of gardening!

www.johnnyseeds.com

Log on and request a catalog and happy gardening!
Here's what I hope will turn out, however you never know!
Chow!

Its Here!

It arrived rather late this month but its finally here!
Here are my highlights:
Strawberry Galette- yummy! refer to page 47

Best good thing (it was a toss up) Bedside manners page 62 or
Pots Aplenty page 66- you let me know

A Burst of Lemon by Melissa Clark (The New York Times: Dining In columnist)
Meyer Lemon Coffee Cake
Lemon-Ricotta Fritters with Lemon Curd

The section: A Mexican Feast, is interesting, however in my opinion the salsa’s in the Martha Stewart Living July 2006 issue were more intriguing than the ones featured here, plus my recipe for Pico de Gallo is way better, however it is not as accurate as the one in the new issue, my version is more to your taste. You can make this however spicy, salty, or citrusy you want. (wink)

Pico de Gallo
8-10 fresh Roma Tomatoes
1/2 cup Small White Onion
1 Jalapeno
1/2 cup Fresh Chopped Cilantro
I clove Garlic Minced
Fresh-Squeezed Lime Juice: to taste, I use about 1/2 whole fresh lime
Coarse Salt: to taste

I love, love, love, the section in the new issue on Ombre (dying fabrics) what fun! think of the possibilities: curtains, throw pillows, or kitchen chair cushions.

The section: Mint Condition on page 185, has this great spearmint ice cream recipe: I had a thought to update a classic and one of my favorites, mint chocolate chip, it might be interesting to add white chocolate chunks in the mix for this version. Think about it:
Spearmint white chocolate chunk!- you tell me? It possesses a certain jenasaqua I think.

The mint glossary is great, Martha is known for her glossary’s! There are so many different types of mint and here it tells you about their pungency, and best uses with some great tips and hints.

Check out the Honey Bee shell craft project on page 203 and 206!

Great tidbits: Prescriptions, decoded on page 219.

In the “What’s for Dinner” section, this month is a vegetarian option.

Cookie of the Month: Tiramisu Cookies, i can wait to give these a try!

It's So Magical

This blog is all about Good Things! I am a huge Martha Stewart fan and I subscribe and or buy many of MSLO’s many publications: Everyday Food, Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, as well as these non-MSLO publications but equally notable: Gourmet, and Bon Appetit. Whenever I get a new issue of any of these in the mail box or see a new issue on the store shelf I am filled with such delight and curiosity, I simply can’t wait to dive in and be inspired.
I currently own every issue of Martha Stewart Living and in most every magazine there is at least one if not many subjects to evoke thought and spark creativity.
I feel as though, since i was first introduced to the art of “do-it yourself” my life has been full of good things! I enjoy cooking, baking, collecting, entertaining, decorating, and botany. I’m not trying to be the next Martha Stewart, rather I would like to use my blog to highlight some of her material as well as other interesting treasured finds and post how it has inspired me. Keep checking back as I post recipes, photos and random tidbits to help you beautify your life.
I look forward to your many visits and look forward to sharing my ideas and inspirations with you.