The arrival of an issue of Martha Stewart Living nearly a month before it hits newsstands is always a nice treat for a collector like myself; it gives me a sense of what the year ahead may hold for the producers of my favourite magazine and a glimpse at some of the changes the publication will showcase. The January, 2011, issue arrived today and it is as fresh and vibrant as I was expecting it to be, keeping those trademark January touchstones intact: a focus on celebrations, on cooking light and healthy, on sewing crafts and on homekeeping. And there are fresh, new features, too, including a new column called "Worth Doing Well" which will focus on a practical project that everyone really ought to know how to do well in order to simplify and streamline some everyday challenges.
The cover feels warm and welcoming, like the home-cooked meal it showcases.
A new section in the magazine called "Martha Moment" (I take no credit, although I like to think the profile of this blog may have had at least something to do with the chosen title, however inadvertently) will feature a moment in Martha's world. This one features a photograph Martha took on her farm after a January snowfall.
The Contents page was remade to be tidy and index-like, with a simple pictorial of some of the highlighted features.
Martha's Calendar is now called "Martha's Month" and has been expanded to fill two pages, with more seasonal tips and how-tos to coincide with Martha's personal agenda.
Also in the issue is a great article on birthday parties and Martha's "From My Home to Yours" column is given a central placement among the main features with several pages of her floral arrangements. It's a fun and fresh issue!
8 comments:
You lucky thing! Although I don't think I could deal with anything to do with January until at least January 2nd. There is always so much to do in December! Still trying to hunt down the December issue here - I moan about this every month but it really is getting later and later.
I always liked the January issue.. typically full of organizational tips, and 'freshness' for the new year.
I can't say I like the new calendar format... Martha's calendar was always the first thing I would read.
I look forward to reading the issue!
I think you should sue for plagarsim, Andrew! They definitely "borrowed" your blog title, but perhaps in this instance imitation is the sincerest form of flattery? I like the coziness of this January cover as opposed to many of the previous ones that focused on New Year's resolutions,health and fitness, organzing/cleaning,etc. who wants to think about all that when you still have a holiday hangover?!
@Anonymous: Hahaha! I definitely feel flattered! And, yes, this issue is a cozy one with lots of fresh ideas. I think you'll like the birthday section and Martha's floral arrangements, which are beautifully photographed.
Can't wait to see the issue! I love getting a stack of magazines and books(Martha Stewart Living being at the top of the pile) set aside to read between Christmas and New Year's. It is the only time I wish it to really snow lots, so I have an excuse to just stay inside and get lost in the pages.
When does the issue hit stands? I'm dying to get my hands on it, because my finger puppets are featured. :)
Jordan, how great! You should see it on the stands on December 20th.
It is Dec. 15 and no December issue in Scotland. Even the Cookie issue made it to the small village shop. Eight days of snowfall predicted starting tomorrow so we may get in February.
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