7.13.2012

Looking Back to Move Forward: Vol. 7 (July)

In her letter to readers in the March, 2012, issue of the magazine, Martha Stewart Living editor-in-chief Pilar Guzman makes an intriguing comment about looking back to former issues of the magazine in order to move forward. She writes: "...we will feature images on this page that inspire us from the magazine's archives. Sometimes it's important to look back in order to move forward." As a longtime subscriber, I felt like playing along! I'll be raiding the archives each month to showcase my favourite issue. Here is my selection for July.
MY FAVOURITE JULY ISSUE: 2006
A shady garden, something cold to drink, a Fourth of July cookout on a sunny farm... The July, 2006, issue of Martha Stewart Living has every summer staple covered, from ice-cream to outdoor lighting, with a few unexpected surprises along the way. This issue marked the first real glimse of Martha's Bedford farm, Cantitoe Corners. All dressed up for Independence Day, the renovated historic home shines with rural elegance. Guests to Martha's barbecue, all dressed in white, enjoyed lunch on the terrace, overlooking the paddocks and stables beyond.

The issue had two variations on the cover, as you will see below, including one presenting a trio of festive parfaits that Martha made for her party. This cover was sold on newsstands while the other cover, showing Martha enjoying said parfaits with some of her younger guests, was sent to subscribers. The magazine closes with an inspiring trip to Asia with gorgeous photos (and text) by Alistair Hendy. Delicious Asian-noodle dishes are the stars of the feature, but Hendy does a beautiful job of transporting the reader to the places where these culinary creations were first conjured. It is a wonderful summer issue that inspires as it teaches, which is what Martha does best. Below are some highlights from the issue. Click here to read my other "Looking Back" entries and tell me your favourites!




6 comments:

Marion's Kid said...

Andrew.. what is it about looking back at the older issues of Martha's?? I love seeing growth and creativity. How much the magazine and Martha have evolved. And also myself stretching out to all of the possibilities. Thanks for sharing the looking back segments. I have most of the magazines(my children think of me as a hoarder,haha) but I love them as you do...Such a nice archive to... remember.

ANDREW RITCHIE said...

Hi Marion: It's because the content is so timeless and so inspiring. It never gets old. It's evergreen, as Martha once said. Each month I put a few of my favourite issues from that month out on the coffee table and just browse through them when I get home from work, or before I start my day. The magazine is definitely evolving - and it's quite different than it once was - but it's always classic.

Anonymous said...

I have a question that I'm not sure if anyone can answer. I came across a few headlines recently saying that Martha has completed taping Martha Stewart's Cooking School for PBS. Does this mean for the upcoming Fall season, or for good? I know the show is based off of her book of the same name, so does that mean there won't be a second season?

ANDREW RITCHIE said...

Anonymous, it's just for the fall season. The segments were filmed at the same studio Martha used for her live television show.

Daniella said...

I've always loved the July covers the most, they're always so patriotic and fun! (even though i'm Canadian! lol)

ANDREW RITCHIE said...

Yes, Daniella, they're very celebratory. I wish Canadian magazines would take note! (Maybe we're just not as patriotic...)