* Let’s give the grand dame of Christmas a shout-out today. I know, I know, we love her, we hate her (although let’s not say hate, honey) (whoops, sorry, fell into Mommy mode there for a moment). However, especially during this season, her Glory Time, we have to admit that at some point, in some way, we have all been influenced (dare I say inspired?) by Martha Stewart. My goodness, even how she did that prison thing was a thing of beauty! Well, guess who I saw in the news this morning? Yep, Martha! Turns out J.C. Penney just bought a minority stake in her company, Martha Stewart Living, and “distinct Martha Stewart Living retail spaces” within its stores, featuring “home and lifestyle gear” will begin appearing in 2013. Add this to branded paint at Home Depot (this photo makes me laugh every time I see it), china at Macy’s, and even products at PetSmart (I am so completely not kidding you–see the website here, or go straight to Martha’s Apple-Cheddar Dog Biscuit recipe here, and try to keep a straight face), and yes, it’s true, Martha is everywhere (although Macy’s is now reviewing its product line, or so I hear, as a result of this announcement).
* I’m sorry if you had a typical Pavlovian response to the mention of Martha Stewart’s name and got your cooking or crafting materials out, ready to whip up some Fleur de Sel Toffee as gifts (that whole sweet-and-salty trend seems to keep picking up steam, doesn’t it?), or maybe, um, shoes (oh, Martha, I’m so with you, and so not). We won’t be doing that here today, although, please, feel free to indulge yourself on the craft section of Martha’s website. I did, actually, make homemade seed packets as holiday gifts, although mine look nothing like Martha’s. (Full confession? I clicked on how to make the shoes. Seven short steps. Is this a good idea? Do I need to be making felt shoes? Of course not. But how cool would that be if I could? You see? This is why I say I have a love/hate relationship with Martha.) (Don’t say hate, honey). (Whoops. Relapse.)
* Let’s get grounded with a woman named Katie Brown who has been called the “Anti-Martha Stewart.” She has a show on public television called The Katie Brown Workshop. Katie’s all about keeping it simple, and she makes cooking, decorating, and creating gifts fun and affordable. Her products are featured at Meijer stores and online here. I had never heard of either Katie Brown or Meijer stores, so these are both great finds. And I really like these ceramic casserole pans as I’m a big one-dish-dinner person. (Surprised?)
* I have one more woman to whom I want to introduce you today, and that is someone I discovered years ago and just re-discovered. Meet Sara Snow, a green living expert and TV host whom I first encountered during her fun show Get Fresh with Sara Snow, back in 2007. She’s smart, funny, and an enthusiastic researcher ready to get her hands dirty. I was so excited to cross paths with her again recently and discover Sara now has books and a baby and a website that features updated videos and articles about living the green life–and juggling the many things we all seem to have going on! See Five Simple Ways to Get Organized and The Sustainable Way to Remove Fall Leaves (yes, they’re still blowing around out there, at least here in Atlanta). And lest you think Sara is a newcomer to the conversation, she is the daughter of Tim Redmond, the co-founder of the organic food company, Eden, and literally “grew up green.” See the cute photos in the timeline of her life here. Great to see you, and learn from you again, Sara!
Listen, you know my theory: take what you like and leave the rest. None of us have to have the perfect home. But some of the ideas these women bring to the table (so to speak) are money-saving, time-saving, fun, or just plain nice. And you know what? That works for me. If you’re looking for some more help with your home, consider service pros you find on Kudzu. They can take care of the things you need done and don’t really want to or know how to do yourself (although, yes, we know you know how, Martha!) And that gives you more time to pursue things you want to do (even if it’s making felt shoes).
