Gardening | BC Family

Back in the early 1990′s, Martha Stewart’s Living magazine was a refreshing and exciting arrival in the magazine publishing world. It is hard to express the emotions and sense of excitement these magazines created for lovers of the art of living in the pre-Internet era. Season by season, Martha and her team shared in depth knowledge on specialized topics in a magazine replete with gorgeous photography, detailed analysis of topics and a thorough approach to providing resource information. The early issues of the magazine published in autumn and spring were particularly beautiful and innovative. As the years have passed, the magazine is still an example of a publication that is consistently high quality and informative. Fast forward to 2010, some time after Martha’s personal problems were shared in the media, and you find that Martha and her teams are, in fact, stronger than ever.

In the ever evolving age of social media applications, Martha Stewart has stayed in step with the times. The Marthastewart.com website is a vast maze of information. It might have escaped your attention that there are a number of themed blogs linked in with the MS website. In particular you will want to check out the Living in the Family Room blog which is billed as an “ode to families and kids” and covers everything from children’s crafts, decorating children’s rooms and celebrating party ideas to organizational tips and ideas, and experiences from the MS team. Topics on the blog include baby stuff, backyard fun, birthday parties, cooking and eating, craft projects, decorating and kids’ rooms, discovering, giveaways, good media, holidays and celebrations, organizing, back to school, pets and animals, reading and learning, road tests, toys and games and other topics. Phew! That just about covers it. The only topic that is missing is health (which seems a bit out of range for this blog). If you enjoyed reading Martha Stewart’s magazines focused on babies and children in years gone past, you will definitely want to check out this blog.

So many blogs out there. So much to read. So much to follow. In British Columbia we appreciate topics such as healthy cooking, being self sufficient in the home, gardening and family based traditions. Somehow the Martha Stewart brand has always felt like a good fit here. You cannot go wrong with any content that comes from Martha Stewart Living. With twenty years of magazine publishing under their belt, they know how to the deliver the goods.

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Related

If you use Twitter you can follow the Editors of MS Living

You can subscribe to a wopping 17 newsletters from the MS team. The themed slide shows that they create are always fascinating. If you appreciate Martha’s Everyday Food magazines (and the related TV show) featuring delicious, fast, fresh and easy recipes at $4.50 a pop, you will want to sign up for the related newsletter that is delivered to your inbox regularly.

You can find Martha Stewart Living on Facebook

You can also follow the MS Craft department

Martha Stewart has her own Twitter account where she lists herself as a “curious, inquisitive, experimental entrepreneur who cares about the world we live in.”

If the Martha Stewart website seems a bit overwhelming in the vastness of its size, check out the section on the bottom where you can find more information about the topics that they cover and all of their websites.

The Everyday Houseblend blog is primarily focused on the Martha Stewart Living brand. It is a great resource for MS fans.

An overview of the history of Martha Stewart’s publications on a weblog – Martha’s Moments – that also celebrates all things Martha Stewart

A day in the life of Martha Stewart

Martha Stewart on The View (part 1) and (part 2)

Never one to let dust gather under her feet, Martha Stewart is packing up her TV show and moving to the Hallmark channel. If you work out of the home during the day, check out video clips online or set your digital recorder!

If you are not British and don’t live in the United Kingdom, the River Cottage TV series videos posted online just might be a refreshing find. The premise of the show focuses on Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall and his efforts to be a rural small holder, growing his own food (fruits, vegetables and livestock). On the River Cottage website he is described as a “talented writer, broadcaster and campaigner, known for his uncompromising commitment to seasonal, and ethically produced food”.

Concepts such as the 100 mile challenge (which started in British Columbia and is now on Food Network) and TV shows such as the Wild Gourmets are primers to appreciate the spirit of the River Cottage shows. The “Wild Gourmet” hosts show how you can hunt, barter and eat wild foods. Their recipe for spiced squirrel popcorn is a culinary eye opener that comes to mind!

So if you’ve been planning to start a garden on your balcony, in your backyard or in a rented plot or half acre, sit back and enjoy the River Cottage shows. Who knows? You might be inspired enough to give up your current lifestyle and start a genuine small holding venture.