A New Look for Martha Stewart Living (Plus a House Tour)

This summer, the latest issues of Martha Stewart Living arrived to subscribers' mailboxes with a new look. At various times throughout the magazine's 22 years in print, there have been revamps, changes in editorial staff and many "new looks" and, because I own 128 issues of Living, I've seen the changing face of the publication across a long period of time. Many changes were subtle and most amounted to the sustained success of the magazine as a "go-to" source of crafters, cooks, and gardeners alike.

After perusing the last two issues of MSL (the first two with the brand new design) I was struck by the overall change in aesthetic--more white space on each page, modern fonts used throughout and a youthful attitude to projects and features. Think: more colorful, more casual, more approachable.

A feature in the September issue of Martha Stewart--showcasing stylist Jessica de Ruiter's California home--that helps underscore this change. Let's take a peek, shall we?

Gathering Ideas for the Half Bathroom

If you follow me on Instagram, you may have seen my photo on Monday:

That day, I received a sample of Trustworth Studios' "Apothocary's Garden" wallpaper I had ordered. I decided immediately it will be used and couldn't wait to share it with my Instagram friends. Thankfully, you all agreed that the paper was as fantastic as I had thought (Adam did too! Yippee!).

The arrival of the paper got my mental wheels turning, so now I'm scheming some changes in the half bathroom. Let me tell you about them...

Meet Me in Philadelphia: The Etsy Shop!

Summer has mostly gotten away from me but I promise it's not all for naught. In fact, I've been pretty productive! First and foremost example of productivity: I've opened my own Etsy shop!  If you've read this blog for any length of time, you know I love hunting and gathering unique vintage and antique finds to add a special touch to my home. But I can't keep everything...so, enter the Meet Me in Philadelphia shop.

Want to see some of what I've got for sale?

Embroidered Monogram Artwork

Hi friends! Long time, no see. July was mostly a blur, so I can't really account for my time but I'm happy to be back here with a quick and easy project that adds another personalized touch to our nearly-completed den. This project incorporates two of my favorite things: monograms and embroidery. 

Pedestal Entry Table with Dentil Trim

Our foyer has been an after-thought since we moved in because we primarily enter using our kitchen door. But recently, with our "window to nowhere" finally closed, I've gotten the itch to create a more welcoming space to greet guests, especially after finding just the right piece to jump start the entry decorating process.

Vacation in Vacationland

Last Sunday, Adam and I headed out for a week-long road trip through New England. We made pit stops in Connecticut (to see my parents) and Boston (to see several friends) before spending a few days with my extended family in Maine. 

Happy Fourth of July!

(via Meet Me in Philadelphia)

Readers, I hope you have a wonderful Fourth of July filled to the brim with lively fireworks, summer fruit and an appreciation of our freedoms.

Happy Independence Day, America!