NYC – Alice Meets Martha Stewart

Photo by Patrick Butler

What do you do when you receive an invitation to meet the editors of Martha Stewart Omnimedia? First, you re-read the email making sure it’s addressed to you. Next, you call your husband at work talking so fast with such excitement he can hardly understand a word you’re saying. Lastly, you book a round trip ticket to New York City and respond to the invitation with a big fat “YES, I’LL BE THERE!!!” while pure adrenalin presses down on every letter of your laptop setting spell check into a total frenzy.

Photo by Patrick Butler

Last Thursday, members of Martha’s Circle blogging network were invited to meet the editors of MSLO and walk through a private tour of their offices. When I arrived to the building I was happy to see fellow food blogging friends, Olga of Sassy Radish, Aran of Cannelle-Vanille, and Matt and Adam of Matt Bites. As we toured the offices I was struck by how fashionable every employee was dressed – think Devil Wears Prada.

Photo by Patrick Butler

Yummy Treats for an Upcoming Photo Shoot. Photo by Patrick Butler

We had the opportunity to check out the test kitchens, photo studios, and take a great look at the props room. As we were walking down the hall, who would we see on the other side of the glass engaged in a meeting? None other than Martha Stewart. It was so surreal. Here we were and there she was. She came out to greet us and told our group she would see us after the meeting. She was as beautiful and gracious as I imagined.

Photo by Patrick Butler

As our tour came to an end, Martha re-appeared before our group right in front of me. I took the time to tell her what an amazing influence she has been in my life since I was in high school. From there we were ushered into the much anticipated and talked about MSLO Blogger’s Night Out Party.

Photo by Patrick Butler

It was everything you would expect it to be – a party straight out of a MS Living magazine. With a sweeping view of the city, there were plenty of food and drinks to keep every party goer happy. There was also tables set up with editors and employees representing each arm of MSLO from food, design, weddings, crafts, radio, and television. Guests were treated to a night of fun, makeovers, and nice swag (goodie bags) to remember the evening by.

Photo by Patrick Butler

As much fun as I had, I couldn’t help but think about how fortunate I was to have had the opportunity to say “thank you” to Martha for being such a powerful source of inspiration in my life. I still recall all the crafts, cards, cookies, and wedding cakes I’ve made inspired by her books, show, and magazines. Everyone I knew wanted to be like Martha and here I was talking to her one-on-one. Incredible!

As I was leaving, I was stopped by the MSLO film team for a video segment. I haven’t seen it but if I remember correctly, I was very nervous and excited all at the same time.

Photo by Patrick Butler

Many thanks to all the editors and staff who made my New York City to see MSLO so wonderful. A special thanks to Mark Ganem for his gracious and fun spirit.