A day in my life - part one
As you know, I live a very busy and varied life. On Monday, I had to make a trip to Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to attend a book signing at a Williams - Sonoma store at the King of Prussia Mall, the largest shopping mall on the east coast of the United States. The book signing was from 11AM to 1PM followed by a delicious lunch at Pod, a trendy Philadelphia restaurant. After eating, we went directly to the Wharton School, where I spoke and gave a Power Point presentation to approximately 500 guests. The topic was: Building the Martha Stewart Brand, followed by a lengthy Q&A from the students. It lasted more than 30 minutes! When the lecture was over, we were whisked away to catch our flight back home.
I spent the evening at my home working on various projects, while watching the World Series, rooting for my favorite team, the New York Yankees. It was then off to bed only to rise early again the next morning and travel to my Manhattan TV studio to arrive at hair and makeup at 8AM. I hope you enjoy these photos from Part One of my long and busy day in Philadelphia. Check out tomorrow's blog and I'll give you a glimpse into Part Two.
2 After my early morning exercise, Mary Curran was ready to fix my hair and apply my makeup between mouthfuls of my favorite Uncle Sam's cereal and fresh fruit.
3 My office at home is in my kitchen and here I am checking my morning emails. I have a MacBook Air and a Sony Vaio - I know - I can have it all on one computer, but I prefer the two software platforms side by side.
4 Time for my morning indulgence of a deliciously rich cappuccino - I also offer this frothy brew to anyone in the kitchen.
8 Francesca and Sharkey are always sad when they see me packing up to leave. However, it's only for the day and they are always in good hands.
9 With today's newspapers in hand, it's time to leave for the airport and yikes, my hair is already messy!
10 Over the weekend, I made a list of garden chores. On my way out, I met up with Shaun, my gardener, about what requires his immediate attention.
11 This is Manny, one of my security detail, giving a friendly wave goodbye as we drove out the of gate.
13 The mandatory pre-flight safety briefing - I have heard all of this thousands of times, but I always pay attention.
15 Looking down the Hudson River - That's the George Washington Bridge with Manhattan on the left and New Jersey on the right.
18 Two vehicles greeted us on the tarmac - Susan Magrino, my publicist, is signaling for everyone to get moving.
19 How sad - I always feel so badly when wildlife is hit on the roadway - This is an unfortunate red fox.
22 MSLO employees - William Van Roden - with his mother, Dee - and Ellen Morrissey - They happened to be in the area and decided to come to the book signing. I was so happy to see them in Philadelphia, that I invited them to join us for lunch.
24 Roasted pumpkin soup, found on page 168 of my new Dinner at Home book, was served to the crowd. Everyone loved it.
35 In the back room of the store, the Williams - Sonoma employees left me a message on their blackboard.
39 This is Kelly McDade, who was the winner of last year's USA Today's Cooking with Martha Contest. I was happy to see her again.
Photos By Eliad Laskin







Bonsoir Martha,
Greetings from northern Ontario!
Enjoyed your photo of Westchester County airport.
I placed one of my Pekingese puppies, a sleeve, with a wonderful lady in New Rochelle, nice to have a view of the area. After a 34 year career as a teacher, I now devote my time to breeding & showing my Pekes. Enjoy your show, watch you every morning.
Regards,
Micheline
Posted by: Micheline Pigeon | November 4th, 2009 at 12:39 am
Martha was at POD and I live just next door! Why didn't anyone tell meee?
Oh well, it was a great talk!! Sorry about the long q&a session haha
Posted by: Jerry Yeh | November 4th, 2009 at 1:20 am
Good morning dear Martha! WOW!!! What a wonderful, busy, full schedule and productive day. Wish you always good health, safety and success. I like the table you were signing your books on. Thank you for sharing this day in your life with us.
God bless!
Posted by: Rowaida Flayhan | November 4th, 2009 at 2:08 am
Martha -
I totally love when you spotlight and celebrate all people. I loved seeing your gardener and security man, as well as all the people who helped make this book siging such an obviously huge success. It's great that you understand it's always a team effort. Kudos to a classy lady.
Posted by: Marie | November 4th, 2009 at 3:58 am
Hello Martha,
How does an Australian fan subscribe to your beautiful 'Living' magazine?
The people from 'Downunder' are proud homemakers too!
Regards
Christine
Posted by: Christine Collins | November 4th, 2009 at 4:10 am
Martha, that looks like an awesome day at King of Prussia. So glad that your book signing was such a lovely success!!
Posted by: Lynn from For Love or Funny | November 4th, 2009 at 6:40 am
Hello Martha:
You were close to the Philly area signing books.
Thanks for coming to the area. I know you are rooting for the Yankees, but our Phillies are fighters and, who knows, they just may take that trophy. It's not over till its over.
Anyway, some day maybe you will come to center city Philly, King of Prussia is a bit of a ride from Philly. Thanks for sharing your day with us. I always enjoy your blog.
Linda
Phila., PA
Posted by: Linda | November 4th, 2009 at 8:19 am
I’m exhausted after reading today’s post …
You are very hands-on throughout your days! I think that may be the secret to why you seem younger than most people in your age group. And you do everything with a smile …very classy!
Posted by: Gloria Brown, Winterport, ME | November 4th, 2009 at 8:59 am
What a great blog post! Thanks for the peek into your day. I met you in Chicago for a book signing in May, and I had always wondered who all was in your entourage (publicist, Mary, etc.). Good to know the entire Martha crew!
Posted by: Amanda | November 4th, 2009 at 9:15 am
Dear Martha,
Your life is so full of wonderful adventures I can't wait to read your blog every morning you jump start my days with yours, you give me inspiration and lift me up even if I'm have a bad day.
Thank you
Bernadette W
Posted by: Bernadette | November 4th, 2009 at 9:34 am
Martha,
It is so amazing to me how you do all this. Where do you get all the energy? And I know you only sleep 4-5 hours a night, you never seem tired. What is your secret?
Diane
Posted by: diane roumeliotis | November 4th, 2009 at 9:50 am
Good to see that even Martha has one of those gosh-darn doggie gates in her house. F and s are adorable.
Posted by: Rhonda | November 4th, 2009 at 10:20 am
You and your peeps sure know how to throw a party! It looks like fun. Your book is on my Christmas list....I hope Santa delivers! Thanks for staying available to your fans.
Posted by: Morgan | November 4th, 2009 at 10:49 am
Thanks for sharing your day with so many of your fans. I really like seeing what you are up to and it sounds like a lot!
I would love to tag along but I think I would have to have a nap with your busy itinerary!
Posted by: Brian | November 4th, 2009 at 11:17 am
Martha, remember signing books at The Village Green Bookstore in Amherst, NY way back before you started your magazine? (The line wasn't quite so long then.) I love how you inscribed personal comments before your signature. My kids say,"did Martha really sign this book?" Yes, Martha, we go way back. Cathy K
Posted by: Cathybytheriver | November 4th, 2009 at 11:39 am
What a wonderful day that looks like!!
Posted by: Jessica @ How Sweet It Is | November 4th, 2009 at 11:44 am
Martha how did you like Steinberg - Dietrich / Vance Halls at Penn? I wish I had more exciting lecturers like you whilst I was an undergrad at Wharton.
Posted by: Ricky | November 4th, 2009 at 11:50 am
Martha-
Wow. I guess I CAN believe how busy you are, but you're always going. I'm glad to see that people appreciate what you offer as much as I do. Love the photos!
Posted by: Jessica | November 4th, 2009 at 11:52 am
Love your tweets Martha,and love your show, you are a wonderful person to see on television! Thanks for your smiles! Love all the info on your shows, and cooking recipes...it's because of you that I am trying to cook! Thanks! A
Posted by: Angelwinged10 | November 4th, 2009 at 11:52 am
Yikes what a schedule....
Did you have this post planned or was it my comment from yesterday.."Martha for a Day"...that inspired...I'd like to think it was MOI !!! lol
Great post ...600 books WOW...at what number does your hand start to cramp ???
All the best,
Kathy
ps that froth for your coffee is just the way I like mine YUM !!!
Posted by: Kathy :) | November 4th, 2009 at 12:01 pm
Loved the post. You are amazing. Please try to come to Orlando for a book signing. We'd love to have you here. PS, the weather here is fantastic!
Posted by: Angela | November 4th, 2009 at 12:18 pm
I had to chuckle at the very beginning, Martha...if Mary was applying your makeup between spoonsful of cereal (THEN, the frothy cappucino), my initial tho'ts were that wouldn't you end up with a milk moustache, and Mary would have to do some repetitive touch-ups?! [giggle] Mary had the same idea, didn't she?!
~
This trip was FUN - a true 'day-in-the-life'! God-bless-ya', though - HOW do you do it?! Go go GO! You're not a sleeper, you don't LOOK like you don't sleep, that mind of yours never turns itself off, your energy is palpable - what a bundle of a dynamo you are, Martha - a wonderful bundle of all that you are!
~
I absolutely love you! (there I go again!... [giggle] )
=^..^=
~
(here is another befitting garden tho't, as I flip over to thought #30 [of 101]:)
"Why is it that so many of us persist in thinking that autumn is a sad season? Nature has merely fallen asleep, and her dreams must be beautiful if we are to judge by her countenance."--Samuel Taylor Coleridge
Posted by: Cindy Bricker | November 4th, 2009 at 12:25 pm
I LOVED this! Can't wait to see part II!
Posted by: Mario | November 4th, 2009 at 12:28 pm
/Users/joycetoye/Desktop/IMG_0132_3.jpg The first year of my garden in Maine. Espaliered pear tree and the trellis for climbing hydrangeas.
Posted by: joyce Toye Hartmann | November 4th, 2009 at 12:44 pm
Thanks for sharing - quite interesting. I'll look forward to Part II!
Posted by: Sue Fawcett | November 4th, 2009 at 12:45 pm
Martha...a very busy day for you and yet you just keep rolling along in what looks like an effortless endeavour but i know how much can go into 'effortless'.
I love that you continue to inspire and have no intentions of stopping!
Now we are waiting for Part 2.
Wishing you wonderful days and relaxing evenings!
Sherey
Posted by: sherey | November 4th, 2009 at 12:56 pm
With love from Belgium !
Posted by: Chris | November 4th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
Whe love the shows over here !
Posted by: Chris | November 4th, 2009 at 1:13 pm
Enjoyed the photos very much!What a busy life you lead,I look forwatd to part 2.I've been a fan since the beginning, I cherish my books and magazine of yours.Met you in Boston many, years ago, when Gardening came out, would love to see you here again... great new book!Thank you for sharing all that you do,learn, and you life with us.
Posted by: Wendy | November 4th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Hi Martha,
For quite a long time I have wondered how you managed to do all the things that you do and still look great at the end of the day, and I know I have mentioned that to you a few hundred times in my emails. Anyway, whenever I read a magazine article about "A day in the life of Martha Stewart", I get the urge to take a nap! I’m not a slouch but I don’t think I could ever keep up with you and I wouldn’t try. I am quite happy that you are overly energized, enthusiastic, creative, inspiring, etc. because the rewards of all of that and more goes to us. Many people have said that this world is a more beautiful place because of you and I agree because YES IT IS! Thanks so much for all that you do! Trish
Posted by: Trish | November 4th, 2009 at 1:23 pm
Wow! I love seeing this side of you! I follow you regularly on Twitter and enjoy all of the great tips you share. I have to say these pictures of your life behind the scenes are so captivating...I want more!!!
Posted by: Katherine George Chu | November 4th, 2009 at 1:39 pm
I am ready to be the "Martha" on the west coast.
Posted by: Alicia Hanson | November 4th, 2009 at 1:53 pm
I wish you would visit our Williams and Sonoma store here in Charlotte, NC It is one of my fav. stores. Thanks for posting the pic's.
Posted by: Robin S. | November 4th, 2009 at 2:28 pm
Martha,
Please come to Dallas for a book signing. My 18 year old daughter Chelsea love's you. You are her number one idol and she wishes that you were her mother:)
Posted by: Arleta | November 4th, 2009 at 2:32 pm
Wow - that's beautiful!
Posted by: Natalie Vondersmith | November 4th, 2009 at 2:33 pm
Why no northwest signings with this book? I used to live in Southern California and was so disappointed that you went there but not up to Seattle (or even Portland... I can drive!). I'm hoping for the next one I'll be able to catch you.
I'd love to meet you.
Posted by: Emily | November 4th, 2009 at 2:43 pm
Thanks for visiting Philadelphia and for signing my cookbook!!
I am so excited to try all of the winter recipes as the chilly air sweeps through the city!
p.s. hope you enjoy my haiku teacups!
Posted by: alexis | November 4th, 2009 at 2:49 pm
Thank you for sharing the slideshow. Very different from my day, and entertaining! Fun to imagine being a multi-media mogul like yourself. Cheers.
Posted by: Kate Summers | November 4th, 2009 at 3:14 pm
I wish I had half your energy. Not sure if you read these comments, but would it be possible to get Jonathan Safran Foer on your show? Thank you for leading us by examle on how to live a healthy and green lifestyle.
Posted by: julia | November 4th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
Hello Martha, LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your show and watch it everyday! I grew up just 20 mins. from King of Prussia Mail. Did you get a chance to go to Valley Forge? Hoping that SOMEDAY, I will get to go to a book signing and meet you. Are you ever coming to Arizona???
Thanks for sharing all the photos.
Lois
Posted by: L Follmer | November 4th, 2009 at 3:51 pm
I am exhausted just veiwing all you did in one day....where do you get the energy?..We are close to the same age...won't say what that is Martha, lol, but I don't think I could keep up with you...in saying that , I realize you have a large staff, but I know from being a business owner myself, it doesn't get done all by itself, one needs to know what is going on in all aspects of the business..it is alot...and I'm amazed at what you accomplish..and quite well might I say..looking forward to checking out you book at W. Sonoma soon..thanks for the pictures..
Posted by: Dianna L Neu | November 4th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
I found your day great, as a retired teacher and before Tivo I never had time to watch your show...I love it, you got me through surgery and radiation...your photos of Westchester and the Hudson are beautiful...I am a fan of White Plains Airport also...easy in and easy out.
I find your show and your interest in so many things have brought me back to many things I liked in the past but lost being so busy over the years...gardening, especially orchids,pets I am a cavalier King Charles lover but your Frenchies are so cute and needlework if only I could enjoy cooking. Thank you
Posted by: WYNNIE | November 4th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
LOVE IT! Can't wait for part 2. It's always very interesting to see how you actually spend a day!
Posted by: Julie | November 4th, 2009 at 4:55 pm
Wow, I have to say I twinge with jealousy over the fantastic nature of your life. Do you ever just pinch yourself and think "I'm on a PRIVATE JET!" It is all so grand and wonderful I can only imagine you must be the most gracious and deserving person. My grandmother always asks people "If you had one word to describe yourself, what would it be?" I always choose "clever", she chooses "fun". Out of curiosity, what one word would use to describe yourself? Thanks for sharing your daily adventure. I'm off to help my 3 year old "doctor" a stuffed bunny.
Posted by: Robin | November 4th, 2009 at 5:02 pm
Do you always read your newspapers on a daily basis in print? or do you combine it with the internet version?
Posted by: Teresa Touey | November 4th, 2009 at 6:06 pm
I wish I could've been there! Hopefully one day there is a signing close to Tulsa that I can sneak off too. Until then, my back issues of Martha Stewart Living that I started collecting will keep me busy (So far I have 1995 - present)!
Posted by: Kari | November 4th, 2009 at 6:27 pm
Just one question. When do you put on the comfortable shoes?
Posted by: Margie | November 4th, 2009 at 6:49 pm
I have said this a million times: How great it would be to be able to spend a day with Martha, just be able to watch, learn, listen and chat with her. Thanks for the continuous sharing that you do. Our family has loved you since day one and will continue to do so. Continued success as always.
ps...I'm available any day to watch, learn, listen and chat...
Posted by: Mona C | November 4th, 2009 at 8:26 pm
Looking through your behind-the-scenes photos and reading the great captions was really fun. Thanks for sharing, Martha!
Posted by: Patia | November 4th, 2009 at 8:36 pm
Hello Martha,I just wanted to comment on how gracefull you are and that is not a quality people work on in this day.You have such great skill and talent and yet I see how respectful you treat other cooks,etc and I love that quality that I see in you.Thanks for all of the great ideas and knowledge that you share with us all.
Posted by: Sherrie N | November 4th, 2009 at 10:15 pm
My,you do get arround!!!! What a day you had; I can't wait for day two. How about a good week of this. You simply wear down most of us with your energy. That boundless energy is something that you will have to share with us too ,perhaps in your next book ????
Sylvia CMGCLS@cox.net
Posted by: Sylvia | November 4th, 2009 at 10:22 pm
I was at K of P Mall for your signing Tuesday! It was GREAT! We were in line 3 hours but Williams Sonoma was wonderful, passing your cupcakes with coconut frosting, water, etc. It was the best time standing in line I ever had. It's so beautiful there we met really nice people in line too! You looked beautiful, Martha! I was at your show a few times but not as close as I was Monday! Thank you again!
Posted by: Terri Satterfield | November 4th, 2009 at 10:26 pm
Hi Martha, You are by far the busiest, yet most efficient person I have ever seen. You have an extremely busy schedule and you seem to enjoy every minute of it and how nice it is of you to share these things with us. I feel honored to be able to read your blog, watch your TV shows and learn something everyday from you. As I have said before, you are my favorite person in the world. Your show today was wonderful. Good old Emeril sure did a spectacular job of cooking those three dishes. I'm glad he's part of your company. I'm watching our Yankees right now and they are ahead 7 to 3. Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | November 4th, 2009 at 11:59 pm
Dear Martha,
First of all...you are my idol.....Love your work....I am in the middle of moving and going through my living magazing archive.....great stuff....My husband thinks I am crazy for keeping all your mags....but I can't come to part with them.... Keep up the good work....You should come and make an appearance in Greece sometime!!!! I am a new yorker living in Greece....
Posted by: Aurora Hatzis | November 5th, 2009 at 3:17 am
Ilove this new book!! Wonderful. Full of ideas that I will use on a daily basis. I love books that are organize by season - that is how most of us cook.
Posted by: Anne Sauer | November 5th, 2009 at 12:27 pm
Martha I was at your book signing Monday at K of P and also went to your show in NY on Wednesday! My friends and I had such a good time in NY and we got wonderful gifts from you also, thank you. I must say you are much prettier in person! We plan on coming back again.
Posted by: Kelly Meanix | November 5th, 2009 at 9:54 pm
Hi Martha,
Great blog entry... a real glimpse into the hectic life of a hugely successful and respected icon in the food/home industry.
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Posted by: Wendi Hauck | November 11th, 2009 at 10:21 am
Martha Stewart's Hors d'Oeuvres was the first book of yours I purchased. I went to my first Martha Stewart book signing for "Homekeeping" at Lexox Mall in Atlanta. When I got to the table, I couldn't speak! You were so gracious and started talking about how much you loved the Williams-Sonoma store. I hope I have the opportunity to meet you again so I can tell you what an inspiration you have been in my life. Best, Robin
Posted by: Robin Holtson | November 15th, 2009 at 12:10 am
Hi Martha - these are great photos! Thanks for taking the time to share moments from your busy life with us!
Posted by: Ramona Williams | December 8th, 2009 at 10:44 am
Would you consider writing a book containing your motivations and how you maintain your energy ?
Posted by: Donna Laity | December 9th, 2009 at 2:48 pm