Packing My Bags For Stockholm
As you know, I travel quite a bit and I thought it would be fun for you to see some of my routine preparation and packing. By the time you read this, I will be in Stockholm, Sweden. The purpose of the journey is to attend the annual Bonnier GRID media conference. GRID was launched in 2008, bringing together 250 exciting and passionate people from Bonnier companies around the globe for a two-day summit of idea-sharing. This year, I was asked to be one of the speakers, an exciting list that includes media entrepreneurs, best-selling writers, professors, political hot shots, scientists, humanitarians, artists, musicians, and a magician. The theme this year is “It’s All About Passion,” a subject very dear to me. Other speakers include wildly successful Eat Pray Love author Elizabeth Gilbert and Alec Ross, Senior Advisor on Innovation to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. I hope to share a bit of Sweden with you soon.
2 Shaun, my gardener, came to the kitchen where I gave specific instructions for him and the ground's crew.
10 This is my new favorite body cleanser from Mario Badescu. My skin has gotten so smooth from using it.
14 Eliad has packed all of my electronics in plastic bags. It helps to keep them organized and avoids cord tangles. It also keeps them safe from potential liquid spills.
15 One of these computers is set up for a my presentation in Sweden. The other is my personal travel laptop.
16 Using the Kindle app for my iPad - I'm reading Wolf Hall, a fictionalized biography concerning the rapid rise to power of Thomas Cromwell, 1st Earl of Essex in the court of Henry VIII of England.
18 I wanted to see Flawless, Transiberian, The Boys are Back - and then I clicked on Coco before Chanel.
21 I always pack Korean Ginseng Tea - I feel it's beneficial for increasing energy and boosting the immune system.
23 While I was busy packing, Guy Hodges, the bee keeper arrived to brief me on the hives. He brought two supers from the hives.







I pray that you have a safe journey, and a good time while gone, but...hurry back, as you'll be missed.
Take care of yourself.
Gloria!!
Posted by: Gloria | September 3rd, 2010 at 12:12 am
I love the platoon that it takes to keep the farm moving along and get you ready for a major trip at the same time.
I don't think I've ever seen Sharkey and Francesca look so sad before. I'd have a hard time leaving those sweeties behind. How does GK handle you being gone on trips?
Have a great, safe trip Martha. I look forward to the upcoming blog posts from Stockholm.
Posted by: Sonya | September 3rd, 2010 at 1:00 am
Martha I wish that I could just travel half as much as you do!
http://www.meandmartha.net
So many exciting places and people to see and meet!! Stay safe..and have a wonderful trip!
Dan Viger
Hollis Center, Maine
Posted by: Daniel Viger | September 3rd, 2010 at 1:04 am
I just went home from Stockholm. I live i Denmark just 3 hours from the border to Sweden and 1 hours flight from my home to Stockholm. I would love to see Martha, but have to work.
Sweden or Scandinavia is a lovely place, maby the MSO show would like to do some shows about os an your countrys.
Posted by: Christian Rathje | September 3rd, 2010 at 1:58 am
Have a wonderful trip Martha. Its a shame that you are so close to the UK and can't come over. Soon, I hope. I loved the photos of you getting ready to go, the behind the scenes posts are the photos I look forward to the most.
Posted by: Pru | September 3rd, 2010 at 2:39 am
Enjoy Stockholm, Looking forward to the pictures, I hope you get to visit the Gamla Stan, Sodermalm, maybe shops like Granit or Design Torget. The princess Victoria was wed this summer and the wedding was amazing. Hope you get to see some images and footage. Thank you for packing tips, will travel to Helsinki now so taking the advice on technology packing right now.
Best regards
Titta Jones
Dublin
Posted by: Titta | September 3rd, 2010 at 4:13 am
love your post Martha! I wish you a safe and successful trip. Bonne chance!
Posted by: Rowaida Flayhan | September 3rd, 2010 at 4:15 am
Well you are definitely an exciting and passionate person! Have a safe trip and definitely looking foward to your blog from Sweden! Thanks Martha
Posted by: maria | September 3rd, 2010 at 4:16 am
Prayers for a safe and wonderful trip!! Can't wait for the updates. Blessings
Posted by: Cynthia | September 3rd, 2010 at 5:25 am
Will be looking forward to the pictures (you take such great pics) and your updates on the blog. Enjoy!!
Posted by: Cathy | September 3rd, 2010 at 7:42 am
A warm welcome to my hometown Stockholm! I just wish the weather was a bit better here.
Have a nice time here!
Thank you for a nice show and also I am a big fan of your crafts. Especially the punches!
Posted by: Annalee | September 3rd, 2010 at 8:15 am
Oh the look on Sharkey's face ! ! So precious!!!
Posted by: Jah | September 3rd, 2010 at 8:28 am
Earle is at the outerbanks North Carolina now at 8:27AM EST. In Philadelphia we are expecting rain and winds on Friday afternoon. The storm is expected 100 miles off of the South New Jersey shore this afternoon at 75 to 80 miles per hour for now. Safe travels....I look forward to seeing your postings from the conference. Sharkey, GK and Francesca will be cared for by your wonderful staff at Bedford - I have no doubts. Your insights from the conference will help us with a good, productive fall. I like print and online news as well. It would be neat for a magazine article on that topic. Like how to choose between Ipad, kindle, etc...and how to keep the print papers organized and decluttered....information soceity gives us so many choices.
Posted by: Teresa Touey | September 3rd, 2010 at 8:32 am
I hate leaving my animals when I have to go on trips too! I don't travel nearly as much nor as organized for every moment of my trip! I chuckle with delight that you even have a crisp fresh picked apple for the ride to the airport. I would need a small paring knife to cut it as I can't eat them right off the core! I'm sure you probably have this packed away neatly too!!!! I admire your organization and while I too organize, I still like to have less to read and more time enjoying the sites and sounds than reading. I hope you have an enjoyable trip!!
Posted by: Amy | September 3rd, 2010 at 8:38 am
It is good to be Martha!
I also love the movie 'Coco before Chanel'. Very good.
Posted by: Janice | September 3rd, 2010 at 8:58 am
Have a great trip!!! I am inspired to be organized just looking at the photos. In fact, just go back from White Plains this weekend and I loved that all my electronics were in plastic bags.(your idea) it also makes it so nice to put them away after traveling!!
Posted by: Darlene | September 3rd, 2010 at 9:01 am
Hi Martha,
Safe travels! You look wonderfully happy.
So fun to hear about your apples. I just adore this apple season up here in Vermont.
Smiles,
Courtney Contos
Posted by: Courtney Contos | September 3rd, 2010 at 9:06 am
Hi Martha,
Thanks for letting us see your traveling preparations including the two sad little faces of Sharkey & Franny. Enjoy your visit to Stockholm and I know your speech will be inspiring. I look forward to a few pictures on Twitpic and of course more when you return. I liked your traveling outfit too. Have fun! Trish
Posted by: Trish | September 3rd, 2010 at 10:34 am
In a word, "WOW". What insight into the life of an all-American, female entrepreneur! You know what impresses me most? It's not the lavish grounds, or the team management, it's Martha's excellent documentation and story-telling.
If a travel site offered a free trip to someone for "Explaining how they prepare for a trip", Martha would have won first place!!!
Great content - well done!
Posted by: Kathy Tito | September 3rd, 2010 at 11:48 am
Aww, Francesca and Sharkey remind me of the look on our cat's face when we start packing. They KNOW you're leaving and get "pouty". Anyway, gave a wonderful trip!
Posted by: Kim Wylie | September 3rd, 2010 at 11:50 am
Hi Martha!
Hope you are having a great time here in Sweden!
Wish i could have come and seen you, that would have been amazing!
But i live in Gothenburg, almost across the country..
Love Emelie
Posted by: emelie | September 3rd, 2010 at 12:06 pm
Welcome to Sweden
Posted by: Jilina.se | September 3rd, 2010 at 12:10 pm
Aw, the doggies are breaking my heart! And I pack the same way for trips, everything in ziplock bags. Have a fantastic trip.
P.S: I want your Goyard tote! Love it.
Posted by: Delilah | September 3rd, 2010 at 12:26 pm
Such an interesting day for you...hope it's everything you expect and more...nice following you on Twitter...and hope to one day meet you...
Posted by: Cay Livin | September 3rd, 2010 at 12:33 pm
Hi Martha, This sure was a fun blog about getting ready to fly to Stockholm. Thank God you have such great helpers for everything you need to do. I'm sure your animals and farm will be well cared for while you are gone. Love your traveling outfit! Did you get all of those things into that one suitcase?! Sharkey and Franny sure did look sad, but at least they have Carlos and others to look after them. Where was G.K.? Bet he was sad, too. Loved all of these photos. The new honey sure did look great. Just read 2 twitpics from Kevin-tell him thanks! Have fun!! Jan
Posted by: Jan Erickson | September 3rd, 2010 at 12:46 pm
Ah Sweden, never been there but married a Swede. I love their clean style, healthy food and their Christmas Smorgasbord. They have a wonderful love of nature and the outdoors. My favorite Swedish blog that you might enjoy Martha. wonderfulsweden.blogspot.com
Enjoy your visit and be sure to enjoy a piece of limpa (sweet rye bread ) with herring on it. Delicious. Hej da!!1
Posted by: Frances | September 3rd, 2010 at 12:54 pm
There's a tropical storm watch in Bedford. My folks are in Pound Ridge so I've been paying attention.... Have a great trip! And the foreign adapters -- very important. I only forgot those once on a trip to England haha.
Posted by: Skyler M. | September 3rd, 2010 at 12:59 pm
Martha, thanks for sharing this blog.
Posted by: KLBrown | September 3rd, 2010 at 1:13 pm
I can't wait to see you interview Donna Karan! Especially after reading the tidbits about her in Shift by Peter Arnell, I can't get enough Donna!
Maybe you can use your business acumen to get the Hallmark business managers to sell their darn channel to a Canadian provider... please
Posted by: R. | September 3rd, 2010 at 1:36 pm
You have two coastal vacation homes and both are in Hurricane Earl's path. I'm sure your excellent staff has everything under control and no need for you to worry. Have a very safe and enjoyable trip!
Gloria
p.s. I love what Kathy Tito wrote in this post!
Posted by: Gloria Brown, Winterport, ME | September 3rd, 2010 at 3:12 pm
Best of luck. I think the hardest part is walking out the door, glancing back and around; always makes me say "wait I don't need to go". But of course the dogs give me the same look when I am just leaving them to go buy groceries. Loved the candid kitchen shots.
Posted by: Margie | September 3rd, 2010 at 5:27 pm
Safe travels Martha!!! hope you have fun and post many images... i've always wanted to go because it is the best preserved medieval city in the world and i love scandinavian sense of style and color... enjoy and wish you a great trip!
Posted by: Punctuation Mark | September 3rd, 2010 at 5:28 pm
Hi Martha,
Such a beautiful time of year to travel. I always enjoy your fall issues. The air even smells different.
I send an email yesterday to your staff at customersupport@marthastewart.com and was hoping you would get a chance to read it. I know you are a busy lady. I am passionate as well and a bit of a dreamer as you will see!
I will send you some of my unique food products in the very near future. You won't be disappointed.
Hope you discover something new to be passionate about on your trip,or even just get new inspiration for an old passion.
Posted by: Julie | September 3rd, 2010 at 5:52 pm
Martha...an apple a day...it gives you passion!
Posted by: sherey | September 3rd, 2010 at 6:19 pm
You look very happy! And I am surprised to see that you travel "light", how many times we see public personnality travelling with so many luggages. Bravo
Posted by: Annie | September 3rd, 2010 at 8:06 pm
Hi Martha. That was fun. Thanks for sharing part of you trip prep.. Love the Flawless movie (Demi Moore and Michael Cain) for your trip. The idea of a strong woman like your self blazing a trail is one of the themes of Flawless... Keep up the good work and if you need just one more devoted fan to hang out with you on any of our trips don't hesitate to ask! LOL
Posted by: Loren B | September 3rd, 2010 at 8:33 pm
What a great blog, So glad you included your travel plans. I am amazed at your sharing info about these VIPS. An avid reader, I admire Elizabeth Gilbert but the movie was too long. Thanks again for giving us a glimpse of an exciting way to live.
Posted by: ann | September 3rd, 2010 at 10:49 pm
Welcome to Stockholm where I live. It´s a wonderful city...Nice to find yur blog Martha!
Posted by: Cinna | September 4th, 2010 at 4:45 am
that sharkie Photo broke my heart!
Posted by: Kristian | September 4th, 2010 at 11:26 am
Welcome to Sweden!
I hope you'll find Stockholm a nice place and I am sure you'll enjoy some of the sights. If you have time visit Drottningholm (one of the castles) and Millesgarden. There are ofcourse a lot of nice design, both clean and modern but also the typical scandinavian styles like Gustaviansk style. Enjoy yourself and I am sure you'll impress the Bonnier Media Group.
From Sweden
Posted by: ewa holmberg | September 5th, 2010 at 7:03 am
Welcome to Sweden !
!
I hope you will have a wonderful time in our marvellous country and will be enjoying fine weather
Kind regards
Liselott
Posted by: Liselott Piper | September 5th, 2010 at 7:58 am
Martha,
I love how you have your name on your G11! I should do that. It is a fabulous travel camera. I also enjoyed seeing your packing skills because it is something I am working to improve. Have a great trip!
Posted by: Wendy | September 5th, 2010 at 12:35 pm
The conference sounds so exciting! I can't wait to hear more about it. Have a wonderful trip.
Angela
Posted by: Angela (Oh She Glows) | September 5th, 2010 at 12:38 pm
Dear Martha, I can't say how much I adore you or you love for simple and classic domestic elegance. I have learned so much from you and I'm only 25 years old. I'd love for you to visit my "kitchen" sometime, which you can find at http://www.thesoulfulspoon.com
Have a wonderful trip!
Moore, SC
Heather McClees
The Soulful Spoon
Posted by: Heather McClees | September 5th, 2010 at 2:44 pm
You are too cute! I love your luggage, and seeing the steps you take when leaving your home. Bon Voyage, Martha!
Posted by: Marybeth | September 5th, 2010 at 3:03 pm
Great story! Have a wonderful time and bring back lots of pictures! Safe travels Martha.
Posted by: Mia | September 5th, 2010 at 4:59 pm
Hav sjov i Stockholm!
Posted by: delia | September 6th, 2010 at 10:05 am
Only three bags in the car trunk? Great job Martha. I've never visited Sweden; but, sure would love to do so. I am looking forward to your reports on the conference. I am a woman 60+ building my freelance writing career after the sudden death of my husband many years ago. It's a very slow climb with many jagged edges. A big smile to your lovely dogs...so darling. Thanks Martha
Posted by: http://twitter.com/Geotravel | September 6th, 2010 at 1:40 pm
Hi Martha! Didn't know you take Korean ginseng tea! Does it really help increase energy?
Posted by: foongpc | September 6th, 2010 at 1:50 pm
Have a nice stay here in Stockholm!
Posted by: Hanshi | September 6th, 2010 at 3:14 pm
Safe Journey, I hope you'll get as nice weather as we do, up north in Lapland, where I live.
Autumn chill, mushrooms, berries, hunting, lovely colours and clean, cold air in combination with a really nice and warm sun- it is not too bad to be here at the moment.
In Stockholm I guess summer still lingers a bit thou...
Thanks for a great show, and website, what a bless to be able to work with what you love! I'm working towards it... I hope.
I try and keep up hera att the website, as I'm at work when your shows are on at swedish. television
Posted by: Margareta | September 6th, 2010 at 5:03 pm
Safe Journey, I hope you'll get as nice weather as we do, up north in Lapland, where I live.
Autumn chill, mushrooms, berries, hunting, lovely colours and clean, cold air in combination with a really nice and warm sun- it is not too bad to be here at the moment.
In Stockholm I guess summer still lingers a bit thou...
Thanks for a great show, and website, what a bless to be able to work with what you love! I'm working towards it... I hope.
I try and keep up here at the website, as I'm at work when your shows are on at swedish. television
Posted by: Margareta | September 6th, 2010 at 5:05 pm
I from Texas but my daughter, Susanne E. Starnes, was a part of your audience and she loved your presentations!
Posted by: Willie E. Starnes | September 7th, 2010 at 11:44 am
-- Hi. I like Swedish literature. Now I'm reading HASH by Torgny Lindgren. Earlier this summer I enjoyed Stieg Larsson's GIRL WITH DRAGON TATTOO. --
Posted by: Mina I. | September 7th, 2010 at 4:28 pm
Martha, I hope you enjoy Stockholm. I heard you visited Svindersviks Brygghus on sunday, isn´t it lovely? I got married there a few weeks ago and it was of course wonderful. During the preparations for the wedding I got a lot of inspiration from your wedding-site, thank you!
Posted by: Jenny | September 8th, 2010 at 8:43 am
Bravo, you were visited with simply magnificent ide
Posted by: language learning | December 27th, 2010 at 5:25 am