the burning question

[lorilei]

(tum da dum!)

I'm so curious I can barely stand it...

I know there are a number of you who think Martha Stewart is all that and a bag of chips.

Anyone on the /other/ side? And do you feel evil about it?

Feel free to respond with either opinion But no fighting...
____________________

Lorilei's opinon:

To be fair, I'll answer too.
I don't harbor violent feelings about this at all -- which is part of what makes it interesting to me. To tell you the truth, Martha's a bit "froofy" for me. She's never really affected me as the super-woman type because I don't really equate her projects with being a super woman. She's organized, I'll give her that. But she's generally not my style.

[This message has been edited by lorilei (edited 09-21-2000).]

[lorilei]

Originally posted by lorilei:
(tum da dum!)

I'm so curious I can barely stand it...

I know there are a number of you who think Martha Stewart is all that and a bag of chips.

Anyone on the /other/ side? And do you feel evil about it?

Feel free to respond with either opinion http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/smile.gif But no fighting...
____________________

Lorilei's opinon:

To be fair, I'll answer too.
I don't harbor violent feelings about this at all -- which is part of what makes it interesting to me. To tell you the truth, Martha's a bit "froofy" for me. She's never really affected me as the super-woman type because I don't really equate her projects with being a super woman. She's organized, I'll give her that. But she's generally not my style.

[lorilei]

Hmmm... maybe this question IS evil.

Originally posted by lorilei:

[Vanessa]

I have mix feelings about Martha. Gardening, projects cooking she has a reputation of everything coming out perfectly. In real life recipes sometimes don't come picture perfect nor gardens look like that. I do admire her organizational skills and as a business woman I admire what she has accomplish. Gosh didn't she take cookies to the stock market? Somedays I like her others I really don't.....I like her web site but some of her recipes etc are not very healthy.
I don't have any of her books but I do watch her on tv sometimes. I guess at times she comes through as too meticulous too perfect and maybe that is what I don't like.

[Mandy]

Lemme see...Martha Stewart...good question.

She seems like a good cook, and her magazine is interesting at times, but she does grind on me after a while. Her garden seems wonderful, as does her kitchen. But then again I'm sure if all of us had the time and the $ to put into our garden and kitchen, then I'm sure we could do just as well. If our garden and kitchen were our bread and butter (no pun intended) then we'd be just as good as she is. (Did that make sense?) I guess I don't have strong feelings either way about her.

[SueK]

I have friends that love her show, and her magazine. I find her dishes and crafts to be a bit....interesting and clever, but also a bit unrealistic for the average person that doesn't have 15 hours a day to make things.

I admire her for building the business empire that she has, and for being so creative. I will never be Martha Stewart, and I'm fine with that.

In a nutshell though, I kind of think she's like June Cleaver gone haywire.

[lindrusso]

Some of you might have guessed that I'd have an opinion on this one...

Well, the answer over all is that I like Martha's magazine and her (or her staff's) ideas (I won't even commment on the woman herself, that's irrelevant to me) - and there are many reasons why.

First, she has helped me learn many things that I didn't learn from my mother. Some things (like baking) my mother simply didn't do. Other things - like the joy of hanging clothes on the line and gardening (actually my Dad did that) - my parents did but as a teenager I simply did not care to learn about them. So, Martha has reintroduced me to this.

Second, as a stay-at-home mom whose day revolves around the home, I am grateful to anyone who can take domesticity and make it seem glamorous - even if reality says differently!

Third - I'm not overly creative and love "stealing" all the ideas. And I love the holiday decoration ideas that are so beautiful - I'm not one for stuff like plastic nativity scenes (no offense intended to anyone) and I love to see ideas for doing things beautifully.

That said, I must say that I take it all with a grain of salt. There are some things she does that I LOVE and many things that I have absolutely NO interest in and think are downright ridiculous (like a project that called for ribbon costing $60 per yard - I think you can do lovely things without always using "the best" or the "most expensive"). I disregard anything that is too expensive or time-consuming and pick out the things that appeal to me.

However, if you fall into the trap of thinking that Christmas just won't be good enough if you don't do EVERYTHING as she does - you're in for stress and frustration.

So, she grates on me at times and I don't know how much longer I'll subscribe (I have more ideas than I'll ever use in a lifetime), but she has helped bring me back to a love of doing things from scratch, doing things homemade and doing things beautifully (as I think she said - anyone can do a mediocre job, why not strive for excellence?). In this age of convenience, it's nice to have someone to show me how.

[Holly S]

Gee, I find her to be an overbearing pompous a**. But hey let me share my real feelings. I have watched her show exactly ONE TIME, and that was enough. I am sure she is organized and an inspiration to many, but on this one show, she was doing wedding items. A person that works as part of the show was talking, and Martha, deeming this woman of no consequence, kept speaking right over her as if she wasn't there. I mean really, HOW RUDE. I don't care if you are the host, show these people some respect. Ah, but her "guests" she treated as if they were royalty. But hey, I don't want to hold anything back here...... I do think that many of the ideas shown are brilliant, but then again I know she doesn't do all of that creative thinking all by herself. You were right Lorilei, evil question, worse though is my evil response. And I am usually such a nice person.........

[lorilei]

Originally posted by Holly S:
You were right Lorilei, evil question, worse though is my evil response. And I am usually such a nice person.........

This is, oddly, what fascinates me. Martha has this completely overwhelming effect on people... she *choke* CHANGES them.

Someone once mentioned to me that they thought she might be the "antichrist"... http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

[Natasha]

Well, since you twisted my arm into giving my opinion ...

What little I have seen of Martha drives me around the bend. Okay, not quite, but I find her quite irritating. Because of this, I try to avoid her to the greatest extent possible, and am therefore probably not giving her a fair chance. I m sure she has some good ideas, but I will never find out about them...She just seems to have such an ATTITUDE. (I can t give you specifics because I know so little about her!)

This being said, I still do intend to try Lindrusso s beautiful pizza recipe that she posted a while ago and that came from Martha. Thanks again, Lindrusso!

I should also mention that she doesn t seem to be as omnipresent now as a couple of years ago. Or maybe I m getting better at putting on the blinders! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/wink.gif

Gee, hope I didn t offend anyone! Okay, maybe I offended Martha but I don t think she frequents this boards. Hmmm... maybe she does, under a nom de plume!! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/eek.gif

Hey! Maybe we should tie together this poll and the dishwashing one and place bets on when we think Martha last washed her own dishes! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/tongue.gif Just kidding.

[This message has been edited by Natasha (edited 09-21-2000).]

[BethH]

I just can't stand the way she pronounces the 'h' in herbs! I mean, come on! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/rolleyes.gif

On her show, she drives me nuts but, I do enjoy the magazine from time to time.

[Gail]

You guys are so mean, picking on a national treasure like Martha Stewart. Next thing you're probably going to do is tell me there really isn't an Easter Bunny. She is a saint, my idol, my--- HA HA HA HA! I can't take this any more....! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif

[karen w]

All this time I thought it was just me! I thought the whole world loved and admired her....except me! All I can say is...thank you!

But to be totally fair, I'm with Natasha. I probably have not given her enough of a chance. Yes, she's a remarkable business women whose made remarkable accomplishments, but what comes across on TV etc... is an arrogant, self centered, "froofy" know it all! (sorry, I'm not normally this mean) But come on, nobody is that perfect! Perhaps if we psychoanalyze this, it's a jealousy thing. You think? Naah! I just think she's irritating so I don't watch her at all, and like Natasha-just try to tune her out.
Sorry if I've offended anyone.

P.S. As an aside, my husband(who also hates her!) happened to be watching her show one morning 2 years ago while up early with the kids. She had her mother on as a guest, and they were cooking some of her mother's recipes. He taped the show since the recipes sounded interesting. Her mother's hearty mushroom soup with orzo is delicious and I usually make it several times each winter. If anyones interested, let me know!

[food girl]

Has anyone read the unauthorized Martha bio? Well, not even caring that much, I did read it and it certainly does put a different slant on old M.S.

I do wonder how many interns/junior associates or whoever the idea generators are, sit at home seething as she passes their great ideas off as her own.? Any thoughts?

[lorilei]

Originally posted by food girl:
I do wonder how many interns/junior associates or whoever the idea generators are, sit at home seething as she passes their great ideas off as her own.? Any thoughts?

I'm sure there are a zillion of these people, especially in Martha's case. And they are saints (IMHO) if it doesn't bother them.

I think this happens all too often in the work world -- not just in Martha's world. People's ideas are not always given the credit they are due, and that seems to be the way things are. It's one of life's inequalities. It's also one of those things we should keep in the backs of our own minds as we stroll about, so that we don't do it to someone else.

[BethH]

I know I just got finished bashing MS, but please post that mushroom soup and orzo recipe. Sounds yummy! Its been chilly here in Indiana and its put me in the mood for soup!

[JJeannette]

Okay, I can't resist! Martha ranks right up there with Bob Villa at my house. We are really terrible--we watch their shows just to make fun of them. Actually, her show does come up with some interesting ideas, and a lot of educational segments, but, like others, her attitude gets me! Just heard this A.M. that she has finally made the "billionaire" list---wonder how her neighbors and employees feel about that?

[Beth H]

The funniest thing I ever saw on Martha's show was when she was making squash casserole with a guest. The recipe was one of those topped with marshmellows. Martha asked the guest, "now, where did you get your marshmellows from?" The guest looked perplexed and said, "at the grocery store." Martha said, "oh -- I always make my own mallow." Like she didn't know you could buy it at the store!
I do subscribe to her magazine as I think it has some interesting ideas. However, most of her crafty things are too-time consuming and difficult for me. She makes everything look easy and effortless -- but I think we all would if we had a huge staff doing all the prep work.

[Danielle]

Have you ever seen Martha have her mom on the show? I think it's hilarious the way she calls her "mother" in that way that you know she isn't being sincere. They spoof it a lot on SNL.

I do receive her magazine, and even have a cookbook (Comfort Foods), and I was pretty addicted to her Wedding issues when I was getting married. As a person, I hear she isn't the friendliest. But I do enjoy reading about the ideas she features in her magazines. Yeah, some of them are pretty over the top, but some are neat, and I rather enjoy taking her ideas and putting my own spin on them. She's making a load of money for something she seems to enjoy doing, so more power to her. If I got paid money like that for my hobby, I think it would be pretty sweet.

[MrsReber]

I have never watched Martha's show. Just never had the desire to and I'm not really the type to watch things like that. I'd rather read about them, but I never bought her magazine, either. There's so many other great resources out there.

I bet Martha's ears are ringing, though! I honestly have no opinion one way or the other, but that poor woman! I wonder what she'd think if she saw all these comments? I have to laugh when I read this thread!

[karen w]

Beth H,

Here is the recipe for Martha Stewart's MOTHER'S Hearty Mushroom soup.

5 stalks celery, chopped
5 carrots, diced
2c. diced onion
3 qts. beef stock
1c. dried shitakes mushrooms
1c. dried porcini mushrooms
1 # fresh mushrooms(any varieties), sliced
1c. orzo
2T. margerine
2T. flour
2T. fresh dill, chopped
2T. fresh parsley, chopped
salt and pepper
1c. sour cream(I use light)

Simmer celery, onion, and carrot in stock until tender.(I use canned, low sodium beef broth).Place dried mushrooms in boiling water to cover. Soak 30 min.(You can use any dried mushrooms you want). Drain, reserving soaking liquid. Chop dried mushrooms. Add dried and fresh mushrooms to soup along with reserved mushroom liquid. Simmer 1 hr. Add orzo. In saucepan, make roux with flour and margerine. Ladle some soup into roux. Stir until smooth with whisk, and add to soup. Add parsley, dill(I'm very generous with the herbs), salt, and pepper to taste. Thin sour cream with some soup, and add to soup pot. Heat through. For fullest flavor, serve the next day. You can also easily halve or double this recipe. I usually make half since it makes alot.

Enjoy, Karen

P.S. Please don't not feel guilty about MS bashing. She brings it on herself with her better-than- thou attitude!

[Beth]

I was going to post a reply earlier, but AOL thought I was enjoying the sign on process too much to do anything else (make a note to get rid of AOL in the kitchen redo).

MS has done a lot for the counter-culture to the high-tech, corporate madness we live with and bringing people back to their homes and personal touches. Granted, I know a lot of folks go out and spend a ton on having other people create or find those Martha-like things. But anyone who's larger than life, much less a publicly traded company, makes themself a target for much ribbing or worse.

I think she often takes it too far and takes herself too seriously, especially for someone who's become a figurehead for a full staff and an awful lot of guests now. She annoys me, especially on the radio where the over-enunciation is even more obvoius, so I only read her magazine at the Y or in the checkout line if nothing else catches my eye. I'll borrow a recipe or idea for inspiration, but I don't feel like parting with cash to her benefit.

When you get right to it, I like the homemade, I cook, sew occassionally and do some clever creations, but her style is not mine. I appreciate quality, but I live a more casual lifestyle and a have to keep sense of humor about myself, my family and life in general. Have you ever seen Martha Stewart really laugh?

[Beth Y]

Oh, I HAVE to weigh in on this one. I am NOT a Martha fan. I am with HOlly, Natasha, Karen and others (by the way, Gail,you are evil) Her stuff is too unrealistic (e.g. the $60 ribbon, make my own mallow examples above), so that her projects and many of her recipes are not possible for the average person without a staff and endless amounts of moolah to do. Although I note that someone said that Martha inspired them to do things, I agree that may be but worry how many people feel inadequate cause they can't do them.

I despise her magazine, because it is all ads and limited substance for a high price. Granted the pictures are nice and some of the content is good, but for too high a price for what you are getting! Plus, her "good things" are very often VERY EXPENSIVE and located only in shops in New York or other big cites, where most of us don't live.

As a business woman and icon, I give her that, she apparently works hard (although I have heard dirty secrets about her from people that have met her that say that she is "not that nice" and very demanding among other things. The most obvious "business icon" comparison would be Oprah, who devotes herself to being accessible and giving to her audience, and has done much to help others though her charity work and her show itself. Also, I think Oprah's magazine, although also full of ads, has more substance (i.e. takes more than 10 minutes to read).

But, finally, I must admit that I have watched Martha and have been known to rely on her recipes, as, at least the ones that are doable by people without sous chefs, are usually very good and true to their origins. For instance, I needed a sangria recipe that wasn't "americanized" and Martha had a great one.

I will shut up now.

[kendra]

I may be spreading gossip here, but what the hell. I heard from a friend of a friend of a friend that had an intership with MS and said she was a complete nazi. Guess that's not too hard to believe....

[Beth]

Originally posted by Beth Y:
Although I note that someone said that Martha inspired them to do things, I agree that may be but worry how many people feel inadequate cause they can't do them.


When I said I might have picked up a recipe or inspiration, I'm thinking more along the line of the pumkins with Christmas lights poked through drilled holes as an alternative or supplement to the usual Jack O'Lanterns. Suddenly, I picture a SNL spoof with a crazed woman taking power tools to splattering, large vegetables!

[Gail]

Evil? Who, me?? http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/biggrin.gif I'm not evil... just a little, er, playful...

...or does this have something to do with my "evil twin" remark on that other thread?

[This message has been edited by Gail (edited 09-23-2000).]

[Missi]

Ok, I have to admit to being a Martha follower. I watch her show and her cooking show, get the magazine (and the wedding one), own several cookbooks, and visit her website frequently. Now I am planning a wedding Martha Stewart style ( there will be absolutely not a single piece of crepe paper or paper bell there!) which could be why I follow her so closely, but I have to admit to being addicted long before.

However, I am NOT one of those people who actually believes that Martha is the end all. She DOES NOT come up with everything herself, and doesn't live the way she portrays herself to be. She has an excellent and talented staff and she also has a handle on what her audience likes and will do and buy.

I read the unauthorized biography and believed most of it. I am addicted more to the Martha Stewart style than to Martha Stewart herself. I saw an interesting 60 minutes that asked the question, if something were to happen to Martha, would her empire collapse? The thing is, I would still buy the magazine and the cookbooks, and if they found a replacement as host, I would watch the shows still too because I know, it isn't her, it is the talented staff that she has---Martha Stewart to me, is just the brand name of the product.

What a great topic and an interesting debate!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[matt]

i enjoy watching the show, however, i find her to be a little controlling with her guests. I feel just let the people teach you something that you do not know.

[andi]

Hmmm...Perhaps it's envy but good old Martha can be a little intimidating. That said, I do love to watch her after I get the kids get off to school while I drink my coffee. I think she's got some great ideas but most I would never have the time (or money) for. My attitudes have also softened a bit after I saw her on Jay Leno-she actually has a delightful sense of humor. I never would have expected that! By the way, that mushroom soup does look good....

[iqueen]

My two cents on MS. I watch her cooking show on Food TV because I like the little tips she gives called "Its a Good Thing". However, I HATE THOSE *%$#@ SHIRTS SHE WEARS.

[venus]

Okay, I can't resist. Martha Stewart scares me. I don't know what it is--maybe it is the unending supply of kitchen gadgets, or the fact that her house must look like a craft museum (cleverly accented with beige and pale cream. Maybe it's because I live in NYC and know that you don't have to go to her outrageously priced stores to get excellent goat cheese and colanders. Her show on the Food Network is also an excellent sleeping aid--10 minutes and I'm out. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/tongue.gif

Two pluses: Her wedding magazine is excellent. I even admit to hanging around on her website--just for the wedding stuff. I had a wedding that would have made Ms. Stewart green with envy--beautifully color coordinated and not a paper bell or balloon in sight--but it did not cost a zillion dollars like you would expect. And her towels from KMart are very good quality.

[Wendy w]

This thread is hilarious! While I admire her business sense, I think that she is too commercialized and gives me nausea. http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/mad.gif

I have seen her cooking show on the Food Network and my boyfriend and I love to make fun of her because she is so haughty and acts like she has a cactus stuck up her %$*(. She is not of this world.
I have the parodies of Martha's magazine, "Is Martha Stewart Living?" and "Martha Stewart is Better than You."

Check them out in the humor section of the bookstore. I only have them because they were on sale for 75 cents (suggested retail $10.00) each and are good for a laugh. ! http://www.cookinglight.com/bbs/tongue.gif

Wendy

[cookgirl]

Has anybody ever seen the claymation "Celebrity Death Match" on Mtv, when they set competetors like Madonna and Britney spears, or Kathy Lee and Katie Couric in the ring and let them duke it out? I'd love to see a Martha Stewart vs Bob Villa version of that. I envision her doing martial arts with incorporated movements that use double boilers and melon ballers. I really don't like cable, let alone Mtv, but I'd turn it on for that!

My feelings on Martha...she's a catalyst for deepseated turmoil. I want to be that super-cool, in charge person, who's capable of 1) trenching the yard, 2)planting saplings and various "WONDERFUL" little flowering plants, 3)assembling a beautiful tent and cruit de tat, 4)rushing inside, blanching asparagus for her homemade salad (She only uses her "very own" dressing...so she's got to whip that up) 5)and then dressing up just perfectly for the occasion, 6)then dashing out to greet all of her "friends?" she's invited to her "lovely" house, so that she can savor all of the "good things" she is responsible for. (All in 3 hours)
On the other hand, I enjoy having a personality, the company of my real friends, the capability of being in a real relationship that doesn't revolve around myself, and the ability to prioritize things like warmheartedness, over when to prune the hydrangeas.
(How ironic is that use of "Warmheartedness" in my nasty little remark? Mental note: remove all metal before leaving work, so as not to further increase the risk of being STRUCK BY LIGHTENING!!!!Ouch. Sorry Marth.)


[This message has been edited by cookgirl (edited 09-25-2000).]

[cookgirl]

Wendy-those are the most hillarious things I have ever seen! Have you seen the one where You can be Martha? It has a big paper mask that you can punch out and wear. (Oh my gosh!!!)

[nanadee]

I can't stand her!!! My sister likes her and I can't figure out why. I have never watched her show......I have glanced thru her magazine while visiting my sister..It did nothing for me. My husband said he doesn't like her either. She has a monotone voice & reminds him of our boss. YUCK!!!!! And I also think someone needs to teach her how to dress. How did she get a her own line of products with taste like that?