Martha's Having a Moment

There was a time when I proudly subscribed to Martha Stewart Living. I’d flip through each issue, dog-earing pages filled with impossibly perfect place settings, handmade wreaths, and lemon curd recipes that felt both elegant and attainable. I didn’t know it then, but I was being quietly shaped by a philosophy: that the beauty of life is often found in the details.

Now, as a mom of two and someone who recently stepped away from a corporate job, I’ve been thinking about Martha again, and not just because she’s having a major moment (hello, Sports Illustrated cover!).

 

It’s Not About Perfection — It’s About Presence

In my 20s, I might’ve rolled my eyes at folding napkins into swans or hand-labeling spice jars. But now? There’s something deeply satisfying about finding little ways to make home feel intentional. Lighting a candle before dinner. Making a cake from scratch — or at least mixing one from a box and serving it on a real plate. These aren’t frivolous touches. They’re rituals. They say: This matters.

 Reclaiming “Domestic” as Powerful, Not Passive

For a long time, the word “domestic” felt loaded — like something we had to rise above. Martha never saw it that way. She built an empire on elevating home life into something worthy of pride and creativity. And honestly? That feels more relevant than ever. Especially for those of us trying to find beauty in the blur of parenting, working, and everyday chaos.

 

A Millennial Twist on the Martha Legacy

No, I’m not weaving my own placemats (yet). But I am finding joy in simple things — like arranging fresh flowers from Trader Joe’s or organizing my linen closet with matching bins. I’m not trying to be Martha. I’m just trying to channel that slow, thoughtful energy in a way that fits real life today.

Final Thought:

Martha showed us that living well isn’t about being rich or famous — it’s about caring. About slowing down, paying attention, and celebrating the small, beautiful parts of life. That’s something I’ll always carry with me. And maybe, in my own small way, pass on.