martha, magnolia, and marcia

Yesterday was my big day in New York City. Due to traveling time (more like 4 hours each way), my best friend and I kept our plans to 3 simple things: Martha (Stewart), Magnolia (Bakery), and Marcia (Ceppos/Tinsel Trading Company).



I just was not able to make the dress from my previous post work so instead decided to dress very Martha-like. Even wearing our brightest colors, my friend and I were seated in the back row of the studio. Oh well.


Click to enlarge

The set and staff were decorated for Halloween because as it turns out, the show tapes just one day in advance, so yesterday's show aired today: The Bone Show with Ryan Kwanten.



The program consisted of six segments: cooking, crafts, guests. It's filmed like a live show with quick pacing and no second takes. Once taping was finished, Martha asked if there were any questions from the audience. Should I?



Somehow in a blur of excitement, I raised my sweaty hand. Even though the ticket confirmation stated "no gifts" I brought a tiny favor-sized bag, like the one shown above, packed with a couple of my treasures for Martha just in case.



Into the microphone I said something like, "Hi Martha! I'm a crafter and a blogger and you're such an inspiration to me, could I please give you a present?" Martha had me give the wee gift to a stage hand followed by me blurting something like, "Your Essential Glitter collection is my favorite craft item." She agreed that it's a fabulous set. Did that just happen?



As we had hoped, we were treated to a swag bag containing a skeleton puzzle, a voucher to an online bead shop, and a Nintendo DS game. (Martha: My boys thank you for 2/3 of the gifts!)



Next, my friend and I were off to Greenwich Village to Magnolia Bakery for cupcakes.

Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address.

~ Joe Fox, You've Got Mail

At this point, it was 5:30 p.m. and I had been up for at least 12 hours but it was time for the final stop on the tour: a must-do of mine for 2010, a visit to Tinsel Trading Company.



The store was decorated beautifully for an event the following day to celebrate Wendy Addison's participation in a new book, Celebrations.



I said hello to owner Marcia and she remembered me from May's Antique Textiles Vintage Fashion Show & Sale, which thrilled me. (Between that, the lack of sleep + the cupcake, I could have fainted - LOL).



It was a really wonderful day!

Thank you for listening to my long story and for always cheering me on. It means the world.


Better than candy!

Happy wishes for a fun and safe Halloween!

xo
elyse