Martha Stewart Living July/August 2020

WHAT A DIFFERENCE a year makes. These past few months, I’ve often found myself looking through family photos before going to bed—it’s a much better way to fall asleep than scanning the news. There’s the happy shot of us last July on a beach that’s bubbling with beachgoers in the background. There’s the snap from September of my friend Amy and me, squeezing each other in a full-body, cheek-to-cheek embrace on her birthday. And more recently, the picture of my son’s small hand, innocently pressed against the inside of a restaurant window, waving hello to me, the photographer, outside on a January day. I remember the only thought running through my head as I took that photo was: I’d better wipe the fingerprints off that clean glass. We’ve undoubtedly been through…

ON THE ROAD SPACE ODYSSEY For stellar stargazing, venture deeper into nature: The farther you travel from man-made light, the clearer the cosmos appears. Marvel at the Milky Way from Headlands International Dark Sky Park, on Lake Michigan’s woodsy northeastern shoreline (right), and in July and August you can catch dazzling meteors, too (midarkskypark.org). Here, three more brilliant spots. GLENWOOD, N.M. Almost 40 miles from the nearest light source, the Cosmic Campground is so remote you’ll see Earth’s airglow (the atmosphere’s natural luminescence), as well as Jupiter and Venus. COUDERSPORT, PA. During a new moon at Cherry Springs State Park, the constellations are bright enough to castyour shadow. Join a laser-guided tour to hear the myths behind each cluster, and zoom in via telescope. STANLEY, IDAHO Go off-grid at the Central Idaho Dark Sky Reserve, where the Sawtooth…

Like many of you, I’ve been spending a lot of time in the kitchen these days, cooking all of our meals here on the farm. I’ve also been busy gardening. While these two activities have been incredibly important to me my whole life, they’re giving me renewed energy and a great deal of joy during this challenging time. I am very happy that it’s summer now, and the garden is bursting with fresh produce that inspires me to come up with new dishes. (The same is true at farmers’ markets across the country.) Over the years, I have made many variations of Spanish tortillas, which are similar to a frittata or potato omelet, using eggs laid by my hens. This version (shown, opposite) takes a cue from a memorable one I…

Bright Idea Sparklers should ignite smiles—and that’s all. To help protect hands, turn mini aluminum tart tins into ember-blocking shields. Poke a hole in the center of one with a knife or skewer, push a sparkler’s stem through, and let patriots of all sizes revel in a little independence. DIY DÉCOR Trés Cheerful Relaxed summer dining is an art you can master in two steps. Start with French cotton toweling. It comes by the yard, doesn’t need to be hemmed, and, at 16 inches wide, makes an ideal table runner. Order the length you need, plus more for napkins. We used French General fabric in St Maxime and St Tropez (each $12 a yd., frenchgeneral.com); Moda also makes crisp options (left; from $6.75 a yd., purlsoho.com). Then set out your spread in shiny vessels.…

LOUNGE LIFE This denim daybed is as versa-tile as a good pair of jeans. Top it with dramatic colors to make a statement, or take Living home editor Lorna Aragon’s chic, laid-back approach with canvas pillows that solidify this palette of ocher, gray, white, and navy. Dream Schemes A handmade quilt with a bold geometric design is all the artwork this serene bedroom needs. Lorna draped it over the frame, but you can also display one on the wall with a wooden quilt hanger. She then layered sheets, pillowcases, and a bedspread in three different colors that complement the “headboard.” You can mix up a few solid sets, or embrace incomplete ones: We all lose linens to wear and tear; here’s your chance to bring old favorites back into the fold. Fresh Foundations To wake…

Portland Japanese Garden, in Oregon. “It’s like going to Japan without the flight,” says features and garden editor Melissa Ozawa. “It has eight distinct spaces, including a sand-and-stone garden and a bonsai terrace, and some incredible tree specimens.” TAKE OUR SAN-FRAN PLAN Inside the Ferry Building, you’ll find us in line for chowder at Hog Island Oyster Company, choosing fresh and dried fruit at Frog Hollow Farm, and grabbing morning buns at Miette Patisserie. STOCK UP IN SAUSALITO Across the Golden Gate Bridge, visit the Heath Ceramics factory and overstock store to elevate your everyday tableware with handmade pieces. Santa Cruz, Calif. “I love to walk among the giants in Big Basin Redwoods State Park or hunt for sea glass on Davenport Beach. I go to Swanton Berry Farm for the best fresh strawberries,” says style…