Martha Stewart Starts Newsletter

As if she doesn't have enough to do already, Martha Stewart is adding to her plate. She has just launched a newsletter that you can subscribe to in an effort "to communicate with all of you in a more informal, conversational way to take readers further behind the scenes of Martha’s life than ever before."

This new endeavor will, surprisingly be advertising-free, and is going to be a slight diversion from her other print media ventures.

The first issue, a "test," is already floating around, and the next issue, dated July/August, is soon to follow. The newsletter will then be published monthly in September, and you can subscribe for $19.95 a year.

You can get a free preview issue by visiting her site, www.marthastewart.com, and clicking on the “subscribe” link at the top of the home page. The newsletter is on the bottom right.

It will be interesting to see how different the topics are from her magazine.

Highlights from the first issue:

My calendar: Stewart’s housekeeping and gardening schedules, with tips for readers.

The Best: Learn the results of Stewart’s croissant taste test as she examines the color, flaky texture and buttery consistency of six samples from refined bakeries.

Martha’s finds: The must-have products of the month. This issue’s finds include the latest Wolford velvet leggings, the perfect transition piece from cooler spring weather into summer.

Between you and me: Fans can converse with Stewart in an informal way. A question about her favorite cookie was the opportunity to reveal her Classic Shortbread recipe, for example.