Friday, March 11, 2011

My interview with DJ Carey & a subscription giveaway!

As someone who devours design magazines, I'm a reader of the following three Cottages & Gardens publications: Connecticut Cottages &Gardens, Westchester Cottages & Gardens and Hamptons Cottages &Gardens. I was thrilled about the opportunity to sit down with DJ Carey, Editoral Director of CTC&G 
DJ Carey
My Q & A with DJ Carey, Editoral Director of Connecticut Cottages and Gardens... Hamptontoes: What is the philosophy of the Connecticut Cottages & Gardens brand?
DJ Carey: The philosophy of CTC&G is to embrace and be a "cheerleader" for the state of Connecticut. To showcase projects that are sophisticated, that inspire and often surprise. We champion projects that have an emotional attachment...ones that are personal, have great portion and scale; and offer lots of interest that ultimately defines a well designed space.
Hamptontoes: As a resident of the NYC Metro area and the Hamptons, I'm an enthusiastic reader of all three publications. What is your demographic of readership?
DJ Carey: The readership consists of individuals who are educated, design savvy, quite sophisticated and want their homes to be the best that they can be. They desire personal and unique spaces, never cookie cutter. 
(Know the fabulous blog, the Zhush? See this room...it's her home! Read all about it here! )

Hamptontoes: I read that subscriptions to the C&G brand are on the rise....congratulations! What do you attribute your success to in a world where people are attached to computers, Iphones, Ipads and Kindles?
DJ Carey: There is a primal futurism that people want to experience. They want the high tech mixed with the more traditional elements, thus creating the ultimate experience. They want an escape from the rush, rush society we live in today. There is an art form that goes into creating issue after issue and people want to be connected to that richness. 
Hamptontoes: Can design enthusiasts order your magazine regardless of where they reside? If someone subscribes to your publication and they live in, let's say California, is there a delay in receiving the publication from when it hits local establishments? If so, how long?
DJ Carey: Our magazine subscriptions are sent directly from our printer; so a subscriber in CA would receive the issue about the same time that it is available locally. 
Hamptontoes: Your new website is full of interior design goodness! Subscribing to your website, http://www.cottages-gardens.com/ is free. What else would be fun for readers to know about your newly launced site?
DJ Carey: I encourage readers to visit often. All of our tweets are live on our website. When I'm in the field I keep readers up to date on what's going on, which makes for of-the-moment knowledge. Our blog, Over the Wire, is on our website. Our website is inclusive of our brands and our involvement in social media.
Hamptontoes: Would you mind telling me three things about CTC&G that might be fun tidbits to know that aren't necessarily common knowledge?
DJ Carey: Sure! CTC&G was the third publication in our line-up. Also, Connecticut is so long it always requires a lot of tweaking when doing our cover to get the image and the wording just perfect. CTC&G was the first year round publication, not just seasonal.
Hamptontoes: I'm wondering how many people are like me when reading magazines? Truthfully, I get a tad confused by all the different types of editors. Would you mind explaining your role as Editoral Director of CTC&G?
DJ Carey: As the Editoral Director, I oversee the content of our brand, I work with an editoral staff of five, I scout and decide upon projects for publication, I style our photo shoots, I stay abreast of our social media presence and work hard to provide our readership with a quality publication.

Hamptontoes: What would be a fun day for you on the job?
DJ Carey: I get inspired by seeing and touching new things in the design world. I love listening and talking about design, it's the exchanging of ideas and exploration that's fun.

Hamptontoes: What would be a hectic day? I'm guessing the day before an issue goes to press? I must be right, right?
DJ Carey: Oh yes, the closing before an issue goes to press is busy! Things are shifting quickly, all hands need to be on deck to change, tweak, touch, and re-work the layout until the end.
Hamptontoes: Recently I read your Editoral Director's note and was touched by the story of your late father-in-law. I simply adored reading about his love of telling stories when around the dinner table, his attention to his family and the way he made Thanksgiving dinner a feast worth all the hard work. Would you mind expanding on your thoughts regarding meals/family memories/traditions that make for a rich home life?
DJ Carey: I'm a firm believer that family meals equate to a happy home. My husband is an amazing cook and his pride in cooking makes his family feel loved. He's the "chef" and I'm the clean-up crew! We have one daughter and while raising her (who is now in college) it was important to always come together for family meals. We rarely fell into the trap of "we won't eat as a family," we just shifted our meal time. Dining together was/is the most real time of the day in our home, even the family dog hangs out in the kitchen! It's a time of the day to let out a sigh, engage in conversations around the table and re-connect after a busy day.

Now that DJ and I are best friends (wink, wink) she would like to give one lucky winner a year subscription to Connecticut Cottages & Gardens or a summer seasonal subscription to Hamptons Cottages & Gardens...winner's choice!

Make sure you are a Hamptontoes follower, leave a comment on this post and check out the C&G brand! The winner will be drawn on Monday morning! Have a fabulous weekend!

34 comments:

Anonymous said...

What a great interview... the magazine looks amazing and packed full of inspirational beauty! I would love a chance to win... of course I follow you! xo

The Buzz Blog said...

I'm a huge fan of all the C&G publications and of DJ's careful editorial eye. Thank you for this great interview and a glimpse into her thinking!
xxoo

Unknown said...

Great interview daaahling! By the way, I used to live in Connecticut! I am doing a give away too, do stop by and enter, there's a $80 Amazon gift card up for grabs.
*kisses* HH

quintessence said...

CT C&G changed the publishing game when it came on the scene in CT. They have set a high bar for enticing content presented in a stylish and approachable way. Beautiful photography and chic projects make it a must read. Fun interview with a terrific editor.

Unknown said...

Wonderful interview, Lisa! I devour each of the Cottages & Gardens, taking in the beautiful photos and the stories of local people. Especially loved seeing Sue's home featured this month. Keep up the excellent work, DJ!

Kelly Frances Dunn said...

Local publications fascinate me. I love to pick one up when traveling to different parts. You have such wonderful interviews, that is a talent all in itself! I would love to have a printed copy of either one!! XO, Kelly

Gabriella said...

Thanks for sharing this interview! You have such a darling blog, I couldn't resist following :)
Have a wonderful weekend! x

Lili said...

thank you for this giveaway! im a follower for sure!

Susie @ Maddie G Designs said...

Great interview....I will have to check out their website now!

Town and Country House said...

Wonderful interview; off to check out the website! Thanks so much for offering such a great giveaway!

Unknown said...

Fabulous interview..can only imagine how crazed it must get the eve before each issue is set to go to print! Loved seeing our feature here as well~:)
Adore this publication and it was so fun to learn more about the lady behind it!

Kathysue said...

Lisa, this was a great interview. I love the lifestyle in your part of the country. I have often said I am an East Coast gal at heart. I can not imagine that I would get another giveaway but I am willing to try!!!

PS thanks for stopping by on my post today. I don't know if it is a trend or not, but I have had this room set up since my first Grandchild was born. I have the room so why not, and they love having their own room. They each claim it as their own and have actually bragged about it to friends. I love that!!! Happy weekend, sweet friend, KS

Unknown said...

man do i envy you!!!!

ps - mom is OK - she's VERY weak, can't support her own weight - go on the 22nd for 3rd chemo and 23rd for my test results

thanks for being THE best!

STYLE'N said...

Great interview! I like DJ's comments about eating dinner together as a family. I feel like my husband gets home late sometimes and so my daughter and I go ahead and eat but growing up we always ate together...so I might have to reconsider...maybe I'll have to hold myself over with a glass of wine and some cheese :)

Janell @ House of Fifty said...

Off topic, I was reminded that I need to thank you when reading your comment today. I love that both our boys rooms were featured on the Nate show, which is how I found your blog, which is how I found Shari of little blue deer (she'd just redesigned your blog) and she is now playing a key role in the design of my upcoming e-zine. It is crazy how these things work!! Thanks!! Janell

AubreyLaine said...

I am a follower. I'd love to win.
aubreyfick@yahoo.com

Traci Giles said...

Such a nice interview, and the bit about family dinner made me smile and relate, as nightly gathering is a priority in our "single child" household as well! An inspiring and beautiful woman!

Marianne said...

Great interview! As you know, I am a follower! Enjoy your weekend.

Amber B (Simple Dwellings) said...

I loved reading this! I also saw Sue's home, and it is breathtaking! You know I'm a follower! :)

Ann said...

Lisa-
What a nice interview with two beautiful women participants! I was not familiar with the publications, so am looking forward to reading more on their website.

My question to both of you is why isn't Hamptontoes listed on their blog roll? It NEEDS to be!

designchic said...

Love the Cottage and Garden magazines and great interview!! Fingers crossed ~

The enchanted home said...

I already receive this and love it and anticipate it each and every month...lots of glossy paged eye candy!! Great interview:)

Kate from Party Resources said...

i read all of these magazines whenever I am in CT or NY and can get my hands on a copy. Would love a subscription! xx

red ticking said...

hi lisa...
i began reading connecticut when i would visit... and my dear friends home was in one month and i then signed up... i love receiving this in the mail.. great magazine.. wonderful interview...

have a wonderful weekend... xoxo

Dovecote Decor said...

Hi Lisa: I'm a follower and a commenter, now I'm on my way to subscribe to CC and G!! Thanks for the tip, I have never read it.
Best,
Liz

Francine Gardner said...

DJ is so wonderful! I enjoyed reading the interview. I met DJ as she featured my house in one of the first issue in CTC&G. She is such a great support of my Interieurs Showroom as well.The magazine is so well edited and I look forward to each issue.

bayleaf + beijinhos said...

I love that contemporary horse painting in the dining room! How perfect?!

MaryBeth said...

This is one giveaway I would love to win.

vica said...

Great magazine!!

Stevie said...

This is a really cool interview. I like the way that you personalize DJ Carey. It makes her seem more "real" if you know what I mean.

I've been enjoying learning more about design from your interviews and your blog in general. Thanks.

About Last Weekend said...

What an incredible magazine, really beautiful and great interview. I love all the images and the whole design.

annie@mostlovelythings said...

Wonderful interview. Seeing CTC&G here and a few other blog s recently just makes me miss CT all the more! I've built what looks like an east coast house on the west coast of CA, but I'm kind of dying to go back! Love your blog, but I guess I am too late to win.

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