It seems like Mother Nature and Father Time decided to skip spring and go straight to summer this year. And we're not complaining, especially after seeing Marcus Nilsson's cover story for the June issue of Martha Stewart Living. Nothing kicks off summer like fresh-picked berries! (Or fresh-bought from the local green market for us city-dwellers.) Marcus Nilsson traveled up to Martha Stewart's estate to photograph her beautiful garden full of seasonal fruit, and the treats you can make with them. That chiffon cake with strawberries and cream looks perfect for a Memorial Day BBQ! 

Did you happen to pick up Thursdays Style section of The New York Times? Or even glance over it? If you did, you most certainly saw the beautifully shot little ladies that graced the full page "above the fold". Lee Clower spent a fun day at Shoot Digital a couple of weeks ago working with Cathy Horyn to put together this beautiful designer children's wear feature together.

Here it is, if you missed it:

In this months travel issue of Bon Appetit Marcus shot a story featuring some of the world's most iconic dishes! The "Seven Wonders of the Food World" story set out to uncover secrets and techniques that give these classics the extra kick that makes them special (and wonderful)! Is it lunch time yet?

We know the change in temperature makes everyone a bit more conscious about getting "beach bod ready" but we strongly suggest you put down the dumbells and pick up a copy of this months Town & Country. Featured in the "Out & About: Culture, Leisure and Other Pursuits" section is a story of the "stylish pixie from Atlanta" owner of Cacao Atlanta, Kristen Hard. The "self-taught chocolate-maker [Hard] is one of the few chocolateiers who starts with beans that she personally procures, and then roasts, grinds, tempers, and molds." Pretty cool stuff!

T&C asked Lee Clower to return to his homestate of Georgia to shoot Ms. Hard in the back of one of her three Atlanta shops. We had a chance to catch up with Lee a bit about his time back in the "peach state" and what it was like to spend the day with the chocolate visionary.

JMI: First things first, did you get to eat chocolate?

Lee Clower: Yes, all day.

JMI: Lucky you! From the article it sounds like Kristen is a pretty awesome lady. Tell us about her!

LC: Kristen is very elegant and Southern. In fact, she is four of my favorite things in life: elegant, Southern, hot AND she makes chocolate! I had trouble deciding which I preferred more, Kristen's elegant demeanor and appearance, or her chocolate...so I shot both!

JMI: Tell us about the store/ shoot environment? And how was it to be back in Atlanta shooting? We know your southern roots are very important to you!

LC: The environment of the shoot was appropriately "upscale Southern" which was perfect for Town & Country! And It's always nice to go home, especially when I get to work with people who are also from the south. Always nice to return to my roots!

Check out the shots:

We will for sure be heading to Cacao Atlanta next time we head down south!

James Merrell has a beautiful story in the April issue of Living Etc.! When I finally get around to building that dream home some day, I think I'll decorate each room after a different James Merrell story--this one included!

No matter what the groundhog said a few weeks ago, spring is definitely in the air. Which means it's time to get out of the house and enjoy the great outdoors. And what better way than with a picnic? Lajos Geenen's latest feature in Popular Mechanic suggests building a wooden bench that can be enjoyed on warm, sunny days for years to come! Now go grab your hammer and nails!

Winter woes have you wishing for a light snack on the beach? Well, there are a few more months before you can defrost the shrimp cocktail, so why not warm up with these simple, delicious and filling slow-cooker recipes from Real Simple? Marcus Nilsson shot the cover and beautiful story featuring meals you can set and forget....that is until the mouthwatering aroma greets you after a long, snowy day! Winter doesn't seem so bad with creamy chicken and mushroom pot pie in your bowl, does it?

The cover of this month's Parents magazine isn't only special because our very own Lucy Schaeffer shot it, but because Lucy produced and art directed the entire shoot herself, with the help of stylist Martha Bernabe! We are so delighted to see Lucy's creativity and hardwork in this beautiful cover shot.

We were very excited to open up the December 2011/January 2012 issue of Living Etc Magazine and see the beautiful story that James Merrell shot of Tricia Guild in her home. The feature entitled "Deck the Halls" showcases the founder of Designers Guild's beautiful home and festive holiday decorations with a twist. Forget the traditional holiday colors of red and green when checking out this story!

Tired of eggnog reigning supreme over the holiday drink category?  Try serving glogg at your next soiree! Marcus Nilsson shot this  mulled wine drink for the NYT, which you can read about here. Sure to add a sweet Swedish flair to your holiday spirits!