• by Erik Sass  @eriksass1, March 12, 2007

Last week was big for shelter magazines, which are busily adding new features and brand extensions here and abroad. Kicking it off, one of the newer shelter and lifestyle mags, Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia's bimonthly Blueprint, announced it is launching a blog called Bluelines, which will offer constantly updated ideas, shortcuts, "fun finds" and all manner of shelter-related miscellany.

Blogging is an especially appropriate extension for Blueprint--which targets younger women, ages 25-39, who are just starting out professionally and domestically. Content is divided into 10 basic areas, arranged in an eye-catching, easily navigated sidebar menu. These boxes include: decorating, fashion, beauty, health and fitness, travel, entertaining and food, technology and gadgets, do-it-yourself, out and about, and "100 Reasons," which links to other blogs. Recent content on Bluelines includes product recommendations for pots and related accoutrements to help "city dwellers...create one downright adorable herb garden," as well as an overview of hip French fashions.

Although its purpose is clear, Bluelines doesn't make the mistake that other official media blogs sometimes do--staying too consistently "on message." The blog's editors appreciate that some of the charm of blogging lies in idiosyncratic posts that hint at the poster's character. Thus, one editorial coordinator, Rachel, mixes it up with a mini-review of a biography of an Australian fashion designer: "I've just finished reading the new biography of enigmatic Australian designer Florence Broadhurst, and let me tell you, this lady had more secrets than the Mata Hari and more reinventions than Madonna."

Meredith Gives Russia More

Meredith Corporate has reached a licensing agreement with Sobaka Publishing to publish More magazine in Russia, the second such international expansion in recent months. The first, More Canada, debuts in April. Meredith has also agreed to license its Better Homes and Gardens New Cook Book for publication in Spain by Globus Comunicacion.

Good Housekeeping Preps Three TV Specials

Good Housekeeping is collaborating with Litton Entertainment to create three hour-long TV specials on lifestyle topics, which will be broadcast in the spring, summer and winter of this year. All three specials will be hosted by Rebecca Kolls, host of "Rebecca's Garden" and former lifestyle and gardening contributor for ABC's "Good Morning America."

Glam Media Nabs Cernek For Fashion Editor

Glam Media has hired Susan Cernek as fashion editor. Cernek was previously the fashion news editor for Elle and Elle Accessories. At Glam Media, she will be responsible for crafting interactive content and features, as well as the daily Glam Fashion blog. The blog features breaking fashion news and interviews with models, designers and stylists.

Turcotte Promoted To Hachette SVP Corporate Sales

Paul Turcotte--formerly the vice president and publisher of Hachette's entertainment group, including Premiere and Sound & Vision--has been promoted to senior vice president of corporate sales and marketing in the wake of the closing of Premiere. In his new position, Turcotte will report to executive vice president and COO Philippe Guelton. He remains responsible for business development for Premiere's continuing digital operation.