I first heard about the then new magazine Real Simple when I received an issue of In Style that had a card attached to it saying I could send it in for a free copy. I thought to myself, "Why not?" So I sent off for a copy of Real Simple.

When my free copy arrived I was very happy with it. Looking back now, I believe it must have just been a fluke. That issue must have been exceptional for Real Simple, because I enjoyed that first issue so much I decided to subscribe to this magazine - a choice I regret having spent any money on.

What initially got me to subscribe to Real Simple was how simple the magazine was. So many magazines are so busy and each and every page is so full of information that it really keeps your mind going. With Real Simple, it seemed like reading it was like taking a breath of fresh air. Even the advertisements weren't as busy as the other magazines I read. I liked how Real Simple sort of forced me to calm down.

About Real Simple

Real Simple offers advice on how to simplify your life in areas such as life, home, body and soul. Or so they say. I've found that each issue has a nice matte photo on the cover and there is usually at least one article with very nice photographs.

~ Monthly Features ~

Thoughts for the month - this is usually one or two pages with different quotes. Some months this is a good section to read, other months it's just plain silly. Each month has a "Theme" for the "Thoughts", for the month of April 2001 the theme was Hope.

Contributors - one page with a photo and a little info on a few of those who helped put that month's magazine together.

Your Letters - parts of letters Real Simple gets from their readers are published here.

Your Words - how real readers of Real Simple have made their lives easier. Each month they put together advice from the readers that goes together.

Simple Solutions - there's usually several different articles for this section. There's usually a two page (or more) spread where they feature one item each month, such as jeans, bras or a vase. There will be many, many varieties with a photo of each one, the cost and where to buy as well as their advice on who it's for.

Here is also where the articles on how to clean, how to organize and what products you "should" use (i.e. what you absolutely must buy in order to have a nice simple life). If you're thinking this sounds good, let me tell you that I have yet to find this section the least bit helpful.

Going back to the April 2001 issue there were many pages on how to do your spring cleaning. The advice was only common sense, things that I believe most of us already know.

Simple Info - this is "your at-a-glance guide to a better life". Within this section there are features such as simple organizing, simple beauty, simple health, simple family, simple pets, simple jewelry, simple travel, simple money, simple garden and simple fitness. I usually find the beauty and health a little interesting and helpful, but not enough helpful to keep buying this magazine. Each of the other simple features will be a page or two or three about one topic such as your 401k, what foods are good for you and why, etc. Again, nothing the average person doesn't already know.

Oh, wait, there's more..... lucky us....

That's right, there's even more articles in this magazine. These vary month to month, however they're always the same in one way - they're really simple. You'll find about 4 - 6 articles that will tell you ways to "freshen up" your home with color; what makes the most multitasking suit and a month of Sunday dinners (complete with recipes and tips on how to serve).

Overall

I honestly cannot see how Real Simple would be much of a help to most folks. It's filled with common sense suggestions on how to clean, how to organize and how to live a simpler life. If you really need to know how to simplify your life, then perhaps you'd enjoy an issue or two of Real Simple. However, for most of us, I feel it's not helpful or entertaining. Most of us know how we can simplify our lives, we just need to get around to actually doing it.

Should you desire more information, or if you wish to receive a free copy of Real Simple, check out their web site at:
http://www.realsimple.com/

Thanks for reading ~

- Melissa :o)



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