Would you believe that my dog took out his anger on another issue of Real Simple? Well, you better believe it, baby. This dog has a personal vendetta on my favorite mag. Maybe he’s jealous of the time I spend pouring over every inch of printed prose – but watch out, December issue. You’re next on the doggie hit list.
Luckily for me (and you, of course) Charlie managed to only destroy the very beginnings and the back cover of this month’s Real Simple. So, without further ado, my favorite parts of this month’s issue (that are still intact) for your viewing pleasure:
1. Transform a Corner. First off, I have to address the new look to my beloved Real Simple. In the editor’s note, that I’ve featured in the past, she mentioned that they’ve hired a guru of sorts to make the great RS layouts even better. I don’t typically take well to change in something that I’ve become so accustomed to, but after completing this issue, I can’t help but give two cheers for the new look to RS. If it’s even possible, the issue is more organized and easier to navigate, with a cleaner and sleeker look to boot. Perfection.
One of my fav features this month was a little piece on transforming a corner in your home. I’m constantly trying to create interesting little vignettes in my house (and failing miserably, I might add) so this was right up my alley. RS layed out just the right way to dress up a corner in your living room, create a mini dressing area in your bedroom, or plop a perfect game spot in your den. Most of these ideas incorporate items that are already present in your house, but just developed in a different way. Easy, right?
2. Money Conversations Everyone Should Have. I lean more toward dunce than doyen when it comes to finances, but Real Simple is always there to lead me in the right direction. This article lists some awkward, but necessary, conversations that we should all think about having when it comes to our finances. Talking with your spouse about who pays what and where your investments are allocated are just some of the issues this article brings up. It also touches on approaching your parents on their nest eggs (and if it’s enough to keep them afloat in the future) and sharing the responsibility with your children on saving for college. Each scenario is broken out by why it’s important, when to talk about it and how – a perfect little list to guide me through the uncharted territory of financial land.
3. The Hectic Holiday Handbook. Nevermind the incredible Thanksgiving recipes that are in this issue (seriously, there is drool all over my issue; not a pretty site) RS also included this handy dandy guide to the holiday season. One of the things I love about Real Simple is their vast array of seemingly useless knowledge that they throw at you, and this article is no exception. Did you know that miniature quiches are one of the worst things you can eat at a buffet spread? And that an opened can of cranberry sauce is good for up to two weeks? Or that you should splurge on club soda and bourbon, and but can skimp on gin and vodka when stocking a bar? Now that RS has given me tons of knowledge like this, I can keep this in the bank and pull them out at any time to sound like a smarty. And what’s better than sounding like a smarty pants? Not much else in my book. Thanks Real Simple, for making me look good.
I just subscribed to Real Simple through a coworker’s friend’s daughter who is selling magazines subscription for her school. Thank you so much for turning me on to this amazing mag!! I can’t wait to receive my first issue!!
I, myself , am running behind on RS. Still trying to get through the October issue. But I’ve got to move on to November and the holiday bandwagon. Hope their helpful hints will inspire me.
I can’t believe Sir Charles attacked ANOTHER issue of RS!!!!! That’s too funny :-)
I’ve said this before on your blog, but I love your RS recaps.
It’s my favorite magazine and has been for years now, and it’s nice to sort of “chat” about it with others by hearing what you have to say about it. Like a RS magazine club :O)
If RS ever goes down the tubes (knock on wood) like so many other magazines lately, I will finally have to protest (I haven’t for the others, though the loss of Domino and Blueprint were quite disheartening!).
Blessings, Susan
@Susan: I couldn’t agree more! Let’s hope RS sticks around for the long haul. It’s bad enough the other mags aren’t around anymore! Feel free to chime in anytime on particular things you liked in the issues!