Subscription Prescription

I don’t subscribe to many magazines. Truth be told, I normally don’t read the magazines we actually do subscribe to, which is a very odd assortment:

• Parents – I think I’ve gotten this as a gift subscription about ten times. Additionally, when you buy a “Parents” branded toy, you get a year’s subscription for free. I think we’ll be receiving this magazine in the mailbox until DS is a parent himslef…and I never read it. It’s too full of “oh, I’m a perfect Mom” stories and they drive me crazy.
• The New Yorker – Funny for someone who has never lived (or ever wanted to live) in Yankee territory, huh? This is one that my DH gets from his parents every year for a Christmas gift. He’s been getting it since I started dating him years ago, so I’m not sure how long this been going on. I do enjoy reading the fashion issue, but the magazine is otherwise too highbrow for me. People who try to act like they are better than the rest of the world because they have a high IQ drive me crazy, too.
• Family Handyman – This one my super cute grandfather sends to DH every year. They bonded over tools the first time they ever met, and Granddaddy thought DH would like this. DH LOVES it when his Family Handyman comes in the mail. It has some neat projects in it, but I think most if them require you be less “handy” and more “skilled”to complete them.
• Cookie - I probably look at Cookie more than the other ones. It usually has some interesting tips for decorating, cooking, etc. However, the reason I actually subscribe to this one is because there was a chick selling magazine subscriptions door-to-door in my old neighborhood, and I felt sorry for her. I wrote the check (not to her but to the magazine company or something) and never heard anything else for about a 8 months. Suddenly, the magazine started showing up in my mailbox. It was all very odd.

The reason I bring all of this up is that I actually just subscribed to another magazine: Better Homes and Gardens. Although I usually throw away all junk mail (and usually some non-junk mail that I think is junk mail), I opened the BHG solicitation and saw that I had an offer for 12 issues for $5.99! That’s crazy talk. I also get a free BHG cookbook out of the deal, so I figured it was definitely worth it. I’ve always loved that magazine.

I’d also like to have a subscription to Martha Stewart Living, but I’m pretty cheap and the best offer I’ve found is $24 for 12 issues. What do you think? Is MSL worth $24/year?

I would enjoy receiving Country Living, as I love the photos and tips I see on their website. However, word just came down a few days ago that they are going out of business (and laying off 250 people!), though, so I guess I’ll need to skip that one.

Sigh….

What other magazines do you read for inspiration, regardless of whatever your inspiration may be?