Magazine Extravaganza!

Every time I am straightening up my house, I am reminded of how many magazines I subscribe to every month.  It may not seem like a lot to some of you, but to me, 9 monthly subscriptions is a little much...especially since Patrick and I are really working on eliminating "stuff" since we are moving in together in less than 6 short months!

All this clutter gave me an idea to do a Magazine Review...just a little something to let you know which magazines I subscribe to, the pros and cons of each, and whether or not I plan to continue the subscription in the future.

Us Weekly -- This magazine is new to my collection (I bought a Living Social deal a few months ago), but so far I am enjoying it...I do have to say, it's a little on the tabloid-ish side, but let's face it...it's substantially cheaper than People!  I will probably keep this subscription as long as I can get another deal like the first one.

Self -- I have mixed feelings about this one.  Sometimes I read it and think it's got great articles and I'm glad I have it...but usually, I just never get around to reading it because I don't have the time and something has to give...because of this fact alone, I probably won't renew it when the subscription expires.

Do It Yourself -- This magazine is great (and only comes quarterly, so it doesn't feel like as big of a committment), and I really enjoy reading it.  Now, don't get me wrong...if I don't have time to read all the magazines I get every month, then I probably don't have time to DIY anything from this magazine, but it's still really neat to get ideas.

Real Simple -- I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this magazine!  I really have nothing negative to say about it, except that it's a little on the pricey side...however, not only does your subscription include the paper copy, it also includes the iPad version, which is very interactive and fun!  If you don't subscribe to this magazine, do so ASAP!

Runner's World -- As a new, inexperienced runner, I love this magazine.  It has something for everyone of all running abilities.  I love the tips, I love the inspirational stories, and I love the reviews they do on gear!  The only downside to this magazine is that the iPad version isn't included in the subscription fee.  Bummer!

Glamour -- If you had asked me how I felt about this magazine 10 years ago, my answer would be very different...I'm sure it's great (in fact, I remember when I thought it was great), but honestly, I'm just too old!  If it weren't for the fact that my subscription doesn't end until sometime in the middle of 2013, I would say good riddance to sweet Glamour...until then, I guess I'll just keep feeling bad about myself as I peruse the pages full of 18 year olds!  =(

Food Network -- I really enjoy this magazine because it gives you lots of good tips and tricks and also has a lot of good recipes.  I do think the recipes are usually pretty difficult and never taste as good as I expect them to, but that could be a problem with the cook as much as the magazine itself.  If it weren't for the fact that this is the only magazine I get that my beau enjoys too, I would probably let the subscription expire.  However, as long as he continues to cook, I will continue to encouraging him.  =)

Weight Watchers -- I only have this subscription because I purchased a cookbook and it came with a free subscription.  However, it's actually really handy!  It also has great recipes and great tips on exercise and losing weight.  I may not keep the subscription if I ever get to a point where I'm not trying to lose weight...but then again, do women EVER get to that point?????

Kraft Foods Food & Family -- This magazine is wonderful!  It is full of simple, yet delicious recipes!  The only bummer is that it's pretty pricey, but after my friend, Amber, had a bunch of people over and told me that everything she made was from THIS magazine, I was sold!  I don't think I'll ever look back on this one!

So, there you have it...my monthly reading...what are some of YOUR favorite magazines...in case I need to add a few to my collection...afterall, 9 may not be enough.  =)