I’ve started writing this post a few times but usually give up because if I’m going to do it right I have to actually sit down and go through my magazines. This is going to be a big one so I hope you make it to the end of this post.

A few thoughts about magazines. I love magazines. LOVE LOVE LOVE magazines for the following reasons: they are current, they have glossy pages, and are disposable. Things that are annoying about magazines: the subscription cards that fall out of the middle, the fact that I get my magazine in the mail five days after it has already hit the newsstands, and the incessant renewal reminders. 🙁

I buy all of my magazine subscriptions on ebay because it is way cheaper and pretty easy to do (easier than subscribing one-by-one to each individual magazine.) There are a few of the more expensive mags (Communication Arts, etc) that I haven’t been able to find. Those I have to just pony up full price. When you buy magazines on ebay you should look at the sellers feedback to make sure you don’t get screwed over (like any ebay purchase). Also, some sellers try to trick you into thinking you are getting a better deal but then they charge you a shipping fee. Make sure there isn’t a shipping fee when you are comparing prices to make sure you are comparing apples to apples. Another thing is some vendors have magazine packages, so they’ll sell a combo of two or more mags (ie: 1 yr of Domino and Lucky.) This simplifies the process and is a good thing. I would also recommend buying multiple years of subscriptions. Especially if you know you love the magazine. The year will roll around quick and its pretty annoying to have to go through this whole process again. A lot of vendors will sell multiple year subscriptions, again this just simplifies the process. The great thing about ebay is the magazines are so cheap. The sucky thing is it can take up to 12 weeks for the magazine to arrive. So remember to be patient. I renewed some subscriptions earlier this year and you have to clarify that you wanted a renewal instead of a new subscription. Make sure you do it early enough so your service isn’t disrupted.

Here is my magazine List the first three are my favorites and the rest I just really like.

1. Domino
2. Lucky
Domino and Lucky are sister magazines put out by Conde Naste. Domino focuses on home design and Lucky focuses on clothing. They aren’t pretentious at all and they have a range of styles. I think every person should have subscription to both Domino and Lucky. They are super hip and you’ll always be tuned in to what is new. For example: A year or two ago Lucky was doing stories about skinny jeans. So when skinny jeans finally hit the masses, I was prepared and could get used to how rad they are. Most trends are, after all, an acquired taste. If I could buy an eternal subscription to these I probably would.

3. Martha Stewart Weddings
This comes out four times a year but they always have fabulous ideas. Even if you aren’t planning a wedding but you like pretty things you should subscribe to this.

4. The New Yorker
Perfect for reading on the train. Makes me feel somewhat up to date on current events.

5. Real Simple
This is a staple for organizing and helpful tips. For example, it was in Real Simple that I learned how to Google from my phone. Quite possibly the most useful tool ever.

6. Martha Stewart Living
I remember reading this at Suzanne Allen’s house back in 1996 and feeling like I had found my calling in life: to be Martha Stewart. Of course the magazine has its iffy moments (sometimes they are doing a lot of weird things with felt that I can’t relate to) but overall it is the gold standard in radness.

7. Cottage Living
This little gem is one of those magazines you see at the check out stand but dismiss. I finally took notice when I was stuck in my Dr.’s office. They have the most darling architecture and renovations. The gardens they feature are also fabulous.

8. Everyday Foods
This magazine was made for me. Half of the reason I don’t cook is I can’t think of anything to cook. The recipes are simple, yummy and usually pretty fast. They also feature recipes according to what is currently in season which is nice.

9. Oprah at Home
I ordered this after it was recommended on a blog. I don’t think of Oprah as a style maven but her staffers sure have great taste.

10. Blueprint
I love Blueprint but I’m still not 100% sold on it. I am waiting patiently for the next couple issues before I profess my undying love.

11. Kiplingers Finance
This magazine is good for people who don’t know what to do with their money. It has lots of good articles about buying a home , retirement, and different investments.

12. Readymade
Rebecca works at Readymade and I was first introduced to it by her. It has super cool do-it-yourself projects (sometimes to cool for me.)

13. Teen Vogue
More down to earth than regular Vogue and has got hipper styles.

14. Cookie
Like Domino but for parents. (More kid-centric ideas).

Magazines that I tear apart every month to put inside my inspiration binders but I probably don’t read it cover to cover.
Vogue
W
Elle

Magazines I liked that died:
Martha Stewart Kids
Budget Living

Paul subscribes to a bunch of art and graphic design magazines and to a few music magazines. And we get the Ensign. Thats about it.