Ladies! Recently, I flew to San Antonio, and on the plane there, I read the latest copy of InStyle. I used to subscribe a few years ago. And it's been awhile since I've read through one. This one in particular was one of those "5 pounders": 75% advertisements, 25% articles. And after I read it, I was kinda depressed. All I felt was a bunch of silly lies: I'm not pretty enough, my clothes aren't right, I haven't gone shopping for fun in a couple of years, etc etc. Why was I reading a magazine about makeup tips and hot new jewelry, when at most, I wear makeup once a week, and my earring holes are starting to close up because I don't bother with them much anymore? Seriously. It's all I can do just to get a shower these days. So anyway, I was kinda struck by the fact that the InStyle wasn't an escape into fun fashion stuff like it used to be for me.
So on the way back home, I bought a copy of Blueprint in the airport bookstore. Mainly because it was skinny, and not as expensive as Real Simple.
I loved it. It didn't make me feel bad about myself. It didn't go on and on about expensive items that I'll never be able to afford. The ads were for fun things like brightly colored paint. It had creative (and inexpensive!) decorating ideas for the house, helpful but not condescending health tips, and fun little articles/tidbits. (It's all about the tidbits, these days.) I think I might subscribe. For now, they only put out 6 issues a year, but the subscription isn't crazy expensive. And it's a Martha Stewart joint, so it's got some quality behind it.
If I was rich, I'd buy each of you a gift subscription. Alas. So get yourself a copy and let me know what you think!
