Real Simple-Taken a little too seriously Published by Unknown - On 12:59 PM - This post haved 0 comments

Real Simple, the DIY magazine created for those who have too much time on their hands, is an up and coming magazine that is gaining momentum from the frustrated and jilted ex-wannabe Martha Stewart readers.

It features articles mainly about household items and crafts to do on your own to create your own space at home with 115 easy steps and an indefinite supply of money, ($50 for a candle, really?)

This month, featured a four page spread of a lovely and overpriced garden equipped with a whole lot of non-flowers and cacti.

Moving onto judging the actual design and not the content (clearly I'm still upset about the insinuation of purchasing a $50 candle).

The photos are well in focus, but not very interesting. If Real Simple wanted to showcase a quaint garden, I believe they should've found one that was more colorful. I will say that the pictures are placed nicely, but routinely and the text boxes are broken up to provide the reader with the proper amount of information and visuals.

All in all, Real Simple's magazine in real simple layout, it's just not real simple to acquire the amount of money to pay for all this stuff that they suggest to you. I'll stick to my 99 cent candled at Wal-Mart, thank you.

Good House(and Photo!)keeping Published by Unknown - On 12:42 PM - This post haved 0 comments

Generally, when I think about GoodHousekeeping, I don't think fantastic photo graphs. But browsing through their latest issue, I was actually quite impressed by their design and photograph capabilities. Clearly, judging by all three photos, this is a magazine geared towards women, and it seems like they are really relying on their stereotypical demographic with a modern twist.

Not all women are stay-at-home moms and Martha Stewart-like homemakers which is why I think they added something that appeals to the more modern day woman with a keen interest in fashion and accessorizing (surprise!).

The picture which features the woman in the pink dress is bright, colorful and creative with its picture frames of luxurious shoes. The flowers in the tea cup, is a lovely picture on its own, but with the font, cup and flower color all within the same monochromatic family, it makes for an even more serene and elegant picture.

Of course, what woman's magazine wouldn't be complete without the "do-it-all" woman who overcame some tragedy or dilemma. The picture of Stacey, though standard is well in focus, centered, but also a little boring. Even though this is a profile piece, another background may have suited this story a bit more to add a little more interest.