Customer Reviews:
Showing reviews 6-10 of 193
 Started out well, but has become frivolous -- and worse December 11, 2004
reader, writer, rabbit lover (Washington Heights, New York City)
48 out of 57 found this review helpful
It's always exciting when a new magazine appears to be all about just exactly what you're interested in -- for me, REAL SIMPLE seemed to be such a magazine. I very much enjoyed the first few issues I read, and used of the organizational schemes. I remember a few of the articles, particularly a beautiful, inspirational story on the widow and children of a firefighter who died while saving New Yorkers fleeing the Twin Towers on Sept. 11, 2001. That particular story represented what I loved most about the magazine: it was respectful, inspiring, very much to the point, family-oriented; it focused on the important things in life -- creating space for and nurturing our families, leading lives of which we can be proud, and not allowing ourselves and our children to be swept up into the swirl of chaos and questionable ethics around us. It was a great reminder of the simple things that are REALLY significant in life. I will always remember the photos of that wonderful mother's home, and how she had helped her boys decorate their room with memorabilia of their dad, and how beautiful her new baby daughter, Phelan, looked. Their house looked beautifully lived-in, practically organized, and full of love even in the midst of devastating loss -- a meaningful model for the times in which we live. I felt lucky to have been able to share their lives through the reading of that article -- it's the reason I am giving two stars instead of one. (That article on its own deservs 5 stars +++)
Over the past year or so, however, I have seen a major downslide in the quality of the magazine's content, and an increasing focus on high-end consumerism that was lacking in early issues. I had to laugh, reading other reviewers' comments about Pottery Barn catalogues -- the magazine really does look like a 'lifestyle' supplement for that store! The magazine seems to e organized around corporate sponsors and ads, making me distrust the quality of the suggestions, tips, etc. And I've also noticed that the various tips and ideas are less and less useful. OK, so you can only tell someone how to organize her closet SO many ways.... But don't give up on the effort and just become an editorial supplement to advertising.
For me, the August issue's flippant dismissal of breast-feeding was a real wake-up call. I wouldn't dismiss an entire publication for one piece of one article, but in this case, it is indicative to me of a dangerous and chilling trend -- a trend in which I want NO part. All medical evidence (from reputable doctors and researchers at institutions that are actually well-known and respected) is crystal clear: breastmilk is best. It's obvious that someone had to look pretty far to find a doctor to say otherwise, in print. And to suggest that breastfeeding, the most natural, real, and simple thing most of us will ever do, out to be sacrificed in the interests of
 Elegant Magazine October 11, 2003
36 out of 39 found this review helpful
I enjoy reading Real Simple. The articles are informative and the magazine is beautiful to look at. I disagree that the content is not substantial - it is a monthly magazine, what exactly were you expecting? I also disagree that the magazine solely targets those in an upper income bracket. While some of the items they suggest are things my husband and I still dream of, there are also items they review regularly that you can pick up at CVS Pharmacy. In fact, the product reviews are probably the most useful part of the magazine. I like seeing purchase information next to something that catches my eye. Real Simple is a welcome alternative to other women's magazines that focus on giving yourself multiple orgasms or figuring out your personality based on astrological signs. If you are interested in browsing through a magazine that gives personal stories, features useful products, provides yummy recipes for nights when you have guests over (or have the time to cook a special meal), and is aesthetically pleasing to the eye - this magazine is for you.
Keeping it simple.........too simple June 2, 2002
R. Shaff (USA)
34 out of 45 found this review helpful
To hear the editors of REAL SIMPLE, this magazine's mission is to assist the reader in streamling life's minutae, reducing stress, saving time, and offering inspiring ideas about food, health, work, family, etc. Sounds great, right? Well, not so fast.Although presented in top flight fashion, the content of REAL SIMPLE is just that, simple. This magazine fails miserably relative to inspiring, unique ideas, which is its self-described mission statement. Each issue has a potpourri of ideas but most lack intelligible and usable content thus rendering the function of this magazine impotent. Now, don't get me wrong, my indications are general in nature and should not be taken to mean that REAL SIMPLE has nothing to offer but its offerings are certainly nothing new, creative or unique. This magazine has potential but short of the editorial staff scouring the nooks and crannies for new and inventive ideas being employed by creative individuals/companies/organizations, my opinion is that this magazine is doomed to fail. If you only subscribe to one periodical, REAL SIMPLE "might" fit the bill as it does provide broad strokes relative to daily life and tips on "making it better" (the only reason I've given this product 2 stars as opposed to 1 star). However, if you subscribe to several magazines, you may find REAL SIMPLE just another one to toss on the coffee table or trash as the majority of its stories and tips lack originality and substance. My subscription just came due for renewal....I didn't.
 Being simple is a lot of work . . . January 8, 2002
Sharon Huston (Dallas, TX)
33 out of 38 found this review helpful
I'll admit it -- I buy every issue of this magazine. The title, however, always calls up a wry grin. The simple lifestyle the book advocates isn't all that easy! To achieve it you'll have to go buy the materials for the magazine's simplifying project, then re-arrange your house so you have a place to work on the project (which naturally requires purchasing even more things) and then finally you'll have to find the time to actually complete the project. Of course, to find the time you'll have to buy a new wall calendar and clock and Rolodex. I think the magazine has hit the American pluse on the button -- spend limited money and time to help better organize limited money and time, all while reminding yourself how beneficial and FUN all this work is. Oh, and don't forget to turn your repeated shopping trips to Target into "quality time" with your two-year-old in the process. So what do I do with the magazine? I'll go home after a tough day at work, and enjoy a cup of off-the-shelf non-gourmet herbal tea (cracked coffee mug, water heated in cheap saucepan with missing handle) and fantasize about leading the kind of lifestyle the magazine portrays. I read about gifts to buy the boss (as if!) and about knitting scarves, and all those premanufactured pastel "lifestyle accessories." The latest issue has advice on picking chocolates. I have one word on the subject -- Hershey's. The whole magazine is far outside my salary, and the total opposite of my garage-sale Western-omelet-at-Denny's lifestyle. It's escapism, pure and SIMPLE.
great concept March 11, 2003
Phaedra Culley (Mesa, AZ)
29 out of 36 found this review helpful
This magazine has a great concept, some good ideas, and some pretty good articles. However what I noticed (I actually counted one) only 20 pages in the entire mag. had no ad on it. I could not easily find articles and most of the articles had ads in the margins. A big turn off for me.
|
