Real Simple Magazine Versus Martha Stewart Living Magazine

I love Real Simple Magazine. I mean, I really love Real Simple Magazine. Magazines are magazines are magazines, right? That's mostly right. Most magazines, especially ones geared towards women, have the same kind of stories recycled month after month. Real Simple is different. The articles are interesting, helpful, and actually vary each month. Kudos to the ad sales team too. Ads are interesting and topical.

There is not an issue of Real Simple that passes where I don't learn something new. Did you know that you could use a toothbrush to remove silks from fresh ears of corn? I didn't either...until I read an issue of Real Simple. Did you know there was a nontoxic waterproof insect repellent patch from a company called Don't Bug Me? I've never had a Real Simple suggestion go wrong, so I'm looking forward to a bug free summer.

The magazine is divided into sections like "Simple Solutions," "Real Inspiration," "The Organizer," and "Road Tests." In a recent issue, the "Road Tests" section tested sandals, nail-care products, toaster ovens, and chicken sausage. No more trial and error to find that perfect toaster oven thanks to Real Simple.

Could there be a better magazine? I didn't think so, but it was suggested to me that Martha Stewart Living Magazine gives Real Simple a big run for the money. So, I purchased an issue of the magazine to compare.

Martha Stewart Living Magazine started out with a section called "Gentle Reminders" that shared seasonal ideas/to-dos like planning a tag sale and mapping out gardening projects. Great start! Immediately in the magazine, you start to notice the difference. This magazine is all about the Martha Stewart way of life, and who better to instruct on that way of life? Martha herself, of course! There was a section called "From my home to yours" which was written by Martha Stewart. It was an article written in the first person that went into detail of actual projects she has done in her home. That in-depth article was followed by a section called "Ask Martha" where Martha answered questions sent in by readers.

Her advice and instruction is woven in throughout the magazine. Did you know that Martha Stewart likes to "poach eggs freehand?" She not only shares that information, but she also shares hints on how to poach your own eggs freehand. The magazine also provides a guide for all things Martha - the tv show, the magazines, radio, and online.

There were also many crafty creations spotlighted in the magazines as well as many garden features. And there is certainly nothing wrong with a magazine that has both a "Dessert of the Month" and a "Cookie of the Month!"

But how do the two magazines compare? First up was dinner. Real Simple presented "Five Easy Dinners, Recipes and Strategies for ideal weeknight meals." These all were fairly healthy and quick meals like Turkey Burgers with Grated Zucchini and Carrot. In contrast, Martha Stewart Living presented "What's For Dinner? A meal for four in about an hour" that contained recipes for Pancetta Cheeseburger and Coconut Topped Cupcakes. Winner: Real Simple. It's not so hard to find yummy dinners that take an hour to make, however, finding quick and healthy dinners to make on a weeknight? Keep them coming Real Simple!

Which magazine can give me a tip to impress? Martha Stewart Living can help me make mayonnaise from scratch. Real Simple can help me know when to replace my tires. Winner: Martha Stewart Living.

Which magazine can help me with their signature suggestions? Real Simple's "Products of the Month" introduces me to a product that recharges batteries through my computer. Martha Stewart Living's "Good Things" suggests making butterfly party decorations. Winner: Real Simple. Real Simple seems to focus on new and innovative products while Martha Stewart Living focuses on creative crafts to enhance your home life.

In fact, Martha Stewart Living is heavily focused on crafts while Real Simple is heavily focused on do-it-yourself. In fact, the tag lines of the magazines show the slight difference in focus. Martha Stewart Living's tag line is "Sharing the Good Things." Real Simple's tag line is "Life made easier."

In the end, Martha Stewart Living doesn't provide readers with just a quick and dirty solution, but instead how to create the solution in a great way with style - Martha Stewart style. While both magazines belong in a group of the very best women's periodicals, if I had to pick one to simplify my life, it would be Real Simple.

*Compared June 2007 issues of Martha Stewart Living and Real Simple.