How I Love A Magazine

Magazines are such a thrill to get in your mailbox, don't you think? I've always had a thing for magazines but I'm usually too frugal to buy subscriptions for myself (aside from Verily, which I subscribed to the second I finished the teaser issue--I can't wait for the first print issue!). In the past, I've occasionally bought single issues of favorite magazines in a bookstore, or an airport, and it feels like such a special treat.

Well, thanks to some generous family and friends, along with one much-appreciated (and much-earned, I should say) free alumni magazine subscription, there's no shortage of magazines in our house these days. It's wonderful! Here's a look at what we've been reading.

Cooks Illustrated was a Christmas gift from my parents, and I absolutely love it. Ever since I really got serious about cooking, I'd heard about this magazine. Every recipe is tested to perfection by America's Test Kitchen, and the articles that going along with each recipe are fascinating because they divulge the trial-and-error process. The pages are all black and white, so aesthetically, it's nothing like picking up Cooking Light or Gourmet. But I think that adds to the magazine's charm. The cooking and writing are as solid as it gets, the tips and bits of advice and illustrations are brilliant, and the attention to detail is unmatched. 

This magazine I'm very proud of, as it is the work of my Dad! He works at Philanthropy Roundtable in D.C., and running this magazine is just one of the many things he does. This issue took a look at America's greatest charitable givers--who they were, their philosophies, their lasting legacies. I was especially moved by the stories of St. Katharine Drexel and Oseola McCarty (her story was written by my dad--take a look!).

Do you agree with my assessment that our free copies of Notre Dame Magazine are much-deserved? I'd say that after a collective 7 1/2 years at Notre Dame (and my portion of those years weren't cheap!), my husband and I have definitely earned this subscription. I really look forward to getting ND Magazine 4 times a year. The photography is beautiful and reminds me of my wonderful college years--and how lucky I was to attend such a fantastic university. The articles are quite interesting and it's fun when I recognize a name or two. It's a high-quality publication and one that I'm proud to receive.

Clavier Companion was a gift from my dear friend and piano teacher from my high school years. In fact, the photo on the cover of this issue is her studio. Stunning, isn't it? Her daughter designed the space and it's not only lovely and spacious, but acoustically very good too. I've enjoyed getting this magazine, especially now that I'm teaching professionally. I appreciate the good tips and wisdom and ideas found in its pages.

Forbes was another Christmas gift from my parents--not for me, for my husband. I'm not much of a business girl myself, but I'm very happy that my husband gets his own magazine to read each month!

Do you subscribe to any magazines? Were they gifts or did you treat yourself? I'd love to know!