Me Time and Magazines

“This post is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and PEOPLE StyleWatch® and Real Simple® but all my opinions are my own. #PMedia #NewYearMeTime  http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV”.

Reading magazines is a simple joy for me and one of my favorite ways to spend “me time”. My husband will vouch for this and jokes that there needs to be a magazine free isle at the checkout lanes for people like me who have an addiction to magazines. Recently in the checkout line at Walmart I picked up several magazines.  One of my favorite magazines is Real Simple and I love People, People StyleWatch and many others.  I always have a stack piled up by my favorite chair in my hearth room.  You can currently get a digital $1.00 off coupon on one of these magazines and more at Walmart.

Magazines are one of my go to sources for inspiration.  As you know I love Pinterest, but I’m on my computer most of the day and I love the feel of holding a magazine in my hand and looking at all the glossy pictures.  I often tear out recipes I want to make, craft ideas, and decorating ideas.  It’s important for me to unplug from technology from time to time. For years I’ve kept binders with all of my ideas.  I’ve collected so many ideas that it’s now time for me to go through and purge some of them.

The January issue of Real Simple Magazine is all about LETTING GO.  My word for this year is release so I couldn’t wait to carve out “me time” to dive in and read the articles.  The thing I love about magazines is they offer quick tips and information in a condensed format.  I get easily distracted and it can take me several weeks to get through a book, but I can read a magazine in an hour or less.  I found the article on “Five Ways to Banish Guilt” particularly helpful and it’s something I need to release.   Five Experts share their best guilt-busting tips.

1.Excorsie your regrets-Write regret on a piece of paper and burn or bury it in your backyard.

2.Apologize better-The apology should be about the person you hurt. It’s crucial to show the impact of your actions.

3.Make sure there’s a victim- Is there a reasonable basis for me to feel guilty?

4.Expect less of yourself- Do the best you can.

5.Transform guilt into motivation- Use those feelings to motivate you to be a better person.

I’ve also found a lot of great recipes in Real Simple and most of them are fairly easy.   I made this bourbon apple cake in the Fall which was from the magazine.

I found a recipe for steak with cauliflower puree and crispy quinoa I’d like to try.  I want to incorporate quinoa into my diet this year.  If you aren’t familiar with quinoa, it’s high in fiber and protein and is gluten-free.  It’s not a grain, it’s a relative of spinach and beets.  If you follow me on Facebook and Instagram, I recently shared some quinoa chips I love. I love my carbs so I’m always looking for good sources of protein other than meat and dairy.

Another one of my goals is to simplify the dinner hour and I loved Real Simple’s article on “How To Not Make Dinner”.  The suggestion from a reader that really stuck with me and that I plan on using is to have an Odds & Ends Night. Set out a platter of odd and end items such as: raw fruits, veggies and dips, cheeses, a fresh baguette, summer sausage, shrimp cocktail and any other items your family would enjoy.  You could serve a cocktail or sparkling juice for the kids and designate it as a special night.  It’s little traditions like this that I think children remember the most.  It’s a way to turn a mundane dinner into a little celebration. The bonus is you don’t have to cook!  It can also be a great way to clean out your refrigerator of excess condiments.

I’m not picky when it comes to magazines.  I have a variety of interests and it’s also the reason why I write a lifestyle blog.  I love recipes, home decor, entertaining, entertainment news, fashion and style.  I’m not one to follow all the trends, but I like to stay updated. I try to incorporate the trends that work for my body type and age.  I’m already looking forward to Spring and the February issue of PEOPLE StyleWatch shares the trends for Spring.

Some of the Spring trends I’m loving are: extra-natural makeup, white shirts, block heels, suede, dark denim, nude nails and 70’s accessories.  I don’t wear much makeup and I love nude nail polish. I also love layering necklaces and was inspired by seeing it done in magazines. I’m a very visual person and like to see a picture of something rather than have someone describe it.

If you love magazines as much as I do. You can save a $1.00 on an issue of  People, InStyle, PEOPLE StyleWatch, All You or Real Simple magazine at Walmart. Get your coupon HERE.  The Walmart digital coupon is available 1/14/15 to 2/16/15 (while supplies last). to access the coupon you must be a member/subscriber to Walmart.com.  I hope you enjoy your “me time” and are inspired! Are any of the magazines I mentioned some of your favorites?