Self-Disenfranchised

That post title isn't necessarily supposed to make sense. For those of you who read Self magazine way back when, there used to always be something in the magazine that started with self-. I've been reading Self for probably close to 20 years, and I know that my co-pilot Nancy has also been a Self reader. Other magazines have come and gone in my life, but Self has been fairly constant. I liked the reasonable approach they took to health, fitness, beauty, and other topics. However, after the March 2013 issue arrived, I think that I am not going to be renewing my subscription. 

Check out one of this month's hottest beauty trends - draw a blue stripe across each eyelid. Um, no thank you. I have enough problems without going out made up like a clown. I think this would even embarrass my pre-teen daughter.

The magazine moves further into self-degradation with a quiz about would you sleep with a guy who. . . ?  The article gives you choices like "wears ankle pants".  I think the real question is, would any of those men sleep with a woman stupid enough to answer that quiz.

In one issue, this magazine has dropped its standards way, way down. Maybe the demographic of shallow, vain, unintelligent young women has started buying Self in large numbers, and the magazine needs to kowtow to them and their insipid interests. It doesn't appeal to me any more. The March 2013 issue went straight into the recycling bin after a cursory review. However, if you want to read the scintillating articles about gonorrhea and what to do if your boss catches you shopping online, leave a comment and I can pull it out of the recycling bin and send it to you.

So, Self is out of my life. My question is, what should take its place? I would like a magazine that has articles about fitness and nutrition that are not crazy - no bizarre diets or exercise programs. I'd also like to keep updated on fashion and beauty trends, preferably those geared toward women who are not into the mutton dressed as sheep look. I'm fine with alternative, retro, and natural fashion and beauty - I'd rather see an article about steampunk makeup trends than one that advises drawing a blue stripe on my eyelid. Finally, I'd also like some brain candy, some articles that capture my interest, amuse me, intrigue me, tell me something that I don't already know. I like to know about new books, movies, and music, to learn about new places, and to be educated about things that are happening in the world. 

Any suggestions?

Comments

[BronxGrrl]

I'm eager to hear the answers myself. I like Real Simple but it doesn't really cover the same range of subjects and it tends to bore me after awhile. I go on and off subscription with it. There's no way i can ever really live the life they preach, lol.

[kathy k.]

I don't know your age, so please don't take this the wrong way but approximately 15 seconds after I turned 40 I got a subscription notification for More magazine and I did actually subscribe for quite a few years. It is honestly fairly decent - the only reason I let it lapse is I rarely buy magazines these days (I'd rather be knitting!).

[monica]

I used to be a Self subscriber too but stopped reading. I don't know why though. I started subscribing to Women's Health because someone was selling magazines for their kid that was the most interesting one. So far it's been reasonable. Funny you should post that picture - have you seen the latest Knitscene? http://www.knittingdaily.com/media/p/104998.aspx

[Sandy]

What does replace Your Self with? (Sorry, couldn't resist!) Whole Living is good.
http://www.wholeliving.com/

[Lynette]

I buy the Prevention magazine all the time. It has very good articles on health, wellness and recipes. I guess I should subscribe to it.

[Karen]

I really like Prevention for the health stuff. I even found my doctor in an issue a while back.

[2paw]

How very Adam Ant of them. I don't buy many magazines, Delicious for Cooking, BH&G and our Family Circle has a few specials through the year.