I was contacted recently by Southern Living magazine, and asked to review their new redesign. In an era when so many publications are closing their doors, I'm really pleased to be able to give you a peek at this vibrant issue.
I probably should start with a disclaimer: I'm a Yankee who has never been farther south than Virginia. But I have to say that the October issue, with it's beautiful travel section, has inspired me to consider a closer look. I was particularly interested to read the story, A Tale of Two Trail Towns. It turns out that Harper's Ferry, West Virginia and Hot Springs North Carolina both sit astride the Appalachian Trail, and offer beautiful views, historic buildings and quaint shops. Now doesn't that sound like it would be right up my alley? ;)
photo: Laurey W. Glenn for Southern Living magazine
The home section is packed with great ideas for decorating projects. One of my favorites is a "family command center" -- how to transform the end of your kitchen cabinets or a bit of empty wall with magnetic boards, cork boards and ribbon into a stylish information center (shown above). It seems to me this would be a great idea for a mud room or a laundry room, too. There are also lots of great decorating ideas, including how to style your dining room sideboard.
photo: Laurey W. Glenn for Southern Living magazine
My favorite article was a look inside a former bishop's house in Atlanta (shown above). With gorgeous Gothic elements reminiscent of ecclesiastical architecture, the home has been redesigned to fit the needs of a young family. Eight pages of beautiful details are pure eye candy.
I would have to say that the newly redesigned Southern Living reminds me of Better Homes and Gardens -- the design, the photography, the food, the focus on traditional decor. It is bright and glossy and filled with ideas. Definitely worth a look. :)
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Wow, can't wait to take a look.
ReplyDeleteOh Mary, I have to say that southern living and sunset (on the west coast) are sister mags. When we lived in GA I started taking southern living and had it for several years....maybe 15+. After having lived here in AZ for the last 6 yrs I found that they really had nothing for me anymore. I always loved the food section, but they have a cookbook out every year on all the years recipes, so no need to take it for that reason alone. They don't advise on anything growing west of TX, so sadly I decided to part ways.....I do however received Sunset mag in it's place. Now after a couple of months without, they sent me an offer I couldn't refuse and have started it up again. Sadly I don't have the issue you are talking about so will have to go out and find it on the shelf.....thankyou for a lovely post, Char
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on being asked to review the mag. I took it for a long time too, but I got so discouraged I could not keep up the reading. So just had to let it go. I do think it is a great magazine.
ReplyDeleteQMM
I bought this issue off the magazine rack. I thought it was exceptionally good. But of course, the covers right now on through Thanksgiving will be my favorite... then the Christmas issue will come out.. and then I will think that is my favorite. Great magazine!
ReplyDeleteKaren
Ladybug Creek
It does look great! What an honor for you to be asked to review their new design!!!
ReplyDelete:) T
it's one of my favorite magazines. :)
ReplyDeleteSL has been a favorite of mine since my Yankee brother (we're from PA) and my Alabama born sister-in-law gave my parents a subscription about 25 years ago. I may only live in "South" Jersey but I always enjoy this magazine and read it from cover to cover each month.
ReplyDeleteI have always loved Southern Living and subscribed for years. But living in Wisconsin now--it's too depressing to read it and see very graphically that there are actually places with NICE WEATHER.
ReplyDeleteI've been reading Southern Living for years. My mother subscribed when I was still living at home. It is a staple of inspiration in our home to this day.
ReplyDeleteI will have to check out the new design. Sounds like they are doing a great job!
ReplyDeleteI've always liked Southern Living magazine. How astute of them to ask you to review the new design! I'll have to check it out.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to try to find one. I did awhile back, but decided I'd have to get it off the internet, and guess I forgot about it....Hmmm! Have a great weekend.
ReplyDeleteWow, what an honor to be ask to review their magazine! I enjoy it even though I now live in the northwest. But I do wish magazines would realize we all don't have these huge budgets to work with. A $700,000 house is just beyond my budget. I'd like a real magazine for the way people really live, not how the wealthy live.
ReplyDeleteHi Mary! What an honor to be asked to review Southern Living! It has been in my house ever since I had my own home and in my mom's as well. It's been a staple for Southern women for ages. In the past, I used it for decorating tips as well as planning a trip, planting my garden, choosing which books to read (it used to have a book review section) and as a source for great recipes. I still swear by their recipes and devour the travel section, but something is missing for me. I think the home section has gotten short changed in the transition, although the October issue seems better than the more recent ones. There used to be tons of great decorating tips and how-to's, but not so much any more. Their magazine was the first place I ever saw candles in the fireplace back before they started making candle holders for that purpose. I really hope they will continue along the path of the October issue. I hate to see an old friend go the way of so many magazines and disappear! And you are welcome any time to come on south of the Mason-Dixon line and visit us!We'd love to have you! Thanks for the interesting post!...hugs...Debbie
ReplyDeleteBased on your review, I'm going to give Southern Living another try. Even though I moved to VA 20+ years ago, I've contuned to receive Sunset - thank you for sharing!
ReplyDeleteYou are so right! When I got my issue of SL I was very impressed with the new layout! I loved The Bishop's House story,too!
ReplyDeleteWOW Mary !!!
ReplyDeleteThat is one magazine I don't get...I see a lot of the bloggers mention it...what a pretty magazine...
Have you seen the online magazine called Lonny??? Nice, but I prefer to hold it in my hands !!!
Kathy :)
I've never seen Southern Living magazine but I LOVE the photos you've posted Mary ~ I will have a look for it at Chapters :-)
ReplyDeleteKathy, yes I have seen Lonny. It is beautifully photographed and has some gorgeous content... but I know what you mean about holding it in your hands and what about clippings? Well, I guess you could print a page that you like...
ReplyDeleteI have been a subscriber for many many years, but find that I don't enjoy it as much as I used to. Still take it, but it is no longer my favorite! How nice that you were asked to review the design!
ReplyDeleteI am as we speak making those pumpkin cakes...awesome
ReplyDeleteSeeing as how I grew up in Tennessee, this magazine is a lifeline for me to my roots. I love the new look, too;)
ReplyDeleteI always take a look at this one when visiting my inlaws....
ReplyDeleteHow nice you were asked to review!
Neat to get asked to review the mag. I haven't seen on in ages. Might pick one up on my errand run.
ReplyDeleteOh, and Harper's Ferry is gorgeous! Love that place.
Hi Mary,
ReplyDeleteI always pick up a copy of Southern Living when I'm in SC and I must say how much I am enjoying this Fall issue.
The photographs are wonderful.
Maggie
Oh! Thansk fro the review! I'll have to look for this issue..it looks lucious! I love magazines and subscribe to way too many of them ..lol
ReplyDeleteHey Karen,
ReplyDeleteI have this issue and enjoyed it very much too! I have a subscription to Southern Living, and have been reading it for years... and yes, I'm a Southern Girl, born and raised in Alabama, (currently living in Florida), wishing I was in Tennessee LOL! .....I'll tell you what's so wonderful about this magazine... is that you don't have to be a southern girl to enjoy it. I think that no matter what region a person lives in...they would still enjoy it. I love the travel articles they feature. I do love their new look and the new monthly articles that they plan on featuring. Don't you just love that cover page!?
Big Hugs,
Queenie
P.S. I love all of your fall pics and Mosaics!
I've looked everywhere online for a picture of the rooftop of the Bishop House! I loved the roof! I wish I could find something like it to add it to my file for when I build my own house.
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