My decor is doomed. Seems it wasn’t enough that Cottage Living magazine folded, now the one I like even more, Country Home, is closing the barn doors for good. Two favorite magazines gone in 2 months (although I did learn that my Cottage Living subscription would be honored by Southern Living, which was a nice surprise).
Has the world finally had enough of the uber-emphasis on decorating the last 10 years? Can HGTV be far behind? Surely not, but I could probably give up cable if that folded.
So now I’m down to Better Home and Gardens (a perennial subscription for close to 20 years) and my recent gift subscription to Martha Stewart Living — so lovely but so unattainable. It sure doesn’t bode well for the state of this ol’ house in the days to come. Good thing I’ve saved the back issues. Inspiration has to come from somewhere.
A comfortable house is a great source of happiness.
It ranks immediately after health and a good conscience.
~ Sydney Smith
Writing by Ear 
mel said,
Friday, January 16, 2009 at 10:53 am
OH for CRYIN’ OUT LOUD! What am I to do? I subscribed to both of those, too. I found out about Cottage Living from YOU, and then the publisher deigned to tell me (although my last issue will be replaced by Real Simple…?) And now I’m losing Country Home? I just ordered that one!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hope that BHG is not far behind, because, YES, I get that one too. And I still have at least one year of it left. Man. This economy has no mercy on the well-coordinated, comfortable-furnished masses.
jewels said,
Friday, January 16, 2009 at 3:47 pm
My friend told my about Cottage Living and I was so bummed. I loved that magazine and was hoping to find some inspiration in it for our remodeling plans. I love Martha, but you are so right about her…too perfect!!
WritingbyEar said,
Friday, January 16, 2009 at 4:01 pm
Jewels…I know! I love watching Martha’s show and reading the magazine, but I really can’t do any of it. The Feb issue of the mag has all these fancy meringue desserts (who knew there were different types of meringue?) and cupcakes that would take like a half-hour to decorate one. (And did you notice — none of the recipes list calories!) It’s more of a reference/education for me than anything. Like watching PBS…
Facie said,
Friday, January 16, 2009 at 5:22 pm
I live vicariously through most of the house hunting people on HGTV. Except for the couple the other day who looked at what had to be one of the ugliest houses I had ever seen. I am horrible at decorating and probably could not care less about it, so I cannot lament the loss that you all are feeling. But I am glad; I don’t have the money to spend on keeping my house Martha-like, and I don’t have the energy or creativity to do nice, simple things.
WritingbyEar said,
Friday, January 16, 2009 at 5:59 pm
I love the house-hunting shows too, but people are so dumb sometimes. “Oh, I don’t know about this wall color.” Or “I don’t like that wallpaper border.” Like it never occurred to them they might have to pick up a paint roller or get some new carpet when they move into a place. Or the ones who expect granite countertops and stainless steel appliances in a 40-year-old house.