Real Simple Magazine

Real Simple magazine is published by Time, Inc. Its first issue hit the stands back in 2000. In the five years since it's been around, it's been winning fans and annoying critics--and both in about equal measure.

Real Simple offers home and lifestyle advice in the vein of Martha Stewart Living or O, the Oprah Magazine. However, there is no celebrity at the helm to steer Real Simple. Rather, it's stewarded by Elizabeth Mayhew, Georgetown graduate, and former editor of House Beautiful.

Household Tips for the Well-Heeled

Fans of the magazine claim that they appreciate the articles about streamlining the clutter in their home, and the products which the Real Simple staff have given hard road tests. On the other hand, critics claim that every article is nothing more than a gauzily photographed advert. To be sure, if one is able to find useful an article about how much more simple it is to use a salad spinner to clean that $300 cashmere sweater, then more power to you.

Regardless, circulation of Real Simple continues to climb. Their success has led to the publication of one book on the subject of keeping house, and another one is about ready to launch off the presses. In the meantime, a new Real Simple television program is also in the works, to be developed by public television giant WGBH Boston.