Since my ‘sea-change’ a few months ago, the internet has become somewhat of a luxury compared with my city slicker friends. I really used to take advantage that I could be online anytime, anywhere, UNLIMITED if I wanted to... now I have to be, argh, selective about my online habits. Trawling through Pinterest, Tumblr and the usual suspects for inspiration has slowed right down (along with country broadband speeds). This post isn’t a ‘woe is me’ story I promise. It’s probably a good thing that my time on the internet is decreased - it’s an opportunity to seek creativity in other places. Namely, in the form of print.
Remember magazines? When was the last time you bought one? Not since the Dolly and Girlfriend days perhaps? or a cheeky Oscars special / Brangelina’s wedding / irrelevant but-oh-so-interesting celebrity event exclusive? Believe it or not readers, there are some pretty good mags out there, which are more than enough to satisfy some guilty pleasure cravings.
Probably the biggest turn off for magazines is cost. They can be expensive, but those value for money titles are often quarterly or bi-annual, so be assured that the content is well worth the spend. Usually, they are small publishers as well - local talent creating content that isn't stock standard, regurgitated dribble from tycoon publishers (I won't name names, but it ryhmes with 'Pupert Turdoch'). If you’re thrifty, head to your local library - if you can’t find the title you’re after, suggest that they stock it - most libraries are pretty great at giving the public what they want!
There has been a regeneration into printed media over the past few years. Certainly we're living in a fast paced time - information can literally be sourced in seconds. It's nice to slow things down a bit, make a cuppa and pour through glossy pages on a Saturday afternoon.
Here’s a few of my current faves - would love to hear some of yours! What other guilty pleasure mags can you recommend?
Elouise x
Country Style: Country Style has been around for a while now and there's a reason why - this mag is chock full of beautiful photographs, stories and general country swagger, without the bothersome 'sponsored articles' that similar mags seem to rely on.
More info: http://www.homelife.com.au/magazine/country+style
Dumbo Feather: This little gem has apparently been in print for ten years. I only discovered it last month, but better late than never!
Dumbo Feather finds amazing people and shares their stories - from artists and designers to scientists and comedians,
Dumbo Feather has a little bit of everything and it's awesome.
More info: www.dumbofeather.com
Frankie: Oh Frankie. I have been a major fan of Frankie for a while now - those behind the Frankie wheel have seen it go from strength to strength (see other titles by the same publishers below) with a strong online presence to boot. Frankie also boasts some fab Australian contemporary writers like Benjamin Law, Marieke Hardy and Rowena Grant-Frost. It's funny, it's inspiring, I can't get enough (I promise I'm not getting paid for this promo, it's just that great).
Fete: Another recent discovery, Fete is an interiors dream boat. Dabbling also in cooking and Australian culture, Fete is a lovely page turner - and Adelaide born and raised!
Smith Journal: Smith Journal is another brain child of the Frankie gang, but aimed more at our gentlemanly counterparts. It's not entirely for men, the themes are the same, but with a more masculine edge (the Smith Journal blog is a good introduction).
Peppermint: Peppermint is moral consciousness wrapped in a mag. A little less conventional than most, Peppermint features fashion, design and creativity in a completely sustainable way. Every copy is 100% carbon neutral and sources articles that are purposeful for pursuing sustainability in everyday life. Definitely worth a look if you need eco tips and hints.
Spaces: Okay, technically Spaces isn't a regular magazine, but when issues are released they are worth the $24.95 price tag. Spaces is literally just that - articles about creative spaces for creative people, which helps people like me who like to be creative but live in chaotic spaces. Spaces is one of the magazines that make you want to jump up and get organised - but the actual reading is getting in the way of that, so things stay the same. SIgh, such is life.
