I am a magazine junkie. I enjoy reading and just looking at magazines. One of my first memories of being obsessed with magazines is from when I was about 12 years old. I spent a week with my parents at a resort just outside of Moscow. The resort library was the most modern one I have seen at that point in my life. It had a good selection of Soviet publications, including a popular magazine for women called “Rabotnitsa” or “The Woman Worker.” I recall spending hours looking through back issues and reading the advice columns.
Then, when I was already living in the United States, I subscribed to a slew of magazines. It is weird, but I remember the various stages of my life when I discovered new publications. On my honeymoon in Hawaii, I found InStyle. While on maternity leave with my first child, I became obsessed with Martha Stewart Living. Later on, when Oprah’s O magazine made its debut, I remember heading to a newsstand on the Upper West Side of Manhattan to buy my first issue. I also recall when my boss turned me on to Fast Company and kindly gave me an annual subscription as a birthday gift.
Several years ago, I gave up most subscriptions for two reasons: to prevent the magazine clutter entering my home and to save money. I still miss the monthly arrivals of new issues. However, I learned to get my fix and stick to my plan as well. Here is what I do:
1. I visit a local bookstore at least once every six weeks to read magazines. For me it is a nice quiet (child-free) way to relax.
2. Occasionally, I buy a magazine that looks particularly interesting to me.
3. I look forward to visiting my friend Deborah in New York, who happens to have every imaginable magazine subscription in North America. 
4. I discovered the world of free online magazines. Instead of coming to my mailbox, they arrive into my inbox. In fact, there is a brand new one called House of Fifty. The first issue came out a few days ago and it is focused on organization.
There is a nice piece on creating a family command centre.
And an article on meal planning, which I believe every organized household should engage in.
I am also delighted that the organization issue did not only focus on physical clutter and time management. It had an article on organizing a walking group. My philosophy is that an organized lifestyle will allow one to make time to do things that truly matter in life like exercise, spending time with family and friends, or doing meaningful community work. That is why order matters.
Other free online magazines to explore:
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