I love my magazines. It's no surprise, given I'm a magazine editor by profession. If you didn't know that, please visit Proverbs 31 and click on "P31 Woman" for more info.
I love them so much, you might consider me a collector.
My favorite magazines are: Victoria, Romantic Homes, Southern Living, Home Companion (so sad that's not around any more), and anything to do with food.
I look through them multiple times, then enjoy seeing them fanned out on my coffee table.
They are idea festivals for my mind!
As I continue the series on managing paper, I knew we had to address magazines. Because if you are like me, it's hard to get rid of them.
When I have a plan, I find it easier to manage my magazines. Here are some ways I've spread the love:
1) Sent some to my children's schools for art projects.
2) Donated some to the library.
3) Carried a bag to family functions and shared them.
4) Set some out at my small group meeting and given them to friends.
What's hard is when there is something in a magazine I want to keep. I haven't known what to do with it. I do have a pocket folder for recipes I clip, but that's about it. What about all those organizing and design ideas? Party ideas? Places I'd like to visit? Holiday decorations? Gift ideas? What do I do with those?
I decided to create an "Idea Book" this week. I went to Wal-mart and bought a 2" plastic binder with a plastic sleeve on the front for a cover. I also bought some page protectors and a fresh glue stick. For about $5.00 I'm ready to start working through my stacks.
As I grow my idea book, I'll create new sections with tabbed dividers. Right now I know I'll have these:
Party Decorations
Recipes
Gift ideas
Gift ideas
Decorating ideas
Last night, I went through four magazines. I was surprised that two of them didn't have anything in them I wanted to save. Those are now in a bag to share at the next family event. Two of them had one idea I clipped. Those two will go to the school. It surprised me there was so little I wanted to save. Maybe this won't be so difficult after all.
Sometimes just getting started is half the battle. Hope this helps.
Grace & Peace,
Glynnis
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Over Labor day weekend, I recycled 2 years worth each of 4 or 5 magazines - most of them I hadn't read yet. It was a great relief though to not have them just sitting there piling up :) I love your suggestion though - maybe I can start that with the new magazines that come in :)
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