Too simple?

My own mother was recently contemplating Martha Stewart over on her blog - simplehappyhome - and as a dutiful daughter and fan, I had to weigh in.

Basically, I appreciate the natural hostessing abilities that Martha exudes and admire her extensive knowledge of cornish hens, but I don't think I'd want to join her on vacation. And I think most of the stuff I like best from her magazine - easy, practical, cheap craft ideas - are generated by her staff and not her stodgy ol' self. (No offense, Marty, I'm sure you're totally cool with your peers, who also summer in the Hamptons and adore linen pants.)

But it got me thinking about her mag, which I enjoy but don't always treasure. Which got me thinking about another mag that I always think I love but then find myself tossing aside after a quick 15-minute run through. Any guesses? It's Real Simple. I've never seen a magazine, much less one that prides itself on simplicity, waste so much page space on nothing. I mean, it makes a great reference guide, but unless I happen to be shopping for bedding, I don't want a 10-page spread on the best pillow out there. Isn't brevity a form of simplicity?

I do like their recipes, and I'm all about the reader tips. But you're talking to someone who typically has to begin a magazine by reading every letter to the editor and cannot come up for air until each article has been read in order from front to back. I blame my father for the compulsive behavior, but nonetheless it makes for very thorough and enjoyable reading. A People magazine takes a good hour of my time.

But the other day I got a complimentary issue of Real Simple and was done in less than 10 minutes with rarely more than a glance at the pictures.

What gives? Is it just me or is the magazine lacking in substance?

And are there any great home magazines out there? Because what I really want are cheap, easy design ideas and non-crafty craft projects.

Any suggestions?

If you're in the market for a classy skeleton ...

Did I mention that my mom is in town for the week?

Which means that I'm going to have to break up with you for a few days so that I can spend some quality time with the woman behind simplehappy home.

It's not you, it's me, I promise.

But I don't want you to go away empty-handed and/or hearted. After all, Halloween is only a week away and some of you might not have seen the ghoulishly great decor over at Glamma Fabulous' blog.

She's like a mother to me, though technically she is Mrs. Jay's mom, though technically she had permission to punish me as a teenager.

And she's an artistic genuis.

And perhaps the only person who decorates with hair gel.

simply family

As if you weren't reading enough blogs by my family, another member has joined the Blogger ranks. (For enquiring minds, this female member of the family gave birth to me, forever making her world a louder place.)

You can find her here at simplehappy home.

Unlike this here blog, hers has a definite theme - home design, quilting and simple living. Likewise, my sis' blog is dedicated to forms of transportation, like Vespas and one famous VW.

Apparently I'm the Jerry Seinfeld blogger in my family because my blog is about nothing, except maybe Target. And we all know they aren't going to pay me for my endorsements.

However, we all share a common love of run-on sentences and sarcasm. So apparently I wasn't switched at birth, thus debunking my childhood theory that I am a long-lost member of an exotic island's royal family - preferably, a really, really rich royal family, not so much a livestock-currency, tribal royal family.

(See what I mean about run-on sentences?)

Now, if we could only get Mrs. Gee to blog, if only to see adorable photos of Lil' Gee on a daily basis. Then again, if she gets a website, it better be for her fabulous cards, new business or culinary skillz. Like this recipe:

Caribbean Chicken and Black Bean Salad
Spicy Lime dressing (below)
2 c. cubed, cooked chicken
¼ c. chopped fresh cilantro
1 large tomato, chopped (1 cup)
1 medium avocado, chopped
1 small yellow squash, chopped
1 can (15 oz.) black beans, rinsed and drained
Leaf lettuce

* Make Spicy Lime dressing
* Toss remaining ingredients except lettuce in large bowl. Pour dressing over salad; toss. Serve on lettuce.

Spicy Lime Dressing
¼ c. lime juice

¼ t. ground cumin

¼ t. salt

½ t. chili powder
2 T. olive oil

1 T. honey

2 to 3 drops red pepper sauce

* Shake all ingredients in tightly covered container.