Cheap Magazine Subscriptions

Obviously, you know I'm into handwritten mail. Who isn't? But you know what's also pretty sweet? Magazines, baby. I waited, oh, about four years before fulfilling a dream and finally subscribing to Martha Stewart Living. Why did I wait? It always seemed too expensive. The only reason I finally signed up was because of the crazy deals that most magazine subscriptions are offering now. (This definitely sounds like an ad. A bad ad. Sorry about that.) GQ offered a year-long subscription rate of $5 FOR THE YEAR a few weeks back (it's now at $15 for the year), so it's good to check off and on.

This is basically just a public service announcement telling you that if you've been putting off subscribing to some magazine you've always wanted to get but haven't because of money - well, you should go sign up now since magazines are definitely on their way out the door. I understand that's why they're charging so little, so it'd be smartest to get in on this now because they're completely gone. 

You can find the weekly, cheap Amazon magazine subscriptions over here. But you should also check out an individual magazine's website as well. Mad deals all 'round. Get in on it.

(And if you're the type who's into tabloids... well... I genuinely hate myself for being the one to inform you of these deals. I really do.)

Tip of the Day - Softened Butter

“When you’re ready to bake, waiting for cold butter to soften can seem to take forever. Here’s how to hurry the process along: Over a mixing bowl, shred the amount of butter you need on a grater. The little pieces will soften faster than a solid stick. In no time, the butter will be bake-worthy.”

— Martha Stewart Living

Martha Stewart is an untouchable gem and I'll be expanding on that thought further in the future.

Breakable Flower Boxes

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Breakable flower boxes by Kingsday.

Tip For Seeming Important

You know why you’re going to watch this? ‘Cause it’s less than a minute. (I get you. I am you.)

The Signature Facial at Metamorphosis Day Spa in NYC

If you take part in only one self-servicing, luxurious act this week/month/year/what-have-you, then please arrange to have this facial. 

I have taken part in a lifetime total of three facials in my twenty-eight years, and this last one makes me want to re-adjust all of my current priorities. The fact that it's a ninety-minute facial was the first thing I loved about it since, well, that's a long time. And when things take a long time, they're usually worth doing. And in that time, some crazy peels, masks and other unworldly things took place. What "unworldly" thing am I talking about? Um, I don't know - THE EXTRACTIONS! Do you, simple human, know what that means? Because, at the time, I did not. And it soon became my favourite part.

“An extraction is the process of clearing a clogged or compacted pore by manual or mechanical means. Extractions are often performed as part of a facial. Most people need at least a couple of extractions during each facial, though you may require more extractions if this is your first facial.”

— http://www.ascpskincare.com/media/consumer_education_extractions.php

(Imagine there were photos here of my extractions being done? I don't know if you and me are quite there yet, but just know that I was thinking about it. Would've been gross and beautiful somehow at the same, I think.)

Anyway, it was best part of the facial. A trained professional? Handling my pimps? In a neat-ass way with high-tech equipment? UM, that's amazing. The whole experience was phenomenal and I will definitely go back for another. 

“The point of living and of being an optimist, is to be foolish enough to believe the best is yet to come.”

— Peter Ustinov

Rocky The Musical on Broadway

My brother Gary often says that I give everything a good review. He has compared it to when Homer becomes a food critic.

But you know that's not true. I can hate just as strongly as I can love. But that being said - this musical is probably THE BEST THING YOU CAN SEE ON BROADWAY RIGHT NOW.

Really. And I was honestly not expecting this good a time. It totally won me over mid-way through. At intermission, I was all, "Yeah, I get it. It's okay." And then the second act happened and suddenly my face was no longer part of my body - because it was blown away. 

Did I like the movie Rocky? I did, it's a great movie. Am I crazy in love with that movie? No. I have other loves. And that's fine, calm down. My point is that you can still love this production. And if you see it and don't love it? That's... weird. I'll have no idea how to carry on a conversation with you because it was fantastic and should be enjoyed by everyone who sees it.

The sets were better than any I've ever seen on any stage - and maybe that seems abnormal to note, but you'll understand that more if you get a look at them. They're impeccable. The music? Meh. The music really wasn't anything special. And honestly, the fact that the songs weren't great and yet I still had a fun time should speak volumes. Definitely go see this. There are things I want to tell you specifically about why it was so originally well done, but if you're actually considering seeing it then I don't want to be the one to ruin certain cool things that happen when watching. It was such a great time. Go.

You can purchase tickets here. 

IHOP National (Free) Pancake Day

From 7am until 10pm today, IHOP is giving out stacks of free, buttermilk pancakes at all their locations. As you may recall, I'm personally not that into pancakes - but promotional free food? Big fan.