Real Simple. Uh-huh.

So a couple of months ago, I subscribed to a magazine as part of a fundraiser for a relative's school. Process of elimination was how I picked the magazine. And price. I wanted a subscription that would run the whole year, but not break the bank - it's going to a good cause but we've only so much expendable income this time of year. I had never read this magazine before. I judged a book by its cover, or more, by its title. I thought I'd find helpful hints. How to do more with less. How to use what I've got. How to live a more simple life.

Yes, I'm that naive that I could think a magazine, that relies on advertising for its revenue, might lead me down the road less travelled.

Well, it does, if you mean the road travelled by those with six figure incomes.

I've had 2 issues so far.

In the first issue, one of the must-have makeup items is a foundation that retails for $85. And I grimace each time I have to put out nearly ten bucks for the big bottle of Oil of Olay.

If you're looking for interesting lamps, may I suggest this little number for only $590. I liked this standing chandelier until I saw the saucy little price of $1,032. In another issue, this chandelier will only set you back $3,690.

Somehow, when I think real simple, I think how-to-redo-rooms-on-a-budget, how-to-refab-furniture-I-already-own, simple-gardening-techniques. Most of all, I think of suggestions that won't break the bank. I certainly don't think of decorating suggestions that cost 3 or 4 figures for one friggin' item.

Cheap, but fabulous. Now that's real simple.