Budget Living

Review by: Craig Curtice
Date: 2/15/05

All right guys, first things first – Yes, Budget Living is mainly targeting women and perhaps gay decorators, but straight men who read this fun little magazine have nothing to fear. It’s become my favorite ever since my wife discovered it about two years ago. Hey I’m still a man’s man (clears throat, hikes pants up) and I still read Maxim, FHM, and uh, Big Juggs, but Budget Living flaunts this irresistible pop culture combination of InStyle with an Archie McPhee catalog.

Published six times a year, Budget Living easily lives up to its motto of "Spend Smart, Live Rich." The organic photos and clean layouts have a staid 1950’s Playboy feel, and though topics vary, expect features on shopping (turntables to tabletops), shabby chic interiors, party planning, flea market collecting, good financial advice, and cool traveling tips. The fashion spreads are always prim and quietly sexy, and the scores of inspiring ideas are do-it-yourself gold.

One creative example comes from the Aug/Sept 2004 issue. Jessica Murnane and Dan Jividen of Ohio rented a middle school cafeteria for their wedding reception of 100 guests. Lunchroom food staples like salad, pizza, and tater tots were served cafeteria style, and instead of a traditional cake the couple used an authentic cotton candy machine. For table settings they used clever construction paper textbook covers, pop quizzes and report cards, and pulled the whole thing off for under a grand.

The kitschy elegance of Budget Living is wife tested and husband approved, family friendly, and never out of place on any coffee table. And guys, next time you’re in a Barnes or Borders, be brave, walk to the home & garden section and check out a copy. You never know, it might get you noticed by the art school girl working at the checkout.

(Craig Curtice is a volunteer staff writer for 2 Walls Webzine.)