4 of 4

Write now Article Tools

Edwin Meredith, who happened to be the US Secretary of Agriculture during the term of Woodrow Wilson, founded the "Better Homes and Gardens" magazine in 1922. It is a wonderful magazine that has everything from recipes, to how to cut your grocery budget as well as arts, crafts, and gardening tips. This is most definitely the go to magazine for any home owner so it's no wonder that it is one of the most circulated magazines in the United States.

It has been a staple in my family for three generations because of the clever ideas it contains for decorating the home. The Christmas cookie special edition magazine is also another favorite in my family because it gives us some very creative ideas for our Christmas dessert menu. And I must admit that I haven't thrown a single issue away because the information is just so valuable since it can be used over and over again through the years. The tips really are timeless because the magazine does what no other comparable magazine around can, it offers simplicity and tried and true methods for your house. For instance, if you want to "go green" with your cleaning supplies, "Better Homes and Gardens" has not only given you those alternative products (past article), but they will give you tips on how to clean your house in less time. If you want to unclutter your house, you can bet that the magazine will have some tricks to show you.

I have not had the pleasure of owning my own home yet, but I enjoy reading the tips and information that the magazine has for gardening too. And the tips for gardening don't stop once winter starts to roll in. The magazine in the past has offered ways of making pretty containers or urns for a decorative entry to your home and I've used that information for my own entry to my apartment during the Christmas season. I've also found new ways to hang greenery in the winter time because I've had this magazine on hand.

These tips are not just in the magazine, but also offered on their website and in their signature "Red Plaid" cookbook, as well. The Meredith Corporation expanded its business to include the cookbook in 1930 and has the adult and junior cookbook version available for consumers. During special times there are other versions available of the "Red Plaid", like when it went pink for breast cancer awareness. The cookbook has produced fourteen editions with the last edition being published as recently as 2006.

"Better Homes and Gardens" will continue to be a staple in our family now, and for years to come because of its valuable information and reasonable price. It is so popular in my house that even my 7 year old is hooked! I hope you all give it a read sometime.

Learn more about this author, Kimberley Linstruth-Beckom.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.

Add your voice

Know something about Magazine reviews: Better Homes and Gardens?
We want to hear your view. Write now!