MeckMom.com

I’ve been a big fan of Consumer Reports for years.  In fact, my husband teases me because I’m constantly checking their website to figure out the consumer best buy for everything from digital cameras to dishwashing detergent.

Last week I was perusing the magazine rack at Sam’s Club when I came across a great new magazine produced by the editors of Consumer Reports called Shop Smart.  Like Consumer Reports, Shop Smart is completely ad free and offers tons of advice based on independently tested products.  However, unlike its popular counterpart, this female-friendly magazine ditches the car comparisons and techie charts and replaces them with cleanly designed shopping suggestions on everything from tips on slashing your grocery bills to picking the best birth control.  Overall, I was really impressed.  I looked into subscribing, but unfortunately all the links on their site (www.shopsmart.org) link you to the original Consumer Reports magazine.  I’ve written to the editor for more information but I haven’t heard back yet.  When I do, I’ll let you know.  Until then, you may want to look for it on the racks.

While you’re there, you may also want to grab a copy of Better Homes and Gardens special interest issue of Storage for Kids Stuff.  Although I wasn’t terribly impressed with their organization ideas…Organize Mag does a much better job of that…I did love flipping through their cleverly designed kids rooms.  I found several great decorating ideas that I pulled out and added to my decorating ideas binder.  If you like idea magazines like Pottery Barn Kids, you may want to give this one a try.  Just thought I’d pass it on.