A while back I got an offer in the mail to subscribe to Everyday Food. Now, I can say that I have occasionally looked at this magazine at the store, but it's not one that I've ever bought or thought I cared to subscribe to. The photography is gorgeous, yes, but it seems like every time I've looked, the recipes seem to be for the kinds of things that are simple to the point that I would never think I need a recipe for them in the first place. Inspiration, yes, but worthy of being granted a hang-around spot in my house, no.
Really, it's not so much about paying for a magazine I don't particularly love as it is being faced with the dilemma of having to figure out what to do with them when I'm finished. For whatever reason, I have a really hard time tossing or otherwise getting rid of cooking magazines.
Anyway, this subscription offer happened to include a free gift, and that was where I got suckered and where all my resolve and discipline in the not-acquiring-stuff department went right out the window.
Meet my new, FREE apron:


It wasn't even that I needed an apron.
No.
I have two perfectly good and functional aprons already which is about one more than I need, but this one was just so dang cute and colorful and stripey that I just couldn't resist. Plus, it totally matches my kitchen.

So, congrats to you, Everyday Food, for the great marketing. Your magazine may not rock my world, but I guess that doesn't matter when you tease me with irresistible textiles. And for the record, the apron is miles niftier than the free party food "cookbook" that I got for renewing my Bon Appetit subscription.
Good thing I adore Bon Appetit.