Take a Break!

*Magazine*

Take a Break is a weekly ladies magazine. It is released under the Bauer Publishing Group which has rights to 282 worldwide magazines includig the popular thats life!, TV Choice and Bella to name a few.

*Content*

Take a Break magazine has approx 60pages in each issue. There is a mix of competitions, real life stories, facts, health information in each issue.

Front page - The front page is bright and eyecatching. There is always an image of a real life lady, pictures and catchy titles of important stories contained within, the price and issue number and the value of prizes available in that particular issue.

Take a Break St - the first two pages is dedicated for readers who have sent in various photos and mini stories. The contents are also on this section and are clear and informative.

Real Life Stories - these are all through the magazine and can cover a half page, full page or even two pages depending on the story. Each story has pictures. The stories are varied and there is always an even mix of sad, adventure, happy stories. Readers are paid up to £500 I believe for stories though smaller ones and pictures are less.

Puzzles - crosswords, arrowords, code breakers etc. There is normally 15 puzzles with prizes ranging from vouchers to cash and holidays to supermarket dashes! Once you have filled the puzzles in, there is an entry coupon at the back of the magazine to be filled in and sent to the address. You can also phone the answers in with a max call cost of 52p, faxing in costs 25p or you can go online to www.takeabreak.co.uk and enter your answers there. The normal time scale is 3weeks from issue date for answers to be sent in. Answers and winners are published 3 issues behind in the magazine.

Brainwaves - this is a section where readers can send in tip and photos on various subjects and receive £60 for doing so.

Heartbeat - this is section dedicated to health for you and your family. It offers tips from professionals and real life stories.

Real Beauty - as you can imagine, this is where readers can send in questions or tips on beauty products and be paid up to £50 for doing so.

Cookery - there is a small 2 page spread with recipes which usually includes a main meal and a dessert recipe with attractive images and full cooking instructions.

Fashion - a section showing the latest trends in fashion for real woman and those who are on a budget! No Armani or Gucci here, more Primark and Matalan!

Horoscopes - weekly horoscopes and advice for each sign.

Take a Buddy - Agony Aunt Katie Fraser and her take a break buddies answer letters regarding relationships, friendships etc. This offers good advice.

The Grumps - a family give their view and ratings on a particular product from different brands.

Sensible and Barmy - this is on the last page of the magazine and is another opportunity for readers to send in little stories getting paid £100 for the pleasure.

Adverts - ok so what magazine would be complete without the usual adverts? Take a Break has full page/half page adverts for cleaning products, mobiles, beauty products, chocolate, food stuff, weight loss, clothes and Take a Break bingo! There is approx 10 advert pages per issue.

*Availability and Price*

Take a Break has like most things, increased in price over the years and is now currently 80p. You can purchase it every Thursday from newsagents, corner shops and supermarkets.

*My Opinion*

Take a Break has been a firm favourite of mine alongside thats life! and Pick Me Up etc. At one point I was buying this every week without fail but would end up buying all 5 of my favourite magazines and it was costing me a small fortune so I only buy occasionally now. Despite being young, I would opt for Take a Break over Cosmo or Company anyday! Why you ask?

I love competitions and this is the main reason behind me buying this magazine. The competitions keep me occupied and offer great prizes and plenty of them though I have never won as I forget to sent them away by the deadline!

The real life stories are amazing and I have read some which made me happy, sad, disgusted, angry, weepy and some really are close to the bone. I love reading the little stories too and some of them make me smile and laugh.

I like the fashion and beauty tips as they are promoted in a way that doesn't presume you have a £5000 spending limit on your credit card! Those on a budget are shown how to look trendy and feel good.

My overall opinion of this magazine is that it is a good quality magazine, very cheap and offers everything I could want in a magazine. It is geared towards ladies and was voted the best womans weekly but don't be swayed by this as my fiance reads this too..yes a 27yr old Xbox obsessed male likes Take a Break!

Thanks for reading!!