Sliding Into Home Plate

Yes, yes... you're all due an explanation.

Well, perhaps I should tell you that last night I was offered a full-time job. That's right, a full-time job! With a salary, and benefits, and the whole nine yards!

Perhaps I should also tell you that yesterday I discovered that there would be an opening at the travel magazine where I'm now working... in editorial... and with a fantastic title!

But alas, these two scenarios intersect only by pure coincidence. The job I was offered, in fact, isn't even in magazines. It's the only thing outside of magazines that I've ever considered--PR for upscale restaurants at a boutique NYC firm. The salary? Average. The perks? Enormous.

I almost don't even know how it happened. An informational interview in June led to a job offer in September, and the time in between seems to have all but disappeared. Was this really meant to be? I feel like, by some twist of fate that I can't yet understand, I've slid into home plate with not a single second to spare.

I held off on sharing the news until all my decisions were final and out in the open. Today I told my mentor at the travel magazine that I'd "most likely" be taking the job. I'd already said yes, but I wanted to soften the blow.

It also happens to be that today was the first day I've ever felt like an intern. When I'd made it through all my important work and nobody had projects for me to do, I offered my services to whoever would take them. "Want to clean the office? There are so many things in the wrong place," I was asked. Let's just say I quickly cleaned off one surface and occupied myself with a task more worthy of my Ivy League degree--freelance editing.

And the editorial job that's opening in December? It seems heavy in administrative work and low on the editing duties, but with a 3 month trial in store with PR, the timing could work out if things are meant to be.

In my new role, I'll be an assistant account executive--a fancy title that lets me eat out for free as a job requirement. Restaurant openings, TV press appearances, and food tastings are all part of the description. Could a food writer find a more perfect mecca?

Alas, I'll be able to afford that killer meal--nay, it will be on the house! And magazines? They're still in my heart. And I'm sure I'll make my way there soon. But for now, I'll gladly pass on my intern duties and take the freelance bylines to myself. Only time will tell where this curvy old road will go next.

Falling out of Summer

Having grown up in Florida, I've always been really fascinated by the change of seasons. In Miami, you see, there are two seasons: summer, and lesser-summer, also known as inhumanely hot time and pleasantly warm time. Needless to say, the colors don't change on palm tree leaves and the beach doesn't exactly get a sugary coating of snow.



But here in New York, today is the first day of Fall. It's still 72 degrees outside and the weather is nothing less than perfectly beautiful, but the farmer's markets are starting to get squash and maize and the stone fruits are making their final appearances before the local apple harvest goes into full swing.


My life feels like it's been in a perpetual state of transition over the last few months, but now that the weather is changing too, I can't help but feel in harmony with the way things are. And the best part? The air outside is crisper and fresher and more pleasant than ever at this time of year... so if I'm not at my computer editing away, find me here at the riverside, taking in the amazing Fall weather just a block and a half away from home.

Let There Be Light... Or Not?

My roommate and I finally signed an apartment yesterday, and that means I'm officially allowed to think about decorating. Obviously, we're on as restricted a budget as ever, because the start-up costs of Manhattan apartments exceed your typical shopping spree at Tiffany's. Well, almost.

Though we're leaving the village, we're doing it in style. Our new, Upper East Side apartment is a beautiful 2 bed/2 bath duplex with a private patio, and we're hoping to throw our housewarming party in our gorgeous outdoor space. But just thinking about it, I feel like I've made one big mistake. Don't worry--it has nothing to do with the apartment itself. But if you flash back to early June, that's when the mistake happened.

My wonderful boyfriend and I were traveling in Morocco when I stumbled upon the most beautiful lanterns. They dotted the patios of our hotels and lit up shops in the souks with their stained glass panels and cut-out designs.


I was tempted--so tempted--but I resisted. Where will I ever put these, I thought?


Ah, if only I'd known I'd be throwing a garden party in my own patio a short three months later.


These babies are available online, but unlike in the souks, they'll cost you a pretty penny to buy and ship. Check The Moroccan Bazaar and Casbah Decor for prices if you feel so inclined!

White Coats Galore

Today is a very exciting day, because it is the day that the wonderful boyfriend officially starts medical school! The first day involves standard orientation activities and getting-to-know-you's, but it also includes something far more exciting: the White Coat ceremony, where he will receive his crisp new medical jacket emblazoned with his name and school crest. It's a moment I know he's been waiting for forever, and I'm so proud of him for reaching it.

In honor of today's white coat ceremony, which I sadly could not attend, I've decided to bring you a White Coat roundup just in time for the fall season. It might take the scientific edge off of the thing, but none of you readers were really interested in that anyway... or were you?

I think white coats are actually a wonderful transitional trend, pairing the ubiquitous summer color with a chic look for fall. This 3/4 sleeve version from Victoria's Secret is especially summery, but with a rich brown belt, it would pair beautifully with knee-high boots way into next season.

I'm also loving this lightweight trench by Bloomingdale's. I never realized the value of a trench until I finally caved and bought a wonderful sage green one two years ago, but trench coats in bright colors always work well for fall and spring.
Finally, I found this beautiful jacket by Milly--although it's a total splurge item that I could never afford, the boucle ruffle trim and round neckline make it so sophisticated, unique, and stylish that I can't resist including it here.


But please, remember, none of these are meant to be worn into the operating room!

Welcome--hope you're here to stay!

It's my 50th day in the real world. 50 days ago, I graduated from an Ivy League university and celebrated like wild--after four years of papers, exams, internships, and part-time jobs, I was ready to join corporate America. And how! But first, a trip was in order, and beautiful Morocco came and went, along with the first twenty days of my "real world" existence.

With suitcases unpacked and internet set up in my West Village summer sublet, I set out to contact the former boss who'd been promising me a job for the last year. And it wasn't just any job--if everything worked out as planned, I'd have a dream job at one of the world's most prominent magazine publishing companies. But alas, the headlines don't lie--the economy is craptastic, and so is the job market. There were no openings, and little red was thrown out of her dream life and into the real world--no kidding this time.

It's been thirty days since then, but who's counting? We're job hunting, and it's not the best time or place. But we're also determined, and we're bringing you along for the ride. So, what do you say? Are you in?