A Confession

Red hasn't posted about herself in quite some time. All this blogging about food and fun stuff has been way more exciting than the posts that frequented this site a good year ago--all that job hunting feels oh-so-distant. But Red was always acutely aware that the tagline of the blog was all about getting into magazine publishing, and that she hassn't quite gotten there yet.

...But what now?

Well, you see, Red has been doing a lot of interesting work in the hours of the day that are not 9-6 (and sometimes, just sometimes, on lunch breaks too). And much of it, she's happy to admit, is magazine related. There's plenty of good news to share, but she'll reveal it slowly... when the time is right.

For now, this is what you might want to know. All this break time Red's been taking from this here blog has been well justified (or so she hopes)--those few "free" hours in the day have one towards something big and exciting, something oh-so-magazine-y. It's an annual publication that a kind someone put her in charge of--a magazine for magazine folk, if you will--and the work has been gearing up to something really magnetic. It's a killer project--just what Red loves to do, knows how to do, and is still just a *teeny weeny bit* intimidated by. But what's the fun if it's not a challenge?

So where does that leave us? Newly-turned Editor-in-Chief Red has lots of work on her plate, but she loves getting the love from all of you. She'll be popping in regularly, in any and every minute that time permits her to, but maybe not every single day.

Is that OK with you? Your blessing would make her feel so much better.

In the meantime, while you think about it, maybe you should go over here... this recipe for nectarine scones sounds like summer in a bun.

Free Food Alert! And Chipotle, Too!

I had a different post planned for this morning, but the budget-consciousness in me had to intervene! You see, a last minute deal came up--something you need to read about, especially if you (like me) happen to work in Midtown Manhattan.

But what could be more important than the post you were so eager to share, Red?

Ahhh, good question. Rarely does Red think about dinner before noon, but today is a special day. Chipotle, everyone's favorite fast-food indulgence, will be giving away burritos from 5-7 at their new location on west 45th between 5th and 6th!




And the best part? It's happening for three weeks! On Tuesdays only, of course, but still!

Happy Burrito!

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.

Opened Doors in Unexpected Places

Three days after TWC was supposed to come install cable and internet, I still have nothing. Hence the strange absence of yesterday's post. But since tapping internet is a bit more stable today than it was yesterday, I'll break my normal habits and post on a Saturday.



You see, the two interviews I'd mentioned a few days ago both went quite well. The paid job offered me a second interview for next week, and the internship (though unpaid) gave a great vibe. But the surprise twist came with an email from the Big Desireable Company that I've been trying to claw my way back into. An intern needed in the photo department of my favorite travel mag? Really? Sure, I'll interview. After all, I've always been interested in photo...



I arrived to the familiar building and got up to the right floor, plopped myself in the comfortable chairs and waited for my interviewer. "Let's just chat here--we'll be quick and it's a mess in there on Fridays," he told me as he came out, speaking in an Australian accent to die for. Sure, why not? We chatted for a bit and then he changed his mind. "Let's go to the back and I'll introduce you to a few people." As we wound through the corridors and made our way to the photo department, I wasn't sure what the signals indicated.

We pop into someone's office, and Mr. Aussie grabs her attention with, "I wanted to introduce you to Red, she'll be interning with us starting this month." I turn around and look at him, partly in confusion, partly in excitement.

"I will?"

"Sure, why not."

And so it is. Life in the magazine world warrants two things, it seems: well-roundedness and post-grad internships. I thought I'd be able to sidestep the nasty pattern that so many budding editors find themselves in, but alas, here I am, finding a way to get "credit" for an internship with a laughable stipend. But you know what? I'm actually happy about it--I feel like I'm making progress here, and finally am making my way back to that Holy Grail of publishing, the Big Company.

Oh, and in case you're wondering, those are pics from the new magazine... fitting since I'm going to be in photo now! Beautiful, aren't they?

One Step at a Time

So far on this blog, we've learned a lot about the perils of job hunting in the magazine industry.

We've groaned about how jobs never open up, unless someone gets fired (unusual), quits (rare), or dies (not altogether common).

We've whined about the stability of promises made post-internships (or blatant lack thereof).

We've gone through what feel like hundreds of interviews and thousands of cover letters, and realized that we're far more prone to making typographical errors as a subconscious way of self-sabotage when we really don't care about particular jobs.

Finally, we score some sweet freelance work.

Then, we score a part-time job that pays the bills. At a well-known national magazine, no less!

The next step?

A full-time offer, of course!

And have we finally reached it? It seems like we have!

But wait, there's a caveat... obviously.

The offer that's scheduled to come in today, according to the Editor with whom I interviewed, is a strange position that functions as entry-level editorial but pays like an internship. It's a great publication at one of the world's biggest publishing houses, and I'm sure it would open up lots of doors. Unlike an internship, it's full-time. Like an internship, it won't even cover my rent. With pay at less than half of what I'm making at my part-time job, it just doesn't seem feasible, unless I can wing some crazy negotiation.

So we're probably going to be forced to say "no, thanks," and move on. And the hunt for the perfect job continues...

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!

Celebration!

My roommate and I are both celebrating this week--not only did I get a job offer, but so did she! And to top things off, we're on the verge of signing a new apartment!

Both of us are really excited about finally furnishing our own space, and we've been exercising our creative drive in anticipation of the Sept. 1 move-in date.

After finding these gold doilies in the 99-cent bin at Gristedes, we knew we'd find some good purpose for them eventually. Here's a great DIY project that my roomie came up with: Doily Placemats!


1. Cut doilies into halves or shapes that you think look cool.
2. Glue them onto heavy-duty paper (any size works!)
3. Round the edges (if desired) to form a nice, chic shape.
4. Laminate!

Onto Chapter Two...

Good news!

After almost 10 weeks of trying, I've finally gotten my first real magazine job! Starting next Friday, I'll be a Research Editor for one of those crazy celebrity gossip magazines... looking into whether or not Jennifer Aniston and Angelina Jolie actually hate each other and deciding whether it's too damaging to report that Lindsay Lohan has been seen drinking "too much Red Bull" again. It's not the New Yorker, but it's going to be tons of fun.

The Pros: Great pay, health benefits through my freelance company, a chill boss, and will give me exposure to things other than food. Definitely a resume builder!

The Cons: Only two days a week (M/F), still freelance, and a far commute.

The Pros to the Cons? Perhaps I can take an internship that will lead to a full time position eventually. With money to pay the bills, I now know I can work for free on some days.

Hence, the life of a girl breaking into magazines Part 1 has ended.

Part 2--moving from PT to FT and from gossip to substance, has yet to come.

Too Good For My Own Good

When I found out that I didn't get the Big Job yesterday, my first impulse was to send back an email to the Editors.

No, no, not a nasty one reprimanding them for their poor decisions.

I wanted to thank them for considering me, see if we could work out some freelance writing assignments, and figure out what I'd have to do to get a "yes" next time around.

I got my answers a few minutes ago:

1. freelance writing is a total possibility (yay!)

and,

2. With all my "phenomenal experience," "it seems that you might be better suited for an even 'bigger' entry-level position"

Well. That's sweet. Does anyone know how this feedback can be applied to future prospective job opportunities? Because I'm certainly, certainly at a loss. Sigh.

a half-way offer

You always know that it's a bad sign when you get emails instead of phone calls. Nobody offers a job via email, right? Well I guess I wouldn't know. But rejection--ahh, rejection loves to come in written form. Even when it's only half-way rejection.

A few weeks ago, at the very start of my job hunt, I applied to an EA job with a set of magazines that covers NYC arts. For those of you not in the industry, EA=editorial assistant, and it's the entry-level magazine editing job that's entirely coveted and entirely un-glamorous. And we want one so badly!

So the interview came and went--and it went really well! An edit test interfered with my birthday weekend, but we felt really confident about it, and then we waited for a week... and another week.

Until the email came. She's impressed with my credentials. Everyone seems to tell me this! And she hired someone else. Well, she's only the second one to tell me this. But still.

And then the email turns around a little bit. "In the meantime, please let me know if you'd be at all interested in taking on assignments for us as a freelance writer," she writes. Well, hell yes I'm interested. At least my foot's in the door, right?

I guess half-way offers don't qualify for the phone, but I'll take my glass half full today, thank-you-very-much.