Thanks, in advance
Which magazine should I read? Two years ago, I had a subscription to Real Simple, but it exasperated me with its “best buys” that were way out of my price range. Last year, I tried The New Yorker, but I could not keep up with the steady barrage of reading material. If only I could get the first issue of every month! That would be just right. So, this year, I’m back to Real Simple, and I remember why I let it run out the last time. I’m not completely sure why I feel the need to get a magazine every month, but it’s nice to have something to flip through during an idle ten minutes or so. Should I try Martha Stewart Living, despite my innate distrust of Martha? Is Everyday Food worth it? Are there any other magazines out there with recipes, entertaining ideas, and thrifty living? Or should I just let this go and accept the fact that I’d rather read books?
What should I do in Dallas? I’m visiting for the first time next month for a conference, and I’ll be there for four days. Most of my hours are spoken for, but I am on the hunt for places to eat that are moderately inexpensive, fairly casual, and not sketchy if I go by myself. Also, I may have a free morning or afternoon to entertain myself, so any suggestions for cheap (but preferably free) activities or attractions within walking distance are also appreciated. According to my very cursory search on Google Maps, my hotel is near The Majestic, if that means anything to anyone. In a more general sense, what is specific to Dallas, in terms of food and culture? What shouldn’t I miss? What’s the weather like in October?
What can I edit or write for you? Lately, I have come to the realization that, ultimately, I want to be a full-time freelancer. I knew when I took this job that it has a certain expiration date, so I am taking steps to make a concerted effort to seek out freelance editing and writing jobs with the hope that I can strike out on my own when the time comes. So! To that end, I have posted a new link in my navigation bar to a For Hire page — special thanks to OPH and Val for proofreading it! I am paranoid about being schmoozy, but I have to keep reminding myself that I’m just networking! Which is my favorite thing! It seems to be an occupational hazard of soliciting work. You, there! Do you want my card?
Seriously, though, I would really appreciate any leads or advice. Do you have any projects that could use an editor? Does your organization typically hire freelancers? Do you know anyone in a similar position I could contact?
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Have you heard of Maghound? It’s a subscription service that works like Netflix, where for one flat rate, you can test out different magazines every month. I haven’t looked into the details of exactly how it works, but seems like a cool idea, and that way you don’t have to fully commit to just one magazine — unless you really like it!
I just signed up for a subscription to Real Simple magazine. I’ve only ever looked at one issue one time before but a coworker’s kids were selling magazines and I decided to give it a shot. I don’t have any other suggestions for you. Good luck.
Um. We get two magazines. One is Sports Illustrated (I have written a love letter more than once to SI – seriously, I don’t really like a lot of sports, but I love this magazine – the best sports writers in the country write for this mag and it’s brilliant) and the other is National Geographic (want a little American guilt? just open this up and read about how we’re destroying ourselves and others every time we open our eyes in the morning). Neither of these actually meet your criteria of thrifty ideas and recipes, but they are fabulous to leaf through. NG has LONG articles, but it only comes once a month (plus, pretty pictures!).
I get Real Simple. I like a lot of the tips in there, but I might not renew once my subscription is done and just look at it at the library instead.
I also get Body + Soul. It is a Martha Stewart magazine, but I am a real fan so far. It’s not monthly — I think it’s 9-10 issues a year. You can check out their website at http://www.wholeliving.com to get an idea of what the magazine is about.
I have no tips for Dallas (never been) or freelancing (never done it), but good luck!
Ooooh! Ask me! I’m from Dallas. I grew up in a suburb just outside of Dallas. Except, now that you ask, there is nothing to do there. This is why I do no need to live there ever.
Okay, yes, there are some things, but I don’t know how close they are to the Majestic. There is the Kennedy memorial and the Sixth Floor Museum (which maybe will be interesting if you are into conspiracty theories. I’ve never been there.) There is also the Dallas Museum of Art (DMA) and Reunion Tower.
And tons and tons and tons of restaurants. Actually, I’ve heard before that Dallas has more restaurants per capita than any other American city.
So anyway, have fun!
I run into the same thing with magazines. Real Simple is just not what I would consider “Simple” and holy moly, they had some fashion “Basics” last month (or maybe the month) before that were soooo not what i would consider basic. Especially a silk print dress for $999! I also think that they really “recycle” their ideas through their different issues.
Every Day is OK… but again, meals aren’t real simple (or necessarily thrifty). I know the Food Network has a new (within the last year) magazine out. I’m a big fan of Parents, but probably wouldn’t be without having a kid…
Never been to Dallas (besides the airport).
Good for you on getting out there and promoting yourself! Not sure if I can help you find anything, but I will pass on the information if I find anything that may be a fit for you!
Readymade magazine is perfect for you!! http://www.readymade.com/ All kinds of super cool DIY home decor stuff, ranging from super simple to incredibly detailed (but they let you know what’s what). Every couple of years I get Real Simple, too, and I get tired of it after like three issues.
I LOVE Everyday Food. I’d say about 60% of my meal ideas come from there. It’s a great mix of pretty straightforward food and more complex recipes, which I love. And they do a good job recommending foods that are in season and how to use them in various dishes. And they do NOT repeat recipes. I own probably 75% of the total issues and I use them all, constantly.
In fact, my blog is named after that magazine. So yeah, LOVE!
No, no, it’s HERE’S MY CARD TAKE IT NO REALLY TAKE IT NO GIVEBACKS.
Just kidding. I am proud of your networking efforts, and I similarly hate the schmoozing… but it’s how you get work.
I don’t get Everyday Food, but I do love the cookbook based on the magazine (Everyday Food Fast). I did the EXACT same thing with Real Simple – I subscribed for two years, cancelled it last year, and over the summer resubscribed, and now I’ve realized why I unsubscribed in the first place: I don’t have time to read it. I do enjoy the recipes, but they’re all online. Erg. I have never been to Dallas, but I the woman I work for is working on getting her first book published – I can ask her if she might need your services.
I get Martha Stewart and love it. I haven’t used much out of them, but it is a fun read and I have tons of stuff marked to use in the future when I have my own home, away from the mockery of my anti-Martha Stewart mother.:)
I LOVE Vanity Fair, but it’s quite a bit of reading. I also get Everyday Food, which I used to like pretty well, but now that we are vegetarian, so many of the recipes simply don’t work for us.
I do the same thing with Real Simple, I just subscribed to it again 2 months ago and am remembering why I didn’t renew last time. It is stuffed full of ads. Everyday Foods is a really good food magazine. Like someone else mentioned it has a nice balance of affordable easy to make, plus some splurge recipes.
1. I agree. Real Simple gets pretty repetitive and is real expensive. I read Self, Health, Redbook, Good Housekeeping and O in addition. My favorites are O and Self; O actually has decent writing and articles and Self is female oriented without being saccharine.
2. I know nothing about Dallas. I think Gina might’ve gone there recently, so I’ll ask. She feels the way you do about conferences and things.
3. My friend Mike Plante works for a company head-hunting writers, editors and proofreaders to do freelance and other type work. I will give you his email address and write to him first.
No problem. I get a ton of magazines every month, but am slowly letting subs run out, except for Martha.
And to your friend Hilary: I know you don’t know me from Adam, but I am also interested in freelance writing and editing. Would you be willing to share your friend’s info with me as well?
Hi – I write sometimes for DemandStudios.com. It’s not freelance on a project basis, but they do pay you to write articles for the web. The sign up was pretty easy and I’ve made a couple hundred bucks and been able to keep up writing skills and create clips. There are other sites like it, I think. But just an idea. Good luck!
I think I want some kind of magazine, but I’m also not sure yet what I want. I’m going to lurk the comments, now.
Also, from when I was in Dallas, I only remember two of the restaurants I visited – Dicks (I know, I’m a tourist) and Spaghetti Warehouse – which ended up being one of the most AWESOME places to eat. My mouth is watering just thinking about it.
If you DO find a good magazine, could you please share? I’m in the same boat… My mom got me one of the Martha Stewarts ones this year, and I find myself just annoyed with all the ads. Gah!
someone mentioned it above, but readymade is pretty enjoyable. it doesn’t have recipes or anything “homey”, but i’ve been getting smithsonian mag. for 10+ years now and i read it cover to cover. never been to dallas….if you get cards printed be sure to give handfuls to your friends (i.e. me) so we can schmooze for you.
Here are some of the places I like in Dallas. One disclaimer though – Dallas is a very spread out city and where you’re staying at in Downtown isn’t the most exciting part of the city. Unfortunately, you really need to be able to drive to get anywhere good. The weather in October is generally very nice 70s in the day, low 60s at night.
Attractions
State Fair of Texas – only happens this time of year, guaranteed to give you the quintessential Texas experience
Dealy Plaza & Sixth Floor Museum
Dallas Arts District – includes Dallas Museum of Art, Nasher Sculpture Center, Crow Collection of Asian Art. There also places to eat in District that are really good including Dali Wine Bar and Screen Door (good southern fare)
West Village – shopping center in Uptown with lots of cute shops, restaurants (mostly casual dining), a movie theater, etc. Once you get here you can walk around, very safe and friendly.
Restaurants
La Duni -amazing Latin food, moderately priced (Uptown)
Fuse – close to where you’re staying, fusion of Asian and Southwestern, great patio (Downtown)
Sprinkles Cupcakes (Park Cities)
Village Burger (in West Village)
I hope you are able to experience a little bit of the city while you are here. Email me if you have any other questions.