Whenever people ask me what I do for a living, I’m never quite sure how to answer. Writer? Blogger? Freelancer? Recipe developer? I do a little bit of all of it. My most recent favorite answer is food writer – seems to encompass most of what I do.
I get the feeling sometimes that my friends and family wonder what it is I actually do all day, but if you spent a day in my house, you’d see that I actually work all day long – writing, cooking, answering emails, and everything that else that comes with any job.
My freelance work is some of the most rewarding writing I do, and it always surprises me to actually see things come to print. Typically with the way magazines and print pieces are scheduled, I do the work many months before issues hit the stands, so it’s always really exciting when something I submitted long ago finally pops up on a magazine rack! This week I had two fun surprises waiting for me in the mail…
I tend to obsessively check the magazine racks whenever I’m at the store, always wondering if my latest submission is out yet. I was so excited when I saw this gorgeous blue cover of the June SELF issue!
And would you believe that the first page I turned to was the one with my contribution?
A simple, but fun chart about how to enjoy beets now that they are finally in season! Beets are one of my favorite vegetables, but also one that people so rarely know how to prepare or pair. Delicious!
Yesterday’s mail brought a surprise that had me literally squealing with joy as I ripped the envelope open.
Many, many months ago, I spent countless hours in the kitchen taste-testing and developing several hummus recipes that would be featured in the July issue of O Magazine. It was exciting enough back then when I first learned of the opportunity, but seeing the two-page spread with my own eyes was definitely a moment.
The second page is a big feature with all the hummus recipes and variations – definitely some delicious hummus you need to try for yourself!
I think a lot of people dream of being famous or being someone who ends up on the cover of a magazine. For me, seeing my name in tiny print in the corner, credited for doing something I feel so blessed to do every day, is the most rewarding thing I could possibly ask for, and is most definitely a personal dream come true.
Thank you all for making what I do each day such a rewarding and wonderful experience.
And just for kicks, here are a few other places you can find me this week…
This weekend, you can find me outside, trying to soak up as much of the weekend as possible. Have a great one, everyone!
PS – Thanks to all of you who keep sending well wishes and asking how my sister is doing. She is now officially ELEVEN days overdue, and we are all praying for the safe arrival of her baby boy any day now!
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so awesome!!! congrats! :) can’t wait to check out those hummus recipes.
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Emily!! How exciting!! What awesome publications to be featured in. Congrats!!
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Congratulations on your publications!! How exciting!!! :)
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Yay!!!! You rock at what you do :)
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:-)
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Congratulations! That is super exciting! The more I blog the more I realize how much I love writing about health, fitness, and food. In the future, I would love to do some freelance work and you are truly inspirational to me!
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Have you done a post on how you got into food writing/freelancing? If not, can you write one? I’m interested!
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i totally saw the beet recipe in self and missed seeing your name! crazy!! congrats though :)
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You are living my dream right now! Congrats on the big features, and I will definitely be picking up that Self for some pool reading.
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wow! congrats emily, both spreads look absolutely fantastic! i love hummus and i love oprah even more, so i think i’m going to have to pick up that magazine!! whoohoo! cheers!
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Congratulations, Emily! That is so exciting! Those are my favorite parts of those type of magazines too. ^_^ The food info and recipes!
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That’s got to be so amazing to see yourself in a magazine like that! congrats :)
I always wondered though when you do those projects do you submit the photography too or just the recipes/writing?
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Yay! Hope it happens more and more for you. By the way, did you also do your own photography?
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Wow, that’s so cool!!
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That is so cool! I’d love to hear how you got started doing this and how you work for and receive these opportunities.
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I have that Self! How cool!
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That is AWESOME! Congratulations on the stories! I should pick up the O magazine — one can never have too many hummus recipes. Hope your sister “pops” soon! Have a relaxing weekend!
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So cool! I would never get used to seeing my name in magazines!
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Oh Emily this is so cool. May we all dream of doing work as rewarding as this one day! Congrats! :)
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I think it’s wonderful your sister is letting the pregnancy go its natural course. I was surprised to learn that my sis-in-law was going to induce if she was more than 3 days overdue. That just seemed… I dunno, maybe a bit unnatural? Will your sister induce eventually?
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Melissa @ HerGreenLife Reply:
June 10th, 2011 at 6:36 pm
I agree with going natural. A due date is more correctly referred to as an ESTIMATED due date. In general babies come when they are ready — some buns just want a little longer in the oven ;)
I am currently 35 weeks, and I would much rather go a bit over — baby arriving early is more of a worry to me.
At 11 days post-date, I would imagine she is trying some natural induction methods, of which there are many.
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So cool to see your name in print! And O Magazine is huge! I make hummus every week so I can’t wait to see what you recommend! I was two weeks late in the middle of winter and I turned out ok, just big! 9 lbs 6 oz.
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I was 30 days past due. My poor mother. She knew from the start I would be a stubborn child. I like to do things on my terms! So tell your sister she is in for one awesome, stubborn baby!
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Congrats on the two spreads!!!! Will definitely have to grab those mags. Have a great weekend!
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please make sure your sister is keeping track of babies movements! I had a baby last yr and had to be induced I was four days late and I noticed less movement and the fluid was really low
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Congratulations! That’s an awesome accomplishment. You deserve it!
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So cool Emily!!
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So amazing Emily!!!
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Yeah! That’s so cool! Congrats to you! Can’t wait to buy both issues!
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This is so cool! I bet it feels so good to see your work in print like that. Congratulations!
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SO INCREDIBLY happy for you!!!!! I would die to see my name in a magazine…hopefully one day! I always feel weird telling people what I do. So many strange looks and people must be thinking, what really do you do all day. But you and I both know our days are completely packed!!
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Those are great magazines to be associated with!
I’ll have to check out your beets article/chart. We’ve been receiving them in our CSA box for the past few weeks. I love roasting them and adding to salads – in fact, I just roasted a whole batch of them last night! :)
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That is SO awesome! Congratulations!! What a great feeling! :)
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How exciting! I will have to look for those two magazines! :) Especially the hummus one!
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AH! Congrats! That is so exciting to have two publications in one day!! Weekend are for celebrating, right?!?! Good luck to your sister and best wishes for a safe arrival for her baby boy.
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So amazing! That’s great, the articles look gorgeous and yummy!
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I can relate to your busy lifestyle that others might not always realize.
Since I have the summer off from teaching now, you would think I sit around on my butt all day long, but that is not the case at all. I am constantly busy doing random things–productive things I might add. It is amazing how busy I can keep myself!
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Congrats on your magazines feature. I’m sure it’s an amazing feeling seeing your writings in print.
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Congrats, Emily! You deserve it all. And I noticed your name on the beets article. I admittedly got a huge smile knowing it was you in print. :)
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Congrats!!! I love both of those magazines!
Hugs to your sister! Hope your nephew decides he’s done cooking soon! My sister-in-law was 15 days after late with my niece in Georgia in August. I was amazed how well she held it together!
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Congratulations – and I have to admit, I’m way more excited about trying the hummus recipes than I am the beet suggestions……beets were my mom’s favorite vegetable, but I have yet to like them when I have tasted them….on 2nd thought, I guess I should try your suggestions, maybe I will finally find a way to eat beets that I like!
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Oh wow, this is so awesome! CONGRATS! I just wrote my first two food articles for a local food magazine and it was so much fun to see my name in print in the magazine. I can only dream that one day I get in big national publications. You are an inspiration!
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that is SO exciting!! congrats on your publications!! so awesome!
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Nice post!
I have a writing background as well, actually worked in newspapers as a reporter. Now I’m in a new job and trying to find a writing/blogging balance what not.
Personally I’d be interested in hearing more about your whole career path and how you got to where you are today doing this type of writing.
Maybe you have covered this before and I apologize if you have.
Again, good post. :)
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Wheee! Congrats!!!
And your stomach scared me in that last photo ;)
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congrats! how fun to see your name in print :)
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That’s awesome. Congrats, Emily! I can only imagine the excitement and pride you must have felt when you saw your name on those pages.
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Congrats on your accomplishments!
p.s. i recently spent last winter in Seattle visiting my boyfriend, we stopped at this mexican restaurant for brunch, Señor Moose Café in Ballard a couple of times- have you heard of it?
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Fun!
What do you do with your media hits? Press clippings? Archived? Framed? Keep in a portfolio? Keep in tact in the mag? Do you have a log of all your hits?
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Emily, awesome for you!!! I am excited about the beets info. They are on my list of things to experiment with this summer. Thanks :)
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so exciting!! i must head to Costco to pick up those mags and test out some hummus recipes!
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congratulations emily! i’m so happy for you that all of these awesome opportunities are coming your way! have a wonderful weekend.
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That’s so exciting! I have that issue of Self and didn’t even notice your name- I’m going to have to go back and read it again :)
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holy moly, that is so exciting!! congratulations! definitely something to get a copy of and clip out for the baby book! ;)
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Those articles look fantastic – congratulations! It must be such a thrill to see your work come out in print.
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Congratulations, Emily!!
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Congrats on both the articles! :) They look great! Well done!
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Haha, I say the same thing about my own job! It’s comforting to hear you say this since you and I do the same thing. Congrats on the magazine spots!
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That’s so exciting, Emily! I really feel like you are such an inspiration when it comes to changing your career path and doing something that makes you happy.
Do the publications contact you after reading your blog, or do you contact them? Just curious.
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Congratulations Emily!!! How exciting!
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Amazing! Congratulations. Will be on the look out for O mag, love a good hummus recipe! xx
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Whew! 11 days overdue! My sister and I were BOTH a full MONTH overdue! My mom still talks about how frustrating it was. I always tell her it’s her fault–obviously her womb was too comfy. Plus, I think that’s why I’m so delightful–all that extra cooking time! ;)
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Hummus variety is the spice of life, right?
That just is amazing, you are such an inspiration!
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Exciting! I’ll have to get my mitts on those. Have you ever written anything for Cooking Light? Love that magazine! They always have a vegetarian section, I would love to see something of yours featured in there!
Here’s some mom websites I enjoy for you to check out:
http://anothermotherrunner.com/
http://offbeatmama.com/
Also, if you haven’t already, get your hands on Super Baby Food by Ruth Yaron. I know it’s too early to make baby food since you’re still pregnant, and your baby still won’t be eating it for about 6 months or so, but it’s so much fun to read, and there are also tons of recipes for the whole family in there. Best part? She’s a vegetarian! I made all my kids’ baby food from organic and local produce thanks to this book.
I’m sure you’ll be inspired, and we’ll be seeing a baby food book from you in the future!
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You Rock Emily! :)
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You have encouraged me to actually read the names of the people who contribute things to the many magazines I read. They take some time and care to share info with me, I should take a bit of time to at least read it. Because I actually read that snippet about beets in Self and had no idea it was written by you!
I pray everything works well for your sister. She’s probably quite ready to be done being pregnant :)
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Yay, bylines rock! Congratulations! It’s so great to see something you worked hard on pay off even if it’s months later.
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Ooo, fun foodie articles. Hummus is my favorite dip, there are so many options! Do you photograph the food for the magazine articles too?
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Ah, congratulations! How exciting. I can’t even imagine how that must feel. :) You rock!
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How awesome is that!?! Congrats on being published many times over :) You seriously have my dream job. Have you ever considered writing a book??
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wooohoo! so exciting to see your name in print. Your job is definitely up there on my dream job list. Cooking, writing, photography… its all great stuff :)
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I’ll make sure to look out for you in O! I actually really like that magazine a lot and it’s cool to “know” the writer behind the articles.
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One of my children was ten days late, the other was twelve days late; both were big and healthy (9 lbs, and 8 and some change lbs), and these large, well-cooked babies were great eaters and sleepers from go. The second one even slept through the night at seven weeks old, the first one at about nine weeks. I am very optimistic for your sister and imagine that they will induce if she hits two weeks.
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Big congrats on your features! How exciting :) I can’t wait to check it out!
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Yay! Congratulations!!
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Hi Emily,
Looks like two great articles, I’m going to have to check them both out. I would love to see a post about how you got started in food writing and freelance work…..a personal dream of mine also.
Kimberly
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WOW Congrats on all of the features!!! You must be so thrilled!
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Yay, how exciting! That stuff would excite me too…I don’t think I’d ever want to be on the cover of a magazine haha
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Congratulations!!! That’s awesome. I think you have the greatest job someone could have – one you are super passionate about.
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Yeah! So excited for you. Now I’m going to have to pick those magazines up. I was just telling someone that ALL of my personal hummus recipes are just blah and TJ’s seems to be the only one that I like. It’s too basic not to just make myself. Thanks for the leg work!!
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Yay for being associated with Oprah! Looks like a neat article/page too!
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Congrats! That is definitely something to be proud of! What an accomplishment!:)
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Wow! Eleven days overdue?!?!? I’m surprised they’ve let her go this long without inducing!
Congrats on the articles, Emily! I subscribe to Self, but I’ve gotta run to get the Oprah one for the hummus recipes :)
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How awesome! Congrats!
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Congratulations Emily! You are such an inspiring woman :-)
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that is sooooo cool!
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congratulations! how exciting! and now i’m one step closer to overcoming my fear of cooking/eating beets :)
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Congratulations! I hope your sister has her baby without complications. I love beets but no one else in my family does, so I rarely get them. :(
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That is so exciting! I read the SELF magazine and read the article on beets, and I can’t wait to try your ideas! :D
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You go Emily! How exciting. I love O!
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You are the coolest person ever.
Just sayin. ;)
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Congratulations Emily! That’s SO huge and such a wonderful accomplishment! You’re a rising star, and I’m so glad that one day I’ll be able to say, ” I knew her back when…” :)
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Just had a chance to read your blog again. So proud of your accomplishments. O Magazine wow. You are a great inspiration to everyone.
I hope your sister has delivered by now. And a healthy boy too.
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Beautiful articles in both. Portfolio keepers for sure!
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We were at Home Depot on Saturday night (BIG night for us ;-) and I saw the O magazine on the rack. I might have yelped and told Jeromy to hang on so I could show him your article. I flipped through the magazine about 8 times and couldn’t find it. In my head: “What the f? Where’s Emily’s article??” Then I looked at the cover and realized it was the June issue. Oops.
Congratulations on both of these publications!! :-)
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That is awesome! You rock! That is EXACTLY what I want to be doing some day. Being a lawyer is for suckers…your job sounds like way more fun than mine lol.
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Congrats! I love it when I see your contributions in the magazine I already subscribe to!
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Oprah and Self? How exciting! I love Oprah – that would be a dream.. I can’t believe your sister is eleven days overdue. That is crazy! I’ll keep my fingers crossed for her!
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That’s really awesome, Emily! Congrats! How do you find freelance opportunities? Do you submit proposals to the magazines, or do they approach you? A combination?
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GO, you!! I saw the beets blip in real-life :) What an accomplishment! You are amazing! Congrats.
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Emily – that is so wonderful! An it’s someone we know and love and follow! Wow – I’ve never known anyone who has an article in a national magazine! I don’t normally buy the magazines though i’d love to, they just end up piling up everywhere! I might just have to go get these though! Congratulations!
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I would definitely be interested in hearing more about your path to freelance writing. I have been thinking about trying to freelance, and hearing a success story first-hand would provide invaluable information. Congrats on all your success!
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That’s so awesome that you get to do what you love and have such exciting opportunities!
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