Hey all! So the magazine world likes to do things months in advance. So the October issue comes out in September and the editors are most likely already working on the February  issue. I’m a little behind, but I was waiting to get more information on the Girl’s Life Oct. issue. So, if you have not seen them, here are

The October Issues

The September/October 2009 issue of New Youth Communications (NYC) Teen Magazine focuses on food- what you choose to eat and what’s inside what you’re eating. Good idea. There’s an interview with the man responsible for NYC public school food, articles on: a farm in the city, obesity in the country, trying to be a vegetarian in a family that eats meat, why bad food is good,  two very NY-centric pieces on healthy options from the bodega and why they’re aren’t more healthy options in them (something I’ve wondered myself), and food movie reviews. Sounds good. So check it out- articles written by NYC teens and available for free online.

There’s also a writing contest question- How do you think technology will change in the next 30 years? How will it affect our lives and behavior? Describe the typical day of a New York City teen in 2039.

There are three cash prizes: First Prize $150; Second Prize $75; Third Prize $50

You must be 14-19 to enter. The deadline is October 26, 2009. Submit entries here.

Good luck!

The Fall 2009 issue of Represent is about Art: “Making it,” and “How Art Transforms Us.” There are articles in this issue on writing, alter egos, dancing, fashion, music, Broadway musicals, arts therapy and (my fav) misogyny in hip hop. There’s also a book review and a comic. Good ish.

There is a reader survey you can complete and maybe even win some money. Fill it out here and they will pick three names at random for cash prizes. First name drawn $100, Second name drawn $50, Third name drawn $25. The survey should take less than 10 minutes, so complete it by the December 1st deadline.

Represent also has a writing contest question-Imagine President Obama has chosen you to be his top adviser on foster care reform (improving the system). Write him a letter describing the three most important things that should be done to make foster care better, and why. Good one; that’s deep.

There are three cash prizes: First Prize $150; Second Prize $75; Third Prize $50. The deadline is November 1, 2009. Submit entries here.

Good luck, chicas!

Teen Vogue has that warewolf dude from Twilight on the cover. Ok, ok. His name is Taylor Lautner, not warewolf dude (although that is the first thing I thought when I saw the cover). And I’m sure he’s a great guy (we’re talking about Jacob in the movie, not Taylor in real life although I’m sure he’s plenty nice, too) but…I’m still team Edward. Yeah, I said it.

On to the October issue. I must say that I’m impressed with Teen Vogue, in general. I wrote them off sometime last year (or the one before) and just let my subscription die in a fit a rage. But this issue actually has more than one article I’m excited to read. And can I add that I see more diversity in this magazine (in both ads and editorial content) than I do in most others. (mini hand clap)

I’m checking for:

“Breaking the Mold”- Plus-sized model Crystal Renn discusses finding happiness with her body personally and professionally after starving herself as a teen and struggling with an eating disorder. I like this chick. She should write something for us.

KeKe Palmer in the “Leaders of the Pack” young Hollywood feature…Hmm…I’m not sure how official that list is, but Keke is is a fave so I’m glad to see her on there. They also did a piece on her last month in Style Blogger- great look.

“Little Miss Perfect”- Examines what we give up trying to be such good girls all the time. (Sidebar-When I first saw the cover line I was like, are you serious? I’ve had that article idea for ages! Don’t you hate it when that happens? You see someone implement an idea that you had and didn’t pursue? Or you did pursue and didn’t get too far with? Well, lesson learned…Act on your ideas or don’t get tight when someone else does.)

“Character Development”- Condola Rashad, 22 year-old-daughter of the actress, beauty,  everymom Phylicia Rashad, is finally getting some face time and print space. I love it! Good job, Teen Vogue, very good job. I’m definitely checking for her.

AND they actually have an article on Debt! (seriously). How very…apropos…and responsible of them.

I’d say check it out  (for free at the library, like I did, if nothing else).

Oh Seventeen…is it just me? Or does this cover never change? I guess you go with what works. The cover girl is Whitney Port, whom you may know from the MTV show “The Hills” or her current show “The City.” Can’t say I’m a fan- maybe I need to up my tv watching, although I am really loath to do that. Anyway, there’s an article in here on girls who are changing the world and making a difference (p. 154) and that sounds totally inspiring. Other than that, it’s usual Seventeen stuff- clothes, boys, advice, makeup, quizzes. There is a piece in the Heath+Sex+Fitness section on loving the breasts you have (yay!) and a piece in the Dating section on having a hot Halloween. See the website for details.

Now, Girl’s Life publishes two issues at a time, so this is the October and November issue for them. The cover girl is Kay Panabaker of the movie Fame, fame. She’s a newcomer (or at least not that popular yet) so it could be interesting. At the very least it’s not someone  you’ve read about a million times already. There really isn’t anything in this issue I’m interested in reading. But there is an article on managing your hectic schedule which could be helpful-

GL Life: Under Pressure?
Tons of To Do’s have you frazzled? How to manage your hectic schedule while still keeping your sanity in check.

Lots of articles on what to wear, clothing and quizzes if you’re in to that sort of thing. Go to the website for more details on this issue. GL is giving away some things though and tis the season to get free stuff, so have at it:

WIN a wardrobe for winter
Warm up with cozy-cute coats and furrific boots. We’re givin’ away must-have winter essentials all through October. Our GRAND PRIZE? One stylin’ fashionista scores a WHOLE winter wardrobe from Pink Cookie. CLICK HERE to download the October’s Clothes 4 Chilly Chicas Giveaway Calendar now!

Win a DS and a Wii
From snappin’ shots with digi cams to pluggin’ in your tunes with an iPod Touch, this November we’ve got awesome hi-tech freebies. Plus! One gamer girl gets the ultimate prize pack with Wii console, DS console and the entire new line of Charm Girls Club video games from EA. CLICK HERE to download the November’s Totally Tech Giveaway Calendar!

Good luck with that! Be back soon with more on November!