Search Results for: holiday gift guide

AJ’s 2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Part III

December 13, 2018 By AJ Leave a Comment

GIFTS FOR COMFORT

My strong desire for super comfy things may stem from the fact that I work from home now. But who knows. Why shouldn’t I – and everyone else – want things to be comfortable, soft and luxurious? So this holiday gift guide volume includes some gift suggestions along those lines. And don’t forget to use eBates when you shop online! You would not believe how much money I earn back. It’s a marvelous little plugin.

1. Madewell Beanies – I love a soft beanie cap. My favorites I own are all Madewell and you can go less expensive for the cuffed beanie at just $35 or get a little upscale with their cashmere beanie at $68. For what it’s worth, I am presently wearing the “cheap” one and it’s lovely.

2. Jammies – I am OBSESSED with PJ Salvage pajamas but the trick is, wait til you find them at Nordstrom Rack or Nordstrom has them on sale because otherwise, they can be a little pricey. I really only need the pants, so I have been known to pop for those at full price around $50. But also, my newer obsession is anything Aerie by American Eagle. I just bought these uber soft joggers in three colors because they’re on sale for $15!

3. Leith Waffle Scarf – OMG, guys. This scarf is on sale for $9 (was: $32)! GO GET IT. I enjoy a nice, light scarf for our California “winter” season. I don’t need a sweaty neck, but I love to be a little snuggly. And it’s such a fun accessory. I own a ton of scarves. It’s a choice.

4. UGET Oversized Sweater – This is one of those random Amazon finds from an overseas seller that I’ve now purchased in two colors. It’s $16.98 and totes a Prime purchase so you don’t have to wait long for it. Comes in 20 different colors! (SURPRISE – I do not own it in black. Yet.)

5. Pudus Cozy Socks – I discovered these babies ($24.99) on Oprah’s Favorite Things list a couple years ago (and, truth be told, ordered them while under the influence of painkillers during a hospital stay). They are so damned soft inside, you will just live in them.

6. Society6 Custom Pillows – I love supporting Society6, an online home to hundreds of thousands of artists from around the globe, uploading and selling their original works as 30+ premium consumer goods from art prints to throw blankets. They have hundreds and hundreds of fun pillows, some with sassy sayings on them that will make any gift recipient smile. (Prices vary.)

7. Harney & Sons Tea – Is anything more comforting on a cold, winter morning than a cup of hot tea? On mornings like that, I love a cup of English Breakfast, with just a bit of sweetner and some honey. I love to give Harney teas as gifts. They look so lovely in their tins. ($8.50 for a tin of 20 sachets.)

8. Ugg Grace Reversible Throw – Protip: The only place you can get this $99 blanket is Bed, Bath & Beyond so grab your 20% off coupons and get going. I will just be over here, secretly hoping someone will buy it for me. It’s so soft. I don’t need another blanket. I just really, really want it….!

AJ’s 2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Part II

December 6, 2018 By AJ Leave a Comment

GIFTS FOR READING

In this edition, gifts for reading! For the bookworms! And as an added bonus, this list is themed, as, in my book choices, I was all about the strong, powerful woman this year. I was also heavy into autobiographies somehow.

IN PIECES, Sally Field / I just finished this book and WOW. I had no idea how little I knew about Sally Field when I picked it up. Her past is dark and complicated and her journey is fascinating. She often turns a blind eye to the past that haunts her but don’t we all? She is relatable. I enjoyed learning about her life and the bevy of iconic roles she is known for. For someone with a multitude of trophies on her mantle, she is shockingly real.

THIS WILL ONLY HURT A LITTLE, Busy Philipps / A long time fan of Busy’s since I started following her on Instagram years ago (her “Elf on the Shelf” series of 2014 was EPIC) and subsequently met her at a premiere in 2015, I finally just started reading her book. Her talk show on E!, “Busy Tonight” is also stellar if you need a quick (30 mins.), easy and fun watch — Sundays through Wednesdays. She’s a G.D. delight.

BECOMING, Michelle Obama / Literally the best-selling book of 2018 by the only first lady I’m willing to count right now and, of course, the book is endorsed by Oprah’s Book Club. That’s a no-brainer, right? She is elegant and intelligent and aspirational. This is next in my queue. I cannot wait to read it.

SOURDOUGH, Robin Sloan / Point of clarification since I mentioned women being a theme, here; Robin Sloan is, in fact, male. But the protagonist of this book, Lois, is a smart, creative female looking to find her passion in life. That passion happens to be in baking sourdough bread. But the book is nothing like you’d expect. It got to a point about halfway in where I realized I wasn’t putting it down until I was done. And then I wanted sourdough bread. (Well, I pretty much always want sourdough bread.)

SWEETBITTER, Stephanie Danler / The protagonist in this story, 22-year-old Tess, is your classic naive girl in the big city, trying to make something of herself. She fast learns about sex, drugs and booze, dive bars and fine dining rooms, while she climbs the ladder at a glitzy Manhattan-elite restaurant. I think many can relate to the fragility and brutality of being young and adrift.

GIRL, WASH YOUR FACE, Rachel Hollis / Each chapter tackles a different lie Rachel has believed and the methods Rachel used (or wishes she had used) to defeat those lies. But it’s not a “self help” book. Rachel doesn’t want this book to change your life. She wants you to read this book, and then feel strengthened so you change your life. Can’t argue with that. Or her wit, which is strong.

SO CLOSE TO BEING THE SHIT, Y’ALL DON’T EVEN KNOW, Retta / Retta, who does not use a last name, is famous to most from “Parks and Rec” but I only know her from her sensational – and often sassy – tweets. She is at her best when she is live-tweeting television. Check out the book and her twitter feed.

AJ’s 2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Part I

December 6, 2018 By AJ Leave a Comment

GIFTS FOR FOODIES

First of all, can anyone tell me why my gift guide last year was labeled for 2018? I must have been drunk. But here we are again and should you be clamoring for holiday gift ideas, may I offer up some suggestions. In this edition, gifts for foodies.

Ever met a cheese you didn’t like? Me either. Looking for the latest “of the month” craze? I’ve gotchu. Check out The Tasting Board, where they will send you a monthly box of cheeses to try. You might discover you’re a fan of Armada Green Olive White Cheddar or Sartori Romano. You put in what other snacks and beverages you’re into so that they can match you with cheeses you’re inclined to enjoy and then just wait for FIVE cheeses to show up at your door! It’s not the cheapest of memberships but I’ll assure you that if you click this link to try it, you’ll at least get 50% off the first go-around. It will come to $36.50 with shipping.

If you’re looking to gift a food subscription a little more meal-oriented, My Subscription Addiction breaks down a ton of meal-subscription box services. Blue Apron seems to the most popular among my friends, though for someone who lives alone, I find it to be too much food. I personally subscribe to Freshly, where the meals come prepared and only need to be warmed up. $50 gets you four meals for the week. I skip weeks often so it hasn’t been too costly for me and it’s worth it for the convenience of the healthier meals. And if you’re feeling a little more spendy than that, and a bit carnivorous at that, Butcher Box has ALL THE MEATS.

If your gift recipient likes to cook all on their own from scratch, perhaps a beautiful book of recipes? I love the Food52 books. Their desserts are stunning but I also love their “regular” book, Genius Recipes.

And what about for dessert? I’ve become a fan of craft, high-end candies and vintage sweets. Sugarfina has amazing flavors and they allow you to create beautiful custom candy boxes starting at just $26. Lolli & Pops was just a charming store in the local mall til I found out they have a website where they sell amazing packages of candies, cookies, macarons, truffles and more online.

Holiday Gift Guide: Adulting

December 19, 2017 By AJ Leave a Comment

As I sat around my apartment Saturday, surrounded in friends, cookies, holiday movies and donning a VERY sophisticated unicorn onesie, it finally hit me what my third holiday gift guide should be.

Here is a list of gift ideas for the adult out there who also loves to embrace their inner child.

KIGURUMI ONESIE

Be a unicorn! A tiger! A narwhal! “Kigurumi” comes from a combination of two Japanese words: kiru(“to wear”) and nuigurumi (“stuffed toy”). Traditionally, it referred specifically to the performers wearing the costume, but the word has since grown to include the costumes themselves. In Japan, kigurumi costumes are worn as a way to break the conventions of traditional dress… or just as comfy pajamas! Could you imagine wearing one of these to the office?! Well, I can’t but I am certainly comfortable in my unicorn onesie, laying on the sofa. Shop Kigurumi here. Keep an eye on their Facebook page — they post promo codes and sales often.

NOSTALGIA ELECTRICS

I think I only know about this company because they are sneaky devils who target suckers like me on Facebook. But here we are. And frankly, their products do evoke nostalgia and they are delightful. Like did you even know you needed to own a cotton candy maker? How about that weird machine that turns your peanuts into peanut butter??? And you KNOW you want the hot dog toaster because it’s all red and shiny. They sell all of their products on Amazon or straight off their own website. Bonus: Super affordable.

FUNKO POP VINYLS

Some Funko collectors go for broke and set out to buy every pop vinyl they release. I just pick them up occasionally myself — I like the Star Trek vinyls mostly, although I do own the Golden Girls set and the odd Disney character. But they everage about $10 each and they make them in a myriad of categories. They are undeniably cute! You’ll find a ton of them on Amazon, of course, and Hot Topic and Think Geek also carry exclusives.

LEGOS

Legos are wonderful therapy. They may be labeled for kids (“age 3 & up”) but I know a ton of grown ups who enjoy sitting down with a pile and building. For me, I like to create something from a random pile of bricks but I know other people who prefer sets and constructing those. All I ask, friends, is that you not become this guy….

PUZZLES FOR DAYS

I actually got into puzzles because I’m secretly an old lady. And actually, it’s a massive distraction that keeps me away from my laptop or my phone. I will do a 1000 piece puzzle in one sitting. My favorite brand these days is White Mountain, which are really colorful and fun.

Note: You will not find any affiliate links in this post or any of my gift guide posts. That probably doesn’t make me the savviest of businesswomen but I honestly cannot be bothered with it. I just want you to discover something new to enjoy or to gift someone you love.

Holiday Gift Guide: Brunch

November 30, 2017 By AJ Leave a Comment

Whilst brainstorming additional gift guide ideas, it suddenly clicked — “DUH.” I mean, other than puppies and Chris Evans, what do I love most on this Earth? So check out this Holiday Gift Guide: for the Brunch lover in your life!

BRUNCHING BEVERAGES

My favorite brunch beverage is a Bloody Mary and I’ve been known to make them at home, too. I totally love these kits from Uncommon Goods — a “Build Your Own” kit and their Diagram Glassware. Get creative and include it with a basket of fresh veggies and mix. If you need a good one to throw in, the Mr. and Mrs. T’s mixes they sell at most supermarkets is one of my faves — the “Bold & Spicy” is the best.

Of course, there’s nothing wrong with gifting a beautiful bottle of champagne or Proseco, either. Mimosas are a brunch’s best friend.

Teas are also a really beautiful gift. Adagio is my favorite online tea shop — they have some lovely glassware, loose leaf teas, sachets and more. Harney & Sons “Paris” blend is one of my favorites as well — and they sell their teas in beautiful tins that present well for gifting.

BRUNCHING ATTIRE

Can we talk about how badly I want these “Brunch So Hard” socks? Socks are an underrated gift — I love to find cute socks that are personal to the recipient as gifts. Buy Me Brunch is perhaps the best online shop for brunch-themed gear, though, by virtue of their name alone, right? Whenever I wear my “The Brunch Life Chose Me” shirt from Tees in the Trap, I get stopped on the street.

Of course, when it comes to brunch attire, you’re nowhere without oversized, dark sunglasses or a wide-brimmed hat. Perhaps a cardigan or sweater for the cooler months with a chunky scarf.

And if anything else, find the best local brunch spot and hand over a gift certificate. No one will be dismayed when brunch is on someone else! But I also love to head to Etsy.com, and simply type the word “brunch” into the search bar to see what comes up!

Holiday Gift Guide: Books

November 27, 2017 By AJ 1 Comment

I don’t typically get too deep into holiday gift guides but something moved me to do it this year. Probably chief among my motives is all the amazing books I read in the last year or so and wanting to pass those on. I don’t know about you, but I find as I get older, books have become more and more a source of comfort and solace for me — and they have become more important. So this is volume one — “Holiday Gift Guide: Books” for your consideration. With more editions to follow, no doubt.

BOOKS I’VE READ

The Moth Presents All These Wonders: True Stories about Facing the Unknown

I had never heard of “storytelling phenomenon” The Moth. But it’s a non-profit that preaches the fine art of crafting and telling stories. I love that. So when I needed a book to get lost in on my mini staycation this year, I grabbed this hardcover from The Last Bookstore. It is filled with 45 unforgettable true stories about risk, courage, and facing the unknown from both unknowns and celebrities like Tig Notaro, John Turturro and Meg Wolitzer. Almost every story surprised me — mostly because I am such a cynic. In its pages I found a lot of happiness, sadness and inspiration. It is filled with passion, courage, truth and humor. I pretty much inhaled this book. [MORE]

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life

I’m not one for “self help” books, but this one, by Mark Manson, grabbed my attention with its in-your-face title and bright red cover. So there I was, curled up on my couch, essentially having a religious experience and, for the first time in years, putting a highlighter to work with portions of the text I did not want to ever forget. And the book is not actually telling you to not give a f*ck. It’s only explaining that sometimes, we just give too many f*cks and we’d all benefit from figuring out what is actually worth our time and what isn’t. Stop trying to be some beacon of positivity and light, and just get right down to the shit that makes you happy. (Yes, it’s easier said than done.) [MORE]

Buffering: Unshared Tales of a Life Fully Loaded

I guess I inadvertently sought out a lot of “self help” with the inclusion of this book in my reading list this year because I felt like this book’s author, Hannah Hart, can really help a lot of people in sharing her story. She is funny and smart and complicated with a family history that stunned me a little but ultimately inspired me because of how much she’s accomplished — from her YouTube channel to her new Food Network show. (Have you seen it? I’m obsessed.) I encourage you to give this a read and try your hand at Hannah’s patented brand of “reckless optimism.” [MORE]

Beyond Belief: My Secret Life Inside Scientology and My Harrowing Escape

I’m also realizing how many personal memoirs I read this year — not a genre of book I was ever really into before, actually. Go figure. But if you want to read a book that will make you say “HOLY SHIT” out loud every six minutes, than this is the book for you. Jenna Miscavige’s (niece of Scientology leader David Mascavige) life story is so incredulous that it’s more like reading a work of fiction because it’s just so hard to believe anyone endured what she did, growing up in the so-called “church.” At 21, she made her break, risking everything she’d ever known and loved to leave Scientology once and for all. It’s harrowing. [MORE]

I’m Just a Person

Right up front I will tell you, if you or the recipient of the gift are not Tig Notaro fans, you may not enjoy this book. It is written with the same short, dry humor she infuses into her stand-up and into her Amazon series, “One Mississippi.” If you are not familiar, it follows her insane journey and mostly focuses on a span of four months in 2012 when Notaro was hospitalized for a debilitating intestinal disease called C.Diff, her mother unexpectedly died, she went through a breakup, and she was diagnosed with bilateral breast cancer. Her mere survival of this marks her as strong and brave but the way in which she shares her story also, in my opinion, makes her courageous as well. [MORE]

BOOKS I WANT TO READ

There are presently ~~401~~ 403 books on my Goodreads “want to read” list, which is a little alarming. I don’t know if I’ll live long enough, guys….

Bad Feminist: Essays

A co-worker told me about Roxane Gay and now I want to read everything she’s ever written. In these funny and insightful essays, Gay takes us through the journey of her evolution as a woman of color while also taking readers on a ride through culture of the last few years and commenting on the state of feminism today. It is a sharp, funny, and spot-on look at the ways in which the culture we consume becomes who we are, and an inspiring call-to-arms of all the ways we still need to do better. I’m in. [MORE]

Topless Prophet: The True Story of America’s Most Successful Gentleman’s Club Entrepreneur

Weird choice, right? But I heard about this on the morning radio show I listen to, and I’m hooked. It’s a wild autobiography by Alan Markovitz, who while only in his early twenties transformed a modest Detroit bar into the first prototype of the truly modern gentleman’s club . . . and then to parlayed that win into a string of wildly popular and highly profitable chain of topless venues that continues to expand today, nationwide. What really sold me, though? He bought the house next door to his ex-wife, just so he could erect a statue in the front yard that held up a giant middle finger in his neighbor’s direction. COME ON. How do you not want to read this guy’s autobiography? [MORE]

How to be Champion: My Autobiography

I’d never heard of Sarah Millican but fell in love with her when she appeared on the Graham Norton show. Her debut book delves into her super normal life with quirky stories, funny tales and proper advice on how to get past life’s blips – like being good at school but not good at friends, the excitement of IBS (right???) and how to blossom post divorce. If you’ve ever worn glasses at the age of six, worn an off-the-shoulder gown with no confidence, been contacted by an old school bully, lived in your childhood bedroom in your thirties, cried so much you felt great, been for a romantic walk with a dog, worn leggings two days in a row even though they smelled rather bad, then I’m told this book is for you. [MORE]

So what have a learned? Well, this year I was super into self-help, memoirs and comediennes. Nothing wrong with any of it, though.

And in conclusion, I ask YOU as well — got a book to recommend?

I’d LOVE to grow my list past 403 — no joke! Do share in the comments, please.

Friday Favorites: Thanksgiving Edition

November 23, 2018 By AJ Leave a Comment

In this “Friday Favorites: Thanksgiving Edition” you will find the usual outline of my favoritest things but with the prevailing theme of profound gratitude. I have so, so much to be thankful for this year and couldn’t let the week end without sharing.

WHAT I READ

Shannen Doherty is doing amazing work with animal rescue in the aftermath of the California wildfires.
Read how newly elected Congresswoman, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, is using Instagram Stories to lift the veil on Congress. She’s amazing.

The Grinch billboards have brought me laughter all month long.
Here come the holiday gift guides! The New York Times put theirs up. And of course, Oprah revealed this year’s “favorite things.”

OTHER BLOGGERS & INFLUENCERS

My friend Raquel shared this delicious recipe for beer-bacon-cheddar bites. I WANT IT.
GIRL POWER! Socialfly’s Stephanie Cartin and Courtney Spritzer are launching a podcast to help women boost their businesses.
My friend Jessica has been an awesome resource of information on Twitter these last few weeks. I appreciate it.

EARLIER THIS WEEK

The CEO and Founder of TOMS made a stunning, beautiful, wonderful announcement on the Tonight Show. WATCH THIS:

.@TOMS founder Blake Mycoskie announces a new campaign to end gun violence by making a record-breaking donation #EndGunViolenceTogether pic.twitter.com/pZkQJUu63j

— Fallon Tonight (@FallonTonight) November 20, 2018

I hurt my left ankle. Somehow my Achilles’ Tendon is severely inflamed. When this happens, there is a high risk for tearing and I guess this is a tendon you don’t wanna mess with. So I am wearing one of those cumbersome boots/walking cast thing for the time being. All that is to say that regardless, this year, I am most thankful for my HEALTH. This time last year, I was very ill and it’s been a long road back.
My puppy got really sick this week and I am thankful he is all better and back home.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by AJ Feuerman (@ajfeuerman)

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

I never let a Thanksgiving go by without watching HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS.

Submitted without commentary:

WHAT ELSE I AM THANKFUL FOR

Family
My wonderful boyfriend
An incredible network of friends
A good brunch – always!
The most surprising year of my life

Lazy Sunday Musings: What’s Up, Internet?

December 3, 2017 By AJ Leave a Comment

I’ve been having the hardest time sleeping this week and as a result, yesterday, I spent the majority of the day rather useless; slumped over on the couch dozing off or completing jigsaw puzzles on my iPhone. I did manage stretches of work here and there but yeah — mostly I was a lazy sloth. So today, as penance, I am trying to be a little more productive…. and I can’t say it’s going very well, but ya know, the day is still young. And in any case, at least you’re all getting a blog post out of me.

WHAT I READ

Lance Bass has questionable taste in brunch. I can deal with Estrella and Laurel Hardware, but I am not having Poke for brunch anytime soon and I don’t have the patience to wait in line at Sweet Butter anymore. And I refuse to step foot in The Abbey because I am over 30 and don’t enjoy getting roofied.
Imagine Dragons lead singer Dan Reynolds has a documentary going to Sundance that I think looks fascinating.
This scientist wants to bring “Star Trek Values” to Congress.
Instagram is testing some new features. I am excited about them. Twitter is also testing a new feature — a “save for later” function.

OTHER BLOGGERS & INFLUENCERS

Kara’s Party Ideas shared this adorable Mary Poppins themed party for a baby that I am convinced would translate well for me.

If you are coming to my home for the holidays, please know I will be serving this boozy cider. And/or this black forest hot chocolate.
And speaking of boozy, do check out Lizz’s clever advent calendar that I am determined to convert to some kind of Hanukkah commemoration.

EARLIER THIS WEEK

My holiday gift guides are rolling out. Check out my book recommendations and my gift guide for brunch lovers.
I saw two beautiful movies. Lady Bird and Call Me By Your Name. Both unique and truly special films though I would go as far as stating Call Me By Your Name may be in my top five films of all time.
I listen to the same morning show EVERY DAY. If I don’t, I catch the podcast later. I am kind of a known fangirl for it. But at the top of the week, the new station owners fired my favorite personality from said show, Ralph Garman, and I am having a rather strong reaction to it. By Friday, I couldn’t turn the show on at all. I hope it passes — I do like the other people on the show — and I am kind of caught off guard by having this visceral reaction to it.

As you just heard on-air, we're sad to report that @RalphGarman has announced that today is his last day as part of the Kevin & Bean morning show. We’re grateful for all he has done for us and our program, and wish him all the best.

— Kevin & Bean Show (@kevinandbean) November 30, 2017

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

I am rather obsessed with P!nk’s single, “Beautiful Trauma.” The video is GLORIOUS.

Jimmy Kimmel took on Senator Ray Moore and it is also GLORIOUS. He holds zero punches.

Last one, so I can leave you with a chuckle. The Raptors stadium cam caught Drane enjoying a grapefruit Perrier. His reaction is delightful.
View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Toronto Raptors (@raptors)

A Letter to 2015

December 31, 2015 By AJ 1 Comment

I was trying to decide how to best recap a rather magnanimous year. 2015 seemed like a beast that just kept hurling curveballs in my general direction and so ultimately, I decided a letter to 2015 was the best way to do it.

Dear 2015…

Thank you for continuing to keep me on my toes. Thank you for always making it up to me when things seemed bleak. Thank you for the hugs and laughter – even for the tears. Thank you for good times! A lot of good meals! Good friends! There was so much this year — so many things I wish to recall. You might remember…

In January I got my voice back after four weeks of severe laryngitis and lung infections. And that was after I survived food poisoning from Chipotle (I’ve always been an early adopter!). I began my first year as the President of Social Media Club Los Angeles and I got to attend one of the best concerts ever when I managed to score a pair of tickets to Dave Grohl’s birthday party. It didn’t suck.

Lindsay even let me guest post on her blog! I’m still really proud of it.

In February I had one of the best brunches of my life at Michael’s Pizzeria in Long Beach. I’ve not been back since but I’ll be taking that up with 2016. It was a definite highlight in the month as toward the end of it, I was laid off from a job I loved.

But my temporary unemployment pushed me to think outside of the box and it ended up being one of the most exciting times of my life. I picked up freelance projects, co-worked with friends, began new personal projects I’d been putting off (like this very blog!) and got to enjoy some spontaneity for once, like that time Jessica and I went out for Dimsum on a weekday. It was DELICIOUS!

@jessicagottlieb knows all the good places. My lunch was delicious. #dimsum #chinatown #dtla #losangeles #soupdumplings #foodie #foodstagram

A photo posted by AJ (@ajfeuerman) on Mar 13, 2015 at 3:03pm PDT

I met a terrific group of women when I spoke on a panel called “Branding for Women” before a large ballroom audience!

I joined in celebrating the marriage of two wonderful people on a perfect day in Malibu. I got to take a vacation to visit my best friend in New Jersey. I met her baby for the first time. It was a life changing moment. She’s always been the most beautiful, warmest person I know but watching her be a mom made me have ALL THE FEELS.

I thought I’d left the entertainment industry behind but as April ended, a new, wonderful opportunity came my way and next thing you know, I’m the head of publicity and social media for a film distributor! They wrote about int DEADLINE, man. PINCH ME.

“Captain AJ’s Wine Tour” happened and it was a magical day in Temecula, drinking wine, being driven around in a limo by a suave dude in a bolo tie, with some of my girlfriends.

https://www.instagram.com/p/19O8g-tKNR/?taken-by=ajfeuerman

My college roommate, Meg, moved back to LA in June and I am still so glad she’s here! Another beautiful, strong woman I love to watch be a mom.

The Summer brought movie junkets, trips to New York and Sacramento, and premieres that ran into a crazy Fall. My job continues to be AWESOME. Working on Colin Hanks’ “All Things Must Pass” became a passion project and a treasured experience as I connected with members of the Tower family and many still remain friends.

The Eagles of Death Metal played the premiere. It was incredible to be in that audience — even more so in hindsight a few months later…. But I’ll get to that.

Summer also brought courage. I published something deeply personal I’d written that I’d kept to myself for a long time.

My blogging homies got together in July to celebrate “Spawn” turning one, oversized Spawn-head included. IT HAUNTS MY DREAMS.

2015, you outdid yourself with the “Adventure Friends” because we were in FULL FORCE all year long with activities! A Kings game, baking class, the Doheny Mansion tour, brunches, meeting Jeff Goldblum, movies, screenings, gifting, museums. We’re pretty awesome. These ladies were there for me a lot this year.

By the way, 2015, thanks for letting me SING WITH JEFF GOLDBLUM that night. That was pretty cool.

October. I saw Hanson in concert. Again. Two nights in a row. #SorryNotSorry. I marked the one-year anniversary of living alone with pride. I went to see “Adele Dazeem” at the Hollywood Bowl.

I had another mind-blowing brunch in November with my mom at Girasol and I published my most-trafficked post to date, An Old Person’s Guide to the Millennial Vocabulary. I spoke on an EPPS panel — an organization I joined as a rookie publicist in 2008. (Wow, I spoke on a lot of panels this year! I didn’t even mention ConnectHER or EAMC — except I just did.)

Paris happened. I refused to talk about it until I was too angry. I’m still angry.

I dogsat a lot this year, which makes me a happier lady. This also meant a lot of Cody-stares.

He's super consistent and dedicated. #StareTactics #dogsitting #dogsofinstagram #jackrussell

A photo posted by AJ (@ajfeuerman) on Aug 17, 2015 at 8:04pm PDT

Right now I’m sitting in bed with a pretty adorable, fluffy little poodle whom I’ve been snuggling with for a week. Can you tell 2016 I’d like to keep dog-sitting? It’s excellent therapy.

2015, you brought me a wonderful holiday season as well, including two weeks time off from my job. I love it, I swear, but boy did I need a rest! I made the most of it, too – still am – and I appreciate it. I had a wonderful Christmas eve watching a local parade and a hysterical Christmas Day, playing Cards Against Humanity.

Hey remember that saying “I live for the nights I won’t remember with the friends I’ll never forget.” That.

2015, you did right by me. And I appreciate it.

Love, AJ

P.S. (Holy cow, 2015, you filled this year with a ton of AMAZING WOMEN! WELL DONE. Thanks again.)