AJ Feuerman

Public Relations Executive. Veteran Blogger. Brunch Fanatic.

What is your “Ultimate Day?”

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Here I go thinking about myself again and loving it.

Well, let me hear it — what is your Ultimate Day? What does your Ultimate Day look like? When someone in my office announced she was having her “ultimate day,” I was confused but I finally came to see it’s value and understand it’s magic. She would plan a day of her favorite activities, no matter where it took her around town, and invite good friends to join her. And in doing so, creating a day filled with inescapable joy, surrounded by people you care about sharing in that feeling, it would be the Ultimate Day.

It’s the most, isn’t it? This is really my idea of heaven. This is a birthday party for no reason. A unique “stay-cation” with your loved ones. The ultimate field trip.

The great news is that you HAVE people to share this with, RIGHT? And that’s the ultimate, too!

And I’ve become rather obsessed with the idea. I’ve spent quantifiable time thinking about what my ultimate day would include. I keep changing my mind but it’s coming along.

Here is what I have so far:

  • NO DRIVING. There will be much Ubering and/or Lyfting for my day. Or a generous friend is welcome to chauffeur my places. But I will not succumb to looking for parking, scouring neighborhoods for street space or paying for overpriced valets who also get tips.
  • BRUNCH. Obviously. Probably at Church Key but maybe at Cliff’s Edge. I’ve been wavering on this decision.
  • PUPPIES. Are you surprised? Maybe I’d check out the new Dog Cafe although I’m not sure I’d be able to walk away from an adoption station with my emotions in tact.
  • SHOPPING. Not an extensive shopping trip, mind you. I don’t need to comb the mall. I’d rather find one unique store and go buy myself something unique. I love a store that serves up some quality browsing and then you find that GEM you MUST HAVE that you didn’t know you needed….! Perhaps Vroman’s or the strip of shops in Tujunga Village.
  • SNACK BREAK. Perhaps at my favorite coffee shop (which is in Tujunga Village, by the way) or a trip to get frozen yogurt.
  • A MOVIE. Hopefully one with Tom Hardy, Chris Evans, Colin Farrell or Chris Pine. This does not have to happen in a movie theater but if it happens at home, I am watching in my pajamas with the A/C on, under lots of blankets.

What is your ultimate day?

And that’s about all I can come up with so far. There are extraneous, optional items I would throw in if time allowed like a drive down PCH, wine tasting or popping into a museum.

But here’s the thing, I still feel like this day is lacking something really unique. Something with…. OOMPH. But maybe that’s the point? Maybe it’s supposed to be simple? Maybe what’s missing is some way to better incorporate the thoughts, feelings and ideas of my friends?

(Also, I think this day costs too much money but that’s the story of my life, right?)

Anyway, I’m going to keep thinking about it and I’ll let you know. I think it’s a lovely concept and do not be surprised if you see a follow up post packed with goofy selfies of me and my best friends annoying the quiet shoppers in a bookstore sometime soon.

And in the comments — I mean it —  tell me: What is your Ultimate Day?

What is your ultimate day?

 

Friday Favorites – A Whole New World

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Gosh, guys. The last time I wrote “Friday Favorites,” Sean Spicer was still behind the podium and Reince Priebus was still the White House Chief of Staff. It’s like a whole new world out there now, ain’t it? But WE MADE IT. One more week down.

Friday Favorites

WHAT I READ

  • Buffer is sharing how they grew their blog following. Great data.
  • A co-worker shared this article with me, about the habits of exceptionally strong women.
  • A list of incredible omelettes you should try here in LA. I’m actually not much for omelettes but this could change me.
Friday Favorites - A Whole New World

Odys + Penelope’s ham and molten swiss omelette.

OTHER BLOGGERS & INFLUENCERS

EARLIER THIS WEEK

  • I was dog-sitting. It was adorable. Check my Insta for pics.
  • Trump done gone lost his mind but James Corden turned around the BEST RESPONSE. It’s actually genius. Just WATCH:
  • Also, Biden’s tweet:

  • SCORE, the film music documentary I’m proud to be associated with, opened in Chicago today and got raves from critics! Richard Roeper loved it.

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

  • Lupita Nyong’o won Comic Con. Did you see? I LOVE HER.

  • I saw Atomic Blonde. It was AWESOME. You have to go see it. And enjoy this peek at Charlize Theron’s training:

  • Let me leave you now as my arteries harden. How do you feel about this “Pancake Lasagna”?

 

 

They Say Never Meet Your Heroes

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They say “never meet your heroes” because if your hero turns out to be a douchebag, where does that leave you? Devastated. Ruined. Traumatized!

As evidence, I will only briefly describe a time when I was super young and impressionable and my favorite singer was dining a couple tables away from my family. She and her famous husband were nuzzling and surrounded in protection. I approached one of her bodyguards, respectfully, and politely asked if I could ask his client for her autograph. He looked to her for consent. She leaned away from her husband, looked me up and down, and then shook her head in disgust and waved a dismissive hand at me. The bodyguard said “not tonight” and I walked away, head down, saddened this hero of mine was not all I’d hoped for.

I guess it doesn’t always go down that way — thankfully. When I was out having breakfast with my family and family-friends at Jerry’s Deli, and I was probably 11? 12? At a table nearby, my mother spotted the Lawrence brothers. Joey was at the height of his career then as a co-star on “Blossom” and I’m sure Andrew and Matthew were equally famous then but I only had eyes for the “whoa!” guy. But I was frozen solid by nerves. And so my mom took me to their table, put a hand on Joey’s shoulder and said “my daughter’s too embarassed but would you give her your autograph?”

They Say Never Meet Your Heroes

He was very polite and sweet, even though I was mortified, and I still have that autograph somewhere in a shoebox.

I was inspired to write this post, actually, because I was telling someone the other day about the time I met, perhaps, my favorite pop idol of all time. I was helping with PR for the “American Idol” tour and recording press footage with the cast at a rehearsal. During a break, from down the hall, I heard the faint sounds of “Remix” by New Kids on the Block (it’s one of their newer singles — yes, they still record new music and yes, I enjoy it). I was informed by one of the Idols that the New Kids were rehearsing down the hall for their new tour.

I froze and my face instantly turned bright red. I was completely unable to keep my cool and maintain any professionalism. But the Idols were amused and even offered to introduce me to the guys, who’d been friendly with them. They were babies; they hardly knew who the New Kids were.

Long story short, I got my photo taken with Joey McIntyre. And if this photo doesn’t SCREAM happiness and joy and embarrassment all in one shot, I don’t know what does:

They Say Never Meet Your Heroes

I was lucky to meet a couple of nice Joes (pun totally intended) by chance but yeah…. there are celebrities I truly NEVER want to meet. When you do what I do for a living, you hear a lot of stories — who’s cool, who’s not, who’s friendly, who’s impossible on a set. But as long as I never meet those people, I never have to know and I can go on believing they are awesome and perfect and that their talent is matched by their kindness.

And so they say, “never meet your heroes,” but it’s fun to think about, right?  So I’d love to hear from you! Who are your idols of worship? Who did you meet and love? Who’s the hero you want to stay away from?

Friday Favorites – Many, Many Friday Favorites

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I’m not going to give you all a big preface here because I bookmarked ALL THE THINGS THIS WEEK (hence, “Many, Many Friday Favorites!”), and I’m riding high off the news that Sean Spicer resigned today. I know this means someone worse and more annoying will just take his place, but I’ll take it as a tiny victory anyhow.

Friday Favorites - Many, Many Friday Favorites

ANYWAY, moving on….

Friday Favorites

WHAT I READ

Friday Favorites - Many, Many Friday Favorites

OTHER BLOGGERS & INFLUENCERS

  • Two of my very funny friends launched a podcast and I love it! It’s called “So is HE Captain America?” Just two girls on a mission to better understand the comic book multiverse!
  • How about Pinch of Yum’s Loaded Caprese Grilled Cheese Sandwich recipe?! RIGHT?!
  • Please also check out this blog, Pressure Luck (get it???), if you’re one of the b’zillion people who bought that Instapot that absolutely everyone owns.

EARLIER THIS WEEK

  • Dodger Stadium announced a new menu of eats for the Summertime and DEAR. LORD.
  • Andy Serkis brought Gollum out to read some Trump tweets. I DIED. It’s SO GOOD.
  • I saw Tim McGraw and Faith Hill in concert! AND, Tim came down the aisle RIGHT BY WHERE WE SAT. I took video — it went viral. Amazing.
  • I saw Baby Driver and Spider-Man Homecoming. I liked both. Both a lot of fun!

Friday Favorites - Many, Many Friday Favorites

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

  • I was especially stricken by the death of Chester Bennington yesterday. Linkin Park has been my “drive angry” music for years and his rage was always and oddly very soothing to me. I went to high school with a couple members of the band so maybe that’s also why I always felt so connected to them. In any case, the way he died, and at such a young age (41), makes it even harder for my tiny brain to wrap itself around. So I leave you today with some of the most memorable performances from Chester and Linkin Park. Most notably their last performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live in May when they sang a song from their new album, “One More Light” in honor of their late friend Chris Cornell. It’s a stunning song.

 

Friday Favorites on a Saturday Afternoon

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I know, I know. Friday Favorites on a Saturday afternoon?! What gives?

Well, all day yesterday I tried to carve out 30 minutes to draft my “favorites” of the week for you but I failed. I guess it’s only fair that during the waking hours my job comes first. The day of work lead into an evening at home doing more work, lead into packing, going to bed early and then ultimately, getting p early today to attend a blogging conference in Temecula. (Oh. By the way. Greetings from BLOGGY BOOTCAMP!)

Friday Favorites

WHAT I READ

  • Science is doing me a solid — it has confirmed I am a genius. Find out why.
  • I have not seen Baby Driver yet, but I really want to. I was tickled when prestigious entertainment Editor Peter Bart analyzed the film’s musicality against the backdrop of my company’s documentary, SCORE.
  • Cheesecake Factory has unveiled…. WAIT FOR IT…. A FUNFETTI CHEESECAKE. 

Friday Favorites on a Saturday Afternoon: Cheesecake Factory's new Funfetti Cheesecake

OTHER BLOGGERS & INFLUENCERS

  • I had never heard of the website, The Grommet. Am I the last to know? Someone spoke about it at the conference this morning. I WANT TO BUY ALL THE THINGS.
  • Carolyn’s husband’s late Uncle was one of the most prominent theme park designers and she uncovered an old interview of his — it was fascinating!
  • Jen discusses the fine line between getting attention and being called to attention.

EARLIER THIS WEEK

  • I had an absolutely exquisite, savory brunch at Kismet.

Friday Favorites on a Saturday Afternoon: Brunch at Kismet

  • USA Today premiered the trailer for California Typewriter, a new documentary I am working on. You might recognize some of the up and coming talent….
  • Doug Fernandez of KOAT 7 in Albuquerque gave up. Watch:

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

  • At a Green Day concert in Europe, before the show began, the crowd sang “Bohemian Rhapsody” in unison and it’s rather stunning:

  • This dog just needs a break. I feel you, dude.

Friday Favorites And One Crazy Work Week

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I don’t mind telling you all that I am one tired lady right now. In the middle of launching a theatrical documentary as well as several more “day and date” titles (those are films that come out in theaters and on demand on the same day) and it’s a LOT! But I’m also having a blast and it’s been a crazy and rewarding week.

Friday Favorites

WHAT I READ

  • My company’s exciting film, Score: A Film Music Documentary, is getting great reviews all over and it’s blowing our minds. We were the New York Times Critics Pick!
  • If you ever do the drive from LA to Vegas, read this list of great restaurants to try along the way. I’ve been to Peggy Sue’s Diner, which is a lot of fun!
  • Rudolph’s Bar & Tea looks like a place I wanna hang out in. Don’tcha think?

OTHER BLOGGERS & INFLUENCERS

EARLIER THIS WEEK

  • I was working on my personal brunch database (oh yes, I have one) — I had to add The Topanga Table.
  • NBC 4 came to our special advanced screening of SCORE on Wednesday night!

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

  • Ice T is helping Sonic sell Iced Teas and I think the commercial is hilarious! 
  • I don’t watch Angie Tribeca, but now I may need to.

  • Is anyone else watching FUNDERDOME? I think the name is pretty stupid and the prizing mechanic is kind of lame, but I love seeing new inventions and entrepreneurs. So far my favorite idea is the Airhook:

  • I’ll leave you with this bit. Dear Evan Hansen took home a lot of Tony Awards on Sunday and deservedly so. The show is beautiful. From the same composers who wrote La La Land, by the way. The cast’s performance of “Waving Through the Window” was stunning and when star Ben Platt won his “Best Actor” award, he said something that has stuck with me ever since:

“Don’t waste time trying to be like anybody else… the things that make you strange are the things…

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Friday Favorites: June Gloom Be Gone

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Who says June has to be gloomy? Every morning I wake up to overcast skies but by afternoon, it’s sunny and beautiful. The weather’s been perfect and I am loving it. I am also happy to share that I did not have to testify before a half-senile Senate committee this week, which is more than I can say for some people….

Friday Favorites

WHAT I READ

  • The Alamo Drafthouse movie theater chain is finally setting up shop here in Los Angeles. They show such diverse films and have a great brand so I am excited as all get out for this.
  • 30 years later, these Playboy models recreated their cover photos. It is EPIC. Kudos to you, ladies. You’re badasses.
  • Did you know there are some RIDICULOUS secret menu items at Disneyland? I had no idea. Let’s get on that, guys. Because ICE. CREAM. NACHOS.

Friday Favorites: June Gloom

OTHER BLOGGERS & INFLUENCERS

  • As part of Google’s “Be Internet Awesome Program” they have built Interland, an online world to teach kids the dos and don’ts of using the web. Pretty awesome indeed.
  • Over at The Player’s Tribune, my favorite all-time catcher, Jorge Posada, wrote a letter to his younger self. It’s lovely. What would you say to ten-year-old you?
  • Melissa shared the recipe for the perfect, fluffy white cake. YUM! She also shared a recipe for the perfect chocolate chip cookies. Basically, she’s doing the lord’s work.
  • Carolyn took her family to Seattle and as it’s one of my favorite cities in the world, I loved her recap and travel tips!

EARLIER THIS WEEK

  • I saw WONDER WOMAN. I was afraid it wouldn’t live up to the hype. But it did.
  • I signed up for a volunteer orientation for Wags n’ Walks. I may regret it. I love dogs and I love recue dogs, but I don’t love that I cannot take them all home with me. But they are opening up an adoption center in West LA and need our support!
  • I bookmarked this restaurant – FELIX. I do not remember where I saw it or read about it, but ya know, looks delicious…. right?

Friday Favorites: June Gloom

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

  • Carpool Karaoke is always a hit — this one with Ed Sheeran might be one of my favorites ever.

  • Jimmy Kimmel’s mean tweets are also always hilarious. Here’s the fifth edition of his NBA mean tweets:

  • These puppies. I want to steal them.

Friday Favorites: May Day, May Day!

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This week in the news, Trump is shouting to anyone who’s listening (or reading his twitter dribble) that he feels remarkably persecuted — the most hated and hunted President ever, he believes. Let’s not ask Lincoln and Kennedy how they feel about that verdict.

I am proud to announce that I am NOT being investigated by a special prosecutor. So I’m winning at life.

Anyway….

Friday Favorites

WHAT I READ

Friday Favorites: May Day, May Day! / Tom Hardy in "The Drop"

OTHER BLOGGERS & INFLUENCERS

  • Carolyn posted a recipe for S’mores Parfaits. When I read it, I literally shouted out loud, “SOLD!”
  • Jessica keeps saying she’s retired from blogging. She is a lying liar who lies. Also, she is insightful about important subject matters
  • Chris reviewed a diaper bag that I maintain would be an excellent bag for a working professional who travels a lot. I kind of want a diaper bag, guys.

EARLIER THIS WEEK

  • I attended this great panel at the TV Academy called “Unstoppable Women.” It showcased amazing female talent working with the Lifetime channel. And then I met Constance Zimmer, who could not have been nicer. She is one of my favorite actresses. I was THRILLED!
  • I attended the Grand Opening of the new Fresh Brothers in Burbank. I’m ECSTATIC they opened one in delivery distance to my home! I’ve been very patient and now I’ve been rewarded. Thank you, FB, (P.S. Click over to their site and sign up for their club so you get 10% off every order!)
Friday Favorites: May Day, May Day! / Fresh Brothers Pizza in Burbank

Fresh Brothers’ artichoke chicken pesto pizza – it’s amazing.

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

  • Harry Styles and Niall Horan (formerly of One Direction) are giving their solo careers the hard core press this week. I’m not gonna lie to you — it ain’t bad stuff if you like pop music like I do.
  • I discovered a short film I loved. I never think about watching short films but I saw this filmmaker speak at the aforementioned panel and it’s GREAT.

Friday Favorites

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Welcome to the euphoria of Friday — that day of days that drops us all off at the weekend before that mother-effer Monday comes to collect us…. Ever the publicist am I, I wanted to put a new spin on Friday updates and offer up a simpler list, “Friday Favorites.” Broken down for you all below.

Friday Favorites

WHAT I READ

  • An exquisite ode and thank you to New York from baseball icon, Derek Jeter.
  • This “Anchor Roundtable” with Savannah Guthrie, Jake Tapper, Gayle King, George Stephanopolous and more on the current state of the news.
  • About a this new restaurant, Rossoblu, on Eater LA and it looks divine. I’m ready to try it.

Friday Favorites

  • The Rock wants to run for President someday. He’s not kidding. And frankly, considering what we’re currently facing, I’m not even opposed  to it.

OTHER BLOGGERS & INFLUENCERS

  • I am super obsessed with “We Are Midlife” on Instagram. Does that mean I’m in my midlife? Probably. I’m too busy enjoying it to care.
  • Look, I know it’s a “diaper bag” but I just love a good backpack with a ton of pockets. Chris broke this down so well, I now want to own it.
  • Social Media Club is hosting a really awesome Snapchat-focused event this month. Get the details.
  • Can we please talk about these Funfetti Cream Pie Cupcakes?!

EARLIER THIS WEEK

  • Jessica and I attended “Masters of Taste,” essentially eating our way through the Rose Bowl in Pasadena. I’ve been posting photos on my Hollywood Brunch Instagram account and plan on a more detailed recap soon!

Friday Favorites

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

  • Anderson Cooper is all of us. Did you see the eye-roll heard round the world?
  • Samantha Bee flawlessly broke down the Comey firing on her show this week:

  • Speaking of Sam Bee, if you missed the “Daily Show” reunion on Colbert, you missed complete awesomeness.

Thus concludes this very first “Friday Favorites” endeavor. Let me know what you think of the new format in the comments! Thanks in advance.

What’s In My Pocket Friday – Mental Health Awareness Month

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Mental Health Awareness Month

Well, however odd  a phrase as it may be, happy Mental Health Awareness Month, everyone! In this world of absolute insanity, this seems like an acutely appropriate cause. It’s hard for me to understand why our global community still attaches such a negative stigma to mental health issues.

But since 1949, Mental Health America has led the observance Mental Health Month in May. They believe it’s important to educate people about habits and behaviors that increase the risk of developing or exacerbating mental illnesses, or could be signs of mental health problems themselves. People experience symptoms of mental illnesses differently—and some engage in potentially dangerous or risky behaviors to avoid or cover up symptoms of a potential mental health problem. Sometimes people—especially young people—struggling with mental health concerns develop habits and behaviors that increase the risk of developing or exacerbating mental illnesses, or that could be signs of mental health problems themselves. When we engage in prevention and early identification, we can help reduce the burden of mental illness by identifying symptoms and warning signs early—and provide effective treatment.

What's In My Pocket Friday - Mental Health Awareness Month

How do we reconcile the importance of mental health awareness with the stigmas attached to its challenges? Well, in my opinion, is through education, earnest sentiment, and even a good bit of laughter.

What's In My Pocket Friday - Mental Health Awareness Month

  • Many years ago, blogger Heather Armstrong wrote a piece about depression I found particularly moving.
  • Also from Buzzfeed — a handy translation guide of sorts. What you say and what you mean.
  • Kevin Breel is important. He’s a stand-up comedian and he needs to talk to you about depression. I will leave you with his words:

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