AJ Feuerman

Publicist | Social Media Strategist | Brunch Fanatic

The Inevitable 2019 Resolutions

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It’s been a long blog-tradition of mine to establish a checklist of things to achieve in the new year. It was “33 Things in 2012” since I turned 33 that year. A couple years in, though, I changed over to “14 in 2014” so as to reduce some of the pressure.

All that’s to say that this year, I’m sticking to plain ol’ resolutions. Not so much a checklist – though some items are of that ilk. I’m aiming to be more thoughtful in this year’s effort, acknowledging that I won’t complete all of them – I never do – and that is okay.

2019 Resolutions
  • Send cards and postcards. Just because.
  • See all of the Fast & Furious movies. Seriously.
  • Host a brunch or dinner party at home.
  • Read. Books. The news.
  • Volunteer.
  • Love hard. And accept love from others.
  • Say “no” more often.
  • Get dining room chairs. (Yep, I only have a table right now.)
  • Draw. Or sketch.
  • Pick up more freelance writing work.
  • Get better acquainted with “mute,” “block” and “unfriend.”
  • Attend comedy shows.
  • Spend money more thoughtfully. Experiences over things.
  • Drop 40 pounds. (I know. I’m a cliche.)
  • Attend some hockey games.
  • See some theater and concerts.
  • Watch (at home) more movies I’ve never seen before.
  • Apologize less.
  • Forgive myself more often.
2019 Resolutions

THE 2018 BRUNCHIES

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And the award goes to…..

It’s time for the 2018 Brunchies! I am so excited because it’s time to give out my annual BRUNCH AWARDS! YES! It’s been another stellar year of decadent mid-morning meals, Benedicts, toasts, cocktails and more. It’s my hope that in 2019, I can continue to bring you the best Brunch-related content over at @HollywoodBrunch and perhaps get back to my long lost newsletter for the subject. I’ve also had the privilege of being a journalist on the meal I love most, now — I’d love to do more of that work as well (and, in fact, another article will be out in January). 

The envelope, PLEASE….! 

2018 BRUNCHIES

BEST BENEDICT: Aeirloom Cafe (Toluca Lake)

For years I’ve lived near this small, bustling Cafe and only once popped in for lunch on a weekday because it was convenient. When I finally got over there for Brunch (albeit on a weekday — they are only open for breakfast and lunch, seven days a week), I had to chastise myself. What a menu! It’s so epically vast and I’ll need to go several more times to truly conquer it. But I thoroughly enjoyed their Eggs Benedict because the thick, fresh English Muffin they serve it on is to die for.

BEST NON-TRADITIONAL BENEDICT: Fig & Olive (Melrose)

Fig & Olive was a gorgeous restaurant before and is even more beautiful following a little refreshing this year. I love going there for any meal and have been for years, though this year was the first time I partook in their Brunch. Their Benedict combination is something I’d never imagine enjoying as much as I did — poached egg with prosciutto di parma,
manchego cheese, pear and hollandaise sauce.

2018 BRUNCHIES

BEST PASTRY: 189 by Dominique Ansel (Fairfax)

I know I am late to this but dear lord, the CRONUT is real and I am HERE FOR IT. They change the Cronut flavor monthly but when I got to enjoy it, it was a Maple French Toast Cronut that went down nice n’ smooth.

2018 BRUNCHIES

An honorable mention in this category would also go to 189 for their Kouign Amann pastry. It’s buttery and delicious. You can buy them to take home in packs of four and it’s worth every calorie.

BEST BLOODY MARY: The Henry (West Hollywood)

I’d been itching to try The Henry since before it opened and it did not disappoint. They might also get the “Best Aesthetic” and “Best Patio” honors were it not for my desire to spread the love. And their Bloody Mary cart is just epic. Spend only a couple bucks more to take advantage of it. Choose from four homemade infused vodkas and a myriad of accoutrements like bleu cheese olives, bacon, salt and celery.

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I had “kid in a candy store” joy at the sight of this glorious Bloody Mary and Mimosa cart at @thehenryrestaurant today. Four homemade infused vodkas (I chose horseradish infused vodka) with their mix. I “accessorized” with bleu cheese olives, bacon, salt and celery. Totally my new favorite brunch cocktail in town. And frankly, a good deal for $13. // #food #foodie #foodporn #foodstagram #brunch #losangeles #brunchlife #lafoodie #foodblog #imhungryla #foodshare #goodeats #brunching #yelpla #satisfeed #eater #bestfood #bestfoodla #professionalbrunchers #wegotfc #brunchgoals #foodiesoflosangeles #brunchsohard #tastingtable #cocktails #boozybrunch #daydrinking #Mimosas

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Honorable Mention: The Bloody Mary at Granville is simple but perfect. (And the ones I make at home are pretty damned good, too.)

BEST SMALL PLATE: Black Market Liquor Bar (Studio City)

Perhaps we can say Cauliflower is the new Avo Toast, yes? I’ve seen it on a ton of Brunch menus in the last year (and for other meals as well) but no one does it better, in my opinion, than Black Market Liquor Bar, where they lightly fry the cauliflower and then top it with parmigiano-reggiano and serve it with a side of yummy lemon aioli.

2018 BRUNCHIES

BEST NEWCOMER/BEST FRENCH BRUNCH: Petite Trois (Sherman Oaks)

The Valley rejoiced as Chef Ludo decided to expand his empire our way when he opened his second Petite Trois in Sherman Oaks. And there are more Ludo-run establishments to come! And while last year I seemed to come across many a Mexi-Brunch, this year the French-inspired Brunch was very prevalent. So why wouldn’t this honor go to one of the most acclaimed French restaurants around? Their French Omelette is available on the menu for any meal and is absolute perfection. My favorite surprise was how much I loved the smoked salmon tartine, due mostly in part to the wonderfully salty caper berries.

2018 BRUNCHIES

Honorable Mention (both for Newcomer and French): Bluebird Brasserie in Sherman Oaks. Are we seeing a Brunch Renaissance blossoming in this suburb of the Valley? Only time will tell but it looks promising.

BEST FOR GROUPS: The Bellwether (Studio City)

For reasons I’ve never been able to figure out, despite landing on so many “best of” lists, The Bellwether just doesn’t get crowded on weekends. Not in my experience, anyway. So until the rest of the city catches on, feel free to make a reservation and head there with your large group. They have a lengthy menu of shared plates — the brioche French toast is probably my fave.

BEST PATIO: Baltaire (Brentwood)

Save your pennies because Baltaire is pricey but it’s an elegant, mid-century mod setting and just the spot if you need to take Mom out for Mother’s Day. The whole restaurant is bright and airy with their floor-to-ceiling windows. And when they’re opened, the whole restaurant is transformed to an indoor/outdoor experience. The patio is very private and quite large but manages to feel cozy and they have extremely attentive staff. (Hint: Start with the cheddar scallion biscuits.)

BEST VIEW: The Strand House (Manhattan Beach)

Oh sure, you have to look out over a parking lot, but there’s really nothing wrong with that once you see the incredible beach behind it. And the restaurant is in a fun area for walking around afterward!

2018 BRUNCHIES

BEST AESTHETIC: The Nomad (DTLA)

I am obsessed with The Nomad Hotel downtown. It. Is. GORGEOUS. I can only imagine the attention paid to its design. There is so much detail and every inch of the place is luxurious.

2018 BRUNCHIES
2018 BRUNCHIES

Brunches I Need to Try in 2019

Brunches Other People Keep Telling me I Need to Try in 2019

POSTSCRIPT

These were the Brunches on my “to try” lists last year that I ventured to (and enjoyed!) in 2018:

Make sure you’re following my brunch adventures on Instagram. Here’s to many more delicious, decadent meals in 2019!

2018 Brunchies

FRIDAY FAVORITES: All The Things

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Happy Friday, y’all! I sent out the annual holiday e-card this week. Wanna see?


And on with……!

Friday Favorites

WHAT I READ

  • I worship at a shrine dedicated to Nora Ephron. And I love the movie You’ve Got Mail. Here’s a great piece from the NY Post about how that film made New York a romcom star.
  • Thrillist revealed their list of Best New Restaurants this year.
FRIDAY FAVORITES: All The Things

OTHER BLOGGERS & INFLUENCERS

EARLIER THIS WEEK

  • I am now a BRUNCH JOURNALIST. My first article for LAist went live. Check it out!
  • Lin Manuel Miranda played with a puppy whilst doing an interview. This is how all press should go.

  • This experience warmed my heart.

PR & SOCIAL MEDIA

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

  • A little “Spill Your Guts” from James Corden with Will Ferrell. So disgusting and so entertaining.

  • I also very much enjoyed Corden’s parody of “Thank U Next,” THANK YOU JEFF. Because Jeff Goldblum.

WHAT ELSE I AM THANKFUL FORFamily

AJ’s 2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Part III

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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.

AJ's 2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Part III - Gifts for Comfort

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 III - Gifts for Comfort

AJ’s 2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Part II

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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.

Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts for Reading

AJ’s 2018 Holiday Gift Guide: Part I

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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.

Holiday Gift Guide: 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.

Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts for FoodiesIf 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.

Holiday Gift Guide: Gifts for Foodies

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: Gifts for Foodies

My Podcast Obsession: Interview Podcasts

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Guys, I’m super obsessed with podcasts. This is a complete 180 from the me of a few years ago who swore up and down that she’d never abandon morning radio. My phone is loaded, my beloved Bose Soundsport Wireless Earbuds are more-oft-than-not are around my neck, and every chance I get, I am listening. But no true crime. It’s just not for me. Though I have been known to enjoy “My Dad Wrote a Porno” or “Missing Richard Simmons,” among others, my real jam is interview podcasts. I guess I just like to listen to people have conversations about themselves…? Mostly it’s celebrities but I do occasionally mix in “real” people or political figures. So if you too are itching for more audio material to consume, I invite you to enjoy my podcast obsession: interview podcasts!

My Podcast Obsession: Interview Podcasts

The Adam Carolla Show – As a publicist, the thing I find incredibly cool about Adam is that while he’s one of the most downloaded podcasts around, he doesn’t sit up on a throne and only host top tier celebs. Adam has room for everybody and he’s always genuinely curious in stories. Adam himself has a pretty interesting background and rise to fame, in fact, but a major part of his background is radio, which clearly helps him rise to the top here.

Armchair Expert – A lot of interview podcasts try to put a spin on their show to set them apart ad in this case, Dax goes through a lengthy interview, always interesting to me – he’s super engaged and genuine – and then he and his Producer spend the last 20-30 minutes of the episode going back over the interview and correcting mistakes or offering support or background to something that had been discussed. I also happen to love this podcast’s branding. The website, the merch, the brand — all very on point. (Tipping my hat here to my friend Ryan, who turned me onto this one.)

Awards Chatter – The Hollywood Reporter’s Scott Feinberg is getting all the top tier celebs here. This podcast has been around few a few years and while I am all caught up on the last year’s worth of episodes, I’ve also been enjoying going all the way back to the beginning and listening to the old ones. Scott is just great at what he does (I say so on Twitter often, and he probably thinks I’m a little obsessed with him). I’ll be honest – he often has a Hollywood exec or expert on for the first 30 minutes to discuss something in the news and I skip through that. I just want the celebrity.

Curious with Josh Peck – Josh is still finding his legs as a podcast host and gets a wee bit rambly sometimes but he’ll get there. Maybe he’ll find a sidekick or producer to assist. He needs to do a little more background research on his guest. But he has had great guests so far and I think it’s fun to hear from someone as young as he is since most of the hosts you’re seeing here are older guys and gals.

Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness – Every other week or so, “Queer Eye” star “JVN” welcomes an expert to discuss whatever topic he is curious about that week. Sometimes it’s prophetic like a deep dive on Islam, and sometimes it’s as simple as having Michelle Kwan on to talk about “what’s up with figure skating?” It’s an easy listen, about 30 minutes every time, and so enthralling because not only is Jonathan genuinely curious, he is smart. I am always impressed with the questions and information.

Gilbert Gottfried’s Amazing Colossal Podcast – Gilbert (whose voice is not as annoying as you think it is, I promise) co-hosts with comedy writer Frank Santopadre. Gilbert will only have guests on he’s heard of. That’s not to say he won’t be prepared and do research, but you won’t find Zac Efron here, just to plug a movie. He’s only interested in talking to, well, the people he’s interested in. Which I kind of dig. And as a result, you get to hear from Hollywood icons that aren’t often recognized by the mainstream.

ID10T w/ Chris Hardwick – A lot of people will accuse Hardwick of talking about himself too much – and I suppose he does – but it doesn’t bother me. He’s still the world’s most accomplished fanboy and I enjoy his nerdiness and dorky enthusiasm. And stepping into my PR role for a moment, I can also tell you, having met him, he was very nice to me, very generous, and supportive of the little indie films we sent his way.

Katie Couric – I love Katie. Do you follow her on Instagram? She is a delight. She co-hosts this podcast with political journalist Brian Goldsmith and because they are both journalists, they handle celebrity guests, political figures, news-relevant discussions and more with ease. At this point, I really want to go to a happy hour with Katie so if anyone can make that happen, shoot me a note, pretty please.

Off Camera with Sam Jones – Sam Jones seems to be friends with everybody and yet, I’d never heard of him. But this podcast, like Awards Chatter, has been around for ages and I’m enjoying going back to old episodes to catch up. Who is Sam? He is a photographer and director whose portraits of Barack Obama, Sandra Bullock, George Clooney, Bob Dylan, Kristen Stewart, Robert Downey Jr, Amy Adams, and Jack Nicholson have appeared on the covers of Vanity Fair, Rolling Stone, Esquire, GQ, Time, Entertainment Weekly and Men’s Journal. So a few things you’ve heard of, yes? Plot twist: His podcast is also a TV series.

Pretty Big Deal with Ashley Graham – My dear friend Becky got me hooked on Ashley’s Instagram. If you are not familiar, she is a famous plus sized model, totally stunning, totally unapologetic, and quite influential. When she launched her podcast, she announced a pretty impressive guest list, debuting with Kim Kardashian West, then having Amy Schumer, activist Halima Aden, Olympian Lindsey Vonn and then some. She also records her podcasts on video so you can watch them on YouTube if that’s preferable.

Recode Decode – Host Kara Swisher is highly respected; one of tech’s most prominent journalists, known for insightful reporting and a straight-shooting style. I first came across her as a keynote at BlogHer 2014 and have been a worshiper ever since. She holds nothing back in hard-hitting interviews with celebrities, influential business leaders and outspoken personalities from media, politics and more. I especially loved her interview with Mark Zuckerberg. I said so on Twitter and she responded, which made my month.

WTF with Marc Maron – Marc Maron is perhaps the Godfather of the interview podcast, if not the originator, having started podcasting long before it was deemed cool. The show launched in September 2009 in Maron’s former garage, where he even interviewed then-President Obama. I think Marc can ramble on a bit and often fast forward through his long intros, but he’s still nailing it in every interview and he’s always hilarious besides. (I’ve seen him do stand-up and it was one of the most memorable sets I’ve ever seen. And he improved the whole thing.)

My Podcast Obsession: Interview Podcasts

Bonus Podcasts! 

How Did This Get Made – Not really an interview podcast, per se. Paul, Jason and June run through bad movies with hilarious commentary but often have celebrity guests join them either in studio or at live shows. This may actually be the podcast I love the most when I’ve seen the movie they’re discussing.

Oprah’s Master Class – Also not technically an interview but it’s a nice, easy listen at about 30 minutes per, with one celebrity speaking on a challenge they overcame the whole time, minus Oprah chiming in with backstory once or twice.

Late Night With Seth Meyers – They’re really just putting the episodes in an audio format but they do add a little more interview with a Producer backstage. And I just love “A Closer Look” with Seth. I actually prefer listening to the show over watching it for some reason. (And I’m never up that late anyway.)

Honorable Mentions

The Ralph Report | Conan O’Brien Need a Friend | SCORE: The Podcast | Really Famous | Boom Time with Flula Borg

Friday Favorites: Thanksgiving Edition

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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.

Friday Favorites: Thanksgiving Edition

WHAT I READ

Friday Favorites: Thanksgiving Edition

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:

  • 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.

 

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

My Faith in Humanity

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I’m going to tell you how a brief – and somewhat awkward – encounter with three women in a ladies room restored my faith in humanity. Hear me out.

On Thursday night I was having dinner at a fairly posh restaurant in Beverly Hills with a friend. Mid conversation, at the end of our meal, I caught a nosebleed. I jumped up and ran for the bathroom and by the time I got there, I was pretty much a waterfall. I was alone at first, which was fine with me because I felt embarrassed and ridiculous, gushing blood over the pristine, white, porcelain sink and shoving paper towels under my nose. (I get nosebleeds fairly often with bad air quality or dry weather but they always stop quickly. This was really bad.)

Suddenly one woman was out of a stall, with her hand on my back, asking if i was okay. And then a second woman, in a very sexy gold dress, was standing next to me, with more paper towels, asking if she could help.

I kept insisting I was fine, but I was actually starting to feel dizzy and nauseous and I think they could tell I was nervous. I have a fuzzy memory of asking if I should go to a hospital. Gold-dress-lady started dabbing at the spots on my arms and hands where I’d stained myself with blood while the other woman, whom I later learned was named Wendy, started rolling up tissue and putting it up my nose, instructing me to tilt my head back and showing me how to hold the bridge of my nose. They were both kind and gentle. It was extraordinarily comforting.

My embarrassment started to fade and I only felt gratitude. Neither would leave me until the bleeding stopped and I appeared to be okay on my feet.

It’s easy to assume anyone would do the same in that situation but I don’t believe that to be true. I saw both women out in the restaurant later. Wendy asked me if I was really okay and I said “yes” and mouthed “thank you.” She said something about how things like that are happening to lots of people because of the air quality from the fires.

I don’t know. Women are often accused of being catty or competitive. Human beings, just by nature, are apprehensive and it’s easy to keep to yourself. You’ll get no judgement from me for that. In a fancy restaurant, in our nice clothes, with good food and great music beckoning from outside the door, it would have been easy to smile, quickly ask if I was okay, and move on. But they stuck with me and I found it incredibly touching.

Faith in humanity restored for the moment. Thanks, ladies.

My Faith in Humanity: Restored in a Public Restroom

Friday Favorites: A Rumbly in my Tumbly

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The last couple weeks have been, quite frankly, very dark and terrible. And I will address some of the reasons why in a later post but for now, I choose to move on and celebrate more joyous things. The little things. It’s the WEEKEND! Happy Friday! Not to steal anything from “Game of Thrones” (which I don’t want anyway), but WINTER IS COMING and I could not be happier. Break out the sweaters, scarves and boots, guys. I am READY. It’s got me in a better mood. Walking the dog in this cooler weather makes me smile. And speaking of joy, shall we also delve into the Friday Favorites? Here we go….

Friday Favorites: A Rumbly in my TumblyWHAT I READ

  • I finished a fun mystery novel called Crisis . I don’t usually read books like this but it was a lot of fun to try something new. I enjoyed it a lot. Then I started Sally Field’s autobiography which has been full of surprises thus far.
  • A friend of mine forwarded me a couple political articles this week that were excellent reads. If you’re inclined and have a few minutes, check these out:

OTHER BLOGGERS & INFLUENCERS

  • This recipe from Lindsay at Fit & Awesome for a tasty and healthy “smash cake” is super cute. I know smash cakes are for babies but I want it.
  • Amanda (SUCH a great name, by the way), over at A Cookie Named Desire, compiled a stellar list of Hot Chocolate recipes and I’m down to try all of them.
  • I don’t buy a lot of movies anymore. I’m all about the streaming. But when I really love or cherish a flick, I do feel a need to own it so I will totally be buying Disney’s Christopher Robin. I had ALL THE FEELS watching that movie. Anyway, Wendy has all the deets on that release. Even though I am a Tigger fangirl, I thought Brad Garrett as Eeyore stole the whole movie. He had me laughing the mostest. (But really, I HEART TIGGER.)

PR & SOCIAL MEDIA

  • Here are five reasons why you should still be advertising on Facebook. (Consequently, I would also ask why you stopped?)
  • One of my favorite businessmen, Mark Cuban, touts why being nice is still a much-lauded, underrated trait in business.
  • Ice T has never had a bagel. EVER. It’s kind of the best thing that’s ever happened to Twitter. Enjoy.
  • And now, some PR 101. How to do a public apology by Saturday Night Live:

EARLIER THIS WEEK

  • I hope you caught the third volume in my continuing series of guides to Millennial vocabulary for the old folks.
  • And, also, that you caught my guide to coffee shop etiquette. I am here to help.
  • Someone sent me this list of amazing, “ugly,” Hanukkah sweaters. Wanna guess which one I bought?

Friday Favorites: A Rumbly in my Tumbly / Ugly Hanukkah Sweaters

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

  • AAAAAAAAAH!!!! Do you know who I LOVE? I mentioned this…. I love TIGGER. And I love seeing Jim Cummings doing that voice in person. He delighted me immensely singing the Tigger theme in this interview:

  • James Corden’s most famous segment is probably Carpool Karaoke, which I enjoy, but I also LOVE his “Spill Your Guts” segments. His duel with Jon Hamm was hysterical:

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