AJ Feuerman

Publicist | Social Media Strategist | Brunch Fanatic

Friday Favorites

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Before we get to all Friday Favorites listed below, let me remind you that this past Sunday, in Pasadena, I attended one of my FAVORITE events all year, MASTERS OF TASTE. I pinned a great little Insta-story about it to my Hollywood Brunch feed you should go check out. 

Friday Favorites

WHAT I READ

  • Chris Evans wants to sing on Broadway and I am here for it.
  • Uh….. Patti LaBelle is launching her own line of… FROZEN CHINESE FOOD?
  • This Indiana school district turns unused cafeteria food into take-home meals for kids who need. So wonderful.
  • Also wonderful — the Mormon church will now allow gay parents to baptize their children and it will also stop calling same-sex couples “apostates.”

OTHER BLOGGERS & INFLUENCERS

  • I am all about this recipe for an Eggs Benedict Casserole. Who’ll come over and be my taste-tester?

Friday Favorites: Eggs Benedict Casserole

EARLIER THIS MONTH

  • A client of mine, Casey McQuillen, premiered her new music video on EXTRA! She’s so wonderful and so talented. Please take a look. 
  • Another client I am working with, Nick Howard, was on a local morning show here in Los Angeles and he is a GORGEOUS singer. And the anchor’s reaction to his performance is pretty great.

PR & SOCIAL MEDIA

  • Social Media Club LA has an awesome podcast panel coming up on April 23! Join us.
  • Speaking of podcasting, expert Kelly Glover, gave a great interview on the space and how to convert listeners to MONEY.
  • Unless you live underground, you probably heard about Disney’s new streaming platform. Frankly, this looks awesome and I am excited as all get-out for it. 

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

  • I find the Queer Eye “Fab 5” so god damned delightful.

Check Out My New Jord Watch

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I was long-ago very anti smartwatch for no real reason, but as soon as I gave in and got one, I became addicted to it. But over time, I must confess I started to miss wearing something more fashionable that could be better combined with my massive bracelet collection to give my wrist a little more high gloss. I started to look around online for what I might wish to purchase but then Jord stepped in at the perfect moment to help a girl out. Check out my new Jord watch!

Check Out My New Jord Watch

My body is not petite so I really prefer mens watches and this Conway design with its dark sandalwood band and burgundy face suits me just fine. I think that deep, shiny burgundy is a gorgeous, subtle accent to the deep chocolate tones in the sandalwood band and I love layering a silver bracelet with it to pick up the stainless steel details on the watch-face. Plus, because it’s made from wood and sustainable materials, it’s incredibly light. Seriously, it weighs next-to-nothing and it blows my mind. What a nice change from all the heavy, designer-y watches out there.

I played around with it a bit and found some other fun ways to style it – using more sparkly silver as well as my brown, leather rope bracelet. I LOVE to accessorize, people, so this is only the beginning!

Check Out My New Jord Watch

Jord (FYI – that’s pronounced “Yode”) is based in St. Louis, where they are constantly developing new designs. The watches are are a sophisticated mix of natural, and largely re-claimed materials, combined with quality movements and components. I appreciate that Jord’s team is focused on creating timepieces that are modeled after a modern lifestyle; that value sustainability, efficiency, and experiential living. For a special, more personal touch, you should know that they size every single watch for the recipient and most of the watches’ backplates can be engraved!

Frankly, in addition to just wearing it, the experience of receiving the watch was my favorite thing. The presentation for each is in a humidor cedar watch box and comes with a cleaning cloth and a six-month supply of JORD Preserve: a custom-formulated wood treatment gel with applicator pen. It’s quite elegant.

Check Out My New Jord Watch

It gives off a high-end jewelry store vibe, don’t you think? I totally put it under a lamp to catch the shine as if I were peaking in a display case at the mall. I’m a goofball.

AND NOW… JORD GIVEAWAY TIME

You may get more detail from Jord’s official website, of course, and do follow them on Instagram (check out #jordwatch for all the pics)! But RIGHT NOW, make sure you enter their GIVEAWAY. CLICK HERE, fill out the form and you will be entered for a chance to win a $100 credit toward any Jord timepiece. In addition, everyone who participates will get a code to take 10% off their next purchase.

Disclosure: I was gifted a complimentary watch so that I could write this post for you with honesty. 

Friday Favorites and Early Mornings

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Happy Friday, everybody. One morning this week, I walked my dog in 53 degree weather at 5:45 AM with wind so cold bashing me in the face that I was essentially a human popsicle. Mornings have been hard these days so that dog is lucky he’s adorable and my only “child.” But seriously, is it Spring yet? My allergies seem to think so. I’m pretty over this sneezing nonsense already. But happy to have longer days back.

So much to catch up on! 


Friday FavoritesWHAT I READ

Friday Favorites and Early Mornings

OTHER BLOGGERS & INFLUENCERS

Friday Favorites and Early Mornings

EARLIER THIS MONTH

  • My latest piece for LAist is about PIE. I was not sad to get the assignment. Pie is my second favorite meal – after Brunch, of course.
  • I watched Abducted in Plain Sight and lord-have-mercy, that is some messed up shiz. Have you seen it?
  • I also binged through “Umbrella Academy” and LOVED IT. Klaus is my fave. The kid who plays Number Five is GREAT. And Kate Walsh is gorgeous. Such a fun series.

Friday Favorites and Early Mornings

PR & SOCIAL MEDIA

  • Get to know these 50 women who are crushing it in the tech start-up space. 
  • Looks like the fundraising feature that’s been so successful on Facebook is going to live on Instagram soon as well. 
  • Twitter is rolling out a better way to include photos and video.
  • SOCIAL MEDIA CLUB LA is hosting another awesome event – this one about analytics and data. Super important in our field.

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

  • The new Avengers trailer is OUT NOW and it’s fo@#wu!?*-23hgbnjmef9()%!!!!

Friday Favorites: From the Desk of…

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Happy Friday from my new office! Well, not really. One of my new clients offered me an opportunity to work in their office a few hours a week and I jumped on it. First off, it’s a really cool space. IT IS DOG-FRIENDLY. And also, it’s really lovely, as a freelancer, to be back with a lot of people, at a formal desk, amongst like-minded folks. Also, they have food trucks three days a week FOR THE BIG WIN. I’ve settled in quite nicely to being my own boss (and my assistant’s boss), but I did miss things about being in-house. A nice way to start my year indeed.

Friday Favorites

WHAT I READ

  • I read this article about open office spaces and it resonated with me. I know they are trendy but lord, I hate me an open office space. What about you?
  • This couple registered for BOOZE for their wedding. A stroke (sip?) of GENIUS.
  • Elina Shatkin from LAist 100% nailed this letter to milennials.
  • The new rule is that eating butter and cheese can prolong your life. I SHALL LIVE FOREVER.

OTHER BLOGGERS & INFLUENCERS

EARLIER THIS WEEK

  • I must remind you that I am not a fabulously successful BRUNCH JOURNALIST. I mean, my second article is now published. Read it.
  • I’m diving into my awards season screeners and thus far have seen The Favourite, If Beale Street Could Talk, and Can You Ever Forgive Me. Last week I also watched RBG. All fantastic. All highly recommended for different reasons.
  • Betty White turned 97. NINETY. SEVEN. And she is still a mother-effing BOSS. How did she celebrate? WITH A POKER GAME.

PR & SOCIAL MEDIA

  • PR Pros salivating over vegan sausage rolls!? Okay. Here’s why.
  • So, a group that advocates for medical marijuana was turned away for commercial air time by CBS for the Super Bowl. A bummer to be sure, however now they’ve got everyone seeking out the “banner commercial.” Not a total loss from a PR standpoint. They should be capitalizing on that more, though. The video has less than 50K views as I write this.

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

  • Who caught the trailer that came out this week for The Beach Bum starring Matthew McConaughey, Snoop Dogg, Zac Efron and Jimmy Buffet? This cast is ming-boggling. The poster is epic. The trailer delivers:

  • How much do I LOVE Lily Tomlin and Jane Fonda together? God, I hope that 9 to 5 sequel comes to fruition. They are the cutest, coolest BFFs:

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.

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.

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

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