AJ Feuerman

Publicist | Social Media Strategist | Brunch Fanatic

FRIDAY FAVORITES: TIS THE SEASON

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Friday Favorites – we’re back! Oof. Guys, I’ve been MIA for a bit but still bookmark things to share so apologies in advance, but there is a healthy handful of internet gems to behold here. 

Friday Favorites

WHAT I READ

  • I can’t say I “read” this, but I WANT IT — Golden Girls wrapping paper!
  • This article about two Auschwitz lovers/survivors who reunited 72 years later gave me ALL THE FEELINGS.
  • If you need it – and I did – this TED Talk about living with grief is really wonderful. It also lead me to the speaker’s podcast, which I’ve been enjoying.
  • Podcasting is going mainstream, says FORBES. Says everyone who knows: DUH.

OTHER BLOGGERS & INFLUENCERS

EARLIER THIS WEEK

  • I finished my holiday shopping. HOORAY! I also added like 92 things to my Amazon wishlist. Like this poncho — can I pull this off?
  • I started researching vacationing in Naples, Florida. Here’s why.
  • I added to The Hollywood Picture News’ weekly wrap-up of film trailers. Always enjoy doing it! Especially because I got to make fun of CATS which looks ABOMINABLE. Please enjoy.
  • This heart-warming, festive moment went viral:

     

View this post on Instagram

This is so goooooood ugh

A post shared by Memes (@kalesalad) on

 

PR & SOCIAL MEDIA

FRIDAY FAVORITES: TIS THE SEASON

FRIDAY FAVORITES: TIS THE SEASON

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

  • I am massively obsessed with Harry Styles’ cover of Lizzo’s “Juice” for BBC1:

  • And here’s a real treat — a while back I witnessed James Corden and Eddie Redmayne shoot a bit for his late-night show in an iconic deli here in Los Angeles. Well, it finally aired and if you pay close attention, you can see me checking my phone…. (about 2:28 and fun Hollywood-esque fact, they shot this twice.)

Friday Favorites and a Funny Story

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Before we tackle the Friday Favorites, a funny story, if you’ll; indulge me…. On Wednesday morning, I was walking my dog to the doggy daycare that is a couple blocks away. It’s just a couple blocks, cross a street, and there we are; then I turn around and walk home alone. On this morning, on my way back, a loud man in a black car with tinted windows rolled down a window to shout, “HEY! HEY YOU!”

“Me?” I asked, pointing to myself.

“Yes, you. You walked by a few minutes ago. Didn’t you have A DOG???”

“Oh, shit!” I replied. “I wonder where he is!”

I kept walking. And I’d like to think I screwed up his whole day. Him wondering where the hell I left my dog. As if it’s any of his business. What a creeper. And so, onward….

Friday Favorites

WHAT I READ

  • The New York Times profile of Tom Hanks this week was absolutely lovely and you should read it because it will make everything better.
  • Esquire Magazine listed the best new restaurants of 2019 and it was cool to see quite a few LA spots on the list, including a sushi place in Sherman Oaks I now need to try.
  • Nicolas Cage is going to star in a movie AS NICOLAS CAGE. This is PEAK MAXIMUM CAGE. (Can you tell I am excited? I love his crazy.)
    • And BTW, do you guys remember the SNL “Get in the Cage” bit? I loved these…..

OTHER BLOGGERS & INFLUENCERS

  • Every week I contribute to the Hollywood Picture News’ movie trailer scrutiny and this week was especially enjoyable.
  • I found this recipe for Pumpkin Soup and am dying to make it. Doesn’t it look just gorgeous?!
  • Ella Dawson wrote a beautiful piece: “You Deserve a Partner who Texts You Back.” Read it here.
  • Guys. I am captivated by this sandwich demonstration:

EARLIER THIS WEEK

  • Spotted this backpack on Instagram. What do we think? Cute or cheap-looking? I could go either way.
  • SNL put every Stefon moment ever on YouTube in five parts. This made me so happy! I LOVE STEFON. I made a playlist. Enjoy.

Friday Favorites: Stefon

PR & SOCIAL MEDIA

  • A charming short film I am working on got a nice review here!
  • Variety profiled Danny Huston, my friend and former client, here and it’s a lovely piece.
  • The FTC released a packet for social media influencers — will they enforce it appropriately? Doubtful. Sigh.

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

  • Dolly Parton’s “Heartstrings” are coming to Netflix and I am here for all of it. She’s a treasure.

Friday Favorites: On the Surface of the Sun

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Hello, internet, it is me, the unreliable blogger, back with another random batch of “Friday Favorites.” Who’s excited? If you’re not excited, go away. And for my fellow Angelenos, stay cool. It is hotter than all get-out and WHERE IS MY FALL AND WINTER? I can’t take this. 

Friday Favorites

WHAT I READ

  • Every Fall I read this. And every year I laugh til it hurts reading it. Never fails. If you have never read “It’s Decorative Gourd Season….” from McSweeney’s, you should.
  • Mitt Romney has (had?) a secret Twitter account? Sure, sure, why not? 
  • I don’t mean to get all political, but on Hunter Biden. Donald Trump Jr. actually said, “When you’re the father and your son’s entire career is dependent on that, they own you.” Like, without a glimmer of irony or hypocrisy. Because this is where we live now. 

OTHER BLOGGERS & INFLUENCERS

Friday Favorites: Hollywood Picture News

EARLIER THIS WEEK

  • I had to take a “sick day” this week. I put that in quotes because can a freelancer ever really take a sick day? But anyway, I binged some Netflix. I tackled documentary Tell Me Who I am, Docu-series “Inside Bill’s Brain: Decoding Bill Gates” and Jenny Slate’s stand-up special. I highly recommend all three.
  • I stopped a woman in a public restroom because I liked her skirt. She had the perfect response: “Macy’s. Alfani. On sale.”
  • I got the new iPhone ProMax 11 and the camera is pretty amazing. I’m obsessed with these photos I took of my pup:

Friday Favorites: iPhone ProMax 11

PR & SOCIAL MEDIA

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

  • A couple of really bad ass trailers broke this week. Like the one for Bloodshot:

  • But MOST IMPORTANTLY, the Rise of Skywalker trailer:

Friday Favorites: Happy…. Fall?

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Summer is almost gone. I mean, in California, is it ever? But I am ready for this nasty, hot-ass weather to be GONE. I am over it. I am from here and I have just never enjoyed our faux-seasonal calendar. I like a good FALL. A cold WINTER. So there. I’ve been hard at work all Summer long and find myself fantasizing about beaches and islands and hammocks these days. But the truth is, I’ve never been good at sitting still and I masochistically enjoy being an insane work-a-holic. So just ignore me when I bitch about how tired I am. (But don’t because I really love sympathy and attention.) 

Friday Favorites: Happy.... Fall?

WHAT I READ

  • My friend Cassandra published a children’s book and IT. IS. DELIGHTFUL. You should get it for your kid, niece, nephew, etc. 
  • Matthew McConaughey is going to start teaching at UT Austin. The students can now major in “L-I-V-I-N.” 
  • I read this really great piece about Huda Fahmy from Houston, Texas, the illustrator and author behind “Yes I’m Hot in This,” a hilarious and educational book about life as an American Muslim woman who wears a hijab.
  • Silver Lake is one of my favorite LA Neighborhoods and I love this restaurant list. 
  • Chris Evans stopped a Comic Con panel so he could PET A DOG. BECAUSE HE IS PERFECT. (I meant to post this earlier but am just not getting to it. Nevertheless, ENJOY.)

Friday Favorites: Happy.... Fall?

  OTHER BLOGGERS & INFLUENCERS

  • OMG – this recipe from SpoonForkBacon for Grilled Flatbreads Topped with Peach Prosciutto, and Burrata.
  • While I’m at it, this recipe from A Couple Cooks for a whipped feta dip that looks absolutely lick-able.
  • My smart friend, Jessica, explained her stance on the LA City restaurant surcharge that I think is bullshit and a needless nuisance on any check I see it on.
  • Becky got to sneak a peak at The Goldfinch, a movie I am very curious about. I never read the book but do know most of the story…. Should be an awards-season contender, I’d think. 

EARLIER THIS WEEK

Friday Favorites: Happy.... Fall?

PR & SOCIAL MEDIA

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

  • I had never seen The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas. Now I have and I am forever changed.

Lazy Sunday: Issa Mood

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Lazy Sunday indeed. Let’s all be glad I at least showered and dressed myself today because it was a struggle. My pup had me up for a walk at 5:30 this morning, when it was still dark, just in time for the overnight security guard on the neighboring property to shoot me dirty looks as we rushed through. I felt no guilt about going back to sleep for a couple hours after that before we went to our weekly dog park playdate. I stopped at a friend’s house on the way home but the rest of this day was spent in pajamas on the sofa watching horrible bad action movies on cable.

I typically resent play-by-play blog posts so I apologize for the mediocrity of it all.

Lazy Sunday Musings: What's Up, Internet?

WHAT I READ

  • Lady Gaga is funding 162 classrooms in Dayton, El Paso and Gilroy — all cities that have had mass shootings in recent days. She constantly uses her celebrity for good. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼
  • Would you try this fried pickle flavored potato chip? I would.
  • How did a Norwegian comedy creep onto Netflix’s “recommended” list? Easy enough when you understand who your audience is… AND have $$$. But I’m not judging them for that. I do think he’s wrong when he says “you can’t blame Netflix.” You absolutely can.
  • This guy tried Mark Cuban’s morning routine for a week — I am a huge Cuban fan and this was a fun read.

OTHER BLOGGERS & INFLUENCERS

EARLIER THIS WEEK

  • I’m trying not to do a lot of online shopping these days but I do still enjoy a window shop…. I think this dress is cute. And I love this brand from Anthropologie.
  • I also stumbled upon this very cute subscription service — for plants. Totally something I could get into since I never manage to keep plants for very long but do love having them.
  • I’ve been very into funny tees lately. Very nearly bought this one. Still might.

Lazy Sunday: Issa Mood

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

  • How about 26 amazing chocolate desserts??? Yes, let me part with you on this video. A perfect way to salivate on a Lazy Sunday. And you’re welcome.

Friday Favorites — I Hath Returned!

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I am happy to say I’ve been feeling twitchy again — I have the writing bug. I hope that means I’ll be carving out time to post here more often moving forward. I do have some fun ideas and look forward to sharing them. And I’ve been crazy with bookmarking some gems for you this week so onward with the ol’ Friday Favorites!

P.S. Do stay through to the end. The Video Spotlight item is a real gem.

Friday Favorites -- I Hath Returned!

WHAT I READ

Friday Favorites -- I Hath Returned! / Tara Westover

OTHER BLOGGERS & INFLUENCERS

  • Social Media Club LA is taking a “field trip” to the Dodgers/Cubs game on June 13! It’s $75 to attend but it includes all-you-can-eat concessions, guys. It looks to be a ton of fun — click here for more info and to get a ticket or four.
  • I don’t know if I am a weirdo for finding this stuff super interesting but maybe it’s in light of what my Father went through recently — anyway, Lizz Porter sent me this link to a breakdown of what dialysis is like for her and so many. Really interesting and I think it’s important to just have an awareness of these things. She is remarkably brave to withstand all she is going through, by the way. This post is from 2017 but she is still going through it. 
  • Tomorrow is National Best Friends Day and so I found this piece from Mayim Bialik to be quite wonderful. Were you taught you could only have one best friend? 
  • I am intrigued by this Bloody Mary Tomato Soup. But, like, can I add vodka to soup? Asking for a friend.

EARLIER THIS WEEK

  • I found this 90s playlist on Spotify – I am so into it!
  • I watched Ask Dr. Ruth on Hulu. MIND. BLOWN. That woman is a mother-effing HERO. I know we all know her as the petite, delightful sex doctor but did you know, for example, she was a SNIPER in the Israeli Army? That is some seriousness, y’all. It’s a must-watch. I highly recommend it.
  • There are approximate 900 people running for the democratic presidential nomination. I do not know whom I am voting for yet. To be frank, I wish the party would pick a horse to throw all its weight and money behind and just work it’s G.D. ass off to defeat Trump, but I guess I’m not gonna get that wish pre-primary. Anyway, like I said, I do not know whom to vote for yet but I do know I very much like Mayor Pete. I like other candidates too but his run seems somewhat monumental and historic, so I bought a hat. Just wanted to share that with you.

Friday Favorites -- I Hath Returned! / Peter for America

PR & SOCIAL MEDIA

  • Soap Opera News interviewed an actor I am working with, Hudson West (“General Hospital”) – take a look!
  • An influencer with 2.6 MILLION followers launched her own fashion brand — only to sell a mere 36 units. My friend and colleague Jack Appleby wrote a tremendous Twitter thread on it (he got quoted in several outlets for it, too!) and you should read and learn.
  • Instagram is going to allow advertisers to promote branded content from influencers as ads in the feed and in Stories – regardless of whether you’re following them. I know brands like us to believe in these trusted voices but I’d still rather choose which voices. So not a fan of this tactic.
  • There are some really sassy, wonderful celebrities out there, speaking up for mankind. Specifically, in recent days, Avengers. Please enjoy:

https://twitter.com/DaveBautista/status/1135315768550273024

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

  • I leave you now with this glorious PSA from George Clooney. Please join the fight to stop dumbfuckery. 

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.

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:

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.

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