Pocket Fridays Archives - Page 2 of 10

Friday Favorites: On the Surface of the Sun

October 25, 2019 By AJ Leave a Comment

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.

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

This recipe for Banana Pudding Poke Cake.
Have you ever made Mac & Cheese in a sheet pan? I’m thinking this is the way to go.
Hollywood Picture News recapped all the trailers of the week to help the world make their movie-going decision this weekend.

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:

PR & SOCIAL MEDIA

This publicist got real candid about working at a film festival and I am all about her truth.
I was on a podcast! Thanks so much to the “Business and BS” team for having me. You can listen here. I’m very proud of it.
In addition, my client Micah Brown, who directed ESPN “30 for 30” documentary, “Chuck & Tito,” was on the Adam Carolla Podcast (with Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz). Listen to that here.
Another client of mine, Frank Lesser, was featured in INC. Magazine — very excited for his new series, “You’re Not a Monster,” which is streaming from IMDb!

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?

September 13, 2019 By AJ Leave a Comment

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.)

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.)

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

Cory Booker-face reminded me a lot of Earthquake-face. I’m still laughing about it. Both.
Somehow pickle pizza trended. Would you eat it?
Do I need this Bulldog candy dish? No. But I want it.

PR & SOCIAL MEDIA

A good article to read if you’re at all concerned with disclosures and that annoying little FCC “#ad” policy.
Sometimes Reddit is just the best.
I’ve added some new links to my professional portfolio but am particularly proud of booking one of my clients on Marc Maron’s podcast.
Someone is spilling the tea on common influencer complaints. Totally worth a look.

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

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

Lazy Sunday: Issa Mood

August 12, 2019 By AJ Leave a Comment

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.

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

Check out my contribution to the Hollywood Picture News’ weekly trailer round-up!
The Oatmeal shared this guide for dogs on HOW TO WALK HUMANS. It is very accurate.

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.

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!

June 7, 2019 By AJ Leave a Comment

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.

WHAT I READ

At long last, a museum dedicated to Broadway is opening in New York. What took so long?!
There is a boozy Disney brunch coming to Los Angeles and to say I am HERE FOR IT is an understatement.
I read this article which lead me to discovering that Trader Joe’s has a PODCAST! And I am now OBSESSED with it.
I just finished the book Educated by Tara Westover. It was outstanding. Compelling. Give it a read. You won’t believe the life she’s lead.

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.

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

https://twitter.com/ChrisEvans/status/1136264161539833856

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

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

Friday Favorites

April 12, 2019 By AJ Leave a Comment

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.

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?

I would also like to try this carrot cake recipe.
Did you catch this thread that went viral on Twitter? I’m SO OBSESSED. This gal is doing the lord’s work, IMO.

Parking in Koreatown, Los Angeles. A thread: pic.twitter.com/GaZrHJ6WeL
— mimi (@Mrhflrs) April 2, 2019

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.

I just attended the Digital Summit in LA. For the snark on that, check out my personal Instagram where there’s a Story pinned to my profile.
I reviewed my new Jord watch and launched a related giveaway!

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

March 14, 2019 By AJ Leave a Comment

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!

WHAT I READ

Unless you’ve been sleeping under a rock, you’ve read or heard about the college bribery scandal. My friend Jessica articulated her feelings on it extraordinarily well. A good read.
UH…. I read this interview with the realtor selling the suburban house with the sex room in the basement
Many, many enjoyable dog posts.
Alpacas on social media FTW.

OTHER BLOGGERS & INFLUENCERS

I looooove egg drop soup and am excited to try The Ktchn’s recipe.
Jessica’s cat brought her a present. You’re welcome.
I thought this Madeline themed birthday party was positively adorable.

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.

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()%!!!!

Wanna really get into it? Loren wrote a strong break down and this dude dives deep:

Friday Favorites: From the Desk of…

January 24, 2019 By AJ Leave a Comment

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.

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

I am 100% going to make these gooey buttery cookies from A Beautiful Mess. Perhaps this is how I will introduce myself to my new officemates.
Read about how the “radical body positivity” influencer genre is taking over Instagram
Chris Lam snagged a fabulous leopard print “teddy bear” coat and I LOVE THE LEWK. I want a fluffy coat now. I hated them before but she’s converted me. I was gonna go leopard print, but now I am all about this red bomber.

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:

https://twitter.com/beachbummovie/status/1088104069791592449

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

December 21, 2018 By AJ Leave a Comment

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

And on with……!

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.

Buzzfeed combined THE GOLDEN GIRLS with DISNEY PRINCESSES. Amazing.
Support local, independent bookstores! This article features 61 of them.

OTHER BLOGGERS & INFLUENCERS

Aimee has holiday playlists for every mood!
I’ve been enjoying the unboxing of all of Agency Guacamole’s holiday gifts on Instagram.
Ah, the joys of marriage and glitter.

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

A genius stunt for the holidays, Popeye’s sold “emotional support chicken” for travelers.
The Daily Mail ran a terrific interview with the subject of a documentary I handled PR for.
Sigh. Instagram influencers are posting – GASP! – fake sponsored content. Read about it.
Forbes suggests some tactics to step up your social game in 2019.

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.

Friday Favorites: Thanksgiving Edition

November 23, 2018 By AJ Leave a Comment

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

WHAT I READ

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

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

OTHER BLOGGERS & INFLUENCERS

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

EARLIER THIS WEEK

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

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

— The Tonight Show (@FallonTonight) November 20, 2018

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

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Amanda J Feuerman (@ajfeuerman)

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

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

Submitted without commentary:

WHAT ELSE I AM THANKFUL FOR

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

Friday Favorites: A Rumbly in my Tumbly

November 16, 2018 By AJ Leave a Comment

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….

WHAT 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:
- From The Atlantic: “How to Salvage Congress.”
- From The Concourse: “This is All Donald Trump Has Left.”

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?

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: