AJ Feuerman

Publicist | Social Media Strategist | Brunch Fanatic

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Friday Favorites – Moving Sucks So Much

September 28, 2018 By AJ Leave a Comment

The day before I moved, I had a boxing lesson. Between that and lifting boxes, I thought my arms and legs might fall off. Like, actually FALL. OFF. I was jello. Moving sucks so much. I am relieved, though, to have that behind me and to be settling into the new place.

Friday Favorites - Moving Sucks So Much

WHAT I READ

  • I finished this book called “More Beautiful Than Before: How Suffering Transforms Us.” It wasn’t a gem from start-to-finish, but a good chunk of it really moved me and I’d recommend it to anyone who’s struggling.
  • Padma Lakshmi wrote a powerful Op-Ed for the New York Times. Read it. All of it.
  • Also quite powerful and moving, this piece from Huffington Post called “Everything You Know About Obesity is Wrong.”
  • If you are not acquainted with Justin Tranter, you should be. Read this. His is an amazing man with a big heart. I am proud to say I know him a little from my NYU days.

OTHER BLOGGERS & INFLUENCERS

  • Our Best Bites strikes again with this amazing recipe for QUESO.
  • Lindsay hit the Fancy Foods Show and found some cool, new products! I love reading stuff like this.
  • And how about Munchies’ recipe for beer-bettered glazed shrimp?!

Friday Favorites - Moving Sucks So Much

PR & SOCIAL MEDIA

  • This is good news. Twitter will allow you to make your feed chronological.
  • The artist behind the ‘Awards for Good Boys’ Instagram isn’t afraid to piss off her trolls.
  • Kinda interesting — Facebook pages can now join Facebook groups.
  • Did you know ABC news is earning half a million views on their weekly “selfie style” news program? Good on them.

EARLIER THIS WEEK

  • An AX THROWING BAR opened in Los Angeles. AX. THROWING. WHAT?! (I’m totally going to take a lesson. No joke.)

Friday Favorites - Moving Sucks So Much

  • I binged the second season of “Handmaid’s Tale.” And then I needed to take a Xanax and sleep it off.
  • I moderated a terrific discussion for Social Media Club LA on crisis communications. It was a great experience and I loved the three women I got to present with!

Friday Favorites - Moving Sucks So Much

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

  • This rather special seven year old brought some serious soul to the National Anthem at a recent soccer game.
  • Fall in love with this cheeky little Rhino:

Filed Under: Pocket Fridays Tagged With: Fancy Foods Show, Handmaid's Tale, Huffington Post, Justin Tranter, LA AX, Padma Lakshmi, Queso Recipe, SMCLA, Social Media Club

Friday Favorites – Live From Box City

September 14, 2018 By AJ Leave a Comment

I need theme music! “LIVE! FROM BOX CITY! HOORAY!” The audience applauds….

My tiny apartment is a box city. I am moving on Wednesday — not far at all from where I live now — and I am both excited and stressed out beyond belief. MOVING SUCKS. It especially sucks when you are running your own business out of the home your are packing up. It is even harder when you have a seven month old puppy running around, trying to eat everything in said boxes. SIGH. Friday Favorites - Before The Move

WHAT I READ

  • OMG. This reporter ate Brunch at the Scientology Celebrity Center. A fascinating read. I wanna goooooooo….
  • I am so sad that this is our reality — teachers taking second and third jobs to make ends meet. This is unacceptable.
  • This is so interesting. Every year in Paris, they have a day without ANY CARS. What a cool idea. I wonder how they make it happen?! Los Angeles would probably collapse on itself.

Friday Favorites - Live From Box City

OTHER BLOGGERS & INFLUENCERS

  • Our Best Bites has aggregated some amazing-looking apple recipes. YUM!!!
  • Alice’s family’s Summer vacation looks idyllic.
  • Do you take advantage of Give Back Box? If you order anything from certain retailers online, they will print you a label for free shipping to use their packaging for gently-worn clothing donations.
  • Vanity Fair does this great online series, “73 Random Questions.” I love this latest episode with Lady Gaga.

PR & SOCIAL MEDIA

  • A new study tracks how teens really feel in relation to social media. I love this stuff.
  • Some great tips to running a successful Instagram giveaway.
  • Don’t forget on September 24, I am moderating a Social Media Club panel discussion about crisis communications! Get details and tickets here.

EARLIER THIS WEEK

  • Pottery Barn unveiled a line of Harry Potter homewares and I want to be a kid again.
  • One of my clients made a very cool casting announcement! Check it out.
  • Joe Biden rejoined Instagram. That made me happy.
  • I saw Enchanted and it’s so cute and clever. What a fun movie! Have you seen it?

Friday Favorites - Live From Box City

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

  • Paula Abdul CRUSHED IT on The Late Late Show. I’ve watched this multiple times.

  • One of my idols, Marin Mazzie, a three-time Tony nominee, passed away this week from Ovarian Cancer. I have been unable to shut off her music since. She was just 57. What a loss. I had the privilege of seeing her a few times on stage, twice on Broadway, and she left an indelible mark on my soul.

Filed Under: Pocket Fridays Tagged With: Brunch, Enchanted, Give Back Box, Harry Potter, Instagram, Joe Biden, Lady Gaga, Marin Mazzie, Paris, Paula Abdul, Pottery Barn, Scientology, Summer Vacation, Vanity Fair

Friday Favorites – Fresh From Sin City

September 7, 2018 By AJ Leave a Comment

Greetings! I am here with Friday Favorites, fresh from Sin City, USA. Yes, I just returned from a brief but phenomenal trip to Las Vegas to see JLo in concert and a lot of you were impressed with the semi-private charter I flew on, JetSuiteX, so I’ll let you in on a little secret. It’s not expensive. We looked at flights on Southwest, round trip, that were $170. JetSuiteX was $150. If you live in Los Angeles, especially if Burbank is convenient to you, it’s an amazing way to fly to Vegas or Northern California. If you want to know more about it, I’m happy to get more into it with you. And if you try it, use my code, 8YOUU5, for $20 off your first flight.

Friday Favorites - From the Surface of the Sun

WHAT I READ

  • FAO Schwartz is COMING BACK!!! It sounds like a lot of fun — the way they’re executing it. Check this out.
  • I read a LOT of articles about Colin Kapernick and Nike this week. Then I bought a pair of Converse sneakers (Nike owns Converse).
  • This company is winning because they offer “FURternity leave” when an employee adopts a new pet. COME ON.
  • There is a second-hand shop in Cardiff where a genius employee filled every picture frame on sale with a photo of Jeff Goldblum. I couldn’t love anything more than I love this.

Friday Favorites - Fresh From Sin City

OTHER BLOGGERS & INFLUENCERS

  • So I am not following 2Chainz’s French Bulldog on Instagram. Don’t judge me. He’s pretty cute.
  • Carolyn wrote a really lovely post to her daughter, who just left for college.
  • Natalia keeps tweeting these ridiculous recipes and I’m not minding. Check out this one for “Crack Chicken Tacos.”
  • This dad is having a helluva time posting a video of himself…. I DIED LAUGHING.

https://twitter.com/RB_TRUEST/status/1034822114023493632

PR & SOCIAL MEDIA

  • The Village Voice is gone and I am very sad. It is (was?) a Greenwich Village and Manhattan staple.
  • Learn a little more about Instagram Engagement Rates.
  • This is social media at its worst. This bride canceled her wedding after her guests refused to contribute $1500 pp. Then she let her ugly shine through on Twitter.

EARLIER THIS WEEK

  • My dog is ridiculously cute and very popular with the LAPD.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Amanda J Feuerman (@ajfeuerman)

  • You can now register for Social Media Club’s September networking event and panel discussion on Crisis Communications. I shall be the moderator. Click here for more information about it as well as the three badass women I’ll be chatting with. (GIRL POWER!!!)
  • I was added to the list of speakers for this year’s Austin Film Festival!!! I am SUPER EXCITED. I love Austin and I love meeting filmmakers. It’s going to be great. If you’ve been on the fence about attending, let me try to sway you with a discount code: AJ25.

Friday Favorites - Fresh From Sin City

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

  • And speaking of Jeff Goldblum….

  • Nickelodeon is launching a streaming platform that will showcase many of their old shows I loved as a kid and teenager. I really hope it includes “Roundhouse,” which was one of my favorites. It’s so under-appreciated. Does anyone else remember it? I shall leave you with their end credits routine:

Filed Under: Pocket Fridays Tagged With: Austin Film Festival, Colin Kapernick, FAO Schwartz, Hot Ones, Jeff Goldblum, JetSuiteX, Nickelodeon, Nike, Roundhouse, Social Media Club, Village Voice

Friday Favorites – A Tea and Croissant

August 17, 2018 By AJ Leave a Comment

Good morning, everyone, from my perch on the sofa with a green tea and fresh croissant. I am super bougie this particular Friday. I’m working on a ton of projects, coming out of a chunk of slow weeks, and it’s exciting but exhausting. And I always have these great blog post ideas but before I can jot them down, they trickle out of my brain. Alas. But I am always trying to think of ways to reinvent “Friday Favorites” so if you have any ideas, do share in the comments.

Friday Favorites - From the Surface of the Sun

WHAT I READ

  • I am going to try and see Crazy Rich Asians this weekend. Here’s why it’s important.
  • An accurate article on why diversity matters (and is lacking) in independent films.
  • Jeopardy is now streaming on Hulu. Everybody say so long to productivity!  And by the way, Alex Trebek, guys. Is he not aging anymore? What’s the deal?

OTHER BLOGGERS & INFLUENCERS

  • Natalia shared this recipe from Delish for “Oreogasm” Rice Krispie Treats. OMG.
  • Whitney shared her recipe for Frozen Peach Sangria and I want it immediately.
  • Jen is telling us why Plan B One Step is important. I know this is “controversial,” but….. #sorrynotsorry.

PR & SOCIAL MEDIA

  • Check out eight great tips on using Instagram Stories to drive engagement. Lindsay knows her stuff.
  • It had never occurred to me this would be a problem but it makes sense — Facebook is cracking down on the keyword search for “opioid.”
  • THIS was everywhere. A very unusual woman sang Missy Elliot’s “Work it” at a backyard karaoke party. She happens to be holding a Shofar. I cannot explain it. But boy did it go viral.

EARLIER THIS WEEK

  • There was a epic discussion on my Facebook page. Creamy peanut butter or crunchy peanut butter?
  • Just an update. I still don’t know who Kiki is.

  • I’ve been working with 20+ influencers on a campaign for the live-action The Little Mermaid that comes out today in AMC Theaters nationwide. This group has been so wonderful, restoring my faith in the influencer universe! Here’s one of their posts.
  • There is this AMAZING pop-up in LA right now, That’s From Disneyland. YOU HAVE TO GO. In short, a very wealthy man has been collecting Disneyland items for decades and filled a vacant department store with them. Incredible.
  • I attended a stand-up comedy show to benefit a great non-profit, Recycled Resources. Maria Bamford and Marc Maron were the big names — and they had me laughing til it hurt.

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

  • Just…. these. Obviously.

Filed Under: Pocket Fridays Tagged With: Alex Trebek, Aretha Franklin, Drake, Instagram Stories, Jeopardy on Hulu, Kiki, Marc Maron, Maria Bamford, Recycled Resources, That's From Disneyland

Friday Favorites – From the Surface of the Sun

August 3, 2018 By AJ Leave a Comment

It’s too hot for words this week. This month. This Summer. Climate change deniers, you can kiss my….. well, you know where to find it. I have learned now that having a dog means I don’t get to stay inside all day with my sweet, sweet A/C. The pup needs to be walked. But sunblock is my new BFF. Also this goofy little fan I bought to plug into my iPhone! But onto the Friday Favorites:

Friday Favorites - From the Surface of the Sun

WHAT I READ

  • There is a slow-but-steady renaissance happening here in Los Angeles, downtown, where a lot of the old buildings are being purchased and renovated. Apple is doing a pretty cool thing with the old Tower Theater.
  • Would you see a movie starring Margot Robbie, Charlize Theron and Nicole Kidman? I WOULD.
  • My friend Meghan took me to Crossroads, a vegetarian restaurant, and I am IN LOVE. So I liked this article listing some other fantastic veggie spots around town.

Friday Favorites - From the Surface of the Sun

  • Here are 22 things you probably didn’t know about Walt Disney World.
  • And here are some pretty unique hotels. I’d like to visit all of them.

OTHER BLOGGERS & INFLUENCERS

  • Pinch of Yum’s recipe for fried chicken sandwiches has me feeling ALL THE FEELINGS. OMIGOD. These looks SO GOOD.
  • Not to mention A Beautiful Mess posted this recipe for chocolate covered cherry cookies. I am not a chocolate person but I do have a weakness for it with cherry anything.
  • These savvy ladies are launching a female-focused podcasting network. I am here for it.

PR & SOCIAL MEDIA

  • Facebook is making navigating their app a little more personal. It’s a smart idea. Personally, I never use the marketplace — I don’t need that on my nav bar. But I’d love faster access to some other things I frequent.
  • Buzzfeed is launching a “real news” website. I sure hope they will not include “listicles.”
  • How about a list of Instagram hacks? These articles usually underwhelm me but this one is actually pretty strong.

EARLIER THIS WEEK

  • The Boston Globe profiled one of my clients, a docu-series called “We the People.” It anchors this column.
  • I saw the movie Blindspotting. It was AMAZING. So unique. Go see it.

Friday Favorites - From the Surface of the Sun

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

  • Uh…. Netflix announced a new series. Starring Tony Danza and Josh Groban. I mean, if that pairing does’t grab you….

  • This dog who stole a GoPro is pretty much the reason the GoPro was invented. If you don’t smile and/or laugh watching this, there is no hope for you, I’m sorry.

This dog stole a GoPro and created the perfect ad for GoPro. https://t.co/EETwarzcSi

— Henry Fraser (@henryfraser0) July 29, 2018

Filed Under: Pocket Fridays Tagged With: A Beautiful Mess, Blindspotting, Downtown LA, Facebook, GoPro, Josh Groban, netflix, PInch of Yum, Tony Danza, Tower Theater, Unique Hotels, Vegan, Vegetarian, Walt Disney World

Friday Favorites – And a little proselytizing

July 20, 2018 By AJ Leave a Comment

If I may step up on my metaphorical soapbox for a moment, on the heels of James Gunn’s firing from the Guardians franchise, I just want to caution the universe about this massively toxic Court of Public Opinion we’ve created. James Gunn tweeted some things ten years ago that were pretty repugnant. I’m not saying that’s okay, but I challenge you to find anyone who lives a life within or adjacent to the entertainment industry with a pristine record. I know mine’s not perfect. If we start dragging the river for sins of decades past, we’ll be left with very few idols to worship.

I question Disney’s motives here. Something smells rotten in the state of Denmark. Johnny Depp has long been accused of horrible things by multiple sources and yet hangs onto his Jack Sparrow role in their Pirates franchise. Roseanne was quote publicly tweeting and touting horrible offensive garbage long before they finally fired her last month. John Lasseter was never actually fired for his behavior — he saw the writing on the wall and stepped down himself. So why was James Gunn made the Donna Martin of their studio?

I’m particularly incensed by this whole thing because James Gunn is someone I follow rather loyally on social media. He is often outspoken on behalf of the little guy, often anti the right, anti-Trump, and has a dry sense of humor that appeals to me. Of course, I’m a fan, but I can’t say with 100% certainty he’s a good person based on Twitter — the same way I don’t think Disney should be condemning him.

Anyway, off the soapbox, onto this weeks antics….

Friday Favorites

WHAT I READ

  • Even though it airs in reruns in seeming perpetuity, I am still excited a box set of “Saved by the Bell” is coming.
  • Um…. this thread on Reddit is fascinating. I can’t tell you what it’s about here. I’m too shy. But go look.
  • This dude has been to more than 14,000 Starbucks and it’s still going. Because life goals.
  • Guys, there is a colossal Jeff Goldblum balloon in London. I would like to go Selfie there.

Friday Favorites: Goldblum Balloon

OTHER BLOGGERS & INFLUENCERS

  • My friend Alyssa is about to embark upon a life-changing journey. Follow her!
  • Raquel bequeaths us this recipe for easy cheesy garlic bread. YUM! (And by the by, speaking of cheesy…..)
  • THE TINY HANDS ARE CREEPY:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Geordi La Corgi & Scotty (@lacorgi)

PR & SOCIAL MEDIA

  • Oh Twitter. I love you but you make it so hard for me to stay loyal. Now touting they simply don’t have the bandwidth to fix their verification system.
  • A handful of online activists have taken to the internets to manipulate the Google algorithm and now, when you Google image search “idiot,” you get nothing but images of the biggest one:

Friday Favorites: Trump Idiot

  • Some tips to perfect those Instagram captions, kids.
  • Instagram is testing a feature that will allow public accounts to remove followers. I love this.

EARLIER THIS WEEK

  • I AM SOMEHOW UNBANNED FROM YOUTUBE! It’s a MIRACLE! I don’t know how or why, but I don’t care. I can sign in and subscribe now. I can rate. I can comment. It’s a whole new world. (Don’t know that story? Click here.)
  • Recode’s Kara Swisher conducted an EXCELLENT interview with Mark Zuckerberg. I said as much on Twitter and she thanked me for it, which was very flattering.

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

  • Tony Award winner Gary Beach passed away this week. He is particularly special to me as I saw him in the original Broadway cast of The Producers and in Beauty & the Beast way back in previews before it was on Broadway. He also gave a phenomenal performance of iconic song “I Am What I Am” in La Cauge Aux Folles. All videos below are in his honor.

Filed Under: Pocket Fridays Tagged With: Beauty & the Beast, Disney, Donald Trump, Gary Beach, Geordi LaCorgi, Google, I am what I am, Idiot, James Gunn, Jeff Goldblum, La Cage Aux Folles, The Producers, Tiny Hands

Friday Favorites

July 13, 2018 By AJ Leave a Comment

Welcome “Friday Favorites” devotees and a happy Friday to you from Dante’s Inferno. It is HOT-HOT-HOT in Los Angeles. I know everyone lives here for the weather, among other things, but this is unreasonable and I am not about it. Nor is my dog. Or any rational human being.

It is worth noting that as I wrote this post, I was watching W. Kamau Bell’s Netflix special and it is BRILLIANT. I think listening to him speak made me smarter. So get on that.

Friday Favorites

WHAT I READ

  • Saw that Spotify is opening a regional HQ here in Los Angeles, and that’s pretty cool.
  • Honestly, the more I read about Sacha Baron Cohen’s new series, the more I want to watch it. I was actually quite adverse to it previously.
  • I started another new book called Providence and it’s so heartbreaking and lovely so far. I always fear picking it up and I have trouble putting it down.
  • I was oddly fascinated by this piece about “Dallas” and “Step by Step” star Patrick Duffy’s theater and upscale bar. Who knew?

OTHER BLOGGERS & INFLUENCERS

  • Lindsay went to IdeaWorld — it looks like fun, right?!
  • My friend Alyssa got her sleeve surgery date and I’m so excited for her! You can follow her journey on her blog.
  • Jessica tries to be all tough but check her out being a sweet softy….
  • I really enjoyed Oceans 8 but even more so after reading this analysis of it.

PR & SOCIAL MEDIA

  • A little PR 101 for y’all – know your audience. I cannot stress this enough.
  • IHOb is back to regular ol’ IHOP and the world breathed a collective sigh of relief. Or they ceased caring one way or the other because no one was going there for burger, amiright???

  • Twitter got savage about fake accounts, which is a good thing, but it’s gonna disappoint some of y’all who’ve been paying for your followers. Don’t avoid eye contact — I know who you are.
  • Instagram added an “AMA” (ask me anything) type feature and people are using the hell out of it already. CALM DOWN.
  • Mashable has called out how awesome Britney Spears’ Instagram is. They are not wrong. She’s a delight.

EARLIER THIS WEEK

  • So…. I was interviewed. I’m not crazy about the piece, to be candid, however the feedback has been flattering and you may read it if you wish. 😉
  • I tortured myself by trying to watch Justice League. It’s so, so bad. Affleck is terrible. This version of The Flash? Terrible. Everyone is terrible. As such, I sought out the Honest Trailer for the film, which I enjoyed a zillion times more than the movie.

  • I saw a beautiful independent film called Hearts Beat Loud that I can’t recommend enough. I am also addicted to its soundtrack.

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

  • Obviously this movie was made for me:

  • As was Christopher Robin. Did you know I’m a ginormous Tigger fan? Any chance I get to see him, I’m in. And this looks adorable:

Filed Under: Pocket Fridays Tagged With: Christopher Robin, Hearts Beat Loud, IHOb, IHOP, Justice League, Patrick Duffy, Patrick trailer, Providence, Sacha Baron Cohen, Spotify, W. Kamau Bell

Friday Favorites – OMG IT IS JUNE

June 1, 2018 By AJ Leave a Comment

Uh….. Happy June? Happy Summer? Where did the time go? So much in today’s Friday Favorites. I’m a little all over the place, but c’est la vie!

Friday Favorites

WHAT I READ

  • For those of you in my field, or if you’re just an avid Facebook user, it’s important to read up on their latest update; they’re doing away with trending topics.
  • I read about this nine year old who is living the dream. His Twitter account is solely dedicated to all the dogs he’s pet. I followed and turned on mobile notifications.

Friday Favorites - OMG IT IS JUNE

  • I loved reading this interview with Asana Founder, Justin Rosenstein. Who better to get organizational tips from than the creator of the leading organizational project management platform? (Note, he recommends this book, which I immediately downloaded to my Kindle and look forward to reading.)
  • I have become absolutely obsessed with Reese Witherspoon as an entrepreneur. She is the change we need. Read more.
  • Former Obama photographer Pete Souza continues to establish giving shade as an artform. He is mastering it.

OTHER BLOGGERS & INFLUENCERS

  • A Beautiful Mess offers this refreshing recipe for The Bramble Cocktail.
  • Wendy talks about the value of playtime. I whole-heartedly agree. Even for us grown ups. Especially for us grown ups.
  • A lot of sudden tragedy in the blogger community this week and my heart is broken for Pam, who lost her husband, and Chelsea, who lost her sister.

EARLIER THIS WEEK

  • My obsession with grandiose bookstores continues. I started a Pinterest Board for it. Enjoy.
  • I saw Beauty & the Beast in concert at the Hollywood Bowl starring Zoe Deschanel, Kelsey Grammer, Taye Diggs and…. Rebel Wilson as Lefou. She managed to go off book and work in a beastiality joke, leaving dozens and dozens of parents in the audience asking “HOW DO I EXPLAIN THIS TO MY CHILDREN?!” (But overall, a really fun evening.)

  • Roseanne has been condemned and her show canceled. Deservedly so. Samantha Bee got a little carried away on a point that was actually valid and apologized for it. Both cases prove that too many people do not know what racism actually is. And also what the side effects of Ambien actually are. I roll my eyes at these people.

People of all races, religions and nationalities work at Sanofi every day to improve the lives of people around the world. While all pharmaceutical treatments have side effects, racism is not a known side effect of any Sanofi medication.

— Sanofi US (@SanofiUS) May 30, 2018

  • You probably saw it on Twitter. Or the news. Kim Kardashian met with Donald Trump to discuss prison reform. Except that’s not really what she did. She’s lobbying for the pardon of a Grandmother serving time on drug charges. And to be fair, I agree with Kim that Grandma needs to get out. But deeming herself a spokesperson for prison reform is a stretch and deceptive. There is not a selfless bone in that woman’s body; I’m sorry.

Whenever she does something “selfless,” it’s just another photo opp. I can’t take her seriously. She has set herself up to have zero credibility. Which makes her pretty perfect to partner with Trump.

— AJ. (@ajfeuerman) May 31, 2018

 

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

  • Hearts Beat Loud comes out next week and I think it looks really sweet. Not a story I’ve seen told before and surely a different type of role for Nick Offerman.

  • A couple of REALLY strong action movies are on the horizon and I am HERE FOR IT! I love big screen ass kickings. Next week, Hotel Artemis:

  • And also, this September, we get out “Sydney Bristow” era Jennifer Garner back with Peppermint:

Filed Under: Pocket Fridays Tagged With: Beauty & the Beast, Facebook, Hearts Beat Loud, Hollywood Bowl, Hotel Artemis, Jennifer Garner, Justin Rosenstein, Kim Kardashian, Peppermint, Pete Souza, Rebel Wilson, Reese Witherspoon, Roseanne, Samantha Bee, Taye Diggs

Things I Never Thought I’d Say In a High Pitched Voice

May 18, 2018 By AJ 3 Comments

The Joys of Puppy Ownership

Lord knows (and my Instagram followers, probably) that I have long, long loved dogs. A lot. I grew up with dogs; I dogsit often…. It’s not that I never wanted one of my own but work made that a very hard responsibility to take on. I never wanted to be selfish about it. But when I began working for myself this year, it suddenly seemed possible to rescue a little guy. At last, all the joys of puppy ownership are mine.

The Joys of Puppy Ownership

When I brought Neville home, my heart grew four sizes. And my mind is consumed with worry — is he happy? Is he scared? Is he okay? Is he hungry?

Will that ever go away? I doubt it. But I really don’t mind.

I have realized, though, that I totally babytalk my dog. I don’t do it on purpose. It’s just that he’s so damned cute and when he looks at me or does certain things, my voice goes up a couple octaves and I sound like a moron.

Things I Never Thought I’d Say In a High Pitched Voice

“Omigoodness, what a good boy!” But “good boy” is more like one word and I say this super fast so it sounds like “omigoodnesswhattag’boy!” See also: “Whoosag’boy?”

“Good potty, buddy! Hooray!” Yes, I actually say this out loud. Because when your puppy has peed or pooped in your home and then learns to go outside, it is GLORIOUS. See also: “Who’s excited to pee outside?!”

“Please don’t eat my bunny!” Needless to say, many things have been moved to high shelves.

“Buddy, please stop nipping my nose!” I say this through laughter. He loves to lick my nose but when he gets really into it, he’ll nip with his lil’ teeth. I’m supposed to be firm on this but it’s so stinking adorable.

“Can I have my hand back, pretty please?” (Or, my foot.) I couldn’t tell you why but when we’re on the couch, he loves to sit on my hand and/or arm. And oftentimes, when I’m standing in front of the sink or something, I look down and he’s sitting on my feet.

Because People Have Asked

He’s a German Shepherd mix — he’ll be a big boy. I set out to adopt a smaller dog but he actually chose me and I could not say no. And I’ve always loved big dogs the most anyway. (Yes, I’ll move when he gets bigger.)

He’s partially potty trained — we’re working on it.

“Neville” is for Neville Longbottom. All the pups in his litter were named for Harry Potter characters. Hermione, Ron, Lupin, Luna, Sirius, Myrtle… and so on. Oh, and Harriet. Because she has a scar on her forehead. They were saved from a kill-shelter.

He’s a little shy and cautious but ultimately he’s very affectionate and easygoing. He already knows “kisses” (he’ll lick my nose if I hold him up and say it) and was pretty good about “sit” almost right away.

His ears are the softest.

No, I will probably not start and Instagram account for him. This seems to surprise people but they may not realize I am already running four accounts — some for work and sometimes more. But don’t think there won’t be photos on the regular on my personal account.

Yes, you can leave your best pet or dog-related advice in the comments. I would love it, in fact.

Friday Favorites

As is tradition, I do still want to pass on a few fun items for you to enjoy at the end of this week — but with our theme of the post, all animal related, of course!

Okay, this is amazing. It has joy, it has hope, it has suspense! These bros totes reunited a baby goose with his family. It’s got a few twists and turns at the end. Five stars.

A friend of mine also recently rescued a German Shepherd mix! You should follow Winnie Cooper on Instagram.

Many of you have probably seen this video — a dog rescued his pup buddy from drowning in a pool.

My parents and I went wine tasting for my birthday in Santa Ynez Valley where, at one winery, I encountered a cat named Cutiepie. Ironically named, I say, because as you can see, he was clearly planning to murder me:

Filed Under: Pocket Fridays

Friday Favorites: Puppy Love

May 11, 2018 By AJ Leave a Comment

Puppy love INDEED. Really huge news, everybody. I AM GETTING A PUPPY. I have held out for a really long time, waiting to ensure that I’d be able to properly care for one and it’s finally that time. He’s a sweet little guy – but still very much a puppy. I know I’ll have a lot to learn but I am ready for it. And I am SUPER excited. My experience with Dog Cafe LA has been really lovely and I encourage everyone to check them out. Not only for rescues, but you can pay $15 just to sit in their “cafe” and play with puppies for an hour — it’s amazing therapy. And lord knows, cheaper than my actual therapist.

But now, onward with the Friday Favorites as I sit here glowing with excitement.

WHAT I READ

  • I just finished the most unique, marvelous book of poetry called “Stuff I’ve Been Feeling Lately” but Alicia Cook. I don’t how to explain the structure — it’s inspired by those old school mixtapes we all used to make. Remember those?
  • I’m also reading a fantastic book of essays by Rebecca Solnit so I was excited to submle upon this essay by her, “How to be a Writer.”
  • Not to totally nerd out, but I thought this study about HULU viewing habits was really interesting.
  • You remember Meredith Viera of “The View” and TODAY? Love that she is launching a program to finance female documentarians.
  • And just to bring it home, how about a list of amazing breakfast spots from ZAGAT? I am here to try them all. Let’s go!

OTHER BLOGGERS & INFLUENCERS

  • Alyssa tried a new Asian fusion restaurant that looks DELICIOUS!
  • Aimee’s concert photos from P!nk’s Beautiful Trauma tour are, well, beautiful.
  • Jessica and I went to Masters of Taste and it was THE BEST — as it always is. I’m posting my favorite dishes at @HollywoodBrunch all week!

EARLIER THIS WEEK

  • Last time, I posted about my excitement for Chef Ludo’s new digs and I got to try it! It was so good, I’m going back today.  
  • Facebook lets you tie a charitable fundraiser to your birthday now, and I am incredibly proud to share that I raised over $1000 for EVERYTOWN FOR GUN SAFETY, a supremely important cause that I am super passionate about.
  • My parents took me up to Santa Ynez for some wine tasting on my birthday and it was a perfect (drunken) day. If anyone in LA has never been, I highly recommend the day trip.

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

  • There was an incredible amount of outrage over Michelle Wolf’s White House Correspondents Dinner speech. Here’s the thing, I’m actually not a big fan of hers. It has NOTHING to do with her humor, though — she’s very funny. For me, I just find her delivery style kind of grating. To each their own. THAT SAID, I find the WHCA’s behavior insulting. Do your research, folks. Whats she delivered at the dinner was pretty much in line with her typical shtick. So suck it up. And I think her behavior following the “uprising” has been excellent.

  • And a little levity — please enjoy this stupendous performance from Panic! At the Disco on an episode of “Ellen” this past week:

Filed Under: Pocket Fridays Tagged With: Los Angeles, Masters of Taste, Michelle Wolf, Panic at the Disco, Puppy love, Zagat

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"Today I will be classy and elegant. Or, I will spill on my shirt and trip over things."

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