AJ Feuerman

Publicist | Social Media Strategist | Brunch Fanatic

Friday Favorites – It’s Been a Minute!

By Leave a Comment

Is “Quarantine Life” over yet? While it seems on the outside like a lot is returning to “normal,” Los Angeles just reinstated the indoor mask mandate and in my head, we are still very far away from the light at the end of the tunnel. And admittedly, I’m in a bit of a funk as a result and without a specific target for my rage at those who refuse to get vaccinated and follow some very simple rules. Sigh. But here I am with my “Friday Favorites” because I do know that writing in any form always makes me feel good. Quarantine Life WHAT I READ AND WATCHED
  • I recently read Andrew McCarthy’s memoir, Brat, and it was really well done. If you’re an 80s kid, I highly recommend it. I also read Oprah’s collab with Bruce Perry, What Happened to You? and it really got me thinking about trauma in a new way. If you can handle some triggering, I recommend that one, too.
  • Just this morning I read about these remarkable young women who found out they were all dating the same man. Instead of stewing on it, they turned it into something uniquely positive.
  • This small restaurant also spun a negative into a positive. But sheesh, humanity. We’ve got to do better.
  • I’m very into this list of amazing ice cream shops in Los Angeles.
  • I binged the crap out of “Hacks” and “Mare of Easttown” and therefore am having a wonderful Jeannaissance (Jean Smart is in both series). The Hollywood Reporter is hip to it. The Daily Beast is, too.

Jean Smart / Friday Favorites

EARLIER THIS MONTH
  • I have been working with a documentary called All Things Bakelite for several weeks and they were live on WGN America today!
  • Earlier in the month, a documentary I have been working with off and on for a couple years, was showcased on the TODAY show. I am so dug in with these guys since we’ve all been together so long (and beyond, since I worked on a previous film for them as well) and am so proud.
  • I have been out to brunch again! And I’ve also been on a plane more than once. There have been a lot of tasty meals and I’ve been posting more frequently on Hollywood Brunch.
BLOGGERS & SMALL BUSINESSES

Friday Favorites

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT
  • I found a puppycam. You’re welcome.
  • I, like most of the world, enjoyed the hell out of “Loki” on Disney+ and think everyone needs to pay more attention to the composer, Natalie Holt.
  • And this nice lady will ruin nursery rhymes for you…
 

Friday Favorites – Except Not On Friday

By Leave a Comment

Quarantine. Day… I don’t know anymore. But it’s almost OCTOBER. How did we get here? We’ve spent more than half of 2020 in Quarantine and I don’t know that anyone is enjoying it. It has obviously been some time since I’ve felt like writing anything here but I am just a bit twitchy today, so here we are. I have still been keeping bookmarks for you but don’t worry, I am not about to load “Friday Favorites” with pages and pages of content; just the good stuff for you, my friends, even though it’s not Friday today at all. Friday Favorites - Except Not On Friday WHAT I READ AND WATCHED

  • I read this every Fall and it never ever ceases to make me hysterical with laughter.
  • Every other Friday or so, I join with some friends at Hollywood Picture News and make some streaming recommendations. I love it because not only do I get to share my own recommendations, but I inevitably end up with five more things to watch via my friends’ suggestions.
  • Would you… cook something in the DISHWASHER? I read this with my jaw hanging open.
  • Are you aware of the “Buy Nothing” project? Here’s a great article on it. I just love my local group.
  • Whenever I see one of these “listicles,” my mind is blown.

Friday Favorites - Except Not On Friday

BLOGGERS & SMALL BUSINESSES

  • The Curvy Fahionista has launched a plus shopping directory – genius.
  • If you’re local, I recommend Lady & Larder for a little indulgence and Natty Pours for a little indulgence to wash it down.
  • I love Henry Masks if you are still looking for a more comfortable fit.
  • Emily McDowell makes the cutest greeting cards and I’m going to buy some up to send out to friends!
  • I’ve become an even bigger Etsy fan lately!
    • One of my favorite ways to decorate my home seasonally is with a cute wreath on my door. I got one from Chloe’s Craft Closet for Halloween.
    • The Painted Mouse is on a break right now but keep an eye out — her Disney crafts are so cute. Follow her Instagram, too.
    • I remain a fan of Lizz’s creativity at PewPewLasercaft.
    • This is SO cute. Frame a floor plan from your favorite TV show set. (I was thinking about ordering one from “The Golden Girls” and then two dear friends sent me one!)

EARLIER THIS MONTH

  • Two of my good friends launched newsletters and courses to teach you about social media, marketing and personal branding. Check out LTM Digital and Chris Lam. Now is a great time to get educated.
  • I was on a podcast! To discuss LITERATURE! Who saw that coming?!
  • A friend and I took our pups to the dog beach and it was a joy! I can’t wait to go again.

Friday Favorites - Except Not On Friday

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

  • The Sweet Life of Steve is a cute, new web series my friend Jason at Icon vs. Icon tipped me off to.
  • Did you catch Ryan Reynolds’ commercials for Mint Mobile? Very enjoyable.
  • My “comfort food” on YouTube is showtunes. So here are a couple remarkable, beautiful projects that have come together during Quarantine.

Friday Favorites: Happy…. Fall?

By 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.) 

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.

Friday Favorites — I Hath Returned!

By 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.

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

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

By 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. 

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: Thanksgiving Edition

By 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.

Friday Favorites: Thanksgiving Edition

WHAT I READ

Friday Favorites: Thanksgiving Edition

OTHER BLOGGERS & INFLUENCERS

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

EARLIER THIS WEEK

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

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

 

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

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

  • Submitted without commentary:

WHAT ELSE I AM THANKFUL FOR

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

Friday Favorites – 2018: Chapter One

By 1 Comment

Happy new year, everybody! I think we can all agree 2017 was the worst and so I have no choice but to conclude this year can only be BETTER. Seems sound, right? If 2010 was “The Year of Suck” (that’s what I always refer to it as), then I hereby proclaim 2017 as “The Year of the Dumpster Fire.” You’re welcome. But I am still bookmarking odds and ends for these “Friday Favorites” and here is 2018: Chapter One for you.

Friday Favorites - 2018: Chapter One

WHAT I READ

Friday Favorites - 2018: Chapter One

OTHER BLOGGERS & INFLUENCERS

EARLIER THIS WEEK

Friday Favorites - 2018: Chapter One

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

  • YOU GUYS. The Animaniacs are COMING BACK. I am SO EXCITED. In tribute, enjoy my all-time favorite segment, “Yakko’s World” featuring the incredible voice stylings of Rob Paulsen:

  • And one more thing, speaking of Dumpster Fires, this nonsense about “Fire and Fury” is astounding. So watch the video of the author, Michael Wolff, on ‘TODAY’ this morning and that is all.

  • And because I refuse to end on that note, here:

 

Friday Favorites – Taking a Big Bite

By Leave a Comment

I am so hungry. Maybe it’s the weather changing or my stress level but I keep craving weird things at odd hours. Like the extremely salty pickle I just inhaled before I sat down to write this. It’s for the best that I tend to crave savory foods and protein these days, otherwise you’d have to dig me out of a pile of Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup wrappers or something. So guess what the theme of “Friday Favorites” is?

Friday Favorites - Taking a Big Bite

WHAT I READ

  • 12 (INSANE) snacks hacks? Yes, please and thanks. Enjoy.
  • A new seafood spot in Pasadena called PRAWN looks intriguing to me.
  • Google is – somehow? – adding wait times for restaurants to Google Maps. I’ll believe it when I see it…. I think.
  • There’s a British Pub coming to…. Sherman Oaks? Well, I totally want to try it. I’ve never had a Scotch Egg.

OTHER BLOGGERS & INFLUENCERS

  • My friend Alyssa is going to be pregnant FOREVER. I’ve been teasing her about it. Because I’m that friend.
  • I hate when my friend Jessica pulls something random out of the back of her closet and manages to look STUNNING. Bitch.
  • Spoon Fork Bacon made a recipe of ALL THINGS I LIKE. Cheesy Herb Baked Mashed Potato Gratin with Roasted Garlic Gravy. DONE. DONE. DONE. Get it for me.
  • I caught this recipe for one pot chicken parm past on Twitter. It looks amazing.
  • I keep seeing Sous Vide recipes and now I really want to try Whitney Bond’s Sous Vide sliders. Don’t they look like perfection?!

Friday Favorites - Taking a Big Bite - Sous Vide Sliders

EARLIER THIS WEEK

  • Forget the “PSL,” I am all about Starbucks’ Caramel Brulée Latte. It is BACK and I am HAPPY.
  • Twitter doubled our character allowance. I don’t know how I feel about it. But I know Law & Order SVU is nailing it.
  • I had one the best dinners of my life at Commerson so I was excited to try their brunch this past Sunday.
  • I attended a media event for Beverly Hills restaurant The Flats. You can expect even more on this later but let me just say, for now, DELICIOUS!

Friday Favorites - Taking a Big Bite - The Flats

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

  • I am completely obsessed with Jeff Goldblum. Nerdist invited him to critique people’s tattoos OF HIM. He rates them on a scale of one to ten GOLDBLUMS. He is amazing. Just watch.
  • I am also fairly obsessed with the new TBS series, “Drop the Mic.” It’s totally scripted but totally fun to watch.

Friday Favorites – All Animals, All The Time

By Leave a Comment

I’m not even gonna blow smoke up your you-know-what cause this week SUCKED. So today, please know this entire “Friday Favorites” post will spotlight ten of my favorite cute, celebrity dog accounts to follow on Instagram. I follow more animals than people and I’m not ashamed. I smile the most when I’m scrolling through my Insta. When a live feed comes up and some nice lady is teaching her Corgi how to do tricks? My day is friggin’ made.

Friday Favorites - All Animals, All The Time

This post was incredibly hard to draft. I follow a lot of cute animals on Instagram. Like, I feel kind of guilty that I didn’t get all of them on here.

1. @mabel.the.frenchie

She’s a cutie. I mean, just look at that tush. That face. I’m in love.

2. @graysontheKleeKai

I’d never even heard of an Alaskan Klee Kai before. Now I want one. And THOSE EYES!

3. @lacorgi

Geordi is one cute, stubby-legged fluff. Dem buns! I love corgi buns.

4. @LifeWithMalamutes

Phil and Niko are real characters. They also have a kitten sibling named Milo. You may know Phil from his famous Tinder profile.

5. @YogitheCityBear

I AM OBSESSED. Yogi Bear has the sweetest face!!!

https://www.instagram.com/p/BZmtb5Wg3ah/?taken-by=yogithecitybear

6. @GoogletheGolden

First of all, Google is such a cute name for a dog, right? I have a massive soft spot for Golden Retrievers.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BZlPq8mlNCo/?hl=en&taken-by=googlethegolden

7. @bob_marley_Goldenretriever

Speaking of, these guys were the first “celebrity” dogs I ever followed. Bob and Marley live in Brazil with many other pets and have the BEST life.

8. @Norbertthedog

Fun facts. Norbert loves to give high-fives and is a very popular amongst the hospital patients he visits so he was invited to appear on Hallmark Home & Family. Some time thereafter, his owner married the show’s co-host, Mark Steines!

9. @Popeyethefoodie

Mostly I am just jealous of Popeye’s job.

10. @DailyDougie

I adore his scrunched up little face!

BONUS! @Blackjaguarwhitetiger

Kudos to my mom for finding this account. This foundation, based in Mexico, rescues all kinds of amazing animals and houses more than 240 large felines.

If you’ve smiled at all or felt good whilst perusing this post, then my work here is done.

Friday Favorites – At Summer’s End

By Leave a Comment

Summer is winding down and even though it’s been hot as balls at times, I feel rather sad about it. End of Summer in Los Angeles means the “lazy days” vibe that rather permeates the city for three months comes to an abrupt stop as schools begin again, traffic gets even shittier again, and the humidity amps up. My small consolation is that last year, I kind of missed the holiday season, so this year, I am just BUSTING AT THE SEEMS for it. But anyway, for now, here are the Friday Favorites at Summer’s end:

Friday Favorites

WHAT I READ

  • A Cincinnati’s organization called La Soupe has found the most efficient way to preserve – and serve – food that would otherwise be wasted. I love stories like this that restore my faith in humanity.
  • Some Jed Barlet “West Wing” moments, anyone? He’s the President we need.
  • Rosé all day, guys. It’s the perfect wine for Summer and Fall — and I just read about this new Rosé-in-a-pouch. I WANT IT! Capri Sun for grown-ups, right?!

Friday Favorites - At Summer's End

OTHER BLOGGERS & INFLUENCERS

  • Stephanie at “Note Entirely Perfect” has this delightful list of ways to treat yourself that do not cost a cent.
  • I’m trying to decide if I’d like these Peanut Butter No-Bake Energy Balls Fit & Awesome shared…..
  • My friend Tanaya’s Instagram feed is absolute food porn. I don’t understand why she doesn’t weight 800 pounds. Like this? This is a truffle mac & cheese fried chicken sandwich.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXO7KADB9FR/?hl=en&taken-by=tanayas.table

EARLIER THIS WEEK

  • Social Media Club LA held two amazing events – I’m so proud of us! (And I’m planning September’s event so y’all better be there!)
  • The film music documentary I’ve been working on had it’s final theatrical showing in Los Angeles in front of 400 people and it was great!
  • The founder of Sugarfish opened a low-maintenance pasta experience. I am here for it. Tragically, one of my favorite restaurants, Bestia, is closing temporarily due to a kitchen fire.

VIDEO SPOTLIGHT

  • I cannot stop laughing at this, guys. And thank goodness because I needed a chuckle:

PRIVACY | TERMS & CONDITIONS

COPYRIGHT © 2018 · AJ FEUERMAN

AJ@AJFEUERMAN.COM