Aly's Newsletter: Story leads, lots of new stories published, and a bit on Zoom events
Hi, everyone!
Happy Tuesday!
Thanks so much for all the sweet messages yesterday about that adorable kitty I'm cat sitting this week. The first day, he was a bit unsure about me and did a lot of hiding. But by day two, we had already bonded. Now he's so incredibly chatty!
Still, I feel like I'm having a bit of an affair, and hopefully, Lily and Scarlette forgive me for stepping out on them this week...
I had the best time last night. I had been hired to host a Zoom event related to a tasting of an all-natural stress relief beverage, making mocktails, and then a meditation portion.
I was able to bring one of my oldest friends on board to lead the meditation portion, and I had about 20 good friends in attendance. While yes, it was work, it didn't remotely feel like it -- and that's the makings, I think, of a good event (online or off!)
Last year, during lockdown (the first generation), I used to joke often that virtual events felt something like adult summer camp. We would take cooking class or arts and crafts or learn to make a fun cocktail. For those of us who were completely isolated that whole time, it really made a lot of the hardest, loneliest times of the past two years more bearable.
Now that it looks like most of us are back inside for the time-being, I'm really grateful to have it as an option again. I’ll go into my feelings on making a good virtual event later this week in the next paid addition of my newsletter!
(That said, I can't wait until it's safe to see people in person again.)
Here's what I'm working on right now:
Many of the stories I posted about in yesterday's newsletter have been wrapped up or have enough sources and will be wrapped up shortly. Here's what I am working on today:
(If you no longer see something on this list, assume that I no longer need pitches for it. Early bird gets the worm!)
For FORBES.com, I'm working on the following Valentine's Day gift guides:
Valentine’s Day Gift Guide: The Best Gifts For A Romantic Dinner At Home Valentine's Day Gift Guide: The Best Edible Gifts You Can Ship (That Aren't Chocolate)
Valentine's Day Gift Guide: The Best Aphrodisiac Gifts
Please keep in mind that for all of these 3 guides, they will be leaning toward food/beverage/cookware/cooking and be focused on items you can buy online and have shipped/delivered.
FORBES: In celebration of the return of to-go cocktails in NY, I'm doing a roundup of the best to-go cocktails at bars and restaurants in NY.
To pitch me for this guide, please email me the following:
1 - name of drink
2 - where it's sold (must be on the menu and available for takeout at a bar or restaurant in NY)
3 - description - i don't need a recipe
4 - quote from bartender/bar manager
5 - IMAGE
Reminder: Please ONLY send me a pitch if you have all the components I'm asking for.
For SPY.com, I'm working on the following:
Best stuffed animals for adults
Best low cal liquor options - I want to cover all the corners for this, vodka, gin, tequila, etc. must be available online and be shippable.
Here's what has been published since yesterday:
As always, if you or your clients are featured in any of these stories, I greatly appreciate any social media shares. Please remember to tag me and the outlet!
Her Money
REFRESH YOUR PANTRY TO SAVE MONEY AND GET ORGANIZED
The Kitchn
Martha Stewart’s Garden Vegetable Frittata Is Our New Favorite Way to Start the Day
RetailMeNot
The 15 Best Galentine’s Day Gifts for Your BFFs
Tasting Table
14 Cocktails To Try If You Like Drinking An Old Fashioned
Today.com
Where to get free bagels and discounts on National Bagel Day
Have a great day, and I’m so very grateful for you all taking the time to read this newsletter every day!
<3
aly