Aly's Newsletter: TGIF Edition

Happy Friday!

This has been a long and extra stressful week for many of us. I for one am really excited for it to be the weekend. (Where I can be over-extended, sleep-deprived, and stressed in comparative quiet and calm!)

Before I delve into what I’m working on this weekend, I was hoping to talk a bit about what we’re watching on TV.

(Because aren't we always discussing TV these days? It's a side effect of all being locked in our homes again!)

I feel like, and I'd LOVE if any else wants to weigh in, that Sex and the City latest incarnation FINALLY fell into its groove last night, with episode 7.

I have watched every episode, and cringed at parts, enjoyed other parts, but last night was the first time that the ladies felt like they were the ladies I remembered. (And maybe it was the time lapse scenes of Carrie by her window at her MacBook writing that sparked my nostalgia, but it felt good to have her being authentically herself again, at least in that way.)

The series seems so trapped this time around in tropes about aging that it feels forced and inauthentic in so many of these past episodes. These ladies and the men in their lives are in their 50s, not 70s and 80s. (OK, Big was in his 60s, but that's a whole other discussion) - that Harry is marveling about still being able to stand as he pees and Steve is ...mentally and personality-wise barely recognizable to whom he once was...(and has hearing loss as a plot device?), it's disconcerting.  It's been what, a decade since the most recent movie? Yet this series is being written like it's been DECADES.

But last night, I felt like it was more hitting its groove and I was so loving to see that, and let's hope the remaining episodes are more of the same.

BTW: For the first time in the entire series, I find CHARLOTTE to be the most likable character! Funny how time changes things!

OK, enough on that for now...

Here's what I'm working on right now:

1 - For RetailMeNot, I'm looking for statement candles that are so pretty, they may just be too pretty to burn. Statement candles are trending on TikTok and Instagram, and they're becoming a status symbol. I'm going to go into what these things are and why these things are. Why would someone want a candle they are not going to burn?! (Actually, me. That's the exact kind of candle I want. I live in a 4th floor walkup and I don't run very fast!). I'm looking to roundup a bunch, the crazier and more visually stunning the better, including Female Body Candles, Cube Candles, Bendy Candles.

2 - For Forbes.com, I'm still working on Valentine’s Day Gift Guide: The Best Gifts For A Romantic Dinner At Home and Valentine's Day Gift Guide: The Best Edible Gifts You Can Ship (That Aren't Chocolate). All these items must be shippable and available online. Please include a link to a high res image when pitching, in case I can use.

3. For SPY.com:

I'm working on 10 Low Calorie Liquors (and 10 To Avoid!) on a Diet. Would love if any experts want to weigh in on this one!

I’m also rounding up Valentine’s gift ideas that are on sale right now (and available on Amazon) - hope to wrap this one up tonight/tomorrow am - yes, I mean Friday night/Saturday - so please email asap for that one.

For all of us, please remember to start a new email thread, and email alywalansky@gmail.com. Do not just reply to this Substack. (I know I am always saying this…but people are also always ignoring this request.)

Here's what has been published in the last few days

There's a bunch of new stories as well as story updates below that have been published in the last few days. If you or your client has been featured in any, please take the time to share on social and tag me and the outlet. It's super appreciated!

Food Network

Pillsbury Baking Launches Its First Boxed Doughnut Mix

Forbes.com

Valentine's Day Gift Guide: The Best Aphrodisiac Gifts

HerMoney

Refresh your pantry to save money and get organized

Just got your 2021 bonus? Here's how to find a new job

the Kitchn

Martha Stewart’s Walnut-and-Honey Baklava Is the Perfect Treat on a Winter Afternoon

Martha Stewart’s Garden Vegetable Frittata Is Our New Favorite Way to Start the Day

Hershey’s Gets Romantic with New Seasonal Candy Releases in Advance of Valentine’s Day

Merriam-Webster's The Usage

Best Lightning Cables for Your iPhone and iPad

Best At-Home Espresso Machines

Best Coffee Grinders for Aficionados and Beginners

The Best Single-Serve Coffee Makers

RetailMeNot

12 Purr-fect Valentine’s Day Gifts for Pets

The 15 Best Galentine’s Day Gifts for Your BFFs

SPY.com

It’s National Gluten-Free Day: Try These Healthy and Delicious Gluten-Free Snacks

Tasting Table

14 Cocktails To Try If You Like Drinking An Old Fashioned

10 Salmon Myths It's Time You Stopped Believing 

9 Grilling Myths You Can Stop Believing

The Best Ways To Use Your Dutch Oven

Today.com

Oreo is celebrating its 110th birthday with a brand-new flavor

Where to get free bagels and discounts on National Bagel Day (tomorrow! And you bet your booty I have bagel hopes and dreams in store!)

Note to paid subscribers: There will be a special edition of the newsletter just for you going out tomorrow AM!

Free subscribers: If you want to be able to read that special edition, upgrade your subscription today. Otherwise, the next free newsletter will be going out Monday!

Have the best weekend!

<3

aly