Aly's Newsletter: Tuesday Edition

Discussing everything from why perishable mailings are an issue to cute puppy costumes for Halloween

Hi, friends!

We're almost halfway through the week and before we know it, it'll be a long weekend. (Longer if you happen to observe Rosh Hashanah - and if you do, happy almost New Year - I have a bunch of fun recipes coming up soon in preparation!)

In yesterday's newsletter, I touched on the topic of press trips and was so excited to get SO MUCH email feedback after with questions and comments. Please keep them coming!

Today, I'd like to take a minute to talk about packages. Bryce and our friends will laugh because this is a very popular soap box of mine and it has come up often in our Clubhouse Mastering Media club.

In short, I'd love to offer a few quick and dirty tips for sending mailings that will not make people want to tear their hair out. We're always grateful to be thought of, but consider this as to not waste your time, budget, and energy!

1 - Please, please, please check in with a writer before sending perishable mailings or messenger deliveries.  Everyone has heard me tell stories of random packages of fish or meat and cheese and other perishables arriving when I'm not home, or, worse, out of town. This isn't just a great way to stink up my building lobby and alienate my lovely neighbors, but it's a waste of food and time and mailing expenses. Just ask first before sending something perishable - ask if someone will be home on a specific day to receive a package - and wants to. 

2 - The same can be said for ingredients for cooking zooms and such. We're all big fans of the virtual cooking zooms around here and hope they are around to stay. But if you are Instacarting or FreshDirecting over ingredients...please double check that that time window is a time people will be available. Or at least tell them what that time window is. I live in an apartment building, not a private house. There's been multiple times - actually multiple times in the past week, even - that I've left my home and found a random unexpected bag just...festering outside, abandoned, that I had no idea was coming. This isn't just an issue for me - it's a waste of your time and your client's money.

3 - One last thing on the package front today, and I promise to shut up. Consider the variables of the delivery you are sending. If you want to send someone a giant, heavy, space-taking or bulky item - ask first. I live in a 4th floor walkup rental - it’s actually a super tiny studio apartment. If you send me a giant box that weighs 50 pounds...I will have to drag that thing up my stairs, and then find room for it. (There is no room. There's not even room for me, if we’re being honest.)

So, just ask first, and then me - or whomever you are sending it to - can tell you if it's something they even need to receive.)

OK, phew. Sorry! That's it for now.

Working on a ton of stuff this week going into the long weekend. (FYI, if something was on this list yesterday and no longer is...assume that means it's done and over and of the past and the boat has left the harbor.)

1. For Pawp.com, I'm rounding up the following:

Funny Halloween Costumes For Small Dogs
Cute & Funny Halloween Costumes For Cats

Any pitches for these MUST be sold currently at major online retailers (think Chewy, Petsmart, Halloween Express, etc.). To pitch me, just please send me a description, price, and where it's currently sold online. I'll let you know if I need images!

2. For CheapTickets.com,  I'm rounding up common travel pitfalls, and how to avoid them. I'm looking for experts to weigh in - I have questions and thought starters - so email me before sending thoughts, please.

3. For YourTango, I'm working on a story on How To Choose The Perfect Breast Pump As A New Mom, and I'd love a OBGYN to comment regarding the benefits of using a breast pump for breastfeeding, including being able to pump on the go, if a baby won’t latch to the nipple, if you want to split responsibilities with a non-lactating partner, and so on. (I have a list of questions so please email me before commenting!) - by EOW.

Tip: To respond to any of these story leads, please start a new email thread and email alywalansky@gmail.com. Do not just hit reply on this newsletter!

Stories that have published since yesterday:

Merriam-Webster’s The Usage

https://www.merriam-webster.com/theusage/best-dog-beds

Today.com

https://www.today.com/food/where-score-food-freebies-deals-labor-day-t229464

That’s it! Tonight’s Instagram stories recipe is actually going to be a soup spin on my spicy Mexican Chulent recipe I’ve written about in the past.

This has a lot of the same ingredients, but is a soup instead of a stew and has a few tweaks that I added just for this time to see how it worked. It’s actually been in the slow cooker all day (since around 7 am!), and I’ll share the process tonight on my Instagram stories after it’s all said and done.

Have a great afternoon, and talk soon!