Aly's Newsletter: Tuesday Edition
So much to chat about today!
Happy Tuesday!
It seems I got a big bump in subscribers since the weekend, and I have NO idea what I did to warrant this...but thank you so much! I’ll try to keep doing it. Whatever it is!
And welcome :)
I wanted to start today's newsletter by wishing a very happy birthday to one of my oldest, closest friends, Amber.
A great way for you to wish Amber a happy birthday as well is to subscribe to her newsletter ASAP - her Substack is just about the most engaging, wittiest you'll find, and I learn something new just about every time I read it -- and usually get a giggle in the process, too.
I met Amber forever ago at a beauty brand's press dinner, but even before that, I was a a big fan of her blog and her social media posts.
Her Substack is so brilliant because that's what SHE is, and honestly -- and this is probably what I should have led with - she's just a fantastic steadfast friend. Never judgy and always supportive. One that will always show up and be there to listen when you need her, no matter what else she has going on in her life. In all these years, we have never had an argument, and in fact, never had ANY friendship drama, not even once -- and trust me, we've encountered some crazy travel and life scenarios over time that could have tested any friendship.
So, happy birthday, Amber! Love you so much!
In OTHER news, I'm a cat mom this week!
I’m obviously a dog mom always and forever, and I love my girls more than anything in the world, but I think cats are pretty great too!
My friend and favorite neighbor had to head out of town for a few days, and I'm cat sitting her little guy Theo this week while she is gone. (You may remember Theo and I are old buds and I got to hang with him for a stretch this past winter.) I'm so excited to have his company again.
BTW, here's a photo from Theo and my last stint together!
Newly published or freshly updated stories
Forbes: Perfect Cocktails For Toasting To Dad This Father’s Day
Clean Plates: The 8 Best Trader Joe’s Breakfast Items, According to Dietitians
Clean Plates: The Sunscreens You Should Avoid, According to Dermatologists (and What to Look for Instead)
The Kitchn: I Just Found Out That the Tortilla Press Is a Brilliant Time-Saving Hack When Making Pies
RetailMeNot: The Best Father’s Day Sales and Deals to Shop Now
TODAY: Get a sun-kissed glow without leaving the house — 27 self-tanners that'll do the trick
If you or your client are featured in any of these stories, I super appreciate any social media shares tagging @alywalansky and the outlet.
Here's what I'm working on:
Be sure to read the below list carefully. Many are stories I posted about yesterday, but some of yesterday's stories are no longer listed and a few new ones have been added since yesterday. This (below) is everything that is still a currently open opportunity as of today.
Clean Plates
I’m rounding up Healthy Costco Store Brand Items That Are Surprisingly High Quality - Looking for comments from RDs as to their favorites and why, and make sure it’s a Costco store brand item (i.e. not just a brand that happens to sell at Costco, but an item made by Costco’s store brand that is healthy, high quality, and delicious - ideally organic too, please.
RetailMeNot
Fourth of July Store Hours + Stores Open Fourth of July (similar to the Easter and Memorial Day store hours roundup I did for this same outlet). This is for major retailers, look at my versions for other holidays for an idea of what I'm looking for.
Today.com
For Today.com, I'm rounding up Father's Day and graduation related deals/freebies at chain restaurants (so if you happen to have those now feel free to send ahead!)
If pitching me restaurant deals/discounts for any of these holidays, please be sure to include what the deal is, how to claim the deal, and any disclaimers, as well as exactly how long it lasts and where it’s good. (I run into A LOT of last minute changes on these deals, so please be sure what you are pitching me is actually the deal being offered before proceeding…it helps us BOTH down the line.)
Virtual consulting sessions...
I've been popping into a lot of PR team virtual meetings and making myself available to answer all sorts of questions about pitching, events, and trips from a media perspective. If you are interested in setting anything up for your own team in the coming months, please email me and we'll get something on the books! This is available for entire agencies or smaller group lunch and learn type concepts. If you are a freelance publicist and want to join in with a few other freelance publicist friends and set something up, we can do that as well!
Are you confused about affiliate marketing?
If you are having trouble learning how to navigate issues of affiliate marketing (trust me, we've all been there!), you may want to try out my friend Sarah Karger, a publicist, and former editor Dana Baardsen (and all-around fab girl!)'s Ultimate Masterclass and Introduction to Affiliate Marketing for Publicists. It's a brilliant course and it'll answer all your questions (including some you didn't know you had!)
Download the Substack App!
Good news! This newsletter is now available via app. That means you can keep up with everything you are reading from your phone. Download the app for iPhone and iPad here. For Android users, sign up for the waiting list here.
<3
aly
Happy Birthday to Amber! And yes, her newsletters are great!
💛 you, Aly! Thank you for your amahzing support and friendship, always. I’m grateful for you. 😘