Aly's Newsletter: Wacky Wednesday Edition

Plus a quick tip if you are ordering your free by-mail rapid tests!

Good morning!

Somehow, it's already Wednesday!

While I'm always grateful for a shortened week, it sometimes also feels like trying to squeeze a motorhome into a parking spot big enough for a Hyundai.

That said, I have a lot going on this week and I'm going to get into it in a second, but first, I wanted to remind everyone who hasn't already that the government website to order free covid tests is now active. Go here - https://special.usps.com/testkits - and four tests will be mailed to your home within the next few weeks.

Note: I've heard some chatter on Twitter that some people who live in apartment buildings have had some issues having their order go through if someone else in their apartment building has already made an order (I live in an apartment building and it worked fine for me, so I hope no one else in my building has a problem!) - the reason for this is because you all have the same address, minus the apartment #, and that is what the USPS computer system is going by when sending one package per household. A fix for this is to put your apartment # in the ADDRESS line instead of the apt/suite line so that it then categorizes as a new address. (Believe it or not, it's as simple as that!)

Here's what I'm working on today:

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. ALL OTHER VALENTINE’S STORIES ARE WRAPPED UP. 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. And please make sure your item is actually in stock and available before pitching it, and the sale you are promoting is currently active. These slight details matter a lot! 

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

For all of these, 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 published in the last few days:

If you or your client has been featured in these stories, I very much appreciate social media shares. Please remember to tag me and the outlet!

FoodNetwork.com

This Bologna Face Mask Is Actually Good for Your Skin

Toll House Is Giving Us Ready-to-Bake Brownies

Your Kraft Mac & Cheese Is About to Get a Boost

Forbes.com

Valentine's Day Gift Guide: The Best Edible Gifts You Can Ship (That Aren't Chocolate)

SPY.com

The Best Valentine’s Day Gifts on Sale Will Get You a Sweet Bargain on an Even Sweeter Gift

60 Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas That Say “Sure, This Holiday Is Commercial But I Still Love You”

Take Comfort in the Best Stuffed Animals for Adults

The Kitchn

Starbucks’ Good Vibe Messenger Is the Exact Mood We’re Going for This Year

As I’ve had SO MUCH content go live in the last week, I’m getting the lion’s share of update requests — some pretty left field, too. It’s inspired me to make that the topic of my next paid newsletter. When it’s OK to ask for an update, when it’s not OK, and what goes into the process of granting your request (if it’s even possible, which it is often not.) - If you want to be able to read that post when it publishes, please upgrade your subscription. That’s also a way to see my recent posts on how to plan a great virtual cooking class (I’m actually attending one tonight I’m super excited about), and also tips on how to best pitch me.

Have a great day

<3

aly