Aly's Newsletter: Wednesday Edition

Happy Hump Day!

Hi, friends!

Last night, This Is Us returned after a way-too-long hiatus. While I’m excited to have one of my fave shows back, it is rather bittersweet, being that this is indeed the final season.

My ritual for watching the show is to close my computer and pour a glass of wine. I joke with my friends it is sort of like my weekly therapy. (So imagine how I felt not having my therapy for so long!). This is pretty rare for me is that MOST shows I watch I am enjoying while answering emails, texting friends, or cooking. It’s not often that I turn everything off and just focus on the show I’m watching. (In fact, the only other show I do that for in the modern era is Outlander, and that’s not coming back until March!)

Still, I did find last night’s episode frustrating at points, and I am having a lot of feelings on it. If you do as well and want to discuss, drop your thoughts in the comments below!

As many of us have gone into hunkering down at home mode, I’ve been watching a bit more TV since the holidays. Just finished Cobra Kai (which I felt pretty medium about - much as my bestie Bryce shared she was feeling in her own newsletter). However, LOVED this season of Emily in Paris and also very into Sex Lives of College Girls. Currently also watching both Dexter and And Just Like That…. (and have pretty complicated feelings on both).

What are you watching? What should I be watching? Please share in the comments below!

Here's what I'm working on today:

Today.com: I’m rounding up deals, freebies, and promotions at nationwide bagel or breakfast chains for National Bagel Day. If you have anything that may be a fit, please email me ASAP at alywalansky@gmail.com.

AllRecipes: I'm doing a story on slow cooker liners.  Those who sometimes watch me cook on Instagram know I use these religiously in my own slow cooker cooking, and I'd love it if credible experts can weigh in on if they do as well (or why they don't), and why, as well as some pro tips/warnings about what to look for in them.

HerMoney: For HerMoney, I'm working on a roundup of the  best work perks incredible female founders offer at their companies. This story is tied to National Fun at Work Day.. Are you having fun at work? Hopefully, yes! These female founders have ensured that their employees have the best work environments possible. Would love if you can email me some founders/perks that may fit into this by EOW. 

SPY.com: For SPY, I'm working on all of the following: 

Best valentine’s gifts to get on sale now

Best valentine’s day gift baskets 

To pitch me for any of the SPY product-centric stories, please be sure to start a new email, email alywalansky@gmail.com and include the name of the product, a link where sold online, and a description. Long lists of nothing but URLs are lazy and often end up in my spam! And please pay attention to deadlines. All too often I get pitched for stories I was writing a week ago. Those are so long-ago done I may not even remember I was working on them anymore. Well, not quite. But close!

Reminder: If a story was on this leads list yesterday and no longer is today, it's an indicator that I have gotten all I need for that story and moved on. So, your best bet is to always get responses in ASAP, even if the deadline is a few days away.

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

Clean Plates

5 Reasons You Absolutely Need to Eat Less Sugar

Food Network

Chipotle Adds Another Vegan “Meat” Option to Its Menu
Keep Your Eyes Peeled: Sumo Citruses Are Cropping Up Again

Forbes.com

10 Perfect Mocktails To Enjoy During Dry January

Her Money

Why Monday Is The Best Day To Make A Fresh Start
SPY.com

The Best Valentine’s Gifts for People Who Hate Valentine’s Day
We Asked Pro Coffee Roasters How To Keep Coffee Fresh in 2022
Stylish Coffee Table Books That Double as Decor

Reminder: If you or your client are featured in any of these stories, would super appreciate any social media shares tagging me and the outlet!

Have a great day!

<3

aly