Aly's Thursday Newsletter: The Queen's Platinum Jubilee, job leads, and what I'm working on
Good morning!
I've been glued to coverage this morning of Her Majesty The Queen's Platinum Jubilee.
(Apologies to those who follow me on Twitter, I know there's an obnoxious amount of tweets about it this morning!)
For those who are not royal watchers (which I understand may be many of you, who are probably also incredibly bored reading this right now), the Platinum Jubilee is a REALLY BIG deal. It signifies Her Majesty being on the throne for 70 years, making her the first British monarch in history to reach a Platinum Jubilee!
(BTW: If you missed it, here’s my Forbes story with a bunch of fun cocktails perfect for toasting Her Majesty in honor of her Platinum Jubilee!)
I'll be honest: I had really hoped to be in London for the festivities this weekend, but it ended up not being in the cards. But I'm doing my best to honor the Queen from here in NYC -- I have my favorite English sparkling wine chilling in the fridge for later, there's tea in the kettle, and if I come across a scone or a crumpet today or this weekend...it's happening.
Since I'm not in London for these four days of excitement, I was feeling a bit nostalgic for another time I had been in London in what feels like another lifetime (read: before times).
A few weeks before the royal wedding in 2018 (Harry and Meghan's, obviously!), my good friend Nadine and I embarked on a royal reporting trip to the UK.
During my AMA sessions, any time I ever am asked what the best press trip I've ever been on was, I mention this trip as one of the very best.
The funny thing is, there were a few aspects I often say I don't want - crazy long days with intense schedules and it was a long trip - we were away for over a week, which is generally a press trip cocktail I can't accept.
But...it was all royal themed and we visited some of my favorite historical sites with royal associations, including all the castles (well, most of them!) and it's a trip I'll never forget. As a girl who lives and breathes royal history, it was truly a dream come true, every over-scheduled minute of it.
So maybe there’s a teachable moment in that: People don’t mind being overscheduled if they are doing things they truly love!
Here's some photos from that trip:
OK, that was an obnoxious number of photos to embed. I'll stop now! But putting it in the universe -- London, I'll be visiting you again before long! There's even some royal historical spots I still have yet to visit. (You guys, I've never been to the Tower of London or Hever Castle or even Hampton Court,...I need to pay my Anne Boleyn respects.)
Newly published or freshly updated stories
Food Network: Why Is There No More Mexican Pizza at Taco Bell?
The Kitchn: This Super-Cool Hack Offers Up a Major Upgrade for Summer Entertaining
Forbes: Father’s Day Gift Guide: The Best Foodie Gifts For A Dad Who Loves History
Forbes: Father’s Day Gift Guide: The Best Gifts For The Martini Lover
Forbes: Father’s Day Gift Guide: The Best Gifts For The Aspirational Home Chef
HerMoney: Affordable Father's Day Gifts Under $100
HerMoney: How To Choose The Best Wine On A Budget
TODAY.com: National Doughnut Day: Where to score freebies at Dunkin, 7-Eleven and more
Clean Plates: The Best Plant-Based Meats for the Grill, According to Vegans
If you or your client are featured in any of these stories, I super appreciate any social media shares tagging @alywalansky and the outlet.
Job Leads
My dear friends at Comm Oddities, Inc., a fun AF boutique consumer PR agency are looking to hire a remote, full-time contract media relations strategist that excels in account management and earned media. Looking for someone who is highly organized. Positive attitude, results-driven candidates please email resume with earned media highlights to sarah@commodditiesinc.com
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
Healthy Costco Store Brand Items That Are Surprisingly High Quality: Personally, I'm a fan of their olive oil (and I say that as someone who has visited Italy for the olive harvest and been to many olive oil tastings), but I'd love RDs and nutritionists to weigh in on this as well... what else is there? And why is it great? Focus on organics pls <3
RetailMeNot
1. The Best Father's Day Sales to Shop Now: I'm looking for the biggies for this one, places like Home Depot, Lowe's, Best Buy, Amazon, Target, Walmart, Ancestry, 23andMe, Fitbit IF they are throwing a sale. I'm looking for retail sales only for this one (NOT restaurants - I have a different story at a different outlet for that). TO pitch for this one, please include what's on sale, how to shop it, the promo code.
2. 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!
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That’s it for today - have a great day, and God Save the Queen!
<3
aly
We are to be addressed as Lady from this day forward.
Hi Aly. I'm so glad that you are enjoying the Jubilee celebrations. The Queen is an amazing lady and an extraordinary example of a life of duty and devotion. I had to go out earlier but I've just been looking at the coverage of the Trooping of the Colour and the balcony appearances.