Monday: Everything I'm working on this week + You asked, I answer: The gifts editors and writers REALLY want to receive this year
Good morning!
And…happy Monday!
I feel like this is likely to be the last “normal” work week of the year as we’re going to be pretty actively thrust into holiday slow down by this time next week…
This weekend was the annual Walansky family latkes extravaganza, where we spend all afternoon grating potatoes to make a whole lot of latkes (we went through a 10-pound bag of potatoes this year!). One thing that set this year apart though is that our latkes were air-fried vs. fried, which keeps them golden and crispy but cuts out a whole lot of oil — but just as delicious!
In other news, this was our dessert (made possible by a gorgeous Star of David bundt pan sent to me as a holiday gift by a dear friend):
Isn’t it beautiful?
Important reminder: Alice Dubin and I hosted a Valentine’s gift guide-centric AMA session on Thursday and it was a huge success. Thanks so much to ALL who came to support. Did you miss it and are eager to catch the recording? Get all the deets here.
I have a bunch of newly pending assignments as well as recently published or updated stories to share below - but also wanted to touch on a topic that has been popping up in my inbox these past few weeks…
In recent weeks, a few members of this community have emailed and asked questions along the lines of holiday gifts and editor gifting.
I want to preface this by saying that none of us expect gifts ever and they are not necessary. However, if you do wish to send gifts this time of year to a writer or editor you work with regularly, I’m happy to share some guidelines for that.
I know it’s tempting to create shot glasses or coffee mugs or hats or totes with your branding. It’s probably also tempting to send cute branded cookies or cupcakes. All gifts are always appreciated, of course (it is the thought that counts!), but I will say that the gifts that are most appreciated are not these gifts but the ones that are most functional and useful in our daily lives.
For me, for example, no gift ever gets me more excited than those that are along the lines of an Uber gift card (you have no idea how much of my budget goes toward just GETTING PLACES!), or along the same lines, something like an Amazon gift card, Instacart gift card, or some sort of third-party food delivery app gift card.
Again, no one ever expects or needs to receive gifts — holiday or otherwise. But if you are going to spend your company or client budget on those this season, try to spend it on those gifts that will go to good use. In a tight economy (where we’re all trying to be sustainable and have less *stuff*) those are the best gifts of all, in all instances.
Newly published or freshly updated
Since people are often asking about the status of stories from a while ago, and I only share stories in this newsletter that were published or updated in the current week, I have created a list of my author pages at various publications to which I contribute. Bookmark it and make your life a bit easier.
This list will live on my Substack URL and be updated as necessary. That way, you can see what I’m doing at any publication, at any time, from types of stories to general structure of stories to even volume and frequency of my content at that outlet.
This can also help you to target pitching a bit better. That makes your job easier, and mine too!
Southern Living: Can You Freeze Green Onions?
The Kitchn: This Multifunctional Spoon Has Become a Mainstay in My Kitchen — And It’s Less than $20 on Amazon
The Kitchn: Taylor Swift Keeps This Surprising (and Sentimental) Decor Item in Her Kitchen
Forbes.com: Angelo Sosa’s Kembara Is A Love Letter To His Asian Travels
Food Network: White Claw Is Going Dry
Clean Plates: 11 Healthy Hanukkah Recipes Nutritionists Love
The Kitchn: The $9 “Amazing” Costco Kitchen Gem That’s Flying Off Shelves
The Kitchn: This $4 Aldi Seasonal Dupe Has Shoppers Buying 3 at a Time
The Kitchn: Aldi Just Brought Back an “Amazing” Holiday Treat That Sold Out Fast Last Year
Forbes.com: Fun Dishes To Enjoy While Celebrating Hanukkah
Forbes.com: Celebrate Hanukkah With Fun And Festive Cocktails
The Kitchn: The $4 Viral Trader Joe’s Dessert Is Back, but Only for a Limited Time
Popsugar: How to Get Rid of Pesky Bad Breath, According to Dentists
The Kitchn: Costco Just Added a New Pastry to the Bakery Section and It’s the Best $9 You’ll Spend All Week
Forbes.com: Las Vegas Is Readying For A Lavender Haze As Raiders Play Chiefs
Southern Living: Can You Freeze Cabbage?
Southern Living: Can You Eat Underripe Avocado?
Southern Living: How To Boil Potatoes
Clean Plates: 10 Trader Joe’s Frozen Appetizers Perfect For Holiday Parties
Food Network: Rao’s Is Getting In On Ketchup
Food Network: Popeyes Officially Launches Wings As Permanent Menu Items
Food Network: You Can Buy Just About Anything Inside an Olive Garden – Including Its Cheese Graters
Forbes.com: Holiday Gift Guide 2023: The Best Gifts For The Meat Lover
Forbes.com: Holiday Gift Guide 2023: The Best Gifts For The Sushi Lover
Forbes.com: Holiday Gift Guide 2023: The Best Pink Kitchen Gifts For Barbie Lovers
RetailMeNot: Where to Get Free Food Today (and Every Day of the Week)
Travel & Leisure: I'm a Longtime Solo Traveler, and These Are The 12 Best Personal Safety Devices on Sale at Amazon
Travel & Leisure: Travelers Are Using This Flight Attendant-approved Gadget to Get More Space on Planes — and It Only Costs $13
Travel & Leisure: The Flight Attendant-approved Hack I Swear by for Getting Through the Airport Stress-free Is Just $10 Right Now
Travel & Leisure: I’m a Travel Writer, and I Swear by This $9 Trick for Keeping My Feet Comfortable While Sightseeing
Travel & Leisure: Frequent Fliers Say This Genius Hack Makes It Feel Like They've Upgraded Their Seat — and It's Only $35
If you or your client are featured in any of these stories, I super appreciate any social media shares! Please remember to tag @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.
Please remember when pitching me: Email me at alywalansky@gmail.com - do NOT just hit reply on this newsletter, or there’s a good shot your email will be lost in the heap. Give your email a subject line that makes it clear which story you are pitching me for — it’ll help you in the long run.
Please consult my industry insights guides on submitting expert commentary, sending emails that will catch a journalist’s attention, how to craft pitches journalists will say ‘yes’ to, and the right and wrong way to submit photos, if you need any extra guidance before sending your pitches.
Forbes
Here’s a fun one that’s not remotely self-serving (as my birthday is next week!). I’m working on a roundup of birthday-themed cocktails and desserts at restaurants and bars. Obviously straight up birthday cake is not the answer. But if you have a fun birthday cake inspired martini at your bar, I’d love to hear about THAT. Please send me the name of the drink/dish, description, image, and a chef from the chef/bartender about it by Friday.
Pantone just announced their latest color of the year and it’s Peach Fuzz. I’d love to round up some cocktails that are inspired by this! Please send me the name of the drink, description, image, and a chef from the chef/bartender about it by Friday.
RetailMeNot
For RetailMeNot, I’m updating my New Years store hours guide from last season. I’m looking to maintain the same format and the same stores, just needs to be updated for 2023. So: If you or your client was included in last year’s guide, I would so appreciate if you can drop me a quick note and confirm the open/closed/modified hours info is still the same - or if it’s not. Otherwise, I’ll be reaching out soon!
Looking to up your affiliate marketing game?
Affiliate marketing is complicated, and it seems that the landscape keeps changing. If you are looking to be prepared for gift guide season and all other shopping-related content, you may want to try the 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!)
Virtual (and now in-person!) consulting sessions...
Looking for a consult as you plan your next event or trip? Or just want someone to take a look at the pitches you’ve been sending and give some feedback? I’m available for PR team virtual meetings to answer questions about pitching, events, and trips from a media perspective. Note: I’m also available to travel for consulting sessions as long as travel expenses are covered. We can chat! This is available for entire agencies or smaller group lunch and learn type concepts.
Have a great day!
That bundt cake is gorge!!! Happy Early Birthday & hope you have a great week, Aly xo