Hey, it's July!
And that means...
I hope you all had a lovely long weekend in spite of *gestures at literally everything.*
On Instagram, I called July 4th “cognitive dissonance day.” I can’t say “proud to be American” applies right now — amid both appalling inequity and yet another preventable gun-violence tragedy — but I’m a proud descendant of immigrants in a marginalized group and I cherish American ideals.
When we feel powerless, let’s remember that protest is quintessentially American — so we are all empowered to speak truth, march, donate in line with our values, and VOTE VOTE VOTE!
(Related reading: My recent piece for Glamour on how to effectively argue about abortion rights with people who just don't get it.)
For me, July is a sacred month. In addition to (what is typically) one of my favorite holidays, this is the month I celebrate both my twins’ birthday and my own. I don’t know enough about astrology to tell you I’m a cancer through and through — but I’m definitely a July spirit through and through.
To that end, I’m taking off next week for vacation, and bits of the following week for family time and Disneyland. (Disneyland… with nine family members… in mid-summer heat and crowds… gulp. I’m not as expert at navigating the park as I know I need to be these days. Help?!)
So this may be the last time you hear from me for a couple of weeks. I’ll be back later in the month and ready to bring some more fun exclusive content for paid subscribers. I’ve truly enjoyed meeting some of you through our one-on-one AMA chats.
I look forward to catching up when I’m back in the saddle! Meanwhile, enjoy your month, stay safe, be kind, and do what you can to help bend the arc of the moral universe toward justice.
PS: Thank you to everyone who pitched banana-related stuff after reading my pitch call for bandana-printed stuff for Travel + Leisure! 🍌🍌🍌 I am endlessly amused.
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Remember I’m offering paid subscribers one-on-one calls in lieu of group Zooms to start out! Paid subscribers, email me to get your call on the calendar.
Things I love
I’m obsessed with the game-changing platform Otter.ai. I use it to both record interviews and also to transcribe them in real time. You can also use it to record/transcribe any type of meeting — so anyone who missed it can easily access the Cliff’s Notes version. There’s a pro plan for agencies/companies with a ton of neat features. Check out Otter.ai here.
Freshbooks is the bookkeeping tool I use exclusively for my invoicing, expenses, and reporting. It’s the best, IMHO, so I evangelize. Get FreshBooks here.
Are you a publicist who needs help understanding the affiliate game? This course, Affiliate Marketing for Publicists, can help.
The best newsletter of my week (besides this one, of course) is Gloria. It’s the newsletter for women in my age category, and if that’s you, you’ll realize how badly under-served you’ve been when you discover how deeply resonant this newsletter is. I end up clicking like every link. It’s so good. Subscribe here.
Open press opportunities
For Verywell Family, I’m working on a quick-turn story about the best kids hiking shoes. To that end, I’m looking for both recs and a podiatrist with pediatric experience. Please pitch asap; I’m filing before I head OOO next week.
Recently published
How to Effectively Argue About Abortion Rights With People Who Just Don't Get It (Glamour)
I Tried the TikTok-famous Swimsuit That Magically Snatches Your Waist — and It's Completely Worth the Hype (Travel + Leisure)
This Purse-sized $40 Booster Car Seat Makes Traveling With Kids So Much Easier — but, It's Selling Out Fast (Travel + Leisure)
15 Best Haunted House Movies You Really Shouldn't Watch Alone (Good Housekeeping)
12 podcasts for kids of every age (Care.com)
The 9 Wildest Perks You'll Ever Encounter at a Hotel (Best Life)
45 Easy Halloween Cocktails That Are Scary Delicious (Woman’s Day)
Where to Visit in July (Hotels Above Par)
The 9 Wildest Perks You'll Ever Encounter at a Hotel (Best Life)
17 Best Kids' Lunch Boxes and Bags (Woman’s Day)
Delta Will Finally Let You Do This on Flights for the First Time in 2 Years (Best Life)
These Comfy, Podiatrist-approved Sandals Are Perfect for Summer Trips — and They Come in So Many Colors (Travel + Leisure)
I'm a Travel Writer, and This Is the Under-$60 Carry-on My Kids Take on Every Trip (Travel + Leisure)
Find Peace in the Heart of L.A. at These Tranquil Botanical Gardens (AFAR)
Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt Just Made This Big Update for All Hotel Guests (Best Life)
Southwest Is the Best With Your Bags—This Airline Is the Worst (Best Life)
The Best Kids’ Bedding for Cozy Rooms They’ll Love to Sleep In (Verywell Family)
Work with me
Here’s how to pitch: Simply respond to this email with a new subject line or pitch me at pitch@alicedubin.com.
Are you a writer hoping to reach my engaged list of publicists? A publicist hoping to connect with brands? A digital media type with a product or service for the industry? Maybe you’d like to sponsor this newsletter with a featured ad. Let’s chat: info@alicedubin.com.
Yes — thanks for asking! — I am also available for project-based consulting.
How to help
Donate to the Uvalde Victims Relief Fund and to Moms Demand Action and Everytown.
Donate to keep the Kyiv Independent going and keep Ukraine’s media going.
Donate to Planned Parenthood… march, fight, and VOTE!
Have so much fun!!!