California Dreamin' (but now back to reality with a TON of assignments)
And: Sign up now for my April press trip AMA + there's still one seat left for tomorrow's How to Be a Journalist's BFF workshop
Happy Tuesday, everyone!
I’m back from my mother-daughter trip to Cali, where we explored Palm Springs, Santa Barbara (my new favorite city in the country, why have I never been there before?!), and San Luis Obispo. We had a blast getting spa treatments, wine tasting, eating everything in sight, olive oil tasting, visiting Hearst Castle, touring magical Lotusland, painting, shopping, exploring galleries and outdoor art installations, and more!
It was a whirlwind 6 days with a truly perfect and fabulous itinerary and we loved every moment together! It was fun for me to show my mom what a press trip is really like (not exactly the “relaxing, free vacation” everyone assumes), as she often complains that we don’t talk our usual 3x a day when I’m on one :) Now she sees why — she had no idea we’d be out and about every day from 8 am til after dinner, LOL!
Here are a few pics:
Speaking of my mom, you’ll find several Southern Living articles (listed below) that feature her Passover recipes in case you’re looking for some inspiration!
BTW: Did you catch my latest Tweet? Don’t say I didn’t warn you about the dangers of using chatGPT to answer interview questions (and warn your clients, too). Read the whole thread:
Ok, well the assignments piled up while I was gone, so check out everything I need below. I’m ready for your pitches and it’s gonna be a BUSY week!
Until next time,
Jill
PS: Have you signed up for my upcoming AMA all about press trips with Aly and Alice? Here’s more details and info on how to RSVP:
Join Top Tier Consulting for Tomorrow’s “How to Be a Journalist’s BFF” Workshop (we have ONE seat left!)
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Nicole Pajer and I have teamed up for Top Tier Consulting, where we offer a variety of customized consulting packages for agencies and freelance publicists to help take your media hits to the next level. These include:
Pitch Perfecting Strategy Session: We’ll workshop your pitches and offer suggestions to help improve your open rate and coverage opps!
Become a Journalist’s BFF: Networking and Relationship Management Session: Highly successful publicists know that building long-term relationships with journalists is truly the gift that keeps on giving, so we’ll give you tips on how to meet new journalists, stay in touch and become their go-to source.
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Press Trips Invites and Itineraries Session: The two most important aspects to pulling off a successful press trip is nailing your invites and itineraries — we will help guide you through both!
Visit our website to learn more about the services and sessions we provide — we’re looking forward to working with you!
***Recently Published Pieces***
(Thank you for your help!)
Travel + Leisure: The Ultimate Cruise Packing List
Southern Living: 10 Ideas for Creating the Perfect Mimosa Bar
Southern Living: Tzimmes for Passover
Southern Living: Apricot Chicken for Passover
Southern Living: Can You Eat Sprouted Onions?
Taste of Home: Can You Eat Sunflower Seed Shells?
Taste of Home: Can you Eat Mango Skin?
Taste of Home: Can You Eat Brown Avocado?
Now, it's time to get the word out! When you and your clients share your coverage on social media, please be sure to tag my accounts: Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn (and please connect with me yourselves!).
—— Current Editorial Needs ——
1. Franklin Prosperity Report: How to Save on These 3 Bucket-List Trips
Looking for longtime luxury travel agents who can provide hacks for saving money when booking each of the following bucket list vacations: an Antarctic cruise, an over-the-water bungalow in the Maldives (or similar locale), and an African safari.
Please send credentials AND commentary.
Subject line: Bucket List Savings
Email: JillSchildhouse@gmail.com
Pitch by: EOD Friday
2. Southern Living: Does Vinegar Go Bad? (URGENT)
Looking for a chef or food safety professional
Please send credentials, not commentary. I’ll send specific interview questions.
Subject line: Vinegar expert
Email: JillSchildhouse@gmail.com
Pitch by: EOD Wednesday
3. Travel + Leisure: The Most Comfortable Flats for Travel
This article will cover comfy women’s flats only. If it’s not flat, it’s not the right fit.
Products sold at big box retailers and/or are on Skimlinks will be given priority (so please tell me that in your pitch!)
Looking to fill such categories as best packable, best canvas, best splurge, best budget, best loafers, best slingback, best sustainable, best leather, best espadrille, best pointed, best lightweight, best traction, best arch support, best for wide feet
For each product you pitch, suggest the category and tell me why it’s so great for travel. Share info on specs, materials, cushioning technology, etc.
Subject line: T+L Comfy Flats + INSERT NAME OF BRAND HERE
Email: JillSchildhouse@gmail.com
Pitch by: EOD Friday
4. Travel + Leisure: The Best Wrinkle-Resistant Dresses for Travel
This article will cover WRINKLE-RESISTANT dresses only (please do not pitch me other kinds of dresses)
Products sold at big box retailers and/or are on Skimlinks will be given priority (so please tell me that in your pitch!)
Looking to fill such categories as best silk, best athletic, best bodycon, best long-sleeve, best maxi, best midi, best mini, best budget, best splurge, best LBD, best wrap, best versatile, best casual, best floral, best with pockets, best formal, best size-inclusive
For each product you pitch, suggest the category and tell me why it’s so great for travel. Plus, prove to me that it’s wrinkle-resistant by explaining the material/fabric, technology, etc.
Subject line: T+L Wrinkle-Resistant Dresses + INSERT NAME OF BRAND HERE
Email: JillSchildhouse@gmail.com
Pitch by: EOD Friday
5. Brides: Planning a Romantic Arizona Honeymoon (focusing on Sedona, Tucson and Phoenix/Scottsdale only)
Looking for ROMANTIC options for each of the following. Be sure to tell me WHY it’s such a great honeymoon option, wow me with details on all the romantic and lovey-dovey offerings, etc.
places to stay (hotels) —- not looking for current package specials, but evergreen options
things to do (activities — spas, sightseeing, gardens, hot air balloon ride, etc.)
where/what to eat (restaurants/bars)
Also need a couple wedding/bridal/luxury travel experts (AZ-based and BIPOC preferred) to weigh in on some questions about honeymooning in AZ … please send credentials, not commentary. I’ll send specific interview questions.
Subject line: Brides AZ Honeymoon + Brand/Expert Name
Email: JillSchildhouse@gmail.com
Pitch by: EOD Friday
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How did I not know about Hearst castle???
Sounds like such an amazing trip and how special to share it with your mom! Hearst Castle was one of my favorite places during my Pacific Coast Highway roadtrip. Saw zebras running freely in the pastures in the distance while driving - so cool!! Plus, I nerded out on the Hearst history being in PR ;) P.S.- I'd be so into that splatter paint session. See you soon for TTT!!