New Year, New Assignments and Opportunities
Hello and happy 2026!
I basically took the last 3 weeks of 2025 off, so re-entry today feels ROUGH! Here’s what you missed:
My boyfriend and I celebrated our 1-year anniversary on a Virgin Voyages cruise (highly recommend) over Christmas
We had a fun few days at Resorts World in Las Vegas exploring so many restaurants, the amazing spa, nightlife, etc. It was my first time at this property and certainly won’t be my last!
We got into a massive 3-car accident in Florida while in the back of a Lyft — and now I’m navigating the whole situation with a lawyer, because the driver who hit us was uninsured (and the driver who hit them into us a second time fled the scene) and Lyft provides almost no coverage to passengers. Stay tuned, as I will be writing about this, because it’s a huge wakeup call about rideshare services and accident liability — they are trying to stick me with over $80k in medical expenses, including the ambulance ride to the ER, all the ER tests, ongoing medical care, etc.). What a mess.
In the meantime, it’s time to dig into January assignments … I have several Valentine’s Day gift guides closing soon and additional stories detailed below.
Wishing you all a lovely, healthy, happy and successful start to the new year,
Jill
PS: Have you followed me on Yahoo yet? Have you sent me any cool pitches? Please do! Check out my profile to see the types of stories I’m covering (pretty much anything under the lifestyle umbrella, with a heavy emphasis on travel, food, and ecommerce).
Work 1:1 with Me!
Does this sound familiar?
You’re firing off pitches, chasing media opportunities, and doing everything by the book—but it’s just not working.
🚨 Your pitches are getting ignored.
🚨 You’re not landing the coverage your clients deserve.
🚨 You’re questioning the entire industry and your future in it.
The media contacts you spent years building? Laid off.
Writers and editors? Overwhelmed and not responding as often.
Your emails? Just more noise in flooded inboxes.
The harsh truth: The old-school PR playbook doesn’t work anymore. It’s time to adapt, pivot, and re-strategize.
That’s exactly what I help publicists do.
And I just opened up three spots to work privately with those who want to:
✅ Skyrocket pitch open rates, so your emails don’t vanish into the void
✅ Build real and long-lasting relationships with journalists that make coverage easier for years to come
✅ Improve ROI on in-person and virtual events, press samples, and press trips
✅ Create angles and hooks that make your clients’ stories impossible to ignore
✅ Nail your clients’ competitive edge — so they stand out as the only choice
✅ Navigate today’s shifting media landscape with confidence
We’ll work together over the next few months to get you serious results—quickly.
Would you like to work together?
Simply email me at JillSchildhouse@gmail.com and I’ll send you more info.
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Humble brag alert: My average open rate is 45%, so this is a highly engaged audience (PS: that open rate is MORE THAN DOUBLE what’s considered “good” for marketing!).
Contact me today to discuss sponsorship opportunities: JillSchildhouse@gmail.com
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***Recently Published Pieces***
(Thank you for your help!)
Business Insider: I spent 85 days on cruises this year. Here are 5 travel mistakes I won’t be making in 2026.
US News & World Report: Royal Caribbean’s Star of the Seas
US News & World report: Norwegian Cruise Line’s Aqua
Eating Well: A Cardiologist and a Nutrition Researcher Share the Top 4 Frozen Foods for Heart Health
Southern Living: Your Veggie Leftovers Might Not Be As Safe As You Think—Here’s What You Need To Know
Business Insider: I visited Lisbon for the first time. Though I did a few things right, there’s a lot I wish I’d known before I left.
Business Traveler: Flight Review: British Airways 787-10 Business Class from London to Riyadh
Southern Living: This is the Vegetable I Wait All Year to Eat
US News & World Report: The 7 Best Panama Canal Cruises for Seniors
Eating Well: The #1 Activity to Boost Your Memory, According to Doctors
ShermansTravel: Why Cruising Is the Ultimate Way to Explore Asia’s Highlights
Southern Living: The Best Time To Book A Cruise For The Lowest Prices And Best Perks, According To Travel Experts
Taste of Home: I Tried the ‘Secret Sauce’ at 7 Fast-Food Restaurants to Find the Best One
Reader’s Digest: I Finally Caved and Tried the Buzzy Tech Feature on Royal Caribbean’s Latest Ship—Here’s What I Liked and Didn’t
Eating Well: Experts Say This Dairy Product May Help You Lose Visceral Fat
Reader’s Digest: Carnival Cruise Line Announces a Huge Beverage Change—And Fans Are Divided
EatingWell: The 6 Best Cereals to Help Lower Cholesterol, According to Dietitians
Forbes: Father’s Day Gift Guide 2025: First-Class Experiences For Executives
Forbes: Chasing Elite Airline Status? Make a Vacation Out of it.
Forbes: Father’s Day Gift Guide 2025: 12 Ways to Gift Quality Time Together
Forbes: How to Elevate Your Coach Class Ticket to a First Class Flight
Business Insider: I flew business class with Qantas, Singapore, and American Airlines. Here’s how they compare — and which is my favorite.
U.S. News & World Report: Cruise Weddings: How to Get Married on a Cruise Ship
U.S. News & World Report: The 7 Best Bachelor Party Cruises
The Points Guy: 8 amazing places to use points for a trip to the Caribbean
US News & World Report: Star of the Seas vs. Icon of the Seas
Reader’s Digest: Norwegian Cruise Line’s Aqua Offers All the Fun of a Megaship on a More Manageable Scale
Reader’s Digest: I’ve Been on Two of the Biggest Cruise Ships in the World—Here’s the One I Would Be Most Excited to Sail on Again
Reader’s Digest: Is This New Cruise-Tipping Trend a Huge Etiquette Faux Pas?
Reader’s Digest: This Surprising Cruise Feature Is Disappearing from Ships Around the Globe—Here’s What You Need to Know
Reader’s Digest: Carnival Cruise Line Is Suddenly Charging for These Popular Beverages—And Passengers Are Fuming
Business Insider: My mom and I went to Mexico, but her suitcase went to India. Now, there’s one travel mistake we’ll never make again.
Taste of Home: This is Why Some of Your Avocados are Stringy
Eating Well: The 7 Best Canned Foods for Cognitive Health, Recommended by Dietitians
The Points Guy: Oasis of the Seas cruise ship review: What to expect on board the original Oasis Class vessel
Oprah Daily: Feeding My Soul in the Valley of the Sun
Reader’s Digest: Don’t Make This Expensive Mistake On Your Next Cruise
Reader’s Digest: Carnival Cruise Line Is the First to Ban This Controversial Item on All Sailings
Reader’s Digest: How to Score a Cruise Upgrade—For Free!
Thrillist (my first byline for this outlet!): How Realistic Is ‘Doctor Odyssey’?
Business Insider: I frequently visit Las Vegas between Thanksgiving and Christmas. It’s one of the best times to experience The Strip.
Southern Living: I’ve Been Cruising For Over 25 Years, Here Are 22 Things You’ll Be Glad You Packed
Reader’s Digest: It’s Not Your Imagination: Flights Are Getting Longer—Here’s Why
Taste of Home: Why Are There So Many Food Recalls Right Now?
Reader’s Digest: Here’s How to Tell Which Side of the Car Your Gas Tank Is on—Without Getting Out
Business Insider: I spent $50,000 on my kitchen remodel. These 5 splurges were totally worth it — but I have one expensive regret.
US News & World Report: Bucket List Cruises for Seniors
Business Traveler: What Is It Like to Fly Singapore Airlines Business Class on the A350?
AARP: Don’t Make These Mistakes on Your Visa Application (my second story about getting denied entry into Vietnam)
Reader’s Digest: Don’t Miss This Black Friday Cruise Deal to Score 75% Off a Second Guest
Reader’s Digest: What Is the 5-4-3-2-1 Packing Method, and Why Do Travel Pros Swear by It?
The Points Guy: 10 hotels with Michelin-starred restaurants — and how to use points to pay for them
Southern Living: The 8 Best Cruise Itineraries That Sail Out Of Southern Ports
Reader’s Digest: Royal Caribbean Is Raising Its Gratuity Fee—Here’s What You Need to Know
Reader’s Digest: A Swiftie’s Guide to New Orleans: 12 Things to See and Do
Reader’s Digest: The First Thing You Should Do When You Board a Cruise
US News & World Report: Utopia of the Seas: The Best Dining, Amenities and More on Royal Caribbean’s Newest Ship
AARP: A Suspected Blood Clot Landed Me in a Cruise Ship Medical Center
The Points Guy: 10 Best Asia Cruises
The Points Guy: 8 Best Australia/New Zealand Cruises
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!).
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—— Current Editorial Needs ——
1. Yahoo: Sponsored Valentine’s Day Gift Guides
Current available topics include:
Valentine’s Day Gifts for Her That Don’t Miss
A no-duds gift guide for readers shopping for women. I’m looking for universally loved picks: skincare and hair tools, cute sleep + lounge, candles and home upgrades, jewelry organizers, bags, perfume sets, sentimental-but-stylish gifts.
Gifts for the Guy Who Buys Himself Nothing
Men rarely treat themselves — this is your shot. I’m seeking super-practical but elevated gifts across grooming, comfort wear, gadgets, home/chef items, and weekender gear. If it solves a real pain point or gets daily use, it’s a win.
Anti-Valentine’s Day — Treat Yourself Anyway
I’m putting together a fun, confidence-forward Valentine’s guide for Yahoo focused on self-gifting. Think: cozy self-care upgrades, solo date-night treats, glow-up beauty, indulgent snacks, and little luxuries with daily ROI. Anything that helps readers feel good without a partner required.
These guides are sponsored and priced very affordably since the total cost is split among a group of brands. I have limited category slots—if you want info on fees and deliverables, just say the word.
Subject line: Yahoo VDay Gift Guides
Email: JillSchildhouse@gmail.com
Email by: January 9
2. Forbes: Most BALLER Las Vegas Hotel Suites
Looking for pitches on some seriously baller suites in Vegas
Think: The type of suite that’s reserved for VIPs, invite-only, truly insane amenities, etc.
Your pitch must include a horizontal image (or several), an explanation of the size of the indoor/outdoor space and amenities included in the suite, how to book it (if possible … or how to qualify for it), etc.
Subject line: Forbes Las Vegas Suites
Email: JillSchildhouse@gmail.com
Email by: January 9
3. Copper Courier: Best Meal Delivery Kits in Arizona
Open to awesome meal delivery kits available anywhere in the state
Subject line: Copper Courier AZ Meal Delivery Kits
Email: JillSchildhouse@gmail.com
Email by: January 9
OMG Jill! How awful and scary! I've heard horror stories on the news about the rideshare accident issues. Glad to hear you're ok and hope you can get everything sorted soon and aren't dealing with any health issues from this. Happy New Year xo
Whoa, SO sorry to hear about the accident and everything you're dealing with now. I had no idea idea Lyft doesn't extend coverage to passengers.