I’m back from the Middle East, tanner than before (despite my best SPF and wide-brimmed hat efforts) and full of my family’s extra delish food and Dead Sea salts.
So now, in the middle of August, I’m wishing you the happiest and merriest of holidays because gift guide season is totally upon us. We’re in it. Knee-deep. Like frankly, I’m wading in gift guides already.
Also, most of us are pretty disconnected from nature and the things we eat and consume, so here’s a picture of a pomegranate opening right on the tree in my family’s Eilat yard. Neat, eh?
And if you’re wondering, Eilat is a small city at the northern tip of the Red Sea—just across the way from Aqaba, Jordan (about 2 miles east), within walking distance of Sinai, Egypt (about 2 miles south) and within sight of Saudi Arabia (10-15 miles southeast).
Working on now/need pitches:
It’s holiday time! All the below stories are in play and we’re writing, editing, testing and trying items out NOW for publishing over the next two to four weeks.
Email me at bryce.gruber@stjoseph.com with pitches.
BONUS POINTS FOR BRANDS GOOD ABOUT SOCIAL SHARES ON POSITIVE PRESS!
Top-rated Amazon gifts for kids (we’ll be breaking these down by age, so be sure to specify)
Gifts for Mom under ($20, $50, $100) and yes, must be affiliate-ready
Gifts for Dad under ($20, $50, $100), and yes, must be affiliate-ready
Gifts for grandparents, and yes, must be affiliate-ready (ideally $300/less, some splurges)
Gifts for your in-laws, and yes, must be affiliate-ready (ideally $300/less, some splurges)
Advent calendars for like every age and stage you can imagine, Amazon strongly preferred but all skimlinks options considered
More to come next week! This is just the start <3
Recently published:
So much. So, so much. Just going to highlight a few:
Loads of really great back-to-school sales (and I’m still adding to the list!)
Forever 21 x Reebok vintage back-to-school collection = super cute
Triple bunk beds are space-saving wonders
Best washers and dryers for busy households (I feel uniquely qualified to tackle this topic, actually)
Jobs:
First, selfishly, I need an entry-level production assistant to help me about 10-15 hours per week at Today’s Parent. Easy, peasy stuff for someone familiar with typical CMS backgrounds. Possibility to move into a bigger production or writing role over time!
Uncommon Schools needs a senior media/PR director. NY-based, salary around $160k + great benefits.
Publicist for Dania Beach. Must live in Broward County or nearby.
CNET needs a personal finance editor. Work from anywhere. Salary + benefits (they said about $80k annually, but higher for the right writer/editor).
Heineken needs a senior brand manager. $130k + benefits. New York area.
For Affiliate Tribe members:
We’ve discussed Amazon a gazillion times—especially how important loads of positive reviews are. But how do new products get all those reviews, anyway? And how to existing products get to 5,000 or 10,000 positive ratings in a short period of time without having some viral twist of fate?
Clever marketing—that’s how. A really good example fell on my desk today so I’m sharing it with you.