Easy Wins...
For the win. Plus some anniversary news and links up the wazoo for easy wins each and every day.
Happy Thursday & Happy December!
Hey, did you know this week marks the Second Anniversary of What I’d Rather Be Talking About?
When I started, I really had no idea how or what I was going to do with my Substack. And now, here we are two years later and this thing that was so foreign to me in 2022 has become a part of my daily routine in a way that surpasses smoothie bowls and morning coffee.
That’s huge, my friends. Because if you’ve followed me for even one second, you know that I love to write about smoothie bowls and all things wellness, in addition to other topics that can help you live your best life.
Speaking of smoothie bowls, if you missed my breakfast reports, the story about what happens when you don’t pay attention while running, or how you can enjoy 8 days in Spain for free I’ve got those and more in the archives.
Here are a few of the more popular posts to get you started if you’re new here:
The Secret Sauce that Makes Any Travel or Life Experience Magical
This is the Sign You’ve Been Waiting for to Book that Massage
And… if you get all the way to the end of this newsletter, I’ll address the question:
Keeping enticing information until the very end is just one of the secrets I’ve picked up after two years of Substacking.
I’ve learned so much about writing and newsletters since that very first issue.
And I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again…
Back then, I had no idea what I was doing.
As in None.
I basically took things week by week…
and flew by the seat of my pants.
But from that first issue, I made a commitment to myself. I would publish a newsletter every single Thursday no matter what. This commitment stressed me out from time to time as life, writing projects, and travel for work competed with my newsletter writing time.
But somehow, each week I did it. (Haven’t missed a single Thursday for two years.)
I became the kind of 🤓 who watches Substack tutorials instead of Netflix. I got to the place where I live and breathe Substack.
I did not see that coming, but I’m so happy to be here.
Because here’s the deal…
The single action of starting this newsletter took my career and my life to new levels.
It gave me confidence in my other writing, introduced me to other Substackers, and opened up new opportunities.
Most importantly…it made me accountable to following my dreams.
Which (obviously) leads to What I’d Rather Be Talking About:
And this week, I just have two questions for you:
First…
What is the one thing you’ve been wanting to do?
and, an important follow up…
What are you waiting for?
I’ll ask that again…
What. Are. You. Waiting. For.
When you’ve answered those questions, do just one more thing.
Think about where you could be in one year
by taking that first step TODAY.
You can even make that thing official and declare it to the world (or at least Substackland) by leaving it in the comments below.
Or, you can keep it to yourself and then tell us about it next year. Whatever the case, just think about doing that thing.
As you mull this over, let’s talk about wins. Easy wins.
This week, the links are inspired by the cookbook Easy Wins by Anna Jones. The premise behind it is that just 12 “hero ingredients” can produce 125 all-new dishes you’ll want to cook on repeat. Simple ingredients are the game changers that lead to easy wins at dinner time.
Well, I think that’s a genius concept for a cookbook, and honestly, for life as well.
We need all the Easy Wins we can get.
Especially during the holidays.
Well, you’re in luck. I’ve got some for you below.
let’s make life easier with podcasts, YouTube, Substack newsletters, and entertainment
I just discovered the Substack Lemon Soul, where the motto is “letting everyone know they’re not alone in what they feel.” Other Substacks I’m into include The Midstack by Jessica Smock, The Savoring by Stephanie Mullen, and The Reset for holistic living advice.
More uplifting content in this list of self help podcasts, or maybe you’re just looking for some shortcuts. In that case try The Lifehack Show or watch Random Hacks That Will Save Your Day.
YouTube your way to Easy Street with 30 Things to Make Life Easier. Plus, if a family of 13 can live more simply, I guess I can too. Here’s their advice for easier grocery shopping.
Chill out mindlessly with the December lineup on Netflix, the latest on Hulu, or the Peacock releases that I was going to ignore until I noticed The Bionic Woman Seasons 1-3 begin airing on December 9. (Or, how to tell your readers you’re a nerd without telling them you’re a nerd.)
At any rate, lots to watch after days spent running around. Time to get some new PJs and slippers, make some clean snacks, and maybe even try an organic, sugar free wine that makes sipping feel healthier, or whip up a delicious mocktail.
let’s make life easier with cookbooks & gadgets
🧑🍳Keep your favorite chef (or yourself) happy in the kitchen with a new cookbook, starting with Easy Wins, the cookbook that inspired this newsletter. Or try Nourish by Gisele Bündchen, Milk Street Tuesday Nights for “weeknight dinners that taste like Sunday dinner,” and you can’t go wrong with these small plate ideas from Graze: Inspiration for Small Plates and Meandering Meals.
Not into cookbooks? Need something for a host or hostess gift? Try these home chef gift ideas, take things up a notch by refreshing your spice rack, and any of these food items would make great gifts for others or self!