As I write this, it’s not even that hot yet. (84 degrees and sunny, at around 1:30 in the afternoon.)
Yet I know the heat is coming. The weather people say tomorrow will be a scorcher, the next day maybe hotter. I don’t need their predictions; I can feel it coming.
My January self just poked me, reminding me that this is what I’ve waited for all year…
But the truth is I get a bit crabby when it’s so hot that you can’t think.
I’m pretty sure I’m not the only one who feels this way.
I speak from experience as I think back to a trip to Spain with my husband one July, when he morphed into the Incredible Hulk was not happy with the heat either.
And I know that while it’s scheduled to be hot here where I live, it’s not even going to be a true heat wave.
Just really hot.
But really hot is enough, thank you.
And when it’s really hot, we adjust.
We go for that run or walk early. Find air conditioned spots to work. Tell the family they can expect Jack Squat for dinner unless they hop in the car with you for the local food truck.
Also when it’s hot, we, or at least I, don’t do a lot of deep thinking.
And therefore, this week, What I’d Rather Be Talking About is not a whole heck of a lot.
Instead I’m inviting you to join me, and not talk, not think, and simply find some air conditioning or shade… and pour yourself something cool.
It’s part of my In the Summer We Summer series.
With that in mind, let’s get to it.
Click away to discover…
Business Tips… whether you have your own gig, bodega, or work for the man, I’ve got some unconventional things to make you more productive.
Wellness Tips… a little different this week - a list of podcasts in case you need fresh voices encouraging you to live better. (And I’m not talking switching from corn syrup to cane sugar. Legit wellness tips.)
Healthy Eats… for the protein seeker, plant-based cooker, chicken lover, and wino.
Travel Tips… wait, not just tips, but strategic travel hacks.
Life Hacks… that you never knew you needed. (Your plants will thank you.)
And of course, MORE.
Home office finds of the week - colorful dry-erase markers, aesthetic journals, and some apps to make you more productive.
Listening to LoFi Writing Concentration Music and 40HZ Binaural Beats have been game changers for focusing while writing.
And who can go wrong with a frequency to silence overthinking?
I write newsletters, travel pieces, website copy, and personal or company stories.
I also work with clients as a coach or editor for writing projects.
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Habits & Hustle- a podcast hosted by Jennifer Cohen is great if you’re interested in productivity, personal growth, entrepreneurship, and well-being.
The Life Coach School Podcast - Brooke Castillo helps with mindset, emotional health, and personal growth. No nonsense advice, just like I like it.
The Dr. Hyman Show - Always interesting and hosted by Dr. Mark Hyman, who discusses various aspects of functional medicine and wellness.
Modern Wellness Hosted by Adrienne Herbert, this podcast is your chance to take an hour out of your day to improve yourself and your life. How can you say no to that?
Do you have a podcast rec? Leave it in the comments!
Starting with breakfast, from the Doctor’s Kitchen, how about one of these three high protein, high fiber breakfasts.
Asking my *personal chef* to make this Greek Chickpea Salad and this Salmon Nicoise Salade with Dijon Vinaigrette (I mean, are you kidding me?)
*Note to women searching for a husband* - find one that cooks.
*Note to guys searching for a lady* - learn how to cook and add it to your dating profile.
When it’s too hot to cook, try this healthy tuna salad, these vegan options from Rainbow Plant Life, this Siracha Ranch Chicken, or repurpose leftovers for this amazing salad.
Attention winos ~ did you know these 6 fun facts about wine?
Our oven is new, but hardly mighty - we have to add 10 degrees and 15 minutes to anything we’re making. I thought we had a lemon, but it turns out oven times vary - here’s how to test your oven’s temperature accuracy.
GARAGE ORG 101: Don’t keep these things in your garage.
Thinking of selling your home? Check out "10 Tips Realtors Recommend to Increase the Value of Your Home."
Bonus: I thought it would be fun to add a take from an actual realtor I know. Since it’s summer, I’m starting with one who specializes in lake properties.
Jennifer Wilcox of Keller Williams Realty Fox Cities/Wautoma is a lake property superstar who not only knows how to show and sell lake properties, she’s also a pleasure to work with. Jennifer helped our family sell our cottage and blended her expertise with sensitivity and ultimate respect to make a bittersweet process easier.
Jennifer advises:
"Decluttering, cleaning and simplifying the look of one's home for photos and showings really makes a difference. I also recommend doing as much yard/beach work as possible. ‘They say’ that doing these things can increase a home’s perceived value significantly, and it certainly attracts buyers quicker than an uncared-for look. I'd recommend these things way before a costly remodel of the kitchen, which is the first remodel recommended for ROI when selling.”
If you also have the bad habit of killing houseplants, you might want to check out this handy trick for making sure you never overwater them again.
If your brain feels like it's on the Tilt-a-Whirl