Amazing Gardens Around the Globe

Gardens by the Bay, Singapore

Image: Kjersti Joergensen / Alamy Stock Photo

Jardin Majorelle, Marrakech, Morocco
Image: Jacek Sopotnicki / Alamy Stock Photo

Monet’s Garden at Giverny, Eure, France

Image: Oleg Bakhirov / Shutterstock

Palace de Versailles, Île-de-France, France

Image: Andre Quinou / Shutterstock

Pukekura Park, New Plymouth, New Zealand

Image: Hanna Tor / Alamy Stock Photo

Quinta da Regaleira, Lisbon, Portugal

Image: Sean Pavone / Shutterstock

Sir Seewoosagur Ramgoolam Botanical Garden, Port Louis, Mauritius

Image: Natalya Sterleva / Shutterstock

Villa d’Este, Lazio, Italy

Image: Marco Rubino / Shutterstock

Source (and more!): https://www.loveproperty.com/galleries/amp/136509/the-worlds-most-amazing-gardens

It’s Good to Do Nothing

Greetings all! 

Today, I had an amazing meditation session! In fact, it was so good that I listened to it three times in a row. And then one more time so I could transcribe it for you! 

“It’s good to do nothing. In meditation, you sit around and you do nothing, and at the same time, this doing nothing is an exploration that makes your life better.

 

And it all happens at once: the doing nothing, the exploring, and the making your life better. Somehow doing nothing improves everything.  

You arrive here, in this present moment, and you let yourself be here. You let everything be here - the sounds happening outside you, and these feelings and thoughts and sensations happening inside you. 

You just sit right here, in the middle of your life, and you do nothing and it’s good for you. 

So this sitting here, doing nothing, is absolutely the essence of meditation. And sometimes it’s easy, and sometimes it’s hard because our mind can be skittering around like a squirrel on the linoleum floor.  And if this is you today, you are in good company. [Side note: that made me laugh.]

And the move is to give your skittery mind something to do, something of your own choosing. You can choose to focus on your breath or on a sound outside. You choose something and then you do your best to stay with it. 

And you are just sitting here, being here, in this moment, sinking in, not trying to change anything or upgrade your situation. 

And you keep doing not much of anything. 

Sometimes subtle resistance can come up - It’s hard doing nothing, I need to do something. And that is fine. You can try to notice any impulses like that with some humor, maybe even compassion. And then you go back to doing nothing. And you are trusting as you do this, that something deep down is getting calmed, down in the depths, ever if the surface still feels jumpy. 

Nowhere to go, nothing to do. All these sounds and sensations are happening all on their own.  

Part of what’s good about doing nothing is this clearing out that can happen. It’s a bit like the noise of our busyness, all this constant pushing and pulling and scheming, it starts to cool out, just a bit. And as it does, then it can be this very simple feeling of being just a little more available to life. Like you have a little more space. It was just waiting here, all along. All you had to do was nothing.” 

I have to confess: I did 'upgrade my situation' before I started for a more relaxing experience - I wore toe separators, put a strawberry mask on my face, and had my legs up the wall. And after 3 rounds of doing nothing, I felt amazing and refreshed!

What did you think? Drop me a line! Or actually, don’t - go sit and do nothing! 

Sources: CALM

Football Smash Cocktail

Greetings all!

Are you following the FIFA World Cup? Here is the Football Smash cocktail to help you stay hydrated for the remaining matches.

Recipe and image: https://www.totalwine.com/cocktail-recipes/football-smash 

Ingredients

• 2 1/2 parts Sauvignon Blanc
• 1/2 parts agave syrup
• 2 strawberries
• Handful of mint 

Directions 

• Muddle mint and strawberry in the bottom of a rocks glass
• Add agave and Sauvignon Blanc
• Stir until well mixed
• Top with ice and the remaining Sauvignon Blanc 

Bon Appetit! Let me know how you like it!

TripAdvisor Best of the Best: 2026 Travelers' Choice Awards

1. Bali, Indonesia

2. London, United Kingdom

3. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

4. Hanoi, Vietnam

5. Paris, France

6.Rome, Italy

7. Marrakesh, Morocco

8. Bangkok, Thailand

9. Crete, Greece

10. New York City, United States

Source (and more!): https://www.tripadvisor.com/TravelersChoice-Destinations

Italian Pasta Salad

Greetings all! 

If you are hosting a summer potluck or invited to one, how about putting this Italian Pasta Salad on the menu? I have not yet made this particular recipe, but I love all the ingredients so I am sure it will be delicious! 

Ingredients 

• 1 lb. cooked fusilli pasta
• 8 oz. mozzarella balls, halved
• 4 oz. salami, quartered
• 1 cup artichoke hearts, coarsely chopped
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup pitted black olives, sliced
• 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, finely chopped
• 2 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
• 1 Tbsp. finely chopped fresh parsley
• 2 tsp. Italian seasoning
• Pinch of crushed red pepper flakes
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper 

Directions 

• In a large bowl, toss pasta, mozzarella, salami, artichokes, tomatoes, and olives. 
• In a jar, combine oil, garlic, vinegar, parsley, Italian seasoning, and red pepper flakes. Secure with a lid, then shake to combine; season with salt and black pepper.
• Pour dressing over pasta salad and toss to combine.

Bon Appetit! Let me know how you like it! 

Source: https://www.delish.com/cooking/recipe-ideas/a19601468/italian-pasta-salad-recipe/ / PHOTO: ANDREW BUI; FOOD STYLING: BARRETT WASHBURNE

Google Calendar’s Secret Codewords

Greetings all!

As I was reviewing my upcoming week in Google Calendar, I realized how much I enjoy seeing an event image. One of my favorites - which, alas, I have not yet  planned! - is “synchronized swimming”!😊

You can see gym, lunch, dentist, and so much more at a glance on your phone.

To get an image, sometimes you have to put more than one word, and some images look strange or just missing - so this is not very intuitive. For example, “pay bill” makes me think of going to the beach because of the waves and potentially a hot weather warning.

There is no “meeting” or “contact” image but I did find “reach out to” (make sire to include ‘to’).

Also you cannot plan for “work” – is this a sign that work should not be on our calendar? I did discover “interview” and “week planning” are good approximations.

Do you have any useful or unusual Google Calendar codewords? Drop me a line! 

Source: https://theintelligence.com/20085/google-calendar-codewords/

Masters Egg Salad

Greetings all!

Yesterday, as I was planning on an egg salad for lunch, the Universe sent me the Masters Egg Salad recipe in my news feed. I thought 'Hmm, Master Chef? Master Class'? No!!! This is what is served at the Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, Georgia, each April. 

So, if you want something delicious, easy, AND golf-adjacent, here is the recipe that goes back to the 1950s! What piqued my interest was the addition of mustard and lemon zest.

Ingredients 

• 6 hard-boiled large eggs
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest (from about 1/2 medium lemon)
• 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
• 8 slices white sandwich bread (I replaced with a French baguette)

Instructions

• Peel 6 hard-boiled large eggs. Halve each one lengthwise. Scoop the yolks out into a medium bowl. 
• Mash the yolks with a fork until finely crumbled. Stir in 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, 1 teaspoon finely grated lemon zest, and 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt until creamy. 
• Chop the egg whites into small pieces. Stir and gently mash the egg whites into the yolk mixture. 
• Divide the mixture between 4 slices white sandwich bread (about 1/2 cup each) and spread into an even layer. Close each sandwich with a second slice of bread, then cut each sandwich in half.

My verdict: I scaled down the recipe and enjoyed it, with lemon zest definitely adding an interesting note! I did skip mashing the yolks and just mixed everything together.  

Bon Appetit! Let me know how you like it! 

Sources: https://www.thekitchn.com/masters-egg-salad-recipe-23775420 / Photo: Alex Lepe; Food Styling: Janette Zepeda

Korean Street Toast

Greetings all!

What are you having for lunch? How about this Korean-inspired street toast?

Image and recipe from Chef John

https://www.allrecipes.com/recipe/282477/korean-street-toast/

Chef John's description is drool-worthy: “A slightly sweet, super savory vegetable and egg patty is sandwiched with smoky ham, melty Cheddar, and a ridiculous amount of mayo and ketchup between two slices of crispy, buttered bread. You'll eat almost a whole serving of vegetables and barely even notice!” 

Ingredients

• 1 cup thinly sliced green cabbage
• ⅓ cup julienned or grated carrot 
• 1 stalk green onion, thinly sliced
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper or Korean chile flakes
• 2 large eggs
• 3 tablespoons salted butter, divided
• 2 thick slices white bread
• ½ teaspoon white sugar, or to taste
• 2 thin slices smoked ham
• 1 slice mild Cheddar or American cheese
• 1 tablespoon ketchup, or to taste
• 1 tablespoon mayonnaise, or to taste 

Instructions

1. Mix cabbage, carrot, green onion, salt, pepper, and cayenne with your hands in a bowl until soft, about 30 seconds. Mix in eggs with a fork until thoroughly combined. 
2. Melt 2 tablespoons butter in a nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add bread slices and flip a few times to make sure both sides are coated with butter. Grill bread until beautifully toasted, golden brown, and a little crispy on both sides. Transfer to a plate. 
3. Melt remaining 1 tablespoon butter in the same skillet over medium heat. Add cabbage mixture; cook and simultaneously mix by using the edge of a spatula to chop down on the surface while pushing the edges up and over the top. As the mixture starts to hold its shape, form it into a rectangle that's about twice as long as it is wide. Split the rectangle in half into two square patties; continue to cook until golden brown, 1 1/2 to 2 minutes per side. 
4. Stack patties on top of one another onto one slice of toast and sprinkle with sugar. 
5. Place ham slices into the hot skillet; cook over medium heat until sizzling, 1 to 2 minutes. 
6. Flip and top with Cheddar slice; cook until melted, about 1 minute. 
7. Place ham and cheese on top of patties; top with ketchup, mayonnaise, and remaining slice of toast. Cut in half and serve. 

Bon Appetit! Let me know how you like it!

Little Pockets of Time in the Kitchen

Greetings all! 

This weekend, a friend of mine and I were chatting about what we do to keep our homes tidy. I shared the “lazy” cleaning strategy that I read about a while back and since then implemented quite successfully. This is where “done” is better than “perfect” - and by the way, this works in so many areas of our life!

I then dug out an email from Chef Joel from Homemade, in which he shared his “5-minute rule” to save time in the kitchen: 

"This might seem basic, and maybe it’s obvious to you, but you can save a ton of time in the kitchen by cleaning as you go. I really think this is something everyone knows… but that very few home cooks actually do. You get swept up in the whisking over here, then the pouring over there, then, “Oh no, the butter’s browning!” at the stove. Before you know it, you have a trail on your countertops that looks like a tornado came through. 

Image: https://deepai.org/

Here’s my timesaving trick: Find the pockets in the recipe to clean.

Before you start cooking, do a quick scan through the recipe steps for anything that takes longer than 5 minutes to cook (hence the “5-Minute Rule”).

When something takes less than 5 minutes to cook (like frying an egg, sautéing some onions, or boiling small potatoes, etc.), I want my full attention on what's happening in the pan.

When something takes more than 5 minutes to cook, instead of picking up your phone or standing around and waiting, start cleaning. This means putting jars of spices back where they belong, wrapping up pieces of meat that you aren't using, and maybe even doing a quick load of dishes.

We know this is super obvious, but it is the #1 reason why people are slowed down in the kitchen. Find those little pockets of time and make them count.” 

What did you think? Drop me a line and tell me what your timesaver tips are!

Understanding Your Time Management Style

Greetings all! 

Do you know your time management style? Are you Calm and Confident? Or Frantic and Confused? 

According to author Kevin Kruse, you need to be clear on your Priorities (WHAT you should be doing) and Planning (HOW you can effectively get it done). He identifies these 4 styles: 

1) Frantic & Confused – this indicates ineffectiveness in both Priorities and Planning. You are uncertain as to what you should be working on and don’t have a system for getting things done.

2) Spinning Your Wheels – this quadrant suggests that you have at least above average skills in organization, but are unclear as to which items deserve your attention the most. 

3) Distracted & Frustrated – while you are somewhat clear on what you need to accomplish, progress is slow and you are frequently working off-task.

4) Calm & Confident – this quadrant shows that you are clear on your priorities and consistently use good planning to get it done. You feel confident in your current level of effectiveness, but it’s likely you are always on the lookout for ways to become even more productive.

If you are curious, below are some questions to ponder. You can also take the test HERE. 

• Each day I can feel time slipping away.
• I have clearly defined goals and I review them frequently.
• Each day, I know what my most important task is.
• I say "no" to requests for my time if it doesn't support my goals.
• I think about whether my tasks can be delegated or outsourced.
• I try to batch similar tasks together on my calendar.
• I work from my calendar more than my to-do list.
• I quit working at a consistent time, whether there is more to do or not.
• I don’t respond to calls, emails, text messages or social media when I’m working on a task.
• I’m mindful of when I have the most energy and ability to concentrate.
• I carry and use a notebook daily (paper or digital).
• I don't procrastinate.

What did you think? Drop me a line! 

Source: https://kevinkruse.com/time/

Happiness Calendar: January-2026

Greetings all! 

This January, focus on what matters to you! 

If I had to choose only one thing to focus on, it would be to look for one small thing to appreciate each day (the idea from January 14). What about you? 

January 1 – Make a resolution that feels inspiring.

January 2 – Pause to connect with a stranger.

January 3 – Admit when you’re not sure of something.

January 4 – Appreciate the hardships you’ve avoided.

January 5 – Forgive yourself.

January 6 – Get out into nature.

January 7 – Are you prone to awe? Take the quiz (link below).

January 8 – Spend time with your loved ones.

January 9 – Try to let go of a grudge.

January 10 – Be playful.

January 11 – Talk to yourself the way a loving friend would.

January 12 – Acknowledge your mistakes.

January 13 – Read our best articles of 2025 (link below).

January 14 – Look for one small thing to appreciate.

January 15 – Notice how emotions show up in your body.

January 16 – Break a big goal down into smaller steps.

January 17 – Be an active, engaged listener.

January 18 – Take our Science of Happiness course (link below).

January 19 – Stand up for what’s right.

January 20 – Lend a hand.

January 21 – Cultivate small moments of love and care with others.

January 22 – Listen to our top podcast episodes of 2025 (link below).

January 23 – Remember your ancestors.

January 24 – Reflect on what matters to you.

January 25 – Say thank you.

January 26 – Think about the impact you want to have on others.

January 27 – Tune in to your sense of touch.

January 28 – Read a good book.

January 29 – Follow your conscience.

January 30 – Practice critical thinking.

January 31 – Plant a seed for a better future.

Drop me a line and have a great week! 

Sources:

• https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/
• https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/images/uploads/GGSC_Happiness_Calendar_Jan_2026.pdf
• https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/quizzes/take_quiz/awe
• https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/the_best_greater_good_articles_of_2025
• https://ggsc.berkeley.edu/what_we_do/online_courses_tools/the_science_of_happiness
• https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/the_top_science_of_happiness_podcast_episodes_of_2025
• Image: https://deepai.org/

Choosing Your Word for 2026

Greetings all!

How do you want to feel in the next year? Have you picked your word for 2026? 

It might have already revealed itself to you or it might simply “feel right.” Sometimes your word arrives as a quiet knowing, a sense of “yes, this is it,” even if you cannot explain why. But if you are still unsure, try this:

First, take a moment to reflect, reconnect with your intentions, and start awakening your energy. You do not need to know what 2026 will look like or how things will come together. All you need is a sense of how you want to feel in the year ahead. 

1. When you imagine yourself at the end of 2026, what do you hope feels different inside you?

2. Why does this feeling matter to you right now?

3. Imagine that you do feel this way in your everyday life. What does that look like? For example:

a. How do you begin your mornings?

b. How do you spend your time?

c. What small choices or rituals help you stay connected to this frequency? 

Next, think about what word captures the essence of the feeling you want to live in. This word becomes an anchor for the year ahead, a gentle reminder of who are becoming and what you are welcoming into your life. 

So what feeling do you want to grow into in 2026? Happy New Year!  

Sources:

• https://hhemarketing.com/author/baron-reid_cbr/events/2026/anwtvb/pdfs/A-New-Way-to-Vision-Board-2026.pdf (slightly modified by me)
• It was a lot of fun generating the image at https://deepai.org/

It’s Always Okay to Say No

Greetings all!

How is your mental battery this holiday season? Are you feeling festive? Excited? Or overcommitted, drained, and burnt out? Remember you can always say NO!

I love this CALM message: “It’s not your job to make it perfect over the holidays. You’re not Santa Claus.” 

Here are playful and lighthearted ways to say no:

• “My heart says yes, but my body says no.”
• “I want to say yes but my mental health says no.”
• “I’m spoken for that night, but let’s catch up soon!”
• “I can’t make it this time but I look forward to seeing you after the holidays”
•  “I’m sorry I can’t make it, but I hope you have a wonderful time!”
•  “Sorry — I already have plans” (self-care is a valid plan, by the way)

Image from: https://kevinspear.com/holiday/christmas/cartoon-christmas-stress

-> Remember: You don’t have to be the life and soul of the party. You are not even expected to be *at* the party.

-> Reflect: When have you said 'yes' recently when you wanted to say 'no'? What is something you want to say 'no' to but do not feel like you can? Say 'no' to that thing this week.

-> Reframe: I’m obligated to go → I can decide how I spend my time.

Honor how you are feeling and prioritize self-care and your own needs. Have a great week!

Christmas Tree Spritz

Greetings all! 

Just look how festive and wintery this 3-ingredient cocktail looks – herbal, bubbly, easy, and fun! 

Image and recipe from 

https://www.thekitchn.com/christmas-tree-spritz-recipe-23756804 

Ingredients: 

• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar (optional)
• Ice
• 3 ounces chilled sparkling wine, such as Prosecco or Cava
• 2 ounces green Chartreuse (or substitute with St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur)
• 1 ounce chilled club soda or seltzer water, plus more as needed
• 1 fresh rosemary sprig, dusted with powdered sugar if desired (optional)
• Fresh or frozen cranberries, for garnish (optional) 

Instructions:

• Rim the glass: Wet the rim of a wine glass with a damp paper towel, and invert the glass into a shallow dish of granulated sugar, turning to coat. 
• Add the ingredients: Fill the glass halfway with ice, then add sparkling wine, green Chartreuse, and club soda. Stir gently to combine and garnish with rosemary and cranberries. 

Bon Appetit! Let me know how you like it!

Visiting Portugal

Images: Gate1 Travel

The 12 Interesting Additions to Coffee

Greetings all!

How do you take your morning coffee? And I am not talking about fancy Starbucks orders, just your average coffee. I prefer mine with milk or cream but I am always curious to read about unique add-ons!

Image from https://es.pinterest.com/pin/494762709073892599/

If you like to be adventurous with your coffee, here are some interesting options for you:

1) Honey

2) Protein Powder - this one I do occasionally, since the powder fully dissolves and is tasteless.

3) Salt - this one I actually heard about and tried but my coffee did not taste any different!

4) Citrus and Carbonated Water - I added a slice of orange to my coffee, and it was interesting.

5) Butter/Ghee/Oil

6) Olive Oil

7) Black Pepper

8) Eggs

9) Cheese

10) Hot Sauce

11) Fish Sauce

12) Soy Sauce

Options 5-12 are definitely too adventurous for my palate! What do YOU add to your coffee? Drop me a line! 

Source: https://www.pastemagazine.com/drink/coffee/weirdest-things-people-add-to-coffee-butter-salt-oil-cheese-eggs-citrus-hot-sauce

You Get to Choose What Grows in Your Field of Dreams

Greetings all! 

I loved the message in the November Oracle Forecast from Colette Baron-Reid: 

Image from https://www.pinterest.com/pin/291326669669147112/

“Ever find yourself at a point where something just... isn’t working anymore? Like you've hit a wall, or a dead end, and you’re not sure what comes next?

That’s exactly the kind of energy we’re entering as November begins. But the good news is: the only way to go from here is up.

…The first card that came through was Rock Bottom, a powerful signal that something is ready to shift.

It’s flanked by Compass and Home, which tell us that November is about finding our center after a period of confusion or emotional exhaustion. It’s a month to gently ask ourselves where we’ve been pouring our energy, and whether it’s time to reorient toward something more meaningful.

Not everyone will be seeing the world through the same lens right now, and that’s okay. What matters is that you’re being honest with yourself. This is the month to come back to what’s true for you, to return to your inner sense of home, and to realign with what you want to plant going forward.
 
With Mercury Retrograde returning later this month, we’re being encouraged to slow down, reassess, and allow space for emotional integration. The astrology supports a pause. Think of it as an invitation to reflect on everything you’ve learned so far this year and to be open to how things might shift before the year ends.
 
Even if this month begins with a sense of heaviness or uncertainty, there’s still room for hope, creativity, and forward movement. You get to choose what you align with. You get to choose what grows in your field of dreams.”

What did you think? Drop me a line and remember to slow down and reflect on what you want to grow in your field of dreams!

Zombie Delight

Greetings all! 

Are you prepared for the zombie apocalypse? Just in case, make extra of this cocktail! 

Image and recipe from https://www.totalwine.com/cocktail-recipes/zombie-delight

Ingredients

• 1 oz. Vodka
• 1 oz. Peach Schnapps
• 1 oz. Irish Cream
• 1 splash grenadine syrup 

Instructions 

• Pour Peach Schnapps, Vodka and Irish Cream into cocktail shaker and shake with ice.
• Fine strain into a martini glass.
• Top off with drizzles and spatters of grenadine syrup, allowing it to drip to bottom of glass.

Bon Appetit! Let me know how you like it!