You’re in for a special treat this week as I introduce you to founder and designer Natalie West whose clothing brand Ellie Arbee is absolutely lovely. Keep reading if you’ve been looking for capsule pieces that you can wear literally anywhere, and stop people in their tracks.

I first learned about Natalie on a golf media trip in Gaylord, Michigan, when Kerry Maher ~ a lovely Canadian golf influencer who was on the trip, received a package full of Ellie Arbee treasures.

(Maybe you remember Kerry’s interview in this newsletter?)

And as you can imagine, when an influencer receives a package surrounded by other influencers and golf media, the only logical thing to do is have a fashion show. As Kerry modeled the beautiful clothing and the showstopping Hydra Crop Jacket, we were all in awe of the gorgeous apparel.

The biggest comment?

The clothes were so gorgeous we almost couldn’t imagine playing golf in them. (But we absolutely could!)

And as it turns out, that’s the whole point.

Ellie Arbee banishes stereotypes of typical golf clothes, proving that beautiful clothing belongs on and/or off the course. You don’t even need to be a golfer to wear these items.

I got lucky and scored two pieces ~ the showstopping Ridley Jumpsuit shown below, plus one of the Ellie Arbee essential tops. They are beautiful additions to my wardrobe, and don’t look like traditional golf clothes. (I love that.)

As I learned more about Natalie’s story, I discovered that while her inspiration for Ellie Arbee came from a golf course, her vision goes far beyond golf:

I’m thrilled to introduce Natalie West, founder and designer of Ellie Arbee.

My background is in industrial design, meaning products that infuse function and practicality with beauty. I focused my career on transportation design, but in 2008, I was forced to switch careers.

I went into Corporate America, where I oversaw large corporate real estate portfolios and designed corporate spaces.

I never even considered getting into fashion until I went on a work trip in San Francisco in 2022, and golf was on the agenda. I had brought only warm-weather golf clothes, and the day happened to be very cold. I was faced with a decision: be cold and uncomfortable in my tiny golf skirt and top, or be warm, wearing my work clothes - a beautiful pair of trousers, flowing blouse, and a newsboy hat.

I chose the warmth.

That moment I decided to wear non-golf clothes on the course was a game changer. I can’t remember feeling so beautiful.

I felt like I was breaking all the rules.

My state of mind around my golf game was easy and free.

I left that day with two thoughts:

1. Women aren’t just one thing, so why are our clothes single purpose?

2. Why do we wear these silly golf costumes when we could be looking fabulous?

When you look fabulous, you feel fabulous. There’s something magical about our clothes and how they influence the way we feel.

Ellie Arbee was a sort of permission to break out of the typical, to hold a regal regard for yourself, and to transform the siloed and specific wardrobe into an intentional, coordinated selection of pieces that have magic built into them. Each piece has its own transformative powers for the wearer.

Left Eye (LE - Ellie) and Right Brain (RB + Arbee) are a way of living.

Left Eye came about from the idea of looking at things through a different perspective; it is also a reminder of self-acceptance, as my left eye closes when I smile (a trait I did not always care for). Left Eye reminds us to live honestly and with integrity.

Right Brain is not necessarily representative of the creative brain, but of the curious brain. So much in the world can be cured with curiosity. Curiosity leads to understanding, creativity, and problem solving. Right Brain is also about mental health. Who are you bringing to the world?

We aren’t just one thing.

We’re a multitude of roles ~ mothers, sisters, golfers, producers, consumers, creators, and observers.

The silhouettes are classic and evergreen, they are very high quality, the colorways are timeless instead of fleeting trends, and they are meant to last and be loved for a long time. Wardrobe staples you have for years to come.

The pieces are meant to take you through many different seasons, day to day, year to year.

Ellie Arbee was designed to be a great companion, supporting you through those seasons and roles.

I am always creating, thinking of new ways to display things, how to position or frame the clothing and to whom, how I would style it and with what. I’m thinking of the sweet and kind sayings and affirmations that are in all of our main labels, such as:

Swing easy, live boldly

The Ellie Arbee woman is the woman I strive to be. I like to think there is a lot of her in me.

The jumpsuit is the easiest way to feel stylish and beautiful. It’s a single piece that can be easily layered and styled.

For those figuring out their style, start with pleasing proportions.

Wear things that cut you into thirds, force the eye to your waist, and wear the appropriate size.

Feeling good about clothing also means accepting where your body is today. Not where it was in the past or what you might look like in the future.

It’s about feeling courageous about you today.

It’s a roller coaster.

Sales calls, shows, hanging, packing, fabrics, patterns, picking out zipper colors, designing labels, adjusting fits, scheduling photoshoots, accounting, production, positioning product, building booths, private styling sessions, social media, and monthly Love Letters to my true fans.

It’s a wild ride.

I have found that no matter where I am, I have this feeling. Whether it’s in a quaint restaurant in Carmel, overlooking the lake in McCall, Idaho, or sitting on a rain-soaked bench on the Amalfi Coast. I feel connected to the place, the people, its history everywhere I go.

I’m continuing to broaden the collection through sustainable methods, for both business and environmental sustainability. This means working towards a 100% on-demand model, with knits and cut & sew.

Ellie Arbee can be found online at www.elliearbee.com

IG: @elliearbee

LinkedIn: Ellie Arbee

For the latest collections, check out who is stocking our products.

I can be contacted directly at Natalie@elliearbee.com

Thank you, Natalie, for sharing your story! Readers, be sure to like and follow Ellie Arbee and visit the website to start building your capsule wardrobe.

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A woman in fashion you admire: Sarah Blakely

A designer whose work inspires you: Ray & Charles Eames, Frank Gehry

A favorite golf course you’ve played: Harding Park

Your favorite piece in the Ellie Arbee collection: Palmer Dress

The one piece every woman should have in her closet: Cashmere Jogger/Hoodie Set

A fashion rule you love to break: All of them

Book you’ve read recently or return to often: Man’s Search for Meaning, Victor Frankel

Podcast you won’t miss: The Knowledge Project, Naval

A person you follow and admire: Julia Roberts

Wellness ritual you never skip: Sleep

Favorite place you’ve traveled: Colombia

Place you’d love to visit: New Zealand

Favorite thing to do when not working: Create (write music, carpentry, solve puzzles)

Mantra or quote that guides you: Slow Down

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As I write this, it’s early.

So early that if I look out my office window, it feels like night.

But it’s not.

It’s 5:06 a.m., which I guess is still sort of night for the “normal people” who are sleeping. But my workday is already underway. I’m at my desk, armed with coffee, a smoothie bowl, and tons of ideas for getting this puppy out to y’all.

YET.

As I sit here, I’m not exactly hard at work.

I’m distracted…by a tidy stack of papers I need to tend to.

A pile of old photos sits on the file cabinet in my closet, directly in front of me. I randomly came across them the other day and got sidetracked for a good half hour. They reminded me that I really want to look into having videos and photos digitized by iMemories or Legacy Box.

Also grabbing my attention is my giant whiteboard, still with last week’s to-dos, plus a few story ideas quickly noted during creative downloads.

On my desk, I’m distracted by little things, like the bottle of nail polish, stress balls I never use but should, and the random golf tee, ball marker, and divot repair thingee that all compete for space. (Re the golf stuff, I know. No idea how it ended up there either.)

As you can see, I’m presented with many visual distractions.

My mention of these distractions and my desire to address them can be analyzed in one of two ways:

1. I’m procrastinating, and looking for any excuse to delay writing this newsletter. (Fair assessment.)

2. These things really do exist, and if I’d only take 15 minutes to bring order to the court, my cortisol level would go down and my creativity meter up.

And as it turns out, this is a “two things can be true at once” situation.

I am procrastinating, and all of this crap really needs to be put in its place.

And this particular dilemma leads to What I’d Rather Be Talking About this week: the fact that we’re all bombarded with visual distractions that prevent us from getting stuff done or even just feeling calm and at peace in our spaces.

I call these visual distractions pain points, and it’s my new mission to eliminate them whenever and wherever possible.

Pain points are the objects you come across in your daily life that annoy you for some reason or other. They either don’t belong in that particular place, or are outdated, ugly, broken, or just plain in the way.

Pain points distract us and interrupt our flow, and essentially create mini roadblocks to productivity and contentment.

Yet instead of addressing pain points as they arise, we walk past them, day in and day out.

I’ve decided to start tackling the pain points in my life. In addition to addressing the stuff in my office, I’m going to:

• Get rid of the clothing I never ever wear so that the only thing I see when selecting an outfit are things I actually wear. (P.S. How many times will I write about this before actually doing it?)

• And also, take the bag to Goodwill that’s been sitting in my trunk since I last cleaned my closet. Cars have pain points too, you know.

• Go room by room, closet by closet, drawer by drawer, and simply get rid of everything I know I’ll never, ever use. The things that make the simple act of opening a drawer for your keys take 45 minutes.

• Tackle the laundry room, or as I call it, the landing pad. Everything that has no home lands here. And stares at me. Haunts me in my dreams. Time to shape that ship up.

• Start to tackle the mementos stacked in my basement storage that have followed me from every house I’ve lived in since childhood. (Anyone want a Hello Kitty diary from 1979?)

• AND??? So many more.

When I say I could go on and on, I trust you understand.

I think it’s safe to say we all have pain points.

My “ask” this week is for us to simply start reducing the pain points in our lives. It doesn’t have to be a weekend project.

You don’t have to block off time on your calendar. Just do a little each day… one small thing each time you enter a room. It all adds up.

Little by little, we can tackle the pain points in our lives… so we can do the things we need to do… like finish this newsletter.

With that, let’s get to this week’s links.

XO,

Abbey

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• In the spirit of making our lives pain point-free, here are 30 solid ways to live a simpler life. Each suggestion is doable, affordable, and presented in a “hey, if this doesn’t work for you, no sweat” kind of way.

• Another way to simplify your life is to get organized. This episode of Everyday Girl gives us an intentional weekend reset for rest, reset, and a good start to the week.

• Looking to manifest great things? Well, it turns out that if your body’s a hot mess, full of stress, with cortisol levels blasting through the roof… your manifestation might not come as quickly. This episode of the Law of Attraction Tribe podcast gives you some manifestation hacks to help get your body ready to receive the great things you’re wishing for.

• If you take a ton of supplements but are still suffering with GI issues, sleep problems, brain fog, or just don’t feel your best…

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I had a Zoom call the other day with a group of fellow freelance writers. We hopped on, all strangers, sharing one common connection—the person who’d set up the call.

We were of varying ages, living in different parts of the world, specializing in different things.

The fact that we were all freelancers creating content for a living was our common bond. That, and the reality that we were all trying our best to make sense of how to do our jobs in an industry that’s undeniably changing.

The driver of that change? I won’t name names, but I’ll give you a hint:

I’m talking about that thing that starts with an A and ends with an I, and is always ready to hop in and show us how much better and faster it can work. Kind of like that girl from high school who gets all As, excels at multiple sports, quarterback boyfriend, perfect clothes & hair, and a banger of a car.

Oh, and she’s also absolutely nice, which of course is annoying as hell.

AI is like that, except a little less nice (because do we really trust it) and also because… it lurks in the shadows, constantly threatening to take our jobs.

Yet, as a writer, it’s hard to deny the amazing things AI can do: come up with super slick copy in the blink of an eye, do more research in three seconds than I did my entire four years of college, and take complex info and boil it down into digestible chunks and explain it in a way morons like yours truly can understand.

But the problem is, those two little letters are disrupting things for us writers, and not just because it’s writing things faster than we can.

We all know that AI is affecting every single system on the planet.

Writing isn’t the only industry that’s changing.

Everything is changing.

Which again, I get. And I’m not going to “go there” about AI.

I simply want to point out something I realized during my Zoom.

You know, the one where a group of strangers took an hour out of their busy day to talk. Just talk. No monetary gain promised. No promises to connect you to so-and-so. No real reference to coming up with solutions.

We were simply there to hopefully shed a little light on how to navigate the changing landscape.

In a word, we were there to CONNECT.

That’s it.

And that… just happens to be What I’d Rather Be Talking About this week:

People often forget that while AI can report facts, organize information, and tell a story, it can’t do so in the same way a person with feelings, background knowledge, and basic human empathy can.

AI can make connections, but it can’t CONNECT.

• It can’t reach out to a group of people who are like-minded, and say, “Hey you guys, I’m experiencing this… wanna talk about it next Thursday?

• It can’t say, “Hey, I see you, and I’m feeling that too.”

• It can’t laugh at situations that are funny-but-not-funny, and it can’t understand the sarcasm that gets us through the worst days.

I think you might be getting the idea.

AI can’t connect in the way that humans are designed to connect, and we can take that superpower to the bank and cash it in. Ca-ching.

So, please…let’s keep talking to each other.

Connecting.

Human-to-human.

So we can figure out how we’re going to adapt to the changes.

We can’t stop change.

But we can work together to figure out what’s next.

Right?

Start by getting on the phone with the people you love. Pronto.

Abbey

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Office Feng Shui 101: I’ve told you before that when I was growing up, a common family activity was to rearrange furniture. Rainy Saturday? Let’s tackle the living room. Can’t find something in your room? Maybe we should move everything around. Well, this practice has followed me into adulthood, and I exercise it most when it comes to my office. I’m currently rethinking my setup and listening to a bit about optimizing workspace on this episode of Huberman Lab. (I’ll share pics when I change things up.)

Put some zip in your step: This week on the Heal Squad with Maria Menounos, 4 Breakthroughs to Recharge Your Energy. Because who doesn’t need that.

If the food situation in the US has you nervous, you might not dig this next list of 11 foodborne illnesses currently under FDA investigation.

Getting out of Dodge (and the country) soon? Here are 19 Things to Do Before Your Next International Trip.

Turns out I will be going abroad & I need your opinion: Help me pick the best pair of shoes to wear for walking, meetings, and going out.

And I need a purse, too: What do you think… this one, this “doctor bag” (too big?) or this over budget but amazing winner that I’ve named “come to momma.” (I love it. Have you seen a color like that before?)

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Speaking of travel, this makeup case is still calling my name: It comes in three sizes, and I love its sleek design and color offerings.

Yesterday I was all set to make hummus. Dumped the tahini in my blender and went to the cupboard to get chickpeas. But guess what… I was out of chickpeas. I immediately remembered my mom teaching me that substitutions were part of cooking and baking. I wished in that moment that I could call my mom about the hummus - even though it wasn’t particularly her favorite food. She would’ve advised me on what to do. But, since I didn’t want to waste a heavenly “show me a sign” request on a hummus recipe, I defaulted to (you guessed it and don’t come for me) my Alien Chef Team. I told them what I wanted to make, what I had, and asked for options. And yes, they came back in seconds with several options. Incredibly helpful and efficient? Yes. And while I obviously wish I could have consulted with my mom or another real human, it’s damn good hummus, made with an ingredient you might not have considered. Pasting the recipe below:

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Hello!

Coming to you this week with a story about a revelation that came to me a couple of days ago.

On this particular day, I woke up super early and jumped right into morning routine mode, which I’ll walk you through.

(I’m guessing you’re on the edge of your seat.)

I started by grabbing my glasses ~ to make sense of the world and also to find the kitchen ~ and on my way, I turned on my phone and opened the app where I watch our local news, which always annoys me, yet I voluntarily do it every single day.

When I got there, I performed my first and most important kitchen action of the morning … I switched the coffee maker on. The little gurgling sound it makes at the get-go is my reassurance of hope and possibility for the day.

That day’s blend was called Smart Ass, from a new brand I was trying called Kicking Horse Coffee. Their motto is simple: Wake Up. Kick Ass. I’d be lying if I told you their clever wordsmithing wasn’t the only reason I purchased it.

After turning on my ass kicking coffee, I started tossing ingredients in my Vitamix for my daily smoothie bowl- that day it was spinach, frozen mango, (Sun Warrior) vanilla protein powder, a ton of ice, and flax milk. Oh, and I also tossed in a shot of Spoiled Child liquid collagen (to make me look and feel like 29 again).

And for the record, Spoiled Child tells me their products are the Future of Wellness, offering Intelligent Skin and Hair products that refuse to take aging seriously.

(Guess who’s easily influenced by marketing?)

And now that you know what I had for breakfast, I’ll get to the point.

Well. During this whole routine, I was half-listening to the anchors on my local news channel, and was actually on the cusp of turning them off. (One anchor has a particularly annoying voice that triggers my misophonia. )

But I kept listening, because one said, “Stay tuned for an important announcement.”

And since by now you know I’m easily influenced… of course I stayed tuned.

Two or three carpet, law firm, and funeral home commercials later, the crew was back with their big announcement.

Ready for it?

First of all, I wondered… WHY IS THIS NEWS?

Second… Pumpkin Spice Lattes on August 3? Not back-to-school? Are they tired of talking about school supplies already?

And Third… DO THEY REALIZE HOW MUCH SUGAR IS IN A PUMPKIN SPICE LATTE? (A lot. Read how much here, and then maybe save a few bucks and prevent a diabetic coma with this healthier version.)

At any rate, the August 3 announcement about pumpkin spice lattes really annoyed me for some reason. So much so that it led to What I’d Rather Be Talking About this week: hyperfixating on future events instead of soaking in the day we have right now.

I feel like that’s a problem for many of us.

And you’d think that by me bringing this up, I’d be more aware of it, and not do it myself. You know, really live in the now and not always look to tomorrow, tomorrow, tomorrow for what’s exciting me.

Wrong. I’m probably the worst offender.

I spend most of my days in planning mode, distracted mode, or wondering… how many things can I do today? mode… instead of setting time aside to just freakin’ enjoy the day and season I’m in.

Anyone else feel this?

But here’s what I’m hoping…

That my writing maybe inspires you to evaluate how you appreciate the little things each day, and that I get a little better at following my own advice.

This is a tall order, but I’m trying.

I’m going to start by wrapping this baby up so I can finish the rest of my work today and then head to my Wednesday night golf league tonight and truly be present in the moment… not thinking, “I need to get back to finish my newsletter” or check my email for the 80th time.

I’m just going to play golf.

And my ask for you?

Go find your own version of a golf course, and take advantage of it while the grass is green and the breeze is warm.

And when it’s chilly, go enjoy your pumpkin spice latte.

Cheers,

Abbey

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If you’re traveling abroad and have the gift of gab, you might want to check out the list of countries where small talk is a no-no.

A travel question I know you’re all wondering, “Which carry-on packs are the best?” I want to know just as much as you do… click here for more.

I’m still searching for my “forever travel cosmetic bag” (it’s a thing) and I think Quince may have a contender. But then I watched this YouTube with more makeup bag options, so I’m back to the drawing board. (If you have one you love, please comment!)

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Delightful eats right here by Justine Doiron, a recipe developer who also has a YouTube where she goes by @justinesnacks. Warning: her videos are a delicious wormhole you won’t regret slipping down.

If you love “yoga nidra naps” like I do, please visit Ally Bootthroyd’s channel. Ally’s meditation will take you to another land, and you’ll wake up feeling refreshed, and ready for the day. Best of all, these naps are free.

Also, free are these 7 longevity habits from Super Age. And speaking of Super Age… check out their immersions, all aimed towards longevity and located around the world. Which, unfortunately aren’t free, but do look amazing. Like how about this Italian getaway?

Nonconventional self-care hack - get organized. Here are 11 organizational products that are good for your well-being. (Because when you feel organized, you feel better. Right?)

Tired early afternoon? An idea…

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August just texted me with a nice little heads up message… on my way.

And, although it’s always nice to get a text telling you your expected guest is on their way, nobody really likes to get this text from August. Because we know what August is all about. If August is invited to your party, it won’t bring brownies or fruit salad.

August will show up at your door (five minutes early) with a platter of school supplies it bought at Walmart on the way to your house. And maybe even throw in some 4th of July party decorations it found on clearance, and hand them over saying, “Wow, doesn’t the 4th seem like a million years ago? Where did the time go?”

Yes, August is that guest you didn’t want to invite, but had to because… August is part of the family.

But, do you know who likes August?

People living in places like Europe, where August conjures of visions of going on holiday. There, August doesn’t come bearing gifts of Trapper Keepers and pencils, August says, “I got a cabana for us. Meet me at the beach.”

Or

“Even if you can’t get away to the beach or the mountains, at least take some time off, man. This is summer.”

That August reminds us that even though the season is winding down…

We can still do fun things.

Take time for ourselves.

Nap. Take the afternoon off.

Call in sick and take our parents to lunch.

Go to the beach. Or the pool. Or run through your spinkler like it’s 1990. (Remember, 90’s summers are trending.)

Go for a walk in the park.

August doesn’t care what you do with it, it just wants you to do something to celebrate it a bit.

Whatever you choose, just make sure you do less, enjoy life more, and take advantage of this last month of summer.

Are we good?

Now go enjoy your own version of an August holiday.

And with that, I’m leaving you with this week’s links.

XO,

Abbey

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summer eats & what-not

Not a recipe, but rather a special episode of Somebody Feed Phil. If you’ve followed the show you know that host, Phil Rosenthal travels the world to try food at various restaurants and meet the people behind the food and culture. At the end of each early episode, Phil would Facetime with his parents, Max & Helen Rosenthal. Sadly, over the course of the show, both of his parents passed. In this special episode of the show, Phil introduces us to the diner he built in honor of his parents.

Speaking of food, diners, and… grocery stores, can you tell me where America’s favorite grocery store is located? Texas, of course. Click the link to learn why H*E*B has earned top honors. It’s not what you think.

Looking for healthy snacks? Five ideas here: easy sweet treats that are good for you and high protein too, Naturopathic-doctor-recommended snacks from Costco, and healthy snacks/mini-meals you can take on a flight to save money and eat well.

And, a recipe for two (cold) tomato-based soups from Spain that are perfect for August heat. They might look similar, but they’re very different - take a look at the difference between salmorejo and gazpacho.

Both are delicious, and easy to make!

New snack follow-up: Last week I told you I’d rate my recently purchased FLOURA bars - mint chocolate chip, to be exact- that I tried for their fiber and clean ingredients. Taste-wise, they delivered, and the fact that they weren’t covered in chocolate made them taste healthier to me.

The nutrition facts are below, and you can buy them on Amazon here.

• Calories: 150–160

• Fat: 6–7 g

• Saturated Fat: 1.5–3.5 g

• Carbohydrates: 28–30 g

• Dietary Fiber: 15 g (about 54% of the Daily Value)

• Total Sugars: 7 g

• Added Sugars: 0–5 g (varies by flavor)

• Protein: 3 g

• Sodium: 55–210 mg (varies by flavor)

Highlights

• Very high in fiber: 15 g per bar from a blend of fruit fibers, inulin, chia, seeds, and other plant ingredients.

• Plant-based ingredients: Made from a variety of fruits, seeds, and whole-food ingredients.

• Gluten-free and dairy-free.

• Not a protein bar: With only 3 g of protein, it’s intended as a fiber-rich snack rather than a meal replacement.

summer sales

Starting with a question based on shoes… is it unreasonable to want every pair of sandals on this page? Asking for a friend.

Obsessed with these skirts and would like one in each color, please. I think they’re perfect for travel, bopping around town, or wearing to summer dinners and parties.

Because we also need tops, I’m sharing these hits that have definite “I may not always feel it, but this shirt makes it look like I have my act together.”

health.

A lot of influencers talk about their morning routines being the best way to start the day out right. But, in this episode of The Everyday Girl, the host gives a good case for how a rock-solid nighttime routine can actually be a better way to have a good night and start the next day out right. Check out The Hot Girl Nighttime Routine Checklist.

Next let’s talk longevity, health, and the best way to work out. Hint: Hans & Frans would support this.

Practices I’m trying to stick to every day and night:

• Sauna - at least 3-4 times per week. Liz Plosser of Best Case Scenario tells why saunas are trending and important here.

• Dry brushing - trying to do it at least nightly (morning a bonus) to exfoliate my skin, boost circulation, get my glow on, and help with lymphatic drainage. Plus, it’s invigorating.

• Tongue scraping - because, ugh, so much bacteria gathers in our mouths when we sleep.

• Wear my infrared Freddy Kreuger mask at least three times a week to reduce inflammation, make my skin look better, and help increase the production of collagen.

• Water- more of it. All day long.

• More whole foods over processed ones.

• Quit coffee. Ha, that’s a good one! I’ll do a lot, but I will not quit coffee.

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With that… I’m going to go practice what I preach and take advantage of summer.

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We’re nearing the end of July, which of course means…everyone’s talking about back to school. Commercials are roaring, the Today Show is telling us about the best deals, and stores are bursting with supplies and deals. (Walmart is trying to give parents a break by rolling back their prices to 2019 levels.)

Five years ago, those three harmless words (back to school) would’ve sent me spiraling. That’s when I was still teaching, and the start of the school sales felt like a neighbor telling you to turn the music down just when the party was getting started.

As every teacher knows, there’s no bigger buzzkill than a Target ad for notebooks and backpacks.

Such ads were particularly offensive for someone like myself who never quite embraced the classroom. While yes, there were parts of my Spanish and ESL teaching jobs that I really loved ~ i.e. most of my students, the lovely immigrant families I got to know as their kids went through the school system, my co-workers, and… I could talk about language learning all day long. Yet when it came down to it, the rhythm and routine of school was not something I loved.

Don’t get me wrong. Kids are great. Schools are great. There’s nothing wrong with a work schedule that goes from roughly 7-4.

But I like working solo, when and where the spirit moves me. Let’s just say I’m really glad I found another way to make a living that fits my DNA and soul.

The bottom line is that now, as a freelancer working out of my house or on the road, summer sales don’t bother me.

But what does bother me is the reality of how fast summer actually goes for everyone… whether it’s your lifeline for sanity (teachers, I see you), your time to get out and do warm weather activities that make you happy (talking to you, fellow golfers) or simply your favorite time of year with longer days, fun festivals and activities, and a relaxed vibe.

It troubles me how summer is over in the blink of an eye, leaving me feeling like I didn’t really appreciate it.

Like, why am I not stepping outside and walking in my backyard each morning, just to breathe in the fresh air? Why am I writing this from my office instead of on my deck? (Note to self: go to those places tomorrow morning.)

I wonder:

What are small things we can do from now until Labor Day to embrace the season more fully?

If you have any ideas, let me know.

In the meantime, I’ve curated some links with some good sales, travel ideas, and wellness tips. Enjoy!

See you next week!

Abbey

eat & drink.

Looking for a high-fiber snack? These bars deliver 15 grams a pop! I ordered the mint chip variety. Stay tuned for a review next week.

Still thinking about our winery tour at Familia Torres outside of Barcelona, their wonderful wine, and especially… their non-alcoholic vermouth, “Casals.” Excited to learn it’s available at Total Wine! If you see a bottle, give it a try

pursuing wellness.

Find out how to get your gut in check on the latest episode of Heal Squad.

Another perspective on health (gut especially) for women on this interview with Dr. Faye Bate.

The book How Not to Age has become a resource in our house for how we shop, eat, and live. And now I just saw that another book by the same author (Michael Greger, M.D.) How Not to Die is also a documentary on YouTube. Whether you read or watch it… both have so much valuable info.

Finally, summer nutrition trends uncovered on the Today Show.

shop.

I didn’t go on Instagram Sunday thinking I’d find the cosmetic bag of my dreams, but thanks to @jenwhite, I can’t unsee or unthink this beauty. Easy to see why many items on site are sold out!

I’m Spain-obsessed, but somehow currently also obsessed with French style. Here’s a great channel to follow if that’s you as well. If you’d like to bring a French bo-ho vibe into your home, here’s how.

Let’s talk about the Nordstrom Anniversary Sale that everyone is yapping about. I like this wrap-up of the chicest trends from the sale, another influencer’s take on sale items that are actually worth the hype, and something a bit different - an influencer who did some research and shopping on big brand names… beyond the sale.

From the t-shirts I don’t need, but love series. Everything on this site.

travel.

These sandals almost made the shop section, but since I’m considering them a travel need, I’m posting them here along with these much more expensive, dreamy shoes I would gladly throw in my suitcase. (Waiting for a huge sale.)

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The great travel series continues, because… it’s summer. And in summer, doesn’t the whole world talk about travel?

This week, I’ve recovered from jet lag long enough to start thinking of my next trips. Too soon? Never.

Nothing makes me happier than having an adventure on the horizon. 🛫😎

While it’s home sweet home for a decent amount of time, some trips are in the works. I’ll let you know where we’re headed next as soon as the plans firm up a bit. (I’ll give you a hint: one of the locations rhymes with rain.) And you can always check out He Said, She Said Golf on Instagram for a look at what Eric and I are up to both on and off the course.

Since I’m always traveling, you might think I don’t like where I live. Not the case! I love my home in Wisconsin, and something a tour guide said on a lake in Sweden reminded me of that even more.

The scene: on the first day of our Sweden adventure, we were on a boat tour of the Lulea archipelago (a sea dotted with around 1300 islands). As we were taking in the beauty, Eric told our boat driver/guide from Brandon Lodge how amazing it was, and said something to the effect of, “Andreas, you get to see this every day - how incredible.”

Andreas paused for a minute and then told us that, while yes, it is amazing, the problem is that when you’re surrounded by all the beauty, you get used to it and become what our guide said, “Home Blind,” or hemmablind in Swedish.

This made me realize that one benefit of traveling all the time is that you might become a bit less home-blind. I came back to Wisconsin determined to spot the things a visitor would notice, and appreciate them more.

And speaking of Wisconsin, can I plug it here? I have to tell you that summer in Wisconsin is pretty amazing. Even with the occasional heat wave like we’re experiencing now.

If you haven’t visited "America's Dairyland,” consider a trip to Milwaukee, Madison, Northern Wisconsin, or anyplace in between. Not to brag, but Wisconsin kind of has it going on, with lakes, trails, festivals, golf courses, museums, great places to stay, and delicious food. And cheese. Lots of cheese.

Visit Wisconsin has all the details, or if you’re wondering about a specific place, hit me up! I’ve lived in Wisconsin my entire life and am always happy to give you local recs. Which leads nicely into the point of this week’s newsletter ~ a reminder that while AI is helpful for trip research, comparing costs, and planning, there’s a certain magic in asking real people for travel tips.

Consider this your friendly reminder of the many (human) resources who can help you plan your travels… such as:

• Family, friends, friends of friends who you don’t know, but experts on the place you want to visit and therefore your new besties.

• People you meet at the airport, in line at Target, or your kid’s soccer game who’ve been there and will gladly tell you all about it.

• When you get there: locals - ask the waitress, concierge, or your Uber driver where to go and what to see.

And of course…

• Travel Agents - remember them? They’re still around! They can not only plan, book, and advise you through every phase of your trip, they can also advise you on what type of travel insurance you might need and set you up so you’re covered no matter what happens on the road.

• Tourist Offices and local tour guides… Tourist information offices — often referred to as visitor centers or CVBs are free, local resources found in most cities. They can give you real-time event info, maps, honest recommendations, and help with logistics in ways your phone can’t. They can also provide maps and other printed resources and give you on-the-spot recs to bring your trip up a notch.

• And, if you’re a golfer interested in golf tourism… golf tour operators. Golf tour operators are specialized travel companies that design and manage golf-focused trips end-to-end. If you travel and golf, and haven’t thought of using one… think again.

On our recent trip to Barcelona, our tour operator Ian Denham from Barcelona Golf not only hooked us up to stay and play at fabulous courses - Camiral: A Quinta do Lago Resort (and site for the 2031 Ryder Cup) and Empordá Golf. We also played Real Club de Golf El Prat, which was a short drive from our accommodations at Hotel Gran Havana in Barcelona. Ian also provided recommendations for dining and sightseeing in Barcelona, and arranged a private wine tour of two family wineries - Familia Torres and Jean León that I still think about.

It was a great example of the extras that can be added to a golf trip (or any trip), such as:

• Make Hotel bookings or bookings at special properties, such as luxury country houses.

• Make tee times and other golf arrangements (club rentals, lessons, etc.)

• Set up spa treatments

• Arrange private transfers in various sizes & capacities.

• Organize VIP winery visits including gastronomy

• Make restaurant reservations, including Michelin-star

• Set up cultural tours

• Arrange private shopper trips

Golf tour operators can arrange activities for the golfers in your group as well as the non-golfers. Heck, they’re so helpful you might want to call on one even if you don’t golf.

All of those items were what Barcelona Golf, which arranged Eric's and my trip to Barcelona, could do… and it's a way for me to wrap this part up with a glimpse of our Barcelona trip.

BARCELONA

Thanks to Ian & Barcelona Golf, Eric and I were able to stay and play in and around Barcelona, and get an idea of this concept:

You can take a golf trip without having it feel like a golf trip.

In the case of Barcelona, for example, two things can be true at one time: The area around Barcelona is one of Spain’s densest golf regions - Catalonia has over 40 eighteen-hole courses, with more than a dozen concentrated in Barcelona province alone, most within an hour's drive of the city center. This gives golf travelers dozens of course options within roughly 100 km of the coast without straying far.

AND…

Barcelona is also an amazing city for art, culture, gastronomy, beaches, and history. It’s home to nine UNESCO World Heritage sites, seven of them Gaudí masterpieces like Sagrada Família and Park Güell, plus a world-class food scene from tapas to Michelin-starred dining. And just an hour outside the city, the Penedès wine region is home to over 150 wineries, with nearly 80 cava producers clustered in Sant Sadurní d'Anoia. (This is where we had our epic tours of Familia Torres and Jean Leon.)

And with that, I’m leaving you with some links that can help you on your next trip, whether it’s this weekend or in the distant future.

Because it’s never too early to start planning or dreaming of travel.

Buen viaje,

Abbey

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Travel Accessories

I’m beginning to think I have a thing for bags. I love them, and with each trip I take, I get the itch to try a new one. While I’m still in love with my Caddie Bag (great for golfers and non-golfers), I can’t quite unsee the Juliette Soft and Spacious Tote. (I mean, are you kidding me? gorgeous) And actually, all of the tote bags on July’s site are pretty slick.

But if we’re talking need, I am actually in the market for a travel purse (that doesn’t look like a travel purse)… and now I’m obsessed with Dagne Dover and this cross body, longing for a Longchamp (purse, backpack, or tote - not picky), and always up for a cool, unique cross body like one of these.

Other nice-to-refresh items include this makeup bag, these clear organizational bags, or this cool tote that’s great for a trip or your local farmer’s market.

A few travel items, and a few life-changing items brought to you by Shea Whitney. And 17 items a travel couple who’ve visited 47 countries won’t leave home without.

Podcasts & Substacks

First, a Substack - What to cook when you don’t feel like cooking, and the author of that Substack (her name is Caroline) on one of my favorite podcasts, Katie Lee Kitchen.

Speaking of Katie Lee, in this episode, she and her husband (he’s a producer on the show Somebody Feed Phil) talk about The Art of Simplifying Your Summer.

Want to feel better than ever? Here are six microhabits to help you do so, courtesy of Everyday Girl.

Bobby Parrish tells us about the 10 Most Unhealthy Foods to Avoid - and what to eat instead.

Since we’re talking about AI today (and using it versus not using it), let’s take a look at what it can do for your money, shall we?

Fun Sale Items You May or May Not Need

Midsummer brings many things, and one of them is… sales. If you happen to be in Spain, those sales would be called Rebajas - discounts or bargains that happen in mid-summer and winter. You don’t have to go to Spain to enjoy summer sales- that’s why we have the internet. Right? Start with a

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Greetings from a land called Jetlag, a foggy land where no major life decisions or large purchases should be made, and naps and early bedtimes are trending.

This is the land where you’ll find me at press time, as I recalibrate after three-plus weeks in Europe - Madrid, Barcelona, Sweden, and Madrid again.

Now back at home, I had great visions of this newsletter being a huge recap of all of those stops. And if you read the newsletter last week, you’ll know I hinted that I’d really get into it this week with lots of trip details.

But the real-life truth?

You guys.

I’m tired.

Trying to get back into my routines.

I feel like I’ve just gone through security, put my belongings in those little bins, and am putting the pieces together.

Call it whatever you like; the bottom line is I’m doing my best to readjust to this timezone, catch up on things, and still keep the many memories of the fantastic past month alive in my memory.

So, what does Rekombobulering (my new favorite word) look like?

It means doing about 24 loads of laundry, catching up with my people, assessing the damage from the trip (i.e. doing finances), working on my to-do list, and of course, trying to get my sleep back on schedule.

The first few nights back home, I found myself waking up at 3 a.m., wondering why it wasn’t light out. You see, I’d gotten used to the Midnight Sun in Sweden, where it can stay light for up to 24 hours a day.

Luckily, the past few days I’ve “slept in” until 4:15. I’m getting there!

And since I am majorly lagging… I’ve decided to compromise and do a bit of a deep dive in the most recent phase of my journey, and highlight Barcelona in an upcoming issue.

So today, I’m taking you to…

SWEDEN

I first got the notion to visit the country when I learned that Sweden is the first country in the world to be prescribed by doctors. As in, doctors are telling people to visit Sweden because it’s good for your health.

It’s true, and there are a slew of reasons all pointing to Sweden’s unique way of life that’s rooted in balance, with nature, culture, social engagement, and wellness practices supporting almost every activity.

Sound good to you? Get your prescription here.

Well, I was determined to get to the bottom of this amazing wellness destination and experience Sweden’s wellness first hand. And, since I’m always trying to combine activities with golf, I decided to pursue a trip that would allow me to explore both concepts.

Enter Josefin Haraldsson, from Visit Sweden, who worked to create an itinerary for Eric and me that would not only allow us to cash in our wellness prescriptions, but also gave us the chance to do something I never thought I’d say, write, or do…

Golf Under the Midnight Sun.

On a mountain.

In Sweden.

What an unparalleled opportunity.

Josefin worked with her fabulous partners throughout Sweden, and before we knew it, Eric and I were flying from our golf experience with Barcelona Golf to a wellness, golf, and gastronomic adventure in Northern Sweden.

First stop was Luleå, where we picked up a rental car at Kallax Airport and headed to Brändön Lodge a small, cozy cabin retreat on the Luleå archipelago in Swedish Lapland, that sits on the shore of the Bay of Bothnia offering wide-open views of the sea and islands.

Brändön isn’t just a summer retreat with big skies and endless light and countless outdoor activities, it’s also popular for visitors in the winter. It sits on an island in the Luleå archipelago (with around 1,300 islands with only about 100 inhabitants) where the sea freezes a meter thick in winter, inviting snowmobilers, skiiers, skaters, fishermen, and outdoor enthusiasts.

Upon arrival, we were treated to a wonderful, locally sourced meal presented by the resorts fantastic chef, Sam. Sam, along with our wonderful server Lottie, made our first dinner in Sweden extra special.

After dinner, we drove to Luleå Golf Club for a midnight golf experience with our local guide Anders Appelgren from Arctic Sweden and a lovely club member named Lisa. It was bizarre and amazing to tee off at 10 p.m. and have it feel like the middle of the day. Plus, playing with two locals let us get inside information on the area, golf course, and customs in Sweden. Thanks, Anders & Lisa!

After our round we went to bed (in the daylight) and I woke up early for a run with beautiful trees, lake views, and fresh air that made me feel like I could be in Sweden or Northern Wisconsin. Next, a traditional breakfast followed by a boat tour of the islands and a special treat where our captain and guide, put on another hat and made us a fireside Swedish lunch.

Next, we headed inland, driving toward Kukkolaforsen with a stop for Swedish fika at Systrarna Rosenskära, a garden café near Råneå that felt like stepping into someone’s country house.

At Kukkolaforsen, we checked into our room and took a walk (right there on the grounds) along the Torne River, the national river that forms the border between Sweden and Finland. The entire area blends Swedish, Finnish, and Sámi traditions- it’s described as “one river, two countries, and three cultures.” Kukkolaforsen is a family run (five generation) resort that’s all about sauna culture, preserving family traditions and local history, whitefish fishing with traditional bag nets, and gorgeous water views.

Plus, we were thrilled to be right down the road from a “Green Zone Golf” experience, where one crosses the border between Sweden and Finland four times during a round. How cool is that?

From there, we continued north by car to Kiruna, with a detour at a fabulous restaurant called Kattiloski along the Torne River. Shoutout to the chef and owner Taz and Ida, our server/sommelier of alcoholic beverages and a great selection of alcohol-free local beverages.

Then we checked into Camp Ripan for two nights. Upon arrival, we took advantage of the resort’s fabulous spa (sauna and water treatments), enjoyed a lovely meal in the restaurant, and then headed out for a late-night nine-hole golf outing. (Because when the sun is out for 24 hours, a 9:00 p.m. teetime is absolutely normal.)

The next morning we learned about the city of Kiruna from Anders, a local guide. He explained that this mining town is literally moving—buildings, identities, and people’s lives and stories—as the mine expands beneath it.

Sidenote - Anders not only does city tours, he also does team building activities, and Adventures Close to Nature. Plus he’s a local musician.

The second day in Kiruna, we drove deeper into the mountains to Björkliden, home to one of the world’s northernmost golf courses. Now, the course was technically not open due to the fact that the season was just ramping up, but our lovely hosts Annika Ahlgren and Nikklas arranged a special tour for us. Nikklas guided us up the mountain, leading us to the various holes, and allowed us to play when possible.

AMAZING.

After maybe the best golf experience of my life, we enjoyed a delicious dinner with Annika, where she shared information about Björkliden/Lapland Resorts and the surrounding area. Dinner at Restaurant Lapporten was as delicious as it was stunning… with views that honestly can’t be described. I can only imagine how delightfully cozy the restaurant must be during the winter ski season.

On our final morning, we left Camp Ripan early, returned the rental car at Kiruna Airport, and caught our flight back to Madrid… exhausted, but happy.

WELLNESS. ACHIEVED.

And after five days in Sweden, if you ask me why I think doctors prescribe the country for wellness… I’d mention that the Swedes:

• Focus on simple, fresh food rooted in local ingredients.

• Place strong cultural value on using what the land provides, shaped by Sweden’s harsh climate.

• Practice fika, where people deliberately pause during the day for coffee, something sweet, and real conversation.

• Have a deep appreciation for sustainability and resourcefulness.

• Respect their sauna culture as both a wellness ritual and a social gathering space.

• Emphasize outdoor living and connection to nature.

• Participate in everyday activities include walking, biking, golf, hiking, and fishing.

• Share a regional philosophy of “natural luxury” defined by landscape and lifestyle.

• Host golf experiences set against rivers and mountain backdrops.

• Support a collective commitment to protecting and caring for the Arctic as a place to live, work, and visit.

But most of all… I think the wellness stems from the people, and their desire to spend time together socializing and enjoying life in nature, and welcoming visitors to do the same.

So as I settle back into this timezone, I’m keeping Sweden close—a reminder that wellness lives in fresh food, saunas, midnight golf, and time spent together simply enjoying this beautiful world.

And for now.. I’m leaving you with some travel links, that will serve you whether you’re headed somewhere far away or just want to pretend you are while nestled into home sweet home.

Enjoy!

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• Can’t go anywhere? That’s okay… you can still read about great journeys. Start with this list of the best travel books.

• Maybe you don’t want to just go somewhere, you want to move somewhere. Here’s an inspirational example of how to do that if Italy is on your radar. And another example

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Hello!

Happy July!

And with that greeting, I have to say what we’re all thinking:

Where did June go?

The past month is a bit of a blur, as I’ve been on the road for most of it, gathering content for articles about golf tourism and travel hotspots and trends from Northern Michigan in the US to Northern Sweden. With a family trip to Madrid and golf trip in and around Barcelona thrown in the mix for good measure.

June ended with a crescendo of travel… the week this newsletter comes out, I’ll have traveled from Spain to Sweden to Spain and back to the US. (Translation, my July 4 will be a jetlagged one.)

The only problem with traveling for a month is that one experience can blend into the next, and when we finally get thrown back into the routine of everyday life back at home, it can be hard to recall all the impressionable moments and great conversations that happened along the way.

So this newsletter is as much for you as it is for me as I take a second to review where I’ve been.

The month started with a golf FAM (familiarization) trip to Gaylord, Michigan. A FAM trip is when a group of golf media and content creators travel to an area (Gaylord’s Golf Mecca in this case) to play golf, stay in local resorts, eat local food, and find out why the world should visit Gaylord. We all then turn around and tell the world exactly why they should do so too.

In a sentence, I’ll tell you that reason- if you’re a golfer, you’ll be happy to find 16 golf courses and 21 lodging options, as well as beaches, boating, fishing, hiking, great food, and famously nice people who live, work, and take great pride in their area. Go to Gaylord Golf Mecca for more information!

That trip went from May 30- June 4, and then Eric and I were back for about thirty seconds - enough to get in a round in our couples golf league, tie up loose ends, pack, and before we knew it we were on a plane bound for Madrid, Spain.

First stop: MADRID

We arrived on June 10 and spent our first day acting like locals in my favorite city. This meant stopping for coffee at the Only You Hotel, and then both of us getting our hair done.

Over the next few days we spent time shopping, working in coffee shops and terraces, and tapa-ing around Madrid. I did my usual routine of always ordering a typical Spanish salad (lettuce, gorgeous tomatoes, tuna, onions, and white asparagus), but my favorite meal was at a sushi place in the Chueca neighborhood.

After a few days with our friends, Eric and I set off for the AirBnB we’d booked. This was a special trip that Eric has been planning for a long time- as his two adult kids and their significant others joined us and we spent the week exploring Madrid, visiting museums, eating tapas, tasting vermouth, and taking day trips.

Highlights included:

• Day trips to Toledo and Segovia on a high speed train

• Museum and gallery tours - the Prado (tips on booking tickets here), Reina Sofía, and Fundacion Mapfre. (Book skip the line experiences here.)

• Walks through Retiro Park

• Shopping - all over! El Corte Inglés, Zara, and Ubiqlo were big hits.

• A tapas cooking class

• Lots of great conversations and laughs, and a week bonding as a group in the Iberian Peninsula.

• And… leading to the title of this newsletter, an introduction to a great trip or life activity that lets you reflect on a day and share it with those you’re with…

HIGH LOW BUFFALO

The activity is called “high, low, buffalo” and how it works is that you sharing a summary of your day based on:

One high, or great thing that happened.

One low, or something that didn’t go as planned or was a little disappointing

One buffalo, or something random you saw or did that totally unexpected.

For example, on our last day in Madrid, we had a late drink/casual dinner at a restaurant near our Air BnB. As we were talking at the table, a bat started circling over our heads.

A bat.

In our restaurant.

Over our table.

As someone who’s particularly horrified of bats (I had one fly into my neck while walking one summer night when I was 19), this was especially disturbing to say the least. In addition to visions of rabies shots in a Madrid… I thought about that bat flying over our food. Como se dice “yuck” in Spanish?

So as you can imagine, the restaurant bat was actually my low and my buffalo - because who expects a bat flying over your patatas bravas? Buffalo.

Right?

We learned about the game early in the week, and it became our nightly ritual. It was fun to go around the group and hear what impressed everyone each day. Everyone had unique memories & experiences, and their retelling allowed us to get a feel for how they experienced the trip. A cool way to bond and share the moments that impressed us.

I highly recommend this activity w your partner, kids, family or friends… whether you’re on vacation or recapping a regular day in your “regular life.”

Next stop: BARCELONA

After a week with the kids in Madrid, Eric and I took a high speed train from Madrid to Barcelona for the work part of the trip, where we were investigating golf courses and resorts and other activities in Costa Brava, Girona, and Barcelona.

We were there thanks to our host, Ian Denham of Barcelona Golf. Our mission was to stay and play at various golf resorts and courses in Costa Brava and Barcelona.

Our itinerary included Camiral - A Quinta do Lago Resort (site of the 2031 Ryder Cup) , Empordá Resort, and a round at Real Club de Golf El Prat, just outside of Barcelona, where we stayed at the Gran Havana Hotel.

In between rounds at these courses, we had a chance to visit two wineries on the outskirts of Barcelona - Familia Torres and Jean Leon. Both are owned by the Torres Family and each has a unique “must visit and experience” appeal that is hard to describe. (Translation: If you’re in Barcelona, you must go to these personally to experience it!)

Watch this video about Jean Leon and you’ll see why I thought it might be coolest boutique winery on the planet. Here’s a documentary to learn about Familia Torres and their five, now going into six generations of passion for wine.

After 4 days in Barcelona… we were off to Sweden for “Golf Under the Midnight Sun.”

And… since that trip is still happening as I write this, you’ll need to stay tuned for a synposis next week. I’ll do an entire special on Northern Sweden, Golfing Under the Midnight Sun, and will tell you all about how the fabulous hospitality we felt everywhere we went in Sweden.

And because I’m still traveling… I’m going to wrap up this newsletter here with a preview of our Sweden trip HIGH LOW BUFFALO STYLE, focusing on Highs only.

HIGHS:

Sweden’s water. It is absolutely the crispest, cleanest, coldest water I’ve ever had in my life. And you can get it anywhere and it’s safe and clean. Cheers to your water, Sweden!

The intentional sustainability practices at all of the places we stayed - Brändön Lodge, Kukkolaforsen Turist & Konference, and Camp Ripan. From their practices to running their lodges to how they prepared and served their food, these venues were class acts.

A 7 (or was it 10?) course lunch served by owner & chef Taz of a fabulous restaurant called Kattilakoski. Taz sources locally whenever possible, and believes in making the most out of every piece of food that enters his kitchen… he is a no waste kind of guy, and his creations are delicious, creative, and as good for you as they are the environment. Shoutout to Ida, our wonderful waitress and wine/non-alcoholic beverage pairing expert!

High times a hundred - these homemade seed crackers and kale pesto and homemade local butter from Camp Ripan.

Get clever with movement- why take a golf cart when you can use an electric bike with a club carrier on the front? This bike was designed in Sweden and outside of Green Zone Golf, the only spot in Sweden where you cross the border four times during a round of golf! (Sweden-Finland)

Another high was the simple decor that was also warm and cozy, like this space at Brändön Lodge where candles create inviting spaces.

Another high… all of the amazing people I met throughout the trip!

And really… I could go on and on. But I’ve got to pack my bags! I’ll see you again next week.

Enjoy your holiday weekend!

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Happy Thursday!

I’m happy to bring you another edition of Who I’d Rather Be Talking About, where I introduce you to rock stars all around the world who are living life on their terms and making the world a better place in the process.

This week, you’ll meet Kerry Maher - a golf teacher & fitness coach, and one of Canada’s leading golf content creators who has built a fun, welcoming space for women who love golf, movement, and feeling strong.

If you’ve ever wanted more support, community, and confidence in your golf game and/or life…please keep reading!

Even if you’re not a golfer, I promise you…

Kerry will motivate you to take your life to the next level.

Let’s go to Canada to meet the country’s biggest women’s golf content creator, Kerry Maher!

Kerry and I first met on LinkedIn when she was looking for golf connections in Spain. Since I happen to be obsessed with golf and Spain, my name popped up in her search. Soon, we were on a Zoom call where we talked not only about Spain, but also about everything else in the world of golf, fitness, travel, and life.

Not only did I see what a force Kerry is in the world of empowering women in golf, fitness, and life… I also realized she needed to be featured in this newsletter, and I thought she’d be a great asset for destinations looking to promote their courses and hotels through content creators.

That prediction was spot on - Kerry came along on a recent golf media trip to Gaylord, Michigan, where we played and stayed with golf content creators and writers and learned all about the Gaylord Golf Mecca. It was a great trip, and a great chance to see Kerry in action. She truly talks the talk and walks the walk.

I’m so pleased to introduce you to Kerry so you can see first-hand how she empowers women all around the world every single day, rocks it on the golf course (as a player and pro), and is just an all-around powerhouse!

My name is Kerry Maher, and I am an obsessed woman when it comes to golf and travel. I am a proud, hard-working entrepreneur and mom to 3 grown men and the right husband!

I am the only female golf pro that has an online community like this on the planet! I am the CEO of Get Vertical, the only online golf and fitness community for women. It’s way more than just golf and fitness. We have an entire team of fitness instructors, including me as the golf coach, as well as a well-known nutritionist.

There are 15 live or on-demand sessions per week.

What I’ve created is a support system to help women get stronger on and off the golf course. Here, women join forces, sharing their superpowers with awesome presentations.

It’s about women supporting each other, full on!

I grew up in Bathurst, New Brunswick, Canada. I am the youngest of 5, so when I was old enough to be taken to the golf course, I was finally determined to stay put. From a young age, I saw that the golf pro in town had a more balanced life than the rest of the people. I wanted that flexible, happy, outdoor community-builder role.

An early influence was the golf course I grew up on. The people at my home course were proud of my golf ability, and they supported me. I knew from an early age that it was a privilege and I was not going to let them down.

I was a traditional golf pro for 25 years. Worked all over the world; Toronto, Banff Springs, and the most exciting move was the Grand Cayman! I was the golf pro at the Ritz-Carlton and the junior golf coach for the Cayman Islands National Team.

Each time I moved, I had to start my teaching business all over from scratch. This is where my marketing skills kicked in.

In 2014, I took a break from full-time teaching and started my healthy fast-food restaurant. Since the marketing budget was nonexistent, it further strengthened my social marketing skills.

COVID killed that industry, so after we lost that business, I started something again, not realizing it would become a movement.

On March 20, 2020, I decided to Get Vertical, get up out of my sadness, and go move or work out outside. I knew I would feel better!

That day, while I was doing the workout, I decided to hit the Facebook live button. Shy, and on the other side of complete fear, I hit that button.

And now I always say.....

On the other side of fear were a few women (like 2, my sister, and my high school buddy), and we worked out together.

Two turned in ten. Ten turned into fifty, and fifty turned into one hundred!

You see, when I needed them most... the women had my back!

They joined me and helped me start my new business…

Online golf fitness for women.

After 2 years of online workouts and community building, I got the true sign I was on the right path. After a biceps blow-off one Friday, the women asked me about the golf swing!

I made a video about it!

Shy and, once again, doubtful, I posted my golf video on Instagram, and it got 2.5 million views.

That winter, my online golf sessions sold out!

Yes, I taught golf on Zoom, and that’s when my community really took off.

Timing? Perseverance? Luck?

I always use Oprah’s quote here:

“I believe luck is preparation meets opportunity. If you hadn’t been prepared when the opportunity came along, you wouldn’t have been lucky!”

1. Every day starts in community. I go live from my garage, and everyone gathers around for a grateful coffee time.

2. The workouts begin; just 30 min, 2 % of your day!

3. We all do a high five!

4. I do a golf tip (1 min)

5. Our Nutritionist Julie Daniluk comes in with a hot tip. (@juliedaniluk)

After my morning workout, I have the flexibility to do brand building, content creation, or plan my next group trip!

Connection, community, strong and unstoppable, and supported.

I make authentic content, not too scripted, just real, raw, and open. I share my experience with my audience and bring them along.

When I work with companies and brands, I usually make more polished, focused content for them to use specifically. User-generated content is a totally separate business. I have a pitch deck I send out to golf courses or resorts I want to work with.

Hot tip? Start by creating content about the resort, then reach out.

I truly believe the key to your best “swing” or move ~ I call it GROOVE YOUR MOVE ~ is strength and flexibility. When you feel strong and confident, you will produce your best golf. Golf lessons are helpful, but longevity is the Key!

The goal is to play until we are 100!

This question fires me up! lol That fire has me here today, making a new path in the industry! Women have always been the second thought in golf. Finally, more women are stepping up and taking on roles in the industry. Golf Canada just appointed its first-ever female President! JUST in 2026!

Women are starting leagues and apparel brands themselves because they look around and don’t see representation, and then they are doing something about it!

Being seen and heard out on the links is key, regardless of your ability!

It’s literally the board meeting of life, get in the game, ladies!

Take up space!

Invent that thing!

The Sunflower Movement 🌻 is associated with a sunflower-themed cover, and it’s meant to be a women’s empowerment movement. If you see a woman with this on her golf bag, it’s a sign that she’s your new golf best friend.

I started this because I know golf can be an intimidating sport for women, and I wanted a sign among us gals, and I thought of the sunflower.

If you see a woman with this on her bag, you can go up to her knowing she will have your back.

She is kind, safe, and supportive.

She will play with you, invite you in, and support you completely!

She is kind and welcoming!

Go say hello!

She is your new BFF!

I am obsessed with seeing the most beautiful golf destinations in the world. I just want to see them all, make content, and bring my friends and followers with me on this one ride of a lifetime!

Beautiful places, people, and cultures.

How can we spread joy into the world one person at a time?

What are you reading right now? All about Claude! Yes, scaling social

Podcasts you’re into? Anything women in business scaling

What are you watching or streaming lately that you can’t stop talking about? Yellowstone, I love bad ass Beth.

Current wellness, fitness, or recovery habit you’re actually loving? Stretching, rolling, massages, and acupuncture

What was your last golf trip, and who was there with you? Last month I took 15 women to a Bond Girl golf trip, at Palacio Estoril in Caiscais, Portugal, and it was so amazing! This is where James Bond writer Ian Fleming sat to create the characters in his novels that later became movies! After that, I led a couple's trip to Costa Navarino in Greece, which was top-notch!

Where do you want to go next—no limits, first place that comes to mind for a golf or golf‑plus‑fitness escape? Japan, Thailand, Vietnam

Favorite golf destination you’ve visited so far? Costa Navarino, Greece, and Sotogrande, Spain

Dream golf destination or resort you haven’t visited yet? Asia somewhere....

Dream foursome—past or present, who’s in your group? Oh, that is so hard; I should say, my boys! lol But if it’s not my family, sister Kelly and gang.....then Oprah and Gayle, and Mel Robbins would be a hoot! But really new women friends of any kind! I love women, they are so amazing! I love hearing all their stories of perseverance!

Important question: music on the course or none at all? If music, what kind? I like it sometimes, I do like the silence of golf most of the time! The birds.....nature! If it’s playing, I like to be the DJ. I love acoustic covers redone by non-mainstream artists.

Describe your idea of a perfect day (on or off the course).

I wake up to smiley faces from my Get Vertical community online, we talk gratitude, we smash out a workout, we high-five!

Connect with a few friends online for a chat.

Breakfast with my man and send the kids off to school

Golf 9 holes or practice a bit

Go get a massage, or self-care, beach walk, or meditation

Have a chef who creates dinner I can throw together for the family,

Sit on the patio under the lights with a fire in the corner.

Bed early

Repeat

Quote or mantra that inspires you?

I have so many! When COVID hit, I put inspiring quotes on my TV. They would flash by all day, and I would read them and memorize them! It was better than the bitchyness going on in my head at the time! lol

“You will never know your limits until you push yourself to them!”

“Face the Fear!” It’s in you for a reason!

“Dreams are yours for a reason, go after them!”

And those quotes seem like the perfect place to end. Thank you, Kerry, for inspiring us all. You are a FORCE!

Find Kerry:

Email: kerrymaher@getvertical.ca

Meet Kerry: Book a 15-minute meeting with Kerry by clicking here.

Website: www.kerrymaher.com CBC Article: Pandemic Silver Linings

Instagram:

Click here to Get Vertical and join Kerry’s awesome online community!

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Greetings from the road! I’ll be traveling a bit this month & will share photos in a future newsletter.

This week, I’m running a special “Father’s Day Tribute” newsletter, in memory and honor of my dad… and for all the dads out there. If you’re lucky enough to still have your dad around, be sure to give him a special shoutout and/or spend some time with him this Sunday (Father’s Day in the US), if you can, or as life allows.

Last week, I had the opportunity to be a guest on the Traveling Golf Diva Podcast for a special Father’s Day episode where I shared the story of how my dad introduced me to golf. Not only was this significant in my relationship with my dad (the fact that we played golf together led to many father-daughter bonding rounds), but it also introduced me to golf and led me to my current profession as a golf and travel writer.

As a special “thank you” to my dad (who sadly left this world in 2020), I’m including a copy of the first golf article that started me in the world of golf writing. When I initially wrote it, my goal had been for it to appear in print around Father’s Day. I envisioned handing him a paper or magazine and saying, “Here, Dad, your gift is on page 9.”

Well, it didn’t make the paper or a magazine as I’d hoped, but it did end up on the LPGA website, thanks to someone named Ashleigh Guerra (now Founder/CEO of BIRDHAUS Brand Studio), who at the time worked at the LPGA. She and her team liked the piece, published it on their Girls Golf Blog, and asked me to write for them regularly. And that was the start of it. (Shoutout to Ashleigh for my first “in” in the industry!)

I hope you enjoy the piece!

Afterward, I’ve put together some links for Father’s Day gift ideas, as well as my usual lifestyle batch of links.

Enjoy, and Happy Father’s Day to all the dads out there!

The story behind “A Win-Win for Golfing Dads Everywhere”

and

The Life Lesson Everyone Should Hear

My intention for writing “A Win-Win for Golfing Dads Everywhere” back in 2014 was two-fold.

First, I wanted to express my gratitude to my dad for taking the time (so much time!) over the years to teach me golf. But it wasn’t just about learning golf – it was the fact that we spent the time together… In my formative golf years and beyond. And that time my dad spent with me, using golf as the conduit to great conversations, laughs, and time together, is one of the greatest gifts of my life.

The second reason I wrote the piece was as an inroad into the world of golf writing, my current profession. At the time, I was starting out and had dreams of writing great stories of golf… not necessarily about the game itself, but the people in that world and the stories that emerge because of it. Well, I got lucky with that first piece. It led to an article on the LPGA website, then a monthly column of inspirational stories on the LPGA Girls Golf Blog. Then came work for Youth on Course, other pieces for the golf industry… and now, here I am, a full-on golf writer and content creator in the industry. It’s something I do with my husband – we play together and travel together for golf and work.

Golf isn’t just my profession, it’s my passion. And honestly, I owe it to my dad and the love and advice he gave me over the years.

As it turns out, his greatest advice was shared on that very last round, FaceTimed during the pandemic.

I called him from the course and said, “Dad, we’re out here playing nine, and I wanted you to play along. But… It’s only a par three. Just short shots.”

My dad, at that point, wasn’t doing well and could barely hold a conversation. He could, however, get something out that turned out to be perhaps the best golf advice of his life.

“No, no. The short shots… those are the important ones. Those are the shots you need to get. That little shot leads to the next one… and the next. And before you know it, you’re in the hole. Focus on the short shots. They matter. More than you know.”

He was right on the short shots - as a classic-three putter, I’m still working on it. But I realized since that round that my dad maybe wasn’t just talking about shots around the green.

As I finish this piece, I know that I wouldn’t be where I am today, personally, professionally, or in golf terms, without the many shots I took on and off the course.

Each “shot” led to the next… leading me to where I am and giving me the biggest gift of the career I have today - on and off the course.

Thanks, Dad!

I bet if you look at your life, you’ll see how your short shots have led you to today as well.

Here’s to short shots and making them with the people who matter most to you.

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Add years to your life by switching up your exercise routine this way. (Hint: the secret is in switching things up.)

The hippest new haircut? The sliced bob.

Father’s Day Golf gift ideas (or golf gifts for anyone, anytime)… start with the best deals on accessories and throw in a new polo. Here are some more elegant golf apparel options, and some mid-range picks.

The Story of Golf in 50 Tournaments by Tony Dear would make a great Father’s Day gift or gift for the golfer in your life. Dear tells the history of the game through 50 pivotal events that shaped professional golf. Well-researched, well-written, and accompanied by great photos and design, this book is not only informative but also a little showpiece. (Looks great on a coffee table.)

Another great golf book is Make Your Next Shot, Your Best Shot by Dr. Bob Rotella. The book sort of goes with this week’s theme, and spoiler - it isn’t just about golf. It’s a book full of life lessons too.

Podcasts worth a listen - What the Wealthiest Women Know About Time & Money that Most People Don’t, and from the Real Food Traveler, Jerez de La Frontera, Spain- An Insider’s Guide. A really great listen, and maybe a spot for your travel list this year… Jerez de La Frontera has been named Spain’s Gastronomic Capital of 2026.

And, speaking of podcasts and Father’s Day… I was honored to be a guest on the Traveling Golf Diva Podcast in a special Father’s Day episode.

Some recipes to try - roasted salmon with peas and radishes, Spanish tortilla (great to have in the fridge when you don’t feel like cooking), a salad recipe if you’re looking to eat an entire head of lettuce, and for your home’s grill master, Bobby Flay’s top grilling recipes.

Speaking of food, here’s a

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Hello!

Continuing with last week’s summer series, I’ve got another great guest for Who I’d Rather Be Talking About—the space where I spotlight fascinating and inspiring people doing remarkable things.

Sometimes I’ve met these people in real life, other times we’re internet pals. In the case of today’s guest, Erin Samson Barney, we first connected on LinkedIn about a year ago after the PGA Merchandising Show put us in each other’s orbit (and in this case, the LinkedIn algorithm).

Since then, we connected on Zoom and then in person at this year’s PGA Show. In case you’re wondering, the behind-the-scenes world of golf (sales, media, merchandising, equipment) is like a small town. We all seem to know each other somehow, or through some person. I just returned from a golf media trip where many of my fellow travelers were Erin superfans like me.

You’re probably wondering, who is this superstar?

Erin is a business owner and golfer who started a golf brand to honor the woman who introduced her to the sport… her grandma. Not sure about you, but I think any woman who starts a brand in honor of their grandma is cool right off the bat. And after you hear Erin’s story, I bet you’ll agree.

I want more women to play golf, and I own a premium golf apparel brand, ERIN BAILEY, with the intention of supporting that statement.

We are designed by women for golfers.

We prioritize FIT. FUNCTION. FABRIC.

I started ERIN BAILEY to honor my grandma, an elite shit talker who never broke 100. I wanted to create best-in-class apparel for women, specifically the game’s best golf skirt, and support the continued growth of the game for women.

My marketing friends don’t like this answer because it’s too vague, but it’s the truth: our target audience is women who golf.

I want a woman to see something for her in our product, whether she’s 19 or 79, a beginner or an LPGA player. I don’t think our line is robust enough to have achieved that goal, but I think we’re in a great position for it to be a reality.

In addition to our apparel, there are so many wonderful organizations helping women find the game. As we scale, I plan to contribute to those initiatives.

I was fortunate to be born to parents who taught my brothers and me the value of family and relationships. They stressed, treat people the right way.

My parents would support us in whatever we wanted to do, but that didn’t mean through rose colored glasses or without tough love when applicable. Once, after an AAU basketball tournament, our team had won, and I was awarded the top scorer. My dad was sure to tell me, “There will always be someone better than you. Taller (I capped out at 5’2” so he was definitely right there), faster, smarter, more well-traveled, etc., but you don’t ever need to be outworked. That you control.”

Before ERIN BAILEY, I spent 20 years working for the biggest brands in sports headwear and apparel, learning from the best in their fields. Some of the folks I’ve met along the way have helped me to get ERIN BAILEY to where it is now and are still working with me today.

When they say your network is your net worth, they aren’t lying!

I wanted something strong and aggressive, a logo that wasn’t overly dainty/fragile.

The cheetah is the most athletic animal in the world. They’re graceful and viscous, and they’ve always been my favorite.

The cardinal is said to represent someone visiting who has passed. I like to think when I see one, it’s my grandma checking in.

I’m really happy with how the logo turned out, combining the two!

It’s easy to get caught up in all of the responsibilities that fall to you when starting any type of business. I think it’s important to keep priorities in their appropriate place. My most important job is to be a good partner to my husband and raise children who become good people ~ empathetic, kind, confident, civically minded, and professionally (in whatever it is they care about) motivated adults.

I’m actively relearning how to organize my time. I’m not sure I’ll ever master it, but I try. On any given day, I might be training a wholesale club partner’s staff on our product, jumping on a call with our legal team, sitting in a product design and production meeting, or touching base with a content creator partner.

Really, it’s a bit of everything. It’s chaotic, but fun!

Do it.

The time will never be right. You’ll never know everything. It certainly won’t be perfect. Nothing ever is. I say that with this caveat: You better be passionate about what you’re doing. There are highs and lows that you can’t imagine, and you have to be able to temper those.

If you aren't able or willing to do that, you're probably better off keeping your steady salary and benefits.

I don’t mean that in a snarky way; I mean that sincerely. It’s harder than you think but also incredibly rewarding.

Be smart about it, but go for it!

It’s never too late. I’ve met fantastic women and great golfers who started at all sorts of times within their lives. Start by learning the basic etiquette before you go on the course. Sign up for lessons and find someone (or a group) you feel comfortable playing with. Once out there, just remember to keep things moving and mind your pace of play. Keeping those things in mind, you’re already halfway there. Then, just keep playing and practicing like the rest of us! It’s a difficult but great sport, and we’re all constantly working on our games. That’s golf!

Email: erin@erinbailey.com

Instagram and TikTok: @erinbaileyofficial

Website: erinbailey.com

Favorite golf course you’ve played: We-Ko-Pa (Saguaro)

Golf course you’d like to play: Too many to say, probably Pebble Beach.

Best destination to unplug: Siesta Key

If you could play a round with your grandmother, what would you ask her? My grandma was the ultimate truth teller. She and my grandfather built a beautiful life from extremely humble beginnings. They worked hard and didn’t complain. I’d want to know something she always wished she had done but was never able to do.

Podcast: I could list 100, but some top favorites… How I Built This, Business Wars, Wiser than Me, the Nordy Pod, and of course, a good true crime - I like Morbid. Plus, I love any Gary Vaynerchuk podcast!

Netflix: Current rewatching, Homeland. I’d recommend Shrinking to anyone, although I’m not sure if that’s on Netflix.

Go-to meal: Salmon with rice and veggies.

Binge meal: Lou Malnati’s (Chicago folks will know).

Course cocktail of choice: I’m all about a cold Surfside these days.

Celebrity or golfer you’d love to see in ERIN BAILEY: Becky Robinson/The Entitled Housewife, hit me up!

Mantra, quote, or words of wisdom that inspire you: Progress not perfection.

Thank you, Erin, for sharing your story & inspiring us!

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Happy Thursday!

As we head into June, I’m happy to announce I’m starting a new summer series called “Cool people you should know about.” Basically, "Who I’d Rather Be Talking About,” with a special name for summer. It’s all about the marketing, folks.

Whatever you’d like to call this special departure from regular programming, I’m really excited about it. This week, I’m introducing you to artist and writer Julia Jaegersberg, whose story will inspire you to go after the things you’re passionate about.

I am a communicator - someone who can’t do math, so I do words - and I especially love the complementary relationship between words and images - as in a print ad! I’ve worked in advertising as a copywriter for much of my career, as a freelance copywriter for a wide range of companies, as a magazine writer, and lastly, I just wrote a children’s book where I star as little me (in bunny form!).

I grew up in Madison, Wisconsin, the oops daughter of two journalists (there’s a 15-year span between my oldest sister and me). I ended up becoming a writer because all the other professions required a math class. I kid you not! Math made no sense in my brain. It was a GPA killer - and a blockade to other career options. Going into college, I didn’t really enjoy writing at first - it built over time with encouragement, and mostly me discovering I was creative. I had no idea I was creative. If you ask anyone who grew up with me, my family, or friends, no one would have described me in that light. The shy girl? No way!

I learned to write in a college editing class. After receiving five F’s in a row on editing projects, I finally understood what my professor wanted from us - no “is” or “are” (the weakest words in the English language) because they always hide the true action, like “is driving versus “she drives.” Subject first and use a real action verb. And involve the reader.

I realized I was creative when I had a public relations job at a small advertising agency that didn’t have a copywriter. So I stepped in. This only happened once in my life, but the clients shrieked and jumped out of their chairs when I presented my ads. Instant career change!

Today, I serve as a content coordinator for two local magazines (which doesn’t explain much of what I do!). Over the last 10 years, I have worked for the same local publisher, but the local magazines have gradually combined to become more regional (meaning several cities together rather than just one). One of my monthly magazines extends to 60 pages today.

I’m responsible for finding the cover feature, writing the article, serving as the magazine’s photo editor, and arranging the cover photography. Several articles come to me already written, but I write the majority. In addition to the cover feature and business profiles, I love to feature local artists, nonprofit organizations, and interesting side stories I discover.

But my favorite part of the job is writing the Letter to Residents that leads off the magazines, a letter from the editor. Each month for 10 years, I’ve found something interesting in my life to share with photos I’ve taken to complement the personal story. When I meet someone who receives the magazine, they say, “I feel like I know you.” To me, that’s a success - how I want my readers to feel.

In addition to my love of words, art plays the second most important role in my life. It’s not that I’m a great painter or illustrator, but someone once told me I see art in everything, and that’s true. My art talents shine brightest in photography. And as a collector, you’ll see original art everywhere in my home.

I met another like soul, and we opened an art gallery together after leaving our advertising jobs. It was in this role that my love of art grew even stronger, as we featured 250 local artists in the gallery. After the gallery closed (thank you, recession), I became involved with a local arts organization, eventually leading it for five years.

It was through that connection that I was recommended to the Women and Girls Fund to find an artist to create custom art pieces for honorees, rather than presenting winners with a boring plaque.

Finding the artist was easy, so I said, “What else can I do to help?” I’ve now served the organization for five years and currently serve on the board of directors. We raise funds and partner with local nonprofits that uplift women and girls in our community - it might be dental care, housing, repairing homes, healthcare, mental health - so many needs. I help with marketing, writing, art contacts, event planning, and staging events! I LOVE it.

Yes! I first had the idea for the book more than 10 years ago. I’ve always pictured a year as a circle with the months set around it. This visualization helped me understand time.

I discovered that not everyone thinks as I do! Some have no vision of a year, others see a straight line that goes on forever. That’s what inspired the book. How could I share this concept in a simple yet powerful way?

The answer came to me on a trip to Italy, and I later wrote the book on a five-hour drive home from my northwoods cottage. I never changed it.

I decided to only have two characters. I chose a mother rabbit and a bunny named Keeka. Together, they hop through all the months, celebrating each month of life in nature and the love they share along the way. And visually, the circle year grows on each page like a pie chart until they reach December when the circle completes.

It took me a whole year to share the story with my daughters (that shy, insecure child still lives in me!). Once confidence grew, I found my artist partner, someone I met as a gallery owner. That’s when the book came to fruition.

Local painter Marilee Shepard used acrylic paint with bright, colorful backgrounds to share the characters’ adventures on each spread, enjoying each month in the north, discovering the joys of the seasons. Her visuals matched my vision beautifully.

The reactions leave me on an emotional rollercoaster - of mostly highs! Kids love the book, some asking their parents to read it every night. That makes me the happiest! Also, one little girl shared how much she loves the name Keeka, which thrilled me. I chose Keeka because it's a fun name to say and uncommon. (I first heard it on a Spanish television show!)

People ask me this a lot: What’s next? I’m not sure, but I feel like I should extend the characters and take on a new hard-to-understand concept.

Golden retrievers! I wanted a dog my entire life, and finally, at age 50, I had my first golden, adding beauty and love to my life. She passed away in a tragic way at age 9, and now I have another golden girl, who’s equally a gem. I can’t imagine life without a golden girl.

Current Read: The Frozen River - my sister gave it to me, I just dove in - takes place in Maine in the 1700s and features a strong woman, of course! Great so far.

Streaming: I love White Lotus, Ted Lasso, The Morning Show, and many others, but right now, I’m watching Gilmore Girls for the first time - so clever and fun!

Current wellness habit: Two years ago, my blood tests showed I needed a life change, so I followed my sister’s diabetic diet - low-sugar, high-protein - which I still follow today after losing 35 pounds. All my blood tests changed to middle normal!

What was your last trip and who was there with you? Vermont for a winter mountain-top wedding with my husband! I’ve traveled all over the world, but hadn’t been to Vermont before! I truly fell in LOVE, despite the fact that we visited in March, the worst time - mud season! So, next we’ve booked a house near Stowe, Vermont, and we’re taking all my children and their significant others in October of this year! I must see this state in all its colorful splendor.

Where do you want to go next—no limits, first place that comes to mind? I want to go to Croatia next. Or any place in Spain or Italy. You can’t visit these countries enough. I’ve been to Italy five times, and there’s still so much to see!

Your idea of a perfect day. In my home state of Wisconsin, a perfect day is at my northwoods cottage on Black Oak Lake in August (fewer bugs) and swimming in the cleanest lake in Wisconsin with a boat full of my children, husband, and friends - and my dog, Kya!

Quote or mantra that inspires you: “Leave the world better than you found it.” It’s something my mother, Grace, said my entire life, and my children hear me say it, too. I pick up garbage everywhere I go - I simply can’t walk by it. If I don’t pick it up, who will?

Website: www.whatsayearmama.com - where you can purchase the book

julia.jaegersberg@gmail.com

414-708-8840

Thank you, Julia!

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With Memorial Day behind us, it feels like summer is officially here - even though we can’t technically say it’s summer until June 21. (A date I can’t write without giving my bestie/college roommate Kristin a birthday shoutout.)

Back when I was teaching, summer started only after the kids had left the building, my classroom was officially packed up, and my car was pulling out of the school parking lot with Alice Cooper escorting me off campus.

Nothing - and I repeat - nothing on this earth compares to that feeling.

Ask any teacher.

And now that I work for myself and I no longer have a hard work stop each June, I still feel summer in the air when the world switches to summer mode.

We let our guard down a bit.

We walk barefoot in the grass, not as part of some grounding practice, but because walking barefoot is what you do in summer.

We eat berries, watermelon, and drink lots of water, not because an influencer told us to, but because the season begs us to.

We move more. Meet up with friends. Go on walks.

Children (and adults) play outside.

We expand our brains and travel to new places, investigating new cultures, and trying new foods.

WE REST.

It’s almost like summer is … the ultimate wellness plan.

Am I right?!?

With this in mind, let’s move into summer treating it as such.

Let’s keep things light, be social, and embrace all the ways summer can help us be our best selves… physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.

Cool?

Because the truth of the matter is… this season is going to go fast.

Way too fast - kind of like life.

Our friend Ferris agrees:

For this week’s selection of links, I’ve curated some simple ways that you can take advantage of the season. Easy, breezy for you to do with as you please.

But before the links, I want to take a moment and acknowledge that today is the 6th anniversary of my dad’s passing. Like summer, the past six years flew by so quickly, and as anyone who has lost a loved one knows - it feels both like yesterday and a thousand years ago since my dad was here on this earth. I do feel his spirit on the golf course, and I swear I hear him telling me things like, “Don’t kill the ball. Keep your head down. Take your time. Do that one again…” And his spirit definitely comes out once a year for the Algiers Goldbug Golf Tournament that he started 36 years ago. The tournament name comes from the Gold Bug, a yellow car manufactured by Kissel Car Company in Hartford, WI., where my parents grew up and lived their entire lives.

The Gold Bug car was a popular two‑passenger (later 4‑passenger) speedster model, introduced around 1919 and produced through most of the 1920s.

My dad wrote about the Goldbug Golf Tournament in his Letters to Louie emails. He explained that he started the tournament to raise money to build an adult care center for those suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s. Today, the Goldbug raises money to provide medical transportation for those in need of it.

If you live near Hartford, WI and want to play in the event July 7, or would like to sponsor the event, you can find out more here.

Special bonus: readers who sign up to play in or sponsor the event will get a year’s paid subscription to this newsletter! DM me if you go this route!

I know my dad would approve of me using the anniversary of his passing to promote the Goldbug. He was always good at fundraising and getting people to donate to causes… hitting them up when they least expected it. :)

And with that… let the summer begin!

Stay safe, be happy, and hit’em straight!

Abbey

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The first link actually reminded me of something my dad told me over and over… “You’ve got to take time for silence. Sit with yourself. Slow down. Meditate. Pray.” When I heard “Make Quiet Time to Hear the Universe and Heal Your Life” by Louise Hay, I knew I had to share it with all of you. It’s pretty darn profound.

Maybe you’ve got summer plans to jet off to the south of France. But in case that’s not in the cards, I’ve got a way you can pretend you are. Join expert Irvina Lew for a little Riviera escape, no plane required. (If her name sounds familiar, maybe you caught this interview in an earlier issue.) Irvina Lew is an author, longtime French teacher, and award-winning food and travel writer who is hosting an online cooking event on Tuesday, June 2 • 5 PM - 6:15 PM CDT.

Here she’ll guide you through a proper Salade Niçoise, homemade aïoli, and a classic vinaigrette, with a Kir Royale to start. It’s thoughtful, technique-driven, and rooted in real French cooking. It’s less than $35 - a bit cheaper than a trip to France, and just as fun!

Speaking of food… tin can protein sources are trending. I’m talking bougie “cod in a can” (forget Prince Edward), and also more affordable favorites like Trader Joe’s Wild Caught Sardines and Natural Catch Brand Spicy Yellowfin Tuna Filets.

Some feel good light and air summer meals from Rainbow Plant Life, a summer grocery haul if you prefer veggies to burgers, an anti-inflammatory grocery list, and a new smoothie bowl I can’t wait to try. (Oh, and this smoothie too.) And, before you grab those Oreos or Doritos, take a look at this perspective-shifter.

And if you’re not sure what to make for dinner, start with Katie Lee Kitchen’s latest podcast episode, “Rachel Mansfield’s Secret to Solving Dinner Every Night.”

Keep things light and happy by

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Greetings from a chronic over-stresser-outer.

(Like, follow, and subscribe if you align.)

In case you’re one of those uber-calm people and are unfamiliar with the tendency to over-stress out, I invite you to get cozy with your 2 am brain.

You know, the one who wakes you up out of a blissful sleep, and whispers sweet nothings somethings in your ear and fills you with ideas of doom.

Mine drops ideas like…

Are you sure you proofread that article that’s being published tomorrow?

Is that what the client really wants?

Did you get all the quotes right?

Did you remember to pay your quarterly taxes?

Is your car due for an oil change?

Are you ready for your upcoming trips?

Got your social media strategy down?

Did you leave clothes in the washer before bed?

Mysteriously followed by: Do you have unpaid tolls from your trip to Florida this January?

And that’s just the warm-up.

Next comes the “let’s analyze your entire past” category, and when we’re done with that, let’s consider all the diseases you’re currently dying of.

Basically, my 2 am pal is the most realistic imaginary bully a girl could ask for.

Kind of like the dream version of Nelly Olson.

And, the only thing worse than nighttime Nelly is her daytime sidekick, To-Do List Nelly. (And btw, who knew 70s TV had such trauma-inducing characters.)

Her job is to make me worry about my giant to-do list 24-7.

And her super power is honing in on my most dreaded task and making it so that’s all I can think about, leaving me so fried out that I’m actually paralized and unable to do the dreaded task, or anything else for that matter.

Tell me you understand this.

If you do, hang with me, because I think I made some headway the other day when I shared a story with a close pal.

I told her about one article I’ve been meaning to complete but had put off for so long that it felt like a roadblock to everything.

I couldn’t find my rhythm with the piece, which of course made me crabby, distracted, and sent me spiraling.

Well, my perceptive pal listened patiently and said,

B

A

M

That girl was right. I stopped. Took a breath and reminded myself this wasn’t a doctoral thesis. It was a 1000-word article about something I’d done. I was the expert on the matter, but I was getting in my own damn way.

So I got a grip.

Told to-do list Nelly to go back to the Mercantile for some candy to rot her teeth out, and advised her to tell her nighttime sidekick to stay away too.

After I got down to work, I discovered the article I’d been dreading wasn’t as bad as I had made it out to be.

I actually had fun writing it.

It’s now done, filed, and I discovered that by doing that one dreaded task… a cloud lifted and everything feels easier.

This week, I’m inviting you all to tackle that thing you’ve been trying to avoid.

(We’ve all got something.)

I promise…you will feel better.

XO,

Abbey

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First, a podcast to teach you how to use Feng Shui for creative flow.

I’m gearing up for summer travel, so, of course, that means obsessively watching YouTube videos about travel essentials. Found a few items of interest here, and am seriously considering this carry-on backpack, this one, or maybe this one. (Help me choose!) Do you have any recs?

Plus, a video that digs deep into the many claims of great travel deals - save time and money by watching this before you buy anything for your next trip.

Random, but did you know Jane Fonda is 88? She shares her secrets for wellness, health, and how she looks amazing on her Substack.

If you’re having a week like I did, with your to-do list sending your nervous system into orbit… regulate it with

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Today started like every other, with me getting up at the crack o’ dawn and going through my morning routine like a little robot. My regular readers probably know my routine better than I do by now, and if you’re new, I’ll warn you that it’s a little nuts.

• Wake up at 4:30. (I know, I know. That’s crazy early, but it works for me.)

• Tumble out of bed and stumble to the kitchen, pour myself a cup of this coffee, also prep some warm lemon water (IYKYK), and then throw together a smoothie bowl (with a banana, frozen spinach, this creatine, some cocoa nibs (for a slew of benefits), and this protein powder that’s the actual definition of chef’s kiss.

• Grab my supplements (a few too many to mention).

• By the time I’ve put together this ensemble, it’s almost 5:00, and I’m upstairs in my office, ready to enjoy my breakfast and start the day (emails, list making, and of course, wormhole scrolling).

• An hour or so later, I either head to a workout class or go for a run.

Today I went for a run, which meant I got fresh air and sunshine, and also listened to a podcast. Today it was The EveryGirl Podcast for the “9 Powerful Lifestyle Habits of the Healthiest People in the World.” (Because I’m always down to hear the latest hacks, supplements, workouts, and wellness routines.)

However, the host threw me a curveball in the first few minutes when she started talking about all the wellness crazes floating about the zeitgeist. And the more she listed the things we do, the crazier they all started to sound. And then, the host paused, and considered the question…

If I told my great-grandmother, “I’m really overwhelmed because there are too many conflicting opinions about protein powder on TikTok…She’d surely reply by saying I was way overcomplicating things.”

And when I tell you that question stopped me in my tracks, I’m not kidding.

I actually stopped running and walked a block.

I thought back on all the trends, supplements, and food bandwagons I’ve hopped on over the years, and how, so many times, my parents (who were born in the late 20s) more than once suggested that I might be…

overcomplicating things 😳

My dad had a lot to say during my vegan era, which didn’t quite align with the meatloaf, lunch meat, burgers, and pork chops I’d grown up with. And my powdered concoctions, green smoothies, and multiple supplements weren’t impressive on the home front either.

He’d look at my green smoothies and say, “Stop the nonsense, and eat real food.”

Once, I asked him to try one. Let’s just say he was not a fan.

My mom would agree, and encourage me to also take time to learn how to cook.

And while I never really went back to the “meat of my youth,” I began to see that maybe they were a little right, especially when it came to the importance of real food.

As it turns out, what my parents advised, and how they lived their lives mirrors the habits of some of the healthiest people in the world… those living in the Blue Zones.

Which brings me back to the podcast I was telling you about. After considering her great-grandmother’s reaction to her health obsessions, the host did a deep dive into the Blue Zones and specifically the nine habits shared by the world’s longest-lived communities to achieve longevity, health, and happiness.

Below is my interpretation of these habits:

• Move naturally - you can go to the gym, but you don’t have to. There are plenty of ways to get exercise every day… walking, gardening, doing household chores. Move. Your. Body.

• Have a purpose- find something that makes you want to get out of bed every day.

• Chill- Don’t let stress get the better of you - find ways to deal with it. (Yoga, nap, meditate, pray, pour a cocktail, walk a dog, get a manicure. Just find something to take your mind off your troubles.)

• 80% Rule: stop eating when you’re 80% full. Period.

• Plant Forward: More plants, less meat.

• Wine @ 5: moderate consumption, with friends or family.

• Belong: find a group that gives you meaning - church, community, friend, yoga class, golf league, knitting class. Find your people.

• Loved Ones First: Make partner, family, and friends a life priority. End of story.

• Right Tribe: Surround yourself with people who encourage good habits. We tell our kids to do this; let’s follow our own advice. Right?

When you think of it, all of the above could have been done 100 or more years ago, or 100 or more years in the future.

They’re timeless practices that just… make sense.

And maybe that’s the takeaway when it comes to wellness… when you find yourself becoming overwhelmed, thinking you have to do everything and take every supplement under the sun…

Stop and ask yourself:

DOES THIS MAKE SENSE?

Followed by:

What would my great-grandmother have to say about this?

If her reply would be a look of disdain, or implies WTF is wrong with you, you know you’re out of control, and it’s time to get back to the basics.

Sound good?

Let’s get to some links, but not too many, because remember, everything in moderation.

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If you’re traveling this summer overseas, listen to this story about an ER Abroad and learn how to prepare yourself in case of an emergency. Also,

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Sunday is Mother’s Day in the US, and I’m re-sharing my Mother’s Day Tribute newsletter from last year to remember my own dear mom, who I miss every single day.

And while I miss my mom terribly, I wholeheartedly believe she still shows up for me every single day—in the things I do and say that come directly from her, and in the daily signs that feel like she's watching over me. If you believe in signs as well, you might enjoy some of Laura Lynne Jackson’s books, which talk about how our loved ones are indeed “there” even after they’ve passed. Her books are truly incredible.

Some examples of my mom showing up… I have a resident female cardinal that appears outside my office window almost every day, multiple times, and usually when I’m stressed and most need it. I’ve also had experiences with butterflies that land in the craziest places—on my putter, on top of my phone, refusing to leave. Not kidding, and almost always on the golf course, too. As a golf travel writer, I’ve decided my mom is basically a spiritual co-worker. :)

I also want to send a newsletter hug to my mother-in-law, Barb, who is a fabulous, loving woman. (And also my biggest newsletter supporter/re-sharer - thanks, Barb! ❤️)

And… a shoutout to:

• My Mom and other moms who are on the Heavenly subscription plan.

• All the moms here in physical form

• All the mom-like figures

• All the Mr. Moms

• All the moms-to-be

• Anyone who appreciates Mother’s Day, but also feels their ♥️ 💔 on this day dedicated to moms.

Plus, a hug to those who are missing their moms this Mother’s Day.

And, as I’ve done the past three Mother’s Days, I’m sharing a tribute to my mom (RIP♥️) to let you all know how awesome she was and to remind us that, in general, moms are The Best Influencers on the Planet.

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To answer my own question, the saying from my mom that I think of almost every day is This Too Shall Pass.

She said it to me a million times ~ for friend troubles, school stressors, job uncertainty, physical ailments, and any other problem I had.

You name it, she’d counsel me, and then end with her signature reminder…

This Too Shall Pass.

And wouldn’t you know, that’s What I’d Rather Be Talking About this week:

This Too Shall Pass is solid advice for tough times.

It’s a reminder that better times are ahead if we have faith & hang in there.

~ However ~

This Too Shall Pass is also solid advice for good times.

I’m talking about special occasions, trips, family dinners, lunches, walks, talks, and low-key things like doing the dishes together.

In these cases, This Too Shall Pass reminds us to be present…

because, as we all know, those times pass too.

The takeaway?

Remember that good times and tough times are fleeting,

and a logical follow up to This Too Shall Pass is to make the most of every moment.

With those wise words, wishing you a happy day, and a wonderful weekend & Mother’s Day. As a special gift for all moms, I’m lifting the paywall for today’s piece and making the links available for everyone. Read on to find a nice Mother’s Day gift for your mom/wife/sister/bestie/mom-figure… or self!

gift ideas for mom (plus fun shopping links)

• Start with this Mother’s Day Gift Guide, or maybe just snatch this digital picture frame, these delicious last-minute gifts, or how about a subscription for flowers? All solid choices.

• 📝 Your mom taught you to write thank-you notes, right? Why not show your appreciation with gorgeous stationery? Get some for yourself, too. After all, real letters are trending this spring. Just ask Substacker Stefanie Mullen, who can send you (or your mom) a letter a month through The Savoring Dispatch, a monthly envelope of slow living inspiration, curated by hand and meant to be savored.

  

who’s hungry?

• My mom always had dessert. Always. And I’ll tell you what, if she went to a dinner and dessert wasn’t served, she wasn’t happy about it. So, in honor of my mom, I’m including a bunch of delicious (and not too bad for you) desserts - starting with these vegan brownies and these delicious treats.

• 7 warm, comforting, and EASY TO MAKE, EFFORTLESS meals for mom to keep on speed dial and make life easier.

• Cinco de Mayo was this week, and if you’d like to celebrate a bit more en casa, check out these healthy Mexican recipes for the holiday.

• Spinach doesn’t have to be the same-old-same-old; try these low-carb, high-protein spinach fritters. (#show stoppers)

• Since I’m salad obsessed, I was so happy to find a cookbook called Salad for President (not a bad idea, either). Love the layout, recipes, and stories throughout. A leafy green win. (Plus, the author, Julie Sherman, has a Substack by the same name.)

  

look and feel your best

• Want to look & stay young forever? The latest episode of Mel Robbins is a must-listen. “Eat This to Live Longer, Stay Young, and Rewrite Your Health.”

• Along those lines, don’t forget to do the one exercise that protects your brain.

• Whether you work at home or in the office, make sure your space has the right vibe to Attract Abundance: Feng Shui for Your Workspace.

• Also, your home environment can affect how you feel. Do you feel like yours is screaming for a remodel? Before you knock down those walls, try spatial alchemy to optimize your home updates.

  

saving and smart spending

• One way to achieve smart saving and spending is to become a Financial Badass. Find out from the expert, Jen Sicero on the Stacking Benjamins Podcast.

• While you’re busy becoming a financial badass, check if you’re sitting on a goldmine.

travel

• For the gal who likes to travel - a power product from Anker, a new travel purse with RFID protection, and spice up your travel wardrobe with these versatile travel pants or these great travel tops for summer.

• On the topic of travel. The top spots where gals can travel solo, and a fantastic company called Language & Luxury, which curates solo language learning adventures all around the world… in the lap of luxury. You can also take a pal, or your family, too! It’s actually the choose-your-own-adventure of language learning.

• Do you have your vacation time booked, but aren’t sure what to do? Check out these 23 unique travel ideas.

• Next, outsmart pickpockets with tips from Travel Tips by Laurie. (Laurie knows a lot about travel- from experience and from her pilot husband.)

• Finally, maybe you need help planning your trip? How about AI? Find out how to use AI for your next trip here.

exploring the great beyond

• I mentioned Laura Lynne Jackson’s books at the beginning of today’s newsletter. Watch as she talks to Oprah about How to Communicate with Loved Ones After Death.

And with that…

Enjoy the day & hug the ones you love,

Abbey

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I’m writing this newsletter on National Cubicle Day. In case you didn’t get the memo or even know that day exists (like me), it’s April 28. According to the folks at Calendar A Day, National Cubicle Day is celebrated every April 28 as a lighthearted tribute to the humble partitioned workspace that quietly transformed office life across the modern world.

(In other words… a tribute to mini-jail cells where you’re paid to drink coffee, be productive, and talk to people on computer screens all day.☕️ Cheers.)

As someone who works from home, I celebrated this day by thanking my lucky stars I no longer have a cubicle, a classroom, or any other space to report each day, and then exercised my freedom with an afternoon walk.

Mid-day walks are something I do often, using them to catch up on emails, curate links for this newsletter, and listen to YouTube videos for work research. I love the fact that my cubicle can be a sidewalk, a golf course, or an airport lounge.

Workplace flexibility is one of my favorite perks as a freelance writer.

Another perk is not having a boss and being able to make my own schedule.

I choose when to start and when to end my days. Which is nice, but also sometimes means starting at 5:00 a.m. and still working at 8:13 p.m., like tonight. And tomorrow looks like more of the same.

This is a particularly busy week as I manage projects and prepare for a series of upcoming golf trips intermixed with life and work. So busy, in fact, that just last night I considered not sending this newsletter this week. 😳

I justified taking the week off by telling myself that other Substackers and podcasters I follow had done the same, and had casually come forward with,
"I’ll be on vacation for two weeks,” or gave another reason. Or didn’t give a reason. I didn’t get mad at them. In fact, I admired their ability to say, “Nope. Not doing it this week.”

I decided I could do that too. Say, “Hey guys, I’m super busy, and I’m sure you don’t want your girl having a nervous breakdown. So, I’m just going to go ahead and take a week off.”

Or maybe… I wouldn’t even tell you guys. 😳😳

That felt really rebellious, and I’m not going to lie, sort of fun. Like skipping class in college - a stunt we did because… we could.

And, I’ll tell you what. Those options sounded really good.

I imagined friends supporting me. Receiving comments of reassurance.

“Don’t worry. Skipping a week won’t kill you. Or us.”

“Try sleeping in for once.”

“We’ll survive without your weekly 12,000 link lineup.”

“Give yourself a break.”

I seriously had myself convinced.

Further, I got all into the fact that I’m my own boss.

(Remember, it was National Cubicle Day. I was busy celebrating not having a cubicle… or a boss.)

I told myself…

This newsletter is my thing. If I want to take a week off, I don’t need to ask anyone’s permission. Right?

But then a little, more than slightly annoying voice in my head rebutted…

You haven’t ever skipped a week of What I’d Rather Be Talking About since starting it in 2022.

That’s 178 weeks, Sunshine.

(I told you the voice was annoying.)

In other words, I was the pain-in-the-ass boss breathing down my own neck.

And I realized, cubicle or no cubicle,

report-to-the-man👨 boss or no boss,

When you love what you do…

You just want to keep doing it.

Even when it’s hard, and you’re tired.

Even when you fear your laptop may actually break because you’ve been on it so long.

You keep going.

And that… is my long-winded way of saying…

Even in the busiest times, I still love popping in each week to tell you

What I’d Rather Be Talking About.

And there you have it.

See you next week with a special feature.

Until then… I’ve put together some links for you to investigate.

Enjoy.

XO,

Abbey

P.S. If you’re in a job where you don’t actually love (or even like) what you’re doing… maybe this is a sign to rethink things? Consider your options? Kick the “cubicle” to the curb? Just a thought.

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Starting with Six Words To Ask Yourself each day that will help you honor who you are, feel more confident, and have a great day, brought to you by Mel Robbins and her guest, Erin Walsh.

A good day starts with a good night, obvio. One way to have one is by having delightful PJs and loungewear to wind down in each night. If I had a slush fund for loungewear, I’d browse here and buy multiple sets of pJs, these slippers, and also these sheets. But since I don’t have that fund, there’s Quince or Target for affordable chillaxing staples.

I love to work out in the morning - either running or going to my 7:25 workout class, which is like a family/college dorm floor/co-working space all boiled into one sweaty room heated to 95 degrees. But that’s me. Regardless of what you do for exercise, there’s a new finding about exercise and longevity you should know.

Looking to make big changes in your life, but you feel stuck? Trying your darndest to manifest that job/partner/house/apartment in Spain but nothing’s working? Maybe

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Happy Thursday!

If you’re like me, you may be thinking…

How can it be Thursday already?!? My to-do list still looks like Monday.

In other words, it’s been a crazy-busy week. If you read last week’s issue, you’ll know my husband Eric and I were on a golf media trip in Mississippi.

Over six days, we played 108 holes and enjoyed southern favorites like fried pickles, amazing seafood (White Pillars Restaurant & Lounge, The Camp, Biscuits & Blues), fabulous steak (Carter Green Steakhouse at the Island View Casino), home cooking gone upscale (Mama ‘n’ Ems at the Pearl River Resort) and maybe the best saffron seafood chowder on the planet (Phillip M’s Steakhouse at the Pearl River Resort).

Things were going great.

And then, one night at dinner, just after the waitress dropped off a basket of fried pickles, catfish, and oysters…my husband’s phone lit up with a message from his doctor’s office:

Perfect timing, right?

After asking AI “How to reduce travel-induced cholesterol spikes in 24 hours,” Eric and I started talking about how there’s nothing like an upcoming doctor’s visit to really make you pay attention to what goes into your body.

Now, when we’re not in Mississippi playing 108 holes of golf, we lead a pretty clean life. So he wasn’t that concerned about the trip indulgences. But, we did laugh at the timing of the doctor’s message showing up at almost the same time as the fried pickles.

A good reminder that paying attention to our health is a full-time job, and last minute “cramming for lab tests” by eating cleanly for a day isn’t the ticket to wellness.

(Not unlike starting to floss daily the week before an annual teeth cleaning.)

The bottom line? Even for the most health-obsessed people, having a check-up on the calendar is always a good thing.

Check-ups keep us accountable and remind us that to best take care of ourselves, we have to intentionally stop, meet with an expert, and make changes as necessary.

(And yes, this is your reminder to schedule your annual exams!)

But there’s another check I want you to think about this week.

Check-ins… as in, checking in with friends you haven’t seen or talked to in a while, or checking on people who aren’t necessarily close friends, but maybe… could use a friend. I’m talking about the neighbor down the street who lives alone and would appreciate some friendly conversation.

And, I know. Life is crazy, yes, and everyone’s schedule is out of control.

But, unless we take a minute to truly get something on the calendar with friends, chances are we’re not going to do it. So, just as we take the time to schedule our annual doctor visits, I’m encouraging you to take a minute or two today and reach out to that pal you haven’t seen in ages. Stop putting it off and get something scheduled.

Similarly, think about the people in your orbit who might be a little lonely, and show them some love. A simple check-in can go a long way in someone’s life.

And with that… I’m going to sign off, leave you with a few links, and then get back to my to-do list… which happens to include a few calls to friends.

✌️,

Abbey

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• Speaking of doctor visits this week… is it time for your annual check-up? Let’s talk labs.

• Maybe your biggest health complaint is associated with how you feel after eating. Here are 15 easy moves to reduce bloating and inflammation.

• The most underrated supplement that’s also one small town’s key to longevity? Revealed.

• One of my favorite Substacks is The Savoring by Stefanie Mullen. And now, Stefanie has a novel way for us all to slow down. (You really need to

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If you’ve only got a few minutes to peruse this newsletter, you’re in luck. This will be a brief one, as I’m currently OOO, traveling with fellow golf writers.

For the past week, I’ve been hitting and typing my way through Mississippi… investigating the state's golf, food, music, and recreation.

Spoiler: all of the above are awesome, and stay tuned for a full report.

But first, let me tell you about the revelation I had playing Natchez Golf Club. If you’ve ever played with me, you’d know that while I do know how to play the game and can bring some pretty great shots to the table… I also know how not to play the game and really mess things up.

Welcome to golf.

Today started out with a combination of both - some good shots, followed by crappy ones… I just couldn’t seem to get in the zone and really wasn’t sure why.

I was trying hard to align myself for each shot, take an easy back swing, and follow through. Some attempts worked, others failed miserably.

In between shots, I’d get back in the cart and try to respond to a few work emails or check on things.

And doing that felt every bit as chaotic as it sounds. My brain wasn’t just switching out of golf mode (killing any mojo I was starting to build); it was also dropping into work mode in these frantic little bursts. Somewhere in the middle of all that, I had a realization.

Every time I left the golf world, turned on my phone, and entered my work world… I was “breaking character” as a golfer to rendezvous for a moment in the work world.

The result? I was neither a golfer nor a worker.

No wonder my golf game was falling apart - it didn’t stand a chance with all of the mixed signals.

After I saw the error in my ways,

I stopped checking my work email and my IG, LI, and FB.

And I took on the role of a golfer, focusing on one thing: my golf game.

And guess what?

Things started to click.

My tee shots went farther, my aim was more precise, and my putter and I started to work together.

All because I stayed in character and did what I was there to do.

The moral of the story?

Whatever you’ve got planned for today, try taking it one role, one character at a time… and see how much better things can turn out.

Deal?

Abbey

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And, due to the popularity of last week’s “less is more” theory with links… providing you with some of my top pics this week.

Best purses for travel: BAGSMART Cross Body Purse Sherpa purse or this chocolate brown Sherpani.

Wellness on the go - Electro Mag by True Grace, especially their option that includes creatine. For snacks IQ Bars, Clean & Simple protein packets, and to relax my brain before bed… this GABA supplement. Also, I joined an online golf and fitness community led by golf guru and Uber Cool Canadian Kerry Maher. Be sure to check out Get Vertical!

Clean skincare that does double duty… from Supergoop. Sunscreen & tint for the win. And let’s face it, if I could, I’d buy

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