Laughter and Libations

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Happy New Year! It's a new year, a new cycle. It's also January 27th and the Laughter and Libations Podcast is 3-years old today! I'm smiling right now, and this is amazing! Listen, 2024 is coming in hot! It's been a bumpy start for me--a family crisis plus health challenges. When life gets hard, it helps to know what you need to keep moving forward. I found out what I need, and I encourage you to do the same thing for yourself.

Life is full of highs, lows, and everything in between. We have to learn how to navigate these experiences. Don't wait for the crossroads to appear in your life. Take a close look now and figure out what you need to focus on this year. Figure out what you need to keep moving forward even when you experience bumps along the way.

Mentions:

Whiskey:
Uncle Nearest 1884

Listen:

• Episode 77: Bye Bye 2023
• Episode 46:  Whiskey Notes (Uncle Nearest)

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laughterandlibations.com
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It's New Year's Eve! This is the final episode for 2023! It's time to reflect on the year's experiences, get deep into gratitude, and celebrate being here and being you.

Get ready mix!
Grab your shaker.
Grab two shakers if you can.
It's a side-by-side tasting. I'll guide you through it step-by-step. It's worth it!

Get ready to laugh!
I share the most embarrassing experience I had while lounging poolside.  

I wrap up by answering the question I knew I would be asked. Did I reach my daily laughter goal for 2023? No spoiler here. Listen and find out. 

Laughing Matters is published at the end of each month. It's the end-of-the-month highlights and includes four segments: celebrations, libation of the month, rants, and questions and answers. Celebrations are about intentionally forming a habit of noticing and acknowledging the good in you, in your life, and in your sphere of influence. The libation of the month is based on whatever I fancy or feel inspired by at the time. I share step-by-step instructions and you can mix right along with me. Rants are about anything I find funny and want to share. Then, I wrap up by answering questions received from listeners throughout the month.

Mentions

• Episode 29 (Bye Bye 2021)
• Puerto Vallarta 

Libation of the Month:
Old Cuban

Recipe #1 from Abigail Gullo
Radio Imbibe Podcast, Episode 1

• Juice of one Lime
• 3/4 oz Simple Syrup 
• 4 - 5 Mint Leaves (No muddling)
• 2 oz Dark Rum
• 2 Dashes Angostura 
• Top with Champagne
• Garnish with Mint
• Serve in a Lime and Sugar Rim Martini Glass

Recipe #2 from Audrey Saunders
Credited with creating the libation

• 3/4 oz Lime Juice
• 1 oz Simple Syrup 
• 6 Mint Leaves (Muddle Gently)
• 1.5 oz Dark Rum
• 2 Dashes Angostura 
• Top with 2 oz Champagne
• Garnish with Mint
• Serve in a Coupe Glass

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If you are working on setting your goals for 2024, this episode is perfect for you. Even if you have done it already, listen and be inspired! (LoL). 

With only five days left this year, there's still time to reflect on 2023 and prepare for 2024. I share three tips to help you get on with it and keep moving forward!

Mentions:

Wine:
LaMarca Prosecco

Listen: If you need more guidance on a process you can use to set your goals for 2024, you're in the right place. Episodes 27 and 28 can help. Listen now...

• Episode 27: Setting Goals for 2022 
• Episode 28: Setting Goals for 2022, Part 2

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laughterandlibations.com
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Ask me what I'm listening to, looking at, and reading these days. Ask me. It's all related to the holidays. It can't be helped. There are aspects to this time of year that appeal to me. Cheerful music. Twinkling lights. Sentimental movies. Time with family and friends. Reminders to enjoy everyday!

There have been some funny moments this month. I share a few. I laugh a lot. I hope you will, too. The libation of the month feature non-dairy nog (a favorite). Rants cover food and decorations with a heavy dose of minimalism. There's nothing traditional about how I do things for the holidays. I have my own way. I encourage you to show up your own way, too. 

Laughing Matters is published at the end of each month. It's the end-of-the-month highlights and includes four segments: celebrations, libation of the month, rants, and questions and answers. Celebrations are about intentionally forming a habit of noticing and acknowledging the good in you, in your life, and in your sphere of influence. The libation of the month is based on whatever I fancy or feel inspired by at the time. I share step-by-step instructions and you can mix right along with me. Rants are about anything I find funny and want to share. Then, I wrap up by answering questions received from listeners throughout the month. 

Mentions:

• Cafe Sunflower (Vegan Restaurant in Atlanta)
• Costo 
• Dance Video Challenge on Instagram

Listen:

• Episode 51: Spiced Holiday Nog Recipe

Libation of the Month:
Spiced Holiday Nog 2.0

• 2.0 oz Non-Dairy Nog
• 1.0 oz Bourbon
• .5 oz  Almond Liqueur
• .5 oz  Allspice Dram
• Dash of Nutmeg
• Serve in a Coupe

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It's the holiday season again, and I have a question for you. Do you look forward to this time of year or do you dread it? There are many reasons to look forward to it and just as many reasons to wish you could avoid it. Either way, it's important to be true to yourself and take care of yourself. 

Mentions:

Coffee:
Toro by Devoción Coffee

Listen:
Episode 72: Burnout Again?

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laughterandlibations.com
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October is when it feels like we're turning from summer to fall and then back again. It's an in-between time. Nevertheless, I mix up a libation with fall flavors. Try it and let me know what you think. This is also when homecoming festivities happen at many of Atlanta's colleges and universities. I celebrate my journey from my time at Georgia Tech to now. I rant about finding the right shoes for homecoming activities, and you may be surprised to learn that Halloween isn't on my list of favorite holidays. 

I'm beginning to think about the next season for the podcast, and I ask for your input. Don't miss this opportunity to tell me what new topics you want me to cover or what topics you want me to revisit. I'm interested in knowing what is most helpful to you. 

Laughing Matters is published at the end of each month. It's the end-of-the-month highlights and includes four segments: celebrations, libation of the month, rants, and questions and answers. Celebrations are about intentionally forming a habit of noticing and acknowledging the good in you, in your life, and in your sphere of influence. The libation of the month is based on whatever I fancy or feel inspired by at the time. I share step-by-step instructions and you can mix right along with me. Rants are about anything I find funny and want to share. Then, I wrap up by answering questions received from listeners throughout the month. 

Mentions:

• Xi Alpha Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
• Georgia Tech Homecoming 
• Star Trek 

Libation of the Month:
Lion's Tail
Recipe adapted from Robb Report

• 2.0 oz Bourbon
• .75 oz Fresh Lime Juice
• .5 oz  Allspice Dram
• .25 oz Simple Syrup
• Garnish with Lime Wedge
• Serve in a Coupe

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Burnout is back again this year. I can't believe this is where I am when I intentionally did everything I could not to end up here. I tried to avoid it. I thought I was doing so well. However, I was wrong. Burnout showed up, and I wasn't ready. I didn't pause. I didn't slow down! I didn't check-in with myself. 

In this episode I share my own signs of burnout. Then, I talk about the steps I'm taking to address it.

Mentions:

Whiskey:
Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon

Listen:
Episode 70: Lessons Learned From Tough Times

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laughterandlibations.com
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September was full of birthday celebrations and my anniversary, too! I talk about how I found much to celebrate even during a very tough time. The libation of the month is a classic! If you like tequila, this one is for you. Then, I share a rant (story) about my weird relationship with time and my need to have everything just so. That means clean and orderly. You learn what happens when I'm faced with the opposite. Let me know if you can relate (or not). LoL

Laughing Matters is published at the end of each month. It's the end-of-the-month highlights and includes four segments: celebrations, libation of the month, rants, and questions and answers. Celebrations are about intentionally forming a habit of noticing and acknowledging the good in you, in your life, and in your sphere of influence. The libation of the month is based on whatever I fancy or feel inspired by at the time. I share step-by-step instructions and you can mix right along with me. Rants are about anything I find funny and want to share. Then, I wrap up by answering questions received from listeners throughout the month. 

Mentions:

• Flower Child (Atlanta)

Listen:

• Episode 70: Lessons Learned From Tough Times

Libation of the Month:

Classic Margarita
Recipe adapted from brazillankitchenabroad.com

• .5 oz Fresh Lime Juice
• 1.5 oz Tequila
• .5 oz Cointreau
• 1 teaspoon Agave
• Garnish with Lime Wedge
• Serve in a rocks glass (if you don't have a margarita glass)

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Tough times do come around and for me, it's been since late July.  Every time the phone rings or a text message pops up, I cringe a little because serious challenges have surfaced in the lives of family and friends in my circle.  These challenges relate to health and the loss of loved ones, and there are far too many to count. 

In this episode, I share my experiences with feeling stuck, sad, and scared and not being able to get to joy. This is not easy to talk about. I almost passed on publishing this episode. Then, I remembered that everyone goes through tough times at one point or another and just might benefit from the lessons I've learned.  

One key lesson is to focus on peace. Listen to learn more!

Mentions:

Tea:
Kava Stress Relief by Yogi Tea

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What are you celebrating this month? I'm celebrating friendship! I had a chance to travel to Dallas, Texas and visit friends. So I have a lot to share about the hotel, the libations, the food, and the heat! If you can't stand 107 degrees, you may want to visit at another time of the year. I also tell you about a little something that's been bothering me all summer long--gnats. It's been a real battle in this house, and I think I'm the winner. Go ahead and make the libation of the month and listen to my August adventures for a few laughs.

Laughing Matters is published at the end of each month. It's the end-of-the-month highlights and includes four segments: celebrations, libation of the month, rants, and questions and answers. Celebrations are about intentionally forming a habit of noticing and acknowledging the good in you, in your life, and in your sphere of influence. The libation of the month is based on whatever I fancy or feel inspired by at the time. I share step-by-step instructions and you can mix right along with me. Rants are about anything I find funny and want to share. Then, I wrap up by answering questions received from listeners throughout the month. 

Mentions:

• The Starling Atlanta Midtown (Nope)
• Le Meridien Charlotte (Nope)
• Thompson Hotel Dallas (Highly Recommended)

Libation of the Month:

Strawberry Basil Bourbon Smash
Recipe from allrecipes.com

• .25 cup Strawberries (Cut into small chunks)
• 5 Basil Leaves
• .5 oz Lemon Juice
• .5 oz Simple Syrup
• 3 oz Bourbon
• Top with Sparkling Water
• Serve in a whiskey glass 

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