Laughter and Libations

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"Move towards joy. Don’t wait for something to happen or be a certain way.” This is the quote that I posted on Instagram earlier this month. In this episode, I share more about what I mean and what it could mean to you. Do you want to wait around for joy? I don't, and you don't have to either. You can intentionally move towards joy--physically, mentally, and emotionally. 

Mentions:

Whiskey:
Kaigan Japanese Whisky
Whiskey Notes Episode #8 (Check it out on Instagram)

Listen:
Episode 10: Jump-Start Joy

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laughterandlibations.com
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This month I remind you to do what's best for you. Some may talk about you, and it may not be flattering .  It's okay.  Celebrate you anyway! If you drink sake, you might enjoy this month's libation. Get your shaker and muddler for this one! I rant about the strangest things I saw recently on Peachtree in Atlanta. Drivers are pretty funny here. Then, I share something I learned about my favorite snack food--popcorn--and wrap up with an answer to a question about how I used laughter to deal with a difficult situation. 

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 63: Laughing Matters (May 2023)
• Limoncello Spritzer

Libation of the Month:

Sake Mojito
Recipe from familyspice.com

• 7 mint leaves
• 1 teaspoon Sugar 
• 1/2 lime cut into small pieces
• 5 oz Sake
• 1 oz Club Soda
• Garnish with fresh mint
• Serve in highball with a fancy straw

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Hi Whiskey Lovers! I'm bringing the Whiskey Notes series back to the podcast, finally.  It's been a while. I know. Nevertheless, it's here now. If you don't know, I'm still new to whiskey. If you're new to whiskey, this series is for you.  Ask a question. Suggest a whiskey for me to taste on a future episode. If you're an expert on whiskey, share your experiences, tips, and recommendations. I'm open to suggestions!

Featured Whiskey
Shibui Grain Select Whisky

Mentions

• Episode 46: Whiskey Notes (Uncle Nearest )
• Whiskey Notes Videos on Instagram

Notes

• Enjoy this whisky while listening to the sounds of Natalie Cole. I particularly enjoyed sipping while listening to "A Medley Of: For Sentimental Reasons/Tenderly/Autumn Leaves".

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We are halfway through 2023, and I encourage you to stop, do a self-check, and celebrate being you right here, right now. I'm not talking about your accomplishments. I'm sure your accomplishments are exceptional. However, I'm talking about you. In this episode, I ask you to identify at least one thing you can celebrate about you. 

We're in the summer season! Light, bubbly libations are my go-to. The libation of the month is definitely a treat. Listen and mix at the same time. I think you're love it. 

I'm on my health and wellness kick this month, too. I'm all about preventive care, and this month was filled with it. Listen to this month's rants for an important reminder for you and, of course, laughs! By the way, I went to the dentist...ha ha ha...again. 

I wrap up with my made-up questions this month! LoL! It's what happens if listeners don't send in questions. Hey, it is what it is. I still have fun with it and share information you need to know.

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 46: Whiskey Notes (Uncle Nearest 1884)
• Whiskey Notes Series on Instagram

Libation of the Month:

Italicus Spritzer

• 2 oz Italicus
• 2 oz Prosecco
• Garnish with 3 green olives
• Serve in very big wine glass with ice

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It's time for a self-assessment, and mid-year is the perfect time to do it. You set your daily laughter goal at the beginning of the year, you focused on it, and now it's time to check-in with yourself. There's no judgement here. It's just a bit of accountability. You've got this!

In this episode, I share my approach to doing a quick self-assessment. I share my starting point at the beginning of the year and where I am now. I also talk about the six actions I committed to taking to increase laughter and joy in my life this year.

Guess what? I haven't met my daily laughter goal for the year yet, and that's alright. I'm making progress. Hopefully, you are making progress, too.  Let's take time to stop and check-in together. 

Mentions:

Champagne:
Jacques Bardelot Champagne

Listen:
Episode 53: Bye Bye 2022

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This month was full of fellowship for me. I was out and about more than usual, and I share those wonderful experiences. I also rant about my worst hotel stay ever at The Starling Atlanta Midtown Curio Collection by Hilton. If you're planning to visit Midtown Atlanta, know before you go! I also try a wine spritzer for a second time. The first time wasn't so great. This recipe is so much better. Try it and let me know what you think. I wrap up with encouragement for a listener, who is having trouble meeting laughter goals. I share reminders that are great for anyone struggling to meet personal goals. 

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:

• High Museum of Art
• Woodruff Arts Center
• Atlanta Botanical Garden
• Piedmont Park
• Colony Square

Libation of the Month:

Limoncello Spritzer

• 3 oz White Sparkling Wine 
• 2 oz Limoncello
• 1 oz Club Soda
• Garnish with Lemon Slice and Fresh Mint
• Serve in very big wine glass with ice

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When people show you who they are, what is your response? Do you accept it or do you wish for something else? If you find yourself wishing people are different than they actually are, this episode is for you. It's a reminder to accept people as they are and not as you wish them to be. It's a reminder that spending your time wishing, waiting, and trying to make people different than they are can lead to so many things that are the opposite of joy.  You can choose acceptance and then move forward from there.  You can choose acceptance and open a space for peace and ultimately joy.

Mentions:

Tea:
Blueberry Hibiscus by Rishi

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I've been thinking about my relationship with the young people in my life lately, and I share a change I'm making to hopefully enhance my interactions. Perhaps you'll be inspired to do something similar. The libation of the month is another experiment! I make a single serving of rum punch using the strawberry syrup I'm made myself.  Try it and let me know what you think. I'm open to suggestions. Rants cover an update on my toe nail saga! Remember that whole experience from last fall? I also give you a glimpse of my experience using the Duolingo App to learn Spanish. Let's just say losing doesn't sit well with me (Ha!). Q&A features a question about what to do when you don't feel like laughing and you don't feel joy.  There's also a new question of the month for you to answer. I'd love to hear from 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. There's also an opportunity for you to  answer the question of the month. Scroll down to see it, and then share your answer with me @ laughterandlibations.com. Send me an email or chat message. You can also direct message me via Instagram. 

Mentions:

Listen:
Episode 49: Laughing Matters (October 2022)

Libation of the Month:
Rum Punch (Single Serving)

• 1.5 oz Dark Rum
• 1.0 oz Strawberry Syrup
• .50 oz Lime Juice
• .50 oz Pineapple Juice
• .25 oz Water (add to taste)
• Pinch of Cinnamon
• Serve in rocks glass with ice

Other:
Duolingo App

Question of the Month:
When was the last time you had a really good, hard laugh?

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This episode gives you a step-by-step guide on how to create a daily flow that will support your daily laughter goal for the year. If you already have a daily flow or daily routine, that's not a problem. You may only need to make a few small changes to it.  Follow the short exercise, and by the end of the episode, you will have what you need to continue (or perhaps start) your journey to increase laughter and joy in your life. Grab your pen and paper or favorite electronic device and let's get to it!

If you have questions or need other suggestions to help you reach your daily laughter goal this year, I'm just an email, direct message, or chat away.

Mentions:

Wine:
Piper Sonoma Brut

Listen:
Episode 16: Mirror Self-Love

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laughterandlibations.com
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I open this episode with a reminder for you to take time to check-in with yourself.  We're often very busy. However, it's still important to stop and check-in. The libation of the month is great for the upcoming hot weather. Think strawberry lemonade except it's not that at all. It's whiskey-based. I share one long rant (story) about how my patience is being tested as I wait on a table and chairs for the dining room.  Q&A features a question from a listener who wants to laugh more but takes the self too seriously. Also, scroll down to see the question of the month. 

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. There's also an opportunity to answer the question of the month. 

Mentions:

Listen:
Episode 4: How Many Times Did You Laugh Today?
Episode 7: Self-Observation
Episode 56: Your Journey to Increase Laughter and Joy Starts Here

Libation of the Month:
Berry the Hatchet by Matt Karin of Raising the Bar

•  1.5 oz Blade and Bow Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey
• .50 oz Elderflower Liqueur 
• .75 oz Strawberry Syrup
• .75 oz Lemon Juice
• Dash of Peychauds Bitters 
• Dash of Angostura Bitters 
• Serve in rocks glass with ice
• Garnish with Lemon wedge and Strawberry Slice

Question of the Month:
It's the same as last month because I'm looking for more responses.
What are some reasons why it can be difficult to see positives in your life?

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laughterandlibations.com
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