I’ve decided that I really want to work hard on my Substack writing and be consistent with it. Sometimes, things get in the way, but if I can stick to a deadline and a routine, then I may be able to make a real go of this platform.
Monday Brew & Muse is ideally a weekly roundup of things I’ve done, seen and loved, and any random thoughts and musings that have drifted through my mind. I often find some neat things on the internet that I think others might think are cool too. So, grab a cuppa with me and let me talk more shit for a few minutes while you read.
the brew
I have been heavy on the matcha, like almost everyone, but not to brag… I loved matcha before it was cool and used to encourage my nutrition clients to drink it for all the health benefits it has.
Today, however, it has been Cream of Earl Grey by Lucas Teas in Squamish, with a splash of oat milk.
The musings
I am back in the land of Oz, and it is autumn here, and I love it. I’m not an Australian-summer girlie, but I am a Canadian-summer one, and it was certainly hard leaving Squamish two weeks ago, knowing that spring had sprung and summer wouldn’t be far. However, I truly believe that Queensland’s best season is autumn and winter. We’ve started to get down to single digits at night, and the cat has begun to snuggle into his winter bed that sits in front of the fireplace, ready for when it’s time to light it up. Autumn and winter in Queensland are when I come out of hibernation. Things get done around the house, trail running and mountain biking go full swing, and I feel life starting to return to me.
It’s been particularly exciting because my plantar fasciitis that was keeping me down since November has mostly, pretty much, lifted. As per my physio, I had my first run/walk back on Friday, and my feet were just like normal! As my physio advised, I caught the PF early, which meant no serious, lasting issues, and we’d be able to finally nip it in the bud. And just in time, because I have a half marathon in Queenstown that I need to train for.
monthly Stay In Club
I decided two weeks ago, during my 45-day retreat (still ongoing), that I was done with not having fun. My body and soul craved play and laughter again, but also something new and potentially eclectic. I gathered inspiration from a TikToker who does a monthly dinner series where she picks a theme and invites her friends over to enjoy. I loved the idea! But wanted to expand it in a way where I can do it solo or with others. And, because I am doubling down on saving money (more on that), I wanted more fun and inspiring things to do at home instead of spending money out. And, I live in a semi-rural area where the nearest town with any restaurant is twenty to thirty minutes away (and it’s a small cowboy town). So, welcome to the Stay In Club!
guidelines for the Stay In Club
One themed breakfast, dinner and movie night each month. It can be a month-long theme or a different theme for each event.
If you’re assigned, you have to plan the whole thing from the theme to the food and menu to the table setting (or the movie and snacks!) and everything in between.
The breakfast and dinner have to include getting dressed - no PJs
Movie night can be PJs or cozy attire
And that’s it. Stay In Club begins next month. Theme TBD. But as a result, I realised that I didn’t have a dining table to host anyone, so thanks to Facebook marketplace, I nabbed a solid timber table with four chairs for $100. Sold! Depending on how the first few months of the SIC go, I have had the idea to expand it to a monthly arts afternoon too. Stay tuned.
goals getter - three goals I’m working towards and highlighting this week
Investing at least $5000 into the stock market (fire sale atm babeyyy!)
Moving back to Canada for the 25/26 winter (what I’m saving and working towards!)
Hosting my first Sage Resilience workshop and webinar by June
how I’m filling my cup this week
Trail running, getting lots of sleep as needed, eating good food to nourish, taking my supplements and YOGA!
what we’re cooking, good looking
I currently have a delicious roast chicken in the oven that will be accompanied by yams, asparagus and a side salad with a homemade gravy.
Also on the menu is the Noodle Broadbeach-inspired chicken curry, Big Mac taco, and hot honey ground beef bowls.
currently on my bookshelf
I am not a huge fiction reader, let me tell you that up front. I get bored easily unless it really, REALLY grabs me. I almost always opt for non-fiction. Right now I have a few books on my Kindle that I’m getting through plus a few on the bedside table.
Thirst: 2600 Miles to Home by Heather Anish Anderson
Natural Born Heroes: How a Daring Band of Misfits Mastered the Lost Secrets of Strength and Endurance by Christopher McDougall
The Summer Canada Burned: The Wildfire Season that Shocked the World by Monica Zurowski
This Is Wildfire: How to Protect Yourself, Your Home, and Your Community in the Age of Heat by Nick Mott and Justin Angle
Can ya tell I’m a disaster and fire nerd?
from around the internet
I’ve been quite enjoying Liz Baker Plosser’s Substack, a writer whom I recently discovered. I loved her post on creatine and strength training vs HIIT
Boozy brunch, anyone? Try these three, very French, spring aperitifs from My French Table
Have you heard of Chaos Gardening? I’m getting it come up a lot on my TikTok, and I think I might have to give it a go! I love the idea of rounding up a bunch of random flower seeds and just throwing them around and seeing what happens. I have an abundance of wildlife on my property, so I think this will do just nicely.
Need limits on your phone screen time? There’s an app for that! It’s called Touch Grass, which sets a limit on chosen apps and locks you out to literally go and touch grass, snap a pic of you doing so and then unblocks you from your apps!
After some self-care ritual inspo? Try these.