13 Tips to Turn Life's Pauses into Pure Bliss 🌟

Here's what I've been up to this summer + LOTS of pics

Hi, fabulous friends!

Guess who’s back from their accidental Substack sabbatical? That’s right—after two months of what can only be described as a whirlwind tour of… well, life, I’m thrilled to be back in your inbox. Whether you missed me or just enjoyed the peace and quiet, I’m back, and I’m ready to dish out all the goodness!

What did I learn during my time away? Life doesn’t always rush by—sometimes, it throws in a little pause, giving us a chance to catch our breath and soak up the goodness around us. These unexpected breaks are the perfect time to hit refresh, reconnect with our favorite people, and indulge in the simple joys. In this newsletter, I’m serving up 13 fun and fabulous tips to help you turn those pauses into pure bliss. So, pour yourself a little something special, get cozy, and let’s make the most of life’s delightful detours!

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Turning Downtime into Uptime 🎢

So, how do you make the most of an unexpected pause? Let me share a few tips from my newly-acquired expertise on the subject:

1. Eat your feelings (in moderation): Comfort food is your friend, but maybe skip the second serving of cake… or don’t. You do you! I definitely indulged in ALL the Puerto Rican food during my visit to Mami’s house. Regrets? Zero.

I tried to pick three... but honestly, could YOU!?

2. Reconnect with the Fam: Strengthen those bonds with both family and friends. I spent hours at Mami’s kitchen table, laughing, reminiscing, and catching up with everyone. Honestly, sometimes the best way to recharge is by soaking up the warmth and love of those who know you best.

   

   

   

   Nieces, nephews, adopted sons, siblings and parents! So many more I saw this summer and I miss every single one.

3. Bliss out in a bookstore: There’s something enchanting about wandering through a maze of books, discovering hidden treasures on every shelf. Grab a book or three—future you will be thrilled! I know I was.

   

   The Dancing Elephant in Lake Worth, FL where I bought books on UFOs | Hello Again Books in Cocoa, FL where my friend Jeannie picked out "Midnight at the Bright Ideas Bookstore" by Matthew J. Sullivan for me | Barnes and Nobles in Boynton Beach, FL where I blissed out on a coffee while shopping

4. Lose yourself in a page-turner: Now that you’ve got that new read, dive headfirst into it! Whether it’s a juicy novel or an inspiring memoir, getting lost in a good book is like taking a mini-vacation for your brain. Tell me if you’ve read these!

   

   

   I needed comfort books this summer so I turned to my first love: romance | I'm in my Sarah J. Maas era (don't judge me) | I don't know why I resisted reading "Fourth Wing" because Xaden had me at "Violence" | Meghan Quinn's "The Agitators" series had me laughing out loud so hard that it's now a fave #TeamPosey

5. Stroll and soak it in: Fresh air, a little sunshine, and a change of scenery can work wonders. Take a stroll around your neighborhood or explore a nearby park—bonus points if you spot some amazing art along the way. Which one of these is your favorite?

   

   

   So many beautiful and interesting things to see on walks!

6. Squeeze in some Mom Magic: There’s nothing quite like a Mom hug—it’s like an instant soul recharge. If you’re lucky enough to be near her, don’t miss out on this warm and fuzzy fix. I even got her to slumber party it up with me TWICE!

   

   Honestly, there are not enough hugs in the world for AND from this amazing woman!

7. Hang with your crew: Sometimes, all you need is a giggle fest with your besties. Plan a get-together, even if it’s just a quick coffee run. Friend time = fun time. Eating, shopping, laughing… check!

   

   

   Marcus visited us all the way from Hawai'i | We've been friends for 28 years and love to shop together | Celebrating Phil & Julia's 50th birthdays | More friends from Hawai'i meeting up in Germany

8. Catch some vitamin sea: If you’re lucky enough to be near the ocean, hit the beach! The sound of waves, the feel of sand between your toes, and that salty sea breeze—it’s the ultimate chill-out combo. Even though this was an overcast day (I edited the pics a bit), it was worth going out on the water and was exactly what I needed.

   

   These buildings in Palm Beach, FL look like books | A glorious boat day | I wanna live this yacht life

9. Treat your tresses: Freshen up your look with a snazzy new haircut! It’s amazing what a little trim and style can do for your mood—and hey, who doesn’t love a good scalp massage? Even better if you can enjoy it with a delicious drink (non-alcoholic counts!).

   

   I needed a change and I'm so happy with it...and the champagne didn't hurt either

10. Stop and smell the roses (literally): Whether it’s a garden, a flower shop, or a bloom on your walk, take a moment to soak in nature’s beauty—it’s the little joys that make life so sweet. Germany has the most gorgeous flowers everywhere so I enjoy them every chance I get!

    

    

    Birthday flowers from TN | Pretty flowers on a walk | Flowers in our town's main plaza | Huge hibiscus plant we have on our patio that we thought was dead until it bloomed a couple of weeks ago

11. Have a pretty picnic: Grab a blanket, pack some tasty treats, and head to your favorite park. There’s something so charming about dining al fresco, surrounded by nature, with nothing but time to relax and enjoy. This was at Schloss Lieser, which was gorgeous. Let me know if you want to know more about our stay!

Picnic with #besthusbandever at Schloss Lieser

12. Cheers to you: Treat yourself to a fancy cocktail, whether you’re out at a chic bar or mixing something up at home. Raise a glass to making the most of your time—cheers, darling! And if you can’t, or won’t, drink alcohol, pour your drink of choice into a wine glass and celebrate anyway!

    

    

    Beautiful little bar at Schloss Lieser | Cheers to us | I forgot what this was called but it was amazing | I'm not a whiskey girl but this smokey cocktail was delicious

13. Coffee & chill: When in doubt, coffee it out. Whether it’s your morning must-have or an afternoon delight, a good cup of joe can turn any day into a good one. Most mornings I have black coffee with stevia, but during the summer I like to change it up a bit because why not!?

    

    Iced coffee because summer | Adulting with a cappuccino | Coffee date with #besthusbandever

Thank you for sticking with me through this unexpected break. I’m thrilled to be back and can’t wait to dive into new adventures with you all. Got thoughts, feedback, or just want to say hi? Hit me up—I’d love to hear from you! 💌

Until next time, keep being awesome and remember: even the best of us need a nap now and then! 💖

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Let’s Discuss:

What’s one unexpected thing that happened to you this summer?