Front Porch Coffee Chat – October
On today’s Front Porch Coffee Chat, I will be sharing our weekend getaway to the islands, the new rules of phone etiquette, studying life in the Blue Zone, and a few of my favorite things. So, I was hoping you could grab a cup of your favorite brew, head to the porch for a Front Porch Coffee Chat, and share my October musings and motivations.
Happy Weekend, Friends!
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Nothing quiets the mind and allows for thoughtful musings and motivations like a getaway. And we were fortunate to spend a long weekend on the island of Scotland Cay in the Bahamas. Scotland Cay is a residential-only island, perfect for long walks on the beach, lots of board games and puzzles, and home-cooked meals.
By The Sea – A Great Place For Thoughtful Musings And Motivations
Walking on the beach and in the sand inspired and motivated me to up my walking routine when I returned home. Once again, I am reminded of how walking in different terrains, such as sand, snow, or stairs, challenges our bodies. This is a fact that I shared when reviewing our trip to Italy in June. We Floridians are accustomed to walking on flat-level surfaces and must remember to challenge ourselves when walking.
Slowing down and paying attention to our bodies and the world around us is a great way to reset our lifestyle. And the change of seasons seems a perfect time for reflection and motivation. Previously, I shared the post, How to reset your wellness routine for fall.
The Blue Zones
I was introduced to Dan Buettner’s The Blues Zones and the Secrets for Living Longer a few months ago in a blog post by Kim of Northern California Style.
In case you are unaware of the Blue Zones, these are geographical regions around the globe where people live longer and healthier lives. Dan Buettner is a National Geographic Fellow who has been studying the lifestyles of longevity since the early 2000s.
A few points that I find interesting is that these locations are scattered worldwide. And these people are doing things that most of us intuitively know but have forgotten.
They stay active and do not need to think about their age number.
They walk, stretch, get up and down, and don’t rely on gyms. But enjoy everyday life activities for exercise and flexibility.
A strong sense of community and sharing is a way of life.
Simple, nutritious foods such as beans are dietary staples.
These are just a few highlights of Blue Zones Secrets For Living Longer. I found it to be exciting and motivational.
New Rules for Phone Etiquette
Is talking on the phone dead? Well, it may not be dead yet, but according to a recent article in the Washington Post by Heather Kelly, there are new rules for phone etiquette. Heather outlines some common sense thoughts in her article on simplifying our lives without so much phone stress.
Things that I love!
I have yet to do a lot of shopping this month. But there are a few things that I purchased and have been using that I want to share with you.
- My Day Screen
- Le Creuset Stoneware Rectangular Baker with Platter Lid
- Apex Sneakers
- YSL Lip Balm
- Lilly Pulitzer Dress
- J Crew Tote
I recently purchased this tropical dress at my local Lilly Pulitzer boutique on an after-lunch impromptu shopping spree with a friend. It is a Distinctly Southern Style and perfect for Florida living or vacationing.
My straw J-Crew Tote has been on my wish list for over a year. It is currently on Sale and is a perfect opportunity to add it to your wardrobe for a fall-winter getaway or southern living. 30% off with code GOSHOP
As I stated earlier, I am focusing on my walking routine. And I am enjoying my new Apex sneakers in this smart blue color combo.
Regarding self-care, my two October favorites are my My Day Screen tinted sunscreen drops and YSL Lip Balm.
With the holidays just around the corner, I added the Le Creuset Stoneware Rectangular Baker with Platter Lid to my kitchen. One of my family’s favorite meals is homemade lasagna.
This is great for an impromptu get-together or bring a dish evening. Plus, the lid works as a serving platter.
Good Bye For Now!
Well, that’s it for my October musings and motivations today! I hope you enjoyed today’s post and will join me again soon!
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I appreciate the phone etiquette tips you shared. I feel like I am tethered to my cell phone where I never would have allowed my home phone/landline to have been in hand all day long. I will find myself trying to carry a dozen things with my phone in my hand. I need to put it down!!
Good job upping your walking game. I am trying to do that, too. Since PC’s cancer diagnosis in late winter, we had gotten depressed and very lazy. In the past couple of weeks, I have been trying to snap out of it and am encouraging him to do the same. Varying the terrain and scenery of our walks has help make them more enjoyable and more beneficial.
Leslie,
So much has changed in how we communicate and use our phones in the past few years. And a lot of us are feeling technology overload. I think it is a great idea to text and ask when is a good time to talk. But, we must always maintain that human touch.
I enjoyed seeing all your photos. I think it’s so important to slow down. Since moving to Florida I walk often, it’s great excerise and being out in nature is very therapeutic. I started watching the blue zones series but I haven’t seen every episode. Now I’m going back to watch it.
Have a wonderful week!
Nancy
Nancy,
I find that walking is the easiest way for me to stay active both physically and mentally. Rick and I watched The Blue Zone on Netflix over the weekend together. We both were impressed with how the activities of everyday life enhance and prolong longevity.
Rosemary
I have really been lax for the last couple of years on exercise, and it shows. I have no energy. Walking is such good exercise and easily accomplished. I used to walk five miles a day. It will take me a while to get back to that!
I had no idea about texting someone before calling. My husband uses speaker phone, and I hate it. I’m always telling him to turn it off. Thanks for the other tips.
Have a fabulous week!
https://marshainthemiddle.com/
Marsha, texting ahead of a call is an excellent idea. My sister and I love our long catch-up chats. We will text “What’s up?” or ‘Busy today?” when we have some free time. Little did I know that is a recommendation.🤣
Also, when I need to discuss items with someone, I will text and ask for a good time to talk…aka..phone appointment.
The walking issue is one that I am working on, too. Now that it is cooler in Florida, Rick and I are walking later after dinner. 8 PM We are lucky to live in a climate where that is possible.
Hi Rosemary,
Interesting to read. I noticed people walked faster in Italy, like they all had places o go. We learned to cross the street in a hurry! I love that you are at the keys and how wonderful the water is there. I haven’t watched the Netflix show on the Blue Zones yet, but yes, many of these things you think we would be doing already. Community, eating well ( not many processed foods in Italy) LOve seeing your pictures!
Have a great week Rosemary!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Jess, I noticed that people in Italy were walking much faster than me. And the steep terrain was a different experience from the flat land of Florida.
It was an unforgettable experience to cross the streets. We were so glad we weren’t driving.🤣
Rosemary
Not thinking about your age and staying active. Having a life. Things to look forward to. If I think about my age and others of my age, I just get overwhelmed and feel old. But when I don’t even think about my age (75), which is nearly all of the time…. age does indeed recede.
My brother always says, “If we don’t mind, it doesn’t matter.” I agree when we don’t think about age but enjoy our days with activities and people of all ages. Then age doesn’t matter.
Rosemary
What a great selection of tips and ideas. Thanks for sharing with us. Have a super week xx Jacqui Mummabstylish
Jacqui,
I am so happy you enjoyed the post. Thanks for stopping by today.
Very interesting post. I wish your phone etiquette rules were followed by more people. I was on a long distance train this week and the quiet carriage was full. So many people were on their phones. Loved the Bahamas pics. Would love to go there. Thanks for linking
Gail,
Remember the days when we went into a phone booth for privacy?🤣 There, my age is showing!
Oh yes, and we were taught etiquette on all levels. Well, what goes around comes around, and let’s hope that change is on the way.