And just like that, July is almost over… how’s everyone doing? Is summer treating you OK? This is a series I do called Monday Mishmash, and if you’re new to my blog, it’s a conversational roundup-style post with no real purpose other than to chitchat. I update you on happenings around here, share some links and let you know about anything else going on.
It’s been sweltering here lately with temps hitting the mid-90s F but it has thankfully cooled off this weekend. The heat isn’t fun without air conditioning and is just a pain to try to get dressed, do housework, put on makeup, etc. without sweating. It makes me want to spend the summer in Scotland, where we were in June with my brother and sister-in-law. It was actually cold there and didn’t feel like summer at all.
So what else…
I learned of a recent break-in 3 houses down from me right here in my neighborhood and it kind of freaked me out. I know this stuff happens, but the house next door was broken into as well about 3 years ago during the night while the entire family was home upstairs sleeping! This time, a couple posing as workers broke into the house on a weekday when no one was home at 3:30 p.m. and took jewelry, electronics, and money. Even with volets, when people want to break in, they’ll find a way to get access. This is by no means a France-only problem (crime happens everywhere), but still, when it’s so close to home, it can freak you out. I’m really considering putting a camera on my windowsill upstairs to keep an eye on the street. Luckily, a neighbor got the thieves’ license plate number and they were caught.
Is anyone a fan of casual vlog-style YouTube videos? I’m kicking around the idea of reviving my YouTube channel and people I surveyed in my Facebook group said they’d most like to see everyday life vlogs.
I’m open to making them if there’s interest for the same reasons I started doing FB Live. But making vlogs can take over your life. Between thinking of shots to get and then constantly filming, not to mention editing, I’m still going back and forth. My day-to-day life is the same routine so I’d just have to think about how to make the vlogs interesting. The time suck is real and a short video can easily take 6 hours to edit, so not sure if it’ll be worth it or if I’ll have anything interesting to show you. But I guess there’s only one way to find out… I also can’t invest in a high-quality vlogging camera and mic and my editing won’t be as snappy as the pros, but we all start from somewhere, right?
Talk to me in the comments if you’d be into YouTube vlogs. Maybe I’ll try…
Are you looking for a France-themed read this summer? If so, I have just the book to keep you company on the beach, by the pool, or on your bedside table. It’s called Paris Mends Broken Hearts by Kaya Quinsey and complicated love stories are just the beginning. A quick description: “A modern day romance set in times gone by; Delphine, Margot, and Gwendoline learn that the key to life is love – and what better way to find love than in yourself. Entertaining? Of course! Joyful? Undoubtedly. Champagne? Bien sur! In their worlds, nothing is predictable, and everything is extraordinary.”
I got into listening to podcasts last year and here are a few I love:
Dirty John: This investigative journalism podcast about a relationship gone wrong will have you on the edge of your seat. I binge listened on a flight to the US and the story gets so crazy that you’ll be on the edge of your seat until the end.
The Goal Digger Podcast: Jenna Kutcher’s show “is helping thousands redefine success and chase bolder dreams.” It has spot-on advice for entrepreneurs and is just a delight to listen to. It feels like you’re listening to a friend — a really wise one.
Couples Therapy: YouTube genius Casey Neistat and his wife Candice get real about relationship issues in this podcast and I’m team Candice all the way. No one’s relationship is perfect and this couple’s insight is entertaining and as real as it gets.
How I Built This: This NPR podcast interviews successful business owners about how they grew their empires. From Drybar to Panera Bread, no industry is off limits.
What are a few of your favorite podcasts? I’m always up for new shows, so let me know in the comments!
FB Live from the Tour de France
I went live from Stage 3 of the Tour de France earlier this month, so watch it below or catch it here on YouTube:
On the blog
In case you missed it, here’s what’s been on the blog recently:
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Enjoy your week!
Ah, podcasts. I “fast-cast”–I listen at 1.5x speed in order to hear more podcasts. My favorite is “Fresh Air” with Terry Gross, which I have loved for decades on NPR. She is an excellent interviewer. Also “This American Life.” And “Planet Money.”
Two French-themed podcasts: “Pardon My French,” from Garance Doré and “The Earful Tower” by Oliver Gee.
Thanks for sharing your faves, Catherine!
I don’t know anyone or of anyone who has been broken into and I am glad I don’t because that is scary shit
so sorry to hear about the break-ins! That’s never fun to hear and definitely makes you scared! I love all podcasts, have you checked out my favorite murder?
I listened to Dirty John while running and loved it. Oh my word, it was intense. I think I drew a few stares at the faces I made in reaction to that one, haha. As for recommendations, I just started one called Crimetown about corruption and the mafia in Rhode Island. I guess it kinda sounds boring, but it’s really interesting!