Burnt Toast Crispy August

Dear Reader,

Instead of tan bodies frolicking in water with the smell of coconut infused sunblock wafting through the air… most busy women I know are experiencing a sudden onslaught of work and pining for a cozy fall and the smell of books. But alas, here we are at the start of August. Rather than wishing the Summer away and rushing the passage of time, let’s enjoy the burnt toast crispy days of August.

In Maison Gaton, we are doing “A Brainy & Bougie Scavenger Hunt.” Those members, who like to get snail mail, received a card in the mail with a list of scavenger hunt activities designed to help them become a tourist in their own life. No time-expensive getaways required. The activities could be done in an afternoon. The activities were also designed to be done solo, but enlisting a friend would sweeten the experience.

I’m already starting to see the activities in the community rolling in–a trip to a coffee shop to try a new item on their menu or patio champagne with some poetry. The beauty of something like this is it has the power to help you consider things you are already doing in a new way. I visit the library every weekend, but there’s a little nerd in me who loves the idea of a quest. My little nerd is approaching her library perusal with a bit more whimsy during future visits. The idea of the scavenger hunt has me googling new independent bookstores only a 20 minute drive away. I have a list of new coffee shops to visit, and plant bingo scheduled for August 16th. These things are all local to me, and help me have regular mini getaways to make me feel a little less burnt toast crispy. If there is no way you can get away for a “formal vacation” this August, then join the scavenger hunt.

Over the next few weeks I will share a few of the activities on the card, and be a little brainy & bougie. Soak up all the local goodness.

Here are a few to try this week:

1. Indie Bookstore. Buy the staff pick or a blind date with a book if your bookstore sells them. (This is one of my absolute favorite things to buy and I mostly do it for the bookmarks.)

2. Museum or Gallery (even the seemingly cheesy small ones where someone is displaying their collection of things they geek out about.) Sit with one piece for a full five minutes.

3. Solo or with a friend, coffee or cocktail somewhere new.

Let me know if you enjoy any of these this week and comment below!

I just spent Saturday in 113 degree heat, and this was my go-to.

In honor of the Brainy & Bougie Scavenger hunt happening inside of Maison Gaton in August, here is a good playlist.

Have you been watching my short style missions on Youtube?

Listening to this audiobook for my bookclub.

Burnt toast crispy August is here, and instead of wishing it away, we’re leaning in.

This week’s episode is all about becoming a tourist in your own life. No expensive getaway required. No time-expensive escape necessary. Just a shift in how you look at what’s already around you: your local bookstore, your library, a new coffee shop, a museum you’ve been driving past for years.

I’m sharing what my own August looks like with the Brainy & Bougie Scavenger Hunt, and giving you three activities to try this week that could make August feel a little less crispy and a lot more adventurous.

Listen here on Spotify or Apple.

Some past episodes that fit in with being a bit brainy & bougie.

1. Petite Pleasures

2. Scheduled Spontaneity

3. Summer Rhythms

August is the Brainy & Bougie Scavenger Hunt. Four weeks of becoming a tourist in your own life. Paid subscribers will receive a scavenger hunt card with activities designed to help you explore your own town, make new discoveries, and find the lovely things hiding in plain sight. Think independent bookstores, golden hour views, meals eaten alone on purpose, and local gems you’ve been driving past for years.

Upcoming subscriber call:

1. August 27th Maison Gaton Salon
   Our regular community call: share your scavenger hunt adventures, ask me anything, and catch up with other members.

If you’ve been thinking about joining as a paid subscriber, August is an excellent time. Come, be a tourist with us.

Join as a paid subscriber here

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