Sailing ships were the cutting-edge technology of the 18th century, and the shipbuilding boom spawned many phrases we still use today.

Loose cannon: Today, an unpredictable person. Then, a literal unsecured big iron tube that was going to hit something and cause a lot of pain. 

Batten down the hatches: Today, get ready for trouble. Then, literally get an iron bar to cover the door of a ship for terrible weather.

All hands on deck: Today, there's a problem and we need everyone here now. Then, it was the same, except on an actual ship's deck.

Show one's true colors: Today, a dishonest person who reveals who they really are. Then, a ship flying a fake flag to confuse enemies; pretty much the same thing.

Learn the ropes: Today, learn the rules and skills of a job. Then, literally learn how to tie and use ropes.

Autumn is the perfect time to focus on your wellness because the season can bring a change in weather and routine.

Embrace Seasonal Foods: Incorporate the bounty of seasonal produce into your meals, such as squash, sweet potatoes, apples, and pears. These foods are rich in vitamins and other nutrients that can help boost your immune system and keep you feeling satisfied.

Layer For Outdoor Activities: Don't let the cooler temperatures keep you indoors. Layering allows you to stay warm and comfortable while enjoying outdoor activities.

Enjoy Warm Beverages: Swap out your usual cold drinks for warm beverages that can provide comfort and hydration. Herbal teas, warm apple cider, and even a homemade chai latte can be soothing, enjoyable, and hydrating.

Practice Mindfulness: Take a few moments each day to appreciate the beauty of the changing season. Whether it's through a mindful walk, meditation, or simply sitting quietly with a warm drink, these moments of mindfulness can reduce stress and enhance your overall well-being.

Set A Gentle Routine: With the hustle and bustle of the season, setting a gentle and flexible routine can help you stay balanced. Prioritize activities that bring you joy and relaxation, and don't be afraid to adjust your schedule, if needed. A balanced routine can help you manage stress and maintain a sense of calm.

By subtly incorporating these tips into your routine, you can enjoy a healthy and vibrant autumn season.

Have the price tags on Halloween costumes caused a scare? You're not alone. Halloween costumes can get quite pricey, especially given that the outfits will likely get worn only a few times. And many children will quickly outgrow their Halloween costumes, meaning you may have to shell out for a new costume every year. Fortunately, there are some steps you can take to lower Halloween costume and decoration costs.

You can make many great costumes and decorations yourself, spending only a few dollars on supplies.

1. Seasonal products often come at a premium due to high demand. Sometimes you can find great costumes outside of the Halloween section.

2. After Halloween wraps up, you can often find awesome costumes on the cheap. The same is true for Halloween decorations. Instead of waiting until next year, pick up some stuff this November.

3. Thrift stores often put together Halloween collections where you can find costumes, props, and costume-ready clothing pieces. 

Pumpkins are not just for jack-o'-lanterns — they’re a nutritional powerhouse offering numerous health benefits. Rich in vitamins A and C, pumpkins play a crucial role in boosting immunity and maintaining eye health. They are also high in fiber, which aids digestion, promotes a healthy gut, and helps keep you feeling full for longer periods. Additionally, the antioxidants found in pumpkins are effective in combating chronic diseases and promoting overall well-being.

There are many delicious and versatile ways to integrate pumpkins into your fall diet. Try adding pumpkin puree to your smoothies for a nutrient-packed breakfast, or incorporate it into soups for a rich and creamy texture. Baked goods like muffins and bread also benefit from the addition of pumpkin, providing extra moisture and flavor. Don't forget about roasted pumpkin seeds, which make a tasty and nutritious snack. 

Embrace the pumpkin season for a healthy autumn boost and enjoy the myriad of ways this versatile vegetable can enhance your meals and your health!

Although it was long past her bedtime, Sophie couldn't sleep. She climbed out of bed, quietly crept to the living room, and saw her tired mom sitting with a huge smile and reading a book, with a basket of unfolded laundry at her feet.

Hearing Sophie enter, her mom looked up and said, “A book by Erma Bombeck,” already knowing what Sophie was about to ask because moms just know. She patted the couch next to her, smiled when Sophie plopped down next to her, and started reading aloud:

As we get ready to gather with the people we care about, let’s pause and appreciate the simple joys that fill our lives. The thoughts we nurture create the world around us, so when we focus on positivity and abundance, we invite more of it in. Today, let’s reflect on what truly matters and embrace the happiness we can create with our mindset.

Think about what you think about.

What you think about you talk about, and what you talk about you bring about, so what are you thinking about? Have a look around! What you see is what you’ve been focusing on.

Happiness is free.

Experience shows that when you commit to being happy now, the journey of building the life you want is much more enjoyable.

Abundance is your birthright.

The scarcity mindset doesn’t think there’s enough to go around. The abundance mindset says, “There is plenty for everyone.”

Nothing to fear.

It’s funny how some people choose to worry about things they have no control over. As Roosevelt said, "There is nothing to fear, except fear itself."

Know that a setback is a setup for a comeback.

Most people give up when they meet setbacks and obstacles. When you meet challenges, do what you did when you learned to walk: When you fall down, learn from the experience, pick yourself up and keep going!

Seize the day.

Don't be fooled by the calendar. There are only as many days in the year as you make use of. Stop for a moment and realize that you are occupying a unique space, at a time in history that will never be repeated. Seize this day and own it all.

Respite is time off, time away, a much-needed time for a caregiver. It's relying on someone else, whether a friend, relative, volunteer or professional, who can fill in for you and give you some time to yourself -- because your wellness should be priority number one.

Unfortunately, according to a National Respite Coalition survey, most caregivers don't realize they're in need of respite care until it's too late.

Only a small percentage of a National Alliance for Caregiving members actually used respite care. When they did, it was because of a health crisis or another emergency.

The challenge is that they view themselves not as caregivers, but as spouses, parents, or siblings who feel it's their duty to provide care. They don't believe they deserve a respite.     

If you are a caregiver, you need time away - just as any worker needs a vacation from the daily stress of their job, according to the National Caregivers Association. It's a break that renews you.

The ideal respite is to go somewhere else so you're not in the same environment. That's the best way to clear your head. It gives a little bit of your life back.

There's a timeless business adage: what you invest in your work today will pay off in three months. Right now, you're likely reaping the rewards of the efforts you made back in early July. This also means that the work you're putting in at this moment will start to yield benefits just as the new year begins.

Building your business requires focus, a growth mindset, and often, more hours than seem available—especially as we approach the holiday season. One strategy that has been particularly helpful for me is leveraging technology, including AI, to streamline my tasks and continue growing my business, all while staying connected to the people who matter most to me.

Think about it: you could spend time manually writing out multiple shopping lists for different meals, or you could use a shopping app that consolidates ingredients, freeing up more time to craft a special dinner with friends. Taking it a step further, consider how you define personal success and ask yourself: what tasks could be automated or better organized with the help of AI? With a wide range of apps and AI-driven tools available today, there's almost certainly one that can help bring your vision to life.

This October, commit to implementing new strategies that will set you up for success. Whether it’s configuring a calendar to carve out more family time, establishing a daily workout routine for better well-being, or dedicating yourself to learning a new skill online, the work you invest now will set the foundation for a successful start to the new year.

So, where will you start?

Sincerely,

Gino Pezzani

Ten years ago, the notion of having a powerful and complex AI program might have seemed like science fiction. But soon it will fit in your pocket because Apple is partnering with ChatGPT to bring AI to iPhones.

Apple Intelligence, unveiled at June's Worldwide Developers Conference, has generated ample buzz by allowing users to use native AI on Apple's powerful proprietary chips.

Typically, AI tools are accessed via the internet: Users connect with the AI tool provider's servers, which can do all the heavy lifting to make the AI actually work. Apple Intelligence, however, will allow users to use it right on their phones.

Apple Intelligence can be used to write, proofread, and summarize text, which is ideal for composing emails and articles. It can also be used as a research tool for tasks such as troubleshooting a problem with your swimming pool pump or your website code.

You can also create images, monitor your emails, and more. In some cases, however, Apple might ask to send specific requests to ChatGPT. Doing so would allow iPhone and Mac users to tap into powerful servers when necessary.

 Apple has been slow to roll out its own AI solutions compared to Microsoft and Google. However, the timing put Apple in a prime position to study AI's problem areas and learn from mistakes. In the meantime, Apple has bought more than 24 AI companies, and CEO Tim Cook has argued that AI will play an integral role in many of the company's products.

Apple Intelligence will be ready this fall. Among the iPhones already on the market, only the 15 Pro and 15 Pro Max will get it. The platform will also be available on Mac computers with an M1 or newer processor.

October is the perfect time to start thinking about the upcoming holiday season. Although this time of year brings warmth, joy and togetherness, it can also bring a flurry of activities and obligations that could leave us feeling drained. Before our energy shifts to focusing on the holidays, it’s crucial to spend time this month on caring for ourselves.

Think of October as your personal recharge month. Use this time to reflect on the year so far and plan for the busy months ahead. Start with simple self-care practices: Enjoy quiet moments with a good book, take leisurely walks to admire the fall colors or indulge in a hobby you love. These small acts of self-kindness can help replenish your energy and provide a sense of calm.

Planning early for the holidays can also alleviate stress. Making a list of to-do tasks — such as gift shopping, meal planning and organizing gatherings — spreading them out over the next few weeks and tackling these tasks gradually will make the process more enjoyable.

Taking care of yourself now ensures you can fully embrace the holiday spirit when it arrives. Prioritize your well-being this October and approach the upcoming season with a renewed sense of peace and joy.

Thinking about it now, which self-care rituals will you do during the fall season to help you recharge and prepare for the holidays? I’d love to hear your thoughts and maybe even get some new ideas to share with others!

Your friend,

Gino Pezzani