Jessica’s Friday Five: the gummy I take instead of breakfast

Hi Reader,

For my fellow Americans on this list, I hope your Halloween weekend includes fun and joy, and that you plan to vote by next Tuesday! If you're in a state that offers mail or early voting, it's helpful for the process if you vote early. That reduces the time it takes to count votes in your area, which also bolsters public confidence in election results and makes election officials' work easier. You can find all the info for your local voting (where to vote, what's on the ballot, polling place hours, etc.) at https://www.vote411.org/. Go democracy!

And for all of us, around the globe, let's get to your Friday Five!

1. I try to send postcards to friends and colleagues weekly: In the most recent cohort of Joyfully Managed Worklife, Tana asked about something she saw on my screen - a note to myself to send a postcard each Friday. I answered, "I just think it's fun to send postcards, and so I try to send one a week (I skip it when I'm just super-pressed for time some weeks). I just take a look at my contacts list (the one I use for holiday cards, but in the past I'd use my CRM at work for funders, partners, etc.) and think of someone I'd like to say something nice to (good to see you last week! thinking of you! see you at the conference next spring? hope your kids had a good start to school! Let's go for a walk soon!) and then pop it in the mail. I keep postcard stamps on hand (they're cheaper than regular stamps) and use simple postcards (these). :)
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2. Etsy is my favorite place for gifts: As we inch closer to holiday gifting season, try Etsy when you need ideas. I often find myself there searching for different topics and interests and so regularly find incredible items. Some of you will agree this sweatshirt is hilarious, and some of you will have no idea why 🤣. If you're an earrings person, I got these years ago, and they're my go-to for December. Heads up: these are affiliate links, so I earn a small commission if you buy (no cost to you), which helps me keep writing free newsletters like this!
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3. Join me for Get It Done Week, Nov. 9-13: I’m hosting a week on weekly planning, and you’re invited! If last Friday’s checklist tip made you want a planning ritual of your own, here’s your chance: grab The Weekly Planning Ritual Toolkit ($37, takes under an hour), and you’re in for the whole week. You’ll get a live Q&A with me on Tuesday, Nov. 10 at 12 pm PT / 3 pm ET, a sticky note pad in the mail if you make progress on your planning (real ones, printed with one of my favorite reminders), and some new tools, including an optional AI skill that helps you plan your week. Already have my planning course? You’re already in! Hit reply if you’ve got questions.
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4. No-needle flu protection at your house: One of my college friends (hi Lindsay!) emailed me after a recent Friday Five to thank me for sharing a tip about getting FluMist in the mail (no needles required!) to avoid having to go get a flu shot and how great it was for her with her kids. Funny story, though - I haven't shared that tip. But dang, it's absolutely the kind of thing we share here! We already got our flu and COVID shots as a family this year, but if you haven't yet, this is a great option. FluMist Home ships the nasal spray flu vaccine to your door. You fill out a short health questionnaire online, and it’s for kids 2 and up and adults up to 49. Most insurance covers it, and the shipping fee is around $9.
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5. Change those clocks this weekend (ugh): I'm not a fan of Daylight Saving Time. I shared why with Heidi Borst for her Insider article. But it doesn't matter what I think, because it's happening. So set a reminder to get those clocks changed, and remember that it really does only take like a minute or two, even for the annoying ones like the microwave and the car clock. That minute is worth avoiding all the mental gymnastics of constantly having to figure out which clock is right - and your precious mental energy is worth preserving for better things.

Bonus Sponsor Resource: Gruns. I have been taking these little greens gummy vitamins daily for a year or two now, and they serve two purposes for me: first, I'm the kind of person who doesn't love the idea of breakfast right when I wake up. But I know it's good to get something in your system to get the metabolism going, and these work great for that (they are tasty). Second, they keep things moving. You'll have to read through the lines on that because I will not be expounding further, but with holiday food and travel coming up, it'll probably be more helpful than even normal times. Seriously, try them if you haven't. This resource is from one of our Friday Five sponsors - thank you to them for keeping this newsletter free for readers! Note: my sponsor system was refreshed a few days ago; check it out!

Last Friday's Most-Clicked Link: What I bought in October and liked.