The Two Greatest Life Hacks

A Note from Teri

Recently on Instagram, I shared a life philosophy I’ve grown into: organizing my mind—and my days—around something to look forward to. I love the feeling of anticipation. It’s become a quiet strategy for moving forward, no matter what else is unfolding in the world.

Sometimes it’s small—a protein drink after a workout, a dish I can’t wait to make, or a stash of gluten-free cookies tucked in the freezer. Other times it’s bigger: a trip on the horizon, like the one I’m taking to Italy in September. Whatever the scale, that feeling of anticipation hums beneath the surface of my day—a quiet song reminding me there’s joy ahead.

Over time, I’ve come to rely on two essentials that keep me grounded and genuinely happy: having something to look forward to, and being of service to others. These elements have always felt intertwined for me. Today, I want to share how they show up in my life—and how you might weave them into your own.

All week, I look forward to my cabin in Michigan—a built-in reset waiting at week’s end. Balancing the energy of Chicago with the stillness of the woods gives my mind space to breathe. Having a retreat like my cabin is a privilege, but the essence of what it offers is available to everyone. It’s about finding a physical space that brings you calm—whether that’s a corner of your home, a nearby garden, a favorite café, or even a friend’s porch. We all deserve a sanctuary to reset. It doesn’t have to be far or fancy—it just has to feel like yours.

Even something like my Grüns Superfood Gummies—joyful, nutrient-packed, and delicious—has become a bright little daily ritual.

My daily protein shake has turned into a ritual I genuinely love—delicious, satisfying, and surprisingly fun to tinker with. In the kitchen, we swap ideas, compare flavors, and treat it like a mini tasting session. That it’s also deeply replenishing is the cherry on top. Honestly, I could write a whole Substack about it. And my water—with those giant ice cubes—is its own tiny luxury.

Audiobooks have become one of the most relaxing parts of my day. I reach for feel-good stories with minimal conflict—narratives that ease me into rest. It’s a ritual I protect: time carved out just for listening, unwinding, and letting the day fall away.

Being of service is the second thread that runs through me. My parents modeled it not with instruction, but through joyful action. My mom made kindness feel like a game—paying a toll for the car behind her, then speeding away before they could wave. Those playful gestures taught me service doesn’t have to be solemn. Even now, covering a coffee or lending a hand feels like carrying their legacy forward.

There’s the work we’re paid for—and the work we do simply because it feels right. That quiet contribution is often where I find the most fulfillment. Whether the impact is big or small, knowing I’ve helped brings a kind of meaning that money can’t match. This is dharma—an Eastern concept of right living, of aligning your actions with your purpose. And ideally, with joy.

Each August, I organize teacher gift drives with my Instagram community—one of the most energizing things I do. As supplies roll in and teachers get what they need, I feel this swell of joy. There’s something powerful about gathering people toward a goal and seeing its impact ripple outward.

Service with my kids has created some of our sweetest memories. Every holiday, we’d anonymously gift a family. I taught cooking in their classrooms; later, we cooked at a homeless shelter together. A few years ago, we built baskets for families in need, scouring stores for the perfect little hams—elusive, but findable. Giving back never felt like work. It felt like an adventure.

My homemade granola carries on my mom Patty Turner’s gift for small, heartfelt gestures. It’s the kind of thing she would’ve done. I love sharing it with doctors, teachers, mail carriers—anyone whose kindness deserves something in return. She used to give angel coins, especially when she was sick. We even shared them at her funeral—a quiet legacy passed on.

My parents helped others with a grace that asked for no spotlight. I once found out my mom had anonymously donated a piano to the church. When I asked why she hadn’t told anyone, she said, “Don’t give a piano if you need to tell people about it.” Years later, I still hear stories about my dad quietly stepping in to help someone through a hard time. Their kindness was steady and unseen—just angel wings in motion.

Their generosity continues to guide me. These days, having a service-driven project lights me up—it grounds me and connects me to something bigger. For me, giving has become a spiritual practice. If you’re ever looking for a lift, I truly believe it’s one of the surest paths to well-being.

Giving doesn’t have to cost a thing. My friend Ceci made a dog stick library—a simple idea that delights dogs, their owners, and Ceci herself. Whether it’s building Thanksgiving baskets, donating clothes, mentoring a student, or supporting teachers, it’s the act of giving that matters. Serving others can be one of the gentlest ways to care for yourself.

Lately, my Little Free Library has become another joyful act of giving. I love keeping it stocked with great reads for the neighborhood. But I’ve learned something: the projects don’t need to stay the same. Let your joy evolve—it knows where it’s going.

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Follow Along With Teri

A pretty fabulous recipe to make from my blog this week is this Chicken Bacon Wrap, and my new Chicken Caprese recipe is amazing. We also have a collection of Summer Recipes that you don’t want to miss, and a Fourth of July recipe collection.

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The Last Crumb

This week for our Last Crumb, I’d love to share a Nocumbsleft tote bag with 10 subscribers to my Substack, paid or unpaid tier. I got these for my book tour, and I want to send you one. Follow the link below to get one.

xoxo,