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E-mail Newsletter 101: Keeping Extended Family Updated
Trivia: What invention is credited to scientist Stephanie Kwolek in 1965?
RetireHub
July 27, 2025
Rise and shine, RetireHub community! ☀️ Your Sunday newsletter is here!
Today we’re sharing fun tips on e-mail newsletter 101: keeping extended family updated, along with the best deals, fun trivia, and more!
Top Deals From Around The Web
We find the best daily online deals so you don’t have to!
🔊 28% OFF – Amazon Soundbar with Built-In Subwoofer and Bluetooth
Upgrade your home entertainment with this sleek 2.0 channel soundbar featuring punchy bass, Bluetooth connectivity, and a space-saving design. Whether you're watching movies or streaming music, it delivers immersive audio in a compact, easy-to-set-up package.
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Enjoy cooler, deeper sleep with this medium-firm mattress designed for pressure relief and motion isolation. Its four-layer foam construction cradles your body while keeping airflow circulating—perfect for couples, guest rooms, or refreshing your main bed on a budget.
🪑 14% OFF – PORTAL Double Camping Chair with Table for Two Adults
Perfect for concerts, campouts, or just sitting under the stars, this cozy double chair features padded seats, a built-in cupholder, and a center table for snacks or games. It folds flat for easy transport and is surprisingly sturdy—ideal for couples, close friends, or anyone who wants a little extra room by the fire.
What We’re Reading
Get these e-book deals before they’re gone.
 | By: Rylie Dark When FBI Agent Hannah Mercy returns to her hometown of Lincoln, Nebraska to care for her father, she’s quickly drawn into a chilling string of murders targeting indie musicians. As shattered instruments and cryptic clues pile up, Hannah must outwit a killer with a deadly sense of rhythm. Come Close is the gripping first book in Rylie Dark’s new suspense series, featuring a sharp, complex heroine and heart-pounding twists fans of Lisa Gardner and Melinda Leigh will love. |
On this day in 1940 Bugs Bunny made his official debut! The iconic wisecracking rabbit first appeared in the Warner Bros. cartoon A Wild Hare, directed by Tex Avery and featuring his now-famous catchphrase, “Eh… What’s up, Doc?” Though earlier versions of the character existed, this short marked Bugs Bunny’s true birth as the clever, cool-headed star we know today. He went on to become a cultural icon, delighting generations with his antics and quick wit.
E-mail Newsletter 101: Keeping Extended Family Updated
Bridge the distance with warmth, stories, and a little structure.
In a world where families are scattered across states, countries, and time zones, staying connected can be tricky—especially when you're trying to share updates beyond the occasional text or phone call. That’s where a simple email newsletter comes in. Think of it as your family's monthly bulletin: a thoughtful way to keep everyone in the loop, no matter how far apart you are.
You don’t need fancy design skills or expensive software to get started. A regular email, sent from your personal account or through a free tool like Mailchimp or Substack, is all you need. What matters most is tone, consistency, and content.
Start with the basics. Choose a schedule that works for you—monthly or quarterly is a sweet spot for most families. Then, pick a name! Whether it’s The Thompson Times or Granny’s Dispatch, a fun title makes it feel special. Begin each issue with a warm greeting and a personal note—think of it as the front porch wave that kicks off a visit.
What to include? Try sections like:
Milestone Moments: Birthdays, anniversaries, graduations, retirements.
Photo Corner: A few recent pictures with captions—everyone loves seeing each other’s faces.
Health & Happenings: Updates on medical news, surgeries, or new routines.
Throwback Time: Share an old family photo or memory and invite others to respond with theirs.
Recipes & Recommendations: Have a new soup everyone’s raving about? A great show to stream? Include it.
Keep it interactive. Ask a question of the month ("What’s the best vacation we ever took as a family?"), spotlight a different family member in each issue, or encourage people to submit content or updates.
Tech tip: If you’re worried about email overload or older family members missing messages, you can also print a copy to mail to those who prefer paper.
The heart of a family newsletter isn’t perfection—it’s connection. Whether it’s a 5-minute read or a cozy Sunday morning ritual, your newsletter becomes a bridge across the miles, strengthening bonds and preserving memories. And who knows? It might even spark more conversations, visits, or a family reunion down the road.
📬 How do you usually stay in touch with extended family? |
Yesterday’s Poll Results: Which herb would you love to grow at home the most?
This week’s herb poll showed a strong preference for Basil, with nearly 46% of participants choosing this versatile kitchen staple—clearly, pasta nights and Caprese salads are a hit! Parsley came in second, valued for its fresh, everyday versatility, while Mint and Rosemary had smaller but steady fan bases, likely thanks to their unique aromas and seasonal flair. Interestingly, 12.5% of respondents selected “Other,” hinting at a broader curiosity for herbs like thyme, cilantro, or perhaps even lavender.
Overall, the responses reflect a shared enthusiasm for simple, fresh flavor that can be snipped straight from a sunny windowsill or porch pot.
TOP COMMENTS
“My wife takes care of the herbs, I'm not sure what she grows, other than catnip. She's the neighborhood cat drug dealer.”
“Basil is so versatile. At the end of the season, I dry it or make a pesto "ice cube." A great way to add almost fresh basil to pasta and casseroles.”
“Will have to try my hand at this again since fresh herbs are such a treat, especially when it's cold and snowy out.”
Stoking Your Spark Again
We've all felt it—that creeping listlessness, where days pass with fewer goals and less gusto. But even when motivation feels out of reach, there's a path forward. Start by limiting the news and doom scrolling, and instead, seek out stories that uplift and remind you of kindness in the everyday.
Nature can be a powerful tonic—just a walk outside or a few deep breaths under a tree can anchor you in the moment and renew your energy. Movement matters too: stretching or strolling might feel small, but these acts release uplifting endorphins and get us more grounded in our own bodies.
One of the most meaningful steps? Doing something for someone else. Volunteering—or simply sharing a skill or smile—offers purpose and connection. Pair that with simple practices like pausing to wish another well, relaxing without guilt, and checking in with friends or family, and you've created a gentle rhythm that carries you instead of drains you.
In short: motivation isn’t about pushing harder—it’s about reconnecting with what feels good, what’s kind, and what matters now.
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Slang Phrase of the Day
Phrase: NGL
Meaning: An acronym that stands for: Not gonna lie, admitting something honestly and openly.
In a sentence: "NGL, I kind of enjoy those early bird specials more than I ever thought I would—good food, no crowds, and I’m home before Jeopardy!"
Good News of the Day
Walmart Heiress Launches Medical School to Redefine U.S. Healthcare with Preventive, Whole-Health Education
Alice L. Walton, heir to the Walmart fortune, has inaugurated the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine (AWSOM) in Bentonville, Arkansas, aiming to transform U.S. healthcare by emphasizing preventive and holistic care. The school welcomed its inaugural class of 48 students on July 14, 2025, out of over 2,000 applicants. AWSOM's curriculum integrates traditional medical education with the humanities, arts, and lifestyle medicine, including classes in cooking, gardening, and wellness. The 154,000-square-foot facility features healing gardens, a rooftop park, and a direct path to the Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, reflecting Walton's vision of connecting art, science, and well-being. Tuition is fully covered for the first five graduating classes. The initiative is part of Walton's broader mission to address the shortcomings of the American "sick-care" system and promote a more compassionate, community-focused approach to medicine.
Other Publications We Like
Check out these other email newsletters we think you’ll enjoy!
RetireHub Trivia
Want more trivia? Play our “Nostalgia Trivia Game” on our site! We add fresh questions daily, so there’s always something new to test your knowledge.
Not into trivia? No worries! We’ve got plenty of other fun games to enjoy, like:
In the culinary world, what is “umami”? |
What American singer was known as “The First Lady of Song”? |
What invention is credited to scientist Stephanie Kwolek in 1965? |
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