HAPPY EVERY HOUR
7Up Shirley Temple Review

Before we crack open the 7Up version of this classic, it’s worth revisiting the roots of the Shirley Temple. This mocktail was allegedly created in the 1930s as a tribute to the famous child actress Shirley Temple, who charmed audiences with her talent and charisma.

#QUITLIT

Stripped Down to the Soul Understanding Hannah Sward’s Journey in Strip

If you’ve ever wondered about the resilience of the human spirit, Hannah Sward’s memoir, “Strip,” offers an intimate look at how she navigated life’s adversities. Set against the backdrop of the bohemian seventies, Sward’s story is a raw and unflinching exploration of innocence lost and strength gained. Her tale is a testament to the complexity of human experiences, especially when life throws curveballs at you. Let’s take a deep dive into this emotionally charged narrative and see what it reveals about survival, addiction recovery, and the power of storytelling.

ENTERTAINMENT
Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew A Look Back and Where They Are Now

The late 2000s was an era when reality TV was exploding with new concepts, and among them was “Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew.” It was an attempt to pull back the curtain on addiction, featuring celebrities battling their demons in front of a national audience. With its controversial approach, the show sparked debates about the balance between exploitation and raising awareness. Today, we’re revisiting this reality TV phenomenon to explore its legacy and uncover what became of its participants.

#WEDORECOVER
Denzil Washington is 10 Years Sober

Denzel Washington is marking a remarkable milestone this December: 10 years of sobriety. The legendary actor, known for his iconic roles in Training Day and Glory, opened up to Esquire about the transformative decade since he gave up alcohol at age 60. Reflecting on a 15-year pattern of drinking that included indulging in rare, expensive wines, Washington admitted the habit became an insidious presence in his life. “Wine was my thing,” he shared, describing how his love of fine vintages masked a growing dependence. Though he never drank while preparing for or working on a project, he would resume with gusto after wrapping a film. “Three months of wine, then time to go back to work,” he said, revealing the cyclical nature of his relationship with alcohol.

Now nearing 70, Washington has embraced not only sobriety but a renewed focus on health and strength, thanks in part to his friend Lenny Kravitz, who introduced him to a personal trainer. The Equalizer star has shifted his perspective, choosing to prioritize his well-being as he enters what he calls “the last chapter” of his life. “I’ve done a lot of damage to the body,” he admitted, but the milestone sobriety anniversary comes with a sense of pride and gratitude. Whether it’s training to reach his fitness goals, mentoring his children in their burgeoning film careers, or producing projects like The Piano Lesson, Washington’s journey underscores a powerful message: it’s never too late to rewrite your story and strive for strength—in body, mind, and spirit.

#ADDTOCART
Holiday Art Therapy Gift Guide

Art therapy is a technique rooted in the idea that creative expression can foster healing and mental well-being. Getting sober takes courage. Henri Matisse said, “Creativity takes courage.” Giving the gift of art and play is a great idea this holiday season.

SOBRIETY IN THE CITY
Dive into Seattle’s Unique Water Adventure with Hot Tub Boats

Imagine floating on the serene waters of Lake Union, enveloped in the warm, soothing waters of a hot tub while taking in the spectacular views of the Seattle skyline. Sounds like a dream, right? Welcome to Hot Tub Boats of Seattle, a unique and family-friendly adventure that combines the luxury of a personal hot tub with the thrill of a nautical excursion.

SPIRITUAL GANGSTER
Confessions of a Recovering Control Freak

Classy Problems is a daily post of thinking in motion by Dan T. Rogers. Each post stands alone as a thought-provoking piece, yet together, they create a puzzle of ideas. They invite you to see things from a different angle, rethink what you thought you knew, and explore what’s beyond your current understanding.

SPIRITUAL GANGSTER
Samhain: A Season for Remembering

We are in the thick of Samhain (Sow-in) now, the season of thinning veils, long shadows, and quiet whispers from the past. This sacred time in the Celtic calendar stretches from the end of October to the Winter Solstice. It’s a season that calls us inward, not only into the warmth of our homes but into the deeper chambers of our own being, where memory and knowing reside. Samhain reminds us to slow down, to linger in stillness, and to listen—not only to the echo of our own heartbeat but to the faint rhythm of those who came before us. 

MENTAL HEALTH
The Legacy of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act of 1988

During my early days of advocacy, there was one law that was on the tip of everyone’s tongue: H.R. 5210. Otherwise known as the infamous Anti-Drug Act of 1986. Based on the name, you would think, “Wow, that sounds great! how could a law that is anti-drugs be a bad thing?” And while that train of thought has the right spirit to it, it requires a deeper look.