Second Cup: 1000 gestures
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You're listening to an iHeart Podcast. Hey, listeners. You know I can't be bothered with lengthy beauty routines. Who has time for that? That's why I am so glad I discovered Merit. Merit is all about simplicity, high-performing products, and enhancing your natural beauty. If you're like me and prefer a less-is-more approach, you'll love that Merit can help you look put together in five minutes or less.

My favorite product has to be the minimalist. It's a two in one foundation and concealer that gives me smooth, even coverage with zero fuss. I also like the flush balm for cheeks. My shade is archival and it gives me that healthy, natural flush of color that blends in beautifully and makes me look like I spent more time on my makeup than I actually did. Ready to simplify your routine and make mornings a breeze.

Welcome to Before Breakfast, a production of iHeartRadio. Good morning, this is Laura. Welcome to the Before Breakfast podcast. Today's tip is that little gestures add up to make a big impact.

So don't hesitate to make small efforts that over time will contribute to a better environment. Today's tip, like a couple of others over the next few weeks, comes from Danny Meyer's book, Setting the Table, The Transforming Power of Hospitality in Business. Setting the Table offers insights Meyer has learned in the restaurant business that are relevant for people in other contexts too.

Danny Meyer describes how he encourages managers at his restaurants to take 10 minutes a day to make three gestures that, in his words, exceed expectations and take a special interest in our guests. He points out that in a year, that adds up to more than a thousand gestures, which can make a big impact. The gestures that restaurant managers offer might be small gifts or thoughtful words that create connection.

For the rest of us, even if hospitality isn't our official job, making three gestures of thoughtfulness per day is still possible. And those few gestures may be enough to have an effect on the culture in our homes and workplaces and also on our moods. There are lots of things you could do in just a few minutes. For instance, you could write a sweet note for a child or your partner.

You could send an email to a colleague expressing appreciation for something that the person did. If you like baking and you know your neighbor eats sweets, you can make an extra plate of something special and bring it over. When you're driving, you could let someone with the out-of-state tags merge in front of you at a tricky intersection, not because it is their turn, but because it is kind.

You can send a postcard to a godchild, niece, nephew, or any other young person in your life. You don't have to be traveling to send a postcard. A postcard you mail from your own mailbox or post office can be just as delightful. In a similar vein, send a care package to a college student that you know. Even casual conversation can be a gift. If you see a neighbor walking his dog when you're driving home from work, you could pull over and have a quick chat.

You should leave good tips, of course, but you could also write a note on the credit card receipt, letting your waiter know how pleasant your lunch was. If you shop somewhere and an employee was gracious, write to headquarters and let them know. It only takes a minute or two and someone will eventually wade through even those generic email address inboxes. The message will likely be forwarded around and people will appreciate it.

The little gestures we make can make other people's days, and it really doesn't have to be much. A little bit adds up, and 1,000 gestures a year can make your life brighter, too. In the meantime, this is Laura. Thanks for listening, and here's to making the most of our time. Hey, everybody. I'd love to hear from you. You can send me your tips, your questions, or anything else.

Just connect with me on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram at BeforeBreakfastPod. That's B-E, the number four, then breakfast, P-O-D. You can also shoot me an email at BeforeBreakfastPodcast at iHeartMedia.com. That before breakfast is spelled out with all the letters. Thanks so much. I look forward to staying in touch. Before Breakfast is a production of iHeartRadio.

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Stay stocked with Walmart subscriptions. Welcome to your Walmart. Find everything you need for your home at Walmart in stores, online, and in the app. Hey, listeners, you know I can't be bothered with lengthy beauty routines. Who has time for that? That's why I am so glad I discovered Merit. Merit is all about simplicity, high-performing products, and enhancing your natural beauty.

If you're like me and prefer a less is more approach, you'll love that Merit can help you look put together in five minutes or less. My favorite product has to be the Minimalist. It's a two-in-one foundation and concealer that gives me smooth, even coverage with zero fuss.

I also like the flush balm for cheeks. My shade is archival, and it gives me that healthy, natural flush of color that blends in beautifully and makes me look like I spent more time on my makeup than I actually did. Ready to simplify your routine and make mornings a breeze? Head to MeritBeauty.com and get their signature makeup bag free with your first order. For clean, effortless, high-performing makeup, head to MeritBeauty.com.