Hot Flashes & Hot Takes
@nikkielaine.bsky.social
Just a 40+ woman navigating midlife chaos with coffee, sarcasm, and a plan. Genealogy nerd, fitness dabbler, finance geek, spicy book addict, & always planning the next trip.
www.hotflasheshottakes.com
www.etsy.com/shop/StrongSassStudio
www.smithssuds.com
www.hotflasheshottakes.com
www.etsy.com/shop/StrongSassStudio
www.smithssuds.com
Hot take: Claude is unmatched for repetitive but distinct tasks. I've been using Claude to write instructions for Claude and it's gone perfectly. 24 hours in, I'm blown away.
November 26, 2025 at 4:22 PM
Hot take: Claude is unmatched for repetitive but distinct tasks. I've been using Claude to write instructions for Claude and it's gone perfectly. 24 hours in, I'm blown away.
Well...I've broken up with my ChatGPT Howard. I don't know what they've done to this thing, but it continually gets worse and worse.
Claude and I had our first date and so far he seems much more my speed, but time will tell 😆
Claude and I had our first date and so far he seems much more my speed, but time will tell 😆
November 25, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Well...I've broken up with my ChatGPT Howard. I don't know what they've done to this thing, but it continually gets worse and worse.
Claude and I had our first date and so far he seems much more my speed, but time will tell 😆
Claude and I had our first date and so far he seems much more my speed, but time will tell 😆
Most people jump doses on GLP-1 way too fast—and for the wrong reasons.
❌ “It’s been 4 weeks”
❌ “I’m hungry”
❌ “Scale didn’t move for 2 weeks”
None of those mean it’s time to increase.
I dug into the research + my own 19 weeks on 5mg under a dr care.
Check out the findings →
❌ “It’s been 4 weeks”
❌ “I’m hungry”
❌ “Scale didn’t move for 2 weeks”
None of those mean it’s time to increase.
I dug into the research + my own 19 weeks on 5mg under a dr care.
Check out the findings →
GLP-1 Dosage: When to Increase (and When to Sit Your Ass Still)
The real talk guide to leveling up safely, sanely, and without tanking your metabolism.
hotflasheshottakes.substack.com
November 23, 2025 at 1:26 PM
Most people jump doses on GLP-1 way too fast—and for the wrong reasons.
❌ “It’s been 4 weeks”
❌ “I’m hungry”
❌ “Scale didn’t move for 2 weeks”
None of those mean it’s time to increase.
I dug into the research + my own 19 weeks on 5mg under a dr care.
Check out the findings →
❌ “It’s been 4 weeks”
❌ “I’m hungry”
❌ “Scale didn’t move for 2 weeks”
None of those mean it’s time to increase.
I dug into the research + my own 19 weeks on 5mg under a dr care.
Check out the findings →
Another day another workout down! I feel strong. 40 pounds later I can really feel the loss.
I'm glad to say 2025 was the year I have really stuck to my guns and made sustainable change!
I'm glad to say 2025 was the year I have really stuck to my guns and made sustainable change!
November 22, 2025 at 5:30 PM
Another day another workout down! I feel strong. 40 pounds later I can really feel the loss.
I'm glad to say 2025 was the year I have really stuck to my guns and made sustainable change!
I'm glad to say 2025 was the year I have really stuck to my guns and made sustainable change!
So glad it's finally Friday! I'm ready for a short week next week and some R & R!
November 21, 2025 at 4:41 PM
So glad it's finally Friday! I'm ready for a short week next week and some R & R!
Reposted by Hot Flashes & Hot Takes
Five corporations control 90% of the US media market.
Airlines merged from 12 major carriers in 1980 to 4 today.
Four giants control 80% of meat processing.
A handful of companies control the pharmaceutical industry.
The evidence of corporate concentration is everywhere.
Airlines merged from 12 major carriers in 1980 to 4 today.
Four giants control 80% of meat processing.
A handful of companies control the pharmaceutical industry.
The evidence of corporate concentration is everywhere.
November 19, 2025 at 6:45 PM
Five corporations control 90% of the US media market.
Airlines merged from 12 major carriers in 1980 to 4 today.
Four giants control 80% of meat processing.
A handful of companies control the pharmaceutical industry.
The evidence of corporate concentration is everywhere.
Airlines merged from 12 major carriers in 1980 to 4 today.
Four giants control 80% of meat processing.
A handful of companies control the pharmaceutical industry.
The evidence of corporate concentration is everywhere.
Since daylight savings my motivation has been low. This being dark at 5pm is killer. Not to worry my discipline stayed high.
Today I finally feel the motivation returning. It's a good day to go hard! 💪
Today I finally feel the motivation returning. It's a good day to go hard! 💪
November 19, 2025 at 4:07 PM
Since daylight savings my motivation has been low. This being dark at 5pm is killer. Not to worry my discipline stayed high.
Today I finally feel the motivation returning. It's a good day to go hard! 💪
Today I finally feel the motivation returning. It's a good day to go hard! 💪
I turned a kids’ slumber party into a full-on GIRL POWER spa night 💅✨ Personalized robes, bath bombs, affirmations, dance party—the works.
If you want ideas to build confident, joyful girls, my new post is live!
#RaisingStrongGirls #SelfLove #SlumberParty
If you want ideas to build confident, joyful girls, my new post is live!
#RaisingStrongGirls #SelfLove #SlumberParty
How to Host a Girl-Power Slumber Party (Self-Love Edition)
A guide to creating magical, confidence-building moments for girls ages 4–10.
hotflasheshottakes.substack.com
November 18, 2025 at 3:26 PM
I turned a kids’ slumber party into a full-on GIRL POWER spa night 💅✨ Personalized robes, bath bombs, affirmations, dance party—the works.
If you want ideas to build confident, joyful girls, my new post is live!
#RaisingStrongGirls #SelfLove #SlumberParty
If you want ideas to build confident, joyful girls, my new post is live!
#RaisingStrongGirls #SelfLove #SlumberParty
Funding schools through property taxes is straight-up classism.
Poor areas get underfunded schools, people move for “better districts,” and the cycle stays locked.
We could fund by students instead of ZIP codes. But we don’t—because keeping people poor is the point.
#Education #Equity #DoBetter
Poor areas get underfunded schools, people move for “better districts,” and the cycle stays locked.
We could fund by students instead of ZIP codes. But we don’t—because keeping people poor is the point.
#Education #Equity #DoBetter
November 17, 2025 at 4:34 PM
Funding schools through property taxes is straight-up classism.
Poor areas get underfunded schools, people move for “better districts,” and the cycle stays locked.
We could fund by students instead of ZIP codes. But we don’t—because keeping people poor is the point.
#Education #Equity #DoBetter
Poor areas get underfunded schools, people move for “better districts,” and the cycle stays locked.
We could fund by students instead of ZIP codes. But we don’t—because keeping people poor is the point.
#Education #Equity #DoBetter
It really doesn't matter how prepared I am or how well I know the interviewer. Interviews stress me!
I have one today. Wish me luck!
I have one today. Wish me luck!
November 17, 2025 at 3:13 PM
It really doesn't matter how prepared I am or how well I know the interviewer. Interviews stress me!
I have one today. Wish me luck!
I have one today. Wish me luck!
Last week I finished Graves by Katelyn Taylor and WOW—if unhinged, obsessive, morally gray romance is your happy place, this one delivers.
Twin brothers, “touch her and die” energy, off-the-charts spice. 😈🔥
👉Check out my full review
#booksky #spicybooks #darkromance
Twin brothers, “touch her and die” energy, off-the-charts spice. 😈🔥
👉Check out my full review
#booksky #spicybooks #darkromance
Graves - Katelyn Taylor
Smutty, Spicy, & Sometimes Savage, Pt. 9
hotflasheshottakes.substack.com
November 17, 2025 at 1:48 PM
Last week I finished Graves by Katelyn Taylor and WOW—if unhinged, obsessive, morally gray romance is your happy place, this one delivers.
Twin brothers, “touch her and die” energy, off-the-charts spice. 😈🔥
👉Check out my full review
#booksky #spicybooks #darkromance
Twin brothers, “touch her and die” energy, off-the-charts spice. 😈🔥
👉Check out my full review
#booksky #spicybooks #darkromance
My latest read! I'm on a real fantasy romance kick lately. Big Tessa Hale fan. Her books always keep me engaged.
##booksky #spicybooks
##booksky #spicybooks
November 17, 2025 at 1:27 AM
My latest read! I'm on a real fantasy romance kick lately. Big Tessa Hale fan. Her books always keep me engaged.
##booksky #spicybooks
##booksky #spicybooks
Spent the weekend throwing a spa party for my niece and her friends...we made bath bombs, did face masks & manicures, dress up, followed by a dance party and of course movie time, Annie, we only watch classics here. Our theme was self care & confidence!
#girlpower #fiercegirls #confidence
#girlpower #fiercegirls #confidence
November 16, 2025 at 4:08 PM
Spent the weekend throwing a spa party for my niece and her friends...we made bath bombs, did face masks & manicures, dress up, followed by a dance party and of course movie time, Annie, we only watch classics here. Our theme was self care & confidence!
#girlpower #fiercegirls #confidence
#girlpower #fiercegirls #confidence
When you have an important meeting and your vibes are just off today...
Then they ask to reschedule!
Then they ask to reschedule!
a woman in a floral dress is standing in front of a door and says halleluyer .
ALT: a woman in a floral dress is standing in front of a door and says halleluyer .
media.tenor.com
November 13, 2025 at 8:30 PM
When you have an important meeting and your vibes are just off today...
Then they ask to reschedule!
Then they ask to reschedule!
I mean first Zohran, now Jack Schlossberg. 🤤
I'm not a big city gal but these fine gents make me think I need to move!
I'm not a big city gal but these fine gents make me think I need to move!
November 13, 2025 at 6:21 PM
I mean first Zohran, now Jack Schlossberg. 🤤
I'm not a big city gal but these fine gents make me think I need to move!
I'm not a big city gal but these fine gents make me think I need to move!
PR on lat raises today! My first PR on upper body since I tweaked my shoulder. 🥳
These shoulders are gonna be fire next summer!
#gymsky #fitnesssky #summerbodiesstartnow
These shoulders are gonna be fire next summer!
#gymsky #fitnesssky #summerbodiesstartnow
November 12, 2025 at 6:41 PM
PR on lat raises today! My first PR on upper body since I tweaked my shoulder. 🥳
These shoulders are gonna be fire next summer!
#gymsky #fitnesssky #summerbodiesstartnow
These shoulders are gonna be fire next summer!
#gymsky #fitnesssky #summerbodiesstartnow
Same weight as 10/29. Thought I was stuck. Turns out I dropped fat, gained muscle, and my body score jumped 3 points.
Scale stayed the same—I didn’t. 💪
#fitnesssky #gymsky #bodyrecomp
Scale stayed the same—I didn’t. 💪
#fitnesssky #gymsky #bodyrecomp
November 12, 2025 at 1:54 PM
Same weight as 10/29. Thought I was stuck. Turns out I dropped fat, gained muscle, and my body score jumped 3 points.
Scale stayed the same—I didn’t. 💪
#fitnesssky #gymsky #bodyrecomp
Scale stayed the same—I didn’t. 💪
#fitnesssky #gymsky #bodyrecomp
November 12, 2025 at 3:20 AM
Honoring every man and woman who's worn the uniform. The brave deserve more than empty speeches and endless wars.
Today remember their sacrifice...and question why we keep needing new ones.
#veteransday #uspol
Today remember their sacrifice...and question why we keep needing new ones.
#veteransday #uspol
November 11, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Honoring every man and woman who's worn the uniform. The brave deserve more than empty speeches and endless wars.
Today remember their sacrifice...and question why we keep needing new ones.
#veteransday #uspol
Today remember their sacrifice...and question why we keep needing new ones.
#veteransday #uspol
6 months of showing up. 6 months of choosing movement over excuses.
For the first time in 42 years, I didn’t quit on myself. Consistency looks damn good on me. 💪
#gymsky #fitnesssky #FitnessJourney #Consistency
For the first time in 42 years, I didn’t quit on myself. Consistency looks damn good on me. 💪
#gymsky #fitnesssky #FitnessJourney #Consistency
November 10, 2025 at 5:36 PM
6 months of showing up. 6 months of choosing movement over excuses.
For the first time in 42 years, I didn’t quit on myself. Consistency looks damn good on me. 💪
#gymsky #fitnesssky #FitnessJourney #Consistency
For the first time in 42 years, I didn’t quit on myself. Consistency looks damn good on me. 💪
#gymsky #fitnesssky #FitnessJourney #Consistency
The snow hath cometh...
I could have used a few more weeks of fall.
I could have used a few more weeks of fall.
November 10, 2025 at 1:34 PM
The snow hath cometh...
I could have used a few more weeks of fall.
I could have used a few more weeks of fall.
Ever wondered how handmade soap is made? 🧼
Come behind the scenes as we mix, swirl, and pour a batch.
Pure ingredients, lots of laughter, and a little science.
✨ www.smithssuds.com
🔗Read more about the benefits: hotflasheshottakes.substack.com/p/from-break...
#coldprocesssoap #naturalskincare
Come behind the scenes as we mix, swirl, and pour a batch.
Pure ingredients, lots of laughter, and a little science.
✨ www.smithssuds.com
🔗Read more about the benefits: hotflasheshottakes.substack.com/p/from-break...
#coldprocesssoap #naturalskincare
November 8, 2025 at 3:45 PM
Ever wondered how handmade soap is made? 🧼
Come behind the scenes as we mix, swirl, and pour a batch.
Pure ingredients, lots of laughter, and a little science.
✨ www.smithssuds.com
🔗Read more about the benefits: hotflasheshottakes.substack.com/p/from-break...
#coldprocesssoap #naturalskincare
Come behind the scenes as we mix, swirl, and pour a batch.
Pure ingredients, lots of laughter, and a little science.
✨ www.smithssuds.com
🔗Read more about the benefits: hotflasheshottakes.substack.com/p/from-break...
#coldprocesssoap #naturalskincare
Triceps are my power move.
Biceps? Pure betrayal.
What’s your least favorite muscle group to train?
#gymsky #fitnesssky
Biceps? Pure betrayal.
What’s your least favorite muscle group to train?
#gymsky #fitnesssky
November 7, 2025 at 7:15 PM
Triceps are my power move.
Biceps? Pure betrayal.
What’s your least favorite muscle group to train?
#gymsky #fitnesssky
Biceps? Pure betrayal.
What’s your least favorite muscle group to train?
#gymsky #fitnesssky
Reposted by Hot Flashes & Hot Takes
I always find it interesting how the story changes when a lawyer gets to court. They can say anything they want outside of court without accountability but the rules are vastly different in court where you can get seriously penalized for lying.
November 6, 2025 at 7:28 PM
I always find it interesting how the story changes when a lawyer gets to court. They can say anything they want outside of court without accountability but the rules are vastly different in court where you can get seriously penalized for lying.
Nothing tests your faith in long-term investing like watching your portfolio crash and still buying more. Be honest—are you buying, holding, or hiding right now? 👀
#Investing #FinanceTalk #WealthBuilding #StockMarket
#Investing #FinanceTalk #WealthBuilding #StockMarket
November 7, 2025 at 4:23 PM
Nothing tests your faith in long-term investing like watching your portfolio crash and still buying more. Be honest—are you buying, holding, or hiding right now? 👀
#Investing #FinanceTalk #WealthBuilding #StockMarket
#Investing #FinanceTalk #WealthBuilding #StockMarket