My friend, and MDB partner, Diane Cashen, is one of the most talented interior designers that I have ever encountered. She has the unique ability of listening carefully to her client's personal preferences and incorporating their style into design plans. She can transform your living space using existing pieces adding color, accessories, lighting and furniture arrangement.
I caught up with her a couple of weeks ago and asked her about the "latest trends" in the design world. Wellness in interior design is the hottest topic these days. Diane is enmeshed in educating herself on all of the particulars of what wellness means in relationship to your home or office. She joked about carrying around her zillion pound text book so she could study on the go!
A quick summary of wellness-focused design includes the following elements: lighting, materials, air and sound quality, neutral color palettes, biophilic design (connecting architecture and nature), greenery, and outdoor-indoor space integration. Diane talked to me about the big shift during the pandemic. People have embraced working from home and as a result they are paying attention to their living/working spaces. In fact, she has taken on double the number of projects that she normally oversees due to high demand.
It is a hectic yet exciting time for this talented artist and designer. If you are interested in creating a productive and beautiful home or office, give Diane a call at 251-545-5688. Of course, you can read more about her at meetdaboss.com/dianecashen.
Protecting Your Pets with Jessica Zoltek
Last week I attended Jessica Zoltek's informative Medicare 101 Seminar. I'm a few years away from applying this knowledge but I have family & friends who could benefit from this information. Click here to visit her website to see next month's date.
One offering that I can take advantage of is an account that helps you save for unexpected veterinary expenses. As the mom of two fur-kids, those bills can add up!
By the way, she offers one for medical (people) expenses too! I can't wait to meet with her this week to find out more!
Meanwhile, if you have supplemental insurance questions or concerns, feel free to give her a call at 251-751-5434. She is ready to help you navigate the confusing insurance maze and possibly save you money too!
Gardening in the South
Anyone who gets to know me will quickly learn that I love the outdoors. I'd rather be getting dirty in the garden or hiking a shady trail than being cooped up in a building. These precipitation laden days along the gulf coast have been challenging for travel, so I have waged a "war on weeds" in my garden.
Lucious is the word that comes to mind when I observe the landscapes in South Alabama. They are green and almost out of control with new growth. The good news is that it is the IDEAL time to go pull weeds. The soaked root systems no longer have the grasp of a vice-grip on the soil.
Think of weed pulling as a meditative practice. It doesn't take any brain power, just some brawn.
Here are a few tips you can consider before heading outdoors!
Stay hydrated...drink at least 1/2 your body weight in water on the days you are working outdoors. You don't want to experience heat stroke!
Start early in the morning when the temperatures are their lowest. We haven't hit the 90's yet, but those dog days of summer are coming. The humidity is taxing and by mid-morning it will be time to come inside.
Follow the shade in your yard. This is one of the best tips that I have ever discovered. It came from my friends at Louisiana Nursery in Baton Rouge. Only working in shady areas prevents you from getting too hot.
Wear a hat and sunscreen! The sun is one of the most aging things and adding some protection is important.
Along that same line, wear breathable clothes like cotton. I bruise pretty easily so you'll find me out in a long sleeved cotton shirt and pants. Lately, I've added in my rubber boots since my yard is saturated.
I hope these tips help! My yard feels like you are walking on a sponge! My best friend out in Phoenix was describing her yard as a rock hard surface with brown shoots pretending to be grass. I'll take the daily rains and soggy grounds with a grateful heart!
Club Sandwich from The Hickory Pit in Semmes!
I'll leave you with this tempting option from my friends at The Hickory Pit in Semmes, Alabama. This is one of the BEST club sandwiches I have ever eaten. It is paired with sweet potato waffle fries that taste so wonderful.
The Hickory Pit is open 7 days a week for breakfast, lunch & dinner. They offer dine-in, takeout, drive thru and delivery.
Check them out by visiting meetdaboss.com/hickory-pit-too. They are locally owned and operated! Remember to support local AND know that most folks are short-staffed, so service could be slower than expected.
Go out and make this week count in your life and in the lives of others! Meet someone for lunch or coffee at a local place and get caught up in person! Everyone benefits from face to face encounters and the business will be thankful for your patronage! ~ Charlsie