Independence Day, the 4th of July, equates to BBQ, fireworks and gatherings of family & friends in the South. It is a federal holiday in the United States commemorating the Declaration of Independence, which was ratified by the Second Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, establishing the United States of America. On a recent dog walk, I snapped this American flag, fully unfurled and blowing in the wind. I enjoy seeing signs of patriotism in my neighborhood.
I have fond memories of spending the 4th with my late sister and our grandparents. She and I dressed in red, white and blue for the occasion. I remember eating out under the trees in the Laurel, Mississippi backyard, sipping on sweet tea and eating watermelon. I was a youngster and she was a new college grad entering the work force. This was back when women could not have their own checking account, buy a car or wear pant suits. My granddaddy stepped in and helped her establish herself as an adult. Whew, things have certainly changed for the better.
Despite our sweltering heat, thousands will celebrate in backyards, beaches and out on the gulf. Be sure to drink loads of water since we are in the middle of a summer sizzle. (I imagine you could fry bacon on our street right now). I hope you can create some lifelong memories this weekend. Check out this week's Strawberry Pie recipe. It is perfect for the holiday!
There are free fireworks displays that you can take part in like this one from the City of Mobile Parks & Recreation. The City of Semmes is putting on a big celebration too! Whatever you decide to do, have a great time doing it!
New on YouTube - Strawberry Pie
Just in time for the holiday is this "Shoney's inspired" Strawberry Pie that is so EASY a third grader could make it! Your 4th of July guests are sure to love it! It will go live on Sunday at 2PM so click here to watch it then. Thanks to all of you for subscribing to my channel. Stay tuned for more recipes that are perfect for the summer!
Day Trip to New Orleans
It is hard to believe that I had not been to New Orleans since the beginning of the pandemic. Funny story about the last time I was there. It was spring of 2020 and I had been in Baton Rouge on business. I headed down to New Orleans before returning home to Mobile. One of my stops was at Trader Joe's Grocery on Veterans Highway. It was packed with people and I was in and out of there in less than 5 minutes. The next day, it was announced that the Metairie location was one of 2 stores in the country that closed because of employees being infected with the virus. I considered myself lucky for not catching it back then.
I am happy to say that the city has bounced back and is thriving. Picking up a package at Lakeside Mall was on my list of things to do. Fortunately, I got caught in a thunderstorm and "had" to stay in the shopping center for a couple of hours. I know what you are thinking; "poor me".
After 8,000 steps, ( the mall is huge) I treated myself to a New Orleans classic, Cafe du Monde located in the mall. Can you believe it? The authentic beignet paired with a cafe au lait was a delectable and rare treat for me.
I wanted to share my experience with you because the city was so vibrate and the customer service was first rate. It reminded me of my recent adventure in Atlanta. These larger cities have moved beyond the angst of the past couple of years and are seizing opportunities. In both places, I was made to feel so special as a customer. The ambiance of Lakeside is noteworthy. Check out the succulent planters and the cool charging stations. They even have an active water sculpture that memorized me. So if you are looking for something to do, a quick trip to NOLA should be on your list! This is one of the many perks of living along the coast! We are close to beaches and major cities!
Keep on Walking with Caution during this Heat Advisory!
I've become a dedicated walker over the past two months. There was a time that I might have let 100 temps keep me from getting in my 10k daily. However when it becomes a habit you find a way.
Here are some tips for keeping up your daily walking habit:
Be an early bird or night owl if your area is safe to walk in. It is 9AM as I write this and the sun is beaming down and it is already 87 outdoors. Too hot for me and the fur kids. I've been taking them for a shorter stint, very early in the morning and then again late in the evening. Be sure to check the sidewalks for heat, since their pads can get blistered up quickly. You can do this by placing the back of your hand on the sidewalk. If you can't hold it there for 5 seconds then it is too hot for your dog.
Look for shade wherever you can find it. Walking under tree canopies lowers the temperature immensely.
Expose your skin, just be sure to use sunscreen. Sweat evaporates off of skin more quickly if it is not covered. My friend joked with me today about walking in her swimsuit because of the heat. She was kidding of course, however I feel her discomfort. My cotton tee was drenched after this morning's jaunt around the neighborhood.
Hydrate...more than usual. Drink water and then drink more water!!! Carry it with you!
Accidentally spill some of your water on your shirt...instant AC!
Find some indoor walking workouts like this one or head to the gym and walk on a treadmill. You can also get your walk in at the mall or one of the big box stores. Use their AC and stay cool. (By the way, there were plenty of mall walkers at Lakeside).
Make sure you are wearing breathable socks and shoes. Cotton breathes!
Slow down your pace.
Take shorter walks.
Remember to respect heat advisories. They are issued because of the serious consequences of heat stroke. Keep cool and keep walking!
Collective Minds Mergers & Acquisitions
Did you know that one of the services that my company, Collective Minds offers is business brokerage? Selling a business on your own can be a recipe for disaster. Having professionals mediate the deal on your behalf prevents many of the pitfalls that individuals may face. Our team will do a proper valuation so the owner knows exactly what his/her company is worth.
Do you know someone ready to sell? I pay a referral fee for every deal that closes! Call CMMA at 251-545-0061 for more details.
On the Move! Healthcare Resource Center Mobile
Just a reminder that beginning July 1st Healthcare Resource Center will be located in the AlaCoast Insurance Building located at 4430 Governments, Suite C. Give Jessica a call at 251-751-5434 to set up an appointment to review your supplemental insurance options.
Sometimes I have flashes of insight. It is as if I can see the world from a bird's eye view. I call those moments "what if" viewpoints. Lately, I believe we have forgotten just how powerful we are as human beings. When we act as a collective we can transform the world.
What if...
every single person on the planet picked up a piece of litter today. Would the world be cleaner?
every single person called or visited someone today. Would the world be filled with love?
every single person obeyed traffic laws. Would more people live to see another day?
every single person in the US sent their congressman or woman an email today. Would we break the internet???
every single person paused for a moment and felt gratitude for all that is right in the world? Would the vibration be raised around the globe?
Sometimes we wonder if the little things that we do make a difference. I am here to tell you that they do and they are so important. Take the challenge and let's change the world together!
The best thing you can do for anyone you love, is to be happy! And the worst thing you can do for anyone you love is to be unhappy, and then ask them to try to change it, when there is nothing anyone else can do to make you happy. ~ Abraham Hicks
I will leave you with those profound words of wisdom. Have a great week! ~ Charlsie
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