Last week I attended my first business networking "in person" meeting since Co-Vid hit last year. It was lovely to gather with this group of female entrepreneurs. Adrienne Tate of Unique Destinations was the guest speaker for our Tuesday morning session for WIN. Shout outs to MDB partners Jessica Zoltek & Amy Rainwaters for attending!
This travel guru had some great tips for anyone planning a vacation or business travel in 2021. Here are a couple of her recommendations:
Use a travel agent to plan your trip. In most cases there are no fees charged for planning your trip. Agents have "insider" knowledge on the latest travel protocol.
At the time of our meeting, vaccinations for Co-Vid were not required to fly within the United States. Some countries are requiring proof of vaccination before travelers are allowed in. Flying does require mask wearing, so be prepared.
Buy travel insurance. It is a very small investment that can really pay off in the long run. No matter how much planning takes place, life happens. Insurance can make a world of difference.
Read the instructions that your travel agent provides. Adrienne is careful to map out the trip for her clients.
Did you know that agents can coordinate family trips for folks all over the country? Let's imagine you have relatives in Utah, Florida and in Alabama. Adrienne can handle the travel arrangements for everyone, no matter where they are departing from.
Cruises are happening again and taking reservations!
If you have questions about travel in 2021 reach out to Adrienne by calling 251-255-6596!
The Gulf Coast is a Caring Community!
I am fortunate to live in a wonderful West Mobile neighborhood where folks know one another. My friend & neighbor, Becky stopped by on Sunday afternoon for a chat. She came over with some of her husband Bob's famous tomatoes. Trust me, some of these are going to be the foundation of a Caprese Salad this week! I don't think I have ever had a better tomato than one from Bob's garden. (Click on the link for a recipe).
During the fall I share grapefruit and satsumas with everyone on our cul-de-sac. People are continually amazed at how tight-knit our community is. All of us watch out for one another. We keep an eye on the homes, pets and children of this area. We cook meals for those who are sick and water plants for those on vacation.
The people in this neighborhood have played a big role in why I have stayed in Mobile. I do miss the conveniences and activity of a big city. Of course, there are times when I am "homesick" for a great jazz club or a modern library. In those moments, all I have to do is walk outside and look down my street, knowing there are folks that care in those homes.
In reality, when you live on the coast, big cities are just a short drive away. I can day-trip to New Orleans, Baton Rouge, Birmingham or Tallahassee. Long weekends can be spent in Atlanta, Jacksonville, Nashville or Houston. The one thing that I have constant access to is the beach! The sugary white sands of Destin are a short day-trip for me.
So today, I will count my blessings for a caring community, the ability to travel to larger cities, the relaxing beaches and a place I call home!
Gulf Coast Life Podcast featuring Michelle Tice!
Recently, Michelle Tice of Strategic Wealth Specialists appeared as a guest on the popular podcast Gulf Coast Life. MDB partner David Carpenter created this podcast to celebrate all of the joys of living in Mobile. He is joined by crowd favorite, Andy Wood for this weekly show.
Michelle shared some great tips on how to get your financial house in order! As a mom to 6, she knows the value of a dollar! She began her career as a client and transitioned over to her dream career!
She'd love to meet with you and help you get started. Give her office a call at 251-472-4400 to schedule an appointment.
Follow Gulf Coast Life on Facebook by clicking here. Community leaders are featured every week on this enjoyable podcast.
Ashley Scarbrough - Your Mary Kay Connection!
For nearly a decade, Ashley Scarbrough has been helping women and men find the best skincare options. This award winning director is in the final month of qualifying for her MK car. She has been driving one for nine years now. That is a testament to her dedication to the company and her devotion to her customers.
Have you ever wondered about Mary Kay products? Ashley would love to meet with you and show you all of your options.
I am a huge fan and absolutely love the new Clinical Solutions set with real retinol! It has been a game changer for my aging skin!
Schedule a free consultation with Ashley by calling her at 229-395-8487! Click here to read all about this makeup maven!
In the Book Corner: Audiobooks!
I was a bit "under the weather" recently. I like to curl up with an Agatha Christie book to rest and recover. Unfortunately, I felt so bad that I didn't feel like reading. The next best thing is an audiobook.
I listened to Passenger to Frankfurt over the course of a few days. The one thing I did find was that I'd fall asleep on the broadcast and have to "rewind" it to find where I left off. With a book, it is much easier to find where you stopped reading.
I've been reading Agatha Christie books for decades and this was the first time I ever encountered this one. Wow, what a different and interesting offering from this famous author. Those of you who are familiar with Hercule Poirot or Miss Marple will be pleasantly surprised at this one!
I strongly urge you to read it or listen to it as I did! By the way, I have made a great recovery!
As the Coast returns to our new normal, please remember to treat others as you want to be treated. There is no reason to take out your frustrations on others. If you wake up feeling short-fused, then perhaps you need to stay home. I have witnessed an unusual amount of aggressive driving on our highways and surface roads. This could be deadly. I've also heard some hateful remarks that were made in the presence of young children. What if we approach this week with the theme of love? It could be one of the best times of your life. ~ Charlsie