Comfort Food of the South

Maya Angelou once said, “The best comfort food will always be greens, cornbread and fried chicken,” and she wasn’t far off… Southern food comforts you like nothing else. There’s no better way to support a new mom or welcome a new neighbor than a giant southern casserole. Here’s a few of our favorite places for Southern comfort along the Gulf Coast.

NoJa

This Mediterrasian restaurant has some of the most unique dishes that will make your mouth water. Be sure to try the Maple Leaf Duck Breast or the Kansas City Strip! Both will make you fall in love with Noja and the unique experience they provide. The atmosphere, flavors and service will leave you in awe and will make you keep coming back for more. Noja is one of the longest running restaurants in Downtown Mobile and serves food with the freshest ingredients. Check out their website or their Facebook page to find out about their seasonal menus. 

Boudreaux’s

Boudreaux’s is a classic cajun restaurant located in Daphne, AL. While cajun food is very closely associated with New Orleans, now you only have to travel a short trip across Mobile Bay to satisfy your cajun cravings. They have bands playing all week long and a wonderful view of the water to enjoy as you have a Bourbon Street-inspired cocktail. Be sure to try their cheese fries, crawfish and beignets! With family ties from the Bayou and a passion for food done right, this is surely a place to go whenever you crave anything cajun.

Loda Bier Garten

At Loda Bier Garten, you can enjoy a night out on the town! They have two locations that offer a vast selection of beers which will pair perfectly with your burger and leave your mouth watering. Specialty burgers decorate the menu along with classic appetizers that you can not get enough of. They have TVs and a lively staff working open to close. One time my friends started dancing and the staff joined in! There is definitely no place like Loda!

Bozo’s

Bozo’s is a classic seafood restaurant in Pascagoula, MS, that has been around for generations. Bozo’s actually has a seafood market and a restaurant, which are conveniently located right next to each other! You can call and place your order at the market or just walk in. Live music is played outside on the patio for a great open air dining experience. They have a wide variety of seafood at both the market and the restaurant, so stop on by and enjoy everything Bozo’s has to offer!

Briquettes

Briquettes Steakhouse is one of the best steakhouses in the South. They are locally owned and operated, and deliver an amazing experience all around. They have many entrees that are so delicious that is hard to choose just one, but when you order a side I strongly recommend the sweet potato casserole as it is to die for! So next time you want really anything go to Briquettes as they have so much to offer. The South has many options for wonderful comfort food, especially here on the Gulf Coast. Each and every place has a special item that is exclusive to their restaurant, so try anything and everything! The more you try the more you’ll fall in love with every bite.

Living Without a Generator on the Gulf Coast During Hurricane Season is ” Not Such a Bright Idea”

Living without a generator on the gulf coast

So, you’ve decided to set up shop on the Gulf Coast. You’ve got your sunglasses, a beach chair and an unfaltering faith that mother nature will forever be kind and merciful. Well, we hate to burst your sunny bubble, but there’s this little thing called hurricane season that’s a real party crasher. But hey, who needs a generator when you have candlelight and good old optimism, right?

Generators: For those who Prefer a Fridge Over a Picnic Cooler

Generators might seem like a luxury when the weather’s all sunshine and rainbows. But when hurricanes come knocking and power lines start dropping, a generator is your best friend.

Safety: Without power, you risk food spoiling, medical equipment failing and your house turning into an indoor pool (and not the fun kind). Generators keep everything running smoothly, so your candlelit dinner stays romantic and doesn’t turn into a rerun of “Survivor.”

Comfort: If you’re a fan of sweating profusely and stumbling in the dark, then by all means, skip the generator. But if you prefer a cool home and functioning lights, then you might want to reconsider.

Mount Man Electric: They Know Their Stuff

Who better to sort you out than Mount Man Electric? They’re wizards with wiring and pros of the generator game. Here’s why you should be calling them:

Expert Installation: Mount Man Electric are to generator installation what Mozart was to music – they’ve nailed it. They’re professionals who know how to get the job done right, leaving you with a generator that won’t quit on you when you need it most.

Regular Maintenance: And they don’t just abandon you once it’s installed. Oh no, they’re in it for the long haul, offering maintenance services that’ll keep your generator humming along nicely.

Knowledge and Experience: These guys know the electrical biz inside and out, ensuring your generator won’t just work, but it’ll be safe and up to code too.

Customer Service: As if all that wasn’t enough, they’re also friendly folks who actually listen to what you need. Shocking, I know.

Hurricane season on the Gulf Coast is about as predictable as a cat on catnip. So why not secure some peace of mind and invest in a reliable generator? Unless, of course, you’re really keen on those candlelit dinners and a personal indoor pool? 

Why life hands you grapes during hurricane season, you better call Mount Man Electric! Trust me; it’s a bright idea.

Thoughtful gifts for Dads in the South

Father’s Day is just around the corner, and it’s time to start thinking about the perfect gift to show your appreciation for the man who’s always been there for you. Surprise your father with something truly thoughtful and useful this year!

If you’re looking for gift ideas that your Southern Father is sure to love, we’ve got you covered:

Noja Gift Card – Treat your dad to a romantic night out at a high-end restaurant that he’s never tried before. He’ll appreciate the chance to get dressed up and enjoy a fancy meal with his loved ones.

Gift Card to Boudreaux’s Cajun Grill in Daphne -For the dad who loves a good, spicy meal, a gift card to this local Cajun restaurant is the perfect choice. He’ll love indulging in some authentic Southern cuisine.

Promo Items from Pelican Promos – If your dad is a business owner, surprise him with some promo items. Pelican Promos offers various personalized items such as keychains, magnets, and more. These are a great way to show your dad that you’ve put some thought into his gift and that you support his business endeavors.

Get that Light Fixed with Mount Man Electric – If your dad has been complaining about a flickering light or a broken fixture, why not surprise him with a visit from the experts at Mount Man Electric? They’ll take care of any electrical issues and make sure your dad’s home is safe and well-lit.

Remodel that Bathroom with Roto-Rooter -Does your dad dream of a spa-like bathroom with a luxurious tub and all the bells and whistles? Roto-Rooter can help make his dream a reality. Surprise him with a bathroom renovation and watch his smile light up the room.

No matter which gift you choose, the most important thing is to show your dad how much you love and appreciate him. So this Father’s Day, take the time to make him feel special and tell him how much he means to you.

And remember, when life hands you grapes…make sure to savor the sweetness and enjoy every last drop of the wine. Cheers!

Maximizing Your Space: The Benefits of APEX Contracting Services for Roofing, Pole Barns, and Metal Buildings

So, you want to maximize your space, huh? Well, lucky for you, APEX Contracting Services is here to help! They offer a range of services, from roofing to pole barns to metal buildings, all designed to help you make the most of your space. But let’s be real, who cares about that, right?

I mean, why bother maximizing your space when you could just live in a tiny house or a van down by the river? Who needs a fancy roof or a pole barn when you could just sleep under the stars and use your neighbor’s garage for storage? Am I right?

But, okay, let’s pretend for a moment that you actually want to make the most of your space. Maybe you have a family and need more room. Maybe you have a business and need a bigger space. Maybe you just want to impress your neighbors. Whatever your reason, APEX Contracting Services can help.

Their roofing services are top-notch, ensuring that your home or business stays dry and cozy even during the heaviest rainstorms. Who needs a leaky roof when you can have a sturdy one from APEX Contracting Services?

Their pole barns are perfect for storing all your stuff, whether it’s your tractor or your prized collection of beanie babies. And let’s be honest, who doesn’t love a good pole barn? It’s like a giant shed but fancier.

And their metal buildings? Well, those are just plain cool. You could have a metal building as a workshop, a garage or even a secret lair for your evil plans. The possibilities are endless!

But, of course, you don’t really need any of these things, do you? I mean, why bother maximizing your space when you could just live in a tent or a cardboard box? Who needs a roof, anyway? Rain is just nature’s shower, right?

Okay, okay, I’m kidding (mostly). The truth is, maximizing your space can be a smart investment, whether you’re a homeowner or a business owner. And if you’re going to invest in your space, you might as well do it right. That’s where APEX Contracting Services comes in.

Their team of experts can help you with everything from planning to construction, ensuring that you get the most out of your space. And if you’re not sure what you need, they can even help you figure that out.

So, if you’re ready to take your space to the next level, give APEX Contracting Services a call. And if you’d rather live in a tent, well, that’s your prerogative. Just don’t blame us when it rains. 

And there you have it, folks! The benefits of APEX Contracting Services for roofing, pole barns and metal buildings. So, why settle for cramped quarters when you could have a spacious and sturdy structure? Remember, when life hands you grapes, make more space with APEX Contracting Services.

Comfort Food of the South

David’s Catfish House

With 8 locations across Alabama and 3 across Florida, David’s Catfish House is the place to be. Since 1993, David and Sadie Ross have been serving their famous seafood in their little mom-and-pop shop located in Mississippi. Just three years after opening, David and Sadie moved to Monroeville, Alabama, and have loved it ever since. Their fresh, scratch-made ingredients are beloved by many and bring the “southern charm” of seafood to all who enter. Their famous catfish and cheese grits dish was named the number one of 100 Dishes to Eat in Alabama Before You Die for two consecutive years. With a family-friendly environment, David’s Catfish House is the place to be for all ages. Catch them on Instagram and Facebook or their great website and blog. 

Boudreaux’s 

Boudreaux’s Cajun Grill brings the greatest of the Louisiana south straight to your plate in this truly authentic dining experience. With an extensive dining, drink and dessert menu, Boudreaux’s has everything you could want! Open 7 days a week, Boudreaux’s is the place to be in Daphne. They also accommodate a multitude of allergies, most explicitly gluten-free. While you are eating, enjoy live performances from bands all across Alabama. If you’re ever cruising down Highway 98, be sure to check them out any time of the week, especially during their “talk of the town” Sunday brunch. Bringing the Bayou to Daphne has never looked so easy!

Noja

This gem of Mobile is equipped with a unique Mediterranean and Asian-inspired dinner, wine, specialty drink and dessert menu. Noja’s cozy atmosphere, accommodating service, and outstanding food make it the place to visit in Mobile. You can taste the passion in every bite through their use of high-quality, organic ingredients. Open 6 days a week from 5:00 PM-9:00 PM, this late-night dining experience is romantic and intimate. Their seasonal menu makes every visit new and fun. Next date night, be sure to visit Noja for a truly unforgettable experience. 

Danny’s Southern Cooking

Housed in Robertsdale, Alabama, Danny’s Southern Cooking is a fun dining experience for all ages. With low prices and a fully equipped salad bar, Danny’s is the hottest place in Robertsdale for some classic southern food. Danny’s knows how to use a buffet determined to supply comforting, affordable and fresh food to everyone who comes in. Their famous Plenty-Paks are loved by many. It is almost impossible to leave any crumb behind at Danny’s. With amazing service and kind workers, everyone is family when you step through Danny’s doors. Open Sunday to Friday from 10:30 AM to 8:00 PM, Danny’s Southern Cooking is the place to visit for some affordable, sweet comfort food.

Why You Should Start a Blog for Your Business

Blogs are the hot new trend that every business is jumping on, and for good reason. Not only do they provide valuable content for customers, but they also make your website look like it’s from this century and establish a business as a thought leader in their industry. Here are a few reasons why you should start a blog for your business.

Build Trust and Credibility: A blog allows a business to share valuable and informative content with its audience. This helps to establish trust and credibility with customers and potential clients. By making content that educates and informs, a business can set itself up as an expert in its field and build trust with its audience. Or you could just make stuff up, but that’s not as fun.

Improve SEO: Search engine optimization (SEO) is crucial for any business that wants to rank well in search engine results. By adding new and relevant content, a blog is a great way to improve SEO. By creating content that is optimized for search engines and shared on social media, a business can increase its visibility and drive more traffic to its website. Because who doesn’t love getting lost in the abyss of Google search results?

Increase Engagement: A blog allows a business to engage with its audience in a meaningful way. A business can build a community around its brand by giving its audience useful content and encouraging them to comment and give feedback. Or you could just post pictures of cute animals; that usually works too.

Generate Leads: A blog can be used to generate leads for a business. By providing valuable and informative content, a business can attract potential customers who are in the research phase of the buying process. By including calls to action in blog posts, a business can encourage readers to take the next step and become a lead. Who needs sleep when you have leads?

Cost-effective Marketing: Blogging is a cost-effective marketing strategy that can help businesses reach a wider audience and increase brand awareness. Blogging regularly can help to keep your website updated with fresh content, which will help to increase search engine visibility and drive more traffic to your website. Plus, it’s cheaper than buying a billboard on the side of the highway.

In the end, a blog is an important tool for businesses of all sizes and in all kinds of fields. It allows businesses to build trust and credibility, improve SEO, increase engagement, generate leads and establish thought leadership. Blogs are also a low-cost way for businesses to reach a wider audience and reach more people. So when life hands you grapes, and you don’t know how to help your SEO, well, blogs are the way to go!

Business Blessings in Disguise

There’s no doubt that fire is an awful thing. It can cause property damage, burn down homes and ruin businesses. But the truth is that we frequently don’t appreciate what we have until it’s gone. The same is true in business. If you’re feeling discouraged about your business or overwhelmed with the challenges of running it, here are some blessings in disguise that might help you reevaluate and see the silver lining:

Fire is an awful thing — whether it’s a home fire, a forest fire or a workplace fire. Smoke can damage just as much as flames.

Whether you’re facing a home fire, a forest fire or a workplace fire, smoke can be just as damaging as flames. Smoke is more than just an annoyance; it can make everything you own smell like a campfire for weeks and cause respiratory problems like coughing and chest pains if you’re exposed to enough of it.

But despite all that damage, there’s one thing about smoke that’ll always leave me thankful: it allows you to see things in a new way. The grayish haze clears up when I look at my life with fresh eyes, giving me a new perspective on what matters most — my family and friends — not the stuff I own, my job title or anything else on earth besides those two things (and maybe God).

But the truth is that we frequently don’t appreciate what we have until it’s gone. The same is true in business.

Oftentimes, people will do the bare minimum to make a living and never give themselves permission to live their best life because they’re afraid of losing what they’ve worked hard for. But if you don’t stop and take time every day to be grateful for all that’s good in your life—even if it doesn’t seem that great at the moment—you’ll miss out on some pretty amazing opportunities along the way.

Don’t let your business get away from you by taking things for granted! Take stock of what’s working well in your business and make sure no opportunity goes unnoticed (or underutilized). If something isn’t working, then fix it before moving on.

1) Feeling Burnout

Burnout can be a blessing in disguise.

Burnout is different from being just physically tired. It’s an emotional exhaustion that comes from feeling like you can’t take on any more work. For example, let’s say you’ve been working hard at your job for the past few months and at some point, it feels like things are getting out of control—your to-do list is long, but every time you add something new (or even try to tackle one of those tasks), your brain turns off and tells itself: “I’m done! Why bother?” That’s when burnout happens.

The good news is that this kind of fatigue often causes us to take a step back and look at how our lives are going, which allows us to make changes in the way we live our lives, so that we’re better suited for what we have going on right now—even if those changes involve quitting your job!

2) Overwhelmed by Technology

You’re a small business owner and you want to do more with your time, but technology is not helping. You feel overwhelmed by the constant barrage of new technologies and platforms that are supposed to make life easier, but instead, they just add more steps and layers to everything you do in your business.

3) Frustrated by Marketing

The third blessing in disguise is that you’re frustrated by marketing.

I know it sounds like I’m adding insult to injury, but if you’ve never had to put time and effort into your marketing, then you might not realize how helpful it can be. Marketing is a means of communicating with your target audience; the more effectively you do this, the better able they are to understand what it is that you do and why they should care about it.

The first step in any marketing campaign is knowing who your target audience is. If there’s one thing I have learned, it is that most businesses fail because they don’t have a clear understanding of who their customers are (or worse yet—they think they do!). Knowing who makes up your perfect prospect list will enable every other aspect of your business plan to fall into place once all the pieces start coming together (like puzzle pieces forming a portrait of an old lady eating ice cream on top of Mount Everest, while holding her cat’s tail between her teeth…you get the picture!)

4) Not Generating Enough Leads

When it comes to generating leads and sales, the first thing you need to do is understand where you’re going wrong. There are several reasons why your business might be struggling with this process.

  • You’re not following up with people who don’t respond to your initial contact. For lead generation and sales to work, you must have clear guidelines on what happens when someone doesn’t respond in a certain timeframe (usually 24 hours). If someone isn’t responding within this time frame, likely, they’re not interested or there’s something else going on that’s preventing them from doing so. You can either move on or try again if necessary, but the most important thing is knowing how and when to follow up if they don’t get back to you right away.
  • You’re relying too heavily on one channel for leads instead of spreading them out across all platforms available: social media; email marketing; advertising through Google Search; local newspapers/magazines/radio stations; direct mail campaigns, etc.

5) Stalled Growth

If the business you’re in is growing, congratulations! But if it’s not, that can be a blessing in disguise as well. Growth does not always mean good things for all parts of your business and sometimes—as in the case of too much growth—it can be harmful to your company.

I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to think of a fire as a blessing in disguise, but seeing these obstacles as opportunities to strengthen my company may help me reframe them as something more manageable.

Hey, it’s no secret that the world is full of problems. Many of these problems are disguised as opportunities to grow and improve your business. But when you look at a challenge as something that could have been avoided, you can easily start making excuses instead of taking action.

It’s important to realize that you can’t control everything—and that’s okay! Sometimes things just happen, but they’re not necessarily bad things. You don’t always have control over what happens in your life or in business, but you do have control over how you react to them. If a fire breaks out at your place of work, for example, try focusing on how it could improve safety measures within your company rather than dwelling on the fact that the building was burned down because someone left their phone plugged into an outlet overnight.

When you’re feeling overwhelmed and discouraged, it’s easy to lose sight of the blessings in disguise. But if you look at your challenges as opportunities for growth, these setbacks might turn out to be just what your business needs.

When Life hands you grapes, see the blessing in disguise.

Top 5 Ways to Impress in an Interview

I can tell you everything there is to know about the interview process. How? Because I’ve been on both sides of the table. As an interviewer, I’ve had to find a way to quickly assess candidates and make recommendations that will resonate with my team and the client. And as a candidate, I’ve had to learn how best to sell myself in order to land opportunities that would move me closer toward my career goals.

Now, before we get started on this list of ways you can impress your next interviewer: let’s be clear about something: not all interviews are created equal! So while some tips might apply universally across industries (e.g., “Be yourself”), others may depend on exactly what kind of role you are interviewing for, as well as what type of company it is (e.g., “Do your homework on who will be interviewing).”

Be yourself.

It’s been said before, but it bears repeating: You’re going to be asked about your strengths and weaknesses in the interview. This is not the time to lie about how much you love waking up at 6 am every day for a 3-hour march up a mountain with nothing but your bare hands and a packet of freeze-dried tuna on hand. 

Practice answering questions about what you like doing outside of work and what your career goals are by taking some time beforehand to think over those things so they’re fresh in your mind when the interviewer asks them.

Pay attention to the details.

The first thing you should do is pay attention to the details. This means dressing appropriately, being on time, polite, prepared and friendly. And if you want to truly impress your interviewer (and indeed be invited back for another interview), then show confidence in yourself.

Research the company, industry and role.

You have Google at your fingertips. If you’re going up against other candidates, get ahead of your competition by doing some homework. Make sure that you know more than they do about the role and company before the day of your interview.

Look at their website: What does it tell you about them? Is there a mission statement or core values page? Check out their social media accounts too—how do they interact with customers and potential hires? Do they share photos from events and client meetings on Instagram? Are there videos of employees talking about what it’s like working at this company? All of these things can give insight into how much culture matters to them, which is important information when deciding whether or not to work for someone (or somewhere). 

You can also use Google search operators like “inurl:” or “intitle:” along with keywords related to what skills are needed for this particular job opening; for example, if I’m applying for a position as a content strategist in digital marketing then I might type “intitle:content strategist” into Google; or if I am looking specifically for an entry-level position within digital marketing then instead I might type “entry level intitle:”

Do your homework on the interviewer(s).

It’s always a good idea to do your homework on the company and interviewer(s). The more you know about them, the better prepared you’ll be for the interview. You can find out about a company by looking at recent press releases and other announcements on their website, reading reviews online, or even asking friends or family members who have worked there in the past.

For example, if you’re interviewing with someone from a large corporation like Google or Apple who has had several interviews with other candidates before yours (and thus has many more experiences than anyone else), then it may help to read up on those interviews so that you can bring something new and interesting to the table.

Anticipate tricky questions and have thoughtful answers prepared in advance.

This is where you need to take the time to prepare for what you think will be asked. For example, if you’re applying for an accounting job and they ask you about your weaknesses, don’t say “I’m too controlling” (unless maybe this is a trait that works well for their company). Instead, have some alternative answers ready!

If I were interviewing someone for a position and they told me their weaknesses were that they work too hard and are sometimes impatient, I’d probably hire them on the spot. It shows they’re willing to admit their shortcomings—and it shows me that they care enough about being good at what they do that they want to improve themselves. This is a key part of succeeding in any field: constantly striving towards improvement while still acknowledging your shortcomings.

A great interview can help you land a great job.

A great interview can help you land a great job. An interview is like a first date, but with more opportunities to impress. And if you’re not looking to impress anyone, then why are you even interviewing? If you do your homework and make an effort to impress the interviewer, then you might land the job of your dreams. Good luck!

Why you should become a landlord in lower Alabama

There are many reasons why people choose to become landlords in lower Alabama. For one thing, it’s an investment that has tangible value. You can see and touch the property you own, unlike a stock portfolio or other types of investments. Also, with rentals, there are no strikes or labor problems that might affect your business elsewhere. In addition, if you’re willing to do some work yourself on your rental property, you can significantly reduce expenses while increasing your income at the same time!

Tax Benefits

Landlords get a lot of tax benefits for just being landlords. When you own real estate, it’s usually a better investment than others because your tax rate is usually lower than if you invest in stocks and bonds. However, there are some restrictions that apply to landlords and property owners who use their properties for business purposes or as rental units.

Profits from sales of real estate are usually taxed at a rate of 15 percent. In contrast, ordinary income is taxed at rates as high as 39.6 percent.

  • The tax rate for income from real estate is 15%.
  • The tax rate for ordinary income, such as wages and interest on a savings account, is generally higher. Income from other sources may be taxed at rates as high as 39.6%.
  • Capital gains are taxed at the same rate as ordinary income only if they’re short-term. If they’re long-term, they’re taxed at a lower rate than ordinary income.

Increases in Value

You’ve probably heard that real estate is a great investment. But what does that mean? Why do people invest in real estate? Well, here’s why:

  • It increases in value over time! This is a no-brainer. Every year the value of your property goes up, which means you can either sell it (more on this later) or keep it and have even more money.
  • You can make money by renting out the property! If you have an empty house and need some extra cash, rent out your home or apartment as income to help pay off those pesky student loans or credit card bills. Your tenants will also be happy because they’ll have somewhere nice to live for less money than what they’d spend on rent elsewhere.
  • It’s tangible! This might sound silly but hear me out: unlike other investments like stocks or bonds which are intangible—meaning they’re not actually something physical like gold bullion—real estate can be touched and seen with your eyes; it’s something very tangible that you own outright without having to worry about someone taking away its value through inflation (for example).

Buildings will increase in value over time, partly because of inflation and partly because of improvements to the property. Income from rentals keeps up with inflationary increases.

The value of buildings will increase over time, partly because of inflation and partly because of improvements to the property. Income from rentals keeps up with inflationary increases. Rental income is not affected by inflation in the same way that interest on savings accounts or bond yields is affected—it can only increase!

This means that as long as you don’t take out an equity loan or mortgage (which will be discussed later), your net worth and ability to purchase other properties should grow exponentially.

Freedom to Choose Tenants

As a landlord, you have the freedom to choose your tenants. You can choose who you want to rent to, but not have them live there. This is because people will pay for the privilege of living on your property without actually having to live there.

Owners of rental property are not subject to the same rules and regulations regarding discrimination that apply to other employers. 

As a rental property owner, you are not subject to the same rules and regulations regarding discrimination that apply to other employers. It is important for landlords to understand these legal rights so that they can make informed decisions about who they will allow into their properties.

Unlike in the case of many other businesses, rentals have no labor troubles. Once a leasing agreement is signed, the tenant is obligated to pay rent and the landlord is obligated to make repairs and maintain the premises, regardless of the state of the economy or any other factors. Tenants are also responsible for keeping their unit clean and tidy.

An Investment You Can See and Touch

Real estate is tangible, unlike stocks and bonds. It’s something you can see and touch, which means that it’s more real than other investments. If you want proof of this, just try selling a stock or bond on eBay.

Real estate is also an investment that doesn’t require much maintenance or upkeep. Unlike other types of investments like stocks and bonds that require constant monitoring and maintenance, real estate remains relatively passive because it doesn’t depreciate like most consumable goods do after they’re bought (or “consumed”).

We hope that we’ve made it clear why you should consider becoming a landlord. If you’re looking for an investment that’s safe, reliable and easy to manage, then rentals are definitely worth considering. When Life Hands You Grapes, become a landlord!

How to Avoid Burnout in Your Career

No matter what career field you are in, it is nearly impossible to go through life without experiencing burnout at some point. Whether you’re overwhelmed with your current workload, are feeling less passionate about the path you took or are just feeling unsatisfied with your job, burnout is no joke. We spend much of our lives surrounded by coworkers and our work-life, so having a healthy relationship with your career is vital. Preventing fatigue in the workplace means spotting the symptoms of apathy in your own life and taking active steps to avoid it.

Know the Signs

Burnout is usually a feeling that slowly builds over time. We don’t always wake up passionate one day and feel apathetic the next. Instead, burnout tends to start as a slow flicker before it bursts into the flame that keeps us feeling stagnant. In order to avoid or recover from burnout, you have to know what signs to look out for. A few signs of burnout include fatigue, increased feelings of self-doubt, feeling defeated, disassociation and an overall negative outlook. If you are noticing these signs, it is time to take some steps to move past this block and begin feeling the passion you once did for your career.

Shift Your Perspective

While it is certainly easier said than done, shifting your perspective is crucial to getting over and preventing burnout. Whenever you find yourself in a bout of negative self-talk, be mindful and remind yourself of the positives. Adjusting your mindset and reminding yourself that these negative thoughts are most often your own internal dialogue and do not reflect reality can help keep you grounded. For example, when you are feeling as though your role is unimportant, you can remind yourself of all the ways you assisted others this week or write down praises you have received from other coworkers or superiors. Remembering the good helps put those bad days in perspective, which is essential to creating a more positive outlook.

Step Away

Stepping away may look different depending on the level of burnout and what works best for you, but it is helpful in clearing your mind and reducing overextension. It is important to always have a healthy work-life balance. If you are overextending yourself it is essential that you consider stepping away. This can mean a short break mid-day, not working past your hours or taking a vacation. Whatever you do, make sure you are setting aside time each day to focus on your own wants and desires outside of work.

There are endless ways to recover from and prevent burnout, so if any of these ideas were not the cure for yours, I encourage you to do some research and focus on getting back to feeling the passion you used to feel for your career. Taking care of your mental health and reducing burnout will not only make you feel happier, but it will also make you a better employee overall!

The Importance of Sleep

Did you know that the average person spends at least one-third of their life asleep? (As a mother of three AND a multi-business owner, I think that number is less for me…) But I’m here to tell you and myself that sleep is absolutely vital.

I know what you’re thinking.

Michelle, you will say, eyes wide, when will I find the time?

I will laugh and agree as I take a sip of my first (or second) margarita from Agave Mexican Restaurant in Fairhope, Alabama. I’ll tell you, I know, I know. But you have to MAKE time.

Why? Sleep is an essential part of anybody’s life. After you read this blog, you will want to cancel your afternoon meetings and curl up for a very long, very deep and very restorative nap.

Sleep Can Benefit Your Physical Health

My kids love the Wall-E movie. You know the one–the one with the trash robot that falls in love with the sleek EVE prototype, and they help de-evolved humans rehabilitate planet Earth. Humans in the movie have fewer bones and much larger faces than we do now. I imagine that, if we slept and didn’t move for that long, we would look like that too.

But we don’t! Sleep actually contributes to physical health in so many positive ways. Sleep can help your body heal from any physical trauma, as well as repair blood vessels. If you don’t sleep, or sleep enough, you risk running a higher chance of heart disease, diabetes and other health issues.

Sleep Can Improve Mental Health

Sleep is like turning your computer off and back on. It helps reset your brain for each new day and its adventures. For example, a sufficient amount of sleep can improve productivity, creativity, concentration and so much more. It can also decrease depression. 

So, What is the Magic Number?

Humans need at least 8 hours of sleep per night. Like I said–with three kids, numerous businesses and my own life to enjoy, I understand how difficult it is to get enough sleep. Sleeping helps make you a better person for yourself, for your loved ones and everyone else in your life!

I swear by my planner. If you carve out enough time in the day and deliberately mark it, you are more likely to respect that time. Set a bedtime for yourself, or turn off your phone at least an hour before bed. Setting these intentions will help you improve your nightly routine and accomplish the magic number of hours of sleep.

Now, if you don’t mind, I’m going to go take a nap…