Labor Day has been a nationally celebrated holiday since 1894. It is celebrated each year on the first Monday in September to honor and recognize the social and economic achievements of American workers. It is also called the “unofficial end of Summer” because it marks the end of the cultural summer season.

Wishing you and your loved ones a safe and fun filled Labor Day!

Sarasota and Manatee County continues communicating with local, state, and federal partners, including the Florida Division of Emergency Management and the National Weather Service.

As the path and intensity of the tropical storm remain uncertain, all of Sarasota County and Manatee County is encouraged to review their emergency preparedness plans if the storm impacts our community. Our governor has issued a state of emergency for our Counties.

I would like to send a friendly reminder to be prepared and to refer to your county’s hurricane preparedness website for safety and evacuation information.

Attached below are several items to better assist you in preparing, including: the FEMA Preparation Guide, and a list of recommended emergency supplies.

Your safety is important so please take this opportunity to ensure you’re adequately prepared.  Be sure to have signed up for emergency alerts to receive notification from the government and public safety officials in alerts in Sarasota and Manatee County.

2023 Hurricane Emergency Supplies

FEMA Preparation Guide

We all know water is essential for our health, but not all of us enjoy chugging those recommended eight daily glasses.  However, this is even more important during these very hot summer months we are currently experiencing. Below are a few tips to help you up your water intake.

Add flavor. A squeeze of citrus, fresh mint or a handful of blueberries can make drinking water a bit more fun. make sure to keep twists simple and fresh and avoid sweeteners (artificial or otherwise) which can have health repercussions.

Swap in tea. Unsweetened herbal tea can aid your water consumption, especially if you’re steeping the bags yourself, which helps assure there are no sneaky additives. Add a hot cup of herbal first thing in the morning and before bed to squeeze in a few more fluid ounces.

Choose fruit. While this should not replace the water you drink, focusing on a few juicy fruits a day can help keep you hydrated. Try watermelon or oranges for a fresh liquid burst.

Keep it cold. If you enjoy cold beverages, then keeping chilled water around can help you drink it down faster.

Are you looking to add spice to your home cooking, but not heat? Here are five interesting flavors to try, while sparing your mouth from fire.

Cumin. With a mild, earthy flavor, cumin goes great in curries without adding any heat, and has been known to aid digestion and improve your immune system.

Coriander. Did you know coriander seeds come from the cilantro plant? This spice has a nutty, mild flavor and is great for creating rubs, adding to homemade pickles or putting in a curry.

Smoked paprika. While paprika is derived from the pepper plant, it doesn’t pack the ehat that its cousin cayenne does. And this smoky version can add depth to chilis and stews without firing up your mouth.

Turmeric. This bright root has a bold flavor, but no spicy zing, and is wonderful for treating inflammation. You can add it to smoothies, soups, stir-fry’s and more.

Sumac. Popular in middle eastern cuisine, this spice has a bold lemony flavor. Use it to flavor rice, sprinkle on top of cooked vegetables or add to salad dressings.

On this Memorial Day, we honor the selflessness and valor of our fallen heroes. Their bravery will always be remembered and cherished.

A mother is your first friend, your best friend, your forever friend. A mother is the heartbeat in the home; and without her there seems to be no heartthrob. She is the glue that holds the family together. Let us celebrate all the mothers who work so hard for their families and for all the love and support she gives each and every day!

Feeling down? It happens. However, if the blues seem to follow you everywhere you go, consider these simple tips for raising your mood.

Surround yourself with flowers. Flowers have been shown to subtly lift the spirit of those around them. Grow a flower garden in the spring and summer and bring those blooms inside with you. Feeling low in the winter? Create a flower budget. Just $5 – $10 a week could bring a gorgeous bouquet into your life. Place it on the desk at work or wherever you spend a lot of time.

Adopt a pet. Furry friends bring an endless amount of joy into the lives of their owners, from play time to snuggling and beyond. If you have the schedule and resources that allow you to responsibly adopt a pet, do it, and let the smiling begin.

Do a random act of kindness. Kindness has a boomerang effect, so don’t be afraid to dole it out. Volunteer, help out a pal before they even ask for it or do something smaller. Next time you’re in line at the grocery store, offer the person with only one item waiting behind you to step ahead.

Create a happiness ritual.  What makes you happy? A long bath with a good book? Journaling for 15 minutes every morning? Yoga? A walk with a friend? Incorporate more of this into your day to lift your mood.

Identify downers. Some downers, like a stressful job or a sick family member, cannot be avoided. But others, like a long commute or a toxic relationship, can be identified and cut.  Ask your boss if you can work from home one day a week to avoid the commute, or if possible, look for another job closer to home.  Another downer that may be hiding in plain view. Social media. Monitor how you feel before and after you spend time on Instagram or Facebook and act accordingly.

The spring season is upon us and it’s time to turn our focus to Easter. It is such a wonderful time of year. with warmer weather, Easter flowers and special traditions with family and friends.

May your Easter basket be filled with joy, happiness and peace.

If I can be of any help with your real estate needs this season, just give me a call.

St. Patrick’s Day, also known as the Feast of Saint Patrick and St. Paddy’s Day is a national observance that is focused on commemorating the death of St. Patrick. This day will be marked on Friday 17th March. May you spend this auspicious day with good health and good food.

Wishing you all a very happy Saint Patrick’s Day!

Daylight saving time will end on Sunday March 12, 2023 at 2:00 a.m.. Don’t forget to set your clocks forward one hour before retiring to bed and remember it means one hour less of sleep. The Sunshine Protection Act was unanimously approved by the Senate last year but wasn’t voted on by the House. Do you want to keep on changing your clocks twice a year? Or would you prefer the Act being enforced?