NC Tag

August 30, 2019 In Uncategorized

back to school already?!

Y’all! (Like that southern charm?) It has been a BIII-ZEEEEEEEE (busy) summer! Holy guacamole. (Love that stuff.)

Humongo projects with downsizing 5,000 sq ft houses, travels to Vermont, for fun, family, and other, Pro Athlete client move across the country (hello flying for work…so fun and yes, sky miles, and wow lots of shoes), weddings, graduations, retirement celebrations, preparing client homes to go on the market, our birthdays and engagement (wha?!), off to Florida and overseas shortly, and did I mention more work, meetings, work, meetings, and boom, its nearly September?

30 seconds of summer!

At least I made it to the gym today before yet another work meeting with my partner in crime, at the coolest place that’s opened in Charlotte since Charlotte became Charlotte. (Ok, so the USNWC is a super awesome favorite as well.) Messy, frizzy hair don’t care:

When you work for yourself, you’re a hustla, baby. Sometimes you change in a bathroom, and have to go without a shower after getting your sweat on, so you can fill your pipeline with next opportunities. Sometimes weeks pass without a break, then you take a big one. Sometimes you wonder how you haven’t come up for your own air, and then realize it’s because you’ve been filling client lungs with what they need to breathe.

We help people get unstuck. We LOVE what we do. We declutter lives to clear paths for whatever’s next for the people who hire us, dealing with the most stressful all-consuming times they might ever have. (Then WE are all-consumed.) When we are on 24/7, we know we’re making a difference by being the trusted guide by someones side when they often don’t even know what end is up. It’s exhausting at times, but after we get the red carpet rolled out for our clients next adventures, we always make time for our own.

What’s next for you?

We hope your summer was BIII-ZEEEEEEEE (busy…the good kind) like ours. We also hope that you won’t ever be afraid to go out with messy hair so you can keep creating the life you want.

#LoveYourWork #LifeOutsideTheDroneZone #LessWaitingMoreDoing

February 8, 2019 In Uncategorized

join me tomorrow: downsizing

Luxury Home builder, Toll Brothers has asked me to come for a 3rd time to host a downsizing seminar for their prospective and recent home buyers. Tomorrow (Saturday February 8, 2019) I will be at their Regency at Palisades location, just outside of Charlotte, NC. I was at this property last year and LOVED it. During my first visit, I asked the ladies in the office, Is this where our parents move to have more fun than we do?! Pool, golf, club house with chef’s kitchen, tennis and bocce courts, massage therapist, fitness center, and more…and all on site? Yes, please. This community is designed for an active lifestyle. (Didn’t you know 60 is the new 30?)

So what happens tomorrow? I will casually sit and have a conversation in the gorgeous open living room/kitchen/dining area one of the model homes. I’ll advise on how to declutter a lifetime of “stuff,” and plan for a path to more freedom and fun. The Palisades homes are not tiny homes, they’re between 1,700 – 2,400 square feet. Downsizing doesn’t mean living in zero space, it means living simple so you can DO more. It means clearing the chaos from your life, so you have MORE time, space, and money. It means stepping out of the Drone Zone, and getting unstuck.

Are you ready to make a change?

You know I love to talk. Come sit on a couch with me and let’s chat about your next chapter…

#LessStuffMoreFreedomHappyLife #LiveSimpleDoMore #Downsize

October 22, 2018 In Links, Live the life you want to live, North Carolina

it’s never too late

I had a great lunch today at Charlotte’s brand new “55 and better” community, Overture Cotswold! I left behind a free consultation certificate, in the form of a jar of blue lollipops of course:

The Overture staff asked me to come talk to new and perspective tenants and I jumped at the chance. I love this building and their concept of apartment life kicked up a notch with amazing amenities. What’s not to love about simplifying your lifestyle at any age, especially once you’ve raised kids, taken care of the lawn for 20 years, replaced the water heater a few times, or looked around wondering why you have 3 spare rooms that never get used?

As I spoke with this group, I told them most of my clients say the same 3 things:

1.) I didn’t realize I had so much crap. (They laughed.)

2.) I can’t believe I didn’t do this sooner.

3.) I feel so much more free!

If you’re considering a lifestyle change including a whole lot more time for friends, family, travel, and fun…consider an option like this. Did I mention they have weekly happy hour in the club room? Walking downstairs in your sweatpants to have a little toast and social time with your neighbors at the end of the day sounds good to me!

60 is the new 30. There are no rules that say you have to stop dancing just because you have a few wrinkles.

#LessStuffMoreFreedomHappyLife #LiveSimpleDoMore #ImNotOnVacationILiveHere

March 10, 2018 In Do good, grow, Inspiration, Links, Live the life you want to live, North Carolina, People, Photos, Projects & Organizations I dig, Uncategorized

still celebrating everyday? Heck, yes!

And just like that…poof! There goes another month. Time flies too fast.

I spent the first month of 2018 celebrating and sharing here, and the second, not sharing here. Don’t fret my loves, I’ve still been having a lots of fun! I’ve been celebrating things like helping to get client donations to women and children coming out of domestic violence situations:

(Doing good feels so good! Thank you to so many people who volunteer their time to help others!)

…waking up in beautiful places and sipping coffee on balconies:

…uber windy chilly afternoons on the beach:

…breathtaking sunsets:

…purging and packing for cross country client moves:

(Remember, PURGE BEFORE YOU RELOCATE! Why in the world would you want to spend your hard earned money on moving a bunch of stuff you no longer need/use/want? There are so many more fun ways to spend your cash, like on cheese, the waterpark with your kids, coffee, a concert with your lover, or that mani/pedi you need to take a few minutes to yourself, for:)

Now let’s continue the celebrating with throwing a surprise birthday party for a friend:

(Like bubbly? Fill a flute 80% Prosecco or Cava, and the rest with grapefruit. Fresh grapefruit is best, but bottled will do, too. Yum!)

…onto events that promote inclusion, diversity, health, wellness, and human rights!

Equality now and forever! (You do you, girl, boy, or whatever word/term/name/thing that suits you/you feel like you want to rock out.)

…a little bit of road trippin’ for Carolina Blue basketball:

…and food! Oh how I love cooking and feasting with amazing people…one of the best ways to spend time:

Chimichurri cauliflower!

Crunchy french toast! Roll your egg-battered bread through corn flakes and voila…french toast kicked up a notch. Especially with Schoolhouse Maple syrup, made by my friends. It doesn’t get better than this, and sugaring season now. Mmm. (Yes! You can order some here.)

2 months down in 2018, 10 more to go, and some really fantastic things are on the horizon. This Blue Lollipop Road party isn’t going anywhere, so be prepared to keep those sunglasses on, because the light is shining bright, baby. Whether you celebrate in quiet or out loud and proud, it’s all about taking a minute to appreciate simple things…every…single…day.

Today is the day. What are you waiting for?

#EverydayAdventures #LifeOutsideTheDroneZone #RememberCelebrateLive

January 25, 2018 In Be active, Business, Cool companies, Great companies, grow, Inspiration, Links, Live the life you want to live, North Carolina, Operation Charlotte, People, Photos, Projects & Organizations I dig, Today Is The Day

celebrate everyday: day 24

1.24.18

Today I celebrate entrepreneurs, because it takes a lot to keep the hustle going when you work for yourself:

I went to F*ck Up Night a Advent Coworking tonight. F*ck Up Night is, you guessed it…an event where a panel of entrepreneurs share their stories about how they got to where they are, and all their f*ck ups along the way.

The kind of passion, drive, and hustle it takes to work for yourself is not for the weak or tired, to say the least. There’s a whole lot of regular “Why don’t you just go get a real job?” and other ridiculous opinions we’ve all heard, as we scrape the last penny out of the bank account, put in another late night, and wake up early to pound the pavement again. Those things would make most people break down and cry like babies. (And we have at times.) But! Figuring out ways to navigate this crazy world and make a living doing what you love and believe in so hard core, even your hero couldn’t talk you out of doing it? That, is pretty f*cking awesome. And totally worth the expenditure of those blood, sweat, and tears days.

NEVER GIVE UP!

Does something you overhear in a conversation at a cocktail party make you want to jump over the appetizer table, knocking over the hostess as you spill your martini, just so you can be talking about it, too? I think you’ve found your thing, baby. Go for it.

You know what you love to do. It’s ok to feel like you want to punch someone in the face next time they tell you you’re nuts to chase the life you want. You don’t have to punch them, just keep looking straight ahead, and let all that bs outside noise fall far behind you.

What lights your fire?

#LoveYourWork #StartDriving #LifeOutsideTheDroneZone

*Ready to join the hustler club, but don’t know where to start? Call me! (804.339.6514) I can help.

January 17, 2018 In Freedom, North Carolina, Photos, Today Is The Day, Travel

celebrate everyday: day 17

There’s a WHOLE BIG world out there…

Today I celebrate airports:

I love being at the airport people watching, especially coming off a flight and walking to the exit or baggage claim with my fellow travelers and watching the greetings and reunions that happen. Such awesome happy moments to share in, even with complete strangers.

Are you missing someone? Buy yourself a plane ticket and go fly the friendly skies to see them. You’ll never regret it.

Today is the day, what are you waiting for?

#HopToIt #RespectTheClock #AdventureAwaits

*Need someone to convince you to just go? Call me! (804.339.6514) I can help.

January 12, 2018 In Funny signs, Links, North Carolina, Operation Charlotte, Photos, Travel Tips and Tricks

celebrate everyday: day 12

Today I celebrate businesses that have a sense of humor:

I took this at my favorite brewery. Wouldn’t it be great if everyone had this much fun at work?

When’s the last time you had a Friday cheers?

#AlwaysLookingUp #LessStuffMoreFunHappyLife #CraftBeer

*Feeling stuck? Need to laugh a little more? Call me! (804.339.6514) I can help.

January 11, 2018 In De-lish, Food, North Carolina, Photos

celebrate everyday: day 11

Sometimes days are long. And stressful. And Expensive. And your car gets towed. And you’re tired. And the kids are screaming at you, along with your boss. (By the way, do you realize you don’t have to take that crap?)

Today I celebrate easy dinners:

(Don’t worry, moms…we had greens, too.)

Pizza is freaking delicious. And affordable. Especially from this place. (If you live in Charlotte.) And It’s easy. Yum. Next time you’re exhausted, call in an order for a pie and throw together this salad in 2 minutes or less when you get home. You’ll need:

1 bag arugula
Parmesan cheese
Pine nuts
1 lime
Olive oil
Salt
Pepper

Squeeze 1/2 to a full lime into small bowl with 3 tablespoons of olive oil, and a few shakes of salt & pepper. Whisk together, pour over greens and toss with shaved parmesan and pine nuts. Add a glass of wine (not in the salad of course, but right along side it), and voila! Full and happy.

What are you eating?

#EasyEats #Feast #Dinner

*Are your days too busy and chaotic? Need to simplify things? Call me! (804.339.6514) I can help.

January 5, 2018 In Great companies, Links, North Carolina, Operation Charlotte, Projects & Organizations I dig, Thank you

celebrate everyday: day 5

1.5.18

I went to booty shaking (technical term) class this morning, as usual (have to support the bread, cheese, and chocolate habit), and as soon as I got out, I saw a voicemail on my phone from a client. My initial uh-oh thought was because I knew this was a day I had set up a vendor to work with this client and I wasn’t going to be there. Did I forget to do something?! I played her voicemail with a slight cringe, hoping not:

“Diane! Hey it’s (name), I just wanted to tell you that the guys from Junkluggers are the nicest people I’ve ever met. They’re unbelievable! I just wanted to let you know, I love these guys!”

The Junkluggers are a vendor of mine. I send them to clients often, to do moves or junk removal. Since the first time I met the owners, they have been nothing but friendly, efficient, communicative, timely, and helpful. So incredibly professional.

Customer service seems pretty terrible these days. It’s a total bummer. It’s hard to go to a restaurant and get a smiley server, and too often the check out clerk is just plain miserable. I wonder why so many people look like they’d rather be doing anything else other than their job, and then I think of the fact that even though I’m 39 years old, my mother would smack me if I put in any less that A+ effort in my work life/with a client. You treat people with respect and hospitality, right? And keep cranking until things are done appropriately, right? Always. That’s what these guys do, and never fail.

My client thought the Junkluggers crew were some of the nicest people on planet, because they are. They’re nice, they get the job done, and best of all, I never have to worry in a bit that their service will be anything less than impeccable. It feels fantastic to be able to have that level of confidence in a vendor. I’m so thankful for this crew!

Moving and junk removal are not glamorous, so extra high-fives to these guys for doing the “dirty” work, and smiling every minute along the way.

Today I celebrate good customer service, and being able to take comfort in the people I trust most to go into the homes of my clients during big life transitions.

Thanks, guys!

Who are you choosing to work with?

#LoveYourWork #KeepSmiling #LessStuffMoreFreedomHappyLife

*Need some help during your big life transition? Call me! (804.339.6514) I can help.

January 4, 2018 In BLR-Mobile, blue lollipops, Honda, Inspiration, Links, North Carolina, Operation Charlotte, Photos, play, Sport, Strong Mojo, Vermont

celebrate everyday: day 4

1.4.18

Look what finally came in the mail!

Today I celebrate license plates!

It took me a LONG time to give up my green mountain state tags (and I sure didn’t want to), but imagine my delight to find a “Support Soccer” offering as an option for North Carolina.

Perfect. I think I’m in love.

You can take a girl out of Vermont, but you could never take her mojo away.

What are you doing to remember where you came from?

#StartDriving #AlwaysLookingUp #HondaLove

*Have you lost your mojo? Ready to make a change? Call me! (804.339.6514) I can help.