To Roomie or Not to Roomie
Having a roommate isn’t for everyone. When you are by yourself there is no one to get on your nerves. No conflict or someone who leaves their dirty socks in the living room. Just you, yourself, and I. Although, there are many positives to having a roommate that might just surprise you, and hopefully if you follow my expert tips you can mitigate any potential dirty sock situations. “I really dove head first into this whole roomie situation.” Having been in the military I have been forced into the roommate debacle. My first experience was rooming with 50+ other girls for an entire month. I called this basic military training (BMT). I really dove head first into this whole roomie situation. While, I didn’t get along with everyone there was a lot that I learned from the experience. One, was that there were some people that I really clicked with, and others that I’d think twice about. The ones that I did click with, we had each other’s back and really helped each other out when we needed it. Although, this is a roommate scenario on steroids, and not something I would recommend long term, the opportunity to find people to bond with and learn about was priceless. The next roommate I had was in tech school. We shared an 8×10 room and shared the bathroom with two other girls. We roomed together for a total of 6 months. This was where I really started to enjoy the experience as I met my best friend during this time. If you haven’t guessed it by now we were roomies! She was my best partner in crime. We looked out for each other’s and were each other’s shoulder to cry on. And, again, while I understand that having a roommate isn’t for everybody here are some things to consider below to help you make that decision for yourself. (I love this dorky picture of me and my best friend, Mistry Lousch. It was taken with a disposable camera at a parade in San Antonio, TX during tech school. Although this was taken in 2008 to me it looks like a nostalgic Wonder Year’s photo). Why I would recommend having a roomie: Cheaper rent. This is a major motivation in why most people choose to seek out a roommate. And let’s face it- money does make the world go ‘round. Having a roommate gives you the ability to free up income. What might this go to? Well, the skies the limit. This could go towards traveling abroad, a weekend local adventure (aka ROADTRIP!), or pursuing your own personal hobbies or self-development. Developing interpersonal skills. This might take you the most out of your comfort zone but something that is worth its weight in gold. If I could give my younger self any one piece of advice it would be to pursue chances to be out of my comfort zone to learn something new. This is often where you grow the most! Living in the same space with someone who is not a family member is a good way to sharpen those skills; skills that are priceless and will be used throughout your life, for the rest of your life! Sharing is Caring. Depending on your current living situation this may benefit you differently than it would someone else. Living in one apartment typically means you only need one blender, one set of silverware, once shower curtain, etc. I think that you get the picture. The point that I am trying to make is depending on the relationship between you and your roommate you could potentially minimalize your life and share items in your living space instead of having duplicates. Have you heard about libraries of things? Well, this is similar only you don’t even have to return the items unless your roommate moves away. This is not only a good way to cut costs but to help lower the amount of things we purchase and bring into our lives as well. This clears our mind from clutter and did I mention save some mullah? Sounds like a win-win to me! Okay now that you are convinced that getting a roomie is the best idea since sliced bread it is important that you choose your new roomie carefully. I will leave you with a couple tips for the best roommate experience ever because I don’t want you to miss out on meeting someone who you will potentially want in your life for the remainder of your life! (This is my bestie and me at the PBR show in Las Vegas, NV. She was stationed at Vandenberg AFB was I was stationed at Creech AFB. Apart but together.) “Consider that not only are you choosing a roommate but that they are choosing you.” Choose your roomie carefully: Choose someone who you may already know. This could give you a good idea as to their character and if you trust them enough to live with them. Create an interview process. If you do not know them very well beforehand make sure to set up a process that allows you to make a smart decision. Ask a lot of questions and try to get to really know them. Even ask for references of people that can vouch for their character or that have been their roommate previously. Be open as well. Consider that not only are you choosing a roommate but that they are choosing you. A little Communication goes along way. This is part of the magic of having a roommate. You don’t always agree and you may find what they do to be weird but don’t give up hope. I have found that in every living experience that I have had, apartment or otherwise, that as long as there was an open stream of communication I was less likely to feel annoyed but the other person. I was also able to feel that
Eat Like a Local in Birmingham Alabama
In our business we get the chance to play tour guide to incoming residents who choose to make Birmingham either a temporary or permanent home. We’ve had the pleasure of guiding many visitors in the direction of so many attractions, eateries, and local “watering holes” that we’ve created a compilation of our most insightful dining recommendations. There are so many hot spots to sit, eat, and enjoy that it’s easy to become overwhelmed if left to the task on your own. In fact freelance travel writer Carolanne Roberts of Southern Living says, “there are so many options, you can eat out every day of the year” without re-visitation. Whether you’re new to town, getting reacquainted with the area or just want a fresh look at the most appetizing dining options, this list is sure to wet your whistle. A sweet find that’s pet friendly: As a family and pet friendly community, we relish the chance to brag about local spots that are as welcoming to pets too. The Continental Bakery in Mountain Brook is just such a place. It’s not uncommon to see family members meeting up for breakfast in the morning. Mom’s with strollers meeting their husbands during a workout break with “furry babies” in tow! When we stopped by we happened upon a gorgeous Labradoodle who was more host than pet. He greeted everyone that walked by and made rounds for lots of good rubbings. Inside the bakery you’ll discover a well stocked wall of artisan breads, local goods & at atmosphere very close to the inside of a French cottage. Before you know it, it’s time to head back to work and you walk out of their oversized antique door, looking forward to tomorrow. Fine Dining: Birmingham is known for its fine dining options and three of the most popular with local and visitors alike are Highlands Bar & Grill, Bottega Cafe, and Chez Fonfon. With Master Chef Frank Stitt at the helm, the flavors that exude from any of these three locations will certainly take your taste buds on a trip of a lifetime. If you’ve never had a chance to taste your way through Europe, seize the day from within the city limits of Birmingham, Alabama. Highlands Bar & Grill made the number 50 position of Top 100 restaurants in America and is the only Alabama restaurant on the list. You never know who you might see there from celebrities to famous authors, food critics or, your next door neighbor. Fine dining. Superb service. Fabulous cocktails! If you’re a martini snob – it’s the best place ever for a dirty martini. Bottega Café – Everyone loves Bottega Café, with its option of al fresco outdoor dining, especially at happy hour or brunch. Go there to see and be seen. Everything at Frank and Pardis Stits restaurants is to die for, but our go-to is the Crab cakes—all crab, delicately seasoned, never getting in the way of flavor. Must have drink? Try their famous West Texas Cocktail. Chez Fon Fon – Everyone loves Bottega Café, with its option of al fresco outdoor dining, especially at happy hour or brunch. Go there to see and be seen. Everything at Frank and Pardis Stits restaurants is to die for, but our go-to is the Crab cakes—all crab, delicately seasoned, never getting in the way of flavor. Must have drink? Try their famous Orange Thing – that’s what you’ll see everyone sipping as they enjoy food and friends at one of Birminghams favorite places. Night Life: In downtown Birmingham, 20th Street offers so many choices that it’s tough to pick one. For those who want to take their culinary experience out on the town we suggest you stroll down 20th Street and discover what delights you. “Taste it all” as you stroll the streets, experience the atmosphere and nibble your way through a variety of available eateries. According to Yelp, reviewers rate these delicious choices as the the top 5 places to stop during your stroll down 2oth Street. Paramount Bar, Trattoria Centrale, Ono Poke, Brick & Tin, Cafe Dupont Artistic Flair: For those inclined to observing art and sipping great wine, Gallery 1930 is the perfect place to start. Here you will find a combined bar and art gallery home to many local artists. Keep an eye out on upcoming events as they like to have artist present their work. For example, they hosted artist Arthur Price in May. Tech Minded: The Revelator Coffee House on 3rd Avenue is the perfect environment for the digital nomad. This is not just a quick place to grab a cup of “joe”, but a meticulously thought out environment for serious coffee connoisseurs. We wanted to try something a bit different to test their skills, and we weren’t disappointed. We ordered the “Capim Branco” brimming with notes of toasted coconut, toffee, chestnut and tamarind. It comes black, so if you want to enjoy the bold notes with cream be sure to ask. Adorned in a simple layout, magnified with iridescent banners that line the wall from floor to ceiling. When the morning light hits it just right you will see the life of the city outside dancing around as visitors start their day. All that’s left is to decide when to go. Enjoy!
A Day In the Life of a Retreat Resident
It’s seven o’clock and your alarm goes off. You turn a few times in the sheets pondering your first steps of the day. The wake mode on your Bose Wave Music System begins to quietly warn you that it is time to rise n’ shine, as the full-wake mode turns up the sound and bass. Rubbing the sleep from your eyes your ears pick up the lyrics of Adele’s “Rolling in The Deep.” It’s a good morning! The sun is cresting the horizon, birds are chirping, and you live at The Retreat at Mountain Brook! With feet on the floor you stretch that nice big “day welcoming” stretch, which is more a universal taunt for the day to “bring it” and then you’re off to your elegant Presley modeled bathroom. Deep elegant hardwoods caress your steps in the chic en-suite where you plant yourself in front of the mirror as the music begins its first crescendo. You throw your head back and belt it with Adele “…we could have had it all…” Five songs later you’re showered, dressed, and put together. As the music fades out in the background you grab your Jasmine Leather Simone Satchel, pause at the mirror next to the door to take one last check. “Let’s do this!” You leave your townhome in The Retreat’s Highland Village, and make a quick stop by the Club House for complementary coffee. As you’re preparing a cup at the coffee-house-quality, self-service station, you briefly chat with a group on their way to tennis lessons at the on premises championship-modeled tennis courts. Exiting Highland Village, you see a gentleman in the community garden clipping a bouquet, and a couple in the bark park next to Canterbury Village playing with their dogs. Waiting for the light to turn green, you ponder the morning thus far. Life has moments that overwhelm us; both good and bad times. This is most definitely a “good time.” The light turns green and you’re off to the university to give the first lecture of your career. After a solid first day on the job you want to reward yourself with a trip to Western Supermarket, in nearby Mountain Brook’s Crestline Village. Perusing one of the largest wine selections in the state, you grab your favorite wine and cheese and head home to enjoy. Once back on the Retreat at Mountain Brook premises you notice you’re a little low on fuel and drive over to the complementary charging station for a quick charge. “They’ve really thought of everything” you think to yourself. As you’re walking into the Club House, you run into neighbors you met this past weekend, and they’re going to The Retreat’s once-a-month signature event, Taco Tuesday. That’s when it hits you—you realize your wine would pair better with new friends!
