Lifestyle, Writing, Podcasting, Military Life, Inspirtation, North Carolina

A Day at Dirtbag Ales Brewery and Taproom, Farmers Market

This past Sunday, I was invited by Fayetteville Area Convention and Visitors Bureau along with other local, and North Carolina based bloggers, to spend the day at Dirtbag Ales Brewery and Taproom to check out all of the establishments new improvements to their wildly successful business. 
To say I was impressed is putting it lightly.
This veteran owned and operated business is top-notch— and so much more than just a brewery. 
It is a community.

Lifestyle, Writing, Podcasting, Military Life, Inspirtation, North Carolina

Networking is CRUCIAL

Networking is crucial in developing a successful business. Whether you own a marketing firm, restaurant, boutique, bookstore, IT business— you must embrace networking as a main vein to grow your business.
Social Media is a fabulous way to connect and network with individuals worldwide or simply in your very own community: i.e. to simply introduce yourself to the world, find new customers and/or partners, advertise new services or sales, develop peer groups... what have you.
Doors 🚪 open through online exposure.
BUT, you cannot rely 100% on social media and online interactions to develop yourself as a professional entrepreneur.

Lifestyle, Writing, Podcasting, Military Life, Inspirtation, North Carolina

Celebrity for a Day: My Debut WRAL News Interview

So, I did a thing today. I lived out my childhood dream of being a television celebrity. It was three whole minutes of wonderful stardom. WRAL FOX50 allowed me the opportunity to be interviewed on its morning program! A big thanks to WRAL Producer Jamie Thomas for being so kind, and allowing me to be… Continue reading Celebrity for a Day: My Debut WRAL News Interview

Lifestyle, Writing, Podcasting, Military Life, Inspirtation, North Carolina

Prayers for Grand Bahama Island

It was no wonder after spending so much of my life beach-combing and adventuring through the marsh, surviving one storm after another only to witness the beauty of humanity and communities in the aftermath, I would feel at home in the Bahamas.
Grand Bahamians are strong people. I pray now in the days after such devastation has ripped their lives apart they will continue to witness to the world their strength and faith. I know I was blessed to meet them and visit their home.
I am praying for you all and those gorgeous sugary shores to return to glory.

Lifestyle, Writing, Podcasting, Military Life, Inspirtation, North Carolina

The Last Week of Summer

I am experiencing highs and lows. I would be lying if I said I was not eager to regain my daily freedom and that I do not enjoy structure and routine the school year brings to our home. Early bedtimes, early rising, and knowing my child is in good hands and learning all the things to prepare him for life.

Lifestyle, Writing, Podcasting, Military Life, Inspirtation, North Carolina

Fayetteville Woodpeckers MILB ⚾️ Fayetteville, NC

Segra Stadium, Fayetteville, North Carolina: My husband is a HUGE baseball enthusiast. He takes baseball very serious. He is THAT fan who is zoned in on the action intensely shouting and cheering for his team— sometimes a bit too loud and too enthusiastic for my liking. I'll lend that to his Philadelphia rearing as he… Continue reading Fayetteville Woodpeckers MILB ⚾️ Fayetteville, NC

Lifestyle, Writing, Podcasting, Military Life, Inspirtation, North Carolina

Cape Fear River Trail: Part of the East Coast Greenway

While North Carolina is enjoying a dip in sultry July temps, head out to the beautiful Cape Fear River Trail in Fayetteville, NC (conveniently located near I-95) to take in some fresh air and natural scenery.

Lifestyle, Writing, Podcasting, Military Life, Inspirtation, North Carolina

Renaissance Day Spa Rises From Ashes

Despite devastation from a fire which caused Renaissance European Day Spa to close its doors for seven long months, Owner Natalie Spencer continues to keep a "bounce" in her step and attitude.

I recently sat down with Natalie to talk about the reopening of her spa after a fire occurred in October 2018 which caused the successful Fayetteville, North Carolina business to close due to necessary restorations.

Lifestyle, Writing, Podcasting, Military Life, Inspirtation, North Carolina

Carolina BBQ… Beach Road Pit Stop Heaven

It has all the makings of your grandparents' Sunday dinner table— pork barbecue, fried chicken, fried shrimp and flounder, chicken and pastries, collards, lima beans, Brunswick stew, sweet tea, banana pudding, hush puppies— you get the drift.

Lifestyle, Writing, Podcasting, Military Life, Inspirtation, North Carolina

Joann Yost: Gold Star Wife, Breast Cancer Survivor, Mother, Business Woman, Guiding Light

I had the pleasure to sit down with this extraordinary woman and chat about all of her struggles and triumphs after surviving her husband's death in combat, her transition to single-parenting, then beating breast cancer which inspired her to open her own business in order to create a safe harbor for others fighting for their lives— to provide them hope and help them feel beautiful on their journey. Take a LISTEN to our inspiring, and motivational conversation on Hodge Podge Podcast here: https://anchor.fm/jalisonpaulyahoocom/episodes/Joann-JoJo-Yost-Survivor--Warrior--Inspiration-e4d7ol