Write Down the Amount of Money Spent
Travelers can write down how much they spend on a notepad phone application. For example, they can write down where they went to eat, how much they spent on a hotel room or Airbnb, and what they brought to the shops. They can use a small notepad carry it in their pocket, and write down the same things. This will help them be organized. Some people use Excel as a chart, google Docs, or Word doc application to write the money they spend and keep the total.

A Person Needs to put A Small Amount with Them
The person going to travel can have a small amount in their wallet. The money they have can spent in the place they are at. They only spend money on food and stores. This will help them spend less money on their trip.

Look up the Place on the Web
The person needs to research where they are going on the internet. They need to look at pictures and information about the destination on the internet. For example, they look at maps of location and look up the culture so they can be aware and respectful of the locals.

Long Stay at the Destination
The person who is going to travel blocks the days they plan to stay at the location. This allows them to prepare ahead of time and let important sources know ahead of time. This also helps the person calculate the number of days and food services they will need on the trip.

Nonpayment Entertainment Places
Any person who is going to a place needs to look up on the internet which place is a non-payment entertainment place. For example hiking parks and popular free places. If the person goes to visit a Beach in Hawaii, they don’t have to pay anything. They can visit the place without any payment. It helps stay in a budget and sometimes the free places are more worthwhile then the ones that need to be paid for.

Going to a new place is everyone’s dream, but a budget is something that can be hard to follow if you don’t know how. This list can help keep the budget and still make sure the time on the trip is well spent.

The selected artist or team will receive a project budget of up to $158,000, covering all design, fabrication, and installation costs, including community engagement and documentation. Applicants of all backgrounds are encouraged to apply, with a preference given to Durham artists.

This project is a collaboration between Durham Parks and Recreation and the City’s Cultural and Public Art Program. Applications are due online by December 2 at 3 p.m. ET.

For more details and to apply, visit the Birchwood Park Public Art Project webpage.


About the City of Durham Cultural and Public Art Program

The City of Durham Cultural and Public Art Program affirms Durham’s rich cultural and arts community is a part of what makes Durham neighborhoods thrive, attracts tourism, catalyzes business development, and brings residents together. The Program seeks to bring cultural and public art opportunities into the everyday experience of Durham residents through delivery of culturally relevant programming. Under the Arts, Culture, and Sustainable Communities Division within the General Services Department, the Program manages the City’s public art collection, festivals and special events funding, and two public advisory bodies: the Durham Cultural Advisory Board and the Public Art Committee. Residents and artists interested in art-related opportunities can sign up for alerts through the Monthly Newsletter.



About Durham Parks and Recreation

Durham Parks and Recreation provides opportunities for the Durham community to Play More by connecting our whole community to wellness, the outdoors, and lifelong learning. To learn more about Durham Parks and Recreation, visit us online, follow us on Facebook, X, and Instagram, or call (919) 560-4355.



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The coffee industry is sought after by consumers for myriads of reasons, but there are two major factors that allow us to uncover an essential question: why do people love coffee?

Energy Boost

After long hours of work and a minimal amount of sleep, coffee is an amazing way to start your day. The caffeine in coffee boosts your energy and helps increase brain function so you feel awake in the morning. An incredible way to kickstart your day is to stroll into a local coffee shop, supporting small businesses, and getting a drink that will give you the energy to tackle life. Why go through life sleepy when a drink can magically allow you to see the vibrancy in the world?

The Contents

Coffee has a smell that tons of people love to inhale. It can hit you with nostalgia or just smell good to some individuals. Imagine the aroma of freshly brewed coffee flowing through the doorway to hit your senses with happiness. Not everyone adores the smell, but I can assure you that a lot of people enjoy coffee’s delightful smell. Similarly, coffee can taste flavorsome.

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Everyone has different preferences, especially if you live in different countries, but coffee can be adjusted to your specific liking. Whether you like Costa Rican beans or extra milk, the taste is addicting to multitudes. If you want to taste something nice, drink some coffee. It really can be good if you are exploring your local cafe down the street or in the area.

There are surely more reasons as to why coffee is loved. It may be a familiar lifestyle that was implemented since childhood. However, the main take away from this article is the joy that is sprung upon people when coffee is introduced. This one drink has the power to illuminate faces across the globe; this may have inspired someone to take their coffee passions and open their own shop. Risks were taken and investments were made, both emotionally and physically.

Uplift your community by purchasing coffee from your local coffee shop! There is a high chance that the coffee is better than large chains due to the intense amount of care put forth. If coffee makes you joyful, then drink it. Coffee can be a delight to millions.

1. Take advantage of the sun. Winter is over and the sun is out for longer periods of the day. Take this time to enjoy walks and activities that give you some time in the fresh air. I recommend walking around your local park to anyone I see, it can be a leisurely experience to keep your body and mind in shape and it’s highly beneficial for all ages.

2. With the longer days, it’s better to make time for your hobbies or to pick up new ones. A daily routine can be repetitive and it’s nice to take a break and enjoy activities that help you stay occupied. As the weather gets better gardening is a great option to stay outside and decorate your surroundings.

3. With this new season, why not help those in need with volunteer work in community clean-ups? Give back to the community and volunteer your time to those who need it. Try to get in touch with local communities to try to volunteer and this way, it will keep you busy and moving.

4. Broaden your horizons and expand your social circle. Humans are at heart social creatures, and in recent years people have grown more isolated which is not healthy in the long run. With more people out and enjoying the weather take this time to make connections and say hello to your fellow neighbors.

There are so many options that you can choose from to liven up your life and get you motivated in this new season. Spring symbolizes new beginnings and possibilities so take this time to start something to renew your mind and spirit. Trust me your body will thank you later.

Amanda M. Lloyd 

Executive Vice President and Chief People Officer 

ALloyd@NorthStateBank.com 

919.855.9925 

RALEIGH, N.C. . . . North State Bank (the “Bank”) named Brittany Moore a commercial loan portfolio manager for the Bank’s Downtown Raleigh office, announced Amanda Lloyd, North State Bank executive vice president and chief people officer. Moore will help businesses access the funding they need to start or grow their company. 

“Brittany is a welcomed addition to our Downtown Raleigh team,” shared Lloyd. “With a combination of underwriting and lending experience, she has a holistic understanding of the lending process, which is a plus for customers and her teammates.” 

A native of Oxford, North Carolina, Moore began her banking career over a decade ago with Union Bank & Trust (now First National Bank), and in the course of her time there, advanced to the position of portfolio manager. She most recently served as a portfolio underwriter at M&F Bank. She earned a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in finance from East Carolina University as well as a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from North Carolina Agricultural & Technical State University. 

“Behind every business, there’s a story,” shared Moore. “Those stories fuel my passion for banking.” 

Founded in 2000, North State Bank is an independent, full-service community bank serving Wake and New Hanover counties through seven offices and serves the community management association industry through its division, CommunityPLUS. 

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NorthStateBank.com 

This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Actual results might differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements for various reasons, including our ability to manage growth, changes in real estate values and the real estate market, regulatory changes and increased deposit insurance assessments, economic conditions, changes in interest rates, substantial chan 

I know you’ve been there before and so have I. Can I take a moment just to say how painful it can be to sit in a chair and pray that the stylist does a halfway decent job? Listen, as a Hairstylist myself, I can relate heavily. I’ve seen many colleagues give me that look of, “Help Me!” with their client in their chair. 

I want to help you not make the same mistake of just walking into a random salon and hoping they can do a service that suits you. When spending your hard-earned money, you want to make sure your salon visit is the most satisfying experience. Here are some things to consider when picking a new stylist and salon just for you. 

Questions To Answer First

Before you do anything, you must ask yourself the following questions that only you can answer:

• Are you searching for a stylist for yourself or the whole family?
• Do you want a service done for a special occasion or to maintain your everyday hair?
• Do you want a stylist who specializes in a certain service or a generalist?
• Are you willing to stay local or are you willing to travel?
• What’s your budget?

All of these questions will help you stay focused when searching for the right stylist. Now, let’s go deeper into the research stage. 

Research, Research, Research The Stylist!

Now that you have an idea of what type of stylist you are looking for, you can start with a Google search first. If you are looking for a natural hairstylist, you can search “natural hairstylist in Raleigh, North Carolina.” 

Some salons have a website set up for their business and you will find them with a Google search. If not, you can search on Instagram. A quick way to search on Instagram is to use the following search query “city name + type of stylist.” Or you can use “city name + type of service.” 

You’ll get something that looks like this.

But if you have no idea of the different stylists out there, here is a list:

• Hair Colorists
• Barbers 
• Bridal Stylists
• Braiders
• Natural Hairstylists
• Locticians

Once you find a few options, check out their portfolios to verify the quality of their work. 

Check Out Stylist’s Portfolios

Most stylists will have their portfolio on their website or Instagram. A lot of stylists live on social media, so their Instagram and TikTok profiles will be the best way to see their work and get a feel for their professional skillset. 

You want to look for before and after shots to see their transformative style and skills. See if their work is consistent and what type of service varieties they offer. One rule of thumb, if the stylist says they do a certain service but don’t have any posts on their portfolio relating to that service, move on to the next one. 

Though this may seem harsh, you want to make sure the stylist is comfortable doing that particular service. Remember, if they are posting about it, they have a level of confidence in that style. If not, move on. You are looking for someone who specializes in the service you need. 

What’s Their Specialty?

Say you have blonde balayage lived-in hair, and you are looking for a stylist who specializes in that service. Will you choose a stylist who only posts about caramelized brown balayages? Or will you choose the hair colorist who posts more on blonde balayages? 

Choosing a stylist who can do your service in their sleep is the ideal stylist to make an appointment with. 

Check Their Booking Requirements

You finally found a few stylists that will satisfy your hair needs. Now, before you get all excited, you should check out their booking requirements. Remember 10 years ago when deposits weren’t a thing and you had to call the stylist to make an appointment?

Well, those days are literally in the rearview mirror, as everyone has gone digital with their business. I’m sure you can still call some stylists to make appointments. But nowadays, you have to read the fine print before you can even set a date and time. 

So be sure to check if a deposit is required, if your card information must be stored to secure an appointment, their prices, and their do’s and don’ts. Some stylists won’t allow extra guests to sit with you or children. Just be on the lookout and read everything before you hit the submit button.  

Always Ask Questions

If you are unsure about something, always ask questions. Whether you have questions about their booking site, availability, accommodations, service recommendations, etc., you should ask. Be sure to pay attention to the stylist’s responses. 

You can get a sense of their professionalism, personality, and knowledge when you ask certain things. If you don’t get a response within 72 hours, and even that’s pushing it, you should move on to the next stylist. 

Also, you should ask for the salon’s location, if not already provided at this point. I say this because I’ve noticed some stylists won’t give you an address until 24 hours before the appointment. This is an important question to ask because you want to verify that the location is safe. Don’t book a stylist if the location seems sketchy. Trust your gut and move on if necessary. 

During Your First Visit

You’re finally in the salon chair, and you’re as excited as all can be. So what do you do now? You should verify the service you booked with your stylist. Make sure you are both on the same page and ask what kind of products they use. 

If you want, you can make small talk or sit there and enjoy the quiet. Afterward, ask your stylist for their recommendations on how to care for your hair in between salon visits. They should give you some tips, along with hair products to take home. 

Now, it’s up to you if you want to rebook with this stylist. If they are everything you wanted and are satisfied with your service, go ahead and rebook. That way, you both are locked in and hopefully at the start of a beautiful stylist and client relationship. 

Boy, I sure miss those days.

Instant Recognition:

A well-designed logo acts as the face of your brand, instantly capturing attention and creating a lasting impression. A unique and visually appealing logo helps customers identify and remember your business among a sea of competitors. When coupled with a thoughtfully designed website, featuring consistent branding elements, your online image becomes instantly recognizable, instilling trust and familiarity with your audience. An eye-catching logo and cohesive website design contribute to brand recall, making it easier for customers to choose your products or services in a crowded online marketplace.

Credibility and Professionalism:

A professionally designed logo and website convey a sense of credibility and professionalism. In the online realm, where trust is paramount, a well-crafted visual identity signals that your business is legitimate and trustworthy. A poorly designed or outdated logo and website can lead potential customers to question your professionalism and reliability. Investing in a high-quality logo and website design demonstrates that you value your brand and the customer experience, enhancing your overall reputation and fostering customer confidence.

Brand Storytelling and Differentiation:

Logo and website design offer a powerful platform for telling your brand’s story and showcasing what sets you apart from competitors. A well-executed logo captures the essence of your brand, conveying its personality, values, and unique selling points. Similarly, website design allows you to create a visually engaging narrative that reflects your brand’s story, resonating with your target audience on an emotional level. Consistency in design elements throughout your website further reinforces your brand’s identity, creating a cohesive and memorable experience that differentiates you from the competition.

User Experience and Engagement:

A user-friendly and visually appealing website design is essential for creating a positive user experience. A well-structured and intuitive website layout makes it easy for visitors to navigate, find information, and interact with your brand. Incorporating visually appealing elements, such as captivating images, videos, and interactive features, enhances user engagement and keeps visitors on your site longer. An optimized website design also ensures compatibility across various devices, allowing users to access your content seamlessly from desktops, tablets, and mobile devices, maximizing reach and engagement.

In the digital landscape, where first impressions matter, a compelling logo and website design are crucial for shaping a strong online image. These visual elements contribute to brand recognition, credibility, and customer engagement. By investing in a well-crafted logo and an aesthetically pleasing website design, you can create a powerful online presence that resonates with your audience, propelling your brand towards success in the virtual realm.

Click here to schedule a call to discuss services you may need. We are ready to chat with you….

Understanding Insurance:

Insurance is the bedrock of financial security, serving as a safety net against unforeseen events that can potentially devastate lives and businesses. Individuals can purchase various types of insurance policies, such as auto insurance, life insurance, health insurance, home insurance, and more, to protect themselves and their loved ones from financial hardship in times of crisis. Businesses, on the other hand, can opt for commercial insurance, covering assets, liabilities, and even key personnel to mitigate potential risks.

Insurance companies act as financial intermediaries, pooling premiums from policyholders to create a risk pool that can compensate those who suffer losses. By spreading the risk across a large number of policyholders, insurance companies provide a sense of security that allows people to pursue their aspirations with greater confidence.

The Role of Tax Planning:

Tax planning is an indispensable aspect of financial management for individuals and businesses alike. It involves optimizing financial decisions to minimize tax liabilities while remaining compliant with tax laws and regulations. Skilled tax planning helps individuals retain more of their hard-earned money, invest strategically, and plan for retirement efficiently.

For businesses, tax planning ensures that they can maximize profits, reinvest in growth, and remain competitive in their industries. This may involve utilizing various tax incentives, deductions, and credits that governments provide to foster economic growth and incentivize certain behaviors.

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Synergy between Insurance and Tax Planning:

The insurance and tax planning industries are intricately linked, and their collaboration can significantly benefit clients. For example, certain insurance products, like retirement annuities and life insurance policies, offer tax advantages, making them attractive tools for tax planning. Additionally, insurance solutions, such as long-term care insurance, can help individuals plan for potential healthcare costs and minimize the financial burden on their families in later years.

Businesses can also benefit from incorporating insurance and tax planning strategies. Key person insurance, for instance, can protect a company from financial losses resulting from the death of a vital employee while also offering potential tax advantages. Additionally, tax planning can help businesses make informed decisions regarding employee benefits, compensation structures, and investments to maximize tax efficiency.

The Role of Insurance and Tax Professionals:

Navigating the complexities of insurance policies and tax regulations can be challenging for individuals and businesses alike. That’s where insurance agents, brokers, and tax professionals come into play. These experts possess in-depth knowledge of the industry, keeping themselves updated with the latest trends and changes in regulations. They offer personalized advice, tailoring insurance and tax planning strategies to suit individual needs and business goals.

The insurance and tax planning industry is an essential pillar of financial stability and growth, providing individuals and businesses with the tools and knowledge to secure their futures. Through a seamless integration of insurance products and tax planning strategies, this industry empowers clients to protect their assets, optimize their financial decisions, and build a robust foundation for achieving their aspirations. As the world continues to evolve, the insurance and tax planning industry will remain a steadfast partner, safeguarding prosperity and fostering economic well-being.

Beverly B. Thompson, Communications Director, City of Durham

919.560.4123 x11229 

Beverly.Thompson@DurhamNC.gov

Dawn Dudley, Sr. Public Information Specialist, Durham County

919.560.0008

ddudley@dconc.gov

DURHAM, N.C. – The City of Durham and Durham County governments announce the return of their longtime resident academy program, Durham Neighborhood College, after being on hold for three years due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The award-winning program, co-sponsored by the City of Durham and Durham County, provides an opportunity for residents to learn about the operations and services of both local governments. The program features a series of interactive classes facilitated by City and County employees who work hard to provide quality services to make Durham a great place to live, work, and play.

Classes will be held on seven Thursday nights beginning September 14 through October 26, from 6 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. A light meal is served prior to the start of each class and sessions are held at local government facilities. Residents accepted into the program must pay a $35 fee. A limited number of need-based scholarships are available.

Residents looking to play a more active role in their neighborhoods and the Durham community are encouraged to apply. Some past graduates from the program have gone onto elected and appointed positions for local and state governments.

Applications are accepted through Thursday, August 17. Space is limited to 25 participants with the goal of creating a diverse cohort representing different neighborhoods as well as youth, Hispanic residents, and residents outside the city limits.

To learn more about Durham Neighborhood College visit webpages for the City of Durham or Durham County.Click here to apply. Hard copy applications are available at the Durham County Clerk to the Board of Commissioners Office, Administration Building I, 200 E. Main Street, 2^nd floor.  To receive an application by email, reach out to publicinformationoffice@dconc.gov.

For more information, interested applicants may also contact the City’s Communications Department at (919) 560-4123 or the County’s Public Information Office at (919) 560-0000.

1. Park far from stores to get in extra steps. 

It sounds silly but when you’re grocery shopping or running errands, instead of looking for the closest parking spot, park at the end of the lot. Over time, these extra steps add up and you may find yourself getting an extra 1000 steps a day without even trying to fit in an extra walk. 

2. Buy exercise bands for easy at home workouts 

If you want to workout but don’t want to invest hundreds of dollars into fancy equipment or just don’t have the room for it, buy some bands! Resistance bands are an excellent, and underutilized, way to train. They are super versatile, with just a couple of different strength bands needed to train every muscle in unique ways. Also they take up very little space so whether you live in a 5 bedroom home in suburbia or a studio apartment in the bustling city, you can still have your own at-home ‘gym’. Plus bands are not nearly as taxing on the body as weights so you can recover faster and more frequently!

3. At home yoga practice 

Yoga isn’t just stretching! You can develop a great amount of strength, mobility, and stability from practicing yoga. It is also a moving meditation, making it great for anyone needing a bit more calm in their life. Like bands, it requires little space or equipment (just a mat and some blocks if you want) and there are thousands of free classes online for yogis of any level. I love Ali Kamenova on Youtube or if you want to invest a bit more into your practice, Bananablondieyoga or Omstars has full classes, mini lessons, meditations, and more. 

4. Make it a fun activity with friends, family, and SOs

Don’t be afraid to ask your loved ones to go on this fitness journey with you. Instead of going on the traditional dinner and a movie date, try rock climbing or pickleball one day. You may find a new hobby you love and even meet some new friends you can continue to build skills with. If neither of those sound fun to you, try hiking. All Trails is a great app that lists hiking trails in all areas of the world plus it even gives ratings, levels of difficulty, and duration! But even if those activities sound too much for you, try just asking your roommate, friend, SO, or anyone you enjoy being around to accompany you on an after dinner walk. You’ll get in some movement, aid your digestion, and develop deeper connections with your loved ones. 

5. Invest in a standing or treadmill desk 

This one may be a bit more expensive depending on what you choose but it could be great for those working at home or find themselves sitting at a computer all day. Most standing desks are fairly cheap and easy to set up. They allow users to stretch their legs and get a little extra movement during the course of their day. Treadmill desks are a bit pricier but another great option for those wanting to get in extra steps while working all day. Many treadmill desks vary in speed and incline so you can switch it up throughout the day and experiment to find what feels best for you! This is also a great idea for those who don’t have the time to schedule workouts into their daily lives. You can work and workout at once! Here is an article on the most highly rated treadmill desks!