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SEPTEMBER 2024
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Rock On! The Crystals That Bring Joy and Serenity to My Life
When you step into our office, the first thing you’ll notice is a gigantic amethyst geode behind our reception desk. If you start looking around a little more, you’ll spot various other crystals and gemstones sprinkled all throughout the office, like artwork. National Collect Rocks Day is September 16th, so I had to take the opportunity to write about my fascination and love of crystals! I only started collecting
I have a lot of them now — from smoky quartzes to fluorites to petrified wood and pyrite — and these stones are like artwork to me. I love them and am fascinated by the fact that these rocks are part of the inexplicable beauty of planet Earth. As I learned more about the historical uses of the crystals, I started buying stones based upon their notable healing properties — whether the stones
blood is great for confidence, so I’ve been known to give these crystals to our lawyers who are headed into trials. I’ll pass out celestite stones to our intake specialists to promote their clear communication skills with potential new clients. When I’m stone shopping, I’ll always snatch up something rare or something I’ve never seen. My wife’s friend from law school told me that the best way to select a crystal is to look and see which ones speak to you. Pick it up in your non-dominant hand, and if your hand starts to feel a bit warm, it’s a sign you have found the right crystal for you. I always keep that in the back of my mind when I’m trying to find that perfect stone. I love crystals and am fascinated by how these beautiful pieces of art came straight from the Earth. They’re gorgeous, and I’m mesmerized when I look at them. Whether they actually have these healing properties or not is sort of irrelevant. It might be a placebo effect, but anything that helps you get focused, set your intentions, and just feel joy is a win in my eyes. Each crystal in my collection tells a story and carries its own special energy, making them more than just beautiful objects. They remind me of the beauty in the world and the importance of finding moments of peace and inspiration in everyday life. So, the next time you visit, take a closer look at these gems around you — they’re not just décor; they’re a reflection of the joy and serenity that collecting them brings into my life.
crystals few years ago, but let’s just say things got out of control really quickly, and now I’m a full-blown crystal collector with dozens of gems and crystals of all shapes, sizes, and colors all over my house and office. My affinity for crystals started in May 2019 when my wife returned from a trip to Sedona and the Grand Canyon with a souvenir for me — a large agate crystal with a display stand. The gift was totally unexpected and nothing I would have ever purchased for myself, but it was such an impressive stone, and I was so fascinated by the colors and finish that I put it in my office. The next thing I knew, clients started complimenting me on the crystal and would ask to hold it so they could dissect it up close. A few months later, I was in Hilton Head, SC, for a family vacation and stumbled upon a crystal store called Black Market Minerals. It was the first time I’d ever been exposed to a massive variety of crystals, and I thought it was interesting because each of the stones had a little description about the healing properties of each. I bought a book called “The Crystal Bible” and read everything I could about crystals, and my collection quickly took off from there.
were useful for focus and concentration or removing negative emotions — I didn’t care. I just wanted an assortment of them all. I am a Christian, but I also consider myself to be a spiritual person. I definitely believe in the law of attraction and manifestation, but I admittedly have been known to partake in what some people may call “woo-woo” type stuff. I often meditate and believe in the power of positive manifestation, so obviously, I couldn’t stop consuming information about the alleged healing properties of crystals and started incorporating them into my meditation. For instance, I turn to blue calcite when I’m highly stressed or agitated because blue calcite is known to calm nerves and reduce stress and anxiety. And guess what? It works for me every time! Citrine, a vibrant orange crystal, is probably my favorite crystal and is said to promote success and good luck — something I definitely find appealing. Now, whenever I go on a trip, I bring back a bunch of little crystals for our staff. I like to be thoughtful about what I pick out. If I know someone is struggling or maybe they’re interested in being a better leader, I try to find a gemstone with properties tied directly to their goals or needs. Dragon’s
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Creating a Happy Family How to Foster Positive Relationships With Stepchildren
the children and what boundaries to set. If you go in without a clear plan, you are planning for disaster. The last thing you want is for your parenting to drive a rift between you, your partner, and your stepchildren. LISTEN AND REINFORCE Be an active listener, and try repeating some of what you see and hear. Make it clear you are listening and understand where your stepchild is coming from. If they can rely on you to listen, they will be more open to talking to you and building a rapport. Moreover, take strides not to badmouth their biological parent — you want to be a positive influence. You won’t better your relationship with your stepchildren by worsening their relationships with others. With these tips, you can improve your standing with your stepkids and foster a more powerful and positive relationship as you move forward.
According to the Journal of Demography, 37% of married couples have at least one stepchild. Despite the prevalence of the stepparent/stepchildren relationship, it is often not as harmonic as it could be. Stepparents can play a vital role in the development of young children and be positive role models to teens as well. As your relationship with your stepchildren grows, so will your relationship with your partner. Here are some tips to help you form a more positive relationship with your stepchildren. GROW COMFORTABLE When first introduced into a stepchild’s life, you often have to circumvent some initial animosity and awkwardness. This is
normal. It may take a little while for your stepchild to warm up to you and build a rapport between you. Find things you have in common. Try to get to know them and be attentive to their hobbies and interests. However, it’s important not to come on too strong. You don’t want your stepchild to feel pressured to get along with you, so let them decide the pace and follow their lead. PLAN AHEAD You and your partner must be on the same page when parenting stepchildren. Taking a hard stance in the opposite direction can confuse and undermine your partner’s authority. You should cooperate when deciding how to discipline and care for
Small Business, Big Protection
Essential Insurance Policies to Keep Your Company Safe
In the busy world of small-business ownership, insurance often feels like one more thing to check off your to-do list. However, choosing the right insurance is more than just a formality; it’s crucial to securing your business’s future. From protecting against unexpected lawsuits to covering property damage and employee injuries, the right insurance policies are your best defense. Let’s explore the essential types of insurance every small business needs to stay protected. GENERAL LIABILITY General liability insurance is one of the most important mainstays of small-business coverage. This will help protect your business from claims if someone is injured or has property damage on-site. You can also get liability claims from work done away from your business property covered through products- completed operations coverage. General liability covers property damage, physical
injury, defense costs, and personal and advertising injury. The cost of this insurance will depend on the size of your business, the location, and the type of work. WORKERS’ COMPENSATION Most states require workers’ compensation to support employees who are injured or ill at work. It can cover medical care, lost wages, disability benefits, and costs incurred due to a lawsuit arising from an employee’s work-related injuries. It can also provide death benefits, like covering the costs of a funeral if an employee is killed in a work- related injury or illness. PROFESSIONAL LIABILITY INSURANCE Professional liability insurance can help protect you from claims related to errors in the professional services you provide through your business. This form of coverage is also called errors and omissions insurance or E&O.
Professional liability is beneficial for companies that offer advice to customers or provide professional services like accounting. Without this coverage, you could be held liable if a client believes you made a mistake, even if it did not cause them a financial loss. It can cover a range of claims, including negligence, copyright infringement, and misrepresentation. Proper coverage for your small business is one of the main ingredients for success. Each policy protects your hard work, employees, and peace of mind. Take the time to assess your needs, consult with professionals, and invest wisely in the insurance that will keep your business resilient and ready for whatever comes next. If you need assistance in procuring insurance for your business or need guidance on how to mitigate risk, please give us a call at 901-388-5805. We’ll be glad to make a referral to one of our several trusted insurance providers .
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Starting your own business is one of the most exciting milestones in life, and choosing the proper legal structure will be one of your first major decisions. Whether you’re dreaming of a cozy corner café or an innovative tech startup, the choice between an LLC, a corporation, or a sole proprietorship can make a world of difference. Each option has its perks, pitfalls, and paperwork. SOLE PROPRIETORSHIP The simplest business structure to create is a sole proprietorship. This might be the best option for you if you are a low-risk business looking to test out the idea before forming a more formal company. Sole proprietorships are simple to start, and you are automatically categorized this way if you do any business and haven’t registered with another structure. Under this structure, you will be held personally liable for any debts and obligations of your business. Remember that you can’t sell any stock, and banks tend to be more hesitant to lend to sole proprietors. LLC (LIMITED LIABILITY COMPANY) LLCs are a solid option for medium or higher-risk businesses. LLCs offer protection from personal liability if you have individual assets like your vehicle or home that you want to protect and keep separate from your company. They also can help you avoid corporate taxes on your profits and losses, though you will be considered self-employed and must contribute toward Medicare and Social Security. CORPORATION There are various types of corporations, including benefit corporations, S corps, C corps, and nonprofits. Corporations are legal entities separate from their owners that can make a profit and are taxed. While the startup costs for a corporation are the highest of all structures, they provide the greatest protection from personal liability. If your business is medium or higher risk and you plan to go public or sell the company, a corporation may be the right choice. This structure has more reporting, record-keeping, and operational processes to which you must adhere. You will also need to pay income taxes on your profits. Whichever structure you choose, it’s essential to weigh the benefits and drawbacks of your business goals and risk tolerance. With the proper planning, you’ll set a strong foundation for success and ensure your business is ready to thrive. To learn more about the benefits of various business entities, please give us a call and schedule a time to speak with one of our experienced business lawyers. Shape Your Startup LLC, Corporation, or Sole Proprietorship — Which Fits?
Perfect Peach Cobbler
Made with fresh, juicy peaches and a buttery, golden crust, this peach cobbler is the perfect blend of sweet and tart.
Ingredients •
6 cups sliced fresh peaches 1/2 cup granulated sugar 2 tbsp all-purpose flour 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
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2 cups all-purpose flour 1/3 cup packed brown sugar 2 tsp baking powder
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/2 cup cold butter, cut into pieces
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1/4 tsp ground nutmeg
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1/2 cup milk
2 tbsp butter, melted
Directions 1. Preheat oven to 375 F and grease an 8-inch square baking dish. 2. In a large bowl, combine peaches, sugar, 2 tbsp flour, cinnamon, and nutmeg; mix until blended, then spoon into prepared dish. 3. In a medium bowl, combine 2 cups flour, brown sugar, baking powder, and salt. 4. Cut in butter with forks or pastry knife until mixture resembles coarse crumbs. 5. Add milk and stir until just blended. 6. Drop dough by spoonfuls onto peach mixture and drizzle melted butter on top. 7. Bake for 40–45 minutes or until top is golden brown. INSPIRATION “Courage is found in
unlikely places.” —J.R.R. Tolkien
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2820 Summer Oaks Drive Bartlett, TN 38134 901-388-5805 DouglassRunger.com
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1 Discover the Hidden Gems of Our Office 2 Tips for Getting Along With Stepchildren The Coverage Your Startup Can’t Afford to Skip 3 Choosing the Right Business Structure for Your Dream Venture INSIDE THIS ISSUE
Perfect Peach Cobbler 4 Family Fun at the Tailgate
Score Big With Kid-Friendly Tailgates
Football season is underway, and many Americans will start spending their Saturdays and Sundays tailgating in stadium parking lots. It doesn’t matter if you’re going to an NFL or college game; tailgating is a great way to spend time with your friends and family before the big game. While many tailgates consist of adult activities like drinking alcohol and blasting loud music, many prefer to make it a family affair. If you plan to have kids at your tailgate, you need to ensure they have everything they need to have fun. Here are a few ways you can help your kids make the most of their day at the tailgate! BRING KID-FRIENDLY SNACKS AND DRINKS. The average tailgate lasts a few hours, and most people enjoy at least one meal during that time frame. While most tailgate foods are simple appetizers and easy-to-make
pregame coverage and talking to others. Invest in cornhole boards or other games, and see if someone in your group is comfortable with face painting. It doesn’t have to be extensive, but having a few kid-friendly activities prepared will keep boredom at bay. ENCOURAGE YOUR KIDS TO SHOW SUPPORT FOR THEIR TEAM. Whether you’re a fan of the home or away team, you and your kids should wear the right colors to show your support. Let your kids pick out a shirt, jersey, hat, or other team- affiliated apparel to help them get involved. Finally, don’t forget about your child’s need for a nap. Be sure to bring pillows and a blanket for them, and set up a comfortable spot for them to rest when needed. Doing so will allow everyone to enjoy the upcoming game to the fullest.
dishes, ask your kids or any kids attending if they want anything specific. Fill one of your coolers with sliced fruit and juice boxes to ensure your kids have a healthy food option and child-friendly drinks. PLAN A FEW DIFFERENT ACTIVITIES. Your kids will get bored if there’s nothing to do at the tailgate besides listening to
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