Ah, the new year... This is prime time for resolutions, new beginnings, rekindled goals, and boundless optimism. It's great, isn't it? So much potential and promise rolled into the launch of a new year. While we try to stay out of those resolutions that involve treadmills, gym memberships, and more or less of [you fill in the blank], we do love helping with resolutions that involve home improvement and color. After all, tackling that project idea that's been gathering dust since 2015 can be just as much a resolution as any other, and completing it will offer benefits you can enjoy for months and years to come. So, what's on your painting wish list? Popular Interior Painting Projects in Nashville![]() #1: Complete Interior RepaintsThis is a big season for total repaints! And, for good reason. While localized projects can have tremendous impact, and in some cases are all that's necessary, larger projects offer an unparalleled opportunity for creating a cohesive palette and total transformation. It can also be more budget-friendly too, wrapping up a large project in one fell swoop rather than breaking it up over numerous smaller ventures. #2: Painting Kitchens and BathroomsWhen done correctly, bathroom and kitchen paint jobs offer some of the highest returns on investment of any home improvement project. These environments can be difficult to paint, though, and are extremely hard on paint products. You need to make a choice guided by experience, and invest in a high-quality application that will really perform as you need it to. #3: Kitchen Cabinet Painting Services![]() This is one of our most popular services, and it's not hard to see why. Compared to a full cabinet replacement or kitchen remodel, painting can be much more cost-effective while still offering an incredible transformation. Just be careful to hire a professional that knows the process inside and out, and has proven experience. Hiring a low bidder who is light on credentials can be an expensive, disappointing mistake. #4: Repainting for ResaleIs your property going on the market anytime soon? Painting is one of the most recommended strategies for increasing the marketability of your home. Warm, inviting, neutral colors (NOT boring white!) look fresh and enticing, while still leaving room for the imagination of your prospective buyer. They want to envision themselves in the space, and NOT envision a painting project because of damaged, dated, or drab walls. As we mentioned above, make sure your kitchen and bathrooms are on the list of rooms to refresh, as well as higher-visibility, high-traffic spaces. How Can We Help with Your Nashville-Area Painting Needs?Your team at Nash Painting is here to serve you! Please take a moment to get to know us better and explore our values and local history, and then contact our office. We're excited to get your 2019 painting goals rolling!
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Introducing Sankofa
1/4/2019
Sankofa is a word from Ghana that translates to “Go back and get it” and represents the proverb “It's important to go back for that which you have forgotten” or “go back, look for, and gain wisdom, power and hope.” Sankofa also refers to the Adinkra symbol represented by a bird with its feet facing forward while his head turns backwards to catch its lost egg. It symbolizes taking from the past what is good and bringing it into the present in order to make positive progress through the use of knowledge. In honor of Black men, we commissioned this powerful painting by Addonis Parker. The use of the Sankofa symbol on his cap was his idea…which we love! At OneUnited Bank, we know the importance of Black men in our community. We partner with BMe Community an award-winning network of community-builders known for defining people by their positive contributions. Black men are assets to society. Every day, black men give their time and energy to help others in schools, businesses and neighborhoods. They are fathers, coaches, students and entrepreneurs – men from all walks of life. They are not always respected. Let's celebrate and learn lessons from our past to build wealth and create a more fair and just community. Let's show our respect for Black men. Let's show the power of the $1.2 trillion of annual spending of the Black community and that #BlackMoneyMatters. Open and account today! Ahhhh, France. Just when you think it can't possibly get any better or suprise you more, you head north and discover the rolling hills, seaside villages, and history of Normandy. Our final stop on our British Isles cruise was – surprise! – actually not in Britain at all. While some of our group made their way to Paris for the day, a few of us decided that we may not be seeing this northern shore again anytime soon, and to take advantage of the opportunity to explore and experience a new part of one of our favorite countries. We took an early morning bus from the ship, which docked in Le Havre, to the seaside village of Honfleur. Located where the Seine meets the English Channel, the old harbor looks like a movie set, it's so damn charming. We had a late breakfast of giant crepes before a quick walk through the town. Known as a home to many artists – including Monet – during the rise of Impressionism, the town is still referred to as a bit bohemian, and has such a laid-back feel to it. The buildings are far from meticulous, and I liked that they embraced their harbor roots and age here. One of my favorite things about Normandy is the facades of the countryside homes and village buildings… Whether painted on or actually built out of wood, I had always assumed this type of facade to be more Bavarian than French. Turns out I needed a little history lesson to discover that northern France is infamous for this style! The market in Honfleur was a highlight, with so many goodies that I wanted to take home! Mostly bottles and bottles of French cidres, which I love. The market ended into one of the town's larger, busier squares with several restaurants and cafes to enjoy, with the sea just a few steps away. From Honfleur the plan was to go to Deauville, which is much more of a resort town and I would have liked to explore and see the contrast between the two places. Sadly, we couldn't find a taxi that would take us there because it was during the annual film festival (sounds much like Canne, no?), and traffic would have been horrible. With our plans for the rest of the day thwarted, we decided to see if we could sneak into one of the later excursions through Princess, and we scrambled back to the ship just in time to catch a bus to the Benedictine Palace! Sidenote: on the way to the palace, we took the scenic route along the water, and my goodness was it stunning! If you can take some time to explore the coastline, especially around Etretat, you won't regret it! The draw of the palace was not necessarily the palace itself, but actually Benedictine, the liqueur. In 1510, the Benedictine monk Don Bernardo Vincelli created the recipe for this French liqueur, which calls for 27 plants and spices. Today, it is still made here, in the palace, and only a handful of people know the actual recipe, as it is still kept in great secrecy. While we received a full tour of the palace and the distillery, it was Joe we really came for. He came from Deauville (ironically!), where he is a bartender, to teach us how to make two cocktail recipes – one of which I'm going to share with you today! The Monk's Sour // serves one
Any drink that I can make that uses only one type of alcohol is a win to me! Not only is it easier, but cheaper too. No need to stock the bar with three different liqueurs that you'll use once a year. To make, add all the ingredients into a shaker, then add ice. Shake extra hard, and for longer than usual, to get the egg whites to whip up. Strain into a glass and garnish with nutmeg. I loved the taste of this! It's light but with so much flavor, thanks to the Benedictine. And definitely a perfect winter cocktail! And now, you can feel as fancy as we did, sipping cocktails in a grand palace. The post A Day in Normandy :: Seaside Villages & Cocktails in a Palace! appeared first on coco kelley. ![]() Falling Objects What if a meteorite or airplane parts fall from the sky and land on my vehicle?!?What should I do if a sheet of ice and snow comes off of another vehicle on the highway and hits my car causing damage?!?Our Massachusetts Auto policy tells us that there IS coverage under Comprehensive Coverage (Part 9), for losses caused by falling objects. What this means…Comprehensive Coverage is coverage for events other than collision. Events that are out of your control…
And last, but certainly not least in our case, here in New England:
![]() Falling Objects
If you carry Comprehensive Coverage (Part 9) on your policy, then you DO HAVE COVERAGE if your vehicle is ever struck by a falling object (After your Comprehensive deductible is applied). If your car is struck by an object that came off of another automobile, do your best to get their information. If subrogation and recovery of your deductible is possible, it is vital to have the plate number of the other car! Otherwise, there is no way for the insurance company to recover your deductible and you will end up responsible for the entire cost $$ of the repair! Do you have additional questions? Shoot us an email at info@insurewithrichardson or click the lightning bolt to send us a direct message! The post Insurance Coverage and Falling Objects appeared first on Richardson Insurance. Do Gutters Increase Home Value? Here's How Top Appraisers Assess the Water Shields of the House
1/3/2019
Gutters are the unsung heroes of real estate. They don't earn compliments like a property's gorgeous landscaping or the rustic tile selection of your master shower will. But without them, a home's structural integrity is at risk. Every day 14,000 homeowners face water emergencies while 37% have claimed losses due to water issues. Meanwhile, homeowners insurance companies pay out $2.5 billion in water damage losses every year. Gutters serve the critical role of pushing water where it needs to be: away from the house to avoid foundation erosion and roof leaks. “When I go out to appraise a property for a lender, they will almost never lend on a property that doesn't have gutters and downspouts that are functional,” said Jerin Harper, a home appraiser in Oregon with a decade of experience.
So do gutters increase home value? Not exactly, because they're like the tires of a car: buyers expect a property to have them in good working condition, or they'll pay less for it. We'll help you get up to speed on homeownership and gutters with insights from top appraisers around the country who explain:
Gutters as guardians of the house: Protecting against ice damming and foundation erosionImagine you're sitting in your living room on a chilly winter day watching television, when suddenly you feel a drop of water on your head. And then another, and another. You look up to find a wet patch spreading out on your ceiling just above you. Or, picture this: It's been a stormy few days with lots of rain. You go outside to clean up after the storm and to your horror, find that some of your foundation has washed away-but only in one spot that should have been difficult for the water to reach. The culprit in both situations? In most cases, bad gutters. Properly constructed and clean gutters are essential to preventing water damage to your home. The first scenario likely due to an issue called ice damming on the roof, where the water melting from a warmer part of your roof can't escape. This typically happens when gutters haven't been cleaned out properly, the water freezes, and then the ice accumulates under your shingles, melting and damaging the attic or ceiling in your home. The second scenario could be thanks to a broken gutter or a missing downspout-the water is dumping down onto your foundation instead of getting pushed away from the house. “You need to have gutters because you're going to start affecting your foundation significantly if you don't direct water away appropriately,” said Brett Young, a top-selling agent in Indianapolis. “It's not an option out here, honestly. If you're buying a house that doesn't have gutters on it, it's probably because it's a bank sale home and it's all beat up.” Granted, some locations don't need gutters as much as others-like Arizona, for example, where Young used to live. Some homes out there didn't have gutters and it wasn't a big deal, essentially because it's the desert and there's just not that much rain. But even in that situation, it's better to have them rather than not, just in case a storm comes through that is strong enough to damage your home. No gutters (or gutters in poor condition) will detract value from your houseNot only will a lack of gutters or ones with issues hurt your home and affect the sale, it could also actively lower your home's value. Whether you don't have any gutters or the ones you have are dirty, broken or improperly attached, you're compromising the longevity of the home by leaving it open to other problems. And those problems will have an effect on the appraisal when you're trying to sell. Harper notes gutters in poor condition could detract between $500 and $1,000 from the value of an average-sized house with a straightforward installation by a professional. “Gutters are part of the real estate, but there's not a specific adjustment line for gutters,” said Michael Keough, a 30-year residential home appraiser in New Jersey. “If the lack of gutters is ruining something, you'll detract from that item.” In some cases, the missing or damaged gutters can even end a sale before it begins. Good gutters will attract buyers but don't necessarily add valueAll that being said, gutters themselves typically won't increase the value of your home. They're standard, especially in areas with a lot of rain, and having them isn't anything special. “People don't just normally install gutters for the aesthetics of the gutters,” said Edmond (Buddy) Eslava, a nationally renowned appraiser with the Appraisal Consultant Group in the Mobile, Alabama. “If you needed them and didn't have them, it would detract value. But having them won't add value.” You can, though, add overall perceived value to your home based on the gutters themselves. Our experts shared some tips on what to do to make your gutters work for your home sale. Make sure your gutters are installed properly.There are two important pieces to this equation. Proper gutter installation means making sure the water is being diverted far away enough from the house so no damage is sustained around the foundation or on the siding. But you also have to make sure they're level-meaning no water is left to pool up in them with nowhere to drain. If that happens, they can start to draw an accumulation of mosquitos and other nasty bugs or cause ice damming. Match your gutters to your home.Just like any other part of your property, including outbuildings, shutters, garages, and even gazebos, you'll want to make sure the color and size of your gutters are appropriate for your home. For the color, typically the gutters will be the same color as the outdoor trim. As far as sizing, Young notes that the standard size used to be four inches, but now it's up to six inches-so get the larger ones. Eslava agrees, noting that eight-inch gutters are available too, and you should opt for those ones instead of the six-inch. But, if your house is a bit smaller and the large gutters would look out of place, then stay with a smaller size. It's also critical to have enough downspouts. The general rule is one downspout for every 35 or so feet of gutter. Stick with the standard gutter materials.Seams are out. If you want gutters that will bring value to your home, skip them and go for a seamless option. It looks tidier and more professional. Typically, gutters are metal or aluminum; the actual material doesn't matter much as long as the gutters are sturdy, functional, and match your house. Each material does have pluses and minuses, though. Aluminum: Metal, like copper or steel: Vinyl or plastic: Get gutter guards: They'll stop leaves and sticks from getting in, and will keep squirrels and their seeds out-so you don't have to worry about looking up one day to see a patch of sunflowers sprouting from the edge of your roof. As a plus, Young says having gutter guards could add value to a home appraisal. Skip the rain collection system: This is the Year for Your Best Home Yet: Let's Kick Off the January Cure! - The 2019 January Cure
1/2/2019
QUIZ: 9 Alcohol Cheats in Animation
1/1/2019
![]() But times have been changing for a while. Nowadays, it's very rare that you'll see any alcohol references in children's animation. BUT! When they weren't allowed to show alcohol, writers and animators have cleverly tried to cheat the filters by simply replacing it with something else, so they could still show comical drunkenness, bar scenes, or savage hangovers. Let's see if you can guess which “kid-friendly” substitutes these cartoons used. Even if you completely strike out on all 9, it's pretty interesting! What Was Used Instead of Alcohol? 1) The Secret Life of Pets (2016)![]() SAUSAGES ![]() 2) Adventure Time (2014)![]() CUCUMBER WATER ![]() 3) Phineas and Ferb (2008)![]() MILKSHAKES ![]() 4) The Legend of Korra (2014)![]() NOODLES ![]() 5) All Hail King Julien (2016)![]() COCONUT MILK ![]() 6) Chip N' Dale's Rescue Rangers (1989)![]() ROTTEN FRUIT ![]() 7) SpongeBob SquarePants Movie (2004)![]() ICE CREAM ![]() 8) Transformers (1985)![]() ENERGY ![]() 9) My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic (2018)![]() CIDER ![]() QUIZ: Alcohol Cheats in Animation You didn't do so well, but the answers are interesting, right? Share your Results : QUIZ: Alcohol Cheats in Animation You did okay! Interesting answers, eh? Share your Results : QUIZ: Alcohol Cheats in Animation Super well done! Share your Results : QUIZ: Alcohol Cheats in Animation Wah wah! You scored a perfect zero. Share your Results : QUIZ: Alcohol Cheats in Animation NAILED IT! Impressive. Most Impressive. Share your Results : This honestly isn't to cast judgement on films or cartoons that show alcohol consumption. We all may have varying opinions on that, but we can probably ALL agree that cartoons aren't always the best teachers. Apparently, it's okay to animate someone comically misusing Talk to your kids early about responsible drinking, okay? Earlier than you probably think you'll need to. The world is already teaching them more than you know. – Thanks to Responsibiliy.org for sponsoring this post. Working with them has opened my eyes much wider to the importance of parents consciously working to stay engaged with their kids, and not just about school or Pokémon or the latest Pixar movie, but especially to have meaningful conversations about often overlooked topics like responsible drinking. As well as all the obvious bigger life stuff they'll need to have a good head on their shoulders about. Like wearing socks and sandals. Ugh. 10 Amazing Facts About Twins
1/1/2019
Parents of twins will tell you that they are twice as nice, or double the trouble, depending on the sort of day they are having!There's an estimated 400,000 twins in Australia, which is around 2% of the population. In the 20 years from 1989 to 2009, the number of multiple births in Australia increased by 27%. The majority of multiple births is twins, with the remaining being triplets and higher multiples such as quadruplets, quintuplets and so on. Experts say the growing number of multiple births is largely due to the increased use of fertility drugs and assisted reproduction technology, the delay in child-bearing and the growing number of older mothers. Approximately one third of all sets of twins are identical. Identical twins occur when the fertilised egg divides into two then it's still a tiny collection of cells. The two halves then develop into two babies with the exact same genetic information. The other two thirds of twins are non-identical, or fraternal. They're the result of two separate eggs fertilised by two separate sperm. They can be either the same sex, or different sexes.
1. You can tell identical twins apart by their belly buttonsOur belly buttons are scars that are created when the umbilical cord detaches after birth, so they aren't caused by genetics. You can also tell identical twins apart by their fingerprints, just like everyone else. 2. Twins can have different fathers or be different races![]() via ln.is It is possible for fraternal twins to have different dads, if a woman has sex with more than one man during ovulation. Sperm from each man fertilises an egg resulting in twins. If the men are from different racial backgrounds, the babies will be too. The phenomenon is quite rare, however. 3. You can be pregnant with two babies at once who aren't twinsThese two babies can share a womb at the same time, and may even be born on the same day, but they're not twins. It's an incredibly rare condition called superfetation that happens when a pregnant woman continues menstruation and a second embryo forms. The foetus conceived last is usually born prematurely, while the foetus conceived first is carried to term. But sometimes they can be born on the same day. 4. Some twins have their own languageIt might just sound like babble to everyone else, but researchers have found that up to 40 per cent of twins create their own private language that only they can understand. The term is called cryptophasia, and describes how twin babies use each other to learn vocabulary. 5. Some identical twins are mirror images of one anotherIf a fertilised egg splits later in the process than usual, some of the appearance and other traits of an identical twin can be a mirror image of the other. For example, one may be left-handed and the other right handed. There have been extreme cases where mirror image twins' organs have been reversed. 6. Twins help their mothers live longerA study of birth records between 1800 and 1970 by researchers from the University of Utah found that mothers who have given birth to twins tend to live longer than mothers who haven't. 7. Twins begin bonding in the wombWe've all seen adorable pictures of cute baby twins holding hands and snuggling. They actually start interacting with each other in the womb as early as 14 weeks gestation. 8. When identical twins marry identical twins and have kids…![]() via beingindian.com The wonders of DNA and genetics mean that if a pair of identical male twins marry a pair of identical female twins, their kids will legally be cousins but genetically be full siblings. Children are considered to be genetic siblings if the chromosomes they receive are derived from the same pool. Because the genetic pool of identical twins is identical, the two sets of parents produce children from identical pools. 9. Tall women are more likely to have twinsResearchers from the Long Island Jewish Medical Centre found that taller women have more of the insulin-like growth factor protein that increases the chance of ovulation. The more protein she has, the greater the chance she will have twins. 10. Twins really do run in the familyThe “twin gene” you hear about isn't a myth. Women who have fraternal twins in their families inherit a gene that causes multiple eggs to be released during ovulation. Women who are fraternal twins themselves are twice as likely to give birth to twins. Do you have twins?Image: ![]()
To demonstrate how trends can work together over time, let's take a look at some 2018 kitchen trends that will last, and some 2019 kitchen design trends we think you'll love in the year ahead. 2018 kitchen trends that will lastQuartz countertops: This is a material that will outlast both trends and the passage of time -- quartz is easy to clean, it doesn't require sealing, and it's heat resistant. It mimics the classic look of marble, without the big price tag or laborious upkeep. Traditional Gray and White Kitchen in Cheshire, CT Induction cooking: What seemed like a trend is on its way to becoming a classic. Induction cooktops have a sleek look, and they use less heat and energy and cook much faster. See why Julie, a designer here at The Kitchen Company, loves the induction range she chose for her home. Photo Credit: Helenevanmarcke.com White cabinetry: Over the years, popular shades of white have shifted from antique to bright, but white is still a classic for kitchen cabinetry. It might fall among the top 2019 kitchen cabinet color trends, but white will look fresh into 2020 and beyond. Modern Farmhouse Kitchen in New Canaan, CT 2019 kitchen design trends we're excited aboutMixed metals: The past few years have guided us to chrome, polished nickel and, most recently, aged brass and copper. Now, 2019 has us mixing and matching them for an updated look. We're already daydreaming about the perfection of copper faucets with polished nickel hardware, and drooling over this collection of copper pots and the beautiful contrast with the stainless trim of the lower cabinets. Photo Credit: ApartmentTherapy.com No hardware: Metal hardware is on its way out, and nothing is in. That's right, hardware isn't being replaced, it's being removed. The result is a more contemporary look that uses magnetic touch doors, finger pulls or seamless handles. Photo Credit: stylebyemilyhenderson.com Rustic wood grains: Good news for people who love the wood look: it's not going away. In 2019, instead of the dark cherry of the past, we're loving walnut and maple in rustic stains. This rustic wood look will lead 2019 kitchen cabinet trends, as well. Innovative storage solutions: Kitchen cabinetry used to be fairly standard, with the occasional add-on to fit specific needs. In the past few years, though, innovative storage solutions have been building momentum, and in 2019 we see built-in trash pullouts, roll-out drawers, spice pull-outs, smart drawers, cutlery dividers, and other organizational tools becoming kitchen renovation staples. Traditional Gray and White Kitchen in Cheshire, CT We love the excitement of new trends, but remember: the best kitchen is the one you design with your lifestyle and personal preferences in mind, regardless of what the kitchen design trends say. So when asked if there are any kitchen trends to avoid in 2019, we simply say: avoid the trends you just don't love and embrace the trends you do. If 2019 is the year you'd like to create your dream kitchen, schedule a design consultation with one of our experts. Category: |
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January 2019
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