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Why Should You Consider Finishing Your Basement?
The basement is often one of the most underutilised spaces and most homeowners simply use them as large laundry rooms. Instead of letting the basement collect moisture and lint, you should think about basement finishing.
Affordable Solution for Adding More Usable Space
Denver basement finishing provides a cost-effective way to add more space to your home. Compared to the cost of an addition, basement finishing is relatively affordable and requires less structural work. In many cases, these projects can be completed quickly and efficiently, providing minimal disruption to your normal routine.
Basement Finishing May Increase Your Property Value
Finishing your basement adds an extra room, helping to boost the overall value of your home. Whether you use the finished space for a bedroom, office, or living room, the new room may count as another bedroom for property valuations and assessments.
Along with increasing the property value, basement finishing often provides a greater return on investment compared to other renovation projects. In fact, for every $1000 that you put into the project, you may increase the value of your home by up to $700.
Accommodate Your Growing Family with an Extra Room
With basement finishing in Denver, you may not need to move when the size of your family grows. You can add an extra room in the basement, ensuring that you have the space you need.
If you want to add more space to your home, consider the advantages of basement finishing in Denver, CO. It is affordable, is efficient, and may boost the value of your property.
The basement does not need to be a dark, damp place. With a finished basement, you can gain an extra bedroom, bathroom, home gym, or storage space.
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Fun With Vent Hoods
Vent hoods in your kitchen serve a very important purpose. If you don't know what it is, it's a type of machinery that uses a fan to suction out fumes, grease, smoke, and heat while you are cooking. If you cook, you probably noticed that turning on the vent hood has become second nature, like an automatic response to when you start cooking. So, yes, vent hoods are important, but it doesn't have to be a boring appliance, let alone, an afterthought. They can be pretty, customized to your taste, and also be a stand-out wow-factor in your kitchen. Venthoods can be covered with decorative materials such as tiles, various metals, and even specialty woods. The exterior of the vent hood is just simply a covering, while the interior holds all the machinery – so you are free to have a little fun!
A one-of-a-kind hood
This is a special one of a kind hood! The actual shape and tiling were are all done on-site. But what really gives this hood character, is the handmade Spanish-style tile carefully placed and installed to perfection. This hood provides a huge statement to the overall look!
A wood hood with a little extra flare
This hood started as a lovely wooden hood, but we wanted to add a little extra detail to it. While taking the backsplash and combining it with a 1×1 mirror mosaic, the hood instantly became a stand-out piece in the kitchen. It just takes a little to make a big design difference!
Vent hood with an antique feel
This particular kitchen gives us an antique-y feel, and the hood has very much to do with it. It stands as a major centerpiece to the kitchen and we love the statement it makes in this space. The metal covering is a stainless steel sheet formed to have a curve at the top, but the brass accents in the straps and stamps are what really sets this hood apart. It's all about the details!
Touches of metal
A touch of metal here and a touch of metal there. Well, we gotta share another metal hood, because we just love the feel it provides to this space! With the touches of brass throughout the kitchen, the hood really ties it all together in the end. It provides a simple and classic stamp to the space without going over-board.
Like what you see? Then check out some of our other blogs like Goodbye White, Hello Color!, and Cozy Breakfast Nooks.
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The post Fun With Vent Hoods appeared first on Kitchen Design Concepts.
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Why a Bad Drip Sequence Is Worse than No Drip Sequence
We've all been there.
Tempted by that perfect piece of content, we gladly offer up our email addresses, only to regret it later. With each generic, templated email we receive, we're one step closer to hitting the unsubscribe button.
Well, guess what. If you can sniff out a mass email from a mile away - so can your leads. Because the one thing we seem to keep forgetting is that no two subscribers are ever the same, and over-relying on the same played-out drip sequence won't help you win their loyalty.
But what if you could close more deals with less effort by simply using your tech tools more intentionally?
If you're looking for ways to use automation to connect with your leads on a deeper, more human level - keep reading. We've got some proven tips to help you use tech for good.
Real estate drip campaigns are not a cure-all
Before we dive deeper into how to fix your drip campaigns, let's talk a little more about why they're broken in the first place. Because the irony is, we all know we need to nurture our leads. We've heard it a million times.
We've read all about the business owners who make 50% more sales at 33% less cost because of their awesomely warmed-up databases. And the 18X more revenue targeted emails can bring. But these results often feel like they're meant for someone else, someone who has more time, more resources, or both.
So what most of us end up doing is set up an automated drip sequence, and walk away. We feel good about having ticked another box off the “should-do” marketing list, but deep down, we wonder how effective it'll actually be.
Because the truth is, in today's always-on age of chatbots and social media, having a drip campaign for the sake of simply “staying in front of” your prospects no longer makes sense.
Buyers are more empowered than ever before. And though the volume of homes hasn't changed all that much (we're looking at the first major market shift in a decade), the ways in which we sell those homes have changed dramatically.
It's time come out and say it: All this technology is making agents lazy.
To be fair, maybe “overwhelmed” is a better word. But whichever way you cut it, not calling leads, ignoring emails and sending the same generic auto-responder to all prospects just proves most agents don't really understand their leads - and worse, they're not concerned with making themselves truly valuable to their prospects.
Still, the numbers don't lie. 80% of marketing automation users have seen an increase in leads, and 77% have seen the number of conversions increase. The question isn't whether or not you should use technology - obviously, this stuff works.
The real question is this:
How can you use technology to stay one step ahead of the competitors, disruptors and ultra-informed leads who are permanently changing the way homes are bought and sold?
Scrap the generic drip sequence and close more deals
From VR property viewings to transaction management via the blockchain, most agents are afraid of being replaced by technology.
According to Joshua Smith coach, mentor and host of the #1 Most Downloaded Real Estate Agent Podcast, GSD Mode, “There are several things happening in our industry currently. First, we have a market shift that is taking place, but this is nothing new for our industry, just remember: 'There Is No Such Thing as a Bad Market, It Is Always Good for Someone'. As Real Estate Agents, we need to identify who the market is good for and adapt to serve their needs. That's how you thrive in shifts.”
As disruptors continue to shake up even the most tried and true industry best practices, experts like Joshua say that what separates the winning agents from the rest is whether or not you can resist the urge to bury your head in the sand. “We need to take massive action on this as the future role of the real estate agent depends on it,” says Joshua.
Segment your list based on what really matters
Let's imagine a perfect scenario where prospects walk right into your office with a complete profile including details about their knowledge of your brand, level of interest in buying or selling, what type of house they're into, budget, etc. That'd be amazing, right?
But since it's rarely (if ever) the case that you have that much intel, you need to put a real effort into narrowing down your lead segments based on what you do know about them. Then, regroup your sales and marketing efforts to consistently deliver what they want, when they want it.
Most CRMs allow you to get extremely specific, narrowing it down to:
Demographics: Income, Family size, Occupation, Gender, Race, Generation
Geographic aspects: School district, Neighborhood, Employer, City
Psychographic aspects: Pet owners, Lifestyle seekers, Friends/Family in the neighborhood, etc.
In Follow Up Boss, we think a simple approach is best:
Lead type: New leads, buyer leads, seller leads, past clients and of course, hot leads
Lead behavior: Price, lead stage, last activity
No matter which of the hundreds of CRMs you've singled out as the one that'll work for you and your team, it should be flexible enough to adapt to the real-world behaviors of your leads - and your team - so that you're always ready to act anytime a lead takes a big leap forward in their buying journey.
Keep your emails succinct and human
There's something about the 9-Word Email that makes it so effective.
Business owners who use it say the engagement with their leads is higher and that leads convert faster. So next time you're sending out an email, why not try it out?
You could write something simple like, “Are you still interested in housing in South Carolina?” or “Have you seen our new listings in Wrigleyville, Chicago?”
In Follow Up Boss, you can create Smart Lists of segmented leads and send tailored follow up emails your leads will actually reply to. Here's a quick example:
Hey [Lead Name],
I've been sending you new listings for a little while now and just wanted to check in to make sure I'm sending the kinds of houses you're interested in.
Want me to make some adjustments? Or any you'd like to schedule a showing of?
[Agent Name]
Let's not forget, one of the main reasons consumers love technology is because it's so simple to get a fast, frictionless reply. Make it easy and they won't be able to resist.
Plus, all customers care about the little things. Let's say you've closed a sale - this doesn't mean your work is done.
Show your gratitude by using a personalized drip campaign to send a short “Thank you for trusting us” email, then add your new customer into a past client follow up sequence that includes a mix of direct mail, phone and email correspondence. Trust us, it will make a difference.
Never forget the power of face-to-face interaction
We obviously believe technology is a force for good. But even we have to admit that it comes with a serious downside.
For one, nearly half of the US population is lonely.
No matter how many awesome tech tools are at our disposal, nothing can replace human connection. Successful real estate agents know it's important to truly connect with their leads and clients - on the phone, via video and, not least, in person.
Want more on how to win with video? See how agents like Taylor Hack, Team Leader of HACK&Co use video to build a personal connection with leads.
Leading agents use tools like BombBomb to put a face to their drip campaigns, making it that much easier to stand out above the noise get a face-to-face appointment. In fact, even simply using the word “video” in your subject line can boost open rates by 19% and clickthrough rates by 65%.
This stuff is powerful.
For times when you can't connect in person, sending a quick, personalized thank you video message is the next best thing. And if you want to get even more personal with your leads, check out how real estate agent Kinny Landrum uses BombBomb to send (belated but still awesome) birthday wishes.
Your focus is all you have
With technology taking over industry after industry, it's natural to feel a bit uneasy. But whatever you do, don't waste your time focusing on the wrong things. Because at the end of the day, your focus is the only thing that matters.
It's the one thing you can count on to make sure that every time you pick up the phone, text a reply or hit send on an email, the person on the other side knows you're worth their time. So focus your full attention on the people who are most ready to buy. And do it every day.
For everyone else, take a day or two to step out of the chaos and create a truly relevant drip sequence that delivers value at every step of the journey. Keep them short, sweet and use the tools available to you to show them you're a real person with real insights they can rely on. Automation is here to help you with that. But it can't do it all on its own.
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Festive Winter Decorations to Cure Your Post-Holiday Blues
For some design lovers, taking down holiday decorations is a breath of fresh air and a symbol of starting the new year with a clean slate. For others, it feels like removing the fun and festivity from home just as winter's dark chill is kicking into high gear. Who says you have to start the new year with a stark interior?! By repurposing some of your holiday decor and adding a couple of other bright touches, you can bring joy and warmth to the room(s) of your choice. Whether you're decorating for awards show viewing parties, getting an early start on Valentine's Day, or simply looking for a little sparkle, these winter decorations can help you beat the post-holiday blues…
Repurposing Tinsel
One easy way to add a bit of shine to your interior is through the use of tinsel! Remember the tinsel drink stirrer trend that started earlier this decade? By snipping off a small section of tinsel from the a garland/strand and shaping it into a ball, you have an instant starburst that's ready to hand on a new garland, sit on your shelf, or grace any surface you choose!
Perfect for awards show party decor, tinsel “balls” can also be combined with Valentine's Day decor, as they have a festive, whimsical look that complements the magic and sparkle of the year's most romantic holiday!
Try adding tinsel to the end of a garland and using the excess snips as confetti for your next winter party. More on tinsel and winter decor later in the post…
Honeycomb Balls
Tissue paper honeycomb balls are instantly festive, as they channel a retro party vibe. Above and below, we see honeycomb balls in a shade of “vintage peach”, available via Amazon. Honeycomb balls are perfect for New Year's Eve decor, as they remind us of the ball drop in the final moments of the year.
Combined with silver and gold, the peach balls featured in today's photos add just the right amount of blush. Don't be afraid to leave them up throughout January! Of course, honeycomb balls beautifully transition to Valentine's Day, especially when showcased in rosy tones. There's something sweet and charming about them, and the look is only enhanced when heart decor enters the picture:
Try hanging them ornament-style from the ceiling (or garland-style on the wall–not fully unfolded so the back is flat). Top with a tinsel ball and a heart for an extra festive touch! Note how silver ribbon helps tie this look together. Metallics + peachy tones = a big dose of chic!
Glittering Hearts
Maybe Valentine's Day isn't your thing. And that's OK! But if you're feeling romantic, you have kiddos at home and want to decorate, or you simply like the holiday's focus on goodies and treats, bring some shimmer home with a batch of glittering hearts. Meri Meri's Pink Glitter Heart Garland is the epitome of festive Valentine's Day style. Above and below, we see the garland in its pre-assembly form (minus the silver ribbon).
In fact, Meri Meri's garland comes with a neon pink string for hanging, and it's precisely this bright burst of color that makes the garland stand out. Neon and glitter: what's not to love?!
Don't forget that you can combine today's featured supplies (tinsel, honeycomb balls, glittering hearts and silver ribbon) in new and interesting ways. Let your vignettes evolve as you move from New Year's to Valentine's Day. Revel in the sparkle. Let it bring a smile to your face. Soon winter will turn to spring and there will be some brightness outdoors as well!
Wishing you and yours a lovely start to the new year. Thanks for reading!
You're reading Festive Winter Decorations to Cure Your Post-Holiday Blues, originally posted on Decoist. If you enjoyed this post, be sure to follow Decoist on Twitter, Facebook and Pinterest.
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The Cost Across Time [INFOGRAPHIC]
Some Highlights:
With interest rates still around 4.5%, now is a great time to look back at where rates have been over the last 40 years.
Rates are projected to climb to 5.0% by this time next year according to Freddie Mac.
The impact your interest rate makes on your monthly mortgage cost is significant!
Lock in a low rate now while you can!
Members: Sign in now to set up your Personalized Posts & start sharing today!
Not a Member Yet? Click Here to learn more about KCM's newest feature, Personalized Posts.
The post The Cost Across Time [INFOGRAPHIC] appeared first on Keeping Current Matters.
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Top 10 Posts of 2018
I always get a little nostalgic at the beginning of a new year and enjoy reflecting back on the year that has past. As always, I continue to be amazed at the opportunities that this blog provides for our family and I'm so grateful for everyone that has supported me on this blogging journey. This blog would be nothing without YOU!
Top Blog Posts of 2018
I'm continuously looking for ways to improve the blog and serve you guys better. It totally makes my day when you email me or comment on my posts and I absolutely LOVE getting your input. Since I don't always hear from you though, I often look at what posts are the most popular and try to plan some additional blog content around those topics. Sometimes it surprises me!
This year, many of your favorite cleaning tips and organization posts from years' past continue to stay in the top 10, along with a couple of fun holiday projects. The home decor posts didn't quite make it into the top 10 but they were close! So here they are – the top 10 blog posts of 2018!
Number 10: The January Decluttering Challenge
If you're ready for a clean and decluttered start to the new year, join in my January decluttering challenge! I know many of you joined me last year and I hope even more join in this year. The post has been updated with all of the 2019 free organization printables for you, so feel free to join in. It's never too late!
Number 9: Family Binder Budgeting Printables
If you're looking to get your budget on track after the holidays, these printables are a great way to keep track of where your money is going. Get started on the road to financial success!
Number 8: Turkey Treats
These little turkey treats have been a Thanksgiving favorite for a few years now and they've received over 15 million views on my Facebook page!
Number 7: Eleven Daily Habits to Keep Your House Clean and Tidy
It can be hard to keep up with all of the daily cleaning around your house, but these simple habits can make it so much easier!
Number 6: How to Clean Upholstered Chairs and Other Upholstery
If your upholstery is looking stained and dingy, give these cleaning tips a try. You'll be amazed at how clean they can get!
Number 5: How to Remove Burned Food from Pots
This is always a favorite – especially after the holidays! This tip works great for really bad burned on food as well as just a good pot cleaning after a busy cooking season.
Number 4: Ten Things to Clean After the Flu
No one likes it when the flu comes to visit! Follow these cleaning tips to get your home clean and disinfected, and help it from spreading to everyone else in the household.
Number 3: Popsicle Stick Sleds
These are one of my favorite craft projects and I love seeing how everyone puts their own spin it! I even added some popsicle stick skis this year!
Number 2: How to Organize Bills – Bill Payment Tracker Printables
I've used these bill tracking printables for a few years now and I have found them SO helpful! Now that many of our bills are just sent electronically I find them even more helpful to keep track of what I have {and haven't!} paid.
Number 1: How to Clean your Washing Machine
This post has been my number one post for 4 years running! There are lots of helpful tips to get your front loader looking and working its best. You might just love your front loader again!
And there you have it – the top 10 blog posts of 2018! Thank-you again for such a wonderful year and I look forward to connecting with you more in the year ahead. As always, please let me know if there are any specific post ideas that would be helpful for you. I love to hear from you and I hope that we can continue to build this little community together.
Top Home and DIY Bloggers Best Posts
If you're looking for more home and DIY inspiration, please take a minute to check out my DIY and Home blogger friends' top posts from 2018! This is the very best the web has to offer and you're sure to find some amazing ideas!
TIDBITS | Miss Mustard Seed | Farmhouse on Boone | Maison De Pax | A Burst of Beautiful
Simply Designing | Bless'er House | Taryn Whiteaker Designs | Designthusiasm | Unskinny Boppy
Live Laugh Rowe | Kendra John Designs | House by Hoff | So Much Better With Age | Life On Virginia Street
ZDesign At Home | Town and Country Living | Shabbyfufu | Happy Happy Nester | Stacy Risenmay
Cherished bliss | Clean and Scentsible | anderson + grant | The Happy Housie | Summer Adams
Decor Gold Designs | Maison de Cinq | Seeking Lavender Lane
The post Top 10 Posts of 2018 appeared first on Clean and Scentsible.
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Landscaping Stone Borders Around Flower Beds
Stone Border Around Flower Bed
Austin Chopped Stone with a Flagstone Cap
Landscaping Stone Borders
Austin Chopped Stone Borders with Flagstone Cap around Flower Beds Landscaping Project
Stone Wall Borders
Raised flower beds with stone wall borders
Raised Flower Bed Landscaping
Landscaping stone walls border on raised flower beds
Curved Stone Borders
Flower bed island with curved stone border all the way around.
Flower Bed Landscaping
Landscaping stone borders around flower bed
Stone Border Around Pond
Landscaping a Pond with Stone Borders in Back Yard
Mulching Flower Beds with Stone Borders
Adding mulch to flower bed with stone borders
Large Stone Divider
Large stones dividing a garden bed landscaping
Large Rocks Border
Landscaping flower bed with large rocks as border
Flat Brick Stone Borders
Flat stone borders around flower beds
Stone Border Around Tree Bed
Tree and Flower Bed with Stone Border Landscaping
Stone Retaining Wall
Landscaping a Stone Retaining Wall Around Flower Bed
Get Stone Borders Installed
Request Quote
When you feel stressed, and you need a place to have a significant relaxation, your outdoor area will always serve as a perfect spot. So, investing in improving the look of your landscape is a fantastic treat for yourself.
Nature's view has its unique and effective way of providing you a valuable tranquility. It can even make it easier for you to forget all the negative vibes around.
After a busy weekday, it is ideal to put an effort visiting your garden area and recharge yourself. To make this more effective, providing your flower beds with landscape stone border can improve your experience.
Here, you will be able to learn different ideas for your next landscape stone border project. So, how are you going to choose the right stone for your flower beds.
Type of Edging Stones for Borders
There are different types of stone to choose from and each type has its unique characteristics. We can generally install any type of stone you prefer, but what we usually like to recommend is listed below:
Austin Chopped Stone
Oklahoma Chopped Stone
Leauders Chopped Stone
Boulder Moss Stones
Shape and Texture
Natural stones are known for its rounded shape resulted from long exposure to water in the streams, rivers, lakes or ocean. Manufactured stones provide a shape which is intended to imitate the appearance of natural stones. You have no trouble choosing the best stones for your flower bed landscaping because there is already a wide variety of man-made stone that provides organic and attractive look. Thus, it offers a uniform size and shape, with various color options.
With the help of a different type of landscape stone, it is made easier for you to create a more attractive look for your flower bed.
Artistic Medium
When you are deciding for landscape stone border design, you can play with your imagination. You may come up with a rock garden theme where you can use stones with a natural round shape and then choose plants that can enhance the overall look.
Different Rock Features
Landscape stones can be you to different landscape ideas where you can take advantage of different stone features to fulfill your creativity. In building a stone border, you can use either collection of pebbles and smaller stones or larger sizes within the gabion cages. This provides an attractive look while staying functional as a retaining wall.
Learn how to build a stone retaining wall – pdf
Water Feature Accent
Landscape stones are attractive and artistically dry. However, if you combine it with a water feature, its beauty, color, and texture become full of life. For a natural look for your flower bed, you can use paddle stones because of its neutral colors. Thus, they are quite flexible when it comes to creating natural mosaic designs.
There is no way for you not to try a landscape stone border to create an attractive and unique look for your flower bed. The next time that you will visit your garden, you will get more satisfaction with the view.
For help with installing stone borders around your flower beds contact JC's Landscaping for a free estimate.
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The post Landscaping Stone Borders Around Flower Beds appeared first on JC's Landscaping LLC.
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Coconut Curry Rice Bowl
Current recipe obsession: beans and rice anything. This speedy Coconut Curry Rice Bowl is a flavorful entree featuring fluffy jasmine rice and nutty skillet chickpeas. This recipe can easily be whipped up in just a few minutes. The flavors include coconut-curry, sweet potato, garlic, spinach and a touch of either lime or lemon juice to bring everything to life. Get the recipe...Read more »
This is a summary, images and full post available on HHL website!
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5 Garden Resolutions That Are Easy To Keep
Improve Your World With These Garden Resolutions
We can all do a little more to improve the world. Why not start in your own garden with these very easy garden resolutions. Every little bit helps!
Start Composting
Composting is easy, reduces waste, and gives you back great soil to put back in the garden. Why send garden and food waste to a landfill, which would waste fuel, emit pollution, and take up valuable space, when you can keep it cleanly tucked away in a corner of your property and re-use it for good. Composting is easy.
Use Native Plants
There are so many benefits to using native plants. Chief among them is that they are very tough and resilient. They also look good, have less pest problems and are easy to care for. This all makes sense because native plants are adapted to the local environment. Besides all else, native plants provide food and shelter to wildlife. Check out our blog Native Plants For Maryland Gardens for a list of some species you may want to try.
Plant A Pollinator Garden
Want to see more butterflies and birds, not to mention giving them and other pollinators a much needed helping hand? Then plant a pollinator garden. The bottom line is that we need more pollinators in order to produce the food we eat. Planting pollinator plants helps increase this activity. Plus, pollinator plants are beautiful. Some varieties to consider include coneflowers, salvias and sunflowers.
Grow Your Own Vegetables
Now here is something that is both good for the environment and great for your health. Who doesn't love fresh vegetables and fruits? Not only is the fresh food good for you, being out in fresh air and working with soil is good for your health and soul. One other huge benefit, it is a great activity and learning experience for children.
Recycle and Upcycle
We love to recycle, and upcycle! Anything we can keep out of the landfill is a plus. Plastics, cans, bottles, paper, food waste, tires, pallets and on and on and on. Upcycling not only keeps items out of the landfill, it gives them another use. Items that can be donated for someone else to use gives them a new life and can benefit others.
Remember, Allentuck Landscaping Co. is always here to help you design, install, construct and maintain you lawn and landscape. Give us a call!
Allentuck Landscaping Co. is Your Residential Landscape Company
Phone: 301-5-515-1900 Email: [email protected]
At Allentuck Landscaping Company, our mission is to create beautiful environments for people to enjoy. We see landscaping as a way to improve people's lives.
The Allentuck Landscaping Company team has been delighting homeowners in Maryland, Washington DC and Northern Virginia for over 28 years with our turnkey approach to landscape design, installation, construction and maintenance. Most companies try to serve many types of customers at the same time; homeowners, shopping centers, office buildings and the list goes on. At Allentuck Landscaping Co., we focus on one customer, you, the homeowner. We have a singular focus on bringing you the best landscape practices, the best customer service, and the best value for your home.
Services Provide – Master Landscape Plans, Complete Maintenance Programs, Plantings, Patios, Walkways, Retaining Walls, Water Features, Outdoor Lighting, Outdoor Kitchens, Trellises & Pergolas, Irrigation Systems, Drainage Solutions, Grading & Sodding. Fire Pits & Fire Places, Spring Clean Ups, Decks, Fences
Areas Served – Chevy Chase, Bethesda, Potomac, Rockville, North Potomac, Darnestown, Gaithersburg, Germantown, Boyds, Clarksburg, Ijamsville, Urbana, Frederick and Washington DC.
The post 5 Garden Resolutions That Are Easy To Keep appeared first on Allentuck Landscapes.
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How a Small Kitchen Can Work Best
When it comes to kitchen designs, smaller rooms are often ignored.
We don't always see how a small kitchen can work best the compared to large rooms that have enough space to include many different elements such as a kitchen island, large separate seating area and many other things too.
Bigger isn't always better!
While many people would prefer to have a bigger kitchen because it provides more options not just from a design point of view but from a practical aspect as well, a smaller room means you can be more selective with the features you have.
Just because your kitchen isn't that big doesn't mean you can't enjoy a practical, aesthetically pleasing and functional kitchen. In fact, having a small kitchen can have benefits such as ensuring that you don't have unnecessary clutter and you can be smarter with your design choices.
We've looked at ways in which you can design a small kitchen in the past and for our first post in 2019 here at the Kitchen Warehouse we are going to look at how a small kitchen can work best with some space saving tips and style ideas.
Space savings tips for a small kitchen
If you don't have loads of room then making the best use of space is vital. You can't afford to have too much clutter in your small kitchen because it will look even smaller.
In fact, many of the space saving ideas you can implement don't even come with a big price tag either.
#1 Remove upper cupboards and put in shelving
This is a technique that is more of a mind trick than anything else but it can be used to great effect in your small kitchen.
By removing your upper cupboards and instead using open shelving can give the illusion that the room is actually bigger. This kind of goes against the 'reducing clutter' advice because cupboards are a great way to get things out of sight in the kitchen. Simply put it into the cupboard and shut the door however in especially small rooms shelving can open the space up.
This is a great way to make galley kitchens appear bigger than they actually are and in any room design that feels a bit claustrophobic, removing the upper cupboards can really open it up and give the illusion of more space and remove to move.
#2 Add seating to spare counter space
Do you have a bit of spare space at the end of the counter with nothing on it? Why not add a couple of seats and provide an extra seating area?
Small kitchens generally suffer from a lack of places to sit. Even if you have a separate dining room or seating area, sometimes you just want somewhere to sit and have a casual coffee. A couple of kitchen stools at the end or the side of your kitchen worktop in a space that isn't really being used for anything else can add another dimension to your small kitchen.
If you have a small island in your kitchen then it can be worth adding seating there as well and doubling it up as a casual dining area with a place to prepare food and clean up too.
#3 Brighten it up
We'll have a quick look at some colour scheme that suit small kitchens below however to make the room seem bigger then using natural light and bright colours can have a big impact.
Even when it comes to things like your kitchen blinds you should aim to lighter colours instead of dark. Replacing your existing kitchen doors with lighter or even glossy colours have also brighten the room up and make it seem larger. We have an extensive range of light cupboards doors here at the Kitchen Warehouse that you can use to great effect.
The brighter your small kitchen is particular with natural light then the bigger it is going to seem.
#4 Install drawers instead of cupboards
Ok, so you will need a few cupboards in your kitchens but try and focus on drawers instead.
Why? Well, drawers provides easier access to a range of different items that would otherwise be stuck at the back of your kitchen cupboard. We all know the task of rummage through our cupboards to get that one item we haven't used in months but with drawers you get easier access. This means you can potentially store more things in the kitchen but it will reduce a lot of the clutter you have in your cupboards as well.
Drawers themselves can offer a cleaner and more organised look in the kitchen than cupboards even if the contents themselves are a bit of a mess.
#5 Get smaller appliances
Do you really need a massive kettle and toaster that toasts 8 pieces of bread at once when there are only 2 of you living there? What about a large oven that is better suited to a family of 6?
Investing in compact appliances can help save a lot of room and is one of the best ways as to how a small kitchen can work best. This really depends on how many people live there and are using the kitchen however if you can get away with it then small worktop appliances and white goods can go a long way to increasing the space you have available.
You don't need to have smaller everything but even just a few different compact appliances will open up more room for you.
Colour schemes for small kitchens
If you really want to know how small kitchens can work best then getting the colour scheme right is important.
Using neutral and bright colours can work wonders for a small kitchen. In fact, there are various methods you can use with paint which will improve how big your kitchen looks and feels. Eve things such as creating an accent wall can go a long way to achieving this as well.
Remember to avoid dull and darker colours in small spaces as even if you have a lot of natural light it will still feel cramped a very claustrophobic.
How a small kitchen can work best
Just because your kitchen isn't blessed with a massive amount of space doesn't mean that you can't make the most of it and have a beautiful designed room.
Smaller is often better particularly if there aren't that many people using the kitchen. I'm sure most of us would love a huge kitchen with endless possibilities but the reality is a bit different. If you have a small kitchen then these space saving tips and colour design schemes will really help you to not only physically open up the space you have but also give the impression that the room is larger too.
A small kitchen can work best in many instances and it is often the best choice for many people because it means less mess, less clean up and there are less things to think about from a design point of view too.
If you need any help in designing a small kitchen or want some advice how to make the most of the room you have available to you then don't hesitate to get in touch with our expert team.
The post How a Small Kitchen Can Work Best appeared first on Kitchen Blog | Kitchen Design, Style Tips & Ideas | Kitchen Warehouse UK.
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organizing your linen closet
We don't have a typical linen closet in our home, so I made my own by adding 2 cabinets in the master bath.
They have glass doors on them so it helps me to keep everything inside neat and organized.
I wanted to show you one of them today and show you how I keep it organized in hopes that it will help you if you are planning on organizing your linen closet.
If you are new to my blog you probably don't know that I keep my keurig coffee maker in the bathroom. I know it's not typical, but it works for me, as it is behind doors and it's very convenient in the mornings.
I like to keep mugs in there as well so I don't need to run out to the kitchen to get them in the morning. Can you tell I am a "coffee first" person? Keeping them in a pretty tray makes them look like they have more of a purpose, and keeps it from looking messy.
I also keep extra water in there to refill the keurig. I just recycle the bottles from beverages.
I like to stick with one color towel, and white always, as they bleach nicely.
The baskets on the top shelf hold misc. items that aren't in pretty packaging and don't need to stand out.
I do have a lot of pillow shams, and I like to keep them in a tray as well and stacked nicely by color groupings. It makes it easier when I am switching out pillows for the seasons.
The twin for this cabinet sits on the other side of the vanity and holds extra sheets, jewelry, makeup, lotions, etc.
If you are interested in any of the items I used, you can click the links below!
White and gold tray
Coffee mugs
Keurig
Galvanized tray {similar}
Baskets
Cabinets {similar}
xoxo
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How I Plan to Live My Best Life in 2019!
Happy New Year! Welcome 2019! I hope you enjoyed the holidays and are now ready to take on the world, or at least take on living in the best way you possibly can in all aspects of your life. I know I am going to try. Free Printable Calendar: The Cottage Market Last year at...
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If you enjoyed this post you may also enjoy the easy to follow DIY Decorating Tutorials and Creative Ideas on my blog, In My Own Style.com Republishing this article in full or in part is a violation of Copyright law @2009-2015, all rights reserved
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Unwanted Christmas Tree Pests
Christmas trees are vulnerable to thousands of spider mites, praying mantis eggs and more.
Did you know that up to 20,000 bugs could be lurking in a single Christmas tree? This holiday season, we're here to help and have a checklist of things to consider before bringing your tree into the house.
Christmas tree pests include:
Aphids are common pests of evergreen trees and the warm conditions of the home may cause overwintering aphid eggs to hatch. Cinara aphids are large brown while black aphids that resemble small swollen ticks. These aphids do not bite or spread diseases and they will not feed on regular house plants.
Adelgids can produce cottony secretions over their bodies that might resemble snow on a Christmas tree.
Spider mites produce fine webbing and can appear as tiny red and brown dots when shaken out of the tree. The mites also create small red stains on carpets, ornaments, or furnishings and quickly die after the tree is cut.
Praying mantis eggs can hatch when introduced to the warmth of the home and if so, there can be hundreds of tiny mantids wandering in search for food.
Beetles and non-threatening spiders can also be found on Christmas trees.
It is important to note that none of the insects that emerge from a fresh-cut tree will cause any harm or damage to the tree, house, furnishing or occupants. Do not spray Christmas trees with pesticides, as they may do more harm than the insects themselves.
If you'd like to learn more about what to watch out for this holiday season, see this recent news story (click here) featuring one of our Regional Trainers discussing the topic of pests and Christmas trees.
The post Unwanted Christmas Tree Pests appeared first on Terminix Pest Control.
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Top 5 Tips for Inviting Bath Designs
Learn How to Create an Inviting Guest Bathroom Design in Your Bucks County Home
One of the best things about the holiday season is having people to stay in your home. Entertaining guests is important, but so too is creating a sanctuary for them with a well-prepared guest bathroom. To ensure your visitors feel happy and relaxed, good bath design is called for, along with a few extra touches for a guest bathroom or powder room.
1. KEEP IT SIMPLE
As with any bathroom design, invest in a good shower, toilet and sink with a vanity. Make sure there is a mirror and decent lighting for people to get ready. A bathtub probably won't be necessary in your guest bathroom design unless you anticipate visitors with small children. While you can experiment with color in the master bathroom, it's best to adhere to a neutral or monochrome palette in the guest bath. Play with textures and shapes and incorporate a statement piece but try to appeal to everyone's taste.
2. LUXURY TOUCHES
You're not running a hotel, but it's still nice to add luxe extras for your guests to enjoy during their stay. They'll probably bring basic toiletries but put out a basket of high-end pampering products as well as supplying essentials they may have forgotten. Have a plush robe on hand for each person in addition to fluffy towels in different sizes, remembering to hang hooks or rails for them to dry on. Candles and diffusers give a welcoming feel and show your guests that you've taken the time to make them feel special.
3. TAKE TIME TO SET UP
While it's important to show visitors that everything is at hand, things should be displayed with thought and presented meticulously. Open shelving is the best solution as people can find what they need without rooting around. When displaying items, sort them into groups and then vary their size, to give an ordered yet interesting look. Hairdryers and toilet paper can go in a little vanity included in your customized bathroom design storage.
4. LEAVE SPACE
Remember to leave some space free when planning your remodel. Guests will appreciate having somewhere to put their own essentials. Resist the urge to accessorize too much. Guests might have to move a bowl of potpourri to clear space for their medications and essential toiletries! Also, remember that this is not a room to store your extra things. It should be a dedicated room for guests, at least while they are staying with you.
5. PRACTICALITIES
Think about who will be coming and for how long. Bathroom rugs are a good idea to prevent elderly people slipping on a tiled floor. If your guests are long-term visitors (more than a few days) then include a laundry basket for them to use. Don't forget extra touches like plungers, air neutralizers and extra toilet paper, to avoid potential embarrassment. This also applies to your frequently used powder room.
The master bathroom is often the main priority in bath design, but the guest bathroom design should feel special too. Look at our bathroom gallery for more ideas and contact our design experts to help you create an inviting bath remodel that will wow your guests for years to come.
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How to Make An 'I'm Bored' Jar
Muuummmmmm, I'm bored…
Yeah. We've heard these infamous words before. Kids of all generations are known to utter these words, especially during the school holidays when they have time on their hands. The thing is, it is GOOD for kids to be bored… but if they are driving you mental, here is an easy way to make an 'I'm Bored' jar.
What you will need:
20 paddle pop sticks
Small glass jar or cup
Ribbon to make it pretty (optional)
Sharpie pen or similar
Write your twenty ideas on the end of each paddle pop stick and place them word-side down in the jar. As soon as you hear those 'infamous' words… 'I'm Bored', ask your child to take one and complete the task. I've included some fun things, some chores and some outings. I've put some suggestions below, but tailor the suggestions to your child and situation.
Chores:
Help with the washing up
Tidy your bedroom
Walk the dog (age appropriate)
Wash the dog
Sort out your bookshelf
Empty the dishwasher
Sweep the house
Pick up any toys on the lawn.
Water the plants.
Outings and Activities:
Go to the local library
Organise a trip to the park
Call a friend and ask them to come over for a play
Go to the beach.
Go fishing
Go swimming at the local pool
Climb a tree
Fly a kite
Set up a tent in the back yard.
Things to Do at Home:
Read a book
Tidy your bedroom
Bake cupcakes (with a grown-up)
Make some play dough
Watch a movie
Play a board game
Play on the trampoline
Draw with chalk
Build a fort in the lounge room
Ride your bike
Have a water balloon fight
Make a bookmark.
Wash the car.
Dance to your favourite song
Bake some biscuits.
Make a pet rock.
Learn how to count to ten in another language
Build a Lego town
Do you have more activities to add to the I'm Bored Jar list?
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Whole30 Zoodles and Meat Sauce
These healthy Whole30 zoodles (spiralized zucchini noodles) and hearty meat sauce combinations will hit the spot when pasta cravings hit!
My favorite Whole30 vegetable noodles
Spiralized zucchini noodles (a.k.a. zoodles) are the original low-carb pasta alternative, and they're dead-simple to make-provided you have the right tools. I spiralize my own vegetables at home with an Inspiralizer (my favorite spiralizer on the market), but there are plenty of other tools you can use to make your own veggie noodles.
Although zoodles are the most popular vegetable noodles, you can spiralize a whole bunch of different vegetables to sop up various tasty Whole30-compliant meat sauces. Besides zucchini, my favorite veggies to spiralize include carrots, butternut squash, white sweet potatoes, thick broccoli stems, and daikon. You just need to make sure the vegetables you use aren't too thin or narrow and you're good to go.
Need more ideas? My pal, Ali Maffucci, has a whole website dedicated to spiralized vegetables!
Want to make Whole30-friendly veggie noodles but don't have a spiralizer? Try cooked spaghetti squash. If you haven't tried my Instant Pot Spaghetti Squash recipe, prepare to have your mind blown!
My favorite Whole30-friendly zoodles and meat sauce recipes
Instant Pot Zucchini Bolognese: This simple and quick Whole30-friendly Instant Pot Zucchini Bolognese recipe is a riff on Meghan Markle's original version, but a whole lot meatier!
Instant Pot Oxtail Stew: This meaty stew is one of my favorite comfort meals any time of year. It's a cinch to throw together in a pressure cooker and this Whole30-friendly ragu tastes amazing on zoodles, cauliflower rice, or paired with a green salad.
Zoodles and Meatballs: This simple and easy Whole30 weeknight meal is perfect for folks who want a healthier version of traditional spaghetti and meatballs!
Sunday Gravy: If you have a copy of our latest cookbook, Ready or Not!, you can flip to page 152 for the ultimate meaty sauce for your veggie noodles!
Want more inspiration from my past January Whole30s? Check out my Day 6 posts from 2018 and 2017!
2018 Whole30 Day 6: Umami Roast Chicken
2017 Whole30 Day 6: Pig In A Skillet
A note to my Nomsters: This is one of a series of daily blog posts I'm writing in the month of January 2019 to help those doing a Whole30 to kick off the New Year. Not sure what the Whole30 is, or want info on how to get started? Read my Whole30 prep post-and then come back to Nom Nom Paleo every single day for recipes to inspire, delight, and sustain you on your Whole30!
Looking for more recipe ideas? Head on over to my Recipe Index. You'll also find exclusive recipes on my iPhone and iPad app, and in my cookbooks, Nom Nom Paleo: Food for Humans (Andrews McMeel Publishing 2013) and Ready or Not! (Andrews McMeel Publishing 2017)!
The post Whole30 Zoodles and Meat Sauce appeared first on Nom Nom Paleo®.
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Why a Bad Drip Sequence Is Worse than No Drip Sequence
We've all been there.
Tempted by that perfect piece of content, we gladly offer up our email addresses, only to regret it later. With each generic, templated email we receive, we're one step closer to hitting the unsubscribe button.
Well, guess what. If you can sniff out a mass email from a mile away - so can your leads. Because the one thing we seem to keep forgetting is that no two subscribers are ever the same, and over-relying on the same played-out drip sequence won't help you win their loyalty.
But what if you could close more deals with less effort by simply using your tech tools more intentionally?
If you're looking for ways to use automation to connect with your leads on a deeper, more human level - keep reading. We've got some proven tips to help you use tech for good.
Real estate drip campaigns are not a cure-all
Before we dive deeper into how to fix your drip campaigns, let's talk a little more about why they're broken in the first place. Because the irony is, we all know we need to nurture our leads. We've heard it a million times.
We've read all about the business owners who make 50% more sales at 33% less cost because of their awesomely warmed-up databases. And the 18X more revenue targeted emails can bring. But these results often feel like they're meant for someone else, someone who has more time, more resources, or both.
So what most of us end up doing is set up an automated drip sequence, and walk away. We feel good about having ticked another box off the “should-do” marketing list, but deep down, we wonder how effective it'll actually be.
Because the truth is, in today's always-on age of chatbots and social media, having a drip campaign for the sake of simply “staying in front of” your prospects no longer makes sense.
Buyers are more empowered than ever before. And though the volume of homes hasn't changed all that much (we're looking at the first major market shift in a decade), the ways in which we sell those homes have changed dramatically.
It's time come out and say it: All this technology is making agents lazy.
To be fair, maybe “overwhelmed” is a better word. But whichever way you cut it, not calling leads, ignoring emails and sending the same generic auto-responder to all prospects just proves most agents don't really understand their leads - and worse, they're not concerned with making themselves truly valuable to their prospects.
Still, the numbers don't lie. 80% of marketing automation users have seen an increase in leads, and 77% have seen the number of conversions increase. The question isn't whether or not you should use technology - obviously, this stuff works.
The real question is this:
How can you use technology to stay one step ahead of the competitors, disruptors and ultra-informed leads who are permanently changing the way homes are bought and sold?
Scrap the generic drip sequence and close more deals
From VR property viewings to transaction management via the blockchain, most agents are afraid of being replaced by technology.
According to Joshua Smith coach, mentor and host of the #1 Most Downloaded Real Estate Agent Podcast, GSD Mode, “There are several things happening in our industry currently. First, we have a market shift that is taking place, but this is nothing new for our industry, just remember: 'There Is No Such Thing as a Bad Market, It Is Always Good for Someone'. As Real Estate Agents, we need to identify who the market is good for and adapt to serve their needs. That's how you thrive in shifts.”
As disruptors continue to shake up even the most tried and true industry best practices, experts like Joshua say that what separates the winning agents from the rest is whether or not you can resist the urge to bury your head in the sand. “We need to take massive action on this as the future role of the real estate agent depends on it,” says Joshua.
Segment your list based on what really matters
Let's imagine a perfect scenario where prospects walk right into your office with a complete profile including details about their knowledge of your brand, level of interest in buying or selling, what type of house they're into, budget, etc. That'd be amazing, right?
But since it's rarely (if ever) the case that you have that much intel, you need to put a real effort into narrowing down your lead segments based on what you do know about them. Then, regroup your sales and marketing efforts to consistently deliver what they want, when they want it.
Most CRMs allow you to get extremely specific, narrowing it down to:
Demographics: Income, Family size, Occupation, Gender, Race, Generation
Geographic aspects: School district, Neighborhood, Employer, City
Psychographic aspects: Pet owners, Lifestyle seekers, Friends/Family in the neighborhood, etc.
In Follow Up Boss, we think a simple approach is best:
Lead type: New leads, buyer leads, seller leads, past clients and of course, hot leads
Lead behavior: Price, lead stage, last activity
No matter which of the hundreds of CRMs you've singled out as the one that'll work for you and your team, it should be flexible enough to adapt to the real-world behaviors of your leads - and your team - so that you're always ready to act anytime a lead takes a big leap forward in their buying journey.
Keep your emails succinct and human
There's something about the 9-Word Email that makes it so effective.
Business owners who use it say the engagement with their leads is higher and that leads convert faster. So next time you're sending out an email, why not try it out?
You could write something simple like, “Are you still interested in housing in South Carolina?” or “Have you seen our new listings in Wrigleyville, Chicago?”
In Follow Up Boss, you can create Smart Lists of segmented leads and send tailored follow up emails your leads will actually reply to. Here's a quick example:
Hey [Lead Name],
I've been sending you new listings for a little while now and just wanted to check in to make sure I'm sending the kinds of houses you're interested in.
Want me to make some adjustments? Or any you'd like to schedule a showing of?
[Agent Name]
Let's not forget, one of the main reasons consumers love technology is because it's so simple to get a fast, frictionless reply. Make it easy and they won't be able to resist.
Plus, all customers care about the little things. Let's say you've closed a sale - this doesn't mean your work is done.
Show your gratitude by using a personalized drip campaign to send a short “Thank you for trusting us” email, then add your new customer into a past client follow up sequence that includes a mix of direct mail, phone and email correspondence. Trust us, it will make a difference.
Never forget the power of face-to-face interaction
We obviously believe technology is a force for good. But even we have to admit that it comes with a serious downside.
For one, nearly half of the US population is lonely.
No matter how many awesome tech tools are at our disposal, nothing can replace human connection. Successful real estate agents know it's important to truly connect with their leads and clients - on the phone, via video and, not least, in person.
Want more on how to win with video? See how agents like Taylor Hack, Team Leader of HACK&Co use video to build a personal connection with leads.
Leading agents use tools like BombBomb to put a face to their drip campaigns, making it that much easier to stand out above the noise get a face-to-face appointment. In fact, even simply using the word “video” in your subject line can boost open rates by 19% and clickthrough rates by 65%.
This stuff is powerful.
For times when you can't connect in person, sending a quick, personalized thank you video message is the next best thing. And if you want to get even more personal with your leads, check out how real estate agent Kinny Landrum uses BombBomb to send (belated but still awesome) birthday wishes.
Your focus is all you have
With technology taking over industry after industry, it's natural to feel a bit uneasy. But whatever you do, don't waste your time focusing on the wrong things. Because at the end of the day, your focus is the only thing that matters.
It's the one thing you can count on to make sure that every time you pick up the phone, text a reply or hit send on an email, the person on the other side knows you're worth their time. So focus your full attention on the people who are most ready to buy. And do it every day.
For everyone else, take a day or two to step out of the chaos and create a truly relevant drip sequence that delivers value at every step of the journey. Keep them short, sweet and use the tools available to you to show them you're a real person with real insights they can rely on. Automation is here to help you with that. But it can't do it all on its own.
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