23 minute read
Random Acts of Flowers
Spring Cleaning Can’t Restore Your Home’s Hardwood Floors
SPRINGTIME IS that time of the year for many of us when we engage once again in that annual ritual of spring cleaning. Windows, cabinets, draperies, floors, and carpeting are all thoroughly washed, waxed, and cleaned. Our homes are once again as spotless as the day we moved in.
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But there’s one area of your home that all the cleaning and elbow grease in the world can’t restore, and that’s your home’s hardwood floors. Cleaning cannot remove scratches, dents, gouges, fading, and the UV damage that hardwood floors experience. European Fine Hardwood Floors has been helping Knoxville area homeowners rediscover the natural beauty of their home’s hardwood floors using the same expertise learned from highly skilled European craftsmen combined with today’s state-of-the-art technology.
Did you know that your home’s hardwood flooring can be restored to its original, like-new condition without the inconvenience and mess typically associated with conventional hardwood floor refinishing? Thanks to the latest technology from Bona, the world’s leader in innovative hardwood floor finishing and refinishing, your floors can be finished or refinished nearly dustfree and odor-free, with a wide variety of proprietary finishes from Bona.
Valera Tomescu, owner and founder of European Fine Hardwood Floors, first learned his craft in Europe from other experienced craftsmen and then furthered his expertise by earning a Bona Certified Craftsman certification. Valera’s training, experience, and certification represents a skill level in the hardwood floor finishing and refinishing marketplace that is earned by very few individuals.
If this spring is the season that you decide to restore that showcase quality look to your home’s worn, faded, and damaged hardwood floors, you are invited to discover the European Fine Hardwood Floors difference for yourself. Experience a level of craftsmanship that you might have thought no longer existed combined with today’s cutting-edge technology. Nearly dust-free, you can now have the hardwood floors you want without the mess. And while you’re at it, why not ask Valera about updating your hardwood flooring’s stain color?
Call Valera for your free, no-obligation, in-home consultation today.
European Fine Hardwood Floors
865.640.3680 www.knoxvillehardwoodrefinishing.com Certified Craftsman by Bona
Help Random Acts of Flowers Help Others
OUR MISSION at Random Acts of Flowers is to improve the emotional health and wellbeing of individuals in healthcare facilities by delivering re-purposed flowers, encouragement, and personal moments of kindness. We accomplish this mission with the hard work of our more than 400 dedicated volunteers, our numerous sponsors, and our committed Perennial Society members; however, we can always use more support to keep delivering hope to our community.
Helping Random Acts of Flowers serve others can take many forms. To make a financial donation, you can visit our website at www.RAFKnoxville.org and click on the “Donation” tab to make a contribution online, or you can mail a check to 2936 Middlebrook Pike, Knoxville, TN 37921.
Another way to financially support Random Acts of Flowers is to have your next private celebration or team building event here at our workshop or at your facility. These events typically include an overview of Random Acts of Flowers and its mission, followed by a demonstration on how to create beautiful flower arrangements. Participants are then guided through the process of creating flower arrangements that will be delivered to individuals in local healthcare facilities.
Volunteering is another way that one can support our effort, and there are a variety of volunteering opportunities available, including volunteering to pick up donated flowers, prepping donated flowers, creating the bouquets, and delivering the completed bouquets.
For more information on making a donation, having a Random Acts of Flowers event, or volunteering, please call us at 865-633-9082, email us at info@ RAFKnoxville.org, or visit our website at www.RAFKnoxville.org.
BY CHRISTINA FITZWILLIAM, CO-OWNER OF SURFACE DOC, INC.
THAT SANDY strip of grout between your tiles is a very
water on the grout line and see if it remains on top of the grout surface or soaks right in. If it disappears, it’s time to re-seal. High important part of your traffic areas will tend to wear more quickly. floor. Without it, anything Once you have determined if it is time to spilled on your floors re-seal, first make sure your floor is free of would start an ecosystem all soil. Remove all the stains possible. You of its own. Your grout is may need help from a professional. your first line of defense John We at Surface Doc get more requests for tile against soil, dirt, and Fitzwilliam and grout cleaning than any other service we liquids. A properly sealed offer. We use a four-step restoration process grout line will protect the integrity of your combining high heat, eco-friendly emulsifiers, floors, but a tile and grout floor that has adjustable pressure, and contained suction. not been sealed acts like a sponge, soaking Once a surface is deep cleaned and sanitized, up every nasty spill and particle of dirt it we recommend a high-quality sealer to keep encounters. New grout should always be it looking new. properly sealed, cleaned regularly, and a Surface Doc uses patented tools that get new application of quality sealer should be and provides a breeding ground for bacte- into the deep porous areas of your floor, applied every 12-24 months thereafter. ria, mold, and mildew. Chemicals can cause and the result is remarkable. Give John a
Cleaning your grout can be tricky. discoloration and break down the integrity call today for a free, no-hassle cleaning Scrubbing the grout may remove dirt on of your grout, leading to costly repairs. In demonstration and professional quote for the surface of the grout but not eliminate addition, marble, granite, or high gloss tiles your home or business. the stain. Stains can then creep back up to are especially sensitive to some cleaners, the surface again, causing frustration to the which can lead to permanent damage. homeowner. Bathrooms pose the toughest The best way to test whether your grout challenge since this room tends to be damp needs resealing is to place a few drops of
Surface Doc uses patented tools that get into the deep porous areas of your floor, and the result is remarkable. Give John a call today for a free, no-hassle cleaning demonstration and professional quote for your home or business.
Surface Doc
865.567.1986 www.surfacedoc.com
designs you can TRUST
Brighten Your Home!
C E L E B R A T I N G 10
years!
Luckily, spring is right around the corner! Our surroundings influence our moods, and color is proven to be one of those influences. After all of the winter greys and neutrals, bright spring colors are a welcome addition!
One of the many factors we consider when designing a home is color theory, and we combine that with your personal preferences for a curated color palette.
Since it's March let's consider green. All greens are rooted in nature, and bring a touch of the outdoors in. However, colors change a space a little differently based on their shades and tints. A bright kelly green will feel bold and energetic, but a soft mint green, feels relaxing and calming.
The bedroom on the right utilizes both of these colors with a bright pink to create a upbeat and vibrant space, that still promotes restful sleep.
Add a boost to your day by adding the colors you love in your home. Need help finding the perfect hues? That's where we come in. Give us a call today!
FURNITURE | BEDDING LIGHTING | ART | ACCESSORIES WALL & FLOOR COVERINGS WINDOW TREATMENTS HUNTER DOUGLAS
Complimentary Consultations
Dogs Need Friends Too!
MSCSBEDANDBISCUITS.COM
Socialization is Essential
BEHAVIOR IS a product of nature and nurture - a mix of genetics and experience. Undersocialized dogs, including the “Covid Dogs” we discussed last month, can exhibit various problems, including:
General fearfulness - These dogs can have crippling anxiety about anything that’s unfamiliar, manifesting in an unwillingness to approach new situations and environments. An under-socialized dog’s world is very small because life outside the front door is frightening and unpredictable.
Reactivity - Not having the coping skills to appropriately respond to stressful scenarios, these dogs react defensively in an effort to maintain a buffer from the “scary” stimulus. They are not mean dogs, just scared dogs.
Nervous with people - If a dog doesn’t have the opportunity to meet friendly strangers at his own pace, he might react fearfully - whether retreating or barking preemptively.
Uncomfortable with dogs - Dogs who aren’t able to meet other dogs of all ages and sizes will be wary of making new canine friends. Without exposure to the language of doggy play, it’s easy for a dog to misconstrue a frisky nip as an invitation to fight.
Hard to handle - An under-socialized dog may hate being handled, making grooming (brushes & combs torture devices!), teeth cleaned, or nails clipped very challenging - if not impossible.
It’s not the quantity of experiences your dog has when developing socialization and communication skills - it’s the quality. The secret to a positive outcome? Don’t push it too fast; start doggy daycare with half-day sessions, then full-day, followed by overnight camp. Allow your pet to adjust to new environments at his own pace. That’s where our IDP (Individual Development Plans) come into play. Call today to begin developing your dog’s socialization skills!
Ms. C’s Bed & Biscuits
2145 Beals Chapel Road Lenoir City, TN 37772 865.986.6325 www.MsCsBedandBiscuits.com
What’s New at the Zoo?
ZOO KNOXVILLE has welcomed some new baby animals! A silveredleaf langur monkey was born on November 30 of 2020. Unlike the adults of this species who are gray and black, baby langurs are bright orange! The baby, who was introduced to the group last month, will retain this orange color and not darken completely until it is 3 to 6 months old. The monkeys are a part of the Silvered-Leaf Langur Species Survival Plan.
The zoo also got two Christmas presents last year - a baby Hartmann’s mountain zebra and a new baby giraffe within days of each other! The zebra baby is the first one to be born at Zoo Knoxville, and the baby giraffe is only the second born here. All three babies are doing well and are so adorable, you need to see them in person!
Creators and builders are hard at work on the ARC Center - The Clayton Family Amphibian and Reptile Conservation - for the grand opening this spring. Each area is crafted with insights from the animals’ curators and keepers for their specific species and habitat. Spray concrete is molded and sculpted to resemble rock formations, river beds, and other geographic features to give the coming residents the best experience possible. The North American River Otters will be getting an awesome new home there as well!
With Zoo Knox STEM Boxes, budding naturalists can learn more about some of their favorite animal friends without leaving the house. Each home-delivered box includes a variety of Zoo Knoxville made and curated items to help students learn all about animals and engage in hands-on STEM learning. Themes vary month to month but will always focus on animals that are right here at Zoo Knoxville. The STEM Boxes are geared towards elementary-aged students but can be fun for the whole family.
Be sure to sign up early for Zoo Knoxville Summer Camps for ages 4-13. There are camps for spring and fall school breaks, too. Wildly Fun Zoo Camp has themes from Where the Wild Things Are to Amazing Race Zoo to Crazy Weird Science. All camps are held at Zoo Knoxville rain or shine. Programs fill quickly and are on a first-come, first-serve basis. For more information, contact zkfamily@zooknoxville.org.
Check out the Zoo Knoxville website at www.zooknoxville.org for interesting animal facts, and follow Zoo Knoxville on Facebook for updates and cute videos!
presents
Royal Flush by Frank Pesci
March 11 • 7:30 pm | March 12 • 7:30 pm | March 13 • 2:30 & 7:30 pm Tennessee Amphitheater - World’s Fair Park
IN THE WORLD premiere of Frank Pesci’s “Royal Flush,” four sisters (either by blood or common experience) size each other up over one hand of poker. The fifth - their “mother” - manages the proceedings, calls the game, and calmly deals. With each card, one of the four sisters reflects on the hand they are dealt - both in the game and in their lives - and, in the process, reveals their “tell.” The stubbornness and competitiveness of the four sisters push them all to advance terrible hands while the dealer quietly assembles a Royal Flush. As they try to exploit each other’s “tells,” the nature of their relationships comes to light in a hilarious and heartwarming fashion.
Online and in-person tickets are available. In-person seating will be limited based on guidelines regarding social distancing. For tickets or more information, visit www.marblecityopera.com.
Get the Most Out of Your Home’s Outdoor Living Spaces
THE SUN is getting stronger, and the days are getting longer. Before you know it, summer will be here, and with it will come the endless possibilities to enjoy your home’s backyard experience. In East Tennessee, homeowners are creating more outdoor living spaces, but are you really enjoying your new spaces to their full potential? If your outdoor space does not include retractable screen solutions, then the answer is most likely no. And here’s why.
Homeowners are increasingly adding outdoor “rooms,” like porches and lanais with fireplaces, beautiful lighting, complete kitchens with grills, refrigerators and work areas, and even weather-proof artwork. However, the hot afternoon sun and biting insects often keep homeowners from fully enjoying their new outdoor spaces.
Retractable screens provide a solution to these problems. By combining indoor and outdoor spaces, these screen solutions enhance and promote the outdoor living experience. They provide shade, allowing your friends and family to enjoy being outdoors during hot summer days, and also extend the time spent on patios by blocking biting insects that can spoil your evening events.
Large, motorized screens are the perfect solution for blending function and comfort. These screens can be recessed into the beams or walls of your home, thereby staying truly hidden when fully retracted. And the best part about using your retractable screens is that these screening solutions don’t diminish the views or your home’s esthetics, as the screens are in place only when needed.
For the ultimate in elegance, most retractable screen solutions can be blended into virtually any architectural style. They are available in a variety of custom colors and wood grain finishes that help to blend the screens with your interior and exterior color and decorating schemes and can also be programmed to come down and retract with sun and wind sensors and be connected to your home’s automation system to have the screens come down at a specific time of day when extra shade or insect protection is called for.
For more information about how to begin enjoying your home’s outdoor living areas to their fullest potential, call 865-919-1615 or visit www.tennesseescreens.com.
Screens of East Tennessee
865.919.1615 www.tennesseescreens.com www.phantomscreens.com
BY DAVID BREWSTER, OWNER OF AQUA CLEAR WATER SYSTEMS, LLC
WE AT Aqua Clear Water Systems believe that upgrading your home with a water filtration system is the #1 way to increase your home’s value and your family’s health. In the past year, we’ve spent more time in our homes than ever before, and the housing market has absolutely exploded. So, we’d like to give you 5 reasons why a Kinetico Water System is your next best home improvement investment. 1. Improved Water Quality, Taste & Odor. East Tennessee’s water is known for its hardness, as well as chlorine, iron, sediment, and other harmful contaminants polluting the water. A whole house Kinetico water filtration system can remove all of these contaminants to give you tasteless, odorless, and silky feeling soft water throughout your home. 2. Improved Life of Appliances & Fixtures. A system will protect your home from damages caused by a variety of water contaminants! You could be extending the life of your water heater, washing machine, dishwasher, pipes, refrigerator, and more by installing a Kinetico water system, because reducing the build-up in these appliances allows them to work efficiently. 3. Increased Value of Your Home. With the housing market booming, we’d love to help you get a bigger bang for your buck when selling. An article titled 10 Upgrades That Increase Home Values by Forbes stated “this amenity will pay off now and in the future when it’s time to sell.” 4. Improved Health. Chlorine is a harmful chemical used to treat bacteria in water. While it’s necessary to kill bacteria, chlorine can’t differentiate between good and bad bacteria. When you shower in chlorinated tap water, your skin absorbs the chlorine like a sponge, leaving your health at risk. To name a few, high amounts of chlorine can cause breathing and lung problems, as well as cancer from THMs agents. Filtering your water could save you from unnecessary illnesses. 5. Improved Skin & Hair. A whole house filtration system reduces the amount of build-up on your appliances, as well as your skin and hair. Who wouldn’t want that? Softened water results in brighter skin, shinier hair, and longer-lasting clothes.
Now that you know the benefits of installing a whole-home filtration system, we’d love the opportunity to help you improve your home in 2021 by doing an in-person or virtual free water health check-up. We’ll come to your house for FREE or connect via Zoom. It’s your choice! For Everything Knoxville readers only, we’re offering an exclusive designer faucet in the color of your choice ($195 value) and $200 off when you purchase a system before March 31, 2021. Give us a call or text today, and become a part of the ACWS family!
Aqua Clear Water Systems
1767 Kevin Lane Lenoir City, TN 37772 865.234.1970 www.aquaclearws.com
WHEN YOU STARTED working from home last March, more than likely you didn’t put much thought into where you did your work. You probably thought it was only temporary. It wasn’t.
Here we are more than year after the Covid pandemic changed so many aspects of our daily lives, especially working from home. The makeshift home offices we created that involved working on the laptop from the bed or flipping through files on the living room sofa are no longer acceptable. That’s why, in 2021 and beyond, home offices will be more important than ever.
Approximately 40% of Americans are now working from home full-time. In fact, many Americans want to continue working from home even after the pandemic ends. So one of today’s top home trends is adding a home office or renovating an existing space in the house to work.
“As people continue to work from home, they don’t want to hold Zoom meetings or answer calls from the kitchen table,” explained Kathryn Norton, co-owner of Tailored Living of Knoxville. “Our customers want to develop a work space that will maximize their concentration, motivation, and productivity. However, having an office at home doesn’t need to be extravagant. With the right design, an extra bedroom, closet, quiet corner, or loft can all be used to fill this need.”
No matter where you choose to put your new home office, there are some important aspects to consider:
Don’t Sacrifice Form for Function
Your desk, shelves, and storage should serve you, not the other way around. Consider your workflow and what items you need at your fingertips. While a basic office desk from a big-box store may be inexpensive, it probably won’t fit your needs. A custom home office doesn’t have to be expensive, just designed for your needs to enhance productivity.
Invest in a Great Chair
You spend hours sitting in your office chair; an ergonomically correct, comfortable seat is worth every dime!
Master Your Technology
Hide unsightly cords. Start by making sure your equipment is close to outlets and easy to access. Feed the cords into a desk grommet that helps guide cords through a hole in the desk and hides them underneath. Tame the cord jungle on the floor with cord winders, tubing, or a wire organizer.
Let There Be Light
Cut down on eyestrain and headaches by making sure you have plenty of light. Also, plan the position of the computer monitor so there’s no glare from a window or overhead light.
No mater the size of your office, call Tailored Living of Knoxville to give you a design that maximizes your storage space and budget!
Tailored Living featuring PremierGarage 865.947.8686 www.TailoredLivingKnoxville.com
TAILORED
TO THE WAY YOU LIVE
LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED | FREE CONSULTATION 865.947.8686
TailoredLivingKnoxville.com
mudroom PANTRY OFFICE
Nouveau Classics
Contemporary Furniture & Interior Design
– Paula Clancy
DESIGN, FASHION, and function are all key to Paula’s designs. A sharp awareness of new trends around the world has kept her a step ahead of the competition. She also has the unique ability to connect with her clients on a personal level. That connection and experience create energized, inspired, comfortable spaces.
“I sell a complete package… whether the client is buying one piece or a whole room, I am there from beginning to end,” states Paula. “Listening to my clients, helping them achieve the look they are after, originality, and customer service are key elements to a successful end result.”
Paula has 30+ years’ experience in retail furniture and interior design through her business, Nouveau Classics. During this time, she has built long-term relationships with high-design companies that offer superior, quality products from Europe, Canada, and the U.S. As a result, Paula is able to offer nothing but the best for her clients.
Whether you engage Paula for designing, renovating, or staging, she will challenge you to take your spaces to a new level. One that is beautiful, sophisticated, and stands the test of time.
101 S. Gay Street Knoxville, TN 37902 865.525.4755 www.nouveauclassics.com
Impactful Architectural Images
for Interior Design, Airbnb, and Real Estate
A full-service Real Estate and Architectural Media company providing social media strategy, high impact photography, video walkthroughs, and 3D tours.
The Fleenor Security Difference
AND WE’RE BACK! Fleenor Security Systems is proud to be serving the Knoxville area once again as your local and trusted source for complete home security and automation. We have become one of the largest family-owned security companies in Tennessee, with offices in Johnson City and Knoxville.
What makes us different?
Many of our customers choose us after experiencing the frustration of having to call a 1-800 number out of state to request a service call, resolve billing, or find an answer to a simple question.
Our business is to help protect your family and your property, and we understand that when a problem arises, you need answers promptly. The 24/7 Fleenor central monitoring station is always on duty, and our Knoxville office is staffed with professionals who are familiar with your system, where your home or business is located, and ready to help you.
Utilizing your own smartphone as your “command center,” our industry-leading smart technology enables you to control the lights, lock the doors, lower the thermostat when away from home, open and close the garage door, and even check in on cameras at your home to see if a package has arrived! For added peace of mind, our business customers also have the same smartphone convenience with security system control, remote viewing of cameras, and the availability to be notified of any unusual activity. Our local specialists are well-trained, experienced industry professionals who can evaluate, design, and install the right solution to meet your family’s needs.
Fleenor Security Systems provides residential and business security systems, fire system monitoring, cameras, monitoring, and home automation systems supported by our prompt, local service.
We invite you to experience the Knoxville Fleenor family difference!
Fleenor Security
6700 Baum Drive, Ste. 22 Knoxville, TN 37919 865.544.9964 www.FleenorSecurity.com TN C-0239 VA 11-1901 NC 1721-CSA
A Once in a Lifetime Pension Decision
BY YVONNE MARSH, CFP®, CPA
AWIDOW sat across the desk from me as we discussed the financial implications of her husband’s unexpected passing at age 67. She told me that her husband had chosen a “single life” pension since it was the largest monthly payment and so, at his passing, his pension stopped, cutting her income in half.
In another real-life scenario, a gentleman retired in 2007 and rolled his lump sum pension into an IRA invested in the markets. Along came 2008 when, in the panic of losing almost 40%, he sold out of his holdings and forever changed his and his wife’s retirement years.
You get the idea - deciding how to take your pension benefits is one of the most important decisions you will make, and it’s irrevocable once you decide. Here are some tips to make it easier:
Ask your HR department for ALL of your options, and take the time to understand them. If you are married, weigh the joint-life survivor benefits payout options of 50% versus 100%. While the 50% survivor benefit will be temptingly bigger than the 100% survivor benefit, remember that your household will lose a Social Security check at your passing. The continued 100% pension payment can make the difference between a comfortable or meager retirement for the survivor.
Importantly, ask if your pension will have a cost-of-living adjustment to keep up with rising costs. According to the Genworth Cost of Care Calculator, the one-hour rate for a Knox County Home Health Aide in 2020 was $24/hour. In 2040, it’s projected to be $43.35/hour. You need income that can keep pace with inflation.
If you’re not happy with your options, shop your lump sum pension around and see what kind of guaranteed payouts, increasing income options, and death benefits a highly-rated insurance company can offer. You can rollover your lump sum into an IRA insurance annuity without triggering any tax. For employees who worry whether their employer is in good enough financial health to pay their lifetime pension, this can be a great alternative.
If it feels a bit overwhelming, we can help you weigh your choices and find a solution that fits you and your family - just give us a call to chat. Then you can relax and enjoy the retirement lifestyle you’ve worked so hard for!
Marsh Wealth Management, LLC Fiduciary Registered Investment Advisor 504 Ebenezer Road Knoxville, TN 37923 865.622.2162 www.marshwealth.com
Financial Planning & Investment Advisory Services are offered through Marsh Wealth Management, LLC (“MWM”), an independent investment advisor registered with the state of Tennessee. Yvonne Marsh is an Investment Advisor Representative of MWM in the state of Tennessee. Marsh Professional Group, LLC, is a TN registered public accounting firm and a separate legal entity from MWM. For a detailed discussion of MWM and their investment advisory fees, see the firm’s Form ADV on file with the SEC at www.adviserinfo.sec.gov.
