Stay Strong: Better Health During Winter Months

It is common for humans to sort of hibernate during winter’s cold months. Our calorie intake increases, physical activity decreases. Result: lack of energy, weight gain, colds and flus.

Q: Is it okay to exercise in the cold?

A: Exercise is a good way to strengthen the immune system during the cold months and to gain more energy. One of the biggest misconceptions people have about exercising in cold weather is the need to dress too warmly. Exercise produces lots of heat — it tricks you into feeling like it’s much warmer than it really is. But once your sweat dries, you can get very cold. It’s important to wear layers. Remove them as soon as you start sweating and put then put them back on as needed. Slim people may need more padding than someone who is heavier. Wear a scarf or a face mask to warm the air before it hits your lungs. Protect your feet with extra thick socks. Don’t forget about your hands and ears which are vulnerable to frostbite too.

Q: What are some good comfort foods to serve kids during winter?

A: Soups. Hot soups are one of the best comfort foods during snowy winters. You can make soup at home from scratch or buy ready-to-heat cans from grocery store. Soups are healthy and delicious and fairly inexpensive. They help prevent winter cough and cold and are also great decongestants.

Hot Chocolate: What’s tastier than a cup of rich hot chocolate, topped with whipped cream and marshmallows, when your hands are cold from the freezing temperature outside?

Q: How can I get more vitamin D in the winter?

A: Sunshine is the best source of vitamin D. But if you live in a place where most days are grey and gloomy, you need to find other ways to get enough sunshine for your daily dose of vitamin D. Spend as much time outside as you possibly can to take advantage of every sunray.  Go for a walk or eat your lunch outside. Your hands and face will absorb some vitamin D. It may not be your required dose of vitamin D, but it’s better than nothing and the fresh air will be good for you on many levels too. Egg yolks and salmon are the foods with high amounts of vitamin D, so eat more of these foods in the winter. A last resort, take Vitamin D supplements.

Peter Spittler Architectural Services on the Many Facets of Planning

Peter Spittler Architectural Services

Peter Spittler Architectural Services

As a full-service firm, Peter Spittler Architectural Services provides planning services to clients ranging from regional land use planning to detailed, site-specific planning. In the following Q&A, the team at Peter Spittler Architectural Services discusses the many facets of planning required for successful and thoughtful land use.

Q:  Why is planning such an important part of designing and building?

Peter Spittler Architectural Services:  There are a multitude of factors to consider in determining the best use of land when planning a development. This is necessary in order to make sure that all parties involved benefit, and all established rules and regulations are followed.  The Peter Spittler Architectural Services team provides expert guidance to wade through all of the planning issues that must be addressed.

Q:  How does the team at Peter Spittler Architectural Services begin to breakdown the planning process for clients?

Peter Spittler Architectural Services:  The services provided by the team vary with the size, scope and location of each project.  Peter Spittler Architectural Services provides planning services that address maximizing land use, regional planning, smart growth, and site-specific issues.

Q:  Would you explain how Peter Spittler Architectural Services helps clients plan for maximizing land use?

Peter Spittler Architectural Services:  Our team is committed to promoting the best use of land possible.  With that in mind, Peter Spittler Architectural Services guides clients to find ways to turn blighted urban areas into vital, revenue-generating centers, for example.  Land use planning also includes steps for protecting and promoting open spaces and natural/wild habitats for long-term sustainability whenever possible. The success of the project is based on balancing the ecology, economy and cultural assets of the site and host community

Q:  What are some of the main facets of regional planning?

Peter Spittler Architectural Services:  Regional planning takes into account the implications that built infrastructure can have on an area much greater than just a city or neighborhood.  It is a means for ensuring the long-term vitality of a region, which could be a state, several states, or even a grouping of cities.  Regional plans are critical to ensure development is not built upon a flood plain or space is set aside for unsightly, but critical landfills; greenbelt areas are maintained; and the health and wellness of people in the region are put first and foremost.

Q:  We have read about Peter Spittler Architectural Services’ commitment to smart growth. Can you tell us more, please?

Peter Spittler Architectural Services:  Sure! Smart growth has been a hallmark of the Peter Spittler Architectural Services team’s major projects.  Peter Spittler Architectural Services is dedicated to easing urban sprawl to protect our natural spaces and to rebuild community centers that were once central to healthy, vital cities and towns.  Smart growth refers to developing communities that are compact, walkable, and that include restaurants and retail options onsite, rather than three miles away in a strip mall.

Peter Spittler Architectural Services is a design firm located in the Cleveland/Akron Ohio area.

Gregory Fake: Passionate About Literature

Gregory Fake

Gregory Fake

On any given day, Gregory Fake can be found talking with bestselling, celebrity, and children’s authors while developing segments for the award-winning Lifetime Television series, The Balancing Act.  “I wouldn’t have it any other way,” explains Gregory Fake, “I have a longtime passion for literature.”

Beginning at an early age, Gregory Fake developed a love for reading and the written word.  In fourth grade, he read 140 books, more than any other student at Sam Houston Elementary School that year.  Small wonder, considering Gregory Fake’s parents were both writers and reading and writing were commonplace in his household.

As an adult, Gregory Fake is captivated by fantasy and science fiction writing and is especially fond of the great authors, C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien.  “These two authors with similar childhood stories, who later went on to become friends at one point, were able to create fantastical worlds like no other,” offers Gregory Fake.  “While C. S. Lewis developed an early interest in animals and bringing life to animals, J. R. R. Tolkien created his own languages with his cousins.  The basis for their great novels was born well before either one of them knew it,” Gregory Fake continues.

Much like these great authors, Gregory Fake leveraged his childhood of watching his grandfather excel in high steel and listening to him discuss the stock market, into a successful business and now television production career.  Today at The Balancing Act, Gregory Fake is able to combine his business training and experience with creativity and know-how to produce provocative, empowering television for women.  While he would love to be a renowned author, he is grateful for the current influence of literature and words in his work in television.

Not surprisingly, Gregory Fake is currently exploring the works of the various authors who were members of the Inklings, a literary club formed in the 1930’s at Oxford University, which included Lewis and Tolkien.  His love of fantasy and science fiction allow Gregory Fake to bring creativity and intrigue to The Balancing Act morning program each week.

Gregory Fake received a degree in Economics from the University of Pennsylvania and a law degree from Georgetown. He has consulted for Fortune 500 companies and has practiced banking law.  Residing in Pompano Beach, Florida with his wife and kids, Gregory Fake enjoys fishing, volunteering at his church, and spending time on the beach with his family.

Aldo Todini Offers Advice on Capri Travel

Aldo Todini

Aldo Todini

Aldo Todini stays busy with his career as a business consultant. However, he also takes time to relax and rejuvenate. Today, the Gathering of Experts Blog catches up with Todini who says the tiny Island of Capri is his go-to getaway.

Gathering of Experts: Thanks for taking time out to chat with us today. We always enjoy hearing about attractions that even the locals love.

Aldo Todini: My pleasure.

Gathering of Experts: Let’s talk about the island itself. Capri is known for its unique shoreline. Tell us about it.

Aldo Todini: The Island has many rock formations known as faraglioni. These are tall rock “islands” that jut out from the ocean, just off the coast. Plus, the waters are clear and blue – very picturesque.

Gathering of Experts: And, away from the ocean – what attractions does the mainland offer?

Aldo Todini: Anacapri, the Island’s highest town – it has spectacular views of the harbor and offers visitors the opportunity to ascend to Mount Solaro.

Gathering of Experts: Emperor Tiberius spent a great deal of time on the Island, correct?

Aldo Todini: Yes, he had several private villas here and used the island as a personal retreat.

Gathering of Experts: Can you tell us a bit about the town of Capri?

Aldo Todini: This is the main city on the Island, and also its namesake. Piazza Umberto I is located here. La Piazzetta, as the Piazza is known, is where the Santa Stefano cathedral is located.

Gathering of Experts: Capri is notable for having a traditional Mediterranean feel. How is that?

Aldo Todini: There are grapevines and olive trees growing throughout the island and the towns that dot the landscape. Capri is very typical of a Mediterranean village.

Gathering of Experts: What about shopping?

Aldo Todini: The Island and its towns are home to many unique shops. Handmade items and regional foods and wines are sold here throughout the year.

Gathering of Experts: Tell us about the monastery…

Aldo Todini: In the 14th century, Carthusian monks erected the Certosa di San Giacomo. Historically, there has been much controversy around the land, stemming between the native islanders and the monks who lived there. Of course, now, the area is more modern and houses museums and a school. It is one of the main attractions on the island.

Gathering of Experts: Where are the best views on the Island?

Aldo Todini: I’d have to say that is from the Phoenician Steps – a set of 800 steps leading down to the sea from Anacapri.

Gathering of Experts: Sound like this is an interesting vacation destination.

Aldo Todini: Indeed and it is a wonderful day trip from Naples. I’d like to suggest visiting the Grotto Azzurra. This sea cave has the most beautifully colored waters in the world.

Gathering of Experts: We will keep that in mind. Thank you for talking with us today. We look forward to hearing more about Italy and all of its charms.

Aldo Todini: Again, my pleasure – I am always happy to share the beauty of my county with travelers.

Aldo Todini was born in Turkey to Italian parents and has lived here since early childhood. While he has traveled the world in his career as a technical and business consultant, Aldo Todini says there is no place that can rival the feeling of unity one feels in an Italian home or restaurant. 

**

Aldo Todini offre consigli su Capri di viaggio

Aldo Todini molto impegnato dalla sua attività di consulente aziendale, ogni tanto si concede anche qualche giorno di vacanza per rilassarsi e rigenerarsi. Oggi, Gathering of Experts Blog si è fatto raccontare da Todini Capri, la sua destinazione preferita.

Gathering of Experts: Grazie per aver trovato il tempo per parlare con noi oggi. Abbiamo sempre piacere di parlare di luoghi meravigliosi con le persone che li amano.

Aldo Todini: Il piacere è mio.

Gathering of Experts: Parliamo dell’isola. Capri è conosciuta per il suo litorale unico. Ce ne parli?

Aldo Todini: L’isola ha molte formazioni rocciose conosciute come faraglioni. Questi sono “isole” – scogli alti – che spuntano dal mare, vicino alla costa. Inoltre, le acque sono limpide e blu – molto pittoresco.

Gathering of Experts: A parte il mare cosa offre la terraferma?

Aldo Todini: Anacapri, paese più alto dell’isola – ha una vista spettacolare sul porto e offre ai visitatori la possibilità di salire al Monte Solaro.

Gathering of Experts: L’imperatore Tiberio andava spesso sull’Isola, giusto?

Aldo Todini: Sì, aveva alcune residenze private e usava l’isola come un rifugio personale.

Gathering of Experts: Puoi dirci un po’ sulla cittadina Capri?
Aldo Todini: E’ la cittadina principale dell’isola. Piazza Umberto I si trova qui. La Piazzetta, la famosa piazza di Capri, è dove si trova la cattedrale di S. Stefano.

Gathering of Experts: Capri si distingue per la sua tradizionale atmosfera mediterranea. In che senso?

Aldo Todini: Viti, ulivi e limoni crescono in tutta l’isola e ne punteggiano il paesaggio. Capri è alla fine un tipico di un villaggio mediterraneo.

Gathering of Experts: Che dire sullo shopping?

Aldo Todini: L’isola è piena di negozietti unici. I prodotti che vi si trovano sono spesso fatti a mano e i cibi e i vini locali sono in vendita tutto l’anno.

Gathering of Experts: Parlaci del monastero …

Aldo Todini: Nel 14° Secolo i monaci certosini costruirono la Certosa di San Giacomo. Storicamente, ci sono state molte frizioni tra gli isolani e i monaci che vi abitavano. Naturalmente ora la situazione è  serena e all’interno della Certosa sorge un museo e una scuola. E’ una delle principali attrazioni dell’isola.

Gathering of Experts: Dove sono i migliori panorami?

Aldo Todini: Secondo me alla Scala Fenicia – una scalinata di 800 gradini che scende verso il mare da Anacapri.

Gathering of Experts: Sembra come una meta turistica interessante.

Aldo Todini: infatti, ed è una gita meravigliosa che si può fare tranquillamente in un giorno da Napoli. Suggerisco ovviamente di visitare la Grotta Azzurra. Questa grotta sul mare ha le acque più incredibilmente colorate del mondo.

Gathering of Experts: Lo terremo a mente. Grazie per aver parlato con noi oggi. Non vediamo l’ora di farci raccontare di più sull’Italia e tutto il suoi luoghi pieni di fascino.

Aldo Todini: E’ mio il piacere – io sono sempre felice di condividere la bellezza del mio paese con i viaggiatori di tutto il mondo.

Aldo Todini è nato in Turchia da genitori italiani. Mentre lui ha girato il mondo nella sua carriera come consulente di business e d’investimenti, Aldo Todini dice che non c’è luogo che può rivaleggiare con il sentimento di calore e di unione che si sente in una casa italiana o al ristorante con i propri cari

Scott Sohr Says Winterset Woods Is Ideal for Families

Scott Sohr

Scott Sohr

Developer Scott Sohr has interests in several residential neighborhoods that are ideal for raising a family. Affirming that proximity to award-winning schools, easy access to shopping, and a short commute to work are a priority for most parents today, Scott Sohr has focused on properties that feature all of these things and more, including peaceful, scenic locations and luxurious amenities.

Located near Brentwood, Tennessee, just south of Nashville is a neighborhood jewel named Winterset Woods. According to Scott Sohr, Winterset Woods is located off Nolensville Road in Williamson County. As Scott Sohr explains, Winterset Woods is located on Sunset Road, and is a community of luxury homes priced in the $300s and $400s.

Scott Sohr describes the homes in Winterset Woods as award winning with Drees Homes and Celebration Homes, homebuilders that have been around for more than 85 years. According to Scott Sohr, Drees Homes offers a variety of floor plans so that homebuyers may select the floor plan that works best for their family. Winterset Woods offers seven different floor plans ranging from 2421 to 3302 square feet, each featuring all-brick construction and a two-car garage with a side entry.

When complete, says Scott Sohr, Winterset Woods will offer only 61 home sites, keeping the neighborhood small. Winterset Woods will offer a variety of amenities to help bring the community together, including a clubhouse and several pocket parks. Parents with children will love the playground and Scott Sohr projects that the pool will appeal to residents of all ages. Not only is there an adult pool in the subdivision, there is also a children’s pool that includes a mushroom waterfall, Scott Sohr reveals.

According to Scott Sohr, one of the highlights of the neighborhood is the ornate fountain at the community’s entrance. Beautiful, well-kept landscaping enhances the quality of life in Winterset Woods and commuters will have an easy time getting to work as well, says Scott Sohr, with major interstates only ten minutes away.

In addition to the neighborhood of Winterset Woods, Scott Sohr owns several properties in Middle Tennessee, including several other luxury communities in Brentwood and Franklin. He holds an interest in Courtside at Southern Wood, in addition to the new Arrington Retreat development further south. Scott Sohr also owns commercial, residential, and manufacturing properties in Kentucky, Tennessee, and Alabama.

 

Scott Sohr has a long and varied career with experience in all facets of business development and management. His first successful enterprise was selling engineered thermoplastics to industrial corporations. As a commissioned manufacturing representative, Scott Sohr was free to build a team of customer service and engineering professionals who helped him grow his business very successfully. Sohr sold his interest to A. Schulman in 2010.

Scott Sohr currently uses his entrepreneurial skills in the real estate sector as a developer and investor. He has backed several commercial and residential developments and runs Stonegate Land, which boasts Arrington retreat and Winterset Woods among its many notable communities.

The Fiscal Cliff Explained

The term “fiscal cliff” has certainly been kicked around in the news enough for the last year or so. For most, the term implies a financial doomsday, but there’s a pretty fair amount of misinformation and confusion about what it actually means.

The “fiscal cliff” refers to a series of tax increases and mandatory spending cuts that kicked in on January 1, 2013, when some 90% of Americans saw their taxes go up. At the same time, spending cuts that would affect defense, Social Security, Medicare and many other government benefits were proposed. The term “fiscal cliff” is shorthand for the shock waves that were expected to ripple through the U.S. economy.

To understand how we got to this juncture, in August 2011, Congress raised the country’s debt limit by $2.1 trillion. As part and parcel of that 2011 deal, Congress was to find a more long-term plan; if they failed, the tax increases and spending cuts would automatically start in January of 2013. This harsh medicine was designed to force the government’s hand into more responsible spending and revenue policy. While the U.S. debt-to-GDP ratio is still lower than most European countries, a more indebted country is still at a disadvantage when it comes to borrowing and responding to the unexpected. In addition, excessive debt can spook investors, giving rise to another financial crisis.

A spike in unemployment is still expected, as well as a drop in the deficit and debt-to-GDP ratio. In addition, the expiration of the current tax cuts may stifle investment and rattle small businesses, contributing to more unemployment and a collapse in consumer confidence.

The only remedy to this situation, according to many experts, is a program of cuts in entitlement and defense spending along with a spike in tax rates. Health care and social security could be hard-hit, with a likely increase in retirement and eligibility age for both programs. The meat of this problem is what bedevils Washington, as there’s little political will to make these tough calls. The members of Congress want to get re-elected; to do that, they need to stay loyal to their contributors (many of whom are defense contractors) and constituents…and therein lies the problem. That’s why many Americans spent New Years’ Even wondering whether or not Republicans and Democrats would lock arms to avoid marching off the fiscal cliff, or if they would fight with each other the entire way, taking the rest of the country with them.

 

FAQ with Thaddeus Heffner, LMFT: EMDR Therapy

AflacAssist.com

Thaddeus Heffner, LMFT

Thaddeus Heffner is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in the greater Nashville, Tennessee area. We recently sat down with Thaddeus Heffner to answer some questions regarding the use of EMDR in dealing with trauma.

A Gathering of Experts: Welcome, Thaddeus Heffner and thank you for taking the time to talk with us today. We have been hearing about a new type of therapy called EMDR. Can you explain exactly what EMDR is?

Thaddeus Heffner: Of course. EMDR is an acronym for Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing.  It is a quite a mouthful, but put simply it is the utilization of bilateral stimulation to desensitize trauma in a person.

A Gathering of Experts: What do you mean by bilateral stimulation?

Thaddeus Heffner: Bilateral stimulation simply means we get the left hemisphere of the brain to talk to the right hemisphere of the brain by using a basic means of stimulation such as a client following my fingers with his eyes as I move them back and forth horizontally, or by having them hold their hands palm up and then tapping their hands one at a time, left – right – left – right, etc.

A Gathering of Experts: How does bilateral stimulation fit in with helping desensitize trauma in a client?

Thaddeus Heffner: Let me back up a step.  Our senses take in data and that data comes first through the left hemisphere of the brain and then processes over to the right hemisphere of the brain.  This is how the brain talks.  When something traumatic happens, be it simple or complex trauma, the traumatic data comes into the left hemisphere of the brain but then gets stuck in the nervous system.  It never processes over to the right hemisphere.  Later on, when something triggers the trauma, the client can feel as though they are reliving the trauma all over again.

A Gathering of Experts: It sounds as though the person is stuck in a trauma loop?  They continue to repeat the old traumatic story over and over again.  So how does EMDR help desensitize the trauma?

Thaddeus Heffner: In short, after the client recalls a traumatic memory in which even physiological sensations may arise, the therapist would then implement bilateral stimulation.  This helps stimulate the left and right hemispheres of the brain to begin talking. Think of it like priming a pump before starting an engine.  In doing this, trauma becomes “unstuck” from the nervous system and begins to finish processing over to the right hemisphere of the brain.  The intense emotions of fear, anxiety, sadness, etc are finally felt and begin to diminish.  When the disturbance level of the trauma is diminished then we would turn to helping the client increase a positive belief about themselves that would be the antithesis of the original trauma.

A Gathering of Experts: Could you give us an example?

Thaddeus Heffner: Certainly. An example might be that a client who was mugged ten years ago still feels “unsafe.” Once the trauma around feeling unsafe is desensitized we would then work at increasing a positive belief such as, “I am safe” or “I am safe now.”

A Gathering of Experts: Do you utilize EMDR often in your own practice?

Thaddeus Heffner: I do. I find that it is very helpful for many different presenting issues that clients bring to therapy.  Depending on the trauma a person is presenting with, EMDR has shown to have up to an 80 – 90% success rate.

Thaddeus Heffner is a Brentwood, Tennessee-based counselor who owns his own practice. A graduate of Trevecca University in Nashville, Thaddeus Heffner is a member in good standing of the American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT). For more information about Thaddeus Heffner therapist, visit www.thaddeusheffner.com.

 

 

Marketing Associates Reveals the Truth about Telecommuting

The people at Marketing Associates are no strangers to telecommuting. We’ve been curious about how working from home works for modern businesses and if any of the myths are true, so we took time to ask Marketing Associates a few questions about this often misunderstood trend. Check out what Marketing Associates had to say.

Q: First, what does Marketing Associates specialize in?

Marketing Associates – We offer marketing services and business plans for small business and startups that are just getting on their feet, to larger businesses that need help reorganizing their structure.

Q: What do you think about employees working from home?

Marketing Associates – At Marketing Associates, we think telecommuting is an amazing innovation that cuts down on expenses for both the employee and the employer. Unfortunately, many people are quick to dismiss it because of their preconceptions.

Q: Do telecommuters work fewer hours than other employees?

Marketing Associates – We have actually found the exact opposite to be true. In our own experience at Marketing Associates, as well as several studies, we’ve found that telecommuters tend to work an extra six or more hours per week.

Q: Why do you think this is?

Marketing Associates – At Marketing Associates, we’ve found that when people work from home, their employers and colleagues may expect them to be reachable at all hours of the day—which means more time answering emails and other work tasks. When an office worker’s day ends at 6 p.m., his or her work is over, but telecommuting employees may continue to receive tasks well into the night—especially if their coworkers are still working.

Q: How does that impact the telecommuters?

Marketing Associates – From our experience at Marketing Associates, telecommuting can make it difficult to draw a distinction between home life and work life, and in many cases, the two blur completely.

Q: Are telecommuters lazier than office workers?

Marketing Associates – Absolutely not. In fact, telecommuters must be extremely disciplined, as they don’t get credit for just showing up. Instead, their work is often scrutinized more heavily than the work of other employees. Plus, telecommuters must work without reinforcement, whether positive or negative, which can sometimes be demoralizing over a long period of time.

Q: How does telecommuting affect office camaraderie?

Marketing Associates – Telecommuting can have an isolating effect on people, so when an entire team telecommutes, individuals may lose a sense of unity and feeling of connection with their colleagues. That’s why we at Marketing Associates think it’s so important for managers and team leaders to schedule conference calls or face to face meetings with their telecommuting employees to strengthen and reinforce team bonds.

Q: What are some unexpected benefits of telecommuting for Marketing Associates?

Marketing Associates – One major benefit is the amount of money that can be saved. Employees no longer have to spend money fueling up their cars for the daily drive to and from work, or buying expensive lunches every day, or spending money in vending machines. Instead, we at Marketing Associates have found that employees can prepare cheap lunches at home, and they may even be able forgo hiring a nanny or childcare service as well—provided they don’t create too many distractions for the telecommuting employee!

 

Tiffani Von Alvensleben on Staging Properties

Tiffani Von Alvensleben

Tiffani Von Alvensleben

With over 20 years in the real estate business, Tiffani Von Alvensleben knows there’s much more to selling a house than ‘curb appeal.’ Here, Tiffani Von Alvensleben leverages her know-how in interior design and answers a few questions about staging a home for market:

Q: How would you define staging?

Tiffani Von Alvensleben: Staging a property is the final step in making it more appealing for potential buyers, similar to a model home in a new subdivision.

Q: You have a lot of experience with staging in your real estate investment business?

Tiffani Von Alvensleben: Yes, after the remodeling crew and cleanup are done.

Q: So Von Vesting focuses on reselling houses, then?

Tiffani Von Alvensleben: Correct. We buy foreclosed and distressed properties, remodel them and sell them.

Q: Let’s pretend you’re a consultant for staging homes.

Tiffani Von Alvensleben: Okay!

Q: Where would you tell a client to put the emphasis?

Tiffani Von Alvensleben: The whole house is important, but bathrooms and kitchens are a special focus for potential buyers.

Q: Where would you say is a good starting point for staging?

Tiffani Von Alvensleben: Get rid of the clutter. I realize that it’s all “your stuff,” but you want the house to no longer be “your house.” Clutter shrinks a room, so de-clutter.

Q: What about living rooms?

Tiffani Von Alvensleben: Don’t just shove furniture against the walls to try to maximize space. Regroup furniture into conversation-oriented arrangements. Make it cozy.

Q: What about colors?

Tiffani Von Alvensleben: Dark colors always shrink a room. Go with warm, neutral colors on the walls, and by neutral I don’t necessarily mean white.

Q: What about little-used rooms?

Tiffani Von Alvensleben: Try making that formerly spare room into a cozy office or study. Put a little bit of furniture, some décor and some books or records in it to make it more inviting.

Q: Do you have any tips on lighting?

Tiffani Von Alvensleben: Yes, the rule is 100 watts of lighting for every 50 square feet in a room. Also, remember accent lighting and task lights can make a room seem warmer.

Q: Is staging something that can be done on a budget?

Tiffani Von Alvensleben: Absolutely. It’s really just cosmetics, and things like fresh paint can help present a house much more positively.

Q: What are some other key elements for staging a home?

Tiffani Von Alvensleben: Things like curtains, fabrics, textures, and above all, a clean house.

Q: What would be your advice for a home seller?

Tiffani Von Alvensleben: When you’re to this point of the selling process, staging your home, you need to let go of your emotional connection. Think of it as not even being your house anymore; it’s a home that’s soon going to be someone else’s.

Tiffani Von Alvensleben has a background of over 20 years in the real estate field. Over the years, Tiffani Von Alvensleben’s resumé has included direct sales, property management, real estate investment, marketing and more. Tiffani Von Alvensleben is a successful entrepreneur and businesswoman in the greater Sacramento, California area.

Understanding Pet Insurance with Veterinarian Charles L. Starr III

Charles L. Starr III

Charles L. Starr III

Should I get pet insurance? That’s a question veterinarian Charles L. Starr III is asked weekly. Health care for humans is quite the topic of conversation these days. But according to Charles L. Starr III, when it comes to pets we tend to look the other way. Many times a client tells me, “Our pets are our kids!” shares Charles L. Starr III.  If we truly feel that way, shouldn’t we rethink their coverage?

Health changes over time. Accidents happen. Charles L. Starr III acknowledges when exorbitant bills hit unexpectedly, we’re in shock. Pets can also live a very long time. It’s not uncommon to see pets in the 13 -18 year range, states Charles L. Starr III. One of his patients recently had lost the use of its back legs, and Charles L. Starr III says that x-rays could not locate the problem. It was the CAT scan that discovered a moth-eaten looking tumor on the spine. That procedure allowed the patient the knowledge and confirmation needed to make final decision, explains Charles L. Starr III. While the cost of the treatment was high, their tax refund was used to cover their bill.

Although pet insurance may not be for everyone, Charles L. Starr III offers some basic considerations. First, insurance providers should provide details about limitations and exclusions of routine coverage, wellness, emergency treatments and conditions that require extensive care. Charles L. Starr III encourages asking if premiums will increase as your pet ages or if you place claims. Charles L. Starr III advises to also check for add-on options such as travel insurance or dental care.

In addition, says Charles L. Starr III, ask about pre-existing diseases or conditions. Some providers do not accept specific pets or breeds while others limit the number of insured pets. Inquire about multiple pet discounts, offers Charles L. Starr III. Be sure you fully understand the policy and any limitations. Is it a reimbursement plan? Are you allowed to select the veterinarian? Charles L. Starr III suggests asking about co-pays, deductibles, add-on charges and other fees. Most veterinarians offer payment options, reminds Charles L. Starr III, so ask about these ahead of time in order to prevent last minute stress.