Archive for the ‘Uncategorized’ Category
Wednesday, September 4th, 2024 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Invest in Garage Flooring that Lasts
In recent years, the trend of investing in garage floor coatings has gained significant traction among homeowners, and this growth shows no signs of slowing down. A recent industry report reveals that consumer demand for garage flooring has surged by more than 20 percent in recent years, reflecting the increasing importance homeowners place on this often-overlooked part of the house.
Given that the garage floor endures more daily wear and tear than any other surface in the home, it’s crucial for it to be not only aesthetically pleasing but also durable enough to withstand the heat from vehicle tires and the impact from tools and heavy objects. However, not all garage floor coatings are created equal, and selecting the right one is key to ensuring longevity and performance.
Many large home improvement stores offer DIY epoxy garage floor kits, which are popular due to their affordability and ease of use. These kits typically include water-based epoxies that serve as a good basecoat. However, they often lack a high-performance urethane topcoat and proper concrete preparation, both of which are essential for a long-lasting finish. As a result, these DIY systems are prone to premature failure, leading to frustration and additional costs for homeowners.
Grind Preparation, Not Acid Wash
PremierGarage of Knoxville, recognized as the area’s flooring experts, emphasizes the importance of following industry best practices when selecting and applying garage floor coatings. One of the most critical factors in ensuring the durability of a concrete coating is the preparation of the floor. Proper preparation involves grinding the surface to create the necessary texture for a strong bond between the epoxy and the concrete. While some companies opt for the less expensive method of acid washing, this approach does not create a sufficient bond, increasing the likelihood of the floor failing prematurely.
Full Flake Coverage, Not Partial
Another key practice is ensuring full flake coverage rather than partial. Decorative flakes, which are broadcast into the epoxy, serve both a decorative and functional purpose. These flakes increase the thickness of the epoxy layer and act as an additional bonding agent. Because flakes are more flexible than solid epoxy, they help prevent chipping when objects are dropped on the floor. Fully saturating the base coat with flakes makes it up to three times thicker than if only a minimal amount of flakes were used.
Commercial-Grade Topcoat
Finally, applying a commercial-grade polyurethane topcoat is vital for the garage floor to withstand the test of time. Polyurethane offers superior resistance to chemicals, slips, UV rays, and scratches, while also retaining its gloss over time. This non-porous coating cures to be twice as hard as traditional epoxies, making it resistant to gasoline, auto fluids, paint thinner, pesticides, and other harsh chemicals.
For homeowners looking to create a long-lasting garage floor, PremierGarage of Knoxville offers expert guidance and high-quality solutions. With the right flooring, along with custom cabinets and storage solutions, your garage can become one of the most functional and attractive spaces in your home.
REQUEST A FREE CONSULTATION
PremierGarage
(865) 947-8686
PremierGarage.com
Wednesday, September 4th, 2024 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Baptist Eye Surgeons
Wednesday, September 4th, 2024 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Happy Fall, Y’all!
How can you not love sweaters that feel like a hug? The sweaters of this season may have varied shapes, but they all have one thing in common… they all offer warmth and a cozy, comfy feel!
The bright and bold colors we are seeing on sweaters this year are a welcome change from past seasons… just because the weather is cooling down doesn’t mean your wardrobe color palette has to! Emerald green, electric blue, and our personal favorite, Volunteer orange hues, are all strong… and pair perfectly back with fall staple colors like brown, grey and black.
Push that chunky cardigan to the back of your closet (for now!), and move the newest silhouette, the lightweight transitional sweater, to the front. Cotton knit pieces are perfect for the beginning of East Tennessee fall, which we know can still be quite warm. Choose any length… from cropped, hitting just above the hip line and ultra flattering on petite customers, to just above the knee, perfect for pairing with leggings and tall boots.
Cowl necks are also strong again and can be very stylish paired with the perfect accessories – statement earrings or a fun hat can quickly elevate and add interest to your outfit!
So, it’s out with the old and in with the new! This fall’s sweaters prove that warmth never looked so good. Stop in and let us show you our current crop of this season’s best sweaters… we have a style that’s perfect for everybody and every BODY!
We look forward to seeing you soon!
Happy Fall and Happy Shopping!!
The Lily Pad Boutique
209 N. Main Street
Sweetwater, TN 37874
423-337-5537
www.lilypadboutiqueonline.com
Mon-Sat: 10am-5:30pm
IG/FB: @shopthelilypad
Tuesday, August 6th, 2024 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on The Tennessee Volunteer Spirit
By Joseph Rose
If you’ve been in Tennessee long, then you’ve heard a lot about our Volunteer Spirit. It’s everywhere. Not only are we called the Volunteer State, but, as you know, the University of Tennessee’s football team is even named the Volunteers (GO VOLS!). But where does that name come from? What is our Volunteer Spirit? And why is it such a big deal around here?
Tennessee’s volunteer spirit comes across in numerous ways. For as long as we’ve been a state, we have consistently put ourselves forward to help others in any way we could, even if we didn’t receive anything in return. Throughout our history, Tennesseans have consistently displayed a willingness to fight and even die, not just in defense of their own freedoms, but in the defense of others too, no matter how far away they might be. That sense of determined selflessness has defined Tennessee as a state, and it has also defined us as a people for over two hundred years.
During the War of 1812, after President James Madison declared war on Great Britain, and when British and American forces were about to battle on American soil, the General Assembly sent out a call for volunteers to fight. Soon, over 3,500 Tennesseans answered the call. And as the war went on, even more joined the fight, reaching an estimated 28,000 Tennessean volunteers before the war was done. These men had a huge impact on the remainder of the war. Most importantly, many of them went on to serve under General Andrew Jackson at the last major battle of the war, known as the Battle of New Orleans. Jackson himself later said that his experiences commanding his men, including the volunteers from Tennessee, were some of the proudest moments in his life. Instrumental to American victory in New Orleans, Tennessee had earned the title of “The Volunteer State”.
Years later, when Texas sought its independence from Mexico, again the call went out for volunteers. And again, Tennessee answered. Shortly after the fighting broke out, the famous Davy Crockett, along with numerous other men from Tennessee, rode from their homes to fight for Texas. These men went on to join the defenders of the Alamo, where they held out against over 2,000 Mexican soldiers for thirteen days before they were finally overrun. Though nearly thirty Tennesseans gave their lives in that battle, the whole country holds them and their sacrifice in high honor to this day. With Tennessee men in key positions of authority (including Sam Houston, a native Tennessean himself and a prominent figure in the fight for Texan independence), it could be said that Texas owes her freedom to the proud state of Tennessee.
As if that wasn’t enough, ten years later, when President James K. Polk honored his promise to annex Texas as a state, tensions flared between Mexico and the United States. Eventually, it was clear that the two nations were firmly set on the road to war. When hostilities began, President Polk (a resident and former governor of Tennessee himself) considered his options. At the time, the regular standing army of the United States had only 8,000 men, not nearly enough to prosecute a successful war against Mexico. With no other options, the President called upon each state for between 2,600 and 2,800 volunteers to join the war effort.
When the President’s call for aid reached Nashville, it was followed by stories of Davy Crockett’s heroic last stand for Texan Independence, along with the awareness that fellow Tennessean Sam Houston was fighting in Texas even then. The Battle of the Alamo was still fixed in the minds of most Tennesseans, and before the week was out, President Polk got far more than he asked for. Instead of the 2,800 men he had requested, over 30,000 men had volunteered, eager to finish the fight so many of their fellow Tennesseans had died for a decade before.
In the war that followed, the Tennessee volunteers proved their worth time and time again, earning a reputation as excellent soldiers and marksmen and becoming highly sought after as a result. More than that, their sheer numbers increased the size of the United States Army to such an extent that other men, trying to volunteer themselves, often complained that they weren’t even able to buy their place in a militia unit. The army was simply too full to take any more men.
Propped up by Tennessean volunteers, the United States Army took the fight to Mexico. Even under inexperienced or even incompetent commanders, the skills and courage of the men from Tennessee won the day again and again. Even when General Scott decided to march directly towards Mexico City, heedless of supply lines or backup, his quick thinking and the dedication of the Tennessee volunteers under his command again emerged victorious. Despite being vastly outnumbered and finding themselves deep in foreign territory without supplies or reinforcements, they were able to win the war decisively, even with all the world telling them it was impossible. And without the involvement of volunteers from Tennessee, the world might well have been right!
This volunteer spirit has defined the history of Tennessee for as long as we have been a state, demonstrating an eagerness to serve our fellow man without regard for ourselves. Despite being nicknamed the Volunteer State since 1812, Tennessee never officially adopted the name. Until recently. In 2020, to commemorate the spirit and heritage that has long made us what we are, the state finally passed a resolution officially declaring Tennessee to be “The Volunteer State”. That legacy, and our volunteer spirit, will go on to define us for generations to come.
Joseph Rose is a freelance writer and frequent contributor to East Tennessee’s Mountain Views. Joseph can be reached at pyrose17@gmail.com.
Tuesday, August 6th, 2024 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on A Twist on IRA Tax Planning
By Yvonne Marsh, CFP®, CPA
Back in 2019, the SECURE Act created a new twist in tax-planning when it took away the ability of most adult children to stretch out their taxable IRA inheritance over their lifetime. Instead, they now have to take the entire account as taxable income within 10 years, losing more of their inherited dollars to income tax.
Here’s an example: a married couple, each with their own $1 million IRA, has named their spouse as primary beneficiary and their kids as back-up beneficiaries. Under the old rules, it was a no-brainer for the surviving spouse to inherit all of the IRA money, keep withdrawing their Required Distribution and then, at the end of their days, pass the IRA to the kids. They’d, in turn, stretch the taxable inheritance out over their lifetimes and everyone was happy.
But under the SECURE Act, this strategy doesn’t always work so well. In the same scenario, if the surviving spouse takes ownership creating a $2 million IRA and then ultimately passes it to the kids, the kids have 10 years in which to withdraw the $2 million and pay tax on ALL of it. Not such a great tax answer – they’re layering that taxable withdrawal on top of all of their regular wage income and easily pushing themselves into the 32% – 37% tax brackets. There goes over a third of your hard-earned money to Uncle Sam.
Here’s potentially a better answer: it’s called a disclaimer. What happens in this scenario is that the surviving spouse “disclaims” or formally refuses some or all of the deceased spouse’s IRA and lets it immediately pass to the kids as contingent beneficiaries. So now they have 10 years to stretch out one parent’s IRA, and then when the second parent passes, they’ll have another 10-year period to stretch out the second parent’s IRA. A much better tax answer.
Planning has to be done ahead of time:
1. Spouses have to be named primary beneficiaries, and kids have to be named as contingent beneficiaries on the IRA beneficiary form. Your will is irrelevant – it has to be the IRA form.
2. Touch nothing after death! In order to execute a disclaimer, the beneficiaries cannot have “accepted” the property by taking distributions or transferring the account.
3. The disclaimer is a legal document that is executed by a qualified estate planning attorney. It is not a simple form from the IRA custodian.
4. The deadline for delivering the disclaimer to the custodian is 9 months from the date of death.
So, what’s your tax strategy? Letting the government have more than their fair share because you haven’t gotten around to tax planning yet? It’s time! Hop on my Calendly calendar to schedule a complimentary 30-minute phone call so we can talk about my all-time favorite topic: tax planning! Pick a time at https://calendly.com/yvonnemarsh/connect. Or contact me via email at ymarsh@marshwealth.com.
Marsh Wealth Management, LLC
Fiduciary Registered Investment Advisor
504 Ebenezer Road
Knoxville, TN 37923
865.622.2162
www.marshwealth.com
Investment Advisory Services offered by Yvonne Marsh, as an investment adviser representative of Marsh Wealth Management, LLC (“MWM”), a registered investment advisor. Tax services are offered by Marsh Professional Group, LLC, 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
Tuesday, August 6th, 2024 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Decorating Den
Monday, July 8th, 2024 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Decorating Den Interiors
Monday, July 8th, 2024 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Efficiency in the Kitchen Starts with a Well-Organized Pantry
A well-organized pantry is the cornerstone of kitchen efficiency, enabling you to prepare dinner swiftly even on exhausting days. The Tailored Closet excels in designing pantry solutions that offer immediate visibility of your pantry contents, eliminating the frustration of searching through cluttered spaces. Our team of home organization experts collaborates with you to create a pantry that aligns with your unique requirements and budget.
Custom Solutions for Optimal Access and Organization
Deep shelves can often become black holes where items get lost. To combat this, we integrate pull-out baskets and bins, ensuring easy access to every item. These pull-outs allow you to see your supplies at a glance, making it simple to grab what you need and keep track of your inventory.
Mini Wine Cellar and Spice Organization
For wine enthusiasts, our custom wine racks craft a ‘mini wine cellar’ within your pantry. This keeps your cherished wines in a dark, cool environment, stored on their sides to preserve their flavors and maintain bottle stability. This thoughtful design not only protects your wine but also frees up kitchen space.
Our meticulously designed spice racks provide a clear view of your inventory, preventing overstocking and ensuring you have all the spices you need for your favorite recipes. With everything visible at a glance, you’ll never run out of essentials like rosemary for that special chicken dish again.
Space for Large and Slender Items
Accommodating large, slender items such as trays and serving pieces can be challenging. We’ve dedicated specific areas within the pantry to store these items, ensuring they remain easily accessible and safe from damage. This not only protects your valuable kitchenware but also keeps your pantry neat and orderly.
Enhanced Functionality with Countertops and Drawers
To further enhance the functionality and aesthetics of your pantry, we offer built-in countertops and scoop-front drawers. These features provide additional workspace and storage options, making your pantry a more versatile and attractive part of your kitchen. Countertops can be used for meal prep or as a spot to place small appliances, while scoop-front drawers offer easy access to everyday essentials.
Collaborate with The Tailored Closet
Efficiency and order in your pantry can transform your kitchen and streamline your daily routine. By collaborating with The Tailored Closet, you’ll benefit from a space that’s tailored to fit your lifestyle, optimizing every inch and keeping everything you need at your fingertips. From pull-out bins and custom wine racks to spice organization and dedicated storage for large items, our expertly designed pantry solutions will help you create a perfect, high-performing pantry. Let us help you achieve kitchen efficiency with a pantry that performs just for you. Give us a call at (865) 777-0306 to schedule your free in-home consultation or learn more by visiting us online at tailoredclosetknoxville.com.
REQUEST A FREE CONSULTATION
The Tailored Closet
(865) 777-0306
TailoredClosetKnoxville.com
Monday, July 8th, 2024 | Uncategorized | Comments Off on Tinnitus Roars Again
By Bob Ferraro, H.I.S
Sorry, but it’s worth talking about again. So many people are suffering from this condition, but there is also more and more research being done on it to give some hope for resolution.
Are you one of the many sufferers? Tinnitus is most often defined as a ringing in the ears even though no external sound is present. Other sounds may include buzzing, roaring, clicking, hissing or humming. Most often it is “subjective tinnitus” (only you can hear it). It may vary in pitch from a low roar to a high squeal. It may appear in both ears or just one. It may be present all of the time, or it may come and go. Sometimes it can occur as a rhythmic pulsing or whooshing sound, often in time with your heartbeat. This is called pulsatile tinnitus, and your doctor may be able to hear it too when (s)he does an examination (“objective tinnitus”).
Although everyone’s tinnitus cause is different, the most common causes are:
Hearing Loss: The hair cells in the cochlea move when hit by sound waves. Their movement triggers electrical signals along the auditory nerve to the brain. As we age or when we are subjected to loud sounds, these hair cells can break. Then they can “leak” random electrical impulses to the brain. If they die, your brain can arbitrarily try to “provide” the missing corresponding frequencies to itself.
Ear Infection or Ear Canal Blockage: Your ear canal(s) can become blocked with a buildup of fluid (from infection), earwax, or dirt. This blockage causes a change of pressure in your ear.
Head or Neck Injuries: These can affect the inner ear, hearing nerves and/or brain function linked to hearing. This usually results in tinnitus being only in one ear.
Medications: These include NSAIDS (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), certain antibiotics, cancer drugs, diuretics (water pills), antimalarial drugs and antidepressants. The higher the dose the worse the tinnitus, but it can disappear when usage stops.
Other less common causes include:
Meniere’s Disease: An inner ear disorder that may be caused by abnormal inner ear pressure.
Eustachian Tube Dysfunction: This tube in your ear which connects the middle ear to the throat remains expanded all the time, which makes your ear feel full.
Acoustic Neuroma: A benign tumor that develops on the cranial nerve that runs from the brain to the inner ear and controls balance and hearing.
Other Chronic Medical Conditions: High blood pressure, diabetes, thyroid problems, migraines, anemia and autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus.
So, the good news: More research is leading to more options for treating the condition. The first step is to try to find your particular cause. And the first step in that is to get a hearing test. If you’re one of the lucky ones (like I was!), it may just be caused by dead hair cells, and that can be cured by hearing aids with masking noise. If not, you will be advised of other treatment options.
So don’t wait any longer – schedule your (FREE) hearing test today.
Tellico Hearing Solutions, PLLC
865-635-1887
contact@TellicoHearingSolutions.com
www.tellicohearingsolutions.com
When family and friends are outside enjoying a special event or just a time of relaxation, why be forced to bring your party back inside because of an unexpected afternoon shower or that relentless summertime sun? The solution is simple thanks to Undercover Systems.
If your home has a raised deck, Undercover Systems will install a modular designed roof system under the underside of your deck. Their patented roof/ceiling system, consisting of individual ceiling panels and integrated gutters, collect rain water and melting snow or ice, channeling water and debris from the panels to the system’s perimeter gutters and downspout system. While protecting you from rain, this same ceiling system will also provide much needed shade during those “Dog Days” of summer.
Homeowners appreciate the fact they can select from a variety of colors and panel profiles to create that showcase quality look that not only enhances their home’s exterior appearance, but also increases the value of their homes. “But be careful not to confuse Undercover Systems with the competition which uses generic, off-the-shelf components purchased from the local big-box retailers,” says local Undercover Systems owner, Jim Conn. “Every system we install is custom engineered, designed and manufactured by Undercover System specifically for your home’s raised deck. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach here at Undercover Systems.”
Here are some other important facts to consider when selecting an underdeck roofing system:
The Undercover System is self-supported by its structurally engineered load bearing gutter system that attaches to the inside perimeter of the area being covered.
This patented Under-deck Ceiling System does NOT attach to your home’s deck joists – no nailing, stapling or joist modification.
To protect your deck joists, NO water or debris are brought into direct contact with your home’s deck joists.
So why are these facts important you might ask?
Architecturally recognized to promote the health of your deck, Undercover Systems modular, self-supporting Under-deck Ceiling Systems are designed to maximize the air flow in and around your deck joists ensuring their longevity. Systems that attach directly to deck joists can impair the free flow of air which can dramatically reduce the life of your deck.
“We can help you to replace that dark, damp space under your home’s deck with a dry outdoor living space that you and your family can enjoy in every season of life. Why not transform that space into a new outdoor living room or kitchen that blends seamlessly into your home’s exterior and surrounding landscaping?”
Say goodbye to that ugly water stained, cobweb underside of your home’s raised deck and hello to your new designer inspired out-of-doors living area with one easy phone call. A complaint free member of the Better Business Bureau, Jim and his team of experienced craftsmen will complete your project to your complete satisfaction. In fact, Jim personally supervises each and every Undercover Systems installation and backs it up with a lifetime guarantee.
Discover the Undercover Systems difference for yourself and begin creating a lifetime of family memories today. All it takes is a phone call.
Undercover Systems
423-267-0091
www.UndercoverSystems.com
