Think of lighting as art for your home

Lighting is possibly the most powerful tool you have when it comes to interior design. It does not make sense to invest in beautiful furniture, rugs, paintings and accessories if they are in the dark. The perfect light fixture not only illuminates a space - it is also a beautiful, decorative design element.



"When looking for a light fixture, think of yourself as a curator looking for a perfect piece of art," says interior designer Laurie Smith, known for her role as a featured designer on the hit television show Trading Spaces. Smith says, "Like art, a fabulous fixture can make a strong design statement, as well as provide illumination for your space."



Often consumers do not realize the difference updated lighting can make in their homes. Smith suggests finding one special piece and building a room around it. "In design school, we learned that lighting is the most exciting and mysterious medium in design. Lighting is sculptural; it's textural, it's exciting," she says.

"There are so many varying styles and designs in lighting today that the possibilities are endless. Different materials and shapes are just part of what goes into determining that perfect fixture," says Smith. "For instance, do you want the shape of your piece to contrast with your room's schematic or coordinate with it? Taking a traditional fixture and placing it into a modern setting creates interest through contrast, while taking a sleek modern fixture and putting it into a traditional setting infuses new vitality and a sophisticated accent."

With so many choices on the market, the task of selecting a light fixture can be difficult and overwhelming for many homeowners. It's just a matter of developing a plan or one idea. To help consumers get started, Smith talks about the importance of lighting to interior design in a new video series. Each minute-long video focuses on a different aspect of lighting and ways to incorporate it into every homeowner's design plan.

Videos in the series include:

* Choosing the Right Lighting Fixture

* Find an Object of Inspiration

* The Impact of a Single Lamp

* Lighting Fixtures as Art

Whether looking for one fixture or a complete lighting design plan, a great place to start is at a lighting retail showroom. There you will find professionally trained staff to help you select the perfect light for your space.

Anthony Bourdain talks last meal on earth, advice for restaurateurs; old-school cocktails

(BPT) - TV's best-fed hedonist, Anthony Bourdain, is keeping busy these days with his hit travel series "Parts Unknown," his publishing career and an upcoming appearance at this year's National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show in Chicago. Love him or hate him, Bourdain is the biggest, baddest food dude on the planet. The self-proclaimed "chef slacker" shares his advice for restaurateurs and new chefs, and talks about his desired last meal on Earth and love of old-school cocktails.



Q. You have 24 hours left on Earth: Where would you go, and what would you eat?



A. "Sukiyabashi Jiro in Tokyo. I would sit down in front of the greatest sushi master that I've ever met and eat whatever he puts down in front of me. That would probably take about 22 minutes, if past experiences are my guide. I've had it before, and it's one of the greatest meals of my life. If I'm going to be shot in the back of the head after a meal, that would be a good way to go."



Q. You've made it well-known that you started in the restaurant industry by washing dishes. What's one piece of advice that you wish you could tell your former self about the restaurant industry?



A. "I was a very happy dishwasher! I just wanted to be part of it. I didn't want to necessarily rule the world. I made a lot of decisions along the way where I chose to have fun rather than to excel. I chose to be a chef rather than the student of a really talented first-rate chef. I made a conscious decision not be the best that I can be. I was pretty set in my ways about the kinds of kitchens that I felt comfortable in and wanted to work in, and that was not conducive to me ever becoming a Michelin-starred chef. I think that the greatest lesson I ever learned in the restaurant business (and I learned it early) was: Show up on time. Whatever work, whatever commitment, you have, always show up on time to show the people who you work with the respect that you can at least do that."



Q. Which chefs are most exciting to you now that you could see establishing future partnerships within your publishing career?



A. "For the chefs that I've published and hope to publish, it's not just about the food. It's people who are doing interesting things and who have an interesting story and point of view. The recent chef books I would have loved to publish would be Gabrielle Hamilton's memoir (Blood, Bones & Butter: The Inadvertent Education of a Reluctant Chef) of The Joe Beef Guys. There are real voices there of people who are saying something new and interesting to create a whole world and mindset that explains the food. Generally speaking, I look for someone who has a powerful voice and can explain why they cook the way that they cook in a personal and dynamic way. Roy Choi's book is coming out soon, and I think that he will be a good example of that."



Q. What's the best advice that you have for restaurateurs facing the challenges of today?



A. "Today's restaurants need to have a concise vision of what they are good at and what they have to offer that is different from the guy across the street. Restaurateurs need to speak in a strong confident voice, saying, 'I might not be good at some things, but I'm good at this, and this is what I'm going to do.' I think the days of trying to be everything to everybody are over now. We have an empowered chef class now and a much more curious, daring and younger dining public. I think the future is going to be chefs who speak with a coherent, concise voice with a real identity. Own that this is what I do. More of like in Asia where you have the roast duck guy and the chicken and rice guy."



Q. What do you look for in your favorite cocktail?-



A. "I am a big fan of cocktails, but if takes you more than 10 minutes to make it, there's a problem. I'm an old-school guy: Give me a good Manhattan, old fashioned, or the perfect Negroni with the finest gin, vermouth and campari with maybe a slightly toasted almond zest, and I'm a happy guy. I think the standard for me is, is the drink that I'm about to make with bourbon better than bourbon?"

For richer or poorer: Don't let newlywed bliss turn into financial nightmare

"Communication is a key part of a strong marriage, and it's also the basis for a strong financial partnership," says Barrett Burns, president and CEO of VantageScore Solutions. "Being proactive before and planning ahead of the wedding while sticking to a financial plan will help guard against common financial mistakes that can occur early in a couple's life together."



To start your new life together with a strong financial foundation, check off a few important money to-dos before you say "I do!"



1. Have the debt talk



All couples must have the debt talk. It may not be romantic, but it is necessary in order to plan a bright future together. Be open and honest about debt, savings and spending habits, even if they are less than perfect.



Financial turmoil is one of the top reasons cited for divorce, so understanding each other's finances today and what goals you have for the future will help reduce stress on your partnership. With the average college student graduating with $26,600 in student loan debt, according to The Project on Student Debt, young couples need to create a plan for managing debt and saving for the future.



2. Control wedding spending



The "big day" is a defining moment in life, but it's important for couples to remember it's just one day of many that they will spend together. Weddings and related events cost a whopping $28,427 on average, according to theknot.com, and that doesn't even include the honeymoon.



"When it comes to young couples planning a dream wedding, the plastic tends to be relied upon," says Burns. "It's important to be realistic about how much you can spend. Becoming over extended on credit cards is a common mistake, and this type of high-interest debt is not the wisest way to begin your lives together."



The best course of action when it comes to wedding planning is to create a budget and stick to it. It's not necessarily bad to use credit, especially if you can take advantage of a credit card rewards program, but Burns advises only charging or borrowing what you know you can pay back in a reasonable amount of time as keeping high balances and missing payments can have significantly negative impacts on your credit score, which in turn leads to stress.



3. Work together to build a positive credit profile



Married couples do not have joint credit files or credit scores. Each individual has their credit files with the credit reporting companies and their own credit scores, but in some cases like when joint accounts and co-signed loans are created, the actions of one can impact the other.



"It's common for younger people who are just beginning their financial independence to not have much, if any, credit history. It's important to be proactive and take steps to build a positive credit profile and score so you can demonstrate to lenders that you are a good manager of credit," says Burns.



Get a copy of your credit report and resolve any issue you may have with the information presented in it. If you have a limited credit history, carefully consider the benefits of joint accounts, but keep in mind that the positive financial actions like paying bills on-time and keeping balances low, as well as actions that can have negative impacts like missing payments will influence the couples' individual credit scores.



"The importance of paying bills on time cannot be understated," says Burns. "A single missed payment can drop each person's credit score 80 to 100 points. This can affect a couple's ability to get the best interest rates and terms for a loan."



Another important step in building credit after a marriage is to make sure that all financial lenders are aware of name changes. "If you choose to change your name after you are married, make sure all your accounts have your current information, otherwise positive actions may not get reported correctly or in a timely manner," Burns says.



4. Shop around for rates



"Whether you're taking out a personal loan or selecting a credit card, you absolutely must shop around for rates," advises Burns. "Don't just take the easiest or first option. You want to get the best deal available with low interest rates and reasonable terms."



When shopping for rates, Burns notes to do so within a two week period of time. Credit inquiries from auto and mortgage lenders and credit cards issued from banks and credit unions are only counted once if done in a two week period causing just a slight decrease to credit scores.



Finally, couples soon to be married or those that recently were married can also test their knowledge about credit scores at www.CreditScoreQuiz.org, a website created by VantageScore Solutions and its partner, Consumer Federation of America, one of the largest consumer advocates in the country.

MARCH 2016 MARKET UPDATE

March 2016

Included in this blog post is a link to my Real Estate Update Newsletter. Please click on the link below to get the latest Real Estate Update for March! If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to call or email my office. 

614-882-6725

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Hiring tips to help avoid nanny nightmares

(BPT) - Movie nannies might work for a spoonful of sugar, and hugs and kisses, but in the real world nannies - no matter how loving and attentive they are - need to get paid a salary. When you're ready to hire a nanny, you can go through the most rigorous background checks, confirm references, interview extensively and hire the caregiver of your dreams - and still find yourself in the middle of a nanny nightmare if you run afoul of tax laws.


Fortunately, online payroll services can help take the confusion out of paying your nanny, and ensure he or she gets paid on time and according to the law. Although nanny-hiring goes on year round, many more families may undertake the task as the school year gets started. SurePayroll offers some tips for hiring and paying a nanny:

* Make a list of nanny must-haves, such as schedule availability, disciplinary practices, experience with multiple kids, etc. Next, create a list of preferences that are negotiable. Setting your priorities before you begin looking for a nanny will help you make the right decision.

* Involve others, including people whose referrals you trust, such as family members, friends, teachers and co-workers. Ask them for help in finding candidates, and don't forget to involve your kids. Give them a few minutes to meet each nanny candidate during the interview; after all, they'll be the ones most affected by your choice.

* Remember, you're entering a business relationship - albeit one of the most important ones in your life. Keep things professional during the interview and be sure to ask all the tough questions about topics that are important to your family.

* Don't overlook online resources and professional organizations. Selection services like SitterCity can help you identify and screen appropriate candidates, and the International Nanny Association provides information, advice and a directory on its website. Be sure to use background checks, which can easily be done online, check multiple references and personally interview every candidate at least once before making a final decision.

* Discuss wages and base your offer on the nanny's level of experience and what other nannies in your area are getting. Federal law requires nannies must get at least minimum wage, and they may be entitled to overtime.

* Prepare paperwork to ensure you can avoid tax penalties. You'll need a 1040-ES, a signature-ready Schedule H, the annual 1040 and a W-2. If you pay a seasonal nanny more than $1,000 per quarter or $2,000 per year, you'll probably need to pay the "Nanny Tax," which includes Social Security, Medicare and federal unemployment tax (FUTA).

* Set up payroll for your nanny, and plan to pay him or her by either direct deposit or check. You'll need to make provisions to pay Social Security, Medicare, FUTA and other payroll taxes, including any state or local taxes that may apply. Track tax deductions, medical benefits and other insurance. Remember, mistakes can cost you: failing to pay the IRS nanny taxes can lead to back taxes, penalties, interest and fines of up to $25,000.

An online payroll provider like SurePayroll can help you stay on the right side of the law by managing the pay, tax and filing tasks for your nanny. Log on to www.surepayroll.com to learn more.

"Your nanny will be one of the most important people in your family's lives," Bolas notes. "It's important to start off on the right foot with good communication and ensuring payroll tasks go smoothly."

A fun approach to teaching kids nutrition wisdom

"The more parents can do to involve children in the process, the decisions on what they are eating and where their food comes from, the better off they will be at helping them learn reverence and appreciation for food," says Anni Daulter, professional cook, nutrition expert, and author of several books, including "The Organic Family Cookbook."



Here are some simple yet effective tips from Daulter to get your kids excited about nutrition and help them make good food choices:



1. Make mealtime special



"In our fast-paced lives, we have somehow lost the concept that eating is not just about the actual food. It's about the connection, the time spent enjoying every bite, laughing, talking and sharing. Our families need this time together," Daulter says.



Create a routine. Consider starting dinner at a similar time each night. Designate different nights for different types of meals, such as vegetarian Monday, or make-your-own pizza Saturdays. Have children help with the meal prep and cleanup, if age-appropriate. Light a candle during dinner, and allocate plenty of time for conversation - it's one of the best ways to bond with loved ones.



2. Adopt a healthy morning routine



While most families are time-crunched on weekday mornings, it's important to make time for breakfast so kids get the nutrition they need before heading to school. Healthy breakfasts incorporate whole grains, protein, fresh fruit, and supplements that support brain and body health.



"Supplements can be an easy way for mom and dad to ensure that their children get the important nutrients they need, especially during busy mornings," says Daulter. "I recommend giving kids a boost of brain-building nutrition with a kid-friendly omega-3 supplement. I like chewable, strawberry-flavored Nordic Naturals Children's DHA. This essential nutrient is brain food, proven to support brain growth and health. Additionally, omega-3s support a healthy immune and nervous system, too."



3. Create tasty school lunches



"When your children are fed better, they learn better," says Daulter. "Their bodies react to being fed good pure foods that give them the fuel they need to get through each and every school day."



Save time by making lunches the night before or do a big Sunday cut-and-chop day for raw ingredients throughout the week. Here is a sample of what you'll find in Daulter's children's lunch baskets:



Black Bean Soup Lunch

* Classic Caesar salad

* Homemade wheat parmesan chips

* Raw: Asian pears and clementines



4. Have healthy snacks on hand



"Kids bodies tend to be more in tune with their internal signals and they inherently seem to know that they need more little meals throughout the day, rather than three big meals," Daulter says. "Eating smaller portions frequently throughout the day provides more energy when we need it and is easier for our bodies to digest."



Daulter keeps several small kids tables throughout the house so her children can nibble on snacks while they continue to play. What sorts of things does she like to feed her kids for snacks? Nuts, homemade fruit roll-ups, pumpkin seeds, veggie popcorn, fresh fruits, carrot sticks, and cheese are all healthful snacks that keep kids' bellies full.



5. Teach healthy eating habits through activity



"My kids and their friends love to cook and help us prepare meals, and the more we include them in the process, the more invested they become in their own health," says Daulter.



You may be surprised by how excited your children get by being involved in the entire meal process. When you go to the grocery store or farmers market, have children help pick out veggies. If you grow your own, let them pick the produce and help wash, peel and prep it for meals.



"Even the youngest child can help mix in flour for fresh bread or learn to whip her own honey butter," says Daulter. "These tasty teachings will not only give them practical and valuable life skills, but will leave them with loving memories of family cooking days that were spent laughing, creating, and of course, eating!"

Couples who design together, stay together

Paint is prime



Adding a splash of color (or two, or three) is a low-cost way to liven up the blank canvas of your home. While neutral colors are ideal for selling your home, living with them might be a different story. If you want to evoke emotion, establish visual intrigue or set a certain mood, color is the best way to get the job done.



And you don't have to stick with just one color throughout your home. Highlight an accent wall in your living room with a darker shade or apply a funky wallpaper print. Or, paint your kitchen red with shades like Crisp Crimson or Rocket Red from Dutch Boy, as it increases appetite and elevates passion, perfect for a romantic dinner for two. Purples such as Plumes or Merlot Grape, also from Dutch Boy, have been known to induce passion, ideal choices for a couple's bedroom.



Art and soul



Bringing artistic elements into the space is an easy way to add personal flair. From wall decor and blown glass accents to picture frames and candles, no decorative piece is too small to make a big impact. Display items in groups of three for a dramatic display. Candleholders or vases in varying heights or complementary color schemes can marry two styles easily, and pairing a gothic frame with a softer, lace-applique can actually bring great dimension to an overlooked nook of the home.



Just because you're a fan of Monet and your partner prefers Picasso, that doesn't mean you can't proudly display your favorite pieces for all to enjoy. While Picasso's pieces seem more abrupt and geometric, by combining with larger, softer pieces from an impressionist painter like Monet, you can actually blend the two artistic styles seamlessly.



The perfect mix



Don't be afraid to mix various textures and patterns. This will add dimension to the space, transforming a flat and otherwise boring look into a world of wonderment. First, pick a main color you want to focus on, which will be the anchor color for the space. Let's say you choose blue for this role. Lay all blue fabrics on the floor - window treatments, rugs, pillows and blankets. You'll immediately notice some that seem out of place. Remove these from the pile and you'll begin to notice an interesting cohesion among the remaining fabrics. Next, you'll want to incorporate a complementary color. If blue is your anchor color, add hints of orange to the mix for a playful pop.



Also, be mindful of the pattern's scale. If you have too many large scale patterns in one space, they will be competing with each other, adding unnecessary drama. Keeping it to just one large scale print and several mix-and-match small and medium scale prints will create perfect harmony. In terms of texture, pairing coarse fabrics with smooth variants will add yet another level of dimension to the space. While too many coarse items can seem overbearing, by adding some softer, more feminine textures you can actually create an interesting, eye-provoking combination.



Taking the time to blend your and your mate's style preferences can be a rewarding experience. Throughout the process you'll learn his or her likes and dislikes while having fun in the process, creating a stronger, more unified couple. And by playing around with colors, textures and patterns, the end result will be a well-designed joint space that stimulates the senses from start to finish.