HeART to Heart Luncheon

| No Comments

Patricia Hart Society, women’s initiative of United Way of Williamson County presents the 12th annual HeART to Heart Luncheon on Friday, February 5, at the Embassy Suites of Cool Springs. The silent auction begins at 11:00 am, and lunch begins at 12:00 pm.

A HeARt to Heart benefits the United Way of Williamson County and its 35 partner agencies.  Tickets are $50 per person. Tickets purchased online will include a $2 service fee.  For more information, visit uwwc.org.

 

Homestead Manor for Valentine’s Day Weekend

| No Comments

Couples who want more than the traditional dinner–or parties looking for a swinging good time–can attend Harvest’s Grand Dance on Saturday, Feb. 13 that will hosted in its Barn, a climate-controlled, 1930s-inspired equestrian stable adjacent to the restaurant. For $75, party goers will have access to a decadent dessert bar, a drink ticket, celebratory party favors, a photobooth and three hours of non-stop entertainment.

 

After a complimentary glass of champagne upon entrance, guests won’t be able to stay off the expansive dance floor when the high-energy, 10-piece Downtown Band take the stage at 8 p.m. Plus, all who attend will be entered to win an item from Walton’s Antique Jewelry.

 

The Barn, which will be luxuriously draped to create cabana lounges around the Barn’s wood-burning fireplaces, will also include a cash bar.

 

To buy a ticket to the dance or to learn more, go to www.homesteadmanor.com/blog.

Williamson College announces municipal/public service scholarship

| No Comments

Williamson College has created a public service scholarship for full-time employees serving in Williamson County municipal and public service jobs. This scholarship is targeted for both undergraduate and graduate students.

“Williamson County is among the most admired and desirable communities in America,” said Ed Smith, President of Williamson College. “While there are many factors that contribute to this reality, one of the most obvious is the outstanding and sacrificial service of individuals who are broadly known as public servants.

Read more at the Williamson Herald.

Lancome welcomes Ricardo Costales

| No Comments

Join Ricardo, Lancome National Makeup Artist, and his team of pro artists for a customized makeup lesson!

Check out his interview via www.lancome-usa.com:

How did you get your start in the business?
Doing commercials and working for a modeling agency in Venezuela.

What is your creative influence?
Everyday life, nature, sounds, colors, texture, personalities, clients’ personal style, event occasions, moods, etc.

Who is your beauty icon?
Rachel Welch and Sophia Loren. However, class is always class and Catherine Denueve is superb!

What works on every woman?
The right amount of eyeliner and mascara with a touch of lip color always works.

What is your best tip?
After applying any foundation (mineral/cream compact/liquid/dual finish), take a clean tissue and pat the skin to blot excess. Then finish setting it with a mineral powder bronzer for a healthy glow.

FAB FACTS

  • Hometown: Miami, Florida
  • Editorial: Allure, Glamour, Marie Clare & many more
  • Runway: New York Fashion Week, Miami Fashion Week & Spain Fashion Week
  • Make plans now to attend this exciting one day event!
  • Store: Belk, CoolSprings Galleria
  • Phone: 615.771.3200
  • Event Date: Friday, January 22

Brought to you by: PlaceWise Media Network

Free Computer Classes for Seniors

| No Comments

The Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department is pleased to team up with the Williamson County Public Library to offer four free computer classes for seniors (55+). Learn about iPhones & iPads, Ancestry.com, Facebook and Pinterest. Classes will be held at the main branch of the Williamson County Public Library, 1314 Columbia Ave. Students can pick the specific sessions they want to attend (see below), or choose to attend all four (reg. code #5792). All classes are Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Registration is required online at www.wcparksandrec.com.

  • February 26: i101 (iPhones & iPads). Registration deadline 2/23; registration code # 5793.
  • March 4: Intro to Ancestry.com. Registration deadline 3/1; registration code # 5794.
  • March 11: Facebook profiles. Registration deadline, 3/8; registration code # 5795.
  • March 18: Intro to Pinterest. Registration deadline, 3/15; registration code # 5796.

Williamson County Parks and Recreation is a public organization, here to benefit the community. Anyone may register for and participate in the department’s programs, teams, classes and events. For more information about the facilities and programs of the Williamson County Parks and Recreation Department, visit www.wcparksandrec.com, or call (615) 790-5719, ext. 2010. You can also receive up-to-date department information by “liking” us on Facebook or following us on Twitter at @wc_parksandrec or on Pinterest.

Scholarship Available to Williamson County Students

| No Comments

High school seniors and current college students who live in Williamson County are encouraged to apply for the scholarship to be awarded by Leadership Franklin. The non-profit organization will award one $1,500 scholarship to a student who meets the scholarship criteria.

Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average to be considered. A copy of the student’s transcript and a 500-word essay are part of the application requirement.

Scholarships are awarded based on a combination of scholarship application points, community involvement, and quality of essay. All students are encouraged to apply.

Applications are due March 4, 2016. Applications may be obtained online at www.leadershipfranklin.org.

Now in its 20th year, Leadership Franklin is a non-profit community leadership organization dedicated to educating, informing, and empowering leaders to improve the quality of life in Franklin and Williamson County. Leadership Franklin is funded primarily by business, individual, and alumni contributions. Each year, twenty participants are selected based on commitment to the Williamson County community, previous participation in community, civic, or professional organizations, and demonstrated leadership in current or previous positions.

 

For more information: Contact Executive Director Paula Harris at 615-252-4312 or paula.harris@bwsc.net or Debbie Henry, Associate Executive Director, at 615-628-0264 or DHenry@tmagroup.org.

Mexican Manicotti

| No Comments
The latest from JustAPinch.com, “Can’t decide if you want Mexican or Italian for dinner tonight? Why not both! Laura Yoder experimented in her kitchen and came up with this fun Mexican Manicotti My Way. It has all the taco flavors and ingredients you love (ground beef, cheese, beans, olives), stuffed inside manicotti shells. It’s delicious, easy and fun! See step-by-step photos of Laura’s recipe plus thousands more from home cooks nationwide at: www.justapinch.com. You’ll also find a meal planner, coupons and chances to win! Enjoy and remember, use just a pinch…

 

Ingredients

  • 1 lb lean ground beef
  • 2 c mexican blend shredded cheese
  • 1 can(s)refried black beans (bush’s)
  • 1 pkg taco seasoning mix
  • 1 jar(s)16 oz. picante sauce
  • 2 c sour cream
  • 2 green onions, sliced
  • 1 small can(s)sliced black olives
  • 2 c water, warm
  • 1 box manicotti shells
  1. Mix raw ground beef with taco seasoning, 1 cup of cheese and 1 can refried black beans.
  2. Using the uncooked manicotti shells, stuff the meat mixture into the shells and place in a large baking dish that has been sprayed with cooking spray.
  3. Pour the jar of picante over the stuffed shells. Then pour in the 2 cups of warm water.
  4. Cover with foil and bake in 350 degree oven for 1 hr to 1 1/2 hrs.
  5. When shells are done and dish is bubbly top with sour cream, reserved cheese and olives.
  6. Put back in oven for 5-10 minutes.
  7. Remove from oven and top with green onions.
Serves: 6
Cook: 1 Hr 30 Min
Method: Bake

Fabulous Friends for Africa Valentine’s Party

| No Comments

This event was started by a group of women turning 50 who wanted to raise money for the needy in Africa instead of hosting a birthday celebration for themselves.  In its ninth year, the women who call themselves Fabulous Friends for Africa have raised more than $500,000 to support 100 orphans in Lizulu, Malawi and purchase study Bibles for the AL training programs throughout Africa. This year, proceeds raised through the party will benefit women and children across Africa who have been through traumatic experiences, either by war or in the sex slave industry.  African Leadership (AL) a local organization committed to providing church leaders with theological education and come along side these leaders as they work to impact their local communities across the continent.

Host a reserved table for ten for $750 or buy individual tickets for open seating at $75 in advance…$100 at the door.  Register at www.fabulousfriendsforafrica.org   Cost includes Italian buffet dinner, silent auction and dancing to the music of 12 South Band.

Barnes & Noble Cool Springs Celebrates Pre-K-12 Teachers & Administrators

| No Comments

To celebrate pre-K-12 educators and administrators, Barnes & Noble Cool Springs will celebrate Educator Appreciation Days from Saturday, January 9, through Sunday, January 17.

During Educator Appreciation Days, Barnes & Noble Cool Springs will offer a special sweepstakes in which educators can enter to win a Maker Space for their school, featuring some of the leading products in technology today, including the da Vinci Jr. 1.0 3D Printer from XYZprinting, Ozobot Classroom Kit, Raspberry Pi Kit, littleBits Deluxe Kit, Electronic Snap Circuits from ELENCO and Extraordinaires® Design Studio PRO. Maker Space prizes will help educators teach students the valuable skills of coding and 3D printing, while giving students the opportunity to gain hands-on learning experiences in the art of designing, handcrafting and constructing.

The sweepstakes winner will also receive books that teach how to use technology in the spirit of collaboration, cooperative learning and teamwork. The book prize package includes titles like Making Makers by AnnMarie Thomas, the Encyclopedia of Electronic Components Volume 2 by Charles Platt, Teach Your Kids to Code by Bryson Payne, and Design for 3D Printing by Samuel N. Bernier, to name just a few.
To enter the sweepstakes for a chance to win prizes that are valued at approximately $4,000.00, educators should visit Barnes & Noble Cool Springs at 1701 Mallory Lane, Brentwood, TN and ask a bookseller how to enter Saturday, January 9, through Sunday, January 17.

As always during Educator Appreciation Days, public, private and homeschool educators who shop at Barnes & Noble Cool Springs or online at BN.com <http://www.bn.com> will receive special discounts on merchandise, including:
·       25% discount on personal and classroom books, toys, games, music, movies and more;
·       10% off the list price on tech tools to help bring tech literacy to classrooms;
·       10% off the list price on all NOOK tablets and eReaders including the 8-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab S2 NOOK, the 9.6-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab E NOOK®, the 7-inch Samsung Galaxy Tab® 4 NOOK®, and the new NOOK GlowLight Plus*;
·       10% discount on all Café consumable purchases;
·       Other prizes and giveaways, such as gift cards, books, posters, educator guides, sticker sheets, activity kits, tote bags and more.
These special offers are available to pre-K-12 teachers and administrators enrolled in the free Barnes & Noble Educator Discount program. To take advantage of these offers, educators can apply for their Barnes & Noble Educator Discount Card at Barnes & Noble Cool Springs. The application form is available in-store or can be downloaded at BN.com <http://images.barnesandnoble.com/pImages/resources/pdf/educator-application-form.pdf>.
As part of Educator Appreciation Days, Barnes & Noble Cool Springs will host a free educator reception on Friday, January 15 form 3:30 pm to 5:00 pm
Educators are encouraged to visit Barnes & Noble Cool Springs or visit www.bn.com/storelocator <http://www.bn.com/storelocator> for more information.
* Limit of five devices per customer with the presentation of a valid Barnes & Noble Educator Discount Card.

About Barnes & Noble, Inc.
Barnes & Noble, Inc. (NYSE: BKS) is a Fortune 500 company, the nation’s largest retail bookseller, and a leading retailer of content, digital media and educational products.  The Company operates 647 Barnes & Noble bookstores in 50 states, and one of the Web’s premier e-commerce sites, BN.com (www.bn.com <http://www.bn.com>).  The Nook Digital business offers a lineup of popular NOOK® tablets and eReaders and an expansive collection of digital reading and entertainment content through the NOOK Store®. The NOOK Store features more than 4 million digital books in the US (www.nook.com <http://www.nook.com>) and UK (www.nook.co.uk <http://www.nook.co.uk>), plus periodicals, comics, apps, movies and TV shows, and offers the ability to enjoy content across a wide array of popular devices through Free NOOK Reading Apps available for Android, iOS® and Windows®.
General information on Barnes & Noble, Inc. can be obtained by visiting the Company’s corporate website at www.barnesandnobleinc.com <http://www.barnesandnobleinc.com>.
Barnes & Noble®, Barnes & Noble Booksellers® and Barnes & Noble.com® are trademarks of Barnes & Noble, Inc. or its affiliates. NOOK® and the NOOK logos are trademarks of Nook Digital, LLC or its affiliates.
For more information on Barnes & Noble, follow us on Twitter <https://twitter.com/BNBuzz>, Instagram <http://instagram.com/barnesandnoble> and Tumblr <http://thebarnesandnoble.tumblr.com/>, and like us on Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/barnesandnoble>. For more information on NOOK, follow us on Twitter <http://www.twitter.com/nookBN> and like us on Facebook <http://www.facebook.com/nook>.

 

Homeowners Reap Remodeling Benefits Whether Selling or Staying, Say Realtors®

| No Comments

Homeowners preparing to sell often make improvements, both big and small, to their homes that can help yield positive results and garner top dollar from buyers. According to a new report from the National Association of Realtors®, remodeling projects can also bring major benefits to homeowners who choose to remain in their homes.

“Realtors® know that certain home upgrades and remodels can be beneficial to get more buyer eyes on a property, potentially bring in more offers or gain more equity from a home,” said NAR President Tom Salomone, broker-owner of Real Estate II Inc. in Coral Springs, Florida. “But remodeling projects are just as valuable to homeowners who simply want to get more joy out of their dwellings. Regardless of the situation, Realtors® know what remodeling projects bring the biggest bang for the buck and what projects are most likely to improve a homeowner’s impression of their current place.”

According to NAR’s 2015 Remodeling Impact Report, which uncovers the reasons homeowners choose a remodel and the increased happiness certain projects bring once completed, 64 percent have experienced increased enjoyment in their home after completing a remodeling project. Additionally, 75 percent of respondents said they felt a major sense of accomplishment when thinking of their completed project. Fifty-four percent of respondents felt happy about the changes to their home, and 40 percent felt satisfied. As for their reasons to complete a remodeling project, 38 percent of homeowners said they wanted to upgrade worn-out surfaces, finishes and materials; 17 percent wanted to add features and improve livability; and 13 percent believed it was time for a change.

Realtors® named kitchen upgrades, complete kitchen renovations, bathroom renovations and new wood flooring as the interior projects that most appeal to potential buyers. Similarly, Realtors® also ranked projects based on expected value at resale (without accounting for project price); the projects that ranked the highest in this category were complete kitchen renovations, kitchen upgrades, bathroom renovations and the addition of a bathroom.

When looking at the interior projects that yield the biggest financial results upon resale, Realtors® ranked hardwood flooring refinishes (100 percent of project cost recovered upon resale), insulation upgrades (95 percent recovered), new wood flooring (91 percent recovered), and converting a basement to a living area (69 percent recovered) as projects to consider.

Exterior projects are also important for both sellers and homeowners looking to increase satisfaction with their current home. Realtors® said new roofing, new vinyl windows, new garage doors and new vinyl siding are most appealing to potential buyers and are highly valued upon resale (both considering project price and disregarding project price). Upon resale, Realtors® said new roofing would recover 105 percent of its project cost, a new garage door would recover 87 percent, new vinyl siding would recover 83 percent, and new vinyl windows would bring back 80 percent of their cost. As for exterior projects that bring the most happiness for those not necessarily intending to sell, homeowners said new fiber-cement siding, new fiberglass or steel front doors, new roofing, and new garage doors brought the most satisfaction.

The 2015 Remodeling Impact Report, the first of its kind from NAR that examines personal satisfaction from remodeling projects, surveyed Realtors®, consumers who have completed their own remodeling projects, and members of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry.

“Remodeling projects can greatly improve both the value of and satisfaction with one’s home, which are great things no matter the reason for a project,” said Judy Mozen, president of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry. “This report highlights the best projects to consider in either situation and showcases just how much of a difference a good and professional remodel can make in real numbers.”

Salomone said the report not only assists homeowners who are preparing to sell in choosing the best projects to attract buyers, but it also helps those looking to get more personal satisfaction out of their homes. “Realtors® know that remodeling projects aren’t just done to get more money for a home once it’s time to sell – a home is your sanctuary, the place you raise your family and where you make lifelong memories, which is why the report can also help consumers decide which projects could enhance their current quality of life and happiness,” he said.

The National Association of Realtors®, “The Voice for Real Estate,” is America’s largest trade association, representing 1.1 million members involved in all aspects of the residential and commercial real estate industries.

The National Association of the Remodeling Industry is the medium for business development, a platform for advocacy and the principal source for industry intelligence. NARI connects homeowners with its professional members and provides tips and tricks so that the consumer has a positive remodeling experience.