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Beauty Out of Necessity: Landscape Drainage in Landscape Design
The landscape drainage plan shown in this rendering brings excess rainwater to an infiltration trench at the front right side yard where it can seep back into the ground
The first questions I ask when I stand on a new site are: where is the water coming from, where is it going to go, and what's going to happen when it gets there? Howard Cohen, Landscape Architect
Landscape drainage is a critical factor in the success of any landscape design project. And most Northern Virginia properties have pre-existing drainage problems that must be addressed within the scope of a landscape design project.
The first step for your landscape architect is to conduct a thorough site analysis and evaluation taking note of the existing slopes and elevation changes on the property, surface and groundwater (wet and dry areas), and soil composition. We want to be sure that rainwater is not puddling on hard surfaces but is directed to run off and sink into the ground. We want soil around plants and trees to drain efficiently so plants will stay healthy.
The Necessity of a Landscape Drainage Plan
The effectiveness of the drainage system on a property overall and techniques that support well-drained planting beds have a direct bearing on the health and longevity of your garden plants. A sound landscape drainage plan is comprised of two principal parts: one relates to hardscaping and the other to planting beds.
An aggressive re-grading of the slope, terracing, raised planting beds and permeable hard surfaces resolved drainage issues in this front entry area. PHOTO Morgan Howarth
Drainage and Hardscaping
The drainage system is built into the hardscape. The landscape architect may specify permeable surface areas with buried drainage pipes and retention wells that allow water to percolate naturally back into the soil.
We often use slot drains along the perimeters of patios and walkways to take rainwater straight into the ground. We also adjust grading on the property to control the direction and flow speed of surface water. We may direct rainwater toward a natural slope or to an area where we've installed a small culvert or drain box.
Drainage and Plants
In Virginia, we have dense clay soil that stays wet. We try to select plants that can take sustained periods of moisture. We also plant in raised or mounded beds with sand mixed into the soil–which ensures that water drains well away from plants and keeps the roots dry.
A raised bed will usually have low retaining wall bordering it. Mounding doesn't require hardscaping. In both, we use a balanced blend of sand, soil, and compost to build up the mound so it is stable, provides nutrients, and drains properly.
Drainage Solution 1: A Damp Yard Reclaimed
An infiltration trench, concealed by landscaping, allow excess rainwater to seep slowly back into the ground. PHOTO: Morgan Howarth
The owners of this McLean residence rarely used their backyard patio because it always felt damp and uncomfortable. During heavy rainstorms, water would sometimes flood the lower level of the house. A landscaping project not only beautified the backyard but permanently fixed their serious drainage issues.
We dug an infiltration trench in the front right corner of the side yard. All the downspouts from the house tie into it. An infiltration trench sinks about six feet into the ground. It is lined with fabric, filled with layers of sand, clean washed gravel and topped off with about a foot of well-draining topsoil. Excess water filters into the ground.
Although you can't see it, this part of the drainage plan was vitally important the success of this landscape design project. If the property didn't drain properly, plants and people would suffer from too much moisture. Making an outdoor environment beautiful is important, making it comfortable and fully functional is essential.
Drainage Solution 2: A Low Spot Becomes a Highlight
This Herndon residence had drainage problems that made it impossible to plant anything to make the front entry attractive. The ground sloped left along the front of the house toward a lot spot where water collected and pooled against the foundation.
A front entry landscaping project beautified the curb appeal of the home while solving the drainage problem.
We ran drainage pipes under the driveway to draw excess water away from the house, then built up the garden beds above the previous ground level and held them in place with a low retaining wall.
Drainage Solution 3: Beautiful & Practical
This Oakton residence sits on an expansive lot that had a combination of steep slopes and low areas. Extensive regrading and terracing made the backyard highly functional. A highlight of the drainage plan is the biofiltration sinks disguised by lush planting beds. The biofiltration sinks receive water from upper levels on the landscape and let it percolate naturally back into the ground-and at the same time feeding the moisture-loving bedding plants on the surface.
The Design You Don't See
Drainage design is the part of every landscape design you will never see. But everything you see and enjoy above ground is supported by it. If you skip investing in landscape drainage to save a little money, you will end up with issues after the fact. And that could end up costing you more because you may have to remove expensive hardscaping and landscaping to install a solution.
All of the example projects began with a desire on the part of a homeowner to correct a drainage problem that was preventing them from using their yard or was interfering with the ability of landscaping plants to establish and thrive. If you feel that landscape drainage issues are preventing you from fully enjoying your outdoor living areas, contact one of our landscape architects to schedule a consultation.
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Best of Westchester: Renovating in the Area
Our contractors helped reimagine homes in the New York county
Westchester County offers residents the best of two worlds: the peace and quiet of the suburbs with easy and convenient access to New York City. So it's no surprise that city dwellers turn to the bucolic region when they're in need of more space and less noise. Not to mention, the area (which spans 450 square miles) offers an array of home styles, from Victorian and Tudor single-families to smaller Cape Cods and traditional Colonials. Ahead, we highlight a few Sweeten projects from across the county.
Nilda and Brian's Tudor colonial home in Rochelle Heights was in perfect condition, with the exception of the dilapidated kitchen. They completely gutted the 250-square-foot space and opened up a wall to install a backdoor to the patio. Design-wise, the couple kept it very classic and clean, with two-tone cabinetry and integrated appliances.
Mother-daughter duo Alissa and Tatiana took on the renovation of Tatiana's one-bedroom condo in Hartsdale. The project-everything from the carpeting to the doors had to go-started one week after closing on the unit, with the goal of creating a bright and light home. Both the kitchen and bathroom were decked out with marble and white cabinetry for a serene look.
Fourteen years, a trial project, and one bathroom renovation later, Tracey and Brian finally decided to take the plunge on renovating their kitchen and a powder room in Pelham Manor. They kept all of their existing appliances but brought in all new cabinets, countertops, stenciled floor tiles, and backsplash tile. In the bath, the couple focused on space-saving solutions, including a pocket door and a compact sink.
Any parent knows a shower-only household isn't ideal for young children. So before moving into their new house in Pelham, Alexy and her husband decided to renovate one of the bathrooms first. In order to add a tub, an extended vanity, and a linen closet, their general contractor took square-footage from an adjacent hallway.
Soon after closing on their townhouse in Westchester County, these homeowners decided a kitchen remodel needed to happen as soon as possible. Many of the existing appliances no longer worked, and the dark brown cabinets, beige counters, and vinyl flooring didn't help matters either. They reconfigured the layout and installed traditional fixtures and appliances.
While the location and bones of Brooke and Paul's new Pelham home were perfect, the kitchen was far from it. They were accustomed to having a large, open space with an island for gathering. To bring the same look and feel to their new cook space, they took down the wall separating the dining room and kitchen, and added an eat-in island in its place. A custom L-shaped dining bench provided another space to enjoy family meals.
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Learn how much it costs to renovate a kitchen in Westchester County, New York.
Sweeten handpicks the best general contractors to match each project's location, budget, and scope, helping until project completion. Follow the blog for renovation ideas and inspiration and when you're ready to renovate, start your renovation on Sweeten.
The post Best of Westchester: Renovating in the Area appeared first on Sweeten Blog.
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Protect your family from the dangers of radon gas
For many, buying a home is a dream come true. However, if you've been through the process, you know it's not an easy task. You must figure out how much you can afford, get pre-approved, make an offer, and get a home inspection.
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6 Gardening Tasks for January
A magnificent year of gardening lies ahead of us, but if you can't wait to get started, that's okay!
Today we might be crying 'here comes the snow' but before you know it we will be singing 'here comes the sun'! A magnificent year of gardening lies ahead of us, but if you can't wait to get started, that's okay! There are actually lots of awesome winter garden tasks that you can add to your to-do list to get you through January.
Take A Walk
Take a walk around your property with a notebook and look for ways to improve your footprint and land usage. Some examples could be recycling more, adding a compost pile, using less water. Some of these you will have to add to that ol' to-do list for warmer seasons, but some you can try now. Try implementing some of your ideas and see how it goes.
Tidy Up
If you haven't cleaned out the fall beds yet, now is a good time. If you have, there may still be more to clean. Pull out your tools and give them a solid cleaning. Then sharpen them and rub some vegetable oil on the metal to make sure they're all in ship shape and ready to go as soon as the ground thaws.
Day Dream
While you're walking the garden, and once you're back inside and warm, start dreaming of what you'll do in the spring. Will it be a beautiful flower bead or an edible bounty? Begin sketching and planning how you might rework your garden design. Head over to Pinterest or pull out those garden magazines and get the ideas flowing.
Feed The Birds
If you're struggling to get into the gardening groove while the skies are all heavy and grey, this could help. Fill up those bird feeders and attract some wild songbirds into the yard. Nothing chases away the winter blues like bird song. Sit by the window and watch them delight in their winter feast.
Think Small
While you're working on those big garden plans, think about what plants you want to start from scratch. Organize and make a list of the seeds you have and the seeds you need to purchase still. Create a timeline of when they can be started indoors and begin buying the supplies you need. It might be too early to start them now, but those days will be here soon.
Garden Indoors
Start a mini indoor herb garden in your kitchen. Choose the herbs that you most associate with summer flavors. Incorporate them into your meals in the dead of winter and continue dreaming of the gardening season to come.
CALL IN THE PROFESSIONALS FOR YOUR LANDSCAPING NEEDS
EVERGREEN GENE'S OFFERS PROFESSIONAL LANDSCAPING AND MAINTENANCE SERVICES THROUGH THE STATE OF MARYLAND. WE ARE HERE TO MAKE SURE YOUR GARDENS AND GROUNDS LOOK AS BEAUTIFUL AS POSSIBLE YEAR-ROUND. INTERESTED IN HOW WE CAN HELP YOUR GARDEN LOOK ITS BEST? GIVE US A CALL AT (410) 766-6877 OR VISIT US ONLINE. TO SEE EXAMPLES OF OUR WORK AND GET MORE HELPFUL GARDENING TIPS, FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK, GOOGLE+, PINTEREST, LINKEDIN, HOUZZ, AND TWITTER.
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Feeling Outdated? Top Tips to Update Your Home's Charm
You don't have to be an interior design expert to add some flair to your home. Whether the furniture or walls are looking a bit tired or you're still using fluorescent light bulbs, there are numerous easy fixes to bring your residence up to snuff.
If your house is still stuck in the 20th century, make 2019 the year that it reflects some of the recent trends. It doesn't have to be costly to add some signature pieces to accent your home. Explore new colors for your walls, replace furniture that is worn or lacking appeal or buy that piece of art you've been eyeing for awhile.
Read our interior design tips to help you keep your home up-to-date and looking fabulous.
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The Love List
Kate's bathroom makeover is so fun! You need to see what it looked like before!!
I totally agree that these will be big trends in 2019. But these trends? I'm not convinced
Have you signed up for my brand new newsletter??? I'll be sending out my very first one this weekend so sign up here to get the scoop.
The cold but mild weather here in Toronto (we haven't had any snow last more than a few hours!) has strangely put me in a mood where I'm thinking ahead to spring. This post is making me rethink my love of gravel.
The Joanna Gaines' At Home Spotify playlist is really lovely for a weekend afternoon
Joni has all the kid's room inspiration and tips you need
Have you packed the last of the decorations away? Here's some great organizing tips if you haven't!
I'm convinced. I need more soup in my life. And Emily's top posts of 2018 countdown is one of my favourites
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CFD 507 – The Problem With Healthcare And How To Fix It
Dave Chase is the author of The CEO's Guide to Restoring the American Dream and co-founder of Health Rosetta. He...
The post CFD 507 – The Problem With Healthcare And How To Fix It appeared first on Cashflow Diary.
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The Importance of Boat Insurance in the Winter
You may not use your boat very often in the winter, but it is still a good idea to have boat or watercraft insurance because many insurance claims are made in the colder months in Milwaukee, WI.
Is Boat Insurance Required?
Boat insurance is not required by the state of Wisconsin, however, if you have financed your boat, the lender will require insurance on it to recoup any losses on his asset until it's paid off. Some marinas and docks also require you to have watercraft insurance for their own protection if you use their facilities.
When Old Man Winter Arrives
You most probably don't go out on The Great Lakes too often in the winter due to the ice formations, however at the beginning of fall and spring when the waters thaw; you may want to go fishing. It is still the best idea to keep insurance on your boat all year round for your protection, as many losses do occur in the winter. Even if you store your boat in your garage, house fires in the winter often spread to the garage and you could end up with a total loss. Thefts of boats occur often in the winter because most people don't think about checking their storage unit too often in the winter with a boat in it. Lightning is more prevalent with winter storms and can destroy your boat whether it is in open storage or a facility that is completely closed in Milwaukee, WI.
What is an At-Risk Boat Policy?
An at-risk boat policy from Dern & Company gives you the best protection for your boat. It protects you while operating the boat on the water and while it is stored. This policy can also cover losses that result from a failing part. You are covered in this type of policy for theft, vandalism, fire, grounding, sinking, and lightning. You can also add coverage for all of your personal items on the boat too.
Call us at Dern & Company or stop in to see one of our knowledgeable agents to learn more about your boating policy and find which will protect your assets to the fullest.
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Choosing An Insurance Policy To Meet Your Needs
Nothing is guaranteed in this life. Around any corner, some accident can occur.
While accidents differ in their severity, it's always a good idea to be prepared. Insurance is one way to future-proof yourself against the worst and to make sure you aren't taking a financial hit out of the blue.
Consider the below to be the primary type of insurance policies you may need.
Home Insurance
If you own your home, then this is a legal requirement. Even if you don't own a property, there are other types of home insurance that you should know about.
Home insurance offers unexpected benefits including that it can cover you against an injury that someone else suffers while on your property.
Depending on the coverage you pay for, you may be able to claim the following:
Damage to your home
Loss of property due to theft
Damage due to fire
The expense of temporary housing due to repairs leaving your home uninhabitable
These are some of the standard options, but there are others that generally cost extra. You can also claim any damage that might occur to your personal belongings. For example, with the right coverage, if you spill water on your laptop and it stops working, you would be able to claim that through your insurance.
One thing that doesn't always come as standard is natural disaster insurance. However, if this is something that you are concerned about, then speak to your insurance company to see if it can be added.
InsuranceJournal.com reported, of 2017's 330 natural disasters, insurance losses were over $134 billion showing the importance of being covered.
Life Insurance
Some companies will offer a level of life insurance as part of their care package for employees, but outside of that, there are a couple of options.
Term life is the most common. This covers you for a selected period. This is the more cost-effective option. Whole life, as you might expect, covers an individual for a lifetime. This type of insurance often comes with money guarantees and is continuous as long as you keep making payments.
There are some things to remember with life insurance. If you have suffered from a life-threatening illness, then it can be harder to find coverage. Still, some providers tailor policies for such individuals. Some will require a medical exam, while others can include other family members.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance coverage can be taken out to insure individual trips. There is also accident insurance that can protect you in the event of baggage loss, injuries, and even accidental death. Your health or life insurance is unlikely to cover you when abroad, and medical bills can be expensive.
To save money on your travel insurance, you could choose only to get travel medical insurance. However, most of the time, this will not cover you in the event of delays, cancellations, or anything other than health-related claims.
Annual travel insurance protects you all year round. If you travel often, then this might be the most relevant type of travel insurance for you.
If you are embarking on a holiday that involves extreme sports, such as snowboarding, skiing, or surfing, then you may wish to check if you need to an extra layer of insurance as you may not be covered in the event of an accident.
Medical Insurance
Depending on what health plan you choose, you can expect to pay a percentage of any medical costs. The percentage gets lower the higher the level of coverage.
Here are the four levels of coverage. The individual pays the remainder of the medical costs:
Bronze – Covers 60% of medical costs
Silver – 70%
Gold – 80%
Platinum – 90%
Below are the five most common types of medical insurance plans
Health maintenance organizations – You don't get as much freedom to choose your care provider should you need it with this type of policy.
Preferred provider organizations – You'll have more freedom to choose a provider, but this can cost more money.
Exclusive provider organizations – You can choose the care provider, as long as it is within the insurance company's network.
High deductible health plans – Often combined with a health-related savings account. The money you pay with is free from taxes.
Point of service plans – Expect a limited choice of provider, but at a lower premium.
Car Insurance
Most states require auto insurance before you get behind the wheel. There are a few types to remember.
Liability coverage – covers other people and their property in the event of an accident that you caused.
Collision coverage – coverage for any road accident, whether it's your fault or not.
Comprehensive coverage – this helps to cover damage caused by a third party, fire or theft. Sometimes even natural disasters are included as part of the coverage.
Personal injury protection – this is a requirement in some states that can cover your medical expenses that are the result of a road accident.
As with many types of insurance, a deductible will often be required. The lower the deductible, the higher the overall price of your insurance is likely to be.
Of course, everyone hopes that none of these are ever needed, but it is always best to protect yourself against the unexpected.
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The Easiest DIY Desk Ever
The post The Easiest DIY Desk Ever appeared first on Kaleidoscope Living.
If you need a desk that won't take up a ton of room that it is affordable and easy to make, this DIY desk tutorial is for you! The floating desk design takes up very little floor space and it's easy enough for even inexperienced DIYers to tackle. Happy new year, friends! I hope 2019 ... Read More about The Easiest DIY Desk Ever
The post The Easiest DIY Desk Ever appeared first on Kaleidoscope Living.
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Top 5 Tips for Inviting Bath Designs
Learn How to Create an Inviting Guest Bathroom Design in Your Bucks County Home
One of the best things about the holiday season is having people to stay in your home. Entertaining guests is important, but so too is creating a sanctuary for them with a well-prepared guest bathroom. To ensure your visitors feel happy and relaxed, good bath design is called for, along with a few extra touches for a guest bathroom or powder room.
1. KEEP IT SIMPLE
As with any bathroom design, invest in a good shower, toilet and sink with a vanity. Make sure there is a mirror and decent lighting for people to get ready. A bathtub probably won't be necessary in your guest bathroom design unless you anticipate visitors with small children. While you can experiment with color in the master bathroom, it's best to adhere to a neutral or monochrome palette in the guest bath. Play with textures and shapes and incorporate a statement piece but try to appeal to everyone's taste.
2. LUXURY TOUCHES
You're not running a hotel, but it's still nice to add luxe extras for your guests to enjoy during their stay. They'll probably bring basic toiletries but put out a basket of high-end pampering products as well as supplying essentials they may have forgotten. Have a plush robe on hand for each person in addition to fluffy towels in different sizes, remembering to hang hooks or rails for them to dry on. Candles and diffusers give a welcoming feel and show your guests that you've taken the time to make them feel special.
3. TAKE TIME TO SET UP
While it's important to show visitors that everything is at hand, things should be displayed with thought and presented meticulously. Open shelving is the best solution as people can find what they need without rooting around. When displaying items, sort them into groups and then vary their size, to give an ordered yet interesting look. Hairdryers and toilet paper can go in a little vanity included in your customized bathroom design storage.
4. LEAVE SPACE
Remember to leave some space free when planning your remodel. Guests will appreciate having somewhere to put their own essentials. Resist the urge to accessorize too much. Guests might have to move a bowl of potpourri to clear space for their medications and essential toiletries! Also, remember that this is not a room to store your extra things. It should be a dedicated room for guests, at least while they are staying with you.
5. PRACTICALITIES
Think about who will be coming and for how long. Bathroom rugs are a good idea to prevent elderly people slipping on a tiled floor. If your guests are long-term visitors (more than a few days) then include a laundry basket for them to use. Don't forget extra touches like plungers, air neutralizers and extra toilet paper, to avoid potential embarrassment. This also applies to your frequently used powder room.
The master bathroom is often the main priority in bath design, but the guest bathroom design should feel special too. Look at our bathroom gallery for more ideas and contact our design experts to help you create an inviting bath remodel that will wow your guests for years to come.
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Develop Your Landscaping Plan
It's cold outside, and most of our landscapes are quiet and at rest at this time of year. But like many,, you probably always have landscaping plans in your head. Winter is the perfect time to do some dreaming and planning and put those thoughts on paper. It's also a great time to start making plans with your landscaping company. Well-thought landscaping plans can help achieve successful results and save money.
How Can I Put Together a Landscaping Plan?
Start with a list.
Write down the features you currently have in your outdoor space and landscape. Then write down the additional things you want; anything from a patio to a pool, a storage shed or a playground, or simply adding some plants.
Map it out.
Think about the layout of your property and where different features might go. Sketch out a rough plan, leaving room for suggestions from your landscaping company. The University of Missouri offers some great suggestions for making a plan, including separating public areas like the front of your house from private areas for family activities and service areas like trash cans and storage sheds. Think about where things should go in relation to your house; asking how each area would effectively function. Then draw your landscape as is and overlay the features you'd like to see. It's an exciting process.
Here are just a few features to consider as you sketch your map:
Plantings
Walkways
Patios and entertainment spaces
Privacy features and shade trees
Vegetable and flower gardens
Sheds and outbuildings
Pools, pergolas and pavilions
Fire pits and grilling areas
Outdoor lighting
Think long-term.
When you talk with your landscaping professionals, share your long-term goals and ideas even if you can't make them happen right away. This helps us develop your property in a more holistic way. For example, if you think you might want outdoor lighting down the road, it's best to go ahead and add conduits for electrical lines now. Saving you from tearing up hardscapes or plantings later just to install the lighting. Once your landscaper has the big picture, they can help you break things down into bite-sized chunks and move forward step by step, as your budget allows.
Find The Right Partner.
As you consider your long-term landscaping goals, be sure to find a partner who is ready to work with you to make your ideas become a reality. You want a company that will listen to your goals, desires and concepts while at the same time bringing their extensive professional experience into play. It's important to find a partner who can look at the big picture but also make things happen in the short-term by helping you prioritize and work out a schedule.
Think About a Budget and Payment Plan.
At Epling, we encourage clients to think big, but we also understand the role that budgeting plays when designing a landscape. We work with clients whose budgets vary, from wanting to get it all done at once and fast track multiple projects to those who need to take things one step at a time, phasing the project. Our experienced staff will help you find the approach that works best for you.
Create Your Landscape Plan with Epling
At Epling, helping clients plan and achieve their goals for their outdoor space is one of our favorite parts of the job. From beating back the jungle and getting on a routine lawn care schedule to decorative plantings for a perfect entryway to attractive, family-friendly patios and play areas, our team can help you take your landscape from a dream to a reality on the schedule that works best for you.
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Landscaping Stone Borders Around Flower Beds
Stone Border Around Flower Bed
Austin Chopped Stone with a Flagstone Cap
Landscaping Stone Borders
Austin Chopped Stone Borders with Flagstone Cap around Flower Beds Landscaping Project
Stone Wall Borders
Raised flower beds with stone wall borders
Raised Flower Bed Landscaping
Landscaping stone walls border on raised flower beds
Curved Stone Borders
Flower bed island with curved stone border all the way around.
Flower Bed Landscaping
Landscaping stone borders around flower bed
Stone Border Around Pond
Landscaping a Pond with Stone Borders in Back Yard
Mulching Flower Beds with Stone Borders
Adding mulch to flower bed with stone borders
Large Stone Divider
Large stones dividing a garden bed landscaping
Large Rocks Border
Landscaping flower bed with large rocks as border
Flat Brick Stone Borders
Flat stone borders around flower beds
Stone Border Around Tree Bed
Tree and Flower Bed with Stone Border Landscaping
Stone Retaining Wall
Landscaping a Stone Retaining Wall Around Flower Bed
Get Stone Borders Installed
Request Quote
When you feel stressed, and you need a place to have a significant relaxation, your outdoor area will always serve as a perfect spot. So, investing in improving the look of your landscape is a fantastic treat for yourself.
Nature's view has its unique and effective way of providing you a valuable tranquility. It can even make it easier for you to forget all the negative vibes around.
After a busy weekday, it is ideal to put an effort visiting your garden area and recharge yourself. To make this more effective, providing your flower beds with landscape stone border can improve your experience.
Here, you will be able to learn different ideas for your next landscape stone border project. So, how are you going to choose the right stone for your flower beds.
Type of Edging Stones for Borders
There are different types of stone to choose from and each type has its unique characteristics. We can generally install any type of stone you prefer, but what we usually like to recommend is listed below:
Austin Chopped Stone
Oklahoma Chopped Stone
Leauders Chopped Stone
Boulder Moss Stones
Shape and Texture
Natural stones are known for its rounded shape resulted from long exposure to water in the streams, rivers, lakes or ocean. Manufactured stones provide a shape which is intended to imitate the appearance of natural stones. You have no trouble choosing the best stones for your flower bed landscaping because there is already a wide variety of man-made stone that provides organic and attractive look. Thus, it offers a uniform size and shape, with various color options.
With the help of a different type of landscape stone, it is made easier for you to create a more attractive look for your flower bed.
Artistic Medium
When you are deciding for landscape stone border design, you can play with your imagination. You may come up with a rock garden theme where you can use stones with a natural round shape and then choose plants that can enhance the overall look.
Different Rock Features
Landscape stones can be you to different landscape ideas where you can take advantage of different stone features to fulfill your creativity. In building a stone border, you can use either collection of pebbles and smaller stones or larger sizes within the gabion cages. This provides an attractive look while staying functional as a retaining wall.
Learn how to build a stone retaining wall – pdf
Water Feature Accent
Landscape stones are attractive and artistically dry. However, if you combine it with a water feature, its beauty, color, and texture become full of life. For a natural look for your flower bed, you can use paddle stones because of its neutral colors. Thus, they are quite flexible when it comes to creating natural mosaic designs.
There is no way for you not to try a landscape stone border to create an attractive and unique look for your flower bed. The next time that you will visit your garden, you will get more satisfaction with the view.
For help with installing stone borders around your flower beds contact JC's Landscaping for a free estimate.
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The post Landscaping Stone Borders Around Flower Beds appeared first on JC's Landscaping LLC.
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Investing Blog Roundup: How Important is Sequence of Returns Risk?
I recently encountered an article from the Early Retirement Now blog, discussing just how much sequence of returns risk matters in retirement. The article isn't new (May 2017). And it's pretty math-heavy. But it's worth a read.
One noteworthy finding: over a 30-year retirement, only 31% of the variation in safe withdrawal rates is explained by the average return earned by the portfolio over that 30-year period. 64%, however, is explained by the sequence of those returns.
If the math intimidates you, I would still encourage you to at least click over to the article and find the second table - the one with a column of green-highlighted cells. What these cells are showing you is how important each 5-year window of returns is in determining safe withdrawal rate.
It's quite striking how much less important each 5-year window of returns is, relative to the prior 5-year window. For example, years 0-5 explain more than 28% of the variation in safe withdrawal rate. Years 5-10 explain another 19%. Years 10-15 explain another 13%. And so on.
Key takeaway being: the returns that your portfolio earns in the first several years of retirement matter a lot.
More Thoughts on Sequence of Return Risk from Early Retirement Now
Other Recommended Reading
10 Ways Advisors Can Differentiate Their Practices from Allan Roth
How Scarcity Impacts Decision-Making from Meghaan Lurtz
When Is Guardianship Necessary? from Howard Krooks
Retirement Planning Lessons from 2018 from Dirk Cotton
How a New Kind of Community is Creating a Better Aging Experience from Joseph Coughlin
You Should Freeze Your Child's Credit. It's Not Hard. Here's How. from Ron Lieber
What Should You Do About a Falling Stock Market? Nothing from Neil Irwin
1 Woman, 12 Months, 52 Places from Jada Yuan
Thanks for reading, and Happy New Year!
What is the Best Age to Claim Social Security?
Read the answers to this question and several other Social Security questions in my latest book:
Social Security Made Simple: Social Security Retirement Benefits and Related Planning Topics Explained in 100 Pages or Less
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Real Life Story Update 2018 Edition
Hey friend, want to have a heart to heart?
The most important part of Vintage Revivals, surprisingly isnt the Merc, or my post on how to paint furniture. It's my Real Life Story. It's been a while since I've updated it and while I wasn't initially intending this post to be part of it, I feel like it needs to be. Cause struggling and being human is way easier when someone else says “Hey girl, me too.”
I dont know what your last year has been like, but if I had a word for 2018 it would be STRESS. Like that, in all caps, screaming in your face. Over the last few years I've felt it compounding, but this last year it was overwhelming. I found myself paralyzed in anxiety, brimming with anger, and disconnected, jealous, and negative. (Which is very unlike my rose colored glasses way of living.) I had a few irrational outbursts, I had stress induced psoriasis patches all over my body, I very intensely thought about driving my car into a wall one night.
The crazy and most frustrating part is that I tried everything that I could think of to find relief. Hormone therapy, actual therapy, change in diet, sticking to a schedule, meditation, exercise, podcasts, books, if it was suggested to me I tried it. And nothing made it better. Every time I cut my hair my sisters were worried I was going to buzz it Britney circa 2007 style.
Have you ever been in a place like this? Where you've pulled your boot straps up so high that you're wearing them like suspenders and yet, you are still there, in the garbage? GAH! It is the worst feeling like you're letting everything and everyone around you down. Man, if you have my heart goes out to you. Maybe we should start a suspenders club?
For me, I've learned, is that it wasnt about the circumstances that were going on (maybe we'll talk about those soon). What really was happening is that sometime along the way I shifted my spirituality into neutral. Spoiler alert! It seems to be when you put something in neutral, it eventually coasts to a stop and that is what happened. I had stalled out.
For those that don't know, I'm a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. My faith is what has rescued me from the seemingly unreachable darkness. Understand the Atonement of Jesus Christ and the power that it has to bring grace and purpose to my life changed everything. After experiencing all of the miracles that we have over the years, you would think that I would be set on the right path and have all of the energy in the world to endure whatever ups and downs life throws at me, but man it just is not that way. I was still going to church, Court and I are still missionaries for the 12 Step Program, and still doing the “things” but trying to restart some spiritual momentum out of sheer self loathing is just not the way that it works.
In October I went to a hypnotherapy session that changed everything. It was probably the most sacred and spiritual experience that I've ever had. I can't share all of it, but during the session, I had this huge weight of darkness descend on me. As I focused on it I could feel it, like a thick black mist, intertwining itself around every part of my body. My therapist had me project the feeling outside of my body and asked me what shape it took on. It was like I was staring at a mirror image of myself, but instead of skin and clothing it was a faceless shadow of tumbling black smoke staring back at me.
As I faced it, those familiar feelings of dread, stress, hatred, anger, jealousy, self-will, pride, resentments, and sadness intensified and the smoke grew larger and larger until it was no longer the shape of me, but just a huge swirling black mass of despair. My therapist had me directly ask why it was there, and with a laugh and an energy that I recognized as Satan it replied “because you allow me to be”.
That son of a #&*%$
Slowly, almost undetectably I had let all of these garbage thoughts and feelings take seed in my life and they grew and grew and grew until I found myself in this horrible place. Never has the term enemy of my soul meant more to me.
I dont know if you know this, but when I started my blog I had never DIYed a thing in my life. I had very little confidence in anything, especially myself, and what little I did have was sucked into the dark hole of Court's addiction. I was an absolute shell of a person. When I stumbled one day upon the world of DIY blogs, it changed everything! These wonderful, relatable, awesome women shared their knowledge with me and made me feel like I could do something scary. It unlocked a talent that had been completely undiscovered and quite literally altered the course of my life.
A few months into the blog I knew that I needed to share our struggle with addiction. At that point Court had only been sober for a few months, but he was so different than any other time he had been clean, that I didn't hesitate to believe that this time really was different. From the moment of being willing to be vulnerable things changed for me. I learned who I was, and how God speaks to me. I knew without a shadow of a doubt that the reason that I had this gift was to bring people to the blog so that I could share with them hope, and confidence, and happiness. Maybe in a thrifted dresser, maybe in a relationship, maybe in God. But always that change is real and everything can be made better. That purpose unlocked my heart.
But over the years, that perspective shifted. If you ask me point blank, that is still the answer you'll get, but in my heart it changed. It became about me, not about you. I dont know if the content really changed all that much, but the energy and reason behind it did. I would be interested to know for those long time readers, if you'd noticed.
So for the last little while, I've focused on finding my Savior and my peace and my perspective again. It has become my number one priority. It never ceases to amaze me that He is always there. ALWAYS! Even when I turn away from him, even when I struggle and try to do things on my own and make a mess out of the path that he set my life on, he is still there! Through this journey I've dedicated more time to going to the temple and reading the Book of Mormon. I've cut out everything in my life that doesn't fill me with hope and happiness (I'm looking at you Netflix) and my heart has been changed.
One of my favorite quotes by President Benson says “When we put God first, all other things fall into their proper place or drop out of our lives. Our love of the Lord will govern the claims for our affection, the demands on our time, the interests we pursue, and the order of our priorities.” It's quite miraculous how that happens. I feel like I know what my Heavenly Father wants from me and as I am willing to trust him and move forward in faith that he will work the miracle for me to become whatever he intends.
And as for the enemy of my soul, whenever I am feeling frustrated or defeated I read from the Book of Mormon, 2 Nephi 4:18-35
18 I am encompassed about, because of the temptations and the sins which do so easily beset me.
19 And when I desire to rejoice, my heart groaneth because of my sins; nevertheless, I know in whom I have trusted.
20 My God hath been my support; he hath led me through mine afflictions in the wilderness; and he hath preserved me upon the waters of the great deep.
26 O then, if I have seen so great things, if the Lord in his condescension unto the children of men hath visited men in so much mercy, why should my heart weep and my soul linger in the valley of sorrow, and my flesh waste away, and my strength slacken, because of mine afflictions?
27 And why should I yield to sin, because of my flesh? Yea, why should I give way to temptations, that the evil one have place in my heart to destroy my peace and afflict my soul? Why am I angry because of mine enemy?
28 Awake, my soul! No longer droop in sin. Rejoice, O my heart, and give place no more for the enemy of my soul.
30 Rejoice, O my heart, and cry unto the Lord, and say: O Lord, I will praise thee forever; yea, my soul will rejoice in thee, my God, and the rock of my salvation.
So what does all of this mean!? Hahaha man I have no idea. But I do know that Vintage Revivals always going to be about projects and paint and trips to Home Depot. But if I'm creating that content with love, awareness, and perspective-I believe that it can create a deeper connection and that is what the whole point behind all of this is. To know that none of us are alone in our bad bathroom tile, or in our imperfect lives.
If you've made it this far you get 10 Vintage Revivals points and a huge heartfelt thank youuuuu! Thank you for letting me share about where I've been cause man, what a lonely and crappy place that is. And thank you for letting me figure this whole thing out. You are wonderful!!
If you would like to learn more about the LDS 12 Step Addiction Recovery meetings, you can get more info for meetings in your area here.
If you're interested in receiving a free copy of the Book of Mormon, I would love to send you one! Shoot me an email at [email protected]!
Love your guts guys!!
The post Real Life Story Update 2018 Edition appeared first on Vintage Revivals.
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An Arts & Crafts Home in Maine Full of Old & New Stories
I love a good house story - one that runs deep with history and mixes in the right amount of charm. I also love to learn about the history of a home as much as I like to see the house in present form. A few years ago, an older man showed up at my door and wanted to tell me all about growing up in my house. He shared stories about him and his brother as young children, where the family phone hung in the kitchen, and where they put their Christmas tree each year. Many of the little quirks of my 1890 home were revealed.
Ben Ray and Ali Malone have a similar story. After moving around the country, these Portland, ME natives wanted to get back to the community they grew up in and raise a family there. When asked what drew them back to their hometown, Ben shares, “Portland is the perfect 'little city' of roughly 70,000 people. It's a community where you walk down the street and people smile and say 'hello' to you; it's a community that supports the arts, cultivates creative types and small businesses, has award-winning restaurants (but is still super laid-back!) and still has some salty bars - and yes, salty people too. It is the place where we intend to grow old together.” When they first returned to Portland, the couple began renovating commercial spaces and homes, paying homage to each space's architecture as well as their ability to shift styles to fit each building.
When Ali, a real estate broker and developer, was eight months pregnant, they found their 1904 Arts and Crafts style home. Built by famed architects John Calvin Stevens and John Howard Stevens for the Stevens family, it was then added onto in 1914. “We were drawn to the fact that JHS had designed this house to use personally (it was the first house he designed as a partner at the firm). He started his family in the house and you can feel that in the space. It has a casualness and practicality that spoke to us - it felt modern for the era,” Ben says. As a young girl, Ali used to play in that same house, as it was later home to one of her classmates. “Ali spent quite a bit of time in this house as a child. One of her good friends in elementary school lived in the house decades ago. She had memories of playing in the room that now belongs to our son, Atticus… Reentering the house as potential buyers nearly three decades later was totally surreal for her.”
Ben runs his growing company Evangeline Linens from an office on the second floor of their house. Since he and Ali are both able to work from home, the mornings are spent at a slower pace, savoring the morning light in their living room with their two children, and spending time as a family, often with impromptu dance parties. In a home rich with art and modern furniture, each decorative item lends well to the space while also adding to the existing charm. Ben leaves us with this piece of decorating advice, “Layer in pieces over time. Buy things that you love and not what you are 'supposed' to love. Edit and remove stuff periodically. And buy lots of art!” Scroll below for the full home tour. -Erin
Photography by Erin Little / @erinlittlephoto
Image above: “The painting above the fireplace (painted on the actual mantel, not a hanging painting) was done by the original owner/architect's father, John Calvin Stevens (a nationally renowned architect). The small paintings sitting on the mantel are by Michel Droge. Vintage owl andirons (with glass eyes) were found at a flea market in Midcoast Maine,” Ben shares.
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It's the Little Things #29
Happy Friday! Here are my favorites from the week with you – it might be a quote, a print, what I'm reading, a favorite podcast, a playlist, a recipe, a helpful tip, a cleaning product, or something I added to our home. Basically if it's something little that I feel is shareable or if it's […]
The post It's the Little Things #29 appeared first on Clean Mama.
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