Ashley Crain, an MTMC pharmacy technician, has been training regularly over the past year to prepare for her spot in the Murfreesboro Half Marathon on October 15, presented by Middle Tennessee Medical Center. Being a full-time mom and wife, with a demanding job, and a passion for running, Ashley has learned how to keep focused on the task at hand.

During the weekdays, Ashley takes care of her two children, while using her spare time to train for her first-ever half marathon. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday are all training days. Currently, Ashley runs 5 miles a day in the beginning of the week, and then she closes out her training with a 7 mile push. But the weekend doesn’t just mean a break from training for Ashley. In fact, every weekend you can find her over at Middle Tennessee Medical Center working hard in the pharmacy department.

How does she do all this? Not alone that’s for sure. Ashley relies on the support of her family and her coworkers to be the strong, passionate woman that she is. Both Ashley and her husband, Joshua, love to run, so they take turns between running around town and running after their 2-year-old daughter, Ava Grace and 6-year-old son, Jackson Lee.

Ashley Crain is just one of the many MTMC employees that are running as part of Team MTMC for the Murfreesboro Half Marathon. Staying active is one of the easiest ways to stay healthy, and running is just one of the ways MTMC encourages the community to live a healthier life.

While some like to simply tell others how to stay fit and healthy, Middle Tennessee Medical Center has always believed in leading by example. There is still a month before the marathon, and training will only get more intense as the race approaches, but if anyone can handle a crazy schedule, it’s Ashley. HobNob will be checking in on Ashley’s progress throughout the next six weeks, so stay tuned to find out more about this high speed mom’s quest for an active life.

For more information about Middle Tennessee Medical Center visit: www.mtmc.org

For more information on the Murfreesboro Half Marathon visit: http://www.themiddlehalf.com/

Sellers want to make more money than what they paid for their homes.  Upgrades are a great way to make this happen but not all upgrades and renovations pay off.  Just because you like something and think that it may add value; doesn't mean that it will.  Your home is only worth what someone else is willing to pay for it.  The attached article is a great road map for renovation awareness. 

http://finance.yahoo.com/news/First-Person-10-Home-ac-4117717167.html?x=0

Your Realtor,

Shauna Mason

The Turn Key Team

Keller Williams Realty

c: 615-585-3239

o: 615-895-8000

www.shaunamason.com

Asking sporting goods stores to watch for a unique set of stolen golf clubs paid off Thursday for a Rutherford County sheriff’s detective.

The unique set of women’s golf clubs was stolen in a home invasion of three people Saturday on Morton Lane near Smyrna.

Detective Jim Tramel called stores selling used sporting equipment to notify him if anyone tried to sell the golf clubs. A “quick thinking manager” at Play It Again Sports in Franklin called him Thursday afternoon after a customer tried to sell the golf clubs.

Franklin Police, who were nearby, spotted the suspect inside the store. When the suspect spotted them, he fled. Franklin Police, Brentwood Police and Williamson County Sheriff’s Office tracked the suspect into a Subway restaurant nearby.

He climbed into the attic before “popping through the ceiling,” said Tramel who arrived at the scene later with Detective Randy Groce.

Suspect Bobby Duane Parker, 28, of Smyrna, was treated at a hospital before being released to Williamson County’s Adult Detention Center where he is being held on theft charges filed by Franklin Police.

Through his investigation, Tramel learned the golf clubs were taken from the victims of a home invasion Saturday where Parker allegedly held a couple and his brother at gunpoint while robbing them.

Tramel linked Parker to the home invasion and obtained warrants charging Parker with three counts of aggravated kidnapping, three counts of aggravated robbery, one count of burglary and one count of theft of the victims from the Morton Lane home invasion.

The victims were “ecstatic” about Parker’s arrest, Tramel said.

Parker, who has a lengthy criminal history, may be linked to other home burglaries in Rutherford County, the detective said.

Tramel thanked the staff at Play It Again Sports for notifying him and Franklin Police, Brentwood Police and Williamson County Sheriff’s Office for helping apprehend Parker.

Parker’s hearing is set in January in General Sessions Court.

Information is needed about a suspect who robbed three people during a home invasion Saturday night on Morton Lane off Almaville Road, a sheriff’s detective said.

The man armed with a semi-automatic pistol robbed a husband and wife and his brother about 9 p.m. Saturday while they watched a football game on TV, Deputy Joey Vann reported. The robber ordered the victims to lie on the floor face down and asked for money, wallets and car keys.

After taking their wallets, safe and a letter cabinet, the robber escaped in the couple’s 2005 white Volvo S60.

One of the victims fired his revolver three times at the suspect as he drove away but was unsure if he struck the vehicle.

Patrol Sgt. Todd Hammond spotted the Volvo shortly after the home invasion while driving on Almaville Road and pursued him. The driver entered state Route 840 West toward Franklin where he eluded Hammond. The vehicle was recovered Sunday in Triune in Williamson County.

Detective Jim Tramel said the robber may have entered the home when the family was away earlier in the day.

The suspect was described as a white man who stood about 5-feet-8-inches and weighed 160 pounds. He was dressed in dark clothes and a dark baseball cap. He spoke proper English

People who have information about the suspect’s identity or other information are asked to call Tramel at 904-3055.

For all the time-saving benefits that a durable home exterior can bring, homeowners never want to sacrifice curb appeal. Beyond that first requirement of a great-looking home, a growing number are focusing on features that give them back more time with maintenance-free living.

When it comes to the popular aesthetic of cedar siding, The Foundry is one siding choice that manages to create discerning authenticity with a design that requires virtually no upkeep - a combination unheard of to homeowners who have had to sand, scrape, stain or pry-off damaged cedar shingles.

The Foundry's exact look and feel of hand-split shakes and mill-sawn shingles are achieved by using scores of real cedar molds to infuse natural charm into premium vinyl siding. The combination of enduring vibrant color and charming texture generates distinctive appeal that can enhance any home's value.

Classic cedar style like this has historically come with costly maintenance, such as water repellants or wood stains lasting as little as one year before another cleaning and finish are needed. With wood, more than 20 gallons of finish could be needed each time. In comparison, siding like The Foundry never needs finishing and comes with a limited lifetime warranty. Its wide spectrum of more than 40 colors ranges from Oceanside and Juniper to Keylime and Russet.

The Foundry's most unique colors make up the Weathered Collection, which can provide homeowners a completely distinguishing look. This siding uses a proprietary process that gives the appearance of cedar that has beautifully weathered over time. Different tonal qualities are created using a darker shade of color in the grain, and a lighter one on higher points.

With crisp contrast created in each Weathered shake or shingle, the effect captures a timeless essence and warm character. The Weathered Collection's 17 colors include new Red Cedar, which shows natural gold and brown tones and subtle undertones of pinkish-red. Other selections include rustic Cedar Moss and softly brilliant Coastal White.

In a whole-home application, Foundry shake or shingle panels make an eye-catching statement. They also combine beautifully with brick, stone veneer or fiber cement exteriors to bring added appeal. As an accent in gables, they provide architectural interest that draws gazes upward. The rich texture gains greater focus when set off by crisp trim or elegant columns.

In addition to their style benefits, Foundry siding is designed to stand all the tests of time. A special cap stock maximizes color appearance, so the siding's design and color keep their integrity through fierce storms and blistering UV rays. The Foundry delivers the highest possible fire resistance, Class I (A), and has also been tested to exceed a 170 mph windload. The Foundry is a division of The Tapco Group. For more information, visit www.foundrysiding.com or call (800) 771-4486.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Who doesn't need a break from the hectic day-to-day routine once in awhile? A recent study by the American Psychological Association found that we are more stressed than ever, with nearly 75 percent of Americans experiencing moderate to high stress levels. With time and money as major obstacles, it's difficult for many people to take regular vacations to escape their busy, everyday lives. But with a little time, budget and creativity, an ordinary bathroom can be transformed into a luxurious, relaxing escape for an everyday getaway.

Spacious showers

The central feature of any bathroom is the shower or bath. Enlarging a cramped shower space does not have to entail an expensive overhaul. By installing a curved shower rod, you will add up to 7 1/2 inches of elbow room to your space and feel like you have an oversized, lavish shower without adding any square footage. Moen offers both fixed- and adjustable-length curved shower rods with pivoting flange to make installation a breeze.

Make the most of a mirror

Almost every bathroom has at least one, but a simple addition to your mirror can take the room from ordinary to extraordinary. Framing a mirror is a quick and easy way to draw attention and give any room a luxurious, hotel-like feel. Moen offers a variety of frame styles with its easy-to-install Mirrorscapes Mirror Frames line, allowing any DIYer to customize and create a new look. With Mirrorscapes' unique installation system, even the most inexperienced homeowner can recreate a room in less than 30 minutes.

Storing in style

Storage space might not seem like the most glamorous part of a room, but choosing unique organization accessories can make all the difference in your bathroom's makeover. The Banbury bathroom collection (available at The Home Depot) offers functional accessories such as bathrobe hooks, soap dispensers, towel bars and rings, and paper holders in a wide variety of finishes and styles to coordinate with the other items in your bath. Decorative Hotel Shelves, also from Moen, are another option available in today's popular finishes and unique designs to add a hint of luxury to the bathroom while providing maximum storage for linens and towels. These small details are a quick and easy way to give your bath a high-end look while maintaining functionality.

Soothe your senses

It's the little things that make the biggest difference, and there are many ways to enjoy the indulgent atmosphere of a hotel spa at a fraction of the cost. Pamper all of your senses with bathroom extras such as scented shower gels and lotions, oversized cotton towels and aromatherapy candles. Even a simple coat of paint in a relaxing shade like "Soul-Quenching" by Dutch Boy can make a dramatic difference and help create a calming, stress-relieving ambience. Pop a soothing CD into your Sony ICF-CD73V Shower CD Player/Clock Radio and your haven of relaxation is complete.

Everyone deserves time away from the stress of today's world, and with a few simple changes you can transform your everyday bathroom into an organized, relaxing daily escape. For more information on how Moen bath accessories can help you create your own room of relaxation, visit www.csi.moen.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

What is a "radiant barrier?" Well, according to the U.S. Department of Energy it's a way to reduce your monthly energy bill. Radiant barriers are designed to help block the summer heat from reaching the inside of your attic and home, and blocking heat means less energy costs to cool your home in warm weather.

"With an effective radiant barrier, your air conditioner won't have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable indoor temperature," says David Drew of Nashville-based LP Building Products, a nationally recognized leader in the field of residential energy efficiencies. "This can save energy and lower the cost of cooling your home, as well as make your home more comfortable regardless of the season."

However, not all products that claim to create a "radiant barrier" provide the same level of performance. To learn more about LP's radiant barrier sheathing product, visit LPCorp.com.

The most cost-effective form of radiant barrier is a thin layer of aluminum attached to the underside of your roof deck material. When the sun heats up your roof in the summer, the aluminum blocks much of this heat so it cannot radiate into your attic.

Ideally, the home builder will select roof sheathing that already includes a radiant barrier. In these cases, it is important to select a perforated (or incised) sheathing that will block heat, but not trap construction moisture in the wood. 

It is also possible to install a layer of aluminum to an existing home. The aluminum is simply stapled to the roof trusses or rafters. Homeowners are cautioned not to allow an installer to apply the aluminum sheathing to the attic floor. Although this is easier for the installer, a radiant barrier can lose its effectiveness in less than a year if dust is allowed to accumulate on the surface. Studies have also shown concerns with moisture development and the aluminum being too close to electrical wiring and fixtures.

When correctly installed, radiant barrier sheathing and retrofit aluminum material will block up to 97 percent of the heat that radiates off your roofing materials from entering the attic space. This can lower the temperature of your attic as much as 30 degrees and reduce your cooling bill up to 17 percent during the summer months.

A variety of paints also promise to perform a similar function, but with lesser results. These paints are infused with ceramic or aluminum powder and can be sprayed onto existing roofing materials.

"Homeowners are often tempted to select paint over retrofit aluminum materials because it is less expensive to install in an existing home," Drew says. "However, homeowners should be aware that these paints do not technically qualify as a radiant barrier under today's industry standards, even if they say 'radiant barrier' on the product."

"Be sure to do your homework before purchasing one of these paint products," says Mary Edmondson, Reflective Insulation Manufacturers Association's executive director. "If it's being called 'radiant barrier paint,' beware."

Homeowners can check the quality of a paint product by examining the label for an emissivity number. This number should be 0.1 or lower for a radiant barrier or 0.25 or lower for an Interior Radiation Control Coating. Without an emissivity number, homeowners will not know the quality of the product they are selecting. It is also important to know proper installation methods with the IRCC materials. Some require two or even three coats to meet the stated energy savings.

Issues may also arise from the application of an aluminum-infused paint that will limit its effectiveness. An uneven coating of paint will allow heat to escape into the home in less thick areas. Also, installers must regularly mix the paint to ensure the aluminum does not settle to the bottom. Unfortunately, a visual inspection of the painted surface will not reveal if the mixture or thickness of paint is sufficient to achieve the emissivity number indicated on the label.

Homeowners have a variety of options to reduce their energy bills by applying aluminum to roofing products. Although paints can offer limited protection at a lower cost, properly installed aluminum radiant barriers provide superior performance and greater reliability.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

Weather extremes are brutal on exterior landscaping. Rain, snow, wind and temperature variances all take a toll, especially on residential fencing.

Rain hastens rust and wood-rot, and ground freezing and thawing or high winds can affect gate alignment. Gate misalignment - as well as rusty metal hinges and latches - can lead to gates that no longer close securely. These conditions can be dangerous or even deadly if ignored. Weakened or damaged fencing can open up your property to unwanted intruders.

Now's the time to inspect fencing, gates and gate hardware around your property to ensure all are in good working condition.

Selecting the right gate hardware can easily solve most of these problems. Innovative gate hinges and latches by D&D Technologies are made of super strong engineering polymers that will not rust, are adjustable, self-lubricating and include high-grade stainless steel mounting hardware. They require little or no maintenance over the years and are backed by a limited lifetime warranty.

Updating your gates so that they are self-closing and self-latching, improving their security and overall look, can be done in just a few minutes with these unique products. D&D latches feature built-in key locks, which eliminate the hassles and extra cost of a separate padlock or pull-string. The company's hinges have a built-in self-closing spring that is tension adjustable for different gate weights with a twist of a screwdriver and eliminates those dangerous and unsightly external springs. These products are simple to install, and include easy vertical and horizontal adjustments, which help keep gates properly aligned for secure closing years after the products are installed.

Fences protect children and pets from danger - whether they're designed to keep toddlers out of swimming pools or to keep children and pets in the yard, away from busy traffic. Properly working gates can also reduce homeowners' liability.

Even if your fence has been erected primarily to define your property line, it's ineffective if access gates don't close or latch properly after opening. When was the last time you checked each gate around your property?

"In our research, we found that when homeowners consider their fencing needs, rusty metal gate hardware that no longer functions properly was their No. 1 concern," says D&D Technologies' Senior Vice President Jim Paterson. "Most homeowners are not aware that rust-free and adjustable gate hardware is available."

If you have a pool or spa, or want to prevent children from opening any gate, D&D's MagnaLatch is specifically designed for these situations. It meets pool barrier codes and is endorsed by many safety experts.

"Now is a great time to ensure that your fences and gates are functioning properly and are protected from rust, a destructive force that can render gate hardware useless," says Paterson. "Common gravity latches are inexpensive and function fine when new. However, as soon as rust sets in, these latches no longer close without manual assistance."

He notes that D&D's rust-free gate hardware has been sold primarily through the professional fencing industry, but is now available direct to consumers under the Stanley or National Hardware brand through Lowe's and other hardware retailers.

"For the fencing itself, rust can present greater challenges," Paterson says. "Steel fences and gates, if not protected with an effective sealant such as powder coating, must be periodically repainted with rust-resistant paint to prevent weather-related damage. Be sure to remove existing rust before painting, and use a rust-preventive primer. For wood fences, use paint specifically designed for fencing.

"Aluminum, vinyl or wood fencing can protect against rust on the fence itself," Paterson continues, "but the hardware must still be rust-free and adjustable to ensure the gate will be in working order. A quick inspection - and if needed - the minutes spent installing new gate hardware, can help protect your family and property, increasing security and decreasing liability." For more information, visit www.ddtechglobal.com, e-mail This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or call (800) 716-0888, ext. 292.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

We all want the finer things in life, but while many of us have expensive tastes, we don't always have lavish budgets. And, when it comes to updating the kitchen, many items can have large price tags that - in today's market - we won't be able to recoup.  Luckily, with a little creativity you can achieve a cost-conscious kitchen remodel that gives you maximum enjoyment on a minimal budget.

Finished look for less
Does your kitchen have shiny brass light fixtures? If so, updating these can instantly make your home look more current and stylish. Home improvement retailers offer a wide variety of stylish and affordable choices in popular finishes, such as stainless steel or old world bronze. Or, for an even more economical choice, turn your current lighting fixtures from brass to beautiful by spray painting them with a new contemporary finish. Manufacturers such as Krylon offer unique choices, like Stainless Steel or Oil-Rubbed Bronze, that add beautiful texture for a high-end look.

Fashionable, functional focal point
Most kitchens have a basic faucet - but as the focal point and most-used item in the kitchen, updating this mainstay can create a functional and fashionable change that everyone will notice.  

When selecting a new kitchen faucet, look for a high-arc style with pulldown functionality. Models such as the Moen Anabelle Eco-Performance faucet feature this unique design - with the added benefit of up to 32 percent water savings. The multi-function wand offers both a fast-fill stream for filling pots, as well as two Eco-Performance sprays that conserve water while allowing you to complete everyday tasks such as washing dishes or preparing foods - all with the same great performance. Available at Lowe's in both Stainless Steel and Mediterranean Bronze finishes, this kitchen update will have you saying "wow" with the aesthetic, functional and water-saving benefits. For more information on Moen Eco-Performance kitchen faucets, visit moen.com or lowes.com.

Sensational shelves
Nothing can make a kitchen look worse than cluttered countertops. But when it comes to storing necessities or displaying decorative items - there often is no other spot. While adding new cabinetry can solve your storage issue, it can be costly. Instead, build exposed shelves to give your kitchen a more updated look and an open, airy feel.

Home improvement retailers offer a variety of pre-made wood shelving in a variety of materials and finishes, or, if you are handy, you can build your own to save even more. Once they are complete, utilize them for a mix of decorative and functional kitchen items and be sure to keep everything neat and clean for a polished look.

Breathtaking backsplash
Adding ceramic tile in your kitchen can add color, texture and a high-end appearance, but upgrading your entire floor or countertops can be very pricey. Instead, adding a tile backsplash can make a dramatic change - with minimal cost and effort. Whether you're an experienced do-it-yourselfer or not, there are many online step-by-step guides, and many home improvement retailers offer classes for this simple project. And, in no time at all, you'll have a beautiful tile masterpiece that will accent - and protect - your walls.

With these few updates, your kitchen will look great and be more functional - all without breaking the bank.

Courtesy of ARAcontent

(ARA) - A damp, leaky basement can be a homeowner's worst nightmare. Active water leaks and excessive moisture in basement or foundation walls can rob a home of extra storage or living space. And, if left unchecked, more serious problems can result, including costly structural damage and high humidity levels throughout the home. That's why it is important to take care of water problems before they start.

Fortunately, there are state-of-the-art technologies that make basement waterproofing easier than ever before - even for inexperienced do-it-yourselfers. New waterproofing paints are low odor and are easy to apply, eliminating the expense associated with hiring a contractor.

"Some homeowners delay basement waterproofing because they don't have the money to hire a contractor and don't think they have the skills to do it themselves. Nothing could be further from the truth," says Watertite brand manager Beth Froncek. "Thanks to easy-to-use waterproofing technologies, basement waterproofing is almost as easy as painting a room. Plus a clean, dry basement can equal extra living space and increased home value, making it a great project to put on the 'to do' list."

Getting started: prepare the surface.
Before you get started, make sure basement walls are thoroughly cleaned to get rid of dirt, grease and other contaminants. Kill any existing mold and mildew by washing with a solution of household bleach and water, consisting of no more than one cup of bleach in one gallon of water. Next, remove any efflorescence, a powdery white deposit found on many concrete surfaces, with a concrete etching solution to ensure the waterproofing paint sticks to the basement walls. Patch any holes and cracks - especially those that show signs of active water leaks or those around windows, doors and joints. Products like Zinsser Watertite Etch, Watertite Hydraulic Cement and Watertite Polyurethane Sealant are specifically formulated for basement waterproofing prep.

Apply two coats of waterproofing paint.
Waterproofing paints like Watertite Mold and Mildew-Proof Waterproofing Paint are guaranteed to stop water and offer a five-year mold- and mildew-proof paint film guarantee. Low odor and easy to use, Watertite is available in an oil-base formula, which is great for waterproofing wet walls, or a convenient latex formula for routine waterproofing.

To apply, use a thick synthetic brush or large nap roller to apply the first coat to a small section of the masonry. Use a brush to work the coating into the pores of the concrete to produce a continuous pinhole-free film. Apply the second coat with a brush or roller. It's that easy.

Enjoy your basement.
Waterproofing paints can be tinted to a wide range of off-white, pastel and medium-tone colors to help you transform a damp, leaky basement into a beautiful living space. To learn more, visit www.zinsser.com.

Courtesy of ARAcontent