This is a sponsored post from Becky’s Pet Care, a professional pet care service in Northern Virginia.

Meet Aransas, a cat who escaped Hurricane Harvey who is now available for adoption locally.

Here is what his friends at Little Buddies Adoption and Humane Society have to say about him:

Aransas is quite the snuggler. As you can tell from the photo, he is super sweet and loves to be held.

This super cat is easy to love and just adorable. He came to us from the Houston animal shelter when it was overwhelmed at the time of Hurricane Harvey. He has come a long way to see his forever home.

Aransas is about 9 months old.

(Note: Little Buddies has adoption events every Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. at Pet Valu in the North Point Village Shopping Center.)

Are you and Aransas a match? If so, let us know and our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, will send you some treats and prizes.

Want your pet to be considered for the Reston Pet of the Week?

Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet. Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks.

Becky’s Pet Care, the winner of three Angie’s List Super Service Awards and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year, provides professional dog walking and pet sitting services in Reston and Northern Virginia.

This is a sponsored column by attorneys John Berry and Kimberly Berry of Berry & Berry, PLLC, an employment and labor law firm located in Plaza America that specializes in federal employee, security clearance, retirement and private sector employee matters.

By John V. Berry, Esq.

We thought it might be helpful to submit an article on leave laws and rules that cover Virginia employees. Leave issues always come up either during the course of an employee’s employment or immediately following the end of employment. Leave laws and regulations also vary by the type of employer. For instance, federal, state, county and private sector employers have different laws and rules governing leave. Virginia has not codified many areas of employee leave as of yet, but that may be changing as other states enact improvements.

Virginia is one of those states where most forms of employee leave are not mandatory, but I suspect that may change in the future as Northern Virginia grows larger with more employers. Some jurisdictions, like the District of Columbia, have moved toward expanded paid leave. Fortunately for most Virginia employees, many forms of leave, while not mandatory, are typically provided by employers in order for them to remain competitive in retaining employees. I will go through each form of leave in Virginia below:

Vacation Leave / Annual Leave

In Virginia, private sector employers are not required by law to provide employees with vacation/annual leave, either in a paid or unpaid status. This is different for federal, state and county employees in Virginia. For instance, federal employees accrue a certain amount of annual or vacation leave each pay period and can then use this leave for vacation or taking days off. When a federal employee leaves the federal government, they are paid out for the remaining balance of annual leave. While payout of accrued vacation or annual leave has not been mandated for private sector employers, if it is pursuant to a consistent company practice or policy, the employer in Virginia may be required to pay such leave out to departing employees.

Sick Leave

In Virginia, there is also no state requirement that employers provide employees with sick leave benefits. Virginia is different in this respect when compared to many other states. However, if an employer chooses to provide sick leave to employees, it must follow the established policy. There are some other notes on sick leave. First, federal, state and county employees are generally given sick leave in increments. Furthermore, under federal law, private sector employees of larger Virginia companies (more than 50 employees) are entitled to sick leave when given under the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA).

Under the FMLA, private sector employees in Virginia may take up to 12 weeks of leave in a 12-month period for a serious health condition, bonding with a new child, or qualifying exigencies. This type of leave renews every 12 months as long as the employee continues to meet the eligibility requirements set out above. Employees may also take up to 26 weeks of leave in a single 12-month period to care for a family member who was injured on active military duty.

Administrative Leave

While there is no entitlement to administrative leave for employees in Virginia, it can and is often granted. Typically, this type of leave is granted for reasons related to misconduct or equal employment opportunity investigations or other miscellaneous issues that arise. Federal, state and county employees have their own unique policies for administrative leave, which vary.

Holiday Leave

Additionally, the Commonwealth of Virginia does not require private employers to provide employees with either paid or unpaid holiday leave. Additionally, a Virginia employer does not have to pay an employee premium or enhanced pay for working on a holiday. Again, different standards apply for federal, county and state employees, depending on position (e.g., law enforcement), who may receive holiday pay for their work and/or premium pays.

Voter Leave

In Virginia, an employer is not required to give leave for an employee to vote. However, Virginia does require an employer to accommodate an employee who has been appointed as an election official. Some federal and other public employees have policies of permitting some administrative leave for voting where necessary.

Jury Duty Leave

In Virginia, an employer is not required to provide leave for jury duty, but cannot discharge or retaliate against the employee if they have given reasonable notice to their employer. Additionally, an employer may not charge a private sector employee vacation or annual leave for jury duty service. An employer that violates these provisions is guilty of a misdemeanor (VA Code. §18.2-465.1).

If you need assistance with an employment issue, please contact our office at 703-668-0070 or at www.berrylegal.com to schedule a consultation. Please also like and visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BerryBerryPllc.

This is a sponsored post by Anna Gibson, owner of AKG Design Studio and an award-winning, certified kitchen and bathroom designer. AKG Design Studio is a boutique design firm specializing in kitchen, bathroom designs and cabinetry sales. Contact Anna at 571-989-2541 or [email protected], and follow her work on Houzz; Pinterest; Facebook and Twitter.

Faucets always seems to be the neglected child of the kitchen design.

We spend hours selecting our cabinets, countertops, backsplash and even hardware, touching and feeling and making sure it’s just right. However, when it comes to faucets, the budget has been blown and everyone is exhausted making selections, yet there are so many of them to choose from.

Style: There are 8 basic styles of faucet that we are all familiar with.

Pull-down: Those are the larger goose neck type that has a sprayer that pulls down.
Pull-out: A bit more of a traditional faucet, lower to the sink with the spray pulling toward you, the clearance to the sink tends to be lower.
Commercial: Look of the large industrial faucets with a flexible hose for a sprayer. Those fit in a professional looking kitchen with modern touches. Pay attention to the size as they are big and can over power a small kitchen and a small sink.
Single handle: Some sort of a gooseneck with the spray on the side
Two handles: Can be on the sides of the gooseneck of a very traditional bridge faucet. Those pair nicely with a farm sink to complete the look.
Motion sensors: Gaining popularity, as people do not want to touch the faucet with dirty hands, those come in handy as well when you have people with limited mobility at the house.
Pot filler: Normally installed above the stove for ease of use of filling large pot for pasta and soup without needing to move the pot across the kitchen.
Bar: Those are usually a smaller version of the pull down, but without the pull down. We use then often in the prep sink area and not just in a bar setting. Beware that they are smaller, so maybe too small for the kitchen sink.

Where to buy your faucet and why: Make sure you buy from a reputable plumbing distributor.

There is nothing more annoying than a faucet that leaks after a few months of use, or a pull-down sprayer that no longer pushes back into place and now just hangs there, making the faucet look broken and ugly. Look for brand names you know, with warranty, and parts that can be easily replaced if needed. Look for metal parts and not plastic — those will break easily and the finish will fade fast. Make sure the internal cartridge is metal or ceramic; unfortunately, most faucets at the big box store and some outlets are plastic and those will break very fast.

Finish: So many amazing finishes are available now, so there’s no need to just stick to brushed nickel or brass. Mix and match the finish for a unique look!

Go with bold black for a modern look or a brushed brass for a classy traditional look. The quality of the finish improves tremendously and most manufacturers offer lifetime warranty on the finish.

Care: Single-handle tends to be the easiest, as you just have one big spout to wipe and done. The commercial style will be a bit of a pain because of the coil around the top, which makes it hard to clean under it. Material-wise, most are well made these days and should last a long while. Most manufacturers will warranty the finish for a lifetime.

When you are done with your dishes, give the sink and the faucet a quick wipe and you are done. Do not use materials that will scratch the finish. If there is grime or a limestone buildup, use baking soda or white vinegar on a toothbrush to clean it out. A daily clean will help avoid those. Always use ammonia, bleach and acid-free cleaners — this is a good rule for all our kitchen surfaces.

For oil-rubbed bronze, use Windex only with a soft microfiber cloth. Please remember to always check with the manufacturer to see what they recommend based on the finish.

Ready to rock your faucet? Which style and finish is your favorite?

This is a sponsored post from Becky’s Pet Care, a professional pet care service in Northern Virginia.

Meet Maxine, a terrier mix available for adoption.

Here is what her friends at Safe Haven Puppy Rescue have to say about her:

Maxine is an adorable little terrier mix, likely with some Jack Russell, who weighs in at just 22 pounds, so she can come with you on all sorts of adventures. Only 3 years old, she’s a sweet and affectionate girl who would like nothing better than a family of her own.

Precious dogs like this go fast, so please send your application on in pronto so you don’t miss out.

Maxine is up to date on all shots and dewormings, has been spayed and carries an adoption fee of $329, which includes her micro chip. This extremely friendly little baby girl is going to bring lots of joy to some lucky adopters, so don’t delay, get your application in to [email protected].

Are you and Maxine a match? If so, let us know and our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, will send you some treats and prizes.

Want your pet to be considered for the Reston Pet of the Week?

Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet. Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks.

Becky’s Pet Care, the winner of three Angie’s List Super Service Awards and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year, provides professional dog walking and pet sitting services in Reston and Northern Virginia.

This is a sponsored post from Becky’s Pet Care, a professional pet care service in Northern Virginia.

Meet Noah, a mini-Golden Retriever mix available for adoption.

Here is what his friends at Worthy Dog Rescue have to say about him:

Meet Noah. This mini-Golden Retriever mix spent his entire life tied to a tree with an overturned plastic trash can as his only source of shelter. He was fed every other day and was lucky to get fresh water. This was a terribly lonely and neglectful life for Noah, but he has made an amazingly quick transition to home life, and is now soaking up lots of love and attention from his foster family.

Noah has had such a transformational past few weeks – he’s been groomed, spent time in doggy daycare, and received an A++ report card for how he interacted with the other dogs. He has taken on a love for toys and appreciates a comfy couch. He now gets daily walks, and gets very excited when it’s walk time, cherishing the opportunity to explore the outside world. He still pulls a little on leash, but this is all new to him and he’s learning.

He’s currently being fostered with another pup, Gracee, and does well sharing his toys, the couch, and his foster mom’s affection. He follows Gracee’s lead and has learned from her, and would do great with another dog buddy in his home. Noah has been around young kids and is very friendly, giving them a gentle sniff and allowing them to pet and love him. The neighbors have remarked at how sweet he is, and by nature Noah a very friendly dog. Some male strangers have given him pause, causing him to bark, but his friendship can be purchased with a few treats.

Noah’s foster mom describes him as curious, and says he doesn’t seem to have any fear when it comes to going to new places or doing new things. At home, he’s super snuggly and just loves to be acknowledged. When she tells him “enough” he will go lay down. He’s housetrained, and will wander into his crate to sleep during the day, but is not very fond of the door being closed, scratching to get out. That’s still a work in progress, but he learned “sit” in just a few days and is very smart and eager to please.

This gorgeous pup deserves a great life, and Worthy Dog Rescue is happy to help him find his way home. He has been fully vetted, treated for heartworm, and will be coming to N. VA on 9/9, so apply today!

Are you and Noah a match? If so, let us know and our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, will send you some treats and prizes.

Want your pet to be considered for the Reston Pet of the Week?

Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet. Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks.

Becky’s Pet Care, the winner of three Angie’s List Super Service Awards and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year, provides professional dog walking and pet sitting services in Reston and Northern Virginia.

This is a sponsored column by attorneys John Berry and Kimberly Berry of Berry & Berry, PLLC, an employment and labor law firm located in Plaza America that specializes in federal employee, security clearance, retirement and private sector employee matters.

By John V. Berry, Esq.

In an unusual departure from the previous administration, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) are taking opposing positions on sexual orientation discrimination in a case that is currently pending before the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit.

In Zarda v. Altitude Express (Case No. 15-3775), Donald Zarda, who was a skydiving instructor, was terminated by his employer after he disclosed his sexual orientation to a female customer, who then complained that he had done so. The allegation in the underlying lawsuit was that the employer did not punish other instructors who openly discussed their heterosexual orientation with customers.

At issue is whether sexual orientation discrimination is discrimination based on sex. Basically, the semantics are being argued. Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protects individuals against employment discrimination “to fail or refuse to hire or to discharge any individual, or otherwise to discriminate against any individual with respect to his compensation, terms, conditions, or privileges of employment, because of such individual’s race, color, religion, sex, or national origin.” From the statute, the two conflicting government positions have emerged.

Dueling Government Legal Positions

Although the DOJ and EEOC are not parties in the case, both have filed legal briefs on the issue of whether sexual orientation discrimination is prohibited in the workplace.

The DOJ Legal Argument

The DOJ filed a brief arguing that it was not illegal to fire an employee based on his or her sexual orientation under federal law. The DOJ’s argument, from its brief, can be summarized as follows: “The term “sex” is not defined in Title VII, but in common, ordinary usage in 1964 — and now, for that matter — the word ‘sex’ means biologically male or female. As for the term “discrimination,” the Supreme Court has held that Title VII requires a showing that an employer has treated “similarly situated employees” of different sexes unequally. Title VII does not proscribe discrimination because of sexual orientation because the term ‘sex’ in Title VII refers only to membership in a class delineated by gender.”

The EEOC Legal Argument

The EEOC filed their brief arguing that the Civil Rights Act of 1964 protected workers from sexual orientation discrimination. The EEOC’s position can be summarized as follows: “In passing Title VII, Congress made the “simple but momentous announcement” that sex, like other protected characteristics, is “not relevant” to employment decisions; thus in making such decisions, employers “may not take gender into account.” . . . Sexual orientation discrimination requires the employer to take the employee’s sex into account. In short, an employer cannot discriminate against an employee based on that employee’s sexual orientation without taking the employee’s sex into account — precisely what Title VII forbids.”

Where these Dueling Government Positions Leave the Public

As a result of the Zarda case, the DOJ and the EEOC are essentially opposing each other’s legal position on sexual orientation discrimination in the same case. The DOJ is not a party to the case, which is why it is significant that it chose to interject itself into this debate. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit will decide whose legal position is right.

For now, individuals with sexual orientation discrimination claims should pursue them as usual either through the EEOC or in the courts. The EEOC position is settled law for federal employees. The DOJ’s new position will not likely have an effect, if at all, until the courts finish ruling on the issue. A decision may ultimately be made by the U.S. Supreme Court as to whether individuals are protected from sexual orientation discrimination. Regardless of politics, it is this author’s opinion that it is very likely that the EEOC’s position will ultimately prevail. The next step in the Zarda case is for the DOJ, the EEOC, the plaintiff, the defendant, and the Lambda Legal Defense Fund to make oral arguments in New York City, NY, on September 26, 2017.

If you need assistance with an employment issue, please contact our office at 703-668-0070 or at www.berrylegal.com to schedule a consultation. Please also like and visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BerryBerryPllc.

This is a sponsored post by Anna Gibson, owner of AKG Design Studio and an award-winning, certified kitchen and bathroom designer. AKG Design Studio is a boutique design firm specializing in kitchen, bathroom designs and cabinetry sales. Contact Anna at 571-989-2541 or [email protected], and follow her work on Houzz; Pinterest; Facebook and Twitter.

Reston real estate was booming this summer, so chances are that you are new to area. So, welcome to Reston!

Maybe you moved from far away or just crossed the river. Either way, this is your new home and you are trying to settle in.

In a survey conducted by The Harris Poll for Redfin, as many as one in four homeowners said they regretted purchasing their current home. But you are already here, somewhere between the wineries and monuments, and you need to make the place feel like home.

Whether it is a brand-new construction or new to you, you want to feel at home: the one place that everything is familiar, comfy and fits your lifestyle. Here are a few easy projects to make you feel right at home.

PAINT: Chances are, the previous homeowners left their mark with some crazy colors that do not fit your style, or the place was painted what I call “Realtor white” — the basic beige.

Paint is an easy way to make the place you own, and you don’t even need to reinvent the wheel. If you have wall colors/color schemes that you loved and that worked in your old house, consider repeating them. You liked them in the first place, so why not use familiar elements to help reduce anxiety in a new space.

Remember to leave some room for that “fresh start,” and try some new colors! Bright colors work well in the kitchen, recalling fresh produce and stimulating the appetite. Make sure to check out the Reston Farmers Market at Lake Anne Plaza for fresh veggies and color inspiration.

GET ORGANIZED: Now is the perfect time to get a handle on your kitchen storage. Hopefully, you decluttered before packing. But if not, this is the perfect time.

Walk through your new kitchen and set “working stations” that fit your lifestyle — for example, a main cooking area, coffee station, kids’ snack station or even a cocktail station. Now you can unpack according to those stations.

Organize items in clear boxes so you can see clearly what’s in them and ease of pulling out. Checkout Ayers Variety & Hardware in Arlington for home gadgets.

PLANTS AND FLOWERS: It is well known that the green colors are good for relaxation. An easy way to bring a pop of green into your home are plants and flowers. They bring bright color for just a few dollars.

Plants are also known to help clean the air, and the smell of fresh flowers will cheer you up! How about the front yard?

If you have room for some personal touch, spruce it up. And don’t forget an herb garden for the kitchen. Nothing like fresh herbs with those organic tomatoes from Nell’s Produce market in Alexandria.

GET PERSONAL: How about a chalkboard? Just a small investment and an easy afternoon DIY and you can convert a boring wall in the kitchen to the family communication command center.

You can leave fun notes, write to-do lists, plan weekly menus and keep track of other reminders. Plaza Artists Materials & Picture Framing in Fairfax will have all your decorative DIY needs for great projects.

And if all else fails, bake some cookies! There is nothing that says home like the scent of fresh-baked cookies.

Invite the neighbors! They will be happy to know there is a new baker in town.

This is a sponsored post from Becky’s Pet Care, a professional pet care service in Northern Virginia.

Meet Carolina, a Jack Russell/Labrador mix available for adoption.

Here is what her friends at Worthy Dog Rescue have to say about her:

Carolina, along with her sister Bee, [was] abandoned in a wildlife refuge in rural South Carolina.

She is a loving and vibrant girl who loves people. She’s currently staying in an outdoor kennel and goes for walks and enjoys meeting new people. We think she’ll make a fantastic companion for some lucky person.

If you are looking for a happy and friendly dog, please consider fostering or adopting Carolina.

BREED ESTIMATE: Jack Russell/Labrador Retriever mix
GENDER: Female
APPROXIMATE WEIGHT: about 30 pounds
APPROXIMATE AGE: about 6 months
COAT TYPE: medium length
ADOPTION FEE: $350
OTHER INFO: up to date on shots, spayed, heartworm negative

Are you and Carolina (or Bee) a match? If so, let us know and our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, will send you some treats and prizes.

Want your pet to be considered for the Reston Pet of the Week?

Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet. Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks.

Becky’s Pet Care, the winner of three Angie’s List Super Service Awards and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year, provides professional dog walking and pet sitting services in Reston and Northern Virginia.

This is a sponsored post from Becky’s Pet Care, a professional pet care service in Northern Virginia.

Meet Autumn, a young Norwich Terrier available for adoption.

Here is what her friends at Safe Haven Puppy Rescue have to say about her:

Autumn is a sweet 1-year-old Norwich Terrier girl who loves playing with her toys and her canine and human friends here at the rescue. She’s affectionate, outgoing, and adorable! Just look at that face!

Everyone who meets Autumn loves her, from her spunky wire brindle coat down to those big brown eyes and sweet personality.

Autumn is up to date on her shots and has been spayed.

She really does have it all, except for a forever home — but not for long! Will you be her “perfect match?” If so, contact your coordinator, Nicole, for an application.

Are you and Autumn a match? If so, let us know and our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, will send you some treats and prizes.

Want your pet to be considered for the Reston Pet of the Week?

Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet. Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks.

Becky’s Pet Care, the winner of three Angie’s List Super Service Awards and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year, provides professional dog walking and pet sitting services in Reston and Northern Virginia.

This is a sponsored column by attorneys John Berry and Kimberly Berry of Berry & Berry, PLLC, an employment and labor law firm located in Plaza America that specializes in federal employee, security clearance, retirement and private sector employee matters.

By John V. Berry, Esq.

In the wake of the tragic events this past weekend in Charlottesville, Virginia, a number of the white supremacists protesting have been identified and outed by social media and then subsequently fired from their employment.

One issue that has arisen is the argument that these individuals have a First Amendment right to speak their minds, however wrong they may be, and to not suffer negative consequences. That is not true. The First Amendment offers almost zero protection for individuals who engage in hate or other inappropriate speech who are then fired from private sector employment.  

There are very limited forms of protection for federal and public sector employees under the First Amendment only because the government implements employment actions. Generally, a government employee must be engaging in speech that is considered a matter of public concern to receive some protection. That protection can be taken away if it interferes with the function of a government agency. In our experience, a public sector employer might need to take additional steps but can usually find ways to fire a public employee for engaging in hate speech.  

In sum, not much has changed since 1892 when Justice Holmes, in a famous quote involving the termination of a police officer for engaging in politics, stated: “The petitioner may have a constitutional right to talk politics, but he has no constitutional right to be a policeman.” McAuliffe v. Mayor of New Bedford, 155 Mass. 216, 220, 29 N.E. 517 (1892).

The First Amendment

The First Amendment provides the following rights:

“Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.”

The First Amendment protects private individuals from government suppression of free speech, but not from other private individuals and/or companies who take action as a result of speech. For instance, there is no First Amendment issue with social media companies selectively banning users from their platform based on their speech.  There could be a First Amendment issue if a government entity made a similar type of decision based on speech.     

State Laws

Some states, but not Virginia, have offered state legislation that protects employees from being terminated for legal, off-duty speech that does not conflict with the employer’s business-related interests. States of note that offer this minimal protection include California, New York, Colorado, North Dakota and Montana. Even under these laws, it would be relatively easy for an employer to establish that off-duty hate speech interferes with an employer’s business interests (e.g., boycotts). In short, there is no true legal protection for hate speech for private employees in these states.  

Recent Issues Relating to the Charlottesville Tragedy

These issues have arisen principally as a result of the identification of far-right protesters by various social media groups that have identified hate-speech protesters and then contacted their employers, schools, and friends. The principal group that has engaged in this tactic is the Twitter account @YesYoureRacist.  The group has apparently had success in convincing employers to terminate employees based on their participation in the Charlottesville protest.  

Obviously, employers would much rather terminate an employee involved in free speech than face the consequences of a boycott. Can they do so? Yes, they can. Why? Because the First Amendment protects the right of people engaging in hate speech, but it also protects their employers who do not wish to be associated with them. As such, First Amendment rights go both ways. Free speech protects the ability of citizens to speak and engage in other forms of hate speech without the government banning it. However, it does not protect individuals who engage in hate speech from the consequences of their actions. In other words, there should be no misconception that the Constitution provides a First Amendment right to engage in hate speech and not suffer the potential consequences of being fired for that very speech.  

If you need assistance with an employment issue, please contact our office at 703-668-0070 or at www.berrylegal.com to schedule a consultation. Please also like and visit us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BerryBerryPllc.

This is a sponsored post by Anna Gibson, owner of AKG Design Studio and an award-winning, certified kitchen and bathroom designer. AKG Design Studio is a boutique design firm specializing in kitchen, bathroom designs and cabinetry sales. Contact Anna at 571-989-2541 or [email protected], and follow her work on Houzz; Pinterest; Facebook and Twitter.

Colors are everywhere — clothing, cars, high-tech and, of course, your home!

From wall colors to furniture, it creates the atmosphere that changes a place from a house to a home. It’s a powerful design tool that can make the rooms in your house feel more homely with all the range of emotions from calm to dramatic, from cheerful to smart, warmth to cool and even some surprises or unexpected colors. At the same time, color also affects how we see the space, size-wise. Color can make a small room feel larger, or a spacious one to feel intimate.

Since colors are processed in the brain, we each see colors differently. According to www.colorpsychology.org: “The eye and brain can perceive more variation in warm colors than the cool ranges. The reason for this is that two-thirds of the eye’s cones interpret the longer wavelengths of lights such as reds, yellows and oranges.” This makes selecting colors a tedious and sometimes frustrating task, since there are so many colors and shades to choose from, and we can pick the differences between them.

Nonetheless, each color has a different emotional impact on us and may work in different spaces in our house. For example:

Purple: there are many researchers that show that purple has a calming effect over our mind and body, so this would be a perfect color for a bedroom to help induce sleep or for a mediation room. Be careful while selecting the right purple, as vibrant shades of purple can be stimulating and make you irritable. A great way to use purple is an accent wall in the bedroom with warm shades of lavender, or a deep purple as a backdrop for art in the family room.

White: Many people love the latest trend of white kitchens; the reason being the impact of white on our emotions. White is considered to be the color of purity, perfection and cleanliness, which makes it a great color for kitchens and bathrooms. What is better than starting your day with pure thoughts and clear energy? On the other side of the spectrum, white can be a non-committal and cold color. When you can’t make a decision, people defer to white. So whichever room you use it in, make sure to add an accent color or colors to bring energy and warmth to the room.

Gray: Gone are the days of beige. Shades of gray have taken over the interior design. While some find gray to be murky and depressing, most find it a great backdrop to other colors, making it the perfect new neutral color. The fun with gray is that you can create cold or warm variations that will work great with any other colors. Use gray to create a calming effect to a bright piece of furniture, like a deep purple couch. Add a bit of gray to the white, to create a warmer look to the room. In your kitchen, cold grays coupled with cool lighting (4100 Kelvin) will give a modern and slick look, while warm grays with warm lighting will give a cozy effect to the space.

Feeling bold and love the dramatic look for your lifestyle? Need some of the “wow” effect? Then go to the strong colors such as deep blues, black and purples. For a softer look, go with soft reds, oranges and soft yellow. Every color you select can be hot or cold, based on the depths of the paint. Just be careful with blue. They say that we see blue as an appetite suppressant, due to how few of our natural food sources are blue and the many toxic things that are shades of blue.

This week, we need your help!

We are updating how we communicate on social media. But before we put into place all of our team’s great ideas, we need to know we are on the right track. That is where you come in.

Could you take a moment to take my social media survey? It will only take you 5-7 minutes. You will be entered into a drawing to win a Ninja Master Prep Professional (QB1004) valued at $49.99. I will pull the winner Aug. 31.

This is a sponsored post from Becky’s Pet Care, a professional pet care service in Northern Virginia.

Meet Sis, an English Setter available for adoption.

Here is what her friends at Safe Haven Puppy Rescue have to say about her:

Sis is a gorgeous girl with a silky coat who is very inquisitive and interested in her surroundings. She’s affectionate to people and “mostly” comes when called. She gets along really good with other dogs.

Sis was owned by a hunter, who wanted her to be his hunting dog. Sis had other ideas. Her idea of life is to go for walks with her human, have a comfy doggie bed, and get lots of cuddles and kisses.

She’s a neat size — around 40 pounds, and walks nicely on a leash, but is still a little unsure with things like steps, etc., and hasn’t quite grasped that it’s actually OK for her to be inside. A little love and she’ll be an absolute prize.

If you think you can give this regal girl the kind of home she was born to have, please email [email protected] for an application.

Are you and Sis a match? If so, let us know and our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, will send you some treats and prizes.

Want your pet to be considered for the Reston Pet of the Week?

Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet. Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks.

Becky’s Pet Care, the winner of three Angie’s List Super Service Awards and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year, provides professional dog walking and pet sitting services in Reston and Northern Virginia.

This is a sponsored post from Becky’s Pet Care, a professional pet care service in Northern Virginia.

Meet Anna, a Lab mix puppy available for adoption along with her siblings.

Here is what her friends at Safe Haven Puppy Rescue have to say about her:

Anna, along with her sisters Alice and Alyssa, are gorgeous little Labrador mix babies of maybe 10 weeks old. She has a beautiful yellow coloring and is going to make a terrific companion.

All three of these pups have happy, friendly dispositions and will be great family dogs. Anna is a sweet, affectionate girl who would like nothing better than a family of her own so she could share her store of Labbie love.

This extremely friendly little baby girl is going to bring lots of joy to some lucky adopters. Get your application in to Bob at [email protected].

Are you and Anna (or any of her sisters) a match? If so, let us know and our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, will send you some treats and prizes.

Want your pet to be considered for the Reston Pet of the Week?

Email [email protected] with a 2-3 paragraph bio and at least 3-4 horizontally-oriented photos of your pet. Each week’s winner receives a sample of dog or cat treats from our sponsor, Becky’s Pet Care, along with $100 in Becky’s Bucks.

Becky’s Pet Care, the winner of three Angie’s List Super Service Awards and the National Association of Professional Pet Sitters’ 2013 Business of the Year, provides professional dog walking and pet sitting services in Reston and Northern Virginia.

Reston, there’s a new way to sell and buy your home — and it means big cash back to you.

ListingKey, the newest real estate brokerage to enter the DMV, provides cash rebates on each home sale, from both sides of the transaction. With the ListingKey Financial Advantage, sellers receive up to 2 percent back at closing. On a $438,000 sale — the median price in Reston in June — that’s $8,600 returned to the home seller. Talk about real money in your pocket.

For home buyers, a $438,000 transaction returns 1.25 percent back at closing, a bonus of $5,475. Perfect for funding future home improvements like a small bathroom renovation, a new roof, updated fencing or fresh landscaping. Or even just a nice vacation.

ListingKey is also launching a streamlined, automated buying and selling platform that reduces obstacles, saves time and eliminates the stress involved in what is one of your most important transactions of your life — by connecting home sellers and buyers directly.

Consumers control every aspect of the transaction, and for sellers, that means driving negotiations with prospective buyers and the signing on the bottom line to close the deal. Plus, professional photography, 3D tours, MLS syndication marketing materials and more.

For buyers that means exploring up-to-the-minute new listings, scheduling home showings, drafting offers and even signing deals with electronic signatures. AND remember the 1.25 percent cash back (up to $80,000) for your effort.

Behind ListingKey are real estate veterans who are there to support you through every phase of your search for a new home and to get the most money out of selling your current one.

At every step, a ListingKey professional is standing by to help. While cash back is the promise, quality service is their mission.

Thinking about selling? Find your home’s value here.

Looking for a home in Reston? Call 571-363-4016 or email at [email protected].

This is a sponsored post by Anna Gibson, owner of AKG Design Studio and an award-winning, certified kitchen and bathroom designer. AKG Design Studio is a boutique design firm specializing in kitchen, bathroom designs and cabinetry sales. Contact Anna at 571-989-2541 or [email protected], and follow her work on Houzz; Pinterest; Facebook and Twitter.

You spend most of your day here, from breakfast to dinner and lots of snacks in between. Lately, you don’t like hanging out there that much — something doesn’t seem quite right with the most important room in your house.

Is it time to remodel your kitchen? Here are seven signs that you need to think about getting a fresh start with your favorite room in the house.

• Tilt cabinets are not a design style! When we talk about open shelving, we don’t mean missing doors or tilted cabinets. Broken and missing cabinets can also be downright hazardous to you and your family. And really, no one wants to see that overflowing spice cabinet every time they walk into the kitchen, reminding you that once upon a time there was a door on this cabinet. Or the drawer that you now have a blue mark from trying to close it to hard and hitting that other side. It’s time to let it go!
• New found storage? Just kidding — it’s the stove! How many burners are working on your range? Is that a new family sport, waiting to see which burner stops working next? Or maybe you are like my friend (whom I shall not name) who uses her stove for storage since the door is broken, so no cookie for you! Aging appliances are not only a hassle since you can’t properly cook. They usually consume much more energy because they are old, inefficient and most likely work twice as hard as a new appliance.

• It’s a one-man show! Many of the older kitchen spaces and layout didn’t really consider our modern lifestyle of cooking as a family, spending time with friends and a spot to feed the dog. Most outdated kitchens are enclosed with three, sometimes four, walls and lots of doors. If you must yell at everyone to leave the kitchen while you cook, it’s time to knockdown a wall or two and expand that space to fit your lifestyle.
• Do you feel like Cinderella? Do you scrub your floor four times a day, or did you just give up? Just like the cabinets, your floors take a daily beating of foot traffic, dropped dishes and spilled food. At some point, no matter what materials they are made of, they will succumb to wear and tear. Floors like hardwood can be refinished, and even patched, if you are changing the layout. Other floors, like tile, will need to be replaced.

• Turkey time? Not in my house! Do you avoid inviting friends and family because you are embarrassed of your kitchen? Do you they think you can’t cook, when really your oven is broken? It’s time to bring your kitchen up to date so you can enjoy hosting in style and show off your enchilada-making skills.
• No room for the car! Did you convert the garage to the kitchen storage? Maybe you are a budding master chef or just like kitchen gadgets? We all collect dishes and small appliances over the years. Yes, some may have met their demise and just need to hit the recycling bin, but others you still need and use, but your kitchen has other ideas. If you are like me and believe the crock pot belongs in the kitchen, it’s a sure sign that you need a new kitchen!
• Never ask a kitchen its age! An old kitchen can bring down your home’s value by simply looking its age. Realtors often say that the kitchen sells the house, and it will help to sell it fast. A successful kitchen remodel is one that you can enjoy for years to come, yet it will look great when the time comes for you to sell. Quality products, a great design and an experienced contractor can make this happen.

How many signs is your kitchen showing? Share your tired kitchen in the comments below.