LIST Birmingham - February 2022

LIST Birmingham - February 2022

M E L V I N ’ S M O N T H L Y M O M E N T S

FEBRUARY 2022

205—223—6192 WWW.MELVIN.LISTBIRMINGHAM.COM

THE MELVIE AWARDS

Every year, I review my sales and present awards to particular clients. The awards are chocolate Oscars awards; in the past, one of my clients started calling them “The Melvies,” and it stuck! This year’s Melvie recipients are listed below. See if you or someone you know made the cut. By the way, we will be delivering Melvies to the award winners, so be on the lookout!

Melvies

9. Happiest Condo Buyers (Bulldogs) — Bill & Gayla 10. Happiest Condo Buyers (Rebels) — Alan & Lyn

24. Best Video Testimonial — Andrew & Megan

25. Best Tennis Players — Mark & Katie

11. Best One Street Move — Chris & Jess

26. Best Mom — Cathy

12. Best Sisters — Bonny & Beverly

27. Best Negotiators — Lizzie & Nick

13. Twister Misser Award — Ben & Katie

28. Best Lot Seller — Kelly

Saved $30,000 in commission

14. Best Decorator Flipper — Homewood — Sherri

29. EWTN Award — Chris & Suzanne

1. Biggest Savings — Laura ($30,000)

30. Best Repeat Clients — Casey & Heather (Alima & Kyle) 31. New Parents & Legal Eagles — Zach & Lauren

15. CrossFit Rebellion Award — Brandon & Lindsey/Kyle & Alima

2. Empty Nesters — to the Lake — Steve & Casey 3. Goodbye Edgewood Elem — Tobie & Katie

16. Best Edgewood Buy — Austin & Sam

17. Best Hollywood to Edgewood Move — Ron & Lisa

32. Biggest Downsize — Kristi & Gavin

4. Happy Rental Seller — Lou & Ginny

33. Closed without seeing the house! — Jode & Zoe

18. Best Newlyweds — Caleb & Dara

5. Happiest Rental Sellers — John & Ann

19. Best Investor — Jon D.

6. Happiest First Time Buyer — MK ( Ginny & Lou)

To Learn More About Laura’s Story

20. Best Flipper — Chris A.

7. Seller/Buyers from Homewood to Vest — Tomas & Rachel 8. Happiest Mt. Brook Seller/Buyers — Andrew & Katherine

21. Voted Best Ex-Wife — J.N.

Scan the QR Code

22. Most Referrals — Neeraj & Shikha

23. Best Decorator Flipper — Vestavia — Vicki

–Melvin Upchurch

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IS SUSTAINABLE TOILET PAPER NECESSARY? WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Break Out of the Mold How to Spot, Prevent, and Treat Mold Growth

When you consider going eco-friendly, the first item that comes to mind might not be toilet paper. However, according to Environment America, the average American uses 140 rolls of toilet paper each year — about twice as much as parts of Europe — and despite just being 4% of the world’s population, Americans are responsible for 20% of the world’s toilet paper consumption. On top of that, production relies on about 37 gallons of water to make one roll of TP.

Mold — it’s great on blue cheese, but not in our homes.

Mold is a subset of fungus, growing primarily as a spore. It’s not an animal, plant, or type of bacteria; instead, mold (and other fungi) is its own species. As scientifically fascinating — and useful in penicillin form — as mold is, it can be very dangerous in your home. Mold growth can cause allergies, skin and eye irritation, lung problems, frequent headaches, immunity issues, and even cystic fibrosis. If you notice mold growth or want to prevent it, it’s imperative that you act. Consider this your go-to guide. Where Mold Grows Mold is resilient, and to make matters more complex, some experts estimate there may be more than 300,000 different varieties! However, there are common household types that tend to grow in equally common places. For instance, Alternaria mold thrives in damp, dark places, like under the sink. Meanwhile, Penicillium mold grows around water damage, like where your water heater may have leaked. The best way to spot mold growth in your home is to regularly examine such places, including your shower or bathtub, under sinks, and your basement or garage. However, mold can grow anywhere, so watch for the following signs:

All of that reliance takes its toll on the Earth and begs the question: Is there a better way to go?

Turns out, there is! Sustainable toilet paper brands have created products that are not only effective but eco-friendly, too. Some brands rely on non-virgin pulp wood, which means the products used to create the paper are not sourced

100% from trees. It’s instead created from recycled products, like office

paper or old newspapers consumers never used. Other brands also rely on bamboo, which has become a sustainability legend. Bamboo is a tree-like grass plant that doesn’t

require chemical protection, produces more oxygen, grows easily, and is very strong!

Brands like Reel, Who Gives A Crap, Seventh Generation, and TUSHY Bamboo all

rely on recycled or sustainable products. Reviewers of these products say the strength of the paper holds up, and each brand offers its own unique perks. For instance, Reel is a subscription- based service, whereas Who Gives A Crap donates 50% of its profits to fighting hygiene-related health issues across the globe. If you’re a champion for eco-friendly causes, you may be asking, “What about bidets?” Bidets use less water and single-use materials compared to toilet paper; however, bidet users need to … uh, dry off after using a bidet, which could require some toilet paper use. You can avoid this by using a washable cloth, but if you do use toilet paper with the bidet, you will use far less than you would without a bidet. When choosing your route for sanitary and eco-friendly bathroom use, be sure to do your research and evaluate what works with your lifestyle. Ultimately, a small change of any kind can make a big difference!

• An earthy smell on a substance or in a room

• Rapid discoloration or warping on a wall or item

• A growing stain

How to Prevent It The best way to attack mold is to create an environment in which it can’t grow. Start by eliminating moisture. Fix leaks immediately and never let wet clothing items or towels sit for a long time. Manage the humidity in your home with a properly functioning HVAC system, too. This will circumvent any potential moisture buildup. And when cleaning, utilize products that are designed to target mold growth, which will attack spores before they appear to the naked eye. For more details on how to remove and prevent mold growth, consult with a mold specialist.

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IS YOUR HOME HEART HEALTHY? 2 Signs Your House Is Hurting Your Heart

where mold, mildew, and bacteria can linger and grow. You then breathe in these spores and spread these toxins throughout your body. Low Access to Activity Part of a heart-healthy lifestyle includes movement. Where you live can have a significant impact on this endeavor. For instance, neighborhoods that have poor “walkability” — like limited sidewalk access or dangerous infrastructure — may force residents to stay indoors. Furthermore, small spaces that don’t allow for at-home workouts don’t encourage exercise. You can combat these factors in a number of ways. For starters, contractors and professional organizers can help those with smaller homes install or design their space for better movement. Petitioning your city or neighborhood board to improve walking conditions can benefit the whole neighborhood. You can also search for “exercises for small spaces” on YouTube for more ideas on at-home workouts. To learn more about how you can improve your home to boost your health, speak with an HVAC or home repair expert.

When it comes to proper heart health, there is no shortage of advice. Getting regular exercise, eating fruits and vegetables daily, limiting alcohol intake, and avoiding smoking are just some of the heart-healthy directives doctors give their patients.

But what if your home is hindering your cardiovascular health? It’s possible! Consider the following high-risk factors of an unhealthy home.

Poor Air Quality We like to think of our home as a safe place to live, work, and play, but the very air you breathe in the home can be dangerous. A 2016 study published by the U.S.

Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) found that long- term exposure to toxins in the air can age blood vessels and lead to greater buildup in the heart’s arteries, which increases the chance for heart attack and stroke. To determine if the air in your home needs intervention, simply pay attention to your body’s signals. Signs of poor air quality may include regular headaches, nausea, frequent sneezing or sinus dryness, and coughing or breathing issues. Your house may also have unexplainable hot or cold spots, which could indicate poor air circulation and therefore poor air quality. This creates an environment

CHOCOLATE PECAN FONDUE Inspired by TasteOfHome.com

TAKE A BREAK

This Valentine’s Day, forget the entree! Surprise your honey with a delicious chocolate treat!

Directions

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup half-and-half cream • 2 tbsp honey • 9 oz semisweet chocolate, broken into pieces • 1/4 cup pecans, finely chopped • 1 tsp vanilla extract • Fresh fruit of your choice

1. In a sturdy saucepan over low heat, combine cream and honey. Stir until mixed thoroughly and heat until warm. 2. Add in chocolate, stirring until melted. 3. Stir in pecans and vanilla. 4. Transfer to a fondue pot or a slow cooker to keep warm. 5. Serve with fruit, cookies, and marshmallows of your choice.

• Shortbread cookies • Large marshmallows

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205—223—6192 WWW.MELVIN.LISTBIRMINGHAM.COM 300 UNION HILL DR., STE. 200 BIRMINGHAM, AL 35209

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INSIDE

1

The Melvie Awards Are Here!

2

Your Go-To Guide to Combating Mold!

Does Sustainable Toilet Paper Actually Work?

3

Your Home May Be Breaking Your Heart (Literally)

Chocolate Pecan Fondue

4

3 Hacks to Make Your Tiny Kitchen Appear Larger

TRANSFORM YOUR TINY KITCHEN

3 Ways to Improve Your Cooking Space!

Tiny kitchen owners unite! The kitchen is often considered the heart of your home, so this February, show your tiny cooking space a little love by upgrading without fully remodeling. Add More Storage Having more built-in storage means more space on countertops, which creates the illusion of a bigger kitchen. Try adding floating shelves to the end cap of your lower cabinets or hang pots, pans, and glassware under upper cabinetry or above a stove or island.

Get Creative With Lines Lines can be utilized to trick the eye into thinking a space is larger than it is. HGTV suggests installing floor-to- ceiling subway tile, which will give the illusion of longer and bigger walls. If you need a taller-looking kitchen, try installing the tiles vertically!

Repurpose Your Windows Who says your window is just for light? Utilize this space to hang pots and pans or install a floating shelf across the window for cook books and coffee mugs! This will let the light in while stylishly utilizing an often-overlooked area for storage.

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