Ice Ice Baby

How to protect your home and save money during the winter season!

The winter season is upon middle Tennessee. With electric bills higher than usual, and the cold drafts coming in - here is a winterize home checklist to help lower your energy bill while maintaining the heat in your home.

Winter Maintenance Checklist

WINTERIZE HOME CHECKLIST

  1. Check the gutters.
    If you have gutters alongside your building, to help prevent ice build up, be sure to clean all debris. This will allow the ice to melt and water to flow more freely. If possible, look into installing gutter guards to help aid preventive care in the future.
  2. Protect the pipes.
    Protect against frozen pipes by keeping a steady drip of water running in a few faucets - focus on the pipes in outer edge rooms.  If possible, try to insulate those that could be susceptible to freezing to guard from freezing and bursting.
    Renting a home and notice exposed pipes that aren’t insulated? Contact your management company and let them know so they can address the issue. 
  3. Clean your dryer hose.
    Perform your annual dryer hose inspection and cleaning. This will help prevent fires, carbon monoxide poisoning, and help save energy. Check out our pinterest for tips on how to do this.
  4. Utilize the power of the sun.
    Keep your blinds and curtains open during the day. This allows the sun to stream in and provide natural heating. Be sure to close them at night to help retain that heat!
  5. Adjust your thermostat.
    Adjusting your thermostat dependent on the time of day will help you save! Set your thermostat for an optimum 68 degrees and turn it down while away or asleep.
  6.  Have your heating serviced.
    Furnaces, boilers and chimneys should be serviced at least once a year. This is the perfect time to do so to help keep them running efficiently and prevent any buildup. If you rent a home, make sure to change house air filters quarterly and let your management company know of any issues as soon as they arise. 
  7. Test your smoke detectors.
    Residential fires are more common in the winter season. Check your smoke detectors monthly and replace the batteries as needed. Need help? Check out this article for more tips from firefighters!
  8. Reverse your fan direction.
    Reverse your ceiling fan direction to help move warm air downwards. This should be done seasonally to help circulate air appropriately.

Winterizing your home can take some time, but can ultimately help prevent house damages and save money on utilities/energy! By being proactive with the season, you can have ease of mind while spending those chilly nights snuggled up in your home.

Office Pets in the Workplace

Companies should consider making their business pet-friendly to boost employee morale! A 2012 study explored the effects of dogs at work regarding the stress and perception of job satisfaction and organizational support. The results found that employees with dogs at work experienced a decline in stress, while those without the office dog present, or those who did not own a pet, experienced an increase in stress levels. 

“Having an office pet just relieves the everyday stress work brings, it gives me something to take my mind off things.”

Brittany Ramsey, Millan Enterprises, Leasing Agent.

So let’s talk about office pets!

At Millan Enterprises, we take pride in being a pet-friendly workspace. Our mascot Kobe brings joy to our employees and assist them in their daily tasks. 

Kobe Millan
Millan Enterprises' Office Mascot
Millan Enterprises lovely mascot Kobe.

What are the benefits and how do you know if being pet-friendly is the right fit for your company? Well we are glad you asked! 

The Benefits of Office Pets

Stress Reducer & Increased Productivity 

Have you ever gone home after a long day and just wanted to be with your pet? A furry friend, or even a scaly one,  is ideal for relieving stress and an opportunity to increase your productivity in the workplace. Pets make the work environment more comfortable and provide companionship for your employees. Your work environment can be your home away from home.

If an employee has hit a level of stress they can no longer handle, they have an opportunity to step back and play with the office pet or gaze at them swimming in the fishbowl. Then to go back to work feeling rejuvenated and cause an increase in office productivity. Makenzie Wert, leasing agent at Millan Enterprises says “Office pets give me happy endorphins when I pet them,” this, helping relieve stress during the work day.

Related: The Top 10 Office Pets Every Workplace Needs

Photo of dog sitting at office desk
 Photo Credits to Canva.

Employee Retention

Is your company looking for ways to improve employee retention?  A study by Nationwide, in partnership with the Human Animal Bond Research Institute (HABRI), showcases that pets in the office can do just that - improve employee retention! 

  • 88 percent of employees who work for a pet friendly company plan to stay with the company for the next 12 months versus 73 percent who work in non-pet friendly workplaces
  • 91 percent of employees who work for a pet friendly company feel the company supports their physical health and wellness versus 59 percent who work in non-pet friendly workplaces.

How Do You Know if it is the Right Fit for Your Company?

There are many factors to take into account before making the switch or even enhancing the overall experience in a pet-friendly workspace. Things companies should consider in preparation to having a pet-friendly workspace:

  • The company’s day-to-day activities, some environments may not be suitable for pets to be in
  • Employee’s allergies taken into account
  • Having a pet-policy in place

Related: How to Be a Pet-Friendly Employer 

“The office mascot [of Millan Enterprises], Kobe, frequently visits the office. His presence helps me not take myself too seriously. His playful, spunky nature reminds me that it’s okay to have fun at work."

Josh Ward, Millan Enterprises, Commercial Leasing Agent.

Do you have office pets at your work? Showcase your office pets with us by commenting below! We all need a little animal cuteness in our lives. #MillanEnterprisesOfficeMascot

150 Things To Do in Clarksville TN

Clarksville, TN has so many unique and exciting things to do. From outdoor recreation activities to DIRTcar racing, seasonal festivals, and even local shopping, there is something for everyone! Whether you are new to Clarksville, TN or a local native, this list can inspire you to get out in the community and participate in the unique culture.

God Bless Clarksville TN
God Bless Clarksville, TN Mural in Downtown

Winter

  1. Shop locally made arts and collected antiques at the semi-annual Clarksville Vintage Fair 
  2. Handmade Holidays
  3. Christmas on the Cumberland 
  4. Drive through 3 Million Christmas Lights at the Clarksville Speedway
  5. Watch the Clarksville Christmas Parade downtown (FREE) 
  6. Get your picture taken with Santa at Governor's Square Mall
  7. Volunteer at YaiPacks (FREE)
  8. Attend an APSU Tennis Match (FREE)
  9. Take a painting class at Swirls Art Studio
  10. Attend a Drag Strip event at the Clarksville Speedway & Fairgrounds
  11. Tour Ft. Defiance Civil War Park
  12. Head to the Don F. Pratt Memorial Museum to learn the history of the 101st Airborne Division (FREE)
  13. Listen to live music by Lauren Christine at Beachaven Vineyards & Winery (January 18, 2020)
  14. By wowed by the Gateway Chamber Orchestra for their Masterwork Series (January 26, 2020)
  15. Shop till you drop at Mrs. Lucilles 
  16. Learn Clarksville history at the Customs House 
  17. Take a tour of the Old Glory Distilling Company
  18. Join the Mug Club at Kings Bluff Brewery
  19. Compete at The Axe Throwing Place
  20. Glow in the dark while playing mini golf at D&D Blacklight Mini Golf
  21. Taste local brews named after Clarksville Highlights at TN Valley Brewing
  22. Play cornhole with your friends at Upstairs at Strawberry Alley
  23. Walk through an antique warehouse at the Warehouse 41
  24. Eat traditional German deliquess and fresh baked bread at Silke’s Cafe
  25. Attend an APSU Men’s and Women’s Basketball game 
  26. Grab a delicious and unique hot dog at Chi-Town Hot Dogs
  27. Drink specialty cocktails in Clarksville’s only speakeasy - Roux
  28. Try the delicious Vanilla Brew at Blackhorse Brewery
  29. Race friends in Clarksville’s indoor go-kart track at the City Forum
  30. Ice Skate during the holiday season at Downtown Commons
  31. Eat Golly G’s Famous Cinnamon Rolls
  32. Find eclectic artists at the Artist Co-Op (FREE)
  33. Give back by volunteering at many local non-profits (FREE)
  34. Participate in an annual toy drive hosted by 5 Star Media Group
  35. Go thrifting at Arc Thrift Downtown
  36. Grab a homemade Tamale at Bethlehem Bakery on Saturdays
  37. Find a collectable record at &Vinyl Records
  38. Take a drive down historical Madison St.
  39. Climb at Clarksville Climbing
  40. Grab fresh artisan coffee at Plumb Line Coffee
  41. Enjoy wood-fired pizza at Yada on Franklin St.
  42. Indulge your taste buds with Sunday Brunch at Blackhorse Brewery
  43. Grab some fresh cut meat at the Choppin Block
  44. Craft your own scented candle at The Candle Loft
  45. Taste local teas made at the Mad Herbalist
  46. Design your own handmade signs at The Blank Slate
  47. Visit the Clarksville-Montgomery County Library (FREE)
  48. Order authentic pupusas at the Salvadorian Restaurant 
  49. Duel it out with the Dueling Pianos at Old Glory Distillery (February  14, 2020)
  50. Who doesn’t love chocolate? Don’t miss the Chocolate Affair (February 21, 2020)
  51. Be wowed at the Clarksville Film Festival (February 21, 2020)
  52. Visit the Clarksville Home and Garden Show (February  22-23, 2020) (FREE)
  53. Don your favorite superhero outfit and head over to ClarksvilleCon (March 7, 2020)
  54. Ponder science with APSU professors at Science on Tap at Strawberry Alley (FREE)

Spring

  1. Take pictures in front of all the historical murals around Clarksville (FREE)
  2. Attend an APSU Softball Game (FREE)
  3. Indulge in delicious fried foods at the Catfish House
  4. Mountain bike through Rotary Park (FREE)
  5. Design your perfect burger at Johnny’s Burgers
  6. Visit West Coast Tacos for your Taco Tuesday cravings
  7. Get your Scuba Certification with Water Dogs Scuba Safety
  8. Attend an APSU Beach Volleyball Game (FREE)
  9. Paint your own pottery at Horsefeather Art Studio
  10. Grab some grub from Gray Smoke BBQ
  11. Be a spectator for Fort Campbell’s Week of the Eagle showcase
  12. Network with local professionals at Business After Hours (FREE)
  13. Attend an APSU Baseball Game
  14. Attend a job fair and workshops  with American Job Center
  15. Use Clarksvilles’ BCycle to ride in the city
  16. Spend $1 for Mimosas at Strawberry Alley Ale Works
  17. Have a picnic down at Billy Dunlop Park (FREE)
  18. Take a tour of the cave at Dunbar Cave State Park
  19. Play 18-holes of Disc Golf at Rotary Park (FREE)
  20. Clarksville BBQ Bash (FREE)
  21. Watch the Passion Play live (FREE)
  22. Attend an APSU Track Event (FREE)
  23. Fun with Fido Parks and Rec (FREE)
  24. Wettest Egg Hunt
  25. Attend concerts at The Warehouse
  26. Fish at Liberty Park Marina (FREE)
  27. Learn more about Willma Rudolph at Freedom Point (FREE)
  28. Find all 50 Mocking Bird Trail Statues in Clarksville (FREE)
  29. See 18th century reenactors at Fort Defiance (FREE)
  30. Pick Strawberries at H&S Farms and McGraw’s Strawberry Patch
  31. Take your aim at the Montgomery County Shooting Complex
  32. Attend an APSU Theatre and Dance Production
  33. Grab some tacos or your latin groceries over at La Laguna 
  34. BBQ, Brews, Beethoven (May 16, 2020)
  35. Wine tasting at BeachHaven Vineyards & Winery 
  36. Swing by the Clarksville Country Club to dine at Pbody’s

Summer

  1. Splash in the Clarksville Splash Pad (FREE)
  2. Stroll down by the river and check out Clarksville’s River History (FREE)
  3. Walk the the Greenway  (FREE)
  4. Grab some friends and play a game of pickup at Liberty Park (FREE)
  5. Attend Jazz on the Lawn at the Beachaven Vineyards & Winery (FREE)
  6. Attend the Montgomery County Fair (June 12-June 21, 2020)
  7. Mayor’s Summer Night Lights 
  8. Watch the fireworks at Liberty Park (July 3, 2020) (FREE)
  9. Watch the fireworks again at Ft. Campbell (July 4, 2020) (FREE)
  10. Visit the L&N Train Station 
  11. Hike Dunbar Cave or relax at the cool cave entrance (FREE)
  12. Shop local produce and crafts at the downtown market 
  13. Hike Rotary Park (FREE)
  14. Watch the sunset over the RG Corman Bridge (FREE)
  15. Movies in the Park (FREE)
  16. Attend the Art Walk the 1st Thursday of every month (FREE)
  17. Climb the cliff at Kings Bluff
  18. Visit the community built playground at Liberty Park (FREE)
  19. Listen to live music at the Downtown Commons - Downtown @ Sundown
  20. Get a feel for all our local food trucks at the annual food truck rally
  21. Head to the pool to beat the heat - Swan Lake Pool
  22. Visit the Clarksville Regional Airport
  23. Go kayaking at Port Royal State Park (FREE)
  24. Rent a boat at Liberty Park Marina
  25. Collect Sunflowers at Boyd’s Pumpkin Patch
  26. Take a tour of The American Queen Steamboat as it docks in Clarksville
  27. Take care of your sushi needs at Yellowtail Robata Grill
  28. Take a day to cool off at Beachhaven Pool
  29. Bring your canoe or kayak and check out the Clarksville Blueway  (FREE)
  30. Hike Port Royal State Park (FREE)
  31. Grab a “Clarksville’s best” milkshake from White House Dairy Freeze 

Fall

  1. Attend an APSU Football Game 
  2. Lace up your running shoes for the Valor Run Clarksville 
  3. Jam out at PossumStock (August 21-22, 2020)
  4. Attend a CECA Visiting Artist Speaking Series at APSU (FREE)
  5. Hangout at APSU Homecoming Tailgate (FREE)
  6. Sing the weekend away at Riverfest (FREE)
  7. Head to Planet 3 Extreme Air Park to get the jumps you want
  8. Find your way out of Escape Games
  9. Get spooked at Fright on Franklin (FREE)
  10. Attend an APSU Women’s Soccer Game  (FREE)
  11. Build a campfire and roast smores (FREE)
  12. Indoor fun at your local recreation centers
  13. Ease your Southern taste buds by eating at Moss’ Southern Cooking
  14. Get some roller skating in at Rainbow Skating Center
  15. Attend an APSU Golf Match (FREE)
  16. Go to the Bell Witch Cave and be spooked
  17. Bring your dog(s) to the annual Wags and Wings event 
  18. Welcome Home our Veterans (September 16-20, 2020) 
  19. Support The Food Initiative by dining at their fundraising event Fine Fettle (September 28, 2020)
  20. Take a free boxing class at Title Boxing (FREE)
  21. Bring your kids to G.H.O.S.T. at APSU hosted by the Student Government Association (SGA)
  22. Attend the Veteran’s Day Parade in the local community (FREE)
  23. Defeat the zombies at Zombie Hunters
  24. Make your way through the corn maze at Boyd’s Pumpkin Patch
  25. Take in some art at The New Gallery at APSU (FREE)
  26. Head over to the Pinnacle for bowling night
  27. Be a spectator at the Miss Tennessee and Miss Tennessee Teen USA hosted at APSU (FREE)
  28. Head over to Huddle House to try their sweet cakes 
  29. Try some homemade macaroons at Thistle Sweets

Know of something awesome to do that is not on our list? Comment below to add to the conversation. 

Millan Enterprises, LLC provides this blog as a service to the public. Millan Enterprises, LLC is not responsible for, and expressly disclaims all liability for, damages of any kind arising out of use, reference to, or reliance on any information contained within this website.

While the information contained within this website is periodically updated, no guarantee is given that the information provided in this website is correct, complete, and up-to-date.

Although the Millan Enterprises, LLC website may include links providing direct access to other Internet resources, including websites, Millan Enterprises, LLC is not responsible for the accuracy or content of the information contained in these sites.

Links from Millan Enterprises, LLC to third-party sites do not constitute an endorsement by Millan Enterprises, LLC of the parties or their products and services. The appearance on this website of advertisements and product or service information does not constitute an endorsement by Millan Enterprises, LLC, and Millan Enterprises, LLC has not investigated the claims made by any advertiser. Product information is based solely on material received from suppliers.

New Year’s Resolutions for Tenants

It’s time for the ol’ saying “New Year, New Me”. For this new year, Millan Enterprises wants to challenge our tenants to look toward their living environment and establish a bond with their home and community in the new year. 

Photo Credits to Canva.

  1. Make Your Home More Welcoming

A way to make your home feel like it is your own, is through the decor you use. If you are a new tenant or well adjusted in your rental, here are four easy ways to make your living space a home:

  • Add extra lighting
  • Indoor plants
  • Improve the aroma
  • Hang some art

Need some inspiration? Head to our Pinterest account to feel inspired.

2. Do a Deep Clean

Consider deep cleaning  your home to start your year off right! A clean space equals a clean mind! Not sure where to begin? Start with these five things to step your year on the right foot:

  • Dust everything… ceiling fans, blinds, decor, etc.
  • Clean the inside and outside of your fridge
  • Wipe down your baseboards
  • Run vinegar and water through your coffee machine (You can thank us later!)
  • Donate everything you don’t need

3. Budget for Unexpected Payments

The worst thing to experience is unexpected payments! The best way to work around unexpected payments is to expect the unexpected. By planning for the unexpected, you will not have to worry about playing catch up afterward. 

Related: How to Budget for Your Unexpected Expenses

Photo credits to The Leaf Chronicle.

4. Get Involved with the Local Community

The Clarksville community plays a vital role in your life. Clarksville, TN, is your home, where your kids were born, where you went to school or where your duty station is. Whether you get involved by volunteering, attending local sporting events, shop locally, or organize your own event, Millan Enterprises challenges you to find and leave your mark on the local community! 

Millan Enterprises hopes your new year is the best that it can be! Share your New Year’s resolutions with us using the hashtag #millanenterpises on social media!

Gifts for Renters: 5 Last Minute Gift Ideas

Gifts for Renters

Despite your best efforts, Christmas has snuck up on you again this year. With only a week left to shop, there is still that one person on your list you need to shop for. Luckily for you, this is the ultimate last minute gift guide for that special home renter in your life.

  1. Coffee Gator Paperless Hand Drip Brewer
    Barista’s rave about this Coffee Gator paperless hand drip brewer for providing the freshest flavor for your in house coffee maker. Gift this to your coffee fanatic and allow them to get the premium taste out of their coffee beans brewed fresh in their home each morning.
  2. AreoGarden Harvest Countertop Garden
    With this countertop garden, your home renter can have a garden right at their fingertips. Perfect for utilizing space and enjoying fresh herbs and small produce all year round.
  3. EcoSmart LED Light Bulbs
    Gifting these EcoSmart LED Light Bulbs is the give that keeps on giving. With average savings of $62 on energy savings per bulb, this gift provides lasting gratitude all year long!
  4. Maxi-Matic Indoor Electric Nonstick Gril
    The renter in your life can now bring the fun of an outdoor BBQ inside! With the Maxi-Matic Indoor Electric Nonstick Grill, this indoor safe appliance, they can save time and grill their favorite foods all at once.
  5. Tile Pro
    Help them always remember where their keys are with this helpful bluetooth tracker. Designed to ring their misplaced items, within range, straight from their smartphone - perfect for the new renter.

*Photos courtesy of Amazon.com, Dallas News, and Home Depot

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