Friday, December 11, 2015

5 Tips on How to Navigate Your Way around the Craft Service Table

Navigating your way and ensuring your get the most out of the crafting services can be a big challenge.  When working on set for long hours with a large crew it is essential you keep yourself fueled as well as your boss.  Nothing makes for a worst film shoot than a cranky boss who is running low on sugar. 



Brindle Room Catering Offers up these tips on how to have a successful run next time you’re on set and the craft service comes rolling in.

Interested in having the Brindle Room Cater your Next Shoot? Then check out our services: 


Plan Routes to Coincide with the Crafty Table

Picking up equipment?  Going to the bathroom?  Meeting up with your boss?  Whatever you have pending make sure that it takes you right by the Craft Table, always plan your route so that you have to pass by that freshly brewed coffee or those recently laid out cookies. 

Get There Before the Grips

There’s no doubt that everyone who works on a film set is a hard worker.  People who work in this industry have to suffer early set calls and 16 plus hour shifts, but without a doubt the most physically demanding jobs on a set is that of a “Grips”.  Physically challenging jobs make for hungry people and boy can Grips eat. To top it off most Grips are bigger burly men who pack a mean appetite. 

Keep a Stash for Safe Keeping

Keeping a little stash will ensure that you have what you need to get through your day.  Now this doesn’t mean collecting a garbage bag full of goodies, instead try to grab a few quick bites you can have handy when you can’t get away from your responsibilities.  This will ensure that you always have an energy boost available.

Befriend the person in charge of the Craft Table

This is a no brainer.  Try to develop a real relationship with the person responsible with providing you with all the goodies.  If its like most sets this person will be around for a few days with no one to really converse with.  Try building a rapport with this person and you may soon find yourself getting the hook up.

After Dinner Lows

Whatever you do, do not pig out! Know that feeling after stuffing your face with Thanksgiving dinner?  Well the same happens when you stuff your face full of donuts, can bars and chips.  The idea here is to keep alert while you work.  You want an extra boost of energy from food, the last thing you want is to fall into a food coma.

Follow these steps and you should be well on your way to taking full advantage of the craft table.  If you are interested in hiring a professional Craft Service Company you might consider hiring Brindle Room Catering for Craft Service as well as the following services:


Tuesday, December 1, 2015

How Do I Know How Often to Pump My Septic Tank?

About one third of the households in the United States operate on septic systems. That means if you are a new homeowner, or have recently moved, you have one in three chance of moving into a home with a septic tank. If you’re one of these people and are not exactly sure what your responsibilities will be in the years to come, read below. Above all, make sure that you don’t forget about it or it will come back and bite you.

There are a few main factors to consider in measuring how often your septic system needsto be inspected. Firstly, what kind of system do you have? If it is a standard design in a moderately sized home, you probably only need to inspect it every 3 years.

If you have recently moved in, make sure to contact the previous owners for when the last inspection was. Moreover, you should also save all necessary paperwork and maintenance records from the past. If the previous owners can provide that for you, it will make the inspection process a lot more useful.

If you have an alternative design that uses a pump, electrical float switches, or any modern or unconventional mechanical components, you may have to get it inspected more often. If you can’t figure this out on your own from the paperwork, ask your service provider at your next inspection. In some cases you may need to get it pumped annually. In these cases especially, you should definitely get a service contract squared away.

Other more standard factors to consider for all septic systems include the size of your household and how many people live in it. This should give you a ballpark estimate of about how much water is generated on a monthly basis. Keep in mind that your septic tank is collecting water not only from the toilets, but also from the sinks, showers, and washing machines. Any and all parts of your home that generate water pass through the septic system. So be weary of that the next time you take a 45 minute shower.

Aside from water generation, you should also be conscious of what you’re putting in your drains and at what volume. In general, you shouldn’t be putting any solid object through your system, aside form toilet tissue. Of course, it’s sometimes a bit difficult to keep tabs on each and every person if you’ve got roommates or your family living with you. You can make some house rules, but also be sure to factor in the inevitable based on how many people you live with when making an estimate on the state of your system.

And finally, you should be aware of the size of the tank itself. A smaller tank takes more abuse, especially when your household generates a lot of water every day. If it’s a reasonably large tank then you shouldn’t have to worry to inspect it too often, although it may cost you a bit more when you do have to get it pumped.

If you’re a new homeowner, if you think there’s something acting up in your system, or if you just are interested in speaking to a professional about anything septic tank related, Jones Septic is happy to help. If you’re in need of septic pumping in Wingdale, NY or around the area, you can give them a call at 800-696-6878 or email them anytime to set up an appointment with the best service providers around.



Tuesday, November 17, 2015

How To Tell Whether Or Not To Remodel Or Replace Your Deck

Has your deck robbed you of your home’s rightful property value? Is it an eyesore that’s been bothering you for years but you have put it off because you can’t afford to replace it? Well, the bad news is that you’re probably right to be concerned because a shoddy exterior can be a deal breaker for prospective buyers. However, the good news is that you probably won’t have to spend nearly as much as you think. That’s because a deck’s appearance starts to go way before its structure deteriorates. So as long your deck is structurally sound, you can probably just get it remodeled for much less than having to have the entire thing rebuilt from scratch. Here are some indicators to tip you off to the status of your deck:

Check for structural issues: Get your tape measure out and make some measurements. Once you’ve got everything documented, draw yourself a diagram of the deck to give yourself a visual reference. Include all heights, lengths, and distances of all the beams, poles, and anything else providing your deck with support. Feel free to get some help if you need it, because it’s important that this diagram is accurate. Once you’ve got it all drawn up, you will have to speak to a professional to give you an accurate analysis of whether your deck has good structural integrity. You should not try to make such an analysis on your own. You can speak to a deck replacement specialist in Woodstock, NY atBrian Hommel’s Home Improvement for an unbiased analysis of the state of your deck. If it is approved as being structurally sound, you can breathe a nice big sigh of relief.

Check the footing: This is something that can be especially noticeable in the winter. Keep your eye out for warped sections of the deck. If you notice anything that seems raised or uneven, it is probably the footing. In most cases, you can pour new footings directly next to the previous, which should even things out with little stress. The alternative is tearing up all the floorboards and replacing them with new ones, which is an expensive and physically grueling job. So avoiding that should be your priority.

Check the wood: The primary thing you should be looking for is treated wood, which always has a green tint to it. It also is usually marked, so if you do some searching you’ll hopefully find somewhere on the planks something along the lines of “.40 treated”. However, treated wood can last for up to several decades, over which time the markings can fade. Also, if the wood has been painted it will also be difficult to find the markings. In this case, you can cut out a small piece (a very small piece, so as to avoid causing any additional structural concerns to what you may already have), and check for the green tint that’s always found in treated wood. If you’ve got the right wood without any rotting or deterioration, you probably don’t have to do any replacing, just repairing and improving. Be sure to dig up the posts in the ground especially, as this region is especially sensitive to the test of time.

Follow these guidelines to get you started. If you want some additional help inspecting and determining whether you need a deck replacement in Woodstock,NY, you can contact BrIan Hommel’s Home Improvement company at any time. Just call 845-338-2211, or email them anytime at brian@brianhommel.com to set up an appointment.



Friday, October 30, 2015

How could you raise your home market value adding curb appeal?

Do you want to know how to increase the market value of your property with a Hastings on Hudson fence contractor? Well, keep reading and learn how to add curb appeal and make smart changes that enhance the appearance of your home and its real estate value.




The benefits of having a fence are countless but increasing your property’s value is probably one of the most attractive. This can be easily achieved by adding curb appeal with Hastings on Hudson fence contractor. Nonetheless, that’s not the only way of using fences in favor of real estate value; in this article we will explore some other alternatives that will teach how to use fences for making your house an even more valuable property.

·         Replace any rotten wood. This includes your fence, of course.
Walking by a house with pieces of wood falling apart is not only unattractive but also unsafe. Keep your property looking sharp with a well maintained facade and a sterling looking fence. You can get it from the experts at Campanella Fence Company, a Hastings on Hudson fence contractor with all the knowledge and expertise necessary to install a new fence or repair your old one to keep your home looking flawless.

·         Pay attention to your driveway. And your patio.
Keeping the path that leads to your front door in top notch condition is a must for comfort and safety too; the same goes to your patio. Actually when it comes to your patio, is recommended to delineate with fence; it adds better looks to your home and also provides security, preventing your pets from running into the streets.
·         Revamp your front porch and your deck.
A good looking deck and an inviting front porch are very desirable assets in a suburban home, even more if you live in a quiet and nice neighborhood. Give a little paint job to your deck or porch and make any repairs it might need; if you have a little extra money to splurge you could add a pergola to your porch or a nice railing to your deck; you can get advice or even a superb customer service from a Hastings on Hudson fence contractor for deeper knowledge on the subject.

·         Fix up your mailbox. Your gate and your fences too.
Don’t be sloppy, if your mailbox is not standing tall and straight, if your fence is leaning somewhere or if your gate doesn’t fit properly you have to address the problem, either hiring an expert Hastings on Hudson fencecontractor or doing it yourself but if you choose the latter don’t expect flawless results.

·         Add something green. Or just colorful.
Flowers, plants, climbing vines; all of them give personality to your facade, providing your home with a lot of curb appeal and a refreshing air. Wherever you place this touches of life make sure to keep them in good shape by watering them regularly and keeping them trimmed.

·         Watch the sprinklers. And care for the lawn.
A well maintained lawn is a very attractive quality and if your sprinklers are working properly you don’t have to spend that much time taking care of it. So make sure to keep them running smoothly and give maintenance to them regularly; needless to say that you must bear in mind that your grass should be cut with enough frequency to keep your garden looking dapper.

·         Invest on landscaping.

This is a great way to increase your property’s market value. It doesn’t have to be expensive but it does have to be thoroughly conceived and properly maintained, which requires attention and time. A clever way to handle landscaping is working around a theme. For example if you choose a tropical kind of vibe, you can plant bright colored flowers, like Hibiscus and palm trees or some Hawaiian climber vine that could cover your fence and creep up the posts or columns close to your front door.

·         Value your privacy. And keep the good inside.
A privacy fence is a very desirable thing when you think about how much your kids love to play outside or when you consider the fact that your pet is running around. Perhaps, you enjoy reading books, having a cup of coffee or a glass of wine, maybe even having dinner under the open sky surrounded by your beautiful garden. Well, it would be very awkward trying to enjoy these things while your neighbors and any other passer-by can watch you do it, your pets and even worse, your children.

·         Improve on security.
A well installed, well maintained fence, like the one you would get from a highly qualified Hastings on Hudson fence contractor, provides security to your property and its inhabitants, keeping out unwanted guests. There are many styles and materials you can choose from at Campanella Fence to make sure that style won’t be sacrificed to favor safety, you can totally have both.


As you can see, adding curb appeal is just one of the many ways toward increasing your home value but installing a new fence or keeping your old fence always looking sharp is a safe bet. So if you want to increase the market value of your property, contact a professional Hastings on Hudson fence contractor, ask for a free at home consultation and quote from Campanella Fence calling them on (914) 628-2200 or visiting their website http://campanellafence.com/

Monday, October 26, 2015

3 Reasons Why Mailchimp Beats Out Constant Contact

I’m a huge advocate of email marketing.  The net you can throw when implementing a proper email campaign is tremendous.  Not only are you getting your message out to a large group of people but if you did things the right way these are interested potential customers who signed up for your monthly newsletter services. 
There are numerous Email Marketing Services but the one that has been gaining a lot of steam lately is Mailchimp.  It seems that as of late Mailchimp has been knocking around heavy weight champ “Constant Contact”.  Constant Contact was a favorite amongst Internet Marketers but has been seeing much competition the last few years.


Here are my top 5 reasons my MailChimp beats out Constant Contact as my go to company for Email Marketing Services:

Mailchimp Is Less Expensive:

I don’t know about you but this is a major plus for me.  Where as Constant Contact cost 15 dollars a month Mailchimp can be used for free as long as you have 2,000 or less people on your lists.  This may not work for the average Internet Marketer but if you are a small business owner then Mailchimp is the way to go for pricing. 

User friendly:

Not everyone is an Internet Marketing Rock Star.  That is why Mailchimp has made it easier for the average Joe to navigate their reports.  All major Email Marketing Services deliver you the basic information such as How many emails were opened, what links were clicked, etc.  Mailchimp differs from Constant Contact by providing you information you can easily scan and interpret.

Less Likely of becoming spam:

While both companies offer you the service of automatically unsubscribing people from a list that mark you as spam Mailchimp takes it a further step and offers your potential clients a one click unsubscribe button.  Constant Contact takes you through a loop of tasks you need to do before unsubscribing.  I would rather a potential client unsubscribe than mark me as spam. 
If you’re not familiar with running a newsletter campaign and would like to add this service to your business contact VA Personnel for their following services today!

Services Provided:



Friday, October 16, 2015

Who’s the Burger King of New York?

It’s no secret that Pizza is king in New York City, but Burgers?  That’s right Burgers are making a major jump in the culinary world in New York.  Top Chefs around the city are taking a crack at an old classic that originated in New Haven Connecticut by Louis Lassen owner of a small lunch wagon.  He is said to have sold the first steak sandwich and hamburger in 1900. 


The story goes as follow, some customers came in for lunch and ordered a steak sandwich,  Louis seeing that he ran out of steak grabbed some steak trimmings and grounded it and made it into a patty, transforming the world as we know it!  Well not really but hamburgers have become a major thing here in the states. 

That’s why it’s always nice to hear about new comers such as the Brindle Room who have been sporting one of New York City’s best burgers for a few years now.  Word has it that this local gastro pub in the East village is serving up some mighty tasty burger. 

So what’s their secret?  For one they do it old school style.  Similar to the first burger ever made the Brindle Room uses Rib Eye steak trimmings for their burgers.  The deckle found in Rib eye’s gives it that flavor that you associate with a prime burger. 

Brindle Room also keeps it classic with its style of cooking.  The burgers are cooked on a piping hot cast iron skillet ensuring that your burger comes to you table sporting some delicious looking sear marks.  This only adds to the complexity of flavor that the brindle room provides. 

To top it off the Brindle Room uses a nothing special bun just like when you were a kid.  It’s obvious that the focus is on the meat here people and not the bread.  For the perfect meal eat you burger the way Proprietor Jeremy Spector does, Medium with a slice of American cheese and some caramelized onions.  Oh and don’t forget to order the side of hand cut French fries.  Way to keep it classy guys. 

With its huge success the Brindle Room has now gone into the field of Catering.  To check out their services contact Brindle Room Catering today for the following services:


Saturday, September 19, 2015

Is your Business failing at keeping up with Technology?

It’s been 25 years since the World Wide Web as we know it made its introduction to the world.  Tim Berners-Lee which is known by many as the father of the Internet built out the web as we know it in late 1990.  It didn’t become publicly available outside of CERN until 1991. 

Since its introduction the Web has become such a huge part of our lives that we can barely recall how we did simple tasks such as do research, stay in touch with loved ones, bought things, etc. without it.   If you talk to people in their 20’s they can’t remember a time where everything was available at the tips of their fingertips. 
virtual assistant services

Technology as we know it grows at an exceptional speed, making it difficult for many individuals as well as businesses to keep up.  Most small business owners are finding that it doesn’t benefit them to learn new apps, programs and digital marketing technique when at the end of the day these skills will be worthless within 6 months.  By the time you learn a new programming language or a new social media platform a new one is right around the corner. 

So what is a small business owner to do?  Many small business owners are relying on virtual assistant companies like VA Personnel for virtual assistant services that help their company stay in the loop when it comes to technology. 

A Virtual Assistant Company can help with such technical tasks as:

·         Web Design
·         Graphic Design
·         Web Development
·         App Development
·         SEO
·         CMS Management i.e. WordPress
·         Social Media Management
·         Content Creation
·         Newsletter Campaigns
·         Google Adwords Campaign
·         Email Marketing Management
·         Basic Audio/Video Editing
·         Webinar Setups

Although these tasks may seem pretty straight forward they can add up to a lot of hours for your business which will directly result in a rise in labor cost.  Having a knowledgeable affordable virtual assistant company by your side will ensure that your business is up to date on technical advances as well as keep your cost low.

For more information on how VA Personnel can help your company contact them today for the following services: