It was one thing to set up shop at the kitchen table for after school homework - just grab the pencil jar kept near the table, pull out those worksheets from the backpack, and there you have it, a homework station! But what about kids who are now doing full or partial remote learning? That is an adjustment that for most, takes a little more setup than just a quick stop at the kitchen table. For many reasons including concentration, energy levels, comfort, and just plain enjoyment, it’s important to think about the elements that are going into your child’s remote learning space. Below are some of the most important things to think about:

Think Location

When thinking about the best locations for your child’s learning space, go off your child’s

With social distancing still a must, it’s little wonder that many of us have allowed our fitness routines to slip. We know sedentary life is a clear path toward later disability and illness, though, so it’s time to step up and reclaim our health. Today, we’re sharing our top tips for creating a home workout routine. 

Ultimately, designing your own workout program should be an enjoyable, challenging experience. You’ll no doubt make adjustments to your initial plan, but with some planning and creativity, you should be able to dramatically improve your fitness without spending a cent or hitting the gym once.

1.) Analyze Your Motivation

There is a wide range of motivations for optimizing fitness, and most of them are perfectly acceptable.

Winter’s icy embrace has enveloped Tennessee, kissing the mountaintops with frost and snow. If you’re itching to head out and witness this breathtaking beauty yourself, pack your microspikes, bundle up in warm layers, and get hiking! Today, we’re sharing our Top Tennessee Winter Hikes. While you’re adventuring, please stick to trails that are clearly marked by our state’s official parks and wildlife management department. Because trails, even gentle ones, are more dangerous when icy, we recommend hiking in teams. Carry plenty of water, some energy-rich food, and be sure someone responsible knows your location, destination, and approximate return time. 

Hidden Passage Trail — Pickett County

Hidden Passage Trail is covered in ice and snow

Summer comes with so many things that bring joy - there’s sun and warmth, and outdoor gatherings and longer days. The winter? Well, that’s a different story. But there is one thing that very few people can argue with and that is; winter is a time where you get to really lean into feeling warm and cozy right at home. The Danish and Norwegian (who have a lot of practice with dark, winter days) call this concept “hygge”, and while we may not have a full name or word for the feeling, we’re determined to up the warm and cozy. 

Below are some of our favorite ways to make that happen:

Candle Inspired Lighting

Think candles. While candles are the obvious - we aren’t saying just go out and buy more candles. Think about the type of light that candles

We made it! 2021 really did come after all, and while most of us are rejoicing at the idea of a new start and making this year the best yet, it’s important we plan out how we’ll do that.

Resolutions are highly personal, and everyone has their own take and own ambitions with each one - but to kick everyone off on their own resolution journeys, we’ve pulled together some inspiration of all different kinds:

Think Wellness

No, no, not “lose weight”. Think more specific. Think about what would help you in total - mind, body, and spirit. Is it to find a form of movement that you love and do it more often? Is it to cook more often at home? Is it to simply reach for whole foods instead of packaged ones? Think about how you will feel best overall

It’s no secret that most New Year’s resolutions are tossed out about a month after the tree is taken down, but this year, dear homeowner, things will be different. In 2021, you have the opportunity to make resolutions on behalf of your home rather than your waistline or still-blank journal pages, and we believe you’ll enjoy the sense of pride and wellbeing that you’ll gain as a result of sticking to them.

As homeowners, we must stay focused on saving money, maintaining and improving our homes, and keeping interior spaces organized and gleaming. Sound daunting? By following Parks' Top New Year’s Resolutions for Homeowners, you’ll have a handy guide to keep you on-track from now on.

1.) Budget for Emergencies

The average homeowner would be wise

In this difficult time of distance and separation, few things are as rewarding as finding a meaningful way to give back. As Tennesseans, we have a historic legacy of cooperative volunteerism to uphold; they don’t call us The Volunteer State for nothing! Having had the privilege of meeting and working with thousands of you through the years, we are confident the same bravery and warmth of heart runs through your veins as boldly as it did in those of our ancestors in 1812, 1846, and again during the conflict at the Alamo. 

Beyond the altruistic motivations that usually lead us to help others, volunteering has been empirically proven to give us a boost to both our mental and physical wellbeing! If you’re feeling down, lonely, or even simply bored, we

In order to prepare your family to stay healthy in case of an emergency, it’s vital that you prepare a kit of necessary emergency items to keep in your home. A fully-prepared home has food, water, and medication—but that’s just the bare minimum. 

The items we recommend are generally inexpensive, easy to obtain, and appropriate for a wide range of ages. Homes that shelter pets, infants, seniors, disabled, or chronically ill family members should customize our list (below) to provide any special items needed for each person and animal for a full two weeks.

Of course, once you have purchased emergency supplies, you will want to store them properly. Airtight plastic bins from any reputable brand will ensure that your supplies remain clean, dry, and

Buying a move-in ready home is appealing, but there are benefits to purchasing a "diamond in the rough" too. Here are the top 5 reasons home shoppers prefer a fixer-upper!

Pro Mortgage Tip: Did you know that there are many home loan programs, especially for buying a home that needs renovation? It's true! Contact Legacy Home Loans to see which option is best for you.

Lower Price Point

Budget-conscious home seekers often check out fixer-uppers first. Properties that need TLC are typically priced on the lower end of the scale, and the slightly lower price may also be just what you need to break into that neighborhood you dream of living in. A word of caution, however. Before making an offer, request quotes from a few contractors to get an idea

Call us biased, but we believe the majesty of autumn in Tennessee is truly unparalleled. Our state’s gorgeous foliage along with dropping temperatures make this the perfect time to get outside and enjoy nature, while cool evenings provide the ideal chance to curl up with a beverage bursting with fall flavors. 

Today, Parks is sharing our top 10 autumn beverages! While fall parties may have to be postponed until next year, there’s no need to wait to indulge in these crowd-pleasing punches, ciders, and smoothies. 

1.) Classic Spanish Sangria

Don’t let the smooth, complex flavors of this classic sangria fool you—this recipe packs a wallop! Orange, lime, and lemon round out the base of rum and dry red wine, and the results are delectable.