Two days before Virginia was set to reopen in Phase One on Friday, the Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority announced that businesses can temporarily accelerate the process of expanding their outdoor dining areas to sell alcohol, which could boost revenue for restaurants whose sales have plummeted due to the pandemic.

For some restaurants, which need to provide a diagram for the outdoor expansion upon request before opening, the new ABC permit process is tricky and requires locality, property owner and health department approval. Its not clear how long this process takes and some counties, such as Chesterfield, are still finalizing its permitting process.

Henrico County Planning Director Joe Emerson said the county is working toward fast tracking approval as well.

These loosened regulations rely heavily on locality discretion, which means they dont apply to the City of Richmond, which requested a delay to Phase One reopening due to the continued increase of cases and hospitalizations and was granted the delay by Gov. Ralph Northam on Thursday evening. This also means Richmond restaurants cannot offer patio dining without doing so illegally.

But some Richmond restaurants, such as Mama Js, were not going to reopen because they do not have a patio or the ability to expand dining areas onto a sidewalk or parking lot. Mama Js has minimal sidewalk space as it is, owner Lester Johnson said. While Johnson agrees rolling back ABC regulations is good for business, he said what drives his decisions is thinking about the safety of his 3-year-old daughter Lena and 73-year-old mother, not the potential of making money.

Neighboring counties, however, such as Chesterfield, Hanover and Henrico are moving forward with reopening Friday.

Justin McDonald, co-owner of Crafted in Henrico County, said his restaurant is set to open its 1,000-square-foot patio Friday with six tables and a maximum of 30 people.

Although he understands the reasoning behind ABC easing regulations, he said its advantageous only to businesses capable of having space to expand. As for reopening, only the host will disinfect tables and customers will pay through their phone to limit interaction.

Its hard for a server to wrap their head around because youre used to lingering for a minute, McDonald said, adding that itll be an adjustment for customers to see servers with face masks on. You kind of have to move forward optimistically and responsibly.

Other restaurants in the county, such as Grapevine on Three Chopt Road, have a parking lot that can hold a sizable tent. Since the restaurant owns the lands, moving forward required configuring the layout: a 40-by-45 foot tent with 16 tables scattered more than six feet apart.

But owner Mitchell Trak is confused on Phase One guidelines, which said restaurants can be at 50% of outdoor capacity. Grapevine didnt have one prior to the pandemic. With every table filled, its outdoor seating could reach 60 patrons. Occupancy is part of fire safety code in Virginia and is used for indoor spaces. Patios dont have occupancy restrictions, so restaurants are doing their best.

Weve taken it on the lighter end right now. Im kind of afraid that we are not quite prepared for this turnaround, Trak said.

County administrators said in a combined statement to the governor Thursday that businesses have sufficient amounts of protective equipment, with each county supplying sanitizer and cleaning products for safety. The statement alleged that residents are depending on Phase One for work, and businesses are at the point of choosing whether to close permanently.

Without a regional consensus, some residents were concerned people who commute across localities can be both at risk and contribute to community transmission if asymptomatic.

In a press briefing Thursday, Chesterfield Health District Director Dr. Alexander Samuel said that based on the public health data, hes not concerned with Chesterfield reopening.

As of 5 p.m. Wednesday, Chesterfield Health District, which includes Powahatan and Colonial Heights, had 1,005 cases with 909 of them in Chesterfield County. Cases and hospitalizations continue to increase. Richmond, which is not reopening, has 611 cases.

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Virginia ABC will temporarily allow restaurants to expand patios - at least in localities opening in Phase One - Richmond.com

STAUNTON, Va. (WVIR) On Friday, restaurants can reopen their patios or any outdoor seating at 50% capacity, with social distancing measures in place, but Chef Ian Boden, who owns The Shack in Staunton, is choosing not to.

Boden says his patio is small and it just doesnt make sense to bring wait staff in to serve a handful of customers provided the weather is good. But, Boden says his bigger concern is safety. Its a sentiment Boden says is shared by most of his friends in the industry.

"I feel that as soon as people are able to dine, people from other markets that are having a higher concentration of infection will end up coming here," Boden stated. "And, I feel like that puts my town and my staff at risk."

The Shack will begin providing curbside pick-up this Friday. There will be a limited menu and cocktails-to-go available on Fridays and Saturdays.

Many downtown Staunton restaurants do not have space for any outdoor dining, but several others including, the 101, also plan to open back up for pickup and delivery on May 15.

As of May 15, Staunton has 34 confirmed COVID-19 cases.

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Restaurant owner in the Valley says it's unsafe to reopen patios during COVID-19 crisis - WHSV

The Birch, in Terrace Park, is named for the birch tree that shades the outdoor patio area. (Photo: Amanda Rossmann, The Enquirer/Amanda Rossmann)

Many restaurants and bar owners were taken by surprise by Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine's announcementthat restaurants in Ohio could open their patios on May 15, with social distancing in place. But, given that their operations had been reduced to carryout and delivery for two months, they were anxious to take advantage of the new rules.So they got busy power-washing, getting out the tables and chairs, measuring distances between tables.

The group that created the guidelines for Ohio decided to go with specific distancing guidelines instead of a percentage of capacity, as some other states did. Parties of 10 may sit together, with tables six feet apart, or with physical barriers between.

Still, it's a new world for restaurant owners, who aren't sure how many employees to bring back, how to get their supply chains going again, and exactly how they'll protect their staff. It's also not exactly full-on outdoor dining season, with the weather probably a bigger variable than anything. For some, this may be a good ramp-up to May 21, when restaurants are allowed in Ohio to open indoor dining areas with distancing measures. In Kentucky, restaurants will be allowed to reopen May 22 at 33%.Indiana has already allowed restaurants to reopen at 50%.

More: Salons and restaurant patios are open today in Ohio. Heres what you need to know.

More: Eight Over-the-Rhine bars and restaurants could start using street seating Friday

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The outdoor patio are of MVP Sports Bar and Grille, owned by Joshua Baughan, in Silverton on Monday, May 11, 2020. The restaurant will be reopening the patio area on Friday, May 15, 2020. The restaurant has been serving take out only due to the new coronavirus pandemic. (Photo: Albert Cesare / The Enquirer)

Some streets in Downtown and Over-the-Rhine will be closed so that restaurants can continue to serve outside.

So, if you think you're ready, you can now take a seat on a patio and order a drink and something to eat, like (sort of) back in the good old days of two months ago.Just remember, DeWine didn't let restaurants open because the coronavirus threat is over. It's not. Please be careful.And, please. Be nice. Restaurants are going through enough.

Not every restaurant and bar has decided to take advantage of the May 15 opening. But the following are, thoughit's not a complete list.

Mom 'n 'Em Coffee, Camp Washington

Fireside Pizza, Walnut Hills

Shires' Garden rooftop, Downtown

Taste of Belgium, Over-the-Rhine, on the Banks and Rookwood

BrewDog, Pendleton

The Mercer, Over-the-Rhine

Mecklenburg Gardens, Corryville

Gaslight Bar & Grill, Clifton

Galla Park, Downtown

Holy GrailPub, Downtown

Rosedale Bar, Over-the-Rhine

Pickled Pig,Walnut Hills

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Aladdin's Eatery franchise opened on Main Street in Over-the-Rhine May 25, 2018. This location has a full liquor license, a 1,000-square foot outdoor patio for outdoor dining and an area for lounging.(Photo: The Enquirer/Meg Vogel)

Aladdin's, Over-the-Rhine

Eli's BBQ, East End

Branch, East Walnut Hills

Pepp and Dolores, Over-the-Rhine

Bakersfield, Over-the-Rhine

Kreuger's, Over-the-Rhine

City View Tavern, Mount Adams

Somm, East Price Hill

Incline Public House, East Price Hill

Nicholsons, Downtown

Abagail Street, Over-the-Rhine

Maize, Over-the-Rhine

Senate, Over-the-Rhine

McCormick & Schmicks, Downtown

Food writer Polly Campbell picks her favorite three Cincinnati restaurants of 2019. Cincinnati Enquirer

Ron's Roost, Bridgetown

Cabana on the River, Sayler Park

Jim & Jacks on the River, Riverside

Wicked Good Pub and Grill, White Oak

Tela, Wyoming

Station BBQ, Wyoming

Littlefield and The Second Place, Northside

Dojo Gelato, Northside

Third and Main, Aurora, Indiana

Linnie's Pub, Delhi

Senate Pub, Blue Ash

Slatt's Pub, Blue Ash

Through the Garden, Blue Ash

Arthur's Cafe, Hyde Park

E+O, Hyde Park

Keystone, Hyde Park

The Birch, in Terrace Park, is named for the birch tree that shades the outdoor patio area. (Photo: Amanda Rossmann, The Enquirer/Amanda Rossmann)

The Birch, Terrace Park

Urban Grill,Newtown

20 Brix, Milford

Karrikin, Fairfax

Unwind Wine Bar, Hyde Park

Pirate's Cove, Columbia Tusculum

Mesa Loca, Hyde Park

Brew River, Linwood

R.P. McMurphy's Pub, Oakley

Dana Gardens, Norwood

St. Bernard Pub, St. Bernard

Sorrento's Italian Joint, Norwood

WiedemannBrewery, St. Bernard

The Oak Tavern, Oakley

The Pub Rookwood, Norwood

OBryons Bar & Grill, OBryonville

Sorrento's Italian Joint has a new outdoor bar and patio with a Bocce Ball court and a fire pit.(Photo: The Enquirer/Meg Vogel)

Bishop's Quarter, Loveland

Tano Bistro, Hamilton

Mei, Montgomery

Empanadas Aqui, Mason

The outdoor patio are of MVP Sports Bar and Grille, owned by Joshua Baughan, in Silverton on Monday, May 11, 2020. The restaurant will be reopening the patio area on Friday, May 15, 2020. The restaurant has been serving take out only due to the new coronavirus pandemic. (Photo: Albert Cesare / The Enquirer)

MVP Sports Bar and Grill, Silverton

PacificKitchen, Montgomery

Piccolo Wine Room, Glendale

Aladdins, West Chester

DeShas, Symmes Township

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These are the restaurants and bars opening for outdoor seating Friday - The Cincinnati Enquirer

As he prepared for the possibility that Virginia restaurants might soon reopen outdoor areas to customers, Hops N Shine co-owner Matt Rofougaran spent last week hustling to make his Alexandria beer garden as safe from COVID-19 as possible. He raced to Home Depot to buy supplies for a plexiglass sneeze-guard that will separate customers and bartenders. He stocked shelves that usually held glasses and plates with face masks and disinfectant wipes. By Monday, he had made a plan to rearrange the entire back patio, going beyond the states minimum requirements for 6 feet of distancing by spacing tables 10 feet apart.

Rofougaran was working to create an antiseptic environment in time for Virginias targeted May 15 start to the first phase of its reopening plan. Then he heard Virginia Gov. Ralph Northam announce that Northern Virginia would diverge from the rest of the state by waiting to lift restrictions on businesses until at least two weeks later.

For restaurateurs in Northern Virginia, chasing moving targets has added to a sense of uncertainty. Everyone is grappling with the same issue: how to sell enough food to cover rent and payroll while also keeping everyone safe. But each individuals response to the governments guidelines depends on the buildings they have to work with, the type of food they serve, and their comfort level with being on the front lines of a public health crisis.

Rofougaran knew a delayed reopening was likely in Northern Virginia, because local leaders had already pushed Northam on the issue. Getting more time to prepare was ultimately a relief. Hed be able to figure out the seating configuration and train staff that would need to be brought back. But there was a part of him that felt a twinge when he looked outside, too. The patio at Hops N Shine will sit empty this weekend, which will be a disappointment to the regulars who had been emailing him trying to reserve a table.

Unfortunately, the weather is going to be amazing on Friday, which kind of is bad timing, Rofougaran says. But I understand. I dont want to open up and risk my employees or my customers getting sick.

Ivan Iricanin, the restaurateur behind Balkan small-plates place Ambar and the Mexican complex that combine Buena Vida with Tacos Tortas Tequila, also thinks its a good decision to wait a little longer. In his capacity as Street Guys Hospitality CEO, Iricanin has restaurants throughout D.C., Maryland, and Virginia. Im hopeful to start ASAP, but Im glad that its not this week, says Iricanin, telling Eater he suspected that parts of Maryland and Northern Virginia would move along with Districts timeline. The people are interconnected.

Iricanin is ahead of the curve, because hes been keeping tabs on restaurants his company owns in Serbia. With some six restaurants in Belgrade already back in business, Iricanin has seen customers flood back, and hes considering strategies to allay anxieties for stateside customers. Hes thinking about buying fogging machines that can disinfect the restaurants every night and implementing reservation-only, pay-up-front seating. Hosting a separate dining hour for older customers is another possibility.

The most dramatic change for Iricanins business is a move toward delivery-only ghost kitchens. Hes already brought his Ambar brand to Silver Spring by having the Mexican kitchen at the Buena Vida there and cranking out Balkan dishes in addition to ceviches, enchiladas, and flautas. He says he might also bring Mexican food to the original Ambar in Capitol Hill, which shut down before the pandemic to undergo a $3 million renovation. He says he could reopen it for takeout tacos, or wait until D.C. begins reopening (by June 8 or earlier, according to the latest mayoral order).

We need to be flexible, we need to be ready for whatever, we need to be smart, he says.

Is opening patios at half capacity, as stated in Virginias reopening plan, going to help the bottom line for restaurants?

I dont think it makes any financial sense at all, Iricanin says. It doesnt make any sense, because if you pay rent, if you pay your employees, bring the manager back, I think you can definitely not be profitable.

Opening patios only is a start, however, and Iricanin sees it as a way to ease back into business.

While restaurateurs like Rofougaran and Iricanin agree with a cautious approach to reopening, some of their peers are growing impatient. Chad Sparrow, the managing partner at Alexandria-based restaurant group Common Plate Hospitality (Mason Social, Urbano 116, Augies Mussel House and Beer Garden), spent the last week staffing up and ordering food for Augies in Old Town. The property, which has a recently renovated patio, has been completely closed but would have been ready to go Friday.

Im definitely surprised frustrated, honestly with the delays, Sparrow says. I dont understand how legally, Virginia and Northern Virginia have never been separated on any legal terms in history, and now theyre separating what the governors passing and changing it.

The decision to treat Northern Virginia separately came at the request of public officials across the region, who sent a memo from their health directors showing COVID-19 cases were much more acute in their counties than the rest of the state. Data shared by the governors office show that around 70 percent of the states new cases are traced to Northern Virginia.

However, Sparrow says he thinks theres been a real lack of direction for restaurateurs, and that he also doesnt understand the logic of some of the Phase I rules, including allowing churches to hold socially distant worship inside.

The restrictions for restaurants are already pretty extreme. Only 50 percent of exterior seating. Were practicing all types of sanitization, wearing masks, Sparrow says. Churches are 50 percent inside occupancy; it doesnt have any logic behind it. Churches arent cleaned the same as restaurants are. You can have mega churches that could be 2,000 people; you could have up to 1,000 people in a space.

Common Plate Hospitalitys Paycheck Protection Program loan runs out the first week of June, and Sparrow is worried that he still wont need his full staff at that point, because the first phase will start two weeks later than anticipated.

I dont feel small businesses had any voice in this decision, Sparrow says.

While Sparrow thinks the state is dragging its feet, one of his peers in Alexandria feels reopening may be coming too soon. Nicole Jones, the chef-owner behind the popular, biscuit-centric cafe Stomping Ground and Bagel Uprising next door, says she plans to stick with a carryout model until theres a vaccine or another science-driven solution that makes her feel comfortable seating customers. Even on the Bagel Uprising patio, she doesnt see herself hosting diners for the foreseeable future.

Switching business models is too expensive and labor-intensive for her to consider toggling back and forth between spikes in infections, she says.

Ive got two tiny little restaurants. The idea of trying to retool my business model yet again to keep people in that scenario, it just doesnt make sense, and I dont feel safe doing it, Jones says.

She questions the timing, given that there are increasing reports of employees at restaurants across the region testing positive for COVID-19.

We are for the first time seeing family members or staff people in the area actually either testing positive or seeing someone in their family test positive, she says. Those of us who have been working during this time are finally starting to see really scary stuff.

While Jones considers herself lucky that biscuits and bagels translate well for takeout, other popular restaurants in Northern Virginia arent so fortunate. Places that proved popular when close gatherings were allowed are now reckoning with how to reopen, especially those without patios.

In Fairfax, Christopher Kim is wondering whats next for his Korean barbecue restaurant, Meokja Meokja.

We dont have an outdoor seating area, so that doesnt include us, he says of the Phase I plans. People come to Meokja Meokja for the experience of seeing short ribs and pork belly sizzle on a grill in front of them, he says. Carryout has mostly been a wash.

Theres no way we can keep the restaurant open on the takeout business alone, Kim says. Even if it tripled, or quadrupled or quintupled, what we were doing right now, I dont think it would be enough.

Hes thinking through his plans for when the dining room can be open again, whether thats spacing out tables or asking customers to wait in their cars until their tables are ready. Kim says he will take every precaution he can to help diners feel comfortable, and he says he has a safety net to help weather this crisis. But not every restaurant does. I think that most restaurant owners, especially the ones that are immigrants, theyre probably going to want to open. Otherwise, theyre going to have to close forever if they dont.

One such restaurant, Vietnamese institution Four Sisters, wont be welcoming diners back to its spacious Merrifield dining room right away. But it does plan to open for takeout on May 25 after going dormant for two months. Four Sisters Grill, a casual outpost in Clarendon, has already been running pickup service. At the flagship, co-owner Le Lai says she has slashed the 170-item menu in half, prioritizing dishes that travel well. You have to think of a nice crispy sea bass, she says. By the time you bring it home, the presentation and the taste is not going to be the same as you eating there.

For the first time in nearly three decades of business, Four Sisters is using social media to market itself. Lai started a Facebook page for the restaurant earlier this month.

Our restaurants been in the business for 27 years, so they call us the veteran Vietnamese restaurant because weve been here so long, Lai says. We had nothing on Facebook, we have nothing on Instagram, nothing on Twitter. We didnt need to. We didnt do any ads; its all word of mouth and press. Its very, very local.

Lai wants to make ordering as easy as possible for takeout customers, whether they want to use a third-party delivery app or are less tech savvy and just want to call in an order. She also imagines someday operating a fast-casual style option outside, where customers might use a self-service system.

Thank God we have a patio. We have to be very creative now, she says. I can not visualize a server having to wear a mask and take orders to a customer wearing a mask trying to order, and you cant hear each other.

She hopes that implementing changes at Four Sisters will keep it going for the long run.

We are adjusting to a new lifestyle. And hopefully we survive this bump and we can be around with our neighborhood customers, Lai says. Weve been here so long, we just hope that we can continue our business.

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9619 Fairfax Boulevard, , VA 22031 (571) 459-2875

2307 Mount Vernon Ave, Alexandria, VA 22301

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For Northern Virginia Restaurants, Reopening Is Full of Moving Targets - Eater DC

Restaurant patios were reopened to the public May 15.

Their temporary closures were part of an ongoing effort to curb the spread of the novel coronavirus.

While takeout and delivery options were available for many restaurants, the communal aspect of sitting down with friends and family over a meal has been missing from many establishments.

Red Creek Bar and Grill was among many restaurants that reopened their patio seating after certain restrictions were lifted, May 15.

Painesville Townships Red Creek Bar and Grill 1820 North Ridge Road, was eager to rekindle their connection with the community. Manager Nick Raischel and staff were out early the morning of May 15 erecting a large tent pavilion in anticipation. Red Creek already has an attached patio but the tent was put in place to accommodate any additional guests.

Pavilion tent seating was erected for additional patrons at Red Creek Bar and Grill, May 15.

The social interaction was as welcome by their patrons as it was the staff.

We miss seeing the people," Raischel said. Weve got our regulars. Everybody calls this their 'Cheers.' Weve got our people that were used to seeing. Its been six or eight weeks since weve seen them. We get text messages from them but its not the same. A lot of our people know each other. This is a small community.

Red Creek's original patio is attached to the building and will see its first patrons for several weeks, beginning May 15.

For a pair of guests from Perry and Painesville they were eager to get out of the house and upgrade from the fast food they had been frequenting. Weve been to Mr. Hero like seven times this month already. Its nice to finally sit down with real food, the Painesville patron said. It would be nice to be able to go inside, but this is better than nothing.

Adaptability has seen Red Creek through the uncertainty surrounding the social distancing restrictions.

The patio at Red Creek Bar and Grill in Painesville Township awaits diners.

It has been a lot of work and adjustments. Every day is a new challenge, but so far so good. The community has been great with us. Weve stayed steady throughout all of this. There are good people out here. Were just trying to adapt and be there for people as everyone has to deal with all of this. Its tough, but were making it happen.

Red Creek is looking forward to semblance of normalcy but Raischel understands the new situation we all find ourselves in. I dont think well ever go back to hundred percent like it was but this is as close as we can.

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Painesville Township's Red Creek Bar and Grill opens its patio, rain or shine - News-Herald.com

10 items in this article 3 items on sale!

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We write about hundreds of products a week. Here, in our version of the Sunday circular, weve plucked out some of our favorites expert-recommendedessentials,life-changing stuffyou didnt know you needed, newly-launched gizmos, and thevery good dealswe uncovered while trolling through the vast online-shopping universe this past week, including Denise Richardss love whistle, a serum to even out face-mask tan lines, and a most exquisite cornhole set.

In early March, fashion editor Laurel Pantin found herself sheltering in place in her hometown of Austin with only a weekends worth of clothes, begins our investigation into the shoe we cant stop seeing in our Instagram feeds. As soon as temperatures in the South hit 90 degrees, she realized the only pair of shoes she traveled with werent suited for Texas weather. And thats how she ended up with a pair of strawberry Crocs. Then Pantin posted them on Instagram. Then textile designer Heather Taylor posted them on Instagram. Then fashion designer Clare Vivier posted them on Instagram. Then publicist Madeline Fawcett posted them on Instagram. Then Megababe founder Katie Sturino posted them on Instagram. Now, theyre selling out but eBay still seems to have a decent stock (if you order, know that it simply calls them white).

The trouble with a lot of Ikeas affordable home furnishings is that they look like affordable home furnishings from Ikea. Which is why we did a double take when an interior designer told us this wood-and-rope folding chair that looks like some pricey designer model for Design Within Reach is actually a reasonably priced one from the emporium of Scandinavian design. Says that interior designer: The strong, clean lines of this architectural silhouette are a striking addition to an outdoor space. Say we: It would look just as striking indoors, too.

The Lovetuner is a whistle that, when blown, makes a sound at the frequency of 528 hertz, which is known as the frequency of love, explains the actress, who told us shes been using it a lot lately. Its very calming. Anytime Im feeling stressed out or overwhelmed, it helps ground me. And we could all use that right now, during a time when theres a lot of anxiety and uncertainty.

Last week, a reader asked Rio for help with a a distinctly 2020 issue. Her friend, she continued, got a suntan on only the upper half of her face after walking around outside with a mask on, and needed something to even it out. According to our beauty obsessive, When it comes to evening out a tan on your face, vitamin C is going to be your hero ingredient. After consistent daily use, youll notice that your weird tan is slowly starting to fade away, and your complexion is generally more even and bright. Rios favorite vitamin C serum is this, from Mad Hippie: Its rich in other antioxidants like vitamin E and ferulic acid (which strengthens your skin against all sorts of environmental stressors), and soothing, nourishing, and moisture-boosting ingredients like chamomile and hyaluronic acid. If you want to shop around, dermatologists recommend 11 more vitamin C serums for skin of all types here.

Photo: Retailer

Closing out the top three in New York food editors Rob Patronite and Robin Raisfelds ranking of fancy pasta shapes is the Bucatini from Rustichella, a maker based in the Abruzzo region of Italy. They call it the sauce-gripping best, citing Hard durum semolina, mountain-spring water, old-fashioned bronze dies, and the type of leisurely, practically spalike drying session that makes all the difference as the reasons why.

To help those who would rather not let their locks go au naturel while many salons remain closed, we talked to hairstylists about the stuff they recommend for dyeing at home. The most foolproof way, according to the experts, is a conditioning, semi-permanent gloss that one hair stylist says will give your color a boost of shine and depth. Two pros swear by dpHues gloss, with one telling us it acts like a color-depositing conditioner that provides incredible shine and added pigment. Using it is as easy as applying to clean, damp hair, letting it soak in for three to 20 minutes, and then thoroughly rinsing it out.

That is what one reader asked columnist Chris Black to help him find, noting that many barefoot running shoes which, according to folks who use them, can be less intense on your heels and more responsive on slippery terrain are not particularly stylish. Agreeing that, Unfortunately, this genre of shoe is rather ugly, Chris recommended this (on sale) pair from Merrell for leaning into that ugliness in an interesting way. He adds that, functionally, their Vibram sole equals excellent stability, and there is zero drop from heel to toe for a natural stride.

Photo: Retailer

If youre looking to get lost in a dystopian world different from the one we are currently lost in, this audio version of Margaret Atwoods novel read by Danes gets rave reviews for how her exceptional narration enhances the story. One listener praises Danes for giving you a feeling of something very personal, like you are listening to a confession you wouldnt dare interrupt. Another simply adds: She was perfectly cast.

Rummaging through the internets many sales last week, we found this expert-recommended handheld vacuum for pets on sale for a not insignificant discount at Best Buy. If the couch youve been sharing with Fido is looking a little hairier than youd like, users say this little guy which comes with two attachments is both a godsend and game-changer.

Of this intricate, handmade take on what will likely become one of the most popular socially distant lawn games of the summer, we think contributors (and former Of a Kind owners) Erica Cerulo and Claire Mazur already said it best: Talk about a showstopper. Made in the Pasadena wood shop of the Wolfum founder Annabel Inganni, this fancy cornhole set is the sort of item that earns a grin even from those who have no intention of buying it.

Actually good deals, smart shopping advice, and exclusive discounts.

The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best acne treatments, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, natural anxiety remedies, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

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10 Things That Delighted Us Last Week: From Patio Chairs to Sauce-Gripping Pasta - New York Magazine

A bar in Cincinnati, Ohio, was full of people on Friday, May 15, as the state relaxed COVID-19 restrictions and permitted restaurants and bars with patios to reopen for outdoor service, reports said.

The state of Ohio implemented soft reopening on May 15, allowing bars and restaurants to resume operation in outdoor areas with a few caveats, according to WLWT. The new order from the Ohio Department of health says employees must wear facial coverings and maintain six feet of distance from customers, and customers must also observe social distancing guidelines among themselves, WLWT reported. Bar and arcade-type games were not allowed. The report said indoor service was slated to resume on May 21.

Video filmed by Bill Hulsizer of Cincinnati Alive shows the crowded scene on the patio of the Rosedale formerly known as Neons in Cincinnati, Ohio. In his post, Hulsizer said the City of Cincinnati closed one small street for 2 restaurants but it wasnt enough.

They need to close the streets, so restaurants can open, Hulsizer said in a message to Storyful. Last night, I took my own cup and had the bartender pour my beer into it, without touching it. Everyone needs to be doing this. Credit: Cincinnati Alive/Bill Hulsizer via Storyful

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Patrons Fill Cincinnati Bar Patio on First Night of Reopening - Yahoo News UK

MESSAGE DATED 3/16/20To All Our Present and Potential Clients

As our present circumstances of our community having been affected with the worldwide effects of The Coronavirus, it is quite troubling to say the least. Vast measures are in effect to keep our neighbor safe. I believe it is fair to say, this is quite uncomfortable for all of us to bear for all the reasons of having our lives turned upside down with the uncertainty and fears we may feel.

Reginas, being in the service industry for 45 years has great compassion for all. Our dedicated staff, which is immensely humbling to me, is on board, by means of being educated on our health hazard concern and fully equipped to service our clients.

We have had and continually have meetings, with great discussion on safety precautions to follow for the safety of our clients, ourselves, our families, our pets and yours. We have collaborated with our commercial supplier incorporating additional disinfectant products as well as being very mindful for greater detail to our clients cleanings, with special attention to doorknobs, light switches, handles on cabinets, hard surfaces, etc.

As we vow to continue to operate, to serve our clients, we are living on a day to day basis with continued changes hour to hour. With that said, we are here to help aid in safety and comfort for a cleaned, sanitized environment ~

On Behalf of Reginas Maids ~ Our Sincere hopes and prayers for this horrific crisis to be controlled for yours, ours, and all our worlds well being.

Kind Regards,Donna Bellina, PresidentReginas MAIDS

We are here to service you!

In existence since 1975, Reginas Maids of Jersey City is committed to provide professional, dependable, personalized cleaning services to hundreds of satisfied clients in Hudson County and surrounding areas. We pride ourselves in our distinct quality of service, with our highly trained, trustworthy staff. Our continued growth and success is attributed to our 100% dedication to each and every one of our clients. We genuinely strive to exceed all your cleaning needs and expectations offering one time and recurring cleanings services customized to your lifestyle.

Did we mention we are pet friendly, fully insured and bonded!

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Regina's Maids of Jersey City

Market Study Report, LLC, has recently added a report on the House Cleaning & Maid Service market which provides a holistic synopsis of the market size, market valuation, revenue estimate, SWOT analysis, and the geographical spectrum of this industry. The report accurately underlines the key challenges and opportunities for growth during the forecast period. In addition, it sheds light on the current competitive scenario and reviews the business strategies adopted by the House Cleaning & Maid Service market players.

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The latest research report on House Cleaning & Maid Service market is a compilation of details pertaining to the segmentation of this business that is expected to accumulate substantial incomes and register significant annual growth rate over the foreseeable duration. The report precisely evaluates the House Cleaning & Maid Service market and in doing so, delivers valuable insights with regards to industry size, revenue estimates, sales capacity, and more. Additionally, the report also assesses the segments as well as the market drivers influencing the commercialization portfolio of this vertical.

Additional key understandings mentioned in the report include:

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The House Cleaning & Maid Service market in terms of topographical development:

The House Cleaning & Maid Service market research report predicts quite some revenues over the foretold timeline and comprises additional data regarding market dynamics such as factors affecting industry outlook, challenges and opportunities present in this vertical.

For More Details On this Report: https://www.marketstudyreport.com/reports/global-house-cleaning-maid-service-market-2020-by-company-regions-type-and-application-forecast-to-2025

Some of the Major Highlights of TOC covers:

Chapter 1: Methodology & Scope

Definition and forecast parameters

Methodology and forecast parameters

Data Sources

Chapter 2: Executive Summary

Business trends

Regional trends

Product trends

End-use trends

Chapter 3: House Cleaning & Maid Service Industry Insights

Industry segmentation

Industry landscape

Vendor matrix

Technological and innovation landscape

Chapter 4: House Cleaning & Maid Service Market, By Region

Chapter 5: Company Profile

Business Overview

Financial Data

Product Landscape

Strategic Outlook

SWOT Analysis

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House Cleaning & Maid Service Market 2020 | Outlook, Growth By Top Companies, Regions, Types, Applications, Drivers, Trends & Forecasts by...

Home Basement

With special framing and insulating techniques, your basement can be as comfortable as any other room in your home. Find out more about insulating basement walls and framing basement walls here.

By the DIY experts of The Family Handyman Magazine

You might also like: TBD

Your basement can be more than a utility and storage area. With some forethought and good techniques, you can make it as warm, comfortable and inviting as any other room in the house. But, make no mistake about it: Finishing a basement is a big job. In this article, well focus on the framing and some unique problems, such as:

Get started by making a scale drawing of your plans to submit to your local building inspections department. Your plan should include wall dimensions, window and door sizes, and each rooms purpose (e.g., family, bedroom, etc.) along with any special features like fireplaces. Some rooms may require large windows, called egress windows, for fire safety. Ask your building inspector if you need them. Also measure the future finished ceiling height and low-hanging pipes or ducts thatll lower headroom. Sketch the details of the exterior wall construction you intend to use as we show in this article. If youre uncertain about the best use of space, hire an architect to help with the design. The permit itself will outline at what stages inspections are required. If you choose to do your own electrical work, draw up and submit that plan as well. With your plan and permit in hand, clear everything out of the basement and youre ready to go. Walk around the basement with caulk and cans of spray foam and plug every gap you can find between framing and masonry and around pipes or wires that penetrate the rim joist or exterior walls. This is your last chance to seal air leaks from the inside, this is how youll insulate a finished wall.

If you have a wet or damp basement, its one of the steps to finishing a basement you need to solve before you get started. To tell if walls are damp from exterior water or just condensation from humid interior air, tape a 2-ft. square sheet of plastic to the masonry. If moisture collects on the front of the plastic, you have condensation. The method we show for finishing will take care of that problem. If moisture collects on the backside after a few days, then water is wicking through the foundation wall from outside. The basement should be treated the same as if it were leaky. If you have regular seepage or water puddling after storms (even once every few years), you have to fix it permanently before finishing. Remedies for damp or wet basements can be as simple as rerouting downspouts, regrading slopes away from foundation walls, or applying water-resistant paints to interior surfaces. As a last resort, hire a pro to install perimeter drains and a sump pump. The bottom line is that its senseless to spend time and money finishing a basement if leaks or moisture will ruin your work or cause mold to grow.

Family Handyman

Start the job by gluing 3/4-in. extruded polystyrene foam insulation to fit against the rim joists and foundation walls . Extruded polystyrene foam can be yellow, pink or blue depending on the manufacturer for insulating basement walls. Avoid expanded foam insulation (the type that has little white beads pressed together) when insulating basement walls because it isnt as durable and has a lower R-value. Make cuts by snapping chalk lines to mark and then score it with a utility knife as deep as the blade will penetrate. Then snap the sheet just like you cut drywall. Carefully cut around obstructions and fill spaces with small chunks of foam wherever its needed, working for tight fits.Spread a 1/4-in. bead of adhesive on masonry walls and press the sheets into place.

Family Handyman

Then caulk seams and gaps between the framing and foam along the rim joists with more foam to seal against air infiltration and leaks. Youll add fiberglass later for a higher R-value. The foam greatly reduces heat transfer through the masonry and framing, and it eliminates the need for a plastic moisture barrier later. Be sure to use adhesive formulated for use with foam (about $3 per tube) when insulating basement walls. Conventional construction adhesive wont work for insulating basement walls.

Family Handyman

Snap chalk lines 4 in. away from the insulation on the exterior walls. Then cut 24 bottom and top plates and lay out stud locations every 16 in. on each plate as youre insulating basement walls.

Family Handyman

Squeeze a 1/4-in. bead of construction adhesive to bottom plates and position them. Then pre-drill with a hammer drill and anchor them with concrete screws.

Family Handyman

Nail 24 blocking about every 3 ft. into the first floor joist to support the top plate. Toe-screw them to the rim joist through the foam to continuing insulating basement walls.

Family Handyman

Plumb from the edge of the bottom plate to the blocking with a straight 24 and level. Snap a chalk line and screw the top plate to the blocking with 3-in. screws.

Family Handyman

Measure between the plates at each layout mark and cut each stud to length. Then toenail the studs into place at the top and bottom with two 8d (2-3/8 in.) nails in one side and a third centered on the other side.

Family Handyman

When youre framing half walls, make all of the studs the same length and cut them so the wallis slightly taller than the masonry. The wall may be uneven because of floor inconsistencies, but you can always sight along the top plate and then shim it until its flat before installing the finished top cap.Then lay out the stud locations on the plate and nail the studs in place with 16d nails.

Family Handyman

Tip the knee walls up and fasten them to the floor. Then fasten blocks through the foam into the masonry at every third stud with 3-in. concrete screws. Plumb and screw the studs to the blocking for a solid wall. Be sure to sight along its entire length to make sure its straight.

Most basements have ductwork and plumbing mounted at the ceiling along an existing wall. Boxing in those pipes and ducts and then drywalling the assembly is the best way to conceal them. The whole structure is called a soffit.

Begin by measuring to the floor to find the lowest pipe or duct in the room; thatll define how low the soffit must be.Mark a point 2 in. lower on the wall to allow space for the framing and drywall and nail on a 24 nailing strip using the chalk line to position the bottom of the strip. Then snap another line on the bottom of the joists with a 2-1/2 in. clearance.Then snap another line on the bottom of the joists with a 2-1/2 in. clearance.

Family Handyman

To build a soffit front rip 1/2-in. plywood strips to the depth of the soffit and screw 2x2s even with both edges with 1-5/8 in. screws. Its easiest to preassemble the 8-ft. long soffit side sections and screw them to the bottom of the floor joists. If soffits end at walls, build the walls first.

Family Handyman

Snap a chalk line on the floor joists 2-1/2 in. away from the nearest obstruction and parallel to the wall. Position the assembly along the chalk line and fasten it to the bottom of the floor joists with 3-in. screws.

Family Handyman

String a line even with the inside edge of the plywood and use it to determine exact lookout lengths. Nail them in place every 16 in.

Partition walls are any walls that arent against exterior foundation walls or walls that support floors above. Lay out partition walls by snapping chalk lines to mark both sides of the bottom plates.That keeps you from building walls on the wrong side of single lines!

Also, in a basement, the top and bottom plates are often different lengths. Thats because top plates may project past foundation walls and be longer or run into soffits and be shorter. (See both cases in the photo with step 3.) When you line up the plates to mark stud locations, be sure to account for differences (Photo with step 2).

Family Handyman

Mark both sides of partition walls with chalk lines, then center and nail 26 backer boards in walls that they join. The chalk lineskeep you from building walls on the wrong side of single lines!

Family Handyman

Mark door openings on the floor to avoid putting glue under doors. Frame partition walls as you did the outside walls, again installing blocking between joists wherever its needed. Add 26 backers on walls that meet partitions (as explained in step 1). They provide support and nailers for drywall. Before you tie the partition walls to exterior stud walls (non-masonry, without foam), staple 2-ft. wide strips of polyethylene over the 26 backers. That way youll be able to seal this type of outside wall with a continuous moisture barrier in cooler climate zones.

Family Handyman

Frame the door openings 2-1/2 in. higher and 2-1/2 in. wider than the door youre installing. This rough opening allows adequate space for the door plus its frame. Use a regular stud plus a trimmer on each side of the door. If you have low headroom, you may need to cut your doors down or special-order shorter ones. Remember to allow overhead space for the door trim. Trim thats either missing or ripped too narrow over doors with inadequate clearance will really detract from the appearance of the room.

TIP: Partially cut through the underside of the bottom plate at the edges of the door rough opening to make removal easier later on.

Nearly every basement has something that will project past finished surfaces. That can include beams, posts, drain lines, water piping or surface mounted wires. Its a simple matter to frame or fur out around projections and then drywall and finish them to blend in with surrounding surfaces. Youll have to maintain access to other things like electrical junction boxes and plumbing shutoffs and clean outs. If you need future access to anything, just frame around it and cut out the opening when you drywall.

Family Handyman

Frame around ceiling valves with 2x2s. If you need future access to anything, just frame around it and cut out the opening when you drywall. Then, after taping and painting, screw a return air grate over the opening to conceal it but still have access. Return air grates are available in various sizes for about $5 at home centers. Check the sizes of available grates and frame the accesses slightly smaller.

Family Handyman

Frame around protruding plumbing with 2x6s nailed to adjoining studs. Frame clean outs for an access panel.

Family Handyman

Sometimes furring down part of or the entire ceiling is the best way to bury surface-mounted pipes or wires. Use either 2x4s or 2x2s running perpendicular to the joists to add 1-1/2 in. of dead space so you can drywall over the top of everything (Photo 3). Be sure to run all the wiring and other things you might want before hanging the drywall.

If you have a lot of deep projections from the ceiling or you need a lot of access, consider installing a suspended ceiling rather than drywalling. The downside is that youll lose at least a few additional inches of ceiling height.

Finish round steel columns by framing around them with 2x4s. You can then face the framing with drywall or decorative wood as shown in the opening photo.

Plus, check out these wall framing tips for new construction.

Have the necessary tools for this DIY insulating basement walls project lined up before you startyoull save time and frustration.

Avoid last-minute shopping trips by having all your materials ready ahead of time to begin insulating basement walls. Heres a list.

Read more here:
Basement Finishing: How to Finish, Frame, and Insulate a ...