Happy Valentine's! 

AS a blogger, I check out what other bloggers are  – well, blogging about.  While visiting my friend Vicki’s blog, I noticed that she was reflecting on things she loves. That resonated with me.  What do I love about my home? 

I Love: The feeling of “home”

There’s a difference between a mere house and a home. Houses require investments of money; homes require the investment of soul. Home conjures feelings of belonging. Of comfort. Of safety. So, what do you love about your home?

I Love: My new window treatments

I know what you’re thinking. But really, I LOVE my new window treatments! I have gorgeous Signature Series by Budget Blinds woven woods . They add the perfect natural element to complement my beach house themed décor. And after years of trying to find just the right spot to watch television without glare, my new window treatments with blackout lining, make it a joy! No more eye strain, either.  Plus, I have top-down-bottom-up option, so I can adjust how light that enters the room, too!   What do you love?

I Love: Bread

Since my self-imposed moratorium on bread after 5 p.m. I really haven’t thought about bread much. The other night I was lured to the darkside when I was offered possibly the most perfect breadstick in the world!  It was hot from the oven with a light layer of butter and a dusting of garlic salt on top. For me, that small bit of gooey, chewy goodness was a little bit of heaven.  I enjoyed it torn morsel by glorious torn morsel. 
What do you love?

Franchisor's Efforts Recognized by Entrepreneur®, AllBusiness.com and Service Industry Advertising Awards Awards received: Entrepreneur®: Franchise 500 First in Category, Leading Homebased Opportunities and Top Global Franchise; AllBusiness.com: 2010 AllBusiness.com AllStar; SIAA: Innovative and Creative Design in New Media award to Aviatech for Budget Blinds advertising

Orange, CA (February 10, 2010) -- Budget Blinds, the nation’s largest window covering franchise, has been recognized for excellence five times within the first two months of the year by Entrepreneur®, AllBusiness.com and Service Industry Advertising Awards (SIAA).

 “Being recognized by these three outstanding organizations is a great way to start 2010,” said Chad Hallock, CEO and Co-Founder of Home Franchise Concepts, the parent company of Budget Blinds. “Our franchisees were thrilled to hear this news.”

The franchisor was ranked number one in its Franchise 500® category by Entrepreneur® magazine as it has been every year since 1996. Additionally, the franchisor was listed among the leading homebased opportunities and America’s top global franchises.

“It’s a tremendous honor to be ranked first in our category for the last 14 years by the folks at Entrepreneur®,” said Hallock.

Budget Blinds was also named a 2010 AllBusiness AllStar Franchise for the second straight year because of the company’s excellent financial strength and brand awareness rankings. The franchisor also was recognized for disclosing financial performance representations in Item 19 of its Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). Item 19 contains important information about the financial performance of certain existing franchises that prospective franchisees can use to help make informed decisions about a franchise opportunity.

Rounding out the early 2010 accolades, the seventh annual Service Industry Advertising Awards (SIAA) recognized Budget Blinds' advertising by Aviatech. The company’s online overlays and banner ads won awards in the Innovative and Creative Design in New Media category as judged by advertising agency executives.