The year is winding down. That means food, shopping, food, parties, food and lots of cheer! Our office has been very busy with parades, networking events and the always expected pre-holiday cleaning.
[caption id="attachment_1098" align="alignright" width="300" caption="Our very own Trey Whitmire at the West Columbia Parade of Lights"][/caption]
(Because there is nothing a busy party planner wants more than a house that smells good and sparkles prior to a house full of friends and family!)
[caption id="attachment_1100" align="alignleft" width="179" caption="Jeannie (SERVPRO of The Dutch Fork) and our very own Luna!"][/caption]
In addition to all the parties and work duties, SERVPRO has partnered with Lexington Interfaith Community Services and our local insurance agents to provide warm clothing and canned goods for those who could use our help this winter season. We are very excited to report that our generous West Columbia and Lexington residents have donated 87.5 lbs of food and 4 totes full of coats!
[caption id="attachment_1097" align="alignright" width="584" caption="Food and Clothing Donated to Lexington Interfaith Community Service"][/caption]
We are very blessed to have great employees, customers and steady work to get us through another year in a hard economy. We're very much looking forward to next year and plan to be even more involved in community activities and contributions. Stay tuned!
Please remember to be safe this holiday season! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from our SERVPRO family to yours!!
Since farewells are not fun and Friday is "Fun Friday," I have chosen to write my farewell today instead of tomorrow. Let us never desecrate Fun Friday with sadness.
It seem strange to write a farewell without a proper introduction, so let me officially introduce myself (other than a bold name at the bottom of each article): I am Sandy Hayden. I graduated from Clemson University with a degree in Writing and Publication Studies. I grew up with an incredible, large family of which I am the youngest. As a child I was sure that my life would take one of two routes: a fashion designer or an archeologist. So, naturally, I chose to became a writer (hehe). I rarely let a day go by without reading my Bible/praying and running. My greatest strengths are my determination and creativity; my greatest weakness: my unceasing need for social interaction (a difficult need for a writer, as writing is more often a task done in solitude). Now you know me, so let the farewell commence.
I began working here in June as the Social Media Representative. Professionally I have learned more than I can say. I was a writer thrust into a marketing world, and I've spent the last 6 months there gaining as much experience as possible. I've had the opportunity to learn how to market SERVPRO online, meet clients, travel to the Outer Banks to photograph hurricane damage, and even tackle a few fun video projects. But even more impressionable than the professional experience has been the relational one. From the crew to the people in the office to even the clients, there is a place in my heart for them all.
So what now, you ask? Oh nothing much, just marrying my best friend and moving to California. :) But seriously.
So I ask you to welcome the new Social Media Representative with open arms in January. Be good and comment often! So long and farewell, friends.
Candles lend a special light to the holiday season: Halloween jack-o-lanterns, Thanksgiving dinner tables, Advent wreaths, Menorahs, luminarias, and Kwaanza Kinaras. If not for a seasonal purpose, then perhaps the romantic lighting or the smell of sugar cookies has convinced you that candles are an undeniable asset to ambiance. Whatever the reason, candle safety is important, particularly during the holiday season when their use is particularly common. Here are some basic guidelines to help keep you safe. Commit these to memory and avoid the embarrassment of last year's flaming cheese fondu (the result of a single candle... and might I add, not my fault).
Who
Children should be taught to stay away from lit candles. Try to keep them out of reach of young children and pets. Candle lighting is not an appropriate activity for small children, so keep matches and lighters out of the sight and reach of children.
Where
Burn candles away from drafts, other heat sources, and all flammable objects or materials. In other words, never use candles near windows or exits. Don't place them on Christmas trees, real or artificial (I know, it's tradition, but setting the house on fire isn't). Keep burning candles away from curtains, wrapping paper, paper, combustible decorations and displays (including Aunt Juanita's hair), flammable liquids, and aerosol sprays (please see Aunt Juanita's hair), such as hair spray, which can explode. Never allow a candle flame to touch any glass surface.
When
Don't burn candles for more than four hours at a time. Unattended candles are an invitation to disaster, so don't forget to snuff out candles before leaving the room or going to bed (that's right, falling asleep to candle light: bad idea). Blowing out candles doesn't do the trick: extinguish them by wetting the wick.
And some other quick tips:
Candles other than jar candles must be used in an appropriate non-tipping, non-flammable holder made of tempered glass or made with a proper glaze.
Place candles on a safe, heat-resistant dry surface. If possible, place glass chimneys or shades over them.
For Christmas luminarias, use 15-hour votive candles in holders placed in paper bags filled with at least 2 inches of sand. The candle must be of a size that will allow adequate space between the candle and bag so as not to ignite the bag.
Remove labels and tags from candles before burning.
Keep wicks trimmed to 1/4 inch at all times. This inhibits smoking and carbon build-up at the tip of the wicks and provides a cleaner burn.
Sometimes a layer of liquid wax forms that causes the wick to fall to the side. To maintain an even burn, keep the wick centered. This will also protect the candle holder, since a flame that's too close for too long may crack the holder.
Keep the wax pool free of foreign objects such as wick trimmings and matches. They will interfere with proper burning and are flammable.
Extinguish taper or pillar candles when they get within 2 inches of their holders. Discontinue use of candle containers when 1/2" of wax remains.
Yep, with the holidays in full swing we're all wondering how to save some money, particularly in the costly area of travel. Found an incredible article courtesy of Real Simple that I had to share! Without further ado:
1. Book Early and Save
Figure out ahead of time where you're going to spend the holidays and book as soon as you decide! Early planning results in the best deals!
2. Buy Your Tickets Now
News flash: Travel fares only go up as the holidays draw near, so book now. Check out the Bing price predictor to see if fares are expected to go up or down within the next week, so you can figure out the ideal day to buy. Once your'e ready, check the best online discount travel sights and, sigh, breath easy when you've booked.
3. Don't Drive Yourself to the Airport
I had to learn this one the hard way. Airport parking prices take a steep hike around the holidays (high demand, folks). See if a friend can drive you to the airport. No dice? Call a cab or van or check out public transportation.
4. Get There Early
Sounds obvious? During the holidays it is extremely important to leave extra time for seasonal travel madness. Your planning will be wasted if you miss your flight. Assume the worst: expect terrible traffic and long lines at check-in and security. Leave extra early! Don't add stress to the holidays with a sprint to the departure gate.
5. Don't Wrap Your Gifts Ahead of Time
I know, I know. Not what you expected, but with added security around the holidays, TSA personnel may unwrap presents for inspection. Pack some wrapping paper or gift bags in your luggage and wrap upon landing.
6. Be Smart About Your Suitcase
Don't fall prey to overweight baggage fees. Pack lightly, weight your suitcase before leaving so as to avoid unpleasant surprises, and register checked bags online before heading to the airport--they often give you a break in the fees if you sign up online. If you're not lugging a lot of gifts, go minimalist and fly with just a carry-on.
7. Get Free Upgrades
No harm in trying! If you're bumped on an oversold flight, try to negotiate for an upgrade on your next flight. If you're a frequent flier or club member with the airline you're flying with, you can also try to score an upgrade. Arrive early if you plan to try this: a lot harder to negotiate in a rush.
8. Fly the Day of the Holiday
This little trick can score you a great deal. Most people want to get to their destinations on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, making those flights particularly expensive. The same goes for Christmas. Check out flights the morning of the holiday itself to see if better deals are available--tell any skeptical relative it's better for your budget.
9. Plane, Train, or Automobile
Don't brush off other modes of transportation. Given how expensive airline tickets are, it may actually be cheaper to travel by another means. Crunch the numbers, and compare not only the cost, but the amount of time and ease of each method as well. You may find that driving by car, bus, or train may actually be your best option--especially since, without air traffic delays, you'll be more or less guaranteed to arrive when you intended.
If you're reading this post, then you survived Black Friday. Congratulations. You either stayed in the house or threw some elbows and held your own. We're very proud.
Shopping-related injuries (for example: slips and falls, back and neck injuries, etc.) account for thousands of personal injury claims each year in the U.S. Aside from the damage done to your wallet, most people do not consider themselves in any particular danger when shopping for clothing, toys, or electronics. Shopping injuries, however, are more common than you think and sometimes even involve a store owner's failure to keep their premises safe or warn of known hazards.
Types of Shopping Injuries
It comes as no surprise that the rate of shopping injuries tends to increase during heavy shopping seasons, such as the Christmas season (particularly Black Friday). Here are the typical shopping-related accidents that may occur on a store's property:
Slip and Falls –as a result of wet floors, torn carpets, poorly lit lighting, and escalator malfunctions
Head and body injuries - from falling objects, retail displays, out-of-reach objects, or other mishaps
Shopping cart injuries - falls as a result of a cart tipping over
Overcrowding injuries – as a result of over-crowding hazards, i.e. trampling (this is the one that generally occurs during the Christmas season)
Parking lot injuries – as a result of a cracked or improperly designed parking lot, or failure to remove ice or snow
Shop Well
While there is a lot the store manager can and should be doing to prevent these injuries from happening, the responsibility to be safe while shopping is yours. So here are some tips to shop like a pro:
Dress for it: This means that while those ballet flats are precious, if they don't grip the floor, don't wear them out shopping. Choose shoes that fit well and will not slide if you hit a fleshly mopped patch of tiles. And as for high heels? Sure go for it, but don't file a lawsuit when you break your ankle.
Eat, Drink, Be Merry: Shopping is a grueling thing. Don't starve yourself or let yourself get dehydrated. Accidents happen when you don't pay attention and when you're hungry or dehydrated, it's difficult to be alert. Bring a light snack or two (depending on how long you'll be out) with PROTEIN (meat, cheese, nuts). Try to drink a bottle of water for every hour and a half you're shopping at minimum.
Keep your eyes open: Be alert and keep your eyes peeled. Look for things like wet floor, unsteady displays, shelved items that could fall, or any other danger. If you need an item that is out of reach, ask a sales associate for help. They have ladders and rods to reach high-placed items. It's their job to help.
No Horseplay, Sorry: I agree. After an hour of shopping, I would like to liven things up with a little in-store game or a shopping cart ride. But as mom always said, "that's how people get hurt" (said immediately after pushing friend down an aisle in a cart, throwing a pizza like a frisbee, tag through the clothing section... you remember). Horseplay is never a great idea indoors, but particularly when a shopping area is crowded, injuries are far more common. It's also highly possible to anger another shopper into a rage that initiates a mob stampede that results in several trampling-related injuries. So maybe stick to a nice conversation or even some Christmas caroling?
The difference between the most wonderful time of the year and a call to SERVPRO can be in the choosing of this year's tree. Christmas trees are involved in approximately 400 fires annually, according to the National Fire Protection Association. These typically result in more than a dozen deaths, dozens of injuries, and more than $10 million in property loss and damage. In short: circuiting tree lights are cited as the leading cause.
Since the holiday season has begun, take a few of safety tips courtesy of the State Fire Marshal's Office on choosing and preparing Christmas trees for decoration that will minimize the risk of fire and injuries.
If you're buying an artificial tree, it should bear the "Fire Resistant" label. While this type of tree can catch fire, it will resist burning and should extinguish quickly.
If you're buying a natural tree, buy the freshest you can find. A fresh tree is green, needles are hard to pull from branches and when bent between your fingers, needles do not break. The trunk butt is sticky with resin, and when tapped on the ground, the tree should not lose many needles.
Watch out for trees with a greenish cast to their trunks and branches; many growers spray trees with green paint to make them look more appealing.
Cut at least one inch off the trunk's base to expose fresh wood for better water absorption. A tree will absorb as much as a gallon of water or more in the first 24 hours and one or more quarts a day thereafter. A seal of dried sap will form over the cut stump in four to six hours if water drops below the base of the tree, preventing the tree from absorbing water later when the tree stand is refilled. If a seal does form, another fresh cut will need to be made.
To maximize freshness and minimize fire risk, keep the tree outdoors for a few days in a bucket filled with water before bringing it indoors to decorate. The tree stand should hold at least one gallon of water.
Because heated rooms dry out natural trees rapidly, keep the stand filled with water; check the water level daily. A six-foot tree will absorb one gallon of water every two days.
Whether you've been coupon trimming, dethawing, cleaning, or just salivating, I'm willing to bet your sights are on the turkey. But what about the day after? It's a likely bet that the half of you who aren't braving the Black Friday crowds will be home pulling out the garland, the stockings, the creepy singing figurine, and most of all the lights.
Holidays lights certainly make the season brighter, but these romantic little twinkles are actually responsible for one-fifth of the injuries from holiday decorating treated in hospital ER's (according to US Consumer Product Safety Commission--CPSC--reports). If electric shock and fire is not on the menu this season, then I recommend continuing through some basic safety precautions with us. All it takes to examine light sets for possible defects is a few extra moments.
For All Types of Christmas Lights
After ensuring they're unplugged, check the string of lights for frayed insulation, loose connections, and exposed bare wires. Repair (if possible) or discard sets displaying these potential trouble spots.
Check all light sockets and make sure that none of them are broken or cracked. If sockets are damaged, throw the light set away. After examining each set, place it on a non-flammable surface and plug it in for 10-15 minutes before decorating. If the set is not working properly, or if bulbs don't light, repair or discard it. Be sure to unplug the set when decorating.
Do not cover bulbs with decorations not supplied with the set. It may not be designed to handle the increased heating and could melt (potentially exposing live parts).
For Miniature Christmas Lights
When it comes to miniature bulbs, be sure to use bulbs with the same voltage rating (e.g. a 3 volt bulb to replace a 3 volt bulb) to prevent overheating, melting and possible fire. Bulbs are not marked individually with a voltage rating, so save the voltage information on the bulb packaging. It's worth it to prevent the danger resulting from using a bulb the incorrect voltage.
Quickly replace burned out bulbs; the remaining bulbs burn brighter and hotter for each burned out bulb. Light sets with bulbs that burn out rapidly or sets that show signs of melting around bulbs are early indications of defective or incorrect lamps. Do not use these sets.
It's common to tightly wrap or bunch miniature lights together in a cup or pot for special effects. Unless the set is designed or recommended for this use, the heat generated by bunching the lights together may result in melting, which could expose live parts. Christmas lights are created to decorate trees and objects where bulbs are separated and their heat is not concentrated.
For Christmas Light Sets with Standard-Size Bulbs
Examine each light bulb for improper assembly. If the glass readily separates from the bulb's base, the bulb should not be used. Check each bulb for protruding wires from the solder tip at the bulb's base or at the side of the bulb where the glass meets the base. If you find wire protrusions, repair the defect by cutting as much of the protruding wire off as possible. Check each bulb for excessive or irregular solder at the bottom and side of each bulb base, which may prevent complete insertion of the bulb into the socket. Bulbs in this condition should not be used.
Inspect carefully the interior of each light socket. Light sets with standard-size bulbs often have bulb-holders with two metal tabs inside each socket. With the set unplugged, check to see if tabs are used. If they are, there should be a side tab and a center contact at the bottom. If these two metal parts come together when a bulb is inserted, or if these two parts are both upright, a short circuit will occur when the set is used. If you are not sure that the tabs in the socket are correctly located, have a knowledgeable repair person check the set before you use it.
In short, be observant while you get your lights out this year and be sure to test before using them.
I originally made today's post on food safety for Thanksgiving and then I realized that food safety, being less fun and therefore not appropriate for Fun Friday, could wait. Instead, here are some fun holidays goodies I found this year to get the Thanksgiving atmosphere just right.
First, the music. You may already have your ipod filled with holiday music, but if you're holding out until after Thanksgiving to listen to those Christmas tunes, then you may want something to set the ambiance. That might be anything from jazz to country, but in our home, we're fans of folk. This year Mumford & Sons will certainly be in the mix at my house:
If you're a fall fanatic like myself, then you will love this idea. Courtesy of MarthaStewart.com, these colorful leaves are dipped in wax, preserving their color through the season and beyond. Cluster a group and suspend them in front of a window to greet visitors. Stands of monofilament keep them from falling a second time.
What you will need: colorful leaves, bleached beeswax (BLBEES -- $6.99 per 8 oz. by Enkaustikos -- fineartstore.com), double boiler, monofilament (34568437 -- $4.19 -- createforless.com), and clothespins.
This next idea comes to you from Sweet Verbena (an awesome blog for you crafties). For a light dessert, mix spice cake (or yellow cake) mix and a can of pumpkin (no liquids or other ingredients) and bake. These tasty muffin/cupcakes have a hint of pumpkin flavor and are incredibly moist, a perfect addition to your feast! Click the link for more information or other great ideas involving everything from the kitchen to your closet!
This is currently my favorite idea for a day of Thanks and food. Combine the two! This idea comes from Beauty and Bedlam. Before preparing the meal, give visitors a small piece of paper and have them write what they are thankful for. As you're rolling your crescents, put one written thanks in each one. As you eat, you can learn what people around you are thankful for--it's like homemade fortune cookies, but even more fun!
If this last idea from The Pastry Affair doesn't have your mouth watering, then you must be sleeping. Here we have the greatest dessert on the face of planet earth... A pumpkin spice latte cheesecake. You heard me correctly. You will need cream cheese, sugar, vanilla extract, eggs, canned pumpkin, cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, ground ginger, and espresso powder for this beaut. For the detailed recipe, click the link above.
And there you have it. Your thanksgiving will be fail-free. Happy Friday!
Just days ago you were all looking out of your windows at the flame red and orange trees thinking how gorgeous Thanksgiving would be this year and aren't you fortunate that you're hosting it at your house this year! Then you woke up this morning and looked outside. Where is the Clemson orange? The luscious red? The festive yellow illuminating every branch!? And then you saw it. In leafy heaps showered over your lawn. It has happened. The view is barren and--oh no--the yard work ahead is daunting.
You might fall into the category of those who got an early start on raking, only to wake up the next morning with a fresh covering of leaves on your hard labor. Raking is an annual chore that falls devilishly close to Thanksgiving. It can be grueling, especially as we age. Knowing when and how to rake, though, can save hours of work. What's more, having the proper tools can aid in the work.
When to Rake
If your grass is growing, keep on mowing. Mowing will effectively mulch the first falling leaves of fall into your lawn, providing nutrients for growth. Once the grass has stopped growing, though, it's raking time.
Where to Rake
Leaves that have fallen under trees and shrubs can be left alone--they will compost by themselves, breaking down into a mulch and benefiting the trees and shrubs. Open areas, however, need to be raked. A thick carpet of leaves can kill a lawn by blocking the sunlight needed for spring growth as well as taking far too long t break down. The areas where the leaves are blown and gather into deep piles (along the foundation of your home, for example) need some raking.
The Proper Rake
As I'm sure you've noticed, the standard (old-fashioned) rakes get clogged, causing frequent stops. Newer rakes are available with variations in the design so as not to clog as often. Noticed hand fatigue? Try a thicker handle. Comfort grips prevent hand-slippage and help reduce blisters. If you have back trouble, ergonomically designed rakes are good options for you (check online from Home Depot or Lowe's).
How Often to Rake
You don't need to rake with every fresh sprinkle of leaves, but if you wait too long, your work will be difficult and time consuming (an ergonomically designed rake will help with back pain, but if you're spending hours out there it might be unavoidable). Spread out the raking during the season. You should end up raking your lawn somewhere between 3 and 5 times, depending on the size of the lawn.
Disposing of Leaves
Composting leaves is a great way to dispose of them naturally. They can be spread on top of a vegetable or flower garden plot and mixed with other composting ingredients to give the garden a lift. You can also start a compost pile in a remote area of your yard, but if composting is not an option, bag the leaves in yard waste disposal bags, use a wheel barrow to haul them to the curb or burn them in a safe area (bon fire, yes please). Of course, all of these options depend on the rules in the area where you live for disposing of leaves.
Health Tips
According to the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, in 2004 more than 12,000 Americans were seen for injuries related to raking leaves. Avoid injuries by wearing gloves to protect your hands and skid-resistant shoes to prevent falls. Always bend and lift with your knees, not your back. Avoid repetitious movements that can cause fatigue and strain. Try not to twist as your rake (varying your movements can prevent these types of problems). Start and finish your raking sessions with some muscle stretches and warming up (you laugh, but it works like a charm). When you're finished, give yourself a cool down period to help your muscles relax.
We had an incredible time at the Oyster Roast last week! Check out some photos. For more, please visit our Facebook page. We also need help tagging our friends, so if you see someone you know, please tag them for us. We would greatly appreciate it!
That's right. It's time for a blog giveaway. You can have three total entries. To qualify you must live (or work) in Lexington County. What you have to do: subscribe to the blog (click "sign me up" on the right), like the Facebook page (you can also do that on the right), and/or answer the following two questions: a) how did you hear about our blog? b) what would you like to see more of on the blog?
Now here is the tricky part, you must then comment on this blog post (see the comment box below) telling us each entry that you did. Each entry needs to be in a separate blog comment.
A winner will be chosen at 12am November 22, so you have a week to enter and tell your friends and family!
We're in all caps today because this Fun Friday is a particularly girly and lovely one. Now hold on men, where are you going!? This post may hold the secret gift to woo your wife, your girlfriend, or your future girlfriend. So don't go anywhere because nothing is more romantic than a hand-made gift (come back, come back, it's easy). Particularly one for pampering her. Today, I present to you several different recipes for body scrubs! Men: A body scrub is a gritty and yummy-smelling substance that is used to exfoliate the skin (think soft, smooth skin). These make the perfect little gift or stocking stuffer, so with the holidays around the corner, you won't want to miss this one.
Citrus Salt Scrub
What you will need: 1 cup sea salt 1/4 cup almond oil (can substitute olive oil or vegetable oil) 1/2 tsp lemon juice (or zest) 1/2 tsp orange zest
Mix: First mix the oil and sea salt together. Add a bit of oil at a time, you may not need all that is called for! Add orange zest. Drizzle the lemon juice over the salt and oil mix. You do not want too much lemon juice, or else your mixture will become a watery consistency. Enjoy!
Rosemary Mint Scrub
What you will need: 1 1/2 cups Sugar 1/2 cup Kosher or Epsom Salt 1 cup Carrier Oil, such as Fractionated Coconut Oil 5-10 drops Rosemary Essential Oil 5-10 Drops Peppermint Essential Oil
Mix: In a medium bowl, combine the sugar, salt, and fractionated coconut oil. Stir until well mixed. Add 2 drops each of rosemary and peppermint pure essential oil. Stir until the scent is evenly distributed throughout the sugar and salt mixture. Add the scrub to a jar and tighten the lid to seal.
Soothing Lavender Scrub
What you will need: 1 cup organic cane sugar 1/3 cup celtic sea salt 1/2 cup organic coconut oil 2-3 tablespoons almond oil 1 tablespoon Vitamin E Lavender Essential Oil
Mix: Start with a recycled jar, and then add a little bit of the salt, sugar, coconut oil {one at a time so you can control the consistency} and then add the rest of the ingredients. You can also make a nice sugar scrub with 1 cup sugar, 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil and essential oil. For a brown sugar scrub, try 2 cups brown sugar, 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil, 1/4 cup honey and 1 teaspoon of vanilla.
Brown Sugar Oatmeal Scrub
What you will need: 3/4 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup ground oatmeal (not the instant kind) 1/4 cup pure honey 3/4 - 1 cup oil (extra virgin olive, jojoba, grapeseed, or sweet almond) 1/4 tsp essential or fragrance oil (optional)
Mix: Whisk all the ingredients together in a bowl or clean container. In the shower, use gentle circular motions to buff the scrub onto your body and thoroughly wash it off with warm water.
Honey and Oil Scrub
What you will need: 3 tbs olive oil 2 tbs organic honey 1/2 cup sugar
Mix: Pour olive oil and honey into the jar. It helps if you pour the oil in first because the honey doesn't stick to your tablespoon. Add sugar and stir with a chopstick or clean utensil.
Coffee Scrub
What you will need: 1 cup ground coffee (any kind will do) 1 cup white sugar 1/2 cup olive oil 1 tbs fresh ground cinnamon (use a coffee grinder to pulverize 2 cinnamon sticks or try ground cinnamon from a jar)
Mix: Blend all of these ingredients together in an airtight container (like a mason jar with a screw top lid -- very pretty and will look nice).
[/caption]
[/caption]
[/caption]
