Fourth of July is fastly approaching, here are some tips to have a great and safe holiday!
Use fireworks outdoors only.
Obey local laws. If fireworks are not legal where you live, do not use them.
Always have water handy. (A hose or bucket).
Only use fireworks as intended. Don't try to alter them or combine them.
Never relight a "dud" firework. Wait 20 minutes and then soak it in a bucket of water.
Use common sense. Spectators should keep a safe distance from the shooter and the shooter should wear safety glasses.
Alcohol and Fireworks do not mix. Please have a designated shooter.
Only persons over the age of 12 should be allowed to handle sparklers of any type.
Do not ever use homemade fireworks of illegal explosives: They can kill you! Report illegal explosives to the fire or police department in your community.
SERVPRO'S PROVEN DUCT CLEANING SYSTEM IS COST EFFICIENT
Unlike many duct cleaning services, Servpro of Cayce/ West Columbia/ Lexington uses a portable ventilation and Air Duct Cleaning system to examine ductwork and make a clean sweep, removing years of dust and grime.
CLEAN SWEEP FOR DUCTS
*Improve the Air Quality of Your Business
When addressing air quality inspecting the ductwork is your SERVPRO of Cayce/ West Columbia/ Lexington first order of business. Dirty ducts can circulate odors and contaminats like mold and irritating dust throughout the building. Servpro uses a proven Portable Ventilation & Air Duct Cleaning system to help improve the air quality of your business.
Sweeping Away Years of Dust and Dirt- Reducing Potential Health Risks
Since the ventilation system is often the biggest culprit in poor indoor air quality, inspecting the ductwork should be a high priority. Often times the HVAC system has been operating for some time without much attention. Dirty ducts can circulate odors, contaminants such as mold and irritating dust throughout your building. A routine part of a SERVPRO service is inspecting the heating, ventilation and air conditioning unit. Keeping the HVAC system and ductwork clean can potientially extend the life span of equipment by allowing it to operate at peak condition, which can in turn save you money!
Today is just a great day! First and foremost its Friday and it is my favorite time of the year! Summer time! The perfect way to spend summer is by the pool, listening to great music and eating yummy food. This blog covers 2 out of 3 , great music and awesome recipes!
Summertime Tortellini Pasta Salad
19 oz. bag cheese filled tortellini (I prefer
the tri-colored)
Small Container Grape or Cherry Tomatoes, cut in
half
4 oz. can sliced black olives
1/2 large yellow bell pepper, diced
1/3 c. red onion, diced
1 c. Zesty Italian Dressing
3/4 c. freshly grated Parmesan
2 Tbsp. fresh parsley, minced
Cook cheese tortellini according to package
directions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
Combine all ingredients in a large bowl. Cover
and refrigerate at least 2 hours until chilled through.
Roasted Shrimp & Broccoli
1. Heat the oven to 425.
2. On a large cookie sheet, toss together 2 pounds of broccoli cut up into florets (but not teensy tiny florets, I like a little stem attached), 2 Tbs olive oil, 1 teaspoon whole coriander seeds (or 1/2 tsp. ground), 1 teaspoon whole cumin seeds (or 1/2 tsp. ground), 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp pepper and 1/8th tsp hot chili powder. Spread into a single layer and pop into the oven for 10 minutes.
2. Meanwhile, toss together one pound large shrimp, shelled and deveined, with 2 Tbs olive oil, lemon zest from one lemon, 1/2 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp pepper (I just eyeball the salt and pepper) in a bowl. When the broccoli’s been in the oven 10 minutes, add the shrimp to the broccoli and toss (carefully.)
3. Roast another 10 minutes, tossing once halfway through, until the broccoli is “tender and golden around the edges.”
And that’s your dinner!
I served it in a big bowl of rice and squeezed some lemon on top. It was a big hit.
3poundsripe tomatoes (preferably heirloom) in assorted colors, cored, cut into 1 1/4-inch chunks (about 6 cups)
1teaspoon(or more) fleur de sel or coarse kosher salt
5tablespoonsextra-virgin olive oil, divided
1 1/2tablespoonsred wine vinegar
3tablespoonschopped assorted fresh herbs (such as dill, basil, and mint)
6cupsfresh arugula leaves or small watercress sprigs
1cupcrumbled feta cheese (about 5 ounces)
1/2cupsliced almonds, lightly toasted
Preparation
Combine melon and tomatoes in large bowl. Sprinkle with 1 teaspoon fleur de sel and toss to blend; let stand 15 minutes. Add 4 tablespoons oil, vinegar, and herbs to melon mixture. Season to taste with pepper and more salt, if desired.
Toss arugula in medium bowl with remaining 1 tablespoon oil. Divide arugula among plates. Top with melon salad; sprinkle with feta cheese and toasted almonds and serve.
We would like to thank our sponsors; Advanced Renovations, All South, Amsoil, Atlantic Southern Claims, Bellacinos, Certified Restoration Drycleaning Network, Embassy Suites, Finkle Law Firm, Grouchos, Hemingways, Herndon Chevy, Little Caesars, Mays Roofing & Contracting Company, Medcare Urgent Care Center, Piggly-Wiggly, Pods, Pope davis Tire, State Farm, Rons, Walgreens, Wild Hare, Wolf, Wray, Textile Restorations, Koon and Cook,...... Without our sponsors this Golf Classic would not have been successful!
On April 12, 2012 Servpro became Red Cross "Heroes" by raising a toal of $7,000. 100 % of the proceeds were donated to our local disaster relief program. The Red Cross Heroes program is a grassroots fundraising and awarness campaign through which the Red Cross partners with community groups and individuals to raise funds for the vital programs and services that the organization provides. Between July 1, 2011 and May 7, 2012 the Columbia Region Red Cross has responded to 948 events affecting 3,231 people at a direct cost of $469,896. The American Red Cross is NOT a government agency. They depend 100% on donated dollars to provide services to their clients.
“We’re proud to be part of this community, and this is our way
to give back after so much has been given to us.”-said Marty Williams, owner of SERVPRO of Cayce/West Columbia & Lexington.
Healthy Home Checklist [ ] Do you smoke in your home?
[ ] Do your kitchen, bathroom and laundry room have adequate ventilation and exhaust fans?
[ ] Do you change your air filters once a month?
[ ] When cleaning or doing laundry, do you use bleach, ammonia or aerosol spray cans?
[ ] Is your gas fireplace and or gas stove checked yearly for emissions?
[ ] Was your home built before 1978? If so, has it been checked for lead-based paint?
[ ] Do your bathrooms have carpet?
Dirty ducts can circulate odors and contaminants like mold and irritating dust throughout the home. Servpro of Cayce/ West Columbia/ Lexington uses a proven portable ventilation and duct cleaning system to examine duct work and make a clean sweep, removing years of dust and grime. We can eliminate embarrassing offensive odors in your home. Call us SERVPRO of Cayce/ West Columbia and Lexington 803-755-9774
Happy Fathers Day! Here are some great Fathers Day (last minute) ideas! Servpro of Cayce/ West Columbia/Lexington wants to salute all of the outstanding Fathers!
Since June is National Safety Month today's blog is on a very controversial issue--- Texting and Driving. Before you text and drive today, you may want to read this. In many states texting and driving are illegal and if caught it could cost you over $50.(and thats getting off cheap!) Remember when you are behind the wheel of a vehicle you are not only responsible for your life but also others on the road!
Reckless driving can be punished with a fine of up to $500 and up to 90 days in jail. Texting provides users with on demand information from their friends and family members. It's no wonder it's gained such widespread popularity, especially among teenagers. But teens aren't the only ones texting. Adults are guilty of checking their email, tweeting, and setting appointments on their blackberry or iPhone's calendar. These actions have resulted in dangerous and reckless driving behaviour. So much so, that many cities have banned texting while driving and the United Kingdom has taken especially aggressive measures towards texters. Here are some statistics as to why texting is so dangerous: * When a driver texts while driving, his reaction time will decrease by 35% * When texting, steering capability goes down by a tremendous amount; 91%. * A driver is twenty three times more likely to get into a car accident while driving and texting. * Drivers are also six times as likely to get into a car accident while dialing a number into their cellular devices. This recklessness has caused numerous car accidents and death related incidents in the driving age group of 16-20, the largest texting demographic. Not to mention that teens that age are already more prone to crash even without texting, when on the road, these teens are dangerous to everyone else on the road; pedestrian and driver alike. This negligence may cause you or your loved ones to be injured on the road.
Servpro of Lexington is so proud to support the newest online publication "Lexington Anchor". For those of you that are not that familar with it let me give you some background information. Lexington
Anchor is Lexington’s very first home-grown online communications medium and
newsletter. The mission of the Anchor is to promote the healthy development of
the Town of Lexington by showcasing the cultural, charitable and communal
strengths of its many active organizations and generous residents. In order to
be effective, the Anchor will strive to support and uphold the Town of
Lexington’s Vision 2020 Plan by highlighting events, policy updates and
personal testimonies of community leaders that are conducive to the development
of a vibrant, sustainable, historically-significant Lexington community. Go check it out www.lexingtonanchor.com
If you are interested in becoming a supporter of the Lexington Anchor contact Tia Williams: tiaw@lexingtonanchor.com
Rain clouds have been obscuring our sunshine in Lexington and West Columbia for awhile now, but in Florida they have been dealing with a few more problems than a missed chance at a tan.
Floods have been upending the lives of many Floridians.
Though damage is unavoidable in flood situations there are some steps you can take to help avoid as much damage as possible to your home or business.
Before the Flood:
- Have a qualified professional elevate the furnace, water heater and electric panel if susceptible to flooding. -Install "check valves" in sewer traps to prevent flood water from backing up into the drains of your home or business. -Seal walls in basements with waterproofing compounds to help avoid seepage.
During the Flood:
-Turn off utilities at the main switches or valves if instructed to do so. -Disconnect electrical appliances. -Do not touch electrical equipment if you are wet or are standing in water. -Do not walk through moving water. Even six inches of moving water can make you fall.
After the Flood:
-Listen for news reports to learn if the community's water supply is safe to drink. -Avoid floodwaters. Water may be contaminated by oil, gasoline or raw sewage. Water may also be electrically charged. -Stay out of any building if it is surrounded by floodwaters. -Return home only when authorities indicate it is safe.
Having flood damage in your home or business can be a difficult situation to deal with, but remember, your Servpro of Cayce/West Columbia/Lexington is here to help you 24/7. Call (803) 755-9774. We make it 'Like it never even happened.'
Okay. Okay. I will share something with you. I do not know if you are aware, but most restaurants/ fast food places and coffee shops have a public menu... and then there is a "secret menu." Jamba Juice, one of my favorite smoothie shops, has the secret "Fruity Pebble Smoothie. Well, here is the Starbucks Secret Menu! This should start your mornings off right!
Have you heard of a little online publication called the Lexington Anchor? You haven't? Well then, let me introduce you...
The Lexington Anchor is Lexington’s very
first home-grown online communications medium and newsletter. The mission of
the Anchor is to promote the healthy development of the Town of Lexington by
showcasing the cultural, charitable and communal strengths of its many active
organizations and generous residents.
In order to be effective, the Anchor will
strive to support and uphold the Town of Lexington’s Vision 2020 Plan by
highlighting events, policy updates and personal testimonies of community
leaders that are conducive to the development of a vibrant, sustainable,
and historically-significant Lexington community.
We are just a small publication now, with a commitment to represent one community with one voice, but with your loyalty and support we can grow with the rest of the beautiful town of Lexington.
Check us out tonight at our Launch Party taking place at the Cotton Grill at 5:30pm. There will be food, drinks, and lots of fun. Don't miss it!
Welcome June 1! Today is the start of something amazing.... (At least I would like to think so!) That means summer is officially right around the corner. When summer hits, my appetite seems to disappear. So, here are filling recipes for your summer pallet!
Green Bean and Whole-grain Penne Salad
1 1/2 pounds green beans, stems trimmed and cut into 1 1/2-in. lengths
16 ounces whole-grain penne, rotini, rotelle, or fusilli pasta
1/2 cup mayonnaise
About 1/3 lb. Roquefort cheese
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
3 tablespoons each finely chopped flat-leaf parsley and finely chopped chives
5 crisply cooked thick slices bacon, crumbled
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Preparation
1. Bring 2 large pots of salted water to a boil. Prepare a large bowl of ice and cold water. In one pot, boil green beans 3 minutes; drain and plunge in ice water to stop cooking. In the other, cook pasta until tender to the bite, 9 to 12 minutes or according to package directions. Drain and rinse thoroughly under cold water until completely cool (see Notes).
2. In a food processor, pulse mayonnaise, Roquefort, and vinegar until well combined but still slightly chunky.
3. In a large bowl, toss together pasta, green beans, Roquefort dressing, parsley, chives, bacon, and pepper until pasta is well coated. Season with salt to taste.
Note: Nutritional analysis is per 1-cup serving.
Note:
Ingredients can be prepped and pasta cooked a day ahead of time and chilled (add 1 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil to the cooked pasta). Toss everything together just before serving. The dressing can be made ahead too; if it thickens, thin it with a little more vinegar or even milk.
Baked Potato Salad
Preparation time : 50 mins. | Serves 6 persons
This baked potato salad looks like
baked potato casserole but it tastes different due to dressing of mayo, cream
and yogurt. You may also add cooked meat to make it more tasty and rich but I
like this salad with vegetables only.
Ingredients:
4 medium size potatoes
4-5 green onions (chopped diagonally)
2 green
capsicums (chopped)
3-4 green chilies (chopped)
1 cup fresh cream
1/2
cup yogurt (drained)
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 tsp Tabasco
1 tbsp
sugar
Salt to taste
2 hard cooked eggs (sliced)
1 tsp paprika
Procedure:
1. Boil potatoes for just 20 mins. so that they would not become completely
soft, then peel and cut into large pieces.
2. To prepare dressing combine
fresh cream, mayonnaise, yogurt, tabasco, paprika, salt and sugar in a large
mixing bowl.
3. Take a greased baking pan of suitable size and one by one
make layers of capsicums and boiled eggs. Pour the dressing onto the veggies and
put pieces boiled potatoes over the layers and sprinkle spring onions and green
chilies onto the top. Place the pan in oven for just 20 mins. at 350 degrees F.
Roasted Chicken and Bow Tie Pasta Salad
3 cups uncooked farfalle (bow tie pasta) (about 8 ounces)
1/3 cup fresh orange juice$
Click to see savings
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons extravirgin olive oil$
Click to see savings
1 tablespoon stone-ground mustard
2 teaspoons sugar
1 1/4 teaspoons salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons rice vinegar
2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast (about 2 breasts)
1 1/2 cups seedless red grapes, halved
1 cup thin diagonally cut celery
1/3 cup finely chopped red onion
1/3 cup coarsely chopped walnuts, toasted
3 tablespoons chopped fresh chives
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Preparation
Cook pasta according to package directions, omitting salt and fat; drain. Cool completely.
Combine orange juice and the next 7 ingredients (orange juice through rice vinegar) in a large bowl, stirring with a whisk to combine. Add pasta, chicken, grapes, celery, red onion, walnuts, chives, and parsley; toss gently to combine.
Creamy Yogurt Fresh Fruit Salad
This is an easy side dish that you can throw together right before dinner . . . one of the saddest things about summer ending is that you don't have access to as many delicious fruits; thankfully this salad can be adapted to whatever fruit is in season.
2 cups strawberries, sliced
2 fresh peaches, sliced
2 bananas, sliced
2 cups grapes
1 (8 oz) container of plain or vanilla yogurt
2 teaspoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
lime juice
Mix together the fruit in a large bowl. Mix in about 3 Tablespoons of lime juice to keep the fruit from going brown (plus it adds great flavor!). In a small bowl, mix together yogurt, lemon juice, sugar, and vanilla. You can either serve the yogurt mix to the side of the fruit (and use it as a dip) or mix it right in with the fruit to make a salad (as I did in the picture). Both ways are yummy!
**Some of my other favorite fruits to use are blueberries, kiwis, cantelope, and pineapple. You really can use whatever fruit you want!
Taco Salad
Ingredients
1 (1 ounce) package taco seasoning mix
1 (16 ounce) can refried beans
1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese, softened
1 (16 ounce) container sourcream
1 (16 ounce) jar salsa
1 large tomato, chopped
1 green bell pepper, chopped
1 bunch chopped green onions
1 small head iceberg lettuce, shredded
1 (6 ounce) can sliced black olives, drained
2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
Directions
In a medium bowl, blend the taco seasoning mix and refried beans. Spread the mixture onto a large serving platter.
Mix the sour cream and cream cheese in a medium bowl. Spread over the refried beans.
Top the layers with salsa. Place a layer of tomato, green bell pepper, green onions and lettuce over the salsa, and top with Cheddar cheese. Garnish with black olives.
Preparation time : 50 mins. | Serves 6 persons
