Fun Friday

Happy Friday. Now that it is officially spring, how will you spend your weekend? Well, if you must know, I will spend this great, sunny weekend cleaning and organizing my house. I thought today's blog would only be appropriate!

Every morning I spend at least 30 minutes looking through my vanity trying to find the right makeup brush or  new mascara bottle that I just purchased. Here's a few tricks to save us both 30 minutes out of our busy morning. Hope you all enjoy!

 

beautyriot.com

Coffee bean brush holder-

This simple project keeps your makeup brushes upright and organized. Plus, your bedroom will smell like coffee every morning. Yum.

What you need:
• small, clear plastic tub (one side should be open)
• coffee beans/ small grains, etc.
Instructions:
1. Fill the clear tube with coffee beans and/ or small grains (whichever you prefer)
2. Stick your brushes into the coffee beans, brush side up.

Rake Organizer-

Sure, you can buy little hooks to hang your necklaces, but we like this rustic, shabby-chic take on jewelry organization. And it's so easy ...

What you need:
• old rake
• screw and screwdriver
• sandpaper (optional)
• Rustoleum (optional)
Instructions:
1. Unscrew the handle from the old rake.
2. If the rake is rusted, sand off the rust or cover the metal with an anti-rust spray paint like Rustoleum.
3. Drill the screw into the wall/ door of where you'd like the rake to hang.
4. Hang the rake on the screw, rake prongs down. Arrange your necklaces on the prongs.




HAPPY FRIDAY!

-Denea Duran

-Picture Content: beautyriot.com

Chocolate Does A Body Good!

A new research study to melt my heart...




Chocolate may not be as hazardous to your waistline as you think — at least in moderation.
A new study shows that people who eat chocolate frequently have lower body mass indexes than less avid consumers. The researchers could not explain precisely why something usually loaded with sugar, fat and calories have a beneficial influence on BMI. However, they suspect that antioxidants and other compounds in chocolate may deliver a metabolic boost that can offset its caloric downside.

To the delight of chocoholics worldwide, this is not the first time a study of morsel goodness has been released. In 2009, researchers in Sweden found evidence that people who eat chocolate have increased survival rates after a heart attack — and it may be that the more they eat, the better the outcome.

So to celebrate the good news, let's have a Hershey Cookies & Cream bar and pretend like the fat and calories Never Even Happened!



-Denea Duran

Content Credit: http://www.nytimes.com/2009/09/15/health/15choc.html?_r=1&ref=health
Photo Credit: Google Images

Do's and Dont's: Water Disaster

How many of you know how to respond during a water damage disaster? Your first and most important step should be to call your emergency mitigation specialists at SERVPRO. The sooner we arrive on site, the more you and your insurance company save in restoration and construction services.

These emergency tips will assist you in taking the proper actions and precautions until WE arrive!

Do:

• Shut off the source of water if possible or contact a qualified party to stop the water source.
• When access to the power distribution panel is safe from electrical shock, turn off circuit breakers in wet areas of the building.
• Remove as much excess water as possible by mopping and blotting.  
• Wipe excess water from wood furniture after removing lamps and tabletop items.
• Remove and prop up wet upholstery cushions for even drying.
• Place aluminum foil or wood blocks between furniture legs and wet carpeting.
• Any paintings, art objects, computers, documents and other materials that are valuable or sensitive to moisture should be relocated to a safe, dry place.
• Use wooden clothespins to keep furniture skirting off damp floors.
• Hang draperies with coated hangers to avoid contact with wet carpeting or floors.
• Hang furs and leather good to dry separately at room temperature.

Dont:

• Enter rooms with standing water where electrical shock hazards may exist.
• Enter affected areas if electrical outlets, switches, circuit breakers or electrical equipment are exposed to water. Always avoid electrical shock hazards.
• Leave books, newspapers, magazines or other colored items on wet carpet or floors to cause staining.
• Leave oriental rugs or other colored rugs on wet wall-to-wall carpets to cause staining.
• Use your household vacuum cleaner to remove water, possibly causing electrical shock or damage to the vacuum cleaner.
• Use TVs or other appliances while standing on wet carpets or floors, especially not on wet concrete floors.
• Turn on ceiling fixtures if ceiling is wet.
• Enter rooms where ceiling are sagging from retained water.

Contact us for 24 Hour Restoration Service:
SERVPRO of Cayce/West Columbia/ Lexington
803-755-9774



-Denea Duran

Photo Credit:  Google Image

March Madness 2012

For those of you (like me) who are wondering what this March Madness chatter is really all about--

The NCAA Men's Division I Basketball Championship is a single-elimination tournament held each spring in the United States, featuring 68 college basketball teams, to determine the national championship in the top tier of college basketball. The tournament, organized by the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA), was created in 1939 by the National Association of Basketball Coaches and was the brainchild of Ohio State University coach Harold Olsen. Held mostly in March, it is known informally as March Madness or the Big Dance, and has become one of the most prominent annual sporting events in the United States. The NCAA has credited Bob Walsh of the Seattle Organizing Committee for starting the March Madness celebration in 1984. Before working at SERVPRO, I had no idea what a bracket was or even when the NCAA championship was held. So there you go.

Hopefully your brackets are holding up so far.....

    As you can tell, the bracket challenge in this office is serious!

03/18	Xavier	70	-	58	Lehigh
03/18	Kansas	63	-	60	Purdue
03/18	Florida State	56	-	62	Cincinnati
03/22	Syracuse	64	-	63	Wisconsin
03/22	Michigan State	44	-	57	Louisville
03/22	Ohio State	81	-	66	Cincinnati
03/22	Marquette	58	-	68	Florida
03/23	Baylor	75	-	70	Xavier
03/23	North Carolina	73	-	65	Ohio
03/23	Kentucky	102	-	90	Indiana
03/23	Kansas	60	-	57	North Carolina State
03/24	Louisville	72	-	68	Florida
03/24	Syracuse	70	-	77	Ohio State
03/25	Kentucky	82	-	70	Baylor
03/25	North Carolina	67	-	80	Kansas
03/31	Kentucky	vs			Louisville	‎-6:09 PM (ET)
03/31	Kansas	vs			Ohio State	‎-8:49 PM (ET)

-Denea Duran

Content Credit: ESPN.com

Photo Credit: Google Image

Spring Ahead

Since spring is in full effect, it is now time to start thinking about how you will welcome the warm weather in your home. Here is a list of ideas to get a start on your cleaning.

Around The House:
•Schedule a family garage clean-out. Create efficient storage for sporting goods, camping equipment, recreational vehicles, and garden tools. You'll have the jump on summer fun!
•Inspect, clean and repair outdoor furniture.
•Tour house exterior and grounds. Make a list of any needed seasonal maintenance.
•Inspect the roof for winter damage: leaks, missing or broken shingles or tiles. Arrange for any needed repairs early; roofing contractors can be hard to find during summer's construction season.
•Use a sunny Saturday to scrape, prime and paint peeling spots on trim or woodwork. You'll protect wood against Summer's heat and moisture--and prevent a more difficult paint job come fall.
•Clear away any remaining dead foliage and weeds from beds and lawn. New growth will be protected from damage or disease.

•Begin major Spring landscaping projects. Spring's the time to put in shrubs and trees, but check with your local extension office for specific planting recommendations for your area.

The Inside Story:
•Changing seasons, changing clothes. Hold a family wardrobe check as you bring out warm-weather clothing. Sort winter clothing for discards and donations before you store.

•Hold a garage sale! Declutter house and garage to turn trash into cash. Build your yard sale savvy here.
•Pick a weekend and enlist the family for Spring cleaning. Many hands make light work! Reward the team with dinner at a pizza parlor.
•Wash windows inside and out.
•While at the window area, check drapes and window treatments. Vacuum any dust; send dirtier drapes to the cleaners.
•Move furniture and vacuum beneath it.
•Arrange for a spring inspection of cooling systems. Don't wait for the first hot day! Air conditioning firms will give better service when they're not busy.
•When the weather warms, deactivate heat system humidifiers. Check the system manual for instructions on how to power down for the summer.
•Drain sediment from hot water heaters.

Cleaning that SERVPRO handles:

• Air Ducts and HVAC
• Carpet, Upholstery, Drapes and Blinds
• Ceilings,Walls and Hard Floors
• Deodorization

Call us SERVPRO of Cayce/West Columbia & Lexington 803-755-9774


-Denea Duran

Picture Credit: Google Image

Content Credit: http://organizedhome.com/seasonal-spin/spring-cleaning-chore-checklist

Like It Never Even Happened

Fun Friday

If you're like me, April 1st is considered one of your favorite holidays! Here are 10 harmless pranks!

1. Fingernail polish spill- take a piece of wax paper and a bottle of fingernail polish that you don't mind sacrificing for the cause. Spill out contents onto paper, let dry, peel paper off, and leave on victim's clothing or an important document. You may want to do this one a week in advance. It takes quite a while for the polish to dry. I'd recommend using quick-dry nail polish and a hairdryer. If your "spill" doesn't peel off the wax paper very well, just cut around it as close to the edges as possible.

3. Blue teeth/ numb mouth- put a small drop of food coloring in center of toothbrush. Make sure to use the same color as the bristles. ALSO, you could put some oragel numbing gel deep in the base of the bristles.

4. Superglue shampoo lid shut. It will make them have to unscrew the lid.

5. Soap that won't lather- paint soap with clear fingernail polish and leave in the shower!

6.Glue end of toilet paper roll onto itself so victim can't find it!

7. Glued-shut card- make a nice card for someone you owe a "thanks" to. Glue it shut so they can't open it.

8. Vaseline door knob- place a hidden glob under the door handle. This is my ultimate favorite prank!

9. Place piles of confetti on top of ceiling fan blades so when it turns on, surprise! This one would be fun for somone's birthday, too!

10. Plastic wrap shampoo/salt shaker- Unscrew lids, place a small piece of plastic wrap over opening, replace lid, and tear off the excess evidence.

Have fun and if you have any prank suggestions feel free to leave a comment!




Of course, it would not be Fun Friday if I did not have a recipe to for you to try. Since Easter is fastly approaching, we need to get in the Holiday spirt. I hope you all enjoy this great recipe!

Coconut Cream Marshmallow Eggs

Yield: 26 to 30 eggs

Ingredients

• 8 oz. cream cheese, at room temperature
• 1 T. butter, at room temperature
• 1 c. powdered sugar
• 1 c. marshmallow creme
• 3 c. flake coconut
• 2 c. semi-sweet chocolate chips
• 1 T. shortening

Preparation

In a medium bowl, beat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar, marshmallow creme, and coconut, stirring to blend completely. Refrigerate mixture for 1 hour. Then use your hands to mold the coconut mixture into egg shapes. I rolled about a tablespoon of coconut mixture into a ball, laid it on a baking sheet lined with wax paper, and then flattened the ball a bit and shaped it into an egg. Once your pan is full, place it in the freezer or refrigerator for an hour or two to firm up.

Melt chocolate chips and shortening over very low heat. Place melted chocolate in a small but deep bowl. Remove a few coconut eggs at a time from the freezer and dip them into the chocolate mixture. I like to use a fork to remove them from the chocolate...just pick up the egg on top of the fork's tines, gently tap any excess chocolate off, and then slide the bottom of the fork out over the edge of your bowl to remove excess chocolate underneath the egg. Return the chocolate coated egg to the wax paper. Refrigerate again to set. Store in the refrigerator.

-Denea Duran

Content Credit: http://www.afarmgirlsdabbles.com/2012/03/23/chocolate-coconut-cream-marshmallow-eggs/

Floods Strike Everywhere

Floods rank as one of the most common and widespread natural disasters in the United States. Whether you live near a coastline, along city streets, in the mountains, near a river or even in the desert, there is a potential for suffering from flood damage. In fact, nearly 25% of last year's claims paid by the Nation Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) were for policies in moderate to low risk communities. According to the NFIP, houses in the United States have a 26% chance of being damaged by a flood during the course of a 30-year mortgage.

On average, floods cost $6 billion in annual losses in the U.S. 


A few more little-known flood facts:

• Floods kill an average of 140 people per year in the U.S., making flooding the most deadly natural disaster.

• More than half of all fatalities during floods are auto related, often the result of drivers misjudging the depth of water on a road and being swept away in a swiftly moving current.

• The principle causes of floods in the Eastern United States are hurricanes and storms.

• The principle causes of floods in the Western United States are snow-melt and rainstorms.

• Underpasses can be some of the most dangerous places during a flash floods-- especially at night, when it's difficult to see. 

-Denea Duran



Photo Credit: http://serc.carleton.edu/NAGTWorkshops/health/visualizations/flood.html

Fun Friday Live: Refill Wallflowers DIY

Streaming live video by Ustream


We have not forgotten about Fun Friday, we just took it to another level. We are now doing Do It Yourself (DIY) projects live on our Ustream page. This week was DIY: Refill Wallflowers.

Did you know that the Wallflowers and Plug-Ins that you buy could be hazardous to your health and your home?

The National Resources Defense Council, in a study of 14 different air fresheners, confirms that phthalates a chemical found in many air fresheners that may cause reproductive problems and birth defects. It was found that Phthalates may also cause premature delivery of babies.

Fire Hazard- Pinene, an extremely flammable ingredient is commonly used in plug-in air fresheners. Plug-in air fresheners use a small heating element, which combined with flammable ingredients like the pinene can be a fire hazard. It is important that over 53,000 home fires occur each year because of malfunction of electrical appliances, including plug-in air fresheners.

Toxic Ingredients- Toxic ingredients such as formaldehyde, fragrance chemicals and dichlorobenzene and silica are used in a variety of plug in air freshners brands. These ingredients are highly dangerous if ingested accidentally, causing issues such as dizziness, nausea a drop in blood pressure and convulsions.

Everyone has the right to know what toxic chemicals they are breathing in. We decided to do a simple and healthier DIY project, so those expensive wallflowers dont go to waist. (video above)


-Denea Duran

Photocredit: Google Images

Happy Birthday, Taylor!

Way back in 1995, 6 year old Taylor Williams sprinted downstairs early on a Saturday morning. He turned on the tv to watch cartoons and began playing loudly with his toy trucks. Our mom, Angie, stepped out the bedroom door to hush Taylor. The conversation went something like this:


Angie: "Taylor, you need to play quietly"


Taylor: "Why?"


Angie: "Because your dad is still sleeping"


Taylor: "Why is he still sleeping?"


Angie: "He's been working on a water damage all night"


Taylor (pausing for a second, confused):   ..."If I had a job like that, I would fire myself!" 

Stylin'

Taylor and Richland County SERVPRO owner,
William Hinson- aka Will'm

Seventeen years later, Marty has yet to fire himself and Taylor has yet to quit. I'd say we're thankful they've stuck around! 


Everyone wish a very happy birthday to our buddy, Taylor!

The Williams

--Tia Williams

Home & Garden Show

On Friday, March 9 through Sunday March 11, 2012 SERVPRO participated in the 46th Annual Carolina Classic Home & Garden Show at the SC State Fairgounds.

The largest home and garden exhibition in the Midlands, over 250 construction, home improvement, and outdoor product exhibits are displayed within and outside of the Cantey, Ellison, Moore, Ruff and Hampton Buildings. To say the least, it was a success!



We had a lot of fun chatting with everyone who visited our booth! Be sure to return next year!

                      

- Denea Duran

Pollen Invasion

Lately, it seems like no matter the actual color of your car, it will always be green this time of year. I'm talking about POLLEN. Before I made my big move to the South, someone told me that I am guaranteed two things down here-- grits and pollen! He told me that not only does everyone eat grits with every kind of food, but when spring hits pollen is everywhere. Since I have lived in South Carolina, I have found both statements to be true.

When I encounter pollen my eyes instantly get swollen and I sneeze uncontrollably. Personally, I have found some allergy relief in Clartin and Benadryl. Hopefully these tips will also offer you some relief.

Here are four tips for coping with your spring allergies:

• Know the triggers. Just because you sneeze during spring doesn't necessarily mean you're allergic to May flowers, or even pollen for that matter. You could be allergic to mold or fungus, both of which are exacerbated by April showers. Grass and trees are other common spring allergy triggers, and knowing your enemy will help you learn what to avoid.

• Avoid them. Keeping your windows shut and staying indoors on dry and windy days, when pollen is more likely to get blown around, will help if you're allergic to pollen. But staying inside on rainy or excessively humid days could help, too, if mold is what triggers your allergies.                                                   

• Evict chemicals from your kitchen. Certain household chemicals can aggravate or even cause both indoor and outdoor allergies. The primary culprit is triclosan, the active ingredient in antibacterial soaps. Scientists from the University of Michigan recently found that people who commonly used products containing the ingredient were more likely to suffer from allergies or hay fever.

• Watch what you eat. People who are allergic to pollen can also have oral allergy syndrome, which affects about a third of seasonal allergy sufferers. Your immune system sees a similarity between the proteins of pollen and those in some foods, such as apples, cherries, pears, apricots, kiwis, plums, or nuts. Avoid these when your allergy symptoms are at their worst, and opt instead for leafy greens (spinach, collard greens, and kale, for instance) and citrus fruit, all of which are full of allergy-fighting folic acid.

Content Credit: http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/3032076/ns/health/
Photo Credit: Google Image


-Denea Duran

IIABSC Spring Conference

This year SERVPRO will again participate in the IIABSC Spring Conference. IIABSC offers valuable 
opportunities for insurance professionals to multiply their visibility, increase their knowledge, enhance industry resources, and engage with exhibitors, new contacts and colleagues. Attending the Spring Conference is beneficial for agencies and companies of all sizes and locations. At least 60 exhibitors will be displaying their products at this years conference. This Conference will take place March 14- March 15, 2012 at the Embassy Suites Columbia.

Don't forget to stop by our booth to meet a couple friendly SERVPRO faces from around the state!

-Denea Duran



Social Media Expansion

We are now switching over to a new blog because we want to give our readers a variety of social media sources to choose from. Also, we have a new Ustream page. Ustream lets us broadcast from live community events, our office and from inside our classrooms. Check out the links below-- follow us, friend us and watch!

New Blog:   http://servprolexingtonsc.blogspot.com/

 

Twitter: @servprowcola

 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/servprowestcolumbialexington

 

 

 Ustream: http://www.ustream.tv/user/Servprowcola

 

 

-Denea Duran