Fun Friday: Happy Mothers Day

First and Foremost, I would like to acknowledge all of the mothers in the world. Happy Mothers Day and may your day be filled with the love you bring into your childrens lives.

"Being a full-time mother is one of the highest salaried jobs in my field, since the payment is pure love." ~Mildred B. Vermont


Here are a few DIY projects that everyone can make for their Mothers Day Gift. The best part about it is that it is afordable and cute!

Photo Vase DIY

They will have several colors to chose from…just pick your favorite! I found the product to be easy to work with and quick. I love a quick transformation. A few bare wood picture frames and some wood glue is all you will need….here we go…



A soft cloth, rubber gloves and a work surface you don’t mind getting messy is helpful. Squirt your Color Express out and dip your cloth in the stain. Rub onto the wood…wiping off the excess. What I love about this product is the ability to have a rich color…but yet still see the grain of the wood. I found it to be smooth and even too. It is water-based…so easy cleanup! The stain also dry’s quickly. I only did one coat…but you could do a few to make the color more intense.



When the 4 frames are dry you can glue them together. A thin bead of wood glue does the trick.

I stood mine up on newspaper and allowed it to dry. You can touch up any spots you may have missed with a sponge brush.


I picked out four pictures (from past summers…oh their little faces…sigh…) and popped them in the frames.

A favorite flower in a glass jar or vase…can be placed in the center.





http://cleverlyinspired.com/2012/05/diy-photo-vase-sponsored-by-minwax-express-colors/

Easy Candle Upcycle

Do you have candles that look like this? If the answer is yes then you can do something with

your candles that are so creative.

This was such an easy project to do. I can't believe I never did this before.

All I needed to get were these wicks from Michael's and one new glass container. I decided to get a new glass container because it was only $1 and I needed something clean to pour the first candle in. Then you can start cleaning out the old ones and reusing those glass jars.

Step 1: Melt your first candle down completely. I put mine in a pot of boiling water. It only took about 5 minutes for the candle to turn to liquid.

Step 2: Place the new candle wick in your clean jar. I wrapped it around a popsicle stick so it wouldn't fall over.

Step 3: Pour melted wax into new jar. Let cool completely.

Step 4: Once the first layer of wax was completely hard, I melted the next candle down on the stove and poured it over the first layer. Repeat with one more layer or until your glass container is full.

Step 5: Cut the wick. Burn and enjoy your new candle!!

Hope you all enjoy!

-Denea Duran

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

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