Carpet One Floor & Home® Cares|Panama City,FL

 

Carpet One Floor & Home Cares
Carpet One Floor & Home Cares is our commitment to our customers and our communities. It represents our belief in serving our employees, customers and communities by giving back. It is our way to reach out, give back, and make a difference.
Carpet One Floor & Home Cares encompasses all our good deeds from local efforts up to national campaigns. Our stores support their local communities through volunteering, product and financial donations, sponsorship of youth athletic teams and much, much more. Nationally, Carpet One Floor & Home Supports several worthy causes, learn more by reading more below.

Carpet One Floor & Home® |Panama City,FL

The Beautiful Guarantee™ for Vinyl

Vinyl flooring products with a Titanium, Platinum, or Gold SelectAFloor™warranty carry The Beautiful Guarantee™ Replacement Warranty. If at any time after installation and during the terms of The Beautiful Guarantee™ Replacement Warranty you wish to change your new vinyl for a different SelectAFloor™ style or color, your Carpet One Floor & Home® retailer will replace it free with another SelectAFloor™ vinyl floor style or color of equal or lesser value.Should you wish to replace your flooring with a SelectAFloor™ vinyl upgrade, you may do so by paying the difference in retail price. No monetary compensation will be paid if a lower priced vinyl is selected.

This is a one-time only replacement. Simply call your Carpet One Floor & Home® retailer within the time frame of the warranty and indicate you wish to choose another SelectAFloor™ vinyl floor under The Beautiful Guarantee™ Replacement Warranty. This is a replacement warranty and does not apply to matters covered by other warranties.

Replacement includes material and labor. Labor to move furniture,permanent construction (built-ins such as cabinets and bookcases),equipment, or electronics is the responsibility of the customer.

No replacement will be made with respect to vinyl that has been subjected to abuse, improper maintenance, vandalism, alteration, or damage caused by smoke, fire, flood, wind, lightning, or any other casualty event. This warranty applies only to the original purchase of a Carpet One Floor & Home® style vinyl floor that has been professionally installed by a Carpet One Floor & Home® retailer or Carpet One Floor & Home® authorized independent installer.

Click for more info...

Bay Medical: A New Hope for Ending Neck Pain

 

Cervical spinal stenosis—the narrowing of the spinal column in the neck—is a common condition that can cause pain and weakness in the extremities and alter the way a person walks.

Generally caused by age-related changes, cervical spinal stenosis may cause pain, stiffness, and numbness in the neck, arms, shoulders, and legs. A study appearing in The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery estimates that as many as nine percent of American adults over age 70 and approximately five percent of adults overall suffer from the condition. It generally develops gradually and usually only starts causing symptoms after middle age. “There is not a single cause for cervical spinal stenosis, but there are a variety of reasons a patient might develop symptoms,” says Cyril C. DeSilva, M.D., neurosurgeon on staff at Bay Medical. “Some patients have cervical spinal stenosis caused by a traumatic injury such as a herniated disk. Other patients who come to us with these problems have primary cervical spinal stenosis, meaning the spinal canal is already narrow. Minor accidents and age can exacerbate the symptoms and create the need for surgery.”

Click here to read more...

Flooring Basics Vinyl

Practical. Modern. Flexible. Depending on grade, resilient vinyl flooring can fit any style and budget. Relatively inexpensive, yet durable and easy to maintain, vinyl is available in an amazing selection of colors and patterns to complement virtually any decor.

Vinyl is offered with three different types of wear surfaces —vinyl no-wax, urethane and enhanced urethane. Once a breakthrough flooring technology, no-wax is now basically an entry-level surface which still offers some resistance to scuffs and stains, but lacks the durability and low maintenance properties of urethane. And for even tougher resistance to black heel marks, dirt and most household chemicals, enhanced urethane is the solution. In addition to choices in wear surface and grade, vinyl comes in both individual tiles and sheets.

Vinyl can be installed over most any surface and is especially well popular in kitchens and bathrooms (if moisture rated by the manufacturer). Most vinyl just requires routine sweeping and mopping.

Recommendations
Highly affordable, easy to maintain and available in an endless variety of patterns and colors, vinyl is the most popular flooring choice. While typically not recommended for formal rooms, vinyl is an excellent flooring option for many other areas of the home.

Easy to clean and maintain, durable vinyl is right at home in high traffic areas such as kitchens, baths, playrooms, mudrooms, and entranceways. In most cases, it also has a high degree of moisture resistance to spills, which reinforces its suitability for kitchens and baths.

Generally, we would suggest an enhanced urethane wear surface due to its tougher resistance to black heel marks, dirt, and household chemicals, which all tend to accompany high traffic.

Another consideration, when comparing is that tile is resilient flooring. This means it gives a little bit, which can be much easier on the back and legs than hard materials like tile if you are on your feet a lot, such as in the kitchen for instance.

Click for more info...

The Beautiful Guarantee™ for Laminate

Laminate flooring products with a Titanium, Platinum, or Gold SelectAFloor™ warranty carry The Beautiful Guarantee™ Replacement Warranty. If at anytime after installation and during the terms of The Beautiful Guarantee™you wish to change your new laminate for a different SelectAFloor™style or color, your Carpet One Floor & Home® retailer will replace it free with another SelectAFloor™ laminate style or color of equal or lesser value. Should you wish to replace your flooring with a SelectAFloor™laminate upgrade, you may do so by paying the difference in retail price.No monetary compensation will be paid if a lower priced laminate is selected.

This is a one-time only replacement. Simply call your Carpet One Floor & Home® retailer within the time frame of the warranty and indicate you wish to choose another SelectAFloor™laminate floor under The Beautiful Guarantee™ Replacement Warranty.This is a replacement warranty and does not apply to matters covered by other warranties.

Replacement includes material and labor. Labor to move furniture,permanent construction (built-ins such as cabinets and bookcases),equipment, or electronics is the responsibility of the customer.

No replacement will be made with respect to laminate that has been subjected to abuse, improper maintenance, vandalism, alteration, or damage caused by smoke, fire, flood, wind, lightning, or any other casualty event. This warranty applies only to the original purchase of a Carpet One Floor & Home® style laminate floor that has been professionally installed by a Carpet One Floor & Home® retailer or Carpet One Floor & Home® authorized independent installer.

Click for more info...

Sow some seed for fall plants

By Theresa Friday (Theresa has her own blog as well, and you should check out her tips and advice at http://www.gulf1.net/Columns/Friday/FridayFrame.htm!)

Even though it's still hot and humid, August is the time to start thinking about fall planting.  Now is the time to begin sowing seeds for fall transplants. By starting now you can have ornamentals such as pansies, petunias, calendulas and snapdragons ready to plant in the garden in early October.  If you are a vegetable lover, now is the time to start seeds of broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage and other cool season vegetables.

According to William Adams, a retired Horticulture Agent at Texas A&M, if starting your own transplants has been disastrous for you in the past, especially in the spring, then take heart because starting fall transplants is easier. Since the soil is not as cool as it is in spring, there is not much damping-off disease. Gardeners are able to start the transplants outside where they can get plenty of sunlight. But, it is best if the transplants don't get too much sun - morning sun and afternoon shade make a good combination.

There are many different types of containers that can be used to grow seeds. Even foam coffee cups, discarded by people whenever they take a coffee break, can be used simply by poking three or four holes in the side at the bottom of the cup.  If you are reusing containers, be sure to clean and sterilize them prior to planting.  Typically, a washing with soap and water followed by a 15 minute soak in a 1:10 dilution of bleach and then a thorough rinse is all that is needed.

In order to ensure success, use a good potting soil mix. Many standard potting soils will work fairly well, or you can make your own.  If you decide to make your own, do not include garden soil.  Garden soil can harbor weed seed, fungus diseases, insects and nematodes.

Most seeds should be barely covered with the soil mix, but some tiny seeds like lettuce should not be covered at all. Once planted, water them in thoroughly.  Allow the containers to drain and then put them in a plastic bag out of sunlight. Within a few days the seedlings will begin to grow. As soon as this happens, take the containers out of the bags and put them in a well-ventilated area. As the seedlings begin to make growth, use any soluble houseplant fertilizer to keep them growing vigorously.

Before you know it, you'll have a container full of tiny seedlings that can either be transplanted into individual containers, or if there aren't too many in the pot, held until time to go into the garden. Perhaps the simplest technique is just to plant two or three seeds in each pot, thinning them to one plant after a few weeks.

If you opt for transplanting, be sure that you handle the young seedling only by the leaves. If you grasp the stem and damage it to any extent, the young seedling will be stunted. Pots for transplants should be filled to within 1/4 inch of the rim. A pencil can be used to make a hole in the center of the potting soil mixture. This is where a little moisture is critical; dry soil won't allow the hole to stay open. Carefully lower the seedling roots into the hole and then use the pencil again in a lever-like action to firm the soil against the root system. Be sure to water the plants carefully, picking up any that get knocked into the soil.

So peruse the seed catalogs and see what's new.  Just be sure to know which flowers and vegetables are recommended for fall planting.  For recommendations of cool-season annuals and vegetables for Florida, review the University of Florida online publications at http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/VH021 and http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/MG319.

Flooring Care & Maintenance Laminate

Laminate flooring brings the beauty of a natural wood floor and the easy maintenance of a resilient floor together so you can have the style you want and the carefree maintenance you need. While laminate flooring is remarkably durable, there is of course no such thing as an indestructible flooring material. By observing the following precautions, you can expect years of beauty from your laminate floor.

For general cleaning, use a dust mop or wipe occasionally with a damp cotton or cloth mop. If heavier cleaning is needed, an occasional damp mopping with a mild cleaning product is suggested. Do not use soap or detergent-based cleaners, wax-based products, or any type of polish as they leave a dull, filmy residue. Do not flood your floor with water.

To help eliminate fine particles of dirt and grit that act like sandpaper and will scratch any floor, vacuum or sweep daily. The vacuum head must be a felt or brush type. Be certain that the wheels of the vacuum are clean and do not damage the finish. DO NOT USE A VACUUM WITH A BEATERBAR HEAD.

Remove spills promptly using a soft cloth and cleaning products recommended by the manufacturer. Be sure to keep pet nails trimmed and paws clean and free of dirt and gravel that may scratch your floor.

Place protective pads beneath furniture legs, tables, and other easily movable furniture to reduce scratches. Replace plastic casters on chairs with rubber wheels, and lift rather than slide heavy objects across the floor.

Remove shoes with spiked or damaged heels before walking on the floor. Spiked or stiletto high-heel shoes may cause damage to laminate floors due to the extremely high compressive force they generate. Such footwear can produce dynamic loads in excess of 1000 pounds per square inch, even when worn by someone of slight or average build.

As added protection, use dirt-trapping walk-off mats at all exterior doors to help keep sand, dirt, and grit off your laminate floor.

General Terms and Conditions may apply, see warranty section for details

Click for more info...

Flooring Basics Laminate

Decorative. Durable. Affordable. Offering the beautiful, true look of real wood, tile or stone at an often substantially lower cost, easy care laminates have emerged as one of today's hottest and most versatile flooring options.

Laminate flooring is actually a four-layer sandwich constructed of a protective wear layer over a decorative sheet containing the pattern, which is supported by a rigid core and a bottom balancing layer to help prevent warping. The result is one tough flooring that resists fading, stains, scratches and moisture. In fact, laminates frequently outlast real hardwood, tile or stone floors.

Simple and easy to maintain, laminates are an excellent choice for high traffic areas like hallways and family rooms, plus moisture areas such as kitchens and baths.

Recommendations
As a more versatile, durable and affordable alternative to virtually any other flooring material except carpet, laminate flooring continues to grow in popularity. In fact, there's hardly any room in the house where it's not a smart choice.

In formal rooms such as dining rooms and living rooms, laminate duplicates the look of more expensive natural flooring materials at a fraction of the cost, while also offering more resistance to scratches and stains.

Laminate also brings the look of hardwood to rooms where the natural material couldn't be used due to moisture concerns. However, because laminate offers better moisture and stain resistance than many natural materials and at a lower cost, it creates exciting, new decorative possibilities.

With its exceptional durability, Laminate is also excellent for use in virtually any high traffic areas. It's also suitable for below grade installation in basements.

Click for more info...

Nicaragua Mission Trip Part 5

Hey there!

Sorry that I didn't update this morning- our internet connection was very low.

We had a great day yesterday, visiting two schools. One was a special needs school. The children there were precious and made us laugh with their joyous spirits. If you know Amy Ezell be sure and ask her want she learned about the differences between American Sign Language and Nicaraguan sign language! : )

In the afternoon we travelled out into the country to a Catholic girls' school. The children were sitting in chairs outside waiting for us to arrive and clapped for us as we got off the bus. Then they presented a song to us. They loved our VBS and also the hair ribbons that we passed out to them. Their favorite color was white because it matched their school uniform. While we were there, we met an American who is serving in the Peace Corps. He was very happy to see other Americans and I hope we were a bright spot in his day.

In the evening, we presented all of the El Ayudante children with personalized pillowcases, which they loved. Then we had time to just play with them! They are so fun and I can't guarantee that one or two of them didn't sneak into our suitcases for the ride home. Unfortunately though, we did have to say our goodbyes to them. Always a sad thing but hopefully we will see them again soon!

Today we packed up and left El Ayudante. We went to Managua and most of the team (excluding myself) went on a zipline over a volcanic lagoon. Don't worry, it's not as scary as it sounds. I've done it twice and just decided to pass this time- I was the videographer. Strother and Ty both rode upside down on the zipline part of the time and a lot of the team went superman style. They had a blast. After a trip to a food court we headed to the market to buy souveniers.

We are now settled into our hotel (just 5 minutes from the airport) and relaxing. We will have a time of debriefing this evening and will eat dinner in the hotel.

We are headed home bright and early tomorrow- even though everyone is sad to leave this place, I think most are ready to be home with you all! Our plane in Panama City lands at 4:57pm in case those of you picking us up were wondering.

This will be the last update. I hope you have enjoyed hearing about our trip and that you will continue to ask the team about their experiences once we are home. It has been a joy to share it with you and I open some of you will be with me on the next trip we take!

Blessings, Katie and the Nicaragua team

Nicaragua Mission Trip Part 4

Buenos Dias! Good Morning!

This morning the porch is full of the hustle and bustle of getting ready for another day of VBS. Crayons and construction paper, cd player, and skit props are being packed. It is our last day of ministry here in Nicaragua.

Yesterday was a hot one but a day full of new and great experiences. The team headed out early morning to Cerro Negro- a local, active volcano. Tom and I stayed behind since we were meeting our Compassion child in the morning. The team worked together to hike up the volcano. It is quite a hike but worth every step. There's no real way to explain what it's like getting back down the volcano so you'll just have to come next time and experience it yourself! : ) Unfortunately when they got to the bottom of the volcano, the bus was not waiting for them as it should have been. After waiting there for a while, the translator said, "This isn't right, something's wrong." That's not something you want to hear where you're in the middle of a foreign country at the bottom of an active volcano. They later learned, as the driver came walking up to them, that the bus was stuck in the volcanic rocks. They eventually got the bus "unstuck" and were on their way home.

While they were at the volcano, Tom and I headed into town to meet up with our Compassion International representative. We had an amazing morning spending time with Fabiloa, the child we sponsor. She is 7 years old and she was beautiful! Her shy demeanor was sweet and kind. It is clear she is very smart and she wants to be an artist when she grows up. We got to spend time with her extended family as well as with her mom, who is pregnant. We took them out for lunch and then went back to the Compassion center to look at Fabiola's file. They keep excellent records of the children's progress. It was a joy to spend they morning with them!

In the afternoon we went into downtown Leon to walk through a cathedral and tour the local farmer's market. From there we headed to the Pacific for dinner oceanside. It was beautiful and the food was good. At the restaurant you can order a whole fish, and I do mean WHOLE. Tom ordered one and Strother took the dare to eat they eyes. Y-U-M-M-Y!! I played it safe and stuck with my delicious steak.

Today we are headed to a special needs school in the morning and a Catholic girls' school in the afternoon. The supplies everyone donated are almost all distributed- what a joy to see the contributions you all made become a blessing to these children.

This evening we will spend time with the El Ayudante children one last time and will be giving each one of them a personalized pillow cases made by a crafting service project group I am in back home in Panama City/Lynn Haven.

Thank you for your continued prayers!

Blessings, Katie and the Nicaragua team

The Beautiful Guarantee™ for Ceramic Tile

Our Titanium, Platinum, and Gold SelectAFloor™ exclusive ceramic tiles carry The Beautiful Guarantee™ Replacement Warranty. If at any time after installation and during the terms of The Beautiful Guarantee™ Replacement Warranty you wish to change your new ceramic tile product for a different SelectAFloor™style or color, your Carpet One Floor & Home® retailer will replace it free with another SelectAFloor™ style or color of equal or lesser value from the same ceramic tile display. Should you wish to replace your flooring with a SelectAFloor™ ceramic tile product upgrade, you may do so by paying the difference in retail price. No monetary compensation will be paid if a lower priced ceramic tile is selected.

This is a one-time only replacement. Simply call your Carpet One Floor & Home® retailer within the time frame of the warranty and indicate you wish to choose another SelectAFloor™ ceramic tile product from the same display originally purchased under The Beautiful Guarantee™Replacement Warranty. This is a replacement warranty and does not apply to matters covered by other warranties.

Replacement includes material and labor (removal of old floor, disposal,and reinstallation). Labor to move furniture, permanent construction(built-ins such as cabinets and bookcases), equipment, or electronics is the responsibility of the customer.

No replacement will be made with respect to ceramic tile product that has been subjected to abuse, improper maintenance, vandalism, alteration, or damage caused by smoke, fire, flood, wind, lightning, or any other casualty event. This warranty applies only to the original purchase of a Carpet One Floor & Home® style ceramic tile product that has been professionally installed by a Carpet One Floor & Home® retailer or Carpet One Floor & Home® authorized independent installer.

Click for more info...

Nicaragua Mission Trip Part 3

Good morning!

This morning the birds are getting brave and have joined me on the porch- looking for their own breakfast (beetles). Yum!

Yesterday was a hard day and our team is waking up weary today. Sleep does not come easy when there is so much to think about. Please pray for us as we process the extreme poverty we are seeing and for strength to continue in our work here.

Our morning Tuesday began with a 45 trip out to La Majada- a school with 130 children. The school recently received 400 chicks which have quickly developed into adult chickens. This chicken farm will help the school become more self sufficient. El Ayudante has made a huge impact on their school/community and this is just the next step. The children enjoyed VBS and were very well behaved. The children presented us with a table full of fruit they had brought for us from home. How amazing that they gave to us so generously when they have so little.

In the afternoon we went to a very poor area of town. The situation we encountered is the worst of the worst. The people in the community used to work in the landfill scavenging for food and plastics they could sell. Even though it was difficult, the landfill helped the people survive. Last month, the landfill closed and a new one has open up about 5-6 kilometers away. Not only is the landfill farther away, the people are not supposed to be in the landfill and said they have very limited time that they are allowed in. So, these people that were able to survive are now relying on teams from El Ayudante and the ministry of Pastor Felix and his church for their food. This is my third time in Nicaragua and my fourth central America mission trip and I have never seen anything like what I saw in this community. Pastor Felix took us around to various homes to pray with the families and to deliver food, shampoo/conditioner, soap, toothbrushes, etc. Over and over, the story was the same. Prayers are needed for jobs, for health, for food. One lady said something I don't think I'll ever forget. She said, "I know you didn't ask, but these children, they only eat once a day."

Needless to say our hearts our broken for these people and our minds our challenged as we wonder about how to provide them hope of an escape from a very difficult situation. In the midst of it all, they were able to praise God. Their faith is astonishing.

Today will be a much needed break from the intensity of the trip. The team will be headed to Cerro Negro volcano this morning to hike up it. Tom and I will stay behind because we have the incredible opportunity of meeting our Compassion (www.compassion.com)  child, Fabiola, this morning! In the afternoon the team will go on a walking cultural tour of downtown Leon and then head the the Pacific for a meal on the beach. It is important for our team to learn about the culture of Nicaragua and to experience it's beauty. We also support the local economy by supporting these businesses and our team gets a chance to rest. I pray it will be a day of rejuvenation for the team!

Thanks for your continued support and prayers!!

Blessings,

Katie and the Nicaragua team

Nicaragua Mission Trip

 

Hello again family and friends!

I am sitting here on the porch in a rocking chair with a full belly and an full spirit! It is a beautiful morning! The team is out here with me, rocking in the porch chairs, watching yellow butterflies flutter around, and waving adios to the kids headed to school.

Yesterday, we were greeted warmly at the local United Methodist Church. Plastic chairs, an open air sanctuary, and Spanish praise songs are very different from our 9:40 service. But the Lord we serve is the same and praising Him together with the people of Nicaragua is indescribable. We presented a gift to Pastor Juan Carlos for his baby girl, due in mid-September and introduced our team to the congregation. We headed out with the children for children's church where we told them the story of Moses and the burning bush, sang some songs, and passed out a snack. The children also sang us two songs, complete with adorable hand motions (something about a frog from what I could tell).  After church we handed out stickers and many of the children passed the stickers on to the pastor as a birthday gift. We ended our morning at church with a group picture and a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday".

 

After lunch (an amazing chicken dish and rice) we rested for a little while before taking the El Ayudante children on an open air bus tour of the city. Imagine a double decker bus in London- only it was a old yellow school bus, raised up, with the top cut off. Better yet, just download the attached picture. It was fun to sit with the children and even more fun to hear them "make fun of" our bald team members. "Pelon! Pelon!" they would shout! And they should have many years of good luck for all the rubbing of the bald heads they did!

The tour dropped us off at a local chain restaurant, Tip Top, for fried chicken, coleslaw, a roll, and fries for the children. Our team just got some nice cold drinks and sat with the children while they ate. After that we headed back to the team house for dinner, devotional/processing the day and bed!

Today we are headed to a preschool to do VBS and provide a snack. After lunch back at the team house, we will be taking the El Ayudante swimming.

We are continually reminded here that we are part of a bigger story. People have been here before us and people will be here after us- all party of the mission of spreading the Love of Christ. Even more importantly, God has been here before us, He is here with us, and He will be here after us. Last night, as part of our devotional, we listened to "Rewrie this Tragedy" by Sara Groves and it really hits on our mission here. As you read it, please pray that God's will be done in our hearts and in the hearts of the people we encounter today.

Rewrite This Tragedy- Sara Groves
Tonight I forgot a line in the play that you and I
Have been rehearsing since the day we met
It made me put down my script, made me look around a bit
And wonder how we came to play these roles
I'm here to re-write this tragedy
One line at a time
Hold on, I'm changing all the scenery
It's okay we'll be fine
Cause we know how this ends
Sometimes it's hard to tell what to keep and what to kill
What of this makes us who we are
All that we love the most, all that we cannot let go
How much of change can we survive?
I'm here to re-write this tragedy
One line at a time
Hold on, I'm changing all the scenery
It's okay we'll be fine
Cause we know how this ends
We know there's a better story
There's a better story
Of true love of true grace
There's the hope of glory
And our first chance to be truly brave
It's the place we're going
When we can't stay where we are
I'm here to re-write this tragedy
One line at a time
Hold on, I'm changing all the scenery
It's okay we'll be fine
Cause we know how this ends
We know there's a better story
[ Rewrite This Tragedy Lyrics on http://www.lyricsmania.com/ ]
Blessings,
Katie and the Nicargua Team

Nicaragua Mission Trip Part 2

Good morning!

This morning we are listening to the sound of of fireworks, dogs barking and the usual sound of birds chirping. It doesn't get much better than a lazy morning on the porch in rocking chairs. It is cool and refreshing- not like many of our Panama City mornings. I smell breakfast cooking and am waiting for the breakfast bell to ring for us to gather up to pray before our meal. Have I convinced you yet to join our next trip? : )

Yesterday was a full day and our best one yet. After breakfast the team loaded on to the truck and headed to the Little Garden Preschool. It is an "adventurous" ride out to the school- a short 6 kilometer trek that takes at least a half hour. Upon our arrival at the preschool we were greeted by Ms. Ramona with warm hugs and kisses on the cheek. The children had prepared several songs for us. The chorus of tiny Spanish speaking voices singing praises to the Lord is a tiny taste of His Kingdom come on Earth!

We started our VBS by playing follow the leader to introduce how Moses was called to be a leader. They enjoyed the game and we enjoyed the chance to walk with them around their school. The well behaved preschoolers sang with us the songs we taught them, and listened intently to the Bible story. We even had several of the children help us act out the story. In the story, God tells Moses to take off his shoes because he is standing on holy ground. I was reminded as the little boy who was playing the part of Moses,took off the "way too big for him" sandals we provided for the "skit", that we are truly standing on Holy ground and that God is doing a might work here.

The kids liked the craft and we handed out pictures that our Woodlawn UMC children had colored for them. The day ended with a snack and some pictures in their classroom. It was a wonderful morning!

After lunch we took the El Ayudante children swimming at a local pool. They had a blast and we got a lot of exercise chasing, holding, and "gently tossing" children through the water! : )

Today is an intense day as we head to a school with 130 children this morning and then to a ministry near the old landfill. We will be delivering packages of food and other survival items to the families in that area. I have never been to someones home here so I am both excited and nervous at what we will encounter. Please pray for our eyes and hearts to be opened.

Blessings, Katie and the Nicaragua Team

Flooring Care & Maintenance Ceramic Tile

Ceramic products, for the most part, require minimal maintenance.Glazed and unglazed tile, under normal residential situations, can be cleaned using clean water and a tile cleaner recommended by the manufacturer. Always follow up with a rinse of clean water to completely remove all the cleaning solution. Regular maintenance is recommended to avoid build-up of dirt, residue, grease, soap, detergents, or other external contaminants.

Improper maintenance and improper cleaning products can result in a build-up on the surface, causing the tile to be slippery. Wax cleaners and oil-based detergents may decrease the slip resistance and are not recommended for use on your ceramic tile.

For basic cleaning, the following procedures are recommended:

1. Sweep or vacuum surface
2. Mix water with tile and grout cleaner per manufacturer's instructions and apply to surface
3. Allow solution to sit for three to five minutes
4. Agitate with sponge or mop
5. Mop up solution
6. Rinse mop and change cleaning solution at least every 500 square feet
7. Rinse thoroughly with clean water
8. Dry mop floor to remove moisture or pick up residue with a wet-vac
9. Wipe the floor dry

For tile with coarse or abrasive type surfaces, maintenance will need to be performed more frequently. Agitation will need to be more vigorous and water changes more frequent. Proper cleaning of these types of tile is necessary for the slip resistance value to be maintained. Grease or water accumulation may create slippery conditions. Be careful to avoid introduction of grease from dirty mops to your floor surface while cleaning.

Because the grout on your ceramic tile needs time to thoroughly dry after installation, we recommend you do not scrub or wash your ceramic tile for five days after installation. We also recommend protecting your floor against abrasive dirt at entrances to buildings with dirt catching floor mats.

Click for more info...

Schluter Ditra

Schluter Ditra is a product used to provide a membrane that prevents the transmission of cracks up through the surface of your ceramic tile installation.  It is a great solution where doubt exists about the stability of the tile setting surface.  It is authorized for use by the Tile Council of North American (TCNA) as a cleavage membrane and is a foolproof solution to prevent the wholesale failure of your tile floor in that it provides a stable, lasting foundation for many years to come.

I like the product so much that I used it on my back porch, and the product’s promises have been kept for over three years without cracks in the tile.  I say this knowing full well that there were cracks already in my porch; therefore, I had a reason to install Ditra first.  As an add on to your tile purchase, it adds cost, both in materials and in labor, but consider the cost of not using it should your foundation shift.

The most common tile complaint that I see is from movement of the substrate upon which the tile is installed.  A customer may ask, “Isn’t there something the installer can do?  Did he use cheap materials?”  The answer is an unqualified no in that, he could have installed a cleavage membrane, if it was paid for.  The tile industry recognizes the reality that substrates shift and cause cracking; therefore, there are many methods on the market to address the problem and mitigate its effects.  Ditra is just one of the answers.

Measured against the value of long term performance of the floor, versus short term cost, Ditra may be an option worth pursuing, but there are other less expensive options.  Just keep in mind that you frequently get what you pay for when you decide which product to choose.  A good company will be able to give you a good, better, and best style option for you to choose from in order to keep you within your budget.  Just ensure you ask plenty of questions, and watch the video below to learn more about what causes cracks in tile.

 

Flooring Basics Tile

Versatile. Beautiful. Distinctive. With its wide range of materials and colors, tile's offers endless possibilities for creating your vision for a room. In addition to it's variety of decorative design options, tile is very durable and easy to maintain.

There are a number of common tile materials, which each offer their own unique characteristics. Natural stone, such as granite or limestone, is naturally formed so no two pieces are exactly alike. This helps create floors that are elegant and distinctive floors. In either glazed or unglazed styles, ceramic tiles are a popular choice for attractive, long-lasting floors. Glass, mosaic and metal tiles provide opportunities for fresh creative expression in flooring design.

While it requires careful installation, tile is a preferred choice for high traffic areas, like entranceways, and places where moisture is an issue, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

Recommendations
Durable, easy to maintain, and water resistant, tile flooring offers a number of advantages for use in practically any room in your home and even outside. While the choices are nearly limitless, there are a few key things to consider.

Natural stone tiles
Granite —its high density resists bacteria and moisture, which makes it ideal for kitchens, outdoors and high traffic areas.

Marble —not as tough as granite, it's best suited for bathrooms and lower traffic areas.

Limestone — this softer stone is decoratively versatile, but not recommended for high traffic areas.

Slate — Naturally slip resistant, it's hard and durable which helps make a good looking, long lasting floor for any room.

Ceramic, Glass and Metal
These tiles are all versatile and can be used in a variety of rooms, although glass and metal are primarily recommended as accents.

Tile floors are heavy, so it's critical to make sure the sub-flooring is sturdy enough to support the weight. In addition, tile floors can also be chilly (not a bad thing in warm climates) and sometimes slippery.

Click for more info...

The Beautiful Guarantee™ for Hardwood

Titanium, Platinum, and Gold SelectAFloor™ floors carry The Beautiful Guarantee™ Replacement Warranty. If at any time after installation and during the terms of The Beautiful Guarantee™ Replacement Warranty you wish to change your new hardwood for a different SelectAFloor™ style or color, your Carpet One Floor & Home® retailer will replace it free with another SelectAFloor™ hardwood style or color of equal or lesser value. Should you wish to replace your flooring with a SelectAFloor™ hardwood upgrade, you may do so by paying the difference in retail price.No monetary compensation will be paid if a lower priced hardwood is selected.

This is a one-time only replacement. Simply call your Carpet One Floor & Home® retailer within the time frame of the warranty and indicate you wish to choose another SelectAFloor™ hardwood under The Beautiful Guarantee™ Replacement Warranty. This is a replacement warranty and does not apply to matters covered by other warranties.

Replacement includes material and labor. Labor to move furniture,permanent construction (built-ins such as cabinets and bookcases),equipment, or electronics is the responsibility of the customer.

No replacement will be made with respect to hardwood that has been subjected to abuse, improper maintenance, vandalism, alteration, or damage caused by smoke, fire, flood, wind, lightning, or any other casualty event. This warranty applies only to the original purchase of a Carpet One Floor & Home® style hardwood floor that has been professionally installed by a Carpet One Floor & Home® retailer or Carpet One Floor & Home® authorized independent installer.

Click for more info...

Small Business Health Insurance Update

Well, there is hope for the business owner.  I received this update from WJHG via twitter yesterday, and it addresses the ability for self employed people to get health insurance without respect to pre-existing conditions.

If you have any experience with health insurance, then you know what a debacle it can be sometimes.  For one, it is expensive, and second, it is sometimes unattainable, especially if you are unhealthy.  What a system we created for ourselves.  Without getting into the who’s and what for’s, I’ll just say that I’ve experienced our current system first hand, and I know that it is barely affordable in its current state.

In the State of Florida, insurers are required to provide individual policies to self employed people without respect to pre-existing conditions.  Of course, no one says how much that will cost, but I suppose any element of protection can be worth the price, given the opportunity.  Previously, the only way to have insurance and not eliminate your pre-existing condition was to get on a group policy, but they don’t give group policies unless you have a minimum amount of people.  If you owned your own business, and it was just you, you pretty much had no way to insure yourself against illness if you have exhibited the symptoms before, or at least had it treated.

I am curious to see what the cost will be for a typical policy because I am fairly certain it will be exorbitant.  It is not really a surprise though; someone has to pay for it don’t they?

Click to read article...

The Advantages of Buying From a Brick and Mortar Store Versus the Internet Bohemoth

I’d like to say that the brick and mortar store holds all the cards in the match up against the big box stores and internet clearing houses, but it just isn’t so.  Unlike the internet mavens, the brick and mortar locations have things like real people and real overhead.  Take all that out, and you have one good looking price, but is it the only thing?

Brick and mortar stores are one of my favorite topics because inevitably it comes up when we are talking about price.  Generally, the conversation starts because the customer is concerned that they can buy product X over the internet at so much less than in a real store.  It may be true, but is there more than meets the eye?  I suppose if you plan on doing everything yourself, and you don’t mind accepting responsibility for the entire process, then the deal may be much closer to stopping there.  What happens with all of the unknowns?  For instance, what if the product never comes, what if it’s not what was promised, what if there is a problem with the color, what if there is a problem with the quality, what if there is a problem during installation, what if the flooring gets damaged during installation and you need more, what if you mess it up while you are cleaning it, and the list of questions goes on and on…

I certainly acknowledge that internet mavens have the price advantage, if indeed they are buying the same things, but are they???  It is a funny question, because we as individuals believe the best in everyone.  We automatically assume that the person on the other end of the computer is who he says he is, and the product is what he says it is.  In fact, when it comes in the boxes, and the manufacturer’s label is on the outside, doesn’t that tell you everything you need to know?  Perhaps, but not necessarily.  Do you know the conditions in which it was stored, and what has the flooring been subjected to in a warehouse half a country away?  And what about the phone tech who took your order?  Does he even know what he’s doing, and is he trustworthy with personal financial data?  In the internet society where we buy millions everyday this way, these questions are almost moot…

One thing you cannot get from an internet company that you can from a brick and mortar store is service.  Without a doubt, when you have a problem, you will have an easier time getting support from a brick and mortar store, because you can camp outside with a picket sign if you can’t get resolution to your problem.  Most often, you will find that most brick and mortar companies want to preserve their reputations enough to satisfy all their customers.  Individual reputations in a marketplace are invaluable, and those with poor reputations rarely stick around for more than a year or so.

When completing your installation, if there are problems with the material or the installation, a local company has relationships with the suppliers and installers to hold them accountable, and they can efficiently fix them.  They know who to call, and they have the numbers.  Have you ever tried to get an installer you hired directly to come back and fix something?  If you have, it is a tricky operation because most of the time, they are doing another job that is actually going to get them another check at the end of the week.

The local store is going to provide more control over the material, and it is a place that you can walk into and see.  Products like hardwood are very particular with where they can be stored, and at what temperatures as well.  Who says the internet company is even telling the truth?  Nowadays, there is no shortage of them out there, and they can close and set up shop in a matter of minutes, and you never know it…

I can relate a couple of instances from my own personal inspection experience.  One job I went to look at involved a customer who purchased the wood over the internet to save her money.  She hired an installer based on the recommendations of her condominium maintenance guy.  The installer left her job a mess, she couldn’t get him to come and fix it, and when she called me to inspect it, she had puddles of water sitting on top of the wood from the condensation from the windows.  Was  moisture test even done?  Of course not.  The installer left no expansion spaces and left huge gaps between the wood and subfloor because the floor was not flat enough in its current state to accept a hardwood floor, let alone dry enough.

In another case, a man called to have his floor inspected because he thought the wood was defective.  It wouldn’t go together properly.  Upon arrival, I read the instructions, showed him how to do it, and the floor was fine.  Lastly, and my favorite by far, I received a call about wood from a major internet retailer who actually has brick and mortar stores as well.  They purchased it from the branch store and attempted to glue it down.  The problem was that the glue down method was not a recommended method for their 3/8” solid hardwood product.  Further, when they ordered the product a second time, the branch told them yet again to glue it down, but to use a moisture vapor barrier first, and sold them the wood and glue.  After beginning the second installation, they discovered that the floor was cupping, not only on the floor, but also out of the box.  Well, hmmm.  Defective material combined with defective advice, a deadly combination.  It’s been three weeks with no resolution.  One angry homeowner and a very frazzled contractor trying to finish the home.

The best solution for all the issues above is to hire a local person with a local reputation.  Even when a national company has a branch store, they are not the most knowledgeable, mainly because they have no training.  Find a company with a lengthy history, call the Better Business Bureau, check with the Chamber of Commerce.  I’m sure you will find that once you do your research, you will be much happier with your results….

Flooring Care & Maintenance Hardwood

Like any floor covering, real wood floors will show signs of wear overtime, depending on the size and lifestyle of your family. But by observing a few precautions, and using the cleaning and maintenance program recommended by the manufacturer, you can expect years of beauty from your wood floor.

Never clean or mop your hardwood floor with water. Do not use any wax or cleaner that must be mixed with water such as oil, soap, or paste wax products; or other household cleaners that contain lemon oil, tung oil, or ammonia as this may damage your floor and result in a loss of warranty.

Water can dull the finish and permanently damage the floor. To help eliminate fine particles of dirt and grit that act like sandpaper and will scratch any floor, vacuum or sweep daily. The vacuum head must be a felt or brush type. Be certain that the wheels of the vacuum are clean and do not damage the finish. DO NOT USE A VACUUM WITH A BEATER BARHEAD.

Remove spills promptly using a soft cloth and cleaning products recommended by the manufacturer. Be sure to keep pet nails trimmed and paws clean and free of dirt, gravel, grease, oil, and stains. Place protective pads beneath furniture legs to reduce scratches and dents. Use a dolly and protective sheets of plywood when moving heavy objects, furniture, or appliances. Some objects may be too heavy to move across a hardwood floor under any circumstances.

Certain types of casters on furniture may damage hardwood flooring.Barrel-type wheels (a minimum 1" continuous width is recommended) or wide, flat glides are best for protecting your hardwood floor.

A humidifier is recommended to prevent excessive shrinkage of wood floors due to low humidity levels. Wood stoves and electric heat tend to cause very dry conditions. In damp conditions, proper humidity levels can be maintained with an air conditioner or dehumidifier, or by periodically turning on your heating system during periods of high humidity in the summer months.

Exposure to the sun and its UV rays accelerates the oxidation and aging of wood and fabrics. This causes the stain and/or wood to fade and/or change color. It is recommended that you rearrange rugs and furniture periodically so the floor ages evenly.

Remove shoes with spiked or damaged heels before walking on the floor. Spike or stiletto high-heel shoes may cause denting and related damage to hardwood floors due to the extremely high compressive force they generate. Such footwear can produce dynamic loads in excess of1000 pounds per square inch, even when worn by someone of slight or average build.

As added protection, use dirt-trapping walk-off mats at all exterior doors to keep sand, dirt, grit, grease, and oil off your hardwood floor.

General Terms and Conditions may apply, see warranty section for details

Click for more info...

Glass Block Flooring

Glass block floors flood dark interior hallways with light, infuse old spaces with new ideas, and add a unique accent to traditional flooring materials.

Picture: A glass block floor panel creates an unexpected accent on a traditional wood floor.

Glass block floors add a unique accent to wood, tile, stone, and concrete floors. Consider them a dual purpose floor: Glass block panels enhance a living space by illuminating both the walking surface of a room as well as the ceiling surface of the room below. While typically found in contemporary residential and commercial designs, properly planned they also add a modern touch to more traditional homes.

Options

Glass block panels are bought either as a kit that includes hollow glass pavers and an aluminum or pre-cast concrete frame, or as prefabricated and ready to install panels. The framework for the panels is available in standard shapes (usually square or rectangular designs), or can be custom ordered in unique configurations. In general, glass panel kits are more appropriate for interior applications where weather and water will not be constantly encountered. Prefabricated panels are factory sealed against moisture, and are better suited for use in decks or other exterior-facing applications. The glass pavers (the glass block portion of the floor) must be specifically designed to serve as a flooring material. Home center-stocked glass block used for windows and walls does not have the proper strength for flooring applications.

To install a glass block panel, an opening must be cut between floors. Here, a panel from Circle Redmont has been secured to a specially made framework of 3/16-inch by 1 1/2-inch angle iron.

To assemble a floor panel, the glass blocks are set into the concrete or aluminum framework and sealed against moisture (each manufacturer has its own assembly process). The panels are designed to act as load bearing system, and properly installed can easily withstand the day-to-day rigors of family traffic. When used in an exterior facing application, glass block panels are thermally efficient, with an insulating R-value equal to that of double pane glazing on high-performance windows.

The glass pavers are available in a range of sizes, usually from 6-inch to 12-inch squares. Many manufacturers suggest that glass block pavers be bought in a sandblasted finish. This improves slip resistance and diffuses light sources for a glare-free surface. Additionally, when used in private areas like bedrooms and bathrooms, sandblasting the glass blocks ensures privacy.

Light from above illuminates rooms below. The low profile of the glass block panel requires additional finish work around the ceiling opening.

Installation

Glass block floor panels are manufactured by a handful of companies in the United States including Circle Redmont and IBP Floor Systems. While the panels come with detailed installation instructions, proper assembly and mounting is a job best left to professionals. Because a glass block floor panel will not generally fit in between existing floor joists, the joists must be cut and a support frame built into the floor. Glass block panels are extremely heavy; a 4-foot by 4-foot panel can weigh up to 300 pounds, making installation at least a three person job.

Text by Jessica Ahnert
© 2001 BobVila.com

Click to visit site...

Flooring Basics Hardwood

Elegant. Tradition. Adaptable. Since colonial days, hardwood flooring has been prized for its color, grain and lasting beauty. Find out more about why this flooring choice is always in fashion.

Rich in appeal, hardwood flooring enhances virtually any decor style with its sense of natural strength and its variety of finishes. Casual or formal, modern or classic, hardwood is right at home in any home.

Generally, there two types of hardwood flooring— solid or engineered. Whether it's a strip or plank, solid hardwood flooring is a single piece of wood, which can easily be customized and can be re-sanded to change finishes. Engineered hardwood, on the other hand, is made of 3 to 5 layers laminated together with grains running at different angles. While engineered hardwood looks like solid hardwood, it is actually more structurally stable and can be used anywhere, even places like basements where moisture may be an issue.

Properly installed and sealed, hardwood flooring requires minimal care to maintain its good looks. Simply vacuum regularly and wipe weekly with a damp mop. And, since it's sealed it can't absorb spills, so it won't stain.

Recommendations
While you can add an elegant appeal to most any room with the rich, traditional color and texture of hardwood flooring, there are some guidelines to follow in deciding which type of hardwood to select or whether to choose hardwood at all.

Since colonial times, solid hardwood has been a preferred choice for enhancing formal rooms and hallways with a beautiful, inviting ambiance. It's also an excellent choice for areas where you may want to change looks at a future date, since it can sanded and refinished to meet changing tastes.

However, solid hardwood is not recommended for installation below grade (basements) or in rooms where excess moisture is present, such as kitchens, baths, saunas, and enclosed porches. It also tends scratch easier than engineered hardwoods, so careful consideration should be given to use with large pets.

Engineered hardwood is a perfect alternative virtually any place solid hardwood is used, except where you might want to change the look since engineered hardwood generally cannot be sanded and refinished. In addition, engineered hardwood is especially recommended for use below grade in basements and other areas where scratch resistance and added longevity are important. While it tends to resist moisture better than solid hardwood, it still may not be the best choice for kitchens and bath.

Click for more info...