Bamboo Flooring 101

 

Bamboo flooring sales grew over the past few years. This type of flooring is perceived to be attractive, affordable, durable, and eco-friendly by homeowners.

Another reason why bamboo flooring is popular is because it looks, feels, and cuts like hard wood even though it is a grass species. In fact, it is much denser than maple and oak making it a better option as a flooring material. It also grows fast and can be harvested after just four or five years.

Bamboo flooring also comes in different patterns and designs. It is available in more than 50 different pre-stained colors, even though the grain pattern and natural color of bamboo are both rather subtle. Pre-stained colors range from soft cedar tones to bright reds and greens.

Types of Bamboo Flooring

Bamboo floors are already finished when you buy them so you wouldn’t have to worry about finishing processes.

There are basically two types of finished bamboo flooring: engineered planks and solid-bamboo planks. Engineered planks are typically installed using the floating-floor method. Wide planks are snapped together and laid over a thin foam-rubber underlayment. This method of installation is quick because the flooring isn't attached to the subfloor in any manner.

Solid-bamboo planks, on the other hand, are installed similarly to traditional hardwood flooring. It is fastened down with nails or staples. This installation method is more time-consuming. The good thing is it produces a permanent, rock-solid floor.

Types of Solid-bamboo Planks

There are three types of solid-bamboo planks: the vertical-grain solid strip, the flat-grain solid strip, and the strand bamboo. Vertical-grain bamboo is composed of thin bamboo strips stacked on edge and glued together. On the other hand, flat-grain bamboo, the most common type among three, is made up of thin, flat strips of bamboo that are stacked on top of each other and then laminated together. Lastly, strand bamboo is made from super-thin and shredded bamboo fibers that are mixed with resins and pressed into rock-hard planks.

Whichever type of bamboo flooring you buy, be reminded that each typically comes in pieces measuring 1/2 to 5/8 inch thick and 3-1/2 to 7-1/2 inches wide. In terms of length, the available lengths range from 36 to 72 inches.

SoKo Flooring and Interiors

13194 US Hwy 301 S. Suite 205 Riverview, Florida 33578

813-384-8513

http://www.sokoflooring.com/

Formal Dress Codes for Men and Women

 

Social events such as wedding, formal dinners and parties require a formal dress. There are many styles of formal evening dresses, but perhaps the most popular ones are characterized by black and white garments.

There are certain rules that apply to formal dresses. Dubbed as formal dress codes, these rules are not really strictly implemented. Adherence to these formal dress codes, however, is extremely helpful in terms of not overdressing or underdressing when attending different occasions.

FORMAL DRESS CODES FOR MEN

Some women make the mistake of wearing cocktail dresses or little black dresses to formal parties. What they do not realize is that these are semi-formal and not formal ones.

When it comes to formal wear, there is only one truly acceptable type of clothing considered formal for women. It is a long, elegant gown. A long formal dress or gown should be at least at ankle's length. Fabrics normally used for formal dresses are elegant ones such as chiffon, taffeta, silk, and velvet. Some even have exquisite embroidery and beads and pearls.

Formal dresses for women may come in long or short sleeves, sleeveless, spaghetti straps, or off-shoulder cuts. Some have billowing skirts and some have pencil-cut or A-line skirts.

Some women wear simple gowns while others opt for ornate designs and long trains. The final decision is up to the wearer, of course. It is advised that a woman wear a formal dress with a cut that flatters her figure. Ornate designs and long trains are nothing if the formal dress cannot accentuate the wearer’s assets.

FORMAL DRESS CODES FOR WOMEN

Formal attire for men is simpler than women. The collection mainly includes tuxedos or black or dark suits with a tie.

What men should wear depends on what is required. For instance, black-tie parties require dark suits or tuxedos with black ties. The black ties can either be butterflies or long neckties.

In general, dark colors acceptable for most formal parties are black or very dark blue and very dark gray that are almost black. For tuxedos, white and black are acceptable colors. Social conventions see white tuxedo top and black pants as more appropriate together than all-white attire. Moreover, tuxedo and the suits should be made from silk or expensive polyesters and gabardines. Denim-like materials and corduroys are not appropriate choices for a formal occasion.

Perfection Prom and Bridal

10312 Bloomingdale Ave., Riverview, FL 33578

813-621-1991

http://perfectionprom.com/

The Importance of Local and Online Back-up Services

Today’s generation is hugely dependent on digital data. In fact, we create lots of digital data - photos, videos, music, and documents - per day. What some of us do not realize is that while these data can be easily accessed through our hard drives, they are also just a hard drive crash away from obliteration. That, as well as other data-ending events such as fire, floods, or theft, threatens our data access and recovery.

This is where local and online backup services come into the picture. Yes, you could simply back your precious files up to an external hard drive or rewritable DVD, local and online backup services offer the advantage of securely storing your files at off-site server locations. This way, your data is safe even if your other backups are threatened by forces of nature or man.

But while it's backing up data or files to a secure server seems simple and easy, there are a number of questions that you need to answer before choosing a provider of local and online back-up services. Here are some of them:

1. Does the software allow immediate and automatic upload new and changed files?
2. Does the software allow syncing or sharing of data?
3. Can the service back-up files while they are open?
4. Is there a Web client, a mobile client, or a Mac client for restoring?
5. How much will the service cost?

The last question is perhaps the most important one when choosing a provider for local and online back-up services.  Pricing depends on the needs of the customers.  So if you need unlimited storage because you have a huge disk full of large files, then look for the unlimited plans offer by service providers.  Be wary of such plans, though. Some of them actually limit you to the amount of storage on the covered computer's hard disk. Some providers maintain fast upload speed to 200GB but are limited to back-up a single PC only.

If you are confused about which plan to choose, consult with computer experts. They have extensive knowledge of local and online backup services and will be of great help to you and your data.

iTech Computer Solutions - Brandon

235 West Brandon Blvd. Suite #224, Brandon, FL 33511

813-956-4928

http://www.itechcs.net/

Characteristics of a Good Salon

A salon can make or break your look. You may either take a step towards perfectly gorgeous mane or a downward spiral towards dry and damaged hair. Why take a risk when you can make an informed decision on which salon to choose?

Here is a checklist of what good salons are like:

1. Has experienced staff. The most essential important element of a good hair salon is its experienced staff. Salon stylists must show how good they are through their final product --- your look. Professional techniques in cutting and styling should be showcased by every stylist in the salon.
2. Offers extensive pampering. Salons should make each of their clients feel comfortable and pampered upon entering their facility. Comfortable seating in the waiting area as well as for styling sessions and manicures, pedicures, and other salon services should also be provided.
3. Gives dozens of options. No one likes to be rushed when deciding on a hair style, color, or cut. A good hair salon will never ever rush the customer. Its staff will also offer suggestions and possibilities to narrow the choices and make the client focus on what she really wants.
4. Updated with the latest technology. Another important characteristic of a good salon is the technology it offers to its clients.  A computerized scheduling and checkout procedures are a plus to a salon’s reputation. So every employee is on the same page when scheduling new clients and taking payments. A functional web site giving them a specialized web presence and advertising the services and treatments offered makes a salon look very professional. All of these, aside from the updated technology they use for hair services and treatments.
5. Clean and hygienic. This is a MUST for every good salon. No one wants to return home with a fungus or health issue from any salon. Salon tools should always be clean and sanitized. The salon should also be clean with no trash, dirt, or dust on floors or surfaces.

Every woman deserves nothing but the best --- the best hair treatments and salon services from the best salon in town.

Hair Obsessions

5713 Richey Dr. Port Richey, FL 34668

727-847-0220

http://www.hairobsessions.com/

Maintaining Your Garage Doors

One of the most common home repairs that we face is garage door repair. Garage door issues do not end after the installation process. Storms might blow in, a family member might get careless and crash on their way into the garage, or wear and tear might take its toll on the garage door. Whatever the reason is, garage door repair is something we can never fully escape.

Garage Door Maintenance

Maintaining garage doors is not usually included in our list of things to do. However, garage door maintenance is the best way to avoid costly garage door repair services.

Here are some of the things that you need to do at least once a year to make sure your garage doors are all working properly.

1. Lubricate all rollers, tracks, latches, and hinges with good quality penetrating oil. Pulleys on the extension spring openers, as well as the bearings on torsion-spring openers should never escape your attention. Lubricating springs prevents rust formation and binding.
2. Wipe and clean every garage door part before applying any lubricant. Garage door maintenance will be in vain if grime and dust stick harder to the garage door parts due to the oil components of lubricants.
3. Soak rollers and hinges in kerosene to remove rust.
4. Check the garage door opener every now and then.
5. Check if there are signs of weather stripping along the sides of the doors. Make adjustments in case it is jamming against the sides. Replace it if necessary.

Call Trinity Garage Door Service-Wesley Chapel for Regular Garage  Door Maintenance

Make your garage door maintenance an annual habit to prevent the occurrence of major garage door repair problems. Call us at 813-447-3874. We guarantee your complete satisfaction after every job and back all labor and parts with optional warranty packages.

Trinity Garage Door Services Inc.

2424 W Tampa Bay Blvd Unit L405, Tampa, FL 33607

813-447-3874

http://www.trinitygaragedoorservice.com

Speeding Tickets in Florida

Getting a speeding ticket can be a nightmare to some. You have to attend hearings, pay DUI surcharges, and get points that can lead to license suspension. Fortunately, there is a way to avoid all these hassles.

Traffic Laws

The best way to avoid getting a speeding ticket is to follow traffic laws in Florida or prove that you were not breaking the law. If you want to do the latter, then you have to fight your ticket in the court. To win, you should have a good traffic lawyer to represent you.

 

What are at stake when you get a speeding ticket?

A lot of things are at stake when you get traffic tickets. For one, you will have to pay speeding ticket fines and penalties. Ticket fines and penalties in the state of Florida are handled on a county-by-county basis. This means that you might incur a different fine in Miami that you would in Jacksonville, for instance.  

The fines are printed on the ticket that the officer will give you. Make sure you know when your deadline is. Otherwise, you can face surcharges on top of your actual violation.

Another thing that is at stake for every speeding ticket you get is your driving record. Your driving record is an account of your activity on the road. Each traffic ticket is assessed a point value, ranging from 3 to 6 points depending on the violation. When these traffic violation points add up in your driving record, your auto insurance rates could go up and your license can get suspended. You could lose your driving privileges for the following:

• 12 points added to your record in a 12-month period (30 day suspension)
• 18 points added to your record in an 18 month period (3 month suspension)
• 24 points added to your record in a 36-month period (1 year suspension)

Removing Points from Your Driving Record

While tickets won’t be removed from your Florida driving record, there is a way to remove points from your driving record. One solution to reduce your points is to take a Florida 4-hour BDI course. A legitimate course will be approved by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles and meet all point reduction requirements.

Once you have completed a course, you will have to report to the Florida DHSMV to ensure that your points are removed from your driving record. The court will specify the steps that you will need to take to submit your completion certificate.

For other concerns, you may consult a traffic lawyer in the state of Florida.

Rick Silverman

311 S Brevard Ave. Tampa, Florida 33606

813-871-1125

http://www.tampabaytrafficlawyer.com/

Quick But Safe Hair Removal Tips

Hairless beauty come with great responsibility. The sacrifices you make just to look flawless should be at the same level of the results you get. Waxing as a hair removal remedy has been on for years and has provided outstanding results; however, there are some who do not know how dangerous hair removal is without proper assessment and preparation. Always be aware of the things you can do before and after waxing to avoid skin damage and irritation.

When to be Cautious in Hair Removal:

• Medications and medical conditions- hair removal for people with certain illnesses should be assessed by their physicians before getting into the process. Clients who are taking blood thinners, diabetic, with post-cancer hair growth are just a few of the conditions to be aware of. Hair removal for these conditions can affect the circulation or may worsen the condition of the client.

• Smokers- smokers have damaged blood vessels due to the loss of oxygen and toxins that enter the body. When the capillaries appear very red, stay away from waxing as a hair removal remedy.

• Pregnancy, hormone related medications and antibiotics- hair removal for these conditions should be light; waxing is the wrong choice since the skin becomes more sensitive during those stages. It is best for you to try the patch test; this test is by taking a small area of your arm and testing the hair removal agent before getting your whole eyebrow or leg done.

• Exfoliator- exfoliators are made with acids that mostly thins out the skin. Waxing as hair removal plus exfoliators is a bad combination. This may result to scabbing or bleeding at the worst. You can avoid such problems by stopping the use of such products at least three days before and four days after hair removal.

• Caffeine and alcohol intake- caffeine and alcohol lessen the pain threshold plus, the vessels become more sensitive, which could make your skin more red and inflamed.

When To Avoid Hair removal:

• When you are on acne medications.
• When you have lupus or other skin related diseases.
• When on cancer therapy.
• When you are exposed to direct sunlight.

Hair removal is an intensive procedure; it is best to be cautious and avoid such remedy when needed.

European Wax Center -- South Tampa

3830 W Neptune St., Tampa, FL 33629

813-254-5000

http://www.waxcenter.com/