Thursday, November 29, 2012

Hardwood Floors or Laminate Floors: Take Your Pick


A large number of options in selecting the perfect flooring is always great. Things to consider when picking flooring materials are: kids, pets, traffic, and furniture. Hardwood floors are good for a more visited type of room, laminate floors are great for areas of the house with daily activities like the kitchen or a home office. Both choices are good. All you need to do is choose which one suits your needs more effectively. Learn and choose the best flooring for your home or establishment in the article below.

Hardwood floors and laminate floors are both good choices for flooring materials. They increase the value of the property and they provide an undeniably better aesthetic than other types of floor materials. Choosing either one is matter of need and functionality in a room so listing down the usual activities and traffic in an area is advisable when making a decision between these two.

Purpose and Needs:  Know what’s best for your kitchen, lounge rooms, or other function halls.

o    Kitchen- This place has a lot of traffic and the floors need to be easy to clean and stain-proof. Laminated hardwood floors should be perfect for this area since the laminate keeps stain away and the wood won’t easily deteriorate from the constant flow of traffic.

o    Lounge rooms- These areas are for entertaining and receiving so a priority for good aesthetics is there. Hardwood floors add great elegance to a home by miles as compared to the usual marble floors. Marble is well and good but there is something more cozy and warm about hardwood floors.

Maintenance:  Your time and effort in maintaining your floors are important especially when you are in a busy schedule. Hard wood floors are okay; however, some types are not that easy to maintain for the spaces in between the panels accumulate dust and are difficult to remove. Due to upgrades, there are types of hardwood floors that are stain, scratch, and damage resistant. Laminated floorings are best if you are in search for easy maintenance of flooring.

Budget: it is true that building needs a large amount especially with the type of material. Hard wood floors are a bit pricy depending on the type of wood. Whether you pick concrete, timber, or composite floors, you add a bit more when you pick laminated floorings.

Hardwood floors or lime stone; whatever it is, as long as it fits the purpose of your rooms, then it is the best choice. 

Soko Flooring and Interiors
13194 US Hwy 301 S. Suite 205
Riverview, Florida 33578
(813) 384-8513


Caught in the Middle: Juvenile Guardianship after the Divorce


Child custody and support, child visitation, and guardianship issues are the thorniest part of every divorce case because the welfare of our juvenile citizens is the our top priority as a nation. Each state in the country enacted laws to ensure that members of the juvenile population caught in the middle of divorce settlements are protected. In Tampa and the rest of Florida, issues related to child custody and support, child visitation, as well as guardianship are resolved in accordance with the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act.

Child Custody and Support 101

 Putting it simply, child custody refers to the care, control, and maintenance of a minor. Child custody and support laws in Florida dictate who gets legal custody and physical custody of the juvenile. The parent granted with legal custody makes the educational, religious, medical, and disciplinary decisions for the child. On the other hand, the parent granted physical custody decides on where a child will live. Laws on legal and physical custody also apply for adults applying for juvenile guardianship.

Types of Custody Arrangements in Florida

Child custody and support can be awarded to one parent, also known as sole custody, or to both parents also known as joint custody. One parent gets legal and physical custody of a child in sole custody while both parents share legal and physical child custody in joint custody. In cases of joint child custody and support, however, one parent is named the primary joint custodian while the other parent is granted child visitation. This is so the child has a primary residence, school, etc. which are necessary for some legal documents.

Guidelines for Child Custody and Support, Child Visitation, and Guardianship for Kids under the Juvenile Category

Child custody and support laws in Florida include a set of guidelines that must be strictly followed when determining the amount of money allotted to raising a child. Courts generally look at the joint income of the parents, as well as the number of children involved in the case. There are instances where courts allocate parts of the parents’ assets to a trust fund for education or other forms of support to ensure the welfare of the children. Parents are required to pay child support until the child either finishes high school or turns 19 years old.

For more questions regarding child custody and support, child visitation, and guardianship, consult with a family lawyer in your area.

Nancy McRoberts Parham, P.A.
210 N. Pierce St
Tampa, FL 33602
813-228-0219

Tips from a Divorce Lawyer on Child Custody and Support


Life is full of surprises. One day a couple is so in love, the next, they are signing their divorce papers. Divorce is a common occurrence in our country. A number of couples find this option to be the perfect solution for their irreconcilable differences. But what happens to the children caught in between separating parents? Atty. Nancy Parham, a female divorce lawyer from Tampa sheds some light on the matter.

What happens to children once the divorce is granted to their parents?

 Aside from the division of properties, the other thing that makes divorce complicated is child custody and support. The welfare of the children is given premium in any court of law. In Tampa, issues related with child custody and support, as well as child protection and visitation, make negotiations and settlements lengthy and complicated.

Does custody always go to just one parent?

No. Separating parents have the option to share custody of the child. Otherwise known as joint child custody and support, joint custody implies shared physical and/or legal custody of a child, after the divorce. This means that both parents share in the everyday responsibilities of raising a child, including all emotional, financial, and social responsibilities. Courts in Tampa frequently award at least some aspects of custody to both parents. It may be a joint physical custody where in the child spend relatively the same amount of time with each parent, a joint legal custody where in parents share decisions regarding the  welfare of the children, or both.

How does joint child custody and support work in Tampa?

Child custody and support obligations in Tampa are governed by the Uniform Child Custody Jurisdiction and Enforcement Act. But, there are also instances when the parents choose to have an oral agreement between themselves to avoid paying child custody and support obligations when the child is not in the care of one of the parents. Some settle with child protection and visitation grants to avoid settlement in court. It is best to consult with a family lawyer or divorce lawyer when it comes to this query so that every detail can be properly explained.


Nancy McRoberts Parham, P.A.
210 N. Pierce St
Tampa, FL 33602
813-228-0219

Hair Color and Highlights: A Few Tips


The New Year is coming, and all you think about is what to do to make things different from the previous year. Most women love make overs for the New Year, it shows that they are in for a new life and a new adventure. Highlights and hair color are the most common hair treatments women love for it shows creativity and life as change in hair color cuts down a few years on your age.

Your favorite salon can recommend many services to make you feel and look good—from a simple manicure to a full make-over. Changing your hair color is also one way of shifting looks whether you want it to be a subtle or drastic change.
Getting highlights or a new hair color is a very popular treatment that’s gone through so many innovations along with the changing trends. Knowing which hair color method that suits you will not only improve your look but will give you an idea of what you will ask for from the salon in the future.

Here are some tips about hair color and highlights you might find useful:

·         Home versus Salon Hair color and Highlights- over-the-counter hair coloring kits are available in the market for those who are comfortable in doing make overs themselves. Don’t experiment if you’ve never done it successfully. There is a real science to mixing colors and dyes to get a certain shade and you might end up with purple hair if you’re too impulsive. A strand test or a head allergy test should be the first step before applying hair color or highlights. There will be lesser problems with salon treated hair since salons are equipped with the right tools in applying hair color and highlights such as foils, irons, blow dryers, heaters, etc.

·         Use a single lighter shade to maintain your natural look. Highlights are only accents to your hair in order to bring out curls or layers as well as emphasize certain features of your face. The most common tool in highlights is the foil. Foils keep the chemicals in and intact with the hair for best results. However, when the hair is exposed to the chemical for a long period, the hair strands becomes dry and frizzy; so it is best to maintain the natural shade of your hair.

·         Multi-shading- applying two or more shades is a good idea when you are up to special event. There are temporary hair color products that can be washed off after use. These preparations can be multi-purpose as they are used as highlights too. But if you want permanent hair color and highlights, let your favorite salon take care of it to ensure safe and accurate results.

Hair color and highlights can be tricky when done at on yourself. Going to a professional hair salon is still more economical than having to experiment on your hair and then going to the salon to have a re-do of your mistake. Plus, it’s better to have some things done for you so you can relax and enjoy your day, right? 


Hair Obsessions
5713 Richey Dr
Port Richey, Fl 34668
(727) 847-0220

A Younger Looking You with Awapuhi Keratin Treatment


Your hair creates a huge difference when it comes to your looks. A simple treatment can make you feel and look prettier and more confident in facing the world. However, an abuse of hair coloring, straightening and perming can damage your hair and can be difficult to revive. Awapuhi treatment and Keratin Hair treatment can be of help when you are in need of a hair reborn treatment. Check out the article below to learn more.

Maintaining a healthy hair takes a few years from your looks. Women love experimenting with their looks, they take time and effort to go to the salon and have a perm, hair color and other treatments that can make your hair dry and unmanageable. See how Awapuhi Treatment and Keratin Hair treatment works.

Keratin Hair Treatment:  Keratin is a protein that can be seen in nails, hair, and skin. It maintains the life and beauty of such parts of the body. Keratin hair treatment protects and smoothens the hair shafts by coating the hair follicle. Keratin hair treatment penetrates into the hair follicles, and filling in breaks and other damages that caused the dryness.Keratin hair treatment is best for dry and frizzy hair and will result to a straighter and smoother look on you. However, there are considerations before getting into the treatment. Make sure that you, or your salon picks a product that contains less than percent formaldehyde. Too much of this can be toxic for your system. Before having a keratin hair treatment, make sure to have a high quality flat iron and expect not to have a complete shower for 48 hours after application. These preparations will help keep your hair in good condition for a long period.

Awapuhi Treatment

Awapuhi treatment is an upgraded type of keratin hair treatment. This fast and inexpensive treatment gives you the opportunity to look and feel at ease with that soft, silky and completely renewed hair. Awapuhi treatment can be done in a salon or at home. A keratriplex 2-step remedy has been prepared by the experts in order for everyone to experience renewed hair even with a busy schedule. Unlike Brazilian Keratin, Awapuhi treatment is a lot safer since it does not contain formaldehyde and can be used in all types of hair, including salon-treated hair.

Experience naturally healthy and flowing hair with a natural hair treatment like Awapuhi Keratin.  

Hair Obsessions
5713 Richey Dr
Port Richey, Fl 34668
(727) 847-0220

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Keeping Pools Clean for Health and Safety


Swimming pools are sources of fun and relaxation for anyone who has one. Apart from this, swimming pools also add to a property’s market value. But this will only be true if the owners maintain the integrity of the pool structure before they make plans of selling their property on the market. Furthermore, observing proper and regular pool maintenance assures everyone of a safer time whole they cool down.

Swimming pool repair and maintenance

The extent of swimming pool repair and maintenance depend on the size of the pool. It can range from simple and quick fixes to complicated and expensive swimming pool repair. Take in ground pools for instance. Even the seemingly simple swimming pool maintenance becomes back breaking work because of the intricacies of such a swimming pool.

Draining your pool once in two months is recommended especially if a lot of people use it on a daily basis. Addition of chlorine extends the life of the water in the pool but the water will get stale. The lifespan of pool water is shorter for uncovered pools.

Next to draining and replacing the pool water is the daily clean-up of floating debris. This needs to be a daily task or very other day, at least. If you have pets that swim in your pool, filtering the water is even more imperative. Debris on pools can cause skin irritations or other more serious effects so if you have kids, take the time to do it. If you don’t have time, hire professional help.

What happens when owners forget swimming pool maintenance?

It does not come to them that neglect of maintenance leads to swimming pool repair, and non-use leads to damage to the swimming pool which equates to an investment foregone.
Swimming pool repair costs higher than swimming pool maintenance.  But if done according to schedule, these two can be affordable. Finding the right swimming pool contractor also affect price affordability so make sure you find the right one suitable for you and your needs.

What should one expect from a swimming pool contractor?

The job of a swimming pool contractor depends on the size and type of swimming pool in question.

a. Above Ground Swimming Pools. They may seem small but they can also be hard to clean. Common problems that swimming pool contractors face when servicing above ground swimming pools are algae growth, as well as insect and bugs’ watering hole. Swimming pool contractors treat swimming pools so that they remain crystal clear, free of algae, and free of crawling insects that make swimming undesirable.

b. In Ground Swimming Pools. These swimming pools require more attention. They contain larger volumes of water, so chemical treatment must be done in regular intervals. Swimming pool contractors keep close eye on this regardless if it is summer or winter. You can also call a swimming pool contractor to clean the floors and walls of in ground pools to prevent the degradation of tiles and other structures.

Swimming pool maintenance and swimming pool repair MUST be done to lengthen the life span of swimming pools. If you are too busy, or if you do not want to get tired, hire a swimming pool contractor in your area and your problems are solved.


Cooper Tampa Bay Pool Services
(813) 480-5357

Choosing the Right Type of Window Coverings


The right window coverings make your home exponentially better. Not only do they have the function of controlling light and maintaining good circulation in your home, but they also add to the overall color story and design of the room. Shades and blinds come in different types and sizes. No matter what you choose, take note of what it will be used for and what design fits the room. Check out more about Window coverings from shades to blinds in the article below.


Draperies and curtains provide a lot of versatile looks for a room. They are easy to install, replace, and change up every now and then. While they are always great choices for windows, shutters and blinds offer more practicality for homeowners with little time to tidy up the rooms or change the drapes. Shutters and blinds are the more ideal choice for people who are in and out of the house since these window coverings need less maintenance.

OUTDOOR WINDOW COVERINGS:


·         Louvered- louver shutters are commonly built slanted at an angle to let air in, you may choose from panels made from top to bottom or divided into two with a material in between.


·         Raised panel- these panel shutters are made with thicker center panels compared to that of the rest of the shutters. Panel shutters look very much like a cabinet door.

·         Board-N- Batten- this type is a customized window treatment in which wood slats are vertically arranged either with space in between; the wood shutters are attached to two horizontal slats across them. Vertical window treatments such as this one are best for high raised ceilings.

·         Accordion Shutters- This exterior shutter is made especially for protection from storms. Based on its name, this custom window treatment works by pulling out from one side to the other and folding up to be almost invisible.

INDOOR WINDOW COVERINGS


·         Horizontal blinds- horizontal blinds are common in most homes for they are affordable and are easy to maintain.


·         Wood versus vinyl- plantation are commonly made by custom wood shutters, however , they also come in faux wood and vinyl since they are cheaper, more durable and moisture resistant. Custom wood shutters and custom wood blinds are highly recommended for those in search for cheaper yet stylish window coverings.

Your choice of window treatment should always take into consideration the type of room they will be used for (privacy level), size of windows and room, and overall interior design of the area. There are unlimited choices for every taste and preference. Take time to really think about how you want your windows to look to avoid getting too overwhelmed by the options.


4910 West Knollwood Street, Tampa, Florida 33634
(813) 549-0546