The Right Space Helps with Homework August 30, 2010
Posted by creatingyourspace in : Kids , add a commentDesign is all about combining function and aesthetics. Let’s break from the adult design goals and consider what we can do to help design a work space for our children with school starting.
Providing a dedicated space for homework encourages children to keep their school assignments organized and completed on time. Finding that notebook or assignment sheet is easier if there is a desk with an inbox waiting for those papers. A bookshelf holding a dictionary and those book-report books eliminates excuses about misplacing either. Hanging a calendar with a schedule of assignments and other appointments helps eliminate or at least reduce the cries of “I forgot.”
When you start planning the space – look for somewhere quiet and free of distractions such as TV, games or phones. A corner of a child’s room or any other quiet spot will work. If there are hard surface floors in the room and you need a little more noise control, consider using an area rug to help. Furniture can be a simple desk and shelf, or even a table. Be sure to include office supplies such as paper clips and a stapler. Many office items are available in fun colors and shapes to make the space more inviting. Provide some storage – boxes, bins or files – for past projects. With good lighting, the space is ready for your student.
Of course, creating the space is only the start. There is no guarantee that it will make the difference you hope for, but it’s a start toward helping your child or children learn to organize their responsibilities and discover the benefits of a work environment designed just for them.
CBP dogs train at Big Bob’s Flooring Outlet August 24, 2010
Posted by creatingyourspace in : About Us, Uncategorized , add a comment
Check out this article about us in the Yuma Sun! Click here to see it live on their site.
For most, the thought of “training” might evoke images of foam cups of coffee, legal pads – and possibly a lengthy presentation projected onto a giant screen.
But for the four-legged officers with Customs and Border Protection (CBP), it couldn’t be more different.
Tuesday morning, the Yuma Sun watched as six officers and their canine partners used local business Big Bob’s Flooring Outlet for a training exercise, drawing some extra attention from the public.
Supervisory CBP Officer James McIntyre was one of the trainers involved in the exercise Tuesday morning.
The group is based at the U.S. Port of Entry at San Luis, Ariz.
He said they do a different exercise once a week in a different location to help the dogs participate in real-world situations.
In the past, McIntyre said they’ve used locations such as the airport and other businesses around town.
“It keeps the dogs proficient,” he said. “And it allows us to control the environment.”
Trainers help place indicators, said Supervisor Teresa Small, spokeswomen with the CBP.
The dogs involved in the exercise Tuesday are narcotics dogs, McIntyre said. That means they are trained to find marijuana, hash, cocaine, heroine, methamphetamine and ecstasy.
Small said from October 2009 to July 2010, the officers have helped seize about 2,600 pounds of cocaine; almost 700 pounds of meth; just more than 200 pounds of heroin and 107,646 pounds of marijuana.
For more information about the Customs and Border Protection, visit http://www.cbp.gov/.
Stephanie A. Wilken can be reached at swilken@yumasun.comor 539-6857.
Steam Cleaning Your Carpet August 16, 2010
Posted by creatingyourspace in : Care and Maintenance, Carpet , 1 comment so farBefore cleaning your carpets, you need to decide whether you want to use steam or dry cleaning. Then you need to decide whether to do it on your own or engage a professional.
Steam cleaning, when it is done properly is probably the best choice.
It is also the method most often recommended by carpet manufacturers.
“Done properly” means that the technician has training appropriate to your type of carpet, the water is hot enough and the equipment is in good working order. The vacuum is especially important; when operating correctly, a truck-mounted vacuum will remove up to 95% of the water used to clean your carpet. This has a dramatic impact on the effectiveness of the cleaning and the time it takes to dry.
It is probably best not to attempt steam cleaning on your own. Most of the tools or equipment available for personal use just don’t have the power to sufficiently heat the water or the ability to reclaim enough water from your carpets. They can be great for spot-cleaning, but for true, deep extraction cleaning, its better to invest in a professional cleaner, using a truck-mounted steam unit. Remember that water temperature has to reach around 250 degrees at the machine in order for steam to reach your carpet!
Remember too, that all cleaning materials must be rinsed and removed well; make sure also that your carpet doesn’t get too wet. Overwetting can cause backing separation or wrinkles, and cleaner residues left unrinsed can accelerate soiling in the future.
Just the Right Angle August 10, 2010
Posted by creatingyourspace in : Shopping Advice , 1 comment so far
Making design decisions for your home can be challenging. You have to take a small sample and visualize a complete floor, countertop or backsplash. One simple trick can take your samples a bit further along the path to the final product and make your decisions easier. Position your samples at the height and angle they will be when installed.
The most valuable use of this technique is for choosing flooring. Put a sample of carpet, wood or tile on the floor and it can look completely different than it does on a table or a sample display. Once you’ve narrowed your choices, take a few minutes to look at them on the floor. This also helps if you’re having trouble picking a grout color. The contrast and tone is much easier to visualize if you can see the grout samples between two tiles on the floor.
If a new kitchen or bath is in your future, the process is more elaborate but equally valuable. You may need to elicit some help, but by positioning your cabinet, countertop, and backsplash choice together at the right angles, the more complete visual image of everything together can make a final decision easier.
Ready to make your choices? Try a new angle to make it both simpler and more fun.
Removing Cracked Grout – Reader Question August 2, 2010
Posted by creatingyourspace in : Ceramic/Porcelain, Reader Questions, Uncategorized , add a commentReader Question:
Whats the best way to remove grout and replace? We remodeled our shower, but due to foundation movement, the corners have cracked and now water seeps in. I am assuming i need to remove the old grout and redo. Anysuggestions or insight? – Daniel
Answer:
Grout replacement is one of the methods that can be used to correct minor moisture issues in a shower depending on the leak’s physical location within the shower itself. If there is grout cracking on the walls or in the vertical corners at a level of 4 foot or higher, a small hand sized grout saw can be used to carefully saw out the joints to remove the old grout. Thoroughly clean out the cavity with a shop-vac to remove any debris and reinstall grout where needed. On the other hand, when you have moisture seeping into adjacent rooms at levels lower than 4 foot high, this could be a sign of a much larger issue in the shower’s waterproofing system and should not be ignored. If this is the case, I suggest that an appointment is made with a professional to inspect and address for corrective measures. - Ernie Nogales, Installation Manager
