Designing Spaces

The following segment aired on Lifetime Television. Joining the show was Dave Kady to discuss East Coast Moldings

Host 1: Well, when it comes to something like moldings homeowners can feel a bit overwhelmed.We are here to help. We’re going to show you how to pick out moldings for nearly any room of the house.  And really end up with an upscale look.

Host 2: I think you’ll like this!  Watch!

Tillis: A statement in style.  Moldings used in interior design contribute to a room’s personality.  And can even increase a home’s value.  In fact, anyone planning a remodeling project should seriously consider the use of moldings to give a home distinctive flair and your personal touch.  To help us learn more, we visited Smith and Deshields in Jupiter Florida to meet with an expert on moldings, Dave Kady from East Coast Moldings.  Hi, Dave!  Thank you so much for meeting me in this beautiful show room.

Kady: Thank you very much, Andi.

Tillis: So I understand that adding molding to your home can really increase the value.  Would you agree?

Kady: Yes I would agree.  For a small investment, you really enhance your home a lot.

Tillis: Now, as far as styles and selections go, what do we have to choose from?

Kady: There are so many.  You have different types of moldings in size from 2 1/4″ casing that goes around your doorways and openings.

Tillis: Now you mentioned casings.  Not to cut you off, but what is a casing?

Kady: A casing is what goes around your doorways, your door openings, or your door entryways—a transition from dining room to front room.  Chair rails, they break up the top and bottom of your walls.

Tillis (Designing Spaces): I think I’ve seen these in some dining rooms.

Kady: Correct.  Chair rail because your chairs actually sit up against it and actually protect your wall.  You have your base mold down here.  They range anywhere from 4″ to 5 1/4, 9″ whatever the room will fit.

Designing Spaces: You just brought up a good point.  How do I know what’s appropriate for what room?

Kady: Well we generally go by say a 10×10 with an 8′ ceiling we’ll stay with crown molds that are 4″ and less.  Casings are 2 1/4, 3 1/4.  Chair rails are generally 2 1/2 and your base molds should stay in the 3 1/4″ width with 3 1/2 for a small room.

Designing Spaces: Okay.

Kady: When you get into the larger room and the taller ceilings absolutely go with wider crowns; they help it kind of bring the room into focus.  Much like putting a frame around a picture it just kind of enhances those rooms and kind of gives you some value in that room.  It just off sets it or looks well.

Designing Spaces: It really does look nice.  I’m a big do-it-yourself.  Is this something I can install by myself or would I want to hire a professional?

Kady: You can do it yourself.  It’s not that it’s difficult, it’s just a trim carpenter does very well on the 45 degree angle like you have here on your casings.

Designing Spaces: Oh the corners.

Kady: And not all walls are square and 90 degrees so it makes it difficult for the homeowner to really miter into say a 60 degree angle.

Designing Spaces: Yea you’re right.  I didn’t think about that.

Kady: So it is easier if you have a good trim carpenter in your area to pick from.

Designing Spaces: As far as trends and what’s hot right now what are you seeing?

Kady: Bigger is better.  Such as the thickness on these types of cases that go around your door.  Everyone seems to want something that is bigger.  Up above you can see we have a crown molding that you can stack moldings like a base mold and the crown, which increased that to 9″ wide.  So a 10′, 12′ ceiling you go with wider bigger crowns.  They really want to embellish or enhance those areas of their home like around their doorways, their ceilings and their base mold.  We manufacture at East Coast base molds that are 9 1/4″ wide.

Designing Spaces: And finally, Dave, what should our viewers look for when they’re selecting a quality piece of molding?

Kady: Well, it’s like at East Coast Moldings we really concentrate on craftsmanship and having that molding made that the first piece, what we call a molder where it’s manufactured, is just like the last piece that comes off that machine.  Everything fits together exactly.

Designing Spaces: Well, I’m convinced, adding molding can really increase the looks and the value of our home.  Thanks so much for being on “Designing Spaces” with us today!

Kady: I enjoyed it!

About Designing Spaces on Lifetime Television

The show on Lifetime is a half-hour informative series that inspires viewers to make every space count.  “Designing Spaces” instructs them on the smartest ways to make their homes more beautiful and functional.  To view episodes of “Designing Spaces” online, just go to http://www.designingspaces.tv. If you have a great idea for a story, or want to be a part of the “Designing Spaces” show, please contact LysaLiemer at lysa@designingspaces.tv. If you have a great idea for a story, or want to be a part of the show please contact LysaLiemer at lysa@designingspaces.tv. You can also find us on Twitter at @DSpacesTV or on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/DSpacesTV!

Ian Woodman

Each year, Ian Woodman and his wife take an exciting trip for their wedding anniversary. Traveling offers Ian Woodman welcome respite from a busy schedule while allowing him to see the world and experience new destinations. To satisfy his adventurous spirit, Ian Woodman has created a bucket list of must-see locations. At the top of his list are both Bora Bora and Tahiti.

Located approximately 2,600 miles south of Hawaii, Bora Bora is one of a group of islands in the Leeward Group of the Society Islands of French Polynesia. Tourists like Ian Woodman flock to Bora Bora because of its beautiful waters and luxury resorts. It’s the perfect place to relax, Ian Woodman says, with nothing but nature surrounding you. In addition to beautiful waters, Bora Bora is also known for its bungalows on stilts, erected by Hotel Bora Bora thirty years ago and now copied by many of Bora Bora’s resorts, Ian Woodman says.

According to Ian Woodman, Bora Bora is full of exciting activities, including tours, Polynesian fire dancers, massages, and fine dining. Visitors can rent wave runners to enjoy Bora Bora’s smooth waters and sailing trips are also available for those who love boating, Ian Woodman explains. Snorkeling is also an option, Ian Woodman points out, with many resorts providing equipment.

Ian Woodman also hopes to experience nearby Tahiti’s dolphin swims, which have become among his favorite things to do since first experiencing it on his honeymoon in 2004. Tahiti is also known as a place to relax, with couples finding romance in the beautiful sand and water and spas. Ian Woodman points to the adventure that’s available in Tahiti, as well, with some choosing to scuba with sharks and watch for whales.

Shopping is plentiful in Tahiti, Ian Woodman states, with black and pink pearls in abundance at Tahiti’s shops. Ian Woodman and his wife may also take advantage of the many local offerings available at these shops, including handmade quilts and local oils, as well as pareo, beautiful cotton dresses worn by many of Tahiti’s female dancers.

As Ian Woodman begins planning for his upcoming anniversary trip to Tahiti and Bora Bora, there are many other destinations he has his eye on for future trips. Ian Woodman believes traveling gives people great exposure to other cultures, as well as providing the relaxation we all need in our daily lives of working so hard.

Naperville Dentists

BloggerVenue recently surveyed 150 moms and caregivers in the greater Chicago area to ask: Who are the best Naperville dentists and why? Well, the results are in and 87% of those asked had two names in mind: Dr. Chiann Gibson and Dr. James Arnold. Both dentists practice at Smiles By Dr. Gibson, in the Main Street Promenade, downtown. Dr. Chiann Gibson, in addition to being one of the best Naperville dentists around, is also an author, speaker, and the official dentist of the Miss Universe Pageant. She is an Accredited Member of the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry (AACD) and is affiliated with numerous dental societies and organizations. Today, in an exclusive interview, we take a closer look at what makes the office of these Naperville dentists so special.

BloggerVenue: We were surprised that the two Naperville dentists most often named by our survey guests worked out of the same office.

Naperville Dentists: Well, we certainly appreciate the honor.

BloggerVenue: Can you tell us, what type of patients do you see?

Naperville Dentists: We see individuals from ages two. We strive to maintain a lifelong relationship with our patients as well as their family.

BloggerVenue: We noticed that you offer a few things that many other dentists don’t. Can you tell us what sets you apart?

Naperville Dentists: Well, for one, we utilize a digital x-ray system; this is safer than traditional radiation.

BloggerVenue: How so?

Naperville Dentists: Well, the fact that digital x-rays only emit 10% of the radiation that other methods. Also, it eliminates the need for a bite tray, so it’s more comfortable for our guests.

BloggerVenue: Do you handle orthodontics from your office?

Naperville Dentists: Yes – Dr. Gibson is certified for Invisalign braces.

BloggerVenue: Those are the clear trays, correct?

Naperville Dentists: They are indeed. They offer progressive straightening without a mouth full of metal, you can also remove them when you want to eat or brush your teeth.

BloggerVenue: Fantastic. Moving on, one common theme from our result findings is the office atmosphere. Looking around your office, we see why. For our reader’s benefit, can you describe the environment here?

Naperville Dentists: Hopefully, patients will notice that we are different from the moment they enter. We offer fresh breads, refreshments… In the exam rooms, we have flat screen televisions and personal sound systems. We can let the little ones watch cartoons or let mom catch up on her soaps while a cleaning is taking place.

BloggerVenue: You are also known as a cosmetic dental practice.

Naperville Dentists: We offer a full range of cosmetic dental treatments. Crowns, veneers, and laser whitening are just a few of the aesthetic services we provide.

BloggerVenue: We have also been told that you can offer relief of migraine headaches. How so?

Naperville Dentists: The jaw/ear area contains two small bones that most people know as TMJ. (temporomandibular joints) If these bones are misaligned for any reason, severe migraines can occur. We offer a customized oral appliance that can eliminate a great majority of migraines.

BloggerVenue: Well, Dr. Gibson, that is all the time we have for today. Do you have anything to add?

Naperville Dentists: We would like to mention that we accept most insurance plans and can usually find a treatment option or payment arrangement that fits into any budget.

BloggerVenue: That’s good to know.

Naperville Dentists: Please thank your readers on our behalf for putting so much faith in us here at Smiles By Dr. Gibson.

Incredible Discoveries

The following segment aired on Incredible Discoveries on Lifetime Television. Joining the show was Lori Leeland to discuss The Hamilton Beach True Air Ultra UV Air Purifier

Incredible Discoveries on Lifetime Television:  Everyday dirt, dust, mold spores, and other allergens fill the air around us. On top of that, the air is filled with pollution from cars, factories, even aerosol cans. Incredible Discoveries shows you that air inside your home may be up to 5 times and can even be 100 times more polluted than the air outside. And 90% of our time is spent indoors.

In this segment, Incredible Discoveries shows you how to create a cleaner and happier home with the Hamilton Beach True Air Ultra UV Air Purifier. Seen on Incredible Discoveries, the advanced 2-staged filtration system and UV light, offers a 3-way air treatment. Air passes through a carbon pre-filter that absorbs odors, then through a HEPA filter effective at removing 99.97% of airborne particles down to .3 microns, and finally the air is treated by the UV germicidal light. Incredible Discoveries is amazed to find that this is the same technology used in hospitals to help kill microorganisms, viruses, and bacteria.

Designed with the airsmart system, the Hamilton Beach True Air Ultra UV Air Purifier monitors air in your home and continuously displays its quality level of “good”, “fair”, or “poor”. On the automatic setting, the fan adjusts automatically to maintain “good” air quality in your room. When you set it and turn it on, once the air in room has filtered itself out, and then it kicks down to the level that it’s supposed to stay at. Incredible Discoveries shows how the Hamilton Beach True Air Ultra UV Air Purifier is effective at removing a wide range of impurities from the air including pet dander, pollen, dust mite debris, mold spores, smoke and more. Incredible Discoveries urges: Don’t wait for clean air. Protect your family with the same technology hospitals use.

Now what is the airsmart system and this special UV germicidal light? Lori Leeland comes to Incredible Discoveries from Hamilton Beach Laboratory to help answer those questions.

Incredible Discoveries: So, tell us how it works!

Leeland: It couldn’t be any simpler. The Hamilton Beach True Air Ultra UV Air Purifier removes allergens and odors from the air in your home. The secret is in the design of the advanced three way air treatment system. The powerful yet quiet fan pulls air into the front vent first passing through the carbon pre-filter that helps to absorb and eliminate odors. Secondly, the air passes through the HEPA filter which is effective at removing 99.97% of airborne particles. This filter is composed of a mat of randomly arranged fibers, which trap particles as small as .3 microns.

Finally, the air passes through the UV germicidal light which helps to kill airborne microorganisms. This is the same technology used in hospitals. The airsmart system includes an infrared light sensor that continuously tests your air quality, and displays status from good, fair, to poor. On the auto setting, the airsmart system monitors your air quality and adjusts power automatically to help you maintain clean air.

We have built this special glass box here to demonstrate the true air ultra UV air purifier and all of its wonders. The filter is set to auto and it’s on the low power setting. Once smoke begins to fill the chamber you can see it working already. It’s swirling around and it’s sucking it in. The airsmart system responds so quickly and changes the power and addresses the poor air quality.

Incredible Discoveries: The Ultra UV Air Purifier is so effective at maintaining good air quality in this compartment. Think about what it can do in Incredible Discoveries viewers’ homes. It’s completely gone in seconds. Incredible Discoveries expresses that this demonstration is important because the HEPA filter in the Hamilton Beach True Air Ultra UV Air Purifier filters airborne irritants and allergens that you can and cannot see, trapping particles as small as .3 microns in size. Incredible Discoveries thinks that it’s amazing how the filter actually cleans the air in the room to make it seem brighter and cleaner.

ABOUT INCREDIBLE DISCOVERIES
Incredible Discoveries is a marketing firm focusing on direct response infomercial production and online presence development. Incredible Discoveries is a division of O2 Media, Inc., and produces The Balancing Act, one of O2’s most successful shows, airing daily on Lifetime. In addition to Incredible Discoveries’ 43,000 sq.ft. production facility, the firm offers full post production capabilities to tweak and refine their high quality television marketing campaigns. Incredible Discoveries offers a unique and fresh approach to the industry and through its 20 years of experience has created partnerships with some of the world’s leading manufacturers.

O2 Media

The following segment aired on O2 Media’s The Balancing Act on Lifetime Television. Joining the show was Tasha Welch, seeking help in renovating her kitchen with Shur-line painting tools.

O2 Media: Whether you’re selling your home or plan to stay there a while, renovating the kitchen is often high on the project list.  Tasha Welch’s apartment here in San Francisco is a rental, so she’s really not motivated to spend much.  But I’m going to show her how to make this space look fabulous without breaking the bank.  So, tell me what we’re doing today.

Tasha: Well, it’s a great little space.  It’s efficient, but it needs to look a little cleaner, and it can be a little bit more organized.

O2 Media: So, if it’s a rental situation, we obviously aren’t going to gut this whole thing and start over. But there’s a lot we can do with paint. I think we should start with a soft, expansive color, like a soft gray. And we can use it on the walls, the cabinets, and the ceiling. That’ll really open this room up for you visually so you don’t feel so crowded.

Tasha: Okay, it sounds great.

O2 Media: Good, okay, so now, I notice around other parts of your house, you like color. So could we bring in a little bit of orange, maybe some bright red?

Tasha: Those are my favorites.

O2 Media: Well, then there’s no reason we can’t get started. The first step is to remove the cabinet doors, drawers, and all hardware.  These cabinets are in pretty good shape, so a light sanding and a coat of primer is all we need to do to prep them for painting.  We’re using mini rollers and brushes to apply semi-gloss latex pain to the cabinet doors.  To paint the lower cabinets, we’re also using mini rollers and brushes.  We’re not actually going to replace a couple of the doors.  Instead we’ll paint the inside of the cabinets an orangey color to add some spice. We’re using shur-line paint pads with Teflon surface protector. We’ll use this edge like a pro tool to paint around these cabinets. No need to bother with painters tape.

Tasha: What to do with this ugly old hardware?

O2 Media: You know, this an area you don’t want to scrimp, because hardware adds the finishing touch to a room.  In Tasha’s kitchen, we’ve used Bulldog hardware in this oil-rubbed bronze.  We painted some Bulldog Pegasystem pegboard and installed it above the sink, adding hooks for utensils and pans.  This opens up even more space.  And here’s a great idea.  This is just a drop cloth that we painted with leftover paint.  Now it’s a rugged little rug.

Tasha: I’m really impressed. It looks great.

O2 Media: By combining the cabinets, the ceiling, and the walls, we’ve totally opened up this space.  And you know, it never hurts to bring a little bright color, even to a small room like this.

About O2 Media

Based in Pompano Beach, Fla., O2 Media is a national television production company and pioneer of the branded entertainment industry. Since its inception O2 Media has engaged, entertained and educated viewers with such reputable shows as Designing Spaces and The Balancing Act, both airing on Lifetime Television. O2 Media has earned hundreds of industry awards for revolutionizing the way brands engage with consumers on television. O2 Media provides unmatched marketing value to its clients while producing quality content for its growing national viewership through Brandutainment®. Household brands and blue chip companies alike, continue to depend on O2 Media for effectively communicating their message to consumers.  For more information, visit http://www.o2mediainc.com.

Nancy Alcorn

BloggerVenue recently had the opportunity to interview Nancy Alcorn. Nancy Alcorn is the Founder and President of Mercy Ministries. Nancy Alcorn is also a popular conference speaker and author of several books. In this interview, Nancy Alcorn speaks from her heart concerning sex trafficking.

BloggerVenue: Nancy Alcorn, welcome to BloggerVenue.

Nancy Alcorn: Thank you.  I appreciate the opportunity and blessing to speak with you today.

BloggerVenue: Nancy Alcorn, you have seen the devastating impact of sex trafficking, first hand.  Are there any specific questions you hear over and over again concerning sex trafficking?

Nancy Alcorn: People want to know what can be done.

BloggerVenue: So what can people do to help Nancy Alcorn and Mercy Ministries lead the fight to end sex trafficking?

Nancy Alcorn: Studies show that comprehensive residential programs, where these victims can be cared for in a safe environment, are what works.  Mercy Ministries is one of the very few programs of this type.  On one of the Mercy Ministries websites www.endsextrafficking.com, we list ways that people can help make a difference.  One of the most important is to donate, so that we can provide our free residential care to even more of these hurting young women.

BloggerVenue: You have worked with young women for many years.  And have a lot of experience….

Nancy Alcorn: …Yes, over twenty-eight years now.

BloggerVenue: I mention that simply because I want our readers to understand that Nancy Alcorn and Mercy Ministries are seasoned veterans of this fight.  And that by donating to Mercy Ministries, the donation is going to a great cause.

Nancy Alcorn: Thank you.  Yes, over twenty-eight years and thousands of women from all backgrounds have witnessed the life-changing power of Jesus Christ in their lives.

BloggerVenue: What are some other ways people can be involved in ending sex trafficking?

Nancy Alcorn: They can be an individual voice for change by writing letters to elected officials, blogging or just simply speaking up.  We are always looking for volunteers at Mercy Ministries on many levels.  And finally, but most importantly, we need prayer warriors.  I cannot emphasize enough in this ongoing battle for the physical and spiritual lives of girls and women, how badly we need prayer warriors.

BloggerVenue: You mentioned the word, “battle” in referring to this work to end sex trafficking.  The work that Nancy Alcorn and Mercy Ministries does, really is a battle isn’t it?

Nancy Alcorn: It is a battle on so many fronts.  According to the U.S. State Department there were 350,000 reported cases of domestic sex trafficking last year alone!  And that number is just domestic and the ones actually reported!  There is no doubt that the number is higher with unreported cases.  So it is a battle in the physical sense to free these girls from their physical bondage of slavery.  However, we believe that it is also a battle of the spiritual realm.  With my almost thirty years of experience, I know for a fact this fight is spiritual, because once the girls are removed physically from the situation, then the spiritual work begins.  I have seen that, firsthand.

BloggerVenue: Nancy Alcorn, if there was one thing you could say to our readers, what would you want to emphasize?

Nancy Alcorn: Pray.  Pray.  Pray.  I have seen the power of prayer in my life over and over.  I have seen the power of prayer in the lives of young women, now for almost thirty years, over and over.  This is a spiritual battle and we need people to pray for Mercy Ministries, to pray for the girls at Mercy Ministries and to pray for the girls we have yet to encounter.

BloggerVenue: Nancy Alcorn, thank you for taking a few moments to speak with us.

Nancy Alcorn: Thank you.

BloggerVenue: We leave with a reminder for interested readers to find ways to partner with Nancy Alcorn and Mercy Ministries in their battle to end sex trafficking.  As well, as Nancy Alcorn said, we encourage our readership to pray.  Thanks again Nancy Alcorn.

Nancy Alcorn is the Founder of Mercy Ministries.  Working with over 3000 women in since 1983, Nancy Alcorn and Mercy Ministries help to restore the lives of young women.  Mercy Ministries utilizes nutritionists, licensed Christian counselors and a biblically based curriculum with the emphasis that true freedom from addiction and life-controlling issues is possible.  All of this is free of charge for the women.  In a recent survey of former Mercy Ministry graduates, Nancy Alcorn reports that 93 percent responded that Mercy Ministries six-month residential counseling program had transformed their lives and restored their hope.

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About Nancy Alcorn

During her five years working for the state of Tennessee, at a correctional facility for juvenile delinquent girls, Nancy Alcorn developed a passion to impact the lives of hurting young women.  Time and time again, Nancy Alcorn watched as the young women she worked with at the juvenile facility passed the age of eighteen and ended up in the women’s prison system because they never got the real help they needed.

During the next three years, as Nancy Alcorn investigated child abuse cases for the state of Tennessee, she saw firsthand why so many of these young women were angry and hurting.  Working with juvenile delinquent girls and investigating alleged cases of child abuse gave Nancy Alcorn the opportunity to interact directly with secular rehabilitation programs and the girls impacted by those programs. It was during this time that Nancy Alcorn realized that these programs were not producing permanent results that exemplified changed lives.

Following her tenure with the state, Nancy Alcorn accepted an appointment as Director of Women for the Nashville Teen Challenge.  Through all of these experiences, Nancy Alcorn began to realize that true transformation would never come as the result of any government system.  Nancy Alcorn understood that only Jesus could bring restoration into the lives of girls who were desperately hurting and searching for something to fill the void they felt in their hearts.

Nancy Alcorn began to sense that God was unfolding a plan prompting her to step out in faith.  God called Nancy Alcorn to help hurting young women find freedom and have their lives transformed.  With her experience to assist her and God to guide her, Nancy Alcorn would prayerfully make a giant step of faith to help hurting young women.

In January of 1983, Nancy Alcorn relocated to Monroe, Louisiana and established Mercy Ministries of America.  Nancy Alcorn was determined that the Mercy Ministries program would bring about true-life change in the lives of young women.  With that in mind, Nancy Alcorn knew there were three guiding principles to which she must always remain faithful.  First, Nancy Alcorn committed that Mercy Ministries would accept girls free of charge.  Second, Nancy Alcorn committed that Mercy Ministries would donate ten percent of all donations to other organizations and ministries.  Third, Nancy Alcorn made the decision that Mercy Ministries would never accept any state or federal funding.  In no way did Nancy Alcorn want any money that might interfere with the freedom to share Christ.

Since 1983, Mercy Ministries, under the leadership of Nancy Alcorn, has seen exponential growth and impact.  Establishing locations in Louisiana, Tennessee, Missouri and California, Nancy Alcorn has seen her God-sized dream impact numerous women ages 13 to 28.  Nancy Alcorn has seen Mercy Ministries grow beyond the borders of the United States with home in the United Kingdom, New Zealand, and Canada.

Nancy Alcorn and Mercy Ministries help young women seeking freedom from physical and sexual abuse (including sex trafficking), eating disorders, self-harm, drug and alcohol addiction, depression and unplanned pregnancy.  Mercy Ministries, with Nancy Alcorn serving as Founder and President, assists young women through a non-conventional approach to healing that allows them to stop and break destructive cycles of behavior.  Nancy Alcorn continues her commitment to helping young women recognize their self-worth and reach their full potential.

For more information about the services offered by Nancy Alcorn and Mercy Ministries, visit the Mercy website online at http://www.mercyministries.com.

Yochanan Berkowitz

Yochanan Berkowitz uses his experience and professional expertise to guide troubled clients toward realistic and lasting solutions. It is common knowledge, says Yochanan Berkowitz, that stress interferes with a person’s physical health and psychological well-being. The more tools a person has to mitigate and avoid stress, says Yochanan Berkowitz, the more likely that person will be able to tackle his or her troubles with a calm mind, ready for solutions.

Yochanan Berkowitz explains that stress management comes in many forms, including exercise, diet and medication.  Yochanan Berkowitz explains that an individual can make subtle adjustments to his or her lifestyle to create a more stress free environment. Licensed clinical social worker Yochanan Berkowitz also suggests cultivating and maintaining a sense of humor about difficulties. A person who can see the humor in problems, says Yochanan Berkowitz, is better defended against stress. Also, the act of laughing itself, adds Yochanan Berkowitz, is proven to release muscle tension, facilitating relaxation and restoring perspective. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by stress, says Yochanan Berkowitz, try to look for humor in the situation. Or if that feels like too much, adds Yochanan Berkowitz, take a break to watch a comedic film or a favorite comedian’s concert.

Find a friend with a good sense of humor, suggests Yochanan Berkowitz, and spend some time together to lift your mood and chase away stress. Yochanan Berkowitz also recommends hobbies as another excellent lifestyle accessory that relieves a lot of stress. Choose a hobby that gets you to work with your hands, says Yochanan Berkowitz, like gardening or painting. The simple repetitive focus of gardening, notes Yochanan Berkowitz, can carry an individual’s mind away from his or her stressful problems and encourage a more relaxed perspective on life. If a person can develop the patience to make plants grow, points out Yochanan Berkowitz, that same benefit of patience will extend to their personal lives.

About the Author

Yochanan Berkowitz began his professional studies in Psychology at Queens College in Flushing, New York. In 1994, Yochanan Berkowitz earned a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and following further studies Yochanan Berkowitz was awarded a Masters of Clinical Social Work. Later Yochanan Berkowitz received the designation of a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

During his studies at Queens College, Yochanan Berkowitz had the opportunity to employ his passion for helping others in the New York City Public Schools as a special Education Instructor in Brooklyn from 1993-1994. Yochanan Berkowitz also served for several years as a school Psychologist and Social Worker with the Brooklyn Board of Education. Several years were also spent doing an internship in social work at Maimonides Psychiatric Outpatient in Brooklyn.

In 1997, Yochanan Berkowitz became a certified school social worker and school Psychologist following studies at the Long Island University. Yochanan Berkowitz received his Masters of Clinical Social Work two years later from New York University. Completing additional studies in his chosen field, Yochanan Berkowitz obtained a Post Masters certification in Early Childhood and Adolescence Psychotherapy in 2000 and Gestalt Therapy certification from the Gestalt Association of Psychotherapy in New York City in 2002.

Yochanan Berkowitz used his experience to serve in Brooklyn as an outpatient social worker, MSW, CSW at the New Hope Guild from 1999-2000. Yochanan Berkowitz added breadth to his vocational opportunities while serving as Administrative Assistant, MSW, and LMSW at Fordham Tremont Center in Bronx, New York during the years of 2003-2004. While there, Yochanan Berkowitz began offering his skills as a Clinical Social Worker, MSW, and CSW at the Jewish Board of Family & Children Services in Brooklyn New York.

The years 2004 and 2005 found Yochanan Berkowitz at the Bikur Cholim Department of Clinical Services in Rockland, New York where he was the Administrative Director, MSW, and LMSW. Currently Yochanan Berkowitz maintains a private practice in Teaneck, New Jersey that primarily serves children, adolescents, couples, and families.

To contact Yochanan Berkowitz by telephone, call 646-338-5424. Yochanan Berkowitz can also be reached via email at berkj1517@yahoo.com. For more information about his private practice visit www.familiesheal.com.

Recent studies find that carpets may be helpful in keeping allergens out of the air, reports SMART Carpet. SMART Carpet keeps up with carpet-related research and when it comes to the health of SMART Carpet customers, the findings are of special interest.

In a 2008 report by Mitchell W. Sauerhoff, PhD, a full copy of which can be found at FlooringSciences.org, the findings — that carpet is not an asthma or allergy trigger — were actually of no surprise to the SMART Carpet founder or to the SMART Carpet sales staff.

After all, SMART Carpet has installed more than sixty-five million square feet of flooring to over 100,000 SMART Carpet customers throughout New Jersey, Staten Island and eastern Pennsylvania in the past 15 years, and never had a complaint about allergies or asthma. It’s not only the SMART Carpet customers who would have spoken up but the entire SMART Carpet team would have been affected as well.

In fact, in Dr. Sauerhoff’s report, statistics indicated that of the almost 20,000 people studied in 18 countries, those with carpeting in their bedrooms had fewer asthma symptoms than those without. Mattresses and other pieces of furniture seem to be the problem.

It seems that if there are any dust mites and other irritants in carpets, the amounts are extremely low and the emission duration time is short, findings with which SMART Carpet staff would agree based upon their own experiences. Furthermore, carpets appear to act like air filters, by trapping airborne irritants. In other words, not only are carpets not a cause of asthma or allergy – they also help clean the air.

SMART Carpet customers have long been advised to have their carpets regularly steam cleaned by professionals. With this new information about carpets acting as air filters, that SMART Carpet recommendation seems even wiser. Not only will carpet, whether it’s from SMART Carpet or another company, last longer and look better, its ability to freshen the air will also be improved.

Now that homeowners know carpets can help keep their families healthier, the decision to invest in quality carpets is made that much easier. With SMART Carpet prices at up to 50 percent off typical store prices and the SMART Carpet free installation offered on a large group of select quality products, smart carpet buyers also know where to buy.

The sales teams and work crews at Homes by Vanderbuilt vet thousands of questions yearly on the Homes by Vanderbuilt modular homes they build and install, and offer some answers to the most frequently posed queries.

Modular homes such as those built by Homes by Vanderbuilt are better quality than site-built (also called stick-built) homes, confirms the experienced Homes by Vanderbuilt employees. The list of reasons is long, but main points include that while the building materials are similar between site-built and factory-built, the amount used in modular homes, including those from Homes by Vanderbuilt, is greater (providing a stronger structure) and the materials are weather-protected throughout the Homes by Vanderbuilt construction process.

Modular homes from licensed general contractors like Homes by Vanderbuilt which operates in North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia look just like traditionally-built homes. The number of Homes by Vanderbuilt floor plans and room designs from which to choose is veritably limitless and customizations and up-grades are just as numerous. The real difference between factory-built homes and on-site construction, continues the team at Homes by Vanderbuilt, is the Homes by Vanderbuilt building process.

The Homes by Vanderbuilt professionals are often asked if modular homes and mobile homes are the same, and the answer is a resounding no. Mobile homes (also called manufactured homes) are single floor dwellings built atop steel frames – which cannot be removed – and have low roofs and no basements. Homes by Vanderbuilt does not build mobile homes. Modular homes, on the other hand confirms the experts at Homes by Vanderbuilt, can be any number of levels or square footage, and can also have basements.

The construction process that Homes by Vanderbuilt uses in their factory is the same that any on-site crew follows when building a home. The real difference is that while the factory crews are building the Homes by Vanderbuilt modular structure, on-site crews can be working on the Homes by Vanderbuilt modular home’s foundation. Working in tandem this way, confirms Homes by Vanderbuilt engineers, speeds up the entire build by as much as half.

What Customers Are Saying About Homes by Vanderbuilt:

[Homes by Vanderbuilt] did a great job. I have no complaints; wish all companies had good employees like Homes by Vanderbuilt.
Richard – Williamston, NC

“They did a great job. Homes by Vanderbuilt went out of their way to do and redo things to please us. Homes by Vanderbuilt also have gone through extra efforts to get a style replaced on one of our cabinets. We appreciate more than anything the quality of service that we have received from everyone that anything to do with Homes by Vanderbuilt. Thank you so much!!”
Dustin – Timberlake, NC

“[Homes by Vanderbuilt] were very professional about their job. Also, Homes by Vanderbuilt were kind to answer all the questions we might have had. Great workers!”
Steven & Luz – Lilesville, NC

Hardwood is one of the oldest flooring materials in the world. Home Installation Professionals says that hardwood flooring has been tried and tested by many centuries of human development. Hardwood flooring in a home can set a very comforting, elegant, and unforgettable tone. In this article, Home Installation Professionals discusses how hardwood floors have many advantages over other flooring materials.

Home Installation Professionals begins by explaining that hardwood flooring is a low maintenance building material. Recent advances in finish and stain technology make hardwood floors more resistant to dirt and wear than ever. Consequently, says Home Installation Professionals, hardwood floors can be kept beautiful for generations without intensive cleaning. A broom and a mop with mild cleaner will take care of almost any cleanup necessary. To guarantee the life of a hardwood floor, Home Installation Professionals recommends that homeowners only use cleaning supplies approved by the floor’s manufacturer.

Home Installation Professionals likes to remind their clients that hardwood floors are environmentally friendly. In our modern green culture, which is constantly inventing new environmentally responsible materials, hardwood flooring gets overlooked, possibly because it has been around for so long. Home Installation Professionals also notes that hardwood floor installation creates less waste than the installation of other flooring materials.

Home Installation Professionals prefers to use hardwood flooring because it is a renewable resource. In fact, many old wooden homes and barns are reclaimed for use as hardwood floors. Also, mentions Home Installation Professionals, hardwood floors do not trap dust and other allergens in the same way that dense carpeting does. According to Home Installation Professionals, the hypoallergenic characteristics of hardwood flooring create cleaner and healthier air quality in a home, contributing to the health and well being of the entire family.

It is true, acknowledges Home Installation Professionals, that hardwood flooring is not the cheapest option out there. The fact remains that hardwood flooring is not the most expensive either. In fact, because of its long life, beauty and durability, Home Installation Professionals says that hardwood floors actually provide a greater value than nearly any other flooring material.