Category Archives: Home and Family

Home and Family, Professional Profiles

Dave Ramsey supports Nancy Alcorn and Mercy Ministries – Nancy Alcorn and Dave Ramsey both in the business of transforming lives.

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Nancy Alcorn and Dave Ramsey have been friends for a long-time.  They share the love of helping people find freedom from bondage – bondage to money and debt or bondage to life-controlling issues.  Here are some highlights of the partnership between Dave Ramsey and Nancy Alcorn:

As long-time supporters of Mercy Ministries and Nancy Alcorn, Dave and his wife, Sharon, have generously donated their expertise and resources to our residents and graduates. The girls learn how to balance a checkbook, make a budget, save, eliminate debt, find bargains, build wealth and experience the joy of giving.   Nancy Alcorn is committed to building Mercy Ministries homes debt free and Nancy Alcorn also believes that operating debt free is key – a tone that resonates with Dave Ramsey and his teachings. Upon graduation, each resident is blessed with a Financial Peace University Lifetime Membership kit and receives all course materials. Graduates (along with their spouses if they are married) can also attend a FPU class in their area!

In 2009, Nancy Alcorn, Founder and President of Mercy Ministries, considered it a great privilege to be invited by her dear friend, Dave Ramsey, to speak to his nearly 300 staff during their weekly devotional time. Dave and Sharon Ramsey have been long-time supporters of Mercy Ministries and Nancy Alcorn, and Dave has had Nancy Alcorn lead devotions several times for his staff. Dave dedicates time each Wednesday morning for his staff to have an opportunity to begin their day in prayer and Bible study. Nancy Alcorn used this time to encourage his team that they are making a difference by helping people. Nancy Alcorn shared the stories of several Mercy girls and emphasized that each of them had to let go of the past in order to experience lasting change. Nancy Alcorn explained how Mercy Ministries and Dave Ramsey’s Lampo Group are similar because they teach people that their past does not have to determine their future.

Here is what Nancy Alcorn had to say about her time with Dave’s incredible team:

“I count it a great honor to call Dave and Sharon Ramsey my friends, and I was even more proud of them today as I saw the impact they are having on so many people in this country and beyond. Times are tough and Dave’s team continues to extend great wisdom to people about budgeting, planning and living debt free. I loved connecting with the truly wonderful people in this organization.”  – Nancy Alcorn
In October 2010, Dave and Sharon Ramsey hosted Nancy Alcorn and 100 guests of the ministry at their home in Franklin, TN.  Guests were blessed to hear Founder and President of Mercy Ministries, Nancy Alcorn, cast the vision of Mercy and encourage everyone to attend the Merry Mercy benefit coming up in December.  Here’s what Dave Ramsey had to say about his support of Nancy Alcorn and Mercy Ministries:

“Since the business and the ministry that we’re in is that of transforming lives, we want to see a broken and hopeless life completely transformed. There are a few ministries that do that very well and there are none that do it better than Mercy with Nancy Alcorn at the helm. I don’t know how much more of a personal endorsement I could give something, but after meeting Nancy Alcorn, Mercy became the first ministry we’ve ever given to, and it’s one of the few today that we still have on our list of ministries that we give to lavishly.” – Dave Ramsey

In December 2010, Dave and Sharon Ramsey hosted the Merry Mercy event at the Loews Vanderbilt plaza along with Nancy Alcorn and with musical guest Phil Keaggy!  The night was a great fundraiser for Mercy Ministries with both Dave Ramsey and Nancy Alcorn encouraging the crowd to get involved with transforming lives!

Nancy Alcorn and Mercy Ministries would like to thank the Ramsey’s for their overwhelming generosity and huge hearts! Their investment of time, expertise, materials, and financial resources into the graduates and staff of Mercy Ministries as well as Nancy Alcorn herself has literally been life-transforming for all involved! To learn more about Dave Ramsey and Financial Peace University, visit his website at www.daveramsey.com.

To learn more about Nancy Alcorn, visit www.nancyalcorn.com and order a copy of the book, “Echoes of Mercy” by Nancy Alcorn.

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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.

Health and Beauty, Home and Family

Dr. David Snodgrass DDS Addresses Parents About Pediatric Dental X-Rays

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Many people that come to consult with Dr. David Snodgrass DDS at Snodgrass-King Pediatric Dental Associates are visiting for the first time as parents. Dr. David Snodgrass DDS offers valuable information to parents bringing their children for dental visits. New visitors to the Snodgrass-King Pediatric Dental Associates are given a warm welcome and a brief orientation with the facilities.

A child’s first visit to Dr. David Snodgrass DDS and the pediatric dentists at Snodgrass-King typically includes a diagnostic dental exam. At the pediatric dentistry office of Dr. David Snodgrass DDS, an important tool used in a child’s diagnostic dental visit is radiography, or X-rays. Radiographs enable pediatric dentists like Dr. David Snodgrass DDS to visually examine the underlying structure of the teeth and jaws. “Without X-rays,” explains Dr. David Snodgrass DDS, “many dental conditions could not be diagnosed until it was too late.”

Beyond detecting cavities, says Dr. David Snodgrass DDS, X-rays give pediatric dentists an opportunity to view erupting teeth before they break through the gums. X-rays are also indispensable for evaluating injuries, diagnosing bone afflictions, or preparing for orthodontics. The earlier dentists can identify a dental problem, says Dr. David Snodgrass DDS, the sooner it can be treated. Dr. David Snodgrass DDS also points out that early dental treatment for your child is less expensive and more comfortable than delayed treatment for exacerbated conditions.

According to Dr. David Snodgrass DDS, young children with a high risk of tooth decay should have an examination and radiograph at least once per year. Every third year, Dr. David Snodgrass DDS suggests requesting a thorough capture of radiographs. Dr. David Snodgrass DDS explains that a complete radiography session means a panoramic X-ray of the child’s mouth and bitewings.  At the office of Snodgrass-King, Dr. David Snodgrass DDS and the other pediatric dentists use the finest modern safeguards during X-ray procedures. Radiograph technology has improved over the years, notes Dr. David Snodgrass DDS, in safety as well as effectiveness. Statistically speaking, adds Dr. David Snodgrass DDS, any potential harm done by X-rays during examinations is negligible in relation to the harm posed by undetected dental problems like severely impacted wisdom teeth or bone disease.

For more information about the pediatric dental services offered by Snodgrass-King Pediatric Dental Associates, visit them online at http://snodgrassking.com.

About Dr. David Snodgrass DDS

Since 1987, Dr. David Snodgrass DDS has practiced dentistry in the greater Nashville area.  A graduate of the University of Tennessee, he earned his Doctorate of Dental Science in 1984.  In 1986 Dr. David Snodgrass DDS received his pediatric dentistry certificate from Children’s Hospital Medical Center in Cincinnati, Ohio.  In addition to his practice, Dr. David Snodgrass DDS currently serves at Vanderbilt University in the capacity of a part-time professor of pediatric dentistry.

Dr. David Snodgrass DDS, along with co-founder Dr. John T. King, established Snodgrass-King Pediatric Dental Associates.  Dr. David Snodgrass DDS wanted to establish a dental practice that parents could trust and where children would feel safe and welcomed.  Snodgrass-King Pediatric Dental Associates offers a kid-friendly, carnival-like environment with a focus on pediatric dentistry excellence.  Dr. David Snodgrass DDS’ dream has grown from one to multiple offices serving the greater Nashville area, including Spring Hill, Murfreesboro, Hermitage and Franklin/Brentwood.

Dr. David Snodgrass DDS’ expertise can also be found in numerous publications.  The author of articles concerning growth and development, Dr. David Snodgrass DDS has appeared in several orthodontic and pediatric dental journals. Dr. David Snodgrass DDS holds memberships in the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Orthodontic Society, the International Association of Orthodontics and the Tennessee Dental Association.  Dr. David Snodgrass DDS has numerous awards and accolades including the Achievement, Fellowship and Diplomat Awards from the American Orthodontic Society and the International Association of Orthodontics.  Through orthodontic study organizations, Dr. David Snodgrass DDS is a recognized lecturer and mentor in the Southeastern United States.

Outside of his practice, Dr. David Snodgrass DDS believes it important to use his talents and gifts in the service of humanity.  Since 2007, Dr. David Snodgrass DDS has taken service-oriented trips to Haiti.  Following his initial trip, Dr. David Snodgrass DDS would journey to perform the same work in the Dominican Republic.  After working in the Dominican, Dr. David Snodgrass DDS was flown back into Haiti.  In 2010 on his return trip to the area, Dr. David Snodgrass DDS worked in the dental clinic of Danita’s Children Hope for Haiti Center.  The Hope for Haiti Center dental clinic was fully equipped by Snodgrass-King Pediatric Dental Associates.  In that most recent trip, Dr. David Snodgrass DDS witnessed over 300 Haitians receive cleanings, fillings, sealants, and extractions, stainless steel crowns, as well as having routine procedures performed.  In November of 2010, Dr. David Snodgrass DDS and Dr. King led a team of eleven team members from their dental practice back to Haiti and the Dominican Republic.  A brief stop over in Sousa allowed the team to treat over 200 patients, free of charge.

Most recently a group of 15 Haitian orphans visited the United States and middle Tennessee to record a music project.  Those orphans stopped by Dr. David Snodgrass DDS’ offices of Snodgrass-King and were treated for any and all types of dental procedures.

From his belief in a “kid-friendly” environment to his pursuit of pediatric dental expertise, Dr. David Snodgrass DDS believes excellence in pediatric dental care is essential.  And with that belief in excellence Dr. David Snodgrass DDS has a heart to serve and give that same excellence to those who may never have the opportunity to receive such dental care.

Dr. David Snodgrass DDS and his wife Melody reside with their three children in Brentwood, Tennessee.

For more information about Snodgrass-King Pediatric Dental Associates go to http://snodgrassking.com/ or call them at 615-771-1111.

Home and Family

Jonathan Berkowitz Suggests Nature Walk Ideas for Parents

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Jonathan Berkowitz’s affection for the great outdoors informs his work as a licensed clinical social worker. According to Jonathan Berkowitz, time spent outside experiencing nature can be a fulfilling and relaxing activity for the whole family. Jonathan Berkowitz says that parents can use nature walks to relax their own minds while entertaining and educating their children.

Jonathan Berkowitz suggests that parents should select a theme or goal beforehand to occupy the children. Jonathan Berkowitz says that nature walks can stimulate a child’s imagination and enhance his or her learning. At the same time, says Jonathan Berkowitz, family nature walks give parents the opportunity to reflect on their lives and relax in the peace and quiet of the natural world.

Jonathan Berkowitz advises parents to give family nature walks a theme to direct the children’s energy. One such project, says Jonathan Berkowitz, is a plant field guide. Jonathan Berkowitz recommends bringing along a notebook and crayons or colored pencils. Jonathan Berkowitz tells parents to have their children draw any interesting plants they come across. In addition to drawings, says Jonathan Berkowitz, encourage children to collect samples of plants they like. Upon returning home, says Jonathan Berkowitz, parents can help the kids preserve the plant specimens by pressing them between wax paper sheets with an iron on low heat. This is an old craft project, says Jonathan Berkowitz, which can instill fond memories for a lifetime.

Another project involves entomology, says Jonathan Berkowitz, or the study of insects. While many adults do not like insects, acknowledges Jonathan Berkowitz, many children do enjoy the pursuit. For an etymology project, suggests Jonathan Berkowitz, bring along a magnifying glass and some small containers for examining and collecting specimens. If you find your kids are not inclined to catch bugs, adds Jonathan Berkowitz, guide them to make drawings of the insects in their nature walk notebooks. Later, says Jonathan Berkowitz, you can assist them in researching the names of the plants and bugs that they encountered during their outing.

Jonathan Berkowitz says parents may also discover that their children are interested in rocks and minerals. Collecting samples of rocks and minerals, points out Jonathan Berkowitz, can be a lot of fun. Rock collecting is also a good physical pursuit, adds Jonathan Berkowitz, encouraging the kids to search and dig beyond what they can readily see. However, do not allow children to chip at rocks with tools, cautions Jonathan Berkowitz, unless they use protective eye wear to guard against chips.

According to Jonathan Berkowitz, bird watching is another nature walk project that families can enjoy together. Bring along a digital camera, recommends Jonathan Berkowitz, to photograph the birds. Also try spending some time listening to the birds’ songs, suggests Jonathan Berkowitz, and try to point out differences among them. This will encourage kids to hone their powers of observation, concludes Jonathan Berkowitz.


About Jonathan Berkowitz

Jonathan Berkowitz received a Bachelor of Science degree in Psychology from Queens College in Flushing, New York in 1994. Following studies at the Long Island University, Jonathan Berkowitz became a certified school social worker and school Psychologist in 1997. Jonathan Berkowitz earned a Masters of Clinical Social Work from New York University in 1999, and later was recognized as a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW). In 2000, Jonathan Berkowitz was issued a Post Masters certificate in Early Childhood and Adolescence Psychotherapy. Jonathan Berkowitz obtained Post Masters certification in Gestalt Therapy from the Gestalt Association of Psychotherapy in New York City in 2002.

It was while Jonathan Berkowitz was studying at Queens College that he served in the Brooklyn Public Schools as a special Education Instructor from 1993-1994. Jonathan Berkowitz also served as a school Psychologist and Social Worker in Brooklyn with the Board of Education. Additionally, Jonathan Berkowitz did an internship in social work at Maimonides Psychiatric Outpatient in Brooklyn.

During 1999 and 2000 Jonathan Berkowitz worked as an outpatient social worker, MSW, CSW at New Hope Guild in Brooklyn, New York. Jonathan Berkowitz served as Administrative Assistant, MSW, and LMSW at Fordham Tremont Center in Bronx, New York during 2003-2004. Additionally, Jonathan Berkowitz offered his services as Clinical Social Worker, MSW, and CSW to the Jewish Board of Family & Children Services in Brooklyn, New York from 2002 through 2006.

During 2004–2005, Jonathan Berkowitz worked at the Bikur Cholim Department of Clinical Services in Rockland, New York as Administrative Director, MSW, and LMSW. Jonathan Berkowitz currently maintains a private practice in Teaneck, New Jersey focusing on children, adolescents, couples, and families.

To contact Jonathan Berkowitz, call 646-338-5424 or email berkj1517@yahoo.com. For more information about his services visit www.familiesheal.com.

Home and Family

Yochanan Berkowitz Appreciates a Good Hike

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Yochanan Berkowitz is a big fan of the great outdoors. When Yochanan Berkowitz’s work as a licensed clinical social worker allows, he takes time out to commune with nature. First hand contemplation of nature, says Yochanan Berkowitz, is a good way to center one’s thoughts and regain perspective on life’s difficulties. There are many ways to enjoy nature, says Yochanan Berkowitz, ranging from walks in a local park to cross country skiing along a snowy landscape.

For beginners, Yochanan Berkowitz suggests hiking as a pleasant and relaxing exercise. Yochanan Berkowitz adds that hiking is an opportunity to learn more about nature. Be sure to prepare before hiking, cautions Yochanan Berkowitz, by wearing the right footwear and bringing appropriate provisions. Yochanan Berkowitz explains that hiking boots should have good arch and ankle support. Carry water and trail mix on a hike, says Yochanan Berkowitz, to maintain steady hydration and energy levels. Wear comfortable breathable clothes, adds Yochanan Berkowitz, to wick moisture away from the body and prevent chafing.

Yochanan Berkowitz also encourages the gathering of preliminary information about the trail you plan to hike. If the hiking trail is in a state or national park, Yochanan Berkowitz suggests visiting the park office nearest the trailhead for a map. A helpful park official can also give relevant seasonal advice about the terrain, points out Yochanan Berkowitz. Find out what sort of wildlife you are likely to see on the trail, says Yochanan Berkowitz, so you know what to look for. As an individual goes on more hikes, says Yochanan Berkowitz, he or she will become acquainted with endurance thresholds and can begin to surpass them. Hike with a group or partner, suggests Yochanan Berkowitz, to make sure that help will be available if anything unexpected happens on a hike. Additionally, hiking with a group is a great chance to make new friends and have fun, points out Yochanan Berkowitz.

About Yochanan Berkowitz

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.

Home and Family

Chef Ben Vaughn Cites an Interesting Study on Low Fat vs. Low Carb Diets

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During his career, Chef Ben Vaughn has seen the culinary debate swing back and forth between different dieting trends. For a time, says Chef Ben Vaughn, it may seem that low fat diets are best for fitness and weight loss. Then a new rhetoric emerges, notes Chef Ben Vaughn, and low carb diets get touted as the most effective diets for health and weight loss.

It is Chef Ben Vaughn’s strong desire to restore balance to the way people think about eating. In light of this goal, Chef Ben Vaughn reports on a study published in the Annals of Internal Medicine. This journal published a study that compared the efficacy of low carb diets to low fat diets.

The study found, says Chef Ben Vaughn, that neither diet is better than its competitor. Chef Ben Vaughn says the study revealed that neither a low fat diet nor a low carb diet produced lasting healthy weight loss. The two-year study, notes Chef Ben Vaughn, followed the efforts of 307 people diagnosed as obese. These people were divided into two groups based on their diets.

Chef Ben Vaughn reports that both groups experienced comparable average weight loss, about 22 pounds. What’s more, says Chef Ben Vaughn, both groups gained nearly 1/3 of the weight back during the second year. Being restricted to low fat or low carb diets, says Chef Ben Vaughn, also had an effect on the health and morale of the participants.

Side effects of the study, reports Chef Ben Vaughn, included hair loss, bad breath and constipation. Chef Ben Vaughn says that the study was also illustrative of the shortcomings of diets in another way, namely dropout rate. Chef Ben Vaughn notes that over one third of the participants in the study dropped out because the diet was too difficult or unpleasant to stick with.

Home and Family, Real Estate

JS Properties, LLC Offers Residential Property Management Considerations

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In addition to residential and commercial real estate sales, JS Properties, LLC, owned and operated by Joyce Smotherman, offers management and marketing services to property owners that choose to lease their properties. For residential owners, whether it is a single family home, apartment complex, duplex, townhome or condo, JS Properties, LLC offers a management agreement that is custom built to fit the needs of the client. Owners that choose to entrust their investments to JS Properties, LLC can be assured that they will receive reliable, professional service from an experienced company for a nominal fee.

One type of agreement offered by JS Properties, LLC is complete management of the property. This includes marketing, which entails running newspaper as well as on-line ads and putting up signs, showing the unit, screening potential tenants through a rigorous application process, entering into a lease agreement with the approved applicant, doing routine inspections and overseeing any day to day maintenance issues. JS Properties, LLC also helps the owner with decisions such as monthly rental amounts, upkeep and other necessary details of property ownership. In the event of an irresponsible or unpredictable tenant, JS Properties, LLC handles all correspondence with the renter as well as any legal action deemed necessary.

Another form of management available is one in which JS Properties, LLC inspects the unit, handles the marketing and showing, screens the potential renter, goes through the leasing process and then turns the property back over to the owner for management purposes. According to JS Properties, LLC, this is a good option for those that like a more hands on approach and prefer to handle the day to day responsibilities of leasing, but who may not have the time or resources needed for the screening process, are uncomfortable with the legal intricacies involved with the lease itself or are unfamiliar with the application process in general.

Whichever method is preferred, JS Properties, LLC, has the experience, knowledge and professionalism to ensure a successful and profitable business relationship. Ideally, the owner, landlord and tenant work together to make the leasing process satisfying and beneficial for everyone.

Home and Family

Tips from SMART Carpet | Prevention in Carpet Care

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The best carpet care recommendation is prevention: keep your carpets as clean as possible in the first place. This purely practical approach may give an inkling as to the reason for his company’s success. SMART Carpet has installed some sixty-five million square feet of both residential and commercial flooring in more than 100,000 homes and businesses across New Jersey, Staten Island and eastern Pennsylvania.

Practical measures like doormats at all entryways, both outside the entrance and inside, are the first line of defense in keeping carpets pristine. Most SMART Carpet customers admit they forget to clean the walk-off mats themselves, as they become soiled. Unfortunately, the experts at SMART Carpet know that if these mats are not cleaned regularly, they become sources of dirt from which soil is tracked inside and onto the carpeting

When the pile on carpets wears down, dirt can get ground in more easily and the overall look of the carpet is affected. A SMART Carpet tip on how to extend the life of carpet is to use good padding during the installation. SMART Carpet includes premium quality padding with every carpet installation FREE!

SMART Carpet professionals remind their customers to be aware of how easily heavy furniture can damage carpeting. Good prevention, say SMART Carpet installation experts, includes using carpet protection pads, such as those seen in offices under desk chairs. Another form of carpet protection, continues the sales teams at SMART Carpet, is the coaster, which help with weight distribution. Coasters also avoid direct contact between the legs of tables or bed frames and carpet pile, which explains SMART Carpet staff, keeps the pile from being irreversibly crushed.

Additionally, points out SMART Carpet staff, direct exposure to sunlight can fade some carpets. Most often people think of curtains and furniture, but carpets should be protected too, according to SMART Carpet best practices. By simply drawing the blinds during the hours that a room tends to receive the most direct sun, SMART Carpet experts say that it is possible to prolong the life (and look) of carpet.

If something is spilled on the carpet, even one that is stain resistant and treated, SMART Carpet professionals encourage customers to clean it immediately and thoroughly.

Home and Family

Homes by Vanderbuilt Implements Technology to Create Energy Efficient Modular Residences | Homes by Vanderbuilt

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Homes by Vanderbuilt is a home building company that specializes in modular home construction. Homes by Vanderbuilt modular home construction, explains the staff at Homes by Vanderbuilt, is when a home is erected in an off-site facility. The Homes by Vanderbuilt home is then transported to the homeowner’s lot and installed on the foundations. Homes by Vanderbuilt notes that modular homes are technically capable of being relocated, but most Homes by Vanderbuilt modular homes are never moved after their initial installation.

Modular construction, according to Homes of Vanderbuilt, offers several advantages. A Homes by Vanderbuilt modular construction can be significantly less expensive than a site built home. Homes by Vanderbuilt uses the latest construction technology to create energy efficient homes that save on labor costs. Additionally, Homes by Vanderbuilt acquires building materials in large quantities, keeping material costs down all the while.

At Homes by Vanderbuilt, time is of the essence. A Homes by Vanderbuilt house usually takes many months fewer to complete and move into than a typical site built home. Since Homes by Vanderbuilt uses a dedicated construction facility, Homes by Vanderbuilt modular construction is not prone to the same delays of weather and shortages of materials or labor. A Homes by Vanderbuilt home is typically constructed within 60 to 90 days. Of course, Homes by Vanderbuilt reminds homeowners that the processes of purchase, financing, and acquiring permits may take longer than the actual construction time.

The Newsomes, a family in Stantonburg, NC, recently had this to say about Homes by Vanderbuilt services: “The work performed was outstanding. I did not believe it could be performed in the short time frame that the guys had to work. Which proves they know what they are doing. Hats off to Homes by Vanderbuilt!” Such endorsements are the foundation of success for Homes by Vanderbuilt.

A modular home, says Homes by Vanderbuilt, also gives unprecedented control over the home building process. All Homes by Vanderbuilt residences are built indoors, protected from the elements during construction. Homes by Vanderbuilt building inspectors and project supervisors constantly work to ensure every Homes by Vanderbuilt home is the apex of building quality. Also, since Homes by Vanderbuilt houses are built to order, homebuyers can add custom features to their home, like a deck, extra room, or railed porch.

Homes by Vanderbuilt offers one of the largest on-site showrooms in the Southeast with over 30 Homes by Vanderbuilt models available for inspection. Homes by Vanderbuilt also offers the opportunity to browse through catalogs that review another 120 Homes by Vanderbuilt modular home plans. The combination of a growing baby boomer retirement demographic, challenging economic changes and increasing utility bills deliver visitors to the Homes by Vanderbuilt Sanford site nearly every day. Homes By Vanderbuilt offers a solution for every budget and need.

Home and Family

Chef Ben Vaughn Teaches About Curries and the Magic Ingredient

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Chef Ben Vaughn has been making diners full and happy for years. Often, Chef Ben Vaughn gets questions from food lovers about how to work kitchen magic at home. Here are several of Chef Ben Vaughn‘s suggestions on the perfect curry, the magic ingredient, and how to correct over-salting.

Many home chefs, notes Chef Ben Vaughn, ask about curries and casseroles. They are sometimes too chewy and it is hard for the home cook to tell when the curry is done. Chef Ben Vaughn explains that it’s important to watch the fat. All meat dishes have a fat or oil content that is released when the meat is cooked. Keep an eye on your curry, says Chef Ben Vaughn. When the oil rises to the top, your dish is done.

Chef Ben Vaughn’s readers also ask about a magic curry ingredient. It seems that, even following all the instructions perfectly, the meal often comes out missing something. Chef Ben Vaughn suggests that when the flavor of your curry or casserole is missing something that you can’t quite put a finger on, it may be sugar. Chef Ben Vaughn says to add a tiny amount of sugar to your stewed dish. You will be surprised by how much harmony this little secret adds to your dish. A tiny touch of sugar often helps the flavors all get along.

When bustling around the kitchen, we have all at one time or another made the mistake of adding too much salt to a pot. It’s a tense moment, remarks Chef Ben Vaughn, when the salt escapes into the pot and you wonder if it is ruined. Chef Ben Vaughn warns against adding sugar to correct over salting. The best way to counteract over salting, Chef Ben Vaughn informs, is to add a touch of lemon juice. Just a squeeze ought to do the trick.

Look for more kitchen wisdom from Chef Ben Vaughn.

Home and Family

Mastercraft Exteriors Understands the Beauty of Green Industry

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Mastercraft Exteriors is a nationwide leader in roofing, gutters, and siding. Furthermore, they are progressive conservationists, helping to lead the business of home exteriors into the green revolution.

White Bear Lake, MN, November 04, 2009 — The specialists at Mastercraft Exteriors long ago realized that home exterior restoration produces tons of waste like discarded shingles, siding, and gutters. Troubled by the accumulation of this waste, Mastercraft Exteriors decided to do something about it.

Through inquiry and research, Mastercraft Exteriors discovered that they could greatly increase the life of an unused shingle by recycling it into the nation’s roadways. Old shingles could be ground and pulverized into an asphalt layer capable of patching potholes and cushioning new stretches of highway.

The recycled shingles, spread under a layer of gravel or paving stone made roadways more durable and water permeable. These old shingles lived on under the roadways, making the roads themselves resistant to water damage from freezing and thawing cycles. Mastercraft Exteriors realized that this was a far better fate for old shingles, rather than just dumping them into landfills to clog our ecosystem.

Mastercraft Exteriors is a member of several organizations that promote quality workmanship and business integrity. This includes the recognition of organizations like the National Roofing Contractors Association, Angie’s List, and the Better Business Bureau.

Contact:
Mastercraft Exteriors
2340 Country Road J
White Bear Lake, MN 55110
877-ROOFS-02 (Toll Free)
763-315-0040
www.mastercraftexteriors.com