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4/10/2018 1 Comment

Interior Color Trends 2018

Kaysha Sparling Design 
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Bold colors for your life-styled
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Spring is here and so many of us want to refresh on everything from our wardrobes to home interiors!  Kaysha Sparling Design is here to tell you that making small changes to the interiors of your home can be simple and affordable if you follow a few easy steps and find shades you love in the new color trends for 2018.  Have color confidence this year, and make a statement that reflects your personality!  With new Blues, Greens, Reds, and Pinks, you’re sure to find hues that will satisfy your life-styled. 

From the Benjamin Moore Color and Design Team, the 2018 Color of the Year is Caliente AF-290 - strong and radiant!  Not only does this mean the energetic color of Cliente is perfect for accent doors, entries, and lacquer walls, but all color shades are complete perfection within this color palette!  Our design company has even started incorporating shades of Pleasant Pink with shade of navy and blue!  It’s all about starting with what you have and mixing these new colors in.  That is the best way to update and refresh your interiors.  

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We are loving these Stone Color Selections from the 2018 list from Benjamin Moore!  Kaysha Sparling Design has used Moonshine on several recent residential design projects and it makes for a gorgeous backdrop for Kelly Green, Red, Grey, and Blue accents.  It is a favorite for dining room walls.
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As for patterns this year, Geometrics are all the rage.  You can use geometric wallpapers in powder baths or accent walls, geometric throw pillows, or start as simple as geometric accent dishes.  Introducing geometric prints is also a great way to bring in color.
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Rugs!  I think rugs are a must in 2018; in all the seasons of 2018!  Rugs bring in color and style, they “ground” a room and they offer comfort.  There are so many options when it comes to rugs for your rooms.  Popular right now are the distressed rugs/hallway runners and the Persian styled rugs.  You can find them anywhere and everywhere at all price points for your budget.  Depending on the type of rug you choose, you can achieve that vintage look or that abstract, distressed look.  Both look spectacular with soft contemporary and updated traditional interior styles.  Below are a few of my favorites!

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Color trend, Pink!  Pink is in the color family of the color of the year, Caliente!  The color Pink can be used as and accent in a room or as the focal point of a room!  Interior Designers are embracing this color for interiors!  There are going to be some of you that will use this color hue!  Go for it!  Its fresh and its fun!  Shades of pink go great of the back of shelves in studies, on the walls in guest rooms and formal rooms in accent pieces and beyond!
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Benjamin Moore "Careless Whispers" color


​Next 4 images Interior Design by Kaysha Sparling Design:

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Kaysha Sparling Design is a boutique design company based in Frisco, Texas.  We have specialized in high end residential and small commercial projects in Frisco and around the DFW area for the past 10 years.  Designing for my clients’ lifestyle is my passion.  Bringing color, accents and style elements to their homes is what I love about my job.  What I love most about my job is working close with my clients and developing meaningful friendships! 

Call Kaysha Sparling Design for your next design quote at (214) 430-8550 or email at kayshacluck4@gmail.com.  There is no job too big or too small to look at and quote.  You can look at more of the company’s work on Instagram at Kaysha Sparling Design, or request specific images via email!  

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Author

Kaysha is good friends with middle sister, Monica. They both went to Texas Tech together (years ago) 😉 and both currently live in North Dallas.  Kaysha is crazy talented and currently taking a few new clients.

1 Comment

12/5/2017 0 Comments

DIY "Classy" Christmas Card Holder

By Monica
Christmas is just around the corner and the cards are starting to arrive.  Now you need a beautiful (yet, inexpensive) way to display them!  Lucky for you, I know just the thing...
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A few years ago, I was looking for a creative and elegant way to display all my cards from friends and family.  I found some beautiful display frames in some high-end furniture stores but they were asking almost $250 for a silly frame!  I looked it over carefully and decided I could make one myself for a lot cheaper, and even better… I could make it exactly the way I wanted it to look.  Since then, I have made another dozen as gifts for many of my friends and family have begged for one!  With encouragement from my sisters, I decided to share my step by step process.  

Below, you will find a list of supplies, tools needed, and step by step instructions.  
If I can do it, so can you!!


Supplies:
  • 2 planks of wood (I used: 1” x 4” x 8’ Common Board) - $6.22/ea
  • 4- large screws (I used: 12x3in with a flat top)
  • 4-Flat L shape brackets with small screws
  • 1-picture hanging kit (or picture wire and small screw eye rings)
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Tools:
  • Mitre Box-to cut the corners (If you do not have one, you can get a cheap one for <$15 at a home improvement store or Amazon) 
  • Measuring tape
  • Drill
  • Hammer
  • Fine sandpaper
Let's Get Started!

1.  Decide where you want to hang or place your Christmas card holder.  Since you are making it custom you can make it fit any space you want.  (I made mine 28” x 42” and I think it is perfect)
2.  Using your Mitre Box, cut your corners at 45 degree angles.  
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3.  Using your sandpaper, sand off any splintered edges or bumps so the corners line up perfectly.
4.  Now this is the fun part…..Place all 4 pieces of wood on an old blanket or beach towel and hammer away.  This gives your frame a rustic old world look.  (If you are going for a clean line look, skip this step)
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5.  Lay out your wood to make the frame.  On the back of the frame attach your L brackets.  
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6.  I felt as if this was not sturdy enough, so I decided to sink 4 large screws in each corner of the frame to add extra support. 
  • Drill a pilot hole the length of the screw
  • Then, using a drill bit larger than head of the screw, drill a small hole so your screw “sinks” below the surface​
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7.  Stain or paint your wood any color you want.  (I have been using a dark stain, but I cant wait to make a rustic white one.)  
8.  Allow plenty of time for stain to dry.
9.  Install the picture wire and small screw eye rings.  (see picture) I spaced mine every 5 inches.
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Congrats!  You are finished!


You can lean the frame against any mantel or wall or hang it anywhere.  I have mine hanging in the kitchen.  During Christmas it displays my Christmas cards.  During the other months of the year, it displays my kids’ special artwork, pictures, or birthday cards.  It would make an excellent gift for a college student too.  Enjoy and feel free to share with your friends!!  
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The finished product... just attach the cards with clothes pins!
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How it looks the rest of the year... controlled chaos!
0 Comments

9/6/2017 1 Comment

Preparing for a Flood or Hurricane

By Katie
This hurricane season was projected to be a busy one by the NOAA guys back in June, and boy were they right.  The Texas coast was hammered by Hurricane Harvey, and now Irma is trying to prove herself as she approaches Florida and the Atlantic Coast.  I hope none of you have to use this, but here are some tips from past experience and lessons from Harvey on preparing for a flood or hurricane.
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Image: Satellite photo of Hurricane Irma by NOAA 
Preparing for a Flood
  • Remember, the most important thing is life.  Things can be replaced you can’t.  Don’t do something stupid to save a thing. 
  • Evacuate if recommended & you can do so safely.  Take your irreplaceable items with you or put them in a safer location if you cannot (upstairs/on a bed/etc).  
  • Don’t forget to take your pets.  IF you can’t - DO NOT leave them tethered or chained to drown.  Give them the ability to save themselves.
  • If you don't plan to evacuate, get supplies early.  Consider stocking up on water at the beginning of hurricane season if you're near the coast.  
    • ​Remember:  You want to stock up on stuff with a long shelf life and that doesn't need refrigeration.  I personally don't understand the mad dash for milk and bread for that reason.  Also, don't forget about toilet paper!
      • Suggestions: ​Canned goods (make sure you have a manual can opener), peanut butter, crackers, protein bars, soy curls, freeze-dried fruit, and you're choice of caffeine!
    • You can also fill pots and bathtubs with water from your tap to use if needed.
  • Let someone know your plan.
  • Put an axe in the attic.  If you end up there due to rising waters, you will need it to get to the roof to be visible to rescuers.
  • Keep your phone charged & a charger with you.  This is your best lifeline if it is available.
  • Get what you can off the floor.  
  • If you have important papers in a low drawer, move them now.
  • Put furniture legs in bowls, on paint cans, or on bricks to buy a few inches.
  • If you have a shop vac, bring it inside.  You can suck up water with it and you won’t have to open the door to get it out of the garage.
  • When moving electronics don’t forget to elevate the power cord.


If you find yourself in rising water
  • According to FEMA: 
    • Six inches of water reaches the bottom of most passenger cars - Causing loss of control & stalling 
    • 1 foot of water will float many vehicles!
    • 2 feet of rushing water will CARRY AWAY most vehicles, including SUVs & pickups
  • DO NOT DRIVE IN HIGH WATER!  Most deaths during these storms are car drownings.
  • Do not try to walk through rushing water.  If knee high water can carry away a vehicle, it certainly can sweep you away.  Not to mention, there can be snakes, alligators, and floating balls of hell (aka fire ant rafts).  ​
Fire Ant Rafts/Floatillas
  • Go UP!  Get on a counter.  Get upstairs.  Get on your roof.  Do NOT go to your attic unless you have an axe and can use it.  You cannot be rescued if you can’t be seen.
  • Call the numbers provided for rescue.  If you don’t know any or it is truly a life threatening emergency, call 911.  If it keeps ringing, do not hang up - you will lose your place in line.  
  • If you know of neighbors who might need assistance (elderly, disabled, etc), let someone know.  
  • When you get to high ground, do not return to your home until you are cleared to go back.  There can be dangerous debris, downed power lines, etc. 
  • Reserve a storage unit.  You will likely need one and they will go quick. 
  • If you know your car will be submerged, you will need to get a rental ASAP.  They will go fast.
  • When it’s all over…. click here for tips on what to do next.
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1 Comment

9/1/2017 1 Comment

Reuniting Pets of Hurricane Harvey - Shelters, Lost and Found Pages, and Other Resources

By Katie
Lost dog being rescued during Hurricane.
Photo credit: Jess Hernandez
Otis the dog carrying food during Hurricane Harvey.
Photo Credit: Tiele Dockens
***UPDATED***
There was a website created to help reunite the lost pets from both Hurricane Harvey in Texas and Hurricane Irma in Florida.  It has great resources and is much more comprehensive than mine.  Feel free to go there if you need help finding your pet!  Good luck!

Find My Lost Pet


Watching all of this unfold in the place where I grew up is so overwhelming.  My family has been fortunate and, like all of you, I just want to help in some way.  My pets have always been a huge part of my life and losing them is like losing a family member.  Having our dogs with us when we went through disasters was a tremendous comfort in a very terrible time.  

There are so many people who were separated from their pets during this disaster and there are numerous places where the lost and found information is posted (It's a shame they can't all be merged!).  So, I am pulling together information on all the lost and found pages, and the shelters in the areas of Texas affected with their website and Facebook pages so those who need it have an easy way to look for their furry companions.  I started with the Houston area and will update this page as I collect more.  

Most shelters are posting their intakes on their Facebook pages.  People who are finding stray dogs and cats are also posting on these pages, so make sure you check the visitor posts in the right column of their FB page.  I am also including donation links from their pages and the Amazon Wish Lists I could find for each shelter, as many of them were damaged in the storms, or are completely overwhelmed with the sheer number of intakes.  You can order goods from the Amazon Wish Lists and have them shipped directly to the facility.

***Please keep in mind that I gathered all of this info myself and I believe it to be correct, however, I am human and can make errors.***


3 dogs posing.
My 4-legged family members.

General Lost and Found Sites, Facebook Pages, and Facebook Groups:  
  • BestFriends.org -  list your lost or found pet to help reunite those separated during the storm. 
    • ​They also have boots on the ground in Beaumont.  More info below.
  • Coastal Bend Lost and Found Pets - Facebook Page​
  • Lost and Found Animals of Hurricane Harvey - Facebook Page
  • Hurricane Harvey Lost Pets - Facebook Page ​
  • Hurricane Harvey Info For Missing Pets - Facebook Group
  • Pet Harbor - Hurricane Harvey
  • Lost Dogs of Texas 
  • ​Hurricane Pets Rescue has a lot of additional links as well as a Facebook Page and Facebook Group

Austin Pets Alive! has been helping relieve the shelters by taking some of the animals found after the storm.  They have transports in place when they are able to reunite.  I am including all of their info as well.

Austin Pets Alive!
Website
Facebook Page
Donations
Amazon Wish List

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Houston (*Surrounding communities listed below in alphabetical order*)
  • Hurricane Harvey Houston Area Lost and Found Pets - Facebook Page​
  • Greater Houston Lost and Found  - Facebook Page
  • Houston Hurricane Harvey Pets - Facebook Page
  • Houston Lost and Found Pets - Facebook Page
  • Lost and Found Pets of Houston - Facebook Group
  • Lost and Found Pets of Houston/Harris County - Facebook Group
  • Lost and Found Pets of Hurricane Harvey - Facebook Page
  • Lost and Found Pets of Houston, TX - Facebook Page​
  • Harris County Lost and Found - Facebook Group

***NRG Arena Downtown is serving as a makeshift shelter for Best Friends Animal Society, Austin Pets Alive, Houston Pets Alive and the Houston Pet Set!***

Address:  1 NRG Parkway 
Hours:  10am-7pm daily
Link: 
Descriptions of animals
Houston SPCA
​Website
Facebook page
Donations
Amazon Wish List 

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Harris County Animal Shelter
Website
​Facebook page 
Volunteer FB page

Donations
Amazon Wish List


Special Pals
Website
Facebook Page
Donations 
Giving Grid
Amazon Wish List



K-9 Angels rescue
Website
Facebook Page
Donations
Amazon Wish List


Houston Humane Society
Website
Facebook Page
Donations
Amazon Wish List
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Citizens for Animal Protection
Website​
Facebook page
Donations
Amazon Wish List



South Houston Animal Shelter
Facebook Page 


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City of West University Place Animal Shelter
Website
Facebook Page 
(does not appear to be up to date)

Save a Purrfect Cat rescue
Website 
Facebook Page 
Donations 



Houston Pets Alive
Website
Facebook Page
Donations
Amazon Wish List



BARC
Website
Facebook Page
Donations 
Amazon Wish List



Friends For Life
Website
Facebook Page
Donations
Amazon Wish List

 

Rescued Pets Movement
Website
Facebook Page
Donations
Amazon Wish List

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Baytown

Baytown Animal Services and Adoption
Website 
Facebook Page 
Amazon Wish List 


Beaumont
  • Lost and Found Pets of Southeast Texas - Facebook page
  • Shelter and Stray Pets of Southeast Texas - Facebook Page
  • Ford Park - Many animals are being held at the arena.  Go there physically and look for your pet.
Humane Society of Southeast Texas
Website 
Facebook Page
Donations  

Best Friends Animal Society
Website
Facebook Page 
Amazon Wish List 
***Not a local shelter but in Beaumont to save animals there.***
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City of Beaumont Animal Shelter
Website
Facebook Page
Donations 
PAWS Beaumont
Facebook Page
Donations


Conroe
Montgomery County Animal Shelter - Conroe
Website 
Facebook Page 
Donations 
Amazon Wish List 
Forgotten Dogs of the 5th Ward - Conroe
Website 
Facebook Page 
Donations 
Amazon Wish List 


Deer Park
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New Dawn Animal Rescue
Website 
Facebook Page 
Donations  

Dickenson

Bayou Animal Services 
Website 
Facebook Page 
Donations 
Amazon Wish List  


Galveston
  • Lost Pets of Galveston Island - Facebook Group
  • Lost Pet Advocates of Galveston Island - Facebook Group
  • Lost Pets of Galveston County - Facebook Group

Galveston Island Humane Society
Website 
Facebook Page 
Donations ​
Amazon Wish List 
Galveston County Animal Resource Center
Website 
Facebook Page 
Kingwood

Twyla’s Friends - Kingwood
Website 
Facebook Page 
Donations 

Amazon Wish List 

La Marque
  • Lost and Found Pets of La Marque - Facebook Group

La Porte
​

La Porte Animal Shelter
Facebook Page 
Amazon Wish List 
League City
​

League City Animal Control/League City Pets Alive
Official Website ​
"Friends of" Website   
Facebook Page 
Lost and Found Facebook Page
 
"Friends of" Facebook Page
Donations  
Amazon Wish List  

​
Livingston

SPCA of Polk County - Livingston
Website 
Facebook Page 
Donations 


Lumberton
​

Village Creek Kennels and Grooming
Facebook Page
Mont Belvieu

City of Mont Belvieu Animal Shelter
Website 
Facebook Page 
​

Nederland

Nederland Animal Shelter
Website 
Facebook Page 
Pasadena

Pasadena Animal Shelter and Animal Control
Website ​
Facebook Page 
Donations 
Amazon Wish List 
Pearland

Pearland Animal Control and Adoption Center
Website 
Facebook Page  
Donations  


Port Arthur
  • Lost and Found Pets of Southeast Texas - Facebook page
  • Shelter and Stray Pets of Southeast Texas - Facebook Page
  • Ford Park - Many animals are being held at the arena.  Go there physically and look for your pet.

​Port Arthur Animal Control
"Friends of" Facebook Page
San Leon


Bay Area Pet Adoptions 
Website 
Facebook Page 
Donations 
Wish list: Listed on website


Sugar Land/Stafford
Animal Rescue Kingdom (A.R.K.)- Sugar Land
Website
Facebook Page
Donations


Sugar Land Animal Services (Petopia)
Website 

Facebook Page 
Annie’s Angels Texas Rescue - Stafford
Website 
Facebook Page 
Donations 
Tomball

​
AAR - Abandoned Animal Rescue - Tomball
Website 
Facebook Page 
Donations 
Amazon Wish List:  Dog and Cat  
1 Comment

8/29/2017 0 Comments

Tips to Help Those Affected by Disaster

By Katie, Julie, and Monica
This is a list of tips from some folks who have managed emergencies in the past.  For now, this has information specific to #HurricaneHarvey but generally can be applied to any disaster.  #BeSomeone #HoustonStrong
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1.  People will need help for many months but most help will only be around right at first and then disappear.   Continue to be available in a month and 6 months later!

2.  Do not just show up at a shelter or a non-profit and expect someone who is managing a crisis to find something for you to do.  Many of these foundations will have instructions or applications on their websites for volunteering.  See an example here: Red Cross  

3.  Donate to local organizations that are working hard to help their neighbors.  The giant organizations such as Red Cross and United Way will get many donations nationally but will not be around for the long haul.  
  • Want to help Hurricane Harvey victims in Houston?  Consider donating to JJ Watt’s fundraiser.  He has said publicly that every penny will be used to deliver goods directly to the people.

Recovery efforts from Hurricane Harvey will be massive.
We must come together to help rebuild our communities.https://t.co/SR6DmnNbyM pic.twitter.com/iiMsG2i4dl

— JJ Watt (@JJWatt) August 27, 2017
4.  Donate money.  Money can be used to buy exactly what is needed by organizations to help their neighbors.  

5.  If you want to donate items, many organizations will make a wish list.  They don’t need to wade through mountains of unwashed, used clothes and old stuffed animals.  They are required to wash used items before distributing, and it is almost impossible to do when there is such a massive need, so donate NEW items (at least initially).  Some organizations will make an Amazon Wish List, where items can be sent directly to them, which makes it easy for everyone!  There are many items needed immediately in shelters, such as:
  • pillows
  • blankets
  • large towels
  • socks
  • underwear
  • small flashlight
  • cleaning supplies
  • toiletries
  • masks
  • gloves
  • bleach
  • diapers

6.  Nursing homes have needs as well
  • socks
  • skin lotion, combs, brush
  • adult diapers
  • pillows
  • house slippers
  • sweaters
  • lap blankets
  • word puzzle books and pencils
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7.  People managing these situations know what they’re doing.  Learn their system and try to be helpful.  Don’t do your own thing that someone else may have to fix.

8.  Don’t take pictures of yourself volunteering for your social media account.  It’s not about you and you need to honor the privacy and dignity of others experiencing one of the worst moments of their lives.

9.   Donate Blood!  There is always a need, but especially in disasters.

10. The animal shelters will be overflowing after this.  Volunteer to foster an animal or help at the local animal shelter.  Consider donating as well!  I have listed all the shelters in the area affected by Hurricane Harvey and included links for wish lists, donation portals, and websites/FB pages.  Click here to check it out.

11. Consider donating straight to a cause you support.  There will be people from all walks of life with homes and businesses that will require tons of work and support to rebuild.  Do you love a particular sport?  Find a team to sponsor.  Have a fireman in the family?  There will be many Volunteer Fire Departments who will be wiped out.  Love animals?  Help the local shelter (see #10)!  The schools will need help recovering, too!

12. This is a great learning opportunity for kids.  Helping others is an important life lesson, so get them involved!

***More resources on how to get and offer help specifically in Houston can be found atTexas Tribune.
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A BIG thank you to Traci Maxwell of Wimberley, TX, Rebecca Howard of Sedalia, CO, and JJ Watt for being a fantastic role model and supporting your city.
0 Comments

8/28/2017 0 Comments

So You're a Flood Victim... Now what??

By Katie, Julie, and Monica
My family and I have been through several floods and hurricanes over the years.  I can share more on that later, but given the recent events with #HurricaneHarvey, I want to help you navigate through what will be a very difficult time in the coming weeks.  Here are the things I wish I had known when we went through it the first time.  I pulled this together from my own experience, other family and friends who have been through it, and multiple resources.    #HoustonStrong

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Safety First - Don’t go back to the site of the disaster unless you are cleared to do so.  If there are barricades, it is likely for your safety.  Don’t put the safety of emergency personnel in jeopardy because you are being impatient or are curious.  

If it is an emergency, talk to the officials to get help.

First Calls to Make:
  1. Storage Facility - you will probably need one if your house was damaged and they will fill up fast.
  2. Rental Car - you will need one if your car was damaged.  
  3. Insurance Agent (homeowners, renters, car) - hopefully you had flood insurance but if not, still check with your agent to see what is covered.  ***There is a new Texas law going into effect making it harder for homeowners to hold insurance companies accountable when they take months or years to pay for a claim, underpay, or wrongfully deny legitimate claims.
  4. disasterrelief.gov OR 1-800-621-FEMA. Register for official help & documentation.

Be VERY wary about Flood Renovation companies.  Ask a lot of questions, verify references, get everything in writing, and make sure you know what you're committing to.  Some are legit but some are scams preying on desperate folks like you who have lost everything.

Contact Local Organizations to see what resources might be available to you. 
Houston Hurricane Harvey flood victims:  click here

Insurance Claims - again, claim before Friday!
  1. Call your insurance agent or submit a claim online. If your insurance covers the damage, your agent will tell you when an adjuster will contact you. 
  2. Take photos or video before and as you clean.
  3. Inventory items by room.  This can be started when you’re waiting to return to your home even before damage is assessed if you are anticipating it.
  4. You’ll need complete records for insurance claims, applications for disaster assistance and income tax deductions.​
  5. You do NOT have to take the initial offer from the insurance adjuster.  I have heard of initial offers of $600 that were able to be negotiated up to $36,000.  You shouldn't have to do this but it has been known to happen.  Don't let anyone take advantage of you and fight for what you deserve.


A little information about flood insurance from FEMA and Bankrate.
  1. Standard homeowners policies DO NOT cover flood damage.
  2. Anyone can get flood insurance but if you live in a flood plain, your homeowners insurance may require it.  As with any policy, price will depend on risk.  It is usually not super expensive.
  3. Federal flood insurance policies will cover up to $250,000 for structural damage.  For personal possessions, the cap is $100,000.  You can get private coverage for excess if needed.
  4. There is a difference between "storm damage" and "flood damage."  If your roof blows off and your house gets rained on, that is storm damage.


Clean up (General, Car, Property, Clothes, Leather)

General
  • If in doubt or encounter a dangerous situation, just wait for help from people who are trained.
 
  • Take precautions for your own health and safety.  Flood waters are full of contaminants, including bugs, animals, fecal matter, chemicals, etc.
    • Consider wearing:
      • Boots
      • Gloves
      • Masks
      • Protective eye wear
 
  • Be careful when removing debris - there could be people or animals trapped.
 
  • Don’t burn anything unless approved by your city.
 
  • If you find items that are not yours and in good condition, post on social media.  There are often Facebook pages created for the survivors.
 
  • If you find a stray animal and can house it or get it to a shelter, there are usually lost and found pages for them as well.  Be careful!  Even the nicest animals can bite when stressed.  If you cannot approach safely, call animal control.

  • If you had significant damage, you will need alternative living arrangements for weeks, if not months.
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  • The recovery process can be a long one.  Take a breath, make a list, and tackle one thing at a time. 

Car (From State Farm Vehicle Flood Damage Checklist)
  1. Survey potential damage. Note the depth of the floodwaters in relation to your car. Don't try to start your car — this will cause more damage if there is water in the engine.
  2. Act quickly. Submersion in salt water — which is more damaging than fresh water — makes the chances of corrosion much higher. Start drying out your vehicle as quickly as possible, and contact a towing service to get it back to higher ground. Oil, transmission fluid and lube may need draining before a tow.
  3. Look under the hood. This is where you'll find clues as to how extensive the flood damage may be. Unless you're an auto expert, you may want to partner with a mechanic for the following tasks: 
    1. Check the oil dipstick. Look for water droplets, which likely indicate that there is water in your engine. If that's the case, the cylinders, which are supposed to compress air instead of water, will be broken.
    2.  Remove water-damaged cylinders and check for corroded spots.
    3. Change the oil and transmission fluid. You'll want to do this again after the car is drivable and you've gone several hundred miles.
  4.  Clean the interior. If floodwaters were more than a few feet deep, water probably made it to the inside of your car. Here's what to do next:
    • Seats and carpet. Remove seats and seat cushions if possible, and use fans and dehumidifiers to accelerate the drying process.
    • Check electrical components. Extensive flood damage could require a trip to the mechanic to get it replaced.
  5. Check the fuel tank and line. Use a store-bought siphon pump to remove some fuel. If you note any water (which would naturally separate from the fuel), you'll want to empty the tank completely.
Once you know the extent of your car's flood damage, you'll need to weigh repair costs against the cost of replacing your car.

Property (from floodsafety.com - more details can be found there)
  1. Remove items that were not damaged.
  2. Shovel out mud
  3. Spray off hard surfaces with hose.
  4. Scrub surfaces with hot water and a heavy-duty cleaner. 
  5. Disinfect with a solution of 1/4 cup chlorine bleach per gallon of water or a product that is labeled as a disinfectant to kill germs.
  6. Use box fans to circulate air throughout the house.
  7. Take rugs and other cloth items outside to dry ASAP
  8. Solid wood furniture can usually be restored unless damage is severe
  9. Veneers or particle board furniture usually cannot be salvaged.
  10. Immerse glass, porcelain, china, and enamelware for 10 minutes in a disinfecting solution of 2 tbsp chlorine bleach per gallon hot water.  Air dry.
  11. Disinfect silverware, metal utensils, pots, and pans by boiling water for 10 minutes.  Do not use bleach.
  12. Disinfect cupboards before storing cleaned dishes.
  13. Sheetrock will have to be removed, at lease to level of floodwater if not entirely.
  14. Electrical systems must be shut off and repaired/inspected by electrician before turning back on.  Wiring needs to be dried.  Outlets, switches, etc may be filled with mud and will need to be cleaned.
  15. Inspect and clean heating/AC units.
  16. Electronics and appliances need to be serviced and cleaned to prevent injury from using.
  17. Floors:
    1. Remove floor coverings (vinyl, linoleum, carpet) so subflooring can dry thoroughly, which can take several months.  Open windows and doors to expose to air.
    2. Padding should be replaced.
    3. Carpets can be cleaned but if contaminated with sewage or soaked for >24 hours, will need replacing.
    4. Wood floors should be dried gradually.  Sudden drying could cause cracking or splitting.  More details on site above.
  18. Inspect roof for missing shingles, holes, defective flashing, clogged downspouts, eaves.

Clothes (summarized from The Spruce - see their great site for more details on decontaminating your laundry room!)
  1. Sort
    1. ​Washable vs Dry Clean Only
    2. Colors vs Whites
  2. Rinse with a hose to get mud and debris off prior to machine wash or you can break your washing machine!
  3. Use hottest water recommended for fabric
  4. Use chlorine bleach for whites
    1. ​If chlorine bleach can’t be used, you can use a cup of Pine-Sol or Lysol to the wash.
  5. Inspect for stains and soak in Oxy-Clean or comparable product overnight.  Rewash with detergent.
  6. Dry on highest heat recommended.  Hang whites outside for extra disinfection with UV light.
  7. If you can’t wash immediately, lay them out and let them air dry.  Do not store in plastic bags.
  8. Disinfect your washing machine after washing flood water contaminated clothing.

Leather Shoes/Accessories (summarized from The Spruce - see their great site for more details!)
  1. Wash mud off while still wet
    1. Do not use sharp objects to scrape.
  2. Stuff with paper to reshape.
  3. Dry at room temperature
    1. Don’t use sun or heat to speed up
  4. Clean with Saddle Soap when dry
  5. Condition with leather conditioner
  6. Polish
  7. Do not wear until dry or risk damaging them permanently.

There are lots of people who want to help.  Reach out and don't be afraid to ask.  
That's what Texans are all about.

​
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A BIG thank you to the websites listed under each category, as well as Jamie Hornbuckle and Amy Hampton for their input from personal experience.
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7/31/2017 0 Comments

5 minute diy newborn "shadowbox" ornament

By: Katie
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I am a very sentimental person and have a bad habit of keeping everything.  Most of it has stayed in a random box and moved with us from place to place.  After our last move, I decided to get rid of a lot of the crap that I really don’t care about and do something purposeful with what I keep. 

One of my first projects was figuring out a way to display my babies’ hospital hats and bracelets from when they were born.  Many suggested shadow boxes, but I don’t have a ton of space on my walls (and TBH, I don’t really want it on my walls).  I opted to go a different route and made ornaments with them.  They were cheap, easy, and I really love how they turned out.  When they’re not on my Christmas tree, they sit on a votive candle on my bookshelf in the office (see picture above).

What you need:
  • Glass ball ornaments (one for each baby) from a craft store (super cheap with a coupon or during after Christmas sales)
  • A straw or other poking device (Friends reference, anyone?)
  • Newborn hat
  • Newborn bracelets
  • Mom/Dad's hospital bracelets
  • Brother and Sister bracelets
  • Any other small newborn/baby keepsake you might put in a shadow box
    • Teeth (if you’re into that)
    • Lock of hair (secured with a small rubber band and ribbon to keep it together)
    • Confetti or ribbon from a baby shower
    • First hairbow
 
Instructions:
Take the metal portion off the ornament so there is an opening to the inside.  If you want to add something decorative (like confetti), add it first.  Add the hat second.  You can get it to sit how you want with the straw.  Add bracelets and other smaller keepsakes.  Put the top back on and enjoy!  Let me know what you think!
If you like it, Pin it!
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