TIPS FOR AN ECO-FRIENDLY HALLOWEEN

Halloween is just around the corner so I thought I would give you some tips for making Halloween a little more eco-friendly.  Because to me needless waste is a lot scarier than ghosts and goblins!  Halloween is a great holiday but with all the individually wrapped candy and one-time-use costumes, Halloween can also be a very wasteful holiday.  Read on and I’ll show you how to instill a splash of green with the orange and black.

Make your own costumes.  Use your creativity and make use of all the extra fabric, cardboard, paint and old toys you have laying around the house to make your costume.  Try and avoid buying plastic masks and other costume accessories because they aren’t able to be recycled.  People love homemade costumes because you will always be one-of-a –kind.

Swap costumes.  If you just have to have that pre-made costume consider having a pre-Halloween costume swap with your friends.  You’ll feel like you have on a new costume every year!  If you don’t want to swap costumes, make sure you donate it to a local charity.  Whatever you do, don’t throw it away.

Green up your treats.  When the kids come knocking at your door try to have a great treat available but try to avoid individually wrapped candy.  If the parents in your neighborhood don’t let their kids eat home-baked items then at least make sure to hand out healthier treats.  Check out Trader Joe’s and Whole Foods for some organic options.

Use natural decorations.  Use whatever you can find in nature to decorate your home.  Autumn is a great time to incorporate brightly colored leaves, pumpkins and fancy gourds or even make your own Halloween inspired door wreath.  If you don’t want to use outdoor materials for decorations, forego using plastic premade items and make your own decorations using recyclable materials like cardboard, newspaper or recycled plastic.

Skip the store-bought orange pumpkin candy bucket.  Go old school and collect your candy in a pillowcase or a wicker basket.

LED the way.  How about using LED lights to light the path to your front door for those little trick-or-treaters. 

Eat those pumpkin seeds.  When you and your family are carving those pumpkins, don’t toss away the seeds.  They are filled with zinc and iron – not to mention being absolutely delicious.  I’ve included a great roasting recipe.  Try it!

Party like an eco-star.  If you are planning to throw a Halloween bash this year, make sure you provide recycling containers to dispose of bottles and cans.  Also, make sure you buy party cups/plates/napkins/cutlery made from recycled or sustainable materials.

Cinderella Carpet One in Salinas and San Luis Obispo wish you a ghoulishly green and delightful Halloween that is a little less crushing on the environment.

MAXIMIZE YOUR SPACE BY TAKING ADVANTAGE OF YOUR “FIFTH WALL"

If you are like most people, you wish you had more room in your home. You wish you had more space for storage, an extra chair, or cute knick-knacks sitting around the house.  But have you ever thought “out of the box”—the box of seeing only 4 walls?  It’s often called the "fifth wall" and how you decorate it will have a remarkable effect on what you do with the rest of the room.  I’m talking about the Floor!

All floor space takes on specific shapes, patterns and sizes and can be utilized in many other ways than just for walking.  Check out the following advice from Cinderella Carpet One in Salinas for making the most of your floor space.

Choose the right furniture:  Tables, specifically dining room tables, do not have to be huge, stealing valuable space from your floor space, especially if you don’t use it on a regular basis. Purchase compact dining sets that tuck into themselves, saving you flooring space. The same goes for furniture. Select pieces that fit the contours of the room and seat a reasonable number of people. Multi-use furniture, such as a sleep couch, is also a good idea.

Make use of corner space:  People have a tendency to not use the corners of their home. They figure nothing can fit there, right? Think again. When wall space is at a premium, making use of the space where a wall and carpet meet is important. Corner cabinets that match your flooring are ideal for storage as are desks to use for a workspace.

Underneath Storage:  The space between the floor and the bottom of your bed is typically large and only gathering dust. Use this flooring space for storage. You can place things in boxes or purchase small storage units.

Fashionable Storage: Remember that although it’s nice to have floor space, certain rooms don’t need as much. Purchasing baskets or moving storage carts can be placed in various areas around the home for additional storage.

As you are considering your floor space, you should also think about the quality of your floorcovering.  I’m talking about your floor and what you choose to use as your flooring is important, in looks, affordability and wear.  This will give your room more depth and will enhance the total design appeal of your space.

An amazing area rug can entirely change the design of a room.  It can serve as a great foundation for the colors and textures of the furniture.

Changing up the colors and patterns of your tile floor can make the floor an interesting part of the room.  And, like tile, hardwood can be laid out in a way that creates a more appealing design than merely laying down wood in a straight line.  A great wooden pattern can bring depth and character to the floor.

A stone floor is really a cool choice for your floor. It can bring elements of nature into your home, which you can build around, for a great look.

A marble floor is another great option to surprise the eye.  You can really make the entryway of a home truly stand out and use the floor as art space!

Cinderella Carpet One has been serving the Tri-County area since 1947.  We specialize in tile, carpet, hardwood, vinyl and laminate flooring, with the best array of products to choose from and a history you can count on.  Contact Cinderella Carpet One to help you maximize your “Fifth Wall”. 

WELCOME A CURE – CINDERELLA CARPET ONE WELCOMES YOUR SUPPORT

 

Since October is designated as National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we thought it was a perfect time to discuss our involvement in raising funds for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

In 2011, the American Cancer Society estimated that about 230,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer were diagnosis among women in the United States.  The good news is that more and more women are beating breast cancer because of research into cancer’s causes and treatments. 

Because support for breast cancer research is so essential to eradicating the disease, Cinderella Carpet One in Salinas has made a commitment to contribute funds through our Carpet One Floor & Home Welcomes Your Support campaign. 

First launched in fall 2004, the campaign raises funds for breast cancer research through sales of exclusively designed pink ribbon welcome mats.

Pink ribbon welcome mats are available year-round at Carpet One Floor & Home stores and at Facebook.com/Carpetone.

Carpet One stores in the U.S. will contribute 25% of sales of these exclusive pink ribbon welcome mats towards The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Since 2004 Carpet One Floor & Home has donated more than $850,000 for breast cancer research & awareness.

Consumers can help raise awareness and funds for the breast cancer cause by purchasing specially designed welcome mats, featuring the colors and themes of the season.  Each mat is emblazoned with a pink ribbon, the internationally recognized symbol for breast cancer awareness.  For more information regarding the Breast Cancer Research Foundation visit www.bcrfcure.org or call 866-FIND-A-CURE.

If you have questions about the program or would like to order a welcome mat please contact us online or call us at 831-422-7738.

ARE YOU SELLING A HOME AND NEED NEW FLOORING?

Quick, cost effective upgrades before selling a home always pays off, but which repairs bring the biggest return? 

In many neighborhoods, most of the homes are older which means the floors are original which means they might have carpeting over hardwood.   Carpeting became popular in the 1960’s after it became too expensive to install hardwood.  Some homes today still sport the 1960’s shag carpeting.  So, if you are selling your home, low on budget and need a quick fix, there are some ways you can do it without making it look cheap.

Hardwood Floors 
If your home has hardwood floors, that's what buyers want, and it would pay to have the carpeting removed and the floors refinished.

Carpeting 
If your sub-floor is plywood, then replace the carpeting with light tan. Neutral carpeting is your best bet for resale.

Ceramic 
Replace chipped or cracked tiles. Clean or replace the grout. But don't install ceramic (it's too expensive) unless it's for aesthetic reasons in an entryway.

What you’re looking for are discounted floors that have been reduced in price but still look good.  For example, flooring manufacturers are always producing different lines of flooring, different colors, different finishes and some floors just aren’t as popular as they originally thought.  These types of floors won’t sit in the warehouse too long before they are liquidated.

Depending on the amount of flooring you need, you can sometimes pick up flooring at a great price that has been placed in the “odd lot” inventory.  This means there is a limited supply or it has been discontinued. 

You can also choose “seconds” to complete a room.  These floors might have a minor defect that you don’t event notice.  There might be a slight blemish in the finish; the color might be a little off or some other minor issue.  With these small imperfections the cost of the flooring will be greatly reduced.

Your local flooring retailer like Cinderella Carpet One in Salinas very often has supplies of flooring that can be used to upgrade your home before it goes on the market.  So, if your home has been on the market for a while and you’re looking for some information to sell your home more quickly, try installing a new floor.  It may tip someone in your direction.  Contact Cinderella today for your Free In-Home Measurement. Also, don’t forget to see what’s on sale this month.  It might just be what your looking for!

CHOOSING THE BEST FLOORING FOR KIDS

Some of the most important features when choosing flooring for a kid’s room are safety, easy to clean and durable enough to withstand all the jumping, scraping and playing.   Flooring that has some ‘give’ would be ideal to soften falls and prevent injury. But, the floor would still have to be durable enough to withstand spills, falling toys and wear and tear.   Luckily, there’s a wealth of choice available and all you have to do is pick the one best suited to your and your active family.  Cinderella Carpet One in Salinas can show you all the available options and give you the assistance you need to make an educated decision. 

Carpet

Crawling toddlers and active kids will thank you for the softness of carpet.  It’s easy on the knees and will help cushion their falls.  It may be soft underfoot but it is also vulnerable to stains.  So make sure you choose a stain resistant carpet.  Children who suffer from allergies may want to stay away from carpet it can breed mold and mildew if liquid is not cleaned immediately.

Hardwood

Children’s toys and spills can damage hardwood.  However they can be made scratch-resistant and more durable with protective coatings or by choosing a particularly hard brand.  The downside is it can be less comfortable to play on. 

Laminate is another option where spills won’t damage the floor and are easy to clean up.  The slippery surface can be a concern for small children but area rugs can help to minimize this problem.  Laminate can give you the look of wood but requires much less maintenance.

Cork offers all the desired features and is green choice, which is durable and comfortable to the feet.  This antistatic surface is great for playful kids, while the softness is a great shock absorber for kids just learning to walk.  The downside to cork is it can easily be gouged or scratched because of its softness.  Cork absorbs noise more that laminate or hardwood and is great for kids with allergies because it is hypoallergenic and resistant to bacterial growth.

Bamboo

Eco-friendly bamboo offers a trendy floor that is easily refinished if scratched.  But remember, these floors are more susceptible to scratches so the natural bamboo may be your best option.

 If you love the flooring you currently have and you don't want to replace it, look into foam mats that go over existing flooring. Many foam floors now come in bright colors with the ABC's and 123's so kids can play in a safe environment and also one that is educational.

With any flooring there are trade-offs and will come down to the needs of your family.  Whatever your needs, Cinderella can help.  Visit our showroom on 6 Rossi Circle in Salinas or schedule a Free In-Home Consultation.  With over 450 different flooring choices you are sure to be able to find what you are looking for at Cinderella.

Local Retailer Cinderella Carpet One Explains How Cooperatives Make a Difference

As a local area business and a member of a cooperative, Cinderella Carpet One in Salinas and San Luis Obispo  knows being a member of a buying cooperative is beneficial to business owners and consumers alike. 2012 has been named the International Year of the Cooperative by the United Nations to draw attention and raise awareness around cooperative enterprises.

Cinderella Carpet One is a part of the largest cooperative of flooring retailers in North America. As a member of the Carpet One Floor & Home cooperative, we are able to benefit from economies of scale when making purchases, advertising, merchandising our stores and even training our employees — all while maintaining our autonomy as a local business.

Because Cinderella benefits from our membership in a cooperative, we are able to provide our customers the value they’re looking for without losing the personal touch of a local business.  Our membership in the Carpet One Floor & Home cooperative has helped us remain competitive with big-box stores and survive through a rough economy.  We don’t have to give up our independence, but we still have someone to lean on when we need advice or support.

There are several types of cooperatives. Carpet One Floor & Home is a Purchasing & Shared Services cooperative, but another familiar type of cooperative is a consumer cooperative. Many people are familiar with local food co-ops. There are also producer co-ops like those formed by growers and worker co-ops where the workers actually own the business.

Participating in or purchasing from cooperative businesses helps to keep more money in the local community. Local business owners are more likely to reinvest in the community and donate time to local causes.

Cinderella Carpet One would like to help spread the word about the International Year of the Cooperative and help educate consumers on the benefits of participating in and purchasing from cooperatives. Customers aren’t surprised to find that we offer better service than big-boxes, but they are often surprised that we can give them the same value. 

To learn more about the International Year of the Cooperative visit their website at http://2012.coop and join Cinderella Carpet One in spreading the word about cooperatives at Facebook.com/ChooseACoop.

If you would like more information on the Carpet One cooperative or Cinderella Carpet One, please stop by our showroom in Salinas at 6 Rossie Circle.   
Cinderella is a locally owned flooring retailer serving Monterey and San Benito Counties and our showroom is known for carrying a broad selection of beautiful carpet, wood, laminate, ceramic, vinyl, and area rugs including exclusive brands like Bigelow and Lees. We offer a unique customer experience with the exclusive SelectAFloor merchandising system that simplifies the shopping experience and The Beautiful Guarantee, which guarantees that the customer will be 100% happy with their floor. For additional information or a Free No-Obligation In-Home Measurement call or contact us and see what’s on sale this month.

IS VINYL FLOORING DEAD?

A big misconception in flooring options is that vinyl flooring is dead.  The truth is, vinyl was sleeping for a while because the market share was shrinking due to the introduction of the new laminate floors flooding the market.  But now Vinyl is back as a durable and low maintenance option because vinyl flooring producers have now found new ways to add texture and very realistic patterns that actually look like their natural counterparts of wood or tile floors.  

Many people don’t recognize the full range of benefits that a vinyl floor provides.  That’s why Cinderella Carpet One in Salinas would like to remind you of the variety of benefits that you should keep in mind when choosing a new vinyl floor.

VINYL FLOORING GIVES YOU DESIGN OPTIONS

Vinyl flooring is available in any color and pattern you can think of.  You can choose from solid colors, or patterns including those that imitate other flooring types including stone, wood and tile.  Whether you prefer traditional, contemporary, or country our selection of vinyl flooring will help you find the right style and color to match your kitchen, bathroom or any room in your home.  If you are having trouble deciding which vinyl patterns and colors are best for your décor check out http://www.armstrong.com/flooring/design-tools.asp and http://www.mannington.com/virtualdecorator/ to preview your favorite floors in the manufacturer’s virtual room designers.

VINYL IS DURABLE AND RESILIENT

In most cases a premium quality vinyl floor offers better resilience than wood and tile flooring.  This means it is softer underfoot and has more give, so it is more comfortable to stand on.   And, if laid correctly, it will last for many years with very little maintenance. 

VINYL IS HYGIENIC AND EASY TO CLEAN

Vinyl flooring care and cleaning is incredibly easy.  You can use disinfectants and other sanitizing chemicals on the floor without risking damage.  This mans your floors are not only clean aesthetically, they are very hygienic, making them great for asthma or allergy sufferers.

VINYL IS ECONOMICAL

Another benefit of vinyl flooring is how economical it is.  Per square yard, it is much cheaper to buy and install than many other types of flooring, and if you are handy, you can even install it yourself.  Because vinyl can emulate the look of other flooring such as stone or wood, you can get that look with the cost or the maintenance! 

Check out our Craig’s List vinyl sale offer and contact us today for your FREE In-Home measurement