All Star Awarded Circle of Excellence

It only took us 7 years, but we finally achieved the Circle of Excellence Award from Chem Dry!

I'm so happy - this award means that we are using the bet Chem Dry technology and products in the right way for our customers. We are upholding the standards set for us in cleaning, marketing and financial accountability.

It's more than just a badge -- it tells me that we're going to aspire to the next level!!

Get Pink and We'll donate to Breast Cancer Cure!

Local Chem-Dry owners across the nation are going to participate in "Cleaning for the Cure". Chem-Dry franchises nationwide are joining with Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation to help raise money for Breast Cancer Awareness!
This month we will be offering our customers a pink Spot Remover where they can help us raise funds for the Foundation!

For every can of SR sold $1 or more will be donated to breast cancer research & awareness.

Watching a loved one suffer from cancer is one of the most difficult things life has to offer...Chem-Dry committed $25,000 & I am proud to say All Star Chem-Dry has joined the fight!

Are you GREEN on St. Patrick's Day?

Are you Green on St. Patrick’s Day?

We’re GREEN for St. Patrick’s Day at All Star Chem Dry!  Green as in natural, healthy and safe for your family’s environment. 

Whether someone spilled their green beer or the kids got too excited with colored markers, we can clean that up for you. See this cute craft idea with a clay pot to make leprechaun:

Today, St. Patrick’s Day is all about having a little fun, being Irish for a day, and a great excuse for a party.  The parades and Irish pride started in New York City, and continued as the Irish realized their strength in numbers would give them a voice in their new country.

In 1948, President Truman attended New York City 's St. Patrick's Day parade, a proud moment for the many Irish whose ancestors had to fight stereotypes and racial prejudice to find acceptance in America.

Green Means Clean

-Green Methods - We really care about the safety of our cleaning processes and our certified Green solutions will get your rugs, furniture and carpets clean without phosphates or residues.

-Green Disposal – Our wastewater is clean and safe enough to be put into the drains.

-Green Business Practices – We use email, and e-meetings to avoid using excess paper, mailing services and traveling.

At All Star Chem Dry, GREEN isn’t just a buzzword, it’s something we believe in—taking care of our earth, our water and our customers to the best of our ability. Chem Dry is approved by the FDA and the IICRC , plus the carpet manufacturers as the very safest in home carpet cleaning.

We're all a little Irish on St. Patrick's Day around here - my husband is half Irish, so my kids are too -- I figure there must be some Irish in me along with the French . . . plus it's a good reason to make a special meal and have some fun!

Are you Irish all year, or just on St. Patrick’s Day?  We believe in wearing our GREEN badge proudly all year (and not just because we’ve a wee bit of the Irish in us!).

When carpets go SQUISH!

Oh no!  When the carpet goes SQUISH – you’ve got a problem!

Whenever carpets get wet, whether from a broken pipe, overflowing toilet or flood, you must take action quickly.  Here are some tips on containing the damage and getting back to life:

Call your local Chem-Dry and describe the situation.  They can advise you on what steps to take immediately.  Most have 24-hour water damage response service and can be there quickly.

Time is of the essence!  The clock starts ticking when the damage occurs and must be addressed within 48-72 hours before mold sets in.

Call your insurance company – ask what their policy is on water damage.  Do they want you to get someone out to extract the water and begin working on the damage, or do they use certain contractors?

Remove belongs as quickly as possible. Rent a storage unit or trailer, or put them up high enough to not get wet and wipe them down with strong antibacterial/fungal cleaner.

Rent or borrow fans and dehumidifiers, or call a water damage company, which will rent the fans and equipment to you on a daily rate. They can also extract much more water with their machinery than you can with a shop vac.

Do not attempt to clean carpet that was not wet.  There is too much moisture in the air already – especially do not use a steam type cleaning or you will spread the damage to unaffected areas.  The pad will wick water from the wet areas to the dry ones.

Consult a professional.  Mold and indoor air quality specials can determine the source of musty smells.  Carpets and subfloors must be treated with a quaternine, anti-fungal and bacterial spray.

Walls may need to be inspected by professionals for mold and moisture. Wet sheetrock must be cut away and the walls sprayed and allowed to dry completely, within 24-48 hours optimally.

3 Cheers for Butterbeers!

One of the best reasons to go to a theme park is for your kids, be they big or small.

We thoroughly enjoyed our visit to Hogwarts and Universal in Orlando recently! You gotta go!



 It was a great holiday treat - last time we went to the Magic Kingdom Dale was 3 and Jesse 8 . . . 







Hogwarts School come to life . . . this was our first ride and definitely the best.  All others are just steps on the way to such an awesome ride.

One of the rewards of having my own business is to be able to take family time and have Jason, Matt and Chelsea keep working while I'm gone.

    OOOhh . . pretty!  

Merry Christmas!

Hope that your Christmas is merry and bright -- with snow!

From my family to yours,

Remember it's Jesus' celebration too!

Shelly, Chelsea, Marlie, Matt and Jason
Jesse, Dale and Parker

Ten Tips for Bring Baby Home

When I brought my first son home from the hospital, I remember laying him down on my bed and just looking at him. After a week in the hospital with labor, a C Section, post-op complications (me), jaundice (Jesse) and a mysterious allergic reaction (eyes swelled shut, throat closing - ME again) -- I was shell shocked.

Here was this little guy, looking good but having been through so much pricking, testing, learning to nurse and a mama who felt like a limp noodle.  I couldn't even carry this little 8 lb. baby, I was so weak.  He lay there quietly and I remember thinking "What do I do now?"

That was the last quiet moment for quite a while, but I learned a LOT about letting folks help when you have a new baby (with or without extra issues).

1.  Let people help you.  You aren't the only one who can diaper, carry, and dress the baby.  Yes, you want to do it all, but trust me, soon you will be 100% responsible when grandma goes home.

2.  If you are nursing -- resist all offers to feed the baby for you. NO.  You are the mother, you nurse the baby.  If it is easy to express milk and have some bottles for emergencies or night feedings, great. If it is painful and you'd rather not spend every free minute trying to pump so someone else can have the thrill of feeding the baby, just say no.  They can do something else for you, like laundry.

3.  Stay in bed more than you think you need to.  Take every moment to rest - it will help you heal and enjoy time with the baby.  If you can nap or wash dishes -- nap.

4.  Accept meals from your church, neighbors, friends.  If they don't bring food, ask. When they say "Let me know if you need anything," say:  How about dinner tomorrow?  Around 5?

5.  Write down some thoughts in the baby's journal while you have a minute - take pictures - and enjoy each day's new developments.

6.  Let the baby's father help when things get tough at night.  It's his baby too!

7.  Try burping the baby first before feeding her.  She may just have an air buble, especially if you just fed her less than two hours ago.  Burp between swapping sides, regardless of how she cries, it's going to all come up if you don't get that air bubble out!  I learned this from my mom.

8.  Use those flannelized waterproof crib pads (not the tiny lap pads) as a bottom layer when the baby is on your bed, couch, lap, etc.  Avoid messy diaper explosion situations with this easily washable thing on the top of the crib sheet. I pulled it down a bit so his face wasn't on it but it's soft enough.  Saves tons of sheet changing.

9.  Keep lots of cloth diapers for spit ups, wipe ups and shoulder padding.

10.  Go outside and get some fresh air every day.  Do gentle stretches of your arms and neck so you don't get cramped up nursing. Switch rooms, positions, and go for little walks as soon as you can -- you'll feel less claustrophobic.  And show off that pretty baby!



“I wrote this blog post while participating in the TwitterMoms and Lysol® Wee Wisdom blogging program, making me eligible to get a $50 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”  

Trick or Treat?

When you call a service person to your home, you don't want any tricks. 

Like them not showing up.

You want clear communication, no surprises and an honest analysis of your needs.
Because if it's not a treat to get that work done, whether it's your carpet cleaned, chimney swept or room painted . . . you'll feel tricked.

We'd rather treat our customers with care and leave feeling like we did a great job, and the customer loved it.

That's the only way to stay a viable business these days!

We always want to know how your job turned out, that's why we follow up with a phone call and a note.  If we can't reach you by phone or email or mail, just give us a call back and we can address any issues you have.  We want you to know how seriously we value your trust in us.

After all, the carpet cleaner goes into places in your home even friends and some family members are not invited, like your private suite.

That's why I only hire men that I personally know, know their family and have background checked and fully trained.  Because a company is only as good as its workers.

If you have a problem with one of my employees, I want to know!  We want you to be "raving fans" of All Star Chem Dry . . . and tell all your friends and neighbors about how great the guys did for you.  And we truly appreciate you!

Shelly Browne
Owner
All Star Chem Dry
770-443-1800
770-425-6999

How You Can Stop the Recession

Really.

It may be as simple as everyone working together.  Telling friends about job openings, and creating job openings. 

How can you create a job for someone? By acting normal.  Maybe I'm not a serious economist, but the power of the group is having a tremendous effect on small businesses.  Many have had to cut back staff, cut hours or pay, or simply fold and go on welfare. 

It may be as simple as calling your local service providers and asking them to do the normal repairs, painting, cleaning that you would be doing anyway.  You'll probably get a good deal (but please don't beat them up over pricing -- that doesn't help you get a better job and hurts their ability to give you the best service). 

And you'll know that you did a small part in helping kick-start this recovery period.  I like to look at it this way -- it's a great time to go shopping for houses, cars, carpet cleaning or clothes!  There are deals everywhere.

Shopping -- it's the answer!

Sleigh Full of Diapers

A Sleigh Full of Diapers?

Every Christmas, Dr. David Goattee and his staff host a drive to help the Paulding Pregnancy Center called A Sleigh Full of Diapers. Patients and friends are encouraged to bring in diapers and wipes to contribute to the important work of the Center in Dallas.

Here's an excerpt from their web page at http://www.davidlgoetteedds.com/west_cobb_community_outreach.html

Community Outreach

Every year, in the spirit of the holiday season,
David L. Goettee, D.D.S. and his staff volunteer to collect
"A Sleigh Full of Diapers"
to benefit the Paulding County Pregnancy Center in Dallas, Georgia

This year's drive will runs from mid November thru December 20th. Get involved by dropping off a package of diapers, wipes, and other baby needs

To show our appreciation, your name will be placed in our Prize Drawing to win a holiday gift. Sample prices are Sporting Event Tickets, Gift Certifications to local area Restaurants, Christmas figurines and more.

We are located near the intersection of Mars Hill Road an
Stilesboro Road behind the Kroger Shopping Center.

Click here for directions to our dental office.

Dental Services provided by our West Cobb Family Dentist office:

Cleaning&Exams; for Adults and Children
Crown &Bridge Work, Cosmetic Dentistry, Implants, Veneers,
Onlays, Inlays, Limited Root Canals, Prosthetics,
and Oral Surgery

We at All-Star Chem-Dry salute Dr. Goattee and his staff (who are fabulous dentists and hygienists, by the way) for their caring and giving back to those who need help the most.

Black light shows where the stains are

If you have ever seen what your carpet looks like under a black light, you're may hail from the 70's when that was the cool thing to do at parties.

Or your All-Star Chem-Dry technician showed you what is lurking in your carpet with his professional black light. Just like on CSI, any body fluids from humans or animals will flouresce under the light, showing bluish-white.

We will perform a Free Pet Urine Black Light inspection of your carpet to identify areas for treatment. Even if you do not have a pet, this is a valuable free service as prior occupants or visitors with pets or small children may have left surprises for you.

This allows us to treat just the spots that have urine on them, not the whole room. We can target the exact area, estimate how much of the Pet Urine Removal Treatment is needed and take care of that problem.

The PURT product will awaken and then explode the urine in the carpet, so that it cannot live and grow in your pad or carpet. This will help your pets not to be triggered by the scent and think "This is where I go!

Don't put up with contaminants festering in your carpet another day -- call All Star Chem Dry now for a free black light inspection, and quote for removing the urine smell. We will give you all your options -- comparing cleaning and odor removal to carpet replacement, so that you can make the right decision for your situation.

News about All-Star Chem-Dry

Here's a link to my latest press release.