Host, Debbie Marie: Now during the summer the backyard can become a social meeting place for family and friends. So, why not hold those BBQ’s and friendly lounge chair get-togethers on a deck? There are a lot of options when creating a deck, so Designing Spaces decided to show you the best.

Host, David Jones: In fact, here is Jodi Darren reporting from the backyard.

Host, Jodi Darren: Creating a new deck for your property is always an exciting prospect. There are so many styles and sizes to choose from. It becomes a question of what you desire for your budget. Now all decks are made from the same material or same manufacturing process. Of course you think, yes they are. Well, not so fast. There are alternatives. Better alternatives. We decided to visit a home, where a new deck is going in using an alternative material. This is Matt and he’s been living in this house for over twelve years and he is ready for a new deck for his tiki hut.

Matt: We have a lot of entertaining in our tiki hut down on the beach in the back of the house and this is a very exciting place to entertain. We do a lot of it. And, everybody is looking forward to it. In fact, they’re coming tonight.

Jodi: Now as you can see behind me, there is already a feature here. This great tiki hut. But, to expand this outdoor living space, they’re putting in a deck so those material’s are here. The contractors are hard at work and they are putting together this beautiful new deck. We decided to do the new deck because our old one was getting pretty wobble. I decided to go with this type material because it looks just like wood and it’s a very easy to install and it’s very low ease of maintenance.

Alex: This is Alex Hines with TAMKO building products. It looks like a quality lumber he is inspecting, but it is actually something different. Well, Matt is going to be real happy with his new outdoor space. We think so.

Jodi: Yeah, well tell us a little bit about the product we are using today.

Alex Hines: Sure. This is TAMKO’s newest addition to low maintenance decking. It is the only composite deck board utilizing compression molding technology and when compared to wood, it takes deck performance to a whole new level.

Jodi: Okay Alex, what is that compression molding technology then?

Alex Hines: This is exclusive to Evergrain Envision. What we do is we take saw dust, plastic, color inhibitors and compress them under tremendous heat and pressure. The compressive force applied helps to squeeze out air pockets and creates a dense board with outstanding strength.

Alex Hines: Well, the benefits are basically you’ve got to remember wood, you have to stain it and treat it year over year. So this is a low maintenance option. What we do is we compress it so we have an added layer of protection, but not only that, it has got to look like wood. So, we use multiple grain patterns that create that natural grain look and multiple color options that are textured to look like that. Among the benefits of Evergrain Envision exclusive compressive manufacturing process, is a more dense board that features lower water absorption in wood. So, we are going to see how this project comes together usingEvergrain Envision.

Jodi: Okay, good. And can anyone use this product? Is it easy to work it?

Alex Hines: It really is. It works in cuts just like real wood. There are really no special tools required or needed. Unlike real wood, Evergrain Envision has less warping, splitting and cracking. Evergrain Envisions consistent, so it is very easy to work with.

Jodi: Great. Well,let’s get to work.

Alex Hines: Great. By nature, wood is pours and it will take in water. So what happens if it takes in water? It can crack, it can split even in the end rot.

Jodi: Right, so what should a homeowner use when they want a durable deck to make it real?

Alex Hines: Well, there are a lot of alternatives out there, but at TAMKO, we believe better manufacturing process makes for a better deck board.

Jodi: Our deck is coming together without a hitch. Let’s check out some of the techniques used.

Alex Hines: This is actually a hidden fastening system. So if a homeowner does not want to see the screws protruding in the top, we have an option for them. This is called EG123. It’s designed exclusively for Evergrain composite decking and it gives it that clean uninterrupted surface.

Jodi: Is it easy to install?

Alex Hines: It is actually quite simple. Do you want to give it a shot?

Jodi: Yeah. Let’s do it. Okay. Alex, show us how this works.

Alex Hines: Okay, not a problem. Well, Matt has chosen to use a hidden fastening system for his project. What that does is that it allows for a nice clean uninterrupted surface. So what we will do is we will take this clip, we’ll come over here and position it in line with the joyce. What we will do also is position one onto the offside. So when we flip it over, it goes underneath the leading edge of the board.

Jodi: Okay.

Alex Hines: What to give it a shot?

Jodi: Absolutely.

Alex Hines: Okay, perfect.Once the fasteners are attached, the deck board is flipped over then it’s positioned, so the fasteners can slide beneath the lead edge of the previous board.

Jodi: Now is it me or is this a little heavier?

Alex Hines: You know what? It is a little heavier when compared to wood. It is actually much more dense then wood. So by nature, it allows for low water absorption compared to wood. By nature, it is going to feel a little heavier.

Jodi (Designing Spaces): Okay, now do we have to use these fasteners?

Alex Hines: You know what. You don’t have to. There is actually a product that we have that is called Evergrain Envision Composite Screws. Evergrain Envision Screws do not require special tools and are colored to match Evergrain Envision deck boards. They go down quickly and don’t mushroom like other fasteners can. We’ll just attach this last fastener.

Designing Spaces: Okay.

Alex Hines: We’ll just position this right over the joyce, drive it through. Perfect. Let’s hand it over to the guys.

Designing Spaces: Okay sounds good.

Alex Hines: Okay.After some finishing saw cuts, and prepping the outside joyce for the last board attachment, the deck is completed. So, Jodi now that everything is in place, what do you think?

Designing Spaces: Wow, this is beautiful! Look at this. Absolutely amazing! Now tell me about the maintenance. How do we keep it looking that way?

Alex Hines: Well, every outdoor living space needs to be cleaned periodically.

Designing Spaces: Right.

Alex Hines: What TAMKO recommends is a semiannual cleaning just to knock the dust and grim of and really that can be done with a garden hose. Evergrain Envisions bonded outer layer resists staining by certain common foods and beverages such as mustard, ketchup, BBQ sauce, and Canola oil.

Alex Hines: I will tell you what. Why don’t we give it a test?So what we have is mustard. I’ll put a little mustard on here.

Designing Spaces: Okay.Mustard, Ketchup, and BBQ sauce.

Alex Hines: Just wipe it off. And then dry it on the backside there. Absolutely clean!Isn’t that neat?

Designing Spaces: Look at that! Amazing! It just wipes right off. No major worry. Well, it sounds like party time to me. Alex, where can we go to find out more information?

Alex Hines: Oh absolutely, if you go to evergrain.com, you can find out about all the different colors we have available and learn more about it. And if you’re a do it yourself type, you’re going to love checking out this site.

Designing Spaces: Excellent. Alex, thank you so much for being with us today.

Alex Hines: Thank you.

Designing Spaces: All that is left is to sweep and furnish this beautiful deck and we’re ready to entertain. Well now, this is a beautiful space you have created. What do you think?

Matt: Ahh, it’s gorgeous it is way more than we ever thought it would be and we’re not tripping over any screw heads, nails or anything else. It’s phenomenal.

Designing Spaces: Exactly, it looks beautiful and this is the finishing touch that it needed. Just in time to watch a beautiful sunset. We’ve got everybody here we are enjoying some drinks and some food and it’s time to celebrate. Cheers.

Alex Hines: Cheers. Cheers everybody.

Matt: Cheers.

Designing Spaces: If you’d like to learn more about the Evergrain Envision, you can visit our website Designingspaces.tv. There is a link there to their website and also you can watch this segment of the show again.

About Designing Spaces on Lifetime Television
The TV show is a half-hour informative series that inspires viewers to make every space count and instructs them on the smartest ways to make their homes more beautiful and functional.  To view a show online, just go tohttp://www.designingspaces.tv. If you have a great idea for a story, or want to be a part of the show please contact LysaLiemer at lysa@designingspaces.tv.

About O2 Media℠

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

The Balancing Act on Lifetime Television Host Beth Troutman:  We like to take The Balancing Act viewers to some lesser-known places to showcase those undiscovered destination gems worth visiting. As part of the My Weekend Series on The Balancing Act, we are all about helping plan your weekend.  This latest destination boasts some very interesting facts.  It was the home for over 30 movie companies in 1916, with stars like Oliver Hardy and Fatty Arbuckle making movies there. It is also known as “The River City by the Sea” and was the first Florida tourist destination.  It’s also home to the country’s largest urban-park system, with almost 112,000 acres of parks.  We’re talking about Jacksonville, Florida.

LYNDSAY: Jacksonville is a very unique destination. It is a city that is 840 square miles, making it the largest city in the Continental United States, land wise.  So there are many opportunities for a diversity of attractions.  Jacksonville has great beaches, with over 20 miles of beaches, as well as an urban core in downtown with lots of great performing arts, museums, wonderful dining and nightlight throughout the area, spas, shopping, you name it.

The Balancing Act Lifetime Television: What about things like the festivals that people love to go to when they’re thinking about a vacation?  Does Jacksonville have a lot of festivals to offer?

LYNDSAY: Jacksonville does have a lot of festivals throughout the year.  Many are low-cost or even free.  Jacksonville has wonderful music festivals like the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, which takes place downtown, as well as Springing The Blues which is a three-day blue festival at the beach, alongside the ocean and both are free events.

The Balancing Act on Lifetime Television: I am ready to plan my trip now.  Free is for me! What kind of food can The Balancing Act viewers expect when dining in Jacksonville?

LYNDSAY: We are in Florida along the ocean, so seafood is definitely on the menu in Jacksonville.  The two festivals to take advantage of that are The Great Atlantic Seafood Festival and The Isle of Eight Flags Shrimp Festival that takes place in the spring. I am sure The Balancing Act viewers will not be disappointed.

The Balancing Act on Lifetime Television: Earlier I mentioned that Jacksonville used to be home to more than 30 movie companies. Can you tell The Balancing Act viewers a little more about the history of film in Jacksonville?

LYNDSAY: Jacksonville does have a rich film history.  The city pays homage to that every year with the Jacksonville Film Festival that takes place in October.

The Balancing Act on Lifetime Television: It sounds like we’re going to be able to find a festival no matter what weekend we choose to visit Jacksonville.  How about family-friendly destinations?

LYNDSAY: Jacksonville is definitely a destination that families enjoy.  There are a lot of opportunities to take advantage of there.  The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is a wonderful property along Trout River.  They have a wonderful amount of animals that were born there this year, including a jaguar, a giraffe, three stingrays which were born this year and are part of the interactive stingray bay where you can pet them, and new this year, sharks! Also, Adventure Landing is a wonderful water park that we have and Kids Kampus is a downtown park that is also educational and showcases Jacksonville’s history.

The Balancing Act on Lifetime Television: We mentioned earlier that there are 112,000 acres of parks in Jacksonville.  I would imagine that Jacksonville is pretty friendly for the eco-tourists who want to come and have a green vacation?

LYNDSAY: Eco-tourism is big in Jacksonville as the city has a wonderful array of national, state and city parks. These are perfect spots for kayaking and hiking. You can even go camping along the ocean.  Jacksonville also has a unique attraction where you can actually segway in the national park and see the flora, fauna and history right there in the park.  There are also a lot of great farmers markets where you can buy local produce and local artwork.

The Balancing Act on Lifetime Television: Seems like a perfect vacation destination for families, couples and individuals looking to get out and have some fun.  We at The Balancing Act thank you for the great destination idea!

The Balancing Act Lifetime Television is the only morning show in America produced by women specifically for women. Every morning, The Balancing Act on Lifetime hosts Danielle Knox and Kristy Villa tackle the issues that face today’s woman. Popular show segments include live weather updates with Mark Mancuso, surprise celebrity visitors, and news about the latest trends affecting your life, home, career and family. The Balancing Act on Lifetime Television airs daily on Lifetime at 7 a.m. ET/PT. For more information, visit The Balancing Act on Lifetime Television’s website at www.thebalancingact.com.

Chef Ben Vaughn is a restaurant owner and acclaimed chef doing business in Memphis, Tennessee. Chef Ben Vaughn relies on varied forms of professional cooking knowledge. One of the most important bodies of knowledge in cooking, says Chef Ben Vaughn, are the facts pertaining to cooking oil. Different cooking oils, explains Chef Ben Vaughn, are more suited to different cooking situations.

Sesame oil for example, says Chef Ben Vaughn, has a very unique flavor and is probably not the right cooking oil for an Italian meal. When gathering supplies for a recipe, suggests Chef Ben Vaughn, read about and experiment with different cooking oils. Chef Ben Vaughn says that knowing the smoke point of different oils is key.

Smoke point, explains Chef Ben Vaughn, is the temperature at which certain oil begins smoking. At this temperature, says Chef Ben Vaughn, the oil will begin to burn and break down. When oil burns, the fats and nutritional components that make the oil unique begin to break apart. Chef Ben Vaughn says that cooking oil that has surpassed its smoke point loses the integrity of its flavor, commonly referred to as flavor degradation.

Flavor degradation is just the beginning, adds Chef Ben Vaughn.  If oil gets too hot, Chef Ben Vaughn explains that the burnt oil can actually yield carcinogens and become harmful to health. If oil has a low smoke point, it must only be cooked at low temperatures or not at all.

Oils with low smoke points, continues Chef Ben Vaughn, are well suited to salad dressings and flavoring already prepared meals. Examples of oils with low smoke points are walnut oil and extra virgin olive oil. If oil has a high smoke point, it is better for hotter cooking jobs like pan-frying.

Dr. Eric Siani DMD says that adults should spend a minimum of two full minutes — that’s 120 seconds — brushing in order to really cleanse the teeth thoroughly. In addition to brushing long enough, Dr. Eric Siani DMD advises his patients to brush gently. Hard brushing doesn’t equal cleaner teeth. In fact, brushing too hard can cause sensitive gums to bleed, cautions Dr. Eric Siani DMD.

Remember that it’s not just the easy-to-reach front teeth that should receive attention. Dr. Eric Siani DMD says that each tooth must be cleaned as thoroughly as possible, including the back teeth and the inner surfaces of all the teeth.

Like many dentists, Dr. Eric Siani DMD prefers that his patients use toothbrushes with soft bristles. For the same reason that brushing should be done gently, soft to medium toothbrushes are strong enough to remove debris and plaque, explains Dr. Eric Siani DMD, but not so hard as to irritate sensitive gums.

Automatic toothbrushes are often recommended by dentists, including Dr. Eric Siani DMD, as many people will brush longer with them than they do with standard toothbrushes. Children especially can benefit from using battery-operated toothbrushes, observes Dr. Eric Siani DMD, as they tend to race through brushing — or even try to get away with not brushing their teeth at all.

Dr. Eric Siani DMD also believes that hi-tech toothbrushes can also make hard-to-reach teeth somewhat easier to clean. People with arthritis or rheumatism (or any other manual dexterity limitation) can also find automatic toothbrushes helpful, says Dr. Eric Siani DMD.

When a toothbrush is three months old or shows any sign of wear, Dr. Eric Siani DMD recommends replacing it with a new one. Worn bristles don’t reach as far nor are they as effective in cleaning teeth and removing plaque, explains Dr. Eric Siani DMD. Many brushes have color indicators on the bristles themselves as another visual reminder of when it’s time for a new toothbrush.

The Coral Lake and Beach Resort is a boon for investors and travelers alike. It is located in an affluent coastal suburban area of Brazil, in the state of Ceara. The Coral Lake Beach and Resort is a front line beach property. Such beach properties appeal to the widest demographic of people, insuring tourist interest.

In the coming years, Brazilian tourist developments such as the Coral Lake and Beach Resort will continue to grow. With Brazil’s robust economic climate, it is insulated from the extremes of the recent global economic downturn. Investors have been looking at Brazil for years, and Coral Lake and Beach Resort is a gorgeous testament to this economic activity.

So whether you are planning a vacation or searching for a market to invest in, Brazil and the Coral Lake and Beach Resort are calling. Come visit Brazil – for the food, for the culture, for the economic opportunity. At the Coral Lake and Beach Resort you can find all three of these things.

About Coral Lake and Beach Resort

Coral Lake and Beach Resort is known as a world-class travel destination. It is located on famous Flexeiras Beach, in the northeastern state of Ceara. This Brazilian beach was voted by the Washington Post as one of the best beaches on Earth. Coral Lake and Beach Resort is comprised of an international community of investors, developers and businesspeople. The community at Coral Lake and Beach Resort promises opportunities to vacation in a luxurious Brazilian paradise. The beauty of this paradise lies in its versatility. Travelers to the Coral Lake and Beach Resort come for many inspired reasons, including the rejuvenating effects of the dazzling Atlantic Ocean, the peace and quiet of the secluded lagoon, and the 5 star amenities of the hotel and private villas.

In fact, enterprising investors looking for a new market need not look farther than the Coral Lake and Beach Resort, situated at the heart of Brazil’s beach culture. For this and other reasons, the Coral Lake and Beach Resort is a growing investment opportunity in and of itself. Many investors are projecting a 200% plus return on their investment in this fresh Brazilian market.

The Coral Lake and Beach Resort is also a focal point for expected growth because the 2014 World Cup will be hosted in Brazil. The resort is just over an hour away from one of Brazil’s biggest stadiums and the international airport. By the time of the 2014 World Cup, Brazilian road improvement plans in anticipation of the event promise to make the trip to Coral Lake and Beach Resort even shorter. The host city of the 2016 Summer Olympic Games will be Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, another major feather in the cap of this thriving South American country.

Contact Coral Lake and Beach Resort:

Coral Lake and Beach Resort

Flexeiras, Ceara, Brazil

www.thecorallakeandbeachresort.com