Paramount Progress
While we are used to cutting stone with bridgesaws and CNC mills everyday for your granite countertops, the guys in our shop area have also been sawing something different the last day, or so…cement. We’re in the process of moving some machines around in our shop to get ready for another cnc mill, which should be arriving soon.
We’ve had to do a little bit of musical chairs with some of our equipment, but things are movely along smoothly and when the mill arrives, we’ll be ready for for the install. The new mill will help us in the fabrication process and allow us to operate more efficiently. We’ll keep you posted on the new arrival.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Following are some photos:
Posted in Granite, Company, Industry News on October 31st, 2007 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Train Your Brain
It happens to us all.…You forget where you put your car keys, you can’t remember how to spell a certain word, or draw a blank on someones name. We all have memory lapses at one time or another, especially as we age. Over time, our brain cells become less efficient and we gradually lose some cells and activity.
I recently read, “Cross train your brain,” an article found in the June 2007 issue of Body + Soul magazine, which included some interesting information on how to keep your mind active and sharp that I wanted to share.
Following are some choices to make to help cross train your brain to improve memory and funtionality:
- Imprint the information: Focus on the task at hand. Make sure you are listening attentively.
- Hit the hay: Getting enough sleep plays a huge role in memory function. Make sure you are getting an adequate amount. If you are not, try going to bed a half hour earlier each evening.
- Eat a brain-healthy diet: Make sure you are eating healthy and getting enough fruits, vegetables, and foods that contain anti-inflammatory properties (oily fish, tumeric, extra virgin olive oil, etc.). Make sure you are also avoiding foods that have a lot of refined sugar a nd hydrogenated oils.
- Get moving: Exercise is both good for the body and the mind.
- Learn for the sake of it: According to Dr. Weil, “The more you learn, the more connections you are creating in your brain.” Try learning a foreign language, piano, salsa dance, or anything new.
- Take time to decompress: Stress hormones tend to shrink memory centers in the brain. Try doing things that calm the mind such as yoga, tai chi, yard work, etc.
- Widen the lens: Try to unclutter the mind and focus on just what is around you. Close your eyes to slow down your brain.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Uncategorized on October 30th, 2007 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Considering the Marble Trend?
From clothing to interior design, trends seem to come and go rather quickly. A trend that seems to be occuring in the natural stone industry right now is the increased interest in marble countertops for the kitchen.
I was recently reading an article in Stone Business magazine, “The New 
Love In Vein?”, which discusses the increased interest in marble kitchen countertops. Along with the increased interest, must come increased education about the characteristics and maintenance of marble.
Here, at PGC, we have also experienced an increase in the number of customer’s that are interested in marble kitchen countertops. While marble is a very elegant, classy, and a timeless look, there are some things to keep in mind when contemplating selecting marble for your kitchen countertops:
1. Marble is more susceptible to staining than granite. It would not be a good idea to leave cooking oil, or wine on your marble for too long, as it could take on a stain.
2. Marble is more susceptible to scratching, whereas, you are able to cut directly on your granite countertops without worry…except for the eventual dulling of your knives.
3. Marble is a softer material than granite, in other words, not as durable.
The key to any purchasing decision is educating yourself about the product. Weigh your options, see which is the best fit for you and your lifestyle, and proceed with the peace of mind knowing that you are educated on the pros and cons.
Feel free to share…
Angie
Posted in Granite, Industry News, Business on October 25th, 2007 by Angie | | 2 Comments
Gorgeous Green
The color green many times represents life, nature, or renewal. It can also represent tranquility and have a calming effect, which is why it is often used in decorating. In our showroom, we get many customers who are interested in the color green for their granite countertops, granite bar top, or granite fireplace surround. Green has always been a popular choice for granite countertops, although some might say it is trendy. I personally disagree because there is a lot of diversity in green tones. Many greens have other colors within them, which complement other tones that can be used throughout the decorating process.
If you are interested in using a green granite in your home we’d be happy to help you make a selection, as there are many to choose from. Following are some popular choices:
- Labrador Green
- Verde Butterfly
- Tropic Green
- Emerald Pearl
- Waterfall Green
- Emerald Fantasy
- Verde Sao Francisco
- Verde Peacock
- Verde Maritaka
- Pine Green/Shadow Green
- Silver Sea Green
- Kenora Sage
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite on October 24th, 2007 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Consumer Information On Natural Stone
In our showroom, we often get asked questions in regards to the various types of natural stones available. While granite is the most popular choice for countertops, there are other natural options to choose from for countertops, as well as other applications such as fireplace surrounds, flooring, and bathroom vanities. While we try to educate our customers, many consumers are researching various products on their own before purchasing.
The Natural Stone Council, a collaborative organization representing businesses and trade associations, has a great website to help consumers do their research. The site answers the question, “Why Use Natural Stone?,” and gives information on characteristics such as variety, durability, ecofriendliness, uniqueness, affordability and maintenance. It also provides information on various natural stones such as granite, limestone, marble, sandstone, slate, onyx, etc. It also offers information on “green building” for those who want to build earth friendly homes.
If you are doing research on natural stone and considering it for your home, the Natural Stone Council is a great place to start.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite, Company on October 23rd, 2007 by Barb | | 2 Comments
Recipe: Double Chocolate Gooey Butter Cream Cake
Here’s another recipe to bake in your kitchen for those chocolate lovers out there. It is easy to make and is delicious.
Gooey Chocolate Cake
1 box chocolate cake mix
1 cup butter
3 eggs
1 package cream cheese
1 tsp. vanilla
2 cups powdered sugar
4 Tbsp. cocoa powder
1 cup chopped nuts
In mixing bowl, combine the cake mix, 1/2 cup of butter and 1 egg. Mix well. Pat mixture into a 13 x 9″ cake greased cake pan. In mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, 2 eggs, 1/2 cup butter and vanilla. Add the powdered sugar and cocoa. Add the nuts. Spread the mixture over the cake mixture in the pan. Bake at 350 degrees for approximately 40 minutes. Do not over bake. Cake should be somewhat gooey. If desired, top with a chocolate sauce and ready whip. Serve warm.
Enjoy!
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Cooking in your kitchen on October 19th, 2007 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Beautiful Beige
While there are well over 400 colors of granite to choose from for your granite countertops, granite bathroom, granite fireplace, etc., the color beige is always popular. Beige colored granites offer a neutral tone that is never trendy—And while the overall look of a slab may be beige, various other colors are often found throughout the slab. Many consumers are attracted to beige tones because of this feature. Accent colors can be pulled out and used for painting, furniture, drapes, blinds, or other decorating options.
Over the years, we’ve sold many beige colored granite countertops. Some choices are included in our Top-10, Exclusive and Standard Color options. Following are some popular beige colored granites to choose from:
- St. Cecilia Classic
- Lapidus Wave
- Golden Aurora
- Golden Oak
- African Ivory
- Golden Nugget
- Giallo Napolean
- Ouro Fantastico
- Gold Leaf
- Venetian Gold
- Many more…
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite on October 17th, 2007 by Barb | | 0 Comments
2007 Remodelers Showcase—A Success
Last weekend, (October 12-14th), was a busy weekend for many who participated in the 2007 Remodelers Showcase. The Remodelers Showcase gives many remodelers the opportunity to showcase their work to the public throughout the Twin Cities area.
Paramount Granite Company helped staff the event for some of the remodeling participants. We’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate all remodelers who participated in the showcase and thank those who provided granite countertops through PGC:
1. #122 Affordable Kitchen & Bath Remodeling, Inc.
2. #25 Bacchus Homes, Inc.
3. #103 Building Concepts and Design, Inc.
4. #24 Cardinal Remodeling, Inc.
5. #82 Enhanced Interiors
6. #65 Holton Kitchens & Remodeling, Inc.
7. #73 Jones Design Build, LLC
8. #105 Orfield Remodeling, Inc.
9. #123 Roelofs Remodeling & Renovation
10. #85 Sylvestre Construction, Inc.
11. #13 Tomco Company, Inc.
12. #55 White Crane Construction, LLC
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Following are some photos from the showcase:
Posted in Granite, Company on October 16th, 2007 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Natures Beauty Abounds!
At Paramount Granite Company, we get to experience a little bit of natures beauty every day, while promoting, selling, fabricating and installing granite countertops, granite islands, granite bar tops, etc. This past weekend, however, Chris and I got to experience another aspect of natures beauty. In May, we celebrated our 20 year wedding anniversary, and decided to take our anniversary trip to Northern California this October, where we experienced ocean front, rolling hills, mountains, ranches, cattle and of course…wineries.
Our trip began in San Francisco where we rented a car and began our journey. Our first stop was a quaint little restaraunt by the water in Sausalito for lunch. From there we took the scenic coastal highway north to Jenner, CA, (approximately 2 hours). The countryside is beautiful!
In the next few days, we visited the Armstrong Redwood Forest, a few state parks, and several wineries, before ending our trip at Fisherman’s Wharf back in San Francisco.
If you’re looking for a way to experience nature and a nice quiet get away, I’d definitely recommend Northern California and wine country.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Following are a few photos from our trip:
Posted in Uncategorized, Granite, Company on October 15th, 2007 by Barb | | 3 Comments
Quite Mind Boggling…
Most people don’t realize the intense labor that is involved to supply beautiful granite countertops. From cutting granite blocks out of the earth, all the way to the final installation of your polished granite countertops, islands, vanities, bar tops, or fireplaces, the process is quite mind boggling. 
The Marble Institute of America offers a terrific video demonstrating the process, “From the Quarry to Your Kitchen”.
As part of the complex process, PGC receives some of its slabs directly from other countries. This week, we received a container of granite from India. When you take into consideration that a slab of granite can be anywhere from 40 square feet (SF) to 70 SF, weighing approximately 18 lbs per SF…well, you do the math, it is not an easy, or quick process to unload 43 slabs of granite.
Below are some of the photos from the day we unloaded the container.
PGC takes great pride in offering a wide selection of granite slabs from all over the world for customer’s to choose from. Stop into our showroom in St. Michael to check out our new arrivals!
Feel free to share…
Angie
Posted in Granite, Company, Industry News, Business on October 11th, 2007 by Angie | | 0 Comments
