Slow Down And Keep It Simple!
It’s that time of year again, the holidays, where hustle and bustle has become the norm. I’ve always been one of those people who tries to get things done early, (the decorating, the shopping, the cards and the baking), so I can supposedly relax and enjoy them as the time draws closer.
I usually try and put a big dent in my tasks over Thanksgiving weekend, but this year, so far, has been a little different. Thanksgiving weekend was filled with lots of family and other plans, and by Sunday I just needed a little recovery. By Sunday evening I was feeling a little guilty about it all and decided I at least had to start my Christmas letter. I wrote a bit and then thought…”What is the rush anyway?” I have a whole month to get everything done. Why not this year try and relax and be present in the moment enjoying the decorating, the shopping, etc., instead of feeling overwhelmed by it all. Who needs all of the hustle and bustle anyway? Most people get enough of it in their day to day life.
Why not this year, try and simplify the holidays all around. I recently read, All Wrapped Up, an article in Body + Soul magazine, by Cheryl Richardson, that talked about how the best gifts come from the heart. “Too often, time constraints and financial limitations completely overshadow the magic of searching for a present that reflects the essence of a loved one. To get a handle on your holidays, consider creatively recasting the way you swap presents with friends and family, vowing to give only homemade gifts, for instance, or pooling resources to make a donation to a mutually agreed upon cause.” Listed below are some other ideas and suggestions from the article.
Ideas that make things less costly and emotionally stressful:
- Spend Only $4.98: Each person can spend exactly $4.98 on a gift—no more, no less. You can buy just 1 thing, or several, as long as together they total the designated amount. Give it a try, or come up with some other agreed upon amount. You’ll have fun and won’t break the bank.
- Make A Wish Jar: Purchase a ceramic, or glass jar and write, with the word, “Ambitions” on it. Next come up with 50 dreams, or goals you’ve heard a loved one talk about over the years and write them down on 50 little folded pieces of paper to include in the jar. This gift will not only express your thoughtfulness, but show how much you care and your effort put forth.
- Write A Love Letter: What a meaningful way to express how much you care about a person, something a gift alone could never express.
- Give Yourself: Offer to help someone out with a task, or help them out with something you are skilled at.
- Create A Book: Create a journal of special memories with photos, drawings, quotes, writings, etc.
Last night, I decorated the Christmas tree that Chris and our youngest daughter picked out the night before. My family was busy and our oldest daughter is away at college, so I thought I’d decorate it myself to make our house festive. I have to admit, I’ve never decorated alone before, but I actually enjoyed it! I put on some Christmas music, poured a glass of wine and got in the spirit of things. I think I could actually get use to this, “Enjoying The Present Moment Thing!”
Happy Holidays and thanks for reading!
Barb
Following is a photo of this years Christmas tree:
Posted in Uncategorized on November 29th, 2007 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Granite Color Choices A Plenty!
I remember the first several of years of PGC. There were only a handul or so of granite fabricators, and a minimal amount of granite color choices available, at least compared to now. Times sure have changed. Today’s granite market offers hundreds of color options for the consumer for granite countertops, granite islands, granite bar tops, granite fireplaces, etc.
So what is the reason for this explosion in color options you may ask? Well there are actually a number of factors that have come into play over the years. In “Granite doesn’t just come in black anymore,” an article found in the Detroit News, author, Barbara Kopitz, interviewed John Moran of the Marble and Granite Gallery for some answers. He said, “There’s been an improvement in technology, which allows the quarries to process materials that in the past were passed over either because they weren’t considered durable enough or the colors weren’t good. Now they’ve gone back to these older quarries. The new process that is used is called advance vacuuming processing. They actually put the material in a vacuum and force resin into the slab. The resin bonds with the stone, thus enhancing the color and making it more durable.” There is also a whole lot more importing going on. Many granites are quarried and then imported from countries such as Brazil, China, Italy, India, Africa, Norway, Argentina, Portugal, Finland, Russia, Spain, Saudi Arabia, Canada, and others.
If you’re looking for a unique material for your kitchen, or home, with beauty that will last a life time, granite is the natural choice with plenty of color options!
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite, Company on November 27th, 2007 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Happy Thanksgiving!
In 1621 the first Thanksgiving was celebrated in Plymouth, MA. That event in 
history was the beginning of an American tradition, which kicks off the holiday season. That’s right, I said holiday season! It seems like just yesterday I was preparing for the long 4th of July weekend. Well, now it is time to prepare the turkey, stuffing, and pumpkin pie!
Oh, and don’t forget the “Black Friday” shopping event that will take place the following day! An event kicking off the Christmas mayhem.
In the hustle and bustle of it all, don’t forget the true meaning of the holidays. Thanksgiving is a time to be thankful for the gifts in your life and the blessings around 
you. Take full advantage of the time spent with your family and loved ones this holiday season.
Happy Thanksgiving and have a safe and blessed holiday!
Feel free to share…
Angie
Posted in Uncategorized on November 21st, 2007 by Angie | | 0 Comments
Try Something New And Grow Your Mind!
I don’t know about you, but I’m one of those people who likes to learn new things and experience things that are out of the everyday norm. This desire for learning is instinctual and the process of learning new things actually promotes brain growth, no matter how old you are, according to, “Miracle-Gro For Your Mind,” an article found in the December 2007 of Prevention magazine.
“What’s really exciting is that new experiences needn’t be dramatic or life changing to have positive effects.” Just making simple changes in an everyday routine can benefit and expand your mind.
Following are some easy ways to change routine habits to benefit your mind according to the article:
- Brush your teeth using the opposite hand you normally use.
- Walk or bike your usual route in the opposite direction.
- Trade your favorite game such as a crossword puzzle for another one, such as Sudoku, to change things up.
- Eat at an ethnic restaurant to take in some new tastes, instead of eating from a standard American menu.
- Rearrange your furniture.
- Plan to visit a new place.
- Shop at a different grocery store than the one you always go to.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Uncategorized on November 20th, 2007 by Barb | | 0 Comments
10 Years of Dedication and Loyalty
We’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate Troy Godeman, our lead installer, on 10 years of dedication and loyalty to PGC. Troy has been an important part of the PGC team, both out in the field as our lead installer, as well as a skilled fabricator in our shop area.
The entire PGC team was present, while we celebrated the milestone last week. Following are some photos from the event we wanted to share:
Troy getting into the PGC install truck.
Troy receiving his employee recognition granite plaque.
Troy holding his celebration cake.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite, Company, Industry News on November 19th, 2007 by Barb | | 1 Comments
Recipe: Best Black Bean Salad
Here’s a good recipe to try for your next gathering, or when you are craving some good Mexican food.
Best Black Bean Salad
1 can 15 oz. black beans drained
1 can 16 oz. corn, drained
1 red bell pepper
1 green bell pepper
1 yellow bell pepper
1/2 cup red onion, diced
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tsp. cilantro
1/4 cup olive oil
4 Tbsp. red wine vinegar
1 tsp. lime juice
Freshly gound pepper
Salt
Tortilla chips
Seed and dice bell peppers. In salad bowl combine bell peppers, onion, corn kernels, garlic, and cilantro. Toss to mix. Add black beans, olive oil, vinegar and lime juice. Salt and pepper to taste. Toss again. Serve with tortilla chips.
Enjoy!
Barb
Posted in Cooking in your kitchen on November 16th, 2007 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Get Stone Information Via Video
Consumers are often confused because there is so much information available in regards to granite countertops, some of it true and some…unfortunately false. Consumers don’t always know where to turn for accurate information. The MIA, Marble of Institute of America, provides a source for consumers to turn to when it comes to stone related questions. They even provide streamed video on their website, via The Stone News Channel, for consumers to watch and gather information.
The Stone News Channel provides various episodes for viewing, testimonials, and contains information regarding:
- The latest technology
- Trends in the industry
- Industry leaders sharing their insights
- False statements of granite countertops and radon
- Stone showrooms of the future
- MIA Pinnacle Awards
- Etc.
I hope you have the opportunity to check out the site.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite, Company, Industry News on November 15th, 2007 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Natural Countertop Choices
While granite is the best option for countertops because of it’s hardness and durability, there are other natural choices for countertops, bar tops, fireplaces, and tub surrounds. Some of the choices include marble, limestone, slate, soapstone and onyx. Many consumers however, are confused when it comes to natural stone, so I thought I’d pass along some helpful information.
Granite—Granite is by far the best choice for countertops and the most popular. It is the hardest and most durable material available. It is quarried all over the world and there are numerous color choices, (well over 400). Since granite is an extremely hard material, it is, for the most part, very stain resistant. At PGC, we seal every countertop before it leaves our facility. Granite is also easy to clean and maintain and is beautifully stunning.
Marble—Marble is also a very popular stone. It has a beauty all of its own and is a great choice for fireplace surrounds, or a bathroom vanity. Marble is relatively hard, but not as hard as granite, so there is a chance for staining depending on the level of use. Some consumers choose to use marble in their kitchens for countertops, but do so knowing that spills should be wiped up quicker and any cutting should be done with a cutting board. Marble also comes a a wide variety of color options and with a little extra care, marble is relatively easy to maintain.
Limestone—Limestone offers a unique look and generally has a softer tone. It is the softest natural material available and therefore is not typically a good choice for kitchen countertops. Limestone however, works well for bathroom vanities and fireplace surrounds. It is also appealing for floor tiles.
Slate—Slate offers a unique earthy look. It is a great material to use for flooring and comes in a variety of multi-colored choices. It comes in both a honed and cleft finish and often has a rugged, or weathered look. It is a softer material and thus not the best choice for kitchen countertops, but works well for fireplace surrounds.
Soapstone—Soapstone also offers a weathered look and is quite popular to some consumers. Scratching is considered normal for this stone and is part of its characteristic. Soapstone countertops require periodic sealing with mineral oil, which brings out the richness of the stone. Abrasive cleaners such as Ajax are recommended for cleaning as well as a bristle brush. Soapstone typically comes in two varieties, original and iceflower, both of which offer a unique look.
Onyx—Onyx is often considered a gemstone. It can be extremely fragile to work with, but has a stunning beauty all its own often with verigated formations. Onyx is not typically recommended for kitchen countertops, although we have fabricated some. It can be used for bar tops, fireplace surrounds and makes a unique furniture top.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite on November 13th, 2007 by Barb | | 0 Comments
What’s the Difference?
Would you buy a Rolex watch from a street vendor? While reading an article from Stone 
Business Magazine, “Psst…Wanna Buy a Watch?”, it hit me, of course everyone is looking for a “deal”, but if you really want a quality product would you consider buying it from someone who has no stability? The main concept of the article was that if you do not know the difference between your company and the competitor then you do not have a valid reason for charging more for your quality and expertise.
Paramount Granite Company began its 11th year of business last month and has demonstrated over the years its reliability, stability, and credibility. The difference between PGC and its competitors include:
- PGC is an active member in organizations such as NARI, BATC, BBB, local Chamber of Commerce, etc. These organizations encourage accountability and ethical business practices.
- PGC is in its 11th year of business and has thousands of satisfied customers. Does the competitor have that same track record?
- The quality of our work is evident, check out our feature gallery.
- Consistent and quick customer service response to questions, concerns and issues.
- Experienced installers with over 10 years of experience.
- State of the art equipment.
- PGC is dedicated to keeping up-to-date on all of the new technology and techniques used to fabricate natural stone products through various trade shows, etc.
So the next time you are looking for a Rolex watch, new car, granite fabricator, etc., make sure you do your research. You may want the peace of mind you can get from a stable business, rather than the uncertainty from a street vendor, or business that is not well established?
Feel free to share…
Angie
Posted in Granite, Company, Business on November 12th, 2007 by Angie | | 1 Comments
Recipe: Turtle Pumpkin Pie
Here’s a good Kraft recipe if you want to serve something a little different for dessert this Thanksgiving Day, and it requires no baking.
Turtle Pumpkin Pie
1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp. caramel topping
1 graham cracker crust
1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp. pecans, divided
1 cup milk
2 pkg. Jello vanilla instant pudding (4 serving size)
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
1 tub Cool Whip (thawed)
Pour 1/4 cup caramel into crust. Sprinkle with half of the pecans. Beat milk, pudding mixes, pumpkin and spices with a whisk until blended. Stir in 1-1/2 cups whipped cream. Spread into the crust.
Refrigerate for 1 hour. Top with remaining whipped topping, caramel and pecans just before serving.
Enjoy!
Barb
Posted in Cooking in your kitchen on November 9th, 2007 by Barb | | 0 Comments
