Sink Choices Abound…
One question that comes up time and time again with our customers is, “What kind of sink should I use?” To that, the answer is, “Wow, you have A LOT of options!”
There are stainless steel sinks, cast iron sinks, procelain sinks, copper sinks, granite composite sinks, granite sinks, etc. There is also the questions of, “What style of sink are you looking for?” There are drop-in sinks, undermount sinks, vessel-style sinks, apron front sinks, round sinks, square sinks, single-bowl sinks, double-bowl sinks, even triple-bowl sinks…honestly the options are endless.
When considering all of your sink options, you should also consider the intended use, durability, configuration, and visual appeal.
The following are some links that may help you in your selection process:
http://www.fixtureuniverse.com/articles/article.aspx?article_id=191
http://www.kitchendesignersideas.com/kitchen_sinks.html
We also offer some sink options, including our stock Magnum 501, Magnum 502, and Magnum 2210.
If you have any additonal questions regarding your sink selection, please feel free to contact our customer service department! Happy sink shopping!
Feel free to share…
Angie
Posted in Granite, Company, Business on February 28th, 2008 by Angie | | 4 Comments
Granite Countertops—Here To Stay!
The other day, I came across a blog titled, “Down with granite counters,” that talked about the supposed downfall of granite countertops due to the green movement, which I totally disagree with. The author basically was predicting that the granite countertop trend would soon be over based on an article he read by some New York realtor.
Granite has been used for centuries for building and has proven that it can withstand time and most weather conditions. Stone has also been an intricate part of many structures throughout Europe and the rest of the world, and has only over the last few decades gained popularity in the United States. While the green movement has gained momentum and popularity recently, I don’t believe it will make the interest in stone and granite countertops go away. In fact, the stone industry, including the Marble Institute of America, and The Stone Council, are working hard to gain Leed points to make the use of granite countertops more sustainable for future green applications and continued granite countertop growth.
Following are some links that provide more information on the subject:
http://www.marble-institute.com/industryresources/historystoneingreenbuilding.pdf
http://www.genuinestone.com/env_greeninitiatives.php
http://www.genuinestone.com/env_whybuildgreen.php
http://www.buildingstonemagazine.com/spring-07/green.html
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite, Industry News, Business on February 27th, 2008 by Barb | | 11 Comments
Recipe: Beef Noodle Bowl
Here’s another Kraft recipe that is easy to make, is good for you, and tastes good.
1/2 lb. linguine, uncooked
3 cups broccoli florets
3 carrots, peeled, sliced
2 tsp. oil
1 lb. beef sirloin steak, cut into strips
1/4 cup KRAFT Asian Toasted Sesame Dressing
1 Tbsp. teriyaki sauce
COOK pasta in large saucepan as directed on package, adding vegetables to the boiling water for the last 2 min.
MEANWHILE, heat oil in large nonstick skillet. Add meat; cook until browned on all sides, stirring occasionally. Stir in dressing and teriyaki sauce; cook 2 min. or until sauce is thickened, stirring occasionally.
DRAIN pasta mixture; place in large serving bowl. Add meat mixture; toss to coat.
Enjoy!
Barb
Posted in Cooking in your kitchen on February 22nd, 2008 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Cultivating Wisdom
We all long for education and develop knowledge throughout our lives. Wisdom, on the other hand, while is also longed for by many, is not cultivated by all. Wisdom is often associated with being older, and is recognized in all cultures as being a virtue.
I recently read, “What it means to be wise,” an article found in the March 2008 issue of Prevention magazine, by Thomas Crook, PhD, that I found interesting. “Although our ability to learn and remember gradually declines throughout adulthood, there’s mounting evidence that our skill at making sense of important information and experience increases. This is what is known as wisdom, and it’s something that scientists are just beginning to study.” While wisdom is a treasure for select individuals, there are ways to develop it.
Following are some habits that help cultivate wisdom from the article:
- Learn from the past–Take time to reflect on your past. Consider the lessons that you’ve learned from your various experiences and write them down.
- Be open to new experiences–Broaden your exposure to all likes of people and ages. Listen to them and draw knowledge from them.
- Consider different perspectives–Before disagreeing with someone, stop and ask them questions instead to try and get their point of view.
- Focus on the positive–Negative thoughts drain your mental energy.
- Move from the center of your universe–Younger people tend to be more ego-centered and are more focused on their accomplishments. Many older people tend to be wiser and are more apt to speak about others accomplishments, not their own.
- Question certainty—Always questions statements that begin with, “There is no doubt,” or “It is a fact.”
- Always maintain your composure–A wise person will act calmly and consider alternatives, especially when there is some sort of crisis.
- Broaden your base of “Wisdon Knowledge”–Ponder upon history, religion, psychology, etc.
- Get comfortable with mixed emotions– There can be feelings of both happiness and sadness at different events in life, but change is inevitable throughout life.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Uncategorized on February 21st, 2008 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Make The Kitchen Choices Right For You!
Remodeling a kitchen involves many choices for the consumer. From picking cabinets, paint, flooring, handles and knobs, appliances, to countertops, the options can sometimes feel a little overwhelming. Most customers that visit our showroom are prepared to make a color selection for their granite countetops, but are sometimes overwhelmed by how many colors are available. While some customers have a color in mind that they may have seen, others may need a little help and guidance. To make the color selection process as easy as possible for the customer, we often try to narrow the search by determining what color tone appeals to them and eliminate the color tones that don’t. In doing this, customers often come up with several choices they like and are then able to make a decision.
After determining a color, the customer has a few more choices to make…edges and backsplash options. At PGC, an eased edge comes standard with a granite countertop, and is included in the pricing. Other edge treatments however, are available and include: bevel, half bullnose, full bullnose, ogee, and chiseled. Other customized edges are also available upon request. Backsplash options include a standard 3-1/2″ high backsplash. We also offer full height backsplash and tile options.
While there are many choices for the consumer to make when remodeling, at PGC, we try to make your granite countertop selections go as smooth as possible. Our Customer Service staff is here to help and guide you in the process, so the choices are right for you!
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite on February 20th, 2008 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Answers about CaesarStone…
At Paramount Granite Company we pride ourselves on the fact that we specialize in the fabrication of natural stone products, including granite, marble, onyx, limestone, travertine, soapstone, and slate.
While natural stone products offer unique, interesting and unmatchable characteristics, there are customers who are interested in the consistent look of an engineered quartz 
product, and for those customers we offer CaesarStone, the “original quartz-based engineered stone.” CaesarStone is comprised of 93% quartz, polymer resins, and pigment. There are 40 colors to select from, you can view them on their website.
As far as pricing, Caesarstone is priced out slightly higher than the Top-50 colors, (granite) that PGC offers. For some additional information on the differences between a natural stone product and engineered products check out, Education Is Key When Selling Natural Countertops.
If you have additional questions or would like a bid, please contact our customer service department.
Feel free to share…
Angie
Posted in Granite, Company, Industry News on February 15th, 2008 by Angie | | 3 Comments
Kitchen Workstations—A Popular New Trend In Kitchen Design
Kitchen sinks are a staple item and necessity for any home when building and remodeling. They are an integral part of the kitchen, and provide a space to wash dishes, countertops, and hands. Over the last several years however, they have become part of a growing trend—a kitchen work station. Many of today’s kitchens incorporate an open design complete with an island and more space to move around in. According to, “The New Kitchen Workstation,” an article found in the February 2008 issue of Kitchen & Bath Design News, “there are several reasons why the sink and its surrounding cabinetry and counter surfaces have become so much more important to the cook. In the past, one primary sink was enough. Sometimes a secondary sink was placed by the refrigerator (considered very luxurious). Today, the food/meal preparation function is often separated from the clean-up function of the water source appliance to accommodate multiple cooks working together, as well as the specialized nature of modern kitchens.”
Many islands however, are designed with a built-in kitchen sink to allow the home owner to interact with family, or guests while preparing meals, or cleaning up after them. Some kitchen work stations may have a smaller prep sink within the island, which can be used for composting, draining, or quick clean up. Often times, the kitchen will also contain a larger, more standard looking, 2-bowled sink that is built-in to the countertops that run along a wall. Other kitchen work stations may incorporate a cooktop within the island, again to allow the homeowner to interact while cooking, or preparing food.
At Paramount Granite Company, we have installed many granite islands with built-in sinks, or cooktops. If you are looking to do some remodeling in your kitchen, we’d be happy to share some ideas and work with you to achieve that perfect kitchen, or workstation complete with granite countertops.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite, Company on February 14th, 2008 by Barb | | 10 Comments
Make A Lasting Impression With Your Showroom!
A showroom, no matter how big, or small, is a great way to make a lasting impression on a customer. Showrooms however, can sometimes get neglected and may lack the regular maintenance needed. Employees often get caught up in their daily paperwork, computer work, helping customers, etc., and may lose sight of what is right in front of them—a messy showroom. What they don’t always realize, is that a customer notices a dirty floor, a cluttered countertop, or a dusty display.
I recently read, “Suggestions For Maintaining Your Showroom,” an article found in the February 2008 issue of Kitchen & Bath Design News that talked about the importance of making a lasting impression when a customer walks into a showroom. Thompson C. Price, author of the article said, “As I travel around the country and see numerous kitchen and bath showrooms, it occurs to me that many of the employees who work in them do not have the same commitment to the showroom experience that the owners have. If we keep our showrooms as neat and clean as most of us keep our homes, we would have better showrooms.” We need to get employees to realize that without the customer, there would be no work, so they need to do what they can to keep them.
Following is a list of ways to help keep your showroom neat and tidy:
- Remove any junk on the countertop that is not needed. Store it in place where it can be easily found if needed.
- Remove any delivery items such as boxes, as soon as they arrive, so they are not taking up space in the showroom.
- Place pick up items in a designated spot, instead of leaving them out in a showroom area.
- Remember to keep a clean bathroom too. There is nothing more frustrating to a customer than a messy bathroom that lacks necessities. Make sure the waste paper baskets are emptied regularly, toilet paper is in place, and that there is soap in the dispenser.
- If you offer food, or drinks in your showroom, make sure the area is clean and tidy and that it is replenished when needed.
- Make sure there is a trash can available in the showroom for customers to put trash in.
- Make sure all lights are functioning on displays. Make sure there are always spare light bulbs, etc.
Are you maintaining your showroom to make a lasting impression for your customers?
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite, Company, Business on February 13th, 2008 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Origins of Granite
It still surprises me that we sometimes hear, “How is granite made?” I just naturally assume that everyone knows that granite is a natural product formed within the earth’s crust. With the variety of competitive products available these days for countertops, I guess there can be some confusion, so let’s start by defining the word granite.
The MIA Dimension Stone Design Manual, Version 6, states that “The American Geological Institute defines granite as an intrusive igneous rock composed of 25-35% quartz and over 50% potassium and sodium-rich felsdspars, with a common accessory mineral of less than 20%, usally muscovite (clear mica), or biotite (dark, iron-bearing mica).”
Granite can be composed of a variety of minerals and it is the different mineral compositions, chemistry, and mineralogy that form the wide varieties of colors available. Granite makes up 75% of the earth’s crust and has been formed throughout all geological periods of time. Granite is found throughout the world and commonly occurs in mountainous regions such as Italy, Brazil, India, United States, etc. Granite is very durable, so it is ideal for countertops, flooring, and other building materials.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite on February 6th, 2008 by Barb | | 2 Comments
Live Abundantly Now
We’re all guilty of it. No matter what we have, we want more. We often think, if I just had something bigger, or maybe better, or something new it would make us feel better, or make us happy. Does it really though? Most purchases do give us a euphoric feeling for awhile, but the feeling is only temporary. I recently read, “More than Enough,” an article found in the February 2008 issue of Body + Soul magazine that talked about the importance of finding happiness by finding a middle ground between having want you want and wanting what you already have. It is human nature to want more than what we already have. “The secret to abundance, lies in striking a balance between not enough and way too much—and getting what you want in life while cultivating contentment for what you already have. ‘True wealth is an innner state, not an outer one. It’s knowing that all’s well, and that everything you want is on its way.’” according to Luanne Oakes PhD, and author of Sound Health Sound Wealth.
Following are several points from the article that demonstrate how to cultivate contentment for what we already have:
Focus on the now: Look around and determine what you already have that makes you happy. Focus more of your energy on these things and be thankful for them. e.g. If listening to music makes you happy and puts you in a good mood, do it more often and relish the time.
Take Action: Make a list of things that you have to do. Write down at least 5 things that you want to happen in the next month. Compare your lists to see if your tasks are bringing you closer to what you want and then prioritize them.
Make Space: Get rid of things that you don’t really use, or need. e.g. If you haven’t wore something in over a year, get rid of it and give it to someone who could really use it.
Relax your Grip:Change the belief that there is not enough to go around. Try living in the world with ease. Spending more time with friends and family, or by yourself may give you more comfort and peace than a trip to the mall.
Give a little: When we practive letting go and sharing, we actually invite more abundance into our life and it leaves us with a good feeling.
Live larger: There’s nothing wrong with wanting more for yourself and you don’t have to break the bank either. Indulge in small pleasures that make you feel good. e. g. Enjoy a chocolate truffle, the breeze on your skin on a warm, sunny day, or just take some extra time to read, or sleep.
Are you living contently with what you have?
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Uncategorized on February 4th, 2008 by Barb | | 0 Comments
