Adventure: Our Nation’s Capital
As some of you may remember, a few weeks back I blogged about my upcoming trip to Washington, DC. Well, as usual, the time flies by, and I have already been there and back home again!
I wanted to take this opportunity to share some of my experiences with you. From the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, to the Gettysburg Battlefield, we saw a lot. Washington DC is a city full of rich history and pride. Walking up to the Wall brought a chill to my bones. While we were there, some veterans were conducting a wreath ceremony, which was very chilling. Not to mention, walking through the hills of Arlington National Cemetery and witnessing the Changing of the Guard at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, were also. While all of this may seem a little somber, it made me reflect on what so many have sacrificed in order to protect our freedom. It is truly an enlightening and moving place to visit.
And of course…I have to mention that the vast majority of the memorials and historic building are constructed of granite and/or marble. It is truly amazing how the reflective qualities of the black granite at the Wall, and the Korean War Memorial add to the impact of the experience. My dad pointed out to me that the faces that are etched into the Korean War Memorial are actual photos of fallen soldiers.
Of course there is so much more that could be written, but I will just leave you with some photos of the sites we visited.
Feel free to share…
Angie
Posted in Uncategorized, Granite on May 30th, 2008 by Angie | | 5 Comments
My Mother Had It Right!
It is hard to believe, but today marks 13 years since my mother passed away. It is easy to bring back the emotions, but it is funny how life goes on. A lot has happened in our lives since then. We started and grew a successful granite countertop business, and our then, small children, have grown up into young adults.
I have many fond memories of my mother and childhood, and while reflecting back, realized in many ways, “My mother had it right!” While there is much talk today in our society about going green, and green building, there is much we can do to improve our environment, living conditions, and ourselves, by reflecting on the wisdom of past generations.
Use The Wisdom Of Past Generations:
- Start a Garden. My mother loved to garden. She grew her own vegetables, and often canned them for later use. What a great way to know what you are actually eating.
- Create a Compost For Fertilizer. My mother had a compost pile where she dumped coffee grounds, banana peels, etc, and later used the compost for fertilizer. This is a great natural way to fertilize.
- Recycle Plastic Bags. My mother washed and reused bread bags for sandwich bags, etc. Why fill up those land fills with all of that plastic? You can make a difference by adding less to them.
- Re-use Your Plastic Containers. My mother saved plastic containers for re-use, (although too many). Another great way to cut down on the over use of land fills.
- Use Natural Cleaning Products That Do Not Pollute The Environment. My mother often used vinegar and water for cleaning windows, floors, etc. There are many natural products on the market these days to try.
- Use Re-useable Grocery Bags, Or Boxes. My mother often grocery shopped at a discount warehouse food store, where she re-used boxes to pack her groceries. Many stores are starting to offer cloth bags to purchase for re-use. I keep my cloth bags in the trunk of my car, so I have them handy when I shop.
- Pass Along Your Clothing. My mother used hand-me-downs for her six children. You can do the same, or clean out your closets and give away things you no longer wear to the Goodwill, etc.
- Wear Sunscreen. My mother often warned my sister, and myself about laying out in the sun for too long. Unfortunately, we didn’t listen to her at that time, and learned the hard way. I had some melanoma surgically removed in 1997, and my sister just recently did. Make sure you protect your skin, and wear sunscreen!
- A Penny Saved, Is A Penny Earned. My mother taught her children the value of a dollar, and a good work ethic, and used this saying often. The next time you find a penny, or a coin, pick it up and thank the Lord for your blessings!
Thanks Mom! …And thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Uncategorized, Industry News on May 29th, 2008 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Savor Your Memories With A Unique Granite Etch!
With warm weather finally upon us, it is time to start thinking about those upcoming spring and summer events. Many people, like myself, have graduation parties to throw and attend. Others may have weddings, family reunions, or Memorial Day, Fourth of July, or Labor Day gatherings to go to.
For a unique way to capture your special memories, why not create a lasting granite etch? They make great gifts, and are perfect keepsakes!
Baby/Birth Announcements
Animals
Graduation
Weddings
Other
Please check out our Laser Etching page on our website for more samples, and information.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Uncategorized, Granite on May 22nd, 2008 by Barb | | 4 Comments
Radon—Just Another Scare Tactic To Counter Genuine Granite Countertop Sales!
It’s a free country! Free enterprise and competition are the norm among businesses in America. However, while there is nothing wrong with having a competing product, there is something wrong when the competition has to stoop so low, as to make up lies to gain market recognition. Unfortunately, this is not the first time. Over the years, there have been various rumors in regards to radon and genuine granite countertops.
Recent false claims of radon emissions from granite countertops have come from BuildClean™, a Houston-based “pending not-for-profit organization,” which is funded by two engineered stone companies, Silestone and Cambria. While it is true that granite contains miniscule amounts of radon, it is false to say that granite is unsafe, and sad that the accusations create a scare for the general public.
Granite has been used throughout the ages as a building material. Its strength, durability, and beauty have made it the natural choice, not only for buildings, but for countertops. If radon really was a problem, we would have had to deal with it years, and years ago.
The MIA, Marble Institute of America, along with others, have conducted various studies to prove the safety of granite and prove the dangerous radon emission claims false. For more information on the topic, please review the following links:
- http://www.marble-institute.com/industryresources/granite_radoninfo.cfm
- http://www.paramountgranite.com/docs/Nat_Stone_Ind_Fights_Back.pdf
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite, Company, Industry News on May 19th, 2008 by Barb | | 4 Comments
Recipe: Grilled Fish With Tropical Relish
Here’s a healthy recipe I came across that would be good for some of those upcoming summer cookouts. It is easy to make and delicious.
Grilled Fish With Tropical Relish
| Ingredients |
| 4 fish fillets, such as cod or halibut, about 6 ounces each 1 teaspoon extra virgin olive oil Salt and freshly ground black pepper to tasteRELISH 1 ripe mango, peeled, pitted, and finely chopped 1 sweet onion, finely chopped 1 red bell pepper, seeded and finely chopped 1 bunch fresh basil, chopped 1 tablespoon capers, drained 1 teaspoon balsamic vinegar 1 tablespoon salsa |
| Instructions |
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Enjoy!
Barb
Posted in Cooking in your kitchen on May 16th, 2008 by Barb | | 0 Comments
New Season, New Colors…
Well, I think it is officially Spring…or that is what the calender says anyway. With the changing seasons, we thought it would be a great time to bring in some new exclusive colors to display in our slab yard.
Five of the six new colors offer a lot of flow, movement, and natural veining. These colors include Creme De Oro, Hurricane, Mascarello, Sanguine, and Sucuri. The sixth color, Cafe Brown, is a more consistent looking color with a satin finish. Please feel free to come and visit our showroom to view the new colors along with our Top-13 stock colors. You are bound to find something that suites your tastes.
Feel free to share…
Angie
For a sneak peek, see the photos below:
Creme De Ouro
Hurricane
Mascarello
Sanguine
Sucuri
Cafe Brown (Satin Finish)
Posted in Granite, Company, Business on May 13th, 2008 by Angie | | 2 Comments
There’s Still Something Wrong With This Picture!
Some of you out there may remember a post I wrote last year about this time, There’s Something Wrong With This Picture, where I complained about the rising cost of gas, etc., and how gas stations need to adust their pumps to accomodate paying more than a $50 limit. Well here it is, a year later, and it hasn’t improved. In fact, it has gotten worse. As I was driving to work today, I noticed the cost of gas is $3.65 per gallon and rising. Good Lord! Thankfully, some gas stations have adjusted their pumps to cover the $75 plus tank fills, (or is it the credit card companies?) Anyway…the plain fact is that everything just seems to be going up in cost, from gas to a gallon of milk.
Last weekend was my seventeen year old daughter’s prom…THE LAST ONE! Since prom marks the beginning of the end for many high school seniors, I’m not going to complain about the high cost of everything again. Instead, I’ll just focus on the positive, and the fact that they had a good time with friends, who in a few short months will all be off in different directions.
Besides… Why complain about the cost of a prom dress? It is nothing in comparison to the college tuition we’ll be paying in a few short months!
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Following are some photos from the 2008 Totino Grace High School prom:
Posted in Uncategorized on May 12th, 2008 by Barb | | 2 Comments
Growth In Kitchen & Bath Remodels
With a slower housing market, many homeowners today are deciding to stay in their current home and remodel their kitchen, bathroom, bar room, etc. In both good times and bad times, homeowners tend to remodel the two rooms they use most often—the kitchen and bathroom. As economic times change, more people are deciding to stay in and entertain guests, versus going out to restaurants, bars, etc., which may be one reason that kitchen remodels have stayed steady. Bathroom remodels are also popluar because people tend to enjoy having a room that not only allows them to get ready, but also gives them a feeling of comfort and relaxation.
According to “Kitchen/Bath Trends ‘08,” an article found in the April 2008 issue of Qualified Remodeler magazine, there are several trends taking place with todays home remodels including…installing granite countertops. Some other trends emerging include vast color ranges, plenty of storage space, open rooms, and functionality/ease of use for applicances cabinets, etc.
Following are some highlights from the article:
- Color: Dark, rich tones are popular, as well as lighter tones. Many people are also experimenting with new colors. Victoria Strother of PS Construction Inc., in Sacramento, CA stated in the article, “We have some really dark kitchens, and some really light kitchens, and in part, this is established by the color of granite that they choose.”
- Storage: Many people like islands and are looking for more areas to gather with more countertop and storage space.
- Connection to the outdoors: Cramped areas with poor lighting, are being remodeled to include wide open spaces, and large windows. Long surfaces such as peninsulas and islands are popular because they provide the optical illusion of more space.
- Practical function-based choices: Many consumers are trying to utilize existing space better. (e.g. Some consumers are picking showers with luxurious features over tubs.)
- Granite Countertops: According to the 2008 survey conducted by Qualified Remodeler magazine, “Granite remains the overwhelming choice with homeowners, garnering the top place for countertops among 32% of the respondents.”
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite, Industry News on May 8th, 2008 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Fill Your Home With The Natural Beauty Of Granite!
While granite has become increasingly popular for kitchen countertops over the last decade or so, it has also gained popularity for many other areas of the home as well. With its unmatched beauty, and durability, many home owners are turning to granite for their bathroom vanities, fireplace surrounds, bar-tops, and more…and why not? There are hundreds of colors to choose from, each with its own unique mineral composition and look, and granite is easy to maintain.
If you are planning on doing some remodeling for your home, no matter what room, you may want to consider adding the natural beauty and attractiveness of granite.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Special thanks to Mark Murray for allowing us to present some photos from his home!
Posted in Granite on May 6th, 2008 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Recipe: Banana Torte
Here’s a good recipe to try for all of the banana lovers out there. It is easy to make and is delicious!
Banana Torte
1 box Super moist butter cake
Follow the recipe on the box for (2) 8″ round pans. Bake and cool 10 minutes. Remove from the pans, and then cool completely.
Filling:
1 package 3-1/2 oz banana cream pudding
1-1/2 cups cold milk
1/2 cup sour cream
Beat pudding and 1-1/2 cups cold milk, and 1/2 cup sour cream about 2 minutes. Let stand until thick, 3-5 minutes.
Cut each layer of the cake in half. Put first layer of the cake on a plate. Take 2/3 cup of the pudding mixture and spread on the cake. Add sliced bananas on top. Add the next layer of cake and repeat steps. For the fourth layer, frost with 12 oz. tub of Cool Whip. Refrigerate for several hours and serve.
Enjoy!
Barb
Posted in Cooking in your kitchen on May 2nd, 2008 by Barb | | 0 Comments
