Add A Beautiful Granite Buffet Top To Your Home!
While the majority of the granite countertops we install are for the kitchen (kitchen countertops and granite islands), we also fabricate tops for many other areas of the home. Some of these tops include: bathroom vanities, bar tops, fireplace surrounds, etc. Many home designs however, also incoporate accent pieces, such as buffet tops in the kitchen, or adjacent rooms, which are quite visually appealing.
If you are thinking of remodeling your home, why not add a beautiful buffet made from genuine granite? You’ll be glad you did.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Following are some buffet top photo’s I wanted to share:
Posted in Granite on September 29th, 2008 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Recipe: Stuffed Peppers
Here it is …another good fall recipe to try, and may I add, one of my favorites! It is easy to make and is delicious.
Stuffed Peppers
4-6 large green, or other variety (color peppers)
12 oz. pork sausage (Jimmy Dean works well)
2/3 cup chopped onion
1/3 cup thinly sliced celery, if desired
2 tsp. vegetable oil
1 can Rotel diced tomatoes & chili’s
1 small can sliced olives
1 cup cooked rice
1 egg beaten
1/2 tsp. garlic salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1 package grated cheddar cheese, or favorite variety
Cut tops off peppers and scrape out seeds. Boil some water in a large pot, (enough to cover peppers,) and add the peppers for approximately 4 minutes, to cook slightly. Remove from heat, rinse and drain to cool.
Cook the pork sausage in a large skillet over medium heat, stirring frequently to break up the meat. Add the onion, celery, olives, garlic salt, and pepper, stirring occasionally until the sausage is cooked through and the vegetables are tender. Transfer the sausage mixture into a large mixing bowl and allow it to cool slightly. Add the can of Rotel diced tomatoes and chilis. Add the rice, to the cooled sausage mixture. Scoop it into the peppers. Sprinkle with grated cheese over the top. Bake until the peppers are tender and crisp in a 350 degree oven for approximately 30 minutes.
Enjoy!
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Cooking in your kitchen on September 28th, 2008 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Down Time—Relax And Enjoy It!
A few weeks ago, I had one of those “freak” accidents happen to me. I miss-stepped and fell down some stairs rolling my ankle and spraining it in 3 different places. While it could have been a lot worse, I have had a hard time dealing with it, as I am the type of person that is always on the go and very active. I know that everything happens for a reason, but am not sure here. Maybe I am just supposed to slow down! Probably not a bad idea after recently becoming an “empty nester,” and a recent move.
It’s funny, we are a nation of workaholics, many of which have a hard time sitting still. According to “Be More Bored,” an article found in the October 2008 issue of Body + Soul magazine, “As much as we try and crowd it out, experts tell us that boredom is an essential part of the human experience. It’s counterbalance to all that busyness. In fact, some argue it’s a gateway to peace.”
I don’t know about you, but I’m going to give this “down time thing” more of a try, (at least while my foot heals.)
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Following are the Top 3 reasons we seem to be down on downtime along with ways to embrace it from the article:
- We’re Overstimulated: The empty pockets of time we once took for granted, such as waiting patiently and quietly in a doctor’s office have vanished. Many doctor’s offices today have TV’s to stimulate us. Cell phones, BlackBerry’s, ipods, computers, etc. are also common place. People can be seen virtually everywhere using them. This overstimulation however, can actually keep us from responding with depth to anything, or anyone. To avoid overstimulation, and recharge yourself it is important to just sit quietly from time to time. Turn off that TV, go for walk in nature, etc.
- We Believe Productivity Is A Virtue: Many people use To-Do lists because they help promote a sense of productivity and accomplishment, and affirm how busy we are. Using To-Do lists to fill up every empty space in our lives however, can be counter-productive. Everyone needs some time to reflect and think. This time can actually help the mind come up with new ideas. Try and schedule a block of time to do absolutely nothing. You might be surprised and pick up a paint brush, or have a few laughs with your family, etc.
- We Fear What Lies Beneath: “Many of live in a comfortably numb place. Space gives hidden feelings a chance to emerge.” When these feeling arise, we can actually deal with them and move ahead. (i.e. Discovering it is time to check those want ads for a new job, etc.)
Posted in Uncategorized on September 25th, 2008 by Barb | | 2 Comments
Granite Countertops: Spotlight on Backsplash
Last week, Barb blogged on the process of selecting an edge for your granite countertops. When it comes to selecting granite countertops however, there are many other decisions that need to be made as well, including granite color selection, possible island design, as well as backsplash options.
When it comes to backsplash, it is often times a matter of personal preference. Whether a homeowner selects standard 3-1/2″ high backsplash, full height backsplash, granite tile backsplash, or a complementary tile backsplash, the options are endless. Something to consider when choosing between different backspalsh options, is the intended use of space. For example, some will select a standard backspalsh around the entire kitchen, however will add full height backsplash to the cooktop/range area for ease of cleaning potential splatters. There are not hard and fast rules when it comes to backsplash. Below are some possible backsplash options to consider:
Feel free to share…
Angie
Posted in Granite on September 22nd, 2008 by Angie | | 0 Comments
Tips For A Successful Selling Process
Sales—Every business needs them. Getting them however, is not always an easy process, especially during tough economic times. Why is it then, that some companies are extremely successful at sales, and others struggle? The answer to that question can be rather complex, since many factors can come into play. Most successful companies however, incorporate some sort of sales process for their sales people to follow over and over, which allows them to succeed.
I recently read, “Make Your Passion For Selling Successful”, an article found in the September, 2008 issue of Kitchen and Bath Design News, by Ralph Palmer. After 40 years of selling kitchen and bath products, he is retiring and wanted to share some of his tips. Ralph attributes his success over the years “to a passion for the company he worked for, a passion for the client, a passion for selling and, yes, a passion for the industry and all of the wonderful people in it.”
Following are seven keys to successful selling from the article that I thought were valueable:
- Questioning Skills: Get to know the prospect’s needs, wants, desires and expectations before telling them what you know. By asking questions, you qualify the prospect and figure what you need to present to get the sale.
- Development of a Solution: The prospect must have an identifiable need and your product/service must have features to benefit the need. Keep in mind that the time to sell is always now. Try to stir the prospects emotions. Some key emotional drivers inclue: convenience, fear, peer pressure, pride, security, self image, and wealth.
- Presentation of the Solution: “Be prepared.” Buying emotions are stirred by the benefits to be gained and losses to be avoided from your product. Make sure the prospect understands the importance/reasons behind your pricing, or features.
- Invitation to do Business With You: Always ask for the order! If you hear a “no”, you need to once again sell the benefits of your product and the losses they will incur by not using it. In order to be successful, you must believe your offering is the best!
- Management of the Sale to a Successful Conclusion: You must deliver what you promise, and “Sell to Sell Again!”
- Offering Thanks: Always thank the prospect for their time and their order, and for helping them make their project successful.
- Follow-up and Referrals: Always follow up after a sale to ensure the customer was satisfied, and then use those happy customers for referrals.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Industry News, Marketing on September 17th, 2008 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Granite Countertops—Spotlight On Edges!
While many customers come out to our showroom prepared to make their color selections for their granite countertops, they may not realize there are other selections to be made as well. Once a customer has selected a color, the next step in the process is to make an edge selection. There are a variety of edges to choose from including eased, bullnose, half bullnose, bevel, ogee, plus an array of custom edges. While some edges are more decorative, or give a different look and feel, at PGC, our eased edge is by far the most popular among our customers (at least 90 percent of the countertops we fabricate). It offers a simple, clean look and is included in our standard pricing structure. While some fabricators may offer a “so-called” Free full bullnose edge option, it actually gives the countertop a thinner thickness appearance, which is not always desired.
According to “Here’s an edge that can make a difference,” an article found in the Fall 2008 issue of Stone Dimensions magazine, “With today’s high-tech edge profiling machines, there are viturally unlimited types of standard and custom edge designs available for the consumer, but surprisingly, only a handful of edge profiles are selected. Simplicity seems to be the norm.”
No matter what edge profile you select, it is important to choose the edge option that is right for you!
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite on September 15th, 2008 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Recipe: Whole Wheat Zucchini Bread
Here’a fall favorite of mine that I thought I’d share. It is easy to make and delicious.
Whole Wheat Zucchini Bread
2 cups flour
1 cup whole wheat flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1-1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
1/4 tsp. each allspice and nutmeg
1 cup sugar
1 cup walnuts, or other nuts
3 eggs
1/2 cup packed brown sugar
1 cup oil
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. grated lemon rind
2 medium zucchini (unpeeled), coarsely shredded (about 2 cups lightly packed)
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. In large bowl, stir together flours, baking soda, salt, baking powder, cinnamon, allspice, nutmeg, and sugar. Mix in nuts.
In medium bowl, beat eggs to blend yolks and whites, then beat in brown sugar, oil, vanilla, and lemon rind. Mix zucchini into egg mixture, stirring just until dry ingredients are moistened. Divide batter evenly into two greased, lightly foured 4-1/2 x 8-1/2 inch loaf pans. Bake until loaves are well browned and a wooden skewer inserted in center comes out clean (50 minutes to 1 hour). Let cool in pans for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire racks to cool competely. Makes 2 loaves.
Enjoy!
Barb
Posted in Cooking in your kitchen on September 12th, 2008 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Granite Countertops—Spotlight on Sinks!
There are hundreds of color options to choose from when it comes to making a selection for your granite countertops. What many customers don’t realize however, is there are also many options available when it comes to selecting a sink. Many manufacturer’s have a variety of styles and models to choose from. Whether you like a kitchen sink with a large bowl on the right, versus on the left, 2 bowls the same size, or a farm style sink, the choices are plenty. There are also a variety of material options available including stainless steel, porcelain, cast iron, and granite…to name a few.
Whatever your sink needs may be for your building, or remodeling project, PGC would be happy to answer your questions and assist you. Please feel free to stop by our showroom for both your granite countertop and sink needs.
Thanks for reading,
Barb
Following are a few sink applications that I wanted to share:
Posted in Granite on September 10th, 2008 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Amazing…isn’t it?
As I sat down to write my blog today I had a few different ideas come to mind. However, 
one kept reoccuring the longer I thought about it. I have been fortunate in my lifetime to have known 5 of my great grandparents. And even more fortunately, to this day, I am still very blessed to have 2 great grandparents in my life. This past week, on August 27th, my great grandpa Sherburne, turned 103. And coming up on September 7th my great grandma Edna, is turning 96 years young.
When I think about all of the events and moments they have experienced in their lives, it is truly amazing and mind boggling. Just think of it…the Great Depression, the Dust Bowl, the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the Civil Right Movement, the Assassination of JFK, the invention of the computer, the explosion of the Challenger, Columbine, the first Republican female Vice Presidential candidate, and the first African American Presidential candidate, of course I could go on and on, but it is truly AMAZING!
With all of their life experiences, I have gained great wisdom and hope from their stories of struggle and success. I am thankful each day that they have enriched and helped mold my life, and the lives of others around them.
Happy Birthday Grandpa & Grandma!!
Feel free to share…
Angie
Posted in Uncategorized on September 5th, 2008 by Angie | | 0 Comments
Recognizing 5 Years Of Dedication And Loyalty!
We’d like to take this opportunity to congratulate two of our team members, Jon “Pipe” Pipenhagen, (saw operator/fabricator), and Cheryl Bodin, (Customer Service Representative), on 5 years of dedication and loyalty to PGC. Both team members have been an important part of the PGC team, and play important roles for our customers.
Yesterday, the entire PGC team celebrated their accomplishments with some festivities and cake. The day was extra special for Pipe, as he also celebrated his 50th birthday! Congratulations!
Following are some photos from the event I wanted to share:
Posted in Company on September 4th, 2008 by Barb | | 0 Comments
