Is it November 4th yet?
While I appreciate the fact that we are a free, democratic society, I am so ready for the 2008 election to be over. It is amazing how inundated the TV, radio, news, and mail are with political ads and propaganda. As a matter of fact, I am writing this with the TV on in the background, and I just saw 3 political ads in a row. This week alone I have received phone calls on my cell phone, which I thought was “unlisted”, from four different campaigns doing polls.
With that all said, it is our responsibility and privilege to go out and vote on November 4th. Each of us us responsible for researching the 
candidates and making an informed decision. To find your local polling place and get candidate information contact the League of Women Voters. Get out and do your part to promote the freedoms we have in our country. I hope to see an I Voted sticker on everyone I see on November 4th!
Feel free to share…
Angie
Posted in Uncategorized on October 30th, 2008 by Angie | | 0 Comments
Natural Stone Council Works To Further “Green” Natural Stone
Over the last several years, the green building movement has become a hot topic, as more people realize the necessity to help sustain the environment. The natural stone industry has realized the importance of this movement and is working to further establish natural stone as environmentally friendly. The Natural Stone Council, a group of businesses and trade associations formed to promote the value and use of Genuine Stone, is currently working to better position natural stone in the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system, which was established by the US Green Building Council.
Several steps have already been taken by the Natural Stone Council to promote Genuine Stone as sustainable including, the establishment of an external advisory committee educated about green building issues to help advise the committee. A sustainablility committee has also been established that is made up of various industry members, who will help evaluate the current practices, as well as develop a plan for future sustainable practices within the industry. The Natural Stone Council has also contracted with the Center for Clean Products at the University of Tennessee (UT) to access the whole industry and make environmental improvements to it.
While the stone industry currently qualifies for some LEED points, with the work and research of the Natural Stone Council, the stone industry is confident that Genuine Stone will gain more, and continue to be the material of choice for builders, designers, architects, etc.
For more information on green building, click on the link below:
http://www.marble-institute.com/industryresources/stonegreenbuilding.cfm
Source: Think Natural
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite, Industry News on October 27th, 2008 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Granite Countertops—Still Number One Consumer Choice!
I’m not surprised, but a new national survey conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of the MIA, Marble Institute of America, found that overwhelmingly, “U.S. consumers prefer granite countertops to any other countertop surface and that granite countertops increase the resale value of a home.” This is good news for the stone industry and just reaffirms the stone industries growth and popularity over the last decade, or so.
Consumers are sold on granite countertops. “In fact, 84 percent of survey respondents either strongly, or somethwhat agreed with the statement,’Granite countertops are among the most safe, beautiful, and durable kitchen counter surfaces on the market today.’”
With literally hundreds of colors to choose from, why not select a material whose beauty will last a lifetime? Please feel free to stop by our showroom. We’d be happy to help you with a color selection that is just right for you.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite on October 22nd, 2008 by Barb | | 7 Comments
Exercise For A Cause!
We all know that exercise is good for you, but did you know that exercising can actually help someone else out too? According to “Exercise Your Charity Muscle,” an article found in the October, 2008 issue of Prevention magazine, Fitness Pro, Eric Harr, will donate $5 to the humanitarian organization CARE for every hour you exercise and log at www.care.org/workout —up to $1 million. That is amazing. If you devote just 1-1/2 hours a week, you can help provide a student in the developing world with clean water, or you can log 200 hours and help build a home.
Why not reap the benefits of exercise for both yourself and others? The next time you exercise, take a few more minutes and log your time. You will be glad you did!
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Uncategorized on October 21st, 2008 by Barb | | 2 Comments
Recipe: Chicken Wild Rice Soup
With the crisp Fall air starting to take its effects, I thought it was appropriate to dig though my recipes for a good old-fashion comfort soup. Last weekend I made this soup and it was great!
2 c. cooked wild rice (about 1/2 – 3/4 c. uncooked)
1 to 1-1/2 lbs boneless chicken breast
1 lg. onion, diced
3-4 stalks of celery, diced
8 oz. fresh portabella mushrooms, diced
1/2 c. (1 stick) butter
1 c. flour
8 c. hot chicken broth
Salt & pepper to taste
1 c. fat free half and half
1-2 tbsp. sherry or dry white wine (opt.)
Prepare wild rice as directed on package. Sauté chicken, celery, onions and mushrooms in the butter, until chicken is cooked through and vegetables are softened. Sprinkle in flour, stirring and cooking until flour is mixed in but don’t let it brown. Slowly add the chicken broth until blended well. Add rice and salt and pepper to taste. Heat thoroughly; stir in the cream. Add dry white wine if desired. Heat gently, but do not boil.
Makes about 12 servings. NOTE: Recipe can be made in advance up to the point of adding cream. Then reheated and finished at serving time.
Feel free to share & ENJOY…
Angie
Posted in Cooking in your kitchen on October 17th, 2008 by Angie | | 2 Comments
