Green, Green, Green…
Everyday it seems like I hear something new about “greening” your home. While I was online reading the Kitchen & Bath Design News, I came across an article, Experts Offers Tips for “Greening” the Kitchen, which provides some simple and cost effective ways to begin the process of becoming “Green”.
In the article, Chef Paul F. Magnant, dean of culinary at Stratford University, points out some tips that would be helpful in the “greening” process of your kitchen. More than likely you will not make a total transition overnight, but with these helpful tips, you will be well on your way.
- Start with what you bring into the kitchen. Purchase as much locally produced food as possible. This will eliminate additional fuel use/cost. Instead of using paper or plastic bags, use reusable shopping bags.
- Skip the disposables. Use reusable utensils and plates rather than plastic and styrofoam. Cut up old clothing into reusable rags for cleaning.
- Keep it going. Place a small container in your kitchen for collect recyclables, including glass, plastic, aluminum, etc. Once the container is full distribute the items accordingly into larger containers in the garage or outside.
- Recycling saves a lot of items from heading to landfills, and reduces the amount of garbage at your curb each week. On top of recycling containers, you can also recycle raw vegetables and scraps by setting up a compost system to use in your garden.
- Drink home water. Save money and waste by installing a water filtration system on your faucet versus buying bottled water.
- Clean green. Rather than buying harsh chemicals, create a green cleaning product by mixing a 2:1 water vinegar solution. This is a common cleaning product that can also be used on your granite countertops and other surfaces in your home, although we still recommend hot, soapy, clean water.
- Think big. When the time comes to purchase new appliances look for energy efficient ones, such as ENERGY STAR endorsed appliances. Having smaller appliances also helps to cut energy costs throughout the year.
By implementing some of these tips into your everyday life, you will not only be saving money, you will also be lessening your impact (carbon footprint) on the environment.
Feel free to share…
Angie
Posted in Granite, Industry News on February 16th, 2009 by Angie | | 0 Comments
Recipe: Valentine Lollipop Cookies
Here’s a recipe I came across in a magazine the other week, that I thought would be fun to try for Valentine’s Day, especially for kids. However, if you are looking for some other good chocolate recipes, you might want to try Oreo Chocolate truffles (use Valentine sprinkles to decorate), or Chocolate Molten cakes. They both are excellent!
Valentine Lollipop Cookies
1 Package Kraft Caramels
1 Package Shortbread Cookies
1 Package Chocolate chips (12 oz.)
Valentine Decorative sprinkles
10-15 Popcicle sticks or lollipop sticks
Tear a piece of waxed paper to cover a cookie sheet. Unwrap 10-15 caramels. Place several cookies on a microwave safe plate. Place 1 caramel on top of each one and melt over the cookie (approximately 1 minute, or so). Place a stick in the middle of the cookies. Top with another cookie. Let set for a bit. Continue with this process with the other cookies. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave safe bowl. When the cookies are set, dunk in the chocolate to cover entirely. Decorate with valentine decorative sprinkles. Place on the waxed paper to dry and set. Makes approximately 10-12 lollipop cookies.
Variation: You should also be able to use Vanilla Wafers in place of short bread cookies.
Enjoy!
Barb
Posted in Cooking in your kitchen on February 12th, 2009 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Marketing of Color—Trends For Your Home
Last night, I attended a NARI Firm Night, hosted by Hirshfield’s in Minneapolis. The evening began with a social hour, complete with appetizers and beverages. I had the opportunity to do a bit of socializing and mingling with some fellow NARI members before listening to the featured speaker. Pat Verlodt, of Color Marketing Group, gave the presentation. She also just happened to be the one who comes up with all of the paint names for Hirshfields—Wow!
Her presentation focused on, “The Marketing of Color,” (origins, trends, the and the science and psychology of color, and what it can mean to clients.) According to Verlodt, “There are many things that affect color—It is actually a science. Visible wave lengths create what is known as a “color wheel.”
Color can be defined by several things:
- The Observer:
People actually see differently at different times in their life. At birth, color perception is just developing. As we age, and become older, there is more contrast between things. - The Object:
Shape, texture, finish. - Light
Full spectrum to sun light. - Special Effects
Metallics, pearls, glass, etc.
Many people are familiar with color trends, and they can be seen in a variety industries including: clothing, automobile, housing, etc. Even here at PGC, we notice color trends. All of sudden we will see a surge in the sale of a specific granite color that maybe hasn’t sold that well before. It is funny how that works.
If you are looking for a trendy color for your granite countertops, or maybe one that is more of a classic, please stop by our showroom. We’d be happy to help you out with any of your color selections.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite, Marketing, Uncategorized on February 11th, 2009 by Barb | | 0 Comments
Got Granite?
The natural beauty of granite lasts more than a life time. It is no wonder that “U.S. consumers prefer granite countertops to any other countertop surface and that granite countertops increase the resale value of a home,” this according to a national survey conducted by Harris Interactive on behalf of the MIA. With the current economy, and a slower market for home sales, some home sellers may benefit by investing in granite countertops to speed the sale, and add that visual appeal to the buyer.
While some home buyers might be price shopping and looking for a deal, many others are looking for quality craftsmanship, attractiveness, and something that doesn’t require remodeling.
Whether you are looking to sell your home, or just remodel your current home, you can’t go wrong by adding granite countertops. They are safe, beautiful, durable, and add value!
If you are interested in adding granite to your home, please feel free to stop by our showroom. We would be happy to help you with your color selections and questions.
Thanks for reading!
Barb
Posted in Granite on February 10th, 2009 by Barb | | 2 Comments
Recipe: Easy Enchilada’s
Here’s a good recipe to try for those who like Mexican food. It is easy to make and very good!
Easy Enchilada’s
4 chicken breasts
1 can sliced black olives
1 can sliced mushrooms
1 can green chili’s
1 can enchilada sauce
1 bag shredded cheese
1 package flour tortilla’s
Cut chicken into small chunks and saute in frying pan with a little olive oil. Add your favorite seasonings. In sauce pan, combine enchilada sauce, olives, mushrooms, and chili’s and heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.
Spray 13 x 9 cake pan with Pam cooking spray. In bowl, add cooked chicken, and 1 cup of the prepared sauce. Take a tortilla shell and add some cheese to the middle area, and then add some of the chicken mixture. Roll the tortilla and place in the greased cake pan. Repeat with remaining tortilla’s, until the pan is full. Pour the remaining sauce mixture over the top of the tortilla’s. Sprinkle the remaining cheese over the top. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Remove from the oven and cool for 10-15 minutes. Serve with spanish rice, guacamole, picante sauce, etc. This recipe is great with a good margarita.
Enjoy!
Barb
Posted in Cooking in your kitchen on February 6th, 2009 by Barb | | 0 Comments
