A. YES.  Natural stone is a terrific (not to mention beautiful) material to
use in all areas of your home.  Knowing the different types of stone,
their finishes and applications will help you to make an informed
decision on which stone is the best for your project.

2. Q. CAN YOU EXPLAIN THE DIFFERENT FINISHES FOR STONE?

A. There are many finishes and options available.  Here are the most
widely used:

• Polished –- A high gloss surface.
• Honed –- Smooth with squared edges and without a polished
  surface.
• Tumbled –- Lightly tumbled to achieve rounded edges and a
  surface that is not as smooth as honed.
• Antique Tumbled –- Medium tumble edges and surface to achieve a
  slight rustic look.
• Cobbled or Distressed –- Heavily tumbled edges and surface to
  achieve an aged or ancient look.
• Brushed –- Acid washed and wire brushed for a smooth textured
  surface.
• Flamed –- Blow torched for a rough textured surface.

3. Q. DOESN'T STONE STAIN? I DON'T WANT STAINS!

A. YES.  All natural stone can stain and etch (a dull spot in a polished or
honed surface), including GRANITES. Sealers DO NOT prevent
staining as they are a moisture barrier only, yet they will help to give
you a small amount of time to wipe up spills.  It is nearly impossible to
prevent staining or etching, but serious stains can be almost
completely removed and any etching can be resurfaced if either is
truly bothersome to you.  To help keep a perspective on choosing to
use natural stone, remember the following:

1. For centuries, many European countries have used
natural stone from floor to ceiling, inside and out.  The
stone becomes stained, cracked, pitted…and that is why
we love it! These characteristics only make it that much
more beautiful.  (Only we Americans get uptight about
such things!)
2. Because stone is quarried from the earth and not "man"
made, it is improbable to ever find two exact matching
tiles or matching slabs for that matter. One slab may even
look different from each end of itself.  That is also the
beauty because each piece is different, but when pieces
are put together as a whole it is a masterpiece!  (Be sure
to purchase enough to complete your project as you may
not be able to get more from the same lot.)
3. Stone is timeless.  It does not get dated like the 70's
Avocado Green and Harvest Gold d?cor did.
4. Stone will last longer than any of us will. There are
centuries old castles, made of 100% stone and still
standing today!
5. It is a natural resource that will never run out.
6. The more it is used, the faster a "Patina" (light sheen on
the surface) will develop.  The "Patina" will also aid to
prevent staining to a lesser degree.

4. Q. WHAT IS THE BEST STONE TO USE IN MY HOME?

A. It is really a matter of choice and the look you want to achieve.  Ask yourself the following questions when making your decision:  Is it
beautiful to me? Do I love it?  Could I live with it for years? 
The best advice that I can ever give to anyone choosing stone is:  Go
with what you are drawn to from the beginning.  First, because you
will only spend a lot of time and become confused when laboring over
the "right" decision by looking at many different stones and colors;
secondly, you will probably not be happy with your selection if you
have to settle on something else; and finally, you will more than likely go back to what you liked the first time.  Reviewing the following most used
stone types will help when you are ready to make your choice.

• GRANITES –- Granites usually have a "spattered" or "swirled"
  grain and can contain many colors (minerals).  Generally, granites
  have a polished finished and have a "busy" look, but to keep up
  with current trends, more manufacturers are producing honed
  (smooth & unpolished) and flamed (rough textured) surfaces. 
  Granites may be purchased in slab and dimensional tile form and
  can be used in almost any application. It has become ever popular
  as it is being used frequently in newly built tract housing,
  apartment/condominium complexes and commercial buildings. 
  Granites are imported from many countries and have just as many
  colors and sizes to choose from.  A note in using polished granite is
  to know that it can be slippery to walk on until a patina builds on
  it.  As with any other commodity, stone is also graded for quality
  standards.  Be wary if it is extremely inexpensive…(less than $7.00
  per square foot unless you are buying a large quantity.)  The price
  ranges in granites can be anywhere in between $8.00 to $90.00 per
  square foot, depending on the color, rarity and where the stone
  comes from.  The "blue" stones, containing minerals/gems such as
  sodalite are usually in the higher priced ranges.

• LIMESTONES – There are many types of limestone available and
  vary to many degrees, depending upon where it comes from. 
  Unpopular to belief, limestone is also a perfectly suitable stone to
  use in all areas of your home.  Most limestones have softer earth
  tone colors; may contain a "swirl" veining movement throughout;
  can contain fossils; or may have a light speckled grain. 
  Limestones, just like granite or any other natural stone can stain,
  etch or get scratched, but again, you should not use natural stone
  if this will bother you. Limestone also is widely available in
  dimensional tile and slab form. This stone is used most frequently
  in higher-end homes, architectural designs and commercial
  applications as it is easy to work with, the colors are muted
  compared to granites, it is available in as many finishes and
  textures as granite and it is still relatively new to the market. It is
  still considered to be a "custom" choice, as it has not reached the
  overuse level of granite. Some limestones from countries such as
  France and Portugal can be somewhat porous but are perfect for
  flooring, backsplashes, fireplace surrounds and outdoor uses. 
  Limestone from countries such as the US and Israel (Jerusalem
  Stone) are generally heavier and usually as dense as granite, which
  makes it suitable for almost every application.

• SLATES – Slate used to be used mainly for chalkboard, billiard
  tables, science lab areas and roof tiles.  However, in recent years it
  has become more popular for residential use in most applications,
  with the exception of fabricated counter tops.  Slate tiles are
  generally rough in surface texture, with the exception of the
  tumbled version.  Most slates are available in a wide variety of
  sizes in dimensional tiles; a few in slab form and most can be
  gotten in crates of random pieces like flagstone. It is a perfect
  stone for water areas such as showers & spas, patio/driveway
  areas, pool surrounds and roofing applications. Most slates
  contain a huge variation of color, even within the same lot and
  some will even look to have been stained from spills of red wine,
  which is not the case. This is caused from earth minerals such as
  iron and only adds to the beauty of the stone. Slate holds onto heat
  well, which is another reason besides being fire proof; it is widely
  used as roofing material. (Use light colors in outdoor areas where
  you may be walking barefoot!)  Since slates have a softer property,
  be aware that it can shale off the surface more easily.  This will not
  harm it per se, but may cause you concern if you are not aware
  that it happens. One of the difficulties of slate is that it is varied in
  thickness. Because of the shale properties, it is very difficult to cut
  evenly.  Generally, manufacturers will cut them with a "gauged"
  thickness or "sawn back" treatment, leaving one side smoother. 
  Because of the varied thickness between each piece of tile, specific
  sized installations may be more of a challenge, so expect your
  installer costs to be a bit higher. Slate itself is generally a less
  costlier stone. Expect anywhere from $4.00 - $8.00 per square foot,
  dependent upon the grade and country of origin.  Again, beware of
  any extremely inexpensive prices and be sure to check the quality
  of the slate to be sure that it has not been filled with dyes. T
  How to Get Rid of Your Visitors!
  To keep your visitors coming back, the main goals of your website are for visitor participation and benefits. Provide an interesting, beneficial and useful website and they will come back!If your site is annoying you can be sure they will find another site to visit, never to come back to yours.Here are some ways you can be sure to annoy your visitors: (they might not annoy all, but probably the majority)** Frames - Chopping up a site with frames is a great way to get your visitors frustrated. These frames are very obtrusive and make navigation and reading your site much harder. They are also disliked by the search engine spiders.** Overbearing Graphics - Not only are these blinking and flashing graphics distracting and unnecessary, they can also cause your site to download very slowly. Most people do not have the time to sit and wait for an extremely slow site, and will leave before even knowing what your site has to offer.** No Contact Information - I cannot stress enough how important it is to have your email address and other contact info on every page. This will add credibility to your site and always give your visitors a reason to be assured that you can be reached when needed.** Hard To Navigate -You want your visitors to be able to get around your site without trouble. Have your links all together in a place that is easily seen. Have them in the same place on every page.** Inconsistent Page Design - I have been on some sites where after clicking on a link, I didn't even know if I was at the same site. The page was totally different and did not have any of the same information or links as the previous page. After trying to find what I was looking for and not finding it, I left. Please keep your site design uniform and consistent. This will make it much easier on your visitors.** Spelling and Grammar – Always proofread your web pages. Designing and building a professional website is a waste of time if it reads like a five year old wrote it. With spell checker, grammar checker, dictionaries, etc. there i
  nd any etching can be resurfaced if either is
  truly bothersome to you.  To help keep a perspective on choosing to
  use natural stone, remember the following:

  1. For centuries, many European countries have used
  natural stone from floor to ceiling, inside and out.  The
  stone becomes stained, cracked, pitted…and that is why
  we love it! These characteristics only make it that much
  more beautiful.  (Only we Americans get uptight about
  such things!)
  2. Because stone is quarried from the earth and not "man"
  made, it is improbable to ever find two exact matching
  tiles or matching slabs for that matter. One slab may even
  look different from each end of itself.  That is also the
  beauty because each piece is different, but when pieces
  are put together as a whole it is a masterpiece!  (Be sure
  to purchase enough to complete your project as you may
  not be able to get more from the same lot.)
  3. Stone is timeless.  It does not get dated like the 70's
  Avocado Green and Harvest Gold d?cor did.
  4. Stone will last longer than any of us will. There are
  centuries old castles, made of 100% stone and still
  standing today!
  5. It is a natural resource that will never run out.
  6. The more it is used, the faster a "Patina" (light sheen on
  the surface) will develop.  The "Patina" will also aid to
  prevent staining to a lesser degree.

  4. Q. WHAT IS THE BEST STONE TO USE IN MY HOME?

  A. It is really a matter of choice and the look you want to achieve.  Ask yourself the following questions when making your decision:  Is it
  beautiful to me? Do I love it?  Could I live with it for years? 
  The best advice that I can ever give to anyone choosing stone is:  Go
  with what you are drawn to from the beginning.  First, because you
  will only spend a lot of time and become confused when laboring over
  the "right" decision by looking at many different stones and colors;
  secondly, you will probably not be happy with your selection if you
  have to settle on something else; and finally, you will more than likely go back to what you liked the first time.  Reviewing the following most used
  stone types will help when you are ready to make your choice.

  • GRANITES –- Granites usually have a "spattered" or "swirled"
    grain and can contain many colors (minerals).  Generally, granites
    have a polished finished and have a "busy" look, but to keep up
    with current trends, more manufacturers are producing honed
    (smooth & unpolished) and flamed (rough textured) surfaces. 
    Granites may be purchased in slab and dimensional tile form and
    can be used in almost any application. It has become ever popular
    as it is being used frequently in newly built tract housing,
    apartment/condominium complexes and commercial buildings. 
    Granites are imported from many countries and have just as many
    colors and sizes to choose from.  A note in using polished granite is
    to know that it can be slippery to walk on until a patina builds on
    it.  As with any other commodity, stone is also graded for quality
    standards.  Be wary if it is extremely inexpensive…(less than $7.00
    per square foot unless you are buying a large quantity.)  The price
    ranges in granites can be anywhere in between $8.00 to $90.00 per
    square foot, depending on the color, rarity and where the stone
    comes from.  The "blue" stones, containing minerals/gems such as
    sodalite are usually in the higher priced ranges.

   

  • LIMESTONES – There are many types of limestone available and
    vary to many degrees, depending upon where it comes from. 
    Unpopular to belief, limestone is also a perfectly suitable stone to
    use in all areas of your home.  Most limestones have softer earth
    tone colors; may contain a "swirl" veining movement throughout;
    can contain fossils; or may have a light speckled grain. 
    Limestones, just like granite or any other natural stone can stain,
    etch or get scratched, but again, you should not use natural stone
    if this will bother you. Limestone also is widely available in
    dimensional tile and slab form. This stone is used most frequently
    in higher-end homes, architectural designs and commercial
    applications as it is easy to work with, the colors are muted
    compared to granites, it is available in as many finishes and
    textures as granite and it is still relatively new to the market. It is
    still considered to be a "custom" choice, as it has not reached the
    overuse level of granite. Some limestones from countries such as
    France and Portugal can be somewhat porous but are perfect for
    flooring, backsplashes, fireplace surrounds and outdoor uses. 
    Limestone from countries such as the US and Israel (Jerusalem
    Stone) are generally heavier and usually as dense as granite, which
    makes it suitable for almost every application.

   

  • SLATES – Slate used to be used mainly for chalkboard, billiard
    tables, science lab areas and roof tiles.  However, in recent years it
    has become more popular for residential use in most applications,
    with the exception of fabricated counter tops.  Slate tiles are
    generally rough in surface texture, with the exception of the
    tumbled version.  Most slates are available in a wide variety of
    sizes in dimensional tiles; a few in slab form and most can be
    gotten in crates of random pieces like flagstone. It is a perfect
    stone for water areas such as showers & spas, patio/driveway
    areas, pool surrounds and roofing applications. Most slates
    contain a huge variation of color, even within the same lot and
    some will even look to have been stained from spills of red wine,
    which is not the case. This is caused from earth minerals such as
    iron and only adds to the beauty of the stone. Slate holds onto heat
    well, which is another reason besides being fire proof; it is widely
    used as roofing material. (Use light colors in outdoor areas where
    you may be walking barefoot!)  Since slates have a softer property,
    be aware that it can shale off the surface more easily.  This will not
    harm it per se, but may cause you concern if you are not aware
    that it happens. One of the difficulties of slate is that it is varied in
    thickness. Because of the shale properties, it is very difficult to cut
    evenly.  Generally, manufacturers will cut them with a "gauged"
    thickness or "sawn back" treatment, leaving one side smoother. 
    Because of the varied thickness between each piece of tile, specific
    sized installations may be more of a challenge, so expect your
    installer costs to be a bit higher. Slate itself is generally a less
    costlier stone. Expect anywhere from $4.00 - $8.00 per square foot,
    dependent upon the grade and country of origin.  Again, beware of
    any extremely inexpensive prices and be sure to check the quality
    of the slate to be sure that it has not been filled with dyes. T
    Home Loans For People With Bad Credit
    Today's consumers have the luxury of high-speed online Internet access. Searching for, and finding, a bad credit home loan is a lot easier than it used to be.It is possible to get home loans with bad credit. There are several companies, both online and offline, who specialize in these kinds of loans. Nevertheless, the lower interests are reserved for people with good credit scores.The following are a few points to note when going for a home loan with bad credit.It is necessary for all homes to be appraised by an appraiser. He will make sure that the property is sufficient to cover the loan amount.The bad credit home loan is comprised of two parts -- the down payment and the monthly payments. A point system takes care of this. A point is 1 percent of the loan amount. If one point is charged on a $400,000 loan, it amounts to an additional $4000 fee tacked on to your loan. Three points adds an additional $12,000 and so on.It pays to look around for the best rates. Lenders may present lower interest rates and more points. Lower rates of interest and more points mean that the initial down payment will be high.The term for the interest payments differs from company to company. It can be for 10, 20 or 30 years. There are adaptable interest rates obtainable. These increase or decrease with the common interest rate prevailing in the market. However, caps ensure that the rate doesn't ebb and flow violently.There are also loans available for people wanting to build a house. In this case, payments can be made in relationship to the construction progress of the house. After the completion of the house, it can be transformed into a conventional mortgage loan.To receive a bad credit home mortgage loan, one can apply online for a pre-approved loan.
    ever give to anyone choosing stone is:  Go
    with what you are drawn to from the beginning.  First, because you
    will only spend a lot of time and become confused when laboring over
    the "right" decision by looking at many different stones and colors;
    secondly, you will probably not be happy with your selection if you
    have to settle on something else; and finally, you will more than likely go back to what you liked the first time.  Reviewing the following most used
    stone types will help when you are ready to make your choice.
    • GRANITES –- Granites usually have a "spattered" or "swirled"
      grain and can contain many colors (minerals).  Generally, granites
      have a polished finished and have a "busy" look, but to keep up
      with current trends, more manufacturers are producing honed
      (smooth & unpolished) and flamed (rough textured) surfaces. 
      Granites may be purchased in slab and dimensional tile form and
      can be used in almost any application. It has become ever popular
      as it is being used frequently in newly built tract housing,
      apartment/condominium complexes and commercial buildings. 
      Granites are imported from many countries and have just as many
      colors and sizes to choose from.  A note in using polished granite is
      to know that it can be slippery to walk on until a patina builds on
      it.  As with any other commodity, stone is also graded for quality
      standards.  Be wary if it is extremely inexpensive…(less than $7.00
      per square foot unless you are buying a large quantity.)  The price
      ranges in granites can be anywhere in between $8.00 to $90.00 per
      square foot, depending on the color, rarity and where the stone
      comes from.  The "blue" stones, containing minerals/gems such as
      sodalite are usually in the higher priced ranges.

     

    • LIMESTONES – There are many types of limestone available and
      vary to many degrees, depending upon where it comes from. 
      Unpopular to belief, limestone is also a perfectly suitable stone to
      use in all areas of your home.  Most limestones have softer earth
      tone colors; may contain a "swirl" veining movement throughout;
      can contain fossils; or may have a light speckled grain. 
      Limestones, just like granite or any other natural stone can stain,
      etch or get scratched, but again, you should not use natural stone
      if this will bother you. Limestone also is widely available in
      dimensional tile and slab form. This stone is used most frequently
      in higher-end homes, architectural designs and commercial
      applications as it is easy to work with, the colors are muted
      compared to granites, it is available in as many finishes and
      textures as granite and it is still relatively new to the market. It is
      still considered to be a "custom" choice, as it has not reached the
      overuse level of granite. Some limestones from countries such as
      France and Portugal can be somewhat porous but are perfect for
      flooring, backsplashes, fireplace surrounds and outdoor uses. 
      Limestone from countries such as the US and Israel (Jerusalem
      Stone) are generally heavier and usually as dense as granite, which
      makes it suitable for almost every application.

     

    • SLATES – Slate used to be used mainly for chalkboard, billiard
      tables, science lab areas and roof tiles.  However, in recent years it
      has become more popular for residential use in most applications,
      with the exception of fabricated counter tops.  Slate tiles are
      generally rough in surface texture, with the exception of the
      tumbled version.  Most slates are available in a wide variety of
      sizes in dimensional tiles; a few in slab form and most can be
      gotten in crates of random pieces like flagstone. It is a perfect
      stone for water areas such as showers & spas, patio/driveway
      areas, pool surrounds and roofing applications. Most slates
      contain a huge variation of color, even within the same lot and
      some will even look to have been stained from spills of red wine,
      which is not the case. This is caused from earth minerals such as
      iron and only adds to the beauty of the stone. Slate holds onto heat
      well, which is another reason besides being fire proof; it is widely
      used as roofing material. (Use light colors in outdoor areas where
      you may be walking barefoot!)  Since slates have a softer property,
      be aware that it can shale off the surface more easily.  This will not
      harm it per se, but may cause you concern if you are not aware
      that it happens. One of the difficulties of slate is that it is varied in
      thickness. Because of the shale properties, it is very difficult to cut
      evenly.  Generally, manufacturers will cut them with a "gauged"
      thickness or "sawn back" treatment, leaving one side smoother. 
      Because of the varied thickness between each piece of tile, specific
      sized installations may be more of a challenge, so expect your
      installer costs to be a bit higher. Slate itself is generally a less
      costlier stone. Expect anywhere from $4.00 - $8.00 per square foot,
      dependent upon the grade and country of origin.  Again, beware of
      any extremely inexpensive prices and be sure to check the quality
      of the slate to be sure that it has not been filled with dyes. T
      Controversies Generated by the Use of Antibiotics in the Treatment of Strep Throat
      Unlike the very common sore throat, caused by infection with flu-viruses, strep throat is caused by infection with Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus bacteria and is usually more severe. For decades, the primary choice of medications in the treatment of strep throat has consisted in antibiotics. Although at first penicillin was the main antibiotic medication to be prescribed to patients with strep throat, nowadays stronger antibiotics such as erythromycin and clarithromycin are generally preferred over penicillin derivates.The reason why the treatment of strep throat nowadays requires the use of stronger antibiotics is that most bacterial strains have evolved and have developed increased resistance to old-fashioned antibiotics such as penicillin due to inappropriate treatment. Even at present, the exact following of the doctor’s directions regarding the use of antibiotics plays a crucial role in ensuring the efficiency of the treatment. In case the treatment with antibiotics is prematurely interrupted or the doctor-recommended dose of medications is not respected, infections with streptococcus bacteria can recur, becoming even more resistant.Regardless of the types of antibiotics involved, the use of such medications in the treatment of strep throat has been contested by most physicians in the last few years. The majority of medical scientists believe that the use of antibiotics in the treatment of strep throat should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. They claim that antibiotics produce a variety of side-effects that render such medications inappropriate for treating strep throat in children and elderly people. Most doctors only recommend the use of antibiotics in case of severe throat infections that may also be associated with complications (acute rheumatic fever, tonsillitis, otitis); however, if the symptoms of strep throat are mild and there are no signs of complications, then antibiotics shouldn’t be used at all.Traditionally, antibiotics were used in the treatment of strep throat in order to prevent the occurrence of acute rheumatic fever (ARF), complication associated with streptococ
      e are usually in the higher priced ranges.

     

    • LIMESTONES – There are many types of limestone available and
      vary to many degrees, depending upon where it comes from. 
      Unpopular to belief, limestone is also a perfectly suitable stone to
      use in all areas of your home.  Most limestones have softer earth
      tone colors; may contain a "swirl" veining movement throughout;
      can contain fossils; or may have a light speckled grain. 
      Limestones, just like granite or any other natural stone can stain,
      etch or get scratched, but again, you should not use natural stone
      if this will bother you. Limestone also is widely available in
      dimensional tile and slab form. This stone is used most frequently
      in higher-end homes, architectural designs and commercial
      applications as it is easy to work with, the colors are muted
      compared to granites, it is available in as many finishes and
      textures as granite and it is still relatively new to the market. It is
      still considered to be a "custom" choice, as it has not reached the
      overuse level of granite. Some limestones from countries such as
      France and Portugal can be somewhat porous but are perfect for
      flooring, backsplashes, fireplace surrounds and outdoor uses. 
      Limestone from countries such as the US and Israel (Jerusalem
      Stone) are generally heavier and usually as dense as granite, which
      makes it suitable for almost every application.

     

    • SLATES – Slate used to be used mainly for chalkboard, billiard
      tables, science lab areas and roof tiles.  However, in recent years it
      has become more popular for residential use in most applications,
      with the exception of fabricated counter tops.  Slate tiles are
      generally rough in surface texture, with the exception of the
      tumbled version.  Most slates are available in a wide variety of
      sizes in dimensional tiles; a few in slab form and most can be
      gotten in crates of random pieces like flagstone. It is a perfect
      stone for water areas such as showers & spas, patio/driveway
      areas, pool surrounds and roofing applications. Most slates
      contain a huge variation of color, even within the same lot and
      some will even look to have been stained from spills of red wine,
      which is not the case. This is caused from earth minerals such as
      iron and only adds to the beauty of the stone. Slate holds onto heat
      well, which is another reason besides being fire proof; it is widely
      used as roofing material. (Use light colors in outdoor areas where
      you may be walking barefoot!)  Since slates have a softer property,
      be aware that it can shale off the surface more easily.  This will not
      harm it per se, but may cause you concern if you are not aware
      that it happens. One of the difficulties of slate is that it is varied in
      thickness. Because of the shale properties, it is very difficult to cut
      evenly.  Generally, manufacturers will cut them with a "gauged"
      thickness or "sawn back" treatment, leaving one side smoother. 
      Because of the varied thickness between each piece of tile, specific
      sized installations may be more of a challenge, so expect your
      installer costs to be a bit higher. Slate itself is generally a less
      costlier stone. Expect anywhere from $4.00 - $8.00 per square foot,
      dependent upon the grade and country of origin.  Again, beware of
      any extremely inexpensive prices and be sure to check the quality
      of the slate to be sure that it has not been filled with dyes. T
      Creating the Butterfly Effect in Your Life
      There’s an awful lot of discussion about the so called “Butterfly Effect” going on these days.Just what is the Butterfly Effect?It’s simply how making one little change can totally change the outcome of an event. It’s why tornados can be so unpredictable. One little change can affect it’s strength or it’s course. The outcome can be next to nothing or total devastation, or anywhere in between.OK, ok, it’s really a complex mathematical equation, and when minute changes are plotted on a graph, the resulting image looks like a butterfly. Really.It is said that the air disturbance by the wings of a single butterfly is enough to change the weather patterns throughout the world.So you’re thinking, well that’s nice Carole – go get some sleep!C’mon, I do have a point. Little changes make a big difference.Let’s say you started drinking one more glass of water a day. What would happen? You’re thinking – “Not much.” If we apply the Butterfly Effect -Your skin would start looking better.You’ll wash more toxins and fat out of your system resulting in getting sick less often.Your brain would have more moisture enabling it to function with less effort, and you’ll think better and have fewer headaches. Getting smarter, you might even land a better job.Your other organs will also have more moisture and function better. You’ll have more energy.With more energy, you’ll be more active. As a result of more activity, You’ll lose weight and cut your risks of serious disease.Now, what do you think would happen if you added ? a cup of broccoli every day? Or if you walked 10 minutes more every day? Or if you read 15 minutes more a day? Or if you put things away when you’re done using them instead of putting them aside to put away later?There are hundreds of little - little changes that you can make every day that will have a big impact on your life in the long run.Think about how you can create the Butterfly Effect in your life!
      re
      generally rough in surface texture, with the exception of the
      tumbled version.  Most slates are available in a wide variety of
      sizes in dimensional tiles; a few in slab form and most can be
      gotten in crates of random pieces like flagstone. It is a perfect
      stone for water areas such as showers & spas, patio/driveway
      areas, pool surrounds and roofing applications. Most slates
      contain a huge variation of color, even within the same lot and
      some will even look to have been stained from spills of red wine,
      which is not the case. This is caused from earth minerals such as
      iron and only adds to the beauty of the stone. Slate holds onto heat
      well, which is another reason besides being fire proof; it is widely
      used as roofing material. (Use light colors in outdoor areas where
      you may be walking barefoot!)  Since slates have a softer property,
      be aware that it can shale off the surface more easily.  This will not
      harm it per se, but may cause you concern if you are not aware
      that it happens. One of the difficulties of slate is that it is varied in
      thickness. Because of the shale properties, it is very difficult to cut
      evenly.  Generally, manufacturers will cut them with a "gauged"
      thickness or "sawn back" treatment, leaving one side smoother. 
      Because of the varied thickness between each piece of tile, specific
      sized installations may be more of a challenge, so expect your
      installer costs to be a bit higher. Slate itself is generally a less
      costlier stone. Expect anywhere from $4.00 - $8.00 per square foot,
      dependent upon the grade and country of origin.  Again, beware of
      any extremely inexpensive prices and be sure to check the quality
      of the slate to be sure that it has not been filled with dyes. Test by
      holding a piece under running water for a few minutes and also by
      putting a few tablespoons of vinegar or lemon juice on it and
      wiping off.  If any color comes off, return it immediately! Just a
      note: I only recommend using any acidic solution on stone in this
      instance for testing purposes only.

     

    • MARBLE – Most people are familiar with marble in many uses.
      From Greek statues to Roman baths, marble has been used for
      centuries in just about every possible application, both interior
      and exterior.  Marble has the same general properties of limestone
      and can stain, etch or scratch, but it only becomes more beautiful
      over time and use.  It is readily available in just about every color,
      size, finish and texture known to man.  Most marbles have a
      veining of a mineral throughout them and are generally thought to
      be from Italy, but it in actuality it is quarried from all over the
      world.  Tumbled marble has become extremely popular in the
      United States in the last few years for backsplash, flooring and
      shower areas.  Prices range from $6.00 - $30.00 per square foot,
      again dependent upon the rarity, color and country of origin.  A
      couple of drawbacks to marble to be aware of is: 1. Green marbles
      containing serpentine need to be installed in water areas with
      specific setting guidelines that your installer should know of as
      water can warp and break apart green marbles; 2. Polished
      marble can be slippery to walk upon until a patina has built up on
      the surface.

     

    • TRAVERTINE – Travertine is marble, except it is filled with
      "holes."  To understand what causes the holes, think of it this
      way…wherever a river or stream was prior to the marble being
      quarried is where you will find travertine.  Because of the holes,
      people can be scared off because travertine is generally thought to
      be more porous and not suitable for residential use.  This is not the
      case, as all of those holes become filled in with grout during
      installation, giving it a very unique look.  The same travertine can
      be used in two separate areas but appear another way just by
      using two different grout colors!  Travertine can be purchased
      with the holes pre-filled, but in my experience with it, I don't
      recommend it.  In general, the epoxy fill that is used has a color to
      it that does not look natural to the stone and it has a tendency to
      come out after a short amount of time in high traffic areas.  Expect
      to pay anywhere from $5.00 – $15.00 per square foot.

    5. Q. IS STONE MORE DIFFICULT OR COSTLY TO INSTALL THAN
    CERAMIC TILE?

    A. On the whole, it is not more difficult to install.  There are exceptions
    of course such as the difficulties with thickness gauges, which takes
    more time in planing the layout and whether a complex pattern is being used.  As for cost it is generally not more expensive except for time spent on laying out patterns and the thickness gauging again, at least for the tile contractors I have worked on projects with.  The setting supplies and procedures are the same, but stone is heavier to work with.  I suggest talking it over with your installer and also taking the time to look at previous jobs he or she has installed if possible.  I will be giving tips on selecting a tile contractor/installer in my next article. 

    6. Q. CAN A STONE DESIGN BE USED OR MIXED WITH OTHER
    KINDS OF MATERIALS?

    A. Absolutely!  The possibilities are endless.  You can incorporate stone
    with ceramic, porcelain, glass, and terracotta…anything you can
    think of, even mixing different types of stones together.

    7. Q. HOW DO I FIGURE THE QUANTITY THAT I WILL NEED?

    A. Generally, tile and stone for a "field" area (space where plain tile will be) is figured by the square foot.  To figure square footage, measure the area that you will be putting the tile with a tape measure.  Examples:

    1. You measure your room and it comes out to be 10-1/2 feet
    wide by 15-3/4 feet long…you would calculate it by
    multiplying 10.5x15.75 = 165.38.  Round this number off
    to the closest whole number (165).  I suggest adding on a
    10-15% overage to plan for cuts, breakage and a little
    extra to store in case a piece needs to be replaced later in
    time.

    2. You measure your wall area to be covered and you get
    18" tall and 33" long.  Multiply 18x33 = 594". Now divide
    that number by 144, resulting in 4.13sf. (There are 144 sq.
    inches per square foot). Again, round it off and add on
    for overage.

    When figuring for decorative tile or trim, it is usually by the piece
    and calculated by the lineal foot.

    For slabs, it is best to let your fabricator figure the quantity for you.

    8. Q. WHAT SIZE GROUT JOINTS SHOULD I USE?

    A. Again, this is a matter of choice and the look you prefer.  Honed stone
    can usually be butt-jointed (tight to each other) with very little grout
    showing if you want to see much grout or grid pattern; tumbled stone
    usually has a 1/8" to 1/4" grout joint which will show off the edges
    more.

    9. Q. WHAT SIZE OF STONE TILE SHOULD I USE FOR MY
    PROJECT?

    A. It depends upon the project itself and the area size.  Something to
    keep in mind is that if the area to be tiled is small, it is better to use a
    bigger size tile, if you want the area to appear larger.  It is not
    uncommon to believe that if you have a small perimeter of floor that
    you should use a 4", 6", or 12" tile, which is not necessary. When
    doing so, it will make the area feel small and you will have more grout
    joints.

    10. Q. I DON'T LIKE THE GRID PATTERN I SEE FREQUENTLY. 
    WHAT CAN YOU SUGGEST FOR AN ALTERNATIVE?

    A. There are many pre-set repeating stone patterns available, or you can
    make your own "random" pattern from different size pieces of stone. 
    A pre-set pattern is easier to use and the amount of stone that will be
    needed for the project will be easier to figure.  To also help from
    keeping a grid pattern from being so obvious is to use a grout color
    that is as close as possible to the color of the stone. Using dark grout
    with light tile, or light grout with dark tile was a popular look in the
    80's. However, I think it is better to see as little grout as possible.  Your stone is the expensive part of your project so you should want to show it off, not your grout!

    11. Q. CAN YOU HELP ME WITH DESIGNING MY STONE LAYOUT?

    A. Yes, I can.  I charge an hourly fee of $75 and I will need several things
    from you:

    
    1. A copy of your blueprints, including the eleva