IceStone - Beautiful Eco-Friendly Countertops

If you are among the growing number of consumers who hope to leave a smaller environmental imprint on the earth – but still want a beautiful home – consider a product called IceStone for your countertops.

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IceStone is a unique surface made from up to 75 percent recycled glass (or even seashells) and cement that creates a reflective surface while showing off flecks of the polished glass. It offers many of the same qualities of granite and quartz in 29 colors, from neutral to bold, at about the same price. You have a wide range of styles, suitable for the beach house or a Greenwich Village condo, and whatever variation you choose won’t affect the price because every type of IceStone costs the same.

IceStone proclaims itself as one of most environmentally and socially “sustainable” countertop products on the market. That’s one of the reasons I like it. The company was founded in 2003 and produces all of its product in a warehouse in the Brooklyn Navy Yards. It is committed to hiring workers from the diverse local neighborhoods with starting pay for new employees that is 35 percent above the local living wage. Employees own 10 percent of the company and are guaranteed 5 percent of the profits. Its countertops are often used in “green” buildings and they are made without petrochemicals or resins. IceStone says it has prevented 13 million pounds of glass from entering the waste stream, and all the glass it uses is recycled – how awesome is that?!

The cost of an IceStone installation averages about $150 a foot, so it is a high-end option and not the least expensive environmentally friendly option available, which causes some remodelers to drop it from their list.

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Because they contain cement, IceStone countertops must be sealed, usually once a year, just as a marble or 100 percent cement countertop would be. Because not everyone is diligent in their sealing practices, some installers recommend IceStone only for bathrooms, although I love it for bars and laundry rooms, too. Without a proper seal, acids or harsh cleaners will stain the surface, so homeowners who prefer as little maintenance as possible will select quartz, wood or granite instead.

Are you ready to talk about countertops? Contact me at Cassandra@pulosdesign.com.

Feeling Down? Try an Aroma-Candle!

We often hear that all we need to do to relax is to close our eyes and take a deep breath or two. That’s not a bad way to start, but for an easy way to relax all day long, light a candle.

Not just any candle will work, of course – some have too much fragrance and cause headaches. The best choice is one that smells great because it is infused with the right amount of essential oils derived naturally from plants.

The first step toward feeling great is putting yourself in the right frame of mind. Although candles won’t heal physical ailments, they can help lesson some symptoms. A relaxing scent is a quick and efficient way to feeling better physically and emotionally.

I make my candles with the finest essential oils supplied by Plant Guru, which uses only the purest ingredients. Choose one or more of your favorite scents – or experiment to find a new favorite – and create a relaxing, healthy environment that lasts all day.

Aromatherapy has been practiced in various forms since the days of early Egypt, when Cleopatra was known to incorporate essential oils into the fragrances she wore. In Europe, aromatherapy is practiced by licensed physicians. Although scientific studies have found no medical benefits from the application of aromatic oils, many people report improvements in mood when a favorite scent infuses the air.

That is what my candles from Everyday Crafting can do for you. Choose from the list of scents below and put in your order today.

Scents Offered:

• Tea Tree - boosts your immune system
• Lavender - improves sleep and encourages relaxation 
• Peppermint - enhances mood, sharpens focus, combats symptoms of congestion
• Sweet Orange - reduces stress and anxiety 
• Eucalyptus - helps fight migraines and fevers
• Patchouli - to help with fatigue and depression
• Bergamot - alleviates stress, anxiety, and depression
• Cinnamon Bark - to ease stress and help with exhaustion
• Clary Sage - improves mood 
• Lime - encourages energy
• Rosemary - enhances memory, focus, and brain performance
• Pink Grapefruit - uplifting scent to address anxiety
• Spearmint - revitalizes
• Lemon - enhances mood and eases headaches 

Get yours today at www.etsy.com/shop/everydaycrafting!