Two local craftsmen, Chris Dennen and Jay Trahan, have joined together to form Seacoast Soapstone, LLC, http://www.seacoastsoapstone.com a specialty company supplying custom fabrication of wood and stone countertops, soapstone sinks, custom cabinetry and custom kitchen design. Seacoast Soapstone is based in Madbury, NH and services clients across northern New England.

Madbury, NH (PRWEB) October 31, 2012

"There's been a resurgence of interest in soapstone in this region," stated Trahan, who has used his degree in Architectural Design and Building to offer clients a higher level of craft based on traditional architectural training. "I was born in Vermont, and I've always had a love for the traditional look and feel of soapstone. There's a tremendous demand from people who are looking for alternatives to the ubiquitous granite kitchen countertop. Soapstone has a warm and inviting feel that gets better and better with age, much like an old leather chair. It's not cold and stark like granite."

"We started Seacoast Soapstone to give clients a better option," stated Dennen, who became a professional cabinetmaker and furniture designer after graduating from Hartwick College. "I was designing and building beautiful cabinetry for my customers, but so often they were disappointed with the options available for their countertops. Soapstone countertops have a soft, matte finish, and don't have the issues with staining that granite countertops do. They can be oiled for a dark, rich look or left natural for a softer shade of gray. They are equally at home in an historic New Englander as they are in a contemporary, modern design."

Despite the name, soapstone countertops will be only part of their offering to clients. They will continue to design and build custom cabinetry, and will also offer wood countertops and soapstone sinks as well. "We've developed a number of different designs and options, from integrated drainboards to wood countertops made from antique salvaged lumber," continued Dennen. "We have a passion for working with reclaimed materials and sustainable products. The possibilities are only limited by your imagination."

"Our backgrounds as designers and builders of custom furniture give our clients a wealth of experience to draw upon," stated Trahan. "We're able to solve problems that others can't, and see opportunities to create better solutions for our customers. In the end, it's about enhancing our clients vision and creating a better result."

About Seacoast Soapstone

Jay Trahan was born in northern Vermont and has had a lifelong love of stone and wood working, born out of countless hours in his father's and grandfather's wood shops. He has worked in Vermont and Colorado, but now calls Madbury, New Hampshire his home. He lives with his wife Susan and his two sons, Wyatt and Weston.

Chris Dennen has had a love of woodworking since inheriting his great grandfather's tool collection as a teenager. He's a New England native, and if you don't find him in the shop he'll probably be in the backcountry skiing or hiking. He shares his passion for the outdoors with his wife Sarah and son Reed. They make their home in Durham, New Hampshire.

Chris Dennen Seacoast Soapstone, LLC (603) 534-3402 Email Information

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New Hampshire Craftsmen Launch New Soapstone and Woodworking Business

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A recent kitchen remodel has taken on a full transformation. When dealing with a kitchen from the '60s, it's quite evident that wall-to-wall carpet, dark wood cabinets and laminate countertops were outdated. When assessing a kitchen for remodel, consider keeping some key elements if they are in good condition.

In this kitchen remodel project, the existing backsplash tile of white with a micro gray pin-dot and a combination of white and black appliances were elements in the kitchen that were going to stay. Transforming this kitchen from dark and dreary to light and bright was the goal to be accomplished.

The decision to go with a white stock cabinet was an easy choice. This would definitely make a noticeable impact to the 1960's kitchen, transforming the look from dark to light. Choosing a traditional raised-panel cabinet door style would stay with the look and style of the interior of the home.

The next step in the kitchen remodel is choosing floor tile and granite for the countertop. Floor tile definitely makes a huge impact to any kitchen, allowing the space to look larger without the heaviness of carpet. The dark wall-to-wall carpet was outdated and had taken a beating from traffic entering the kitchen being that the entrance into the home was the door off the driveway. Ceramic tile would withstand high traffic from an outside entrance.

In order to hide dirt that could be tracked into this area, a tile was chosen with heavy gray veining. The gray

Now that the white cabinet and gray floor tile were chosen, the task of selecting granite for the countertop was much easier. Keeping in mind that the existing white and gray dot backsplash tile would be staying and was not part of the remodel, searching for a gray tone granite slab that would work with the tile and provide a contrast to the new white cabinets and backsplash tile was the mission. Investing in granite countertops is money well spent, which creates a huge impact in any kitchen remodel.

Here are some guidelines to consider when remodeling a kitchen:

* Assess the kitchen space to see if there are existing elements that can be reused.

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Goal: Make your kitchen lighter and brighter

FITCHBURG -- Students in the cabinetmaking program at Monty Tech have been busy since school started making and installing new cabinetry and countertops for the Oak Hill Fire Station.

The project was started last year before school ended, according to Mike Dion, cabinetmaking teacher. The cabinets are made of maple plywood interior with a laminated exterior finish, and the countertops are solid. They were installed recently in the kitchen and pantry areas on the second floor of the building, which was constructed in 1900.

Dion estimates about 1,500 hours of labor, both in the school and at the site, have gone into the project. Now that the cabinets and countertops are installed, Monty Tech masonry crews will begin installing the tile work.

"They are doing a fabulous job. We all do construction work on the side, so we know what is involved in this kind of project," said Lt. David Gravel, a member of the Fitchburg Fire Department who works at the Oak Hill site. "This work is long overdue. The building was built over 100 years ago, and I think that's when the cabinets went in."

Lisa A. Wong, Fitchburg mayor, stopped by the fire station later in the day to see the work and thank the students.

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Students finish cabinetry at Fitchburg fire station

SPRINGFIELD, Mo. -- By the end of the week, Tootie Britton will get the keys to her dream home. The great-grandmother proudly guided her family through the empty rooms, highlighting the granite countertops and stainless steel appliances.

"It has anything that anybody would ever want. It's just gorgeous and everything I want," said Britton with a smile. "I'm real excited because it's so beautiful. I'm moving out because the other one had steps and I had fallen. And I want this one because it is on the flat ground. But it's so beautiful."

"I build houses," Ballard said with a grin as three coworkers hammered around him. "Grateful I'm working every day! Especially when the market crashed."

Contractors remember the recession, when home building all but stalled.

"We've had our months, we've worked great for two or three months and then there is a month where we don't do anything," said Ballard.

In 2007, the housing bubble burst. In almost an instant, contractors had no work, homeowners couldn't sell their homes, and the term "underwater" meant more than a dive in a swimming pool.

"I think Springfield was definitely hard hit. But we've asked for it. I mean there were so many people building. It was uncontrolled. Now it's kind of balanced out. The people who are decent and kept their name up stayed busy," said Ballard.

Developers and builders in the Ozarks and across the country have gotten back to work. In September, builders broke ground on 15 percent more homes than in August. According to a report by the Commerce Department, groundbreakings for single-family homes went up 11 percent, the highest rise since 2008. In that same time, multi-family homes, such as apartment buildings, rose 25 percent.

Keaton Reed is part of Reed Properties, a real estate development and property management company based in Springfield. Reed said his family's owned and operated business started new developments for a more niche market.

"In the last couple of years, we've seen a large demand for independent retirement senior living. As the aging population, the baby boomers, are starting to retire, they want a maintenance free place to live at low cost," Reed said. "That's what we have here. River Oaks Retirement Community. We're working on these 31 houses right now and we just finished up a commercial development. So we've been extremely busy the last few months."

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Bright spot for builders can signal better economy

HAWTHORNE, CA--(Marketwire - Oct 16, 2012) - For a limited time only, William Lyon Homes invites guests to their special Open House at The Row neighborhood, where they will open the doors for an exclusive walk-through of the neighborhood's Residence One, Unit 104 design priced at $522.990. Located within the resort-inspired gated community of ThreeSixty at South Bay, Residence One at The Row showcases modern living spaces, a dramatic master bedroom with walk-in closet, plus expansive rooms for dining and entertaining. Upgraded hardwood floors, granite kitchen countertops, stainless steel appliances and custom paint also make Residence One, Unit 104 a must-see and must-have address at The Row. Don't miss this great opportunity to get up close and personal with Residence One's cosmopolitan styled three-story townhome. For immediate details, call 310.727.0763 or log onto http://www.360southbay.com today.

"Presenting approximately 1,549 square feet of three-story living space, with 2 bedrooms, 2.5 bathrooms, a 2-car tandem garage and included upgrades, Unit 104 is move-in ready, so buy today and celebrate the holidays in your beautifully designed brand new home," said Lesley Pennington, Vice President of Sales for William Lyon Homes. "With stunning upgrades already place, it's now or never to take advantage of this incredible home buying package at The Row."

Presenting the largest floorplans at ThreeSixty, The Row is a chic new home neighborhood that offers a trio of three-level townhomes. Floorplans range from approximately 1,549 to 2,152 square feet, with two to three bedrooms, two- and one-half to three bathrooms and two-car garages.

In addition to The Row, The Flats at ThreeSixty showcases single-level floorplans that range from approximately 957 to 1,662 square feet, with up to two bedrooms plus a retreat, up to two bathrooms and one- and two-car garages. Prices are from the low $400,000s.

ThreeSixty residents are enjoying the social ambiance and private recreation at The Center, where they are lounging poolside or getting a quick workout before a night on the town. Exclusive amenities include a resort-style swimming pool, four-lane lap pool, spa and cabanas enveloped by swaying palm trees, as well as basketball, paddle tennis and bocce ball courts. There is also a billiards lounge and bar, wine room, outdoor entertainment area with barbeques and fireplace, state-of-the-art gym, and a multi-purpose room.

Currently home to more than 100 residents, the private ThreeSixty community is located within the Westside area of the I-405 off El Segundo Boulevard in the city of Hawthorne. This prime LA address is near Manhattan Beach Pier, Hermosa Beach and Marina Del Rey; retail destinations include Manhattan Village and The Grove. ThreeSixty is within walking distance of the Metro Green Line and near LAX. Buyers are encouraged to Like ThreeSixty on Facebook and get connected @ http://www.360southbay.com.

A 3% broker referral fee is offered at ThreeSixty on select homes. Brokers must bring their client on their first visit to register. Broker Referral Fee to be paid at the close of escrow.

It matters who your builder is, and William Lyon Homes means it when they say that they put themselves into their homes. They build each and every home as if it were their own and have earned a solid track record for constructing quality homes backed by a solid customer service program since 1954. Learn more by visiting http://www.lyonhomes.com for updated information on William Lyon Homes' new neighborhoods.

To visit ThreeSixty at South Bay when travelling southbound on the I-405 from the north, exit at El Segundo Blvd., turn left on La Cienega, right at El Segundo Blvd. and left at Isis into the community. Travelling northbound on the I-405 from the south, exit at El Segundo Blvd., turn left on El Segundo and left again at Isis. ThreeSixty at South Bay is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. For more information, call 310-727-0762.

Prices are effective as of the date of publication. All homes are subject to prior sale. Prices and availability of homes are subject to change without notice. DRE Officer License: 00982816.

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Limited Time Open House Tours of the Residence One at The Row Neighborhood Within the Gated Community of ThreeSixty

BUENA PARK, CA--(Marketwire - Oct 16, 2012) - Buyers have snapped up all 18 homes in Brandywine Homes' new Hampton community, less than six months after models opened at the end of March.

"Sales at Hampton outpaced everything we've done in the past five years," said David Barisic, vice president of Brandywine Homes."The reception we received was fantastic."

More than 1,500 people toured the model homes at 8901 Holder St. in Buena Park the first weekend the community opened, an early indication of the high interest in these new homes.

Barisic attributed the strong sales to a combination of factors.

"We offered a family-oriented product in a good school district with competitive pricing, which resulted in an increase in economic stability."

Children in Hampton will attend the following top schools: San Marino Elementary, Walker Junior High and Kennedy High School.In addition, Oxford Academy, located in Cypress, Calif., is less than two miles away.

Hampton's prime location -- with easy access to both Los Angeles and Orange County job centers -- as well as a general shortage of new homes in the area also boosted sales, Barisic said.

The two-story homes range from 2,400 to 2,677 square feet, with four bedrooms (one of them downstairs) and three baths, and were priced in the high-$500,000 to mid-$600,000 range. The community is built on a 2.2-acre site.

The homes feature raised panel interior doors, fireplaces with electronic igniters, state-of-the-art interior communication wiring, cultured marble countertops in laundry and secondary baths, GE stainless steel appliances and granite kitchen countertops.

"The most popular design features have been the downstairs bedrooms and the open kitchen/family room areas," Barisic said."Combined with the spacious master suites, the homes were received very well."

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Brandywine Homes' Hampton Community in Buena Park Sells Out Within Six Months of Opening

Dear Debt Adviser, I am a recent college graduate and finally employed! It's not my dream job, but in this brutal economy, I cannot complain. I'm saddled now with $110,000 in student loans, thanks to more than four years at a private university. My monthly payments are about $1,200, which will be tough to pay, given that my monthly salary is only $2,600 after taxes. It saddens me to think that I'll spend the next 12 years paying for my education. How can I save for retirement while paying these loans? -- Justin

Dear Justin, If I ever get the kinks worked out on my time machine, I'd help you go back and spend less money in college. Until then, you must make the best of your situation. You need to find a way to live with that pricey private-school education.

First, look for ways to save money. Find a roommate, and live within your means. Find a place that's safe and clean, but avoid high-end rentals with granite countertops and stainless-steel appliances. Drive a used, reliable car instead of a new SUV. You get the idea.

I want you to put together a spending plan that allows you to save money, pay down your student loans and meet your essential living expenses. I also recommend that you begin saving for emergencies. A savings cushion of six to 12 months' of basic living expenses is essential in case you get laid off or fired.

Next, spend wisely as you receive raises, promotions, overtime, bonuses or other increases in your income. I want you to put at least half of that increased pay into savings. Your current spending plan doesn't include this income, so it will be painless. You can use the rest to pay for other things such as a vacation, a new car or a gym membership.

Trust me: The next 12 years will fly by, and you will look back on them as your best ever. As long as you have spending and savings plans and stick to them, the rest will take care of itself.

Good luck!

To ask a question of the Debt Adviser, go to the "Ask the Experts" page and select "Debt" as the topic. Read more Debt Adviser columns and more stories about debt management.

Bankrate's content, including the guidance of its advice-and-expert columns and this website, is intended only to assist you with financial decisions. The content is broad in scope and does not consider your personal financial situation. Bankrate recommends that you seek the advice of advisers who are fully aware of your individual circumstances before making any final decisions or implementing any financial strategy. Please remember that your use of this website is governed by Bankrate's Terms of Use.

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Your real final exam: How to pay student loans

BONITA SPRINGS WCI Communities has selected Naples- and Winter Park-based Beasley & Henley Interior Design to create the interior design for two luxury penthouse models at the Colony Golf & Bay Club, the company's 809-acre master-planned community in Bonita Springs.

The models represent the two floor plans offered at Terzetto, a new neighborhood of three-story buildings overlooking nature preserves, lakes and the 11th hole of the Colony's Jerry Pate-designed golf course. Each of the three-bedroom, two-and-one-half-bath homes occupy an entire floor and offer 2,100 and 2,624 square feet of living space, two-car garages, elevator and staircase entries and multiple al fresco spaces. Luxury features and finishes include wet bars, granite kitchen countertops and tray ceilings.

In the first-floor model, Beasley & Henley will showcase one of the bedrooms as a study and feature a transitional coastal-chic design conveyed in a palette of soft greys, warm beiges and creams accented with subtle touches of blue-grey and marigold throughout the home's 2,839 total square feet of living space. Textured driftwood and painted furniture surfaces will also reference the coastal theme as will artwork a mix of traditional etchings and seascapes and bold colorful abstracts, according to Beasley and Henley designer Daniel Killgore.

"This floor plan is very livable and the centrally located kitchen makes it the heart of the home," Killgore said. "The open living-dining-kitchen space appeals to the modern buyer who wants to emphasize comfort and easy entertaining."

The model will also have hand-scraped wood floor throughout its main living areas and in the study and master bedroom. Decorative iron light fixtures will provide additional texture.

Quartz countertops, stained wood cabinetry and soft grey-gold tile will give bathrooms a "fresh and modern look," the designer said.

For the second-floor model, Beasley & Henley will create a contemporary-transitional design inspired by a big-city loft space, with colorful artwork, oversized graphic fabrics accenting pillows and draperies and hues of soft tans, crisp whites and rich browns punctuated with pops of ocean blue and bright citron. Dark furniture pieces with modern, clean lines will heighten the theme.

Second- and third-floor homes at Terzetto have 2,624 square feet of living space, a study with a private lanai and walk-in closet, and a larger lanai that spans the length of the units. The second-floor home also has a sundeck.

The model's study will have a dark wood floor, a partners' desk and citron walls. One of the two guestrooms will feature a custom headboard bed wall detail with glasscloth wallcovering accents and Ralph Lauren fabrics. Wood flooring will also be used in the elevator lobby.

The floor plan's connection to the lanai will be enhanced by continuing light tan tile flooring to the home's al fresco spaces.

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Beasley & Henley to design two luxury penthouses at Terzetto in the Colony

Countertops Raleigh announced the launch of their new website aimed at streamlining the home owner experience when it comes to planning their kitchen countertops remodeling project.

Raleigh, NC (PRWEB) October 13, 2012

When we started the business 16 years ago, we made an important decision to focus our attention on natural stone surfaces like granite countertops, marble, travertine etc. This gave us a huge advantage when the market was saturated with acrylic products that were plain boring to look at! says Tommy Operations Manager.

Countertops are an essential part of any kitchen design, but deciding the type of material to cover the cabinets has become an increasingly tough decision to make giving the vast alternatives the market has to offer. Many decades ago, choosing a countertop surface was an easy thing to do. You had a hand-full of materials to choose from and that was that. Today, there are hundreds of different types of materials. All the way from different types of natural materials to recycled, glass, tile, wood, environment friendly, engineered stone, man-made and many others.

The trick in choosing the right material for a home would be its owner. The person or family who lives in that house will ultimately have to live with it for many years, maybe even decades to come. Exploring the different options for your kitchen countertops in Raleigh NC has just gotten easier! says Laura who has been a team member since 2010. We focused our site strictly on the user experience, our experience as a fabricator, and our love and dedication to technology. Thats what makes us different said Tommy.

Countertops Raleigh is a leading granite, marble and quartz surfaces fabricator with over 16 years of experience. You can reach them at (866) 236-0968

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Laura Countertops Raleigh 866-236-0968 Email Information

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Granite Countertops Launch in Raleigh NC

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After seven years, Alma Plaza has a grocery store Veteran of Berkeley food scene opens Miki's Farm Fresh Market in Palo Alto

by Jocelyn Dong Palo Alto Weekly Staff

Photo

"You'll probably find 24 feet of mushrooms. Any mushroom you could want," he said of the soon-to-be-filled space.

Just one week before the grocery store's opening at Alma Plaza in Palo Alto, workers scurried to arrange cheese displays, set up the deli section and stock shelves of dry goods.

Werness grabbed some rice cakes -- gluten-free and vegan-friendly -- and rattled off the low price his buyers were able to get them for. Ditto the bottles of Looza fruit nectar, which lined shelves under the countertops like wallflowers waiting for the dance.

It's been seven years since Albertsons closed at 3445 Alma St., precipitating a much-discussed search for another neighborhood market. Some residents clamored for a Trader Joe's. Others speculated that JJ&F Market would move in from the College Terrace neighborhood.

Instead, Werness, a veteran of the Bay Area grocery scene, signed the lease with property owner McNellis Partners to open the independent store. At 17,000 square feet, Miki's Farm Fresh Market will be nearly 4,000 square feet larger than Albertsons. But unlike its predecessor, Miki's is aiming for a different niche: organic and specialty foods but with price points low enough to keep the family household on budget.

Werness rebuffs rumors that Miki's will cater to the cost-is-no-object yuppie crowd. Instead, the market will offer both the exotic and the basic: In the mustard section, gourmet brands sit alongside French's. Organic sugar nestles next to bags of C&H.

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After seven years, Alma Plaza has a grocery store