Best of Summer

How is your summer going? Have you been able to take any trips? Grow a garden? Go swimming? Grill?

We hope you’ve enjoyed yourselves this summer. Our summer has been packed. We found a house and moved and became landlords! The day we moved our kids started swim lessons. I’m happy to say they only missed one day of lessons in the those two weeks but we were exhausted. Moving is not for the birds. 🙂 However, we are happy we found something in this market as our family grows.

Our small trips got pushed back as we weren’t planning on finding a house. So very soon we will pack in three weekend trips all while continuing to serve our clients during the weekdays. It’s just how the entrepreneur lives. 🙂 All our fellow business owners can relate, I’m sure.

As today is August 1st, I’m sending out our “please vote” reminder for all you wonderful people. Our company is again in the voting for Best of Omaha- Tile Installer. When we won last year, we actually didn’t even know we won until we checked the company P.O. box. It was a wonderful and special surprise that we attribute to ALL OF YOU because of your votes.

Guess what, we back! We need your help!

We would absolutely love to have your votes again. This small, family owned business is grateful to be in our 11th year of business and we strive daily to push out amazing projects for our clients.

Here is our quick vote code link to vote in Best of Omaha. Please vote for your other favorite Omaha businesses as well. Small businesses need an encouraging boost, and this is just the ticket to do so!

http://www.bestofomaha.com/35166

With gratitude,

Trevor & Michelle & kids

Best of Omaha Voting is Back and we need your help!
Best of Omaha Tile Installer for 2021- THANK YOU to all who voted!

New Growth

As we move into spring, I’m encouraged. I’m encouraged by new growth. As I watch my tulips grow and begin to blossom, I see a beautiful miracle. To those of you who have caught the garden growing bug, like myself, it’s addicting to watch new life burst through the ground from those tiny seeds or bulbs you planted. It’s addicting to watch grass gain color and fullness. It’s sometimes a pain to cut said grass, but that’s not my point.

We love to watch nature grow, but how have YOU grown as a person? Have you ever taken the time to write out your dreams? Do you know how to make those dreams into small goals to accomplish everyday so you CAN reach those dreams you’ve got?

Here at Phillips Tile & Stone, we like to dream. We like to plan. We like to accomplish.

I’m here to challenge you to dream and to plan. Do you want to remodel a room in your home? Do you want to take a trip? Do you want to get healthy? Do you want to change careers? Do you want to finish that degree?

No matter your dream, big or small. We’d like to encourage you to take that next step, beyond the dream and move into the planning part to make that goal a reality.

We believe you’ve got what it takes to accomplish that dream! Let’s start this new spring season filled with HOPE and gusto. Happy spring, friends!

#PhillipsTileStone

Hexagon floor and subway shower. Install by Phillips Tile & Stone LLC

11 things our kids want you to know

Some of you may know that we choose to homeschool our 4 children. I asked them today if there was anything they would like to share on our business blog. Here is what they want you to know.

  1. The resistance never quits.
  2. God loves you very much.
  3. Animals are great.
  4. Have a great day at work.
  5. God made the whole world.
  6. Never give up.
  7. Eat healthy food.
  8. Exercise every day.
  9. Vengeance is mine says the Lord.
  10. God bless you.
  11. Watch out for monsters.

There you have it. From the mouths of kids. 11 important things they want you to know. 🙂

DIY Green All-Purpose Cleaning Spray !

We all love a clean home! The same day I posted this, I had a friend request a blog post on the best way to clean countertops! I think it’s safe to say, we all want what is best for our families and pets. The green cleaning movement is well underway, and I have been on board for a good long while. Actually, it’s not a new movement if you think about it. Your grandparents cleaned green!

It’s incredibly easy to make your own cleaner! Like, so easy. One thing you do need to be mindful of while making your own cleaning agents is that most surfaces cannot stand up to harsh abrasives or acidic cleaners. So use lemon juice and vinegar with discretion! The recipe I’m sharing for this blog post doesn’t use those ingredients, so don’t worry. It is interesting to note that you could get rid of all your chemical filled cleaners and stock up on vinegar, baking soda, lemons and soap and call it a day. But I want you to have this recipe, so keep reading.

For most days, warm water and a microfiber cloth should be fine to clean those countertops. However, if you cut chicken on the countertops the evening before for dinner, just consider alllll the germs that need disinfected. Eww. Here is your all natural recipe to conquer dirt and grime. Germs be gone!

All- Surface Spray Recipe

2 teaspoons washing soda

hot water

1/4 teaspoons liquid castile soap

Once you’ve got your mixture together, put it in a spray bottle and fill the bottle with hot water. Shake the spray bottle until your washing soda is dissolved, and then add the soap. Go ahead and spray your countertops. Let it sit for a minute or two and then wipe off. There you go. No more expensive cleaners that are full of toxins. Nope. You’re now a green cleaning machine! Not to mention it only took pennies to make. Your next step is to take a picture of your clean area, because it might last longer. 😉

My kitchen isn’t always this clean, but man…I love when it is!

Father’s Day Gift Ideas

Father’s Day is coming soon (June 16th) and maybe you have a hard to shop for dad in your life. My hope is that I can give people a few stores to turn to that have been successful for us in finding manly gifts.

  1. Duluth Trading Company. This is a nation wide store but it’s also located on 78th & Dodge Street here in Omaha. Every time I walk in there, I find something unique. It’s a sure place to find a great gift.
  2. Play It Again Sports. This one is pretty self explanatory. Need a glove for company softball games? Need a tennis racket for the gym? They’ve got you covered.
  3. Courtyard Ink. Give a personalized gift to dad! A hat, a bag, a t shirt or hoodie. These guys are a local company and they make quality pieces. Look them up and say Phillips Tile & Stone recommended them!
  4. Fareway Meat Market. This one is easy. The gift of MEAT. Get some nice cuts of steak and grill!
  5. Home Depot. If nothing else fits your fancy. A gift card to Home Depot will always be welcomed and appreciated.

Hope this helps has you shop for and celebrate Dad!

Easy Tamale Pie Recipe

If you’ve ever needed a hearty, family approved recipe. This is it. All my picky eaters liked this and it was even delicious as leftovers. Just make sure you cover the casserole well as it sits in the frig until it’s all eaten. I love recipes that don’t call for many ingredients. This is big flavor with not a lot of work!

Ingredients:

2 pounds ground beef

2 (8.5 oz) boxes dry corn muffin mix

1 can sliced olives (may be omitted)

1 teaspoon salt

1 teaspoon chili powder

1/2 teaspoon dried oregano

1 jar (16 oz) enchilada sauce

2 large eggs

2/3 cup milk

1/2 shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 shredded Monterey Jack cheese

1 onion diced (may be omitted)

Preparation:

  1. preheat your oven to 350 degrees F.
  2. In a large frying pan, cook and stir ground beef. Add in onions, olives, salt, chili powder, and oregano. After the meat is cooked and onions are browned add enchilada sauce.
  3. In a large bowl mix both packages of cornbread mix with the eggs and milk. Makes sure it’s free from lumps.
  4. Finally, pour all your corn muffin mix batter over your seasoned beef. Spread the corn muffin mix into an even layer and top with cheeses. Bake for 40 minutes or until golden brown. Insert a toothpick to the corn bread layer and if it comes out clean, it’s done!
  5. Optional. top with sour cream and enjoy!

I’d love to hear if you made this recipe!

Easy Tamale Pie Recipe.
I took this picture as I ate it for lunch the next day! It’s equally awesome as leftovers.

Nebraska Strong

Today is the first day of Spring! The sun is shining and it’s a pleasant 48 degrees. We are extremely thankful for the sunshine after a difficult winter, we also grieve with so many that are affected by the flood waters.

It’s interesting, as people, once we experience a hardship our natural desire is to help others through their own hardships. Please pray for our state and give if you can. It will take sometime until families and businesses are restored. One thing is for certain, if you understand Nebraska, you’ll know we are tough and kind and we help our own.

#PrayforNebraska #NebraskaStrong