The power behind 15 minutes.

Have you ever had a task set before you that you didn’t want to tackle? After hearing people talk about difficult tasks and how they did not have the time to accomplish them and still that same person can scroll through Instagram is oddly ironic. We are capable to accomplish so much within a short 15 minute burst!

The next time you’re faced with a to-do list that seems never ending. Pick one task. Set your phone timer for 15 minutes and get to work! I willing to count on it, but once you start and your timer dings. You just might keep working past that 15 minute mark. It’s all about getting started that is the most difficult part.

Try it and tell me if this little trick worked for you!

We Are Hiring!

We are looking to add to our team. If you are motivated, punctual, reliable, honest, a team player and diligent. We want YOU for our growing team at Phillips Tile & Stone! Our company has been around since June 2010 and growing every year. We are currently actively looking for 3 important positions! Entry Level Tile Setter, Experienced Tile Setter and a Tile Sub-Contractor.

If you are interested, please email your resume or work experience to PhillipsTile.Stone@yahoo.com and thank you for your interest!

You dream it, we can do it

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. 🙂

Happy Birthday, America!

We hope you are enjoying your 4th of July by celebrating with family and friends. Stay safe out there! We are so thankful for our freedom and for those who sacrificed for our freedoms.

I love this land, God bless the USA!

We’ve got a lot to celebrate around here plus an Easy No Bake Pie Recipe!

June is packed full of good dates to remember. At our place, June is a monumental month for Trevor. First, we have Father’s Day, then it’s Phillips Tile & Stone’s birthday then we celebrate Trevor’s birthday! This month was spent celebrating the man who steers this ship. Thank you to all our past and present clients, and a shout out to all the future clients we’ve yet to work with. Happy birthday Phillips Tile & Stone and Happy birthday to our favorite, Trevor Phillips!!

9 years as a company and 35 years young.

Life by Chocolate!

To celebrate, I made this easy no bake pie. In which I’m calling Life by Chocolate

It’s the easiest pie you’ll ever make and everyone loves it!

Ingredients

  • 1 ready-to-use Oreo pie crust
  • 1 large box chocolate instant pudding
  • 3 cups whole milk
  • 1 package Oreo cookies
  • 1 tub of Cool Whip
  • Hot Fudge
  • additional Oreo cookies for garnish

Instructions

  • Combine the large box of pudding mix and 3 cups whole milk. Stir together with a whisk until it is combined and thick. This will take about 5 minutes to thicken up.
  • Add the chopped Oreo cookies and stir together to combine.
  • Pour 1 1/2 cups of the pudding mixture into the bottom of the pie crust.
  • Drizzle with hot fudge.
  • Beat together the cool whip with the remaining pudding mixture and add this as a third layer to the pie.
  • Spread the remaining whipped cream on top.
  • Cover with the enclosed lid and let refrigerate for at least 4 hours. Refrigerating overnight is best.
  • When ready to serve, garnish the top with additional Oreo cookies and hot fudge.
  • Enjoy!

You are in for a real treat!

The Phillips Fam

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.

Happy Easter!

He Is Risen, just as He said! We have so much to be thankful for, the beautiful sunshine from today and these blooming flowers are just a few. We hope you enjoyed your Easter!

Aren’t these gorgeous!?

Love, The Phillips Fam

Tile Care Tips

Remodeling your business or home is an investment! To keep that area clean is a simple way to preserve the materials installed. I mean, have you ever seen corroded tiles? Gross! There are so many cleaning products out on the market today and some might become overwhelmed with how to clean your new space. I’d like to break down the simplicity of what you really need. 🙂

Simple Tile Cleaning Tips.

  • Clean it often. That simply means, wipe your backsplash or floor tiles weekly with a water and neutral pH cleaner (think mild dish soap or Simple Green) other options will break down the sealer and cause damage. Then repeat with just water and finally wipe with a dry towel.
  • To clean the grout. Take an old toothbrush, (it’s recommended to replace a toothbrush every 3-4 months) and mix some water with baking soda, then scrub. It’ll take some elbow grease and it’s a smart idea to test a small area first, but your grout will be squeaky clean and look brand new!

There you have it. No fancy or expensive cleaning agents. Your tile will last longer and stay looking amazing. Easy peasy.