Shop LOCAL

I have written about varied interests over the last 6 months. One interest that I haven’t touched on is the issue of Shopping Local. Shop LOCAL can mean a lot of things, from just shopping within a few miles of where you live to keep fuel costs down or the convenience of being just down the road from your house. To me as a small business owner it means patronizing local small businesses. I shop at small mom and pops as often as I can. In this day an age of Big Box retailers, you can’t possibly get the same level of customer service from the BB’s as you can from a small independent retailer. I am not suggesting that all your purchases have to be from a local independent shop, but at least give them a chance.

Rebuild our Local Economy

In my experience the idea of shopping at the Big Guys involves the time it takes to navigate the cavernous aisles and then get in and out of the giant parking lots.  Sure some of the prices are lower, the door stoppers and lost leaders, look around and the prices are not that much cheaper. The level of quality is usually not that good and the throwaway value is always present. Why purchase a product that will degrade and fall apart in a short amount of time when a quality product will give years of service.  If you do go to a small retailer and the owner or employee is not very friendly or appreciative of your business let others know, which always happens. If you are treated with respect and the service that you were given was good or even exceptional – give a shout out on Facebook,  Yelp, Google Places or Yahoo Local. Speak up and take the time to do a review. I see the negative reviews, seems people always find the time to write those, but when they get super treatment you don’t see those.

The 350 Project

When you do visit a smaller retailer, service business or trades person thank them for putting themselves out there and if you don’t see what you are looking for mention it to them, most of us would be more than happy to add that service or product if available.

Thank you to all my Customers – I truly appreciate you and your patronage. Over the years I built friendships with you and continue to add new friends on a daily basis. On this Memorial Day Weekend lets thank all the Service Men and Women who protect us now and those that have past.

We will never forget

Outdoor Cooking with Grills and Smokers

SearMagic Grates

I have been fortunate to retail Grills and Smokers for the last 3 years. This has given me the opportunity to cook on some of the best equipment that is not found at the Big Box retailers. I retail some of the best brands – Kamado JOE, Green Mountain Grills, MHP and Broil King. I have cooked Ribs, Chicken of all configurations, Boston Butts ( Pulled Pork ), Pie, Pizza, Burgers to die for, Steak and Prime Rib. I have to say for a Gas Grill you can’t beat the MHP ( Modern Home Products ).  Made in the USA, Lifetime Warranty and cooking on Searmagic cooking surface is unbelievable. The MHP’s have great accessories including rotisseries, Cooking Tools, Baskets and Infrared Burners.

Kamado Joe is a ceramic grill that is made from High Fire Heat-Resistant Ceramics. These grills use ONLY lump charcoal or real wood. The ceramic holds in all the heat and keeps food moist while cooking. I have had great results using this type of cooker. In fact some of the best tasting pork came from this grill. I used the Kamado Joe lump and added a chunk of apple wood. Extremely yummy! One of the most delicious meals I recently produced involved a men’s night. I cooked 2″ thick New York Strip steaks first on the Kamado Joe to sear at 600° then finished them on the Green Mountain Grill at 250° for about 15 minutes. The guys eating these were almost drooling. Grills and Smokers of this type are found at fine retailers and specialty shops. Big Boxes can’t compete with these type of retailers, we take pride in knowing and using everything we sell. I have vast knowledge of the performance of everything I sell and most retailers also. If you’re in Eastern Connecticut stop by Long Pond – Hot Tub | Fireplace | Fence in the Plainfield, CT village of Wauregan and see these great grills and smokers. Always cooking on Saturday’s around lunch time.

Spa Marvel – The All Natural Spa Treatment

Spa Marvel Hot Tub 100% organic and Non-Toxic Water Treatment

Spa Marvel is an amazing product to keep your Hot Tub water sparking clear. I began to use Spa Marvel 2 months ago, I am very impressed. I used to use a Bromine based chemical treatment that left my hot tub deteriorated from the harsh chemical reactions.  All of my exposed vinyl and plastic components became discolored and worn out looking.  Since switching to Spa Marvel my water is clear and odor free. I only have to add one tab of Chlorine or Bromine once a week to maintain proper sanitation. No other chemicals are needed for this hassle free method of treatment.  The manufacturer states the benefits as:

• No More Itching or Rashes
• No More Odor
• No More Scum Lines
• No More Chemical Hassles
• Gentle to skin, hair and bathing suits
• Balances pH & Alkalinity
• 100% organic and is non-toxic to all living creatures and the environment
• All natural seaweed enzymes

•  Water soft & clean not leaving you that feeling like you need to shower after using your  spa & hot tub
• Conditions water for sensitive skin
• Lasts for up to 3 months
• Only need to drain spa & hot tub water only once a year
• 100% Guaranteed!
• Alternative to adding harsh chemicals such chlorine and bromine

Spa Marvel is made from a unique formulation of natural seaweed enzymes, minerals and plant extracts and contains no chlorine, bromine or other harsh chemicals. Spa Marvel is made with seaweed, lanolin and other natural compounds as well as Vitamins C and D which contain skin conditioning properties. Frequent spa & hot tub use leaves skin feeling soft and moisturized.

Spa Marvel is sold at authorized dealers in the United States and Canada, including Long Pond – Hot Tub| Fireplace| Fence in Wauregan, Ct

Troubleshooting – www.spamarvel.com offers a troubleshooting section on-line, along with corporate support, for any instances that require special attention.

Spring

Today is March 14th, 2012 and Spring is definitly in the air. Temperatures are in the mid 60’s and a whole lot of sun. Who would of thought after the winter of 2011 we would have gotten off with such a mild winter this year. Very little snow and mild temperatures, today’s weather brings thoughts of BBQ, Outdoors, Backyards and Good friends.  Are you thinking of beautifying your property this summer. Don’t be the person that procrastinates in the spring and when summer does get here your upgrades are not to be seen. Spring is a great time to start a project that adds value to your home. Some great ideas are Pavers, Fencing, Landscaping and Hot Tubs incorporating all these.

Bullfrog Spas

Long Pond – Hot Tub | Fireplace | Fence in the Plainfield Ct village of Wauregan is proud to be the Authorized dealer for Bullfrog Spas and Evolution Fence

Landscapers and Contractors are already booking into the summer – don’t get caught being one of the customers put off until later in the season, plan ahead. With the fuel prices continuing to rise this may be the best year to plan a back yard remodel and a stay-cation this summer.

Fire Pit and Patio