VPC Builders is proud to have been chosen as one of Remodeling Magazines Signage Smackdown winners! The signs were judged on informativeness, clarity, legibility, and the appeal of their content. Click here to see the winners. 

 

Remodeling Magazine also wrote an article about the wine barrel signs entitled More Than Your Average Sign, and published it on their website. The article highlights VPC's creative approach to lawn site design. The author, Rena Goldman, shares some info about the signs, how they are made, and the story of how we came up with the idea.

Hello everyone! I hope you are all enjoying this wonderful spring weather we've been having! I know I certainly am. Especially since I just had my birthday on March 9th! 

 

Spring cleaning feels great-once it's finished. But getting there isn't always so fun. To help you get to the enjoyable side of spring cleaning, I've rounded up some tips and tricks to streamline the process and leave you with more time to enjoy your fresh and tidy home. 

1. Disinfect Your Sponge - If you've got a big job to do and only one sponge to do it with (the horror!), freshen things up by squeezing it out & microwaving it on high for a minute.
2. Clean the Garbage Disposal - Drop in a cut-up lemon, some salt, and a few ice cubes to clear away any unwanted odors or built-up residue.
3. Wax Your Stovetop - After you've scrubbed the grime off your stovetop, apply a thin layer of car wax and then buff it off with a clean towel. Not only will this make it look shiny and new, it will make wiping off future spills a breeze.
4. Use a Lemon to Clean Stainless Steel Faucets - Cut the lemon in half and start rubbing to remove hard water stains and rust from stainless steel surfaces.
5. Steam-Clean Your Microwave - To remove old food stains from the inside of the microwave, steam them before you scrub. Fill a bowl with 1 to 2 cups of water, 2 tablespoons of white vinegar, and zap the mixture for 5 minutes.
6. Dust With Dryer Sheets - Dryer sheets are a cheap substitute for electrostatic cloths, and work just as well. Socks, when worn as a mitten, work for dusting tight areas and Venetian blinds.
7. Use Your Dishwasher for More Than Dishes - Once every few months, toss some of the following into the dishwasher for a deep clean: contact lens cases, hair brushes, makeup brushes, pet dishes, plastic kids toys, refrigerator shelves, soap dishes, tweezers, and various knobs and pulls.
8. Clean Your Dishwasher - After you remove any visible grime, place a (dishwasher safe) cup of vinegar on the top shelf and run the hottest cycle your dishwasher has. After that, sprinkle a cupful of baking soda around the bottom and run it through a short but complete cycle using the hottest water.

Hope you all get outside and enjoy the beautiful beginning of spring :) To conclude, here's a little dog wisdom: "If you get to thinking you're a person of some influence, try ordering somebody else's dog around."

 

Best Regards,

Thor  

Congratulations to our very own Gary Smith for completing the Uwharrie Mountain Run 20 mile trail race! What an incredible accomplishment! Gary finished in 115th place in 4 hours and 35 minutes.

With the support of nearly 1100 of us, the Town of Blowing Rock will proceed with seeking funding for a sidewalk project that would stretch pedestrian access from Main St. in Blowing Rock to Bass Lake.  The Federal Lands Access Program could provide 80% of the funding to build a sidewalk from Main St. in Blowing Rock along Hwy 221 to the entrance to Bass Lake.   Read more.

Adding value to a property shouldn't be of interest just to those who are planning to sell in the near future. Many of the small improvements you can make when preparing to sell not only can add value, but can increase your enjoyment of your home. So whether you're selling or staying put, consider these small improvements you can make for less than $75.  Read more.

It's that tricky time of year when spring is almost here but there are still some chilly days ahead. While you're waiting for the sunshine and greenery to make a proper appearance, try boosting your mood by adding a few cheery touches to your home. Read more.