Boston Brick & Stone - December 2019

Boston Brick & Stone - December 2019

THE MASONRY MONTHLY

2005 Lincoln Ave., Pasadena, CA 91103 | 626-296-7700 | www.bostonbrick.com | December 2019

Families often travel hundreds of miles to be together during the holidays, and many people fly to their destinations. This fast, easy, and safe way to travel has carried thousands of people across the skies for the holidays thanks to the tireless efforts of two brothers who made the first recorded aircraft flight over 100 years ago. On Dec. 17, 1903, Orville and Wilbur Wright made the first flight in a self- propelled, engine-powered aircraft near a small town called Kitty Hawk. Orville piloted this 12-second flight when the aircraft flew 120 feet before coming back to the ground. Orville and Wilbur traded off as they tested their first airplane, making three more flights that day. Wilbur, who piloted the last test, kept the plane in the air for 59 seconds and covered 852 feet. The Wright brothers spent the following years discreetly perfecting their aircraft. Their secrecy allowed them to obtain the patents and contracts they needed to improve their aircrafts and continue testing. A couple years after their first flight, they designed a plane that stayed aloft for 39 minutes and maneuvered more easily in the air. Then, in 1908, they made their first public flight in France. The accomplishments of these two brothers opened up an entirely new way of travel. Not only did they prove that air travel was possible but also that planes could be the most efficient way to travel over long distances. Through their efforts, traveling around the world became even more feasible. THE FIRST FLIGHT

WHAT THE WRIGHT BROTHERS MADE POSSIBLE

able to see a family member if they move hundreds of miles away anymore. Instead, they only have to decide which airline to use and purchase tickets in time for the holidays. If you’re planning to take advantage of the Wright brothers’ legacy this holiday season, keep a few important things in mind. Since the airplane has become a significant part of holiday travel, thousands of people flock to airports all around the globe. Planning for this busy time and making proper adjustments are crucial to ensure the crowds don’t hinder your travel. Make sure to arrive early and keep an eye out for any updates to your flight. If you’re planning to travel with children or you’re a senior flyer, it’s important to make the airline aware of any special accommodations you may need for boarding (like wheelchair assistance or car seat installation) and for landing. Consider bringing quiet entertainment to keep kids occupied and talk to your kids about what to expect during the trip. This will help them visualize what’s ahead of them, and, rather than be uncomfortable or anxious, they will be excited and eager for the adventure. Your holiday flight can be a great learning opportunity for them, too. Teach your kids about the efforts of the Wright brothers and how their invention made it possible for families — like yours — to celebrate the holidays together more easily.

-Dave Laverdiere

Today, people rely on airplanes to explore new cultures and countries and to bring them home to their families. No one worries about whether they’ll be

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3 Last-Minute Holiday Marketing Ideas Don’t Get Lost in the Bustle

If you haven’t capitalized on the holiday season for your business’s marketing campaign yet, don’t worry, because you still have time! Even if you’re still a long sleigh ride away from finishing your own holiday to-do list, you can ensure your business flourishes this season with a few last- minute marketing ideas for the holidays.

Holiday Marketing Ideas:

Send season’s greetings to loyal customers.

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Even if your Christmas or holiday-themed cards don’t mail on time, you can still send personalized emails or social media messages to let your customers know you’re thinking of them this holiday season. Established customers can be responsible for up to 40% of a business’s sales, and your unexpected holiday greeting could keep your business in mind as they go about their holiday shopping.

Create gift card giveaways or incentives.

Decorate your website for the season.

"My long cement driveway's center slab was rising. I got all sorts of conflicting opinions from various contractors about what to do, but all advised extensive and expensive 'rip it up and replace it' approaches. John of Boston Brick &Stone came up with a viable solution that not only solved the problem but also saved me thousands of dollars in unneeded work. From now on, John and BB&S will be my first call for any cement work at my house." –James G. Rock-Solid Review Gift cards, even digital ones, are more popular than ever around the holiday season. In one survey, 43% of respondents said they planned on giving gift cards or certificates in lieu of other holiday presents. With 1 in 4 gift cards sold in the last four days leading up to Christmas, these ideal presents make the perfect last-minute marketing tool. Offer gift card incentives or giveaways for your loyal customers. They can make the perfect present for them and, in turn, your business.

Your customers are already in the holiday spirit, so why not indulge them with some seasonal trappings on your website? Festive holiday touches to your company logo or new webpages recommending holiday gift ideas can go a long way to attract customer attention. You don’t have to be the flashiest display on the block, but showing off your holiday spirit will spread cheer and goodwill.

CHIMNEY

•Inspection •Restoration and repair •Construction •Sweeping

FIREPLACE

•Inspection, restoration, or repair of an existing structure •Installation or reconstruction of new structures

HARDSCAPE

•Backyard patios •Outdoor kitchens and barbecues •Outdoor steps, walkways, and paths •Retaining walls •Outdoor fireplaces •Driveways

HISTORICAL RESTORATION Our previous restoration work includes the following:

•Restoration of the main lobby chimney system of the El Tovar Hotel on the Grand Canyon’s South Rim •Repair and restoration of chimneys in 56 original historic cabins on the Grand Canyon’s North Rim •Historical chimney restoration for the lodge in Bryce Canyon National Park •Faithful restoration of the chimneys on the Nottingham and Arden properties in Beverly Hills

BRICK RESTORATION AND CONSTRUCTION DRIVEWAY CONSTRUCTION

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I’m Dreaming of a Green Christmas 4 Eco-Friendly Ways to Decorate for the Holidays

Considering all the wrapping paper, decorations, and cards that fill our homes during the holiday season, it’s no surprise that the period between Thanksgiving and New Year’s is not only the most cheerful but also the most wasteful time of year. According to Stanford University, Americans generate 25% more

Opt for Edible Remember the cranberry and popcorn garlands of Christmases past? It’s time to bring them back! Pair handmade garlands with iced salt dough and gingerbread ornaments for a fully edible, compostable tree decorating scheme. A bowl of patterned pomanders (oranges studded with cloves) and pinecones makes for a beautiful centerpiece that smells festive, too. Go Wild With Plants If you like to decorate your stair rail or mantlepiece, try replacing the shiny plastic and fake-foliage garlands with real holly and pine boughs or bringing festive potted plants indoors. Small evergreen trees, holly bushes, and poinsettias are all attractive choices that can, with proper care, last the whole year.

trash during the holidays than any other period — that’s the equivalent of one million extra tons per week, which is enough to convince anyone worried about the health of the planet to cut back on the tinsel and fake snow.

Dare to DIY If you have the time, scrap paper can be cut into beautiful ornaments, and old Christmas cards can be punched into leaf shapes and used to create lovely wreaths. Don’t forget to save your wrapping paper and ribbon scraps for next year!

Thrift Shop ‘Til You Drop If you have your heart set on glitzy glass ornaments or an elaborate candle

Luckily for the eco- conscious, celebrating the season without adding too much to

centerpiece, check nearby thrift stores before you head to Walmart. They’re often stocked to the brim with Christmas decor during the holidays, and you can probably get something you’ll love for pennies on the dollar! Plus, by recycling these previously used decorations, you’ll be keeping them out of the landfill.

the landfill is totally possible. To start your own green Christmas traditions, try these tricks:

Potato Latkes For the Holiday Season

MEME CORNER

Ingredients

• 2 large russet potatoes, scrubbed • 1 large onion, peeled and cut into quarters • 2 large eggs • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour • 2 tsp kosher salt

• 1 tsp baking powder • 1/2 tsp black pepper • Safflower or vegetable oil, for frying

Directions

1. Using either a food processor with a coarse grating disc or the coarse side of a box grater, grate potatoes and onion. (If using a food processor, halve or quarter potatoes.) Once grated, wrap in a clean dish towel or cheesecloth to wring out as much moisture as possible. 2. Transfer to a mixing bowl and mix in eggs, flour, salt, baking powder, and pepper. 3. Heat a heavy-bottomed pan containing 1/4-inch of oil over medium-high heat. Use a heaping tablespoon to drop batter into the hot pan, working in batches. Use a spatula or spoon to form them into discs. Fry about 5 minutes per side, until deeply browned. 4. Transfer to a paper towel-lined wire rack to drain, and serve alongside applesauce and sour cream.

Inspired by The New York Times

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2005 Lincoln Ave., Pasadena, CA 91103 | 626-296-7700 | www.bostonbrick.com

Bringing Families Together for the Holidays INSIDE page 1

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Last-Minute Holiday Marketing Ideas

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Rock-Solid Review

page 3

4 Eco-Friendly Ways to Decorate for the Holidays

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Potato Latkes

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Yurts: Glamping at Its Finest

YURT SWEET YURT Glamping in Beautiful Locations

Spruce Hole Yurt, Colorado

The allure of the great outdoors calls to many, but pitching a tent and cooking over a fire isn’t for everyone. If that describes you, consider the yurt: a small, permanent structure often outfitted with electricity, plumbing, and other modern amenities. Expertly nestled in remote locations, they provide comforts of home in the midst of nature. Here are just a few around the United States available for rent.

Nestled in the San Juan Mountains about 10 miles north of New Mexico, this yurt is a snow-lover’s paradise. Skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking trails are plentiful in this backcountry location. At the end of a chilly day, come home to comfy beds, cooking supplies, and decor made to feel like you’re camping — but with sturdy walls to keep out the cold.

Treebones Resort, California

Falls Brook Yurts, New York

For those new to the glamping scene, this is a great choice for an easy transition. With picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean, the Treebones Resort in Big Sur has an array of spaciously comfortable yurts to choose from. The resort has heated pools, a cozy lodge, and even a sushi bar. About an hour up the coastline, you can find a few shops, restaurants, and art galleries if you decide you’ve gotten your dose of nature for the day.

For the glampers who truly want to get away, hike just under 1 mile into the woods of the Adirondack Mountains to discover rustic yurts beckoning you to cook over a fire or bundle up with a book. At night, the yurt’s domed skylight offers excellent stargazing. For those keen on winter activities, skiing and snowshoeing trails start right outside the front door. In the summer, enjoy hiking, fishing, and swimming.

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