Buying Granite Countertops

(Before- We tried updating the counters but they became hard to clean in a couple years)

When we first moved into our house about 2 years ago, something needed to be done about the countertops.  We first tried painting them in this post here.  But they are chipping and hard to keep clean.  I am also not in love with our sink. 


Today I am excited to say that I bought myself a rock!  A granite counter top.  This purchase is harder than buying a piece of furniture.  You need to measure and choose colors.  Think of how to dispose of the other counter, how to reattach the new sink to the pluming  and how the finish product with look with the wall color.

Part 1:  Deciding Where to Buy them and The Color, Cut, and Sink



After calling around to many stores, Lowes was the least expensive.  After getting a 10% off coupon from Lowes, and using the Discover 5% cash back I made the purchase   Below are the pictures.  I will keep you updated with more information and pictures as we move forward.  

I went with Durango which is a type (A) (Least expensive) granite.  The origin is Spain.  In Sensa granite the same color Iberian Sunset.  

1.  What Color?

2. What Cut? 

3. What Type of Sink?

4. What Payment Method?

Part 2:  Waiting and Measurements


Then they tell you that the process can take anywhere up to 21 working days!  That is a long wait for me!  First someone needs to make a template of the counter tops   They tell you the cabinets need to be in place incase you have a new home.  They told us we need to move the appliances when they install the counter top.  We will need to remove the countertop before install (more on that later).  Also, we will need to wait a full day until we hook up the pluming.     

Someone came to do the measurements which took about an hour.  He needed a cleaned off counter do do the process as he took measurements at different points.  

He told me that there may be a seam but it is up to the people that cut the granite.  I am crossing my fingers so that there won't be one!  

I also had to have the faucet.  We are using our old faucet because we got a new one a couple years ago.  I made the decision to have 2 holes next to the faucet.  One for the water sprayer and the other for a soap dispenser.  I don't like stuff on the counter so I am excited about this one.  

The next two steps are removing the counter and installation!

5.  Will someone be home for them to measure the counter?

6. Will Your Cabinets Hold the Granite?

7. Do you need a hole for a Kitchen Sprayer?

8. Do You Need a Hole for a Soap Dispenser?

Part 3: Sink Removal

Next the sink pluming needed to be removed.  After watching may youtube videos, I was ready.  I learned the tip to take pictures of your pluming before removing anything.  Then when you want to put it back together you can refer to the picture.  I know it is much easier to put together a puzzle when you can see the finished product on the box.  

We then took all of the screws out from under the cabinets.  Then we lifted the 
counter out together. 
9. Who will undo the pluming?

10. Do you want to purchase a new faucet?

11. Do you want to purchase a new drain? 

Part 4: Counter Top Removal 

We realized they had some measuring issues the first time they put in our counter top.  Instead of cutting the counter, they took out some dry wall! So we had to cut the counter in half to get it out of the house.  

We then gave someone the sink for free on craigslist.  Saving the earth, and we don't have to pay a fee for our trash people to take it.  

12. How will you take the old counter off?

13. How will you dispose of the old counter?

14. How will you dispose of the old sink?

 Part 5: Waiting

We are now waiting for the installation of our countertop.  Take out food for a couple days.  But it will be worth it! 

15.  Will your family survive without a counter top and more importantly a sink/dishwasher for a few days? 








Part 6: Installation Day

This way was the easiest.  Let the two guy team come in and do there job.  This is what it looked like when the left.  

We still need to wait 24 hours to hook up the pluming.  







Part 6: New Backsplash





About Lisa Rusczyk
Lisa is the creator of the blog Charlie-The-Cavalier and His Friends, Family, and Home.  She is also the author of 50 Things to Know Before Having a Baby.  Send Lisa Rusczyk and email at lbrennec@gmail.com. 

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Easy Crock Pot Ham and Bean Soup





Put all ingredients in crock pot for 8 hours on high.  Yum!

  • Cut carrots (1/2 lb)
  • Cut celery (1/2 stalk)
  • Cut Onion (Large)
  • Chicken broth (6 cups) I used canned because I found it on sale but you can use cubes.
  • Potatoes (4)- If you like
  • Ham (about 1 lb)
  • Large can of Great Northern beans (use strainer and water)
  • I like to add garlic (2 tablespoons of the the already prepared kind)
  • Pepper






About Lisa Rusczyk
Lisa is the creator of the blog Charlie-The-Cavalier and His Friends, Family, and Home.  She is also the author of 50 Things to Know Before Having a Baby..  Send Lisa Rusczyk and email at lbrennec@gmail.com.  

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Lock Haven University Relay For Life 2013

As a Lock Haven Graduate, I love going back going to events.  This was Relay For Life 2013. Great people, great events, and many donations were made.  They even passed the goal they made for themselves.  Great job everyone!    










About Lisa Rusczyk
Lisa is the creator of the blog Charlie-The-Cavalier and His Friends, Family, and Home.  She is also the author of 50 Things to Know Before Having a Baby..  Send Lisa Rusczyk and email at lbrennec@gmail.com.  
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Wordless Wednesday- Peacock at All Inclusive Vacation








Want to go on Vacation? 

Not sure if you want to go to a Hotel, Cruise, or an All Inclusive?

This book is for anyone who is thinking about going to an all inclusive resort. A great starting place for choosing a vacation destination. Many tips and advice on Things to Think About before Selecting the All-Inclusive Resort, Food, Pool and Ocean, and General Tips.

This book also includes: 7 Things You May Forget When Traveling On an Airplane, 28 Things to Know Before Traveling With a Baby, and 6 Steps to Booking Your Dream Cruise- Tips to Save Money on a Cruise.

What People Are Saying...

This is a good guide for those looking to book an all-inclusive. It's a short read packed with tips from someone who has been on tons of these trips. The bonus? I actually got some really good ideas for how to travel with my baby too. Our 1 year old is going with us this time and I'm suuuuper nervous. - Momily

This book is great and very informative. It mentions lots of things that I never would have thought of while planning a vacation. I would recommend this book to anyone who ever plans on going on a vacation (I think that includes all of us, right?). For only $2.99 (the current price of the book, I understand it may change over time) you get a pre-compiled check list, helpful tips and much more. Don't miss out on this amazing book! - M. Messick

'50 Things To Know About All Inclusive Resorts' is an excellent book to help you go away on holiday to the right type of all-inclusive resort for you, your family and friends.

The book contains numerous tips to help you select an all-inclusive resort, such as considering the time of year and weather, the facilities available which are of most interest to you, excursions etc, on the foods you would like to eat and the beverages you would like to drink.

The book also helps you think about the type of swimming pool you would like to have access to at the all-inclusive resort and also contains general advice for your trip, such as checking in and out and ensuring you have appropriate footwear and sunglasses.

I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. - P. Phillips






About Lisa Rusczyk
Lisa is the creator of the blog Charlie-The-Cavalier and His Friends, Family, and Home.  She is also the author of 50 Things to Know Before Having a Baby..  Send Lisa Rusczyk and email at lbrennec@gmail.com.  

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