Not Kenny Rogers!

Glass tile is steadily becoming more popular with interior designers and consumers alike. But its popularity is far from being new. The decorative and functional qualities of glass tiles and mosaics have been appreciated for centuries. In fact, they were in use during the days of the Roman Empire.

The biggest difference between the early Roman tiles and the tiles of today is in the manufacturing processes. In ancient times, glass tiles were made strictly from raw materials, and some modern-day manufacturers continue to make tiles this way. However, there has recently been a growing trend toward manufacturing them with recycled glass.

As with all forms of recycled manufacturing, making glass tiles from post-consumer and post-industrial glass is much less expensive than using raw materials. Additional savings are also gained through the manufacturing process itself, since less energy is required to make the tiles with recycled glass.

An added benefit of using old bottles, broken windshields and industrial scrap glass is that it keeps these non-biodegradable materials out of our landfills. By saving raw materials, using less manufacturing energy and having the ability to be a recycled again, glass tile made from recycled glass certainly qualifies as an environmentally-friendly, green product.

Regardless of how it is produced, glass tile is available a wide variety of colors, patterns, textures, and sizes. Some tiles are opaque, some are translucent and some are iridescent. Mosaic patterns run the gamut from small sheets to border strips to large murals. Contrasting solid borders and accent pieces are also available. Surface textures can be smooth or slip-resistant, and there are several dimensions of square and rectangular shapes to choose from.

Glass tiles also have a wide variety of applications. Although most commonly used for bath and kitchen walls, countertops and floors, glass tiles can also be used in spa and pool areas as well.

If you are looking to add new color and sparkle to your kitchen or bath and feeling the luxury of ancient Rome then glass tile is the perfect choice for you.

Healthy eating starts with one key activity - healthy shopping. When you head to the grocery store, it is easy to pick up lots of foods that are bad for our bodies without even realizing it. Shopping for a healthy diet can be difficult if you do not know how to do so, but with these tips, you should find it easier to do so the next time you head to the grocery store.

First, have a plan before you ever leave your house. Use the sales flyers to check out the great products that are on sale and take an inventory of your pantry and refrigerator to see what foods you need to purchase. Make a list of all of the foods you’ll need and stick to that list. Allow yourself one or two compulsory buys, but otherwise stay to the ingredients you’ll need to cook healthy meals for yourself and your family for the rest of the week. Before you leave, review your list and take out any unnecessary junk food.

Another great shopping tip to go along with making a list is to shop for a week at a time, or even longer if you have a large freezer. When you have to run to the grocery store every day, you are more likely to pick up junk food items every time you make a trip, and before you know it, your snack supply will be overflowing. You can shop for a week or two in advance by taking a day to plan meals for the week and packaging fresh product to be frozen.

When you’re shopping, it is also important to read the label. Try to avoid purchasing brand name items simply because they are brand name or store brand items simply because they are less expensive. Actually look at the product’s nutritional value and try to get the most nutrients for your money. When you eat higher quality foods, you’ll feel more full and, in turn, eat less, so this really is the best way to bargain shop.

If you are just shopping for yourself, you should also consider picking up a basket at the door instead of getting a shopping cart. The biggest problem with health and grocery shopping is grabbing junk food items that you don’t really need. If you have a small basket, you simply won’t have room for chocolate brownies and ice cream with your load of other foods, so you’ll pass them by.

Lastly, don’t forget to consider drinks into your healthy shopping plan. Most people don’t realize it, but sodas, punches, and beers can have many empty calories and are generally bad drink choices. Instead, look at the labels and choose water or natural fruit juices, like apple juice. With these tips, healthy eating - and shopping - should be much easier!