Tuesday, December 31, 2013

New Year's Eve Fun Facts

Bell Mirror & Glass, Inc.


1702 S. Seneca Street, Wichita, KS 67213


316-262-8642


Are you busy getting ready for your New Year's Eve party tonight? Truth is you'd have nothing to celebrate if it weren't for Julius Caesar.  Do you know why? Check out these fun facts about the holiday recognized and celebrated world-wide!

  1. Julius Caesar was the first person to establish January 1st as the New Year.  When the Julian calendar was made, New Year's day was officially named.
  2. Black eyed peas are consumed throughout the country on New Year's Eve as they are thought to bring good fortune. 
  3. Auld Land Syne was written in the 1700's and is sung as the clock strikes mid-night on new Year's Eve. 
  4. The New York City Times Square ball was originally made of wood.  Present day, it is made of Waterford Crystal and weighs over one thousand pounds.
  5. The most common resolution is, you guessed it, to lose weight.
  6. The month of January was named after the god Janus (Latin for door).  Janus is a god with 2 faces.  One face is looking forward while the other backwards.
  7. In Italy, people wear red underwear on New Year's Eve as a symbol of good fortune. 

For more fun facts about New Year's Eve, click here! Bell Mirror and Glass would like to wish everyone a happy and safe New Year! May 2014 bring you nothing but good fortune!

Friday, December 27, 2013

Flashback Friday-The History of Bell Mirror & Glass, Inc.

Bell Mirror & Glass, Inc.


1702 S. Seneca Street, Wichita, KS 67213


316-262-8642





Bell Mirror and Glass has provided the highest quality custom glass and mirror services for over 50 years.  Dean and Ruth Bell started their business in 1963 in a barn in Sedgwick County, Kansas.  It was one of the first glass shops in the state, and one of the few shops in the Midwest to own and operate glass beveling machinery.  Initially, Bell Mirror and Glass focused its services on building and installing shower doors, replacing window glass, and performing light commercial glass installation and repairs.  By 1970, the Bell children took an interest in the family business, giving Dean the opportunity to expand his repertoire of services. 

The business naturally outgrew the barn and a subsequent location on Douglas Avenue until finally settling into its present home in Wichita.  Much of the Bell Mirror and Glass success can be credited to the wide array of services offered, including a variety of colored mirror and glass, and different glass patterns, which are especially popular among architects and interior designers.

The business' long history provides unparalleled experience in glass beveling and allows the company to create custom design mirrors by sandblasting artwork and logos onto glass and mirror services. Bell Mirror and Glass is proud to remain a family owned business and is dedicated to putting a personal touch into each project.

To learn more about the history of Bell Mirror and Glass, visit our website.  Don't forget to Like us on Facebook and FOLLOW us on Twitter!

Tuesday, December 24, 2013

Explore Wichita Over the Holidays

Bell Mirror & Glass, Inc.


1702 S. Seneca Street, Wichita, KS 67213


316-262-8642


If your house will be packed to the max over the next few days with out-of-town holiday guests, it may be the perfect time to escape cabin fever, get out of the house, and enjoy some of what Wichita has to offer.

Here are just some of the many events happening in Wichita this week!

Illuminations:
Where: Botanica
Time: 5:30pm to 8:30pm through December 31, 2013
Price: $7 adults, $6 members, $5 children 3-12 years old.

Lights on St. Paul:
Drive-through light display.
Where: Arc of Sedgwick County
Time: 5:30pm through December 29, 2013. 
Price: Free

Heartspring's Lights on the Lake:
Drive-through light display.
Where: Heartspring
Time: 5:30pm to 9:pm through December 25, 2013.
Price: Free

Ice Skating:
Where: Wichita Ice Center
Time: 12:00pm to 4:00pm daily, plus 6:00 pm to 10:00pm Monday and Thursday, and 7:00pm to 11:00pm on Friday and Saturday.
Price: Holiday admission $7, skate rental $3. 

The Thunder Hockey Team
Where: Intrust Bank Arena
Time: December 28, 2013 at 7:05pm. 
Price: $13 to $33, visit www.selectaseat.com to purchase tickets.

There's much more happening in Wichita over the next few days! For more events, click here

Bell Mirror and Glass want to wish everyone a happy, healthy, and safe holiday!

Friday, December 20, 2013

What You Didn't Know About Wichita

Bell Mirror & Glass, Inc.


1702 S. Seneca Street, Wichita, KS 67213


316-262-8642




Bell Mirror & Glass is proud to be located in Wichita, Kansas.  Did you know that it is actually the largest city in the state?  Check out more facts about the city of Wichita!

Fact 1: Before airplanes could fly cross country without stopping, Wichita's airport was one of the busiest in the United States.

Fact 2: Coleman lanterns began being built in Wichita in 1901.

Fact 3: The first site of African Americans at a "white" lunch counter was in Wichita.

Fact 4: The White Castle fast-food restaurant chain started in Wichita in 1921.  There hasn't been a franchise there since 1938.

Fact 5: The Sedgwick County Zoo has more than 2,500 animals, making it one of the largest in the nation.

Fact 6: It is actually illegal for restaurants to serve cherry pie ala mode on Sundays in Wichita. 

Do you know any other fun facts about Wichita? We'd love to hear them! Bell Mirror & Glass provides custom glass and mirror services for homes and businesses.  We bring a personal touch to each project, no matter the size or complexity.  Contact us to learn more about our services.  Don't forget to Like us on Facebook and FOLLOW us on Twitter for the latest in home renovation!

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Holiday Decorating Traditions Unveiled

Bell Mirror & Glass, Inc.
1702 S. Seneca Street, Wichita, KS 67213
316-262-8642

People celebrate the holidays and show their spirit through various forms of decorating.  Have you ever wondered where these holiday traditions originated? Check out these popular decoration items and the history behind them!

Holiday Lights: Lights are not just hung on a Christmas tree.  Many people choose to string lights inside the house, outside, or both!  The tradition dates back to a time when electric bulbs didn't exist.  Instead, candles were burned in the windows of Christian homes, symbolically guiding the Christ child from heaven. 

Wreaths: This holiday decoration can be spotted hanging from many doors in the neighborhood.  Wreathes have not always been a holiday tradition!  They originated in ancient Greece where they were made from olive branches.  Different cultures have since adopted their own form of the wreath but the use of holly and evergreen make it a holiday staple. 

Garland: Nowadays, garland can be bought in stores and in various colors.  We often use it to decorate trees and brighten our homes.  Originally, garland was made from evergreens that were woven together. 

Christmas Trees: One of the most famous decorations during the holidays is a Christmas tree.  It is a tradition that has been made infamous through Rockefeller Center in New York City.  Every household can decorate their tree in their own unique way, with ornaments and lights and garland!  The lighting of evergreens with candles originally celebrated the winter solstice. 

Dreidels:  This Hanukkah toy is known around the world, thanks to its namesake song.  A dreidel is a four-sided top with a Hebrew letter on each side, representing the phrase "a great miracle happened here."  The toy is used in a traditional Hanukkah game where players receive chocolate coins or other forms of currency. 

Menorahs:  A menorah is also an essential part of the Hanukkah celebration.  The menorah is rich in history and is a tradition that has been passed down for centuries.  In 165 B.C. the Maccabees, a Jewish liberation group, recaptured their Jerusalem temple from the Greeks and restored it back to order.  The menorah that existed in the temple had been extinguished and the Maccabees only had enough oil to light a flame for one day.  Miraculously, the menorah burned for eight straight days. 

Stockings: No home is complete around Christmas without stockings hanging.  Even if the home doesn't have a fireplace, it is still a tradition that is maintained.  It is said that the hanging of stockings by the fire originated in the fourth century.  A man, St. Nicholas of Myra snuck into the home of a family who had unmarried daughters due to their lack of money for dowries.  The girls hung their washed stockings by the fire to dry and St. Nicholas dropped gold coins into each one, thus resulting in an international tradition.

Bell Mirror and Glass can help you make your home special all year round with custom glass and mirrors.  Contact us to learn about our comprehensive services! Don't forget to Like us on Facebook and FOLLOW us on Twitter! For more traditional decoration items and their history, click here!

Friday, December 13, 2013

Flashback Friday! The History Of The Mirror

Bell Mirror & Glass, Inc.
1702 S. Seneca Street, Wichita, KS 67213
316-262-8642
Ancient man first discovered a need for mirrors when they caught a glimpse of their reflection in a river and instantly became embarrassed that they left the cave without brushing their hair.  Okay, we're not exactly sure about the last part, but it's true that the first form of a mirror came in the reflection of pools of water. 

Many years later the first man-made mirrors were created, not of glass, but of natural materials that were polished and had the ability to reflect an image.  As man (and the mirror) evolved, people started using heavy metals such as copper, bronze, gold and silver to make mirrors.  The problem with using these types of elements was that they were not reflective, thus defeating its purpose. 

It wasn't until the Middle Ages that glass mirrors, similar to the ones we use today, were first made.  Technology was still new so making a mirror wasn't an easy task and proved to be costly.  Finally, the Renaissance period brought advanced technology used to make the developing techniques manageable.  The mirror finally produced a clear image and became a staple for artists painting self-portraits. 

The rest is history! Over time, minor adjustments were made and the mirror evolved into what we use today.  Bell Mirror and Glass offers custom cut mirrors in a variety of colors.  Contact us to learn more about your custom shaping and shaving options! We'll be glad to help! To learn more about the history of the mirror, click here!



Wednesday, December 11, 2013

Get A Jumpstart Your New Year's Resolution!

The new year is coming, and with it come the resolutions! Each year, people pledge their dedication to a certain goal, such as getting fit or renovating their home. While the January effort to "give it all they've got" is sincere, by the time February rolls around, they've usually had enough. Most people are left with a gym membership they'll never use again and enough renovation materials to build an addition to their house. 

Although we can't do much about your goal to get fit, Bell Mirror and Glass can help make your renovation resolution possible! We offer a variety of custom glass and mirror services for your home and business and treat each project uniquely to best fit our customers needs. 


Check out some of the services we offer:
  • Custom-cut mirrors offered in a variety of colors with edging and shaping.
  • Custom shower enclosures.
  • Custom cabinets, windows, safety glass, railing and decking, shelving and showcase glass.
  • Custom requests are welcomed!

Let Bell Mirror and Glass help you fulfill your home improvement resolution easily! Contact us for more information on how we can help you in all your renovation needs!  Don't forget to Like us on Facebook and FOLLOW us on Twitter!

Thursday, December 5, 2013

How To Keep Keep Your Shower Doors Looking Flawless

Bell Mirror & Glass, Inc
1702 S. Seneca Street, Wichita, KS 67213
316-262-8642
www.bellmirrorandglass.com
Nothing makes a bathroom exude elegance like glass shower doors.  It is essential to maintain upkeep of the surface to preserve the beauty as well as the sturdiness.  Although your glass doors may be smooth to the touch, they are actually made of peaks, thus making it easy for contaminants to bond to the surface. 
Bell Mirror & Glass carries products that assure the preservation of your shower doors, no matter if they're new or old!  Ordinary glass is susceptible to damage from soap and humidity, however our products guarantee comprehensive surface protection!
Such products include:
  • ShowerGuard
  • Clean Shield
  • Diamon Fusion
  • Enduroshield
  • Bell Mirror & Glass Professional Glass Cleaner
  • Miracle Scrub
  • Invisible Glass Shield
For a full description and to see which product would best fit your glass cleaning needs, click here.  For more information on what Bell Mirror & Glass can do for your home or business, visit our website!

Tuesday, December 3, 2013

Benefits Of Having Mirrors In Your Home Or Business

Bell Mirror & Glass, Inc
1702 S. Seneca Street, Wichita, KS 67213
316-262-8642
www.bellmirrorandglass.com

Mirrors are a great addition to any space.  They have the ability to create illusions, and not just in a carnival fun house.  When light hits and reflects off of a mirror it creates an illusion that the space is larger than it actually is.  It also leaves the room feeling brighter.  This quality makes mirrors the perfect addition to dark rooms with limited light sources.  Combine this with soft, muted tones in your furniture and rugs and you've got a tranquil, relaxing atmosphere.

Mirrors can be incorporated in a room in various ways.  Mirror walls are a great way to enhance the appearance of a room and provide an artistic quality to a space.  Small mirrors are great for decoration, especially when they are in a vintage or unique frame.  Full length mirrors and statement pieces are great substitutions for art. 

Bell Mirror & Glass offers custom mirror services for your home or business.  Contact us to find out how you can enhance the appearance of your room.  Visit our showroom for a variety of ideas and samples! 


Wednesday, November 27, 2013

Best Stained Glass Pieces Around The Globe!


Bell Mirror & Glass, Inc
1702 S. Seneca Street, Wichita, KS 67213
316-262-8642
www.bellmirrorandglass.com
 

Stained glass windows are an elegant finish to a building's structure that doubles as an expression of art.  Commonly referred to as “decorative glass”, stained glass can be used in multiple platforms such as accent pieces for kitchens, bathrooms, hallways and foyers, or as the main focus in a church or museum. 

The beauty of such windows can be seen and enjoyed throughout the world on some of the most iconic building structures.  Click here to check out some amazing stained glass pieces from around the globe! 

Bell Mirror & Glass provides unmatched quality and service in glass installation and lends a personal touch to each project.  Click here to contact us today or visit our showroom for ideas and samples!

Tuesday, November 26, 2013

Give Your Windows a Professional Shine This Holiday Season

Bell Mirror & Glass, Inc.
1702 S. Seneca Street, Wichita, KS 67213
316-262-8642
www.bellmirrorandglass.com


Lavishly decorating store windows for the holiday season is a ritual originally made famous by New York City’s Sacks Fifth Avenue. Further, it is a practice that has been adapted by business owners throughout the country.  Decorating your store window is a great way to advertise the products sold as well as draw the attention of passersby to the business in a positive way.  One challenge many store owners face during the winter months is keeping these windows clean. Here are some easy tips for washing windows and maintaining the shine. 
Gather a squeegee, household sponge, and soft, white and absorbent cotton rags.  
In a bucket, mix
  • 1/2 Cup Ammonia
  • 1/2 C White Vinegar
  • 2 TBL. Cornstarch
  • 3/4 Gal. of Warm Water
*Make sure that the cornstarch is thoroughly dissolved.
Generously apply solution with the sponge starting at the top of the window and working your way down. Work swiftly to apply as many coats as possible.  Using the cotton rag, dry the top portion of the window, 3-4 inches down.  Then take the squeegee and use strong, smooth strokes to wipe away excess solution from the top and work down. 

For more tips on how to clean glass surfaces visit http://www.housecleaningcentral.com/en/cleaning-tips/glass/window-washing.html