Ventless Gel Fireplace

A Christmas Story Fireplace

2011-12-22T10:02:00.000-08:00

He is a distant cousin of mine. But, he’s finally home.Fighting in a war took a toll on him, but he got to hold his daughter for thefirst time in years. That’s all the rejuvenation he needed.

We were all there! We received our notifications only a weekearlier. But anyone who could either hopped on a plane or drove so that wecould all be there when he visited his daughter’s school and was able tosurprise her in the middle of class.

I don’t think I’ve ever cried so many tears. They just keptcoming. His daughter sprang from her seat at the first sight of him. It waslike nothing else in the world mattered. She ran to his arms and he wrapped them around her. Where are thetissues?

Her little feet dangled as he stood up holding her in hisarms. It was the most perfect Christmas gift anyone could give. Finally beinghome after all those years, it couldn’t have been in better timing.

So, we all adjourned and took the little darling home withus. After all, she had earned the rest of the day off to be with her father.She had been through so much in the past year, no one had the heart to tell hershe had to stay in school and catch up with her father later.

It was just natural that when we were finally at their home,we gathered around the fireplace. He took a seat right by the fire and hisdaughter took her stance between his legs where he wrapped his big arms aroundher like he would never let go.

We talked about so many things, but one moment we will neverforget came from him. As he looked at the fireplace, a restless chuckle camefrom deep down within his chest. Then,he started to speak.

“You know, it’s funny about this old fireplace. I never gaveit much thought when I was living here before the war. It was just a fireplace.Just like everything else, my car was just my car. My home was just my home andpeople were just people.

“But when you are in a foreign land and you never know if orwhen you will ever come home, these things become more important to you. Infact, your mind starts playing tricks on you. You regret that you didn’t payattention more. You regret that you didn’t let people know just how much youlove them. You regret that you didn’t enjoy those things more that make lifeworth living.

“A simple thing like a fireplace. There I was, digging inand trying to get warm by the truck with my…sack,” he paused as he took a lookat his daughter. I take it the rest of the terminology for a military sleepingbag isn’t fit for little ears. “And I recall thinking back about thatfireplace. I missed my fireplace. I wanted to light the fire and sit right herewith a cup of coffee and my daughter in m arms like I am now.

“Little things like that can be a driving force that youremember. They motivate you to survive, to come home in one piece.”

Everyone in the room was speechless. As we sat around theroom, we all were staring at the fireplace. It suddenly had new meaning for allof us. Then, the waterworks startedagain. Where in the world are those tissues?

I am so happy the troops are coming home. May they all reachtheir families and enjoy the holidays. I would like to wish everyone HappyHolidays, for whatever tradition you celebrate!

The Corner Fireplace

2011-12-15T12:10:00.000-08:00

The corner fireplace is picking up some steam. But still, so many people think of the fireplace in the center of the wall. While that's fine, corner fireplaces offer distinctive fireplace units that make the room look cozy while contemporary.

Get some corner fireplace ideas at the Ventless Gel Fuel Fireplace Learning Center!

Jessica Brylan is the spokesperson for Ventless Gel Fuel Fireplace, the leading source in ventless fireplaces, gel fuel, real flame fireplaces and accessories. Come visit us and you'll see what we mean! Ventless Gel Fuel Fireplace

Great Fireplace Ideas

2011-12-08T15:00:00.000-08:00

The Ventless Fireplace can actually be in nearly every part of your life. Especially if you live in the colder parts of the world during Winter, you can have the Ventless Fireplace accentuate nearly any evening.

Here are some great ideas when to use the Ventless Fireplace...Ventless Gel Fuel Fireplace Learning Center!

Jessica Brylan is the spokesperson for Ventless Gel Fuel Fireplace, the leading source in ventless fireplaces, gel fuel, real flame fireplaces and accessories. Come visit us and you'll see what we mean! Ventless Gel Fuel Fireplace

Create A Faux Seperation in A Large Room

2011-12-01T11:58:00.000-08:00

Break up the monotony of a very large room. You don't have to build a wall. Just put a faux separation somewhere in the center and it will look great!

Here are some ideas you can use Ventless Gel Fuel Fireplace Learning Center!

Jessica Brylan is the spokesperson for Ventless Gel Fuel Fireplace, the leading source in ventless fireplaces, gel fuel, real flame fireplaces and accessories. Come visit us and you'll see what we mean! Ventless Gel Fuel Fireplace

Several Ways To Put Life Back Into Your Holidays

2011-11-22T10:30:00.000-08:00

There are plenty of families who sit down every year to be thankful and share no more tradition than watching football and eating turkey. While those are great times to have together, there is so much more that can be added to the holidays. When everyone gets involved, the kids grow up having richer, fuller lives that they look back on with fond memories.

Create Tree Trimmings
While you have the friends and family over to your house for Thanksgiving, why don’t you get everyone involved in helping with your Christmas decorations? Buy a few supplies. Let the kids do all the drawing, gluing, cutting and creating. Adults can help with the difficult parts and add their own touches here and there.

The kids will look forward to Thanksgiving next year. Plus, they’ll feel more invested in Christmas this year. They’ll want to see their decorations and they’ll brag about it to all their friends. But most importantly, it will really add perspective to the proper order of the holidays in this holiday season. Christmas comes after Thanksgiving, not before Halloween!

Hands Over the Years
There are several ways to put this idea together. Each child can have their own cloth or the children can all share one. But, either Thanksgiving or Christmas are perfect days to start collecting handprints while you have the family together.

As kids grow, collecting something that brings back memories will be something that will last forever. So every Thanksgiving or Christmas, have them stamp their hand on their cloth. If you start them when they’re small, their cloth will really be something special as they grow older.

Always ask your kids what color they want and make their handprint cloth a colorful collection. Have them write their own name and age beside their handprint. It’s a personal touch that will bring the project full circle. Plus, you never have to worry about moving over the years. You might not be able to take a measuring wall with you, but you can simply pack a handprint cloth.

Gingerbread House
You see ceramic gingerbread houses at Christmas time. Stores might even put architecturally grand gingerbread houses on display. But, why can’t you build one yourself for you and your family?

Better yet, you can get the family involved and you can all build one together. You can find recipes at the local bookstore, at the grocery store, and even online. Then, all you have to do is follow the instructions to a build a real gingerbread house this year. It’s different and yet, it’s tradition.

Bring back some of the old spirit and bring the holidays back to life this year. Commercialization is fine. Our economy can definitely use the boost in commerce. But, throw out some of those commercial traditions you have embraced over the years and start putting more fun activities into the celebration festivities.

Going Green and Making It Look Good

2011-11-17T10:14:00.000-08:00

Some people think of Going Green as taking a trip back into the cave days, when there was no light, no heat and no running water. But, Going Green can actually be quite advanced.

I have found some great techniques that you can incorporate into your home improvement regiment. First of all, they will save you money right off the bat. For instance, you might not need new insulation right now. So, don't bother! But when you do, I have a solution that is less expensive than the insulation you're using right now and it's much better.

Second, they will save you money in the long run. These solutions will cut down on your electric bill and your water bill. Plus, it doesn't take changing that much to add a little green to your home.

Learn more at the Ventless Gel Fuel Fireplace Learning Center!

The Easy DIY Fireplace

2011-10-13T14:49:00.000-07:00

Putting a fireplace in any room might seem like an overwhelming task. But, ventless fireplaces have changed the daunting experience of hiring a contractor and having your home tore to shreds. All you need now is a fireplace insert and you are on your way.

Of course, you will still need some building supplies. But, you can do it yourself in less than a day. You need some basic skills. But, they aren’t hard to learn.

Things You Will Need:
Plywood
Brick
Mortar
Board ( 2’W X 4’L X 2” Thickness will do just fine)
Fireplace Insert
Gel Fuel

When you have your location in your room chosen, place a 4’ X 3’ section of plywood on the floor and build the hearth with a layer of brick. Your design options are up to your imagination. Just follow these steps, but alter them to your style. If your fireplace is larger than the dimensions discussed here, you’ll need a bigger section of board and plywood.

Lay a 4’ by 3’ foundation of brick so that the brick is lying flat. Using a trowel, apply mortar to hold the bricks together and scrape off excess. This is the hardest part of the job and takes some practice. But, you can get use to it and become your own master in no time. Then, you’ll be building brick structures all around your home.

Once the foundation is laid, start building your fireplace with a brick wall for the back. Make it 4’ high X 4’ wide. Next, build the side walls bringing them out 2’ from the wall. The last part is placing your board on top for the mantel piece.

An easy trick is to drill screws in the bottom of the board so that they only go in 1’. You only need to drill two screws at each end of the board where they will fit nicely in the holes of the bricks. Apply a layer of mortar and place your board on the mortar before it dries. The screws will go through the mortar, into the brick and provide a stable hold when the mortar dries.

You’re finished! Place your fireplace insert inside your fireplace in light some gel fuel. Dress the fireplace up any way you want. I have molding serve a wonderful purpose and I’ve seen old kitchen cabinets come back to life dressing up a ventless fireplace. So, have fun with it. Put a fireplace in any room.

Article Source: http://www.bizymoms.com/expert-advice/Article/The-Easy-DIY-Fireplace/6715

New Fireplace Design with Floating Mantel

2010-11-13T06:22:00.001-08:00

We all understand how great fireplaces are. But, just a fireplace in the wall is not in our human nature. When have we ever just accepted something for its purpose? We normally take it a step further and have fun with it. That’s our human nature.

How about a floating mantel around the fireplace? That would really dress things up a bit. But, let’s say we have to build the fireplace first. That’s where we begin.

Look around your home and find the one place where you could really use a good looking fireplace. You might already have on in the living room. So, where is a good place to put this one? Let’s say that you want one in the bedroom. I would have to agree with you. That’s a great place to put a fireplace with a floating mantel.

So, what you will want to do first is knock a hole in the wall. It’s fun. But before you get hysterical, there is a way to do it the right way. Drill a hole in each of the corners and cut from one corner to the other. Pull the drywall away from the wall and you have your hole for your fireplace.

Obviously if your room isn’t made of drywall, those steps are going to be a little more difficult. So, let’s just assume it is and move on with our installation procedures. The next thing you will want to do is install a firebox in the fireplace area you just made and then apply a faux finish to the wall that makes your room look like you have a traditional wood burning fireplace in your home. But, it’s a ventless fireplace and it is easier to maintain.

Faux finishes can include deep wood mahogany, brick, stone or just about anything you want. I like the stone finishes myself, so we’ll just stick with that. You can just do the finish around the fireplace area or you can run it up the wall. Make a hearth if you want and you add a whole new dimension to your bedroom fireplace.

The floating mantel is the next part and it’s a real easy step by step procedure. You’ll want to get yourself some materials. 10” lag bolts, vent sleeves and silicone will work just fine. But, you’ll also need the mantel. You can use any designer mantel you can find. It’s just across the top though. It is raised a bit above the fireplace, which is why it’s called a floating mantel.

Mark the place for the mantel about 5’ from the floor. Make a straight line that is level and extends the length of the mantel. Make marks every 16” across the mantel line and drill 3” holes. Insert sleeves. Drive in the lag bolts. Once the lag bolts are in place, cut off the heads.

Drill holes in the mantel that correspond with the bolts in the wall, every 16” the length of the mantel. Place the silicone on the ends of the bolts. Install the mantel. You can repeat these steps down the side of the fireplace for smaller shelves if you want. They will really dress up the place.

This is about the easiest and best looking fireplace installation you can try in one day. It goes in just in time to have a nice evening by fireplace. Clean up is easy and you’ll be ready to enjoy the same evening you started the project. Beats the installation of a traditional wood burning fireplace that might take a few weeks.

Ventless Gel Fuel Fireplace

Closeout and Overstock Sales Booming With Low Prices

2010-10-06T18:33:00.001-07:00

The October Promotion is in high gear!

We just got out of our Fall Promotion and I took all the great offers off the shelf. The sale ended September 30 and I took all day the next day to take the banners down and put the prices back to normal.

Then, only a few short days later Real Flames sends out a bulletin of all the products that they are going to be putting on sale. I got the email October 5. The sale started October 6. So, there I was back to putting offers up on the site again.

There are some great offers that you can take advantage of now. Only this time, there is no time limit. There is no date when it is set to be over.

This sale is for the closeout items and the overstock items. The sale ends when these items are out of stock.

Some items won’t be continued. Some items are overstocked. So, take advantage of the sale because we can’t hold on to these items for ever!

October Promotion

Final Days of the Fall Promotion, Take Advantage Now

2010-09-29T09:09:00.001-07:00

The fall promotion is about to end tomorrow. It’s been going on all month long. But, September 30 is the last day. Don’t miss out on great fireplace offers! Some savings are almost up to 50% OFF.

Ventless Gel Fuel Fireplace

Fall Promotion at Ventless Gel Fuel Fireplace

2010-09-23T09:56:00.001-07:00

There is plenty of time left at the Ventless Gel Fuel Fireplace Fall Promotion. From NOW until September 30, you can save a bundle of money on gel fuel and ventless fireplaces.

We have beautiful fireplaces to choose from like this Red Rock Personal Fireplace for $79. This is a wonderful indoor or outdoor fireplace that can go on the coffee table, an end table or out on the patio for enjoyable evening fun.

This Outdoor Log Set for $82.95 looks great on the patio or even in the yard. Very safe burning no matter where you put it.

Real Flame Gel Fuel is also on sale. Grab this 8 Pack for $59. Save $26 OFF the Regular Price.

September 30 is the last day of the sale. So, get over to Ventless Gel Fuel Fireplace Today and enjoy some great savings.

The Fall Promotion at Ventless Gel Fuel Fireplace

2010-09-08T15:15:00.001-07:00

For the month of September, ending September 30, there is a fall promotion that will absolutely blow your mind.

You can get almost 50% OFF on certain items.

Ventless Gel Fireplaces

Gel Fuel

Real Flame Fireplaces

It’s going to be going on all month long. So take advantage while the prices are so low.

Learn more…

Construction, Remodeling and Fireplaces

2010-08-30T20:49:00.001-07:00

In a forum I frequent often, I came across several great questions about fireplaces. There was a question about a new construction job and an old remodeling job. The irony is that the answer I had was the same for both even though each question was extremely different.

The first question was for a ranch style home and it was about what kind of fireplace to install on the gable end that would be newly constructed, adjoining a great room and their mason is reasonably priced. But, the heating system throughout the whole house is soon going to be augmented by a genset.

There were two options the inquisitor was exploring. Whether to build a new fireplace or install a prefab complete with a brick chimney, a hearth and all, that was her question. It is an interesting question because she only wants a fireplace for looks and ambiance. There are plenty of people who love having fireplaces in their home, but they don’t necessarily need the heat. They might have heat from several other sources just like the genset that is going to be put into place in the example above.

There is no need for a prefab or a traditional fireplace. For one, they are both expensive. If you know a great mason who can keep the prices low, you can use a fireplace insert and gel fuel to build a ventless gel fireplace. A fireplace insert can be installed into a wall or an extension of the wall can built out for a faux mason chimney and a hearth. The faux chimney can go to the ceiling or it can stop at the mantel. But, a beautiful fireplace can be put together that doesn’t require the thousands of dollars for a prefab or the tens of thousands for a traditional fireplace.

The other question that was on the forum concerned an old traditional fireplace that had been originally installed in a 1970s built home. But throughout the years, changes have been made. It’s now an inoperable gas fireplace that is an absolute eyesore because it wasn’t done with the right material.

Obviously, my answer is nearly the same except that a fireplace already exists. I would gut it out and take it back to the nice 1970s version of a traditional fireplace. But, I wouldn’t make the traditional operable again. I would install a fireplace insert and use gel fuel to build a ventless gel fireplace system. Then, a fireplace screen completes the look. But, it’s not necessary.

I love bringing old things back to life. I love it when I can sand and refinish old wood so that it looks just like new. That’s what I would do with an old fireplace. Plus, even though a ventless gel fireplace system works great for heating a room, it’s the most cost effective system to put in place so that you have the look and feel of a traditional fireplace.

Decorating Your Ventless Fireplace

2010-08-23T13:27:00.001-07:00

Ventless fireplaces, regardless if they are gel or electric, really can lighten up a room. Take that any way you want. They bring new life to an otherwise old décor that’s been done for years.

But, sometimes people have trouble figuring out how to decorate them. You can, of course, simply put the fireplace in the room and rely on it solely to freshen up the place. But, we all have a need to go a step further than that and here are a few ideas.

The first thing I would do is put a flat screen television on the top of it. It’s a trend now. But more than that, it’s a great place to put the flat screen television. It attracts attention to that area of the room and it creates a wonderful ambiance that goes beyond just having a fireplace in the room.

But, I would only put a flat screen television on the top of a ventless fireplace if you are going to put any television on top. You want it to have its own stand and be able to have a barrier of air between the television and the fireplace. Also, you’ll want to place the fireplace in the corner. Flat against the wall is a great look too, but in the corner creates a stylistic approach that stands out more than any other arrangement.

So if you don’t have a flat screen television and the purchase of one is not in your future, then there are other options for the top of the fireplace. If you place the ventless fireplace flat against the wall, a mirror would look great attached to the wall above. Also, unique paintings look great there as well.

Certain types of paintings will complete a wonderful look. Landscapes of any sort like mountains, fields or beaches create a peaceful mood. Abstracts can bring out character if they are the right kind of abstracts.

But, you can’t just decorate the top of the fireplace and forget about it. The sides should get some love too. One idea that really works great is the addition of plants to either side. Tall plants actually add life to the entire side of the fireplace, but short plants even up the balance. It’s up to you what you want to do as far as plants are concerned.

Another idea is to put an actual fireplace tool set on the side. I know you don’t need it. But, they look great sitting beside the fireplace. If you are purchasing crackling gel fuel so that the ventless fireplace sounds like a traditional wood burning fireplace, complete the picture with a tool kit. In fact, you can go even further with a wood holder and a handful of small logs.

The ventless fireplace is the economical alternative to the traditional wood burning fireplace and there are plenty of ways to dress it up in any room around your home. Using your imagination and creativity, you’ll be able to find your own style that brings the fireplace out of the woodwork and into your décor. That’s the fun of interior design. So, have fun with it.

The Economic Impact on Heating This Year

2010-08-16T14:53:00.001-07:00

The economy has reached an interesting point in our history. It’s not at the lowest it has ever been. We are still enjoying parts of our lives that can be enjoyed despite our downturn. But, it does take some creative ingenuity to enjoy some of the things we need like heat.

In this economy, it has become critical that we return to some old ways of heating. Also, we can find new ways that will keep us warm this winter as we enter into it. Burning wood and gas don’t always have to be the alternatives we turn to during the chill of the winter months.

Solar Heating

When people think of solar heating, they think of panels that are attached on the roof and tied into the electrical system running the electrical needs throughout the home. While that is true, there are also passive solar heating methods that help to heat the home even though they might not be able to provide extra electric to your home.

Large south-facing windows allow the sun to directly shine through. If the windows extend from the floor to the ceiling, you’ll have heat in those rooms all day long that also provide heat to other rooms depending on the size and the insulation. If you have thermal mass insulation, it can store heat for the nighttime as well. So, that heat is a source that doesn’t come with a bill plus the heat is still there long after the heating source has disappeared.

Thermal mass insulation is usually rather typical resources like certain masonry and tiles, while other thermal mass insulation utilizes newer methods like water filled tubes. Thermal mass actually absorbs the heat during the day and then releases it at night. It’s smart material that you should look into if you are thinking of making some heating changes in your home to save your pocket.

Of course, active solar heating does utilize panels that normally sit on the roof. The best method is to utilize solar panels that gather the sun’s energy for all of your electric needs rather than a system that is merely put in place to collect energy from the sun for heating purposes only. When you have free electric tied into your electrical system, you can run all of your electric appliances as well as utilize electrical heating solutions.

Hydronic Heating

This is a rather simple change to make to your home, especially if you have wood floors or tiles. Hydronic heating is a heating system that is run through your floors with tubing that can be heating with a water heater on demand. The tubing heats the floor at a comfortable level, which then rises as heat tends to do. With a water heater on demand system in place, you can count on lowered heating bills. In fact, you just might love the investment you make when you see the heating bill.

Geothermal Heating

This is a rather natural way to heat your home as well as cool it in the summer. There are layers of the earth that begin with the surface and end at the core. But, just below the earth’s surface is a layer that always stays at 70 degrees. It’s not far down and you can install a heat pump in that layer of the earth so that it can utilize various methods to pump heat into the home during the winter and in turn also keeps the home cool during the summer. If you utilized hydronic heating and solar energy in conjunction with geothermal heating, you would never see another heating bill.

Get completely off grid. With this economy, it’s pretty vital. The electric and gas companies are going to start looking to you for their survival. As costs of heating rise, you’ll find it harder and harder to switch to alternative methods. The sooner you do it, the sooner your investment will start paying you back.

Green Solutions for Home and Office

2010-08-09T17:12:00.001-07:00

It doesn’t make sense that more people aren’t going green these days. With our economy the way it is, you would think that more and more people would be jumping onboard. If they only knew how much money they could save, it wouldn’t matter that they are saving the world in the process.

When there is greater emphasis these days on recycling and reusing old items, why would people who are struggling with money actually refuse? You’d be surprised how easy it is to recycle or just reuse items that you might otherwise throw away. Keep your money in your pocket and embrace recycling.

On that note, conserving what we have is a great idea too. There are times when we don’t realize how much we can impact our environment when we simply conserve. There was something about conservation that most ancient cultures understood. But we stepped ourselves up into the age of mass production and we just think we have the right to rape the land.

Ancient cultures would have used sayings like, “Only take what you need.” There is no need to hoard supplies or overindulge at the buffet when a concerted effort exists to make sure that we always have enough for everyone. But, most people would say that’s unrealistic.

At this point, it might seem unrealistic. But, most people are in the same boat while there are a few on either extreme. That means that most people can work together to recycle as well as conserve. With each person doing her or his own part, we can make it happen.

Now that my public service announcement about recycling and conservation is over, let’s discuss a few ways to make that happen. Remember, practice recycling and conservation strategies at work as well as at home. Big businesses need help in going green too and with everyone working together, it makes a great impact.

Turn your computers off at the end of the day and turn off the lights as you leave the room. I know, I sound like your mother talking to you when you were young. But, it does make sense to keep these strategies now that we find ourselves in tough financial times. Do this at work too. Turn the lights off at work when everyone’s leaving. We can’t afford to leave them on all night.

Quit printing everything. Big companies spew paper like it’s nothing and it feels like we lose a few trees a day just for one business to send its useless memos back and forth. Email and Instant Messaging is now an option for those people who need to communicate. It saves time and money just to send an email or for more personal notes, to get in contact via instant message.

At home, not everything needs printed out there either. In fact, it’s just easier to do everything on the computer. I have made the argument that storage on a computer can never really be deleted. At least, it’s harder to delete than losing a piece of paper. So, saving information on a computer is actually safer than on hard copy.

Finally, companies and homes can join together on this next task. With nearly every aspect of work being accomplished on a computer, it’s very cost effective and eco-friendly to start sending workers home for those portions of their jobs that they can perform with a phone, a computer and internet access.

That final solution works for everyone all around. People can wake up when they are ready as long as they know their deadlines and can be trusted to meet them. They won’t be driving to work or commuting in any way on those days they don't have to go to the office. The business will actually save in energy and other resources that workers use when they are at the office like coffee, water, lights and other items that they can’t feasibly request to take with them for assistance doing their jobs at home.

Recycling and conservation go hand in hand since they are means to a very wonderful end. If we can save our earth for the generations we are introducing to it now, then hopefully they will be able to do the same. These ideas aren’t new. The more you start utilizing these strategies, the more you will want to seek out others.

Why Do We Need As Much Paper

2010-08-01T13:39:00.001-07:00

Caring for the environment is not as difficult nor is it as overwhelming as most people first think. In fact, many of our Green solutions make life easier for everyone. It’s a no-brainer that some of these things that are so convenient and beneficial to the environment should be put into action yesterday. Still people find reasons to avoid making the appropriate changes.

In this day and age, it is absolutely remarkable that we are still filling out paperwork for government agencies and businesses. I understand the need for documentation and I also understand that many agencies and businesses have adopted some paperwork reduction initiatives. But, so many more can be put into place.

I have learned that digital information is harder to get rid of than an actual piece of paper. When you delete a document, it is not gone. But, a burned piece of paper is. So, I think data storage on a computer is ultimately safer than folders in a filing cabinet. Plus, we would gain actual space for other things when we throw our filing cabinets out the window and start using virtual space for critical data storage.

Paperwork Reduction initiatives can be incorporated in all aspects of government and business transactions. Many have already started. There is a great deal that can be done online via online forms or through emails that allow users to fill out applications. PDF forms can be created that allow users to fill them out and then fill them out again for others.

But, government agencies and businesses have adopted these measures so that end users can share in the cost of paper. They still require these forms to be printed out and submitted via hard copy. When a government agency or a business can have a database full of information that is readily available at their fingertips with a few key strokes, why in the world do they insist on having hard copy documents to file? You know I’m making great sense here!

It’s easier for everyone involved. It’s easier for the end user who only has to pull up the forms from the website of a government agency or business. They fill them out online and submit them online. It’s easier for the government agency or business that can have an automatic filing system where all of these forms are stored in a database and all the information is properly categorized. Information retrieval is easier because it’s high speed via a few key strokes rather than rummaging through four foot high filing cabinets.

Moving further into the twenty-first century is not only better for our environment, but it really is a step out of the dark ages. We have computers in our phones, televisions that can save our shows, entire houses set on a schedule, but we’re still filling out paperwork made by dinosaurs, filed by dinosaurs, retrieved by dinosaurs and often lost by dinosaurs. And don’t get me started on all the work from home opportunities businesses could offer to cut down on transportation needs. That’s another article entirely.

Flat Screen Television Fireplace Design

2010-07-26T10:15:00.001-07:00

If you have ever wondered what you could do to really make a unique presentation for your flat screen television, check this idea out:

A fireplace mantel will make a great surround for your television set. Just make sure the dimensions appropriate. You can get a mantel in just about all shapes and sizes. This one is a Carrington Wood that comes in dimensions from 48 inches to 66 inches wide. So, you can have a mantel that will fit just about any size television.

When you are finished, it can look as good as this:

Now isn’t that something?

Brought to you by Ventless Gel Fireplace: The home place of beautiful and maintenance free ventless gel fireplaces, gel fuel and much, much more.

Stylish Concrete Resurfacing Techniques You Can Do Yourself

2010-07-19T12:46:00.001-07:00

If you have a concrete surface that is just an eye-sore, let’s go ahead and make it beautiful again. But this time, it doesn’t have to be plane. Let’s not only restore it to beautiful, but let’s learn how to make it look any way you want it to look.

Concrete doesn’t have to be a plane grey or white surface. It doesn’t have to stick to the old guidelines where it is laid in sections with dividing joints to keep it from cracking. Concrete can literally look like anything.

I have visited concrete resurfacing jobs that were made to look like wooden floors with a basketball court design. I have seen marble, slate and brick designs. With patience, skill and the right technique, a concrete surface can be made to look like anything in the world that your imagination can contrive. All you need to do is learn how.

Surface Preparation

First, you would need to prepare the surface. It would have to be clean with no cracks, dusting or scaling. Cleaning the surface with water and a light scrub will reveal any damage you might have. Power wash the surface and then use a warm water and bleach solution for any mildew or other stains that you find.

Depending on the surface damage, you might need a concrete expert or maybe you can fix the damage yourself with crack and scaling repair techniques. That’s too much for me to go into here. There are plenty of resources that you can find for concrete surface repair.

Resurfacing Steps

Once the surface is prepared for resurfacing, the steps from here will vary according to the job you are doing. But when you get the idea of literally how limitless you are, put some time and thought into what you want. Then, get your project started. Let me give you an overview of what you have to do in order to resurface your concrete. Then, we’ll talk about some of your options within that process.

Mix your polymer according to manufacturer specifications.

Add overlay material, mix with drill and mixing paddle.

Stir in your colorant to the desired consistency.

According to manufacturer specifications, the colorant might need to be added before the overlay material. Make sure you follow the instructions according to the materials you have.

Apply mixture to the substrate. Trowel or squeegee the mixture.

Broom, Knockdown, Spray Down or Stamp your finish according to the finish your desire. There are different steps that apply to each one, so follow the steps according to that finish. A Broom finish is for high traction areas. Knockdown and Spray Down are virtually the same except in application and they are best for smooth surfaces and when you want to create a design. Stamp is for textured finishes where you have stamps for the design effect.

Once you’ve finished your surface, apply sealant according to manufacturer specifications. This is tricky because you need so much time for the overlay to dry and then you need so much time for your sealant to dry. Outside surfaces would require a few days without rain. Inside surfaces would require a few days without traffic. So, have solid plans in place so that nothing ruins your resurfacing project.

Resurfacing Options

A concrete surface can be resurfaced with several options in mind. You can stamp a brick design with stone designs in between sections. You can stamp bordering designs around an antiqued marble design. When you use your imagination, you can go literally anywhere with this.

Let your kids or grandkids put their hand stamps in a newly finished surface and then lock it in history with a beautiful resurfacing design that can antique the finish while highlighting the fun they had that day. Put your favorite team in the middle of your driveway. Are you starting to catch the drift?

It is a fun and artistic exercise that you can learn to do yourself. If you are not that artistic, then use all the tools available to help you create the design you want. Not only are there stamps, but there is finishing tape and stencils just to name a few. If you aren’t artistic at all, you can find an expert in your area. Just know that resurfacing your concrete can turn an eyesore into a beautiful addition to your home.

Green Living Solutions in Old Houses

2010-07-12T14:58:00.001-07:00

Even though I think many people have caught on to the idea that we need to switch over to green solutions. There is still some hesitation when it comes to actually doing it. Even though everyone knows that it’s the right thing to do for the environment and it’s more advantageous all around, people still have reservations.

I think where most people hesitate is when they think they will lose in the quality of life they have come to appreciate. Most people imagine housing without lights, without running water and without air conditioning. But, that couldn’t be further from the truth.

There are some beautifully built environmentally friendly houses that have everything you need to be comfortable. But, the solutions are so unique they make it easy for us to keep our comfortable features while saving resources and money. A drafting solution for air conditioning that keeps the room cool without the use of a kilowatt burning window unit. Windows placed and angled advantageously to allow more light, refract all heat and provide great scenery. A heating unit that uses warm water running through pipes in the floor. The littlest changes can make the most difference.

Many green building solutions have to be put in place when the blue prints are being drawn. It’s hard to make major structural changes on an old house. But, there are changes you can make today no matter how old your house is.

Running pipes through the floor would probably take the most amount of effort. But the reason it works so well to heat the house is because the heat starts where the body makes the most contact. Walking around the house, your feet stay warm. When your feet are warm, your body feels warm. The closer you get to the floor, the more warmth you feel. It radiates throughout the room as warm air rises. A ceiling fan can keep the heat from escaping through the ceiling. Insulation keeps the heat in as well.

The water cycles through the pipes in much the same manner that it works in the radiator of a car. It’s not water that is wasted, running up your water bill. Plus, it takes very little energy to heat the water. Less energy than it takes a huge heating unit to heat a home with a duct system.

As far as the windows around your old home, you might want to think about that before restoring them. Of course, angled windows that are made to reflect radiation will be the best type of window to install in a home if you need to install new windows. But depending on how old the windows are, they may be made out of the scarce resources contractors who have adopted green building solutions would kill to have. If your old windows are leaky, you may just want to do a simple restoration rather than a completely new installation.

There are so many green solutions. You have to do your research to see what’s right for you. If you are building a home, it’s great to adopt ideas before you ever break ground. But if you own an older home, there a little things you can do over the course of a year or several years that will eventually add up to completely green living.

The Flat Screen Television Above The Fireplace

2010-07-03T10:31:00.001-07:00

When it appeared one day in a magazine and then circulated throughout the internet, the flat screen television above the fireplace became a hot trend. But, there have been concerns. To answer your questions simply, above the fireplace is a fine place to put a television.

But, there are some things you should think about when you are deciding whether or not it’s right for you. Is it safe? Where do you hide the chords? These are just some concerns many of you have had.

The first issue to address is whether or not it is safe. That depends on the fireplace construction itself. If there is a good bit of insulation between the chimney and the outer layer of the wall, you should be fine. If you have a brick wall, it should be safe because normally there is sufficient padding installed between the chimney and the wall.

But if you don’t know whether or not you have sufficient insulation, the best thing to do is light a fire in the fireplace. Let it burn for about an hour to give the wall enough to time to warm. Then, feel the wall.

If you feel heat, there are some things that you can do. I suggest first mounting a small section of wood and putting insulation between it and the wall. The small section of wood only has to be big enough for mounting the television. That way, it’s hidden behind the television and provides the television with sufficient protection.

The next concern is what to do with all the wires. There are several ways to handle this, but conduit seems to work the best. You can either run the wires down the wall to the mantel and then along the mantel until you can go down the side of the fireplace. But the best way I can find to make the television over the fireplace work is to find wireless solutions. The power chord will be the only wire you’ll have to worry about. The external speakers, dvd players, cable boxes, video game consoles and even computers will all be able to communicate to the television wirelessly.

Put the plan together and make it happen. You can be your own handy person on this project. Nothing is too difficult. Just get some tips from someone you trust if you have to do any drilling through a brick wall.

Jessica Brylan Sued Over Offensive Remarks

2010-06-26T09:42:00.001-07:00

Jessica Brylan has been sued for some offensive remarks she made awhile ago. Although Jessica contends she didn’t know her remarks were on the record, the contractor who is suing her reported that it shouldn’t matter whether you are or are not on the record. A public figure has no reasonable expectation of privacy.

A few days ago, Jessica thought she was going to work on what seemed to be a regular day. When she arrived at the office, she went through her normal routine. She made herself a cup of coffee and read her emails. It started out just like any other day, but that was about it.

There was a message in her inbox she must have missed the day before. It was a notification that she was scheduled for an interview. That interview was about to take place. Not long after she read her email, a knock came on the door.

Journalist Mary Huddington of the Huddington Gazette thought it would be great to get some answers about the future of the fireplace. When Jessica sat her down in her office, she thought this interview should be easy enough. Jessica has written plenty of articles explaining the problems with the traditional wood burning fireplace and why it doesn’t quite fit with the popular green initiatives we have adopted around the world.

The interview went nicely and then Mary started packing her things. That’s when Mary pulled a Journalist 101 trick on Jessica she didn’t see coming. Mary made the remark, “All this green fireplace talk, it’s not like the fireplace is all that bad.”

Jessica’s reply was off the cuff and she thought those words would never make the article. But, they did. A few days later, she was served. She found herself being sued by a contractor who builds fireplaces. I guess he didn’t like what Jessica had to say about the future of the fireplace after all.

Standing in front of the honorable Judge Masters, Jessica heard why she was being sued. The contractor Jerry Shiver made claims that Jessica’s remarks were offensive and that they were a detriment to his business. Jessica’s only defense was that her remarks were not malicious in any way, which is one requirement of a defamation suit. Another requirement of a defamation suit is whether or not her remarks had caused any damage.

When being questioned, Mr. Shiver contended that Jessica had remarked irresponsibly about the future of the fireplace and her words were hurtful to the fireplace industry all around. Shiver further inserted that he had suffered a loss of business since the article hit the Gazette and that Jessica remarked in such a way that was so offensive it was unconscionable.

Jessica was asked to defend her statement, “The traditional wood burning fireplace should never be allowed in anyone’s home. It damages the environment. It’s a risk to the home. It has really never been a good idea to have a wood burning fireplace in the home and we should have been looking for alternatives a long time ago.”

Jessica asserted that she meant every word of what she said. She added that she did not intend that those words would be included in the article. She assumed the interview was over and she was simply responding to Mary’s remark. But if she was going to be paraded into a court of law to defend what she had to say, she said that her remarks are true and should be heeded. She further added that she is glad her words were included so that they could be read by everyone who reads the Gazette, “The truth needs to get out there. I can’t help it that contractors are losing business because no one wants them to build another fireplace. Maybe they need to find other things to build.”

The courtroom was very quiet for about a minute. Shiver was speechless. His worst nightmare was staring him in the face from across the room. But at the end of the day, Masters just could not bring himself to side with the complainant. Jessica was right and he made it very clear that even though her remarks had been damaging to Shiver’s business, they were not malicious. In fact, they had all the elements of good intentions.

It’s a very real possibility that anything you say can and will be used against you in a court of law. But if you have the convictions Jessica does, you need to stick by your guns and don’t let anyone bully you into being silent about them. Jessica defended herself and her remarks. At the end of the day, you either say what you feel or you forfeit your right to the freedom.

Realistic Solutions for the Gulf Oil Spill

2010-06-17T21:30:00.001-07:00

You might be surprised, but Kevin Costner just might have the solution to the Gulf oil spill that took place back in April. Yes, the same Kevin Costner who starred in such movies as The Bodyguard, Tin Cup and Swing Vote. It appears he has stepped up to the plate with the best solution I have heard since I first heard of the spill.

But, the media seems more likely to focus on the political blunder than the solutions we need to find. When Joe Barton called the twenty billion dollar escrow account agreed to between BP and White House officials as a shakedown, journalists were more concerned about the statement than what the escrow account meant for the situation.

Other statements that have been the focus of the media have included when Congressman Don Young said the oil spill is “not an environmental disaster.” BP Chairman Carl-Henric Svanberg referred to those hurt most by the oil spill as the “small people.” These statements reminded me of the earlier reports when oil drenched birds first started to surface on the shores. So-called “experts” were called upon and were willing to say that the phenomenon was not caused by the oil spill.

When the media is focusing more on political bloopers and practical jokes, it’s pretty much a dead giveaway that not many viable solutions exist. We tend to focus on things that aren’t really newsworthy until something actually newsworthy happens. So, why isn’t Kevin Costner’s idea all over the media?

One solution I can offer is that we just haven’t had that many great ideas until now. One solution brainstorming engineers came up with suggested that we send a nuclear bomb down to the well and let it explode. They said that it would enclose the oil. Another idea was to pour mud and concrete into the huge gaping hole so that it would solidify, hopefully stopping the oil gush.

Another brainchild was to lower huge plastic pillows to the seafloor to capture the oil. I’m not a critic, especially when everyone is trying to come up with ideas for a problem we have never faced before. But, I’m just not sure how well any of these would work.

But when you consider Kevin Costner’s idea, you really get the idea that the problem could be solved. Years ago, Kevin Costner helped develop a machine that separates oil from seawater. It also recycles the crude oil at the same time. BP has purchased one of Kevin Costner’s machines and it appears they have thirty two on order.

It seems like the perfect solution. It’s better than any other because we get to keep our oil. Our water gets clean and nothing goes to waste. It’s just a shame that the machines weren’t put in place a few months ago. But, top executives always seem to be in denial when they first cause a natural disaster.

I actually have some hope where there wasn’t any before. Watching oily sludge wash up on land while oily fish and birds die along the banks, I feel as if we have finally found the solution that it will take to fix our problems. I just don’t know why it isn’t in place already.

The Fireplace Attack

2010-06-02T12:42:00.001-07:00

I was reading an article earlier entitled A Burning Issue. It talks about the hazards of the traditional wood burning fireplace. So I wrote my own article, New Problems Have Arisen for Wood Burning Fireplaces.

Of course after further research, I found another article entitled Fireplace and Chimney Cleaning which outlines many of other hazards to having a traditional wood burning fireplace in the home. More and more hazards seem to arise with an ever growing population addicted to the fireplace.

The thing is that I have written plenty of articles about the hazards of wood burning fireplaces. Pollution is the obvious. Black soot rising into the air wouldn’t be such a bad thing that our eco-system wouldn’t be able to filter if it weren’t for the fact that there is a fireplace in just about every house of every neighborhood in every city of every state across the country. That’s a little too much output for the eco-system to handle.

But, pollution isn’t even the worst of it. It can lead to heart attacks and other heart diseases. It can damage the lungs. The fact that little particles are floating out of the fireplace and into the air makes traditional wood burning in the home hazardous to your health.

Gel fuel is a clean burning gel that is non-toxic and evaporates easily into the air. It is the Green solution for fireplace installation. With a fireplace insert and some gel fuel, you can have a fireplace literally anywhere inside your home and outside. You can also just purchase any design of Ventless Gel Fireplace that we design for you.

So if you need the fireplace experience but would like to avoid the health hazards, a Ventless Gel Fireplace is the solution.

Learn Some Basic Carpentry and Masonry Skills – Enjoy a Possible Career Change

2010-05-23T21:55:00.001-07:00

I was writing an article recently and may have realized why more people aren’t trying diy projects. I think they are intimidated by carpentry and masonry. So, I decided to look up a few videos and show you that the work isn’t that hard.

Think about it, why would there be so many television shows that demonstrate different skills and techniques for various home improvement projects from gutting a house to building a deck. You can learn everything from how they frame a house to how they check the foundation. You can save so much money learning to do these things on your own and that’s why the shows are on television.

Take a look at these videos from Bob Vila that have some carpentry and masonry tips:

The Shelving in the Stafford Ventless Gel Fuel Fireplace is What Makes It Most Unique

2010-05-07T05:59:00.001-07:00

It’s not often that I do a product review. But, the Stafford blows my mind.

The first time I saw the Stafford, I fell in love with the shelving on the sides. It’s perfect for books, cigar boxes, wine glasses, pipes…etc. Everything that is elegant in a fireplace is brought out in the Stafford.

The shelving is hidden behind artistically crafted doors so that they can be closed when not in use. Or you can leave them open to expose what you have stored on the inside.

Take a look at the Stafford and I think you just might agree with me. It’s a nice ventless gel fireplace taking a step in the right direction.

The Stafford Ventless Gel Fireplace

The Television Ventless Gel Fireplace

2010-04-29T03:46:00.001-07:00

I have to admit, I ripped this idea off from a friend of mine who made a television into a fish aquarium. He gutted out the television and then used his ingenuity to construct an aquarium in the shell of the television set. It was complete with lighting and everything.

Yes, a remote control turned on the lights and I was amazed when I was introduced to fish swimming around instead of hearing the news.

So one day while I was watching television, I saw an advertisement for the Amish fireplace units. It hit me what I could try. So, off I went.

It took me about an hour to find a old wood cabinet television half way across town. It was perfect. It had a rustic look because it had been through the weather. And sometimes with me, that’s the best look of all.

So, I took it home and started to work on it. Out came the guts and it was easier than I thought. Actually, it was easier than building a fish tank because I was able to pull all of it out, even the screen.

I had an empty shell of a television when I was finished. Then, I placed a fireplace insert inside and lit some gel fuel. It was a snap and I had a new ventless gel fireplace design to brag about.

It was far better than one of those ever-looping digital fireplaces that people use to simulate having a fireplace. This one had real fire.

Floor to Ceiling Rock Fireplace Design

2010-04-21T19:29:00.001-07:00

The floor to ceiling rock fireplace design is a beautiful fireplace that probably costs less than $500 to build. It has many benefits over the traditional fireplace and you can do it yourself.

Pick a nice place in your home for your fireplace. But, you don’t have to worry about load bearing walls or studs. You won’t have to knock down any walls to install a chimney and you won’t have to damage the floor when you build the hearth. This fireplace design will go anywhere, even in the corner if you want.

Simply get yourself enough rocks to build the hearth and the structure going up to the ceiling. Before you build, make sure you have all of your supplies. Have the fireplace insert and the gel fuel on hand. Because, this isn’t going to take long at all and you’ll want a fire in the fireplace when it’s finished. But, you might also want to have your mantel ready and by the time you’re done, you’ll be able to hang a television above the mantel piece as well. So, do your planning and have everything. One Saturday morning you can start and have a fire in the fireplace that evening.

Place a protective cover on the floor so that if someone decides later they don’t want the fireplace any longer, you’ll be able to dismantle it and you won’t have any damage on the floor. The best material to use is probably a thick rubber that will offer sufficient padding and you’ll be able to cut away excess once your structure is built. But, this is only precautionary. I have no idea why someone would want to tear the structure down once it is built.

Once your padding is covering the floor, build your hearth. In the picture I have designed, there is no hearth. But, you would want a hearth that is anywhere from two inches to two feet high. It is up to the style of your home and your taste. So, once you decide on your design, build your hearth and then build the structure up the wall. Use mortar or cement to hold the stones together and remember to leave a cave for your fireplace insert. That should be about two to three feet from the floor. Your enclosure should be about two feet by three feet and you only need one layer of rock in the back.

Your structure can be anywhere from three to five feet from the wall. That’s up to your design as well. It’s completely flexible because it centers around your taste. You can have a huge fireplace or a small one. Just have fun with it.

As you are building your structure up the wall, every two feet up you want to place a seven to ten inch screw into the studs in the wall on both sides of your fireplace. Your mortar or cement will bond to it and your structure will hold fast against the wall. That’s about all you need to know in order to make this happen.

When you get to the ceiling, you are going to have to either cut stone so that it fits in the gap left at the top or you can just cover the gap with border. Border is much easier and it looks nicer, but that’s just my suggestion.

Now, put your mantel in place and hang your television on the fireplace above the mantel. Put your fireplace insert in your enclosure and light up the gel fuel. You can have a roaring fire in a matter of minutes. Place an aroma diffuser over the fire and have the aroma you want from Wisconsin Pine to Fresh Linen. Also, listen as the gel fuel crackles just like a traditional fireplace. The only difference is you don’t have to deal with the problems.

No soot. No mess. No clean up duty at all. Just enjoy the fire and put the lid on when you’re finished.

Simple Fireplace Designs You Can Do On Your Own

2010-04-15T01:18:00.000-07:00

You would be surprised how easy it is to have a completely unique fireplace you have built on your own. DIY projects don’t have to be scary. In fact some of them may look difficult at first. But when you get started and see what all is involved, that’s when the love begins and you want to do more.

Let’s take a look at just a few ideas. Hopefully, the creative juices will start to flow and you’ll get some ideas of your own. But, feel free to take on one of these projects if you’d like. I won’t mind if I begin to see more and more people emulating these great fireplace ideas.

First, I’d like to introduce you to the indoor fireplace that you can sit in the middle of the floor for everyone’s enjoyment. This particular fireplace utilizes the one common concept of the other fireplaces in this article. Gel fuel is hidden underneath a stainless steel mesh that can be covered by colored landscape glass or natural garden stones. Just build yourself a four foot by two foot box or any dimensions that make you comfortable. Just remember to make sure that in the middle of your wood box, you have a firebox to put your gel fuel.

What you’ll have is a portable fireplace that can be the center of attention rather than just another traditional fireplace in the wall. You can also build a frame around it if you want to add to the look of your modern middle of the floor fireplace. But, it’s not necessary. Just finish the structure with a faux wood or faux stone and you have yourself one good looking fireplace.

The next fireplace can be made with just about any circular table you have. For inside or outside of the home, the table top fireplace is about as unique as it gets. The firebox sits in the center and of course, the gel fuel gets covered with steel mesh. Landscape glass or natural garden stones also work best to cover the steel mesh and let the fire burn through.

Simply cut a one foot diameter hole in the top of the table that gives you enough room to drop a can or a few cans of gel fuel through. Finish your table top with granite, veneer or any way you want, but make sure that your firebox is pretty hidden. When you light the fire, it burns through the rock or glass and turns your table into a beautiful torch.

Our final idea of the day is a nice patio pit that you can make easily with the right kind of rock. Stackable rock like sandstone or flagstone can be cemented together in a five foot diameter or whatever fits your style. Stack them a foot or two high and you have yourself a very attractive patio fire pit.

This time the firebox isn’t hard at all to place. In the center it goes. The best way to cover it is with garden stones on this particular model. Just stack as many as it takes around and on top of the firebox until it is completely hidden from sight. Then, light your fire and enjoy your company out on the patio this evening.

I love to look at great designs and wonder what it would take to duplicate. Many of my home interior design clients have benefited just from the fact that I love to take on a new project. I sell them on the idea and then they benefit from the finished project. I have never heard a complaint and if you start working DIY projects on your own, I doubt you will either.

DIY Patio – Ways to Construct Your Own Patio or Deck

2010-03-31T15:00:00.001-07:00

There are plenty of houses that have a simple set of steps that lead out to the backyard and nothing else. You may just have a door that goes straight out to the backyard. Let’s get our hands dirty and turn that eye sore into something you can enjoy. Patios or decks are beautiful additions to your home and not as difficult as you might think to do by yourself.

The first thing that you need to do is imagine what you would like it to look like. That means take it all into consideration. Do you want a patio? Is it going to be concrete or brick? Do you want a deck? Do you want a fireplace, a grill, a concrete seating structure…etc.?

There are so many options that we should probably explore a few. First of all, a great patio idea is one that has a grill to match the surface of the patio. Also, you can either buy your furniture or build it with concrete, brick or wood. It doesn’t have to be elaborate. I’m not asking you to build Appalachian chairs. But, it’s not as hard as you think to build wood, brick or concrete benches. It’s just as easy as building wall structures to enclose your patio or deck.

So, let’s start with one scenario where you have a brick patio with a brick grill in the middle of it and a few brick benches surrounding the area. If you have grass, you’ll have to work with the ground so that you dig all the grass away and then work the dirt until it is level. A great way to level ground is to till it until it is soft, take all the rocks out of it and then use a long 2X4 to drag across the surface. Use a level to make sure you are on track and keep dragging the 2X4 across the surface until it is perfect.

Place your bricks anyway you want. Staggered is often best. But, there are plenty of designs to choose from such as diagonal and interlocking. Once you have your surface bricked. Choose the area where you want your grill. An article entitled The DIY Patio Grill and Fireplace Double can teach you how to build your own grill in the middle of the patio. If you can build your own grill, you can use your imagination to build some benches for people to sit comfortably.

If you wanted to build your patio with concrete, you would have to learn how to pour and level out the concrete. But, it’s not hard. If they sell DIY books about it at your local hardware store, it’s obviously not a skill you need a degree to do on your own. Mastering it is another argument entirely. But, give yourself a chance. You just might find you can have some fun playing with your own concrete.

Building a deck is little different. Measure out your area and make sure you have enough wood as well as the right building material. Now, what I would do if I was you is build the grill first. Then, build the deck around the grill. It’s much easier than any other option you can imagine.

You can build a deck right on the ground if you want. It doesn’t have to sit high up in the air. But, it should if your back door is way up there. However, if your backdoor is just about on ground level, I would suggest just building the deck right on the ground. Run 2X4s vertically on their ends and make sure they are equidistant as well as square with your home. It takes some time and effort to do. But, don’t forget to make it perfect. Use a T-Square and string for guidelines. It’s a snap.

Now, run 2X4s flat across the tops of your base. Bolt them into place. Readjust as you go so that nothing has the chance to maneuver out of place. Constantly make sure that your deck is aligned and realigned. It might seem like a slow process. But when you work alone, it has to be. Your deck will soon be in place and built nicely around your grill. Now, build wood benches. Finish it off with railing and you’ve got one great looking deck in your backyard.

I have been saying for years that there is practically nothing you can’t do yourself. Of course, there are times when you need to call an expert. But if they sell books at your local hardware store that teach you how to tackle certain projects, it’s obviously not rocket science. Mastering it is obviously another story. But, you can tackle most anything on your own.

Misleading Labels about Green Government Agencies

2010-02-17T15:06:00.001-08:00

When we discuss Green issues at Ventless Gel Fireplace, it occurred to me that there is some confusion between the agencies that monitor and pass legislation concerning gel fuel and clean air solutions. Advertisers and other content writers throw around such agencies as OSHA, EPA and even agencies like USDA and DOE. But, they often cite the wrong agencies and just expect readers to believe whatever information they are given.

I have always had a pet peeve when it comes to the media splashing false information across all of our communication transits with absolutely no responsibility for the verification of facts. What makes it worse is that there are readers out there who will simply believe the information they have just read and then repeat it everywhere they go. It seems the quickest way to get information to move is to make it outrageous and false.

Winston Churchill once said, “A lie can get half way around the world before the truth has time to put its pants on.” While I’m talking about it, that’s something you should verify. There is other information that you should verify as well and as far as I’m concerned, that should be every time you hear about a product that passes OSHA regulations or a company that is within EPA standards. If you verified the information, you would soon learn how false it is. A company that makes false claims either has no idea what they are talking about and you don’t want to do business with them or is making a smokescreen for the laws they are breaking and you don’t want to do business with them.

OSHA

OSHA stands for Occupational Safety and Health Administration. It’s an agency that was enacted in 1970 under the Department of Labor. Its only purpose is to work toward preventing illnesses and injuries in the workplace. So if you are looking at a can of gel fuel and you see that it is in compliance with OSHA regulations, I would have to say that the label is lying to you and that’s no way to start a long and respectful business relationship.

EPA

A closer agency that might be considered responsible for ensuring human and environmental safety when it comes to gel fuel is the Environmental Protection Agency. But, “might” is the operative word. It is feasible to believe that the EPA would pass regulations concerning the use of gel fuel in and outside the home. But if the label on a can of gel fuel makes that claim, you have been lied to once again.

The EPA does not handle all environmental concerns. The overlapping scope of different government agencies throws people off when they are looking for answers as to who regulates what. But, the EPA does not deal with the safety of products used in daily life. If a company has a claim that their products meet EPA standards, the company itself should know which regulations it is responsible for following and it should not be attempting to mislead you.

CPSC

So, who handles regulations for products that fall outside of Food, Drugs, Tobacco, Firearms, and Alcohol? Of course there are other products too, but our gel fuel specifically falls under the scope of the Consumer Product Safety Commission. With such strong language in their mission statement as, “…charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of serious injury or death from thousands of types of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction.”

The CPSC finds within its jurisdiction, among other things, products that pose a fire or chemical hazard. Not to be confused with HAZMAT, which deals with the transportation of hazardous material or IHOP, which is the International House of Pancakes. If you see either of these acronyms on the label of a can of gel fuel, then you know the company is making false claims and your best bet is to not do any business with them.

There are literally hundreds of agencies in the government and it seems they grow by the day. It’s easy for companies to throw out an acronym of a particular agency and expect label readers to just accept the label as trustworthy. After all, doesn’t it seem that the government also has an agency established to verify facts on labels?

Well, you would think. But, the fact is that companies are still getting away with false advertisement. So, make sure you know the facts and keep your family safe. Verify everything you read and don’t do business with a company that attempts to mislead you.

The Green Thing To Do - Restoration Projects

2010-02-11T11:59:00.001-08:00

There are so many times when I think of just throwing things away and starting all over again. A fireplace project, a garden project and even some of my favorite patio projects can go that way for me at times. I’ll get overwhelmed by the work of repair and start thinking that starting from scratch might be a whole lot easier.

But, that’s at a moment of weakness when I have literally had it up to the top of my head with hassles and it doesn’t seem like I have gotten anything accomplished. It’s when I step back and take a deep breath that my old me comes back. I reconsider destroying everything and walking away helps me to remember the value in restoration.

Most things are worth restoring. Antique furniture is definitely worth restoring. An old classic car that has been rusting for years is obviously worth restoring. And of course, homes are worth restoring.

I know that there is a time when you do have to scrap the old stuff. A kid’s chair that has seen more nails than Kobe Bryant shooting shots on his best day is something that probably could be scrapped. When you have to put more new material into a project than just simply reusing what it was made of in the first place is a time when a restoration project isn’t realistic.

But, everything around your home can gain new life if you just start doing some restoration projects. Take a look around and make some notes. Then, take it little project by little project at a time.

If you live in an apartment and it starts to get a little old for you, make some notes of what will make it better. Paint the walls. Reupholster your couch. Refinish the coffee table. Bring it back to life. You don’t always have to buy new to feel new.

If you own your home, try some new lighting projects. Think about putting some uplighting in the kitchen. It’s easy to have some nighttime lighting that doesn’t light the entire kitchen, but simply lights the ceiling so that there is a romantic feel. I did my kitchen with trim and fluorescent lights. The same idea works great in the bedroom as well.

Learning concrete resurfacing isn’t hard at all. If you pay attention to detail, you can have your concrete driveway, the patio around back and the front steps looking like anything you want. I have seen some great concrete resurfacing work that literally looks like basketball courts, marble slabs and abstract artwork. So rather than have your concrete redone, think about resurfacing which is far less expensive and something you can do yourself.

By the way, it’s very Green to restore. You’ll save yourself some money and you’ll be on the same wavelength with everyone else who is trying to save the world. All it takes is a little research and a genuine interest in bringing things back to life.

New Fireplace Ideas For Your Outdoors This Spring

2010-02-02T07:54:00.001-08:00

With the upcoming Spring and Summer months, you should start thinking about what projects you might want to undertake in your yard. If you got started planning now, you could have a nice new yard accessory by the time the weather changes. Try planning toward having an outdoor fireplace no one else on the block has ever seen.

Of course, you may not be trying to compete with the neighbors and I don’t encourage such hollow endeavors. It’s certainly not my passion to have the best looking house on the block. But, wait until they see your new outdoor fireplace. They will be so jealous of you. Okay all joking aside, let’s take a look at a few great ideas you can start planning on now.

The Patio Fire Pit

It’s not necessarily a fireplace in the traditional sense of the word. But, it has style. When your friends come over to your house on a warm day to spend a few hours with you, the fire pit will be the perfect place to gather. Sitting by the fire pit, drinking drinks and talking will be the perfect way to wrap up a beautiful day.

If you like to play around in the garden, this project should be easy. If you already have a patio, build your fire pit at the center so that it’s like sitting around a campfire. The best fire pit is built with a good selection of stones. You can purchase them from a local hardware store or gather them from natural settings where there is no law against it. I have built plenty of fire pits from rocks I have found on riverbeds.

You want to have a level bottom to your fire pit for the fireplace insert to sit on with stability. Then, simply create a circular rock wall that stands about two feet high, is about six inches wide and has a diameter of at least two feet. Cement the stone together so that it won’t fall apart easily. If you match the stones up perfect, you’ll have a level surface on the top of the fire pit. It’s like putting together a jigsaw puzzle. If you take a look at all the stones you have, you can plan ahead and make sure they all fit into place.

Don’t set a real fire in your fire pit. Use a fireplace insert and gel fuel to provide the fire you need. It’s safer for several reasons. An unprotected fire could cause fire damage to your patio. Plus, gel fuel is simple to extinguish. You don’t have to wait for embers to die before you wrap your party up for the evening.

The Fireplace in Front of the Garden Pond

The fireplace in front of the garden pond is actually like bringing the beach to your home. That is if you have had the types of beach experiences I have. We used to set up a fire pit on the beach and sit around it while we watched the sunset. That was back when I was in college and I lived near the beach.

Of course, you would need a garden pond first. They aren’t hard to throw together either. You can simply choose a nice area, dig out the pond, cover the bottom with lining and touch up with a layer of sand or stone. Then, fill with water and throw in a few fish if you want. Is it more complex than that? A little yes, but that’s the gist of it.

Now, build yourself a nice outdoor fireplace right on the edge of your newly built pond. The best way to build an outdoor fireplace is with plywood, 2X4s and a faux stone finish. But, don’t use a real fake stone finish like the panels made of polyurethane. Use a natural stone veneer that is cut to a certain thickness, normally less than two inches.

Build your structure with the plywood and 2X4s. Then, cover with the stone veneer using mortar per manufacturer’s specifications. You’ll love how easy an outdoor fireplace can be to put together. Place a fireplace insert inside and burn some gel fuel. You have a perfectly functional fireplace up and running within a few short hours from start to finish. Enjoy the scene with your new garden pond behind it.

The Front Yard Fireplace

It’s not common to drive through a neighborhood and see a fireplace in the front yard. Be the first. It’s just as easy as building the fireplace I described earlier.

Design your fireplace on paper so that you know its dimensions and all the material you will need. But, the best fireplace design is one that has an opening on all four sides. Build a three foot high platform. Above that, use 2X4s for the corners that hold up the roof of the fireplace. Use that model, but add your own creativity. Create a rock design that arches on top. Create a castle look with different types of rocks. Make it seven feet tall with a birdhouse at the top. It’s all up to you. Have fun.

Before long, you are going to want to have some outdoor fun because the weather will certainly be calling for it. If you start planning now, you can have an outdoor fireplace that makes your evenings that much more enjoyable.

Ventless Gel Fireplace

Unique Uses for the Ventless Gel Fireplace and Accessories

2010-01-26T15:36:00.001-08:00

The Unique Uses for VGF Report

Great Aroma Ideas for Around the Home

2010-01-21T10:00:00.001-08:00

A happy home is one that smells great. Using powders in the carpet and neat gadgets that plug into the wall are all great and everything. But, I have some other ideas that I use to bring happiness to my home.

Using aroma oils, you can have your home smelling virtually like anything. They come in such scents as Wisconsin Pine and Fresh Linen. If you want your home to smell like coffee, gingerbread or lavender, the heated oils will waft throughout your home and welcome your company.

But, heating aroma oils doesn’t necessarily have to wait until each time you fire up the ventless gel fireplace. I have ideas that you will want to literally try all day long. All you have to do is use your imagination and you’ll come up with some ideas of your own.

Sometimes when I want the smell of Cabernet Wine intoxicating my home, I throw the oven on high. Then, I put a few drops of oil into a ceramic bowl filled with water. Place the bowl on the breather burner and viola. It’s a cost effective way to make my home smell wonderful without firing up the fireplace.

If you don’t have an oven with a breather burner, you could of course just place the bowl on one of the burners and set it on a low setting. That way, your water still heats and you still don’t have to fire up the fireplace. But, you want to set the burner on low because you don’t want to damage your bowl or have the water evaporate too fast.

If you have radiators around your home, they provide another heat source during the winter that you can use to heat the aroma oils. Set a ceramic bowl filled with water on top of the radiator and put a few drops of oil in the water. Then, go about enjoying the rest of your day. In only a few short minutes, the scent will fill your home with Smokey Campfire or Cedarwood. Anything you want.

There is a little known technique that works great and doesn’t require a heat source other than the sun itself. There are two ways of doing it, but you definitely need a sunny day to make it work. Place a bowl of water with a few drops of aroma oil anywhere around your home where sunlight is burning through the windows. Place the bowl on a stand, a table or the window sill as long as the sun coming through the windows is heating that area. It works great.

But, you can also place a few drops on the window itself. If the sun is beating through a window on one side of the house, that’s the perfect place. Put a few drops on your finger and wipe it on an area of the side of the window where the sun is hitting the best. Make sure you pull the curtains back or pull up the blinds. The aroma makes its way around the home better when it’s not trapped.

You’ll love the aroma and so will your company. Make sure you give the aroma enough time to fill your home if you’re having company and they’ll walk right into it enjoying every step of the way. But if you’re just doing it on a regular day so that you can better enjoy your home yourself, finding cost effective solutions is better than firing up the fireplace just to make your home smell nice.

Ventless Gel Fireplace

The Extreme Green Solutions

2010-01-05T09:08:00.001-08:00

I love when I hear of some of the ideas people have to save the earth. It reminds me of a scene in the movie Brewster’s Millions, where a man is pitching Richard Pryor an idea to put engines in huge icebergs and drive them to the Middle East to cut down on the price of ice water. I love that scene now more than ever, because art has become the reality.

To get an idea of what I mean, one idea on the table requires the use of jumbo jets and military artillery to shoot one million metric tons of microparticles into the stratosphere. This brainchild is supposed to reflect some of the sunlight entering our atmosphere, thus reducing the effects of global warming. Now get me if I’m wrong, but I thought going green was about reducing the amount of trash we put in our air.

Likewise, another brainchild is the suggestion we send sixty thousand shiny spacecrafts into space and put them into orbit. This will result in the reflection of sunlight just the same as the microparticles mentioned earlier. If put into action, it will only cost about one hundred billion dollars a year and thus mark the Universe’s largest salvage yard. I’m not sure we were going for that record, but we would definitely have a few extra parts if Han Solo should come flying through.

The most hilarious suggestion of all pertains to the amount of methane production in cattle flatulence, which one cow fart has about the same amount of greenhouse emissions as a long country drive in a gas guzzling hog. So, a reasonable idea was offered to start influencing farmers to put more garlic in their cow’s diet. I’d go for that. With my beef pre-seasoned, who wouldn’t? But, some other brainchild came up with an even better idea.

If we made every cow carry around its own fart tank, we could greatly reduce methane emissions which are right up there with carbon dioxide. The tank is attached with a tube through the cow’s stomach so that the methane goes right into the tank. Then, what do they do at the end of the day? Is there a storage idea for the gas or a use some mad scientist might have?

These are some extreme ideas and I really had fun reading through them. But, they lack focus on the problem at hand. There is nothing that can be fixed in one year or a couple of years that took us decades and centuries to produce. The reverse of the earth’s damage begins at the home with a commitment to recycle and reduce the amount of consumption of unrecyclable resources. Then, the next move is to the community to provide for greener industrial measures and convenient conservation solutions.

If each community provided local industries with assistance in finding more conservative methods for meeting consumer needs, we could greatly reduce the waste and discover viable solutions for disposal. If each community started to provide its residents with effective recycling incentives, it would cut down on the need for more and more landfills while significantly enhancing further community involvement. Finally, if each individual did one thing every day to recycle or conserve, it would reverse the massive strain being placed on our environment. It wouldn’t be too little too late. It would be just what the world needs.

Home Interior Decorating

2009-12-15T10:55:00.001-08:00

There is no better haven than our home. East or West, home is the best, is a common saying. Whoever it may be, whatever position he or she may hold, finally everyone returns home to find peace and relax.

A home is cozier and more comfortable than any other place. We build our homes with the utmost care and sincerity. After all, it is a place where we spend most of our lives.

Home decorating means a lot to the owner. It also demands hard work and devotion, as it is not an easy task. Decorating includes both the interior as well as exterior aspects.

As far as home interior decorating is concerned, every nook and corner has to be studied so that the available space is utilized to the maximum. A good interior decorator should be able to help you in selecting the correct interior decorating solution for your home. Before actually starting the work, you need to be sure whether the emphasis is going to be on beauty, comfort, or the appearance of your home.

You need to attend to all parts, namely, doors, windows, floors, furniture and accessories. For windows, curtains, blinds, rods and panels should be attractive and appealing. Some people prefer light colors, while others prefer heavy and striking upholstery. Doors can be tastefully designed and the material itself can be exotic.

There is a wide range of flooring options available. You can choose from marble, granite tiles, bricks, slates, concrete, or steel. To add more color, suitable carpets can be spread. Rugs can be used to complement them.

Walls, pillars, and other standouts can be decorated using artifacts, paintings or wall hangings. Modern arts are becoming a common choice.

Not just the living room, but also every part of your home needs your attention. The kitchen should be convenient and easy to use. The gas tables, racks and shelves, cooking range, utensils, and all other accessories should be chosen carefully and arranged neatly to avoid messing them.

Further, furniture selection should be done wisely. The sofa sets, chairs, dining table, dressing table and cots must reflect your taste.

Pottery and decorative plants are also a welcome addition in home interior decorating. Sculptures or a mini-fountain may seem incredible. An aquarium can add beauty to your home. You need to pick the right colors and paints for your wonderful home.

While deciding on the interiors, themes like energy-efficiency can prove useful. As you see, there is no limit to home interior decorating.

Author: Max Bellamy
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Wordpress plugin Guest Blogger

Home Interior Decorations

2009-12-09T09:30:00.001-08:00

Home interior decorations is one all about making your house into a home. With colors, style, theme, furnishings and different decor elements a house gets its character. Starting with the living room right to the bathroom, home interior decorations looks into all the aspects of the house. The main goal for interior decoration of any room of the house is to give it an individual personality. Interior decor generally concentrates on finishes like wallpapers, wall paint, window coverings and furnishings. Along with it comes the balance of the various decoration items like wall hangings, showpieces etc. So lets take a quick look for home interior decoration ideas for different rooms in a house.

Big Spacious Rooms

There are many ways to make a room look spacious and large. The first most important element is the room lighting. Go for soft and even lighting so that shadows dont divide your room into smaller sections. Avoid putting ceiling lights as they make the ceiling look lower. By having a diffused and ambient lighting the room will look large. The next thing to keep in mind is the texture used in the room. Smooth surfaces tend to reflect more light as compared to heavy textured flooring. For interior decoration one can also use mirror and chrome as the reflection and shine give depth to a room. The wall colors of a room are also important in giving a spacious look to the room. Go for cream, beige, gray or cool pastels for walls. Also while selecting colors keep in mind that the ceiling should be in the lightest color in the room. The next thing comes the furniture. Place the furniture in a manner that it leaves adequate space to move around. Push the largest piece of furniture against the wall. Let the furniture color be similar to the wall and floor color of the room.

Cozy Rooms

Just like spacious rooms, cozy room interior decoration is also very much possible. Get the comfortable and settled in feeling as interior decoration creates an intimate space for you. Once more lighting will play an important role. There are many modern lighting trends that will help your room to look cozy and comfy. Avoid ceiling lights, instead lamps with down shades will help the room look compact. For room colors, go for strong wall and floor colors. This will create a feeling of closeness in your room interiors. Heavy soft textures are great for cozy room interiors. Try rough textures for the hard elements in the room. If you are trying to attract attention towards any particular piece of furniture then dark finishes and fabrics will surely tempt you to sink into that favorite sofa set. Use tall pieces for the room decor, as it creates a cozy world of intimacy.

Theme Room

A theme room is working on a particular idea and developing the home interior decoration accordingly. One can have the entire house decorated in one theme like contemporary home decor or Asian home decor or go room by room. Like the master bedroom can have a different theme, the teen room a trendy interior decor and so on. Once you have decided on the theme of the entire house or a particular room, select the decoration pieces for it.

Colors and Fabrics

In interior home decorations color and fabric are very important. When we say color, then it is not just wall colors. Select colors for fabrics, linen, pillows, curtains etc. complement it with the wall colors and give your room a vibrant look. The same concept applies to fabrics as well. Today there are so many different kinds of fabrics available. Select fabric that goes well with your room decor.

Author: Roni Roy
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
Provided by: Guest blogger

Tips on Getting the Perfect Custom Fireplace for Your Home

2009-12-02T15:19:00.001-08:00

As more and more people are looking to either build their first home or upgrade an already existing home, it’s becoming more common for custom fireplace mantels to be ordered. The benefit of having a custom fireplace mantel built for you is that you can get the fireplace mantel that fits not only your fireplace, but also the overall look and feel of your home. However, before ordering that custom mantel, there are a few things that you should keep in mind.

Do your homework

You should know exactly what you’re looking for before you set out to have a custom fireplace mantel made for you. That doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t have any room for flexibility, but having an understanding of what you want your fireplace mantel to look like is key to getting what you want. Finding out about what kind of wood, what accessories, and exactly how big you want your fireplace mantel do be can go a long way towards saving you time and money.

Also, doing your homework on the company making your custom fireplace mantel can go a long ways towards avoiding disappointment when your custom design fireplace mantel arrives. If there are reviews of the company, read them to see how they’ve done in the past. Does the company offer a warranty or return policy in the event that the fireplace mantel doesn’t fit, isn’t exactly what you wanted, or is damaged in the delivery? Find out if the delivery will include installation. If you’re comfortable installing the fireplace mantel yourself, there’s no need to have them do it, but if you’re not, don’t assume that they will. Find out if your mantel will be installed and, if not, how much it will cost to have it installed either by the company making your custom fireplace mantel or by another party.

Getting it Right

Ordering your custom wood fireplace can be trying if you’re not sure what information the company making it will want. A good company will have all the information they’ll need right on their website, but even if they don’t, calling them is a great way to find out not only what measurements they need, but how exactly to get those measurements from your fireplace. There are few things more frustrating than waiting all that time and spending your hard earned money for a custom design fireplace mantel only to have it not fit because you weren’t sure how to measure your fireplace and gave the company making it incorrect measurements. If you’re not sure how to measure for your new fireplace mantel, and the directions either on their website or over the phone aren’t clear, see if the company making your fireplace mantel can either send somebody out to take the measurements, or if that’s not an option, recommend somebody in your area to help you get the dimensions of your fireplace.

When placing your order, don’t forget to get some key information from the company, such when you can expect to have your fireplace mantel delivered, what kind of space will be required for them to deliver your custom fireplace, and again, whether or not it will be installed for you. Getting this information can save you the hassle of having a fireplace mantel delivered to your front door that won’t fit your area. Asking a few questions can save a lot of headaches later.

Weigh Your Options

There are nearly limitless options to consider when picking out your custom fireplace mantel. A short list of things to consider when picking your fireplace mantel are:

What type of material do you want used?
If you have a wooden fireplace surround, what kind of wood would you like used?
In sticking with wood, do you want to have it stained, painted, or left natural to stain or paint yourself?
Do you want a modern or classic style?
Do you want this to be an entertainment unit? Do you plan to have a television or other multimedia device on our around the unit?
Do you want shelving or a mantel attached or do you want a simple surround for your fireplace?

Even after considering those options, you have to consider what’s available and what the company constructing your unit is actually capable of creating. Know what you want and don’t settle on a company just because they have a great price if they don’t have all or at least most of the options available that you want. Know which options you are willing to do without and which ones are deal breakers. This will ensure that you get the custom design fireplace mantel that you want, not the one that the company is willing to make for you.

Know What to Expect

It would be great if you could order your custom fireplace mantel one day and have it delivered the next, but if you’re expecting any kind of quality then you have to have a certain understanding about the time frame required to make your custom fireplace. The design company should be able to give you a rough estimate of a date, and many will even give you a hard date to expect your custom fireplace mantel by, but always be prepared to have that date be slightly flexible, as there are always occurrences outside of anybody’s control that will effect the actual delivery date.

Also, be aware of what the change in your house will be. If the fireplace mantel you’ve designed is small and simple then the change will be minimal, however, if you’ve chosen a far more elaborate design then the entire look and feel of your room can change, including a smaller amount of space depending on the size of your room and how far out your custom fireplace mantel will extend from the wall.

The Final Product

No matter what you decide to go with, picking out a custom fireplace mantel can be a great experience so long as you have a great company to work with. Do your homework; know what you want; and set realistic expectations for yourself. As long as you take your time and don’t stress yourself out too much, then you can be sure that your custom wood fireplace mantel will be exactly what you’ve been wanting. So enjoy the process and enjoy the changes in your home.

Author: C Agee
Article Source: EzineArticles.com

Ventless Gel Fireplace Perfect for Home Staging

2009-11-17T16:59:00.001-08:00

Home staging is not really all that new. But, you'd be surprised how many people don't know what home staging is!

When a home is put on the market, it can either be left empty or it could have the owner’s furniture still in it to accent the different rooms of the home. But, are those really the only two options?

No! Home Staging is another option. The thing is that home staging isn’t just about the interior of the home.

Home Staging includes landscaping and exterior views. From the first thing the potential buyer will see to the last thing they might notice as they leave, a professional home stager is hired to make sure the home leaves the best possible impression.

Of course, a home stage works on the interior of the home. But, I’m not sure if many people understand the extent to which they will go. A home staging expert might come in your home and remove all the furniture entirely. They might decide that the furniture needs contemporized and the technology needs updated.

It’s not uncommon to watch a home staging professional place plasma screen televisions throughout the home. They might even bring in a few computers along with a new bedroom suit, living room arrangement and dining room furniture. They have a flare for what they are doing and your home completely becomes a potential client’s dream.

A growing trend is to add Ventless Gel Fireplaces around the home. The living room, the dining room, the bedroom and the bathroom are only a few of the rooms where I have seen Home Staging experts place Ventless Gel Fireplaces. It’s not just a fact that they add beauty to any room. But once the fireplace is roaring, watch out! They turn a room into a cozy living space that demands attention.

To get a better idea about what Home Staging is, here are a few blog entries:

Top 7 Do-It Yourself Home Staging Tips | Introduction to Home Staging

Real Estate Blog - A Guide to Value and Intensity for the Home Stager.

Staging Diva Directory of Home Stagers welcomes Engaging Staging

Staging Homes with Colors of the Season - The Staging Fashionista ...

Make Your Own Energy - DIY - Less Than $100

2009-10-23T16:34:00.000-07:00

Electric is going sky high! Have you seen your electric bill jump in just the last year, let alone how high it has climbed over the last couple of years.

Get your electric FREE!!

In fact, you could possibly generate so much electric that you will be able to sell electric back to your electric company. Watch your bill go down and then start watching your electric bill start growing CREDIT.

In the video, there is a tripod in the yard. But, you don’t have to do it that way. You can simply run a pole up the side of your home to have a wind generator sitting nicely over the roof.

Are you wondering…·

How much will a homemade wind generator cost?

Can we get reliable, easy to follow wind generator plans?

How long will it take to build a wind generator?

Are home made wind generators comparable to store bought models?

Are the parts to build a wind generator easy to find?

The simple answer to all of your questions – “You can build a 1000 watt homemade wind generator for under $100 (including the wind generator plans ! ) in about 2 weekends and all of the parts are readily available and quickly obtained.”

Your Own Personal Wind Generator

Halloween Tricks

2009-10-21T09:05:00.001-07:00

Halloween is just around the corner. You’ll be buying candy and letting the kids run wild in their scariest costumes. Home made costumes are the best. But, even I bought one of my daughters an expensive costume from the Disney store at the mall one year.

She wanted on of those dresses…and the shoes…and a wand…and the whole store if I would have let her. So, I know how it is when you have puppy dog eyes looking up at you and a curled lip. My other daughter was fine making her own every year and now they both are into it.

We’ve got the house decorated with cobwebs and ghosts. We’ll be ready with the candy when they plan trick or treating in my neighborhood. But, I’ll be doing something different this year.

I actually have a stock of Ventless Gel Fuel to make sure everything goes right. I carved a hole in the bottom of the pumpkins on my porch and put Gel Fuel in them. I had them burning one night to test them and it worked great.

Plus, I’ve been sitting outside on my porch in the evenings. But, the cold weather has finally come through. It’s just that I’m not ready to go inside yet. So, I’m using Gel Fuel to keep me warm in the evenings. Neighbors drop by and we talk until late into the evenings.

Plus, if you have a mosquito problem or them pesky no-seeums, use the citronella drops and you won’t get “Bugged.”

Ventless Gel Fireplace

Home Improvement in a Tight Economy

2009-10-09T13:07:00.001-07:00

You’d be surprised how much you can do when you put your mind to it. There are home improvement projects you can take on with very little help from educational resources or anyone else. But if you need someone’s help, you don’t have to hire an expensive expert. Learn the various ways you can get inexpensive help for the home improvement projects you’ve been promising yourself for years.

Your local hardware store will most likely have books of all kinds from fixing the roof to building your own porch. These manuals more often than not cover everything from whether or not you need a building permit to the preparations you need to make before you start building. These are very important things to know if you are going to do a project yourself. That way, you make fewer mistakes and you definitely don’t make the kinds of mistakes that might cause you to have to tear your home improvement project apart and start over.
Find your materials from home improvement or home building projects that are taking place in your town or the local area. I know of contractors who charge for hauling, and then those same contractors use the excess materials they have hauled for other projects they have been hired to do. When you approach the home owner or the business owner who is paying for the building project, you just may find yourself with a magnificent deal that might include you hauling away the excess materials for free. Then, you have free materials for your own home improvement project.
Contact your local high schools to hire the experts you need. When you are doing your own home improvement project, you may only need some help and it would be great if your help had some knowledge of the building process. If you contact your local high schools, you might be able to find a vocational technology department where you can ask the teacher to allow you to get in contact with a few students they recommend. If you do your project in the summer, in the evenings, or on the weekend, you just may be able to find yourself a knowledgeable person who can help you with your home improvement project.
Contact local contractors who may have just laid people off because of the tight economy. It doesn’t mean that the person who was laid off isn’t knowledgeable in home improvement. It just means that a contract had to make cuts for the benefit of the rest of the company. You might be able to find yourself a very appreciative home improvement expert to help you do the job you’ve been promising yourself for years.

We normally look for help in the normal ways. But when money is tight, creative ideas start flowing. When you have a home improvement project that you would like to complete, you don’t have to spend massive amounts of money for a home improvement expert in your area. There are ways to save money and help others in the process.

Read Great Ventless Gel Fireplace Reports For Home Improvement Ideas

Halloween Tricks To Light Up Your Night

2009-10-02T18:41:00.000-07:00

With Halloween just around the corner, Ventless Gel Fireplace would like to throw a few ideas at you.

When you carve your pumpkin, make sure it’s a huge one. Ventless Gel Fireplace can make your pumpkin glow at night even brighter than it ever has. That’s right!

Carve the hole in the top just like you always do. Then, carve your pumpkin into a face or Frankenstein or a witch riding a broom. Have fun! Then, carve a nice size hole in the bottom of the pumpkin.

When you set your pumpkin over a can of Sunjel Gel Fuel, the can will fit inside. Light the can and enjoy the blast. Your pumpkin will be more bright than it ever has been. It will last longer too!

But, make sure you get a few extra cans of gel fuel for Halloween. There are other reasons why you would want some extra cans hanging around.

If you are going to invite some friends and family over for trick or treat night, you might get a little chilly sitting out on the porch rocking in a rocking chair waiting for all the aliens and ninjas to visit your house for candy. Light a can of Sunjel and you won’t have that problem. One can will keep you and your company on the front porch warm for hours.

But, I’ve got a better idea for you. Granny’s Gel Fuel is the gel fuel that really throws some heat along with its higher flame. You might have to throw a lid on the can and cut off the heat. It’s that good!

Plus, I’ve got to be honest with you. I think the cans actually have a unique antique look to them. I place a can or two in just about every room throughout the house. Kids throughout my family use them to collect change or to hold their pens and pencils.

But of course, that’s really not the point. Getting off track. Granny’s Gel Fuel throws a beautiful flame that will keep you warm on the porch while skeletons and Cinderellas walk up your walkway.

So, get some Sunjel. You have enough time to order and get it by then.

The Ventless Gel Fireplace Can Go Anywhere – ANYWHERE!!!

2009-09-25T10:20:00.001-07:00

I just don’t think that people understand the entire scope of the Ventless Gel Fireplace. So, I thought I would take this time to go over a few reasons why the Ventless Gel Fireplace beats all of its alternatives. Then, I am going to go over some interesting places where the Ventless Gel Fireplace can go.

Obviously, I won’t be able to go over every place where the Ventless Gel Fireplace can go because it can go ANYWHERE!!! I mean ANYWHERE!!! That would be a long list that I don’t have the time or the space to list.

The first advantage that the Ventless Gel Fireplace (VGF) has over all of its alternatives is that it’s simple to install. A traditional fireplace needs a chimney and a hearth. The gas fireplace needs gas lines. The electric fireplace is just about equal the VGF, but it needs an outlet. VGF requires none of those things. Put it where you want and light the Sunjel Gel Fuel.

Another advantage that VGF has is that it can be installed in apartment buildings, condominiums and other such housing units where venting units would have to be connected. Each unit can have its own fireplace without any interdependency on venting throughout the other units in the building.

The greatest advantage is its versatility. It can be installed in any room of your home. It can be taken anywhere you want to go. It can be used for just about any idea you have. Let’s review:

Note: This is by far not an exhaustive list of VGF uses. I don’t have enough bandwidth to be able to list all of VGF’s uses.

Bathroom – I have seen some great decorating ideas that have included placing the VGF in the bathroom for a nice luxurious bath.

Kitchen – That’s right. Even though there is a stove and an oven in the fireplace, I’ve seen people add the VGF to their kitchen plans.

Bedroom, Den, Dining Room – I listed those together because, uh yeah, the VGF will work in any room of your home. Give it a try and find out. Put it in the hallway, the foyer, the green room, the basement, the loft… What do you have? Put it there!

Garage – It fits like a pot belly stove for those people who practically live in their garage or just enjoy it from time to time.

Patio or Deck – Makes a great and convenient outside fireplace for a nice evening with friends or family.

Camping – Didn’t think about that, did you? Yeah, take it camping. Are you starting to get the idea?

Restaurants – No, don’t take it to the restaurant with you when you go dining! This is more for the restaurant owner or manager who doesn’t have a fireplace and needs a cost effective approach.

Meeting Rooms – If you have a room where you set up all your meetings at the office, brighten it up with a VGF.

Pool side, at the club, your organizations banquet hall, in the attic where you have your model trains…etc.

I’ve just about ran out of ideas. But, that doesn’t mean the list is finished. It’s far from being finished. Your imagination and creativity helps complete the list.

The Hanging Fireplace Phenomena

2009-09-10T12:25:00.001-07:00

Hanging fireplaces are making a big hit these days. So many people want them in their homes that I had to at least take a stab at a DIY.

I think I will be writing a report soon that will include the hanging fireplace along with some other ideas I’ve been coming up with lately. I’ll have pictures and the whole nine yards if you want to learn how to do it yourself.

But, the hanging fireplace is something that you can get on now if you can follow the steps I outline in my article: Hanging Fireplaces Make A Big Hit.

All you need is some hardware from the hardware store and a few supplies from Ventless Gel Fireplace. A fireplace insert, ceramic logs and some Sunjel to get you started.

You’re on your way to a contemporary design that your friends and family will absolutely love. But, be safe. The article tells you how to keep it safe and fun for everyone.

Great Fireplace Ideas For Fall

2009-08-05T13:10:00.000-07:00

This was a pretty normal day, except for the fact that I just wrote an article about some pretty great fireplace ideas. If you don't like the traditional designs, you'll love these.

How about a staggered three tier fireplace? Now, that's not something you see every day. When I first thought about a three tiered fireplace, I thought people would get the idea that I would want them to stack fireplaces on top of each other. Now, that makes no sense besides being a fireplace eyesore.

I mean, I know that there really isn't any reason to have three fireplaces on the same wall unless it's for some kind of design purposes. But, to stack them is absolutely without a purpose. The staggered three tier fireplace is a beautiful design that isn't so complicated you need a contractor. It's totally DIY and yes, you CAN do it yourself.

You know, it isn't too hard to create a diamond shaped fireplace yourself either? The diamond shape is just an illusion. You still need a hearth that stands about two or three feet off the floor. That would hold your fireplace insert. But, the rest of the design is merely cover and it looks great when you are finished. You can bring this design to the center of the floor too.

I further talk about putting a fireplace on the wall. Of course, there is the Madrid and the Milan. But, you can do one yourself so that you can have any design you want. You can be creative. Use it for your home improvement projects and you've got something going for yourself.

Visit here to read more about Great Fireplace Ideas for the Upcoming Fall...

Ventless Gel Fireplace Reports and the Economy

2009-07-29T07:22:00.000-07:00

Most of the Ventless Gel Reports were written over a year ago and up to several months ago. But, they were visions of the future and we really didn't know it at the time. They are answers to a tough economy and they are the pickup we all need.

You may think I hired a good writer to put some hype on a few Reports. But if you take a look at them, they are cost effective solutions to home improvement, fire safety, and heating. Talking about heating in conjunction with ventless gel fireplaces will strike a few readers as odd because intentionally Ventless Gel Fireplaces are not heating solutions.

But, a can of gel fuel will produce a level of heat that can often surpass taking the chill off the room. I have watched people put out the fire because the heat in the room had sufficiently surpassed the level of comfort.

So, teaching people how to put together an outside fireplace or a fireplace in any room has several purposes. One, it's a home improvement project that is affordable. It's an improvement on the home that you can actually enjoy if you take the time on a weekend to do it yourself.

When your gas bills and electric bills get too high, take the chill off the room with gel fuel. It's the safest fireplace that exists to this day. Wood has been known to produce sparks that have caused fires. Gas has been known to leak and produce explosions that have caused extensive damage. Electric has been known to not play too well with water, started fires in the walls where they have simmered for hours before coming through the wall and causing extensive damage.

So, here's the rub! Let's throw some fun together...

Let's get pictures of your fireplaces. Ones already in place. Ones you have ideas to put in place. Any fireplace.

If you built it, I want to see it. If you just happen to really like your fireplace, show it off here.

If you have ideas to a put a fireplace of your own together, take pictures of the area and tell us how you plan on doing it. I'll definitely fire back some advice and ideas of my own for your perusal.

If you have plans, send them to us. Give others ideas and share them here. I'll makes sure to post everything you send me.

But, right now. Let's take a minute to remember our last year's winner of the fireplace contest we ran. Of course, this isn't a contest. We just want to share. It's just show and tell for adults. But, last year's winner of Ventless Gel Fireplace contest was Edward N. Ryan Jr. CET of Merritt Island, Florida with the following fireplace:

So, grab all The Reports you want and start putting your fireplace projects in order. It's that time!

New Ideas For Sunjel From Ventless Gel Fireplace

2009-07-20T15:51:00.000-07:00

I saw an interesting idea the other day. A friend of mine was showing me her new arrangement between the living room and the dining room.

There's a four foot section of space and it always bothered her. She thought about it for years and did many things with it. She put a bench there at one point. It was also the home of a stylish chest. But, nothing worked to her satisfaction.

That is until she came up with a great idea. She made a glass enclosure with 2x4s as a frame. I was impressed when I saw her frame dressed up with trim bought from Lowe's. She looked at me and punched me on the shoulder, "I learned that from you."

Inside her glass enclosure were rocks that were stacked about three feet high. What I liked most was what she showed me next. She opened the front of the Do It Yourself "aquarium" and the rocks stayed right where they were. I found that interesting how she managed that, but I'll get to that later.

The reason she opened the front was to light the gel fuel. It was hidden below the rocks. She lit the Sunjel with long matches and it was a beautiful display of fire and rock that was truly amazing.

The fire came up from the rocks and I loved the display. I asked her if she wouldn't mind if I taught everyone how to make one of their own. When she said "No," I was truly grateful.

So, stay tuned...the DIY is coming!

Hot Fireplace Ideas: Pun Completely Intended

2009-07-10T13:52:00.000-07:00

Wow, the beautiful fireplaces I just saw on Lookiloos The Mud Room. If these don't give you some inspiration, I don't know what will.

Now, don't they make you want to just go out and build something?

Ventless Gel Fireplace

Enjoying Blue Flames

2009-07-06T18:30:00.001-07:00

I'm not sure how long ago I wrote the Fireplace Ideas Report. But, I was reminded of it today when I was asked how to make a blue flame in the fireplace. There are more ideas in the report. But, it does talk about how to make different colored flames.

The blue flame is made with bleaching powder. There are several ways to make it happen. I only advocate two. You can have a nice flame with logs that you've dipped in a water solution mixed with bleaching powder. Let the logs dry and then light them in the fireplace.

The only other way I suggest is putting bleaching powder in your gel fuel before you light it. Sit back and enjoy the blue flames in your Ventless Gel Fireplace. If you want more blue flames after the bleaching powder burns out, add more bleaching powder with a long metal spoon or other such advice. I wouldn't want to get my hands too close to the flame.

There are other colors you can enjoy. Purple, green, yellow, red...easy to obtain salt chemicals that are safe and have other uses for your home. The report lists the chemicals you need and it has other interesting ideas for you. Don't forget our reports. We have several and they all have great information you can use.

Summer Time Fun

2009-06-13T07:34:00.000-07:00

I just got back from Clearwater Beach, Florida. It's beautiful. I have a friend who lives in Tampa who said he would like to meet us at the beach. My husband and I said we would be happy to come over to Tampa and he quickly shot us down.

He loves Tampa, but there aren't any beaches he said unless you go to Picnic Island which isn't much of a vacation spot as it is just a place to run your dogs and get in the water. Michael loves the kind of beaches that have clubs and nightspots. So, he came over to Clearwater to meet us.

Actually, he was at the beach before we got there. He went to Crabby's and had finished off a few Mojitos before we even arrived. He saw our car from the top deck of Crabby's and watched as we passed a few times looking for parking.

That's about the time Michael decided to offer some help. He went over to an ice cream parlor and grabbed $5 in parking tokens and then surprised us by standing by a meter and waving at us. My husband pulled in and protested right off the bat, "But, a parking meter has got to be ridiculously high around here."

Michael pulled the tokens out of his pocket and loaded up the meter. He said that would give us enough hours, "Now let's go have some fun."

Okay, we baked in the sun while Mike ventured back over to Crabby's every once in awhile for another cocktail. Then, he'd come back, get in the water, stand there and talk to us while he dried and then venture back to Crabby's. We could tell what kind of mood he was into, so Steven, my husband, announced a barbecue.

That was about the time Michael's eyes lit up with satisfaction. He looked at his watch and noticed that there were still a few good hours left in the day before the sun set. So, we headed to Tampa for a barbecue and I sat in the back so Mike could have the passenger seat. He made a good argument that talked us into staying the night. He had to go back and get his car the next day so we might as well spend the night so that we could take him.

That's when Steven asked where Mike had parked. He said, "Don't worry about it. I won't get towed." It was obviously too far to walk for us and he didn't have a problem putting money in the meter as long as it meant getting on with the business of having a good time. I've got to say that in all the years I've known him, that is one thing about him. He doesn't let anything stand in his way of having a good time. Especially, when it comes to money. And he hates, and I mean hates, to have his good time paused by some stupid chore. Those are the words from his mouth.

"We need charcoil."
"No, I've got some at the house."
"We need food."
"No, I've got some at the house."
"We need drinks."
He gave us a look, "No, I've got some at the house."
"Well, is there anything we can get."
"No, I've got some at the house."

He wasn't even listening at this point. Steven and I were laughing. We'd bring something else up, "Hey, what about potatoes."
"No, I've got some at the house."
".,.mushrooms."
"Will you stop, I've got it."

And he was right. He had everything. His new girlfriend was excited to see us. She had got home from work just about an hour before we got there and she decided to let us in on Michael's little secret. He had put everything together the night before and made sure he had it all. In fact, Samantha was in the process of making potato salad and we were welcome to have some Margaritas. They were in the blender.

Okay, so Mike runs stupid chores himself. He just doesn't get caught.

That evening, Michael was particularly excited to show us something. He couldn't wait for it to get a little dark and then he made a big deal about it, "Sit on the patio, I'll be there in a second. I've got something to show you."

So, we ventured. Samantha was smiling in that weird, "I have no idea why this is such a big deal to him" smile. And that just made us all the more curious.

He came out with the Burning Boulder that we sell at Ventless Gel Fireplace. He placed it on the table and put a can of Sunjel in it with a few drops of Citronella. Then, lit it with a wide smile on his face.

Samantha had no idea that I am Jessica Brylan of Ventless Gel Fireplaces. She just thought I was Jessica and that's all she needed to know. When Michael explained it to her, it was like she was more excited to meet me, "Oh, now I get it. Nice to meet you."

I don't have that happen...ever.

Well, I have to say that Florida or at least where we were in Tampa can get nasty with bugs. I was slapping my legs just about every second. They called them "no see ems," and I'm not sure if I spelled that right. There are mosquitoes and other things that get you too.

But, they went away once the Citronella was burning. And a Burning Boulder just dresses it up for a nice looking accessory on your patio. More to come about Clearwater...

Citronella Starter Kit

Sunjel

The Patio Fireplace That Doubles As A Grill

2009-05-07T08:44:00.000-07:00

If you like having a good time and you do a pretty good amount of the time, you should start looking into making more fun times at home. Night life is great. But, you can have a great time with family and friends at home if you have the right stuff.

With Spring almost over and summer coming through, you have just enough time to build yourself a patio fireplace that doubles as a grill. I know of a few people who have made a big thing out of it. They have a canopy and a complete outside seating area with lawn chairs, lawn sofas, lawn coffee tables and a lawn bar.

The fireplace grill is the center of attention though, and the netting on the canopy keeps the bugs out for a completely hassle free day that turns into an evening of fun. Once the food is made, the grill is transformed into a fireplace and everyone has a great evening.

I even saw one particular couple who have a plasma screen television outside in a pavilion that has a pool table and the fireplace is on the side. People love when they are invited over for good food and fun. There is a horse shoe pit and a dart board for fun for everyone. When the party is over, they close the pavilion with glass sliding doors that lock so that everything is locked safe inside.

These are just a few ideas you can use when you want to build a party around your fireplace and grill. But, you can get started when you read my latest article at Associated Content. You'll find out how to put together a fireplace that doubles as a grill. Then, let your imagination run wild.

You can find all the accessories you need at Ventless Gel Fireplace.

Amish Fireplaces Take A Hit

2009-03-18T09:17:00.000-07:00

I haven't heard too good of news about the Amish Fireplaces. It seems that the company is actually Heat Surge and they've developed quite a few complaints at the BBB.

We all know that the Amish build great furniture and stand by their work. They have an untarnished reputation and I would go to bat for them any day. So, Heat Surge wanted to profit from the name.

The Amish Fireplace is just the mantel piece. They come in all shapes and sizes. They have corner units actually, not just the square mantel pieces as seen the commercials. But, the Heat Surge unit itself is an eyesore in my book.

It's a box that has a picture of a rolling flame on it. It throws some heat, but it's nothing like a Ventless Gel Fireplace with real fire and all!

We have units that sell for less and are just as remarkable as an Amish mantel.

Ventless Gel Fireplaces have great craftsmanship and come in plenty of shapes, sizes, colors, styles...etc.

Sunjel Gel Fuel adds a real flame that throws the heat and soothingly crackles in the background while you read a book, talk to friends or watch a football game.

I really don't know why anyone would want a picture of a fire on a box when they could have a real fire instead...

The Lakeside Ventless Gel Fireplace

2009-03-13T09:09:00.000-07:00

There's a new use for the Lakeside Ventless Gel Fireplace. One of our esteemed members has used the Lakeside for more than just a stand alone fireplace in the middle of the living room where it is commonly displayed.

He placed it in his wall in the foyer. It is the first thing you see when you enter the house. I can't wait for him to send me pictures so I can put them on display. But, he said he had a great time doing it.

I've been talking for a long time now about using your imagination to do whatever you want with these unique Ventless Gel Fireplaces. There are styles of all kinds and they fit just about anyone's lifestyle.

The Oaklands are more contemporary. The Beaumonts are more traditional. And there are plenty of styles in between. But, the Lakeside now has another great purpose.

Of course, you can simply get a firebox and inserts to place a fireplace in your foyer right in front of the entrance to your home. But, the Lakeside is a good choice. It's a design option and it's probably one of the most suitable for custom design work.

"I was looking through the selections and I was thinking about the firebox and the inserts. But, the Lakeland caught my eye. My wife is having a cow, but I'm not finished with it yet. She'll love it when I'm done. I'll send pictures." Terry Beaseley of Manistee, Michigan.

Can't wait to get those pictures...

Home Interior Design Emergencies, No Laughing Matter Anymore

2009-02-24T11:08:00.000-08:00

Where in the world would I be without VGF (Ventless Gel Fireplace for the newbies)?

Well, it begins with a phone call the other morning. It was an emergency interior design job. Now, I've got to be honest with you. There was a time when I laughed at the idea of an interior design emergency.

I mean, I've seen my father have to jet out the door for a construction emergency. When inspections didn't go right, my father would get the call. "Hey Dan, can you come fix a job that another construction company created?"

And off he went. It was money. It was opportunity. He never turned anyone down. It could be midnight and he would answer a call if it was an emergency. One time, a house caught on fire and 911 was called. Firemen showed up and there was considerable damage. Windows had been broken. Holes had been burned in the walls.

There goes my father. Pulling an all-nighter to do a patch job so the family could get some kind of rest after their long and traumatic evening. Then, he returned to do the job right so that the family wouldn't be uncomfortable for too long. Now, that's the way I try to be.

But, a home interior design emergency? I never knew one existed.

Oh, but they do. I finally found out and I will never laugh again.

We're talking wedding. Thousands of dollars have already been spent. The entire event is set in motion and the home interior designer is nowhere to be found.

One day! The wedding is in one day...

I know. Why would anyone wait until the last minute to call another interior designer?

Well, here's how that goes: The interior designer had everything she needed. She was ready to go and she had made arrangements to bring it all in the day before the wedding and set things up by that evening. It was one of those things that happen by chance, nothing was going her way.

She was returning home from another job that morning and was stuck in traffic with no way of turning around or getting off the highway. They had to remove a Mack Truck from the center of the highway. We're talking full-scale logistical nightmare. A four-lane highway full of traffic on both sides. Service vehicles had a heck of a time trying to get through.

Hours later and the interior designer's car heats up in the middle of stalled traffic. So, she becomes the second liability in the situation. Ok, you get the picture. It just wasn't happening that she was going to be able to be there.

So, I scope the place. I take a look at the theme. Then, the magic begins. As I always say in my articles and reports, use your imagination. It's a wonderful thing.

So, I start writing ideas down. We're talking the whole-nine yards and outside to boot. Oh by the way, I checked the weather and it was going to be nice. The yard was open. I talked to the bride's mother and the bride. They loved the idea of doing it outside. That made things easier.

How many? 250

Atlas, Table Rentals and Chair Rentals - it seems they already had the order ready... "Well, bring them out!"

"Now!"

"Well, when were you going to bring them?"

"Tomorrow."

"Ok then. What kind are they?"

And that's how the conversation started. I learned quite a bit more about the original designers plans and it turned out that I could get most of it. But, I did need a way to make it all outside.

Lowe's Turncraft Colonial Round Smooth Wood Columns, eight of them in fact. Four for each side...looked great with the floral decorations and the fabric I strung between them.

Stage Rental NYC with skirt and a riser. Put the Bride and Groom on stage. A few small trees for the corners and the stage was set...forgive the pun.

I was thinking gazebo, but I had to stop myself. They can get expensive. So, I slowed myself down and grabbed a seat. Picturing the stage in my head, I wanted something for the bride and groom when they stand in front of the minister.

Boom! It hit me. VGF has Garden Arbors...that would be perfect.

The greatest thing about it all is that the father of the bride started getting ideas of his own. He approved the columns because he said he wanted to build a pool house and he could memorialize his first daughter's wedding.

He approved the garden arbor because he said it wasn't that expensive to begin with. He would place it in the yard by the pool house and be able to remember the big day every time he looked at it.

So, nothing went to waste. That's green. I always love when things can be used and reused.

The wedding went off without a hitch. Everyone was so happy about the way things worked out that the other interior designer didn't suffer any damages to her reputation or her business. She took a loss though when she was stuck with everything she had purchased for the wedding.

Jessica to the rescue once more. I told her that I would give her a call as soon as I had a job where she could use all that stuff. So, she'll make out just fine too.

The New Ventless gel Fireplace Community

2009-02-19T16:48:00.000-08:00

Ventless Gel Fireplace has opened a social community just for our members. Well, anyone can join. It's not entirely exclusive. Come onboard!

We have a webmaster who will be working on the site to make it more attractive and give it more capabilities as we build. We're all excited. But, I think he's more excited than the rest of us. It's like we have given him a new toy.

The Ventless Gel Fireplace Community is just around the corner. Join. Post your profile and let everyone know who you are or stay anonymous and just participate in the things you like most about our site.

Chat with other members. Share photos. Not everything has to be Ventless Gel Fireplace driven. But, our first forum post is. I talk about the VGF Online Presence. Share what you want and start your own. I'm looking forward to hearing from you.

I'm hoping we can bring our community closer, where we can share things with each other and get to know each other better. I've been on several forums and groups where people really liked each other and you could see the companionship. The sharing and the humor that took place made you feel welcome. That's what I want.

Hey, I can hope can't I?

Ventless Gel Fireplaces at Liberty Village

2009-01-29T16:29:00.000-08:00

On January 14, 2009, Metronews - The World's Largest Global Newspaper - announced a new condominium that will soon be filling up in Plazacorp’s King West called Liberty Village. It was great news to hear everything about the condominium units and the pictures want to make you go there just to visit.

But, the biggest part about the new condominium units is the fact that the designers Bryon Patton, Enid MacIntosh and Lorraine Leung chose Ventless Gel Fireplaces to install. Now, that's what I'm talking about!

Easy to install and very accommodating for apartments, condominiums, campers and just about anything else that normally isn't very accommodating to fireplaces. It's great to have the warmth and the crackling of the fireplace in the background while you read a book, talk to family, do your work and otherwise enjoy your home.

I have always said that no home should be without a fireplace. But, the problem is that traditional fireplaces pose obstacles when it comes to proper ventilation for condominiums. The upside is that you should be able to enjoy a fireplace no matter where you live. If you live in a tree house, you should be able to enjoy a fireplace.

Don't get me started! There's a tree house guide where Patrick Fulton tells people how he put a fireplace in his tree house. But looking at his design, it would be much easier just to install a Ventless Gel Fireplace and be done with it.

Hey, I'm thinking of some more DIY projects for everyone to try if you want. So, send me some ideas and I'll put them with mine. We'll have a good year doing all sorts of things.

Fireplace Decorating Ideas

2008-12-29T08:38:00.000-08:00

I've been talking to several people about fireplace decorations and normally the response is the same. People d0n't really know about fireplace decorations. They just decorate with whatever and then leave it at that.

But, there is a science to it if you want to learn. The purpose of fireplace decoration is to make it stand out rather than blend in with the rest of the room. There are easy ways to make that happen.

First of all, decorations on or around the mantel should be bold and large. They attract attention. Small items do nothing at all to draw the eye to the mantel piece.

Use what I like to call "odd balance." Balance is simple when you use symmetrical layouts. But, odd balance is when you maintain balance in non-symmetrical ways. For instance, place a painting on one side of the mantel and then balance it with a plant on the other. It's odd but it works. It attracts attention.

Use sculptures that seem to make no sense. Iron sculptures that don't resemble anything always attract attention because people try to figure out what they are. Place them around the fireplace and place a stack of wood on the other side for balance.

If your mantel is old and boring, bring it to life with paint that will tone down the mantel but will provide a beautiful backdrop for your accessories. Natural tones will do perfectly.

These are some of the basics. Of course, mirrors above the mantel are traditional and plasma screens are contemporary. So, choose what best fits you and have fun.

The Pyramid Fireplace

2008-12-16T13:46:00.000-08:00

Totally baffled by a French site, I happened to see a unique fireplace idea I thought I could share rather easily with everyone. But to further my research a little more, I found an English translation choice and it became more clear what I was observing. Now it' s not such an idea I "could" share, but an obligation. The Pyramid Fireplace can only be purchased in Europe.

What is my favorite solution?

That's right! Do It Yourself...

When you visit Modern Pyramid-shaped Fireplaces Inspired by Ancient Egyptian Pyramid, you'll see what I mean. Read a little more about it and all of a sudden you are thinking there's a great deal that goes into it. It has a venting system that starts with tubes at the base of the fireplace. Fumes are sucked through and dispensed below the unit.

My answer to this is a backless pyramid. Our inserts and gel fuel can do the rest. But, the backless pyramid would allow for the water that is dispensed to escape instead of having foggy windows.

Sit on a heavy metal base with four small concrete legs that are basically 1/4" thick and 1/2" in diameter. Three steel triangles with glass inserts held by metal tabs. I could draw a diagram, but you should know by now. I'll probably just write a report.

Ventless Gel Fireplace Inserts and Gel Fuel

Fireplace Mishaps

2008-12-02T13:53:00.000-08:00

Just two days ago, another fireplace mishap took place in Bernards, New Jersey. The fire quickly extended into the walls and then rushed up to the attic. It took firefighters a half an hour to fight off the fire and the house will be lived in again after some construction. But, what a holiday season bummer.

I keep saying that this time of year brings about terrible mishaps, especially where fireplaces are concerned. Of course, there are traffic accidents this time of year because people are being driven nuts by the added stress of the holidays and the inclement weather isn't helping a bit either. Of course, candles are also a leading cause in house fires.

But, the fireplace is being used more these days for two main reasons. It's cold outside in most of the United States and family gatherings are more comfortable by the fire. So, mishaps are more of a concern.

Don't ruin your holidays over a simple oversight. Make sure you and your family are safe even when you are doing the simplest of things like having a family gathering around the fireplace. Follow these simple tips:

First, you need to make sure that the fireplace was built for actual use. Some builders have placed mock fireplaces in their homes just for decoration. Burning wood in a mock fireplace would cause smoke damage in no time...yes, this has happened.

Never use flammable fuels to light a fire inside the house. This includes gas, lighter fluid, charcoal fluid and the like. It can violently explode...yes, this has happened too.

Note: There would be no reason for me to tell you these things if someone hadn't tried them before!

Next, do not use charcoal in a fireplace. It will generate deadly fumes. This includes trash or wrappings.

Make sure the fire is completely out before going to bed at night. Never leave a fire going while you sleep.

Teach your children about the dangers associated with the fireplace and that things should not be thrown in the fire, hands should not touch the fire or anything of the like.

Good Tip: Dampen newspaper and roll them up tight. Let them dry for about two weeks. They make for great burning logs.

Green Reports Survey

2008-11-25T15:25:00.000-08:00

I will be starting the first report very soon and they will all be designed to save money and resources, which is twice the benefit. Some solutions will actually be the most down to earth that you could possibly find the materials in your own kitchen or garage. Even if not, you will be able to easily put any project together and follow any suggestion without much out of pocket expense. But first, I would like to know which you find most important.

If you answer the following survey, you will be helping me decide which report I should write first.

Thanks!
Jessica Brylan

A Move to Going Green Easy

2008-11-19T10:16:00.000-08:00

I have begun extensive research on conservation in the construction industry. It's an uphill battle. But, green building is not only impressive to the eye. It is equally impressive to the wallet when you start comparing the differences after you make the changes.

My concerns though are more for the home owner and not necessarily the builder. Builders are generally already somewhat educated on it and moving in that direction anyway. There are awards given to architects who build green and that's enough of an initiative to keep them interested.

But, I want everyone who reads my work to be able to begin doing something today that is going to benefit them in the future. So, I think it's more effective to concentrate on those things a home owner and even a renter can do to make their home more energy efficient. You'd be surprised how easy some of this stuff is.

Solar Heat

The reason most people don't even try solar heat is because they think of panels and solar heating systems that cost a pretty penny. Not anymore. You can actually get started for less than $30.

Before Christmas, I promise to have a report finished that will explain what you can do to your attic that will make it a hot bed for solar heat. Of course, it will cost a bit more than $30. But, the report will begin with the small steps that you can take throughout your house to benefit from solar heating for less than $30.

Water Conservation

Water conservation is not merely about only using water you need and making sure your sinks don't leak. Looking further into the problem, you can begin to change small things like high performance shower heads as well as outside hoses, nozzles and faucets. There are plenty of things around the house that for only a few dollars, can save plenty.

Recycling Centers

No. Not the recycling centers you drive to and drop off your trash. You can have recycling centers in your own home. You can reuse your own material. It saves on trash bags and trips you have to make on trash day as well as the benefit of reusing materials that you once thought were simply disposable.

I'm going to absolutely love putting these reports together. I actually believe I'm going to be on this topic for awhile because that's where the nature of the Ventless Gel Fireplace began. Environmentally safe and eco-friendly fuel that efficiently burns in a ventless fireplace. That's where we began and that's where we are starting to grow.

Fireplace Safety Concerns

2008-11-11T19:55:00.000-08:00

The season of the fireplace has come through with some rather disturbing findings. The news about fireplaces and fireplace practices hasn't been all that good. Not all of the news has been about the dangers of fireplaces, but much of it has.

Have you ever heard of anyone using charcoal in their fireplace? Please, anyone within distance of this article Please do not use charcoal in your fireplace! That's a great way to introduce carbon monoxide poisoning into your home. I know that it seems easier to light a fireplace with charcoal, but there are other ways to do it as well.

Lighting newspaper and stacking the wood on top is a good way to get your fire burning. Gathering kindling from your backyard and using it to start the fire is safe and reliable. But, don't use charcoal! Please!

Another disturbing finding is that gas fireplaces are responsible for an increasing number of burns, especially with children. "Our big one is scald injuries, then second place would definitely go to contact burns with the fireplaces," says Doug Baron of Alberta Children's Hospital.

The glass that shields us from the heat actually holds the heat for hours. Cooper Kennedy was rushed to the hospital after the little child touched the glass of a babysitter's fireplace 40 minutes after the fireplace was turned off for the day. Cooper ended up with second degree burns.

On the other hand, there are fireplaces without glass or a screen enclosure and fire damage is occurring. It hasn't always resulted in a house burning to the ground, but any fire damage can be drastic. I have a friend who talks about a miraculous evening when he fell asleep while the fire was burning. He awoke to find a log had rolled the length of his floor.

The only damage was the burn track it left across the rug. But, isn't that just a bit scary. It could have burned the house down very easily. But, luck was on his side and it just smoldered until finally going out completely.

Fireplaces are a great way to spend the holidays. But, we have to be careful or we can turn those holidays into a nightmare. To learn more about VGF FAQs and fireplace safety, visit the VGF FAQ page.

Voting Problems on Election Day

2008-11-04T09:29:00.000-08:00

We've known this day, Election Day, was coming for a year now. Actually, the campaigning started long before. So, what's the problem?

We've got Voting Booths that are breaking down. We've got back up voting ballots getting wet and needing time to get dry.

There are 2 1/2 hour long waits. And they all say that the problems are coming from the largest voter turn out in history.

For years, we've been trying to get more and more people to vote. But, this year people are listening and they are showing up at peak hours. Before work, at lunch and directly after work will be the most congested times the polls will be busy.

But, those aren't the only problems. The tricks people have been playing are outrageous. They've been used before...I know. But with the internet, there was a greater chance for them to work.

Internet scams ranged from telling the public voting was canceled at certain locations to putting up mock websites meant to deceive readers. People would enter the website thinking its for a certain candidate and it would be full of information against that candidate. Ok, that's been done in the past with television commercials and radio spots. But, the internet is so much more powerful for some reason than either of those two other medias...or any other media for that fact.

I'm just glad that it seems no one is falling for any of it. People are voting...in drogues. It's a great thing.

I'm going to vote a little later this afternoon. Then I'm going to come home, sit in front of my fireplace and watch the news all night long. I want to be one of the first to hear.

What A Wonderful Web We Weave - Ventless Gel Fireplaces

2008-10-28T15:54:00.000-07:00

I couldn't believe what I was reading the other day. It was like someone had read one of my articles and just switched all the names around. I've been talking about traditional wood burning fireplaces and electric fireplaces for awhile.

But the article I read the other day, written by a builder concerned with keeping his business actually had the audacity to say that the gel we burn puts harmful chemicals into the air we breathe. First of all, burning treated wood does. But, not alcohol.

The alcohol we burn releases water into the air. You don't see rolling black smoke. You don't see any smoke. You just see a clean fire and moisture produces in the air.

Plus, gas fireplaces produce huge sums of moisture in the air. Enough to cause the growth of fungi in hard to find places. Gel Fuel doesn't.

It cracks me up when someone will intentionally lead people wrong. But, here's one for him. AQMD consists of air quality officials who say that the wood burning fireplaces in certain areas of California produce more pollutants in the air than all the, "power plants in the metropolitan portions of Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles and Orange counties." Inland News Today

I will say this one more time and I'll most likely have to say it again and again. But, wood burning had its time and day. A hundred years ago, it was fine.

It still is in some respects. If fresh wood could be cut and burned while camping in the woods, there won't be a problem. But at the rate of consumption we have grown accustomed to, the environment just won't be able to sustain it much longer.

Haven't we figured it out yet?

Dangers of Traditional Wood Burning Fireplaces

2008-10-22T10:31:00.000-07:00

You can tell it's fireplace season again. You'd be surprised what happens every year when this type of weather comes around. I've been writing about traditional wood burning fireplaces not being very "eco-friendly." But, there are more concerns than just what contaminates do to the atmosphere.

In Tuscaloosa, Alabama, a man was recently injured very severely after he fell into a fireplace. He knelt down to poke the fire and ended up falling face first onto the grate inside it. He was rushed to the ER at DCH Regional Medical Center where officials said he suffered injuries to his orbital area and an artery was bleeding.

Having a traditional wood burning fire in the home was necessary a hundred years ago, but it was dangerous then as well. Anyone can see that placing a fire in the home can most likely cause someone to get burned. There are plenty of ways adults and especially children can get burned from having a fire in the home. It’s obvious and many people simply ignore the signs.

But, getting burned is not the only way a fire in the home can cause problems. In Austin, Minnesota, a man fell asleep in the home while the fireplace was burning. He awoke to severe smoke rolling throughout the home. The fire personnel took about an hour and a half to extinguish the blaze and clear the scene. The damage tally wasn’t reported in the news, but it’s imaginably large. Something you would need insurance to cover.

Having a spark fly out of the fireplace is not likely but possible. The thing that people don’t realize is that something flammable can get into the fireplace and then who knows how much damage that will cause. Two stories are in the news and that’s just in the last week. There’s bound to be more because it’s fireplace season.

Sounds to me like we all need to see Ventless Gel Fireplace!

Put Me in a Home Improvement Store and I'm Lost for Days

2008-10-15T08:27:00.000-07:00

I'm wondering if anyone else has the issues I do. If you take me in a Lowe's, I'm gone. I can get lost in there.

Now If I'm working on a project and I have to run in and out real quick, then I have to leave. But, I always see something that makes me think of an entire project I can do. And I won't forget it.

I'll come back to Lowe's or Home Depot or 84 Lumber, wherever I am, and start building on my ideas. Then, I'll either get started on it at my house or some lucky client comes along and gets my idea. That's fine with me because I think I just get a kick out of seeing a great project completed.

I've walked into Lowe's before and come out with a lighting design idea that was perfect for a client of mine. A shelf would hold fluorescent lighting close to the ceiling so the light would reflect off the ceiling and create a sense of darkness with just a splash of light to see. I did it in her kitchen and it looked great at night. So, she had me put the same effect together in her bedroom.

One time I left a Home Depot with a complete living room concept for another client of mine. I think home improvement stores are where I get my inspiration when I'm challenged with a project and I have no idea what to do. It's fun. At least I think so.

If you are having troubles with anything at all, if you have heating problems and you need to fix all the drafts in your home, if you have damage and you need to find a way to fix it, just walk into a home improvement store. You'll find books on just about every subject that can help you. You'll find all the materials you need.

Plus, you can get some great improvement ideas. Any project that can be done, can be done by you for much cheaper than it costs to call someone like me. Of course, you want me for the major jobs. But, the smaller stuff you can do yourself and have fun doing it.

Ecosystem Versus Eco-Friendly, A Thousand Emails Later

2008-10-07T11:36:00.000-07:00

Last week, I did get quite a few emails. I love it though.

I got emails from all kinds of people claiming that economically friendly is actually what eco-friendly means. I can't believe this all started from a conversation about how Sunjel is eco-friendly. And it really is.

Sunjel is an alcohol based gel fuel that burns for hours and all it dispenses is water into the air. Not even enough water to cause mildew in nooks and crannies around your house. A small amount of water that adds moisture to the air and evaporates entirely.

It beats burning wood and I know you probably never thought you would hear anyone say that. But, years ago it wasn't a problem. Mass consumption of anything always brings with it problems and that's an issue that has to do with the ecosystem.

Burning wood is burning a solid fuel. They yield particulate pollution. These are solid particles that are smaller than the cells inside your body. Particulate pollution has been the cause of over 2 million deaths world wide per year. Another thing, wood smoke is chemically active in the body 40 times longer than tobacco. You can read about the effects of wood smoke in William A. Pryor's Persistent Free Radicals in Woodsmoke: An ESR Spin Trapping Study, Free Radical Biology and Medicine 1989.

Sunjel is even better than gas. Gas produces a great amount of water vapor in the air. It's like pouring gallons of water on the wood and drywall around your house. Let it soak in and you are looking at some major water damage. Most people don't even realize where the damage is coming from in their home. They just keep remodeling all the while looking for leaks and drafts to fix.

But, the main thing about gas is that it also dispenses carbon dioxide into the air you breathe. That's not so much a problem as when the gas has problems with combustion. If combustion is incomplete, carbon monoxide and a great deal of soot is dispensed throughout your home. The soot you can see. But the carbon monoxide is an odorless, lethal gas that can cause debilitating sickness or death. It's a good thing there is a complex system of sensors and shut off valves in place to keep that from happening.

So, Sunjel is a safe bet and that my friends is how the eco-friendly conversation was started. Now, I'm getting emails every day telling me all about more eco-friendly tips that I can use. Most of them are really great. But, I also get those emails about how eco-friendly actually means economically friendly.

I doubt this ends the conversation, but economically friendly is about how much resources we save. Maybe we are saving money. Maybe we are conserving food, fuel or energy. That's economical.

The ecosystem has to deal with the balance in nature. If we conserve, then we are consuming at a healthy rate and maintaining balance in the ecosystem. So, it really doesn't matter to me if you think eco-friendly means economically friendly or ecosystem friendly. You see how they both could be true.

My only point is that people are talking about it and that's a good thing. Keep thinking green!

Staying on My Green Tip

2008-09-30T15:07:00.000-07:00

I went on a green rampage last week when I read an article about gel fuel being a new eco-friendly trend. It actually got me to think that there are people who have little idea how to be eco-friendly. In fact, I was doing my research and came across a forum where someone had asked what eco-friendly meant.

Despite what just about everyone seems to think, economically friendly is not the answer although eco-friendly practices are economically friendly!

What I am about to say causes a great deal of arguments, but it's not even that important. It's just that among all the people who pride themselves on being green, they've always thought that eco-friendly meant economically friendly. Whoever started it thought it made sense and obviously many other people did too.

The funny thing is that knowing the actual term is not really that important as long as people are doing the things that are eco-friendly. And yet, that point seems to miss them entirely.

As long as people are recycling paper and conserving energy, it doesn't matter.

As long as people are riding bikes to work and filling their water bottles up at the water fountain...

As long as people are recharging batteries and applying sealant to their windows and doors...

As long as people are refurbishing old furniture and taking their old clothes to Goodwill, it doesn't matter if they know the difference between eco-friendly and economically friendly. Because they both are.

But if you remember how the dinosaurs became extinct, then you remember your science teacher teaching you a very important little term...ecosystem.

"An ecosystem is a natural unit consisting of all plants, animals and micro-organisms in an area functioning together with all of the non-living physical factors of the environment." Wikipedia

Eco-friendly, environmentally friendly or friendly to the ecosystem..."ecosystem friendly."

Keeping balance in the ecosystem keeps everything alive and healthy. When animals become extinct, it is because they can no longer adapt to their environment. Sometimes, that's because they couldn't adapt to evolution. Sometimes it's because a factor of the environment has knocked the rest of the ecosystem off balance. That's not good.

That's why it is important to learn how to be eco-friendly. That's right! It's not just an adjective applied to terms like eco-friendly products. But remember, it doesn't matter if you get it right. It just matters if you're getting green. Read Get Green This Winter.

Argue with me all you want. There are going to be people who strongly and passionately disagree with me. But, you know what? It doesn't matter as long as they are thinking of ways to be green.

We Are Back in the News As Eco-Friendly

2008-09-23T10:55:00.000-07:00

The world went green. Some people are trying to make it seem like a new trend. But, I remember plenty of green changes over the past several years.

When I was growing up, recycling was a major thing. There were trash cans for cans and then for paper products. Recycling bins were put all around my city in major places and they weren't hard to find.

Adopt a highway was very popular years ago too when I was young. An organization would adopt a highway and keep it clean. People would throw their McDonald's out the window and the local Girl Scouts Troop would go pick it up again. That was an organization I wish I would have joined.

What about the crying Indian? Anyone my age can remember the crying Indian in the commercial. See, we've been trying for years and no one gives us credit for any of it.

That's why I love when I read an article like A hot new trend: eco-friendly fireplaces in the Tumbler Ridge News September 22, 2008. Ventless Gel Fireplace has been eco-friendly for over 20 years and we've provided an alcohol based gel fuel perfect to heat your home and that doesn't pollute the atmosphere. So, we're a hot new trend huh? I guess it depends on what you consider new.

Patio Fireplaces Are a Project for the Fall

2008-09-17T07:44:00.000-07:00

I just published the outdoor fireplace report. It's on the Ventless Gel Fireplace Reports page if you want to have a gander. The report covers how to put together a simple 18 inch high by 30 inch wide by 24 inch deep fireplace.

The fireplace is rather small in comparison to most fireplaces. But, it houses a Ventless Gel Fireplace insert perfectly and it is a very nice attraction for your deck. But as I always say, use your imagination and let it run wild. You can have the greatest outdoor fireplace in the world if you just put your mind to it.

So, here are a few ideas to work with if you ever want to put your own outdoor fireplace in place. There are plenty of options to choose. And you just might come up with a few ideas of your own.

First of all, the design in the report is a simple base with two side walls and a back. Place the fireplace insert inside and you have a roaring fire in literally minutes. But, what it doesn't have is a roof of some sort.

There are plenty of ways to give a fireplace a roof. You can create an angled roof that comes to a point like the pitched roof on a house. Also, you can create a curved roof that arches. If you develop your own sense of masonry skill, you can put projects like this together just using your brain to think it through.

But, you might just want to step up your game a little and make your project a huge venture. Like this major piece of work.

The hearth is a foot thick base that extends the overall fireplace property by a foot and a half in all directions. That makes for nice sitting room. The fireplace area itself is a 2 foot by 3 foot structure with 2 feet depth. But, the fireplace structure around the fireplace area is a 4 foot by 6 foot by 3 foot design and a smaller 2 foot by 3 foot by 2 foot structure on top. You can create such a structure using nothing but stone or you can create a wooden structure that gets covered in stone. Either way, you'll want to choose a stone that matches the surroundings. It can be of the same material or it can be of material that simply goes with the patio or the home.

Below is another structure that isn't very difficult either if you work on your masonry skills and get them up to speed.

The highlights of this piece are the cooking area within and the arched overhead I talked about earlier. This fireplace sits on the edge of a concrete area where there's a nice pool. So, cooking hamburgers and hotdogs in the summer is a perfect outdoor activity while everyone takes a swim. In the fall though, the fireplace provides a nice warm place to sit where company gathers to talk.

These are just a few ideas of how nice your outdoor fireplace can be. I love to encourage the Ventless Gel Fireplace community to get active on projects and to send in some photos of them when they are finished. So, I'll be looking forward to those.

Aroma Without The Ventless Gel Fireplace

2008-09-09T08:18:00.000-07:00

When you look at something, do you only see it for what it was meant to be? I don't. I can't.

Ok when I was young and I was handed a hammer, I knew it wasn't meant for driving screws. But, that's not what I'm talking about at all. I use things for what they were meant. But, I can also see something else sometimes.

I love it when I see someone using creativity to revive an old piece of furniture or even something as simple as a car tire. I've seen plenty of tires turned into planters placed throughout someone's yard. Cut into shapes and painted, they serve as beautiful homes for different kinds of plants.

I saw an old washing machine drum turned into an outdoor fireplace. A few metal pieces were bolted to the bottom for legs and it actually made interesting light when the fire was set inside. The holes made dancing flames on the ground and the side of the house.

Of course, the Ventless Gel Fireplace Aroma Collection is best used in a fireplace. But, you don't need a fireplace to enjoy a Cabernet Wine or Fresh Linen aroma wafting through the air. It's easy to make something out of nothing. Haven't you learned?

Instead of using the mantel diffusers on the mantel of the fireplace, why can't you put them on the stove? Are you worried about them getting melted, don't put them on the burners. Put the back burners on high and place the diffuser in the middle.

Do you have radiators throughout your home? Put the diffusers on the radiators during cold days when you've set the heat.

Place drops of aroma on light bulbs when you turn on lamps in your home. There are plenty of ways to use the aroma throughout your home. But, it does make a pleasant way to enjoy your day even when nothing special is happening.

The Ventless Gel Fireplace Contest Has Come to an End

2008-09-02T08:55:00.000-07:00

It worked out rather well. The contest is over though. So, now we're going to be calling on everyone in the Ventless Gel Fireplace community to vote on the 5 participants who entered.

Please visit the Ventless Gel Fireplace Contest webpage and look through the contestants. You'll find several nice photos and the names of the entrants.

Or for your convenience, our contestants (5) have all been entered and are displayed below. In order to vote, please view their pages and make your choice. Email me at ventlessgel@hotmail.com with your choice. In the subject line include the following: Ventless Gel Fireplace Contest 2008: (contestant's name). That will make counting votes so much easier. The rest of the email can be totally blank. There's no need to vote more than once, this isn't American Idol. So, have fun looking and have fun voting.

To the contestants, I hope you had fun creating your projects. Whether you win or not, you're all winners because you now have a beautiful fireplace to enjoy. And you made it yourself. So, that should be your ultimate reward. For each of you, I wish you good luck! Now, let the voting begin.

The Ventless Gel Fireplace Contest of 2008 Prizes:

First Prize: 12 - Pack of Sunjel

Second and Third Prizes: The Magnetic Gel Fuel Opener

Official Entrants:

Bill Landson of Portland, Michigan

Edward N. Ryan Jr. CET of Merritt Island, Florida

James Hughlin of Decatur, Alabama

Jack Grinoff of McKenzie, Tennessee

Sharon Mendoza of Warm River, Idaho

Staying In Touch With Reality This Year

2008-08-26T15:39:00.000-07:00

I think it was a spoof. At least it should have been when McCain accused Obama of having four fireplaces. Of course, McCain didn't know how many houses he had. So, that's his comeback I guess.

It's kind of funny. Now, I vouched to Ventless Gel Fireplace and the Ventless Gel Fireplace community that I would never take a political stand in this arena. So, I'm not. I won't say which side I'm voting for come November and I won't take a side now.

But, I can talk about the candidates right? Anyway, I really need an outlet for all the stuff going on in the news between those two.

First of all, Obama is using McCain's statement that he's out of touch with reality. McCain said that a rich person makes about five (5) million dollars. Ok, so Obama took it a little too far when he said I guess someone who makes four (4) million is having a hard time. Now, I love it when someone has fun with this because heaven knows it can get real boring quick. But, that's not quite what McCain meant.

Then of course, McCain couldn't remember how many houses he owns. Well, I've got to take his side on that one too because McCain doesn't actually own them. Ok, because he's married to the person who does own them then that means he technically owns them. But, he doesn't have to keep track of them.

Of course, McCain's been having his own share of fun with all of this. He has not failed to mention Obama's inexperience with foreign policy. But, I think he can handle himself. Lack of inexperience does not negate plan implementation. If you have a great idea, you put it to work right.

But, to get back to McCain's statement about rich people making about five (5) million a year. It does bring up an interesting subject. Of course, he's not going to freeze this year. He might be out of touch with what a blue collar worker makes and that's not hard for a millionaire to become. But, the thing is that the cost of heating is going to get a bit crazy this year.

I know that things are changing and gas prices are going down again. But, prices are still far from reasonable. I still get sacked at the grocery store and gas is still outrageous.

So, don't think for one second that heating prices aren't going to be a bit high this year. The way to beat that is to have a good supply of Sunjel around. Sunjel takes the chill off the air and keeps the thermostat from running. You'll keep warm and save a good bit of money. It's a great idea to stock up now.

There are only 5 days left in the contest. If you need to know any of the details, visit the Ventless Gel Fireplace Contest of 2008 and learn all about it. Submit your photos before August 31, 2008 at midnight. The photos are coming this week so the Ventless Gel Fireplace community can look them over and get prepared to vote.

Get Your Lawn In Better Health

2008-08-15T05:45:00.000-07:00

I know I should have written about this process in the Spring. But, I will come back to visit this issue next year. You can get a head start this year on next year's lawn if you get active on lawn care now. If you have patches of dead grass or no grass on your lawn, or if you have an ugly lawn that you want to revive then here are some ideas for you to follow.

If you have patches or you need to do the whole lawn, the process is the same. It's just a bit of a bigger project. Rake up the dirt and get it stirred nicely. Water the dirt to make it soft so that you can stir it easier. Break up all the clumps and make the ground as smooth as possible.

Spread your seed. Make sure you spread the seed around as evenly as possible. Some people use a Seed Spreader to spread their seed evenly. This is a must that you pay attention to how evenly your seed is spread. This is where the patches of grass take root and grow wildly leaving you with an ugly lawn or you can have a beautiful lawn with evenly planted grass.

One trick I've watched landscapers use is to put lawn fertilizers in the Seed Spreader with the seeds and mix it up nicely. Then, they spread the seed around the yard. Of course, that is if you are doing your entire lawn. If you are only doing patch jobs, then add the fertilizer with handfuls of seed as you spread it around the patches.

Now, an important part of creating a healthy lawn is to lay straw on top of the seed. You've taken the time to spread your seed evenly and place fertilizer everywhere. Take the time to protect the process with straw. But, here's the kicker. Make sure it's straw and not hay.

What's the difference? Hay has weeds. You want a nice lawn. Don't invite weeds.

Ok, I'll revisit this process in the Spring. But for anyone who wants to do this now, it's fine. Do it in the Fall. It's no big deal. If you jump on it now, you can have a great Fall lawn with beautiful amenities like our Cedar Plank Bridge or our Garden Arbor with a Bench.

Where's That Smell?

2008-08-08T07:40:00.000-07:00

People have different ways of spreading nice aromas around their home. There are plugins that people buy to plug into an outlet and different scents fill the room. There are all kinds of sprays to cover nasty odors and make the air smell nice. But, these are all obvious ways of make a home smell great! What about a subtle idea that will have friends wondering how your home always smells so nice?

Find yourself a small glass bowl or a decorative bowl that will look great on top of your ventless gel fireplace. Fill it about half way with water. Then, place orange peels in the water. The fireplace will throw off heat that will make the water hot and spread orange aroma around your home. It will be a subtle smell that everyone will sense, but it won’t hit anyone strong and overpower them.

You can also use lemon, lime and grapefruit peelings. Any strong textured fruit is perfect. If you are going to use a softer fruit like strawberries, cherries, or grapes, you have to change them out more often. You’ll want to get to the fruit just before it goes bad or else your good smell will become a very bad one in a quick heartbeat.

The smell is there and everyone will know that it’s there. But, they won’t be able to tell where it’s originating. That’s what I love about subtle improvements I make to my home. Everyone can sense the change. But, they don’t know what it is. It makes them ask and then I get to have the fun of telling them how I came up with my idea.

Risky Stuff

2008-08-01T17:39:00.000-07:00

A few months ago, I wrote an article about some of the towns throughout Europe that have some very strict community guidelines. It's so important, I'd like to rehash some of that here.

Some European communities won't allow new housing to be built with traditional fireplaces. They are also working toward modifying housing with traditional fireplaces already installed. They would have to seal them up or put something else in their place.

The reason for those guidelines is because it is a growing belief that traditional log burning fireplaces are hazardous to the environment. Now, you have to remember how many fireplaces we have these days.

Years ago, not too many fireplaces were burning and houses weren't too close together. But, over the centuries housing has multiplied and fireplaces are a luxury everyone enjoys. Finding alternatives to the log burning fireplaces has become an environmentally conscious platform.

The thing is that the amount of smoke millions of log burning fireplaces are putting out into the atmosphere is polluting our air and causing greater damage further out in our atmosphere. Plus, the wood often brings with it a type of fungus from the storage locations and the wooded areas where it is gathered. Burning fungus in your home isn't a great idea.

Ok, so enough said. What some American communities ought to do is take a hint from these environmentally conscious neighborhoods in Europe. We don't need log burning fireplaces. We have perfectly good alternatives.

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