Rich's for the Home

30th Anniversary Sale

Happy birthday to Rich's for the Home! Thirty is a great number!

Did you know that Rich's for the Home opened their first store during a recession 30 years ago? And there were challenges to that, of course. But by using their money and staffing wisely and passing savings onto customers, they got through it like troopers just as they are getting through this one.

To CELEBRATE, Rich's has placed sale prices on most all items. This is a big one as you can save 20-6-%. Wow! So this is a great time for you and yours to dress up that patio before spring or purchase that new grill that you have been thinking about getting.

For your patio, items on sale range from classic to contemporary. Various styles include:

• Wicker
• Jarrah Wood
• Wrought Iron
• Cast Aluminum
• Cushion
• Sling
• Padded Sling
• Deep Style Seating
• and more

Grill types on sale include:

• Electric
• Pellet
• Gas
• Portables
• Built-in Models
• Charcoal

Clearwater Spas are also on sale. They include:

• Neck Massage Systems (very cool)
• Built-In Lighting
• Audio/Visual and Waterfall Features
• May sizes and styles to choose from
• Start at $65.00 a month on approved credir

Stoves from Avalon, Lopi and Fireplacextrodinaire are also on sale! They start at only $22.00 a month on approved credit.

Don't forget to schedule a soak test in the new Clearwater Spas. They rock! Call your nearest Rich's for the home today.

Better Living Show

I just returned from the Better Living Show in Portland, OR and I am glad I went. I learned so much! The show was well-attended and the speakers and vendors were knowledgeable about sustainability and green issues.

A wonderful feature was a Good Energy House developed by Energy Trust of Oregon. I mean, WOW, it was cool. Each room was made to be energy smart and included assistance by many manufacturers to make that happen.

The home was very effective in showing people just how a whole home can be built or outfitted with our environment in mind. The comments of people around me were awe-inspiring as they discussed how they could make changes in their own homes.

The windows were Energy Star from Empire Pacific and faucets were Kohler Karbon ones from Keller Supply. Overall, over 100 vendors with energy-efficient and/or earth-friendly operations participated.

The office (at right) included:

1. Accessories from Mirador Community Store including a picture frame made from bike chain, recycled glass pen holder and more.
2. Kill a Watt Energy Computer Monitor from P3 International.
3. Energy Star Desk Lamp from Rejuvenation.
4. Energy Star Laptop, computer monitor and printer.
5. Bamboo Flooring from Interstate Flooring.
6. Furniture including Modern Cantilever Desk, Partitian  7.Shelves and more from The Joinery.
8. Paint from Benjamin Moore.
9. Power Strip Surge Protector from Smart Home USA.
10. Inner Asia Tibetan Wool Rug from Eclectic Home.
11. Recycled Wall Clock from Mirador Community Store.

The house also included a kitchen, living room, laundry room (with Energy Star appliances, tankless hot water heater and ventilation) and a porch and greenhouse.

It did not include a wood or pellet stove but as we all know, those can also be eco-friendly. In addition, I think that it could have really used an eco-friendly hot-tub from Clearwater Spas. Yes, I put a bug in their ears. Hopefully, they will listen.

Buy at Rich's and Receive TWO Free Victoria Clipper Tickets

I have exciting news for you!

Rich's for the Home has partnered with the Victoria Clipper to bring you two free round-trip tickets to Victoria, Canada if you spend $500.00 or more at Rich's for the Home. The tickets are valued at $300.00.

You can spend $500.00 on one item or a combination of items at Rich's.

This is the perfect time to take that list you made of what you would like this year to fill in your outdoor room decor. Need an ottoman, an outdoor heater and a side table? Now is the time. Or, if you were already thinking about a hot-tub, how about doing it now so that you can get Clipper tickets for FREE?

It's a great deal and I hope that you will take advantage of it. Just print the coupon, fill it out and take it with you to your nearest Rich's for the Home.

Prepping Your Hot-Tub for Spring

Have you checked out your hot-tub yet? If you didn’t use it during the winter, it is the ideal time now to check it out. Of course, hopefully you kept your water balanced even during the winter but if you didn’t, this might be the ideal time to drain, clean and refill your hot-tub.

Here are other things that I recommend that you do before it’s time to start using your hot-tub again on a regular basis:

1. Clean the hot-tub if needed.
2. Clean the cover and other accessories as needed.
3. Assure that the water is heating to desired temperature.
4. Balance the water as needed.
5. Run the jets to insure that they work.
6. Turn on and test the lights. Replace lightbulbs as needed.
7. If you have an umbrella, open and close it a couple of times. Clean if needed.
8. Check steps, etc for loose joints.
9. Hop in for a test run! (why not?) Just make sure the water is hot first.

The days are soon coming when you will use your outdoor rooms more as an extension of your home and by following the checklist above, you and your hot-tub will be prepared. Want an extra incentive? Plan now for a hot-tub party in April!

What's Cooking: Gluten-Free Lasagna

Adapted from the lasagna I grew up loving (thanks mom).

WHAT YOU NEED:

• 1- 18 oz pack of pre-cooked Polenta
• 1 cup large curd cottage cheese
• 1 egg
• 16 oz canned or jarred spaghetti sauce (check ingredients for hidden gluten)
• 1/2 pound hamburger
• 1/2 pound sausage
• 1/4 cup finely minced onion
• 1/2 chopped green pepper
• 1/2 cup Monterrey Jack and/or Cheddar cheese, shredded
• 1 cup Mozzarella cheese, shredded

STEPS:

1. Slice precooked Polenta thinly
2. Fry hamburger and sausage until done, drain.
3. Add green pepper, onion, spaghetti sauce, tomato sauce and simmer for 1 hour.
4. Mix egg and cottage cheese
5. Mix shredded cheeses.
6. In 8x8 pan, layer as follows:
    -Sauce to cover bottom
    -Polenta
    -Sauce and Meat
    -Shredded Cheeses
    -Polenta
    -Sauce and Meat
    -Shredded Cheeses
    -Polenta
    -Sauce and Meat
    -Cottage Cheese mixture
    -Sauce
7. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes.

(Double recipe to make a fill 9x13 pan)

Solaira Heaters

I have a perfect solution for your outdoor rooms and patios during this season when we have some warm sun during the day that quickly cools in the evening hours, if not before. A heater from Solaira, available on poles or in wall or ceiling mounted options will be all you need to extend those outdoor hours a little bit longer. And if you have a hot-tub, it is the perfect option to sit under when you are done with the hot-tub.

From their website:

“Inforesight Consumer Products Inc's (ICP) vision is that technology based operating solutions will be the basis of our energy efficient, environmentally considerate future. ICP currently manufactures markets and distributes commercial, industrial and consumer products centered in Heating/Control systems and Solid State (LED) Lighting. Our technologies are centered on high efficiency (90%+) energy conversion factors, environmentally considerate (no CO2, NOX or Mercury) and exceptionally high commercial quality for long term performance. Our technologies are utilized around the world and in the most severe environments as required by our military, commercial and industrial customers.”

With all those benefits to you and our environment, why would you look anywhere else for an outdoor heater? All you need is Solaira and Rich’s for the Home.

Outdoor Design Samples

Here are some samples of outdoor living spaces that I hope will inspire you to look at what you want in design and functionality. Grab a notebook and jot down your ideas as you browse.

Popular this year is a cabana of some type. They are great for decor of course, but are also practical for some shelter here in the Northwest. Below you will see an Asian-inspired design.

I adore this bench. It is from Indonesia but you can also find wood benches here in the USA, as well as faux wood. Sometimes you can even find this look made with other materials.

I LOVE this patio set below. Do you see how it isn't the main focus, and yet the set enhances the entire picture? The curve of the furniture draws the eye and provides a touch of elegance. And yet, it is a practical set. The cushions are soft and throw pillows are added for an extra touch. Look for the curves in your furniture to soften the look.

The set below draws the eye with the yellow and gray combination. It's also for complete comfort so consider a set like this only if it has full shelter from the elements or is made for our Northwest weather. Looks comfy though for sure!

Another comfy set is below in the same color family. I am viewing more comfort for sure in recent design styles. I love the concept. Can you imagine spending as much time outside as you do on the couch inside? Design like this makes that possible.

Got some ideas? Great! Take your list to Rich's for the Home and let us help you find exactly what you need for your outdoor rooms. We look forward to seeing you soon!

Getting Ready for Spring

Here in the Northwest, we must be conscious of the effects of weather on our outdoor furniture and grills. I hope that you took care to store your items well this past season.

Now it is time to think about bringing them out again and getting them ready for Spring and Summer. Isn't that exciting? Well, it's never exciting to clean things up if they have been out in the weather but spend the time thinking ahead to the days of sunshine and fun family times that are coming. It's also fun to plan where you are going to put everything.

Getting your outdoor furniture ready for Spring is a good time to:

• Assess what you have.
• Check for wobbly table/chair legs.
• Check surfaces for peeling, chips and potential splinter dangers.
• Find those outdoor cushions that you tucked away...somewhere.
• Clean your furniture.
• Make a list of needed repairs and supplies that you need to repair with.
• Make a list of any additional pieces that you would like to add to your set.

Your grill might also need some pre-work. Check for:

• Adequate fuel supply.
• Rust in the joints or on the racks of the grill.
• Secured shelves, nuts, bolts, etc.
• Needed utensils.
• Anything that needs cleaning.
• Ability to light and start up.

Are you ready yet? I can hardly wait for Spring!

Rich's for the Home Welcomes Clearwater Spas

Rich’s for the Home is pleased to announce their new spa line from Clearwater Spas. It’s very exciting news because Clearwater takes a special note of our environment when manufacturing. That is great news for all of us!

From the website:

“Clearwater Spas is committed to protecting the health of our environment and manufacturing energy efficient hot tubs that help to conserve our natural resources. In addition, our spas are among the most energy efficient in the world and incorporate our e-smart technology system. The ‘e’ in our e-smart technology symbol stands for:

• Energy efficiencies
• Engineering
• Environment

These three main areas are where we pay special attention and focus our manufacturing mission on being responsible as a global citizen to our environment. We believe that true enjoyment of your valuable leisure time is only possible when you have quality products to enjoy in a healthy environment.

We are continually striving to improve our products and how they are made to reduce the environmental impact of our product. We were the first company to produce an ecologically sound product, and all Clearwater Spas are now produced without fiberglass/resin or any environmentally destructive agents.”

Clearwater Spas also uses 100% recycled ABS to fabricate their Dura Floors on all spas and recycle 100% of their wood, plastic and cardboard waste.

Visit your local Rich’s for the Homes today and check out the new line of Clearwater Spas!