Rich's for the Home

Resources from the Web

A Clean Sweep- This Chimney Sweeper not only knows what he is doing professionally, but he accomplishes it in a Top Hat & Tails. Read more.

Ever wonder the difference between wood, gas and electric stoves? Here's a basic tutorial. 

Here is a great list on what to accomplish in your garden in these early days of October. Yes, your garden can still highlight your outdoor room-even here in the Northwest.

RV'ing within Kansas? Some campgrounds and RV parks have hot-tubs as well as other great amenities. You can sort a list of those here.

When hot-tub shopping, don't forget to consider the weight of the hot tub when filled with water. 

Here is a way to both spice up your fireplace and make it a comfortable spot to sit.

Here are the EPA guidelines for stoves. 

Don't forget to keep your family safe! Here are some safety gates for woodstoves and fireplaces.

Having one last grill party? Don't forget to review the appropriate grilling temperatures for meats.

Rest and Relaxation

This past weekend, I went out of town for three days to the lovely city of Los Angeles. And although I had some business to attend to, I also had a lot of FUN. I kept in touch with my family but I didn't worry about things (they had care) and in reality, I just concentrated on me.

Normally, as a mom, I would be a little ashamed to admit that. But I realized something very important my second and third day there: I felt good. I felt relaxed, rested and rejuvenated.

When I returned, I felt better able to attend to what was required of me. And it was all because I took a few days just for me.

How are you dealing with stress these days? Studies show that stress decreases our happiness and our lifespan. As you know, it really is up to you to take charge of your health and that means taking breaks when you need it.

If you can't physically take a break, time alone with a relaxing activity is very important. So hit the hot-tub, schedule a bath and book session, take a walk, have coffee on the porch or schedule whatever activity you need to unwind. It's worth it-and so are you.

What's Cooking: Honey-Apple Pork Chops

Thanks to Grilling Recipes for sharing this YUM recipe. My family members all enjoyed these chops. There are more recipes on the site so be sure and visit today.

WHAT YOU NEED:

• 4 pork loin chops -- about 1-inch thick
• 1-1/2 cups apple cider
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 2 tablespoon honey
• 1 clove garlic -- minced
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

STEPS:

1. Combine all ingredients, except pork chops; mix well.
2. Place chops in a shallow dish; pour marinade over chops.
3. Cover and refrigerate overnight, turning meat occasionally.
4. Remove pork chops from marinade.
5. Place on grill approximately 6 inches above medium coals. Grill for 10-15 minutes, turning and basting with marinade frequently.

Your Spa.....Ahhhh! Tips for a Fall Party

Fall is almost here and although you may enjoy your hot tub all year around, some of us tend to put it away in the winter. If you are one of those who tucks it aside for the colder weather, I encourage you to use it a few more times first. Although the evenings are chilly right now, it is a perfect time to have a hot tub party, as long as you prepare for possible inclement weather and also have indoor activity available. It can be one last way to celebrate the warmth, sun and the beginning of the Fall season and all that it brings. Your friends and family will enjoy an opportunity to both hit the hot tub and socialize and I know that you will be glad too.

Here are some tips for a Fall Hot tub party:

1. Try to keep school and sport schedules in mind. You won't have many attendees if everyone has School Open House or a sports event.
2. Have warm drinks available and include a variety such as tea, hot cocoa, cider and coffee.
3. Don't forget snacks! Consider appetizer-type ones such as BBQ'd Chicken Wings, Meatballs and Raw Veggies.
4. Purchase some BIG fluffy towels. Your guests will love the luxurious feeling.
5. Plan sometime cozy like a movie after the dipping. Or, play a board or card game.

Stove Tax Credit

The Milton family of Federal Way recently took advantage of stove tax credit that the Obama Administration put into place. They already had a wood stove, but had wanted to upgrade for a long time. 'The tax credit made it the right time for us." Susan Milton says, "We might have held it off a couple more years but now I am glad we didn't."

The Milton's upgraded to a Lopi Declaration stove insert and although it was a couple days of mess in the house as they took out their old stonework and replaced some of that too, it was very worth it. "Our old stove looked pretty out of place once we redecorated our living room." She explains, "The new one not only blends better with the decor but is efficient and very warm." They especially love that their were several options for different faces on the insert. Their neighbors have one too but they look nothing like each other. 

Now they are busy stocking up wood for the winter. "It's hard work now." Susan laughs, "We are working, have family activities and are stacking wood like squirrels that stash nuts for the winter...but we know that come November and December, we'll be very grateful for that stash."

It is not too late to take advantage of the stove tax credit that the Obama Administration made available to families this year to assist in the cost of warming your home and helping the environment at the same time. You can, in fact, receive 30% of the purchase price back as a tax credit, up to $1,500.00. Visit Rich's for the Home today to learn more.

Lighting for ambiance

It's been getting dark a bit earlier in the evening these days and in order to stay outside longer, you might need some lighting. In addition, lights can add a touch of ambiance for romantic evenings.

Have you seen the flameless candles? They are a great way to add ambiance to your patio. We also use them for power outages. A group of them can add a classy and elegant look to any patio or outdoor area. They work well inside too. How are they flameless, you ask? They operate with flickering LED bulbs and batteries. Even from a few feet away, they look like real candles.

Torches are another option to add some light and there are a variety of kinds available for your outdoor room. Tiki Torches are a great option if you want the flame look and/or to have your lighting up above your chairs and tables. Added benefit? They bring warmth.

At the risk of sounding trite to some, Holiday Lights are also a great way to add both ambiance and light to your outdoor room. Even a string or two of white lights can be magical.

The EPA and your stove

The Environmental Protection Agency has done a pretty good job at issuing guidelines for stoves of all kinds so that we are all working harder to protect our environment and making sure that it is healthy for a longer time period.

From the EPA website: "The traditional pot-bellied stove is a thing of the past - today’s wood stove models feature improved safety and efficiency. They produce almost no smoke, minimal ash, and require less firewood..While older uncertified stoves and fireplaces release 40 to 60 grams of smoke per hour; new EPA-certified stoves produce only 2 to 5 grams of smoke per hour."

Rich's for the Home carries all certified stoves but if you would like a list of certified models, the EPA has provided one. All certified stoves will have a tag as well. 

In regards to pellet stoves, the EPA says "Instead of logs, pellet stoves burn a renewable fuel made of ground, dried wood and other biomass wastes compressed into pellets. They are some of the cleanest-burning heating appliances available today and deliver high overall efficiency. Because they pollute so little, pellet stoves do not require EPA certification; some manufacturers, however, voluntarily seek this certification. Unlike wood stoves and fireplaces, most pellet stoves need electricity to operate, and can be easily vented through a wall, unlike log-burning stoves."

There are very good reasons for certification so read up on it and take your questions to Rich's for the Home when you go to shop for stoves. We are always happy to help you learn more.

Grilling temperatures of meat

I just read a very helpful article on grilling by Linda Masters. She says that most of us grill "until juices run clear" (I just did that last night) but that its important internal temperature of your meats be checked. Here is a good guide included in the article:

Steaks and chops: Beef, veal, lamb, ostrich and bison should be cooked to 145 degrees for medium-rare, 160 degrees for medium and 170 degrees for well done. Pork and venison should be cooked to 160 degrees for medium and 170 degrees for well done.

Precooked sausages and hot dogs: 165 degrees; uncooked sausages (beef and pork) should be cooked to 160 degrees.

Poultry: 180 degrees for all poultry except breasts, which should be cooked to 170 degrees.

Seafood: Fish should be cooked until it is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Scallops should turn milky white or opaque and be firm. Shrimp and lobster should turn red and flesh should become pearly opaque.

Burgers and ground meat: Beef, veal, lamb, ostrich, bison and venison should be cooked to 160 degrees. Chicken and turkey should be cooked to 165 degrees.

In addition, the article offers two other parameters that are important to follow in regards to grilling food and keeping everyone safe. Read more.

Labor Day 2009: making it memorable

It's almost Labor Day 2009. Do you have anything special planned? One last bash before Fall begins? Making it special for all probably tops your list of things to do.

Why not make it a very cool BBQ right in your own backyard? Here are some ideas to make it the best bash yet:

1. Decide on a menu early. Then make a list and stick to it when shopping. This will prevent a ton of stress and standing in the aisle of a store thinking "Oh maybe I should add THAT." 
2. Keep special diets in mind. And provide grill veggies or veggie burgers in addition to meats.
3. Shop the day before Labor Day not on Labor Day.
4. Make sure your grill is working and that you have all supplies needed before Labor Day.
5. Have enough chairs for most of your guests.
6. Involve the kids and family in fun things like decorating.
7. Consider placing an older child in charge of games. Have a backup plan but try to play what they want to play. It will be fun.
8. Don't forget to call or email family and friends to invite them to the gathering.
9. Plan for only a couple hours, but be willing to hang out with those who want to stay later.