Six factors to consider before installing a gas fireplace

A gas fireplace can add ambiance and warmth to any room, and with the cold weather, you might be dreaming of adding one in your home. Because purchasing a fireplace is not something we do every day, there are some important things to consider.

If you have lots of questions, you're not alone. It's smart to do your research and get advice from the pros. Joel Ginsberg, retail manager and fireplace expert for Fireside Hearth and Home, offers some important considerations so you get the right gas fireplace for your home.

Are you adding a new gas fireplace or converting an existing masonry wood-burning fireplace?

Many people choose gas fireplaces for the convenience. You can heat your home and enjoy beautiful ambiance by simply touching a remote control or wall switch. Whether you're starting new, or want to replace an old fireplace from the 70s or 80s, there are plenty of affordable options.

Already have a wood-burning fireplace? Consider transforming it with a cleaner and more efficient gas fireplace insert that fits directly into the existing opening. As part of the installation, two liners are installed inside the chimney; one expels the fire's combustion exhaust and byproducts outside the home, the other draws in outside air for combustion. This guarantees no room air is used for combustion which stops heat loss and protects the indoor air quality of your home. You get the benefits of gas without having to replace the entire fireplace.

What style fireplace fits your home?

The sky is the limit when it comes to fireplace design. Whether you prefer the traditional stone fireplace designs or you favor sleek modern styles, there's bound to be something to complement your home's interior design.

The look of the fire itself comes with many style options. Traditionalists prefer realistic manufactured logs with burning embers. However, if your design style leans toward contemporary, you might like options like the Cosmo 32, manufactured by Heat and Glo. These styles are inspired by European designs that have features like linear flames that flicker in unison, unique materials like black onyx, and panoramic viewing angles of the fire. Placement is also being redefined, as modern style fireplaces are often positioned at a higher level, evoking a living piece of fine art. To find out which style is best for you visit www.fireplaces.com.

What are your heating efficiency requirements?

Did you know a gas fireplace or fireplace insert can help reduce your heating costs? Similar to the premise of a hybrid car, you can turn down your home's thermostat and Zone Heat the rooms you use most with an efficient gas fireplace. This cuts down on the amount of fuel consumed by your furnace and can help to reduce home heating bills by 20 to 40 percent, according to the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association.

Do you want a vented or vent-free gas fireplace?

Depending on the manufacturer and model, gas fireplaces can be vented or unvented. Direct vented gas fireplaces have sealed combustion systems that protect indoor air quality by drawing outside air for the fire and expelling 100 percent of combustion exhaust and by-products outside the home, resulting in a safe, beautiful fire. In contrast, unvented (a.k.a. vent-free or vent-less) fireplaces lack sealed combustion or venting systems, drawing indoor air and oxygen for the fire, while expelling exhaust and byproducts, like carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide and moisture, into the home. While unvented units are legal in many areas of the country, some hearth manufacturers, remodelers and hearth retailers will not sell them due to safety and moisture/condensation issues.

What is your budget?

"For the most part, when people enter the store, they assume it will be expensive to purchase and install a gas fireplace or fireplace insert. Most people are pleasantly surprised at how inexpensive it can be," comments Ginsberg.

He says the average price of a gas fireplace including installation is $4,400. For those interested in a gas fireplace insert, the cost can be as little as $2,900 installed.

What is the return on investment?

These days, homeowners want to make sure the money they put into their home adds value. There is good news: Homebuyers consider fireplaces one of the top three desired home features, according to Remodeling Magazine. Also, according to the Residential Cost Handbook, a gas fireplace can add an average of $5,900 to the value of a home. Therefore when it comes time to sell, homes with gas fireplaces have an advantage.

As we head into the cold winter months, it is natural to want to warm up by a fire. Given the potential of increased efficiencies, zone heating to reduce utility bills and hours of ambiance and enjoyment, installing a gas fireplace has a multitude of benefits.

Courtesy of ARA

Upgraded decking materials offer enduring quality and beauty

Tackling your home improvement list this summer likely includes doing some work on your outdoor spaces.andnbsp; If replacing or updating a deck is your focus, it's wise to look into new products that help ensure your efforts will be enjoyed for many seasons to come.

Eighty-three percent of people say low-maintenance qualities are important when considering outdoor home improvement projects, according to a Trex Company survey. Durable, hassle-free composite decks are more popular than ever among time-challenged homeowners because of their low-maintenance qualities. You might not know, however, that composite materials have evolved significantly since their introduction almost two decades ago.

"The newest generation of composite decking offers a superior combination of beauty and performance due to significant advances made in fade and stain resistance," says Adam Zambanini, vice president of marketing for Trex, the inventor and leading brand of the composite decking category. "Today's composites look 'like new' for much longer - making them the perfect upgrade for both wood deck owners and homeowners who love their existing composite decks."

Following are four key attributes to look for when purchasing composite decking:

* Superior durability - Spilled food, dropped grill tools and wet planter pots are no match for newer composites like the high-performance Trex Transcend collection.andnbsp; Transcend offers an unprecedented combination of fade, stain and mold resistance thanks to its exclusive protective shell and high-traffic formulation.andnbsp; Regardless of harsh weather conditions or daily wear and tear, Transcend also will not rot, warp or scratch. andnbsp;

* Realistic colors and textures - With high-definition wood grain patterns and rich, saturated colors inspired by the outdoors, today's composites look more natural than ever before and boast a vibrancy that remains unchanged for years.andnbsp; Color options range from deep earth tones to warm umbers, spicy reds and pristine greys - while some boards offer the distinct streaked look of tropical hardwoods and others provide an appearance with less color variation.andnbsp; When combined with a modular composite railing system that provides similar high performance and long-lasting beauty, composite decking offers endless mix-and-match options for incredible design flexibility to suit the style of any home.

* Ultra-low maintenance - The newest composites retain their beauty for decades with minimal upkeep, meaning you'll spend more time enjoying - rather than maintaining - your deck this summer and for years to come.andnbsp; In fact, you never need to worry about sanding, staining or painting - just do a simple soap and water cleaning twice a year.andnbsp; Since spills, splashes and other mishaps are inevitable, it's extremely important to select a composite that guarantees no-fade color - so that your decking remains looking the same for decades as it did on the day it was installed.

* Strong warranties - Lengthy warranties on next generation composites guarantee enduring good looks and offer additional peace-of-mind. In fact, Trex Transcend decking is backed by a 25-year Limited Fade and Stain Warranty, which is unprecedented in the industry and adds another layer of protection to Transcend's standard 25-year warranty - resulting in the ultimate assurance of lasting beauty.andnbsp; andnbsp;

"Today's composite decking is proof that sometimes the best can get even better," says Zambanini. "It combines unprecedented performance and aesthetics - taking the outdoor living experience to a whole new level for homeowners."

For more information about the latest innovations in outdoor living products - and for other ideas on how to spruce up your outdoor space with deck lighting, furniture, pergolas and more - visit trex.com.

Courtesy of ARA

Think of lighting as art for your home

Lighting is possibly the most powerful tool you have when it comes to interior design. It does not make sense to invest in beautiful furniture, rugs, paintings and accessories if they are in the dark. The perfect light fixture not only illuminates a space - it is also a beautiful, decorative design element.andnbsp;

"When looking for a light fixture, think of yourself as a curator looking for a perfect piece of art," says interior designer Laurie Smith, known for her role as a featured designer on the hit television show Trading Spaces (2000-2008). Smith says, "Like art, a fabulous fixture can make a strong design statement, as well as provide illumination for your space."

Often consumers do not realize the difference updated lighting can make in their homes. Smith suggests finding one special piece and building a room around it. "In design school, we learned that lighting is the most exciting and mysterious medium in design. Lighting is sculptural; it's textural, it's exciting," she says.

"There are so many varying styles and designs in lighting today that the possibilities are endless. Different materials and shapes are just part of what goes into determining that perfect fixture," says Smith. "For instance, do you want the shape of your piece to contrast with your room's schematic or coordinate with it? Taking a traditional fixture and placing it into a modern setting creates interest through contrast, while taking a sleek modern fixture and putting it into a traditional setting infuses new vitality and a sophisticated accent."

With so many choices on the market, the task of selecting a light fixture can be difficult and overwhelming for many homeowners. It's just a matter of developing a plan or one idea. To help consumers get started, Smith talks about the importance of lighting to interior design in a new video series. Each minute-long video, created by the American Lighting Association, focuses on a different aspect of lighting and ways to incorporate it into every homeowner's design plan.

Videos in the series include:

* Choosing the Right Lighting Fixture

* Find an Object of Inspiration

* The Impact of a Single Lamp

* Lighting Fixtures as Art

The videos can be viewed on the ALA website at www.AmericanLightingAssoc.com.

Whether looking for one fixture or a complete lighting design plan, a great place to start is at an ALA-member lighting retail showroom. There you will find professionally trained staff to help you select the perfect light for your space. To find a local ALA showroom, call 800-605-4448 or go to www.AmericanLightingAssoc.com.

IMAGE CAPTIONS:

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Caption 1: These Hubbardton Forge fixtures not only illuminate but are also a beautiful decorative design element.

Courtesy of ARA

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Get your outdoor space in tip-top shape

Spring has been knocking at the door all winter long. With record-low snow falls behind us and a forecast of more unseasonably-mild days ahead, why not take advantage of the temperate weather and get a jump on your outdoor spring cleaning now?

Here's a list of to-dos guaranteed to get your outdoor space in tip-top shape so you can enjoy the even warmer weather ahead:

* Make your house sparkle. Mildew growth is inevitable when a winter is warm and moist. To stop mold in its tracks and brighten up the exterior of your home, try using a cleaner specifically formulated for outdoor cleaning. The best part is you can do it yourself without hiring a professional or renting a power washer, which is a huge cost saver.

JOMAX House Cleaner and Mildew Killer is a great option. It is easy to apply and is guaranteed to kill mold and mildew and remove tough stains and stubborn dirt without scrubbing or power washing. Plus it's safe for use around plants and shrubs. Or for quick and easy routine cleaning, try JOMAX House Wash. Just hook it up to a garden hose, spray, wait five to 10 minutes for dirt and stains to loosen and rinse off.

* Clean your way to a dream deck. Whether you're hosting a barbecue or just enjoying your morning coffee, the deck is a place of solace. After weathering the winter storms, it could probably use a facelift. Start by thoroughly cleaning the surface to remove any debris or mold with a deck cleaner, like Wolman Deck and Fence Brightener Wood Cleaner and Coating Prep. It can be used on all types of wood and will loosen dirt and discolorations in just 10 minutes.

After cleaning, you may want to restore, beautify and protect the wood by applying a deck finish. Wolman DuraStain is available in 22 of today's most on-trend solid and semi-transparent colors, so you're sure to find a finish that complements that new furniture set. You can roll, brush, or spray it on the surface for easy application. Not only will it make your deck look brand new, it will provide protection against water damage and fading caused by the sun.

* The gateway to your haven. Sidewalks and steps are the first things guests see when they visit your home, yet most homeowners neglect them. That's because most people assume the only option for aging concrete is replacement. Fortunately, there are products that can make your concrete look new again, without spending a fortune, like Rust-Oleum Semi-Transparent Concrete Stain. It comes in a kit with all the tools needed to complete the project and is offered in seven of today's most popular concrete colors. A tint base kit is available if you prefer a custom color.

What's more: applying it is easy, even if you're an inexperienced do-it-yourselfer. First, clean the area by sweeping and hosing off the surface. Next, spray or brush on the stain and let it dry over night before walking on it. And voila, it's really that simple. Your revived concrete will be sure to wow your guests. For additional spring spruce up ideas and outdoor cleaning tips, visit www.rustoleum.com.

Courtesy of ARA

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Keep cool this summer with fun and flavorful frozen dessert recipes

As temperatures climb this summer, cool down with tasty and colorful frozen treat recipes for your next backyard barbecue or pool party. Offer everyone's favorite summertime treats - ice cream, sherbet and sorbet - in unique and unexpected ways, such as in refreshing beverages, delicious cake bars or whimsical parfaits. Mold frozen ingredients into bite-size treats using melon ball scoops for mini ice cream sandwiches, or use ice cube trays to make mini-popsicles as mid-afternoon pick-me-ups.andnbsp;

Summer is also a great time to pair frozen treats with seasonal fruits like watermelon, berries and peaches. Present these ingredients within vibrant, layered parfaits or use the fruit shells to act as novel serving bowls. For a more decadent spin, combine the frozen ingredients with more traditional dessert elements such as graham cracker crusts, shortbread or fruit pie filling.andnbsp;

"There's nothing more satisfying than a flavorful, chilled confection on a hot summer day," says Stan Frankenthaler, Baskin-Robbins executive chef and vice president of innovation at Dunkin' Brands. "Using a ready-made, frozen treat as a recipe base, then combining it with fresh, seasonal ingredients, is a quick and easy way to delight the taste buds of your friends and family, all while keeping them cool. Your guests will appreciate your creativity while they satisfy their sweet tooths."

Watermelon Chip Sorbet Punch

Total Time: 30 minutes

Yield: Approximately 8 (3/4 cup) servings

Ingredients:

* 1 small watermelon

* 2 cans of ginger ale

* 2 tablespoons lime juice

* 1 pint Baskin-Robbins Watermelon Chip Sorbet

Directions:

1. Cut an oblong hole in the top of the watermelon. Scoop out the watermelon, remove seeds, and mash half of the watermelon, reserving its juice.

2. Mix the watermelon juice, lime juice and ginger ale together in a bowl.

3. Pour the punch into the hulled out watermelon shell to one inch below its rim. Use the remaining punch to refresh as needed.

4. Top with small scoops of Baskin-Robbins Watermelon Chip Sorbet, and garnish each glass of punch with an additional scoop of sorbet.

Blueberry Cheesecake Ice Cream Bars

Prep Time: andnbsp;30 minutes

Total Time: andnbsp;3 hours, 30 minutes

Yield: andnbsp;24 servings

Ingredients:

* 1 3/4 cups shortbread cookie crumbs

* 7 tablespoons butter, softened

* 2 quarts Baskin-Robbins Blueberry Cheesecake ice cream, softened

* 1 jar (12 ounces) blueberry pie filling

Directions:

1. In a bowl, combine the shortbread cookie crumbs and butter until well blended. Pat the mixture firmly and evenly into the bottom of a 9-by-13-inch pan or dish.andnbsp;

2. Spread the Baskin-Robbins Blueberry Cheesecake ice cream carefully over the crust.

3. Spread blueberry pie filling evenly over ice cream.

4. Freeze three hours or until firm.

5. Slice into squares and serve.

For more delicious ice cream flavors and frozen treats, visit your local Baskin-Robbins restaurant or www.BaskinRobbins.com.

Courtesy of ARA

Preparing for the perfect summer barbecue gathering

Gathering with family and friends in the summer helps to create enjoyable memories of afternoons and evenings spent with delicious grilled foods, fun games and good socializing.

Organizing these gatherings isn't difficult, and with a little practice, you'll be known by your family, friends and neighbors as an expert, both in organizing an excellent outdoor gathering, and in your grilling techniques.

To spice up your barbecue menu and make the gathering one to remember, Chef Aaron McCargo Jr., host of Big Daddy's House on the Food Network, has some planning and grilling tips to share.

"Summer barbecues should be fun, flavorful and carefree. andnbsp;And, it all starts with a flavorful menu," McCargo Jr. says. "This is the perfect time of year to experiment with flavor combinations when planning your menu. From seasonal fruits and vegetables to marinades and sauces, there are many different ways to combine flavors that best represent the mood or theme of your celebration."

* Prep your food perfectly. Marinate your meat in Glad(R) freezer bags overnight or several hours before to lock in the delicious flavors you're going to be serving.

* Gather together some useful, but often forgotten materials that will make life a little easier during your event, like weights or clips, markers and stickers. The table weights are to keep the table cloth down - old unused keys pinned on the corners work well. Markers are so everyone can write their names on their cups for reusing. For a fun twist, encourage people to make up a name, and then guess whose cup belongs to whom. Finally, put stickers on the underside of a couple of plates and mix up the pile. Hand out a door prize to the people who end up using the stickered plates.

* Games are also very important, and have a variety on hand for kids and adults alike. Family Dollar offers a fun selection of prizes and activities for everyone, in every age group - without breaking your barbecue budget. Create your own kickball field, or establish a smaller bean bag toss game to encourage a little friendly competition. Another activity perfect for kids is sidewalk art.

* When grilling, turn meat only once. For steaks, turn the meat when the juices start to bubble on the top. The clearer the juice, the more well-done the meat.

* Apply sauces containing honey, brown sugar or molasses during the last 10 minutes of grilling to prevent the sauces from burning.

* Keep a spray bottle handy so you can calm down grill flare-ups, which could blacken the food.

* Clean up throughout the gathering, both to make the process easier when everyone's ready to go home after dark, and also to help keep the insects away. Check out Family Dollar for the best value on basic cleaning supplies, such as trash bags, disinfecting wipes, and Scott(R) Brand Paper Towels.

For grilling and side dish recipes to make your summer gathering a success, try these from McCargo Jr. exclusively for Family Dollar or visit www.familydollar.com.

Crispy Fried Honey Mustard and Chipotle Chicken Wings

Ingredients:

3 pounds or 24 to 32 wing pieces

4 cups of canola oil for frying

1 1/2 cup all purpose flour

1 envelope of garlic herbed dressing

Sauce:

1/4 cup of canned chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (chopped fine)

1/4 cup yellow mustard

1/4 cup honey

1/4 cup chopped scallions

2 tablespoons canola oil

Directions:

Toss wings in one envelope of garlic herbed dressing and 1/4 cup of canola oil until coated evenly. Use charcoal and lighter fluid to prepare grill. Place wings on the grill and cook for approximately 14 to 18 minutes, turning consistently to avoid burning until desired crispness. Remove from grill and toss wings with sauce and serve.

Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk all ingredients together and add wings in batches. Once well coated, remove wings with tongs shaking off the excess sauce as to prevent sogginess.

Savory Ranch, Bacon and Cheddar Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:

5 Russet potatoes baked, halved and scooped

1 4-ounce pack plain gourmet instant potatoes

1 cup chopped (crispy) cooked bacon

8 strips raw thin-sliced bacon (for Twice Baked Potato recipe)

1 cup heavy cream (heated to warm)

1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese

1 envelope of Hidden Valley(R) The Original Ranch Salad Dressing and Seasoning Mix

1/2 cup chopped fresh scallions

16 toothpicks

Directions for mashed potatoes:andnbsp;

In large sauce pan with heated heavy cream, add dressing and stir on medium low heat. Add the potatoes (use both the scooped and instant potatoes) and stir into the cream mixture until smooth. Turn off heat and fold in cooked bacon, cheese and scallions. Serve.

Directions for twice baked potatoes:andnbsp;

Chill potato halves. Put equal amounts of mashed potato mix in each potato half. Wrap each half with raw, thin-sliced bacon and put toothpicks into the loose ends of the bacon to secure it while grilling or baking. Place wrapped potatoes near the front of the grill where there is less heat and rotate every 12 to 14 minutes or until you achieve the desired crispness. For oven cooking, place potatoes on a sheet

tray seam side down and bake at 400 degrees for 14 to 16 minutes or until desired crispness.

Courtesy of ARA

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

How cheese can take your grilling from average to amazing

The sun is shining and the smell of charcoal is in the air - it's officially grilling season. Eighty-five percent of consumers will take to the tongs for some outdoor grilling this summer, according to the Hearth, Patio and Barbecue Association. So what's on the menu?

The California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) has developed a host of smokin' tips and juicy recipes that will make you say "cheese please" at your next backyard feast.

Savor the real California Cheese flavorandnbsp;

Did you know certain varieties of cheese can be grilled alone for a tasty treat? For optimal grilling results, avoid having the cheese on direct heat or for the grill to be too hot. Wrap the cheese in edible leaves that have been soaked in liquid (fruit juice, olive oil, wine) or put in a ramekin and place over indirect flames and on the cooler parts of the grill. If the temperature is too hot, the moisture from the cheese will evaporate, leaving you with a grainy texture.

Different textures of Real California Cheeses will respond differently to the dry heat of a grill. For example:

* Soft/fresh and semi-soft/mold-ripened - A category of cheeses that are typically creamy in texture, such as Brie, Ricotta and Mascarpone, are best contained in a ramekin or wrapped up in an edible leaf.andnbsp;

* Semi-hard /cooking, melting - These include cheeses such as Monterey Jack and Cheddar and are best incorporated into a dish, in or on a burger.andnbsp;

* Hard/grating - Generally describes any cheese aged sufficiently to become firm enough to grate, such as Dry Jack and several Hispanic-style cheeses, such as Cotija Anejo and Enchilado, which are dry, crumble easily and are used as a grating cheese in many Mexican dishes. These cheeses should only be used as an ingredient.andnbsp;

* Blue - Best incorporated into a dish, in or on a burger.

Avoid the burn

To check if the cheese is done and warmed through, it should have a pillowy or supple texture depending on the type of cheese. Higher moisture cheeses will be softer and firmer cheeses will have a more supple texture. Cook 10 to 15 minutes depending on cheese variety, size and how hot your grill is.

Perfectly grilled meals using real California Cheese

The grill isn't only for preparing burgers, chicken and fish. Expand your grilling horizons and next time you are firing up the barbecue try:

1. Pizza - Prepare dough and grill both sides until toasted but not entirely cooked - take off of grill and build your own pizza from a buffet of Real California Cheeses and other favorite pizza toppings.

2. Quesadillas - Make quesadillas on the grill using large tortillas and your favorite Real California Queso. Place shredded Queso on half the tortilla and fold. You can add anything from chicken and salsa to grilled vegetables.

3. Grilled cheese sandwich - Prepare your sandwiches on the grill by using hearty artisan bread that has a dense texture - you don't want to lose any cheese into the fire. Brush the exterior of bread with butter and fill with a favorite cheddar (or any other semi-hard cheese) that has been shredded and mixed with chopped green onions and thinly sliced shallots.

With these simple tips, you are ready to impress family and friends with tasty flavors and pairings for any occasion. Just look for the Real California Cheese seal to guarantee you're getting products made with 100 percent California milk. For more delicious ideas, recipes, and information visit RealCaliforniaMilk.com, like the company on Facebook at Facebook.com/RealCaliforniaMilk or follow on Twitter at Twitter.com/RealCalifMilk and Pinterest at Pinterest.com/RealCalifMilk.

Porter Beer Burger with Real California Gouda Cheese, Crispy Bacon and Caramelized Onions

Yield: Serves 4

Ingredients:

1 pound ground beef chuckandnbsp;

4 ounces bacon, cooked until crisp, crumbled

1 cup yellow onion, diced

4 ounces porter beer

Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to tasteandnbsp;

4 ounces Real California Gouda cheese, sliced andnbsp;

4 potato buns, toasted, for servingandnbsp;

Stone ground mustard

Red leaf lettuce

Directions:

1. Place a large frying pan over medium-high heat and add bacon, cook until crisp then remove from pan. Add the onion to the bacon drippings in the pan and season with salt, cook until golden brown and caramelized. Add the porter to the pan and cook until the liquid has evaporated, remove from the pan and cool. Combine the beef, onions, crumbled bacon, and salt and pepper in a bowl, and mix to combine. Form the mixture into 4 patties, each about 3 inches in diameter and 1 inch thick.

2. Preheat the grill and brush the grill grate with oil. Add the burgers and grill for about 3 minutes for rare, 4 minutes for medium-rare meat. Turn them over and grill for another 3 or 4 minutes, topping the burgers with the cheese in the last minute of cooking. (Or panfry the burgers in the pan you cooked the bacon in, over medium heat for 3 minutes per side for rare meat, adding the cheese as described above.)

3. Place the burgers on the toasted bread, and top with the red leaf lettuce, mustard. Serve immediately.

Courtesy of ARA

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