First class GERTRUDE'S!

What improved way to devote an afternoon than to stroll down Aged Colorado City's shop-lined key drag? You can choose a chiminea, get a tattoo, loll in the park, besot by yourself with happy-hour drink specials or have fun with the culinary delights that await you at Gertrude's.

Featuring a grill menu that modifications bi-weekly, a killer wine list, a bevy of vegetarian and meat-free of cost menu possible choices and an intimate bistro setting, this is the optimal spot in which to unwind and test to convince your more beneficial half that the 63-inch planter you saw down the street honestly will in shape through the front door.

My dining companion and I had an essentially flawless dinner have a look at to Gertrude's. The only chink in the armor: the Wonton Shrimp Wraps ($seven.95), a limp appetizer that will need to have been crispy.

What was crispy was the residence salad, developed with combined little one greens and spinach and doused with the fabled dwelling balsamic vinaigrette -- a dressing that a bit more than lives up to its billing on the restaurant's Online site.

That Internet page (www.gertrudesrestaurant.com), by the way, should preferably win an award for local restaurants: thorough details, up-to- date pricing and menu choices and some history on the folks who maintain the ship afloat. Nicely done.

Much more accolades go to the entrees, with a gold star for the Herbs de Provence Lamb ($22.95). This was a sumptuous little rack, cooked spot-on medium uncommon and thickly crusted with rosemary, lavender, thyme and chervil. That very last is an herb in the carrot household, with a flavor somewhere among parsley and anise. It is a popular in rural French cuisine. The lamb was finished with a red wine au jus and shared the plate with asparagus spears and garlic mashed potatoes.

For the seafood set, the Shrimp and Lobster Primavera ($17.95) would serve your demands just rightly. Steeped in a wealthy saffron cream sauce, the shellfish was balanced with artichokes, asparagus and peas. Your only desire in cutting the richness of these kinds of a dish is with a very good, full-bodied wine. We experimented with a 2001 St. Francis Zinfandel (ordinarily $40, but as a result of the conclusion of the month, ordering two grill things cuts the wine cost in half -- a tremendous offer). This giant red zin is spicy and easy, with just a slight oaky complete.

The assistance for our evening meal was remarkable: pleasant, prompt and professional. But inexplicably the restaurant was very nearly empty on our weeknight go to. We can do superior than this, Colorado Springs. Lay off your chain restaurant addiction for a bit and move to a larger stage of dining practical knowledge. You will not ever look and feel back again.

As if to demonstrate the law about actions owning equal and opposite reactions, the support for our lunch date was fairly significantly less than stellar. Gertrude's is just one of people destinations that closes in the course of the dead hours around lunch and dinner -- in this circumstance, they near at 2 p.m. on Saturdays and Sundays. That tends to make first-rate internet business sense.

We got there at one:30, however, and the server seemed visibly nonplussed that we showed up at shift's conclusion. When we finished our meals at two:fifteen and asked for espresso and espresso, we have been informed that the devices had been cleaned up and turned off. I wish the server was possibly new or just possessing a harmful day developing people depart unfulfilled is not really good policy.

The lunch menu is a lot much less formal than the dinner selection, but is executed clearly nevertheless. Sandwiches and salads prevail, so all you need to do is consider which glass of wine to pair with the Smoked Salmon Salad ($eight.95 for a halfsize portion). I selected a California Riesling.

Your dessert selections selection from berries and cream to the daunting Chocolate Oblivion ($6), a flourless chocolate cake that deserves considerable focus from cacao lovers. The Chocolate Amaretto Cheesecake ($six) is not as cheesecake-y as most (a beneficial matter in my guide), but is giant plenty of to serve a few. For a lighter touch, strive the Apricot Brandy Mousse ($7) and you can expect to swear it ought to come in a snifter.

So that is Gertrude's in a nutshell: great meals, cozy environment and Old Colorado City charm. Now, hon, about that planter...

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GERTRUDE'S

Tom's consider: Top notch off your Old Colorado Town excursion with the fabulous fare at Gertrude's, which pampers you with a killer wine record, resourceful entrees and extraordinary desserts served in an intimate bistro setting.

Address: 2625 W. Colorado Ave. Phone: 471-0887

Website web-site: www.gertrudesrestaurant.com

Hours: Breakfast: eight a.m.-two p.m. each day Lunch: 10:thirty a.m.-two:45 p.m. Mondays-Fridays and 10:30 a.m.-two p.m. Saturdays and Sundays Dinner: 5-nine p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays

Plastic: Indeed

Localized checks: Certainly

Liquor services: Total complement, but no sit-down bar

Smoking cigarettes: No

Kiddie fare: Lunch meal has separate kid's products

Vegetarian options: A multitude of: salads, pasta, burritos, omelettes, sandwiches at minimum one meat-complimentary grille product.

Handicapped access: Bathrooms are accessible dining area is cozy

Parking: Public good deal just simple steps away in the alley behind the eatery, as well as a number of spots out front

Author: TOM KARPEL THE GAZETTE

Examiner Garden of the Yr

Helen Booth should have an individual of the smallest gardens in the competitiveness but also one particular of the most captivating.

For Helen, who juggles work as a care assistant and doing work in a simply call centre, the tiny backyard significant in the Linthwaite hills is a serious haven.

Stroll previous her lavender meadow and in by the garden gate and you can see a tiny strip of land brimming with character - and pots in addition a chiminea which Helen purchased with her prize as a single of final year's winners.

Helen continues to impress with her willingness to tackle any work opportunities, including wall building up and her clear artistic expertise. Her planting has so impressed neighbouring local pub, The Sair that this 12 months, she's tackled their hanging baskets too.

As clearly as relaxing places for Helen, there are shady spots for her two cats and two dogs. And this year, Helen has gone for more color, turning her tiny corner of the Colne Valley into an even brighter spot than last yr.

The Right Home Air Conditioning Temperature Can Save You Money

Did you know that the right home air conditioning temperature can help you to save money every month? Most people are not aware of this but it is true and you need to understand how you can use the temperature of your air conditioning to save the most money possible.

The first thing to know is when you keep your air conditioning thermostat at a higher temperature you can significantly cut the costs on your bill each month. If you can keep your temperature level at 80 to 85 degrees and use ceiling fans or room fans to help circulate the air then this will help save money each month.

It will save you up to 5% on your home cooling costs for each degree that you are able to raise your thermostat. When you are at home it may not always be possible to keep your temperature set that high, but when you leave home for a vacation definitely set the temperature higher.

Move the temperature to a higher setting right before you leave and this will help save money while you are gone. Once you get back home you can set it to a more comfortable temperature and your home will cool off quickly.

Because you will be blocking out a lot of the sunlight having shades on your windows will also help you save money. Most people don't realize that over 20% of your air conditioning bill can be caused by the sunlight that comes in through windows that don't have shades.

The more you can block the sunlight from coming into your home the less the air conditioner will have to work to keep your home cool.

Because it could end up costing you more money it is always a good idea to be sure your air conditioner is cooling efficiently. Calling a professional and having them test is is the best way to be sure your air conditioner is working efficiently.

That way if there are any problems with it the professional can get it fixed for you right away.

Now that you know how the right home air conditioning temperature can help to save you money; all that remains is for you to start using these tips so you can save as much money as possible each month on your cooling costs.

You do want to use your air conditioner to stay cool, but saving money is also important, and now you know how to do both.

Author: Jeff Schuman

Contribute Towards A Green Future by Fitting uPVC Windows

Given the huge demand for fuel and power, energy rates are expected to surge in the near future. To save on energy expenses, there is a significant push towards deploying green methods in building construction. Fitting uPVC windows is one of the methods for curbing energy consumption. These windows are specially manufactured to enhance the thermal properties of the building without reducing the solar light passing through the windows. However, in order to buy good quality uPVC windows and to fit them properly into the building structure, it is essential to gain some knowledge of window insulation systems.

Fitting uPVC Windows: Essential Considerations

Prior to fitting uPVC windows, it is essential to test their thermal insulation properties. The insulation testing standards used for windows are different from those used for general building material. Usually, the resistance of a material against heat loss is defined by its R-value. This value is considered as the benchmark in determining the insulation properties of building materials used to construct walls and roofs. However, it is not the perfect standard to judge the insulation properties of materials used in the construction of windows. This is due to the fact that unlike walls and roofs, windows have to allow solar light to pass through them to ensure energy conservation. Thus, for windows, one should consider the U-value as the standard unit to test thermal characteristics. It measures the rate of transfer of heat from a solid material. Thus, while buying a uPVC window, look for a high R-value and a low U-value.

Other properties that help in the selection of energy-efficient uPVC windows are:

� Condensation resistance: The condensation effect in a closed environment deters thermal control. This unit determines the property of a solid material to curb the condensation process. The higher the condensation resistance, the better is the product.

� Air leakage: It is hard to search for a uPVC window product with no air leakage. Most products allow some amount of air to pass through. The market needs to be scanned for a product with minimum air passage. Use cavity closers to eliminate the possibility of air leakage after fitting windows.

� Visible transmittance: It is the property of a solid material to allow light to pass through. Unlike the U-value, it does not provide the exact rate at which light can travel through the material.

� Heat gain coefficient: It defines the property of a product to block solar heat. The lower the coefficient, the higher is the ability to block heat. To exercise high control over the temperature inside the building, use a product with a low heat gain coefficient.

Fitting uPVC Windows With Flexible Straps

Fitting uPVC windows, while preserving thermal control, is a daunting task. A bad fit can lead to cavities in the construction, which will hamper the insulation characteristics of the building. Using flexible straps is a smart solution to these problems. These straps are adjustable with different window systems and help to position the uPVC windows perfectly into the building structure. Initially, these steel straps are fixed to the outer frame of the window. The window is then placed in the cavity and adjusted. Once the window is fixed nicely, it is secured by locking the straps with interior blockwork. These straps can fix into cavities of different sizes and enhance the insulation properties of the building. Using straps also eliminates the use of screws for fixing the window.

For more information on fitting uPVC windows, visit http://www.cavalok.com. Cavalok Building Products is a leading manufacturer of cavity closers and insulated window templates. Mastering the science and art of manufacturing cavity closers, Cavalok has developed innovative products that provide a thermal break from the external environment. Approved by the British Board of Agr�ment (BBA) and the National House Building Council (NHBC), Cavalok provides building insulation material to leading UK builders and installers.

Author: Chris Coxon

Tips For Inside and Outside Living

With the Spring bulbs once again starting to poke through our garden's previously frozen soil, we are now entering that time of year when many of us gardeners start getting very busy indeed. March is always the time of year when those garden chores like the pruning back certain varieties of roses and fruit trees, sowing grass seed and preparing raised beds for their summer and autumn harvests well and truly gets underway.

However, for many people, it's also the time of year when they can again start considering their extra room to their house. I am of course referring to their 'outdoor living' area where many a warm sunny evening will no doubt be wiled away with a cool Gin and Tonic or summer Barbecue.

The term 'Inside/Outside Living' started being touted on many of televisions home and garden shows. For some, the idea of Inside/Outside living really refers to a decked area and a table and chairs, and where opportunity (and weather!) permits, using this area to eat, drink and socialise.

Garden architecture design has definitely changed over recent years though, in so much as some people have taken the concept of Inside/Outside living a step further...literally. Instead of simply having an area of garden reserved for table and chairs, some have actually designed their garden so it actually meets the home. This is very often through the use of patio doors or large glass windows butting right up to the garden's deck area without stepping up, or down. The advent of the increasingly popular 'glass curtain' has meant some lucky home owners can literally peel back the physical boundary between property and garden.

Whilst many readers of this article might think that those most likely to benefit from taking this more adventurous, planned approach would be owners of sprawling country properties with acres of rolling grounds, you'd be very mistaken indeed. Some of the best examples of real Indoor/outdoor Living can be seen in urban environments. The larger terrace houses which grace the South London suburbs for example, often have rear extensions bolted on. Simply changing the rear facing wall of the extension so it features more glass (we've seen examples of 'all glass' walls) can help bring the garden into the home, on even the gloomiest of British summer days. At best, the smells and joys of the garden can be encouraged to waft into the property when the weather feels warm enough to peel back the glass facade.

Other suggestions to help create a perfect Inside/Outside living area include:

Sound: Perhaps you can create sounds that could be heard inside the main living area from outdoors? Perhaps the sound of relaxing trickling water? Wind chimes always work well.

Wildlife: Encourage birds to feed on feeders near to the back of the property. Grow shrubs and plants which will encourage pollinating insects. One of the cheapest and most common of bedding plants, the Marigold, is perfect for attracting the likes of bees and ladybirds, which in turn actually help defend your garden from common pests like aphids (greenfly, cabbage and carrot fly etc).

Lighting: The seasons in Northern Europe unfortunately make it near impossible to enjoy an all year outdoor living area without some serious heating solutions. But by using lighting wisely, the garden can at least be seen, and indeed feel, like part of the rest of the property all year round. Why not try solar powered lighting on decked areas and let the sun neutralise your electricity bill a little? Sunken deck lights work well and actually look better in the colder months. And don't forget low level coloured spotlights - a throw of light across a flower bed near the rear of your property not only aids security but also looks like an outside version of the indoor Standard Lamp.

If like many, you are an avid Barbecue enthusiast, why not build a custom outdoor cooking area? Spanish architecture brick Barbecues are becoming increasingly popular and literally give you an outdoor kitchen area. Plant wisely and you can go from plot to plate in minutes (ever tried growing your own Peas or Asparagus and serving them straight away?) Your outdoor plots are capable of producing a constant churn of 'cut and come again' produce.

So, if like many you start to feel claustrophobic at this time of year after enduring one of the worst winters the UK has seen in 3 decades, you can now start considering your outdoor living area. Don't let the rain stop you either - invest in a decent parasol and a wood burning Chiminea and after 1 or two of the aforementioned G&T's you'll not even notice our typical British Summer.

Author: John King

Visit The Pot Belly Stove Shop at Lockwood and win a cast iron chiminea

Try your hand at this quiz and see how much you know about good wood! 1 - Are sales of wood burning appliances in 2008/09 up by over 30% nationally? 2 - Have wood stove manufacturers been working overtime? 3 - Has the sale of wood as fuel soared? 4 - Is wood as a fuel increasingly being used to automatically fuel domestic, commercial, public and industrial facilities? 5 - Is flue gas from modern wood burning appliances carbon neutral with regard to climate change? 6 - Is wood a renewable resource unlike gas from Russia? 7 - Is it important to use seasoned wood? 8 - Is it possible to burn wood legally in smoke control areas? 9 - Could wood as fuel potentially save the user money? 10 - Are modern efficient wood burning cookers/boilers available where the fire can be seen and enjoyed whilst preparing meals and heating and home?

Ten 'yes' answers means you are well informed but why not come and learn more about modern wood burning technology at The Pot Belly Stove Shop.

Six answers and more means 'well done' but come and learn more at The Pot Belly Stove Shop.

Five or fewer 'yes' answers - you need help.

Visit The Pot Belly Stove Shop immediately..

CAPTION(S):

Pictured (above) one of the range of great stoves now available at The Pot Belly Stove Shop at Lockwood Road. Help and advice is always available on various heating appliances from the shop's expert staff

The place there is certainly smoke, you will find one other injustice

As the night cooled off and the crisp autumn air settled in, we smelled the smoke.

"We should certainly get a chiminea so we can have a warm fire to sit by in the yard," I told my husband. He smiled, as if to say, "Yes, dear," and continued on his merry way.

I am convinced he was pondering, "Certain. We've just set new siding on the home and set in new windows, let's risk burning it down some chilly night so the family can sit outside of the heated home and be toasty warm."

It was intermission on our on a regular basis scheduled spouse and children evening, which is undoubtedly "daughter's" night since she picks the motion picture and dinner.

We seen the smoky smell soon after pausing the film to make popcorn and refill our drinks. Not viewing smoke in the immediate vicinity and knowing the popcorn hadn't burned, we gathered our goodies and headed back again into the basement, in which you'll find it very easy to pretend we are sitting in a movie theater with all of the mounted animal skulls blocking our view of the screen.

Sirens in the distance were escalating louder, then the flashing red and white emergency lights pulsed by means of the window of the entrance door, reflecting down the stairs and into the basement. My husband opened the garage door in time for us to see the fire trucks pass by the household.

We could nevertheless scent a little something burning but didn't see anything at all on fire in the quick place. We assumed it was a bonfire gone awful that Friday night time and didn't worry ourselves with the commotion.

The up coming early morning we discovered white foam, as thick as a fresh new blanket of snow, in the park across the road. The very last time vandals attacked the children's playground they left shaving cream on the slide, the swings and anywhere the small children would touch. Perhaps they bought a offer on a situation of shaving cream yet again.

No this kind of luck, as we quickly discovered. The foam substance had been used by firefighters to douse a wooden play framework vandals had set on fire.

Not also long once that discovery, the perform structure disappeared, maybe permanently, a result of the constant vandalism requiring repairs to the playground devices once liked by the neighborhood small children.

We breathe a collective sigh of reduction on weekend mornings when the park has been untouched by vandals. We cringe when we learn damaged swings and beer bottles, empty beer cans and food wrappers tossed on the floor significantly less than 6 tips from a trash can.

Vandals not long ago damaged the Lincoln statue that overlooks my father's closing resting place at Mount Wish Cemetery and overturned headstones belonging to cherished ones prolonged passed.

If caught, what will the punishment be for vandals with this sort of disregard for many people? If record is any indication, they deal with probation, a good -- not even a slap on the wrist.

Vicki Estes is a Topeka freelance writer. She can be reached at vaestes@sbcglobal.net.

How To Make A Area Outside

Plenty of individuals see their garden as an extension of their residence. In actuality, in current decades, the phenomenon of everyone extending the ease and comfort and luxurious of their homes into the �great outdoors� has grown considerably. Fuelled by this enormous modify of consumer fascination, patio and backyard furnishings manufacturers are establishing fashionable merchandise to strengthen the comfort and ease and comfort of entertaining exterior, whichever the weather conditions or local weather.

The home�s residing space can now be extended equally practically and visually. There are barbeques and fireplaces of all numerous sizes and styles, from elementary to huge-tech and patio furnishings and add-ons that will assistance set any mood.

Setting up an outside space is comparatively hassle-free. You really should assume about what influence you are hoping to realize do you want it to be minimalist, light and neat, or do you want a greater Mediterranean feel. What ever glance you�re when, there are some important goods that belong in any outdoor space.

� A grilling and ingesting area � this is quite often pulled jointly with a hearth products, this kind of as a fireplace, a patio heater or a chiminea

� Landscaping � raised flower-beds are a notably reliable strategy if you don�t have considerably space, as you can healthy alot more in and they add fascination. Tubs and a variety of alternative heights of plants are also a wonderful plan

� Lighting � ambient lighting is a extremely vital component in designing your out of doors room, as this will not only have an impact on the mood, but also how long you can remain exterior! Consider lanterns, fairy lights, candles or photo voltaic powered lights

� Sculptures � These can benefit construct a cohesive feeling inside of an outside space, in the exact same way ornaments can indoors. Look at not to go overboard with these, however - just one or two, relying on the size of your backyard can show results rather nicely.

Other outdoor rooms take the concept further with the addition of pizza ovens, cocktail bars, water functions, and pools.

Writer: Patio Furniture LLP

Alfresco ambience

EcoSmart Fire has launched a new line of energy-efficient designer fireplaces called Outdoor Ranges. Fueled by denatured ethanol, they offer a clean-burning, more environmentally sound source of heat and ambience than traditional fire pits or chimineas. And, these can also be brought indoors, requiring no vent or hard connection. Styles and prices vary from the utilitarian-looking stainless steel "Cyl" (pictured here) at $990 to the "Lantern," with its intricate cut-outs and bronze patina finish, for $3,990. All Outdoor Ranges are about 15 inches wide and span in height from 20 to 50 inches. CONTACT: EcoSmart Fire, ww.ecosmartfire.com.

Author: Jessica Rae Patton

Exert Caution When Handling Fire Pits

All people loves a good campfire, and fire pits recreate this ambient experience admirably. As a warmth supply, cooking instrument and social gathering place, fire pits are fun and useful. But when dealing with an open flame, safety is paramount. Being prepared can be the big difference involving a reliable time and an unforeseen accident.

Placement

When searching for the ideal spot to put your pit, there are quite a few variables to bear in mind. If you�re in an urban or dwelling setting, do not place fire pits onto wooden decks or patios. Somewhat, keep them on stone masonry or concrete floors every time likely. In any situation, make sure fire pits are away from lower-lying branches, eaves and overhangs. In particular windy days are not really good for fire pits, as embers could possibly fly and the fire pit alone would most likely just take a tumble. Also, when setting up, be confident to distinct away any dry leaves, twigs and other foliage in the place in the event of flying sparks catching them on fire. When doable, use a spark display, primarily when dealing with younger wood and saplings, whose logs have a tendency to crackle a bit more the greener they are.

Wood Pits

The most genuine style for a correct camping, outdoorsy encounter, wood burning fire pits are the way to go. They�re also, nonetheless, the toughest to command, and for this rationale there have to be primary tips taken to assure your safety. To differentiate, the most rudimentary of fire pits are handmade and consist of a dirt circle surrounded by stones. Models for spend money on are alot more diverse in style and design, and some, like the widespread chiminea, arrive with chimneys. In any scenario, attention is the most vital aspect when burning wood. Do not depart open fires unattended for an extended period of time of time.

Starting up Your Fire

Igniting a fire is where a most most people operate the danger of endangering themselves. The most all natural and most secure way to begin the process of a fire is by applying a hassle-free and homemade fire starter (dry lint positioned into cardboard egg cartons operates especially perfectly), then by using kindling and tinder to generate up the fire so that it is simplier and easier to regulate. If you insist on employing an accelerant of any type (like kerosene) consistently continue to keep in mind the adage �less is a lot more.� You can usually create far more afterwards on as desired, but your eyebrows won�t increase back again so quickly if you begin the process of with too very much. Several modern models of fire pits operate on propane or purely natural fuel so they need less constant focus, and scores of of these also come with made in security shut-off mechanisms and pilot lights as an additional safety measure.

Smoke

The fact is that, smoke is an avoidable thing of the operation when it comes to wood burning fire pits. However challenging to manage, check out to continue to keep away from and the route in which the smoke is blowing and inhaling its fumes for clear motives. Smoke is a carcinogen and is certainly damaging to people with respiratory ailments, as well as asthma. Some versions of fire pit do in fact come with a wind break which helps to control the quantity of and direction in which smoke wafts.

Fire Extinguishers

As with any open flame situation, normally, continuously hold a fire extinguisher nearby. If you do not own a person or are out in the woods, a bucket of h2o will do in a pinch. Ideally, anything with a spray nozzle works best so that you would probably intention and focus drinking water where it is required. No matter what you use, continue to keep it in sight. Along that exact same vein, continue to keep any flammable substances like kerosene and aerosol cans far away from heat. Finally, do not stack firewood formations too huge as they are possible to topple around as the wood melts away. A teepee or log cabin configuration is proven to be in particular durable when arranging logs.

Instruments

Pokers and other resources are most definitely handy when dealing with fire pits. Log pokers are fantastic for relocating and rearranging logs that might have fallen or are precariously positioned. Other tools, among them shovels and brushes, are way more valuable when cleansing up afterwards and do not always enable significantly as far as security measures.

Dismantling

When you�re completed experiencing your fire pit, caution should always still be exhibited when breaking every thing down. Never ever actually move logs or fire pits that are nonetheless burning, glowing from embers, or have not fully cooled down to the touch. Not only do you danger burning your self, but in the situation of standing fire pits, the unit could fall around and catch some thing else on fire.

Author: Tonya Kerniva

Enviro-Log Firelogs Available at Select Canadian Retailers

Enviro-Log®, Inc., an eco-friendly, consumer products and recycling company, announced today that its firelogs can be purchased at select Canadian retail locations including: Wal-Mart®, Canadian Tire®, and Lowe's®.

Enviro-Log firelogs are a great year-round product for home heating and outdoor recreation activities. Canadians love the outdoors and Enviro-Log firelogs are the perfect fit for every occasion because they can be safely used in outdoor firepits, chimineas, campfires, outdoor tailgating and family cook-outs. Enviro-Log firelogs can also be used in nice, relaxing fires in the fireplace and woodstoves to reduce utility bills. Enviro-Log firelogs are tested safe for use in typical woodstoves and as an outdoor cooking fuel. They produce 30 percent less smoke emissions and up to 33 percent less greenhouse gases than firewood.

As the largest waxed cardboard recycler in North America, Enviro-Log works with both Canadian and U.S. businesses to reduce their landfill volumes by providing a better solution for wax cardboard than landfills. Enviro-Log uses recycled waxed cardboard to manufacture its earth-friendly firelogs that burn cleaner and more efficiently than firewood, while offering more uses than competitive wax-sawdust firelogs.

"With our use of 100 percent recycled materials, combined with better performance and more flexibility than competitive firelogs, Enviro-Log firelogs offer a compelling value proposition for both Canadian retailers and consumers," said Ross McRoy, president of Enviro-Log, Inc. "We are proud to offer the Canadian marketplace a product that is the ultimate substitute for firewood. Enviro-Log firelogs offer all the conveniences of a wood fire, but with a better environmental result. It just makes good sense."

According to Environment Canada, an organization that implements Canada's federal government's environmental agenda, more than 3 million Canadian dwellings use wood heating as the primary or secondary source of heat. Canada's national statistical agency, Statistics Canada, says that residential wood heating is one of the main causes of winter smog in Canada. Statistics Canada also reports that wood heating is responsible for 29 percent of Canadian emissions of fine particulates. Enviro-Log firelogs offer Canadian consumers a better alternative to wood because they burn cleaner and produce 50 percent more heat per pound than wood.

When compared to wood or other manufactured firelogs, Enviro-Log firelogs emit 80 percent less carbon dioxide and 86 percent less creosote. Like wood, you can burn more than one Enviro-Log firelog at a time to enhance a fire. However, unlike wood, Enviro-Log firelogs can be stored and burned in all weather conditions. You can even use the ash from Enviro-Log firelogs as fertilizer or potting soil.

About Enviro-Log, Inc. Enviro-Log® is an eco-friendly, consumer products and recycling company headquartered in Fitzgerald, Ga., and the third largest producer of manufactured firelogs in the U.S. Its firelogs are made of 100 percent recycled materials and burn cleaner than wood while generating 50 percent more heat. Enviro-Log firelogs can be purchased in Canada at Lowes, Wal-Mart, and Canadian Tire locations. Enviro-Log firelogs are also available at select national retail locations including Home Depot, K-Mart, WholeFoods, Weis Markets, Fred Meyer, Harris Teeter, Winn-Dixie, and regional retailers throughout the U.S. The company also offers earth-friendly firestarters and accelerants. More information on Enviro-Log can be found at www.enviro-log.net or by calling (866) 343-6847. Retailers can also send an email to sales@enviro-log.net

Enviro-Log is a registered trademark of Enviro-Log, Inc. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are properties of their respective companies.

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Media Contacts: Christina Bereta Dresner Corporate Services (312) 780-7218 cbereta@dresnerco.com David Gutierrez Dresner Corporate Services (312)780-7204 dgutierrez@dresnerco.com

Tips for Choosing a Chiminea for Your Backyard or Patio

Imagine that you want to stay warm in your backyard on a cool, starry night. One of the ways you can do so is to invest in a clay or cast iron chiminea. A chiminea is nothing more than the modern version of a traditional Mexican outdoor fireplace. This type of outdoor fireplace was used for hundreds of years as a source of warmth and a place to cook. Nowadays you see them in many backyards as sources of warmth and as accent pieces adding charm to a patio or garden.

You can find chimineas made of clay, aluminum and cast iron. Which one you choose depends on what style fits your patio or backyard and how much money you are willing to invest. (Note: There are several accepted spellings for a Mexican fireplace. The common spellings are: chiminea, chimenea, chiminia, chimenia.)

Choosing a Clay Chiminea

When choosing a clay chiminea, you should look to see if the fireplace was air-dried or kiln-dried. In general, an air-dried fireplace is usually �untreated.� This means you would need to paint it and seal it before use. Kiln-dried versions are typically prepainted and sealed.

Clay chimineas are constructed in two pieces. The bottom piece, called the �bowl� is the largest piece, and looks like a potbelly stove. The smokestack, or �neck� is attached separately on top of the bowl. The joint where the two pieces come together is usually rather weak, so you should never lift a clay chiminea from the neck.

In general, clay chimineas are not designed to handle large fires for extended periods of time. They are also more likely to crack and break than a cast iron or aluminum model.

Finally, remember that a clay chiminea is nothing but a combination of water and dirt. If you let it sit in water long enough, it will turn back into mud. Therefore, cover it during rainstorms and never let your clay fireplace sit in a pool of water!

Cast Iron and Aluminum Chimineas

In general, a cast iron or aluminum chiminea is more durable and sturdy than a clay version. Although they tend to be heavier than clay models, they won�t crack or break as easily. However, they will need occasional maintenance.

For example, if you leave a cast iron chiminea outside long enough, it will rust. Rust is a normal occurrence, so if you sand out the rust spots and paint them as they appear, your fireplace should give you many years of enjoyment.

Cast aluminum models are relatively low maintenance, lighter in weight than cast iron, and also rust-resistant. Therefore, painting and sanding is not necessary.

What to Look for in All Chimineas

As you shop for a Mexican fireplace, pay close attention to the size of the fire bowl area. This is where you will be placing the wood to burn, so be sure it is large enough to accommodate adequately large pieces of wood. The size of the fire bowl is more important than the height of the neck.

You might also consider purchasing a spark arrestor for your chiminea. A spark arrestor is a mesh screen that you place over the chimney hole to prevent sparks from escaping. You might also consider a spark arrestor for the front of the fire bowl, too.

A modern Mexican chiminea is a great addition to any backyard, both as a source of heat and as a decorating accent piece. Make your choice between clay, cast iron, and cast aluminum models. With a little yearly care, you will have a wonderful conversation piece for your patio or backyard. Plus, you will have a romantic and charming way to stay warm as you gaze into the sky on a cool and starry night.

Author: David Caban