How To Plan A Fireside Date At Home

How To Plan A Fireside Date At Home

This Valentine’s Day looks a little different for most of us due to the ongoing pandemic, but it doesn’t mean we can’t bring romance and date nights home. With the significant changes in the way we spend our time, it’s essential to make your date night at home feel just as exciting as if you were spending the evening out. The best part? You can come as you are, no dress code required.

Planning a successful fireside date night at home takes a few elements and a little creativity. The following five essential components are the perfect combination for the most romantic date. 

 

Food

Food is one of the best parts of any evening, and that is especially true when it comes to date nights, as food can be an activity or provide an opportunity to try something new. Cooking together can be a great date night idea, no matter what you choose to cook. If you’re not interested in lifting a finger, this could be a great time to explore local restaurants that deliver directly to your front door. That way, you can be adventurous with new cuisine without having to leave the comfort of your couch.

 

Drinks

The drinks or beverages you choose may seem like an insignificant detail but making sure to have options available can make your date night feel like an extra-luxurious occasion. Consider offering multiple drinks throughout the date, such as water to start, a cocktail or a glass of wine as you head into dinner, and finishing off the evening with a nightcap.  

 

Ambience

The ambience in your home is a big part of the evening as it will truly help set the mood. Lighting the fireplace adds instant romance to your room, whether you have a wood, electric or gas fireplace. If you find yourself without a real fireplace in your home, you can create that ambience by turning on a fireplace video. No matter how you accomplish that fireside feeling, this little touch makes a huge difference, and also works well if you happen to be planning a fireside picnic in the living room for your date.

 

Warmth

Keeping your home feeling warm and comfortable is a significant part of a successful date night, especially as you’ll most likely be spending the entire evening in one room. So set your home’s temperature or fireplace to a suitable level; if you’ve decided to get dressed up, you’ll want to feel comfortable without a jacket or a sweater. As the evening starts to wind down, consider setting out a few cozy blankets for extra comfort and warmth.

 

Entertainment 

The evening’s entertainment portion is where you can get creative and have fun with your plans for the night. Do you prefer a quiet activity or something with a bit of excitement? Whether you plan to cook a meal for two together in the kitchen or a night of charcuterie and board games, choose something that both parties will love and enjoy. 

 

Now that you’ve gathered everything for your romantic fireside date night, all that’s left to do is pick the time. Consider sending your partner or spouse an invitation a few days ahead so they’ll know to reserve their spot on the couch. All of these little details can make up the perfect night at home and the ideal way to spend February 14th, or any day, with someone you love.

Residential Construction Rebate Program Launched in Newfoundland

The Residential Construction Rebate Program will allow homeowners to save money on construction and renovation projects, while also helping to stimulate the economy and employment in the province’s construction industry.

HPBA Canada has clarified that new installations as well as retrofits of both solid-fuel and gas hearth appliances are eligible for rebate as part of this program.

This program applies to projects contracted between June 8 and August 7, 2020 and started on or after June 8, 2020, with work substantially completed by March 31, 2021.
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Renovation Projects

A 25 per cent rebate is available for renovation projects for principal residences, up to a maximum rebate of $10,000 (based on a $40,000 project).

New Home Construction

A rebate of $10,000 is available for new home construction on homes valued up to $350,000 before HST.

The rebate will apply to work on a primary residence contracted within a 60-day period from the start of COVID-19 Alert Level 3, and the project must be substantially complete by March 31, 2021. To qualify, homeowners must use an eligible contractor, which includes those who have general liability insurance and are registered (i.e., HST registered, valid Business Number or Workers Compensation registered). 

For further information about this program or questions, please contact:

Canadian Home Builders’ Association NL
48 Welland Street
St. John’s, NL A1E 6C1
T: 709-753-2000
TF: 1-800-265-2800
admin@chbanl.ca
www.chba.ca
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Let’s Talk Wood Preparation & Storage

Let’s Talk Wood Preparation & Storage

Did you know burning green wood can severely damage your woodburning stove and cause residue build-up in your chimney? Green wood (or freshly cut wood) releases a lot of creosote (tar). It will burn, but it won’t burn well, and if done regularly can cause a chimney fire or worse. Green wood is safe for outdoor use, but seasoned wood is best for the most efficient and clean burn indoors.

Seasoning is the process of allowing wood to dry over a period of time (usually six months) depending on climate, and type and age of the tree. Although some wood may require less time, six months is considered a reasonable amount of time for the moisture content to drop from 50 per cent to 20 per cent or less.

Once you have selected the correct seasoned wood for maximum woodburning efficiency, consider which species of wood is best for heating your home. Hardwoods (maple, walnut, oak) were traditionally the preferred burn choice because leaky cast iron stoves wouldn’t maintain a fire made of softwoods (cedar, red pine, fir) overnight. However, with the latest advancements in technology, woodburning appliances all function well with a wider variety of wood species, due to their better control over the combustion process. In modern stoves, both soft and hardwoods make excellent fuel for spring and fall use, but it’s still best to save your hardwoods for the coldest part of winter. Also, consider burning fruit trees, such as apple or cherry, as they produce a pleasing aroma, and do well heating your home too.

Want to save time and energy? Buying pre-cut wood is a great way to go, but it is important to know what you are getting. Check with the seller to see what types of wood are included and be clear on how much wood you will receive. Don’t forget to determine the appropriate log dimensions so they fit inside your stove. It is good practice to visit the woodlot and inspect the wood before purchasing.

The official measurement of firewood is a “cord”. A “full cord” is four feet tall by four feet deep by eight feet long. Depending on the log size (commonly sixteen to eighteen inches), a “face cord” may only offer a third the firewood as a full cord, and should be priced accordingly. Firewood is also sometimes sold by the amount that fits in a truck bed; this can make the amount of wood difficult to gauge and can conceal a higher price per cord measure.

The amount of wood you need depends on climate, length of seasons, size of your home, and whether or not your appliance is the primary heating source. In theory, a cord of wood could last you four months in a smaller home with conservative use and moderate winter temperatures. However, it is better to err on the side of caution and overestimate the amount of firewood needed, so you aren’t left out in the cold. Always source a couple of woodlots to keep your options open. A cord most likely will only last you two months.

Once your wood has been delivered, or you’ve just finished splitting your own wood (the most inexpensive firewood source), it now needs to be stacked and stored properly.

Stack wood near the entrance to your home, but not against the wall, as this prevents insect and critter problems. Construct an open shed or use a tarp to shield wood from rain and elements. Keep your wood raised three to four inches off of a solid base or the ground to prevent the bottom rows from rotting. Pallet boards work very well for this purpose. Whatever you use, keep in mind there needs to be room for good air circulation all around the stack to aid in seasoning, and protection from the elements year-round. If you split your own wood, the storage area should ideally be sized to hold a three-year supply, to allow for proper seasoning and rotation.

Thank you to woodheat.org for the above information. woodheat.org is a great source for information on heating your home with wood.

How Well Do You Know Your Hearth?

How Well Do You Know Your Hearth?

1. What is a hearth?

a) The floor of the fireplace where the fire burns
b) The area in front of the fireplace
c) A symbol of one’s home
d) All of the above

2. Which lyric in the French Canadian National Anthem also means fireplace in French?

a) Fleurons
b) Valeur
c) Foyers
d) Trempée

3. Who is the Greek goddess  of the hearth?

a) Vesta
b) Hestia
c) Hephaestus
d) Artemis

4. The pronunciation of Hearth rhymes with which word?

a) Earth
b) Fourth
c) Beer
d) Scarf

5. How long should you let  wood dry before you burn it in your hearth appliance?

a) 1 month
b) 3 months
c) 6 months
d) 1 year

6. What is the optimum moisture rate for firewood before burning it in your hearth appliance?

a) Less than 10%
b) Less than 20%
c) Less than 30%
d) Less than 40%

7. The oldest hearth in the world  (300,000 years old) was  discovered in a cave where?

a) Israel
b) Turkey
c) Romania
d) Egypt

8. When is it believed the first  indoor fireplace was used?

a) 17th century
b) 12th century
c) 16th century
d) 10th century

Answers 1d; 2c; 3b; 4d; 5c; 6b; 7a, 8b

The Untapped Potential of Your Fireplace

The Untapped Potential of Your Fireplace

The fireplace and its floor (or “hearth” as it’s commonly called) is the main attraction of any room it inhabits. Just as centrepieces on formal dinner tables across Canada set the theme before the meal is served, the fireplace, mantel and hearth do so on a much grander scale.

Your fireplace serves two main purposes: it warms the room and is the primary focal point. Whether it occupies your living room, family room, basement or bedroom, the overall look of your fireplace can make a lasting impression. By decorating the mantel and hearth, you will add a whole new decorative element to the room.

Most people line the mantel with photos, or display a mirror, pieces of art, ceramics or collectibles. Some even throw down a bear skin rug. But why not be unique and treat it as a blank canvas to showcase your creativity. Make a statement. The fireplace is the one thing you can decorate on a whim, or change with the season, and set the mood for a fraction of the cost of redecorating the entire room.

With fall and winter fast approaching, use the natural beauty of each season to transform your fireplace into a work of art. Get inspired by the themes of Thanksgiving, Halloween and Christmas. There is untapped potential in your fireplace and hearth. Don’t let it be a forgotten fixture that only exists to provide heat and comfort. Decorate the mantel and the hearth. Spice it up. Make it an extension of your personality. But most importantly, have fun doing it. And always remember safety. Keep appropriate clearances in mind and don’t allow combustible materials to come in contact with the fire or glass.