Rich's for the Home

July 4, 2009: Celebrate with style and with the earth in mind

If you are like me, you want to be of a green mind even during celebrations and on holidays. But for some reason, it seems tough.

In reality, it isn’t more difficult than having an average green day. It just takes some pre-planning. Why not make a list of ways you can celebrate this holiday and still be friendly to our Earth? Here are some tips to get you started:

1. The group that crafts together has loads of fun. At your next gathering, ask all your guests to bring a box of stuff they'd normally throw away. You supply hammers, nails, glue etc. Set everything out on a table and have everyone craft their own wind-chime or garden sign.
2. Choose local, organic foods whenever possible. Turn a visit to an organic farm into a party. Don't be shy about asking the farmer for ideas and recipes.
3. Focus on no-cost fun including old-fashioned games and activities like an obstacle course or relay races that you adapt according to participants' ages. More games.
4. If you're seriously into eco-friendly, ditch the personal fireworks as they are anything but. Also, it is more environmentally friendly for thousands of people to attend a big display versus setting off your own fireworks.
5. Don’t waste food. If you have leftovers, send them with people who will eat them. Put them in containers with lids versus plastic baggies. If you don’t want to send your good leftover dishes, buy disposable that can be washed and re-used.
6. Recycle any waste that is left over. Put veggie and fruit scraps in the compost bin. Recycle aluminum cans and anything plastic or glass.
7. Walk to your local parade and fireworks instead of using your car. That will make even parking a breeze. Or ride your bikes and get good exercise too.
8. Proudly wear a green tee shirt to any gatherings. How about “I’m celebrating with Red, White and Green?”
9. Have fun and be proud that you are bettering us all—even during celebrations.

Thanks to CelebrateGreen for a couple of the above ideas.

Celebrate with Red, White and Green

For most Americans, July 4th marks the official start of summer and that means family and friends gathering together enjoying each other at picnics and barbecues. But all this celebrating can take a toll on the Earth (and cost a lot of green as well), so why not consider some alternatives to the ways we've traditionally celebrated summer? Here are just a few ideas:

Serve filtered tap water. It's so easy to hit one of the big box stores and pick up cartons of water if you're hosting a picnic or barbecue, but you can save money and the planet when you choose to drink and serve filtered tap water instead.

Knowing that bottled water (even by the case), is 240 to 10,000 times more expensive than tap water and that 40% of bottled water should be labeled tap water because that's what it is, you may decide that the "convenience" is simply not worth the cost. Instead, set out pitchers of iced tap water and ask a willing helper to keep the pitchers full.

Substitute reusables for disposables when possible. Picnics and barbecues have become synonymous with throw aways--plates, cups, napkins, tablecloths and decor. While there are more choices for disposables made from recycled and biodegradable materials, using what you already own and remains a more earth-friendly (and budget-conscious) choice.

If you don't own enough plates and glasses, why not:

1. Borrow. Friends and neighbors are usually happy to contribute
2. Ask everyone to bring their own place settings. That's what people used to do B.P.P. (before paper plates).
3. Hit your local thrift store. You'll likely be able to pick up dozens of plates very inexpensively and when you're done, you can donate them back.

When it comes to napkins, tablecloths and decor, think outside the paper box by decorating with items you already own, like sheets. Supply guests with red, white and blue fabric markers and set them loose. You'll end up with a unique table covering that you can use over and over again. Also, washcloths make great napkins and if they're stained with barbecue sauce, use them for rags.

--
Guest posters Lynn Colwell and Corey Colwell-Lipson are mother and daughter and co-authors of Celebrate Green! Creating Eco-Savvy Holidays, Celebrations and Traditions for the Whole Family. 

Games for Outdoor Entertaining 3: Water Balloon Toss

WATER BALLOON TOSS

The Water Balloon Toss is a great way to both cool off and add some laughs to your outdoor gathering. Aww come on-a little water never hurt anyone, right?

PRE-PLAN

1. Buy a bag or two of water balloons.
2. Fill them up.
3. Place them in large buckets or containers.

STEPS

1. Partner participants up with someone of similar height, if possible.
2. Line people up so there is an even distance between two lines, with partners across from each other.
3. Give water balloon to one partner, who must toss it to their partner. The partner should catch it.
4. After each toss, the person who tossed it must step back one step.
5. Teams are out when their balloon breaks.

MIX IT UP

• If you don't want winners and losers, just keep passing out balloons to people who break theirs until all the balloons are gone.
• Add an action before tossing. For instance, tosser must do a jumping jack before tossing balloon.
• Rotate one line after each toss so that people can experience different partners.

Treasure Hunt
Freeze Tag

Customer Experience: Big Green Egg

We recently met with Archie Lopez, a Big Green Egg customer from Texas. He runs an electric utility district and truly enjoys his Big Green Egg.

J- How does the Big Green Egg help you?

A- Too many ways to count. This grill makes slow cooking meats so easy it's pretty hard to mess things up unless you throw some meat on the grill and totally forget about it and burn it. It is also a very efficient smoker/grill....a little charcoal goes a LONG way. 

I have cooked when it was in the 20-30's in the dead of winter with no problems. I can still get the BGE to 600-700 degrees to cook steaks in that kind of weather!

Also, if we ever have an extended power outage I know I can get it fired up and ready to go in 15 minutes or less. I can cook just about ANYTHING on that thing.

J- I’m not that good at grilling. Does the Big Green Egg make it easier?

A- I have slow cooked ribs for 8 hours before and all I had to do was check the temperature gauge on the outside to make sure the temperature was constant. It really seals in the juices and makes the food taste great. With my gas grills it was a LOT more work. Now some grillers may like all the work, but I like to sit and enjoy good conversation rather than stand all day in front of a grill in the Texas heat.

J- How durable is it?

A- One will last you a lifetime unless you drop it and crack it. The quality of the construction is excellent.

J- What have you cooked on your Big Green Egg?

A- Let's see.....I've cooked steaks, ribs, chicken, turkeys, cornish game hens, porkloin, hamburgers, hot dogs,  veggies, pizzas, bratwurst, hot links, and baked potatoes.  It's pretty versatile!

J- I would say so! Would you recommend a Big Green Egg to others looking for a grill?

A- Absolutely! Slow cooked meats are about half of what they would cost at a BBQ joints but they have all the same seared-in flavoring. Plus it's a great excuse to gather the extended family and see what we can come up with.

BUY YOUR BIG GREEN EGG at Rich's for the Home.

Planting in your outdoor room-it's not too late

It's not too late to make a great impression in your outdoor room with plants. If you are planning a 4th of July party, family reunion or any other kind of gathering this summer, it's time to plant. Plants, whether veggies or flowers, can make a great impression in your decor and even offer opportunity for conversations starters and a bit of horticulture education.

If you want to plant veggies, stir it up by:

1. Plant unusual veggies that the common person may not recognize.
2. Use the veggies in the food you offer your guests.
3. Plant veggies that offer a beautiful blossom.
4. Think outside the box. Nothing wrong with planting (for instance) a few cucumbers in a hanging basket.

If you want to use flowers in your outside room decor, consider:

1. Overfilling the planters. It will be more beautiful for one-season flowers.
2. Mix it up with both tall and shorter flowers in your flowerbeds.
3. Consider edible flowers.
4. Work with colors that match your house and any features of your outdoor room.
5. Be sensitive to placing flowers that draw bees too close to your guests.

Plants will help every outdoor room look fresh and feel relaxing. They also work wonders to add a bit of color and cheer. Don't forget to water them when they are dry and give them sun. Happy plants=happy guest and happy plant-owners.

Games for Outdoor Entertaining 2: Freeze Tag

FREEZE TAG

Freeze Tag is an oldie but goodie and is fun even for adults. The person who is "it" runs around and tags people. Once tagged, the person is frozen and can't move around again until someone who is free crawls between their legs.


PRE-PLAN

1. Find a space. The backyard will work.
2. Decide who is "it".

MIX IT UP

• Divide the group into two teams. Use a ribbon or bandanna around the wrists to differentiate teams. Have two people be "it", one from each team. Free people can only unfreeze people on their own team. When you want to end the game, the team with the most unfrozen people wins.
• Start with a wide playing area and narrow it throughout the game.
• Make a safe zone where people can run to but they can only be in there twice during the game and for 15 seconds at a time.

STEPS

1. Go!

Treasure Hunt

Grilled Potatos

Of course, we grill meat. And we also grill some veggies. Have you ever thought about grilling potatoes?

I will admit--except for burying potatoes in the coals of a hot fire, I have not. So it was with interest that I read this article from VV Daily with some ideas on how to grill potatoes. They even suggest pairing them with meat on a skewer. That's interesting. I guess you would have to make sure that the potato didn't get too soft and split up. I bet it tastes totally yummy.

Here are some other potato grilling ideas:

1. Foiled Treasure Packets- A fine and delicious mixture of corn and potatoes.
2. Potato Rounds- Slice potatoes into rounds, with or with skin. Brush with salt and olive oil and grill directly on grill.
3. Potato Halves- Slice potatoes in half and grill face down. Good with garlic powder. Scoop and eat.
4. Chunked Potatoes- Chop into chunks, toss with basil and a bit of Worcestershire sauce. Grill wrapped in foil until soft.

Do you have a clever way to grill potatoes? If so, please let us know in the comments.

Games for Outdoor Entertaining 1: Treasure Hunt

It's party time! Are you ready for outdoor entertaining this year? I sure am. I am going to start a series on outside games that you can use to spice up your outdoor party. And most of them are for the adults as well as the kids! So get your planning notebook or print this page and add it to your ideas. It's FUN.

TREASURE HUNT

The best treasure hunts are when the prize is valuable to that particular crowd. For kids, of course, it can be as simple as a box of candy. For adults, you might have to get more clever (although candy is sometimes appreciated in that age group too). Try movie passes, bowling passes, game or play tickets or food and drink.

PRE-PLAN

1. Cut slips of paper or use index cards for each clue.
2. Each clue needs to lead to a location with the next clue.
3. Make the clue rhyme, if you can.
4. When done with a clue, fold it over and write on the outside of the clue where you will be placing it.
5. Make the last stop the TREASURE.
6. Don't hide the FIRST clue. But do hide the rest.

MIX IT UP

• Divide into teams and see who can find the treasure the most quickly. If you have teams, you will have to make more than one copy of each clue and explain that each team should only take one.
• Ask your neighbors if they can house a "stop" in their yards. Or, use other stops such as the stop-sign down the street.
• The more clues, the longer it will take.

STEPS

1. Either divide people into teams or make it a group effort.
2. Pass out the first clue.
3. GO!

Tax Stove Credit Information

The Stove Tax Credit put into place by the Obama administration has been finalized and although there are some stipulations, it means that you can get up to 30% of your qualifying stove/fireplace purchase as a tax credit, up to $1,500.00.

What are you waiting for? It's an ideal time.

All the products from Lopi meet the qualifications. Here is a handy-dandy list of models just for you:

Lopi Wood Stoves:

Leyden

Answer

Republic 1250

Republic 1750

Endeavor

Liberty

Lopi Wood Stove Inserts:

Answer

Declaration

Revere

Freedom

Freedom Bay

Walden

Lopi Pellet Stoves:

Leyden

Pioneer

Yankee

Lopi Pellet Stove Inserts:

Pioneer Bay

Yankee Bay

What's Cooking: Grilled Italian Turkey Sausage

Now I have to admit to something strange: I have never liked sausage. I've tried several kinds to no avail. However, other people in my family enjoy sausage very much. We were able to come to a small compromise recently when I discovered that a yummy sausage can be made from ground turkey. As this recipe stands, it is a mild sausage. But delicious just the same.

WHAT YOU NEED:

• 1 pound ground turkey
• 1 1/2 teaspoons sugar
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt
• 2 teaspoons Italian seasoning
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper

STEPS:

1. Mix all ingredients.
2. Shape into patties or strips.
3. Grill evenly on both sides.

Which grill is the best for the environment?

When it comes to being environmentally friendly, which grill is the best? There are so many options and you may be surprised as I was to learn that electric grills actually are the worst on our environment. According to US News and Oak Ridge National Laboratory: "A liquefied petroleum gas grill

operated for an hour would emit 5.6 pounds of carbon dioxide while a charcoal grill would emit about 11 pounds. An electric grill would account for about 15 pounds of carbon dioxide."

So that means that by using a gas grill, you can actually cut that carbon monoxide in half. That's a pretty good amount.

Rich's for the Home features a variety of gas grills for your choosing. Here are some of your options:

Lynx- Lynx professional grills are the best when it comes to presentation and built-in varieties. If you like to spend a lot of your time cooking outdoors and/or have regular get-together's than this is likely the best option for you.

Vermont Casting- Vermont Casting are cast iron and classic, although not classic-looking. Their durability is unmatched and works well especially for our NW weather.

DCS- DCS Grills offer a lot of variety in cooking styles from searing to smoking. Their stainless steel look blends in beautifully with most decor.

Broilmaster- The Broilmaster P3 was named the "Best All-Purpose" Grill by Money Magazine. They even have an online Build-a-Grill option where you can add all the features that you want.

Weber- The Weber EP-310 comes in three colors! They are green, black and copper--if you can call black a color. And of course, Weber is known for it's long-term committment to their customers and good, economical grills.

If you just have to grill, know that you are doing the best for your environment by using a gas grill.

Let's go shopping!

Grills, grills and more grills

It seems that grills are for sale most anywhere that you go these days. There are a variety of brands and price ranges available at a variety of stores, apparently. But grills are not self-explanatory, and if you need assistance differentiating the brands and their features, or even identifying your own needs--Rich's for the Home is the best place to go. There you will find not only expert advice but assistance in choosing a grill that meets your needs in all possible ways.

Chances are if choosing Rich's, you won't regret the grill that you choose.

I recommend that before you go, you write down information on the following topics and take it with you:

1. How many people do you want to serve using your grill?
2. Do you want the option to cook different things at the same time at different temperatures?
3. Do you prefer charcoal or gas?
4. Do you want a cover for your grill?
5. How much room do you want on the side of the grill to place items as you cook them, or items that are waiting to cook?
6. What size of propane tank do you prefer, if choosing gas?
7. Do you want an upper rack where food can keep warm that isn't actively cooking?
8. Will you want to build in your grill with your outdoor room or have a freestanding grill?
9. Do you have a brand preference?

The answers to these questions will help Rich's grilling professionals help you choose the best option.

See you soon!

The Best Bar Stool Posts

We've written most everything about bar stools already and yet some of you still need to come in and pick some out. So I thought that I would help you along the way with that goal. Click on the links to read more about each topic.

Pictures- Taking pictures of your space gives you something to take along with you to choose the best style of bar stool for the area you are decorating.

What to Consider- Here is a handy list of what you should consider when choosing bar stools.

Swivel and Sit- Swivel bar stools might be the perfect choice for you. Here's why.

Custom-Designed- If you can't find what you want, Rich's for the Home has some availability for specialty designed bar stools that will be perfect for you.

Storage- Learn what to look for if you want to stack your bar stools and how to do it with ease.

Caring for your bar stools- Caring for them properly will make them last the longest. Here's tips on how to clean and take good care of your investment.

Lowest Prices of the Year-Memorial Day

What does Memorial Day mean for you?

Of course, it is a wonderful time to remember that our freedom came at a huge cost and that thousands of people paid with their lives for the advantages that we have each day. I encourage you to take some time and reflect on that.

And in my neighborhood, it means an annual neighborhood-wide sale. It’s when many of us gather our un-needed things and get rid of them for a little bit of cash. I’m thinking of implementing a rule—we can’t go and buy more than we are getting rid of. So although we will visit the neighbor’s sales, I plan to hold buying to a minimum this year.

Here at Rich’s for the home, Memorial Day also means the lowest prices of the year on most products! It’s a great time to shop. Let me tell you what you will experience at our stores this Memorial Day:

1. Patio furniture will be up to 70% off! Wow!
2. All remaining 2008 hot-tubs will be at the lowest price ever.
3. Gas grill deals will be like none you have ever seen before.
4. Receive a free remote or blower when you buy an Avalon, Lopi or Fireplace Extrordinaire stove or fireplace.
5. As long as you make a purchase of $500.00 or more, you receive a free round trip for 2 to Victoria BC. Way cool.

Come on by! Hope to see you soon!

What not to do for a good hot-tub party

Hot-tubs can very comforting to slip into after a day of hard work or play. But they are also wonderful for entertaining. When a hot-tub is part of a party or the feature of a party, what can be better?

Here are the things NOT to do if you want to have a successful hot-tub party:

1. Forget to check the spa for cleanliness.
2. Forget to give it a trial run before the party.
3. Fail to call people and invite them (whoops).
4. Decide that they party will be fine without food.
5. Decide that beverages are lame.
6. Have your flowerbeds and landscapes look amok.
7. Forget to wash your hot-tub towels.
8. Decide that music is for the birds.
9. Fail to inform the neighbors of the party if it will run late.
10. Fail to invite those neighbors if they show an interest.
11. Assume people will want the ground if they don’t want to be in the hot-tub.
12. Forget a garbage receptacle, unless you want your yard to become a landfill.

Most of all, the party will truly be lame if you forget to chill and have fun. So above all, don’t forget that.