Tag Archives: Outdoor Fireplaces

Fire Bowls For a Toasty Fall Patio

Terra Cotta Fire BowlFire Bowl

If you enjoy spending fall evenings outside on your porch or patio like my family does, a fire bowl is perfect for you! Also known as fire pits, these outdoor heaters are the perfect addition to keep you toasty while adding a big punch of style. They give you the feel and warmth of a real wood fire crackling anytime and anywhere you choose. Fire pits are great for your backyard, the beach, or most any outdoor gathering. They are available in a variety of price ranges and styles. You can find fire bowls that depict wildlife themes, showcase stylized ornate metals, or feature your favorite college team’s logo. Some even double as a grill! They are attractive, portable, and easy to clean. You NEED one for your backyard!

Cooking in a chiminea?

 

Fun fire… campfires, bonfires, and that long gone but lovingly remembered autumn ritual of leaf burning by the curbside… can still be yours through the noble chiminea,  the popular outdoor potbelly fireplace.

Chimineas are not care-free devices.  They need a certain amount of ongoing maintenance to guarantee the longest life.  Hopefully, you will read this before you buy one so that you can make an informed purchase.

What is a chiminea?

Originating in Mexico in the 17th century, the original chimineas were used to bake bread.  As with the originals, modern chimineas are handmade from raw, wet clay,  giving each chiminea its own personality.  They are actually made from two pieces… the chimney or “stack” made separately from the wood chamber or “base”.  After a short period of air drying, they are joined together to make a seemingly seamless fireplace!

The formed chiminea is allowed to air dry for a few more days and then is baked in a 900+  degree kiln.  Allowing enough drying time as important since chimineas placed into the kiln while too wet will invariably crack.  After thorough cooling, the outside is painted to give a rustic-looking, almost antique appearance.  (Personally, I like the some of the new styles that are made of cast iron because they are resistant to chips, cracks and fading.)

What can be burned in a chiminea?

The chiminea is primarily a wood-burning stove.  Hard woods burn best and produce the least amount of sparks.  Some chiminea users who cook in their chimineas burn charcoal.    One safe way is to first burn some hard wood to form wood coals, which in turn are hot enough to light the charcoal.  You could also use self-lighting charcoal.

Chimineas are for outdoor use only!

Time Stands Still With Outdoor Fireplace

Outdoor Fireplace

I want more time in my life to be still, quiet and spent with my family.  “Time” is so precious and unless I consistently review my priorities it can slip away just like that.  I can talk about priorities all day long but until I take action they are just words.

Certain environments create more of an opportunity for reflection and quiet conversation.  An easy one for me has been to purchase an outdoor fireplace.  They come in a variety of styles and sizes so finding the perfect one for our home was easy.

Sometimes after dinner as the sun sets we will gather around the fire and talk about our day.  My kids usually ask if we have all the makings for smores.  And if we don’t they are happy to roast marshmallows or just sit back and watch the fire.

What a challenge to make time with my family a priority and when I do the reward is always instantaneous.

Outdoor Decorating For The Holidays!

Holiday Decorating with Garden Torches

Now is the time to decorate for the holidays, but in doing so, don’t forget to pay attention to the ambiance your outdoor spaces create during this season. From wreaths to holiday lights in the front, we seem to stay busy decorating our outdoors. My question is….. are really doing it for those inside… or for those we don’t even know….Me a Grinch…who me …no way!!!!  Seriously, it is time we inspire ourselves to decorate our own outdoor living spaces like decks, patios and backyards to warm the hearts of those who we know and love the most. Try adding some garden torches for light, and an outdoor fireplace for warmth.  Add a little a holiday cheer with some simple greenery with holiday colors like poinsettias to bring in the season.  Now you can sit back and relax and actually take some time to reflect on the true meaning  of the season.  And remember what makes a house a home………comfort, joy and the company of those we hold dear!