Keep Warm With a Soapstone Woodstove

!±8± Keep Warm With a Soapstone Woodstove

Perhaps you are concerned about this winter and facing the possibility of heating oil priced at - a gallon or more.

Unfortunately, there is little to be done about greedy speculators and oil companies or the incompetent, uncaring government bodies that enable them. However, there are alternatives, one being the wood stove. A soapstone woodstove is an especially practical choice; this unique form of rock has been used for heating and cooking for several thousand years throughout the world. A soapstone woodstove is at once traditional and contemporary; whether your home is Early American, Victorian, Craftsman, Mission Style, Art Deco or contemporary, you'll find that a soapstone woodstove is at home with virtually all of them.

Soapstone is a type of metamorphic, or "fire" rock. Geologists call it this because such rock literally "morphs," or changes from one kind of rock to another under pressures and heat deep beneath the Earth's crust. Metamorphic rock includes marble, quartz, diamond and soapstone.

A soapstone woodstove is made from a type of rock that is soft and slick to the touch, similar to dry bar of soap (hence its name). Much like marble, to which it is chemically and geologically related, soapstone has an attractive grained appearance. It is softer than marble, and easily worked into a wide variety of shapes; however it is durable and heat resistant, while at the same time is also an excellent conductor of heat. This is why tribal hunter/gathering societies throughout the world have used soapstone for cookware and heating applications for thousands of years.

The material from which a soapstone woodstove is made is quarried from mineral deposits that date back nearly half a billion years, long before even the dinosaurs appeared on Earth. This remarkable stone has been used by Native Americans living in the eastern woodlands and far north as well as early European setters for a range of purposes, including cooking and carrying water. In fact, many old homes have soapstone surfaces that have been in daily use since the nineteenth century.

A soapstone woodstove, if properly cared for, will serve your comfort needs throughout your lifetime as well as those of your children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. One of the secrets of a soapstone woodstove's durability is the fact that soapstone itself is completely non-reactive. Should you spill something on a soapstone surface, cleanup is a simple matter.

A soapstone woodstove provides beauty and practicality; while the initial investment may be higher than for a typical metal woodstove, it is an investment that a good quality soapstone woodstove will pay back many times over during its extended life;

Keep Warm With a Soapstone Woodstove

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Alternative Heat From Your Fireplace - Get the Most Heat From Your Fireplace with a Wood Stove Inser

!±8± Alternative Heat From Your Fireplace - Get the Most Heat From Your Fireplace with a Wood Stove Inser

With the high cost of heating fuels more of us are turning to wood as an alternative heat source. Your fireplace can be great for an enjoyable evening fire for the weekend wood burner but it is not an efficient heat source. Most fireplaces tend to pull heat out of your home. The room you are burning in might get warm but the rest of the home gets cold. Heat always seeks cold. Did you ever visit an older home that had a fireplace in every room or one at either end of the house? Using multiple fireplaces in your home at the same time allows the heat to be pulled through your home. This heat transfer does a great job of heating your home. As coal became more popular with central furnaces many homes were built without fireplaces or only one.

More heat can be gained with the use of a blower or fireplace fan. Fireplace grate heaters seem to be the most efficient for putting heated air back into your home. Low CFM fans or blowers are always used in fireplaces. The reason for a low CFM fan is because you want to gently move the heat if you push the heat too much it will cool faster.

The most effective way of getting heat from your fireplace is with an insert. An insert is a wood burning stove that is inserted into the firebox thus it is called an insert. Federal codes require using a positive connect.

Alternative Heat From Your Fireplace - Get the Most Heat From Your Fireplace with a Wood Stove Inser

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Soapstone Countertops

!±8± Soapstone Countertops

Soapstone - a form of metamorphic rock containing magnesium, dolomite and talc - is so-called because touching its surface produces a tactile sensation that is remarkably similar to that of a dry bar of soap. Geologically, it is related to marble, which has long been valued as a surface in homes and buildings dating back to the Hellenistic Period. Unlike marble however, soapstone countertops are easier to care for and cost less than marble surfaces.

The scientific name for soapstone is steatite. Like quartz, marble and even diamond, the material from which soapstone countertops begins its existence deep beneath the planet's surface. There, it is subject to pressures and heat of unimaginable magnitude. Under these pressures, this proto-rock is transformed, or morphed into what we know as soapstone. The material that goes into the design and construction of soapstone is generally dug from quarries, extracted from geologic formations that date back as much as 400 million years. Since the eastern part of North America is far older geologically than the relatively youthful western part, American and Canadian soapstone is found primarily in Quebec, New England and the Maritime provinces.

Soapstone is relatively soft and easy to work with, yet is durable enough to stand up to a fair amount of abuse. Aboriginal peoples throughout the world, including Native Americans, Polynesians and various African peoples have known of the unique properties of soapstone for millennia, using it for cookware and even art. In fact, there are Hindu temples located in a southeastern region of India that contain highly elaborate carvings made from soapstone.

Why should you consider soapstone countertops? If you know a great deal of cooking, you no doubt are aware of the kind of abuse that countertops must endure, especially when it comes to stains. In fact, soapstone - unlike its geologic cousin, marble - is chemically inert, and will not react with acidic nor alkaline substances. What this means is that virtually nothing you spill on it will cause permanent staining - simply wipe it off or remove it from the surface with a bit of fine sandpaper, and it's good as new!

Soapstone countertops also offer great aesthetic value; it is what is known as a schist, meaning it has a grained appearance like wood and marble. There are many different colors, types and treatments for soapstone countertops; you will have few problems finding soapstone that will blend in nicely with any color scheme or décor. Soapstone offers versatility, durability, ease of care and a unique kind of beauty. Soapstone countertops [http://www.doradosoapstone.com/_Countertops/] are one of the best and ultimately, most economical ways to upgrade your kitchen; check out the many options available today!

Soapstone Countertops

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A Short Overview of Faience Pottery

!±8± A Short Overview of Faience Pottery

Faience is a type of pottery that is extremely ancient in origin, but reached its zenith of popularity in the 18th and 19th centuries. Many European countries had their own take on faience over the years, but the one distinguishing characteristic is the pottery's appearance.

Faience is made from clay earthenware like many other styles of pottery, but the difference is in the glazing. A white pottery glaze creates a distinctive off-white surface and becomes the "canvas" for intricately-painted colored designs. A crude type of faience beads dating from ancient Egyptian times prove that the basic technique has been around for a long time, but the Middle Eastern introduction of the use of tin in the glazing process allowed faience to become an art of its own.

The Italians loved to paint their faience with shades of black, green, orange and blue and gravitated toward traditional Mediterranean patterns in their designs. The French often painted sprays of flowers, country scenes, and other delights depending on the geographical traditions of the artist. The English enjoyed a burst of popularity with faience in the late 19th century thanks to high end manufacturers like Royal Doulton. Many of these English pieces are still popular with collectors today.

Serving platters and dish sets created for Eastern European nobility in the 18th century are extremely intricate in their designs. They do not resemble the more simplistic flair favored by their western counterparts.

Those who want to collect antique faience pieces have a wide range of styles to select from. Collectors should pay a lot of attention to the styles that really speak to them: whether the preference lies with Italian, French, English, or Polish designs, they are all beautiful in their own unique ways.

A Short Overview of Faience Pottery

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Care & Maintenance of Stone Sinks

!±8± Care & Maintenance of Stone Sinks

Most stone will stain because it is porous. This allows fluids to enter and become embedded below the surface. The longer a stain remains, the deeper it penetrates and becomes more permanent; therefore, it is important to remove a stain as soon as it occurs. This applies to any stone used in the construction of your sink.

Granite is a very durable, resilient stone. For regular cleaning, use a soapy nylon brush in a circular motion and rinse thoroughly. Cleaning on a regular basis will help prevent the development of hard water deposits. If you develop persistent stains, try a non-abrasive cleaner such as dishwasher soap, a bleach solution, or Soft Scrub®. Be sure to avoid strong alkalis such as ammonia and drain unblocking chemicals that involve filling the sink with water. If you encounter a rust stain, usually caused by iron particles from water, cookware, etc., use a cleaner containing oxalic acid. Do not use bleach directly on granite!

Marble has a shiny, elegant finish. Maintaining this look can be difficult due to the porosity of the stone. Sealing helps keep the stone from absorbing fluids, but acidic liquids, such as orange juice, lemons, soft drinks, various foods, and common household cleaners, will cause a dull etched spot. . For this reason, do not use acidic cleaners on your marble. Wet glasses containing slightly acidic liquids can cause hard water spots. To avoid water spots, rinse and dry your sink after each use. The only way to remove etching and water spots is by refinishing and re-polishing by a professional. For regular care, use a soft, liquid cleanser with bleach or a common household detergent.

Limestone is known for the seashells and fossils embedded into it. Some Limestone is "soft", so you should be careful about scratching or nicking the surface when using sharp objects. Limestone should be periodically treated with a penetrating sealant to protect against staining, especially when working with acidic materials. Possible sealants include Safecoat MexeSeal®, Seal & Go "S"®, and Seal & Go "Enhancer"®.

Soapstone has a smooth, silky finish. It is extremely dense so it repels stains well. This stone is the least porous of the stones used in kitchen or bathroom sinks and vessels. To clean, use a damp cloth or sponge with a mild cleanser. Your soapstone sink should be treated monthly with mineral oil.

Stain Removal

For removing difficult stains on all stone types try the following steps before consulting an expert.

1) Clean the area using a stone cleaner with a neutral pH. If this does not help, try a more aggressive cleaner. Keep in mind what types of stones are sensitive to certain chemicals, as stated above.

2) Wet your surface with distilled water. This will keep the chemical from drying too fast, allowing it to stay in contact with the stain longer.

3) Prepare a poultice. This will be used to absorb the stain out of the stone. An easy poultice to create at home requires mixing one cup of flour and a few tablespoons of liquid dish detergent. Mix the two together until you have the consistency of peanut butter. You can purchase chemical poultices if you prefer.
*For stains with red wine, replace the detergent with hydrogen peroxide.

4) Thickly cover the stain in the poultice you have created and cover with saran wrap and tape the edges down with masking tape (won't create a permanent residue), then let sit overnight.

5) After 24 hours, remove the plastic. Let sit uncovered until poultice is dry. This step is important because the drying is what pulls the stain out of the stone. You can then remove the poultice by scraping it off with a razor blade or putty knife. Clean off the residue with water and a neutral cleaner.
*Granite is more porous than other stones so it will retain moisture longer. If the stain appears to be gone, but the stone is a slightly darker color, give it a week or more to dry before reattempting the poultice method.

For more information on stone sinks - whether for the kitchen, bath or bar, please visit Sinks Gallery where you will find the largest variety of artisan and hand crafted sinks available anywhere. There are several more articles online in the "tips" section.

Care & Maintenance of Stone Sinks

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Ideas For Maximizing Your Space

!±8± Ideas For Maximizing Your Space

If you're living in a small space, you may find yourself tripping over things from time to time. That's why it's important to be creative about finding storage.

Let your furniture multi-task for you:

One idea is to choose furniture that also acts as storage space. Bench seats and ottomans often feature a hinged lid that opens to reveal a nice amount of storage space. These can hold blankets, toys, books or whatever you need them to.

Choose a bed that has built in drawers underneath it, like a captain's bed. If that's not practical, purchase storage totes that fit under your existing bed. These are great for storing out of season clothes or accessories that you only need for special occasions.

If you're a single person living in a bachelor suite, consider a day-bed. These are designed to masquerade as couches during the day but are big enough for one person to sleep on comfortably. Just be sure to make it neatly and keep your bedding clean.

When it comes to appliances and cookware, think minimalist. Nothing clutters a kitchen counter and cupboards more than fad appliances. However, if there's a tool out there that truly does five jobs, and does them well, it might be worth investing in. But then you need to get rid of the things it replaced. Otherwise, choose one type of blender that works for what you like, and just say no when gift givers try to give you novelty appliances.

Make space where once there was none:

If you are in dire need of a cabinet in your bathroom or bedroom, but having something sticking out from the wall is going to make your already small space feel downright claustrophobic, build one right into the wall. There should be about 6 inches of space inside a wall that can be utilized, especially if it is a wall with plumbing, as these tend to be slightly wider.

If you have stairs in your home, what is under them? Some homes have great storage closets under their staircase, perfect for the vacuum and other cleaning supplies, tools, or even out of season foot-wear. If you are really tight for space, you can even use the staircase itself as a bookshelf. I don't mean the stairs themselves, but the space between and under each one. This works best on open staircases. The shelf is built in behind them and instead of open space between each step you can see the book's spines.

Make what you have disappear when you don't need it:

I'm not talking magic, just a simple drop-leaf table could make all the difference in your dining/living area. Open up the leaves when you have dinner, drop them down and move it to the side to do your daily yoga.

A murphy bed is probably a must-have if you live in a bachelor suite. A built-in one folds right up into the wall, but you can buy them for existing rooms, too. They look like a large cabinet with shelves flanking double doors that open to reveal your folded up bed.

However you decide to maximize your space, remember to think outside, or in this case maybe inside, the box. Be creative and have fun!

Ideas For Maximizing Your Space

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Learn More About Soapstone

!±8± Learn More About Soapstone

You probably use talc as a personal care product and are no doubt aware of the fact that a certain amount of the mineral magnesium is necessary for good health. What you may not know however is that when these two substances come together under conditions of heat and pressure deep beneath the planet's surface, they form one of the most useful substances known to humankind: soapstone!

This remarkable form of rock is known to geologists as steatite (STEE-ah-tite). Soapstone is classified as a metamorphic rock, which means that it started out as one type of rock, but due to geological forces was changed into something else.

Soapstone is also classified as a schist. These are "medium-grade" rocks and minerals that also include the more familiar shale (used as a roofing material) mica (used as an electric insulator and a substitute for glass in high heat applications) and the graphite in your pencil. Schists are rocks in which one can actually see the mineral grains - which is one attribute of soapstone that makes it an attractive material for items such as countertops and stoves. Because of its molecular structure, it is also easily worked and cut into various shapes for use as dimension stone.

Like other schists, soapstone is relatively soft and has what some people consider to be a "soapy" texture. In addition to kitchen surfaces, soapstone is used for sculpture and water basins as well; the Inuit and other Native American peoples have made use of soapstone for millennia, and several Hindu temples in India contain elaborate soapstone carvings. If you remember stories of the Minotaur, you'll be interested to know that archaeologists have discovered soapstone furniture among the ancient ruins of the Palace of Knossos on the Greek island of Crete.

Although it is relatively soft, soapstone is highly resistant to heat. It is used not only to create mold for some types of metal casting, but also as cookware and cooking surfaces.

Because it is easily carved and shaped, yet durable and highly attractive, soapstone is becoming popular in home design and contemporary décor. Soapstone can vary a great deal in its degree of hardness; as a result, it can be used in many different applications. In addition, soapstone surfaces can be treated with a process involving the use of mineral oils to bring out the beauty of the grain.

Soapstone is one of the most versatile building and decorative materials available. If you are looking for something that is at once traditional and contemporary, consider using soapstone products in your home or place of business.

Learn More About Soapstone

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Eco Friendly Dishes

!±8± Eco Friendly Dishes

Your kitchen can be green right down to the cookware you use in it. This video is part of 20 Ways Your Home Can Save The Planet show hosted by Chi-Lan Lieu . SHOW DESCRIPTION :Host Chi-Lan Lieu leads a one-hour tour through some of the most environmentally friendly homes on the planet, going room by room to discover how folks have done their part to make the world a better place. Find out how to make your home gorgeous, as well as green, and not break the bank.

Eco Friendly Dishes

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