Monday, April 30, 2012

How to Make your Fireplace Look Better with Glass Doors

Spring is a natural time to make home improvements that keep the home looking fresh and up-to-date. As a fireplace is a strong architectural element in the home, it creates a natural focal point for the whole room. Giving the fireplace a mini-makeover makes the hearth of the home worthy of attention. Installing fireplace glass doors is an easy DIY project that not only adds a lot of style to the room but helps keep the household safe as well.

Gathering with the family around the fireplace to enjoy a cozy fire on a chilly night is one of life’s simple pleasures. Not as enjoyable as waiting for the fire to completely burn out before calling it a night. Fireplace glass doors provide the only safe way to leave a wood fire in a fireplace unattended. Whether the fireplace is metal or brick, installing the doors is easy. Glass doors are available in sizes than can fit almost any fireplace opening and can be installed using standard tools.

If retrofitting a pre-fabricated fireplace, sometimes called a zero clearance fireplace, installing glass doors is even easier. The best fireplace glass door retailers have the ability to create glass doors based on the make and model of the unit. This ensures a perfect fit. A variety of glass doors are available for masonry fireplaces too.

New glass doors for the fireplace offer opportunities to update the style of the fireplace as well. Fireplace glass door frames come in a broad array of colors and finishes. By choosing a color or finish that matches other accessories in the room, the doors help unify the room’s décor, adding a polished, cohesive look to the space. Homeowners may prefer to install an eye-catching frame that will enhance the fireplaces position as a strong focal point.

Whether the glass doors purchased are for a new installation or are fireplace replacement glass, it’s important to ensure that the glass meets UL testing standards for heat. Doors with a lifetime warranty are an indicator of quality as well. While installing the doors is easy, purchasing fireplace glass doors from a reputable online retailer that offers technical help when needed ensures a hassle-free installation.

Installing fireplace glass door this spring ensures that the family fireplace will look great all summer long and will be ready for the first fire in the fall. With so many decorative options available, fireplace glass doors are a great way to add style as well as function to the family hearth.

About the Author Sharon Dyer is the Outreach Director for the Morgan Law Firm. She is a frequent blogger on a variety of subjects. See her recent article on finding a divorce lawyer in Austin on the firm's Austin Divorce Blog.

Friday, April 27, 2012

Enough about me, tell me more about you!


I thought as a new blogger to the world of DIY, remodeling, crafting, how to's, and more things then I could ever imagine possible that I would take the time to tell you a little about me and what I did prior to January 2012 when I assumed this wonderful new role of Social Media Manager.

I am a self taught social media nut. I love everything to do with social media and networking but behind the scenes I am a blogger for all things God, Family, US Military and Country. I am a social network advocator for Congressman, politicians and the likes. I believe in no longer being and silent and I work earnestly to make sure the messages that meet my criteria (God, Family, Military & Country) are taken throughout the world wide web and all social media outlets. I recently came in 10th in Top 25 Political Mom Blogs of 2012 for Circle of Moms and have only been blogging actively for my beliefs, values and views since October 2011. I am up there with the likes of Pamela Geller, Michele Malkin, Girls on the Right, Tami Nantz of Smart Girl Politics and many other wonderful ladies.  I am a confessed Facebook and twitter-a-holic and love to find new ways to convey my message throughout the internet. 
So, I am learning the ropes of all you wonderful ladies and gentleman, who take the time to provide tutorials, link exchanges, blog hops and insightful information all over the world wide web. I am actively engaging in things I never imagined possible.  I owe each and every one of you a huge thank you. THANK YOU! I want and desire to learn more and there is so many great teachers out there and I wanted to take the time to say these bloggers and their websites have made a HUGE impact on how I conduct myself and my blog and I appreciate you all so very much. I have pinned you, followed you, retweeted you and networked your work to my readers. So if you have the time and I have included you in this, please comment and tell me more about you. Things that my readers would like to know as well as I want to compile them into a blog article and share throughout my social networks.  These are just a few of the people who have helped me along the way. I will be trying weekly to feature all those wonderful people who actively engage with me as well as those that I feel, always go above and beyond the call of duty, especially for us newbies!!

Thank you so much for the consideration and have a blessed day!

Sherry & John - Young House Love
Alison - Oopsey Daisy
Allison - A Glimpse Inside
Emily - 52 Mantels

Thursday, April 26, 2012

Blog Hop Till You Drop! Friday Blog Hop 04/27/2012


Happy Friday and thank you so much for visiting Blog Hops Everyday! Welcome to our Friday Blog Hop. We will have one every Friday please be sure to visit back or subscribe to our newsletter (on the right sidebar) so you don't miss it. This blog hop will also be hosted by

Rules - ha, there are NO rules!
Only 2 simple requests:




Blog Hops Everyday Friday Blog Hop


Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Once An Eyesore, Now A Beautiful Centerpiece

We just bought our house a year ago, and we never liked the heavy red brick fireplace in the family room.  After exploring many different options, I had decided on a design that was going to cost me about $1500.  THEN, I stumbled across this blog. We viewed all the information and we decided to give it a try.  It took a weekend to complete, and was actually fun to do, we were very impressed with the results.  All our friends comment on how nice it looks, especially those who saw it before.  We're very pleased, and have already referred several friends and coworkers to the product.  We wanted to share with you our photo's because you are the reason we found this amazing paint!

If you have a masonry style fireplace or brick walls that you consider an eyesore, I would highly recommend trying this before trying to tear out your old brick or just using plain old paint.

Notes: 

Spend some good time taping all edges off
Clean the surfaces very well (vacuum, wet rag, etc) I recommend brick cleaner
Consider existing design elements when deciding what kind of look you’re after.  
Three paint themed colors (matte finish so it looks just like brick) to choose from.

I linked up this post at the following blogs: Please check them out. Thanks so much

DIY Project Parade - Every Monday
Link Part #10 - Jillify It - Every Tuesday
Catch A Glimpse Thursday - A Glimpse Inside - Every Thursday
Inspire Me Fridays - Joyful Stamper - Every Friday
Flaunt it Friday - at Chick on a Shoestring Decorating - Every Friday
Show and Tell Saturday - at Be Different Act Normal - Every Saturday
Whatever Weekend - Your Thriving Family - Every Weekend
Guest Comment by Home Inspector Websites

Somewhat Simple

Monday, April 23, 2012

Children need fireplace safety even in the warmer months

Recently I had the pleasure of going to the HPB Expo (Hearth, Patio BBQ). I came across some of the most incredible people with amazing ideas. 

My favorite were the great child safety gates, but all the ones that I saw cluttered the fireplace areas and were really quite and eyesore. Then, while out and about in the blogging world I met up with a young lady named Stacy. She has a wonderful product and  I wanted to take the time to show you one that I had not seen.  The reason this is so important to me is I have children and still continue to babysit young children.  

We all know that fireplaces are beautiful and some of them, majestic and just outright elaborate. Regardless of the key components that make your fireplace your centerpiece, fireplace safety is always a major concern and not just when the fire is lit.  Some fireplaces have stone or brick ledges that surround it's base and with a tumbly toddler whose balance is always wobbly, one little trip up and it could be an evening spent at the emergency room. That is why I focused in on this product. 

The business is family owned and operated and their product is recommended by baby proofers across the United States. Its called: Jack-Mat.  It has been featured on NBC's "Today Show" and rated top choice for fireplace safety by the Good Housekeeping Institute. 


Please take the time and check out my good friends over at Jack-Mat and childproof your fireplaces even in the warmer months of the year.


Other Products & Services you may like:
Hearth Seats
Jack-Mat on Facebook
Customer Testimonials & Photos

Fireplace Mantel Shelves An Easy Makeover

Fireplace shelves are often a solution for homeowners when it comes to dressing up a brick or stone fireplace opening. Used to hold decorative items like pictures and vases, fireplace shelves can be the finishing touch to an otherwise empty fireplace opening without the hassle of installing side frames or the expense of a full fireplace mantel. 

Intro to Fireplace Mantel Shelves 

When you think of a fireplace mantel, typically you envision a complete wooden frame built around the top and sides of a fireplace opening. That''s where fireplace shelves differ from traditional fireplace mantels. 

"A fireplace shelf is just the top of the mantel?just a shelf," explains Georgia fireplace mantel manufacturer Park Pigott. "There aren''t any sides to it." 

Reasons for choosing fireplace shelves differ. Some prefer a minimal invasion into a floor-to-ceiling fireplace, or don''t want to detract from a masonry or brick fireplace. Cost and effort can also make the final determination: sometimes, it''s just cheaper to buy fireplace shelves and doesn''t take as long to replace or install. 

Fireplace Mantel Shelves: Styles and Sizes 

While there are no "standard" sizes for fireplace shelves, Pigott says there are sizes that seem to be the most popular. 

"The normal widths for fireplace shelves are five, six, seven inches," he explains. "The depth is usually 10 inches, with the whole box being about nine inches tall." 

Styles for fireplace shelves vary just as much as the sizes. Of the woods used to make fireplace shelves, Pigott says quarter sawn oak, heart pine, mahogany and cherry are his top sellers. Poplar is popular for those who like to dress up plain wood with a coat of paint, as is Asian choi, a tightly pressed wood similar to American white oak. Other options for fireplace shelves include bare, unfinished styles to hand-carved ornamental pieces with elaborate designs for the shelves and brackets. 

Uses for Fireplace Mantel Shelves 

Stuck on what to put on a fireplace shelf? Don''t want the usual picture frame or candle cluster? A variety of home decorating publications reveal a trend toward the unusual when it comes to dressing up fireplace shelves. For instance, a set of beautiful book-ends and a few, classic books make a stately statement in a formal room. A beaded wreath made from unusual material makes a classic, understated declaration, while clustering different objects of similar color or size (say, a set of tall, tubular vases or odd trinkets that have only a color in common) look stunningly abstract in uneven groupings on fireplace shelves. 

Measuring for Fireplace Mantel Shelves 

When selecting fireplace shelves, remember that measuring is a different experience for replacement shelves than it is for new fireplace shelves. If you''re replacing an existing shelf, measure the current shelf''s width and depth and the width of the fireplace opening. If you''re buying a new fireplace shelf to center on a fireplace that''s never had one, measure the width of the brick, masonry or sheetrock surrounding one side of the fireplace opening and the width of the fireplace opening. 


May I suggest:
Beautiful Mantel Shelves
The Aberdeen Fireplace Shelf
How to install a fireplace mantel

Sunday, April 22, 2012

Monday Morning Blog Hop With Mompreneurmogul


Welcome back to the eleventh week of Make My Morning Blog Hop Hosted by Jeannette of The Adventures of J-Man and MillerBug, Lisa of Mompreneur Mogul and Jen of Life With Levi! We’d like to cordially invite you to…
Sit Back, Grab a Latte (or your preferred beverage of choice) and Watch Your BlogGrow!

This week’s featured blog is (aspiring)Domestic Goddess Mommy. Be sure to stop by, show her some love and Make Her Morning!

Here is the question: What Makes Your Morning? For these mamas, it’s waking up to find that you have new fans, followers and readers! And since we KNOW that each and everyone of you have something fantastic to share, we’d like to give you the chance to do it! With the Make My Morning BlogHop! Here’s how it’s going to work:
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- Link up to the category of your choice. You can link up in one or all! There are categories for your blog, facebook, twitter and Google+!
- You MUST follow the three hosts in the categorie(s) you link up in. Let us know you’re following and we’d love to follow you back!
- Visit at least two other blogs/pages in that category – be sure to let them know that you’re there to Make Their Morning!
- Post our button if you’d like! After all, who doesn’t like a good cup of joe?
- Each week a featured blog will be randomly drawn from the prior week’s participants! The featuredblog will get the number 4 spot in all linkys and a small write-up in the weekly hop! This will start next week!
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Make My Morning will run from Monday till Wednesday – because we all know those first few days of the week are the ones that we need a little pick me up on!
Link up Your Blogs Here:
!
Link Your Twitter here Link up Your Facebook & Google+ Pages Here:

Wednesday, April 18, 2012

Complete Brick Fireplace Makeover Before My Company Arrived In Town



The weekend before Easter, I helped my friend Nanci with her fireplace makeover. She had purchased the color themed matte finished paint kit in Twilight Taupe. I really wanted to make sure that she knew this was simple to do and you have to complete each step in order to get the desired affect she was aiming for. She was in panic mode, she had guests coming in from out of town and she wanted a whole new look to her fireplace. Well, after a few hours of work, here is the before and after photos of how it turned out. I decided to let Nanci tell you how she felt when it was all done.


"I could not believe this! It didn't take hardly any time for us to get this done. I absolutely love it and so does everyone who has seen it. I wanted a stone fireplace but that wasn't possible. This gives me the look of stone and my living room looks lighter. The old look was painted red brick and painted gray mortar by the previous owners. I didn't like it and it was chipping too. I am impressed with your product and how simple it was to create the look. I had a professional come in and quote me $750 and I paid way less to get the paint kit, I can not only be proud to say "I did it, but it turned out so much better then someone who wouldn't have cared as much as we did."


May I also suggest you check out these beautiful items for your fireplace makeover project?


Fireplace Mantel Shelf
Mesh Curtain - Fireplace Screen
Fireplace Glass Doors

I linked this up at these link parties take time to check them out:
Chic On A Shoestring Decorating - Flaunt it Friday 
The Brambleberry Cottage
Creations by Kara
Oopsey Daisy
Cheap Crafty Mama
Natural Nesters

Now is the time for a Fireplace Makeover




A fireplace makeover indicates the desire to recreate your fireplace without the large project and expensive work of installing a new fireplace. The reasons you may want a fireplace makeover can vary from the simple, such as prized antlers hanging for years over the mantelpiece that you just do not want to look at anymore, to the more complicated, such as an outdated fireplace. If the latter is the case, suggestions for a makeover include improving all that frames the fire, from the bricks to the mantel; improving the area immediately near the fire, including the fireplace glass doors and screen; and improving the general area surrounding the entire fireplace.

A good place to start the makeover is changing the color of the brick. Changing the color of the brick can, but does not need to, be as complicated as changing the actual bricks. Quality brick paints do the job of changing the color and look of your old bricks without tearing out your fireplace. The market’s newer fireplace brick paints are much more advanced than their older counterparts, now keeping the true texture of brick. Quality brick paint will transform darkened or previously painted bricks into bricks that make a fireplace add to the room’s spaciousness rather than darkening and weighing it down.

In addition to the color of the bricks, changing the mantel will strongly affect a fireplace makeover. As with human makeovers, fireplaces often need a style makeover in addition to the fundamental makeover. Unfortunately, fireplaces lack reality shows that stop by and give your fireplace a free makeover. Fortunately, there are pictures and articles about fireplace decorating to help along the way.

For the actual fire, this area is divided into two groups: those who use their fireplace and those who do not. For those who do, a nice fireplace screen or quality fireplace glass door will both protect and stylize your fireplace. If you have either glass doors or a screen which just hurt the look of your fireplace, they may need to be replaced. Fireplace glass doors can darken with time, and an old screen can show signs of age and overuse. For those who do not use the fireplace, skip the screen and glass doors, and if you consider that a fireplace must have some sort of fire flickering in it, opt for candelabra.

A fireplace makeover can extend farther than the confines of the fireplace itself. A small rug (preferably one from which charcoal stains can easily be cleaned!) in front of the fireplace, surrounded by chairs and a small coffee table create a comfy atmosphere. Furniture placement creates a particular mood, and can prove important in making over your fireplace.

While a fireplace makeover involves a few steps, it can be an enjoyable and a rewarding task. At the end of the process, the fire you light will display your made over fireplace, highlighting its new look. A fireplace makeover can initially seem like a daunting task, but once it is undertaken, it proves to be one of home improvement’s most rewarding projects.

Here are some other things you might consider:


Monday, April 16, 2012

Home is where the hearth is, Lennox Fireplace Glass Doors

Hello again!

Today I am totally focused and trying to get my normal work done but wanted to give a little information about another beautiful fireplace that was another option for me while deciding on what I truly wanted for my house. Next up, Lennox Fireplace Glass Doors. Lennox is a company out of the great state of Tennessee, Nashville to be more specific. I am a transplanted southerner and love the south so as I researched more about this particular brand of fireplace door, they already got a plus one in my book.

I am trying to stay within a budget and so I like to look at the "economical end" door, the companies bestseller, then drool over the ones that have all the pomp and circumstance. Well, because my wallet only has dollar tree receipts and dust bunnies I will be providing you the information for what I truly found most interesting and features of the first one or two doors but encourage you to check out all that is available because you wouldn't want to miss out on an opportunity to upgrade. Especially right now, your spring cleaning! Right? You are spring cleaning aren't you? Well, if your not, I hope that your at least thinking about it, that counts for something too. Well, instead of thinking about a new fireplace before the cold seasons come back, strike while the fire is hot (pun intended).

The Lennox EZ Fireplace Door made of black anodized aluminum and has tempered glass or clear. This is truly a gorgeous fireplace glass door and if you have this manufacturers fireplace already, all you need is to give the model number and if you don't have it just give a few measurements and this will be yours in no time. I really like this door, it has a good price and I recommend you contact my favorite friends at Brick Anew. Not only do they seem have incredible prices but most often they are better then being competitive when comparing to other sellers, they are the best. Note: Lennox and Superior Fireplace Doors have identical model numbers.

As long as you are checking this quality fireplace glass door, here are some other things that would blend nicely with your new decor.

Friday, April 13, 2012

Heat N Glo Fireplace Glass Doors, warming your home, not emptying your wallet.

Hello, yes I am back again with yet another one of my ramblings. I figured as long as I was researching all the Fireplace Glass Doors and contacting all these companies that sharing my information on the blog could possibly help you in your decision making.

I truly was impressed with the folks over at Brick Anew. They truly value their customers. The treatment that I received from other sellers was average at best, they were earnestly trying to sell me more then what I wanted and of course steering me towards making a purchase well beyond anything I wanted or could possibly spend. But nonetheless I listened to the sales pitch and floated around their perspective web pages while they were presenting me their product.

Next up on my list of doors which I like, decisions decisions ...... was the Heat-N-Glo Fireplace Glass Door. Here is a stylish little bugger that is affordable, stylish and made with an anodized aluminum frame. It has Bi-Fold tempered glass doors, and it is custom made .... I know, don't freak out because I said custom! I said it was affordable and it truly is. The one that I got the best feeling for out of the "affordable" price range of my wallet was the Heat N Glo EZ Fireplace Glass Door. Oh, and did I tell you, when I was talking with some of the sellers, they didn't even tell me that I would have to do the measuring, let alone how and where to measure my current fireplace? You would think that would be important. Yet again the folks at Brick Anew not only brought that up, but then advised that they would walk me through it step by step over the phone as I did it! Did you know that when ordering a custom glass door for your fireplace that there are certain things to you need to get right? It took only a few minutes to make sure that I had measured it correctly.

Okay, I'm really super big on customer service so you will hear me mention that a lot over the next few days. If you don't sell me you, while selling me your product, then you won't sell anything to me at all. Please take a look at all the great fireplace doors as well as other items while you browsing their website. Then give them a call and you will see what I mean.

Here are some other items I found on their website that I thought would be of some interest too!

Fireplace Gas Logs - and the selection was affordable and minimal, not comparing twigs and sticks. 
Vented fireplace gas logs - these help expel carbon monoxide out of the room and up the flue!
Vent Free fireplace gas logs - these consume a minimal amount of fuel

Thursday, April 12, 2012

FMI Fireplace Glass Doors for your Prefab or Masonry Fireplace

FMI Fireplaces have been around over a quarter of a century. A family run and owned business that manufactures of one of the most economical fireplace doors available today. This past March they have patent pended a system into their design structures called Eco-Air Technology. To put it plainly, instead of stale, stagnant air quality in your home already from all the household cleaning products, paint, etc. You  now add you burning fireplace and just like that, you have created an unfavorable air quality in your beautiful home.

The Eco-Air System takes the the fresh air from outside your house and heats it all around the outside portion of your fireplace as it works with the energy from your fireplace to lift the temperature inside. Who would have that clean air and fireplaces could ever have a relationship? Wow, I know I'm impressed.

FMI Fireplace Glass Doors are a sound investment for homeowners who have Masonry and Prefab Fireplaces. If you are looking for a top seller in your area, look no further then your computer. Brick Anew is available for you online and is one of the largest sellers of FMI Fireplace glass doors in the nation. Customer service for this company cannot be beat. When I placed a phone call to the numerous listings I found on the internet to ask my questions, they folks were knowledgeable, friendly and conscious of me.... you know.... me, the one purchasing their product? Give them a call today, you will be amazed at the service, product and quality.

Related to this article:
Fireplace Glass Demonstration
Tempered Fireplace Replacement Glass

Wednesday, April 11, 2012

"Give it a Whirl" Anyone can do this!

Twilight Taupe color theme used
Recently I purchased the product you recommended on this blog to remodel my fireplace. I wanted to take the time to send you these photos because I was very nervous and skeptical about it.  It truly is difficult to tell in this before picture how the effect the paint had on the brick. It was originally red brick. We got tired of that and did not know what to do for brick so we just painted it a very shiny white enamel. It didn't take long to realize this was not the look we wanted.  I really wanted a lovely soothing focal point in our den. What I had was not soothing.


"I saw your blog post on this product while searching for a solution. Even skeptical I was willing to give it a whirl.  Man, I can not believe what you said was absolutely true, "Anybody can do this". I was completely amazed that I did not have to remove the existing paint and all we had to do was follow a video instruction. The fireplace came out more beautiful than I ever imagined it possible could be. I am over joyed and love your product. It was so easy and looks so much like natural brick my grandson thought we totally replaced the brick. That was huge!  I hope this will encourage others to "give it a whirl" because anyone really can do this."


Thanks so very much my friend!! I am telling everyone I know about this.


Lola

Also mentioned in this testimonial instructions on : Painting A Brick Fireplace  



Tuesday, April 10, 2012

Make Spring Cleaning your Fireplace Fun - Here's How



Spring is finally here. Fireplace season is done. But does that mean you should leave your fireplace unused? Not me! I love keeping my fireplace the centerpiece of my living room.  I love changing the mantel decor. Also a good cleaning out of all the soot and grime accumulated in the winter months. But I also believe that if I am going to make any new changes. Spring is the time to get it done. Here are a few suggestions and tips:
1. Knock off loose soot and grime from the inside of the firebox walls and flue. You can use a brush to gently sweep the walls of the firebox. Why not get some fresh firebox paint and spruce it up?
2. Sweep up all the ash with your fireplace tools and you can even get a brick cleaner for masonry style fireplaces.
3. Close the flue to prevent any drafts and to keep your firebox free from debris.
4. Decorate your fireplace with a beautiful fireplace glass door or screen and a new fireplace tool set.
5. In the event you really want a change and have a brick fireplace, take the time and check out your options. Matte finish brick color themed paint is an amazing way to totally change things before the cold months roll back around and you will be so glad you did. 
Your fireplace is beautiful way to express yourself and it can truly be a centerpiece in your home. So this spring, take the time and think and read about all your options and make your fireplace enjoyable all year round.

Monday, April 9, 2012

Make My Morning Blog Hop - Mompreneur Mogul


Welcome back to the eigth week of Make My Morning Blog Hop Hosted by Jeannette of The Adventures of J-Man and MillerBug, Lisa of Mompreneur Mogul and Jen of Life With Levi! We’d like to cordially invite you to…
Sit Back, Grab a Latte (or your preferred beverage of choice and Watch Your BlogGrow!

This week’s featured blog is Living with Porteous. Be sure to stop by, show her some love and Make Her Morning!

Here is the question: What Makes Your Morning? For these mamas, it’s waking up to find that you have new fans, followers and readers! And since we KNOW that each and everyone of you have something fantastic to share, we’d like to give you the chance to do it! With the Make My Morning Blog Hop! Here’s how it’s going to work:

————————————————————–

- You MUST follow the three hosts in the categorie(s) you link up in. Let us know you’re following and we’d love to follow you back!
- Visit at least two other blogs/pages in that category – be sure to let them know that you’re there to Make Their Morning!
- Post our button if you’d like! After all, who doesn’t like a good cup of joe?
- Each week a featured blog will be randomly drawn from the prior week’s participants! The featured blog will get the number 4 spot in all linkys and a small write-up in the weekly hop! This will start next week!
——————————————————————
Make My Morning will run from Monday till Wednesday – because we all know those first few days of the week are the ones that we need a little pick me up on!

Grab My Button TOO: 
Fireplace Decorating



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