Rose Cottage Ltd

I mentioned in a prior post that at the middle of Year 5 of the life of my Century Hearth wood stove, it is time to do a bit of maintenance.

Part of the gasket seal – that webbed-look stuff that lines the front window – has shredded and split. Since I burn fairly “hot” fires, some of the stove’s fire bricks are also showing some wear. Fortunately, finding what I needed proved easier than I at first thought it might be.

There are quite a few YouTube videos that show the basics of making the actual repair – here’s a good one for you…

But I still needed the “stuff” to make this repair. Off to Woodman’s Parts Plus. They have everything I need now – and a few things I may need in future.

I was able to order the gasket, (in less than an expensive 90 foot roll!) in a reasonable 6-foot length. Width was easily measured at the stove – in the case of my Century Hearth FW240007 model, 3/4″ gasket. I ordered the cement to attach the new gasket, and was also able to order a 6-pack of firebricks – all from the same web site. If I’d thought a bit further ahead I would have added some stove black to my order – on the list for next time…

From the time I realized I needed repair materials to the time the shipment arrived at my door was less than 2 weeks – and one week of that was me researching a source for the repair materials and figuring out sizes and lengths of what I actually needed. I am very pleased to recommend Woodman’s Parts Plus (based in New Hampshire) for wood stove accessories and replacement materials.

Here’s a good place to do some research for new ideas and new plants for your 2012 garden!

You can take a walk through an entire nursery-worth of products without leaving your chair! And through February 11, 2012, find out how to get all orders for only $5.95 shipping from Nature Hills Nursery…

I don’t much care for shopping, absolutely hate shopping malls, and am quite likely to buy something from a online merchant because it saves me a lot of time – but only if the merchant has a solid reputation and a great selection of products.

When possible, I want to pay shipping charges just once – I don’t want to have to buy from 3 vendors for 3 items. I think most savvy online shoppers do the same.

Sierra Trading Post fits my requirements and the selection never disappoints. They have a great sale going on now – that runs to February 8, 2012.

And as for multi-tasking?

Save 35-70% on ski and snowboard gear at Sierra Trading Post!
Save on Outdoor Gear at Sierra Trading Post!
Great deals on ski boots at Sierra Trading Post!
Save on Pet Supplies at Sierra Trading Post!
Sierra Trading Post Gift Cards!

Add to this brand name clothes and accessories for fishing, hunting, camping, climbing and cycling – you’ve found a great resource for all season’s outdoor activities.

So, what is good for heating bills – sporadically warmer-than-usual temperatures this year in North Carolina, is not good for Spring bulbs – which are now popping up too early.

Although I plant the new bulbs a bit deeper each year, the weather always seems to trick them into sticking their noses out of the ground – usually just before a bank of 20-degree mornings.

Here’s what I’ve found today, January 25th…

Such is the life of a gardener…Oh well…

+ $10 off orders of $99 or more. Use code CJGGREEN

Time to think Spring for this year’s garden and to plan for some new color to my predominantly green landscape. Here are some current specials, (and some garden improvement ideas) from Garden.com:

+ Winter Clearance! 50% off Patio Furniture Covers and Free Shipping on Address Plaques!

+ Clearance Items – up to 80% off!

+ Wood Arbors in Stock at Garden.com

+ NEW! Exclusive Fire Pots

Don’t forget your “Valentine” Gardener…

+ Valentine’s Day Gifts – Free Shipping on 50 Great Gifts for the special gardener in your life.

This Asian architecture inspired feeder features dramatic scrollwork details along the base.

Constructed of western red cedar for its striking roof and kiln-dried pine. There are two separate feeding trays, along with a drain hole at the base. Will attract all types of wild birds.

Dimensions: 22″ H x 14″ W x 12″ D

DECORATIVE BIRD FEEDERS: Home Bazaar Summer Palace Feeder

From The Bird Shed

Here are a few links to online tools that will help you visualize and design your new outdoor kitchen.

Danver.com – beautiful stainless steel cabinetry…

The “Kitchenator” – specific to the site’s products but in this case – not a bad thing!

Home Design Software - definitely not just for kitchens

Interactive plans from Wolf and Sub-Zero…

A Plan 3D design tool – for any room in your home.

And last – for this post anyway…from BBQ Island

“To each his own…” may be applicable here, but below are the 5 Top Birdbaths desired for the property at Rose Cottage…

Daisy Weave Birdbath

The Daisy Weave Birdbath features stunning woven detail climbing the base of the pedestal, as well as around the rim of the bowl.

The intricate daisies that are crafted between each woven strand create an intricate and delightful accent. You can be sure the Daisy Weave Birdbath will add the finishing touch to your garden setting!

Morning Glory Pedestal Bird Bath

The Morning Glory Pedestal Bird Bath is the perfect choice for your outdoor area.

The beautiful morning glories set this birdbath apart from all of the rest! Winding up the pedestal of this beautiful birdbath, the morning glories are featured throughout and are sure to be adored by all of your garden guests, feathered and on-feathered. Make a statement and set the Morning Glory Pedestal Birdbath as your center piece.

Rambling Rose Birdbath

What would Rose Cottage be without a Rambling Rose birdbath?

The Rambling Rose Birdbath features stunning roses climbing the pedestal base, as well as around the rim of the bowl. The intricate roses and leaves climbing the base create an intricate and delightful accent. You can be sure the Rambling Rose Birdbath will add the finishing touch to your garden setting!

Victorian Rose Birdbath

Or a Victorian Rose birdbath?

The beautiful rose detail makes the Victorian Rose Birdbath the perfect choice for your home, garden, patio, or back yard.

Victorian Rose Birdbath’s attention to detail makes this piece one of a kind. Roses adorn the top rim of the Victorian Rose Birdbath as well as the pedestal. The detailing follows all the way down to the bottom of the Victorian Rose Birdbath to the pearls and tassels, making this the perfect Victorian birdbath.

Beauvoir Birdbath

For a touch of simple elegance…

A classic birdbath, the Beauvoir Birdbath is the perfect choice for your garden, patio, tabletop, or even indoors for home decor!

Imagine birds flying to and fro from from this beautiful birdbath. The Beauvoir Birdbath can also be used inside your home and placed in a bathroom for decor or in your doorway for a place to put keys. This versatile birdbath is the perfect choice!

Get 10% OFF Any Item during Garden-Fountains.com After Holiday Sale!

Spring popping up just after St. Patrick’s Day means now is a good time to present some great products from Shop Irish. There is also FREE SHIPPING on all items from now through midnight, January 23rd, 2012!

The Celtic Failte Bird Feeder is a unique feeder with a real Irish welcome and a enchanting addition to your garden.

Beautifully detailed with Celtic knots and painted in soft colors. Side roof lifts to fill.

Hangs by 7″ chain or by back keyhole. Imported.

Boxed Resin/Stone.

Size: 10″ x 5″ x 5″.

This delightful Garden Leprechaun is at home in the garden, patio or porch.

Perched on his pot of gold this wee fellow captures the essence of Irish charm.

Weather resistant resin. 14″ tall.

Celtic knots and bouquet of orchids that adorn this
Personalized Celtic Orchid Engraved Stone will offer a tribute to a loved one, pet, or just feature a special spot in your garden.

This cast-stone concrete marker is made from the mold of an original, carved piece of artwork. Weatherproof and can be left outdoors year-round. Made in USA and gift boxed.

Measures 9″ x 2″ x 7″. Choose up to 2 lines of personalization with a maximum of 19 characters per line letters or numbers.

The Claddagh Garden Stake Weather Vane is made from hand-cast aluminum and hand-painted in weather-resistant paint.

Claddagh made from original wood carving with black with gold highlights.

24″ W x 12″ H ornament with 5′ garden stake.

UPDATE May 2012: The vendor that was linked below just – quit.

No worries though thanks to Amazon.

Please visit Rose Cottage Ltd’s new Wood Stove Store for access to all sizes, shapes and colors of wood stoves – brought to you from manufacturers you can trust and often with Free Shipping!

Find all your wood stoves accessories there too!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I’ll be doing a little maintenance on my stove soon. The main gasket needs to be replaced and some of the bricks are a bit worn. More on all that soon – and some good ideas on where to get these wood stove maintenance products.

I write this blog because I like to.

I’m renovating an older house on a 7 acre property with a 4 acre lake. This provides many opportunities to show some of the work that is going on, provide some hopefully helpful hints, and share a few “lessons-learned” on our various DIY projects.

If I find an advertiser who offers something I am discussing, say as example my thoughts about the purchase and use of a wood stove, I’ll provide links to their site so readers can review and make their own decisions about whether a product is right for them or not. This seems a legitimate “referral” of searched-for info for anyone who is interested.

Unfortunately, some advertisers are NOT interested in my attempts to review or discuss their product lines…they just want you to buy, buy, buy. Well, I hope you buy something too – but only if it is the right choice for you.

Rose Cottage Ltd was just “terminated” by an advertiser this morning – one of which I have a fair amount of links to from this blog. I thought they wanted to be a good “go-to” resource for my readers. Apparently not. They’d rather I push you hard to buy versus just providing you with some user info that might make your buying decisions easier. It seems I won’t push hard enough to suit this advertiser – which means they don’t suit Rose Cottage.

They are not interested in good content. They are not interested in what a purchaser actually has to say about a product. They just want sales. If I had known this was their focus, I would have NEVER promoted them.

It will take me about 2 weeks to remove all their links from both the Rose Cottage Ltd. website and blog but trust me, I will do so.

In the meantime, here’s a link to an advertiser that DOES belong on Rose Cottage! You can shop there with confidence for many of the products covered on the Rose Cottage blog. This is all I expect from a company – and it’s the least we deserve.