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The BZ Blog

A man with sunglasses and backpack walking through the woods.

This blog brings you creative TIPS, TOOLS, STORIES, FACTS and ‘interesting FUN’.

LEARN SOMETHING NEW – BE ENTERTAINED – It’s all in The BZ BLOG!

Comments and conversation are welcomed. ENJOY

A BACKYARD FIREWOOD RACK – Build one bigger and better

By Brian Zebertavage | July 25, 2021 |
Posted in ,
A pile of wood in the woods near some trees.

INCLUDES CREATIVE TIPS FOR BUILDING YOUR OWN RACK Quick and easy, solid and sturdy – it all came together using odds and ends from my workshop. What came of it was no work of art – but it sure holds a lot of firewood. Sometimes the easiest and most simplistic…

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YOUR FIREWOOD’S BEST FRIEND

By Brian Zebertavage | June 18, 2021 |
Posted in ,
A stack of wood is in the grass.

IT ALL STARTED WITH A DREAM…BY A FIRE. That late night blaze inspired the idea that became a reality. My mind went crazy with thoughts. I envisioned it by my side…next to the fire…alongside all my fires. The enthusiasm took over and with my thinking cap on, the rest was…

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YAHEETECH OUTDOOR FIREPIT review – My Personal Experience

By Brian Zebertavage | June 1, 2021 |
Posted in
A fire pit sitting on top of red gravel.

I WAS IN SEARCH OF AN OUTDOOR FIREPIT THAT HAD IT ALL; One that could safely hold a modest amount of firewood…enough to kick out some serious heat for warmth on cool evenings outside my home – a firepit capable of grilling food, outdoors over an open fire. Appearance was…

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MIX WOODS FOR BETTER FIRES

By Brian Zebertavage | April 30, 2021 |
Posted in
A fire burning in the middle of a room.

GET THE MOST FROM YOUR FIREWOOD SUPPLY. Choosing to add specific wood types at various stages of a fire can make a world of difference, improving the efficiency of every burn. Quicker startups with less smoke – hot embers for consistent open fire cooking – and fires that burn longer…

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HANDLING FIREWOOD – Back-Saving Tips and Tools

By Brian Zebertavage | January 22, 2021 |
Posted in , , , ,
A man is pulling a large log on a tractor.

BACK PAIN FROM SPLITTING FIREWOOD? Here’s What I do… It’s inevitable. If you cut, split, stack or burn firewood, you will eventually use your back muscles. There’s no getting around it. Physical activity will always play a part in your wood burning experience. Felling the tree – saw cutting small,…

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BURNING FIREWOOD FOR HEAT?

By Brian Zebertavage | December 5, 2020 |
Posted in ,
A fire is burning in the fireplace and wood.

10 MUST-HAVE TOOLS AND GADGETS For many years the wood stove burned hot, providing heat for warmth, food and security. It was my primary choice for heating the home. I enjoyed the comfortable temperature, the savings on my energy bill and I welcomed the benefits of exercise. But most important,…

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DO-IT-YOURSELF LANDSCAPING TIPS Trees Matter

By Brian Zebertavage | October 19, 2020 |
Posted in , ,
A garden with many trees and bushes

CHANGE IS IN THE AIR, whether it’s SPRING OR FALL Both seasons boast mild temperatures and provide vibrant colors to our forests and neighborhood landscapes. It’s also a great time of year to add some spice to your front lawn or back yard. Giving your property a makeover is easier…

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TARPS COVERING YOUR FIREWOOD? DON’T FORGET BUNGEE CORDS!

By Brian Zebertavage | September 25, 2020 |
Posted in ,
A tarp is set up to protect the tent from rain.

PROTECT YOUR FIREWOOD SUPPLY USING THIS QUICK AND EFFICIENT METHOD FOR SHIELDING THE ELEMENTS. Here’s another way to keep your wood supply dry. Below, see how I used bungee cords, stakes and a tarp to protect (and season) a woodpile. Don’t forget to checkout my ‘personal tips’ list too. You…

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The REDNECK ANCHOR Here’s How a Silly (but ingenious) Idea Became a Very Useful Trick

By Brian Zebertavage | August 18, 2020 |
Posted in
A person in a yellow raft floating on top of water.

This article also includes cool tips for using floatables in the water. For your next outdoor adventure involving your favorite lake, creek or body of water, check this out…Relax in the water without floating away! (I admit it’s not my best outdoor tip, but it does solve a problem) PROBLEM:…

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THIS GATOR EATS WOOD

By Brian Zebertavage | July 29, 2020 |
Posted in
A pair of red saws and logs on the ground.

AS THE JAWS TAKE HOLD AND GRAB THICK BRUSH, tree limbs and large branches, the chain saw cuts through the wood. This handy tool is appropriately named The Alligator. If the landscape at your home or business is cluttered with trees and shrubs, you need to know how this Alligator…

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BEAT THE BOREDOM BLUES Feed Your Inspirational Fire!

By Brian Zebertavage | May 16, 2020 |
Posted in
A fire is burning in the dark.

10 Activities for Having Fun During these unprecedented times there’s so much worry: our health, family and friends…our future. As we continue to stay at home as much as possible, why not use the time to improve our physical and mental well-being? KEEP YOUR SANITY! Try engaging yourself in some…

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UNUSUAL TIPS FOR STACKING FIREWOOD – Plus one awesome benefit!

By Brian Zebertavage | April 22, 2020 |
Posted in ,
A pile of wood that is stacked on top of each other.

If you burn wood for heat or food, you need to respect your wood supply. Whether firewood is delivered to your homestead, or if you’ve taken on the task of cutting and splitting yourself, the wood needs to be stored properly for it to burn efficiently. It’s not just wood.…

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START A WOOD FIRE IN 3 MINUTES! HERE’S HOW

By Brian Zebertavage | March 30, 2020 |
Posted in ,
A fire is burning in the dark.

This fire-starting method will work for all wood burners using a woodstove, fireplace, outdoor firepit or campfire. Where ever you enjoy the flames, get them up and running without a hassle. But why start the fire so quickly? What are the benefits? Is it safe? What sensible reason could any…

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A BIZARRE TREE – WITH UNIQUE QUALITIES

By Brian Zebertavage | February 14, 2020 |
Posted in
A forest with trees and water in the foreground.

It’s a tree with roots that grow up and out of the ground – and no one knows exactly why. These knobby root segments are called ‘knees’ and they sometimes grow out of the water too, reaching heights up to 6 foot. Their scientific name is pneumatophores, and it is…

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I LAUGHED, BUT IT WASN’T FUNNY

By Brian Zebertavage | February 7, 2020 |
Posted in

IT GOT WORSE A TOXIC SUPER BOWL STORY IT HAD THE MAKINGS OF AN AWESOME PARTY Friends, pizza, beer, and large video screen – add an outdoor woodfire for keeping football fans warm in the cool Florida evening, and it was the perfect setting. The 3-topping pizzas were hand-made, hot…

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STILL CARRY FIREWOOD THIS WAY?

By Brian Zebertavage | January 29, 2020 |
Posted in
A man holding wood in his hands while wearing gloves.

IT’s ok, but next time try this… There’s got to be a hundred ways to move firewood from one location to another. I think I’ve tried them all at least once. But somehow, I always come back to the simple method of piling a few logs in my arms as…

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TOP 10 REASONS YOU NEED TREES NEAR YOUR HOME

By Brian Zebertavage | November 30, 2019 |
Posted in
A grassy area with trees and bushes in the background.

The last one will surprise you… 😉 1.  INCREASED PROPERTY VALUE   With the most suitable trees in just the right spaces (landscaping), your home becomes more appealing, contributing to its net worth. 2.  BEAUTY Enhance your curb appeal and add beauty to your landscape. Consider planting trees that have unique…

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20 TIPS for CAMPING and HOME

By Brian Zebertavage | September 4, 2019 |
Posted in
A plastic milk crate and bucket on the grass.

Two common everyday products that provide tons of benefits for indoor and outdoor activities… (The Bonus Tip listed below is a must see) You may already own these simple but innovative objects. They are probably sitting in your garage or basement, doing nothing but taking up space. They are capable…

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OUTDOOR DAYS and FIRESIDE NIGHTS – ESCAPE from the ORDINARY

By Brian Zebertavage | September 8, 2024 |
Posted in ,
campsite alongside a lake with 3 tents under trees and chairs around a firepit

When it comes to escaping the hustle and bustle of everyday life, there is nothing quite like spending time in the great outdoors. Whether you are seeking a peaceful retreat or an adventure-packed getaway, camping offers the perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature and the wildlife that roams about. Outdoor…

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STORING FIREWOOD – CREATIVE IDEAS

By Brian Zebertavage | January 8, 2024 |
Posted in
A pile of wood in the middle of a shed.

How and where you store firewood is more important than you think. No matter how much wood you have cut, split or purchased, it will be useless if not stored properly. The best storage protects the wood from rain, sleet, and snow. Below you will find practical, creative ideas for…

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QUICK TIPS for the TFH-1 – The world’s most diverse firewood holder

By Brian Zebertavage | October 6, 2023 |
Posted in ,
A stack of wood is in the grass.

HAVE YOU HEARD OF THE TFH-1? If you are burning firewood for Heat, Food or Fun, you need to see the firewood holder that is like no other. This (trans)portable firewood rack is the most practical, yet innovative firewood storage solution available today. For all of you who burn firewood…

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HEAT UP YOUR VACATION! The Essentials for a Wood Burning Fire

By Brian Zebertavage | August 31, 2023 |
Posted in
A fire pit with chairs around it in the grass.

Unwind and embrace the coziness of a wood burning fire while on vacation! Seneca Lake, NY, and of course I’m burning woodfires here at the water’s edge. There’s no way I’m giving up the glowing magic of a campfire just because I’m away from home. I thrive off a campfire’s…

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NOSY NEIGHBORS? 4 Ways to Block Their View

By Brian Zebertavage | July 14, 2023 |
Posted in ,
A woman looking through binoculars with her hand on the side of her face.

THEY WANT TO KNOW WHAT YOU ARE DOING. Your neighbors may be friendly, trustworthy, dependable, and even helpful…BUT…they still peek at you! Don’t get me wrong, good neighbors are an asset for any homeowner, but curious eyes do wander. We all deserve a little peace and privacy, especially in our…

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FIREWOOD Cutting & Splitting Tips 

By Brian Zebertavage | April 30, 2023 |
Posted in ,
Two men working on a tree in the woods.

BELOW ARE A FEW CREATIVE TRICKS FOR CUTTING AND SPLITTING FIREWOOD. For all of us wood burners, cutting, splitting and stacking our wood supply is a rewarding process although it can be more work than play. Despite the labor, it’s a cycle we endure and one that provides benefits well…

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HIKING – Exercise for the Heart and Soul

By Brian Zebertavage | March 25, 2023 |
Posted in ,
A group of people standing on top of a hill.

THE REASONS I HIKE WILL SURPRISE YOU…With boundless curiosity I choose to lose myself in the most natural of outdoor worlds. I become enthusiastic as I venture deep into a wilderness where I am no longer in control of my surroundings. I enjoy the exposure, vulnerable to a world of…

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The WOODSTOVE – Creative Tips & Tools for Better Burning

By Brian Zebertavage | January 28, 2023 |
Posted in , ,
A fire burning in the fireplace of a home.

My home, nestled within a small forest of Maple, Hickory and giant White Oak trees, was heated by a woodstove. The stove provided heat for warmth, cooked delicious foods, dried my clothes, and when the power went out, it provided light. In all those years of burning firewood, I’ve learned…

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STORIES, DREAMS and BLAZING WOODFIRES

By Brian Zebertavage | December 15, 2022 |
Posted in ,
A fire is burning in the woods on a sunny day.

Some of my best memories were touched by fire. As I look back, hanging out by a campfire with my friends was a childhood blessing. We would gather for warmth – to cook food – and at the time we didn’t realize…for peace of mind too. With a magical show…

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The BEST FIREWOOD – Delivered to your Doorstep

By Brian Zebertavage | September 26, 2022 |
Posted in ,
A pile of wood sitting on top of a table.

SPARE YOURSELF the AGONY of the work and worry of CUTTING, SPLITTING AND STACKING FIREWOOD. Have the best firewood (dry, cut and split), delivered to your doorstep! IT’S A WELL-KNOWN FACT that wood is one of our most valuable, renewable, and alternative energies. When burned properly, it is capable of…

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FISHING – with a magnet?

By Brian Zebertavage | August 27, 2022 |
Posted in ,
A man standing on the end of a pier fishing.

A tinge of excitement bursts from nowhere as the first tug jolts your fishing line. The rush of adrenaline races throughout your body. With weight on one end of the line resisting, you are now personally connected to an unknown force. It’s still hidden below the water’s surface. You continue…

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Bake your own PIZZA…outdoors!

By Brian Zebertavage | July 19, 2022 |
Posted in
A pizza sitting on top of a white plate.

LET’S HAVE A PIZZA PARTY! Imagine serving up delicious piping hot pizza pies in your backyard or at your favorite camping spot! You provide the pizza oven and I’ll bring the cold beer or the perfect wine for pairing. Along with the freshest ingredients melted on top of a scrumptious…

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OUTDOOR IDEAS to INCREASE your HOME’S VALUE ($$$)

By Brian Zebertavage | April 30, 2022 |
Posted in , ,
A large house with many flowers in the yard.

…BUT BEWARE OF JEALOUS NEIGHBORS! Most likely a house is the most expensive purchase you will ever make. Here’s how to bring new and exciting life to your property and increase its value with only a few simple and creative steps. A home is one of the greatest investments of…

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OBSCURE PRODUCTS DELIVERED TO YOUR DOOR

By Brian Zebertavage | March 31, 2022 |
Posted in
A cardboard box sitting in front of the door.

IT IS A WONDERFUL CONVENIENCE – from the comforts of your home – THE ABILITY TO PURCHASE WHATEVER YOUR LITTLE – HEART – DESIRES. With your smart phone or computer, you surf, briefly researching, clicking to purchase and then like Christmas Eve, you anxiously anticipate the delivery of your packaged…

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INSTANT INSPIRATION – 3 gadgets that bring it on

By Brian Zebertavage | February 28, 2022 |
Posted in
A man wearing headphones looking out over the water.

STAY MOTIVATED – GET MORE DONE – RELAX! But how? Is it really possible to have more fun while you work and play? Yes! And the following 3 GADGETS CAN HELP YOU GET THERE. They’re portable, inexpensive and ‘adult friendly’ too. Read on to discover how these musical ‘toys’ add…

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YOUR KIDS – FORTS – and AMAZING BENEFITS!

By Brian Zebertavage | January 17, 2022 |
Posted in ,
A tree house with a ladder on the side of it.

“I MAY HAVE BEEN 8 YEARS OLD BUT MOST LIKELY YOUNGER WHEN I FIRST STARTED. I remember having fun with my friends and cousins when they would visit our home. We played by collecting pillows and cushions from furniture. We stacked them high and wide strapping blankets overtop. Then while…

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THE BEST KINDLING WOOD EVER! Split Your Own Using This Tool

By Brian Zebertavage | September 29, 2021 |
Posted in ,
A black metal chair with five arms on top of it.

EVERY WOODFIRE NEEDS KINDLING AND THE PERFECT TOOL TO MAKE IT HAS ARRIVED. I bought this tool because I believed it would split perfect-sized wood strips for starting and maintaining all my woodfires. It does. But also, my days of trudging along the forest floors, bending over to collect and…

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THEY DRINK HUMAN BLOOD – 2 Ways to Stop Them

By Brian Zebertavage | August 28, 2021 |
Posted in ,
A black and white photo of a bug with its wings spread.

(YOU’LL BE SURPRISED WHAT KEEPS THEM AWAY) They can smell you from 25 meters. Their zig zag flying prowess is hard to keep track of. With tiny, barely visible frames, they hover, beady eyes fixated on exposed human skin. They’re relentless – they can’t wait to land, bite, and drink…

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