Welcome
To
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

FUN FACTS TO TELL YOUR KIDS

By Brian Zebertavage | May 6, 2019 |
Posted in
A man and child walking on a trail in the woods.

THEY’LL THINK YOU’RE SMART ? THERE’S AN EXTRAORDINARY LIFE WAITING TO BE DISCOVERED – WITH YOUR CHILDREN – OUTDOORS – WHERE LEARNING CAN BE A FUN-FILLED EXPERIENCE. Become engaged with nature and take advantage of all its wonder…then pass it on to the kids! Below are a few simple bits…

Read More

THE TRUTH ABOUT HEATING YOUR HOME The drawbacks of Wood Heat

By Brian Zebertavage | March 3, 2019 |
Posted in
A fireplace with fire burning inside of it.

THERE IS NO DOUBT THERE ARE MANY BENEFITS TO USING FIREWOOD FOR HEAT: It’s a one-of-kind cozy warmth that only a wood stove can produce. The fires that roar behind the glass door display a beautiful ambient light each and every time the logs are burning hot and steady. There’s…

Read More

THEY’RE BURNING IN ATLANTIC CITY!

By Brian Zebertavage | January 20, 2019 |
Posted in
A restaurant with many tables and chairs in it

IT WAS THE UNMISTAKABLE SWEET AROMA SWIRLING THROUGH THE AIR THAT FIRST CAUGHT MY ATTENTION. As I followed my nose, I then focused on a tall wrought iron rack, stacked high with split oak. Naturally I became curious. As I walked passed the firewood rack and through the doorway, I…

Read More

IS YOUR FIREWOOD DRY ENOUGH TO BURN? 8 Simple Ways to Find Out

By Brian Zebertavage | January 16, 2019 |
Posted in
A pile of wood sitting in the grass.

There is no fire that will light and burn reliably if the firewood’s moisture content is high.  Freshly cut wood can contain up to 50% water and therefore NOT suitable for burning. Heating your home with wood? Do you build campfires for fun, warmth or grilling food? Entertaining family and…

Read More

UNWIND – RELAX – LET GO – DREAM!

By Brian Zebertavage | January 3, 2019 |
Posted in
A woman sitting in front of a fireplace holding a cup.

Slow down and let your imagination come to life. Here’s a true story on how a “FIRE can INSPIRE” Outside it was cold and wet as I gathered kindling to start the fire. The early evening grew dark and the moisture of the woods wet the surface of my clothes.…

Read More

THEY HAD NO INTENTION OF SELLING IT – THEY GAVE IT TO THOSE IN NEED

By Brian Zebertavage | January 2, 2019 |
Posted in
A group of men standing next to a pile of wood.

Above, Shane McDaniel, flanked by his sons, Henry McDaniel, left, and Harrison McDaniel, stand in front of their Washington state home with the wood they chopped. (Dave Robertson) THEY CUT WOOD TO FILL 80 TRUCKS. THEN THEY BROUGHT IT TO HOMES THAT NEEDED HEAT. HERE’S THE STORY… (by Caitlin Huson,…

Read More

EVERY HOUSE SHOULD HAVE ONE

By Brian Zebertavage | November 28, 2018 |
Posted in

KEEP YOUR FAMILY SAFE and YOUR HOME INTACT The cold air has moved in and now a part of daily life here in the Pocono Mountains, northeastern USA. November’s unexpected 12″ snowfall was yet another humble reminder of what the upcoming winter months have in store for us. Along with…

Read More

6 QUICK TIPS FOR WOOD BURNERS

By Brian Zebertavage | November 18, 2018 |
Posted in
A chalkboard with the words helpful tips written in chalk.

Listed below are useful suggestions helpful for burning firewood for heat, food and fun: 1. COOK DINNER ON YOUR WOODSTOVE! If your stove has a cooktop surface, with a few select pots and pans and a little creativity, just about any food can be prepared. No need to turn on…

Read More

THIS JOINT SMOKES!

By Brian Zebertavage | November 2, 2018 |
Posted in
A sign that says the joint always smokin bbq

THEY’RE BURNING IN THE BIG EASY! It’s early morning and a blue-sky day begins with 70° temps, and a slow rising southern sun. I’m visiting New Orleans, the birthplace of Jazz, and a city renowned for its colorful parades and exuberant celebrations. Today’s adventure within this Mississippi River town lures…

Read More

HOW TO GET FREE FIREWOOD

By Brian Zebertavage | October 20, 2018 |
Posted in
A red truck with logs in the back of it.

If you burn wood to heat your home, you are saving money. Even with the recent low cost of fossil fuels like natural gas, coal or oil, wood is still the least expensive. There is no doubt that labor is a factor when using wood for heat, but if you…

Read More

CAN THAT TREE HIT YOUR HOUSE?

By Brian Zebertavage | October 8, 2018 |
Posted in
A tree that has fallen over and is blocking the house.

NO DOUBT. TREES ARE ESSENTIAL TO LIFE AS WE KNOW IT. They provide shade from the hot rays of the sun. They supply food and oxygen. Trees contribute raw materials for buildings, books and thousands of other products. They also add value to our homesteads by beautifying the landscape in…

Read More

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES with AMAZING BENEFITS

By Brian Zebertavage | September 10, 2018 |
Posted in
A view of the mountains from above.

GET OUT OF YOUR HOUSE Immerse yourself within a forest with its ever-changing wildlife and let Mother Nature surprise you (she will). BUILD A CAMPFIRE. There’s no better way to take in the outdoors than having a woodfire as your centerpiece for good times with family and friends. Toast a…

Read More

4 GOOD REASONS for BURNING WOOD

By Brian Zebertavage | September 5, 2018 |
Posted in
A fire burning in the dark with black background

HEAT Stay warm the old-fashioned way. We sometimes forget how dependent we are on electricity, oil and gas. Wood burning means, to a greater or lesser extent, energy independence which can then translate into lower heating bills. Power outages and high-priced fossil fuels are less a worry when you have…

Read More

HE’S NOT A WOOD BURNER

By Brian Zebertavage | September 4, 2018 |
Posted in
A man and his dog are posing for the camera.

HE’S HARMLESS He’s got quite the charisma as he greets you with his signature “howl and growl”. With paws the size of Texas, he likes to show them off at face level while he “double high fives”. Sometimes scary, yea – but to know him, he’s harmless. This four-pawed, puppy-hearted,…

Read More

This Is No Ordinary Farm.

By Brian Zebertavage | October 14, 2017 |
Posted in
A man standing next to an old fashioned machine.

“Quality hay for discriminating animals.” That’s the motto for Deerfoot Farms, located in Leesport, PA., USA. Owner Dave Brown, a respected businessman that has a niche for growing and harvesting hay, has discovered numerous ways to save money for his business and family. But the reason Dave is being featured…

Read More

Enclose your woodstove? See how this couple did it.

By Brian Zebertavage | October 14, 2017 |
Posted in
A woman standing in front of an old stove.

Take a look at what Cindy and Gary from Robesonia, PA have done with their woodstove. They built a custom sheet metal enclosure around the stove to capture and direct the heat to flow exactly where and when they need it. No more waiting for the entire downstairs to fill…

Read More

This large copper dome oven burns wood to make designer pizza and desserts too!

By Brian Zebertavage | October 14, 2017 |
Posted in
A pizza oven on the back of a trailer.

Wood-fired pizza! There’s nothing like the taste of pizza that was baked using firewood. If you ever get the chance to visit the Finger Lakes in New York State, be sure to stop by The Copper Oven at Cayuga Ridge Estate Winery to try some of their wood-fired pizza (their…

Read More

With three separate wood burning stoves on his property this guy has a unique way of storing his firewood supply

By Brian Zebertavage | October 14, 2017 |
Posted in
A field with many bags of hay wrapped in plastic.

Harold and his very unique way Harold from Mohrsville, PA is storing his wood in a very unique way. Take a look at the pics below and you will have to agree that his wood storage is very distinct in that he stacks the logs on wooden pallets, held together…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

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…

Read More

Newsletter Signup

LEARN SOMETHING NEW
BE ENTERTAINED
FOLLOW THE BZ BLOG!

A FIREWOOD HOLDER LIKE NO OTHER

MORE INFO HERE

Quality FIREWOOD STORAGE

CABINS, GARAGES and more…

DIY building PLANS
Complete PRE-CUT KITS
or
FULLY ASSEMBLED - delivered!

MORE INFO HERE

…and a FREE set of plans!

CREATIVE LANDSCAPING
1000’s of high-quality designs
Simple step-by-step details

Design your own
OUTDOOR LIVING EXPERIENCE
The perfect setting for a FIREPIT!

Details HERE

Includes bonuses!

ENJOY WOODWORKING? Build Your Dream Project Today

Get 16,000 plans for stunning, professional projects

For beginner or expert 

For fun or profit

The most comprehensive woodworking guide available

Get Instant Access HERE

GAS or WOOD-FIRED models
The best portable PIZZA OVENS are right HERE

CAMPING EQUIPMENT
Everything you need for your
next camping adventure is HERE

FIREPITS for your backyard
patio and deck click HERE

LOG SPLITTERS and TOOLS
gas-powered, electric and manual
The most popular brands HERE

WOOD STOVES & accessories
Largest selection HERE
SAVE MONEY, BURN WOOD!