What is A Yule log

Jess Hill 13th December 2019 No Comments Blog, News

The Yule log began as a Nordic tradition. The Yule log is the largest log picked and would be placed into the fire hearth. This Christmas tradition is carried out in several countries all over Europe.

It is a tradition to light the log with a previous year’s log. Keeping the wood in storage it is slowly fed to the fire through the 12 days of Christmas
In France, it is a tradition for the whole family to help cut down the log.
A tradition in Cornwall uses a dried out and bark-free log call the mock.
Barrel makers in the UK had unused logs that they couldn’t use therefore they gave their customers them for Yule logs.

Similar traditions

Ashen faggot is an old English tradition from Devon and Somerset. A faggot is a large log or bundle of ash sticks bound with nine green lengths of ash bands preferably from the same tree. They would burn this on Christmas Eve and in the heart of the fireplace.

Types of wood

The UK uses oak
Scotland uses birch
France uses cherry. They sprinkle wine over the log before its burning, therefore, it smells nice once lit

Sprinkle Chemicals on the log to create coloured flames;

Potassium nitrate violet,
barium nitrate green,
copper sulphate blue,
table salt bright yellow

However, throwing ashes out on Christmas Day can be unlucky

Chocolate Yule log

Eaten in France and Belgium this is a popular Christmas pudding. Additionally, made with a chocolate sponge, layered with cream and covered with chocolate and decorated to look like bark.

How To Roast Chestnuts This Christmas

Jess Hill 6th December 2019 No Comments Uncategorised

Get into the festive season by indulging in the best Christmas food. One of those being roasted chestnuts. They can be used for turkey stuffing, cakes or crumbles.

They are at their peak over the festive season. For the best flavour look for the largest nuts and choose those that are shiny and feel heavy.

First, you cut the shell carefully. Make an x shape on the nut but be careful not to cut the nut inside just the outer shell
Heat the oven to 200 degrees fan or gas 6. Roast for 30 minutes until the skin splits open.
Let me cool and then you can peel them. Serve immediately or chop ready to add to another recipe.

Roasting over an open coal fire

If you want the ultimate festive experience this is how to roast chestnuts over an open fire.

Prepare the charcoal grill for direct heat. Light charcoal, for a medium-hot fire you should be able to hold your hand 6 inches above the flame for around 5 seconds.
Use a knife to cut an x into each chestnut
Cook for 20 minutes or until chestnuts have split

To roast them in the fireplace wrap the chestnuts in a foil packet then place into a medium-sized fire. Roast for about 15 minutes then leave them to cool before unwrapping. When the chestnuts are cool enough to handle you can peel them.

How to keep your pets safe this winter

Jess Hill 29th November 2019 No Comments Blog

It is important to keep your pets safe over winter, as the temperature drops and the chance for snow increases there are things we can do to help our pets.

1. Wrap up before a walk

As you would put a coat on your dog may need one too. Especially if they are fine coated such as a greyhound or staffie.

2. Check their toes

After being outside it is best to check their toes for snow, salt and grit. The snow between their toes can gather together and create ice balls which can be very painful. To help prevent this you can trim the hair between their toes as this can get very long.

3. Fire safety

This time of year the fires will be going and dogs love nothing more than cosying up by the fire. Check out our other blog about keeping your pets fire safe.

4. Keep them warm and dry

Make sure they are dry once inside and have somewhere warm to return to away from cold drafts.

5. Active cats

Your cat may want to stay indoors more over the winter months. If they do like to go outside make sure they have a warm dry shelter outside they can go to or get a microchip cat flap. This will stop other cats from entering your home and allow your cat to come and go as they please.

6. Keeping small pets warm

If you have pets like rabbits, guinea pigs or ferrets that live outdoors think about bringing them indoors in a sheltered area such as a shed or garage. Give them some extra bedding to keep them warm and keep them away from cold drafts.

7. Winter hazards

Antifreeze and de-icer used to stop cars from icing up when in contact with pets they can be very toxic. Cats are at the most risk as they like the sweet taste. Make sure you mop up any spills.
Salt and grit, this can irritate pets paws, if you salt around your home choose a pet-safe product.
Poisonous plants, holly, ivy and poinsettia are all toxic to pets if they eat them.

Valentine’s Day

firemizer_admin 12th February 2018 No Comments Blog

Valentine’s Day!

It’s almost Valentine’s Day – by now most of you have already organised romantic surprises and bought ridiculous amounts of chocolate. If you haven’t, don’t worry, there’s still plenty of time to organise something special for the love in your life. Flowers, chocolates and cuddly toys are always a sure-fire success, but why not try something a little different this year? What about a book of poetry, a lover’s scavenger hunt, a scrapbook of old photos or even a homemade dinner? There are lots of ways to show affection that don’t involve spending much at all. And if you’re setting the mood with a romantic fire, add a Firemizer to help your fuel last 38% longer. This means instead of constantly interfering with the fire, you can give your significant other your undivided, unconditional attention.

Did you know?

Did you know that the tradition of Valentine’s Day originates from various stories about the saint? Some stories suggest he defied Roman Emperor Claudius II and married soldiers to their lovers in private – Claudius believed single men made better soldiers. Other stories suggest that St. Valentine helped Christians escape torture from the Romans, and that he himself sent the first ever Valentine’s greeting to his jailor’s daughter.

Valentine’s Day is celebrated across the world, from Europe the U.S. to Asia and South America. Latin American countries refer to the day as ‘el día de los enamorados or the ‘day of lovers’. The Chinese celebrate the ‘lover’s festival’ on the seventh day of the seventh month. In Japan, Valentine’s Day was first introduced in 1936 and, because of a translation error made by a chocolate company, only women buy Valentine chocolates for their spouses, boyfriends, or friends. In fact, it is the only day of the year many single women will reveal their crush on a man by giving him chocolate. The men don’t return the favour until ‘White Day’, which is a response to Valentine’s on March 14.

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