BrandSource Canada Blog – Page 17

December 21, 2018

3 Things to Do BEFORE You Remodel Your Kitchen

Do you think you are ready for a big kitchen renovation? Have you spent hours on Pinterest creating the perfect dream kitchen and are ready to get the show on the road? I love your energy and enthusiasm, but there are few key things you should do before you even begin the process of launching into a kitchen redesign.

1. Consider Your Budget

Money can’t buy happiness, but it does buy new kitchens. When it comes to kitchen renovation or remodel, the budget can get high very quickly. You’ll want to know a very realistic number and also set aside a little for emergencies.

If you can’t squeeze an extra cent out of your budget and no hammer has swung yet, you need to reconsider. In any household project there will be unforeseen costs and issues, especially in a kitchen requiring power and water. Know your budget and stick to it.

2. Consider Your Space

What kind of space do you have to work with? Are you able to rethink closets, powder rooms or other spaces around your kitchen as part of this project? (see budget above though!) How much room do you have for all the things your kitchen needs to do? Be sure to measure out appliances and how much room you need to walk, open doors, and use the space effectively.

3. Needs Vs. Wants

You might want a giant six-burner stove, but the small space you have will only accommodate a four burner. You might want a pot filler over the stove, but installing water adds extra to the budget.

When it comes to a kitchen remodel or update, you have needs and wants, and so does your space. The perfect kitchen is one that balances out the needs of the space, the wants and needs of the user, and fits it all into the budget. It is definitely easier said than done, but my suggestion is to start with a list and go from there.

At BrandSource we’ve seen many kitchen remodels and projects and are happy to help you weigh the pros and cons of all the types of appliances so you can get the kitchen that is best for you.

Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert

YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE:
• Which Kitchen Layout is Best for Me
• 5 Functional Traits of Fabulous Foodies Kitchens
• Choosing Between a Wall Oven and a Conventional Range
• 3 Ways to Elevate Your Kitchen with Built-in Appliances
• Updraft vs. Downdraft, Kitchen Ventilation Explained

December 21, 2018

5 Top Activities That Help You Forget About the Cold

It’s the weekend, it’s cold and you are wishing for summer to come back! Navigating around the cold, wind, snow all week has taken its toll and nothing will pull us out of our homes! All we want to do is hug a cup of hot cocoa and stay in our pyjamas all weekend long.

For those of us who truly find cold weather and all of its outdoor activities intolerable, there is hope! Whether you are on your own or have a family to entertain, we have found five great indoor activities that will keep you indoors, warm and busy!

1. Read and Explore

During those summer garage sales, you picked up a pile of books you promised you would read. Start a book club where everyone can meet online or for those of you who enjoy writing, get a blog started to review them and see where it leads!

2. Bake and Cook

Baking and batch cooking are always favourite indoor activities. While the weather gets cooler, soups, and stews are easy to batch cook and freeze for weeknight meals. The scent of banana bread baking in the oven conjures up warm and fuzzy feelings during the cold winter days! Crank up the tunes and get moving in the kitchen! Alone or assigning tasks to family members this will make for some great entertaining and eating!

3. Game Night

Cold fall and winter nights are the perfect opportunity to gather everyone around and play some old-fashioned board games. Invite your neighbours and make it a pot luck evening filled with eating and winning!

4. Declutter

Clearing closets and clutter for a donation bin opens up extra space in your homes as well as helping out your community. You can start in the basement or storage room where you keep a lot of “just in case stuff” piled up and then work your way to the other rooms, closets and drawers. The general rule is that if you haven’t used or worn it in over a year, it’s time to go.

Keeping boxes assigned for various things will keep things in order when you’re ready to drop them off at goodwill. Not only are you clearing out some old stagnant energy in our homes, but you are also helping others in need!

5. Get Crafty

I am sure you are like me when I say, I wish I could draw, paint, crochet or knit! During those cold winter nights, you could be learning a new skill that can perhaps not only beautify your homes but turn into a business at local craft fairs. Unless you try something new, you will never know what you are capable of.

Many of us would easily turn to binge-watching movies and shows during those cold winter nights, and that’s not a bad thing, occasionally. But if you dedicate a few nights a week or the weekends to being productive, creative, and inspiring you would not only feel accomplished but also motivate those in your lives to do the same. It’s time to discover what lies inside of you and what better time than on a cold windy night!

Angela, Your Sleep Expert

December 21, 2018

10 Kitchen Trends to Love

The kitchen is the heart of our home and is definitely the room that takes up the most of my precious Pinterest time. Sure, I pin great recipes like everyone else, but I also have a never ending supply of great kitchen inspiration. Amazing kitchens with storage and colours, and technologies and all the awesome stuff I would do if I won the lottery. Let’s dream together, shall we? I’ve rounded up my top 10 kitchen trends I am totally loving right now.

1. Coloured Cabinets

A trend I’ve been seeing lots of in magazines, but only in one girlfriend’s house so far. It’s coming to a subdivision split level near you soon, it just takes one person on the block to be bold. Coloured cabinets are a great way to add personality.

2. All Kinds of Cabinets

It used to be one type of cabinet was ‘in style’, but now it seems the style is anything goes. Open shelving, glass door cabinets, closed cabinets, a combination of all of them! I love how this really allows your kitchen and the objects within it to shine.

3. Eclectic Tiles

I’m seeing lots of amazing tiles going down on kitchen floors or as bright and bold backsplashes. No longer white subway tiles, the backsplash and the floor are jumping back into the game with some serious patterns.

4. Innovative Storage

We do a lot in our kitchens and need them to help us out, so when it comes to innovative storage solutions I am all over them. I love the modern pantry we’re seeing more of, holding both food items and the necessary equipment.

5. Mixed Metals

Move over brass, and skip to the side stainless steel, you’ve had your time to shine! Now it’s time for all the metals to shine together. The trend I am seeing is one big harmonious mixing bowl of metals. Make whatever metals you like work. Much like the cabinets, there isn’t one real trendy colour – but rather what’s trendy is making it your own way by mixing and matching.

6. Industrial (like) Appliances

Big industrial like appliances are joining in with coloured cabinets in the trend category I love. For an avid entertainer or someone with a big family, six burners can make a good day great.

7. Destination Stations

A bar nook or coffee station, whatever makes your kitchen work better for your life is what I am seeing more of. These ‘destination stations’ help organize a kitchen space really well.

8. Green

From innovative appliances doing more with less, to plants and coloured cabinets we’re still seeing green as a trend that won’t stop (and for good reason!). Plants help keep air fresh and add a feeling of earthy décor.

9. More Interest, Less Clutter

Rather than cluttered countertops and overstuffed cupboards, we’re seeing much more focus on areas of interest and less clutter. Using lighting, open shelving, or closed shelving with glass, the kitchen is both functional and also a space of beauty.

10. Run-way Runners

The boring area mat saying something about ‘time for wine’ at the kitchen sink has seen its time. The kitchen trend I am seeing everywhere is the return of the runner. It’s a runaway hit and is a great way to a pop of colour to the run-way of your kitchen.

Hoping these few trends have inspired you to step out of your box and be more daring when comes the time for your upcoming kitchen remodel.

Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert

December 21, 2018

6 Signs You Need a New Mattress

We sometimes neglect the huge role our mattresses play in our lives. Studies show that we spend approximately one third of our lives, or 25 years sleeping so it is safe to say that we need to consider them more closely. It is that one place where, after a long day of chasing buses, deadlines or toddlers we go to relax, restore and recharge. It is, along with nutritious food and exercise, important for our overall health and well-being.

Although technology has come a very long way from the straw-filled mattress of centuries ago, we still need to consider many factors when a mattress has passed its life span of 7 to 10 years. No mattress is built to last forever, and our bodies will be the first to let us know!

Here are some signs that your mattress’s time is up:

1) Getting out of bed practically requires a crane

If the thought of lifting your bodies off the mattress makes you cringe, this is a sure sign your mattress should be replaced. Whether the mattress has become lumpy or just lost its ability to support, you need to replace it as soon as possible so not to further aggravate body aches.

2) Visible Signs of Sagging on the Mattress

If the imprint of your bodies on the surface of the mattress is quite obvious, this is another sign that it should be replaced. Sagging is a tell-tale sign that that mattress can no longer support your bodies and can result in a number of back problems.

3) Sneezing and Coughing Fit

If you are sneezing and coughing minutes after getting into bed, the mattress has then an accumulated number of allergens. Over time dust and household allergens will settle on your mattress and it is why a good mattress cover is essential, especially for those of us who suffer from allergies. Nonetheless, some allergens will multiply over time resisting some of the best protectors.

4) Not Feeling Rested in the Morning

When we wake up and we feel more tired than when you went to bed, that’s not a good thing. Although you may feel that you did get some sleep, barring any sleep disorder you could be suffering from the old mattress syndrome. Over time, a mattress will just not do what it did for you when you first purchased it. You should remind yourselves why you bought that particular model and if it is still meeting the expectations.

5) Squeaky Sounds

Considering the entire bedframe and whether some screws could be tightened, if your mattress makes unusual sounds, it’s time for a change. Mattresses that rest on box springs depend on each other to deliver the best support, so both need to be looked at. Mattresses with coils on platform beds require a review for sagging indicating a possible broken coil.

6) When the Couch Feels Better

Many of us will doze off on the couch while reading a book or watching a late-night movie. You find it comfortable and cozy and could stay there for hours? When you prefer the comfort of your couch over your bed, well, that is a sure sign you need to shop for a new one.

Just as you regularly maintain equipment and cars, a seasonal look at your mattress is essential to ensure that you are not causing any sleepless nights due to poor quality.

Gerry, Your Sleep Expert

December 21, 2018

How to Save Money on Buying Furniture

Your home is an investment. It’s something you take care of and update over time, and hopefully something you love. I believe the things IN your home, like your furniture, should be no different. Each item should have purpose and function, and should also bring you joy.

When it comes to buying furniture, I like to think of my buying decisions as investments. My furniture needs to be sturdy and needs to be quality I can count on. With that in mind, here are my top tips for saving money on furniture while still making solid choices for now and the future.

1. Make a List & Do Your Research

Make a list of all the furniture items you want and need. Then list out what functions you want from all those items and any requirements (size, Canadian-made, etc) you might have. This is where it’s time to do some research and visit showrooms.

Check everything out and see who has the best furniture items to fit your needs (and wants). You might be buying your new leather sofa from one retailer and your new dining room table from another because of the pricing options, or floor model discounts available. This time spent scoping things out could mean big savings.

2. Special Promotions

Take advantage of special promotions like warehouse sales, floor model sales, and other discounts that aren’t part of a regular ‘sale’ schedule (like Boxing week). Even if floor models don’t have a discount marked on them, you can always ask! It’s also great to inquire about overstock or any warehouse sales coming up. Often times this is not something they promote in advance, but salespeople have the inside scoop and will often let you know.

3. Timing is Everything

Anyone who has been married for a long time knows that timing is everything. The key to success is knowing when the ‘right’ time is. When it comes to buying furniture, there are a few great times to seek out some extra discounts; new inventory rolls into retail stores in the spring, so check for sales and discounts in January and February. The end of the sales month is also a great time to see if that bedroom set you’ve had your eye on can get discounted in an effort to meet sales goals for the month. The answer is always no until you ask!

4. Call or Email

Ask sales people to call you if the item you are looking at comes on sale or is eligible for a discount. Or sign up for email alerts for store sales or promotions. Often times email subscribers get advance notice or extra incentives.

5. Delivery Included

Having delivery included in the purchase of your furniture item is a BIG savings. Not only are trained professionals going to get the furniture into your home in tip top shape (without breaking their backs), but you will also save the hassle of arranging for delivery, paying for it, or doing it yourself.

I hope these tips will help you invest in quality furniture while still saving some bucks.

Alex, Your Furniture Expert

December 20, 2018

5 Ways to Get Your Kitchen Back in Shape After the Holidays

Just like the never ending series of holiday parties can have an effect on the ‘cleanliness’ of our bodies, the same effect is felt by our kitchens. They have what seems like an extra layer of clutter, there are more grime and dirt, and generally just more mess.

Thankfully though a solution is at hand! Just like a good detox for your body, there is a simple and effective way for your kitchen to get back into shape for a bunch of healthy cooking in the New Year, clear from all the holiday party extra weight.

Here are our top five ways to get your kitchen clean and back in shape after the holidays:

1) Give your fridge a good cleaning (inside!). Clear out or freeze leftovers, cook up foods you don’t want to waste, make a list of all the items you need to eat ASAP, and while you are at it clean as you organize. A clean and organized fridge makes for happy meal times. Check out our tips for how to clean out your refrigerator: 7 Steps to a Cleaner Fridge.

2) Clean all your appliances. I’m sure it must feel like you’ve wiped your counters down a million times, but your appliances need some love too. Check out our tips for cleaning:
Your dishwasher: 5 Ways to Clean Your Dishwasher
Your cooktop: 5 Simple Tips to Keep Your Cooktop Clean

Your stainless steel appliances: How to Keep Your Stainless Steel Appliances Clean

3) Give the entire kitchen a good natural clean. You’ll want to be sure you get counters, floors, windows, blinds, even the inside of your microwave. A clean kitchen is safe and a happy place to make great food and gather. Just because the holidays are over doesn’t mean the gathering stops…. It just means more carrot sticks! Check out our tips for The Best Natural Cleaning Solutions for Your Home.

4) Wipe down cupboards & rearrange dishes. Put away your holiday dishes and gravy boats and while you are at it, give the inside of your cupboards a good wipe down. This mid-season cleaning helps keep your dishes spick and span, and also helps you organized. This is also a great time to donate any unused holiday dishes or décor items to your local reuse centre.

5) Declutter and set your kitchen up for success. The New Year is a great time to set your kitchen up for successful eating and enjoyment of life. Get rid of unhealthy foods or small appliances that help you indulge (deep fryer anyone!?). Instead focus on healthy habits and the things you kitchen needs to help you along (new juicer?!).

And now that you’ve got your kitchen back into tip top shape, use these tips to help keep your kitchen clean moving forward: 3 Easy Ways to Keep Your Kitchen Clean.

Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert

December 20, 2018

5 Ways to Shop a Furniture Sale to Find the Best Deals

We all know quality furniture comes with a price tag, but there are lots of opportunities to get quality Canadian-made furniture on sale saving you a bundle. The trick is knowing when and how to score the best clearance deals.

With that in mind, we’ve rounded up our top five tips for saving on furniture (because who doesn’t love a deal!?):

1. Shop During Clearance Months

There are lots of ways to save money on bedroom sets, dining room furniture, a new sofa, and even a new living room set all year long (see our tips below), but the BEST opportunity to scoring a sofa on sale, or finding the best bedroom sets on sale it’s during clearance season.

Clearance season for furniture stores usually takes place during January and February in the winter; as well as July and August in the summer. Furniture retailers are clearing out inventory to make way for new stock and this is the perfect time for you to stock up! That leather sofa you’ve been eyeing will finally be on sale, so now is your chance.

2. Discounts on Floor Models

A great opportunity for savings on quality furniture all year long is by looking for discounts on floor models.

Retailers sell floor models at a discount at any time of the year, all you have to do is ask. If you can combine a floor model sale with an end-of-year sale, the chances for big discounts on your dream bedroom set are higher.

3. Damaged or Dented Items

Dents on dining room tables happen, we all know this. Usually each dent comes with a story around spilled Brussel sprouts or a homework assignment rather than ‘it came from the store like that’, but a small dent can mean big discounts. Sometimes the ‘damage’ is nothing you’ll notice like a bit of fading from the sun, or a small scratch on the base of a lamp, but if you can look past these or are handy yourself, these damaged or dented items can mean another opportunity for big savings on furniture.

4. Buy More, Save More (Bundles or Sets)

Ever heard the expression, “the more you spend, the more you save”? In the case of buying furniture on sale or at a discount, buying in bundles can save you a bundle. Bundling for deals on furniture doesn’t just mean buying bedroom sets either, ask about bundling a purchase of multiple key individual items like a sweet new leather sofa, a great guest bed, and the nesting tables your living room has been asking for.

5. Bargaining

And our final tip for savings on furniture is to ask about deals. The answer is always ‘no’ until you ask, so go ahead and ask. There are always clearance furniture items waiting for your bargaining power, you just need to ask.

Armed with your insider secrets to savings on furniture and finding the best deals, what’s the first new furniture item on your wish list?

Alex, Your Furniture Expert

December 20, 2018

Floor Model Secrets, or How to Pay Less for Appliances

Buying a new appliance can be a major purchase. With appliance prices rising across the board and mid-level kitchen packages running into the tens of thousands of dollars, smart consumers are more bargain conscious than ever before.

Looking for sales, buying on Black Friday, and comparison shopping are all great but what if I told you that there were even better deals to be had. What if you could find a way to stretch your new kitchen budget into your dream kitchen?

Welcome to the wonderful world of floor models.

A floor model appliance is an unboxed display item that becomes available for sale. Otherwise brand new, retailers are highly motivated to move floor models out of the store to make room for new, more current display units.

With this helpful guide you’ll know exactly what to expect, and where to find the unbelievable deals that will floor you!

‘Tis But a Scratch!

When you’re looking at floor model appliances-for-less scratches and dents are your best friends. Often times, blemishes can be found on parts of the unit that will be out of sight once they’re installed. It’s like that ancient monk said: if an appliance is scratched in the wall, but no one can see it, is it even scratched at all?

Expect to pay even less when a unit has more visible or more extensive cosmetic damage. And be honest with yourself, if you don’t care about a scratch, or if the unit is likely to get scratched once it’s in use anyway then you can get immense savings here.

Better With Age

Floor models often become available for sale when a manufacturer updates their appliance line. When that happens, retailers are looking to move out the “End of the Line” models to showcase the new product. And if you can take possession quickly, you can get fantastic prices on display models.

Mix and Match

The best deals will always go to the most flexible customer. If you’re willing to compromise on matching brands, or specific models and go with what’s available at the store level then you will maximize your chance at getting a great deal.

Bundle ‘Em Up

What’s true with new appliance packages is also true of Floor Models. The more you buy, the more you’ll save and if you’re prepared to help a retailer move out a significant amount of obsolete stock quickly, they’ll make it worth your while.

Priced to Clear

Many chain-store retailers have Clearance Centres or specific Clearance sales. At these specialty locations you can find floor models, unboxed units, scratch-and-dents, over stock, obsolete and even new items.

Whether you’re looking to put together a new kitchen, or just trying to replace a broken washing machine, clearance products offer you the best chance to find new appliances at rock-bottom prices.

Bonus Tip: What About Warranty?

Many manufacturers will offer the same standard warranty on floor models that they do on brand new appliances. Make sure to check with your sales professional before you buy to ensure there aren’t any warranty restrictions or limitations.

Now get out there and hit the floor (models)!

Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert

December 6, 2018

5 Easy Tips to Get Back in Shape After Holiday Binging

You stuffed yourself for a whole month with holiday favourites like candy canes, sweet desserts and carbs galore, but now it’s January and you regret it all. Your body shape has changed, your energy levels are low, and your mood is, well, nasty.

If there is anything that connects us all to the holiday season, it’s that oh so familiar act of gluttony. Fear not, January is a month for resolutions starting with your diet, exercise routine and other mood enhancers. Follow along as I list the most effective ways to shed those unwanted pounds, get into a healthy routine and detox your body.

Tip #1 – Remove Temptations From Your Kitchen Cabinets

Before any detoxing can begin, I must rid my kitchen cabinets of any unhealthy snacks and treats, I enjoyed as did my guests. As I typically like to entertain over the holidays, I am always left with an excess of junk food. I know I should make better choices, even during the holidays, but some habits are hard to change. I did, however, offer an avocado dip which was very healthy! Now to clear out the pantry, I typically grab a large garbage bag, and stuff it with left over bags of chips, holiday candies and other salty and unhealthy snacks.

Tip #2 – Get Alcoholic Beverages Out of Sight

My family enjoys a few alcoholic beverages over the holiday season, but that habit ends quickly as we get back into our January routine. That being said, I usually round up all the half-empty bottles and put them either in storage or throw them out altogether. The same goes for sugary beverages. I promptly start off my new year with lots of water. Eight – 8 oz glasses a day to be more precise or about 2 litres! I make sure that I have a handy water bottle that measures a litre and fill it up at least twice.

Tip #3 – Establish a Weekly Meal Plan

Now that my kitchen is clean, organized and junk food free, I establish a weekly meal plan. As my family needs to eat every 4-5 hours, I prepare small healthy meals and snacks in Tupperware or microwave and oven-safe containers. I find that when they eat smaller portions more often, they are more satisfied throughout the day and less hungry during the night. A healthy balance of veggies, carbs and proteins is always something I strive for.

Tip #4 – Get Moving

It’s usually about this time of the year when I dust off and grease up my treadmill. I am not someone who likes to exercise, but I still manage to squeeze in 30 minutes of activity 3-4 times a week. With a dab of motivation to get fit and a sprinkle of pride to look and feel good, you can start this year off with lots of energy that will yield awesome results.

Tip #5 – Detox Your Body

To finish off my get-back-into-shape plan, I will consider a good detox. I make sure to visit my Health Food store and speak to the naturopath on getting the best products to get my body systems back to optimum speed and efficiency. To this, I will add a few visits to the massage therapist who will clear out my lymphatic system, work those muscles back into shape, and squeeze those toxins out of my body!

This is not a big challenge and easy for anyone to do. You need to remember that all of the binging needs to now turn into detoxing and a return to healthier habits. Your sleep will, without a doubt, benefit from all of your dedication!

Angela, Your Sleep Expert

December 6, 2018

It’s New Year’s Eve and We Forgot About Resolutions

It’s that time of year again when we take a moment or more to reflect on what we’ve accomplished and what is left on our long-term to-do list. Here is a simple guide to help devise easy to achieve goals, practices and habits that can stick with us beyond the new year.

As we march steadily forward to the end of another year, we may feel the past 11 months are a blur, or that they raced past us in blink of an eye. But were they, really? December may have a long to do list, but we should also take some time to stop and reflect about what we’ve accomplished, what we left incomplete, and what we hope to achieve in a new and sparkly year. Making resolutions, however, may set us for disappointment, especially if we are not able to meet the lofty goals we set while sipping on a glass of wine… or three!

We have a choice. We may very well-set high goals for ourselves on December 31st or decide this is will be the year that we will go with the flow. Both can hold the potential to yield awesome results. It will depend on the strength of the intentions that we will set. This is where most of us stumble: staying on the course we set for ourselves. Learning to release expectations may, in the end, be the best advice.

Letting go of control of the outcomes, and meeting the mini goals towards the big ones, are the best way to approach a new journey. What we should all consider, however, is that we must enjoy and focus on the journey and on the mini goals, while the larger goals will take care of themselves. Let’s not spend too much worry on the destination. We’ve all heard it said numerous times in various ways, life is purely about the journey.

Besides the usual theme of diet, exercise and restful sleep, it’s important to do more of what feeds our soul. Maybe it’s time to take our cooking to the next level and join a cooking class, and maybe check out the yoga studio in our neighbourhood for early morning classes. We can be taking time on the weekends to visit outdoor markets, thrift shops and used bookstores instead of tackling a long list of chores. We should definitely do more of the former than the latter.

It’s time to take more down time with a good book or polish and recycle those treasures we found. Sometimes just 20 minutes with a great character in a good book, or getting our hands dirty for a good cause, is all we need for some perspective. Journaling our goals and dreams regularly will remind us of what makes us smile, and our hearts skip a beat, and that we should take steps towards these goals every chance we get!

I hope that the journey into a new year will bring us closer to the desires we all dream of, the revelations needed to grow, and the wisdom to know that we are always in control.

May a new year bring us all the peace, love and joy we can handle, and then some! May it be abundantly delicious, sweet, not sour, savoury not salty, spicy not scorched. During those long cold dark nights, may we enjoy warmth, comfort and a full heart knowing that we did our best.

Angela, Your Sleep Expert

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