How WiFi Connected Appliances Changed My Life

How WiFi Connected Appliances Changed My Life

The future is right now. Don’t believe me? Well, let me tell you about my day.

This morning I woke up and before I even opened my eyes I said, “Alexa, coffee.” Boom! Just like that my Smart Hub tells my Coffee Maker to start brewing a fresh pot.

I know what you’re saying, why can’t I just set the timer on the coffee maker, you know the old-fashioned way. I guess I could, if I wanted to deal with confusing menus and buttons. Remember guys, this is the future, try and keep up.

My WiFi connected appliances make everything easier. Like breakfast. I never used to have time to make breakfast. I was out the door, fighting traffic and if I was lucky maybe I grabbed a stale bagel somewhere.

Now? While I was in the shower, I used my Smart Hub to tell my refrigerator that I wanted an omelette. Not only did it check my ingredients, and pick a recipe online, but it also told my stove to preheat, and my dishwasher what cycle it needed to be on to clean up afterwards.

And if that isn’t enough, it even ordered more groceries afterwards. My fridge talked to my stove and my dishwasher, and then it used a grocery service. Like… what?!!

Connected washer

Next thing, I get dressed and I’m about to serve up my breakfast, when I get a push notification on my phone. I take a look and it’s from my washing machine. There’s a brand new wash cycle that I can download. Do I want to do accept? Um, yeah, I do washing machine. I hit the green button, and my washing machine upgrades. How cool is that?!

I’ve had my coffee, I’ve had a killer omelette and I’m walking out the door, when an alert pops up onto the Family Hub interactive display on my fridge. Apparently, my dryer needs to be repaired. That’s right, thanks to my connectivity features my dryer can tell me when it’s broken.

So, no problem. I hit “OK” and my dryer arranges for a service call. I told you, WiFi connected appliances make everything easier. But they’re also so much more.

Wificonnected appliances

In all the commotion I forgot to turn off the stove before I left. It was stupid, it was dangerous, but luckily someone had my back.

A few minutes later, I get a notification. Do I want to turn off my stove? I’m sitting on the bus, and I can use my phone to turn off my stove. At this point I’m thinking, this is a lot more than just convenient.

This changes everything.

Like I said, the future is right now. And when it comes to appliances, it’s only going to get better.

Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert

10 Pinterest-Worthy Laundry Room Trends

10 Pinterest-Worthy Laundry RoomTrends
Source: Oliver Designs

Let’s face it; laundry isn’t the top of the list for favourite things to do. When I hear people say they ‘love doing laundry’ I wonder how much wine they’ve had. But what I’ve come to realize is this: it’s not so much the act of doing the laundry they love, it’s the space and functionality they get to do it in!

Yes, a good laundry room can make you love the task. We’ve scoured the internet and rounded up our ten best ‘Pinterest-worthy’ laundry room trends to help you love your laundry room a little bit more.

1) Going GREEN

Green is ready for a laundry room invasion. From a great humid room to store houseplants to painting the walls or cupboards sage green, green is what your laundry room is looking for. In 2019, you’re also going to see even more manufacturers creating energy efficient and more sustainable laundry options, in addition to all the great options already on the market.

The dark green in the luxe laundry room below makes you want to stay a bit longer and linger with a cup of coffee in your hands, staring at the lovely floral wallpaper.

This soft safe country laundry below is so cozy I could curl up in a laundry basket and read a book here. I bet ten bucks the kids would never find me!

2) Dedicated to Dogs

The laundry room can be so much more than just a space to clean out the spots; it can be where Spot gets cleaned too! Making a laundry room into a wet room, ideal for cleaning pets is becoming more and more on trend.

Why? Because if you’ve ever walked in the door with a wet dog and three kids in wet snowsuits you’d know a dedicated wet room would make life almost as great as having wine out of the tap.

3) Rise Up!

Use all the height your small laundry space can give you and rise up! Take advantage of the extra space and declutter the top of your work surface (leaving that for folding or ironing) by moving jugs, dryer sheets, and the change jar out of the way.

Be sure to also think about your height and invest in risers for your laundry pair. If you want to love doing laundry it can’t be back breaking, so think about the best height of your machines as well as counters, sinks, and other commonly used areas.

Even these simple shelves help keep items off the laundry pair and add extra storage for the room.

4) Uniformity

We’re seeing lots of laundry rooms as extensions to the kitchen, making it an ideal opportunity to add some uniformity by using the same cabinets in both places. The pantry/laundry room combo is such a winning, just check out these great examples.

5) Practical Plumbing

The soaking sink is the most underrated sink in existence! How often do you find yourself using the kitchen sink (because it’s big enough!) to soak some delicates or deeply stained soccer uniforms and then forget and go to drain a boiling pot of pasta over top? Just me? Nope, I know I am not the only one. This is where a good laundry room sink comes in. But you can only have a sink if you’ve got the practical plumbing to go with it. This is a worth investment and will make your laundry room so much more functional.

6) Streamlined Products

Just like ‘going green’ we’re seeing an increased focus on using ‘cleaner’ cleaning products and this means using classics like vinegar and streamlining the cleaning products we use, reducing the number of spray bottles and making our lives simpler at the same time. Blogger Chris Loves Julia has some amazing tips on how they streamlined their laundry room products this past winter. Read it here.

7) Multi-purpose Mess

The laundry room is typically used to help clean up a mess, but why not use it to make a mess too? We’re seeing more and more laundry rooms becoming multipurpose. Just like making room for the family pooch and turning the laundry into a wet room, we’re also seeing lots of multi-purpose craft or mudroom + laundry room combos.

Like this great one:

Or this great example of using the whole basement and incorporating the laundry pair

8) Space with Style

We’re also seeing laundry luxe it up with sparkling features and glam touches.

Toile and the sparkly chandelier (not to mention the glamourous pooch) make this laundry room feel like Versailles.

9) Unexpected Pop

Whether it’s a crazy bold door colour, or a giant painting or décor item, laundry rooms are looking for a little unexpected POP.

The blue and the awesome fabrics combine to make this room POP.

The bold print on the wallpaper makes this room unique and interesting

The awesome art in the laundry room just makes the room feel more civilized, don’t you think?

10) Clever not cluttered

Better Homes and Gardens has some great tips on keeping your laundry room organized.

Make your laundry room clever not cluttered. We love this idea for a stain remover station – because we all know that’s the stuff we reach for most!

Stain Remover Station

Source: Better Homes and Gardens

What trend are you most excited to take on this year?

Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert

Warm Up to Today’s Electric Fireplace Options

Warm up to today’s fireplace options

The fire has been at the centre of the home since the beginning of time, or at the very least since fire was invented. What once served as a very utilitarian need, keeping us warm and helping to cook our food, is now stylish, multi-functional and can go from traditional to futuristic and magical.

Today’s electric fireplace options are limitless and really do suit any décor style. We’ve rounded up some of our favourites to showcase just how wide the selection of styles can go.

The classic fireplace is the ultimate classic focal point for any stylish living room and this option provides not only lifelike warmth and fire, but a beautiful mantle for Christmas stockings, family photos, and treasures from your travels.
GDS28L5_1995B_Dimplex Ophelia Mantel Electric Fireplace

Dimplex Ophelia Mantel Electric Fireplace

Want the traditional look but want your TV to take centre stage too? This electric fireplace option gives you the best of both worlds.

Dimplex Deerhurst Electric Fireplace DFP20_1268BW

Dimplex Deerhurst Electric Fireplace

When you think of a cabin in the woods or a rustic retreat this is the fireplace you envision within. This too is traditional in style, but with a touch of modern flare the updated oven is Instagram ready.

Dimplex Celeste Electric Stove

Dimplex Celeste Electric Stove

Is classic stone more your style? With colour, texture, and other stone options you can customize your look to coordinate with any family or living room décor.

Dimplex Fieldstone Electric Fireplace_GDS26L5_90ST

Dimplex Fieldstone Electric Fireplace

Or is modern and functional more your style? Options like this electric fireplace provide stylish storage space and sensuous heat from the fire at the same time.

Dimplex Leaf Media Console with Electric Fireplace GDS26L8_1653TB

Dimplex Leaf Media Console with Electric Fireplace

Is a fire something you crave only in the colder months and could easily ‘closet’ for the summer? This petite electric fireplace option below gives you the fire you want without the hassle of it taking up valuable real estate when you don’t.

Dimplex Cube Electric Stove

Dimplex Cube Electric Stove

Fireplaces have always been romantic, but there is something very “Christian Grey” about these modern electric fireplaces that just make women swoon. The feminine flames and the beauty of the fire make these modern electric fireplaces a touch of class in condos and modern dwellings.

Dimplex Ignite XL Wall-Mount Electric Fireplace - Copy

Dimplex Ignite XL Wall-Mount Electric Fireplace

Dimplex Prism Wall-Mount Electric Fireplace BLF3451

Dimplex Prism Wall-Mount Electric Fireplace

Not only do today’s fireplace options allow for a huge variety of styles providing you with the perfect décor solution, but they also offer up a range of heat, non-heat, LED lighting options, and media console additions.

Electric fireplaces are a great option because:

  • Your heat and flames are separate functions you can easily create the warm and cozy atmosphere all year long without sweating your sexy clothes off – meaning, you can use electric fireplaces ALL YEAR LONG

 

  • Easy peasy to install. Just find the perfect spot and plug it in.

 

  • No need to worry about wood, chimney cleaning, and all the mess that comes from old-fashioned fires.

 

  • Safe for condos, small apartments, and really anywhere!

 

Have you started to warm up to today’s electric fireplace options yet? I’m sure ready to get cozy with some hot chocolate on the couch in front of the fire! Who’s with me? Visit your local Brandsource store to sit down in front of the fire and chat about all your electric fireplace options, we’d love to help.

Rebecca, Your Furniture Expert

Aromatherapy: Simple and Safe Solutions Part 1: Science and History

Aromatherapy Simple and Safe Solutions

Aromatherapy is becoming a huge trend in healing, as well as for cleaning your home naturally. From the soothing scent of lavender essential oil to help you relax and sleep, to the invigorating lemon balm to energize your senses, this ancient practice is back in modern times.

Just like so many ancient practices, we are returning to a more holistic approach when healing and living naturally. We have become more environmentally aware and although some say so much irreparable damage has already been done to the planet, it’s not too late to make changes in your life.

First, a Little Science

Every nerve in the body must travel through the spine to get to the brain to induce a reaction. The sinuses are the only anatomical structure that connects straight to the olfactory pathways in the brain. That means that when we smell something lovely, or putrid, the molecules travel directly to the brain and trigger the reaction.

Although there is a lot more going on here, I will spare you the details. Safe to know that our amazing brain can, not only quickly distinguish pleasant from offensive odours, but also trigger an emotional and physical response attached to certain memories. Do you remember mom’s apple pie or Uncle Jack’s cigar?

Now, a Little History

Aromatherapy does not only benefit our sinus passages but also our skin, the biggest organ in our body. Records show that there is evidence of the use of plant extracts as early as 3rd century Egypt. Most of us remember the words Frankincense and Myrrh, which were oils connected to the birth of Christ.

Fast forward to the 20th century, through many years of trade caravans across Europe, experimentation and discoveries, the word aromatherapy was coined only in 1926. A chemist in France while distilling lavender oil discovered its antiseptic properties when he dipped his burnt hand into the vat. Over a couple of days, his burnt hand healed and it became known as a healing plant despite its use since nearly the beginning of time.

Massage therapist using essential oils

Let’s Get Down to the Facts

Firstly, essential oils should never be used pure. That is, they must be diluted with distilled water to create a floral water or oils such as coconut, jojoba, almond just to name a few. When rubbed into the skin by a massage therapist certain essential oils carry specific properties that can aid in the relief of arthritis, muscle strains, and joint sprains.

When we learn about our many acupressure points like the inside of our wrists or temples, we can apply a diluted amount to help us relax and release stress and anxiety. Equally effective is a couple of quick whiffs directly from the lavender oil bottle. Remember the quick response to the brain sending messages to the body to relax at work here.

The most popular of essential oils is lavender as it is the most recognizable and most used by the average person without fear of toxicity or harm. The only caveat I would include here is that pets do not do well around essential oils whether diffused into the air or licked from a treated part of your skin. Their livers do not have the enzymes necessary to break down the molecules.

Consulting with a registered aromatherapist or naturopath would be wise before using any oils on your skin or home when you have pets. A patch test is also just as wise. In our Part 2, we will list some money saving and earth protecting usages for essential oils! See you there!

Gerry, Your Sleep Expert

Which Cover Should I Choose for My New Sofa?

Which Cover Should I Choose for My New Sofa (2)

Everyone dreams of the perfect home, a place of beauty that provides a welcoming environment to the ones we love. But, just as we aspire to become our perfect selves, the definition of perfection will vary from person to person because we’re all unique, and since a home is an expression of the occupants, so too, the perfect home. The design, the décor, the style, the furniture, the colours, everything should be an expression of self. With the right attention to detail, a little guidance, and some inspirational research—you’ll embark on a personal journey of discovery to find the style that expresses you and find the perfect pieces that go with it.

When it comes to creating your dream home, the obvious place to start is the living room. Each component in the room should be selected with your lifestyle in mind. What might work for a single person with no kids might likely be totally off-base for a family of four. And what is the gravitational centre of the living room? The sofa, of course! Some people refer to it as the couch, but hey, we’re aiming for perfection now so show some respect.

During your quest for the perfect sofa, one pressing question will definitely leap into your head: leather or fabric?

Should I Buy a Fabric or Leather Sofa?

My answer: It depends. Disappointed? Don’t be, for each option has its place. Neither material is inherently better nor worse. It’s more a question of how it will mesh with your lifestyle and, of course, your budget. If you haven’t identified your personal needs yet, you can read our previous blog article Choosing Your Living Room Furniture which will guide you through the process of selecting your living room furniture.

Ready to find out more about the pros and cons of a fabric sofa versus a leather sofa? Here we go.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Fabric Sofas

Advantages and Disadvantages of fabric Sofas

Advantages

1) COST

When it comes to the question of leather vs. fabric, the cost is usually the first consideration. Although there are exceptions to every rule, fabric sofas usually cost less than leather sofas. If you are on a tight budget, but want a larger piece, like a sectional, choosing a fabric material will be gentler on your budget.

2) COMFORT

When it comes to comfort, it’s more than just the fabric that contributes to the overall feel of a sofa. The support system, frame, and cushions, all contribute to a sofa’s level of comfort. That said, the consensus seems to suggest that a sofa upholstered in fabric – due to the softer, warmer quality of the material – tends to be more comfortable than one covered in leather.

You may also have heard the expression “new vs. broken-in” when evaluating overall comfort. Well, if you’re looking for a sofa that feels broken-in from day one, choose fabric. Leather tends to be firmer and stiffer when new and will require a “breaking in” period.

3) COLOURS AND PATTERNS

Choices of colours in fabrics

Fabric sofas come in many different colours and patterns. These options are ideal if you are looking to brighten up a room or add character to your space. A sofa fabric is a great way to express personality and showcase your family’s unique style. Adding a splash of colour to a room can make all the difference.

4) PERFORMANCE FABRICS

When it comes to durability and long life, choosing a performance fabric for your new sofa is a must, especially if you have children. Performance fabrics are carefully engineered to be resistant to daily wear and tear, making them ideal for indoor and outdoor duties. Performance fabrics offer other great advantages, such as resistance to sunlight and easy maintenance.

Disadvantages

1) CARE

Professional cleaning a fabric sofa

Once in a while, fabric sofas will require a deep cleaning, and, unfortunately, some stains are harder to remove than others, especially if they have had a chance to set in. The good news is that most fabrics today have a stain-resistant finish, so when a spill does occur, it’s much easier to treat.

If your sofa fabric hasn’t been treated with a stain protector, you should consider having it done by a professional. For a prolonged life of your furniture, it’s money well spent. The age-old maxim that you get what you pay for applies here too, in that a higher-end fabric will be easier to clean and last longer than a cheaper grade.

2) YOUR SOFA’S LIFE EXPECTANCY

Yes, a higher-end fabric will withstand the rigours of daily use better than an inferior quality cover, but it shouldn’t surprise you that it’s equally true in regards to a sofa’s overall construction, as well. So, if you’re looking for a sofa that will last, the price will be a reliable indicator of the sofa’s construction and quality.

Besides construction and fabric quality, a sofa’s lifespan can be shortened simply because it’s no longer in style. When you shop, pay attention to the kind of prints, patterns and colours. What’s super hot and trendy today may quickly pass into the trash bin of bad taste.

3) FURRY FRIENDS

Domestic animals, especially cats, are the arch enemies of fabric sofas. Make sure you buy your cat a scratch pole before you buy any new upholstered furniture.

Pet hair is also another concern when you buy a fabric sofa, as it could be a real challenge to remove in a hurry. Look for a fabric that can be easily brushed, like velvet or microfibre. They’ll make the job of pet hair removal way more manageable. Otherwise, expect to do a vigorous vacuum cleaning every week!

Advantages and Disadvantages of Leather Sofas

Advantages

1) ALLERGIES

Many people prefer leather because of the look and feel, durability, and cleanliness of the material. Of course, appearance isn’t the only benefit to choosing a leather sofa. For example, if you suffer from allergies, choose leather because, unlike fabric, leather won’t harbour dust mites, dander, and other allergens. Leather is also extremely easy to wipe down and keep clean.

2) APPEARANCE

Leather has a style advantage over fabric, in that a leather sofa will immediately add a touch of elegance to a room. Sorry fabric, leather just exudes sophistication and luxury effortlessly. If modern chic or contemporary sophistication is your thing, leather is for you.

And if you think leather is reserved for families without children, think again. It can be a great choice for families with older kids, or with pets who know better than to leap on the furniture.

Kid and dog on leather sofa

3) CARE

As mentioned earlier, leather has the advantage over fabric when it comes to cleaning. Usually, just a wipe down or dusting will do a few times a year; whereas fabric sofas require a thorough vacuuming regularly.

But leather is not maintenance-free. It will require a regular treatment to protect it from UV light and, like your own skin, it will need to be “moisturized” once in a while. Don’t worry though. You need only do this one or two times a year, no professional required.

4) DURABILITY

If cared for properly, your leather sofa will last on average at least five years longer than a fabric sofa. Leather’s great charm is that it gains character as it ages and, unlike its fabric cousin, it will maintain its shape and looks longer.

If you plan on keeping your sofa for many years, make sure to pick a style and colour that is more neutral so that it can adapt to changing décor trends.

Disadvantages

1) COST

When it comes to pricing, leather will always be more expensive than fabric, but evaluating costs, think long-term. If you love the look of leather, but simply cannot afford it, you can always buy the sofa and a loveseat in a fabric cover and add leather elements here and there with accent chairs and ottomans.

2) FURRY FRIENDS

Cat on leather sofa (Large)

As weird as it may sound, you might have to consider your pet’s personality before you buy a leather sofa. Is your four-legged companion a drooly sort? Does he make himself at home on the furniture? Or, if a member of the feline category, hone his claws on the sofa leg? To be honest, I have a dog and two cats, and my leather sofa still looks amazing, so unless you have an unruly cat or a rowdy dog, you should be OK with a leather sofa.

3) COLOURS

Although more limited than in fabric, there are still a lot of colour choices in leather. As leather is a natural material, you will find different grains and textures that can add character to a room, but the colour of leather will still be uniform. For pattern and funky accents, look to toss pillows, throws, area rugs and wall art.

4) HOT AND COLD

No doubt you’ve heard it said that leather will feel sticky in the summer and cold in the winter, and it’s true in extreme conditions, but even in a cool room, genuine leather will feel comfortable after a few seconds as it adapts to your body’s temperature. Synthetic materials like faux leather and PVC do not possess this quality.

What About Bonded Leather?

For a less expensive option that still looks great and has a lower price point, consider bonded leather, also known as reconstituted leather or faux leather. Bonded leather is made “by shredding leather scraps and leather fibres, then mixing it with bonding materials. The mixture is next extruded onto a fibre cloth or paper backing, and the surface is usually embossed with a leather-like texture or grain”.

Although visually it can be hard to tell the difference between bonded leather and real leather, there is certainly a difference when it comes to durability. At first glance, the price point of bonded leather might seem attractive, but if you are looking for a long-lasting piece of furniture, genuine leather is the way to go.

Final Considerations

Although we’ve covered the most important considerations when choosing a material for your future sofa, there are other factors to take into account. To be sure you’ve covered all your bases in your search for the perfect centrepiece of your living room, consult an expert such as the ones at your local Brandsource store.

Alex, Your Furniture Expert

Have You Seen the New Bosch Appliances?

Have You Seen the New Bosch

Bosch Home Appliances isn’t just a dishwasher company anymore, Bosch offers the entire Kitchen package. Depending on what you are looking for, Bosch has a solution. As the definitive European kitchen for the premium market, Bosch offers a sleek, streamlined look that complements sophisticated, modern, urban and traditional kitchen styles. Put simply, a Bosch kitchen elevates any home. With their heritage in quality German engineering, a Bosch kitchen is the precise balance of form and function.

Bosch recently launched a Black Stainless Steel Kitchen. Black Stainless Steel has been a great alternative for people looking for something different from the classic stainless steel kitchen. Click here to see the 5 reasons to get a Black Stainless Steel kitchen set from Bosch.

Bosch Black stainless steel

Bosch is not only synonymous with quality but it is well loved by home cooks and professional chefs (like Chef Curtis Stone of Top Chef and Take Home Chef fame). A Bosch kitchen really is a professional style kitchen for your home. With so many options, the appliances can be tailored to you and your cooking habits. Your local BrandSource store can help you navigate through all your questions and help you pick out the best appliances for your home. Come to your local BrandSource store and see what promotions are available.

Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert

How to Adjust to Cooler Temperatures

The days are getting noticeably shorter. The nights are a little cooler, making sleeping comfortable and restful. Farmers’ markets are packed with their harvest and dreams of pumpkin pie and acorn soup fill my mind. Summer is slowly bidding me a farewell until next year.

Here are a few of things to do to be ready for the changes up ahead.

1) Switching Bed Linen

During this time, I store away my crisp cotton sheets and pull out the softer microfibre ones. As the temperatures drop, I no longer appreciate the coolness from cotton but long for the warmth and softness of heavier fabrics.

2) Skincare Routine

As the cooler temperatures arrive, I quickly notice that my skin needs moisture. The humid days of summer made my skin dewy with the least amount of fuss, but now hydration is necessary. I try to continue to drink lots of water as hydration should come from the inside out, but cooler temperatures push me towards teas. Body lotions and face cream with a base of coconut oil, jojoba oil or Shea butter are always best.

3) Closet Reorganization

Shorts and T-shirts now will make room for slacks and sweaters. Armed with my plastic stackable containers I attack my closet with precision and determination. This is the time that I also sort clothes for recycling, donating or trashing. I make sure that clothes are washed before storing and then I find a dry cool place to store my containers until next year.

4) Car Maintenance

Although winter is still a far away, I get my car ready for the cooler and rainy weather of fall. Checking tire pressure, alignment and oil life are the top three on my list to do every fall. It is also the time I set my appointment to switch to winter tires.

5) Garden Maintenance

Garden Maintenance

There is nothing more back-breaking but rewarding than garden work. This is the time of year when I cut back all of the growth I enjoyed all summer long. The petals, leaves and stems are now wilting and tired after standing tall in the sun for my pleasure. Nature is telling us that it’s time to sleep. Using sharpened clippers and shears, I gather my garden paper bags and begin the annual ritual. Bags filled to the brim to turn into compost to nurture another garden next spring, I look back at the barren patch of earth and feel grateful.

Autumn is my most favourite time of the year because of all the changes that are happening in nature. The colours are equally vibrant as in the summer but with shades of red and gold. Smoothly transitioning from one season to the next will elevate your enjoyment of what is to come. Are you ready?

Gerry, Your Sleep Expert

Get Halloween Crafty with Your KitchenAid Microwave

Get Halloween Crafty with Your KitchenAid Microwave

‘Tis the season for all things spooky, pumpkin, and crafty! That’s right, it’s Halloween time and if you’re wanting to get into the spirit, we have just the activity for you! With the help of a KitchenAid microwave and a few items, you’ll be able to create your very own homemade Shrinky Dink!

To give you a brief explanation of a Shrinky Dinks, it’s created from a piece of plastic (something like a salad to-go container) that you draw on and when heated it shrinks down to a much smaller size, but still retains the colour and shape of whatever it is you drew on it. This is the perfect opportunity to nix the waste and utilize plastic from being thrown out.

Because it’s almost October 31, get creative by making earrings, keychains, bracelets, and more of your favourite Halloween icons (jack-o-lantern, ghost, zombie, etc.) with your Shrinkles and KitchenAid microwave. Follow the steps below, and you’ll soon be on your way to crafting up some fun.

What You’ll Need

  • KitchenAid microwave
  • #6 Plastic
  • Permanent markers
  • Picture to trace (optional)
  • Wax paper

That’s it! Now all you have to do is draw!

What to Draw

Halloween is a time where your inner child gets to come out, so let it! Draw a unicorn, your favourite cartoon character, Frankenstein, or anything else! It’s up to you what you want to draw, but if you are wanting to stick to the ideal Halloween icons, a ghost and/or jack-o-lantern will do the trick.

Get Halloween Crafty with Your KitchenAid Microwave

What to Do

Cut out the plastic to whatever size you want, just remember that it will shrink by about one third. Then, get colouring! If you’ve decided to draw and colour in a pumpkin, just make sure to have black and orange permanent markers. If the colours don’t look as vivid as you want, no need to worry! As soon as the plastic shrinks down, the hues will become brighter and stand out more on your Shrinky Dink.

Once you’re done drawing, colouring, and cutting out the shape, it’s time for a little microwaving! Place your freshly finished plastic design on wax paper over a flat plate or cutting board and set your KitchenAid microwave for two minutes. It’s not a good idea to stare into a microwave, so we highly suggest waiting for your Shrinky Dinks to finish baking before peaking in on them.

After your KitchenAid microwave quickly and efficiently heats them up in two minutes, let your Shrinky Dinks cool a couple minutes until they are completely hardened. And that’s how you make a homemade Shrinky Dink in your microwave!

If you want, you can use a hole puncher to make a hole in your finished Shrinky Dinks and create necklaces, bracelets, key chains, and more!

Want a microwave that can help you out with more than just heating up your food? Stop in before the end of the month to get an efficient KitchenAid Microwave that will help with your Halloween crafting!

Amanda, Your Appliance Expert

Why You Shouldn’t Let Pets on Your Tempur-Pedic Mattress

Cute 8 weeks old Pied French Bulldog Puppy resting in her bed

Is there anything better than cuddling with your pets? You could argue the point, but we truly believe resting with your furry friend is an important past time you should share with them. Now, where that takes place is a different story. It’s common for people with pets to just let their animals jump up on the bed to snooze with them, but we can’t emphasize enough how bad this is for your Tempur-Pedic mattress.

There is a time and a place for napping with your little companion, but it’s not when you’re going to sleep. Read on to discover why your fur buddy should probably not participate in your bedtime slumber.

1) Dust, Pollen, and Allergens – Oh My!

If you have an outdoor cat and a dog that gets a lot of outside playtime, then you’ll probably be most affected by the mayhem that comes with that. These animals may be clean, but that doesn’t mean they don’t bring in fun allergens from outside. From dust particles to flecks of pollen, your pets have a way of bringing these inside and setting your allergies on fire.

If your pets jump into your bed every night, they’re likely to track those unwanted allergens all over your sleep space, which can easily be absorbed into your mattress. Don’t ruin your Tempur-Pedic Mattress or aggravate your senses by letting your “furiend” sleep with you.

2) Accidents Happen

Kids can’t always help it, and neither can your pets. Sometimes they get the urge to release their bodily fluids, and then it’s just too late. Your mattress is suddenly wet and smelly and there’s just no going back. So, the best way to keep a clean bed, free of from animal accidents? Just don’t let them on your bed.

You should always try protecting your Tempur-Pedic with a mattress cover anyways, but unfortunately, liquids still have a way of soaking through the protector. Keep the pets off and you’ll never need to worry about a mess occurring.

Why You Shouldn’t Let Pets on Your Tempur-Pedic Mattress (2)

3) Catch a Bug

If you let your cats and dogs up on your bed often, there’s a good chance they’ll bring in more than just dust and pollen from outside. Germs, ticks, and other icky things could easily crawl their way into your bed sheets, and even your mattress!

Of course, even if your animals get all the appropriate shots to prevent ticks, worms, and other creepy crawlies, your animals still have microscopic bugs that can easily find their way into your bed which can ultimately mess with your immune system. To prevent waking up with a fever, keep the pups and kitties off the bed.

We know it’s a hard thing not allowing your pets on the bed, but a clean Tempur-Pedic mattress is much better for your health. Try finding another spot you can hang out with your animals on, such as a futon, or consider getting your pet their own bed! Either way, keeping the furry fellows off your Tempur-Pedic will keep your mattress, and you, in a better state. If a pet has ruined your bed and you’re ready for a fresh start, stop by our store today to find a Tempur-Pedic bed void of animal hair.

Sophie, Your Sleep Expert

4 Great Workouts to Help You Sleep with Your Beautyrest Mattress

4 Great Workouts to Help You Sleep with Your Beautyrest Mattress

You may think that the best time to get your daily exercise in was in the morning. Well, we’re here to tell you that getting your fitness activities in before bed may be a better route. Fitness gurus used to recommend only morning or afternoon workouts, but it’s since been realized that as long as you do it about 30 minutes before bed, your body won’t fight to stay awake.

Working out has a way of tiring you out both mentally and physically, which will help you sleep like a baby. It’s always important to have a nice bed, such as a Beautyrest mattress, but getting your heart pumping a little faster is always a great way to help you get some good rest in. Even better, you can combine any of the following exercises with sleeping on a Beautyrest to get the best sleep results!

1) Squats

Squats are simple and help you break a sweat in no time. The best part of this little workout is that it requires nothing. You can even squat right next to your Beautyrest bed and just fall on it as soon as you’re done!

Start out by doing 50-100 squats a night. When that starts getting too easy, hold a book to add some weight to your workout. Bump up the intensity by doing 300 when that starts feeling like a breeze. Before long you’ll feel ready for bed and probably start to see improvements in your sleep schedule as well as your body!

2) Stairs

If you have a home with stairs, it’s time to start utilizing them for more than just getting to your bedroom. All you need to do is swiftly walk up and down the stairs – that’s it. You can either set a goal for yourself of 200 stairs a night, or you can try doubling up on stairs so you are forced to lunge when walking up the steps. Either way, your body will appreciate the burn and the good sleep you’ll get from it.

4 Great Workouts to Help You Sleep with Your Beautyrest Mattress_2 (Large)

3) Burpees

Are you looking for a workout that will leave you feeling like you just ran a 3k? A few burpees will do that to you. If you combine a pushup with a jumping jack, you’ll basically get the motions of a burpee. Doing 30 of these will take your breath away and make anyone ready for a deep sleep. Just be careful when doing these in your home: You’ll want to make sure your ceilings are tall enough, so your hands don’t get smashed during the workout.

4) Yoga

Your nightly exercise routine doesn’t have to be intense, it can be as simple as a few yoga stretches. Having a light yoga workout can be great before bed, and even help you unwind from that long and stressful day at the office. Find specific yoga poses you love and work on perfecting them. And, no, corpse pose doesn’t count.

Getting your sweat on before bed can help tire your body and mind out, and make your sleep time a restful one. But, without a good mattress, you’ll continue to have uncomfortable sleep no matter how many exercises you do before bed.

Visit our store to find the right Beautyrest Mattress that’ll help you fall asleep quickly, workout or no workout.

Sophie, Your Sleep Expert