Tips & Advice – Page 5 – BrandSource Canada Blog

April 11, 2018

Chest Freezer Organization Tips

There’s nothing more annoying than opening your chest freezer to find such a complete pile of mess that you’re unable to locate the food you needed in the first place. Not to mention, it can feel overwhelming, leaving you with less motivation than you started with. With a little effort from your side and a few tips from our side, you can get a clean and tidy chest freezer with just a few tips!

Follow these steps to make your chest freezer use as efficient as possible!

Put It Away Right the First Time

The easiest way for things not to get messy is by putting everything away the right way the first time. Of course, if you have a family that likes to rush with putting the groceries away, this may be a struggle. But if your chest freezer is already out of control, there are a few simple ways to gain back your control again.

Take Everything Out

There’s no better way to organize than to start off with a blank canvas. Start by removing everything from your deep freezer. When all the contents are removed, take advantage of the empty space and thoroughly clean it out with a simple all-purpose cleaner. Who knows the next time you’ll get a chance to wipe your chest freezer down, so be sure to do an efficient job!

Containers

Instead of placing the food back in your freezer appliance so that everything is intertwined and likely to be muddled, separating your food with containers will greatly help you organize. First, you’ll want to sort your groceries into categories and make each container a category. Let’s say these are your categories:
– Meat
– Ice cream/ desserts
– Frozen fruit
– Ice
– Frozen food

Label each container and put the correct items in their box. This is a surefire way to always know where things go and where to find them.

Your freezer plays a big role in your family’s life, so it’s important that it’s easy to find what you need. Check out our GE Chest and upright freezers and start organizing yours today!

Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert

April 11, 2018

Built-In VS. Countertop Microwaves

It’s a no-brainer why almost everyone owns a microwave – it’s a convenient way to cook and heat up food. So when it comes time to upgrading or replacing yours, will you go with one that sits neatly on your countertop, or one that fits seamlessly into your wall?

The choice is a hard one, but there are a few ways to figure out what would work best for you, your family, and your kitchen. Take these pros and cons into consideration when making a decision on this kitchen appliance.

Countertop Microwaves

There are two things to think about when it comes to a countertop microwave: it can be placed anywhere and it’s less expensive than built-in microwaves. The con? The loss of counter space. You win some, you lose some. If you’re someone who tends to move around a lot, taking this appliance with you would be extremely easy opposed to if it were connected to your house.

Built-In Microwaves

You may not have as many options but you’ll always have a lot of counter space as well as the look of luxury with a built-in microwave. While they require someone to install them, they ultimately add a lot of value to your kitchen. Also, if you happen to be someone who uses a lot of counter space when prepping a meal, you may want to go the way of an over the range or built-in microwave.

The biggest factors that come into place with this microwave quandary are price and space. Whether you prefer a built-in microwave, or one that can be placed on your counter, our main suggestion is that you just don’t get a cheap one.

While you may like cheap, spending a little more money on a microwave is always a better idea to ensure you get a working microwave in tip-top shape. Trust us to give you the best from several kitchen appliances brands.

Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert

April 11, 2018

Sleep Better by Keeping These Out of Your Beautyrest Mattress Bed

The way we sleep affects our entire life. If you’re well rested, you generally have more energy and brain power. If you sleep bad, your health starts to suffer. Sometimes the only changes that need to be made are minor and come from your nighttime routine. Simply removing electronic devices from arms reach could be exactly what you need to help you fall into a deep slumber. Try keeping these things out of your bed to minimize your distraction and help you get some shut-eye!

1. Phones, tablets, computers, and all other electronic devices

Electronics can keep you awake forever, it would seem. If you aren’t looking at a computer all day for work, you’re looking at your cell phone throughout the day, and then you’re watching television at the end of the day. Your brain could use a rest, but it’s difficult with so much information being thrown its way. Do yourself a favour and turn the tv off while you’re in bed, and put your electronic devices away in a drawer. If you need to be working on something, don’t bring it to your bed. It’s important that there is a line between where you sleep and where you work.

2. Your Pet

If you’re someone who likes to have your furry friend sleep next to you while in bed, you’re not going to like what I have to say. Unfortunately, while sleeping with your pet can be cute, it can also be the reason why you’re waking up off and on throughout the night. Not to mention, they can bring in dirt, pollen, and other allergens, that could flare up an allergy. Try finding another place, that isn’t your bed, so you can cuddle.

3. Food

Eating in bed is a solid no. There is a good chance that even though you’re the most careful person in the world while eating on your mattress, you’ll still spill a few crumbs here and there. Crumbs bring bugs, and bugs are gross. Leave the food in the kitchen and continue to keep your sheets clean so you don’t have to deal with nighttime creepy crawlies.

If you have a healthy bedtime routine, your lack of sleep could all come down to your mattress. Find yourself a Beautyrest Mattress at your local BrandSource Beautyrest Mattress store that won’t disturb your precious sleep!

Gerry, Your Sleep Expert

April 10, 2018

Why Adjustable Beds Help Improve a Couple’s Sleep Experience

Mattresses have come a long way over the decades and despite the best technology, when a couple sleeps on the very finest their money can buy, one won’t enjoy it as much as the other one will. Let me explain.

Everyone has very unique sleeping preferences that include soft to ultra firm, lumbar support, and snoring relief. Perhaps you enjoy a warm cozy feel while your partner prefers it cool. The best solution then is to sleep on separate beds! Not quite! Enter the adjustable mattresses placed on separate foundations over a common frame!

A Custom Fit for Your Sleep

Adjustable mattresses have gone through many changes over the years and today we can enjoy a custom fit separate from our partner but retaining the closeness we desire. My wife and I experience has been unexpectedly one of pure delight.

We always took our sleep preferences very seriously when purchasing a mattress because our health depended on it! We never cut corners and looked at what was new in technology, in foam for comfort, and support that we both needed. There was, however, some compromise to be made… Until we took the plunge into an adjustable mattress. Our sleep experience is so much more elevated than ever before because now, we each have our own piece of sleep heaven.

Two Twins Become King

Keeping our same bedroom furniture and our king-sized frame, we each got our own Twin XL adjustable foundations and mattresses in the comfort and support levels we independently needed and desired.

The separate foundations are designed to clip in strategic places to keep the two beds together. Additionally, strong metal risers on the foot and outer sides of each foundation keep the mattresses from sliding off when adjusting.

Other than purchasing new bed linen for the Twin XL and recycling our regular mattress sheets, our bed looks the same once the comforter and shams are in place. The secret lies underneath!

Elevating for Pain Relief

Now, more than ever before, when my arthritic knees from sports related injuries act up, a quick push of a button on my remote that comes with each adjustable mattress, will find the comfort level I need for relief. Raising the mattress under my knees, when I would typically pile on pillows, supports my knees perfectly. When my partner is having sinus and snoring issues due to allergies or overwork, while my knees are happy in my preferred position, she adjusts her mattress to raise her upper body to that perfect elevation.

Our preferences will change regularly, but the adjustable mattress will always be ready to bend to our every desire and need. To be able to do that without compromise and without affecting each other’s comfort level is truly a gift we enjoy every night.

We always believed that we enjoyed a good night’s sleep with the standard mattress that met most of our needs, but purchasing the adjustable mattress has become a game-changer. Our sleep experience has definitely been elevated to heights we never imagined, and we are grateful to enjoy it.

Gerry, Your Sleep Expert

March 25, 2018

How Bad Sleep and Weight Gain Go Hand in Hand

According to a study presented at the Endocrine Society National meeting, getting 30 minutes of sleep less than you should every day can be the reason you’ve gained a few extra pounds. It’s hard to get the perfect amount of sleep, but it’s important to try and get at least 7-9 hours of sleep every night otherwise you can find yourself not having the energy to commit to a healthy lifestyle.

Hormones and Food

Sleep deprivation is a vicious thing. If you miss out on it, your stress hormone levels rise, which usually increase your appetite. While we wish that meant we were hungry for some greens, unfortunately the stress causes your body to want to produce serotonin (the happy hormone) and the easiest way to get that is by eating something sweet and fattening. Not to mention, your lack of sleep makes it difficult to digest these sugars. We told you, sleep deprivation is a vicious thing.

Weight Gain Isn’t the Only Issue

Sleep pretty much affects every system in your body. If you lack the proper rest, your body begins to physically show signs in hopes you might get a hint (dark eye circles, etc.). If you don’t see it physically, you will sure notice it in other ways. Little sleep can result in low cognitive functioning, reaction time, and even memory.

Living Batteries

Think of humans as phones. They need time to charge so they can be their very best. Have you ever used a phone on 5%? The phone darkens, it works slower, and won’t allow you certain abilities such as taking photos. If it doesn’t get to a charger it’s going to crash hard. Not unlike people at all.

Sleep Better

Sometimes the right bed can make all the difference in your sleep cycle. Try out Tempur-Pedic mattresses at your local BrandSource mattress store to help end your sleep deprivation ASAP!

Angela, Your Sleep Expert

March 23, 2018

How Whirlpool Laundry Pedestals Benefit You

When you didn’t think that washers and dryers could improve at all, the Whirlpool laundry pedestal proves you wrong. In one step, your laundry pair could be inches taller, provide you with extra storage space, and keep your laundry room decluttered. Learn more about why a Whirlpool Laundry Pedestal is beneficial for your household.

Lift Your Laundry Pair Up

Giving your washer and dryer a 12-16 inch boost can make a huge difference when doing laundry – especially if you have any back pain at all. Instead of bending over far to take your clothes out of your front load washer, a laundry pedestal will prevent aches and strains on your back. The height tends to be more comfortable than the regular washer and dryer height, making the laundry process much more enjoyable. Wash and dry your clothes without ever being in pain again!

Extra Storage Drawer

Not only does a Whirlpool Laundry Pedestal raise your laundry appliances, it adds a storage drawer to your laundry room. It’s easy to run out of space in your laundry room, but adding a laundry pedestal will fix that issue. You can place laundry detergent, dryer sheets, bleach, and other laundry products inside or you could use it for something completely different.

Put your socks and other garments in there when you’re missing a matching piece, that way you’ll always know where to find it. You could even put cleaning products in there for when you want to clean up your washer and dryer. Whatever reason you decide to use your laundry pedestal for, make sure it is one that makes your life more convenient.

Having a laundry pedestal was made to make your life better. From simply giving you less back pain, to making your laundry process more organized, a Whirlpool Laundry Pedestal will make doing laundry more bearable. Talk to a sales associate at your local BrandSource store about the Whirlpool Laundry Pedestals. But beware! Don’t just get any laundry pedestal! You’ll want to make sure whichever one you choose is compatible with the model of your current washer or dryer.

Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert

March 16, 2018

3 Easy Ways to Keep Your Kitchen Clean

Spring is a great time to deep clean the kitchen (and the rest of the house!), but it’s also a great time to kick-start some fresh habits. From cleaning counters to keeping shelves dust free, I’ve rounded up three of my best tips for keeping your kitchen clean.

1) A Little Each Day Goes a Long Way….

Rather than doing a big infrequent and begrudging clean, why not do a little each day to help keep the kitchen clean and clutter free. A kitchen schedule of daily, weekly, and monthly (even yearly) cleaning and maintenance is really helpful, and once you get in the habit, your clean kitchen and fully functioning appliances will be your pleasure rather than another dreaded task on your To-Do list.

You can download a handy daily, weekly, and monthly kitchen cleaning checklist here.

2) Know Your Appliances’ Needs

Just like a healthy marriage, knowing what your appliances need to stay in tip-top shape helps make sure your kitchen is working properly. A clean dishwasher is a well-functioning dishwasher, helping you keep up with kids and life. A clean coffee maker helps ensure you don’t come down to the kitchen after your shower to discover grinds and water all over the counter (speaking from experience!).

Here are a couple of blog articles that will help you maintain and take care of your kitchen appliances.

3) Invest in the Best

When it comes to a clean kitchen, the best ones are those that function best for your individual lifestyle. If it’s time to re-invest in your kitchen you can look at new and improved appliance finishes that magically seem to repel fingerprints (it’s not a dream, I promise), or an oven with the most advanced self-cleaning technology.

Read our previous blog articles if you are thinking of upgrading your kitchen appliances.

Don’t know how to clean or maintain your appliance or what new upgrades will work best for your home? Your local BrandSource store can help. Come and visit us!

Isabelle, Your Appliance Expert

March 16, 2018

How Does Your Sleep Awareness Size Up?

If we sleep an average of 8 hours a day, we are then sleeping about one-third of our life. So, if we were to live to 75 years of age, we would be sleeping for a total of 25 years. That said, how much do we really know about sleep? I did some investigating and discovered 9 interesting facts about sleep and how they can bring awareness to your current experience and improve the quality of your sleep.

Did you know?

1) There is a term called “sleep hygiene” which is a set of practices that we should all do to ensure a good night’s sleep. These include avoiding caffeine and other stimulants close to our bedtime, as well as rich and fatty foods as late-night snacks.

Winding down our day an hour before bedtime with a warm bath, restorative yoga or light reading helps us transition from a busy day and evening to sleep time.

2) After a good night’s sleep, we retain and process information much easier. Our memory is sharper and tasks can be completed quickly and efficiently.

3) There is no such thing as catching up on lost sleep. The only thing that we can do when we have not been sleeping sufficiently is to have several consecutive nights of restorative sleep so that our mind and body can rebalance.

4) Melatonin is a naturally occurring hormone in our body that signals sleep time. Using devices with light-emitting screens up to bedtime disrupts the production of melatonin, and will affect the quality of our sleep. Shutting down all devices and using low lights in our bedroom will help regulate this hormone and bring on sleep much quicker.

5) Parents are known to lose anywhere between 400 and 700 hours of sleep in their baby’s first year. New parents are better served to take time to sleep while their baby sleeps, or at least, have helped so that they have some restorative time.

A post shared by Today’s Parent (@todaysparent) on Feb 8, 2018 at 7:03pm PST

6) Insomnia can cause impairment similar to driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Never underestimate the value of a good night’s sleep!

7) Poor sleep habits can interfere with our health and have an impact on weight, blood pressure, blood glucose levels as well as proper recovery after injury or stressful times.

8) Research has found a link between body temperature and the brain’s sleep cycle. When keeping our bedrooms at a low 20 degrees Celsius (78 degrees Fahrenheit) while we sleep, helps us get to sleep faster and stay asleep longer.

9) If you snore, you could be suffering from sleep apnea which is a sleep disorder where you stop breathing repeatedly throughout the night. When the muscles in the back of the throat are very lax, they can drop into the breathing tube and inhibit proper breathing which causes you to constantly wake up.

If you wake up feeling more tired than when you went to bed after 8 hours of sleep, you could be suffering from sleep apnea. Long-term effects of ignored symptoms can cause multiple health issues. Seeking medical advice to establish a treatment plan would be essential.

I have suffered from insomnia occasionally but now I have learned that it is all in my control when I review my sleep habits and my sleep hygiene practices. Insomnia and other sleep disorders affect not only me or you but all those in our lives, our work-life and our play time.

Gerry, Your Sleep Expert

March 13, 2018

Top 5 Reasons to Sleep on an Adjustable Bed

Think back when you were comfortably relaxing on a beach lounging chair. Do you remember all those positions at your fingers’ tips so that you can tweak to that perfect position for a relaxing and comfortable nap? What if I told you that you and your partner can experience that same comfort every night while you sleep?

Adjustable beds are not a new phenomenon, but the technology we have today is quite spectacular. Your adjustable bed doesn’t need to look or feel like your beach chair or a hospital bed, but a luxurious, and customizable bed system that can fit into your current bed frame and décor. Consider this: A King size frame holding two independent twin XL mattresses with their very own adjustable features for your unique sleeping needs.

Why should you and your partner sleep on an adjustable bed? Let me tell you about the benefits, not only for your health but also for your overall well-being.

1) Relief from joint pain and inflammation

Medication, exercise and diet alone cannot relieve symptoms from arthritis and other joint-related pain. If you sleep for 7 hours, that’s a very long time to be lying in an uncomfortable position no matter how much foam covers your mattress. With an adjustable bed, you can adjust your bed to that perfect position where all your body parts are comfortably supported to sleep better and wake up refreshed.

2) Relief from snoring

How many times have you heard people say they couldn’t sleep because their partner sounded like a freight train? If you or your partner suffers from snoring especially when extremely stressed at work and during allergy season, raising the upper part of the bed on those nights to that perfect angle where constriction in the throat is alleviated, you will both get a great night’s sleep.

3) Enjoy reading or working in bed

If one of your favourite things to do, especially in bed, is to read although your partner might pull out the laptop and do some work, either way, you can experience your uniquely perfect position on your bed that allows for support and comfort.

4) Relief from reflux from a late-night snack

Snacking at bedtime is not always recommended as our body will be busy digesting instead of slowing down for sleep. When you get your snack attack, you can raise the upper part of your bed to allow gravity to help in an easier digestion process and avoid acid reflux symptoms.

5) Relief for asthma and sinus congestion sufferers

By adjusting your bed to that perfect angle, you can sleep better with chronic sinus congestion while improving your breathing. If you or your partner occasionally suffers from asthma, a simple bed adjustment will help relieve pressure on the lungs and heart creating a more restful sleep.

There are many more benefits to sleeping on an adjustable bed but these top 5 are surely the most common reasons to make the investment!

Gerry, Your Sleep Expert

February 12, 2018

Bed-Wetting: 4 Easy Solutions for Worried Parents

Most children will be out of diapers and training pants by the age of 3 or 4; however, not surprisingly, not all kids follow the same schedule. Some may need more time, whereas others less. Every child is unique, and, despite what experts may say, your child will let you know when it’s time. (more…)

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