Most Popular Kitchen Appliance Winner

Instant Pot
The winner is in for August and it is this 6 in one crock pot.

Read more, see reviews and buy here:

http://amzn.to/1FbJ7EP

6-in-1 Multi-Functional Cooker (Pressure Cooker, Saute/Browning, Slow Cooker, Rice Cooker, Steamer and Warmer).
Large, Easy to Use Control Panel
• 10 Built-in Smart Programs: Meat/Stew, Saute, Poultry, Soup, Bean/Chili, Congee, Steam, Multigrain, Rice and Slow Cook with 3 Adjustable Modes
• 10 Proven Safety Mechanisms: UL and ULC Certified, Latest 3rd Generation Technology, Safe, Convenient and Dependable
• Delay Cooking Timer: Up to 24-Hour, Automatic Keep-warm, Manual Setting: Up to 120 Minute Cook Time, 3 Temperatures for Saute/Browning and Slow Cook
• 5L/5.28Qt 3-Ply Bottom Stainless Steel Cooking Pot, Stainless Steel Steaming Rack

Pressure Cooker
Chicken and pork fall of the bone. Create the best pulled pork sandwiches, pot roast, venison, carnitas, beef curry, teriyaki chicken and more.
Saute = Brown
How about a delicious Thai chicken saute or even garlic asparagus?
Slow Cooker
Not only does a slow cooker make great chili, but also beef, pork, chicken and healthy foods
Rice Cooker
Ever tried cooking brown rice in a saucepan?  The rice cooker is the answer to great tasting rice with perfect texture.
Steamer
Steamed broccoli and a whole host of great tasking meals, appetizers and side dishes.
Warmer
Electric food warmers are used to reheat food without the microwave oven side effects

Insta Pot Steamer instapotcontrol instapot3 instapotbenefits instapot-4Get the best tasting food with this award winning 6 in 1 Instant Pot.

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Buyer Beware – Booking with Hotwire

Looking for a great deal on travel or hotels? You might come across a website called Hotwire.com. They claim that you will save big booking their secret rates – where they only reveal the hotel to you after you put the payment on your credit card. Here are some things you should be aware of:

10 Reasons Not to Book with Hotwire:

  1. They give you an estimate of what the value is per night for the hotel you are booking. Note that this is not the value for the actual hotel you get. According to Hotwire; “Savings are based on the median published rate we’ve found on leading retail travel sites in the last 24-48 hours for the same neighborhood, star rating and stay date.” So you may think you are getting a $200 hotel deal – since that is the value they post – but your actual hotel that you pay $121 for is available elsewhere for $108 per night. Only you don’t find that out until you have booked the ‘$200 value’ room and find out you got one worth less than what you paid Hotwire.
  2. The description may list amenities such as a pool or gym. Again – that does not mean it applies to the hotel you get. It only means it applies to hotels in that category.
  3. No matter how much you dislike the hotel, how little it is worth, or if it doesn’t have the amenities you want – you are stuck. There are no changes or transfers permitted. They take your money before you find out which hotel you get.
  4. Hotwire will give you a general area on a map and tell you the hotel is within the boundaries. You may want to try and enlarge that map as big as you can – since the boundaries often stretch out of the desirable areas into surrounding ‘sketchy’ ones. For instance, I booked a hotel in Tokyo’s Shinjuku area and ended up with a hotel in the neighboring red light district of Kubuko.  Apparently, it was still within their map borders even though I thought I was booking a hotel in Shinjuku per my search specifics.
  5. You have no say of what type of room you get – smoking, non-smoking, king bed, double, parking lot view -or of even being near each other if you book more than one room.
  6. You cannot make any changes to the dates despite plans being changed, death, sickness, flight cancellations, etc. No changes. No refunds.
  7. You cannot earn miles or points at the hotel with their frequent stay programs if you book through Hotwire.
  8. You are responsible for all additional fees including local taxes, resort fees, parking, etc.
  9. You should still confirm your reservation as there are untold numbers of people who complain online that their room was not held, there was no record of a reservation, the hotel requested payment even though they prepaid, etc. Make sure to bring a printout as proof.
  10. Lack of control. There are so many deals online through travel sites and information online through travel review sites that you can easily compare and contrast to find great hotel deals. This way you know the hotel is reputable, you may book without having to prepay, you can request the room type you want and you can be sure the hotel has the amenities you want in the location you want.

It is important to note that Hotwire is trying to get rid of inventory that the hotels can’t sell. They are working to sell consumers this inventory in the form of ‘deals too low to publicize’. I just wish I had read more user reviews rather than believe the’ 60% off hotel rates’ banner on the Hotwire website. Skip to the small print at the bottom of the page for a truer statement: “There is no guarantee these savings or rates will be in effect at the time of your search.”

So when booking Hotwire’s secret deals,  you may end up getting a deal or you may not. Either way – you are stuck with it.  Your card is charged and no changes or cancellations are permitted -as their less than helpful customer service will curtly inform you. It really is a case of buyer beware.

As for me, I prefer to know what I am getting before paying for it. Having been burnt once, I will not risk my vacation where the odds are stacked against me.

 

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Grout Looking Grimy? Here’s What You Can Do

Tile grout cleaning cleaner TorontoIf you’ve got tiles in your home or business, no matter how well you keep up with the cleaning and the mopping, you will probably still wind up with grimy grout. So why does this happen, especially after regularly maintaining the flooring?

Here are a few reasons:

Age – As tile and grout ages, it’s inevitable that the colors start to fade and discolor, both on the tiles themselves and the grout. Regular cleaning is simply no match for sunlight, pedestrian traffic, wear and tear, etc.

Dirt from shoes – There’s no getting around the tile and grout getting dirty from grime coming from outdoor shoes. Any amount of traffic on the tiles will quickly discolor and dirty the grout.

Water and moisture –Certain rooms, especiallythe kitchen, bathroom and entry ways to outside, moisture can be a problem for the flooring. Microscopic organisms can seep into the porous surface of grout. Stains can come from water, slush, road salt, wine, cooking oils and more.

Food particles – Even the smallest food particles on the grout can get stuck in the porous surface and bedifficult to remove. While bleach-based grout cleaners are helpful, many times they are not enough to get rid of this grime.  If your grout is a color other than white, bleach can cause discoloration and your grout won’t match.

Mold – Wet areas grow mildew and mold if they are left untreated for a long time. It’s critical to seal the grout and use cleaners that are specifically designed for this type of surface.

Soap – Soap and soap scum can easily develop in showers and bathtubs where soap is typically used. The suds that clean your skin can actually build up in corners and in the tile grout, causing discoloration.

Make Your Tile Look New

Many times the typical cleaners available to you at your local grocery store are simply no match for some of the tough built-up grime that develops in tile grout. You’ll have to use plenty of elbow grease in order to rid the grout of the grime that’s causing unsightly discoloration.

Tile grout cleaning cleanerTo deep clean tiles and grout, use a trusted professional tile grout cleaning company who can also re-stain grout so tile looks newer and more uniform.  One highly recommended company in the Greater Toronto – Greater Hamilton area is Steam Works Carpet and Tile Cleaning.  Their highly trained and licensed professionals use powerful truck mounted equipment to clean both residential and commercial tiles and carpets.  They offer professional grade cleaning equipment and ‘green’ cleaning solutions that are both tough on stains while remaining gentle to surfaces and the surrounding air.

Before you spend a lot of money replacing flooring, let the experts at Steam Works refresh and renew your carpets and tiles. Visit SteamWorksCarpetCleaning.com today and finally rid your grout from grime with their professional cleaning services or call their friendly staff at 905 334-2917 for an appointment.

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Looking for an Activity for the Kids That Improves Coordination & Confidence?

dance classes Burlington OntarioKids are energetic, active little beings. They need an outlet to release their energy in a creative and safe way. If you’ve been wracking your brains trying to figure out what to get your kids involved in during the fall/winter season, why not enroll them in dance classes Burlington Ontario? Dancing is a fantastic way to keep your kids active throughout the cold months of the season, all while taking place in a safe indoor area that encourages creativity and a release of energy!  Kids as young as 2.5 years can start with creative movement classes – that help build motor skills, coordination, balance and confidence.

Emphasize Positivity

While there may be many dance studios around, they’re definitely not all created equal. You want a studio that comes equipped with the ideal setting, and has the industry’s best instructors to ensure that your kids are learning correct technique, posture and balance.  You also want a studio that tries to bring out the potential in each dancer while fostering creativity and creating a fun environment.  In the Greater Toronto – Greater Hamilton area, Creative Edge Dance Studio in Burlington has been winning favorite dance studio year after year because it does exactly that.

At this cutting-edge dance studio, you can be sure that your kids are tapping into the most innovative and current choreography and lessons. Designed for all ages – from beginner to professional – Creative Edge offers a plethora of dance programs to suit your child’s precise level of experience, skill and age. This laid-back, non-judgmental atmosphere is the perfect outlet for your child to release energy, get a fantastic workout, and learn something new, all in one space!

Explore the Different Genres

Creative Edge Dance StudioTaking place in state-of-the-art dance facilities, your child will have the advantage of learning the most up-to-date dance moves in a variety of programs. The 10,000 square foot studio features 6 huge studios, a practice area, homework lounge, eating spot, and even a children’s play area! The studio is now even equipped with incredible sprung stage flooring for the ultimate in comfort!

Sign your child up today for dance programs in a variety of genres at Creative Edge Dance Studios, including tap, hip hop, jazz, ballet, acrobatics, contemporary and much more!

The studio has been blessed to have welcomed a number of well-renowned dancers and choreographers throughout many workshops, including Amanda Leghorn, Blake McGrath and Leon Blackwood!   For the serious dancer, they offer a competitive dance team.  Auditions are required to secure a spot in one of their award winning groups.   There is also a pre-competitive program as well as open classes for those that don’t want to commit to a full semester.

2015-2016 Dance Programs Now Taking Registrations!

Inquire today by visiting CreativeEdgeDance.ca or calling (905) 220-0741 for more information.

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Owning a Cottage Can Become a Reality For Your Family!

canada mortgage financingHow amazing and liberating would it be if you had your very own cottage to retreat to on any given summer weekend? Simply pack up and head off to your very own vacation property that you can visit whenever you feel like it! No landlords to deal with, no searching high and low for the best cottage and location, and no fighting for available weeks or weekends. Simply get on the road and go!

You might be wondering if you can actually afford a seasonal property and be approved for a vacation home cottage mortgage. The truth is, owning a cottage and financing it can be a lot easier than you may have imagined! With the help of an experienced mortgage broker, you can get approved for a home loan to finance a cottage anywhere in Ontario! This province certainly has plenty of cottage country to take advantage of!

The Basics of Financing a Vacation Property

When it comes to getting a vacation home cottage mortgage, there are a few basics that you should consider:

The same mortgage principles are still in effect.  Much like a regular mortgage to finance a family home, the same principles apply for cottage mortgages.  Lenders will look at your down payment, credit score,income, assets, liabilities, etc.  If you currently own your own home, you may be able to use the equity in that home to help finance a cottage, or to help you be approved for financing.

Lenders will also consider the valuation and assessment of the cottage compared to the selling price and amount being financed.   How the cottage is accessed is of key interest to your mortgage lender. Cottages can range from hunting cabins to recreational homes on the lake with paved, roads, sewer systems, full furnaces and utilities.

One variable they will want to know if your cottage is accessible year round or only during the summer. If it’s not accessible all year, the options they offer are more limited. The lender may also want to know the condition of the cottage before loaning money – so the loan may be based on an appraisal being performed.

vacation home cottage mortgageCalling the Professionals in Second Home Mortgages

Claire Drage and her team of Mortgage Medics have been helping Canadians get financing to buy a cottage in the location of their choosing. She knows exactly which lender to approach when a cottage mortgage is required, and who will be more apt to offer ideal mortgage conditions and low interest rates. If you want a second opinion from what your bank says, with house calls and confidential consultations, contact the Mortgage Medics team today at (905) 847-6611.

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Amantii Fireplaces Canada

Amantii electric fireplace CanadaThe Amantii brand of fireplaces offers a variety of modern electric fireplaces and inserts. The style selections range from built-in to console types. These electric fireplaces are a wonderful addition to most any home and also a great alternative to traditional fireplaces. Not only is there no need for wood logs, exterior ventilation, chimney or other major construction, but these fireplaces also have a longer lifespan since they don’t actually burn or use combustible fuel.

Wood fireplaces don’t tend to heat a home as well as electrics since most of the heat from a wood fireplace goes right up the chimney. A draft can also come into your home from the chimney, but since electric fireplaces don’t use them, there is no draft.

Some may refer to electric fireplaces as fake fireplaces, but they also have features and benefits not available from traditional fireplaces.

Amantii electric fireplaceMany electric fireplaces have remote controls for easy starting and the instant ambiance provides warmth to any home.

The Amantii fireplace products are not only used in private homes but also in commercial settings such as offices, hotels, restaurants and stores. A new popular series is the Fire and Ice Series that offers multi-colored flames, white glass surround, 4-stage lighting and diamond fire glass media. These zero clearance fireplace wall-mount/built-in and flush mount models feature a contemporary look. Black glass is also available. Note the difference between built-ins and wall-mounts when searching for the right fireplace for your home.

Built in series include not only the Fire & Ice Series with selectable flame colors, but also the Design Specialties Series, the WM-BI Designer Series and the Artisan Series. Get the right look for your room from a wide selection of styles. The designer series fireplaces are available in both wall-mount and built-in versions and come with LED light or incandescent light as well as a heater with or without a fan. Or eliminate the heater altogether for pure ambiance.

Amantii electric fireplacesWhen selecting an electric fireplace, see which media is included with your model. Some wallmounted fireplaces require some modification of the wall. The size of area needed depends on which model is selected. Don’t put a fireplace right next to cumbustible materials such as curtains, furniture or bedding, but leave at least 3 feet of distance from any such item.

Another style of fireplace is the full frame panorama. These are available in a variety of widths up to 88″ wide.

Get a discount Amantii electric fireplace insert from Simply Electric Fireplaces Canada.

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Thinking of a New Mattress? Consider Serta!

Serta Mattress MississaugaThere are many brands of mattresses out there, but not all of them are created equal. In fact, among the best quality mattresses available is the Serta brand. Its track record speaks for itself. The brand has been around for over eight decades, creating top-quality mattresses for a great night’s sleep.

Serta – Tackling Sleep Issues

Serta has always been a leader in the mattress industry, constantly innovating and evolving their technology to ensure their products help to improve the sleep quality of all those who own one of their mattresses.

Serta has teamed up with the National Sleep Foundation (NSF) to target five common sleep issues that people tend to suffer from, including:

  • Lack of adequate support
  • Disturbance from partners
  • Tossing and turning
  • Sagging
  • Too hot or too cold

In order to tackle these problems, Serta has developed and incorporated specialized materials in their products, including anti-microbial fiber and micro-support gel. Most of their mattress models are available in a wide range of comfort levels, from extra firm to super plush.

Serta mattresses also come in a variety of sizes including twin, double, queen and king sizes.

Serta Mattress in Canada

If you’re in the market to buy Serta Mattress Mississauga or other parts of Greater Toronto, look no further than The Sleep Factory West. This mattress superstore features Serta models and expert advice, making your shopping experience as convenient as possible.

Their staff is highly knowledgeable and experienced, with factory training and years of experience. Rather than go to a general department or furniture store, go to a store that specializes in mattresses. They carry all major brands in addition to Serta, including Simmons, Sealy, iComfort, iSeries and their own factory direct brand. They’re friendly and courteous, and will help to guide you in the right direction when it comes to finding that perfect mattress for you.  They also carry mattress pads, protectors, bedroom furniture and futons. Don’t forget to add a pillow for a complete sleep system.

Serta Palladium mattressThey make affording a new Serta mattress easy. Aside from their low prices, they also offer Buy Now – Pay Later financing so you don’t have to wait to finally get that good night sleep you’ve been craving. Although they are located in Toronto’s west end, they deliver mattresses anywhere in Ontario – including cottage country. If you’re in the Mississauga or Milton areas or anywhere in Greater Toronto – Greater Hamilton, make sure to visit The Sleep Factory to get your next Serta mattress today!

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