Barber and Haskill Appliance and Mattress Store

2017-02-17T09:40:00.002-05:00

Third Annual Barber and Haskill Online Treasure Hunt

Win 4 passes to Pasta and Tube Thursdays at Horseshoe Resort

The game is simple and fun.

Starting Monday, February 20, 2017 at 8 am we will be releasing clues on our Facebook page to a secret location in the area. The first person to comment on the most recent clue with the correct location wins the prize. The clues will be released approximately every half an hour and will go until someone guesses the correct location.You can only guess once per clue!

Let the games begin!

Barber and Haskill services; Honey Harbour - Coldwater – Orillia –Barrie –Wasaga Beach- Tiny- Midland - Penetang- Wyevale- Elmavale- Wyebridge- Waverly- Victoria Harbour- Waubaushene-Port McNicol- Perkinsfield- Lafontaine-Moonstone- Craighurst

Second Annual Scavenger Hunt

2016-11-03T10:12:00.000-04:00

Second Annual Barber and Haskill Online Treasure Hunt

Win a family of 4 movie pass (including snacks) and a $100 Gift Card to Boston Pizza

The game is simple and fun.

Starting Saturday, November 5 at 8 am we will be releasing clues on our Facebook page to a secret location in the area. The first person to comment on the most recent clue with the correct location wins the prize. The clues will be released approximately every half an hour and will go until someone guesses the correct location. Guess up to 3 times per clue.

Let the games begin!

The family pass includes 2 kids and 2 adults.

Buttercream Recipe Plus How To Ice Cupcakes!

2016-06-01T16:30:00.000-04:00

In case you missed it, a couple weeks ago we cooked cupcakes on our Traeger Bbq. When we first started carrying the Traeger, Tom told us that at high heat the Traeger works just like a convection oven. To be honest, I was a skeptic. How would this BBQ that at low heat is a smoker turn into a convection oven at high heat? We decided to test it out by cooking my favourite thing, cupcakes.

Spoiler alert, they turned out delicious.

We did a live Facebook broadcast of the reveal:

We also did a cupcake icing tutorial which you can see here:

The videos were really well received and so were the cupcakes! We had several people ask us for the vanilla bean buttercream recipe we used, so here it is! Just an FYI I use a lot of buttercream.... like a lot. This yields enough for me to ice about 24 cupcakes. You may find that you want to cut the recipe in half.

If you have any questions please leave them for us in the comments! Enjoy!

Online Treasure Hunt!

2016-04-14T11:44:00.000-04:00

First Annual Barber and Haskill Online Treasure Hunt

Win a family of 4 movie pass (including snacks) and a $100 Gift Card to Boston Pizza

The game is simple and fun.

Starting Saturday, April 23rd at 8 am we will be releasing clues on our Facebook page to a secret location in Midland. The first person to comment on the most recent clue with the correct location wins the prize. The clues will be released approximately every half an hour and will go until someone guesses the correct location. Guess up to 3 times per clue.

Let the games begin!

The family pass includes 2 kids and 2 adults.

Selecting the right BBQ Sauce

2016-04-07T10:34:00.000-04:00

Since we have been carry the line of wood pellet grills from Traeger it has become evident that these guys care about food especially meat! Not only do you have the option to use 8 different flavours of wood pellets when cooking to enhance the flavours of anything you are doing low and slow. Traeger also has a complete line of seasonings with shakes and rubs for any protein you want to cook. Today let’s take a quick look at the 4 of the BBQ sauces from Traeger and how to best pair them.

We carry four of the famous Traeger BBQ sauces in store. Here are a some of Traegers recommendations for their four different sauces. You can apply the same logic to whatever your favourite sauces.

Apricot

Our most popular sauce by far! Wonderful fruit flavour which enhances pork, chicken, and whitefish.

Apricot -- Best with Pork, Chicken and Turkey

Honey Bourbon

We've combined the richness of honey with the smoothness of bourbon to create this one-of-a-kind sauce.

Honey Bourbon -- Best with Beef, Pork and Lamb

Texas Spicy

A tomato-based sauce with a nice zing.

Texas Spicy -- Best with Beef, Pork and Chicken

Regular

A good, basic sauce with rich flavour.

Regular -- Best with Beef and Chicken

Traeger Tip:

The right time to add sauce to your meat is AFTER you take it off your Traeger. Many of our sauces contain sugar. When sugar is exposed to high or prolonged heat it caramelizes and burns. We strongly recommend that you pour the sauce on the meat after it's cooked.

Retro Appliances – Is it your kitchen style?

2016-02-05T10:08:00.002-05:00

Some people like professional styled appliances, some like a little more simple and some like the style to match themselves. Is retro your style ?

A new piece on our store floor is the Top Mount Fridge by Elmira Stove Works in Buttercup Yellow, shown above.

If you love that retro look Elmira’s Northstar line has some great pieces.

Elmira’s ranges have the modern features and efficiency we want, but gives you that 50’s look. You can have glass top or gas, convection ovens and warming drawers are options, as well as extra chrome if that is your style.

They have standard colours to pick from – some being right out of the 50’s like Robins Egg Blue or they will do custom colours, like my favourite green shown above.

And if retro is not you they have an antique line as well.

The key is to love your kitchen and make it your own and we would like to help you with that.

Laurel Hooper

What I Learned While Self Cleaning My Oven

2016-01-13T13:41:00.001-05:00

OK, so sadly I confess, I have a very dirty oven. I also have a self cleaning oven which I have never used. My oven cleaning experiences have only ever consisted of two options:

“Easy Off”, rubber gloves and a bucket of water
Turning A Blind Eye (definitely the method I have been using on my oven at present)

Because I had never used the “self cleaning” option before and I am not typically one to read instructions I have just simply ignored my oven as you can clearly see.

So, with no preparation at all, (in other words, I didn’t remove any pre-burnt residue or read the instructions) I pushed the self cleaning button, shut the door (which automatically locked) and waited for the miracle to happen.

This is what I noticed:

After about an hour things started to really heat up in my kitchen. I am really glad I wasn’t doing this on a warm summers day.
I was really glad I didn’t have any pots and pans stored in the oven, they would have definitely been ruined
There was a definite odour that wasn’t a “you have just burnt your dinner” smell. It reminded me of the smell of bakelite (although I am sure it wasn’t) which lingered in the house until the next day ….. note to self, do not do this on the day company is coming.
Everything turned to white ash and wiped off extremely easy.
The baked on splatter marks on the oven window didn’t turn to ash. I assumed because it didn’t it would still be stuck like “white on rice” but I was wrong. I used a pot scraper and a cloth and it cleaned up nicely.
It worked!

My one concern was how good is this for my oven? With temperatures possibly going over 1000 degrees (not your typical 350 or 500) I fear this probably isn’t too good for my stove. I have read several complaints about self cleaning ovens and how hard it is on the stove. But, everyone loves the idea of “self-cleaning” and not of “one self”. So perhaps the solution is to not use it for the typical 4 hour cycle, only until you notice things turning to ash, which for me was about after an hour or so.

So, all in all it was a positive experience.

Positive Feedback: I will suffer no longer the terrible fumes one has to inhale when cleaning with “oven cleaners”. I will not have to deal with the slimy, brown goop the chemicals turn my burnt offerings into. And, it was super simple!

Negative Feedback: Because I didn’t read any instructions and just simply pushed a button I didn’t learn until later that I was supposed to remove my racks during the process. I have now “de-glossed” them and they don’t slide as easily…. live and learn!

Check out our blog post for the “aqualift” option to clean your oven:

http://barberandhaskill.blogspot.ca/2014/09/aqualift-versus-self-clean.html

Quiet Dishwashers Under $1000

2015-11-12T10:18:00.001-05:00

In my last post, I introduced you to the quietest dishwashers on our sales floor. In this post, I’ll continue with the “quiet” theme, but with one interesting new factor: the following models all come in with a price point in the $1,000 range or less.

These models qualify as quiet because all have operating levels around 50 decibels (dB). To put it in perspective, an operating level of 50 dB is similar to the sound of running water in a quiet stream.

Here are a few machines I’d like to tell you about.

Bosch

The unit’s performance is outstanding, offering four wash cycles and two options, a load size sensor that automates wash temperature, and a sanitize option that both eliminates bacteria and enhances drying results. In addition, its detergent tray optimizes detergent dissolving. The Bosch design offers a 15 place setting capacity, long silverware basket and an LED “remaining time” display. The full size stainless steel tall tub installs perfectly flush. Energy Star rated, it offers convenience with a 24 hour delay start timer, self-latching door, variable spray pressure and AquaStop® leak protection (works 24/7 to prevent water damage.)

Whirlpool

Whirlpool offers its model WDF760SADW in white and at 49 dBA Like the Bosch, this model has an abundance of features. It uses Whirlpool’s unique TotalCoverage spray arm that cleans for more coverage. The TargetClean™ option saves you from soaking and scrubbing pots and pans. The Silverware Spray feature focuses on cleaning your cutlery, virtually eliminating rewashing. The EZ-2-Lift™ adjustable upper rack allows you fit tall pitchers and other large items in the bottom rack with ease. This dishwasher cleans a lightly soiled load in half the time with the 1-Hour Wash cycle, so you have clean dishes when you're in a hurry.

Frigidaire

Frigidaire’s quiet option is the FGID2474QF at 51 dBA. Its OrbitClean™ technology provides four times more water coverage, resulting in an excellent clean. The Dishsense technology employs sensors which select the best cycle for you, based on your cleaning needs. The Quick Clean feature does as it says – cleans your dishes faster. For big loads, this large capacity, tall-tub dishwasher fits up to 14 place settings so you can wash even more at once. The flexible racking system lets you adjust the top rack to fit taller items and the Effortless™ Dry feature provides outstanding drying performance.

These are just three of the best selling units we have, there are many other dishwashers available in our showroom. Please drop in or check our website to see more options or for current sale prices. SincerelyRon AdamsRetail Sales Associate

Do I really need a range hood?

2015-11-04T10:09:00.002-05:00

A question that customers raise with me from time to time is: do I really need a range hood, or will an over-the-range microwave do?

First off, I think it is a good idea to get some kind of ventilation directly over your range to remove the odours, grease and steam from the room. A vent system will protect your cabinetry, walls and other surfaces from harmful steam and grease. These are things that can discolour, de-laminate and cause other expensive damage to your kitchen if it is not properly addressed. Also, very few people like the smell of fish, onions or other foods to linger in their home. The vent system removes those odours before they have a chance to spread throughout your home.

Okay, back to the question at hand: range hood or over-the-range (OTR) microwave? The fact is – nothing works better at clearing a kitchen of smoke, steam or odour than a range hood. The OTR microwave just can’t compete. Its ventilation feature is just an added convenience, and it does not perform well compared to a purpose-designed range hood. True, there is a filter that will retain some of the air-born pollutants and reduce staining and moisture damage, but the purpose built design and capture area of range hoods stands alone in its performance. Microwaves are good for microwaving things. The only real advantage of putting it above your range is as a space-saving measure, creating more counter space in your kitchen. But I don’t think that is a good trade-off – more counter space versus improved indoor air quality and clean cabinetary. In my experience, virtually all of the issues I have ever come across regarding proper range ventilation can be directly related to OTR microwaves.

When it comes to picking your range hood, there are thousands of options. You can choose from canopy style, liners, under-cabinet style, pro-style downdraft and the afore-mentioned OTR microwaves. And prices range from $59 all the way up to $5,000. Because of this wide variance in options and price, I would recommend you work with a store and salesperson that you can trust, one that will take all of your concerns into consideration.

It is very important to explain your goals and what you expect from your ventilation system. Is it just for looks? (Some of them are beautiful). Is it purely for function, convenience or some combination of these? Having open conversations with a knowledgeable salesperson will be the first step to making sure you get the best ventilation product to fit your needs.

Some people have asked me if it is mandatory to have a ventilation system above their range. In my experience, the answer to this is usually no, but not always. For example, if you are using a powerful gas range you may be required to have a range hood. It is best to check your local building code for the answer.

My thought on this is: If your goal is to keep your cabinets and walls clean and not to have those cooking smells lingering long after the meal is over go with a purpose built hood. If décor or getting your microwave off your counter is more important, there are lots of options that will work for you including the popular over the range microwave.

Wayne

Introduction of Whirlpool's Ventless Dryer

2015-10-30T10:21:00.000-04:00

Whirlpool has just launched one of the most innovative clothes dryers to come along in years: a full-sized ventless dryer.

The “ventless” feature makes it unique, because – for the first-time ever – there is no need to have this full-sized unit externally vented. This means that you now have the flexibility to put this dryer anywhere you have access to water drain (needed for the washer anyway) and a 220-volt outlet to plug the dryer in. It has never been easier to bring the laundry upstairs (or anywhere else!) without the added expense of running dryer venting.

The ventless feature is just part of the story: this unit is also an energy-saver. Whirlpool achieves this by using 1300-watt heating element vs traditional dryers that use a 5500-watt heating element. The result? Cost savings. This dryer can save you up to $150 per year on your energy bills.

Another cost-saving aspect to this unit is the choice you have in using either the Speed cycle or Eco cycle. There is 30-minute difference between the two options. What this means to you is if you have need something in a hurry, the Speed cycle takes 30 minutes off the drying time. On the other hand, if time is on your side, set it to the Eco cycle. It will take an extra 30 minutes to complete the drying process, but think of the cost saving the Eco cycle offers by not running that high-powered heating element.

How does this work?

The unit functions by heating the air inside. The now moist air is gathered and cooled, producing water. The air is then re-circulated. Therefore, no outside air is being used and exhausted like a traditional vented dryer.

I personally like this option in dryers, as it is an innovative alternative to vented dryers. For years consumers have only had the option of a small size dryer if they needed a ventless application. I feel this may be a game-changer in the dryer world, giving consumers a more desirable, full sized dryer option with the features that they want.

Just what does Microwave Safe Really Mean?

2015-10-16T14:03:00.001-04:00

Have you ever found yourself standing in front of the microwave in the great debate of “do I heat up last night’s dinner in this handy dandy Tupperware container or do I switch it over to glass? Is there really anything harmful seeping into my food? … Does it really matter? After all, the container does say microwave safe.”

If you have done any type of online investigating you will very quickly learn the popularity of this question and just how much it has been researched. Many studies done to determine the safety of plastic in your Microwave and exactly what is leaching into your food. So the question I have is this: “what on earth does microwave safe mean”?

Well, the FDA has a formula that determines what is Microwave safe and what isn’t. “The agency estimates the ratio of plastic surface area to food, how long the container is likely to be in the microwave, how often a person is likely to eat from the container, and how hot the food can be expected to get during microwaving. The scientists also measure the chemicals that leach into food and the extent to which they migrate in different kinds of foods. The maximum allowable amount is 100–1,000 times less per pound of body weight than the amount shown to harm laboratory animals over a lifetime of use. Only containers that pass this test can display a microwave-safe icon, the words “microwavesafe,” or words to the effect that they’re approved for use in microwave ovens.”

Different numbers are marked on the bottom of plastic containers to determine their FDA ratings such as 2 (HDPE), 4 (LDPE), or 5 (PDF file). DavidSuzuki’s gives us this little jingle: "2, 4, 5 keep yourself alive." He claims that these three types of plastic leach the least amount of toxins and that “#1, #3, #6, and #7 are best purchased in moderation and recycled after ONE use.”

OK, well that is well and good but there you find yourself still standing in front of your microwave not knowing how to heat up your dinner.

Well according to David Suzuki, “The answer is simple: Do not microwave plastic containers or plastic wrap, ever.” The heating up of plastics can cause toxins to leach into your food” …YIKES! Especially the “take out” food containers!

The fact that they state “can” instead of “will” may leaving you still contemplating about putting Grandma’s old Tupperware container in the Microwave and getting on with your dinner but why take a chance? Go for a plastic free diet. It will help you reduce your exposure to toxins and lighten your environmental footprint.

Oh, and one last thing to remember…after you have placed your food in a glass container don’t use the plastic splatter cover, use a glass plate

What are the Quietest Dishwashers?

2015-09-30T10:28:00.004-04:00

In the store today, you can find dishwashers with a range of operating sound levels ranging roughly from 39 decibels (dBA) to 63 dBA. I consider any dishwasher with an operating sound level less than 46 dBA to be very quiet. Because some of these dishwashers are so quiet, many manufacturers have implemented lights or displays to show you that, yes, your dishwasher is operating.

Here are some examples of decibel ratings for some common sounds to give you a comparison:

Rustling grass and leaves: 20 dBA

Whisper in library: 30 -40 dBA

Average fridge: 30 – 45 dBA

Normal conversation: 50 – 65 dBA

Unit’s components affect noise level

Operating noise levels can be affected by the construction and the quality of parts used by the manufacturer to build your dishwasher. These include the material used for the dishwasher tub. Many units with stainless steel tubs have lower decibel ratings. Also, the pump, motor, type of filtration, cabinet and insulation are all factors in the sound level of your dishwasher. Often, the quieter dishwashers will cost a little more, but it is well worth it if you’re after a more-muted kitchen appliance.

Here are a few of the quietest dishwashers we currently sell listed by decibel level.

Great value for KitchenAid

This KitchenAid dishwasher has great value for those seeking a quiet dishwasher. Despite being the quietest dishwasher KitchenAid makes, it is not nearly the most expensive. It comes complete with features, including 40 target jets with ProScrub to handle baked on foods, three racks, a smooth satin glide rack system that you have to feel to understand, stainless tub, a great heated dry and many more features.

KDTE254ESS KitchenAid – 39 dBA - MSRP $1,599.99

Click here to view specs.

Top reviews from magazine for Bosch

This is the best selling dishwasher in the “Benchmark” series from German-based manufacturer Bosch. This line of dishwashers has received top washing reviews from leading consumer magazines for close to a decade. It comes complete with integrated (hidden) controls, a convenient third rack, a built-in water softener for hard water situations, adjustable upper rack and many more features.

SHX8PT55UC Bosch – 40 dBA – MSRP $2,499.
Click here to view specs.

JennAir with award-winning wash system

This is a wonderful JennAir dishwasher. It gives you Jennair racking and features like Ultra glide racks, and we can add steam clean option for the toughest baked on foods.

JDB9200 Jenn-Air – 42 dBA – MSRP $1,749.99
Click here to view specs.

Selection in store

There are many more relatively quiet dishwashers on our showroom floor that we can show you. Some of these dishwashers range from 44 dBA to 50 dBA, which you may find to be very quiet compared to the older models with much higher operating sound levels.

Please come in to see the great selection of dishwashers and let us know if you questions regarding this topic.

Sincerely,

Ron Adams

Cleaning Stainless Steel - By Laurel Hooper

2015-09-25T11:19:00.000-04:00

So there was a link on our facebook page to Martha Stewart and the best way to clean Stainless Steel, and I normally do not say this out loud as most people make fun of those who like Martha Stewart but for the most part I have always been a fan and wished that I was able to spend days in my craft room and or organizing every closest and drawer I have, but like most of you I need to earn a living......

And with all due respect to Martha as we have lots of Stainless Steel here to remove finger prints from I would just like to say sorry Martha I feel you are not correct.

I took one of our store fridges that had many prints (picture 1) on it and did Martha’s suggestion of Windex, Streak Free Formula and I am sorry Martha on your video I see the Windex has left streaks and here too the Windex left streaks (picture 2). The product we sell Stainless Steel Magic – in my opinion does a much better job but yes part of it is technique, a little spray and a little buff and beautiful (picture 3).

And just a side note to you customers who do not want the finger prints

Frigidaire has a smudge proof coating on their appliances, Samsung has it on their Chef’s Collection and soon we will be showing you the new smudge proof by Maytag.

Drop by our store we would love to show you.

Maytag VS Frigidaire Double Ovens

2015-09-12T05:00:00.000-04:00

Have you been thinking about buying a double oven free standing range? If so, I’d like to share some insight with you to help you with the process.

There are many benefits to having two separate ovens in a kitchen, especially for family gatherings or holiday meals. You can cook at two different temperatures, use two different cooking modes (bake/broil), and you can use one oven to keep a dish warm while cooking in the other.

These are just a few of the factors that have made double oven ranges so popular.

Double ovens grow in popularity

In recent times, many of the top manufacturers have added double oven ranges to their line up. I’ve had a chance to test them all, and I’ve come to the conclusion that my personal favourites are the ones built by Maytag and Frigidaire. Maytag Introduced the Gemini double oven range in 1999. This unit’s design offers you a convenient, small, fast-to-preheat upper oven, with the larger full capacity oven below. It now comes with 6.7 cubic feet of capacity, so it will handle almost any family dinner you throw at it.

Maybe the only negative is it could be physically demanding if you are using the large lower oven on a regular basis to cook something very large, like a 30lb turkey. However, according to surveys, the upper oven is used roughly 85 per cent of the time. So most of your use will be in the smaller, more convenient upper oven.

I think it is still one of the best selling double ovens out there and the design can be seen in other brands as well.

Equal size ovens

As much as I like the Maytag double oven range, I like the newer design of the FrigidaireDouble oven even more. It has two equal-sized ovens (3.6 cubic feet each) and the upper is a convection oven. (I use convection heat in 90 per cent of my cooking.) Frigidaire advertises each oven can hold a 28 lb. turkey ( which for me is lots) and it will probably handle virtually all your cooking requirements.

The only potential downfall to the Frigidaire is “cosmetic” in nature: it only comes in stainless steel. However, that might not be an issue for the majority of people, as recent figures indicate that stainless steel currently accounts for over 70 per cent of all appliance sales.

As an added bonus, this stove and the entire Frigidaire Gallery Stainless lineup comes with the patented smudge proof coating, helping to make an already good looking stove easier to keep looking great.

If you have any questions about these or other double oven range please, do not hesitate to contact us.

Wayne Faris

Which Type of Dishwasher Loader are You?

2015-09-08T11:08:00.001-04:00

As summer is in full swing, many of us are enjoying picnics, backyard dinners, and reunions! However, with all the gatherings comes the dreaded cleanup! We want to know what kind of dishwasher loader are you. Below, you’ll find descriptions of the most common category of dishwasher loader. Which one are you? The Jenga Master? The Border Patrol? Or maybe you’re the Architect or the Game player. Or maybe you fill a category we have missed.

1. The Jenga Master

There is always that one person that can find the last tiny space above that tall cup that perfectly fits your favourite bowl. These loaders maximize every space but always tend to use more detergent.

Maytag is a great option for the Jenga Master because it is meant to be put to work. Maytag dishwashers feature the most powerful motor on the market, so you can be sure that what you put in comes out clean, even when you have crammed it full. Plus, the four-blade stainless steel chopper pulverizes food, preventing particles from plugging the wash system and spray jets. It provides optimal cleaning without the need to pre-rinse.

2. The Border Patrol

This is the person who has each row designated for something specific, from small plates to giant mugs. For them, no item can cross the border and visit other dish spaces.

For the Border Patrol, some Bosch dishwashers help with the addition of a flexible third rack! The center of their unique V-shaped third rack allows you to find easily the exact spot for those specialized culinary tools like whisks and tongs.

3. The Architect

Each dish has its one spot in the dishwasher, and it is with good reason. They have figured out a way that maximizes space with optimal cleaning power with little detergent. This person will not even let you put a dirty dish in without approval.

For the Architect, how the dishwasher sprays is vital to their dish load. Whirlpool offers great features to surpass the Architect’s expectations: get perfect cleaning every time with the Sensor cycle. The AccuSense soil sensor measures load size and soil level during the pre-wash, and the dishwasher adjusts to the right wash and dry settings throughout the wash cycle to deliver precise cleaning to your dishes.

The TotalCoverage spray arm cleans with twice the jets for more coverage. A smarter sequence of spray patterns hits dishes from multiple nozzles throughout the cycle, so you can be sure they’re all clean and ready to go.

Silverware Spray helps remove stuck-on food from your utensils, like peanut butter on knives and oatmeal on spoons. It delivers a concentrated shower of water to the AnyWare™ Plus silverware basket to virtually eliminate re-washing.

4. The Game Player

The dishwasher is fair game. Anyone can put their dirty dish where they please. Plates and bowls can go in the same row! This person then moves all the dishes just before it’s time for their cleaning. It is a fun game for them to make them all fit but in an efficient way.

Kitchenaid’s line up of dishwashers is versatile enough to handle whatever the Game Player throws at it. With nine dynamic wash arms that spray in every direction, every inch of your dishes get a powerful clean. This is a lineup that gets the job done, and in a whisper-quiet manner!

If you are still unsure about your dish loading skills or have any questions about dishwashers, please contact us or come into Barber & Haskill and find the perfect dishwasher for you!

How to Get a Good Night Sleep? Try a good mattress plus these Helpful Tipzzzzz

2015-09-01T09:36:00.000-04:00

Do you find yourself all cozy in bed but keep tossing and turning? Looking for the best way to relax after the chaos of day-to-day life? Well we are here to help you turn that tossing and turning into some well deserved z’s.

Nighttime Bandits

When it comes to sleep there are so many factors that can steal a goodnight’s sleep from you! Many main factors are:

· Level of light in your room

· Outside sounds

· Temperature/humidity

· Mattress softness/firmness

These are a few of the main culprits that can heavily impact your sleep. A few other issues can be poor diet, lack of exercise and stress. Also irregular schedules and shift work can also alter your sleep patterns. Try to create a bedtime ritual to signal to your body that is time to start relaxing and fall into sleep mode, if only it was as simple as pushing a button on a computer.

Why are Sleep Routines Important?

It is important to create a routine for falling asleep because it will mimic how your body actually reacts to sleep. There are multiple stages of sleep from light to deep cycles.

In the first two stages it is very easy to be woken. When preparing to sleep stage one should be something simple like having tea or getting into bed and reading a book.

Stage three is a deeper sleep, if you wake up during this stage you are usually confused and not alert. When preparing to sleep this should be where you turn off all lights and outside sounds. This would be the part of your routine where you start to close your eyes and begin to forget about the troubles of your day.

The fourth stage of your sleep cycle is when you start dreaming, you are at the deepest part of sleep. When getting ready to sleep this should be when all electronics are off and you are focusing on sleeping, do not think about the stresses of your day.

If you can get your body programed to follow a routine it will help increase your chances of drifting off to your dreamland sooner.

New Technologies

While sleep is mainly attributed to your mattress and pillow combinations, it can also be a number of outside factors you never even imagined! Many new technologies are surfacing that measure humidity, light and sound to analyze why you are not feeling rested in the morning.

A great way to help ensure a goodnight’s sleep is to turn off all electronics so there is no light source stimulating your eyes. Also be sure to turn that TV, or set it on a timer.

Once you have eliminated these outside factors you can begin to focus on the level of support your bed is giving you when it comes to sleeping.

Getting under the Sheets

One of the issues keeping you up at night could be your mattress! There are many factors to think about before purchasing a bed. Many people focus on the type of mattress, does it have memory foam or coils, is it a new hybrid?

However, another main component to think about is the support it can give you. While it is important that it is the right level of firmness you also need to consider how it supports your weight.

Also don’t forget about what is under your mattress, and no I am not talking about monsters, the base of the bed is just as important as the mattress itself. You want to ensure they are working together to support you and let you have good dreams not nightmares about more restless nights.

At Barber and Haskill we have many mattress and base combinations, come in to ask us about the bed of your dreams!

Pillow Talk: Does your sleep routine have you feeling hot?

2015-08-19T11:02:00.000-04:00

If there is one place we are all a little peculiar – it is in our bedtime routine. Some of us need our blankets tucked a certain way into the mattress, others need their pillow nice and cool, and some like sleeping with pillows the size of them! Whatever your routine is to sleep there always seems to be one issue or another keeping us all up at night! Whether it is the feeling of a pea under your mattress, the weight of your sheets, or the dreaded night sweats, something always seems to get in the way of our precious sleep! Let’s focus on something we can help you be more comfortable sleeping with – night sweats!

Simple Tips to Avoid Night Sweats

Wear lightweight loose pajamas to help with airflow.
Have a fan circulating the room to keep a nice breeze for when you start to heat up
Try a wool duvet, it can absorb up to 3 times more sweat than cotton blankets.

Is your mattress the culprit?

If you are feeling hot once you get under the covers and feel like the heat is simply turning up higher and higher, it might be time for a new mattress! If you are looking for comfort but want to avoid the heat that some mattresses can cause try some of the alternatives from brands like Sealy, Beautyrest and Tempurpedic – They use a variety of methods in their best mattresses designed to help keep you cool. Some use state of the art foams, and bed constructions to promote air flow, layers of materials like wool in the top of your mattress, and even phase change material to absorb heat. All in an effort to help you sleep cooler at night!

Night Sweats VS Pillows

Do you ever feel like you have a soft heater under your head just warming you up? Instead of flipping your pillow over and over trying to find the cool side try a new innovative and exciting pillow. It has been 25 years in the making and it all started from one man’s dream…

The new technology from Technogel will cool down your attitude towards night sweats.

A little about the gel technology is that it can actually lower your body temperature by 4 degrees F! It’s the difference of feeling like a cool summer night or the middle of the dessert. According to scientific studies, by decreasing your temperature you allow your body to lessen the demand for oxygen from your tissues, resulting in benefits in areas that generally have low circulation due to pressure.

Want to see it for yourself? Take a look at the video about their mattresses and see the difference in head temperature you could get from a simple pillow switch.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=esW1LOP6MKA

We carry their two best selling pillows the Anatomic and Deluxe. The one that is right for you depends on the type of sleeper you are from side to back sleepers and even the side and back sleeper combo. Each pillow features the “Enhanced Breathability and Cooling Effect”. This is a patent pending design of air tunnels that enhance the gel’s thermal conductivity – in other words it is one cool pillow.

What Size Mattress Should You Buy?

2015-07-30T06:30:00.000-04:00

Buying a mattress that is too small is one of the biggest mistakes we see from new bed-buyers. Many couples start out sleeping on a "double," also known as a full size mattress. These full size mattresses are 53” wide which –when divided by two – leaves each sleeper exactly the same space as a crib mattress! In my opinion, this is not enough room for the average adult to get a consistent good night’s sleep. Here is some info to help you choose the right sized bed for your needs.

Twin Mattress

A twin mattress, also known as a single mattress, is the smallest possible mattress size we have available. Twin mattress dimensions are approximately 38 inches wide by 74 inches long. Both twin and full sizes are approximately 74 inches long, which may be too short for some adults, especially those over or close to six feet tall. There is an extra-long version for taller people that are approximately 38 inches wide by 80 inches long.

Recommendations: Twin mattresses are great for bunk beds or in rooms that are tight for space. The XL twin is a popular choice in college dormitories and other smaller bedrooms with taller users.

Full Mattress

A full mattress, also known as a double mattress, is approximately 53 inches wide and 74 inches long. This is the size of mattress that most convertible cribs use once it becomes a “big kid” bed. Like the twin, full sizes are approximately 74 inches long, which may be too short for users close to or above six feet tall.

Recommendations: In my opinion, a full size bed has enough width for a single adult sleeper. We have seen full pass twin mattress in popularity for teenage bedrooms. Due to convertible cribs, and many parents’ desire to spend quality time with children during their bedtime routine, full size beds are being used more frequently with young children as well, as they provide a comfortable place to rest, read or snuggle together at bedtime.

Queen Mattress

Queen mattress dimensions are 60 inches wide by approximately 80 inches long – approximately six inches wider and six inches longer than a full size mattress. These extra few inches can make a big difference for couples. This, and the fact that it fits easily into most bedrooms, has made queen size mattress by far our best selling size. However, with only 30 inches of personal space for each adult, this is nine inches less width than if you were sleeping in a single mattress.

Recommendations: Queen size is a great choice for guest rooms, couples that have space issues in their bedrooms or for couples who prefer to sleep close to each other

King Mattress

The king size mattress dimensions are 76 inches wide by approximately 80 inches long – this is the equivalent space of each partner having space equal to two twin XL mattresses. This is a big mattress: its size might make it tough for you to fit it into a room, maneuver around corners or haul up a set of stairs, so make sure you measure first.

Recommendations: In my opinion this is the ideal choice for couples. Every year, the king size seems to grow in popularity. I think this is largely to do with the size of the master bedroom found in most new homes. Not only does it allow both partners enough personal space, it also allows room for the mornings when your “alarm clock” is a welcome visit from kids or the family pet.

If you are in the market to buy a new mattress please visit our website or come into the store and salesperson would be happy to assist you with your purchase.
Barber and Haskill services; Honey Harbour - Coldwater – Orillia –Barrie –Wasaga Beach- Tiny- Midland - Penetang- Wyevale- Elmavale- Wyebridge- Waverly- Victoria Harbour- Waubaushene-Port McNicol- Perkinsfield- Lafontaine-Moonstone- Craighurst

How to Maintain your BBQ this Summer!

2015-07-23T06:00:00.000-04:00

How to Maintain your BBQ this Summer!

With amazing summer weather and glorious long weekends comes BBQ season! However, the more and more we opt out of the kitchen for some delicious BBQ we never seem to clean up the way we would inside. Ever open the lid of your BBQ and see a peeling lid or a greasy grill? Well, worry no more – here are some steps to make your neighbours think you got a brand new grill this BBQ season!

Regular maintenance methods and common cleaning myths

Normal cleaning of the cooking grates is best done after preheating your grill. Brush the grates using a brass bristle grill brush or a Weber stainless steel grill brush. The flavourizer bars can be brushed after the grill has cooled once cooking is done, using the same brush you use for the grates.

Why is the paint peeling inside the lid?

That peeling you see is not paint, just baked-on grease. This occurs frequently with high temperature grilling. To remove the build-up, brush with a brass bristle. Brush before preheating the grill. To prevent buildup, wipe the warm (not hot) lid with a paper towel after cooking.

Putting a cover on my grill is not necessary.

This fact is true, but we at Barber & Haskill recommend the use of a cover to protect our Weber grills from the elements and to keep the grill clean. It will help extend the life of the grill, too.

If you are a grill master, then you should consider doing an intensive cleaning to give your BBQ a brand new look! Follow the basic steps in this video and come to Barber & Haskill for all the maintenance tools and tips needed for this BBQ summer season!

Welcome Ron To Our Team

2015-07-21T10:46:00.000-04:00

Welcome Ron To Our Team!

Ron Adams started off his career in Publishing Distribution. He started off at Random House Canada moving up from the warehouse to Director of Operations. Ron also worked closely with Sales and Marketing to properly execute programs and coordinate distribution of printed matter in Canada. This experience set out the path for Ron’s next career move with Wye River Flooring, where he worked selling carpeting, hardwood, tiling, and also assisted in the coordination of installations and scheduling installers.

During his years of selling tiling and flooring installations he met Tom Barber from Barber and Haskill. It was an easy transition to join the Barber and Haskill Team this spring as a Retail Sales Associate.

What can you expect as a customer of Ron’s? Ron looks to build a foundation for his customers, through experience and exceptional service! He loves to learn about new products and work with his customers to select the best product for their needs.

Ron isn’t just passionate about his career; he also has a strong passion and love for nature. If he isn’t going above and beyond for his customers, you can find Ron spending time with his beautiful daughters and wife enjoying the beauties of this area. Ron can also be found snorkeling for small treasures, canoeing or kayaking, and biking. Ron is a true outdoorsman.

Another great quality about Ron is his passion for others. Ron spends time assisting seniors with projects like lawn maintenance, small repairs and of course in this area snow removal. He was also awarded with the Medal of Bravery, in 1986 by former Govern General Jeanne Sauve, for a drowning incident in Algonquin Park. Ron’s kindness for others does not end there; he also supports the Canadian Blood Agency, where recently he reached his 100^th donation!

Ron never wants to leave Georgian Bay. It is a perfect place for him to give back to the community and enjoy the nature around him!
Barber and Haskill services; Honey Harbour - Coldwater – Orillia –Barrie –Wasaga Beach- Tiny- Midland - Penetang- Wyevale- Elmavale- Wyebridge- Waverly- Victoria Harbour- Waubaushene-Port McNicol- Perkinsfield- Lafontaine-Moonstone- Craighurst

Why Use a Steam Dryer?

2015-06-02T16:28:00.002-04:00

Steam Laundry…What is it and why do we need it? Steam is a feature that comes with a lot of dryers these days. In fact, it is getting more and more difficult to find a new laundry pair that does not have this option. The most common question I get asked on any given day when presenting laundry is, “What does the steam actually do?” Well, there are two major benefits Steam offers.

What steam does in the dryer There are two main cycles available in steam dryers today. One of the most common uses I find is the Wrinkle Release feature. It is a great benefit to families on a hectic schedule. Most families have two people working full-time and have little extra time to take out the iron and ironing board to start making sure their work clothes look and feel their best. Wrinkle Release does that job for you. It’s simple to use, just pick a couple of items of clothing you’d like to wear, throw them in the dryer on Wrinkle Release and presto!... in 20 minutes, those clothes are wrinkle-free. How does this happen? As the clothes tumble, steam is introduced into the dryer cavity. The steam penetrates the fabric, allowing the wrinkles to relax. Why wash when you can Refresh? The other option for steam is Refresh. Refresh is a very useful cycle that I find most people are unaware. This cycle adds both the heat and moisture from the steam to refresh your clothing. For example, let’s say you wore a favourite dress or shirt to a dinner, and it got dirty (drink stain, gravy, etc.) Rather than wash it, the Steam Refresh option would make that clothing item look and feel like it has been freshly washed. Another reason I would use this cycle would be to refresh curtains. Curtains are not dirty – they just need to get the dust off of them. Putting items like this through the full wash and dry cycle is over-kill, and not required. The gentleness of steam is the way to go, as it gets the job done. What does steam in the washer actually do? Now that we understand the reason for steam in the dryer, why do we need the steam in the washer? This question is one I hear all the time. Standard washers heat the water to 130 degrees for clothes that are heavily soiled. When you add the steam feature, it heats the water to boiling temperature – 100 degrees Celsius (212 Fahrenheit). Reaching this temperature will help get out those toughest stains, and assist with activating the detergents. Do I have to have extra plumbing installed to accommodate my new steam dryer? If you think you’ll need to do extra plumbing to add these steam elements, the answer is no. You will not need to have any extra plumbing. The dryer comes with a “Y” connector and a hose. All you do is attach the “Y” connector to the cold water tap and run one hose to the washer and one hose to the dryer. Steam washers and dryers have been on the market for quite a few years now and seem to have made a real mark in the laundry industry. More and more laundry sets are incorporating steam – it is no longer a feature of just the upper-end machines. I do recommend these steam features with confidence, and I’m sure you’ll find the options will make your life easier when it comes to maintaining your clothing and other washables.

Extended Warranties

2015-05-26T13:42:00.000-04:00

Are Extended Warranties Really Necessary? Over the years, we have all been put in the position where – after making a major purchase for a household item – we have to make a decision about whether or not we should buy extended warranties.

Here at Barber and Haskill, we do not push warranties on our customers. It is always totally up to you if you feel an extended warranty is something that will add a level of comfort and value to the total purchase. Often, I am asked my opinion on whether to buy an extended warranty. So, here are my thoughts: When it comes time to decide about the warranty, I would strongly advise it on major appliances like refrigerators, ranges, dishwashers, wall ovens, cooktops and laundry. These items are the most expensive to purchase and in turn the most expensive to service, both in parts and labour. And, unfortunately, it is true that appliances do not last as long as they once did. These days, it is estimated that an appliance’s lifespan is anywhere between eight and 10 years. This last fact may have you wondering with all the advances in technology and improved materials, how is it that appliances are lasting for a shorter period than their predecessors? A good question and the answer starts and ends with – technology. Yes, appliances work better today than they ever have and are more efficient than they ever have been, thanks primarily to technology. However, all of these advances lead to having more things that can go wrong. It is something that can bring both advantages and potential problems. Most appliances come with a one-year manufacturer’s warranty, including all parts and labour. In the rare occurrence that a major failure takes place in the second year, we would likely advise replacing the unit instead of fixing it. This is a situation that we never want to find our customers experiencing; this is the time when the extended warranty can be your saving grace. Here are some keys I would look for in buying an extended warranty:

• Find a retailer that you trust, one that handles its own warranty or backs the warranty it sells instead of out-sourcing it. You want a retailer that has its own service department to support the warranty: this is always a better option. Here at Barber & Haskill, we currently have five full-time people working in our service department. It amazes me how much appliance service we do up here in what you could consider a relatively small community. We have calls coming in constantly, to schedule service calls, or inquiries for a part that the appliance owner can replace themselves. • I would also look for a retailer that will offer some store credit for a warranty that is unused. Making your purchase at a store that you trust, you get the peace of mind of having your appliances covered, with the value of the warranty not completely lost if you don’t have an issue. • Beware of extended warranties that are managed by a third party. In this case, when there is an issue, you don’t call the store you purchased it from: you call a 1-800 number. Then, you could potentially sit and wait on hold and hope to get someone who knows the area you are calling from and who may understand your problem. Sometimes, these retailers don’t have a service provider in your region, leading to longer down-time for your unit. In closing, when I make a major purchase like appliances, I always ask some questions:

Who will provide the service work?
Who do I call when there is an issue?
What happens if I do not use the extended warranty… do I get a credit for the price I paid?

I would base my purchasing decision on the answers to those questions. I feel that – despite some of the negative stories you may hear – there is a place for extended warranties, given the expected life of appliances these days. Ask your sales person some of the questions I’ve provided above to see if an extended warranty is right for you. If you are content with the answers, I’d go for it.

Dual Fuel Cooking

2015-05-21T16:04:00.000-04:00

It’s time to consider Dual Fuel for your new range

When it comes to cooking, much of the world is divided into one of the two camps: gas fuel or electric. There is, however, a growing portion of the population that is embracing a cooking method that utilizes the best of both worlds – gas and electric – in one unit. It is called dual fuel. Before we get into dual fuel, let’s look at the two different range fuels – gas and electric. A gas range uses heat created by the burning of gas – usually propane or natural gas – to create heat both on the cooktop as well as in the oven. An electric range uses electric elements to create heat in both the cooktop and oven. As mentioned at the top, dual fuel range gives you the best of both options, offering a gas cooktop with an electric oven. If you’re a serious cook (or like to think you are one), you will love the benefit of a dual fuel range. It allows you to utilize the best of both an electric range oven and gas cooktop. Gas Cooktop What most people like the about the gas cooktop burner are that it offers you a more accurate heat control from highest to lowest temperatures.

Take into consideration the type of cooking you will be doing. If you like cooking with a wok, you may prefer a range that has one or more power burners at 15,000 BTUs or more. If you like to make soups and sauces, a range that has a simmer burner will provide a gradual, low heat. The gas cooktop will give you a high heat with excellent controllability on those lower temperatures. Boil to simmer occurs amazingly fast. Electric Oven With a convection oven, the biggest benefit of electric heat is it provides more consistent results than you would get with a traditional oven. Traditionally, an electric oven gives you much more accurate temperature control than gas ovens. If combined with a genuine convection fan system, the results will be most impressive.

The majority of brands offer true convection in their dual fuel range lineup. This type of system draws air toward the heating element behind the convection fan and heats it to the desired temperature. The convection fan will then redistribute the heated air throughout the oven cavity, therefore providing optimum results. Higher end dual fuel ranges offer numerous other features that can improve your cooking results, including a temperature probe feature that lets you know when your food has reached the ideal temperature. Some dual fuel ranges offer different specialty cooking modes; This takes the guesswork out of cooking times. Warming drawers are also often found in dual fuel models. In conclusion, the dual fuel range combines gas and electric, providing you with means to get the best cooking results possible. Whether you are remodeling a kitchen, replacing your old range or buying for the first time, take into consideration the versatility of a dual fuel range and how it will benefit your “inner chef.”

PowerWash® system, only a Maytag® washer

2015-05-20T14:47:00.000-04:00

Maytag claims to be the best in the industry* when it comes to providing you with the best machine cleaning.

Why do you think they have the confidence to say this?
They can say this because they have the confidence of the PowerWash® system.

Power Wash uses a combination of higher than average water temperatures, longer wash times, and the most vigorous wash action the machine offers. Combined with an extra rinse to finish the cycle off. To get the best cleaning results in the industry.

HIGH-EFFICIENCY TOP-LOAD Get the Best Cleaning in the Industry enabled by the PowerWash™ system* Medium to extra large capacities Low-profile impeller is powerful for deep cleaning and more gentle than an agitator Save in lifetime water & energy costs with ENERGY STAR® Qualified HE washers and dryers

HIGH-EFFICIENCY FRONT-LOAD Get the Best Cleaning in the Industry enabled by the PowerWash™ system*Medium to extra large capacities Advanced Vibration Control and optional stack kits allow for placement near bedrooms or in closetsSave in lifetime water & energy costs with ENERGY STAR® Qualified HE washers and dryers

Top Loader Front Loader

*Based on a 17 lb load, among the leading brand of top load machines, the Powerwash® cycle versus their comparable cycles and default settings.

Dramatization tested load size not depicted.

9 Tips to a Successful Nap

2015-05-13T10:15:00.000-04:00

If you are going to nap, bear a few things in mind for good napping habits.

be consistent - if you find you need a mid-day nap, have a nap every afternoon.

Don't just rest on weekends. It's like exercising or dieting just on the weekends to make up for bad behavior during the week.

skip Sunday afternoon nap - it'll make it hard to fall asleep Sunday night.

avoid napping in the late afternoon-you'll have difficulty falling asleep and it will shift your biological clock making wake up on Monday morning difficult.

If you feel you need a nap, but can't fall asleep, just enjoy the down time and relax- you're restoring energy to your body.

If you're the parent of a newborn and feeling exhausted during the day, nap when your baby naps. Do your body and your baby some good by catching up on some sleep.

How long should my nap really be?

keep your naps to 15- 30 minutes long

if you're napping for longer than 30 minutes, your body will slip into deep sleep making it difficult to wake and leaving you with a groggy feeling when you do wake.

if there's no way around it and you know you need more that 30 minutes of nap-time, trying sleeping for an hour and a half to complete a sleep cycle.

retrieved from Better Sleep Council Canada: http://www.bettersleep.ca/