Stacey McGregor

Last week, I wrote about how ergonomically designed office chairs are essential to rear-end comfort and back health. However, even the most fabulous, most space-aged, most comfortable chair in the world means nothing if you’re sitting in front of a desk that is made from a sheet of plywood and two milk crates. So, with that in mind, I thought I’d write a follow up post that highlights some great desk options available at Best Buy.  But first, let’s quickly define what makes a “great desk” and why having one in your work or home office can actually increase productivity. 

I’ve always loved school. In fact, throughout my entire pre-university academic career, I was what you would call a teacher’s pet. So much so, that at the end of every summer, while most kids were bemoaning the start of another school year, I was sitting on my bedroom floor, surrounded by new school supplies, getting organized for the first day of class. Yup, I was that girl. But not everyone is as school-supply obsessed as I was. So with September around the corner, here’s a breakdown of the essential supplies your kids will need to make the most out of a new school year. 

Last November, I had an opportunity to review three different in-ear headphone models from Monster’s iSport line – Strive™, Intensity™, and Victory™. While each had their pros and cons, it was the iSport Victory™ that got my vote for the best of the bunch. In fact, since my review, the Victory™ earbuds have become just as much a staple to my workouts as my overpriced stretchy pants. But to throw a bit of a kink in things, I was just sent the latest in the iSport arsenal – the over-ear, wireless, and Bluetooth-enabled Freedom™ headphones. Would they take the place of my beloved Victory?

There are a number of ads on TV right now that tout the mighty cleaning power of various dishwasher detergents, and show how by using them you can avoid the crippling embarrassment that comes with serving your dinner guests wine in spotted glasses. Sarcasm aside, these ads do beg the question – why isn’t your dishwasher doing its job as it should? Perhaps the pipes just need to be cleaned, but if not, and your dishwasher is looking a little worse for wear and you’re in the market for a replacement, look no further than GE.

I have a confession to make – laundry is the bane of my existence. And while I’d like to think that my distaste is deep seeded in some traumatic childhood experience like my older brother locking me in a dryer, or that I’d loathe the chore in the very best of conditions, I’m pretty sure my disdain stems from 20 years of doing laundry in communal facilities in the dank basements of the various apartment buildings I’ve called home. Let’s just say that quality machines are not exactly a landlord’s priority. So that’s why, while some covet a white picket fence and a lush yard, for me, a quality washer and dryer, like those from appliance giant GE, are the epitome of happily ever after.   Ok, perhaps that’s a stretch, but to have in-suite laundry facilities that do not make your towels smell like your neighbours’ dirty hockey gear … well, that’s the dream! So, from a “have not,” here are some GE models that are more than worthy of consideration.

According to the history books – or what are now more commonly referred to as Wikipedia pages – the first mechanical dishwashing device was patented in 1850. It wasn’t until one hundred years later that they started appearing in the homes of the wealthy. Since then, the dishwasher has evolved from a luxury and a status symbol to an absolute necessity in any modern kitchen. And as a brand that has been in the household appliance business since the early 1900’s, it makes sense that Frigidaire has a strong foothold in the consumer dishwasher market. 

Decorating small spaces can be quite a challenge. This is especially true of bedrooms. You obviously need the basics – a bed, lighting, and storage for your clothing and ever-growing collection of shoes – but sometimes the basics aren’t quite enough. Just because you’re tight on space doesn’t mean you have to be tight on style. With close to twenty years of urban apartment living under my belt, I’ve dealt with my fair share of small spaces. Here are my top 5 tips for making the most out of a small bedroom.

The fridge has come a long way since the first electric version was introduced to consumers in the early 1900s. Since then, it has evolved from an air-cooled refrigeration unit mounted on top of an icebox to an energy-efficient appliance that is one part form and one part function. Keeping perishable food items from going bad is only part of the equation.   Today, consumers are looking for a refrigerator that meets the unique needs and preferences of their family while still looking darn good in their kitchen. That’s where LG Canada comes in. As Canada’s number one selling fridge brand, LG has a range of designs and features to meet even the most discerning of tastes, and now, they’re available at Best Buy.

It began with a Kickstarter campaign in 2012 that successfully brought in over $300K in funding from more than 1,700 backers. Since then, it has become a major competitor in the emerging smart watch market. I’m talking about the MetaWatch STRATA, and I recently had an opportunity to take one for a test drive.