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Happy Valentines Day
Leave a CommentYour Homestead Valentines
Our blog this month is going to offer a bit of a personal insight to your Homestead team. With Valentine’s day fast approaching, I have challenged the team to think of 14 things they love and share them here for February’s blog. An interesting and hopefully fun exercise to get to know us a bit better. Enjoy!
Heather:
- Laughter
- Live Music
- All Animals
- Getting out with my camera
- That feeling of adventure before you take off in a plane
- My Family & Friends
- Cheering on my favourite sports teams
- A great meal (preferably with great people)
- Starting a good book
- Comfy pajamas
- Drives with the roof off my Jeep
- Time at the cottage
- Christmas time
- Learning new things
Corina:
- My Family and friends
- Meeting new people
- Making people laugh and putting a smile on their face
- The warm and fuzzy feeling you get when you help someone out
- A good joke
- Being alive
- My job & co-workers…they’re the BEST! They have made loving my job so surreal
- Decorating and Re-Designing is a serious passion I can’t get enough of.
- Entertaining family and friends and creating memories both on holidays and other occasions
- Creating art in all forms
- Fresh smell of spring air
- A little play and a good snuggle with a pup
- Beauty of Nature in all forms
- The innocence of a child telling a story, along with their genuine laughter.
Miranda:
- Fresh Baked Cookies
- My dog and cat
- My family, friends and boyfriend
- The warmth of the sun
- The Philadelphia Eagles
- Truly dancing like no one is watching
- Karaoke night with my friends
- Harry Potter
- The Glorious Sons, especially live in concert
- A scalp message at the hair dressers
- Rainbows and anything bright and colourful
- A day in the wilderness
- Helping others
- Babies’ laughter
Joanne:
- Chocolate
- Coffee
- Puppies
- Fireplace
- Warm Blanket
- Homecooked dinner
- Family
- Friends
- Air Conditioning
- Homemade Soup on a cold day
- Walking Trails
- Comedy Movies
- A Good Book
- A Good Night’s Sleep
Tyler:
- Time with Family
- Watching my Favourite sports especially my boys playing hockey.
- Cottage time
- Boat Rides
- Music/Playing Guitar
- A good Pub
- Good friends
- Golf
- Motorcycle Rides
- Birds
- Green/White Tea
- Great food
- Philanthropy
- Homestead/Our Customers
Chad:
- Cars
- Trucks
- Hockey
- Derbys
- Food
- Tools
- Buttertarts
- Dirt Bikes
- Friends
- Family
- Work
- Dogs
- Chocolate
- Chips
Riley:
- Hockey
- Trucks
- Dirt Biking
- Truck Pulls
- Derbys
- Co-workers
- My License
- My Friends
- Video Games
- Dogs
- Chips
- Cars
- My Family
- Tools
We would love to hear some things that you love!
Happy Valentines Day,
with Love from Homestead Furniture!
Ringing in the New Year
Leave a CommentMaking New Year’s resolutions is not only a great personal tradition, but a smart approach for small businesses looking to thrive in a competitive market. By setting clear goals, being adaptable and striving for continuous improvement, small businesses can plan for prolonged success.
We thought it would be fun to share some of our goals for 2024 here at Homestead.
Community Engagement:
As a small business in a small, but growing town, Homestead Furniture is always looking for ways to make a positive difference in our neighbourhood. So, our first resolution is more of a re-commitment to the people in our local community, in both welcoming new residents and cherishing long-time Port Perry-ans.
We will continue to participate in local charitable initiatives such as fundraisers and sponsorship of events. From our ongoing support to local causes like Oak Ridges Hospice, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, to seemingly little things like donating large cardboard boxes to the Legion for their toy drive, Homestead will continue to strive to be an active and helpful member of the Port Perry community.
We will continue to foster our relationships with other local businesses and endeavour to offer some fun cross-promotions in 2024.
Supe Up our Socials:
With over 4.2 billion active social media users now, building a solid online presence for a small business is crucial. While we currently are posting some fun and interesting content on Facebook and Instagram, our resolution this year will be to be more consistent and strive to be more engaging with our posts. Including some video content, in store specials, and even links to community events are all things we would love to include on our sites. Truly making it more social!
Sustainability:
*Defined as the ability to maintain or support a process continuously over time.
Our “Green Resolution” for 2024 is to recognize the importance of sustainability in our business and the products we offer here at Homestead. Did you know that our number one carpet supplier, Mohawk, manufactures their Everstrand broadloom using recycled plastic bottles? During this process they save 3 billion (yes, Billion with a B) plastic bottles every single year from going to the landfill which also minimizes their use of fossil fuels.
Serta mattresses are also going green with their new iComfort Eco lineup. Using recycled materials like steel for their coils, plastic bottles for their Cool Temp covers, and even plant based materials in their memory foam, Serta is giving us the opportunity for us all to reduce our carbon “sleep print”.
La-Z-Boy and Palliser both have designed and developed leather alternatives for their upholstery items. They are cleanable and durable making them a great green choice for any sofa or chair.
Whether your resolutions are big or small, taking that step towards any positive change is a great thing. As a small business our hope for the upcoming year is to remain an affirmative part of our vibrant community, represent Eco friendly products and bring some enjoyment to Social Media. We wish you all a happy and hopeful 2024!
What Happens When You Shop Local?
Leave a CommentWhat happens when you shop local?
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You invest in the community.
Local businesses play a significant role in supporting and donating to neighbourhood charities. Small businesses contribute 250% more than the big box stores, to local non-profits, and regional causes. Here at Homestead we donate and fundraise for Big Brothers/Big Sisters of North Durham, Operation Scugog, Oakridge Hospice and Community care. We are also proud sponsors of some fantastic local softball and hockey teams, as well as our curling and lawn bowling clubs. By supporting charities, youth groups and local service groups, small businesses like Homestead create a positive cycle of giving back.
For every $100 spent in a small business, roughly $68 recirculates in other regional businesses. The employees tend to be more engaged members of the community themselves.
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You receive better customer service.
All small businesses value each of their customers. Every interaction, purchase and positive review matter. Employees tend to be more knowledgeable of the products they are selling and take the time to get to know their clients, making for a happier, personalized shopping experience. If any problems do arise a small business is more likely to do everything they can to make it right.
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You find creativity and originality.
Small businesses need to stand out from the big box stores. Entrepreneurs tend to offer unique products to sell. In this busy shopping season, finding that perfect, particular gift can be easy at a local store. They also become more innovative in meeting each of the clients’ specific needs and situations, making that custom shopping experience even easier.
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You support vibrant communities.
When a town or city’s streets are lined with local shops and businesses, they inject a wonderful character to that area and can offer memorable shopping moments. The sounds of laughter and music from the local pub, the smell of fresh baked goods from the bakery, and during this time of year, the festive decorations for the holidays all add to a dynamic community.
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You reduce your environmental impact.
Shopping local reduces your carbon footprint and helps cut down on pollution. Local businesses often source their products from manufacturers close to their region and understand the importance of supporting other Canadian companies.
Its’s a busy time of year, and obviously a great way to support small businesses is by stopping in and checking off your shopping list. But there are other great ways to show your support for your favourite local stores.
Start by leaving a positive review on the internet. Many people are referring to online reviews before they shop, your affirmation can make a difference.
Take to your Socials! Share your favourite local business, post a nice comment on one of their posts or follow new local businesses on their social pages.
Tell your friends! Word of mouth is the best form of advertising for a small business. Let your friends know about a great experience or a wonderful store.
Fun facts about Furniture!
Leave a CommentWe all like a little bit of useless knowledge to store away for those Trivia nights out, or to channel your very best Cliff Claven at the bar with your friends. This month we are offering up a few bits of frivolous wisdom all about furniture.
- The word “furniture” comes from the French word “fournir” which means “ to furnish”.
- Charles Darwin inspired the design for our modern office chair. He fitted his occasional chair with cast iron bed legs and then attached castors to move around his office faster and more efficiently.
- The famous “Chesterfield” sofa was made for well-to-do gentlemen and enable them sit in their exclusive clubs for long hours without creasing their suits.
- One of the oldest bookshelves in the world is located in the Bodleian library at Oxford University. “The Bods” library dates back to the 15th century.
- Winged back furniture was designed to keep you warm. The curved back helps retain the body heat of the sitter. Perfect to cozy up by the fire.
- The first completely upholstered chair was crafted in 1705 and called a “Sleeping Chayre” because it had a design that allowed leaning the head on its backrest or its sides.
- There are examples of bed structures dating back to Egypt and other countries from 3000BC. They would have been a simple angled platform padded with grass or hay in cloth bags. Later beds were strapped with ropes to hold up the “mattress”. They would have occasionally need tightened when they sagged, giving us the term “Good night, sleep tight”.
- During the 16th Century, bunk beds were first used by sailors on ships to save space. It wasn’t until the 18oo’s that they became popular in homes, also taking advantage of the space conserving properties.
- In 1927 cousins Edward Knabusch and Edwin shoemaker quit their jobs to design furniture. In 1928 they built the first La-Z-Boy recliner, a folding wood slat chair. Fast forward to today when La-Z-Boy chairs are capable of rocking, swivelling, gliding and lifting. They also now can be equipped with massage and heat functions, storage compartments, and wireless chargers for your phone.
While it’s all fun and games to win the coveted triangle piece in Trivial Pursuit, the staff at Homestead pride themselves with current and practical knowledge of today’s furniture and the up coming trends.
Celebrating Boss’s Day and our Boss Tyler
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I’m offering up something a little different for the blog for the month of October.
The 16th of this month is Boss’s Day. A day to offer appreciation to all the bosses that make the workplace wonderful and foster open communication and understanding. October 16th serves as a reminder of the importance of leadership and decision making that bosses manage on a daily basis.
Tyler began working at Homestead part time doing deliveries many years ago, taking over the role as General Manager in 2012. In those many years, Tyler has brought a few changes to the store by the causeway, but has retained it’s personal, small town customer service. Under his guidance, Homestead offers a friendly, welcoming atmosphere whether you are here as a client or here as an employee.
He is involved with, and contributes to many local charities in the Port Perry area, including Oak Ridges Hospice, Big Brothers & Big Sisters and 100 Men.
Tyler knows and appreciates the importance of supporting community based causes. A great role model for his employees and people that shop at Homestead.
From Heather:
I have had the privilege of working with Tyler for many years in both my own and his previous career in the art industry. Even then he always went the extra mile to help my business. In the last 3 years of working at Homestead I have come to know that same sense of going above and beyond for the customers here has not waivered. As a boss he is understanding, patient and open to new ideas. I am fortunate to call him my friend, and appreciate that he does in fact have the hardest job….managing me. ????
From Joanne:
I have worked with Tyler here at Homestead for the last 13+ years. I love that he embraces technology. He keeps our computer systems running smoothly! He has introduced some new vendors to our line up to add further value for our customers. He also knows the importance of work/life balance and having a happy staff.
From Miranda:
Tyler hired me a little over 2 years ago, and I have loved every day working here since. I have never worked in a more supportive, uplifting environment. Tyler is always listening to my crazy stories, answering my 700 questions (before lunch time), often reminds me that I’m doing a good job, and treats everyone he comes across with kindness. We truly are a family here at Homestead, and I am so grateful to be a part of it. Not everyone can say they Love what they do, I’m so lucky to.
From Corina:
As the newest family member to Homestead, having only been here a very short few Months. I have to say that Tyler by far has been the most Caring, naturally Genuine, bend over backwards boss I have met in all my working years. Right from the first moment I met him in my interview, he has stood by his words and has made me feel like part of the team/family. He truly is a one of a kind Boss with a very big heart.
Through his leadership, Tyler has made a positive, successful difference to Homestead Furniture, it’s employees and the community of Port Perry.
It’s a small thing to post a blog, but big thing to be a great boss.
From all of us, Thanks Ty!
Autumn is the Season for Hygge
Leave a CommentHygge (pronounced hoo-gah) is a Scandinavian word for the feeling of warmth, togetherness, and enjoying life’s simple pleasures. Taking in fall’s changing colours, embracing the cooler weather and wearing your coziest sweater are great ways of achieving a sense of Hygge. Can you get that same snuggly feeling by decorating and enjoying your home? You bet!
Here are 5 ideas to create a cozy, Hygge filled home.
1. Incorporate Wood
Choose the timeless look of hardwood or the ease of Luxury Vinyl and give your room a warm feeling from the ground up.
Wood furniture and accent pieces always add a comfortable, mellow atmosphere to your room. It welcomes you to put your feet up and enjoy your morning coffee and a good book, or enjoy a good meal in an inviting dining space with friends.
2. Add Textures
Adding interesting textures to your décor is a great way to invoke a warm cozy feel to your home. Rattan accents, sculptural pieces and soft snuggly fabrics for throw blankets and pillows all add to the Hygge feeling.
3. Use Warm Metals:
If you love the look of metal in your home, adding tones of brass and champagne are in keeping with pleasant, warm atmosphere.
4. Layer with Rugs
Much like adding textures, layering some area rugs gives your room an added cozy dimension. Select visually striking patterns and soft , pleasing-on-the-toes materials.
5. Cozy Cooking, Cozy Kitchen
Nothing makes your home feel cozy and welcoming quite like fresh baked bread, or a pot of homemade soup simmering on the stove. Enjoying these warm, comforting foods with friends or family during the autumn months is a great way to celebrate the Hygge way of life.
So, grab a cozy blanket, your favourite hot beverage and snuggle up to Fall. This time of year offers so many wonderful ways to embrace Hygge and bring that feeling home.
Finding the Right Mattress for You
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We all grew up with the Goldilocks story and her search for a good night’s sleep.
“This bed is too soft!”
“This bed is too hard!”
“This bed is juuuussst right”
But just how does someone channel their inner Goldilocks and find the perfect mattress? And what should you consider on how to get your best night’s sleep in your own bed?
You should try to stick to the same sleep schedule as much as possible.
We set bedtimes for children, yet we forget that having a set time to sleep as adults is actually quite beneficial to achieving a good night’s rest. Even with busy schedules we should try to stick to the same schedule for sleep. Consistency is important.
Practice a relaxing bedtime routine.
Spending even half an hour before bed relaxing or unwinding from the chaos of the day is a great way to transition to a more restful bedtime. Meditation, a warm bath, reading a book, or listening to clam music or a relaxation app are great ways to slow down and prepare for a good sleep.
Minimize potential disruptions and silence your devices.
Switching off your devices, no matter how hard that may seem, is so important. Checking emails or social media can actually create more worry or stress before bed. The light that some devices emit may even affect your internal clock, making it harder to be properly rested.
Keep your bedroom darkened and at a cooler temperature are 2 great ways to minimize your nightly interruptions as well.
Above all, choose the best mattress that is supportive and comfortable.
We spend a lot of time in our beds, and for that reason they say most mattresses should be replaced about every 8 years. If you are noticing discomfort or “pressure points” in your hips, back or shoulders, it could be from the lack of, or wrong kind of support in your mattress. Perhaps a different firmness level or even a new type of mattress material may be the answer.
Mattresses are now available in an all-foam construction, great for side sleepers who need a little softer, more contoured support. The classic coil is generally firmer in it’s support and suitable for back sleepers. The Hybrid mattresses offer the best of both worlds with soft foam on the top and pocket coils on the inside.
Did you know that 50-60% of people with insomnia are experiencing some sort of pain, finding hard to get to, or stay asleep. A good mattress may alleviate some of that discomfort.
Searching for your “Just Right”
The best way to begin the search is to visit a mattress showroom near you. A good retail store should have a wide selection of firmness levels and styles on display for you to lay on. Take your time during this process, as you should allow yourself 15 minutes to adjust to the mattress you are trying out. This should give you an insight on what you like or dislike about each model.
If you have a sleeping partner, bring them along. Each of you may experience the comfort and support differently. Their movements beside you on the mattress should also be considered as motion transfers differently depending on the mattress.
Even if budget is a factor, consider that even a $2000 mattress costs you about 68 cents a night over the average 8 year life of your mattress, less than a good bowl of porridge.
It is currently recommended that the average adult needs roughly 7 hours of solid sleep per night. By following a few simple bedtime routines and having a comfortable mattress as your foundation, you should awaken feeling refreshed, alert, and ready for the day… certainly not with 3 Bears standing over you.
La-Z-Boy meets Wellness Technology
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La-Z-Boy has introduced a new fabric that offers Nanobionic technology on a number of their recliners and sofas.
What is Nanobionic fabric you ask? And why would I want it on my chair?
Nanobionic Technology is a blend of ethically sourced minerals that is made into a liquid form which is then applied to the back of the fabric before it is upholstered to the final product.
The combination of those minerals converts body heat into infrared rays which is then reflected back into the body, as invisible waves of energy.
What do Infrared rays do?
Infrared rays are known to be unique in their ability to soothe and stimulate the human body, helping users feel more energized and recharged.
Studies have shown that infrared rays are known to redirect energy back to the body for health benefits like:
*Aiding Relaxation
*Helping reduce muscle tension
*Aiding in reducing inflammation
*Promoting restful sleep
Will I feel it working?
You will not necessarily feel the Nanobionic technology working, as it temporarily stimulates local micro-circulation. This allows your body to better balance it’s temperature without you feeling either warm or hot.
The Nanobionics start working within the first few minutes and continues to work while you are relaxing in your La-Z-Boy furniture. Contact with the furniture’s upholstery is all that is required with no side effects as the technology is non-invasive.
What are the benefits?
Along with adding a stylish piece La-Z-Boy furniture into your space, you may also benefit from:
- A boost of energy
- Release of muscle tension
- More relaxed
- Well rested
- Overall sense of wellness
In fact, NASA is utilizing new Nanobionics for fabrics in the Mars Mission!
Will it match my décor?
La-Z-Boy is offering 3 different patterns that are made in 14 soft neutral colours to match any room. Most of La-Z-Boy’s chair and sofa styles are available in the new Nanobionic fabrics.
Keeping up with technology can sometimes be hard, but La-Z-Boy has just made it easier and more beneficial for your health to embrace it in a new piece of furniture.
It’s Cottage Season!
Leave a CommentSummer is soon upon us, and for a lot of people that means opening the cottage. An exciting time to enjoy the great Canadian outdoors. As you get to cleaning, restocking, and unpacking, do your thoughts turn to a bit of redecorating? You think to yourself “this is the summer for some changes”.
You may be wanting to make big, overall changes to your place or you could add some new accents to give some flair to a room. Here are a few ideas to help you along the way.
The Whole New Look
Whether you have purchased your cottage furnished, or it has been in the family for years, it might be time to consider replacing some of the larger pieces of furniture.
Sofa styles and their use may have changed since you got the cottage. Think about large, comfy couches in a durable, neutral colour. Deep seating sofas are a great addition for rainy-day movie viewing or sharing the day’s adventures.
Maybe the decorating needs to shift focus to the bedroom. On average you spend about one third of your day on your mattress, so the one at the cottage should be as comfortable as the one you have at home. A good guideline for replacing your mattresses should be every seven years or so.
Depending on your preference and comfort level consider a Hybrid mattress, coils and foam, or an all foam mattress. There are also some convenient bed-in-a-box options for easy transport up to the cottage.
Along with a new mattress, maybe a whole new bedroom set is just what your room needs. Consider some rustic looking night stands with storage, or perhaps even storage drawers in the bed itself.
Accent-uate the Positive!
If a major renovation isn’t in the works, perhaps think of a few key pieces to bring some style to your space.
Switching it up with a few great accent coffee and side tables or even a media chest with storage might be just what your room needs. Natural wood tones, light colours or something cottage themed are always a wonderful addition.
Lamps are an easy way to change up the look and literally brighten up your room. Choose a classic shape and shade or something rustic that will reflect the homey feel of the cottage.
Area rugs are another easy way to change up the style of your room, not to mention being cozy under your feet. A fresh new look can be achieved with a funky pattern or a soft subtle toned rug.
Dockside or Fireside
If the inside of the cottage is all set for the summer, maybe turn your attention to your spaces outside. Is the dockside seating ready for morning coffee and special sunrises? Does the seating around the campfire need a new look for marshmallow and sing -along time? Available in a few different styles, our Muskoka chairs are ready for all seasons, low maintenance and add style and colour to any outdoor space.
Whether it’s big new additions or small accent changes to your cottage, have fun with your style. You should feel like you are on vacation every day!
Pet Lovers Rejoice!
Leave a CommentI have been fortunate to have loved 4 Great Pyrenees dogs in my life, so when Maytag launched the New Pet Pro System, I said “Where has this been all this time?”
The fur on the clothes, the fur on the bedding, the fur on their towels, the FUR….oh, the fur.
We love our pets, but almost every pet owner knows the inconvenience of washing your clothes or bedding and having them come out still looking “petting zoo fresh”.
I am happy to share a quick introduction to Maytag’s new washer and dryer that will help us “fight the fur”.
How it works..
Maytag’s unique, built in Pet Pro filter removes 5x more pet hair than a regular washing machine. Using the Pet Pro option on the washer gives the machine additional water and a deep rinse to lift and capture pet hair from your clothing. Sounds great so far.
The pet hair is then caught in the Pet Pro filter, which can easily be emptied after each cycle.
Once the wash is done, the Maytag Pet Pro Dryer is designed to filter any remaining pet hair into the extra large lint trap. It’s built into the top of the machine, making it easy to remove for cleaning. The dryer also has an option to use no-heat extended dry time to lift pet hair off clothes and capture it in the lint trap.
The new Pet Pro system takes in to account the unique needs and challenges of pet owners that traditional washers and dryers have failed to meet until now. A game changer for anyone with a pet in their life.
Visit us in the showroom to find out more or click on these links to check them out.