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Decor

Phantom Screens: Five Benefits of Retractable Screen Doors

August 27, 2021 By Lena 1 Comment

If you’d like to welcome fresh air into your home, reduce energy costs, enjoy natural lighting and more… this is your sign to purchase a retractable screen door from Phantom Screens.
Our retractable screen door, professionally installed by Ontario Screen Systems Inc., Phantom Screens authorized distributor, is sleek and stylish, easy to use, and most importantly, retracts fully when not in use (preserving the beauty of our balcony door). When we first researched screen doors, our needs were simple: to keep the bugs out. However, with continued use over several months (and seasons), we’ve discovered many surprise benefits, including:

1. Improved air quality = improved mood. You’ve heard the saying, “Like a breath of fresh air” – now sit back and enjoy the real benefits to your emotional well-being and mental clarity when you have fresh air circulating all day long. Phantom Screens retractable screens make it easy – they fit all types of doors including in-swing, out-swing, single, double and slider doors. …

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Filed Under: Decor, Family Tagged With: entryway doors, phantom screens, retractable screen doors, screen doors

Back to School Tips: Organizing the Entryway

August 25, 2021 By Lena 18 Comments

With the new school year just around the corner, I decided it was time to reorganize our home’s entryway. I know it’s not typically associated with back to school preparations, but the foyer actually sees the most traffic and chaos: masks are thrown, shoes are kicked off and lunch bags stay nestled in backpacks (often with leftover food inside – my biggest pet peeve)!

To set up my kids for success, I stopped by Kitchen Stuff Plus and grabbed stylish, affordable accessories to help organize the space. I can’t believe such small changes made such a big impact! Here are my top tips and product recos:

1. Start with large, high quality indoor mat. Especially over the winter months when slush finds its way in the home, you’ll want to ensure that kids know to keep their shoes and boots planted firmly on the doormat. I found this sleek, Harman Textaline ‘Trace’ Vinyl Indoor-Outdoor Mat. Available in an array of designs and sizes, its non-slip backing prevents shifting and skidding, and the mat cleans easily by simply wiping with a damp cloth.
2. Keep it simple: use a coat rack. We have a gorgeous, spacious, mirrored closet adjacent to our foyer… but somehow, my kids haven’t mastered the trick of opening the closet and hanging their coats. (Okay, they’re just lazy. We know this.) After years of nagging I finally decided to simply their lives (and mine) by purchasing this gorgeous, sleek KSP Spoke Metal Coat Rack. A simple and modern design helps tidy up outerwear, and I love that it suits any décor! A wide metal base keeps the coat rack secure. …

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Filed Under: Decor, Family Tagged With: back to school, entryway organization, home organization, Kitchen Stuff Plus

LG TWINWash: The Washing Machine for Every Mom

April 14, 2019 By Lena 4 Comments

I am absolutely, irrevocably in love with the LG TWINWash™ system. Quite simply, LG has reimagined the washing machine, allowing me to divide and conquer my laundry by washing two loads at the same time!

Now, if you want to fully understand what makes my LG washer and dryer so essential to my life, read my previous post, “Divide and Conquer: A Better Laundry Experience with LG TWINWash.” However, you may be thinking to yourself, that’s great for you, but what about ME? Friends, I present to you: LG TWINWash – the washing machine for every mom.

The Transporter. Sounds futuristic! But really, you’re a chauffeur… for 12-year olds… to get to and from hockey practice. And you don’t have time to waste; you need the game uniforms washed for a 6AM practice on Saturday morning, while trying to plan outfits for a much-deserved date night later that evening. Go on! Do both loads – at once. The innovative LG TWINWash machine allows you to wash the kids’ (stinky) clothes in the front-loading washer up top while the smaller LG SideKick™ pedestal washer simultaneously washes a second load of clothes down below. That’s not just laundry done fast – it’s laundry done right!
The TWINWash Binge. Go grab that tub of popcorn, lady, but don’t get too comfortable – the main feature is a lot shorter than you think! If you’ve got multiple loads to get through (a “laundry-thon?”) the LG TWINWash SpeedWash feature will make time zip by. It can help save up to 30 minutes per load, cutting wash time by half – without shortcutting cleaning performance. …

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Filed Under: Decor, Lifestyle

Divide and Conquer: A Better Laundry Experience with LG TWINWash


April 1, 2019 By Lena Leave a Comment

Shiny. New. Home Appliances.
Is there anything more alluring to a homeowner? I’ll admit, when we first moved into our new house last year, one of the things that kept me sane through the chaos was the prospect of selecting brand new kitchen and laundry room appliances. My previous purchases had been made over a decade ago, and, given the advances in technology during that time, I knew I would be in for a treat.

Turns out, in the case of my washer and dryer, I was in for a better laundry experience. …

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Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: #lgtwinwash, #LGUltimateLaundryRoom, lg appliances, LG TWIN Wash

This Holiday Season, DIY!

November 14, 2017 By Lena 50 Comments

I rarely pull up my sleeves and get all crafty, but if there’s a time to do it, it’s definitely the holidays. In fact, some of my most treasured Christmas centerpieces and decorations are the ones I made (or curated) on my own! There’s no doubt about it: the satisfaction of a completed DIY project is heightened when family and friends can enjoy it, too.

This holiday season, try these fun make-at-home projects from Black & Decker.

Baked Brie
What You’ll Need: Easy Release Nonstick 17 x 11 inch Cookie Sheet
It’s almost impossible to mess up a Baked Brie – simply use a combination of complementary textures and flavours (nuts and dried fruit; honey and apples; balsamic vinegar and bacon). This recipe uses walnuts and dates – and the results are heavenly. …

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Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: #bdholiday, Black and Decker, holiday diy

Power Your Reno! Redesigning Spaces with Safety in Mind.

October 15, 2017 By Lena 34 Comments

This past July, my husband and I celebrated 10 years in our home. Woo hoo! It feels like an accomplishment, and it should! Over the past decade, we’ve survived many, many renovations (small and large), and through it all, my husband and I managed not to serve each other with divorce papers.

No, seriously. We are NOT handy people.

We discovered early on that there are DIY folks and Do It For Me (DIFM) people – and we are firmly in the latter camp. In fact, we rely on professionals to tackle most of the handiwork around our home, because we recognize that it’s a good idea to, you know, stay married.
Of course, when hiring others to complete renovations, there’s always one temptation that must be overcome: the desire to cut costs – also known as “cheaping out”.

You know how it goes… you’ll receive a quote from a qualified professional that will be a little (or a lot) over budget. It unsettles you. So you’ll ask around for recommendations, and someone always knows a cousin of a friend who can totally complete your reno at half the cost. …

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Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: Electrical Safety Authority, Kimberley Seldon, Power Your Reno

Demystifying Moisture in Your Home: The Case for a Dehumidifier

August 10, 2017 By Lena 51 Comments

I really, really wanted to write “de-MIST-ifying” instead – get it? Humidity! Mist! – but I decided to spare you the pun. (You’ll notice I still got it in here, zing!)

If you’re reading this blog post in a) Canada, during b) summertime and c) live in an enclosed space without a dehumidifier, we need to talk. Dehumidifiers are, without a doubt, one of the most misunderstood necessities for today’s homeowners. In fact, in an informal survey (very informal, I just asked Facebook friends) pertaining to their use, only 20% of respondents indicated that they owned one. I also received the following questions:

“Wait, do I really need one?”
“I think we have one but I have to ask (insert husband’s name).”
“What is that? You mean like the thing in the baby’s room?” (No, that’s a humidifier.)
“No but I’m sure you’ll convince me I need one.”

Well yeah, cause that’s what I do. And after reading this article, if you’re still not convinced, I won’t trouble you further. (As long as you don’t trouble me to complain about your allergies and energy costs.)

Without further ado, the case for a dehumidifier.
How it works: Quite simply, a dehumidifier is an electric appliance that removes excess moisture and humidity in the air. A fan in the unit pulls in air from the surrounding area, which may have high moisture levels (particularly during the summer months). When this air passes through the dehumidifier, it is cooled to remove the moisture, and then reheated. This de-moisturized air is then redistributed into the room. The unit collects the moisture it pulls from the air in a reservoir (usually a plastic bucket that the owner is responsible for emptying when it reaches capacity). Et voila! More comfortable air = a more comfortable home. …

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Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: lg dehumidifier, LG PuriCare

Win a Dyson Big Ball Animal 2!

May 19, 2017 By Lena 291 Comments

Note: The following giveaway is open to Canadians only.

Are you ready to experience the power of the Dyson Big Ball Animal 2? In a previous post, I outlined why I think this vacuum is Dyson’s best yet. However, in case you missed it, here’s the Coles Notes version:

1. Simply put, it has the strongest suction of any other vacuum in Canada.

2. Advanced Radial Root Cyclone technology channels airflow through the center of the cyclone assembly. This maximizes suction to capture more microscopic dust.

3. Ball technology allows easy manoeuvring around furniture and obstacles, and the quick release hose and wand stretches to clean high places and awkward gaps.

4. The vacuum is engineered for tough cleaning across all floors, which makes cleaning carpets, wood floors, vinyl and tile a breeze.

5. Oh yeah – it’s a beaut.
Well, I have exceptional news – one lucky reader will WIN a Dyson Big Ball Animal 2 valued at $599.99! To enter, simply fill the form below with your qualifying entries. Can’t wait to experience #DysonClean? Shop online at dyson.ca. …

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Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: #dysonclean, Dyson Big Ball Animal 2

It’s Not Clean Until it’s #DysonClean

May 16, 2017 By Lena 50 Comments

Suzie Homemaker, I am not.

My mom, who is likely reading this post right now, will cringe as I outline in detail just what a domestic failure I am.

I’m sorry mom. And to my other readers, I promise, it’s not her fault I’m such a slob. She raised me well, nagged me incessantly about my clutter, and to this day, you can eat off her floors (and frequently, my boys do). However, somewhere along our family’s path to evolution, I may have missed that gene that allows me to recognize a messy home.

Oh, let’s be honest. It bypassed me completely.

So when people talk about weekly cleaning, my eyes begin to glaze over. Of course I clean my home weekly! From top to bottom, yes. But the truth is, my home gets cleaned when I ask my husband to do it. And he does, because he’s a lovely man who realizes that when I’m not cleaning, I’m working my butt off and being the best mom to my boys. (At least that’s what I hope he thinks.)

But I have a theory. If you can’t clean like a pro – then use pro equipment to make up for your laziness shortcomings.
IMG_0127Introducing the Dyson Big Ball Animal 2. Simply put, it has the strongest suction of any other vacuum in Canada. This brand new addition to Dyson’s already stacked lineup features a self-adjusting cleaner head to seal in suction across carpets and hard floors. Ball technology allows easy manoeuvring around furniture and obstacles, and the quick release hose and wand stretches to clean high places and awkward gaps.

I’ve owned Dyson vacuum cleaners in the past. Here’s my endorsement: this one is the best to date. …

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Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: #dysonclean, Dyson Big Ball Animal 2, dyson vacuum

DIY or DIFM (Do it For Me)? Hardwood Installation with The Home Depot Canada

February 16, 2017 By Lena 44 Comments

If you’re lucky enough to know a general contractor or someone who specializes in flooring installation, I am really, really, jealous.

Seriously. A home reno that involves a flooring install is a BIG deal, and it involves time, money and a general upheaval of your living conditions. And, when you have to trust the work to strangers, it makes it all the more ominous: will I like the results? Can I trust the quality and workmanship? You’re gluing what to where and how?

Yeah, it can get a little ambiguous.

Thankfully, you’ve got me – I’ve recently survived a hardwood install! Today, I’ll tell you what you need to know to make it as painless as possible.pic1Tip #1: Buy Your Own Wood. If you call a contractor, chances are they will offer a selection of hardwood or engineered hardwood for you to peruse, and may even try to lure you with their “contractor’s discount.” Don’t be persuaded, unless they present you with a sample you love at a price you can live with. There are other options, promise.

You see, the selection at The Home Depot Canada is unsurpassed! From the type of flooring to the species and finish, YOU get to decide what is best for your home. And remember this advice: ALL wood species are suitable for everyday use. An associate in the flooring department can help you find a look and finish that you’ll love. …

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Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: #HDBlogSquad, hardwood installation, Home Depot Canada

New Year, New Home: Top Five Factors When Selecting Hardwood Flooring

January 16, 2017 By Lena 43 Comments

From my previous post, Love It or List It? The Case for Decision-Making Renos, you’ll know that after nine long years with our berber carpet on our home’s second floor, it was time for a change.
HD1However, settling on the perfect hardwood flooring – even when you’re simply matching one floor to the next – is not a quick and simple process. There are many variables that can influence the colour, type and price of the flooring you choose. Today, let’s go over the Top Five Factors When Selecting Hardwood Flooring. …

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Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: #HDBlogSquad, hardwood installation, home renovations, The Home Depot Canada

The Home Depot Canada: Welcome to Christmas Central!

November 15, 2016 By Lena 25 Comments

It’s only a small percentage of my readers, but they do exist. The people who have no idea that The Home Depot Canada is the BEST place to find beautiful and whimsical, classic or contemporary holiday décor.

Still in the dark? Come join me in the light. Lights. Christmas lights.
christmas-lights-232x174Recently, I had an opportunity to attend The Home Depot Canada’s holiday preview, which was chock full of design and décor inspiration for every taste (and budget). Whether you’re looking to be the talk of your neighbourhood with standout lighting, add some sparkle to your classic collection of ornaments or liven your space with some Canadian-grown greenery, The Home Depot Canada is #ChristmasCentral. …

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Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: #ChristmasCentral, holiday decor, The Home Depot Canada

Love It or List It? The Case for Decision-Making Renos

November 4, 2016 By Lena 30 Comments

Next July, we will have been in our home for 10 years.

Our home was supposed to be a “starter home”. The first real estate purchase as an entry point into the market; a tidy semi-detached house in the suburbs that would be a stepping stone to a more expansive property down the road.

Except, while we were unpacking boxes and re-stocking kitchen cabinets, I was running to the bathroom with bouts of sickness.

Folks, I am a statistic. We conceived a honeymoon baby.

Suddenly, the dark hardwood we had selected for our main floor was doomed to show scratches from children’s toys. The expensive, hand-woven berber carpet on the second floor would no doubt be victim to spills and stains. The money we had spent on builder upgrades – oh, all the upgrades! – should have been spent on strollers and diapers. However, we had no choice but to plough ahead, effectively turning our starter home into our “TBD” home.
img_1343It didn’t make sense to move. The boys were growing and the house grew old with them. As predicted, the hardwood floors became scuffed and the carpet bore stains. But, we also put a lot of love into the home, finishing the basement, landscaping the front and updating the back with a stamped concrete patio.

And every so often, we got the itch to move. …

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Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: #HDBlogSquad, engineered harwood, hardwood installation, The Home Depot Canada

Create Cold-Weather Curb Appeal from Recycled Rubber Products

October 26, 2016 By Lena 169 Comments

NOTE: The following giveaway is open to residents of Ontario, Canada only.

Oh the weather outside is frightful…

Okay, not quite yet. But it IS getting cooler – much cooler! – and with winter around the corner, Canadians are doing their best to get their homes ready for the season. The patio furniture is stored; flowers are uprooted from their beds and decorative urns are emptied and stashed away.

Is it just me, or are Canadian homes lacking a certain curb appeal over the winter months?

I know, other than holiday decor, the northern climate doesn’t exactly allow for a host of ornamental options. However, there are a few simple ways to create curb appeal during the cold-weather months, and I’m happy to share them with you today!

1. Start with a Solid Base. Winter lacks a certain greenery, but with earth-savvy planters, you can infuse a little life into an otherwise bare space. Crescendo Urns, made by Multy Home, are a great option – they’re made using Ontario recycled tire rubber that would otherwise have ended up in a landfill.

(You may recall an earlier post, Simple Steps to Mini Garden Success with The Home Depot, where I featured the multi-season slate rubber urn – pictured below.)
dsc_1031aBecause this planter is designed to withstand the cold weather – with no cracking or fading – it will take you through all seasons seamlessly. You can also find recycled rubber mulch from a variety of Ontario-based manufacturers to fill the base which drains rapidly and efficiently, resists mold, mildew and fungi, and is also non-toxic. …

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Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: #rethinktires, Ontario Tire Stewardship, recycled rubber

Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot? Here’s How to Stay Cool

August 20, 2016 By Lena 49 Comments

Ah, summer. The season of popsicles and patios, sunscreen and sno-cones. And for many Canadians, forget the Beach Boys – the soundtrack of summer sounds a little like this:

Hummmm.

That’s the sound of an air conditioner, running around the clock.

If you’re like me, summer in Ontario can often be about trying to stay comfortable and keeping your energy use in check.  After all, the less energy used, the less we pay, so it’s important to be aware of the many things we can do to form good usage habits.
fanOf course, the most obvious way is to set our thermostats a few degrees warmer, which will instantly reduce stress on our air conditioners (and energy bills!). However, there’s much more you can do, and it’s actually easier than you think! I watched an interesting animation on the new Save on Energy website about a family who was finding it hard to keep their home cool during these hot summer months. Since our current heat wave looks like it’s here to stay – for at least a little longer –  I wanted share some tips for keeping your house cool:

– Open your windows and enjoy the fresh summer air while you cool off without air conditioning. This is particularly effective early morning and late night when summer breezes can really help reduce the home’s temperature. …

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Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: #PowerWhatsNext, energy saving tips, Save on Energy

The Chic Retreat

April 7, 2016 By Lena

If you didn’t attend our #TimetoRefreshContest Twitter Party last night, it may already be too late.

On trend pieces for home décor? Check.
Affordable prices? Check.
A desire to purchase everything in the collection? Check!

And, it is selling out like crazy. I may have placed a piece or two in my shopping cart last night!
824pmLENAIntroducing the Chic Retreat collection from Walmart. A limited offering for Spring 2016, this style driven collection offers a full range of linens, furniture, décor and accessories, making it easy and affordable to decorate an entire room or simply add a piece or two to update existing décor in bed, bath and living. …

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Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: #timetorefreshcontest, home decor, Walmart Canada

Making the Most of #EverySecond.

February 5, 2016 By Lena

They’re competitive and loud and rarely respond unless I scream. They’re argumentative and ornery and way too sensitive about the silliest things (He’s looking at me, mom! He’s LOOKING at me!). They push my buttons, push for a later bedtime and always push each other.

Yet, they’re the heart of my home. They breathe so much life, excitement and vigor into my day. And when I catch them sitting together – because they just can’t stand to be apart – I remember that beyond the spats and bickering, they truly are the very best of friends.  I am truly blessed to share every second of my day with them. …

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Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: #EverySecond, Family, home decor, Ikea

Divide and Conquer Your Laundry! Introducing LG TWIN Wash

December 13, 2015 By Lena

Mind. Blown. I know LG created this washer for me, because it has my life written ALL. OVER. IT.

Picture it: A huge, muddy pile of the boys’ clothes. A handful of my delicates, idling at the bottom of the clothes hamper. Two hours until bedtime and only one washing machine in the house. Sounds familiar? Of course it does. Because if there’s one thing we know about laundry, it’s that the chore has to be completed load by load. (by load… by load… by never ending load.)

Until now. Introducing the LG TWIN Wash, a multi-tasker’s dream! For the first time ever, Canadians can cut back on time spent doing laundry so they have more time for things that matter. The innovative TWIN Wash laundry system allows you to do two separate loads of laundry at once; do a big load in the front-loading washer up top while the smaller LG SideKick unit simultaneously washes a second load down below. Genius!
WM9000HVA_WD200CV TWIN Wash Pair_3QR Drama Lifestyle (2)If you’re starting to get excited – and maybe even mildly flushed with desire – congratulations, you’re a multitasking mom. …

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Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: large appliances, LG Electronics, LG sidekick, LG TWIN Wash

Welcome to #ChristmasCentral!

November 12, 2015 By Lena

My husband and I don’t always agree on everything. In fact, more often than not, we have a ying-yang thing going on. However, right around this time, as the snow flutters to the ground and Christmas carols play softly on the radio, we both agree that The Home Depot Canada is Christmas Central.

From holiday trees (real and faux) to stunning ornamental décor, outdoor inflatables to Griswold-worthy lights, they’ve got you covered – with unbeatable prices and selection both online and in-store. Browse their Christmas Savings Central gallery and find festive touches that will perfectly fit your space. And, with contemporary, distinctive items from the exclusive Martha Stewart Living Collection, you’ll be the most stylish stop on Santa’s route.

This season, you can also access Ideas and How To’s – everything from holiday decorating tips to how to set up an outdoor holiday light show. And if you still need a little inspiration and advice, they’re throwing a Twitter Party with design maven Janette Ewen!
Join us on Tuesday, November 17, 2015 for the #ChristmasCentral Twitter Party, hosted by @HomeDepotCanada and @Janette_Ewen. In addition to the AMAZING prizing noted above, you’ll also have a chance to have your holiday decorating questions answered by a style expert! Simply tweet your question(s) to Janette or Home Depot Canada using the hashtag #ChristmasCentral. If selected, your question may be featured (and answered!) LIVE on the Twitter Party!

There is no RSVP for this party; simply join the conversation at 8PM EST on Tuesday night. Winners will be randomly selected; see full contest rules and regulations here.

And now, excuse me while I browse these gorgeous Indoor Holiday Decorations!

Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: #ChristmasCentral, Holiday party, The Home Depot Canada

A Homier Place for Homework with Grand & Toy

September 15, 2015 By Lena

“I have homework,” Ryder announced, bending to undo the velcro on his running shoe.
“It’s the second day of school!” my husband exclaimed, looking at me in confusion.
“Welcome to grade two,” I countered, already clearing off the dining table.

The dining table. The place where I completed my homework as a child, and the one place I’ve been trying to keep sacred now that the kids have resumed school. But, it’s a losing battle. Because my boys like to be near me; in the kitchen, in the heart of the home. Even though I’ve previously set up a “study area” in our second floor loft, I’m embarrassed to admit that the boys have never completed their homework there, opting instead to crash at the dining table as I fix dinner.

And just when I thought I was doomed to another generation of “dining table” students, I found the *perfect* solution at Grand & Toy!

Get ready to save on school and office must-haves. They’ve got a wide selection from the most popular brands, including everything I needed to create a homework nook in my dining room. I’m fortunate to have an open concept home, which means that I can have a separate table for the boys’ homework and a separate table to eat! Why didn’t I think of this sooner?

Grand & Toy offers stress-free and convenient online shopping for school essentials, especially those items that may have missed your back-to-school list. You can save on hundreds of supplies, large and small, with savings of up to 70% off select items. And, ordering is a breeze!

Here’s what I selected for my homework nook:
grandandtoy1. Star Quality Alnair Bench Desk. A durable work surface for the boys with a solid metal base, plus it has a scratch and dent-resistant finish (necessary for school-aged kids). It’s just the right size for two little students, and just the right sale price at $169.99! …

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Filed Under: Decor Tagged With: #grandandtoyb2s, back to school, grand & toy, school supplies

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Lena Almeida

Toronto Blogger, Social Media Strategist for Listen to Lena Inc. Television & Radio Personality, Columnist and Speaker. Family Travel Expert. Star Wars Fanatic. Perfecting the Art of Conversuasion. Read More…

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