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Cottage Life

Must-have coffee accessories according to Muskoka Roastery Coffee Co.

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Wondering how to make the ideal cup of joe? Jordan Neudorf, marketing manager of Muskoka Roastery Coffee Co., is taking the guesswork out of which coffee accessories you need to add to your caffeine routine at the cottage by sharing the brand’s top notes and picks. From water filters to milk frothers to coffee grinders, we’re matching Jordan’s picks by rounding up the must-have accessories from go-to brands that will take your coffee experience to a whole new level. 

Here’s the ultimate guide to the perfect brew:

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Cottage Life

Amazon Prime Day deals to improve your cottage kitchen

The cottage kitchen is a great place to give new life to appliances that have past their prime. But, sometimes you want an upgrade and to make life easier, not harder. Your cottage kitchen (and you) deserve a new-wave coffee machine, a personal-sized blender, or even something as simple as a collapsible colander. We sifted through Amazon Prime Day deals to find the best kitchen appliances that are portable, practical, and storable–perfect for any cottage kitchen.

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Cottage Life

Outdoor furniture and accessory must-haves from Amazon Prime Day

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If you’ve been looking for an excuse to upgrade your outdoor furniture and accessories, take advantage of Amazon Prime Day. Whether you’re looking for comfy chairs, sparkling lights, planters, and outdoor umbrellas, there is something for everyone to spruce up your outdoor space at the cottage. Grab all the best deals for your outdoor furniture needs (and wants!) before the end of the sales tonight.

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Cottage Life

Cottage Coach’s Amazon Prime Day picks

Cottage Coach Adam Holman is Cottage Life’s resident DIY expert. Like many of us, he has been waiting patiently for Amazon Prime Day to scoop up some great deals on tools and outdoor gear. Here are his picks.

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Cottage Life

Now is the time to buy these tech gadgets on Amazon Prime Day

Expectations of cottaging have changed over the course of the pandemic, with a new wave of cottagers wanting an internet connection and all of the amenities they have at home. Connectivity at the cottage comes with a world of opportunity for tech lovers to embrace all of the devices and gadgets that connect to the internet to protect your cottage from theft, monitor inclement weather, control the temperature, or even check the expiry dates of food inside of your cottage fridge. For those looking to link up to the internet at your home away from home, we’ve curated a list of the best Amazon Prime Day deals for SmartHome devices for the cottage.

 

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Cottage Life

Have fun all summer with outdoor gear from Amazon Prime Day

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Whether you’re spending a night camping under the stars or a weekend paddling around the lake, chances are you’re going to need some outdoor gear to do it. We’ve found the Amazon Prime Day deals that will help you have the best time at the cottage. From hammocks to bikes to grills, here’s the outdoor gear you need on sale:

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Cottage Life

Amazon Prime Day picks for your pooch

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We know you spoil your pooch all of the time, but Amazon Prime Day is an especially good chance to stock up on pet essentials, like food, treats, and toys. Lugging everyday items back and forth to the cottage is exhausting and takes up precious cargo room, so we scoured through the thousands of deals going on July 12 and 13 to find the best ones for you and Fido. Take a look at the deals below, ranging from 15 to 40 per cent off, and grab a treat to keep at the cottage for your pet:

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Cottage Life

Lululemon’s new Hiking collection just dropped, take a peek

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Lululemon’s latest drop has officially landed. The Hike collection includes men’s and women’s apparel and accessory options that are both functional and performance-focused. The collection features versatile items that are designed to be convertible, packable, and water-resistant. Take a peek at the lululemon Hike collection’s highlights as well as the must-have pieces you need to gear up for the outdoors.

Collection highlights

Designed to fit your outdoor, active lifestyle, the brand’s newest apparel and accessories are made for storing and exploring, where convenient characteristics are integrated into each piece in order to help you keep up with changing conditions. As a result, built-in details such as extra pockets and zip-on and off features allow for a hands-free experience and custom climate control capabilities, so you’re prepared no matter where your next adventure takes you.

We’ve taken the guesswork out of what you need to sport during your next outdoor adventure by rounding up some of our favourite pieces from the new lululemon Hike collection below. These are the elevated apparel and accessories you need to take your exploration to the next level.

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Cottage Life

Low-tech security systems for keeping your cottage secure

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Regardless of whether your cottage is located in a remote area or tight-knit community, you probably still have concerns about break-ins. Even when theft isn’t a big consideration—like when the highest ticket item in the cottage a hand-me-down sofa—having a security system is still a must.

Having a security system in place can protect you from the obvious (theft) but it can also alert you to animal break-ins and damages to your property, like burst pipes and flooding.

“I suggest to all my customers that they get an alarm system,”says Dan Moreau, who is a retired police officer and chief inspector and CEO of Cottage Choppers Property Service, in Barrie, ON. “If you don’t have one you’re vulnerable.” 

It’s ultra-important to have someone check in on your property when you’re not there too—especially if you want to maintain your insurance coverage. “If you’re not having someone check on your policy on a regular basis, your policy may not cover you at all,” says Moreau. “Read the fine print in your insurance policy, especially where it relates to leaving a property vacant to unattended.”

Animals are a main concern

Moreau explains that breaks in are not a major worry of most of his clients, but animals, like racoons, mice and bats, can get into your cottage and wreak major havoc. “There are systems that go off if there is an animal intrusion,” says Moreau. “These include motion sensors, and many have sensitivity levels that can pick up anything bigger than a mouse.” There are also systems that include glass break sensors, in case of a human break-in, or if a bird flies into your window and breaks the glass.

No cell service, no problem

If your cottage is located in an area that won’t allow you to make a clear cell phone call or have WiFi, you can still get a security system. For most basic systems, all you need is the capability to run a landline telephone (remember those?). “You can get a landline telephone and run security through that,” says Moreau. This type of system is also quite cost-effective if you want a little security without breaking the bank. “Monitoring is where the expense comes from. An alarm company hires people to sit there and answer phones and charges you $25 to $30 a month for that service.” 

If you go with a basic system, there are a few different ways it can work. A common one is that an alarm goes off dials a number, whether it’s your number in the city or one of your neighbours. That way you can hypothetically go check on the property should the alarm goes off. 

However, Moreau advises proceeding with caution when checking on a break-in: If you hear your neighbour’s alarm going off, dial 911. If you see someone coming and going, try to get a description or license plate, but don’t approach them or attempt to make a citizens arrest.” Instead of putting yourself in danger, he says “aim to become a good witness.” And if you have a friend checking on your property, advise them to do the same.

Get a motion sensor light

At the least, a motion-sensor outdoor light never hurts as a deterrent, according to Moreau. “As a cop, a lot of the break and enters I’ve seen may have been prevented if they had a motion sensor light outside.” 

Lock your boats

If you’re storing valuable boats in the garage or boathouse, invest in security for that space. “If you have an expensive boat, make sure it’s in an alarmed garage or boathouse,” says Moreau. 

Watch out for water damage

Besides burglary and animals, water damage is another concern. “In winter, many people leave their water and heat on low, so it’s ready if they come up occasionally.” However, he explains that if the place isn’t being checked on regularly, and you happen to get an interruption in the heat source, pipes start freezing.” This can lead to all kinds of problems and potential water damage, so opt for a system with a water damage sensor and a low-temperate sensor if this is a concern. 

Double up

Ideally, go for both a security system and a friend, neighbour or trust key-holder to check in on your property and have a system set up to keep you in the know, when you’re there and when you’re not.

When in doubt, cover it up

A lot of cottagers don’t have an alarm system—and they don’t really worry about it. If you’re one of these folks, Moreau advises you not to leave anything in your cottage that you can’t afford to lose. If you have to leave some goods behind, keep it low-key. “Anything of value should be covered, and keep your curtains closed,” says Moreau. 

Here are some home security devices that include some of these features:

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Cottage Life

Add these books by Cottage Life contributors to your summer reading list

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Cottage Life is lucky to count many of Canada’s top writers among our contributors. Add their books to your TBR (to-be-read) pile, and revisit their incredible (often award-winning) work from the magazine.