Go ahead, treat yourself  | National Post

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You just bought your dream home, and now you need to fill it. Search for quality, luxurious items made to last: a top-quality espresso machine, for instance, and a stereo that shows off your impressive vinyl collection. A custom-made mattress so you can sleep easy, and fitness equipment to keep you in fine form.  

Then plan a getaway, an opportunity to celebrate life’s special moments in style.  

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Sweet sleep 

Good-quality sleep is important for so many reasons: healthy brain function, better aging and longevity. It’s even been connected to healthy weight. 

But the right mattress for one person may not be the right one for another. That’s where the team at Black Sheep Mattress can help. This Canadian company hand-makes every mattress to order, and every bed is customized based on your personal preferences. Pick one of five firmness levels and six sizes; some models are dual-profile, meaning each side of a mattress can be a different firmness, depending on what a couple prefers.  

Every bed is made with non-toxic natural materials such as organic cotton, wool and latex, too, meaning you won’t experience weird chemical smells from your new purchase. Just a good night’s rest. They sell organic cotton bedding and bed frames, too. Prices vary depending on the options chosen, but the Oxford latex model starts at about $3,480. blacksheepmattress.com 

Kitchen art 

Love a great cup of coffee? Treat yourself to one of the world’s finest espresso machines, the Elektra Verve. This espresso machine combines sleek Italian design with modern technology — built-in electronic manuals, for instance, and the ability to connect to your phone.  

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Coffee geeks will love the fact the Verve has dual boilers, one to control the coffee temperature and one for steam and hot water. “You can adjust the temperatures so you can find the sweet spot for any particular coffee, to capture its flavour and essence best,” says Cappuccino King’s owner Peter Izzo.  

“It really is about quality, making the best coffee possible.” 

These machines are built to last, too. Elektra was started in Italy in 1947 and is legendary around the world for the quality and longevity of its machines. Custom finishes are available if you’re looking for something extra-special. 

Cappuccino King, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2024, is offering the Elektra Verve for $4,350 until the end of the year. Regular price is $4,995. cappuccinoking.com 

Love your living room 

Yes, a sofa is mighty nice in a living room, but a fine stereo is what turns an average room into something truly special, especially for vinyl collectors. The McIntosh Mt10 Precision Turntable (approx. $17,000) delivers perfect speed and pitch, and its multi-layered damped chassis eliminates external vibrations and distortion. From an American company that has been making top audio equipment for more than 70 years, it is easy to set up and easy to use. And check out that design; it’s definitely a few steps up from Grandpa’s vintage wood stereo cabinet.  

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“The McIntosh MT10 represents the pinnacle of incredible turntable engineering from a legendary high-end audio manufacturer,” says Darren Lane, owner of K&W Audio in Calgary.  

“It has a unique and stunning look, deeply serious technical design, impeccable build quality and just sounds incredible. What more do you need in the pursuit of the ultimate turntable?” www.kandwaudio.com 

Work out 

There’s something nice about rolling out of bed in the morning and working out in the comfort and luxury of your own home gym. No winter roads to navigate or sneezy strangers to dodge. Just a good workout, designed to keep you strong, healthy and happy.  

The Peloton Bike+ offers a range of cycling classes including HIIT, endurance and low-impact, all led by expert instructors. But it also offers much more than just indoor cycling, with online classes that include strength, yoga, stretching, Pilates, boxing and meditation. All are available from a single piece of gear, thanks to the Bike+ 360-degree rotating touch-screen that allows for total-body workouts. Get the kids involved, too; music ranges from Disney to hip hop, and everything in between. 

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Peloton Bike+ is available for $3,295 (including delivery and set-up) plus $55/month for an all-access membership. You can also buy a refurbished Peloton Bike+ for $2,645, or rent one for $169/month plus a one-time delivery fee of $250. www.onepeloton.com/en-CA/bike-plus 

A great getaway 

Now that you’ve settled into your new home, you’re ready for a luxe holiday. The legendary Rocky Mountaineer train packages are unforgettable vacations, filled with photo ops and fine cuisine. The team behind Rocky Mountaineer makes your trip as easy as possible, too, with impeccable attention to detail.  

Sign up for a short trip, two to three days onboard, or a longer route. Various packages are available, including the Best of the Rockies, Rainforest to Gold Rush as well as the American Southwest (Denver and Moab.) Prices vary depending on the chosen level of service, distance and destination but you can expect to pay about $2,400 for a two-day Moab-Denver getaway; $6,964 for a nine-night trip from Vancouver to Calgary, with stops in Whistler, Jasper and Banff.  

The 2024 seasons runs until mid-October and the 2025 season will start again in April. Check the Rocky Mountaineer website for promotions. www.rockymountaineer.com 

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