Should I Buy This?

Jess and Gavin celebrate the one-year birthday of the new home by recording a long-awaited episode of SIBT. The couple return to a newly revamped studio setup (although the audio quality is still questionable) that includes dual monitors, a mini basketball hoop, and a squeaky chair. We also recap the last episode’s purchase of the W Skin Aqua Facial device. Listen to the episode to find out why Jess isn’t using the device! Gavin talks about the new monthly subscription service being offered by Cineplex theatres. CineClub will give members a free movie ticket, among other perks, for $9.99 a month. The couple talks about whether or not this subscription is worthwhile. Jess has her eyes set on a type of shampoo bar that is made from rice. Inspired by the ancient haircare rituals of the Red Yao Tribe, the Viori shampoo claims to have great healing effects on one’s hair. Gavin’s niece just turned one recently. You know you’re an adult when you start buying gifts for babies. Tune in to find out what about the present! Lastly, Gavin and Jess talk about the best time to buy Christmas gifts in the Quick Buys segment. Do you agree with Jess or Gavin? Get in touch with the show by emailing [email protected], following us on Instagram @sibt.ca, or visiting our website at www.sibt.ca

A busy February weekend approaches so Gavin and Jess decide to record a special episode about Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day. Jess tells us adulthood is looming when she finds herself delivering goodies for Chinese New Year instead of receiving. The couple talks about their plans for Chinese New Year, discussing traditional activities and popular foods to eat. Gavin asks if the Chinese New Year dinner should be purchased to support local restaurants or homemade. Jess wants to buy a W Skin Aqua Facial device. The couple talks about the pros and cons of a device when compared to a traditional facial. We also follow up with our plans to buy a cake from La Rocca Creative Kitchen as originally discussed on SIBT 16. Jess and Gavin revisit an old quick-buys topic as they discuss what are some Valentine’s Day gift ideas for new couples. Get in touch with the show by emailing [email protected], following us on Instagram @sibt.ca, or visiting our website at www.sibt.ca

In the spirit of the Holidays, Gavin and Jess return to the studio on December 23 and present this episode to all our loyal listeners! The couple discusses the pros and cons of putting up Christmas decorations. Specifically, Gavin and Jess talk about their new Christmas tree in the living room. Let us know how you are celebrating the holidays and whether or not you use a Christmas tree (if yes, real or fake). Jess talks about purchasing a Christmas cake to keep her Japanese tradition alive; specifically this cake. Time is against the couple as the store requires a two-day notice. Meanwhile, Gavin talks about why he doesn’t want Jess to buy him a new keyboard for his computer. In the Quick Buys segment, the couple talks about Christmas gifts for their parents. Jess suggests giving food, consumables, and maybe even money. Is giving red envelopes to elders considered taboo? Let us know what you think! Get in touch with the show by emailing [email protected], following us on Instagram @sibt.ca, or visiting our website at www.sibt.ca

Gavin revels in the spirit of Black Friday, as he has been combing through countless flyers to catch the next hot deal. On the other hand, Jess is more interested in weekly flyers from the grocery store. Jess wants to take a Christmas photo with Gavin from the new house. She suggests buying matching sweaters so that the couple has something to post online on December 25 (by the way, follow us on Instagram). Gavin contemplates buying a Dyson Cyclone V10 Motorhead Cordless Stick Vaccum, which happens to be on sale during Black Friday. The vacuum cleaner would certainly make cleaning the home a lot easier, but is it worth the high price tag…? Lastly, in the Quick Buys segment, Gavin and Jess talk about what they are hoping to find on Black Friday. Get in touch with the show by emailing [email protected], following us on Instagram @sibt.ca, or visiting our website at www.sibt.ca

Gavin and Jess return to SIBT studios after a long hiatus… except the studio is in a new location. Jess talks about the struggles of finding a perfect home and we hear about the many feng shui aspects which needed to be considered. Gavin questions the validity of these Chinese superstitions. In her quest to continually improve the new home, Jess suggests buying new chairs. So far, Gavin and Jess have been using folding chairs in both the dining room and office space. Looking to make an upgrade, Jess contemplates buying a set of dining chairs to match the dining table. On the other hand, office chairs are also in demand as both parties are working from home. Gavin is caught up in the hype around the next-generation console releases and is eager to play the new Playstation 5. Gavin and Jess talk about Gavin’s gaming habits and whether or not the new system is worth its hefty price tag. In the Quick Buys segment, the two talk about cheap (under $20) upgrades which would make living in the new house a lot better. And the pair agree on scheduled cleaning duties as a sure sign of adulthood for the “you know you’re an adult” segment. Stay tuned for a new and exciting season of SIBT as Gavin and Jess will surely have plenty of things to buy (read: home upgrades). Get in touch with the show by emailing [email protected] or visit our website at www.sibt.ca

Gavin and Jess celebrate Ontario’s second stage of reopening the economy. Gavin talks about why Jess gave him a Tabasco shirt and the couple recount their first trip to the shopping mall after three months. As Ontario enters the second stage of reopenings, Gavin suggests that the two should go for a dine-in experience at the patios which have been allowed to reopen. The couple talk about whether they feel safe dining in patios and how the experience would look like. Jess suggests buying a silk hair wrap which would help maintain her hair while she sleeps. The problem is that we don’t know if a hair wrap will actually work. In celebration of Father’s Day, we talk about Father’s Day quick buy ideas. Jess talks about the gifts she bought for her dad and Gavin explains why a practical gift is always a good idea.

Gavin and Jess recall their brief weekend trip to Atami last July as they celebrate Ocean Day - umi no hi - near the beach. The couple find an amazing deal on a fully loaded apartment unit and hope to enjoy a memorable long weekend. Unfortunately, as the two learn, things aren’t always as advertised. SIBT Shopping Shorts are individual segments of Should I Buy This? Podcast where the hosts, Gavin and Jess, recall their most intense shopping stories in two minutes or less.

After a few weeks without SIBT, Gavin and Jess return to the studio to once again discuss their shopping needs. In fact, it’s been so long that we thought this was actually episode 11. Still in time for May, the couple talk briefly about Asian Heritage Month as Gavin suggests that Jess spends too much time looking out for good sales. Gavin brags about how cool the new microphone stand looks, as the product discussed on SIBT 10 finally arrives. Jess, on the other hand, talks about why she had to buy a second spatula for Mother’s Day; listen to SIBT 11 for the backstory about it. Gavin says you know you’re an adult when you are soon to become an uncle. The two talk about the expectations expected on such a noble title. Jess also mentions how she is always cooking for Gavin. This episode, Jess suggests buying a ticket for the new drive-through attraction at the Toronto Zoo. Dubbed the Scenic Safari, patrons will drive their car around the zoo through the course of a 45 minute tour. Gavin, without anything he wants to buy, suggests SIBT enter My RODE Cast, a podcasting contest sponsored by RODE in hopes of winning some sweet prizes. Lastly, the wrap up Asian Heritage Month, this episode’s Quick Buys features a discussion about how we can represent Asians - with our wallets. Jess talks about buying bamboo leaves as we hear about the interest tale behind zong - a traditional Chinese rice dish wrapped in bamboo leaves. Gavin, ever the simple man, suggests buying a very stereotypical item.

Join Jess and Gavin as they celebrate Mother’s Day by giving out tons of present suggestions to the struggling children of the world. Jess recaps her decision to purchase the 500 Pixels membership and we discuss whether or not it is worth the membership fee. Gavin talks about how the mic stand he ordered off Amazon Prime will take two weeks to arrive. We then hear about Jess’ hardcore planning for Mother’s Day. Listen in to hear about the presents she purchased AND made for the upcoming weekend. Naturally, Gavin claims “you know you’re an adult when” you go out of your way to make handmade presents for Mother’s Day. Gavin introduces a new segment to SIBT titled “Who Would Buy This?” A segment where we bring in crazy products which make us question the sanity of the everyday consumer. Gavin starts off this segment by talking about the Apple Mac Pro Wheels which essentially transform your Mac Pro computer tower into a hot wheel car you can zoom around the floor with. The retail price for this set of four one-inch tall wheels? A cool $869 + tax. This week Gavin, who is worried about his poor posture, suggests buying a computer stand for his laptop. We discuss important points which are key for anyone working from home on a laptop. Jess then suggests buying Tsubaki shampoo and Gavin learns about the world of proper hair care. Tune in to listen to this hot information so your hair can stay healthy and shiny! For Mother’s Day, Gavin and Jess talk about last minute gift ideas. What can we get while all the stores are closed? Gavin and Jess discuss.

In celebration of ten episodes, Gavin talks about how Jess’ mentality towards the podcast has changed since the first recording. We also give an update about our new Instagram page (sibt.ca) where you can see a photo of Gavin with the McFlurrys discussed on episode 9. Follow us on Instagram for the latest SIBT news and to connect with us via DM ;) Jess gives an update about the website - www.sibt.ca - and how it’s coming along. Gavin finally breaks his streak of not driving his car as he is forced to do some chores. You know you’re an adult when you need to remove your winter tires. Jess adds that you know you’re an adult when you opt to pay more money for efficient/quick service. Gavin realizes he’s not an adult because he still cheaps out on a lot of things. This episode, Jess contemplates buying an account on 500 Pixels, a website where photographers can post and sell their images to other people. For Jess, this is an opportunity to earn some side cash for photos she already has on her harddrive. The two talk about whether or not this is a good investment. Always looking to upgrade the studio, Gavin suggests buying an adjustable microphone boom arm which would allow for an easier podcast studio workflow. The two eventually end up hitting the desks a lot for some reason… The theme for this episode’s Quick Buys is birthday presents for friends who are being quarantined. What gifts would you like to receive if you were trapped in your home and unable to meet other people? Listen to our thoughts and let us know as well!