How to Buy Sheets

Are you ready to find a luxurious set of bedding that will make you feel completely pampered, or are you more the practical type looking for something that will be durable yet comfortable? Buying sheets today requires a lot of decisions. There are choices to be made about thread counts, weaves, fibers percale, Egyptian cotton, green alternatives and more. Here is a quick guide to what you need to know when you are buying sheets. Material Pure cotton sheets can be strong and soft. Cotton breathes well, so you’ll feel cool and dry, especially in the warmer months. Easy care … Continue reading →

Musical Bedrooms

Instead of musical chairs, we will be playing musical bedrooms at my house. Well, it won’t be quite like the game, because in the end, everyone will end up with a place to sleep. They won’t each have a room of their own, but they’ll each have a bed and some space to call their own. My oldest child turned 18 this spring and decided rules just weren’t all that, so it was time to move on. I waited a bit before making any changes, but she’s not coming home. She starts college in less than a month and is … Continue reading →

7 Ways to Have A Healthy Bedroom (2)

If you suffer from asthma or allergies, you’ll definitely want to take some steps to ensure that you have a healthy bedroom. Sniffling, sneezing, coughing and wheezing can all affect your sleep, not to mention the rest of your day. In the previous article, I covered four different steps that you can take to have a healthy bedroom. If you missed that article, click here: 7 Ways to Have A Healthy Bedroom. Now, let’s take a look at the last three ways. 5. Address the mattress. While pillow top mattresses seem to be standard now, they can also trap allergens. … Continue reading →

7 Ways to Have A Healthy Bedroom

Are you always getting colds and allergy symptoms no matter what time of year it is? Do your kids wake up with sniffles and coughs that go away later in the day? Are you tired when you wake up? If so, you might want to consider the fact that you are suffering from allergies. Your bedrooms might not be the healthiest places to sleep. Considering the importance of sleep, especially for kids, it makes sense to make a few changes in the bedroom to reduce your allergies and asthma. 1. Get rid of the carpet. Carpeting is notorious for trapping … Continue reading →

Really Clean Sheets

How often do you wash your bed sheets? A few years ago Oprah interviewed a “germ expert” who mentioned that bed linen should be washed in extremely hot water every 3 days. A gasp went up from the audience and it was later revealed that the majority of Oprah’s fans routinely sanitized their sheets bi-monthly. So, in case you answered “twice a month—at best” you needn’t feel bad… though you may feel itchy. According to scientists, during the night your body sheds cells, which mites live off of. What’s more, doctors say breathing those microbes in as you sleep can … Continue reading →

Designing A Versatile Kids Room

In previous blogs I detailed the work that went into transforming my daughter’s nursery into a “big girl’s room.” It was not as labor intensive or as expensive as I thought it would be. As a result, I’m thinking of updating it again soon. My daughter will be turning three in a few weeks and while she is not a very tall child, her toddler bed doesn’t seem to accommodate her… well, let’s just call it… active sleeping. Basically, she’s a roller. Some nights are better than others, but for the most part she has a hard time sleeping in … Continue reading →

Types Of Pillows

In previous blogs I discussed different types of pillow fill material and what pillows can help allergy sufferers get a good night’s sleep. This blog is dedicated to the different types of pillows that you wouldn’t necessarily use to get some serious zzz’s, but are wonderful additions to your home’s décor nonetheless. Decorative Pillows. My mom is a nut for deco pillows, especially in the bedroom. (My poor dad spends about 10 minutes each night removing deco pillows from his side of the bed. She has so many deco pillows it’s hard to tell there’s a mattress underneath. My 2-year-old … Continue reading →

The Right Pillow For Allergy Sufferers

In a previous blog I provided tips on replacing your worn bed pillows. I also listed various types of filling the majority of pillow manufacturers use. If you suffer from allergies (like me) than finding the right pillow fill material is critical to achieving a good night’s sleep. Shortly after undergoing sinus surgery I found I was even more sensitive to allergens so my mom went out and bought every kind of “alternative-fill” pillow that existed. (I felt like Goldilocks trying to find just the right one—this one is too soft… this one is too hard… you get the idea.) … Continue reading →

Picking The Right Pillow

Are you picky about the type of pillow you rest your head on? Some people love big, fluffy pillows, while others can’t sleep on anything but firm, dense pillows. I happen to have severe sinus issues, which means I sleep on a firm, hypoallergenic pillow. Most people have pillow preferences, but are unclear as to when it is necessary to replace their beloved bedtime buddies. If you fall into that category, here’s a test you can give your pillows: Place your pillow on a sturdy surface (the floor is best) and fold it in half. If you have a feather … Continue reading →

Winter Weather Weapons No.2—Comforters

In my previous blog I decided to impose a moratorium on my winter weather complaints. I live in an area nicknamed: “The Frozen Tundra” so I guess I shouldn’t be surprised that we are now starting week three of temperatures in the single digits and teens. Okay, we’ve established it is bitterly cold. Now what? This blog. I’ve decided to write a series of blogs detailing the ways we stay warm around our home. In “Winter Weather Weapons No. 2” we look at a cozy and effective alternative to the electric blanket—comforters. When I was growing up, comforters were not … Continue reading →