Modern And Classic Kids Bedding

Kids bedding is one of those things in life that may be expensive, and in a few years parents have to repeat the process of buying all new sets once their children grow out of their present ones. When shopping for the comforters, quilts, sheets and blankets, there are so many thousands of design options that parents can start to sweat when they try to decide which one to buy that their child will be thrilled enough with to go to bed without much of a fuss. Kids interestingly enough seem to like solid colors and bold, simple prints as well as cartoon character bedding, so the real factors that come into play are the price ranges that you are comfortable with, the color scheme you want to stick to and the quality of the products you are paying money for.

Whether you are interested in one of the many classic designs like animals, transportation or princesses or you are searching for modern looks like geometric shapes and solid stripes, you may want to begin your search on the Internet. There are some very informative online resources that can be of great help to you when trying to coordinate color schemes and designs for your little one. Once you have an idea in mind about colors, characters or shapes, you can then start to narrow down which stores or websites have sets that fit your ideal criteria. You might have a store in mind already that you enjoy shopping at that you might want to try. If you are interested in going to auction websites like eBay, you can start there and see what you find.

Just be sure that you are as specific as possible when you are entering your search terms into a search engine or a website. This way you wont waste a lot of time trying to weed through too many kids bedding products that only somewhat meet your criteria. You might be interested in very particular features for the products, such as blue cotton airplane sheets or organic pink princess patterns.

Speaking of organic items, if your little one has a tendency to suffer from allergies or skin irritations you may want to consider purchasing kids bedding that is certified organic. Be careful though, because just because a label has the words organic or natural on it does not mean that it was grown and processed without toxins and chemicals, so you must make sure that your organic kids bedding has a tag or certificate on it that states that it is certified organic and absolutely free of any dangerous toxins and chemicals.

New Trends Developing in Custom Bedding Scene

Cozy cottage florals, vintage storybook prints, old-fashioned toys and hand-painted wooden furniture are just a few of the reasons why the Warm Biscuit Bedding Company feels homegrown. And then there’s the little known fact that the children’s catalog company was actually born and raised in the home of owner Vicki Bodwell.

“I used to take calls while breastfeeding,” Bodwell, mother of three, says laughingly.  With an extensive background in advertising and marketing, as well as a love for vintage fabrics, she started the company in 1998 when the children’s décor category was still in it’s infancy. “The only choices for children’s bedding were licensed cartoon characters and washed-out pastels,” explains Bodwell. Her original idea was to offer existing bedding patterns. But when nothing she found seemed to fit her vision, she designed and manufactured her own line. “Moms today want to create custom look at an affordable price. They want their children’s rooms to be inspiring and fun,” says Bodwell of her bedding collection which includes playful themes borrowed from 1950’s school readers, cowboys and bucking broncos (a nod to her native Texas), and fresh combinations of vintage floral prints and bold stripes.

The company, which began as a humble two computer operation in the bedroom of Bodwell’s New York City loft in 1998, now employs seven full time employees as well as a cast of freelance photographers, artists and craftspeople, most of which are her personal friends. “My suggestion to anyone who wants to start a business is to tap into every talent you have and then tap into all your friends’ talents as well,” she advises.

The Warm Biscuit Bedding Co., which began as a 25,000 catalog mailing, currently mails 2 million annually, offers its entire product selection on its website. Although the focus remains on bedding, Bodwell continues to expand the Custom Corner, a custom furniture division that now represents 25% of her sales. “It’s very important to our customers that they be able to create a look that is representative of their style. The Custom Corner allows the customer to be their own designer,” explains Bodwell. The mix of exclusive bedding, custom furniture, fabrics by the yard and gift items like stylish aprons and old-fashioned toys help make the catalog a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.

When asked about the three ring circus of marriage, children and business, Bodwell doesn’t complain. “I’m combining my passion with my work and creating a future for myself and my family.” Her husband Brad is a business consultant and shares her passion for the company. “Brad and I regularly hire a babysitter on Sunday night so we can come into the office and work on the business. “It’s our date night…and we truly do love it.”  Her three sons, Fischer, 8, Henry, 6 and Wesley, 4, are also an integral part of the company. They’ve all modeled for the catalog and often help Bodwell with product testing. “Sometimes in a meeting my staff will disagree on whether or not to include a toy in the catalog or on the website. So I’ll bring it home to see if my kids play with it. Who better to ask about a toy than a kid?”

Time For A New Pillow – Read On

Be sure you have a comfortable bed pillow to rest your head on as you hopefully spend about one third of your day and night in bed sleeping. With so many choices on the market, you might be stumped about what type of bed pillow will give you the best night’s rest. With our tips, we’ll take some of the mystery about buying a bed pillow.

Decide on the Right Size of Bed Pillow
The size of bed pillow you pick will depend on the size of your bed and how you sleep. For a twin, you’d probably choose a standard pillow. For a queen bed you’d get two queens, and for a king bed you’d get two king pillows. If you prefer a large pillow to snuggle with on a smaller bed, use a king on a twin bed. Or if you want a stack of large pillows to lean on, you’ll get more. And you could choose 4 or 6 standard pillows for a king size bed. Luxury hotels use 4 king pillows on a queen bed. The choice is yours and depends on what you like.

Set Your Bed Pillow Budget
Like everything, you can pay a lot or a little for a bed pillow. And you usually get what you pay (or don’t pay) for. A cheap foam pillow might cost as little as $5 but a top quality down or feather pillow can be over $100, depending on the size. If you have a limited budget, select one or two good quality pillows to actually sleep on and use an inexpensive one for leaning up against for reading or for decoration with a sham on your bed.

Do You Sleep on Your Back, Your Side, or Your Stomach?
If you sleep on your back, you might want a flat bed pillow. If you sleep on your side or your stomach, you’ll want good support for your neck. Most quality pillows give information about the best use for the type of pillow you’re considering. Try out several types for greatest comfort.

Choose the Fill You Prefer for Your Bed Pillow
After size, the next most important thing to decide is what type of fill you want. A foam pillow will feel firm and hold its shape throughout the night, even when you shift on the bed. A down pillow will squish with your head and give it a soft cushion. You can crumple it up for snuggling. Something right in the middle would be a pillow made with polyester filling. And a good quality compromise might be a pillow with a core of foam or feathers, surrounded or wrapped with an outer coat of soft down. Most top quality feather and down pillows are hypo-allergenic and can be used by people with allergies.

Do You Like a Soft or Firm Bed Pillow?
The “loft” of a bed pillow is determined by the volume of fill it contains. For a firm pillow, the fill will be tighter. For a soft pillow, the fill will be lighter. Regardless of the firmness, be prepared to renovate the feather or down fill every 10 years or so. And of course, foam disintegrates or breaks down

Bed Pillow Cover or Ticking
The cover on a foam bed pillow is not too important. But for a feather or down pillow, be sure that the ticking or cover is tightly woven cotton so that the feathers don’t leak out. Buy a pillow cover for every pillow you own. This will keep the ticking clean and protect the pillow cover.

Care for Years of Comfort
It’s important to clean a bed pillow regularly. The pillow should come with care instructions. Some feather and down pillows can be washed in a home washer. Others recommend dry cleaning. Save the cleaning instructions in your linen closet and follow them for longest life.

Before You Purchase Bed Covers…

Do you remember when all bed sheets were white cotton? If so, you’re probably amazed at how many options are on the market now. You can add color, style, and pattern to your bedroom with the newest bedding. Read here what you should do and know before you spend your money to buy new bed sheets.
Measure Your Bed
You’re probably familiar with a twin or queen or king size bed. But did you know that there is no absolute standard measurement for beds with these names? While the top measurements are rather consistent from maker to maker, there is some variation. So before you go shopping, measure your bed carefully, noting the dimension from top to bottom, side to side, and the thickness of the mattress. Some are wider than others or longer. Be sure you know exactly what you need when you shop.

Pick Your Store
Major department stores carry both name-brand sheets and house-brands and offer a wide range of colors, quality, patterns, and prices. You might have a specialty linen store near you that has more luxury lines or decorated or embroidered bed sheets. Or you may choose to shop on-line where the options are almost endless. If you have something specific in mind, shop around. But if you’re after basic sheets, you might find a good bargain at a discount store. You’ll have lots of choices.

Learn About Thread Count in Bed Sheets
Right on the front of the label, the manufacturer will tell you the tread count of the sheets. This refers to the number of threads per square inch in both directions in the weave. The higher the thread count, the more luxurious the feel of a fabric. But beware, as a higher thread count usually means that the individual threads are thinner and may not wear as well. For good wear and to get the softest feel, we suggest you choose a thread count above 250 but no lower than 175.

Choose Cotton or Blends, Flannel, Silk, or Satin
For sheets you’ll sleep on every day, treat yourself. Choose the best you can afford. After all, you’ll hopefully spend 8 hours a day lying on them! Cotton is the most popular sheet fabric, but some people prefer non-wrinkling cotton blends. For chilly winters flannel is cozy. For luxury, choose satin, silk, or microfiber. You might buy a pair of pillowcases in different styles and see which you like best, how they feel to sleep on, how they wash. Then decide if you want a whole set.
Check the Sheet Measurements
You know the exact size of your bed. Now check the exact size of the sheets. Be sure that the fitted sheet is deep enough for your mattress, or that you haven’t found a California King sheet set and your bed is an Eastern King. Remember that many sheets will shrink as much as 7% in the first washing.
Buy More Bed Sheets Than You Need
If you’ve spent a lot of time deciding on what bed sheets to buy, you won’t want to have to do it again soon. Consider buying two or three sets that are identical so you can trade off. If something spills on the bottom sheet, you can replace just that. If someone puts a foot through the top sheet, you won’t have to start over. And be sure to buy extra pillow cases for freshness.
Check the Laundering Instructions
Silk sheets are sensuous and wonderful, but will you have to have them dry cleaned each week? Can you afford that? Be sure that you’ll be able to care for your new bed sheets the way the manufacturer recommends. They’ll last longer, and if you have any problem, you’ll be able to return them if you’ve cared for them properly.

VOC Free Paint for a Healthy Bedroom

You know what they say: Once you go no-VOC, you never go back. OK. So I’ve never actually heard anyone say that before. But it’s true-now that I’ve painted with VOC-free products, I’m never going to use the standard stuff again.

Over Labor Day weekend, I managed to paint an entryway, a hallway, a living room, and two bedrooms (with a bit of help, of course!). And we did it all with paint from Sherwin-Williams, which I picked because there was a local store and because they have a couple of paint options that are GreenSure certified (essentially, it’s a high-performance, more environmentally friendly product).

My first paint choice was Harmony Interior Latex, which is zero-VOC, low odor, and silica-free and has anti-microbial properties. But, alas, shopping at a small-town paint store comes with some drawbacks, so I ended up with a mixed bag of paint products. The stucco-color walls are Harmony, the green ones are Duration Home (low-VOC and low odor), and the yellow walls are ProGreen 200 (also low-VOC, it’s typically sold to pros rather than homeowners).

But I also have a red accent wall in my bedroom, and because I was purchasing paint from a small-town store with limited options (on a holiday weekend nonetheless), that paint color didn’t come in a can with an environmentally friendly label. I wasn’t so excited about that fact, but at least now I know first-hand how much better the other paints are.

The funny thing is, even before I opened any of the cans of paint, I knew what that standard paint was going to smell like. Why? Because when I got up close to the walls, I could smell the paint the previous homeowners used. And it didn’t smell good.

That’s because standard paints offgas volatile organic compounds (yep, that’s what VOC stands for). And even when the strongest smell goes away a few days after your walls have been painted, those VOCs continue to contaminate the air in your home for as long as a year after you’ve finished painting. According to the EPA, in addition to contributing to air pollution, VOCs can cause icky ailments ranging from respiratory, skin, and eye irritation to headaches, nausea, and worse.

Back to my painting tale … It came as no surprise to me that the GreenSure paints went on smoothly, the colors looked great-and there was hardly any scent at all. And that red accent wall? It made the whole room smell like paint normally smells, even though the other walls were painted with Harmony. Really. That’s why people often vacate the premises during and after interior painting.

All sorts of retailers besides Sherwin Williams are offering low-VOC paint lines now too. One caveat, however: There are often plenty of other toxic substances that come from nonrenewable resources and that are energy-intensive to produce in the paint can even if there aren’t many VOCs. So even the no-VOC paints and stains you buy might not be all that environmentally friendly. But at least it’s a step closer.

If you’re not sure what brand of paint is best, look for the Green Seal label. And, if you want more information, the green paint section at Green Home Guide is great-and they have a useful paint directory, which is where I started my search.

I’m more than a little disappointed that I settled for standard paint on the red wall. Sure, it looks nice, but the low-VOC walls in the rest of the room don’t have quite the impact when the red wall exudes a ton of volatile organic compounds. Plus, I recently learned that the deeper the hue, the more pigment needed, which means you’re getting more VOCs. Super.

Oh well. When it comes to green living (and first-time home buying, and painting your house when you’re still living almost five hours away from it), you live and you learn. And in the next house, you swear there won’t be any paint unless it’s VOC-free. (At least I have.)

Your Bed – A Reflection of Your Personality

Bedroom is the one of the private place in your house, a place for relax and ultimately for rest after busy activities all days. It is all about comfort because people spend a third of their lives in the bedroom. With the variety available in the market you can easily find the styles that fit best with your personality.

You don’t need to confuse of what style of your bed room might be. Just follow your heart and you will satisfy of what you create. Your bedroom reflects your personality.Just think what you will comfortable with. It is not that expensive design will be good or successful, but a balance between function and aesthetics gives rise to a comfortable space. You don’t need to change the furniture or the floor to chance the atmosphere. Pay attention with a few things will make it different. Here’s how to get started.

Bedding is the first thing. When you walk into your bedroom you want your bed to be the focal point. If you think the mattress is comfortable enough just need to change the bedding sets or add the pillows. You can purchase from classic to modern bedding by any source. You can choose the color, pattern and fabric types you desire.

Online is also a wonderful new way to complete your idea. You can select the items you wish by the pictures. But remember to consider your mattress size and material fit you the most. You may want a sheet that 100% cotton or percale which is a blend. A flannel sheet will be good for warm and cozy filling in the winter. Silk and satin will create the luxurious, sexy and romantic bedroom. Or maybe a traditional pure white sheet set will work with any style of bedroom.

Now you look at the wall. Paint color is important. If you want to stick with warm, cool, relaxing colors stay away from stimulating colors like cherry red, neon greens and canary yellow. You better choose paint colors based on an overall theme for your bedroom. But if you non confidence enough, neutral colors such plain white, lime green, buttery yellow, dove grey and sandstone are easier to match with many style of bed sheet and furniture.

And the final touch is adding accessories for your bedroom. Throw pillows, candles, flowers and lovely artwork will make your room special. Think about the details that make you happy and peaceful. Create the stunning effect with wall hangings, simple paintings, mirrors and photographs. Accessories are your personal statement- an extension of your personal space.

Suffering From Allergies? Try Bamboo Sheets.

If you suffer from allergies, you may want to think about purchasing bamboo bed sheets. Unlike regular sheets, bamboo sheets are actually hypoallergenic. What does this mean to you? Bamboo bed sheets will not cause your allergies to shoot off of the charts.

How can this be? If you trace the roots of any sheet material, you’ll quickly discover why regular sheets can cause instant allergic reactions. Contrastingly, bamboo sheets are ideal for people who suffer from allergies.

Natural sheets are made from natural materials. Bamboo is one type of natural material that is derived from the eco-friendly bamboo plant. This plant is naturally hypoallergenic, since it is fibers do not cause allergic reactions. Cotton is another type of material that is often placed within the “natural” category – though this is debatable.

The main difference between cotton and bamboo is that cotton has been known to cause allergic reactions including itching, rashes, and hives. In addition, synthetic materials such as sateen, satin, and polyester can cause a plethora of allergic reactions.

Since synthetic materials are made from various chemicals, there is little wonder as to why these materials cause allergic reactions. Thus, sheets that are made from 100% natural materials are best for allergy sufferers.

Unfortunately, most sheets on the market today are made from a mixture of different materials. Cotton is often mixed with synthetic materials (such as polyester) in order to lower the cost of cotton sheets (this is why many “cotton” sheets are inexpensive).

Likewise, synthetic materials are often mixed with other synthetic materials that contain harmful chemicals. Be aware of any sheet description that contains the word “blend,” which is a code word for mixed materials. Allergy sufferers will find that purchasing mixed-material sheets is the best way to induce an immediate allergic reaction. Attempting to control every aspect of your life in order to reduce allergies may be extreme. However, you can control the environment that you sleep in. When you get into bed at night, make sure that your bed is free from anything that could cause your allergies to worsen – after all, sleep is supposed to be restful, not disruptive.

Even though sheets may seem largely insignificant, the sheets that you choose to sleep in can greatly impact your quality of life. For any allergy sufferer who wakes up each morning with red eyes, a runny nose, and lots of congestion, natural bamboo bed sheets is the best possible option.

How Often Should I Change my Bed Sheets?

There is considerable debate on how often you should change your bed sheets. Several surveys conducted over the years suggests that the majority of people change their sheets anywhere from once a week to once a month. Most people recommend changing the sheets at least every two weeks, and some people may need to change them more often, depending on certain needs.

We shed skin cells at all times, and at night we shed these in our beds. Unfortunately these cells are the food of dust mites, and if you have allergies to dust mites, it may make sense to keep skins cells in bed at a minimum. Some people have extreme allergies and really need to change their bed sheets once a day. Most others can get by with changing sheets once a week, which is about the average rate of sheet change if you employ a housecleaner.

Obviously, if bed sheets get soiled sooner, they ought to be changed immediately. People who suffer from night sweats, or kids who have accidents at night should have sheets changed right away. Since it can take a while to get sheets washed and cleaned, it’s recommended you have three pairs of sheets for each bed. This way you have one available for immediate changing, one on the bed, and one that’s getting washed. You may need more sets if you routinely get behind on the laundry.

If you don’t have terrible allergies from dust mites, and your bed sheets aren’t soiled, it’s not likely to cause huge problems if you wait a little longer to change sheets. There are many people who only change bed sheets once every couple of weeks or once a month, and a few people in surveys don’t use sheets at all. It is a mistake to not use sheets and a good mattress cover. Failure to use these may increase dust mites in your mattress and reduce mattress life. It can be less expensive to buy three pairs of bed sheets or even two, than it is to have to replace a mattress sooner than you’d like.

Another related question is how often you should change blankets and things like comforters. You can lengthen time in between changing comforters if you use comforter covers like duvets. This allows you to simply wash the cover every few weeks. Some people do recommend changing all bed clothing once a week, but many people find this difficult. If you do have allergies, but have trouble getting all bedclothes washed each week, consider using lighter blankets that are easier to wash, instead of using things like bulky comforters or quilts.

Age
1. How old you are does play a role in how often your bedding needs to be washed. Children do not sweat as much as teenagers and adults and can have their sheets and pillowcases washed every two weeks. For teenagers and adults, washing the sheets and pillowcases weekly is adequate, especially during the hotter months of the year. Mattress covers and other blankets should be washed every two weeks.

Allergens
2. For people who struggle with allergies, bedding should be washed every couple of days. This will cut down significantly on the the number of allergy attacks you will have. In this situation, it is best to wash all bedding, sheets, pillowcases, mattress cover and blankets at the same time. In an effort to avoid wearing out your bedding too quickly from all of the washing, try rotating through two or three different bedding sets. Also, shower at night before getting into bed. Doing this will cut down on the amount of pollen and other allergens that would otherwise get into bed with you.

Other Activities
3. The bed is also a place for much more than sleep, such as sex and snacking. If either of these things are regular occurrences in your bed, it is best to wash bedding after each such activity, since food and bodily fluids attract outside germs and also create their own.

iPod Touch Bedding

iPod Touch and beddings seem to be unrelated to each other in our mind.

But obviously the designers don’t think so and they have come up with the iPod Touch Bedding that includes a matching pillowcase and duvet cover.

Really good news to those iPod lovers! So what do you think of it?

If you’re living in Sweden, you could buy it right now.

Folks in other countries, however, may still have to wait for it.

How Sleep Positions Affect Your Slumber

Getting consistent and quality sleep is something many adults in the U.S. and Britain find elusive, studies have shown.

Do you get more than seven hours of sleep a night? On a regular basis?

Lack of sleep, as well as troubled or shallow sleep, can lead to health problems and fatigue during the day.

Even if you don’t have insomnia, you may not be getting adequate sleep due to something you likely have not thought about.

You’re going to be surprised; this is a simple thing that makes perfect sense…

According to the UK’s Telegraph:

A recent poll conducted by the National Sleep Foundation found that nearly two thirds of adults have trouble at least a few nights a week. Seven or eight hours is considered by experts to be the optimum amount for adults, but a third of Britons regularly sleep five hours or less a night, with 18 per cent claiming they never get a good night’s sleep.

But the secret of a peaceful night may be as straightforward as a simple adjustment to the position in which you sleep. (Is Your Sleep Position a Nightmare, Telegraph)

The article goes on to outline five of the most common sleeping positions.

These positions are:

* The Fetus
* The Solider
* The Starfish
* The Log
* The Yearner
* The Free-Faller

No, they are not lost books from T.S. Eliot’s epic “The Wasteland,” but simple descriptors of sleeping positions.

Let’s break each one down.

1. The Fetus

As it sounds, this position resembles a milder fetus pose, lying on your side with your legs bent. Your arms are slightly out.

This is one of the healthiest positions, according to the experts quoted in the Telegraph article:

Not only does it allow air to pass freely through the body’s passages, Chris Idzikowski, director of the Edinburgh Sleep Centre and an expert in sleep disorders, says it also deters stomach reflux, where digestive acid travels back from the stomach causing a burning pain – a common problem for those who sleep on their back.

However, do not put weight on your arms, as this will cause pins and needles; instead try crossing them in a brace position. Osteopaths also advise that fetal sleepers maintain a straight back. (Telegraph)

I’ve found this to be one of the most comfortable positions for me to enter sleep. Also I seem to wake up in this position most often.

2. The Soldier

This position has you on your back, legs straight, arms at the side.

(An alternative to this position is one I call the “Dead Man’s Chest.” Your arms are crossed over your chest or folded. In unfamiliar beds this is often the only way I’m able to fall asleep.)

This position is not the best for a quality night’s sleep.

There are also respiratory issues.

The Soldier position promotes snoring as your tongue has a tendency to fall to the back of your mouth.

3. The Starfish

On your back, your arms and legs spread out and going in whichever direction’s the most comfortable.

Obviously this position is limited to having a large bed or sleeping alone.

However, this is healthiest way to sleep on your back if you’re inclined to do so, even though this position also leads to snoring.

If you have trouble sleeping with someone else, it’s okay to bring up the idea of separate beds or different rooms, if you or your sleeping companion snores. There’s a cultural taboo about sleeping apart, but the truth of the matter is sleep is more important than societal norms.

And it’s not like you have to advertise the fact you and your spouse sleep apart… no one has to know as its your business and your business alone.

4. The Log

The Log position looks something like a body on its side with arms straight down.

The Telegraph states:

“As long as the mattress and pillows are supportive,” explains osteopath and sleep expert Danny Williams, “this position maintains a neutral spine, allowing it to lengthen. Also, breathing is not compromised and all of the body functions work well.” (Telegraph)

The article goes on to claim this is an excellent position that should make everyone comfortable.

5. The Yearner

Once again you’re sleeping on your side, but this time your arms are reaching out.

“This is an excellent position to sleep in, and the one I recommend,” says Sammy Margo. “Lying on either side can help the structures of the back discs, muscles and ligaments adopt an optimal position.”

Having your arms in front of you will prevent them going to sleep. You may wish to position yourself at a quarter turn so that you are not squashing your shoulders together. (Telegraph)

6. The Free-Faller

The “skydiving” position with your body on its front, head turned, arms on and above the pillow.

Try to avoid this one.

This “skydiving” position has the potential to cause a lot of problems. Resting with the neck at a 90° angle can cause stiffness and “cricks”. Sleeping with your hands up at face level can generate pins and needles, often the result of compression in the bundle of nerves in the neck. If you sleep in a bed that is too soft, this position may also put an asymmetrical strain on your spine. (Telegraph)

Next Page »