How to Find a Bedding Sale

Down bedding is considered the platinum standard for bedding. Its cloud like look and comforting warmth can help transcend a cold, dreary day. Down bedding is a seasonal product that has price variations from a material stand point through the year. Most department stores have ‘winter’ bedding programs that go up in October and then sell discount down starting in January. Most consumers use down bedding October through March – so for the patient shopper down deals can be had.

Where And How Down Bedding Comes From?

Down bedding usually consists of a down filling being inserted into pillows, comforters, blankets and throws. Down as a material is dramatically different then feathers – where down is soft and provides warmth, feathers are firm and provide support. Typically, the price for down filling is roughly 12 times the cost of feathers – so as a filling material down is much more expensive. Down is collected from Europe and China where consumers in those regions enjoy Duck and Goose on special occasions much like Americans prefer Turkey at Thanksgiving.

Down is nature’s best insulator and helps to keep the birds warm even in frigid waters. Hence the use of down as a filling material is preferred for comforters, blankets and throws to provide amazing warmth without weight. Feathers on the other hand are used for support as the hypoallergenic standard.

Down and feathers are a commodity item that are bought, sold and traded around the globe. Weather patterns can affect the prices of down filling because if it is cold in China and enough Chinese consumers need to buy warm down jackets – the filling material will experience a price spike. These price spikes will be reflected in the prices of down bedding at department stores. Usually the best time to buy down bedding is after the winter season as stores try to move old the remnant merchandise and bring in the new spring collections.

One area of opportunity is to buy down bedding online and even better still direct from the manufacturer. Buying through the down manufacturer is a nice way to avoid the department store mark up for their merchandise. Typically buying down bedding online can save 30-40% off typical retail prices. In addition to manufacturers there are a number of overstock and liquidation type websites where smart consumers can find bargains. The only downside to buying discount down bedding from those overstock type sources is that you are not sure who originally manufactured the item and what quality standards they use to make sure the items adhere to both federal and industry quality standards.

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?”

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.

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.

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)

Easy Tips to Wash Bedding Properly

As winter melts into spring, lighter linens and cotton sheets will replace down-filled comforters and fuzzy flannels. But bedding can be an expensive investment. Before packing up the warm winter bedding, make sure to launder properly. The following guidelines from the Coin Laundry Association will help extend their life:

# Be kind to your bedding. Wash and dry in large-capacity machines. Most household washers can hold between 10- to 12-pounds of laundry. This is not large enough for a queen-size comforter. Commercial-grade washers can handle up to 75 pounds of wash and are best for cleaning bedding. Using larger machines will extend the life of your comforter and your home washer and dryer.

# Wash colored bedding in a mild detergent. Whites should be followed up with an oxygenated-bleach. Avoid chlorine bleaches, which leave a residue that is hard to clean and can cause discoloration over time.

# When drying your bedding, use a fabric-softening sheet as opposed to a liquid softener. Fabrics, such as down, have a tendency to absorb the liquid unevenly.

# Contrary to popular opinion, you can wash down-filled bedding. Be sure to read the care instructions, but most down comforters and pillows can be laundered. Use a mild detergent to wash and when drying put some clean tennis balls in the dryer to help fluff and distribute the down.

# Wash and dry flannel sheets separately. Flannel has a tendency to deposit lint in the dryer. Perhaps the most important care instruction for flannel is not to over-dry. Over-drying can cause wrinkles to set and colors to fade.

# Wool blankets can be washed and dried! Use cold water on a gentle cycle and fluff dry. Add some towels to help absorb moisture and cut down on drying time.

# Save time and use a drop-off service.

# Always read the care labels. Laundering comforters and bedspreads at the laundry saves money over dry cleaning, but certain fabrics, such as satin, cannot be washed and should be taken to a professional dry cleaner.

Cleaning and Storing your Winter Bedding

-Read care labels. Laundering can save money over dry cleaning but certain fabrics, such as satin, can’t be washed. Make sure you follow the directions on the label.

-Some wool blankets can be washed and dried. Use cold water on a gentle cycle and fluff dry. Add some towels to help absorb moisture and cut down on drying time.

-Wash and dry flannel sheets separately because of the lint factor. Be sure not to over-dry. Over-drying can cause wrinkles to set and colors to fade.

– When drying your bedding, use a fabric-softening sheet as opposed to a liquid softener. Fabrics, such as down, have a tendency to absorb the liquid unevenly.

-Wash colored bedding in a mild detergent. Whites should be followed up with an oxygenated bleach. Avoid chlorine bleaches, which leave a residue that is hard to clean and can cause discoloration over time.

-Be kind to your bedding. Wash and dry in large-capacity machines. Most household washers can hold 10 to 12 pounds of laundry. This is not large enough for a queen-size comforter. Commercial-grade washers, found at most coin laundries, can handle as much as 75 pounds of wash.

Can you Justify Luxury Bedding?

Sleep Problems 101

If you have the ocassional bout with sleep problems, then I think you’ll love this new article on how to get better sleep! Here you’ll find all sorts of advice and ideas to help you sleep like a baby.

Sleeping better is important because we all seem to have too few hours to sleep. So, getting the most out of every hour of down time helps us have the energy to get through the next busy, hectic day. Lack of sleep or being sleep deprived can be dangerous, as well as taxing on our health and immune systems.

Sleep allows the body to restore itself, heal, and store the immune system. Skin cells are replaced more quickly during sleep than at other time. Swollen legs and ankles from long hours of standing lose the excess fluid buildup while sleeping. The body’s metabolism slows and brain activity changes dramatically.

Sleep disorders which cause some people to be unable to sleep well causes these people much frustration and a lower quality of life. One disorder of sleep, narcolepsy, causes a person to fall asleep without warning at any time, even while driving and while engaged in physical activity. This sleep disorder has clear dangers associated with the person’s inability to control falling asleep.

Another of the sleeping disorders that is quite common is sleep apnea. This sleep syndrome is common in people who are overweight, but even slim people can have this sleep problem. During sleep, a person with sleep apnea will suddenly stop breathing. This causes them to awaken dozens or even hundreds of times each night. Providing positive flow oxygen often solved the problem and allows the person with sleep apnea to sleep better. Obstructive sleep apnea is caused when tonsils, enlarged adenoids, an especially large epiglottis, or other obstruction causes the sleep apnea. Sleep apnea treatment for this type of sleep problem is usually surgical.

There are specialists in the medical field who study sleep medicine and perform sleep research. These researchers have determined the normal sleep cycles or sleep patterns which the average person experiences. By studying sleepers in a sleep lab or sleep centers, it is known that sleep is a dynamic process. There are distinct sleep stages which alternate in cycles, each reflecting different brain wave activity. Non-rapid eye moves (NREM) and rapid eye movement (REM) sleep alternate with NREM having four sub-stage: light sleep, stage II deeper sleep, and stages III and IV, which are the deepest sleep stages of NREM. These four sub-stages of NREM are followed by REM sleep and the entire cycle averages about one and one-half hours.

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