SLEEP LIKE A BABY

Imagine that you have the most relaxing and peaceful sleep of your life. Won't that make you start your day right? Now, envision yourself having trouble sleeping and when you finally do, your back aches in the morning. Perhaps even more than your back. Your legs seems tired, your body doesn't want to move. Is this the way you want to start your mornings? We spend at least six to eight hours minimum a day on our bed. That means around a third of our day. Choosing the right mattress for us is something vital to a good life.

What types of mattresses are there in the market? From the cheapest to the most expensive, these are what you can find locally.

First, we have the polyurethane high-density foam. This is a regular type of mattress supplied by Uratex. This type has medium to firm support. Yes, it's the same material used for your dish sponges.

via The Mattress Ideas

Second is the latex foam mattress that uses a combination of synthetic and organic eco-friendly materials. This is a firm type of mattress. It's like really firm! I bought a Sleepcare latex foam pillow at Duty Free, and yep, gave it to my husband as I had an achingly sore back in the morning! 

via In Nature

Third is the spring mattress. These are made with hand-tied steel coil springs to support your back. Take note that each manufacturer has a different layer that adds comfort to your sleep. For the first photo below, we have the regular spring mattress.

via Ikea

For the next photo, we have pocketed coil springs. Each coil is individually wrapped in a "pocket" which means that if you sit down on edge of the bed, the other part won't "move." Of course, there'll be a slight movement but it won't be as drastic as the regular coils. This is perfect for a couple's mattress.

via Amazon

Fourth is the memory foam. Memory foam was developed by NASA during the 1960's. I won't give you the technical details. The important thing is that memory foam molds to your body shape. The idea is that the foam cushions your shape and gives you a more pleasant sleep. I tried memory foam before and boy was it hot! So if you tend to get hot (as is normally the case here in the Philippines), either lower your airconditioning temperature, or maybe, even better, try the new memory foam with the gel technology supposedly cools down your body temperature. This is one mattress I haven't tried though--and I am so tempted to try at least the pillow! Yes, I admit I'm a pillow junkie! I've been trying and buying different types of pillows over the years.

via Snug Mattress

via Amazon-Lucid

Now that you know all the types, which one should you choose? Aside from the budget, find out what type of support you normally gravitate to. Is it soft, medium or firm? This will narrow down your choices quite a bit.

Also, as an added feature some use a combination of types. Most common is pocket-coil springs with a memory foam top. Some even have a plush pillow top that makes your sleeping much more comfortable.

What is truly important is to actually try lying down on the mattress. No matter how much explanation I may give you, you'll never know how it feels unless you try it. Lie down on your back, or on your side, or if you sleep on your tummy, try that too. Simulate how you normally do it. Stay for a while and try different types. I've done this at Dexterton Mattress Gallery. That's the way I chose my bed and no, this isn't an advertisement! I just love my Simmons! Find out what mattress sizes are available in the market by clicking on the image below.

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A LOCAL GUIDE TO MATTRESS SIZES

I know it's confusing. We have so much mattress sizes in the market. Practically everything when you think about it. The notorious problem here when you buy beddings is that lengths are always different, even height! A good basic guide is to follow the Uratex sizes with 75" length.  

via Uratex

Uratex

Uratex is a local Filipino brand loved by the whole nation for their quality foam and bed products. 78" as far as a I know is a special size and therefore, made-to-order.

Common sizes:

Single = 36" x 75"/78"

Double = 48" x 75"/78"

Full = 54" x 75"/78"

Queen = 60" x 75"/78"

King = 72" x 75"/78"

via Dexterton Mattress Gallery

Simmons at Dexterton

Simmons is a world-class brand and I have to admit, I finally purchased one last year! It was quite a splurge but my body thanks me for it! Watch out when they have a sale as you can get as much as 30% off!

Single/Twin = 39.4" x 75"

Full = 54" x 75"

Queen = 60" x 75"

Asian King = 72" x 78"

King = 72" x 80"

American King = 76" x 80"

California King = 72" x 84"

Eastern King = 78" x 80"

via ph.tempur.com

Tempur

I was contemplating between this and Simmons, however, I did decide to go with the former. I have no experience (aside from pillows) with the Tempur mattress but for those mattress snobs out there, this is absolutely perfect!

100 cm x 200 cm = 39-3/8" X 78-3/4"- equivalent to single

135 cm x 190 cm = 53-1/8"X 74-3/4" - equivalent to double

152 cm x 203 cm = 60" X 80" - equivalent to queen

180 cm x 200 cm = 71" X 78-3/4" - equivalent to king

193 cm x 203 cm = 76" X 80" - equivalent to American King

200 cm x 200 cm = 71" X 71"

I told you it was confusing! I will not even get into the different heights as there is so much! Just one last reminder before you buy your mattress. Check where to buy the beddings as these are all different sizes. Unfortunately, one size does NOT fit all. I hope somehow this enlightens you a little bit. Buying a mattress is not as easy as it seems. Do your research and go visit the mattress showrooms! On another day, I'll give you some tips on how to choose your mattress type.

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LIGHT IT UP!

There is no doubt that natural light is the best light, but what about at night? We have different artificial light sources, but the most common ones are the LED lights that have replaced the ubiquitous incandescent and fluorescent bulbs. But in order to take your lighting up a notch, we have different lights that would be perfect for all of your bedrooms!

As a lighting rule, we have three types of light based on function-- general lighting, task lighting and accent lighting. General lighting gives an overall even illumination. Task lighting is reserved for tasks like reading, cooking, office work and should be free from glare or the lowest acceptable glare. Accent lighting highlights collections, an accent wall, a painting, landscaping and anything else you want to place a spot on. 

Moving on, let us talk about lighting for the bedroom. Aside from a main light source like a pendant, chandelier or downlights, a pair of bedside table lamps are recommended if you and your partner like to read or finish up some work before bed.

https://imgur.com/0exPsoX

For your kids’ bedrooms where they usually do their studies as well, a desk lamp or a reading lamp would be necessary.

If you have a guest room and would like to show off a little bit, dramatic pendant lights or a crystal chandelier would be perfect!

Sconce lights by the bedside tables are perfect for small spaces.

via Homedit

If you want to take your lighting a step higher, consider placing cove lights behind your headboard and even under your night table for a very modern look.

via Mcalister Mansion

Another way to create more drama is to add side lighting to your headboard!

via Acura

As what has been noted in the previous posts, it still depends on your preferences and the design style of your room. If you are feeling a little confused and overwhelmed with the amount of choices you have, consult with a professional who can give you the type of lighting that suits you best.

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MAKE SPACE AND MAKE ROOM!

Struggling with so many things, but so little space? Here are some tips and tricks for organizing your closet and saving space for new items in your wardrobe!

First, you need to determine which clothes, accessories, and shoes are going and which ones are staying. You can never have all of them forever. Truth be told, you probably don't use half the items in your closet. For all the clothes you haven't even used for six months, this includes those that you secretly wish you'd fit in again but somehow don't. Yes, I admit I have a lot of those. Sort out accessories and shoes in the same manner.

Donate them to an organization or have your own garage sale. H&M accepts preloved clothes and gives you a 15% discount voucher. Or try the app Carousell.

Next, follow some DIY blogs from where you can get ideas on how to make your own drawer organizers. These are easy to make and they will sure save you a lot of space in your drawers! Or if you're lazy, there are cheap drawer organizers in the department store. Very handy and makes it easy for you to see all your things at in a glance. I tend to look at the Japan Store (locally) or Dollar Store if you live in another country. Ikea has a large section on organizers too! 

Drawer organizers from Container Store

I was looking at scented drawer liners online and for the purpose, it seems unreasonable for the price. So I had a great idea to simply use cheap wrapping paper and spray them with linen spray. Isn't that such a wonderful idea?!

Another tip is to repurpose your shower curtain rings as hooks where you can hang your scarves, ties, belts, and other clothing accessories. And speaking of hooks and rings, install hooks at the back of your closet doors for your bags as well.

Rubbermaid closet system

When it comes to your apparel, one of the best ways to organize them is according to type and color. That means putting all your pants together, all your blouses, and so on. 

In addition, allot one section of your closet for your winter wear, another for office/school wear, another for casual, and the list goes on. This will actually help you decide on what to wear in the morning.

DESIGNER TIP: Use all the same type and color of hangers. It will make your closet look cohesive. Ideally, wooden hangers look more luxurious. However, sometimes limited space dictates you use a slimmer type of hanger to make way for more clothes. This tip will make your clothes look even better!

Sweaters should never be on hangers!!! You don't want to have those hanger marks they leave. Fold sweaters in a lovely basket.

When stacking shirts, don't stack higher than the height of your hand. It will be easier to remove. Don't you hate it when they look like a mess? For your kids, use shorter stacks or if you can, just hang them all. That will definitely make you sane and not let those piles look impossible.

Clear shoe box from Container Store

Looking for fun ways to store your linen? Place them in vintage boxes (or baul in the local vernacular). Woven baskets are a good place too.

Shoes are best placed in a shoe rack where you can see all of them in a glance. For those that you don't wear as often, keep them in clear storage containers. Make sure to keep those silica gels you find in shoe boxes. Use them in your shoe area to keep them dry and not musty. In case you threw them out, you can find some at your local hardware store. Try True Value or Ace Hardware.

Install hooks at the back of your closet and/or bedroom door. You can use these for those clothes you intend to reuse or for belts.

Finally, remember that you want your clothes dry and not prone to molds. For this, I seriously recommend buying a dehumidifier. These are available as well at Japan/Daiso stores or at your local hardware. They are a lifesaver.

You don't need to keep all your things.  You would be surprised to have more room than you imagined.

More tips and tricks in my blog, so stay tuned! Also, subscribe to my mailing list for updates and promos (see link at the bottom of page).