Why You Can’t Keep Your Bedroom (and Home) Clean

One of the most common routines most of the populace share is the need to tidy up our homes every so often. It seems like despite our regular effort to clean up, the mess keeps coming back and, honestly, it tends to get old. Just imagine how much time you can spend on other things if you don’t have to spend an our or two cleaning every week!

Of course, you can also opt to live in the midst of all the mess. If you’re not too particular, there’s really nothing wrong with living in an untidy space. It may not be pleasing to the eyes, but it can save you (and your sanity) from having to tidy up every so often, as long as it doesn’t affect your sleep and your home is not filthy and unsanitary.

If you can’t deal with a messy house but all the cleaning up is already driving you nuts, then maybe, before you pick up another shirt on the floor, you should ask yourself why you can’t keep your bedroom clean.

Apparently, there are tons of reasons why keeping a house clean is an impossible feat for some people. For one, there’s just so much clutter. Having too much stuff makes it so hard to tidy up a space because there’s nowhere else to put them. Especially if you have limited living space, owning a lot of things can be the major cause why you can’t keep your home tidy. What you need to do is learn how to purge and live minimally. With all the things you have, it’s highly likely that you’re not even using all of them anyway, so why not give some away to family or charity? You can also opt to do a garage sale and profit even just a little from the things you really don’t use anymore.

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Another reason why bedrooms can’t be kept clean is the fact that you tend to procrastinate. Sometimes, we get lazy to put an item back in the closet, drawer, or shelf, leaving them on top of a table, seat, the floor, or even the bed. This, of course, creates unnecessary mess that can be avoided by being a bit more disciplined in putting back stuff where they belong.

Actual dirt can also be a primary cause of your bedroom being perennially dirty. In some areas, dust is a common issue, so to minimize this problem, close the windows when you don’t have to be in the room and make use of heavier curtains to keep the dust out. Dust isn’t really something that you can get rid of, so if this is you main problem at home, you can’t easily cut corners and you’ll have to dust, wipe surfaces, and vacuum regularly.

The next time you ever wondered why your bedroom keeps needing to be tidied up, these reasons should easily explain it. And always remember that you can actually cut down your need to clean up if you just remember to do a thing or two.

How to Work a Sectional Sofa into Your Space

Sectional sofas can be quite tricky to have, as their size and shape can be a bit of a challenge to work with for some spaces. However, they’re amazing with all the seating they can offer. So, if you’re having some second thoughts whether you should get Salem’s Ashford sofa, read on and you might just get some ideas on how you can work out a sectional sofa inside your home.

Make sure it fits in your space.

When shopping for a sectional, always take measurements so you’ll know if it will fit inside your home. Otherwise, you can expect some hassle. Never just eyeball the item and *think* it will fit, because most of the time, it won’t.

If you have a spacious living room, you can place it in the middle to define the seating space.

The great thing about a sectional sofa is that it can easily be a focal point in your living room. Throw in a huge rug, a complimenting coffee table or ottoman, and an accessory or two and you’ll be able to define a living space easily.

Industrial Living Room by Chicago Interior Designers & Decorators jamesthomas Interiors

Put it in a corner.

This may just be the most clichéd tip in the list, but really, it works. Sectionals are pretty much made to fill corners and make the most out of compact spaces, so why not try this layout? It can easily create an open floor plan, creating a more spacious vibe.

Get another one and place them in front of each other.

If you have a bigger space that can fit multiple bulky furnishings, getting two sectionals of the same size and different arm placements (see below) could easily create a cozy space.

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Have it face a corner to create a cozy nook.

Also ideal for bigger areas, a sectional facing a corner can create a private nook in the middle of an open space.

Traditional Dining Room by San Francisco Interior Designers & Decorators Artistic Designs for Living, Tineke Triggs

If you live in a small space, ditch the other chairs and stick with the sectional instead to make the room feel bigger.

Some people don’t want a sectional sofa because they have limited space thinking it will make the area look cramped and crowded. However, for sectionals, it’s actually the opposite thing. A sectional sofa can provide ample seating surfaces for small rooms, so you don’t really need additional ones. It also works great in defining a space, making a room feel more inviting and open. So, if you have a small space that you want a sofa in, consider getting a sectional for it.

Know what you need.

Sectionals come in two varieties, right arm facing (RAF) and left arm facing (LAF), so you have to know whether how you want it placed inside your space before you get one. In Ashford’s case, the chaise arm is attached to the main body of the sofa, so you might have a hard time if you order the wrong kind for your home.

How would you know which one you need? Get to know your space better and take into consideration the points above. If you’re going to place the Ashford in a corner, how will the sofa fit? The lay out of the space you intend to place it in should definitely factor in which kind of sectional sofa you should get, so you really need to plan first before purchasing.

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With proper planning, you can easily work in a sectional in your home. It may take some extra work to pull it off, but with its great promises, we’re sure it’s totally worth it.

How Do You Know If You’ve Had a Good Night’s Sleep?

We all have those mornings when we wake up with a massive headache, getting out of bed a bit groggy. While you try not to hurt yourself as you make your way to the bathroom still half -asleep, you remember why this is happening, as you’ve just woken up from an 8-hour full-night’s sleep. You pause and think, I tried to sleep better last night and this is what happens.

Then there are those days when you’re too busy you just crash in bed and sleep from 2 am to 6 am then wake up like a champ. You actually expect a raging headache, feeling a bit light-headed, and just overall sleepiness, but nothing. You’re wide awake and you can’t even force yourself to fall asleep again.

With all the things you read about sleep, a long one tends to be the most promising and achievable. The case, however, is that, it may not necessarily guarantee a good night’s slumber. As experts say, adults need 6 to 8 hours of shuteye with exemptions. Some people actually need less, while others need more. A definite number isn’t agreed upon, so if you think that 8 hours of zzz’s is enough to guarantee you quality slumber, you can be wrong. Sleep is a very complex and confusing thing, but, if you should know a thing or two, it’s how to tell whether you’ve had a good night’s sleep or not.So, what are the things that will clue you in whether you’ve had a good night’s sleep or not? Check out our list below.

1. You woke up naturally without any alarms or disturbances.

As your body tends to pick up on routine, if you go to bed and wake up at around the same time everyday, it will soon be a part of your body’s internal clock. With a regular bed and wake up time, you will even find yourself waking up naturally before your alarm goes off. Alarms tend to stress the body out, so your body gets rid of the need for an alarm clock, waking you up before you need to be disturbed by this disturbing contraption.

Why is this a sign that you’ve slept well? As we go through different sleep phases during the night, waking up naturally ensures that your sleep wasn’t disturbed in the middle of deep sleep phase. This can ensure that you feel great when you wake up and that you’ve gotten enough restorative zzz’s.

2. You feel refreshed.

A lot of us sleep because we’re tired, so it is an achievement to wake up refreshed after a full night’s sleep. If you wake up refreshed after a night’s rest, it’s a good sign that your sleep has been restorative.

3. You are not suffering from body aches and pains.

A good night’s sleep also factors in comfort. This is why, if you wake up from a long slumber with body aches, you can’t really say you’ve rested well.

4. You don’t need ten cups of coffee for your brain to start working.

If you feel like you need a boost to start the day, you really can’t say that you’ve had a good night’s rest. Relying on caffeine means that your body is still not fully awake, leaving you wanting for more zzz’s.

If you find yourself checking all these items after a full night’s sleep, then you’re in a very good place. It only means that your efforts in getting better quality sleep is working. Keep it up and you’ll surely enjoy the many benefits of a good sleep hygiene.

Types of Pillows You Absolutely Need at Home

While pillows may seem to be some of the most basic items in the home, you might actually be surprised at how different types can help spruce up and add function to your home. Available in a wide array of shapes, sizes, and designs, there are tons of options when it comes to pillows. This is why it can really be challenging to pick out the ones you need when faced with the challenge of shopping for home pillows.

If you’re on the search for some pillows to use as accents and sleeping tools at home, here’s a list of the essentials we recommend.

Rectangular standard bed pillows

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When you say pillow, the rectangular ones are the first thing that will come to mind for a lot of people. As most of us only use pillows for sleeping, the standard bed pillows are the most commonplace for the general populace. Standard size measures 20×30″ but variations are also available that can go up to 20×72″.

Salem Bed Regular Pillows

 Salem Bed Goose Down Pillows

Bolster Pillows

Also known as “hotdog” pillows, bolster pillows add depth to your bed’s styling and serves as an excellent dantayan for when you sleep. They come in a wide range of measurements, so it is up to you how long you want yours to be.

Salem Bed Bolster Pillow

Throw Pillows

Throw pillows are some of the most versatile kinds of accessories at home. Both decorative and functional, you should definitely get a few in your living room, bedroom, even kitchen (if your space allows it), and porch.

For inquiries regarding Salem Bed pillows, contact our Retail Department at (02) 432 0562.

Sleep Could Be Your Valentine this V-Day

While many of us already have things planned for Valentine’s Day, some are still clueless with how they want to spend it. But if you ask us for ideas how to spend V-Day (whether you have someone special or not), we’ll tell you that sleep can be your (or your extra) Valentine this coming Sunday.

Sleep could be the best Valentine ever for so many reasons:

1. Although, they can be elusive for some, they’re always comforting.

Just imagine how refreshed you’ll be after an hour-long nap!

2. Sleep is always a great way to pass some time.

If you don’t want to really go through Valentine’s Day, spending it with sleep will help you watch the time fly.

3. Sleep is a low-cost date.

No money, no problem! Sleeping doesn’t really require you to spend a lot of money, unless you intend to get a new mattress. Even then you’re not really on the losing side, as mattresses are great investments that could last a long time. Especially if you get a Salem Bed, you’re guaranteed quality sleep for countless nights.

4. Homebodies will find their perfect match in sleep.

As some say, home is where the heart is, and in this case, sleep as well. Most of us sleep best at home, making sleep a great Valentine’s date for homebodies.

5. Whether you’re already spending V-Day with your special someone, sleep can double as your Valentine’s date activity as well.

Such versatility cannot be found elsewhere!

Honestly, if you’ll ask us, every holiday can be spent by sleeping. Sure, there are tons of things that you can do on V-Day, but if you want a fuss-free activity, catching some zzz’s can be the perfect option.

Is Anxiety Keeping You Up All Night?

Many of us suffer from mild anxiety the moment we lay down in our beds. Sometimes, it doesn’t even matter how tired you are, thoughts tend to start racing after a long day. This, of course, can cause some folks to stay up later and even develop insomnia through the long run, making anxiety worth addressing right away.

While it may feel like you can’t shut out your anxious thoughts at night, there are ways how you can deal with anxiety so you can catch more shuteye. In this article, wellness expert Dr. Drank Lipman shares a few things that you can try to help ease anxiety come bed time.

Prepare to unwind

Some people do not have problems with powering down as their bed time approaches, while others take time before they get to unwind. Most folks with anxiety find it difficult to power down, so the best thing to do is to prepare for powering down. You can try meditating or some yoga poses that could help calm and relax.

Supplement your relaxation

The right supplements can also help calm your mind before bedtime, making them excellent aids in helping you power down. Look for products that contain magnesium, taurine, L-theanine, GABA, and 5-HTP. You can also count on herbs like valerian root, chamomile, magnolia, lemon balm, and passionflower to help you unwind.

Limit your caffeine intake

Caffeine has a half-life of seven hours, powering your senses up for the whole day if you happen to drink a cup in the morning. However, if you get an espresso for your afternoon break, it’ll most likely affect your system well into the evening, keeping you up and buzzed until late at night. This is why limiting down your caffeine intake is essential if you want to sleep easier come bed time.

Instead of coffee, try matcha green tea instead or a different herbal tea. Then work on sleeping better so you won’t have to need a pick me up in the afternoons so badly.

Cut down on blue light exposure

Blue light, typically found in electronics like our phones and tablets, tends to stop the body from producing melatonin, which is essential for inducing sleep. It can also affect your circadian rhythm, making the body think that it isn’t night time just yet. This is why people who want to sleep better should put their hand held gadgets away as their bed time nears.

Try some breathing exercises

Once you’re starting to feel like anxiety is about to take your thoughts over, one good trick, according to Dr. Lipman, is to breathe. The 4-7-8 breathing trick by Dr. Andrew Weil is employed by the expert to help patients calm down.

 

If all else fails, you can also try the nifty trick of listing down all of your worries upon climbing on the bed. Keep a handy notebook or pad by your night stand and just start jotting down your thoughts. This way, you can release your tension, as well as feel like you’ve done something to start accomplishing your goals and worries. It will help to calm you down and ready you for some zzz’s.

How to Sleep with Pets & Keep Your Mattress Healthy

As mentioned in our previous blog posts, we have stated before that here at Salem Beds, we recommend against sleeping with your pets. Aside from the possibility that they will damage your mattress, there’s also a huge chance that they will disturb your sleep. However, there’s also no denying that sleeping with pets can also be beneficial to your slumber. Which is why, it is totally up to you whether to let your pets into your bed or not.

If you choose, though, to sleep with your pets, a few precautions should be observed. Especially if you want to keep your mattress healthy and in a good shape, make sure to take these tips to heart.

1. Potty-train your pet.

To avoid bedwetting (or at least minimize the chances of it), potty training your pet is essential. It may not be the easiest thing to do and will ask a lot of patience from you, but by trying this out, you’re teaching your fur baby a great trait. It may even help you travel with them with less fuss, as you don’t have to worry too much about them peeing everywhere.

2. Use a rubber mat.

Protective rubber mats are typically used by parents who co-sleep with infants. It minimizes the chances of urine wetting the mattress, serving as a waterproof shield. This is why it makes sense  that it can also be used for pets who like to sleep in their owners’ beds.

3. Clean your mattress more often.

Aside from urine, other things from your pet can also soil your mattress easily. This is why it has to be cleaned more often than you do when it’s just humans who sleep on them. Vacuum your mattress at least twice a week, especially if your pet sheds, so there won’t be a lot of pet hair on your bed. You should also change sheets at least once a week to ensure the cleanliness of your sleeping surface.

4. Air it out.

Airing the mattress out not only lets your bed breathe, but it also lets odors dissipate. If you can’t take your mattress outside for some sunning and fresh air, you can at least take off the sheets once a week and let it sit bare for a few hours.

5. Keep your pet well-groomed.

Keeping your pet well groomed can also help ensure the health of your mattress. If you keep your pet clean, you can be sure that they won’t stink up the bedroom and won’t bring illnesses as well. Regular and proper grooming can also help your pet to shed less, letting you enjoy a clean bedroom free of pet hair.

6. If your mattress has already been damaged, you can have it professionally cleaned or serviced.

If you already sleep with your pets and they have already peed on it, there are a number of ways how you can help your mattress recover. If these didn’t work for you, you can consider hiring a professional mattress cleaner or opt to have your unit serviced. Here at Salem Beds, we can replace foams and fabric covers. Just contact us and we’ll be more than happy to help you.

Now that you know how to keep your mattress in good shape, sleeping with your pets should be a lot easier. Let’s just hope that they don’t have disturbing nocturnal habits, so you can be guaranteed of a good night’s sleep.

 

Sleeping With Pets: The Pros & Cons

There’s no doubt that every pet-owner is emotionally attached with their fur babies, so much so that some even can’t bear to make their pets sleep in a crate or a separate bed. As we all know, sleeping with a loved one can be more relaxing, and the constant touching and assurance that they are right next to you, even while you’re catching some zzz’s, tend to provide a good sense of security. This is why it just makes sense that some people like to share their beds with their pets.

This is why it has been long debated whether it is good or bad to sleep with your pets. From our standpoint, we tend to tell our customers that sleeping with their fur babies is not a good idea. Why? Here are some reasons:

1. Untrained pets can ruin your mattress.

We all know that every Salem Bed is an investment, so we only want you to get the most out of your purchase. Sleeping with an untrained pet, however, could easily damage your unit, as mattresses aren’t really designed to withstand excessive exposure to bodily fluids. As we use polyurethane foam in our products, chances are, pee will get absorbed into the mattress and getting rid of the stench can be a hassle. While drying it can be quite simple, as you can always use a blow dryer to dry up the wet patch, the smell could linger. This, of course, can be a good way to affect your sleep and put a good purchase  to waste.

2. They can disrupt your sleep.

Like humans, pets have their own ways when they are asleep. Some kick, others snore, while there are also who like to scratch non stop in the middle of the night. Sharing a bed with sleepers like these can be a nightmare especially if you tend to sleep lightly and any movement wakes you up.

3. They can cause allergies.

Pet dander is one of the most common causes of allergic reactions among humans. If you or your partner suffer from this type of allergy, it is very likely that sleep will be pretty elusive if you want to share your bed with your fur baby.

4. Your partner might not want to sleep with your pets.

A lot of couples tend to have varying opinions when it comes to sharing the bed with someone else. Some folks don’t want to co-sleep with kids, while are very willing to share their bed with pets. Others prefer having their beds all to themselves. This is why before you let your pet in the bed, make sure to ask your partner first whether they’re okay with it. It can be hard to fall asleep knowing that someone important to you is clearly upset, right?

However, studies show that sleeping with your pets can also be a great way to end the day. In a survey conducted by the Mayo Clinic, a huge chunk of the subjects have reported to sleep with their pets without any negative effects. They say that their fur babies do not disrupt their slumber and even “helped improve sleep by providing warmth, contentment, or relaxation. Individuals also claimed that having a pet in bed made them feel a sense of companionship when sleeping alone due to a lack of partner or a traveling partner.”

As almost every pet owner tend to consider their pets to be family members, it’s just normal that many would want to be together with their fur babies as much as they can. And since we spend most of our time sleeping, it is easy to understand that some folks like to have their pets just an arm length away. Especially if their partner frequently travels, having someone else, may it be a squishy fluff ball, to share the bed with can be a great thing.

So, should you sleep with your pet? The answer depends largely on how your fur baby affects your sleep. If you sleep more comfortably with them by your side, the choice is really yours. However, if you get disturbed by their nocturnal habits, maybe getting them their own beds would help you sleep better.

Interesting Animal Sleep Facts

Just like humans, sleep is a major necessity for animals. However, they have their own peculiarities and requirements, depending on the species. As fascinating as our sleep is, animal slumber is truly a curious thing.

This infographic by UK’s My Bedframes will tell you a number of amazing animal sleep facts that are all sorts of magnificent and adorable. Check them out below.

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These Sleeping Babies will Make You Go Aww

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We know how hard life can get, so why not sprinkle some adorable to it and make yourself smile a little bit? With all the stress we try to deal with everyday, a tiny bit of cute can help turn things around. And  to help you get started, we’ve rounded up some of the cutest fur babies (in the middle of a nap) to make you go aww and help you get through some midweek madness.

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People tend to envy those who sleep like a baby, and if the baby they’re referring to is this furry baby, we totally agree! Maru is one of the cutest sleeping Shiba Inus around and his adorable plushie gives us a good case of cuteness overload.

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Just how adorable is Norm? Really! Look at this little guy!

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Sir Charles Barkley may not look like a morning doggie, but if you catch him at other times of the day, you might be able to see his megawatt smile.

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What’s better than a cute sleeping cat? Two sleeping cats, of course! For a big dose of daily cuteness, you can turn to these bros, Bob & Kevin.

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Nope, they’re not toys. Buddy & Boo are definitely some of the squishiest looking fur babies, though.

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We can hardly tell when Merlin is asleep, but it’s fine because he’s cute no matter what.

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Mr. Bagel the Chinchilla is not just cute, but also advocates for the adoption of rescued animals and against wearing fur.

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Maya the Pitbull is best known for her portraits with magnificent use of props, but she is also a vision when she’s asleep.

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Mr. Smoosh is possibly the most expressive cat we’ve ever seen. Each of which is equally cute and adorable.

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We’re fairly certain that no one can argue against Snoopy’s cuteness.

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Jamon looks the most peaceful while snoozing with his buddy, Nero.

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Nero the Pig is one photogenic snoozer! Good thing he loves to catch zzz’s so we get to see a lot of him while asleep.

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Just how cozy is this bunny? She’s even able to eat while sleeping!

We hope we got to make you smile despite the start-of-the-week stress and that you get to sleep as peacefully as these babies tonight.