Sleep plays an important role in our health and these days it is more important than ever to keep our immune systems as healthy as can be. Lack of sleep can affect your immune system and studies show that people who don’t get quality sleep or enough sleep are more likely to get sick and/or take longer to recover.
In a recent survey of women across the USA conducted by WomenCertified Inc, data shows:
81% of women believe a good night’s sleep contributes to her overall health.
94% of women believe that the right mattress will prevent tossing and turning thereby helping her sleep better
43% of women said that increasing sleep discomfort followed by 21% who said needing to change the size of the mattress was a reason to look for a new mattress
40% of women surveyed believe that you should replace a mattress every 10 years.
78% of women stated cost was a reason for prolonging the decision to change a mattress followed by 36% who felt that their mattress was still in good condition after 10 years
Top sleep challenges prohibiting women from getting a good night sleep were: Back/joint pain, temperature (getting too hot/cold) and a close third place tie of tossing/turning, partner disturbance, and insomnia
Mattresses should be replaced every 8-10 years. While your mattress may look fine on the outside, did you know that an eight-year-old mattress contains more than 10 pounds of dead skin cells and the average bed is home to six billion dust mites. You read that correctly: six billion!
I don’t know about you but that alone makes me want a new mattress today!
Since you spend a ⅓ of your life on a mattress, it is important that the mattress meet your needs. Mattresses are not all the same. Making sure you have a good, clean mattress is key to getting good sleep.
While a mattress is a costly investment, think of it as an investment in your health. A fresh mattress will help you sleep better and in turn keep your immune system healthy.
The Shippable Scott Living Mattress by Restonic Mattress has made a huge difference in my sleep. I am so appreciative of the quality rest and sleep I have gotten lately. I would strongly suggest giving Restonic a try and you will find that the mattress is a balance of firm and soft – middle of the road. The mattress is so comfortable with the right amount of comfort for a full night’s sleep. The pictures shown are of a queen mattress – highly recommended.
The mattress comes in the mail, bubble wrapped, and completely covered and protected. This mattress is rolled and easier to carry up the stairs. I highly recommend carrying up to the location in the box, then opening and removing from the box where it will flatten very quickly.
The Shippable Scott Living Mattress has an individually wrapped coil base and has coil edging to provide extra support under the memory foam/gel top layer.
Restonic has earned the Women’s Choice Award as a highly recommended mattress brand by women across the USA and I can see why!
I have moved numerous times in my life, I consider myself an expert mover.
I have configured my moves in multiple ways. I have rented a truck, enlisted family, moved over days, and hired movers.
Here is how I manage bringing everything safely to the next destination. The last three moves have been done by Black Tie Moving They are amazing for several reasons:
1. Big Bulky Furniture is wrapped and placed in the truck neatly and safely.
2. Use a red carpet on your floors to keep your floor scratchless and damage less.
3. They will pack and move for you.
4. You get an estimate while on the phone. A few basic questions and you receive a quote.
5. They know the approximate time it will take to move you
6. You can pack everything and move to a garage or inside the front door to save on cost
7. They have insurance in case of damaged items on delivery
8. You get professional movers – people who move on a regular basis who get the job done quickly and efficiently
9. They are dependable and reliable. They confirm your time and show up as promised
Staging sets the scene for your home. This allows a buyer to have an emotional connection to the space you have. Staging your space is done in layers.
Base: Primary Item
The most necessary items needed for the purpose of the room. For example a bed, a desk, a table and chairs
Layer 1: Secondary items that contribute to the function of the space
Side tables, lighting, occasional seating
Layer 2: Accent Pieces
Rugs, Artwork. These items accent the “style” or bridge differing styles with color and texture
Layer 3: “Icing” Pieces
These are comfort pieces and add to the luxury of the space. They beckon the viewer to feel compelled to interact within the space.
A well staged space will have a common thread that runs throughout the design. But don’t dwell on a single tone. Just as a song, a well staged room has highs and lows to engage a person using the space. Find a base color and accent with both lighter and deeper shades. Accent a room with accessories that round out the theme. Most items in a room should be a “middle” tone with a few special accents. Too many and there they get lost to an overstimulated mind. Use multiple fabric textures between the soft seating, the floor coverings and accent pillows.
The most challenging area can be closet space:
Notice the space is light and airy and is mostly white hangers and is not bulging with clothing. The majority of clothing was packed up to give a bigger feel to the room.
You will notice all white (Sherwin Williams Extra White) on trim, doors, and cabinets. The walls in most spaces is (Sherwin Williams Versatile Grey) and the Bathroom Vanity and Kitchen Island (Benjamin Moore Kendall Charcoal but paint from Sherwin Williams) the closet ceiling is a foam green to create a more spacious feel. Paint is an easy fix to stage a house and can add a large value to the end price. More pictures to come on the before and after.
Special thanks to @nthdegreecompanies specifically Neal, Jeff, Alan, and Derek.
Talk to a local real estate agent and professional home stager for customized advice
Consider a home inspection to identify any issues that should be fixed prior to selling
Declutter and Depersonalize
Go through every room and get rid of anything you no longer want or need
When in doubt, choose neutral colors: white bath towels, white bedding
Depersonalize the décor
Remove wallpaper, popcorn ceilings, and outdated carpet
Less visual clutter – bookshelves a few select items
Pack away family photos, certifications, toys, kids art, and pet supplies
Remove bulky furniture
Keep blinds open during a showing; natural light always
Clean the house thoroughly
Kitchen
Clean the interior of the cabinets, appliances, and entire kitchen
Evaluate the appliances; consider updating (stainless always)
Clean everything off the countertops to show as much counter space as possible; select 1 or 2 decorative items such as jar or vase with flowers
Put away small appliances
Remove the trash cans out of the kitchen to the garage for showings
Neaten up the pantry; box up extras and keep a minimalist feel
If cabinets are outdated, consider a fresh coat of paint and new hardware
Remove duplicate bowls, dishes, pots and pans; keep one set of attractive matching dishes. Do the same with cookware, flatware, and glassware
Decluttering shows how much space you have
Under the kitchen sink, remove everything that is not needed
Upgrade light fixtures
Living Room
Remove bulky and unnecessary furniture; take the rest to the garage or basement
Create an open feel
Minimal decor on bookshelves and on the coffee table
Outdated furniture or bold colors furniture – use a neutral slipcover
Pack up video games, movies, magazines
Add colorful accent pillows or blankets to chairs, sofa: go for symmetry
Add lighting – lamps and chandeliers
If you have one, clean out the fireplace and stage it (such as with a stack of wood or tools)
Slideshow of beautiful images on your tv like a screensaver during showings
Bedrooms
Gender neutral all bedrooms
Depersonalize – no pictures, floral things
Surfaces should be clear – maybe a flower
Put away jewelry and other valuables in a safe place
Declutter and organize your closet (more on that later)
Create spacious feel to all bedrooms- remove bulky furniture
Bathrooms
Clean and sanitize – polish everything
Make necessary repairs like re-caulking around the tub and sink
Polish everything
Remove outdated elements like unappealing tile and flooring
Declutter the countertop and cabinets and organize the latter
All white towels – think spa experience! New bath mat, white shower curtain
Remove everything off toilet, sinks, all personal items – medicine, toothbrushes should be out of sight
Remove stains and rust; consider regrouting and scrubbing.
Closet
Tackle one closet at a time.
One season of clothes only
Same hangers (preferably white) same direction
PACK away for future. Put in garage, basement, or in storage.
Thoroughly clean the closet.
Paint it white.
Other Spaces
Address any awkward spaces and stage them to make them more appealing
Declutter your home office, store any personal documents, and clear space
Declutter and organize the garage
Declutter! Consider it pre-packing for your move. Box up clothes, books, anything not used- consider placing in the garage or a storage unit.
Get rid of all personalization items and posters.
Keep closets, basements, and attics as empty as possible to maximize the appearance of storage space
Swap dim lights for high-wattage bulbs.
Check doors and drawers and make sure they are clean and open; hardware is clean and replace if needed
Hardwood- consider sanding down and restaining
Hire a professional cleaning company to deep clean prior to pictures
Curb Appeal and Backyard
Powerwash the outside of the house; driveway, front porch, sidewalk, gutters
Make sure mailbox is nice, labeled
Make any necessary repairs to the exterior of the home
Add a fresh coat of paint to the front door and garage doors especially if the colors are unconventional and make sure any light fixtures are clean and updated
Consider a fresh coat of paint to any bright garage doors or front doors – black or white should be considered
Front porch should be clean and have a new welcome mat
Grass should be watered, cut, fertilized, bushes and shrubs neat – call a landscaping company if you need help
Make sure bugs, insects, spider areas are swept clean
Hide recycle bins and trash cans
Organize outside wood piles and twigs.
Create a nice outdoor living space; consider the outdoor living space as a second living room
I really liked each of these dresses for different reasons and for the price; you can’t beat it. The jeans are fun and are definitely a change from my skinny jeans or leggings.
What dress do you like best? I think I like the gold one the best….or the hot pink!
