Boost Your Energy with These 5 Morning Routine Additions

Feeling sluggish in the mornings? Instead of reaching for your third cup of coffee and hoping for the best, it may be time to change up your morning routine. While nothing replaces a good night’s sleep, you can boost your energy with these five morning routine additions. 

1. Rethink Your Alarms

If you set multiple alarms to go off every 10 minutes or repeatedly hit the snooze button in the mornings, you’re probably making yourself feel more tired. While those extra five minutes seem like a good idea when we’re sleepy, in reality, jolting your body awake over and over isn’t helpful. 

Instead, try setting two alarms. The first should be 90 minutes before you need to be up. And the second should be the alarm that wakes you for the day. This gives you time to complete a full REM cycle between alarms so you wake up feeling refreshed instead of groggy. 

2. Stretch Your Muscles

Your body has been lying (more or less) still all night. So help your muscles wake up by stretching them out in the morning. As a bonus, taking the time to stretch can also help with aches and pains by giving your joints a chance to warm up, too. 

Consider building Tai Chi or yoga into your morning stretch routine. Both are wonderful for gently stretching your body. Plus, they help you recenter and boost your mood for the day, too. 

3. Eat Breakfast

Do you make a habit of rolling out of bed at the last minute and then rushing to work with nothing but a cup of coffee for breakfast? We’ve all done it. But that sort of routine will wreak havoc on your energy levels. 

In fact, your body works to conserve energy when you don’t eat breakfast. So if you don’t give your body the food it needs, your hopes of having enough energy to get through the day are pretty slim. Instead, make time for a healthy breakfast that includes plenty of whole grains, protein, and vitamins. You can even accomplish this with a whole grain bagel, cream cheese, and a piece of fruit when you’re short on time. 

4. Exercise

Exercising might be the last thing you feel like doing when you’re struggling to wake up. But it is a reliable way to boost your energy. So carve out a bit of time in the morning to exercise. You’ll feel much better!

Try boosting your energy by walking in the brisk morning air. The morning sunshine will help your body get the message that it’s time to wake up, too. Or make a trip to the gym in the mornings. The most important thing is to wake up and start moving! 

5. Improve Your Mindset

When we wake up feeling sluggish, it’s hard to have a positive mindset. And that makes it hard to have the energy we need to face the day. Thankfully, there are several things you can try to improve your mindset when you wake up. 

Meditation, journaling, practicing positive affirmations, and playing music you love are all excellent ways to improve your mindset. And when you feel better mentally, you feel better physically too. 

If you struggle with energy in the mornings, try boosting your energy with these five morning routine additions. And remember to prioritize getting a good night’s sleep. 

Do you need new sheets to sleep comfortably at night? Learn how to choose the right sheets for you with our Ultimate Guide for Buying New Bed Sheets

5 Tips for Fall Cleaning & Organizing

Fall is the perfect time to refresh your home. The weather is turning cooler, holidays are drawing nearer, and you’ll likely be spending a lot more time indoors. So it makes sense to prepare now, but where do you start? Here are five tips for fall cleaning and organizing.

1. Clean Heaters, Chimneys, and Vents

Fall weather is notoriously unpredictable. So it’s best to prepare now for chilly weather.

Cleaning baseboard heaters and chimneys, and replacing filters should all be part of your fall cleaning routine. That way, you’ll be ready to turn on the heat when the air turns cold. 

Fall is also a good time to clean your dryer vent. You’ll soon be spending a lot more time indoors, and you don’t want a clogged dryer vent to become a fire hazard. 

2. Banish the Dust

If a bit of dust has accumulated on your windowsills, under furniture, or on shelves, it may not bother you too much in the summer because you’re still getting lots of fresh air. However, with the cooler weather, you’re likely to spend a lot more time inside with the windows shut. So it makes sense to banish all that dust now.

Remember to check hidden areas like light fixtures, the top of ceiling fan blades, and behind furniture. And don’t forget to wash rugs and shampoo carpets, too!

3. Clean and Organize Places That Will Be Uncomfortable Later

There’s a good chance you haven’t set foot in your attic all summer, and who could blame you? It’s probably 120 degrees up there! But if you wait until winter, it’ll be too cold to stand. That’s why fall is a great time to clean places that will be uncomfortable later. 

Your basement, attic, and shed are all places you should clean and organize in the fall. The temperature will be tolerable, and you’ll need the storage space to swap out your summer and fall items. So give these places a thorough cleaning, and sort through the items you have stored. If there’s anything you aren’t using, fall is a great time to sell or donate those items.

4. Store Summer Items

Now that you’ve tackled your storage spaces, it’s time to put your summer items away. Begin outdoors, and give all your summer furniture and equipment a good cleaning. Then, pack up sports equipment, pool floats, and other summer items until next year.

After that, move indoors and get to work on your closets. Set aside anything you haven’t worn to sell or donate. Then, put away your summer clothes and shoes and replace them with your fall and winter wardrobe.

5. Change Your Linens

It’s time to transition from light, summer linens to cozier sheets and blankets. Fall is also a good time to check your linens to see if any need to be replaced. And don’t forget the guest rooms! Spruce them up before your holiday guests arrive. 

To prepare for fall, remove and wash your summer linens and put them away until next year. Then, replace them with fall linens like flannel sheets. They’ll keep you warm and cozy on cold nights. And they’re breathable enough to be comfortable on warm nights, too.

Do you need new sheets to prepare for fall? Check out our Ultimate Guide for Buying New Bed Sheets

The Ultimate Guide for Buying New Bed Sheets

Searching for the perfect sheets? We can help! At Cozytown Linens, we know that buying new bed sheets is a significant investment, and you don’t want to waste your money on sheets you don’t absolutely love. That’s why we’ve put together the ultimate guide for buying new bed sheets. Here’s how to find the perfect sheets for you.

Measure Your Mattress

We cannot stress enough how important it is to measure your mattress in order to get a perfect fit. It’s common for mattresses to be undercut. So purchasing bed sheets based on sizes like full, queen, or king may not give you an accurate fit. Instead, you should take a few crucial measurements. 

First, measure the length and width of your mattress. If it matches a standard size, you can purchase based on that. However, if it doesn’t, you’ll need to purchase custom sheets for a perfect fit. Fortunately, if you purchase from Cozytown Linens, that won’t cost you any extra. 

Next, measure the depth, or thickness, of your mattress. The depth of the mattress plays an important role in determining the pocket size needed for the fitted sheet. The pocket size is the seam measurement on each corner of the fitted sheet. The length of the seam needs to be 2 to 3 inches deeper than your mattress depth, so that you have a couple of extra inches for tucking under.

Consider Different Types of Fabric

When buying new bed sheets, take time to consider different types of fabric. They’ll all influence your sleep experience. Think about whether you tend to be hot or cold when you sleep, how you like your sheets to feel, and how much care and maintenance you want to put into your sheets.

For instance, cotton is a great choice if you tend to be a hot sleeper, because it is breathable and wicks moisture away from the body. The only down side is that it wrinkles. A 50/50 blend sheet is an easy care, no iron option, but it’s not as soft as cotton and creates a hotter sleep environment. Satin sheets provide you with a silky elegance fit for a queen. Satin pillowcases are gentle on your hair and helps prevent tangling.

Buy Bed Sheets for Different Seasons

Changing things up is always fun, and sometimes it makes sense, too! Buying new bed sheets for different seasons is a great idea. It allows you to refresh the look of your bedroom and stay comfortable all year round.

For instance, many people adore the unparalleled coziness of flannel sheets in winter, or you may love the feeling of crisp, clean cotton percale sheets in the summer. Alternatively, you may like changing colors with the seasons. So think about what makes you feel best in each season.

Buy Bed Sheets that Match Your Style

You should love every aspect of your new bed sheets, including the way they look. Don’t ignore your personal style and preferences when buying new bed sheets. Fortunately, there are plenty of color choices and fabric types to choose from, so you’re sure to find an option you love.

At Cozytown Linens, we understand that process and offer free fabric swatches. That way, you can see and feel the fabric before making a purchase. Simply contact us and we’ll be happy to help!

Microfiber vs Cotton Sheets

Quality sheets are an investment, so it’s important to purchase the right sheets for your bed. The material you choose will affect how long your sheets last, how much they wrinkle, how they feel when you sleep on them, and how much they cost. With that in mind, let’s examine the pros and cons of two of the most popular materials on the market: microfiber vs cotton sheets.

Benefits of Microfiber Sheets

Microfiber is a blend of ultra-fine synthetic fibers that was first created in the 1950s and has since become widely used in a variety of products, from cleaning cloths to athletic clothing to bed sheets. The fibers are made from polyester, nylon, and cellulose and must be no larger than one denier thick. These thin fibers give microfiber sheets a soft, silky texture.

Microfiber sheets are also very durable due to the fibers being so closely woven together. And they generally come at a lower price point than cotton sheets, so they’re more affordable. Plus, microfiber is wrinkle-resistant and doesn’t stain easily, so microfiber sheets are often easier to maintain than cotton.

Drawbacks of Microfiber Sheets

Because microfiber sheets are made of synthetic fibers, you’ll need to be careful when laundering. Drying on a hot setting may damage the synthetic fibers, so it’s best to dry on a medium setting or line dry your sheets.

According to Hibermate, many bed linen fabrics have a tendency to pill, but microfiber sheets are less likely to pill due to the content of the fabric.

When it comes to your sleep experience, microfiber tends to be less breathable than cotton. And that means microfiber sheets are also hotter to sleep on. So if you tend to be a hot sleeper, microfiber sheets will likely create a very uncomfortable experience. Additionally, some people are sensitive to the synthetic fibers and chemicals in microfiber sheets. So contact dermatitis could be a concern.

Benefits of Cotton Sheets

Cotton is a safe, all natural material that has been used for thousands of years and it’s one of the best materials you can choose if you want bed sheets that keep you cool. Cotton bed sheets are soft, comfortable, and breathable. So in contrast to microfiber sheets, cotton bed sheets will help you stay cool and dry all night long.

At Cozytown Linens, we use premium Pima cotton because of its long strands, which can be woven many times. This creates soft, yet durable cotton bed sheets that will help you enjoy restful nights for years to come. And because cotton is a natural fiber, it’s much less likely than microfiber to cause allergies or skin irritation. 

Drawbacks of Cotton Sheets

The benefits of cotton bed sheets have helped them remain a popular choice for centuries, but they do have a few drawbacks. High-quality cotton sheets tend to be more expensive than microfiber, so they do require a greater investment. They are made from natural fibers, so they also tend to be less durable than microfiber or blended fabrics. 

Additionally, cotton bed sheets are prone to wrinkling. So you may need to iron them or try these helpful Bed Sheet Care Tips to minimize wrinkles. Alternatively, if the benefits of cotton bed sheets appeal to you, but you hate ironing, opt for a cotton/polyester blend instead. Our 50/50 Blend Sheet Sets offer the natural softness of cotton combined with the no-iron convenience of polyester.

Need a little more guidance in selecting the perfect bed sheets for you? We’re always happy to help! Contact us here, and we’ll reach out to you soon!

What is a Fitted Sheet?

Life is hectic, and nothing beats crawling into a cozy, comfortable bed at the end of an exhausting day. Properly fitted bed sheets play a significant role in achieving that level of comfort.

A fitted sheet is a bed sheet that has elastic around the edges and is designed to fit snugly over your mattress. The elastic is typically hidden within a hem for a neat and tailored look. This elastic helps keep the sheet in place, preventing it from slipping off the mattress during the night. Fitted sheets are commonly used along with flat sheets and pillowcases to make up a complete bedding sheet set.

Choosing Between Low Profile and Deep Pocket Fitted Sheets

Before we begin ….

What is the pocket on a fitted sheet?

The pocket on a fitted sheet is the seam in each corner of the fitted sheet. For a proper fit, the pocket or seam measurement should be 2″ to 3″ deeper than your mattress. For example, if your mattress measures 12″ deep, the correct size fitted pocket for your mattress would be 14″ or 15″. Although some people prefer three inches for tucking under the mattress, two extra inches is sufficient for tucking under.

For a proper fit, the fitted sheet should be sized to your mattress dimensions (width, length, and depth) allowing two inches for tucking under the mattress.

Low Profile Fitted Sheets: Perfect Fit for Shallow Mattresses

Low-profile fitted sheets are designed for thinner, shallow-depth mattresses. Many of the fitted sheets sold in stores have very deep pockets and will state that they fit mattresses “Up to 15” deep” or “Up to 18” deep. These very deep pocket sheets can be used on a thin mattress, however, they will not fit properly. The excess material creates wrinkles in the sleep surface which are uncomfortable to sleep on. Even if you are one who tosses and turns during the night, a fitted sheet made specifically for low-profile mattresses will ensure that the fitted sheet stays snugly in place.

Deep Pocket Fitted Sheets

Deep Pocket Fitted Sheet

On the other end of the spectrum, deep pocket fitted sheets are used on mattresses with a greater depth or height. Deep pocket fitted sheets are especially needed for pillow top mattresses or when using a mattress topper. The added material easily wraps around the deep corners of the mattress with enough fabric to allow a couple of inches for tucking under the mattress.  Typically pocket depths of 15″ and upward are considered deep pocket fitted sheets.

So, the next time you’re shopping for bed linens, choose fitted sheets that properly fit your mattress so that you can transform your bed into a haven of luxury and comfort, ensuring the restful night’s sleep you deserve.

Are People that Make Their Bed Every Day Actually Happier?

According to a recent survey done of 68,000 people, 59 percent of people don’t make their beds, while 27 percent do. The other 12 percent pay someone else to do it for them. While making your bed every morning is probably not a big deal to you, those who make their beds in the morning are proven to be happier and more productive throughout the day. Here are the top 5 reasons why you should consider making it a habit.

1.  Feeling Accomplished First Thing in the Morning

There is no better feeling than checking a chore off your list, and it feels even greater when its finished before you even start your day! Studies show that completing the simple task of making your bed will encourage you to do another task, then another, until all your tasks have been completed.

2. It’s a Gateway To Other Great Habits

It’s usually safe to assume that a person that regularly makes their bed also has formed other healthy habits. Going to the gym, waking up early, cooking for themselves are all examples of habits brought on by starting their day right.

3. It Prepares you Mentally for the Day

Making the bed may not be something you want to do, but getting into the habit of getting up and doing it will prepare you to do other things throughout the day. Achieving goals will seem easier if you form excellent habits. 

4. It Boosts Productivity

The phrase “The state of your bed is the state of your head” is so true and will hopefully influence your decision-making tomorrow morning when you wake up. Ask yourself if you want to be more productive and happy, because making the bed is a great way to start the day!

Bed Sheet Care Tips

With busy lives and tired bodies, there’s no better way to end the day than to nestle into a clean, cozy, freshly made bed.

Bed Sheet Care Tips

Cotton bed sheets, being soft and breathable, are the most preferred bed sheets of all time. The only down side to cotton sheets is that they tend to wrinkle. Shy of ironing, here are some tips on how to minimize wrinkling.

Washing Tips

  • Wash sheets separately with no other laundry. Untangle before placing them in the washer.
  • If your washer has different spin speed settings, choose the low spin speed cycle. With a lower spin speed, the wrinkles are not pressed in quite so hard and are easier to come out in the dryer.

  • Wash in cool to warm water and dry on a medium temperature. Never dry bed sheets with hot heat, as it will cause more wrinkling.
  • Remove promptly from the dryer and either place on your bed or neatly fold the sheets until you are ready to use them.
  • Drying bed sheets on a clothes line is a great way to not only save money, but it helps diminish wrinkling as they hang and leaves sheets smelling fresh.
  • Launder your bed sheets weekly. Not only are fresh, clean sheets more inviting, but the more cotton sheets are washed, the softer they become. When new, the fibers are a bit stiff, however, with regular washing the fibers become more relaxed, resulting in a softer sheet that is less prone to wrinkling.

How to Make Bed Sheets Last Longer

  • Do not use bleach when washing bed sheets. Even though you may be tempted to brighten up your white linens with bleach, regular washing with bleach will actually break down the fibers.
  • Do not use fabric softener. Fabric softener, like bleach, will also break down the fibers over time.
  • Although we may not want to admit it, we all can have rough feet from time to time.  Dry, rough skin acts like sandpaper, and as it rubs against the fabric it cuts the fibers, causing pilling and overall wear and tear. To help avoid this problem, try to keep your feet and elbows soft and moisturized.  

With proper care, you can extend the life of your sheets for long lasting comfort.

Top 4 Laundry Tips for Busy People

Lets face it, nobody likes doing laundry. It takes up time from our busy day, it makes us miss simpler times when our moms did it for us, and it is beyond tedious. Here are some tips that will help you get through the laundry process and ensure that you keep your sanity, and that your clothing and linens retain their high quality. 

1. Create a Laundry Basket System

Go to your local walmart or target and purchase a 3 part laundry sorting product. This will allow you to organize your clothes into three separate categories, lights, darks and pastels. Only good habits can be formed by owning one of these because you get used to always having a place for your clothes. It also allows you to do smaller, less overwhelming loads because you will have a better handle on which clothes are clean and which clothes are dirty.

2. Adding a Dry Towel to the Dryer

We’ve all been in the situation where you needed a specific pair of pants before going out, but the dryer’s cycle isn’t done yet. In this situation, remember that you can add a dry, clean towel to the mix to help dry your pants faster. 

3. Use the Dryer as an Iron

The ultimate time saver is the dryer’s ability to get wrinkles out of your clothes. This saves you from the effort needed to pull out the ironing table and iron. Just set the dryer on a ten minute cycle when you need wrinkles out of some clothing, and you should be set to go.

4. Stay Consistent 

The best way to reduce the stress and time consuming task of doing laundry is to be consistent. Mark your calendars for the days and times that you know you will be able to do laundry and this will help you get down a schedule that works great for you. You can keep up with your busy life so much easier when you can keep up with your laundry.  

Keeping Your Satin Fresh – How To Remove Stains & Have Peace of Mind

 It’s one of those days again. The dog jumped up on your bed after a long and messy walk. You find big, dirty stains on your beautiful, Cozy Linens satin bedspread – the last thing you needed to happen today. Luckily, with the right care, many of these can be removed with gentleness and care.

For a dirt stain, begin by brushing off the excess dirt. Doing so will ensure that you’re not rubbing the dirt deeper into the satin during the removal process. Secondly, apply soap to a damp cloth. Hand soap allowed. Using cold water to wet the cloth, rub the cloth together until the soap forms a lather. Now, try not to rub the stain. Blot it! Otherwise, the fibers in the satin can break down more quickly and wear out your material. Blotting will cause less damage as it lifts the stain from the material. As you repeat the motion with clean parts of the cloth, follow the grain of the material for a swift and smooth removal.

As for washing, you’re going to want to soak the item in cold water and mild detergent for around 3-5 minutes. Be gentle, working the material through your hands in the water to penetrate the fibers. Rinse until there are no leftover suds, and lay flat on another type of fabric to air dry. Avoid putting your satin in direct sunlight, limiting the damage to the fabric and preserving the rich color of your Cozytown linens.

Do all you can to protect your favorite bedspread – or anything satin, for that matter! We’re big satin fans around here, and we’ll be the first to say, “Satin Lives Matter.” For more information on how to remove oil stains and/or blood stains from satin, visit this article on WikiHow.

Link: https://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Satin

6 Decorating Ideas For Your Child’s Room

It can feel impossible to keep your child’s room stylish and clean. Between changing tastes and giant, creative play messes it is hard to make a space that works for you and your child. Here are a few easy decorating tips that are inexpensive and will help your child’s room feel personalized, homey and functional.

1. Metal Letters

Spell out your child’s name along a wall with inexpensive letters found at a hardware store. Hang the letters with ribbon. Old ribbon scraps you have laying around will work great and won’t cost you anything.

2. Wall Decals

Wall decals are a simple way to add a personalized touch to a room without changing the paint or wallpaper. Vinyl decals are easy to place and come off the wall without damaging paint. They are an easy way to cater to a child’s quickly changing tastes.

6 Decorating Ideas For Your Child’s Room

 

3. Geometric Painting

Canvases and acrylic paint are cheap to buy at a craft store. If you don’t have strong artistic skills, HGTV notes that geometric shapes are easy and quick to paint. You can even find forms to trace. Your kids may want to do this themselves!

4. Bulletin Boards

Bulletin boards add personality to the room, let kids express themselves and remind them of special times with friends and family. Let your child pick out his or her favorite pictures, mementos from special events, and art work to display on the board. Kids will enjoy big colorful pushpins to pin up their special treasures.

5. Chalkboard Paint

Are you tired of scrubbing crayon off the wall? Encourage your child’s creative side without all of the work. RealSimple recommends painting a designated space or even a whole wall with chalkboard paint so they can have a canvas as big as their imagination.

6. Cloth Storage Bins

Make picking up simple by placing several large cloth storage bins around the room. You can set them on bookshelves, in the closet or right on the floor. They come in all kinds of cute designs. Your kids will be encouraged to pick up when it is quick, easy and they know where everything goes. Open bins are a lot simpler than plastic containers with lids.

These six simple and inexpensive ideas will help create a space both you and your kids will enjoy. What are your favorite kid’s room decorating ideas? How do you let your kid’s personalize their space?

 

Image: “chalkboard paint!” by amy gizienski