Category Archives: Things We Like
Tips and Tricks: Sleeping with dogs
Post by Tracy Kaler.
Is It a Good Idea to Sleep with Your Dog?
Are canine snuggles on the rise? Let’s be honest. It’s hard to refuse the sweet, loving faces of our four-legged furry friends, especially when it comes to saying goodnight and crawling under the covers. And Americans aren’t refusing. According to the American Pet Products Association, almost half of all dogs sleep with their owners.
As a dog mom myself, I admit –– the absurd thought has crossed my mind (especially when hubby is out of town), but getting a full night of beauty sleep is far more important than snuggling with my almost 80-pound Labrador Retriever. Admittedly, I do, on occasion, allow him to come on the bed for a quick snuggle, but he returns to his dog bed on command.
As sweet as it sounds, it’s probably not a healthy idea to sleep with your pup, even if he or she promises never to snore. Read on for four reasons why it’s not a good idea to sleep with your dog.
1. Sleep interruption.
Your dog might kick or sprawl, taking over most of the bed and leaving you with the edge, if any space at all. You could be woken up and not get a full night’s sleep, or a good, restful night’s sleep. Sleep is essential to our existence, and lack of it will affect your performance at work, as well as your mood and overall health.
2. Fleas and ticks, and disease
You can catch roundworm or hookworm, and other diseases from your dog. If you keep your dog on a preventative, you can probably avoid fleas and ticks, but there’s always the chance of a stray making its way into your bedding. Would you really want bugs where you sleep?
3. Allergies
Unless you have a hypoallergenic breed or one that doesn’t shed, dog hair in the bed could cause an allergy flare-up. It’s also not exactly good hygiene to be snoozing among piles of dog fur.
4. It’s a hard habit to break.
Once you start allowing your pup to share the bed, you’ll have a tough time getting him to leave. Would you want to move from a soft, comfy mattress with 400-thread-count sheets and a down comforter to a dog bed on the floor? Didn’t think so.
Tips and Tricks: 5 Ways to Relax Before Bedtime
Post by Tracy Kaler.
You’re not alone if you have trouble relaxing before bedtime. Many people struggle with turning life off to catch a good night’s sleep. With all of the stressors in today’s world, clearing your head so you can snooze for 7-8 hours each night is easier said than done. You can, however, give these relaxation techniques a try the next time you find yourself wide awake late at night while your body and mind are yearning for sleep.
Give meditation a try.
Become hyper-aware of your body and feelings. Tune into those feelings, paying special attention to where you feel relaxed and comfortable, and where you feel uptight and not at ease. Think back on your day from beginning to end as if your thoughts were a movie or television program. Try and recall as may details as you can while you play back the last 12-18 hours.
Try switching off your toes one by one, and then eventually your limbs, as you move up the body and relax from head to toe. Let your mind wander until you fall asleep.
Try deep breathing exercises.
Breathe in and breathe out at least five times. Imagine all of the day’s thoughts exiting while you exhale, and any tension from the day melting away.
Write down what’s on your mind.
If you have unfinished business from the workday, jot a few notes down on a pad, keeping it beside you on your bedside table. If you wake in the middle of the night or too early in the morning, write down any thoughts, so you can fall back asleep.
Do Yoga.
Try practicing some basic yoga poses and stretches before retiring. Any exercise should be gentle and relaxing, so you remain calm and ready for sleep.
Read a great book.
There’s nothing like an amazing read at any time, but books in bed tend to direct any anxious thoughts toward the story so you can put your worries to bed for the night. Aim to read a chapter if you’re super tired, and two chapters if you get into bed a little earlier than usual. Set a higher goal than what you think you can finish, and you’ll probably drift off to sleep in no time.
Tips and Tricks: 8 Tips to Get Your Best Night’s Sleep
Post by Tracy Kaler.
Everyone has trouble sleeping now and then, but if you find yourself battling insomnia regularly, try these tips to ensure you snooze for a full night.
1. Stick to a schedule.
Don’t be tempted to change your sleep schedule drastically. Try and get to bed at about the same time each night and awake about the same time each morning. You’ll thank yourself later.
2. Sleep in a dark room.
Bright lights can disrupt sleep, so be sure city lights or street lamps don’t shine in your windows. Install room-darkening shades or curtains if needed.
3. Keep the temperature comfortable.
That means not too hot and not too cold. A ceiling fan may be just the perfect accessory if your room tends to run warm. If you wake up cold, add an extra blanket or sleep in down.
4. Watch what you eat.
Try to avoid eating too late –– this means make your last meal at least three hours before bedtime. Avoid greasy, fatty meals, which take longer to digest and could make falling asleep more difficult.
5. Cut back on alcohol.
Alcohol will relax you, but too many cocktails will interrupt sleep. Have a glass or two of wine with your dinner and say no to after-dinner drinks.
6. Skip the caffeine.
A cup of coffee in the morning shouldn’t affect your ability to fall asleep in the evening, but any caffeine past noon could be keeping you awake at night. Try decaf.
7. Exercise.
Exercise at least 20 minutes per day. Even a walk or light jog can make a difference in relaxing you when it’s time to turn in. Avoid exercise late at night.
8. Have a bedtime ritual.
Take a warm shower. Read. Listen to soothing music. Wash your face and brush your teeth. Find whatever works for you, and do it each and every evening before you hit the hay.
Have a Seat: Bedrooms and Their Sitting Rooms
Post by Tracy Kaler.
A spacious bedroom often boasts a sitting area, which can double as a place to read, relax or watch TV, as well as a spot to put on socks and shoes each morning. In a corner, at the foot of the bed, or even placed just beyond a half wall, a sofa and a club chair can add an element of comfort to an already restful room.
These are four different examples of sitting rooms within bedrooms.
A knee wall with columns designates this sitting area as separate from the bedroom, yet it’s still within view. The master provides plenty of space for one person to snooze while another dives into his or her favorite book. The coffered ceiling, soothing blue/green walls, and the view to the outside make this space a winning design.
This Minneapolis transitional bedroom is spacious enough for a seating area without compromising the king bed or the practical layout. Bold, horizontal-striped drapes frame the windows and create a backdrop for the sofa. The tufted ottoman functions well as a coffee table here.
This contemporary sleep space soars with exposed beams, a large picture window, and a fireplace. Although I love the overall feel, my one critique for this room is the placement of the furniture in the sitting area, which neither faces the fireplace/TV nor the breathtaking view. Perhaps shifting the sofa to be parallel with the television wall would be more successful, if the space permits.
The nook in this all white bedroom is a lovely addition. Overlooking the pool, the alcove is a terrific spot for morning coffee and a croissant, don’t you think? The outdoors adds color to the monochromatic modern cottage design in this Boca Raton home.
Tips and Tricks: How to Use Lavender for a Restful Sleep
Post by Tracy Kaler.
If a good night’s sleep beckons and insomnia becomes your worst nightmare, it may be time to shake things up with your nighttime routine. Aside from maintaining a comfortable temperature and leaving your troubles at the bedroom door, trying using lavender, the ancient herb known to relax, calm, and promote restful sleep. Here are four ways to utilize lavender before bedtime to keep you snoozing until the sun rises.
Diffuse
Purchase a diffuser and let lavender oil permeate your senses. The sweet fragrance will put you in a euphoric state until you fall fast asleep. You can order a diffuser through Amazon.com or Bed Bath & Beyond, among other retailers.
Spray your linens
Purchase a lavender spray or make your own with a spray bottle, water, and a few drops of lavender oil. Mist your sheets and pillowcases lightly before turning in. You can also spray your bath towels, which would benefit if you bathe in the evening.
Use as home fragrance
Utilize the same lavender spray in your bedroom. Spritz a generous amount around your space each evening before hitting the hay.
Use lavender oil
Apply pure lavender oil behind your ears. Rub a dot at each of your temples, or massage on the soles of your feet before hitting the lights. Personally, I love the Lavender Chamomile Moisturizing Oil from Indie Lee
