Beyond-Bedding

SunScreen Smarts!

noreply@blogger.com (Beyond-Bedding) — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 16:08:00 +0000

Summer is officially here, and you are probably enjoying the longer days. But all that extra sunlight means you need to be diligent about applying sunscreen. Most doctors and researchers that specialize in skin cancers agree that most damage happens before you reach adulthood. When you are young, you spend much more time outdoors but you also tend to think less about the consequences of being in the sun sans SPF. So protect your children, and get them in the habit of applying sunscreen at an early age. They will thank you later in life!

1. Put enough on. The recommended application for adequate protection is 35 to 40ml per person per application. How much is this? Think about a shotglass full, or a handful.
2. Budget brands are just as effective as the more expensive brands. It's okay to go with the Pharmacy brand!
3. Sunscreen should be applied to clean, dry skin 30 minutes before exposure to the sun which allows it time to absorb properly.
4. Take time out in the shade between 11 am and 3 pm when them sun is strongest, but still apply sun screen because sand, concrete and water can reflect harmful rays. Same goes for car rides, the sun is coming in through your windows!
5. Reapply. Perspiration, exercise, swimming and towel-drying removes sun creams from the skin so you should reapply after taking part in any of these activities, even if the product claims to be waterproof. You should also reapply ever 45-60 minutes, otherwise you are still at risk for a burn. If you hate reapplying, look into the new continuous spray versions that make applying sunscreen a breeze.
6. Everyday use of sun lotions on your face and back of the hands will limit the chances of developing dry leathery skin, wrinkles, other signs of premature aging and skin cancer. Most moisturizers can be found with a built-in SPF factor, look for something with at least SPF 15. After applying to your face, rub the rest into your hands for instant moisturization and sun protection.
7. When you are laying out, try to cover up in the sun with loose cotton clothing, a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses with UV protection.
8. Use a "broad spectrum" sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 15 to protect against harmful UVA and UVB rays. The FDA has recently allowed the use of new ingredients in sunscreen that have been used in Europe for years that provide great broad spectrum protection.
9. Overcast weather still requires sunscreen in summer because 80 per cent of ultra-violet radiation is still present on cloudy days. Some companies have started producing daily body lotions with spf 15 built-in so that you can apply sunscreen without even thinking about it.
10. Children and babies need greater protection so use specially formulated kids ranges with gentler ingredients and higher SPFs.

Some Easy Ways to Go Green!

noreply@blogger.com (Beyond-Bedding) — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 18:29:00 +0000

In honor of Earth Day, here are some incredibly simple ways to “green” your daily routine. Don’t worry; none of these suggestions involve switching over to wearing itchy hemp clothing!

Fully Loaded – Cut down on your energy and water consumption when you take care of your family’s laundry or dishes. Doing full loads of laundry, like washing your baby’s entire blue and brown crib set at once instead of just the sheets, and selecting a shorter cycle can help. But a majority of the energy used for these daily chores is actually used to heat the water. So switch to washing your clothes on a cold cycle (there are special detergents now available for this option) and watch your annual energy bill deflate.

Bright Ideas - Incandescent bulbs are so 20th century. If you switch out your incandescent bulbs with compact fluorescent bulbs, you will reap two very great benefits: less light bulbs changes since fluorescents last longer, and reduced costs because fluorescents use about 3 quarters of the energy that incandescent require. Less light bulb changes means less waste, and less energy means a lower energy bill.

BYOB- Bring your own bag! When you go shopping, hit the library, or pack a lunch, think re-useable. Retailers have gotten hooked on this new idea, so if more people catch on, we may one day eliminate the need for plastic bags, which don’t bio-degrade and pose a huge problem for our ecosystem.

Shut Down-You need time to sleep and recharge at night, and your electronics could use a little down time as well. If you go to sleep watching TV, set a sleep timer so it isn’t running all night (added bonus - you will get better rest too). Keeping appliances plugged in, even if they aren’t turn on can still use electricity, so use a power strip that you can easily unplug.

Java Junkies – You can make your daily coffee fix another green habit by asking your barista to fill your order in a re-useable travel mug or thermos. Many places will even offer incentives like a discount to customers going with reusable cups.

Incorporate these simple tips into your life and reap the benefits of reduced energy consumption and waste production. You'll cut down on your family's spending and help make the earth a cleaner place to live. Happy Earth Day!

Top Ten Things You Should Know about Crib Bedding

noreply@blogger.com (Beyond-Bedding) — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 20:50:00 +0000

You might think crib bedding will be the easiest part of having a child, all you need to do is pick something cute and you’re good to go. But once you actually begin searching, you are bound to realize that looking for the right set becomes a huge investment, because you want to find something that not only looks great, but will last and keep your baby comfortable night after night. And as with all things relating to babies, even a purchase like bedding can pose a few complications for parents. Below is a helpful list of the top ten things to know about crib bedding so you find something that keeps your baby happy and healthy, and most importantly, sleeping easy at night!

Top Ten Things You Should Know about Crib Bedding

1.) A fitted sheet is all you need! Babies don’t need a flat sheet in their crib; it poses a health risk because they can get wrapped up in the loose fabric.

2.) A crib bumper is a great way to protect your little one and dress up your crib in one step. The bumper attaches to the rails along the sides of the crib, and the padded material keeps babies from “bumping” too hard against the crib once they start to move around.

3.) Hypoallergenic materials are a must! Babies have very sensitive skin, so finding materials that are non-allergenic will help prevent irritating their skin.

4.) Buying a few back-up fitted sheets is a smart move. We all know babies are prone to late night accidents, so having a few extra fitted sheets on hand will make your life easier. That way when you find a spill, just throw the soiled sheet in the laundry and put down a fresh one immediately.

5.) Comforters come with every crib set, but you probably won’t want to keep that in your baby’s crib while they are sleeping. A comforter looks great but like a flat sheet it is too much loose material for a baby under 12 months. So until they are old enough, keep the comforter out of their crib at night.

6.) Cribs must follow safety guidelines and standards established by the government, so don’t think about using an antique when it comes to your baby’s crib. It’s best to buy something new or gently used, because standard crib bedding probably won’t fit something if it’s more than a few years old.

7.) Rubber mattress covers are a great way to protect your baby’s mattress. Sheets are easily machine washed, but spills on a mattress are there forever. So avoid this problem by getting a rubber mattress cover, you simply install it underneath your fitted sheet.

8.) You should machine wash your baby’s bedding on a hot cycle to kill any germs, and allergens, which can lead to problems like asthma. Make sure you look for sets that are machine washable so you can easily keep up with the care of your baby bedding.

9.) When you wash your bedding, make sure to use a detergent specially formulated for babies or one that is clear of dyes and perfumes. Any additional fragrances and chemicals will only irritate a baby’s skin.

10.) If you have toys and pillows that match your baby bedding, don’t keep them in the crib while your child is sleeping. They can pose a suffocation risk. This goes for any mobiles or toys that can be attached to the crib rails; make sure they don’t hang too low and are securely attached to the crib.

Packing Tips for Airplane Travel

noreply@blogger.com (Beyond-Bedding) — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 20:49:00 +0000

Any seasoned traveler will tell you that you should always try to pack light enough to avoid checking your luggage during airplane travel. Checking your luggage when you arrive can eat up precious time, something you need when you are looking for the right gate at a huge international airport. However, most of us just can’t bear the thought of limiting ourselves to one carry-on sized bag for a trip. If you can’t manage to carry-on all of your luggage you will need, and must check your bag, make sure you pack enough in your carry-on to get you through a few days should your luggage go missing.

Which toiletries do you need to carry on board an airplane flight? Use this as your guidepost: pack what you must have it for the first night or week and your lodging won't supply it. These might include: deodorant, sunscreen, contact lens solution, toothpaste/toothbrush, and lip balm.

Some additional hints to help you fly the skies successfully:

A hard plastic soap case is the perfect size to protect a camera stashed in a carry-on bag and cheaper than a regular camera bag.

A hotel shower cap becomes the perfect wrapper for shoes when traveling; stick your shoes inside and protect your clothes from getting dirtied.

Roll clothes to help prevent wrinkles and save space in your luggage.

Leave some room in your bag for souvenirs you pick up along the way, you definitely don’t want to put yourself in the position of having to leave anything behind.

Choose shoes wisely. Always wear your heaviest, bulkiest pair on the plane. A cheap pair of flip-flops is also a good idea in case the showers aren’t first class accommodations or you make an impromptu visit to a beach location.

If you are bringing children, make sure to pack some snacks for the airplane ride. Most flights are cutting back on providing food on domestic flights, and you will definitely want to avoid hunger driven temper tantrums.

Pack some sort of moisturizer or facial mist. Airplane trips can be incredibly dehydrating so this will help refresh your skin. Also avoid alcoholic or heavily caffeinated beverages, and opt for water instead.

Housewarming Gift Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (Beyond-Bedding) — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 15:43:00 +0000

Have you noticed a moving van recently on your street? Welcoming new neighbors to your block is always a great idea; moving is a huge transition and they will appreciate your gesture. Even if they don’t throw a housewarming party, you might want to stop by after a few days with a small gift in hand to help welcome them to your neighborhood. They will probably be grateful for the gesture, and you just might become fast friends! You don’t need to go overboard with some extravagant purchase; a small thoughtful token is enough to impress any new homeowner. Here are some fun and inexpensive housewarming gifts you might consider:

1. Make a “gift bucket” of cleaning supplies. This might sound like a strange idea for a gift but it’s all in the presentation. Load up a bucket with a few cleaning aids and include a sponge, paper towels, dish soap, and some hand soap. Wrap the whole thing in cellophane, and tie it up with some ribbon and a card. New home owners probably didn’t bother to pack up cleaning supplies from their former home, so your gift bucket will probably come in handy.

2. Gift Certificates. Every business under the sun now offers gift certificates, but think about what a new homeowner would especially need right now: dry-cleaning, lock-smiths, shoe repairs, auto repairs. Your new neighbors might not know the best dry-cleaners in town, but you do. A gift certificate to a local restaurant or bar would probably also be appreciated by someone new to town.

3. Sweets. You can always resort to the classic idea of baking cookies, a cake, or even a pie to welcome your new neighbors. So if you have a special recipe for a dessert, go ahead a whip up a batch.

4. Libation. You can find a great bottle of wine that is expensive just about anywhere these days, so dress one up in a decorative wine bag and consider purchasing some cheap stemware from the dollar store. Your neighbors may not have had time to unpack all of their glassware yet, but you can bet the stress of moving will make them want to enjoy a glass of wine.

Just keep things simple and remember that thoughtfulness counts. By welcoming your new neighbors with a gift you open the door for them to reciprocate with an invitation to dinner, and you might soon have another set of friends on your street.

Did you know? That the pineapple is the symbol of welcome and hospitality, and is considered the traditional housewarming gift.

Spring Cleaning for Your Baby Nursery

noreply@blogger.com (Beyond-Bedding) — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 20:21:00 +0000

Very few people are born with the gene that allows them to actually enjoy cleaning, but we all have to do it or suffer the consequences of clutter and grime. One room that deserves extra attention is your baby’s nursery, since babies are so susceptible to getting sick and are just natural mess-makers. Beyond your daily routine of picking up their scattered toys, make sure you occasionally follow up with a round of more heavy duty cleaning and disinfecting. Read on to find out how to ensure you are really getting your baby’s room squeaky clean!

Remove the padded topper from your changing table. A cloth pad can go in the washing machine on a gentle cycle with a mild detergent. You’ll also want to launder all the bedding from your baby’s crib. Wash everything in water that is at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit to ensure you kill any dust mites and remember to use a detergent designed for baby’s sensitive skin. Wipe down furniture next. If you are cleaning wooden furniture, apply a small amount of dish washing liquid to a damp cloth and wipe the inside and the outside. Don’t overdo the moisture, since wood can warp. Wipe dry with a clean cloth. Using disinfecting wipes, wipe down the changing table. Also wipe down all the lotion bottles, ointment tubes, and containers of diaper wipes to catch any extra germs.

The diaper pail definitely needs regular disinfecting. Clean the diaper pail outside of your baby’s nursery to prevent germs from escaping into your clean nursery. Also make sure to use a liner or garbage bag to keep germs contained. Spray all-purpose cleaner both inside and outside to disinfect the pail. Use a toothbrush to scrub down hard to reach areas and hinges. Wipe dry with a cloth or paper towels.

Soak plastic toys in a bucket of water with just a splash of bleach, and follow up with a rinse of clean water. To clean plastic storage bins, spray all-purpose cleaner both inside and outside an empty bin to disinfect it. Scrub the hinges with a toothbrush. As with furniture, wipe wooden toys with a wet cloth and dish washing liquid. You can disinfect stuffed animals either by washing on a gentle cycle in the machine or stowing them in resealable plastic bags and placing them in the freezer for two days. Germs can’t survive in freezing temperatures.

And remember to always use products, whether it be laundry detergent or disinfecting wipes, that have mild or fragrance free formulas to avoid irritating your child's sensitive skin!

Are You Getting Enough Sleep?

noreply@blogger.com (Beyond-Bedding) — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 16:49:00 +0000

Ahh sleep, it’s our bodies natural way of recharging. Unfortunately, you probably take better care to recharge your cell phone than you do your own body. Or at least that is what the National Sleep Foundation has found; reporting that lack of sleep is the most common complaint amongst Americans today. I’m guilty of it, and sometimes it just doesn’t seem to be helped. Despite a busy day, once I try to hit the sheets, I can’t seem to drift off easily.

We all know that the obvious drawback of not getting enough sleep is that you will be tired, which is never a good feeling. But researchers are now finding that there are some pretty serious health risks that come along with a lack of sleep. Cardiovascular disease, hypertension and high blood pressure are the major ailments you put yourself at risk for. But your immune system also takes a hit from lack of sleep, and that means more colds and infections. Beyond that, lack of sleep can actually mess up your plans to diet as well! Some experts say that sleep deprivation causes your body to boosts production of the hormone that makes you hungry. And it makes sense: your body is probably trying to shore up missing energy from another source.

Fortunately, just one extra hour of sleep per night can make a dramatic difference. Logging that extra nightly hour will not only improve how you feel during your daily routine, but you will reap the long term health benefits as well.

Start trying to develop a healthy routine that should be practiced before bed. Your kids probably have a bedtime routine to keep them alert and active during school, so why shouldn’t you take care of yourself in the same way?

This might seem hard, but for at least four hours before bed, avoid consuming any sort of stimulant. Coffee, soda, and even chocolate are major culprits to avoid. I started switching out my late night coffees with caffeine free peppermint tea after dinner. Also think about stimulants for your mind, the TV, radio, computers, and your cell phone. Unplug yourself from all of these distractions and let your mind start to wind down.

Exercise three to four hours prior to sleep is also a bad idea. Exercise won’t tire you out instantly; it will actually get your energy levels up. If you are committed to your workout routine, trying hitting the gym before work, you might even find this keeps you more energized during the day!

And while it is a good idea to get on a routine with your sleep, your body also craves a certain amount of variety. So don’t feel guilty about sleeping in on a Saturday morning! You might have to answer the call of the alarm clock during the week, but if you can, find a weekend morning where you can let your body decide when you are ready to rise.

For more information on healthy sleep habits visit UnderstandingSleep.org

Feng Shui Made Easy

noreply@blogger.com (Beyond-Bedding) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 19:06:00 +0000

You’ve probably heard about Feng Shui on tv, walked past books about in the New Age section, or seen it mentioned in magazines and have some sort of idea that it is a funky way of arranging furniture. The true meaning goes a bit deeper. Feng Shui (pronounced “fung shway”) is the ancient Chinese practice of placement that has seen a recent burst of popularity. And it’s no wonder that a system based on achieving balance and harmony would resonate with people today, who all seem to be over-scheduled, overworked, and constantly plugged in. Practitioners of Feng Shui will agree that the bedroom is the most important space in any home because we spend so much time there, and we are often at our most vulnerable: asleep and unaware of our surroundings. You don’t have to be an expert to reap the benefits of Feng Shui; try incorporating some of these ideas into your space and see if they have a positive effect on your daily routine.

o One of the primary goals of Feng Shui is harnessing the energy around you to have a positive impact on your life. According to the rules of Feng Shui, chi (energy) can escape through your windows at night, thus depleting you of your precious energy reserves. Make sure you have window treatments to help prevent chi from seeping out of your room while you rest.
o It is not only lucky but visually pleasing to face an attractive view when you wake up in the morning. Don’t worry if you don’t have a mountain range or a lake in your backyard, you can supplement your morning view by adding attractive wall adornments.
o The northeast direction is associated with knowledge, and green-blue end of the color spectrum is associated with this direction. To help stimulate a child’s academic interests, trying adding turquoise accents or bedding to the northeast corner of their room.
o Bed placement is a very important to the rules of Feng Shui. A recommended position for any bed is diagonally opposite the doorway, because it promotes the flow of energy in the room while keeping you away from any drafts, interruptions, and distractions that a doorway can introduce.
o Thankfully, colors represent a variety of elements in Feng Shui, so stick to what makes you feel good when making color choices. Create a serene space for rest by adding a fluffy duvet and plenty of accent pillows.

The most import thing to remember about Feng Shui is that it should enhance how your room makes you feel, so incorporate a few small adjustments and see if the change has a positive effect.

Five Modern & Unusual Beds

noreply@blogger.com (Beyond-Bedding) — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 22:10:00 +0000

Curve Bed

Ceiling Bed

Air Bed

Floating Platform Bed

Sonic Bed

Wake up Happy and Rested

noreply@blogger.com (Beyond-Bedding) — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:12:00 +0000

Did you know that your bedroom can play a major role in how you sleep and wake up? From the room decor, the colors and the actual bedding itself, every aspect of your bedroom can effect the way you sleep and feel. A bedroom should be a calm and peaceful. Everyone struggles with stress from everyday life, the problem is when the stress follows you into the bedroom. Stress can lead to sleep issues, illness and insomnia. Your bedroom should be free of stress triggers. Remove any distractions... the television, computer and any other electronics that could potentially distract and keep you from falling asleep.

Color plays a major role in mood, cool colors provide a calm feeling, while warm colors can make a room feel more cozy. You want to choose a color scheme that will make you feel most relaxed.

Make sure you have something to cover the windows. A window treatment will not only add to the coziness of your bedroom but they also serve a purpose to block out light and keep cool drafts from coming inside.

Choose bedding that is not only comfortable, but makes you happy. Loving the look and style of your bedding, comforter or duvet can put a smile on your face every time you get into bed and every time you wake up.

Lastly, keep the room tidy. Keep dirty clothes in a laundry hamper and clean clothes in the closet.

Bathroom Accessories Now Available!

noreply@blogger.com (Beyond-Bedding) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 21:34:00 +0000

Beyond-Bedding.com is not only your #1 source for luxury baby, children, adult bedding sets and room decor. Beyond-Bedding now offers adorable bathroom accessories, including high-quality fabric shower curtains and bath towels. The new shower curtains and bath towels are all made to match the JoJo designs bedding sets. Whether you currently own a bedding set from Beyond-Bedding.com, these new adorable bath accessories will be sure to spice up any bathroom. My personal favorite is this Leap Frog Shower Curtain and matching towel set. Click Bath to view the entire collection of new bathroom accessories on Beyond-Bedding.com

Planning a Baby Shower?

noreply@blogger.com (Beyond-Bedding) — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 20:26:00 +0000

Planning a baby shower can be a very stressful task if you're not prepared. Make sure you give yourself plenty of time so you're not running around the day before. It is suggested to start planning at least 2 months prior to the baby shower. This will give you plenty of time to make sure everything will go smoothly just as planned. Here is a checklist to make sure you cover all key points from planning to execution.

Baby Shower Checklist
*Determine budget
*Create guest list
*Set the date and decide on a location
*Decide on baby shower theme
*Mail invitations - (Be sure to include Gift Registry information)
*Decide food will be served
*Order cake
*Order balloons and decorations
*Plan games and entertainment for guests
*Call invited guests who have not RSVP'd to establish final count for guest list
*Most importantly - Have fun!

Gift Ideas
Baby Blankets
Diaper Bags
Baby Clothes
Stroller Pads
Changing Pad Covers
Personalized Wooden Wall Letters *If the baby's name has been decided
Crib Mobiles
Maternity Pillows *Also for everyday use

Source: www.BabyShower101.com

Ease Bedtime Angst With These Helpul Tips!

noreply@blogger.com (Beyond-Bedding) — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 18:15:00 +0000

Keeping your child's sleep routine consistent is the key factor in avoiding bedtime conflicts. Putting your child to bed at the same time every night will be beneficial to both you and your child.

ParentsConnect.com is a great source for parenting advice. You will find tons of useful articles and resources to help ease the angst of parenting. I found this list of ‘Kid Sleeping Tips’ to be quite interesting. Read these easy sleep tips and your little one will on their way to dreamland before you know it!

“We know you've heard that a warm glass of milk packs a sleep-inducing punch, but did you know that bananas, turkey, peanuts and yogurt are also loaded with sleep-triggering tryptophan? Serve up a small tryptophan-rich snack about 30 minutes before bed and your kid will be sleepy and full at bedtime.

Help your kid relax by adding some calming lavender-scented soap and can be shared with his tired, stressed parents, too.

Add a relaxing foot massage to your kid's bedtime routine, or a back scratch, arm tickle, head rub.

Warm, cozy feet are a natural human sedative, so layer on the fuzzy socks, bunny slippers footed blanket sleepers and make sure they have comfy bedding!

Do some gentle stretching with your kid (be sure not to get her wound up and crazy) right before bedtime. A few gentle stretches and poses may help your kid unwind and relax her tired muscles.

Soothing instrumental music like opera, jazz, classical and New Age is known for its soothing and calming qualities. Just be sure to skip the big climactic numbers with their big cymbal crashes!

Instead of reading your kids a story, tell them a story once they are in bed with the lights off. Have them lounge back, close their eyes and relax as they listen, they just might fall asleep before you finish.

Get a night-light. We know, it seems kind of counter intuitive to light up a room to help your kid sleep, but a dim light can do wonders at keeping the "monsters" at bay and keeping the calls for Mommy to a minimum.

Limit your kid's liquid consumption before bed—especially of any drinks with caffeine (duh!) or bladder-stimulating sugars. This way once he's asleep, he'll stay asleep…and won't make you start the entire routine over again by getting up to pee at 10 PM!”

Source www.Parentsconnect.com

Almost That Time of Year!

noreply@blogger.com (Beyond-Bedding) — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 21:54:00 +0000

Halloween is right around the corner, which means it's time to start preparing for those costumes! Having a baby makes it a lot easier seeing as how they haven't mastered the ability to speak yet. So I came across these adorable Halloween baby costume photos on www.Parents.com and had to share! Maybe you'll get some ideas for your little one...if not, it will at least spark a smile! My favorite is the taco baby ;)

Spreading Peace, Love & Happiness through Bedding

noreply@blogger.com (Beyond-Bedding) — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 19:52:00 +0000

Beyond Bedding has just added four new tie-dye children's bedding collections by JoJo Designs. The bedding sets are available in a range of colors including green, blue, pink and purple, perfect for any little boy or girl!
The bedding sets come in Twin, Full and Queen sizes and will add instant style to your child's bedroom. The Peace Sign designer children's bedding set uses an super soft tie-dye cotton combining the large peace sign embroidery and appliqué work. This set combines groovy 60's style with high-end modern design. The three piece sets include a comforter and two pillow shams. Don't forget about the room accessories! Add even more flare to the bedroom with a matching decorative wall hanging, bed skirt, window valence, window treatment, laundry hamper and the adorable peace sign sheets!

Click on an images to view the product page!

New Designer Padded Stroller Seat Covers!

noreply@blogger.com (Beyond-Bedding) — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 19:28:00 +0000

These adorable new JoJo Designs stroller pad liners are a must have! Made with high quality designer fabrics, providing great comfort, and prolonging the life of the stroller by reducing wear and tear.

Combining Fashion and function together, these adorable designer stroller pad liners include straps at the top and bottom to secure the liner to the stroller.

* Machine washable
* Extra soft cushion filling
* Fits most strollers, Graco, Cosco, Peg Perego
* Dimensions: 30in. x 13in.

Many more styles and designs to choose from, reserve yours now at www.Beyond-Bedding.com location in the 'New Arrivals' Section!

5 Keys to Successful Parenting

noreply@blogger.com (Beyond-Bedding) — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 15:59:00 +0000

*GEMS 'Genuine Encounter Moments'
A child's self-esteem is greatly influenced by the quality of time not the amount of time spent. This day and age with our busy schedules parents often don’t put 100% focused attention on what their child is saying, by pretending to listen or ignoring the child's attempts to communicate with us. If you don't give children GEMS throughout the day, they will often start to misbehave. Negative attention in a child's mind is better than being ignored.

*Give Children Appropriate Ways to Feel Powerful
If you don't, they will find inappropriate ways to feel their power. Ways to help them feel powerful and valuable are to ask their advice, give them choices, let them help you balance your check book, cook all our part of a meal, or help you shop. A two-year-old can wash plastic dishes, wash vegetables, or put silverware away. Often we do the job for them because we can do it with less hassle, but the result is they feel unimportant.

*Withdraw from Conflict
If your child is testing you through a temper tantrum, or being angry or speaking disrespectfully to you, it is best if you leave the room or tell the child you will be in the next room if he wants to "Try again." Do not leave in anger or defeat.

*Separate the Deed from the Doer
Never tell a child that they are bad. This will tear his/her self-esteem. Help your child recognize that it isn't them that you don’t like, but it is the behavior that you are unwilling to tolerate. In order for a child to have healthy self-esteem, he/she must know that he is loved unconditionally no matter what he does. Do not motivate your child by withdrawing your love from him. When in doubt, ask yourself, did my discipline build my child's self-esteem?

*Be Consistent, Follow Through
If you have made an agreement with your child for example, that they must go to bed at a specific time, do not give in to pleas, tears, demands or pouting. Your child will learn to respect you more if you mean what you say.

Source - www.PositiveParenting.com

Personalize Your Childs Bedroom!

noreply@blogger.com (Beyond-Bedding) — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 20:33:00 +0000

What child doesn't love to see their name. Easily add a personal touch to your child's bedroom by displaying these adorable hand-painted wooden wall letters. These custom letters are made to match with the JoJo designs bedding sets.
Click on the images to view product pages!

Create a Beyond Bedding Account!

noreply@blogger.com (Beyond-Bedding) — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 15:52:00 +0000

Set up your personal account on Beyond-Bedding.com to become an official member. The 'My Account' feature will make your shopping experience easy and stress free!

Member Benefits:

Gift Registry - Easily create, manage and update your gift registry to share with friends and family.

Wish List - See something you like, but aren't quite ready to purchase? Add all your favorite items to your personal wish list. Simply go back to make edits, sort through and add to cart when you're ready.

Order History - No more guessing as to when that package is going to arrive! Just sign into your account to view and track orders online.

Easy Checkout - Store your information with the secure checkout feature. No more searching for your credit card or typing in tedious information. This feature makes ordering online fast, simple and secure!

Click JOIN to sign up for your personal Beyond-Bedding account!

The Dictionary of Bedding Terms

noreply@blogger.com (Beyond-Bedding) — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 18:22:00 +0000

Bed Skirt - A decorative bedding accessory that usually matches the comforter or duvet. Also called a dust ruffle it goes in between your box spring and bed frame and hangs around the bottom of a bed.

Blend – Refers to a fabric made of a combination of fibers, such as cotton/polyester, or cotton/linen. Blends give the fabric features of each of the fibers used.

Combing – A finishing process, combing removes short fibers and debris from the yarns. The finest fabrics are combed.

Cotton – Universally used for home “soft goods” such as bedding, cotton comes in different degrees of quality. The best cotton is Egyptian, followed by Pima and Supima.

Damask – A glossy, patterned fabric with intricate patterns, damask is similar to brocade but is flatter and reversible.

Down – An excellent insulator, the fluffy tufts come from ducks and geese. Used in bedding and outerwear.

Down Alternative - This type of bedding is filled with synthetic materials as opposed to goose or duck feathers and is just as soft and breathable as a real down comforter.

Down Proof - Any fabric with at least a 230-thread count is considered down-proof, and will not leak or bleed feathers and down from the inside.

Dupioni Silk - Produced when two or more silkworms spin their cocoons closely together.

Duvet – Any bed comforter; can be slipped into a duvet cover.

Egyptian Cotton – The best-quality cotton, because it has the longest cotton fibers, is grown in Egypt. Egyptian cotton is used to make high-quality bedding. The next best cottons are Supima and Pima.

Fill Power - The ability of down to regain its shape when pressure is released. The higher the fill power, the greater will be the insulating value of the down.

Flannel – A brushed fabric, created by a process that raises the nap, making the fabric warm and soft.

Hotel Bedding – Hotel-style refers to the luxury bedding and linens used in upscale hotels. The sheets are usually of high-thread-count, designed to exceed the look and feel of everyday household sheets.

Jacquard – A decorative weaving technique that weaves designs such as flowers directly into the fabric; can be gorgeously detailed.

Percale – Percale refers to the weave of a fabric; it must have a minimum thread count of 180. Many people wrongly use the term to mean a polyester/cotton blend, but percale does not imply any particular content.

Pillow Sham – A decorative pillow cover

Pima, Supima – An excellent variety of cotton grown in the Southwest US. SuPima is a certification mark used when the product such as bedding is made entirely from Pima cotton grown by Supima Association members.

Ply, Plied – Yarns that are twisted together after spinning to create a new yarn. Plied yarns don't increase the durability or strength of the fabric, so they should be counted as only one yarn.

Sateen – A process that gives the fabric a shiny finish. Not related to quality.

Thread Count – The number of threads (both length and width) in one square inch of fabric. A count of 200 for bedding is considered good, and anything over 250 is high. Although a high thread count is desirable, the quality of the cotton and the finishing process can often be more important than thread count.

Welt – Another name for cording could be on a comforter or pillow sham, term “self-welt" means that the cording is made from the same fabric as the main body of the item.

Wool – Refers to the fibers from the fleece of lambs, sheep, goats, and other animals. Sheep’s wool is most common. Lamb's wool comes from sheep less than 8 months old. Merino wool is from a specific breed and is the softest and finest.

KIDS FIRST!

noreply@blogger.com (Beyond-Bedding) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 16:51:00 +0000

This day and age parents have to be more careful than ever in monitoring what their children are watching on television. Television, video games, and movies have become more violent than ever. This has been a main concern causing much debate over how the images in the media will affect your child during the present and future. With the internet as the most popular media outlet, it makes it even more difficult to monitor what your child is being exposed to on a daily basis.

Luckily, there is a website dedicated to kid friendly media,
www.KidsFirst.org. This ingenious site brings together everything you and your child need to develop a strong understanding of what quality media really is. You will find an unlimited amount of resources including, Top 100 Kid’s Film List, Clubs, film festival selections and press coverage, news & info, a YouTube group, movie reviews, and an online store!

KIDS FIRST! is the coalition program that evaluates, rates, and endorses quality children’s feature films, DVDs, videos, CDs, TV shows and interactive media. The rating system uses volunteer, community-based juries comprised of child development professionals, teachers as well as parents and children from diverse geographic, socio-economic and ethnic backgrounds. A KIDS FIRST! endorsement is given to titles that meet the KIDS FIRST! baseline criteria and are approved by both adult and child jurors.’

Goals
A. To teach children to become critical media users;
B. To help adults recognize the importance of teaching critical viewing skills to children;
C. To help children identify and be aware of outstanding media programming;
D. To develop programs for children with special needs such as low-income, hospitalized or at-risk children.

To become a KIDS FIRST! juror, you need to take a training course. The course insures the quality of a KIDS FIRST! evaluation and endorsement. The training consists of two consecutive webinar sessions for a fee of $30 which is entirely refundable once you complete the course and evaluate six titles for the organization. Click, Become a Kids First! Juror for more information!

KIDSFIRST!

noreply@blogger.com (Beyond-Bedding) — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 14:26:00 +0000

The Best Gift You Can Buy For A Newborn

noreply@blogger.com (Beyond-Bedding) — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:26:00 +0000

A baby blanket is one of the most important and sentimental items in a baby's world. They hold a unique value that no other bedding accessory will provide. Babies sleep the most during the first year so it is essential to provide the most comfy sleep area for your baby.

The best gift you can buy for your baby is a baby blanket. Every newborn needs a soft snuggly blanket to welcome them into the world. Baby blankets give comfort and security to your newborn and will forever remain a symbol of the warmth and love which they were raised. It is usually a good idea to buy at least two baby blankets, so you can rotate while one is being washed and this way your baby will become familiar with both. Beyond-Bedding has a great selection of luxurious baby blankets that will get softer and softer with each wash. These baby blankets are perfect year round, made with breathable plush fabric. Great for infants to a school aged children. Your little one will have a soothing nights rest and so will you!

Ride 'em Cowgirl

noreply@blogger.com (Beyond-Bedding) — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 16:09:00 +0000

Beyond-Bedding has released this adorable Cowgirl Crib Bedding set for all those little girls who dream of being a cowgirl! What could be a better way to let your child's imagination run free than to decorate her bedroom with a cowgirl bedding theme? With pink and brown as the main colors, this cowgirl baby bedding set has a quilted pattern incorporating horseshoes, sheriff stars, and a western theme cowgirl print. This 9 piece Cowgirl Crib Bedding set comes with a crib comforter, crib bumper, 2 window valences, crib skirt, fitted sheet, diaper stacker, toy bad, and a decorative pillow. Everything you need to create a cowgirl haven for your little one!

Cowgirl baby bedding is a trend that is here to stay. The best part about Beyond-Bedding it that as your baby grows older and its time to make that transition to a toddler size bed, you won't have to worry about purchasing all new room decor! Beyond-Bedding offers this same cowgirl bedding theme in toddler, twin, and even full/queen sizes to make your life a little less stressful!

Click Cowgirl Baby Bedding to view the product page for more information.

The Easiest and Most Affordable Way to Spice up Any Room!

noreply@blogger.com (Beyond-Bedding) — Wed, 03 Jun 2009 21:31:00 +0000

If you're craving change, but aren't looking to spend a fortune there is an easy solution, throw pillows! Adding decorative throw pillows to any room is the easiest and most affordable way to add style to any room without having to entirely redecorate.

When choosing the right throw pillows, it's a good idea to pick an odd number. Mix and match, don't choose four throw pillow that are the same size and pattern. Pick three pillows with the same pattern and then add two smaller decorative accent pillows with similar color palettes.

Choosing the right pattern for your throw pillows all depends on the colors already established in the room. Couch, wall color are other decor that is currently in the room will aid in what type or throw pillow you should purchase.

There really are no rules to follow when choosing the right type of accent pillow. It's actually quite simple! If you own a solid colored couch or bedding set your options are limitless. If your couch or bedding set already has a distinct pattern, you will want to choose simple or a solid color throw pillow. Too many patterns in one room will be distracting to the eye and create a jumbled mess of contrasting fabric. Adding throw pillows to any room you will instantly create a warmer and more stylish area!