LifeStyle: The Bed

With Valentine's Day coming up, one must have things ready for that special day.  I’m certain there might be a special guest over to enjoy the rest of the evening with.  As all the preparations at home are being made, one place that is overlooked is the bed.  A woman can tell a fair amount about you by how your bed looks, but more importantly by what she feels when she is sleeping in it.  Making sure your bed is “guest friendly” will help your guest stay longer than just the standard tour, but stay for the real night cap.   

Simple:

Wash your sheets once a week and use a linen spray.  Keeping your sheets clean helps prevent any sweat or "other things" from setting to long and preserving the quality.  A linen spray is nice to add a nice scent to your room and your sheets.  Try not to use one that is to sweet, or cologne like.  something that is fresh and light is the best.  Bath and Body Works has a great selection.

Sophisticated:
Get a nice bedroom set. Let's start with the pillows.  They should be fluffy and fairly firm.  Have at least two.  If they are lumpy or saggy replace them and should be replaced every 1-2 years.  The type of pillow you get depends on how you sleep.  If you sleep on your back or stomach, then you would want a thinner pillow, if on your side a thicker and fairly firm one.  I prefer down pillows, but there are alternative down pillows for those who are allergic.  Target and Overstock.com are great places to get one.  Accent pillows are always a plus.   
     Next, The sheets.  This is the most overlooked piece of putting your bed together, and yet It makes the most difference.  Flannel is perfect for the wintertime, yet there is almost nothing better than Egyptian Cotton with a thread count of 800 or more.  I am telling you, the moment that you sleep on these, and go back to your old sheets, you will wonder why you waited so long.  Mine personally are 1100+ and I love sleeping that much more. Do these simple things and see how Valentine’s Day changes from now and many years to come.  Overstock.com is the best to find these, hands down.
     Last but not least, get a down comforter or duvet. Not the cheap kind from Anna’s linens, but one that will last, so expect to spend over $100 on your first one.  A great quality down comforter can elevate your bed’s appeal instantly.  They have many different types, including those that are hypoallergenic &; hyper allergenic for those that are allergic.  This makes a great impact, not only for the winter in keeping you warm, but is appealing to the eye.  Decorate the duvet with a duvet cover.  These are high quality, specially designed covers that last a long time and made out of great material.  Mine is out of silk, while others are wool or high quality cotton.  It really transforms the visual appeal of the bed.  If you have a good one, you will need to bring this to the dry cleaners, or hand dry.  Once again Overstock.com is the best place to pick one up for the price.

Classic:
Make your bed.  I know your mom was trying to teach you discipline, yet she may be trying to help you when that special one comes over.  I kid you not, it not only takes less than 5 minutes to do in the morning, but it makes a lasting impression.  Its also fun when you mess them up too.