Sleep Healthy

Our fans really know their stuff

Guest blogger: Jennifer Thibodeau, Product Manager, 03/05/10

We're rapidly closing in on 2,000 fans (1,847 as of this writing) on our Facebook page and are really enjoying the kind of interaction we've been able to experience with them via such a unique platform. Not only are we communicating with them, but they're interacting with each other - even better!

And our fans really know their stuff. When recently asked to post sleep tips in order to be eligible for one of our frequent product giveaways, we got some incredible responses:

R. Erikson: "Sleep tip: Sleep in allergen-free, 100% cotton pajamas. I always wear allergen-free cotton pajamas for my skin allergies, but even my husband slept better when we ordered him a pair!"

S. Core: "Sleep tip: Keep your bedroom cold. I think 60-68 is the temp reccommended to help induce sleepiness."

M. Hollick: "Sleep Tips: great bed, and no worries. If you're worried about something right it in a journal so you won't be kept up all night thinking about it."

Do they know what they're talking about or what? As well, when asked to post reviews for our very first giveaway, they responded in droves:

P. Day: "After waaayyy to much research I purchased a Savvy Rest natural latex mattress in 2008. We chose the Serenity model with dunlop top: soft, middle: med, and bottom: firm. It is heaven." 

P. B. Lane: "oh!...Where to begin??...the fantastic customer service, competitive prices, top-notch luxurious products...they are all SUPERCALIFRAGALISTICEXPIALADOCIOUS!!!"

Our fans are eco-minded. Our fans are knowledgeable. Our fans are amazing. Read more about what they have to say and stay up-to-date with us on our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/thecleanbedroom. And to read more reviews, visit our reviews tab.  

Even better, join our Facebook community and save 10% on most purchases!

And coming soon - you'll be able to shop the items our fans love - directly from our Facebook page! Stay tuned...

Cool living: Houses from Shipping Containers

Who knew shipping containers could be home to anything more than cargo? An article in the Jan/Feb issue of E the environmental magazine reveals how beautiful recycled cargo containers can be:

GREEN LIVING: HOUSE & HOME
Shipped & Delivered, Houses from Shipping Containers Hit the U.S. By Jennifer Santisi

Ubiqutous shipping containers are nearly indestructible, and provide a frame that is mold-, fire- and termite-proof. Structure is more stable than wood and building costs are about 70% of a traditional home.

Looking for a beach house or vacation home with minimum footprint and environmental impact? The Aegean 890 sf home from Logical Homes, LLC is breathtaking and efficient.

Quik Build has a fun time lapse video showing part of the set up process.

Affordable, durable, sustainable, energy efficient shipping container homes are a unique way to live clean and green. Read the full article and let us know what you think.

Interested in subcribing to E-magazine? Click here

Every year I have a few favorite gift ideas

Christine Chamberlin, Co-owner

This year, all of them fall into the category of keeping you warm and cozy. That’s my definition of telling someone you love them. Last year, my son gave me a heavy fake mink throw and every time I crawl under it to watch TV, I think of him.

Here are my top 5 gift ideas and our best sellers at the moment, so others must agree:

1. Under the Nile organic cotton throw – love the thick waffle weave, giving to our son Scott
2. Brahms Mount Starry Nights Natural Cotton Throw  – the oversized tassels win the design award and a place in my son Matt’s new apt
3. Crescent Moon Alpaca Wool Comforter – our mission is to have one on every bed in our family tree, it’s that comfy. You never get overheated!
4. Under the Nile Organic Cotton Blanket – think plush cotton, like fleece and you’ll get the idea. Cuddly, soft, and washes up wonderfully. Esquire Magazine calls it the best of the best, we have to agree.
5. The Turkish Towel Company Organic Cotton Robe. Thick, cozy, buried treasure at this price: $75. 

With fewer dollars to spend on gifts, may each present you give be a big love hug.

Looking for a healthy gift idea that is healthy for your wallet, too?

Guest blogger: Jennifer Thibodeau, Product Manager, 12/07/09

Well, I'm not gonna lie. Eco-friendly, all-natural, and organic gifts can be pricey. And with good reason. They're high-quality, in less demand than their synthetic counterparts, and are harder to garner resources for. But there ARE some less-than-expensive options for people on your gift-giving list this year.

Here are the items that top my "green living" gift-giving list: 

For Him:  COYUCHI Organic Flannel Pajamas ($58). They're soft, organic, and priced right.

For Her: Under the Canopy Organic Jersey Robe ($39). It's oh, so soft, luxurious and a steal!

For Junior: COYUCHI Organic Jersey Sheet Set ($63 for violet). My son has a set and I can't say enough good things about these sheets. Soft. Dreamy. They wash up well. No pills. Sheen is lovely. I highly recommend.

For baby: Under the Nile Organic Veggie Crate ($26). So cute. So cuddly. So non-toxic.

There are any number of choices out there for the healthy-living people on your list but these are a few that I'd recommend. Now, if you're like me, shipping is the one calculation you DO NOT want to see in your shopping cart when shopping online! In fact, here's a secret about me: I only shop at sites where I know my order will ship for FREE. Yep - cat's out of the bag now...but, hey, I just consider it "savvy shopping."

Well, good news! From now through the holidays, all orders of $30+ will ship for FREE from www.thecleanbedroom.com.

So, if you haven't written out your holiday wish list yet, you may want to browse our recommendations before you do just to be sure you didn't miss anything for yourself! .

And from our home in Maine to your home across the miles, we sincerely wish you and yours the best during this holiday season.

Being thankful in a season of Thanksgiving - Ted's story

Guest blogger: Ted Duquette, Co-Founder of The Clean Bedroom, 11/27/09

 

After yelling angrily for service at what I thought was the order speaker - but was actually a trash barrel - I’m thankful that the cashier at McDonald’s said nothing mean as I drove up to the pick-up window.

At ten years old I waited for the bus downtown to go home after a visit to the dentist. As I got on the crowded bus that cold December day everyone turned away from me in total disgust. Looking in the mirror at home I realized the dentist had been working on a tooth in the front of my mouth. He had numbed my entire face and I had no idea that my nose was running down my chin and all over my P coat. I’m thankful there was nobody on that bus that I knew.

I’m thankful to have done a few things not many others get to do:

Like working a full time job for four years while going to college full time for four years.

Like climbing to the top of both the Northern and Southern Presidential in the White Mountains and spending a night on each.

Like catching a 30 pound striped bass off the beach on Martha’s Vineyard on a cold October night.

Like having lived in the Back Bay and Beacon Hill in Boston for ten years.

Like having a son who went to Harvard.

Like winning a Clio.

Like having prostate cancer almost completely eliminated with radiation.

As a graphic designer and a photographer I’m thankful for light and all things visual.

I’m thankful for the music of Stephan Grappeli, Django Rheinhart, Carlos Barbosa-Lima, Bobby Short and Phillip Glass.

I’m thankful for any and all original, fresh words, phrases, thoughts and concepts.

I’m thankful for having been touched and influenced by Dick Abell, Bill Wondriska, Jerry Lowengard, Ray Welch, Bob Shriber, Ron Lawner, George Petrakis, Joel Meyerwitz, and Dave Greeley.

I’m thankful for the imagination, creativity and a sense of humor I was given by God.

I’m thankful for having lived the best life I could imagine.

I’m thankful for my two sons, daughter, brother and sister, our dogs and especially for the very best wife I could have ever chosen as a life partner.

Being thankful in a season of Thanksgiving - Laurel's story

Guest blogger: Laurel Folger, Bookkeeper, 11/25/09

 

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite days of the year.  Somehow it has remained mostly what it was intended to be – a day of celebration for all the blessings in our lives.  And then, of course, there’s food. 

 

Giving thanks is something I cannot do without a humble heart.  I am thankful because others have intervened in my life and given me something.  It is because someone has given that I have received. I am thankful to those who have sacrificed their own comfort and pursuits for my benefit.  My parents, my husband, children, friends, family, teachers, coaches, neighbors, and even strangers have touched my life and given me gifts that I cannot begin to recount. All of these gifts have given value to my life and testify that I am part of a greater whole.  I am not self reliant, nor would I ever choose to be.  On the contrary, as I am dependant on others, there are others who depend on me and the gifts I have to give.  I have the privilege of serving others and adding value to their lives. 

 

What I am so amazed at is that this is also humbling, and is a gift in and of itself. Hence, the age-old quote is true, “it is more blessed to give than to receive”.  It is in the giving, of thanks and sacrifice, that we find ourselves. When I take time to give thanks it changes my focus from self to the gift and the giver.  This year as I celebrate Thanksgiving, my focus will be on giving, and on the Giver.  To all who have touched my life and given me value and purpose, I say “Thank you for giving." 

 

To the One who has given me value beyond measure, I am eternally grateful.  He has given me what no one else ever could, and what I desperately needed – peace with God and joy forever.   Thank You, Jesus.     

Being thankful in a season of Thanksgiving - Ailsa's story

Guest blogger: Ailsa Wu, Webmaster, 11.22.09

 

It’s almost Thanksgiving, and I’m feeling thankful for everyday blessings: my wonderful wife, a loving family, loyal friends, plentiful freelance work, good books and food and movies. I am also thankful for a major life event that took place last October, when I felt compelled to leave a job that provided health insurance, a 401(k), and a pension plan to take a part-time preschool position with no financial benefits.

On the surface, this doesn’t seem like something to be thankful for. At the time, I wasn’t sure it was the right move, especially with the country in a recession and our household already in belt-tightening mode. But in terms of quality of life, I’ve gained a lot more than I’ve given up:

• A four-minute commute (as opposed to 1.5 hours).
• The opportunity to work with preschoolers, who are always cute and often entertaining.
• The chance to work with my wife!
• Variety in my workday, instead of 8 hours in front of a computer.

While my bank account might have liked my old job better, I appreciate the intangible benefits of this one so much more. Today (and most days), I find myself giving thanks for this job, which enables me to have a fuller, more enjoyable life outside of work, with time and energy to spend with the people I care about.

Being thankful in a season of Thanksgiving - Katie's story

Guest blogger: Katie Poole, Content QC Specialist, 11/19/09

Each year around Thanksgiving, I give thanks for life and health.  Perhaps it is just the season - or perhaps it could be that my birthday falls around Thanksgiving and hence I am prone to reflect on the blessing of another year of life.  Or perhaps it is because, like so many  life lessons, I learned to give thanks for health from my parents.  

By the time I was born, my mother's health was declining.  Stricken with both diabetes and rheumatoid arthritis, she exhibited grace in the midst of what must have been very painful days.  Unselfishly, she taught me to bake chocolate chip cookies, despite the fact that she could have none herself. One of my greatest pleasures as I was growing up was playing the piano.  As I observed my mother's hands, gnarled and crippled from the rheumatoid arthritis, I often wondered if that would also be my fate.  Would I be able to play piano when I grew up?  Or would I, too, lose mobility and strength in my hands? 

By grace,  I still enjoy playing the piano, primarily when I can accompany other musicians.  Most recently, I've had the opportunity to play at my daughter's high school for the chorus.  Many times when I am playing, I am grateful simply for the grace of health in my hands. My father used to say "When you have your health, you have everything," meaning, I think, that no matter what setbacks you may experience, if you have your health, you can work your way out of them.  He enjoyed vigorously good health into his 80's - here you can see him building a shed for our property at age 81!  His health has declined a bit now, but his words still ring true. 

And so, when I'm tempted to grumble about stacking one more cord of wood, or shoveling the driveway one more time, I'm reminded that these are things that my mother couldn't have done. I give thanks for a strong, reasonably healthy body - and for another year of life that I have been given.

Being thankful in a season of Thanksgiving – Chris’ story

Chris Chamberlin, Co-owner The Clean Bedroom

Every day I am thankful for good health, a loving husband, sons who have grown up to be terrific young men, parents still coherent enough to chat by phone, sisters and sisterhoods aplenty, a business that gives me joy each time I walk into the office.

In thinking about my "Thankful" essay, I couldn't get past my list of everyday blessings, until a few days ago.

I realized I am most thankful for the economic downturn. It has changed my life, for the better.

When the market crashed last fall we were forced to face a doomsday scenario for our business, and develop ways to avoid it. We were committed to staying afloat and that meant cutting hours, so everyone could stay employed.

I get choked up thinking about the sacrifices they made, without a grumble or complaint. On the contrary, everyone banded together to help us look for even more ways to cut costs, pay down debt, and market ourselves better.

Today thanks to their efforts and loyalty, we have a healthy balance sheet, a 20% growth rate, and our staff is back to hours that work for them.

Hard times can either bring out the best in people, or the worst. I've seen only the best in everyone I know; peace when a breadwinner lost their job, others taking whatever work is available to bring home the groceries, friends lifting each other up, and a whole lot of prayer. 

On a personal level, I've learned what really matters most to me: my faith, having a family to love, friends that stick by your side no matter how bad you mess up, and being debt free.

Joy through adversity, that's what the economic downturn has taught me. And, I'm thankful for the life lesson.

Being thankful in a season of Thanksgiving - Jenn's story

Guest blogger Jennifer Thibodeau, Product Manager

Where to begin? There are a million and one things I'm thankful for in my life. Probably like you, I could go on and on and on about the amazing and wonderful blessings in my life. Even as I write this, I see and hear everyday things going on all around me for which I'm grateful:

• The neighbor boy playing hockey in his driveway
• The sound of my husband and son playing Risk
• The quiet tick-tock of the clock on my wall
• The ham, eggs, and homefries we all just enjoyed together
• The pumpkin spice coffee steaming in front of me

 
And I'm so very thankful for the bigger and extraordinary blessings: the veterans who gave and continue to give their lives to keep us free; the colorful leaves as summer turns to fall; the upcoming Christmas season and all its wonder and joy; the sight of a newborn baby; the way a kiss can make you woozy. Boy, oh, boy...there are lots of wonderful things in life. And in my 42 years, I've been able to experience an awful lot of them. The memories I have of school friends; barbie dolls; vacations; bike rides; family gatherings; etc. all add up to a whole lotta WOW. A whole lotta joy. A whole lotta good life.

And this Thanksgiving season, as I pause to ponder my many and bountiful blessings, more than any of the above, I would have to say that I am thankful that, back in 1967, a scared young woman chose to give me life and give me up to a couple who would provide the home and atmosphere in which these blessings, foreknown before I was born by the One who created me, would be allowed to flourish.  

And for her, and for what she did, I am eternally grateful.