Sleep Healthy

How to look good while doing nothing

Guest Author, Jennifer Thibodeau

Like to lounge around in your spare time? If you're like me, you probably do. And if you're at all like me, you may choose to lounge around your home in a well-worn tee and shorts or, on rare occasion, pajama pants. If you're not at all like me, you may choose to do it up right and lounge around in a lovely and sexy (if no kids are home) negligee. Better yet, if you're like Dawn G., a recent customer of The Clean Bedroom, your choice just might be the Under the Canopy Organic Lounge Set. It's kind of a cross between worn-out comfy and over-the-top sexy. It's purple (officially eggplant). It's comfy. It's organic. It's feminine!

Yes, there is a happy medium between my clothes of choice and what I suspect Pam Anderson may lounge around in...and it's this charming organic lounge set. Since these lounge sets are currently marked down in a crazy way (orig. $74 marked down to $24) I thought you just might like to hear an actual customer's point of view. I bugged Dawn to give me the scoop and here's what she had to say:

TCB: We really just want our customers to know that a real person has tried out a product and is enjoying it. First, can you tell me how you came across the lounge set? Were you on our site specifically looking for bargains? For sleepwear?

Dawn G: I received the update about the sale on Facebook because I am a "fan" of The Clean Bedroom Organic Mattress & Bedding Store. Thanks for putting the sale on the page or else I never would have seen it!

TCB: And what specifically appealed to you about it?

Dawn G: I loved it because while it was casual, it was a little more attractive than the t-shirt and pajama pants that I usually wear around the ouse. I also loved the price.

TCB: Would you recommend the set to a friend?

Dawn G: I would certainly recommend the set to a friend.

TCB: Overall, how was your shopping experience with The Clean Bedroom?

Dawn G: My shopping experience was great and the set was worth the wait.

And there you have it. Real feedback. Real customer. Real deal. I only wish I'd remembered to ask her what she thought of the cute eco-velvet eye mask that comes with the set!

Sweet dreams.

Aches & Pains Depriving You of a Good Night's Sleep?

Guest blogger: Jennifer Thibodeau 07/15/09

If you're like me, turning 40 has brought with it a whole new realm of aches and pains. And now that I think of it, I even had some of them a few years ago BEFORE turning 40. Now, I do happen to suffer from Rheumatoid Arthritis, which no doubt plays a part and is its own beast to battle, but over the years I have also been plagued by back trouble not attributed to the arthritis.

One way I've gotten some relief - a mattress topper. There are several varieties out there of similar quality and thickness. Mine happens to have been made by Royal-Pedic, a company that has long been well known for churning out top-notch bedding products. The topper does a couple things: it keeps my mattress in better shape as it's a buffer between it and my sheets/body and it provides me with a plush feel that helps alleviate pain and discomfort in my joints. On top of which, it's completely natural so there are no icky chemicals to aggravate my allergies (yes, I have those health issues, too).

All in all, I have been able to experience a more sound and healthy night's sleep - more often. So, if you're experiencing some aches and pains and finding it hard to get a good night's sleep, I would recommend you consider purchasing a mattress topper. It's certainly a lot less expensive alternative to a whole new mattress and I think you'll sleep healthier for it!

Finally, our quest for the perfect kapok pillow is over

 

Author: Chris Chamberlin posted 7/11/09

We've been on the hunt for a kapok pillow supplier that could make a superior quality pillow and keep up with our demand. It hasn't been easy.

There are only a few manufacturers to choose from but we're happy to announce that we are now selling the best quality kapok pillow in the U.S. It's made by Zafu Designs and our comparison shopping gives this pillow an A+ for quality of the kapok fill content and superior outer casings. Yes there are two encasings, each with their own zipper. The casings are made with 100% organic cotton fabric that is woven to be dust mite allergen proof, with a 4.25 pore size. That's impressive.

New to kapok pillows?

Kapok is a completely organic fiber that comes from the pod of the kapok tree that grows in the rainforest. It was once used as stuffing for life preservers because it floats. It makes great filling for pillows because it is light and fluffy.

The fluffy fiber is completely vegan. Kapok is hypoallergenic, good for people who are allergic to wool, cotton, or latex.  A kapok pillow has the same characteristics of an organic wool pillow but does not compress, feels soft like down but supportive like wool, yet it doesn't compress like down.

Let me know what you think.

Organic on a budget? Start with your child's room

Guest Blogger: Jennifer Thibodeau 07/11/09

Want to go organic in your home but, much like the rest of us these days, are facing a budget crunch? Take it slow and start with one room at a time. Here's where I decided to start: my son's room.

Besides the air purifier and shredded rubber pillow I told you about last week, we also got him an amazing set of COYUCHI Organic Jersey Sheets. And I mean amazing. The quality is fantastic. They've been washed and dried many times over and are still in perfect shape - no stretching or threads hanging. The softness is incredible. It feels like you're slipping into your favorite old t-shirt each time you sink into bed. They're made of 100% organic cotton and colored with low-impact dyes (the natural are undyed).

All good stuff for my little guy.

So, if you're looking for a place to start, and you want to start small, I recommend your child's room. Green up their sleeping environment and you'll no doubt sleep a bit more peacefully yourself. If you need additional ideas, visit our Healthy Kid's Room or Organic Nursery.

Sleep well,

Jennifer

Giving your children a healthy start in life – priceless

Guest Blogger: Jennifer Thibodeau 07/1/09

 

 According to the Action Alliance for Children, children are more vulnerable than adults to environmental health hazards such as pesticides, air pollution, lead, and toxic products because their bodies are still developing.

 

From their food, to their clothes, to their sleeping environment, giving our children a healthy start in life is bound to have positive repercussions we can’t even begin to yet measure. Imagine what damage food treated with pesticides can do. Or the t-shirt that has been whitened with chemical bleach. Or the pillow swarming with dust mites. Just thinking about all of this makes me shudder in fear for my child – and his future. Nevermind the normal everyday worries I face of less-than-honorable strangers, crime, and a multitude of other sins that exist today.

 

Unfortunately, my son, at 8 years old, has already suffered from allergies for a few years. He is on a prescription medication at night and has to use a daily nasal spray, as well. Because of this, I have endeavored to make his bedroom less attractive to allergens. We’re in the process of ripping out his carpet, almost never leave his window open, and are sticklers about washing his sheets once a week in hot water.

 

One of our favorite products is his shredded rubber pillow, which is mite-, water-, and mildew-resistant. Good news for him – and better news for me – it’s machine washable! Another product we added recently has been an air purifier – and what a difference that has made. His nightly coughing has become almost non-existent!

It’s so good to know that healthier products are available (and more are on the horizon) to help combat today’s allergy-related illnesses. I may not be able to keep my son from the evils of the world, but knowing I am providing him with a healthier sleeping environment helps ME sleep at night!