Proper Bed Linen Care

You can extend the lifespan of your linens by washing and drying them properly. Also, save the care instructions that come in the package – tape it on an index card and keep it handy.

Bedsheets

- Wash the sheets in cool or lukewarm water, using a gentle cycle if the sheets are not too dirty.
- Less detergent is recommended. You actually need only half the amount prescribed by the detergent label.
- Using bleach breaks down fabric fibers so it should be avoided.
- Avoid over drying your sheets as this will make it more prone to wrinkles.
- Promptly remove your sheets from the dryer and fold them immediately.

Pillowcases

- Buy a few extras of pillowcases that you love. Pillowcases wear out more quickly than sheets.
- Changing your pillowcases at least twice a week ensures that you have fresher pillows every time, especially in hot climates like ours.

Duvet or Comforter

- Every morning, shake and fluff your comforter after every use. This will help keep the filling evenly distributed.
- Washing your duvet in a large commercial washing machine is best.
- Dry cleaning though must be limited as chemicals may break the fibers in the filling of your duvet or comforter.
- Dry your duvet on gentle heat in the dryer. When dry, take it out and give it a good shake to straighten lumps formed by clusters of filling.
- Air dry the duvet for at least 24 hours to make sure it is completely dry.
- You can forgo cleaning your duvet or comforter for months if you keep them inside a duvet cover.

Your goodnight guide

The sheets you’d usually find in your basic bed linen sheet…

Fitted Sheet – A sheet with elastic edges tailored to fit a particular mattress without slipping off. This serves as the bottom-most sheet.

Flat Sheet – A rectangular sheet of cloth placed over the fitted sheet; also called the top sheet.

Comforter – A fiber-filled quilted bed covering that goes over the top of a mattress but does not cover pillows or hang all the way to the floor.

Duvet or Comforter Cover – A large, protective, and decorative casing for a comforter, usually with ties, snaps, or buttons to close it. It protects your comforter from dirt, and saves you trips to the Laundromat.

Modern Tropical Tips

Going modern in the tropics does not have to mean reliving the heydeys of Miami Vice. Here are tips to get your space to look more now:

1. Choose furniture pieces that have simple and minimal curves. Incorporating materials such as wood with visible grains makes the piece simultaneously modern and tropical.

2. Wood and lots of white are essential in giving a space a modern tropical feel. Use light colors on floors and walls to balance out the repeated use of dark wood in furniture and staircases.

3. Modern fabric designs will soften the touch of even the most angular furniture. Opt for earthy colors in green, oranges, and beiges instead of shocking aqua.

Lavender and Sandalwood Linen Spray

A little spritz of linen spray can infuse your bed linen with a summery, soothing scent. But nix the expensive store-bought sprays and make one for yourself – it also makes a lovely gift for friends, too.

Lavender and Sandalwood Linen Spray

2 tbsp 100 proof vodka
1 tsp lavender oil
1/2 tsp sandalwood
Distilled water
1 32oz spray bottle

Mix the vodka and scented oils in a bottle. Add distilled water until just full, screw on cap, and shake to combine. Shake lightly before each use.

Thread Count does count!

The thread count you read on the side of the packaging refers to the number of threads per square inch in both directions in the weave of your bed linen. A high thread count (300 and up) has a finer, smoother surface, but it does not mean that your sheet is more durable — in fact, the individual threads are thinner, and may not wear as well. A thread count of at least 250 already promises good wear and a soft feel.

Think small =)

When you are having a hard time feeding your kids vegetables…

Serve up a dinner made entirely of finger foods and “mini” items – cocktail hotdogs and meatballs, bite-size quiches, and tiny “trees” made from broccoli.

Or better yet, serve them bento boxes like these…

I am sure they will eat whatever’s in the box

Would you get your pregnant belly a $75 facial?

I read about this at a web site and it says that Ugly Betty star, Ana Ortiz, is a fan of Mom-2-Be Belly Bump Facial. This is a new service for pregnant women in the Northwest. Decleor, a French skincare line, created the belly facial for MTM Luxury Lodging hotel spas using all natural products designed to cleanse, exfoliate, and hydrate baby bumps to help prevent stretch marks. The cost? $75 for a half hour.

Would you try it?