The Best Times To Buy A New Mattress

There are a few things you learn when you've been in the mattress trade for decades. One of those is that people are a predictable species.

Mattress shopping is more reactionary than planned. There are certain life changes that prompt people into buying a new bed, unfortunately, these moments are often out of sync with the best time to buy a mattress.

So with a little forward thinking it is possible to coordinate the sudden need for a new mattress with the best times of the year to buy one. Think of it as: Mattress Shopping 101 - Working Around the Big Changes

The first thing to do is take a look at your family situation and plan accordingly. People buy new beds as the family grows, love blooms, and also when it fades. Here are a few warning signs that a new bed may be in your near future.

1. If you have little ones in cribs, it's safe to say they'll be in beds one day. Think of when this graduation will come, and start looking for sales early. Plan your mattress shopping excursion around some of the best times of the year listed below.

2. If you have two kids in bunks, that's not going to last forever. Instead of buying as the need arises, and being at the mercy of the moment, pick out a twin and keep it in storage for when big brother makes his move to his own room. Mattresses aren't like food. They won't go bad. So it's better to plan ahead.

3. If you're dating, and things are getting serious, it's not uncommon for new lovebirds moving in together to splurge on a new mattress. It may be a bit forward, but investing in a newer, bigger bed early on could make good sense. Also, what better way to test drive it?

4. Conversely, if things are looking rocky, the first thing a couple stops sharing is a bed. While picking out your lawyer, get a new mattress as well. At least you'll rest easy in dark times.

5. Finally, new rooms often demand new furniture. If you have a move in the works, don't wait until you're surrounded in boxes before realizing you need a few extra beds. Plan ahead. You can even get your mattresses delivered to your new home free of charge when the day arrives, as opposed to moving them yourself.

The next step in the process is buying the beds when they're on sale, and keeping them for when the moment arrives. If you don't have the storage available, ask your mattress retailer if it's okay to keep your bed there until you need it delivered. You might be pleasantly surprised.

Here are the best times of year to buy a mattress.

1. Year-End. Around December to January, mattress stores often have Year-End Clearance Sales to get rid of old stock and replace them with new models. There are some fantastic deals to be had, as retailers are anxious to keep their floors up-to-date. If one were to synchronize a major life change with the New Year, it would be the perfect timing to save.

2. Overstocked Sales. Keep an eye on the trucks outside mattress store. If it looks like there's a lot of confusion going on, you can use that to your advantage. Sometimes mattress retailers order too much stock, and the overflow in the stores necessitates an Overstocked or Truckload Sale to move the abundant inventory quickly. These usually happen in the fall.

3. Mismatched Sales. April is traditionally a slow month for mattress stores, so it's a good time for spring-cleaning. This is often when they usually have their official year-end (in tax terms), and when they do their inventory. Going through the warehouse with a clipboard can unearth a lot of odds and ends, and mattresses without matching bases, due to damage, or misplaced orders or what have you. Mattress stores will often pair the mismatched tops and bottoms together to get them out the door at a greatly reduced price.

Take a look at where you are in life, the major changes coming up down the road, and the new beds this will necessitate. Think of the sizes you'll need. There is no reason to pay full price. Keep these mattress sale seasons in mind, plan ahead, and save.

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Top Rated Sewing Machines - Three Favorites Reviewed

Owning a top-rated sewing machine is important to many home sewers. With so many great models on the market today, however, it is often difficult to make a choice. Features can vary greatly from one machine to another, and often correlate to price, which can range from about one hundred dollars, to a few thousand. If you are searching for a new sewing machine, and your eyes are glazing over from reading about stitch function, variable speed control, and automatic buttonholers, the following information may be helpful. You'll also learn how to get the best possible price on your new purchase.

First and foremost, you must consider your actual sewing needs when deciding on a purchase.

Do you:

sew only occasionally, mostly clothing and to make repairs? Or are you an avid sewer who enjoys creating a variety of clothing and household items (curtains, pillows, bedding, etc.)?
sew for other people?
sew with a variety of material, from lightweight cotton and silk, to heavier denim, faux leather, and decorator fabrics?
require a lightweight machine?
use your machine for quilting?
require a wide variety of stitches?
If you keep the answers to these questions in mind as you research, they may help you make an informed choice, and one that makes you happy. After all, you want your investment to last a long time, and provide hours of enjoyment. Following are descriptions of three top rated sewing machines available today.

Brother CS6000I

This is a very good machine for the average home sewing enthusiast, as well as the beginner. It is computerized, and offers a varied assortment of 60 stitches. Unlike many machines, this model offers an LCD screen which shows each stitch. Most modern machines make 1-step buttonholes; this one makes 7 different sizes. One can quilt with ease on this machine, as it has an additional snap-on table accessory to handle larger or bulky fabric lengths. Also lightweight at 16 pounds, this is an all-around top performer.

Janome 7330 Magnolia

This is an excellent choice for the ardent sewer. Although at 45 pounds it is quite a bit heavier than the Brother, this is due to its cast aluminum construction. It is a solid machine, described as a workhorse by many users. With 30 built-in stitches, this machine certainly isn't lacking. It is able to sew through everything from the most delicate silks to multiple layers of fabric. The Magnolia's most notable features are a start/stop button that allows sewing without a foot peddle, an automatic needle threader, and incredible speed. Users love this sewing machine!

Singer 7470

Owners rave about the Singer Confidence. It has an arsenal of 173 stitch functions, which can be edited for increased variation. With 13 needle positions and twin-needle capability, it is a good basic embroidery machine, and quilter. Popular features include a 1-step buttonholer, drop and sew bobbin, and automatic needle threader.

These three machines are solid performers, and rank well with sewers in both function and ease of use. Any of them would make an excellent purchase, either for personal use or as a gift to a beginner.

Now, let's flex those creative muscles and get sewing!

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2 Year Olds Tantrums - Understanding and Stopping 2 Year Olds Tantrums

Do you know what can drown out the sound of a 2 year olds tantrum? I do! It is the sound of twins at 2 years old throwing tantrums at the same time! But seriously, temper tantrums in toddlers, which is children ages 2 and 3, are not uncommon and are most definitely not pleasant. Let us take a look at understanding the root of temper tantrums and look at some ways of helping your little tike release energy without screaming and shouting. 

Understanding Temper Tantrums in Toddlers

First off, it is important to note that the reason or root of the tantrum changes as the child ages. Particularly at young ages, the developmental milestones for your child will impact their ability to respond to variables in their environment.

For a 2 year old, tantrums are most likely a symptom or a sign of a need being unmet. They are not some misbehavior or negative thing. However, they do need to be addressed and the cause needs to be the focus of your efforts. You do not have to live with temper tantrums, but it will require some work on your part.

The Root Of Tantrums for 2 Year Olds

For 2 year olds, a tantrum is typically stress related. The cause of the stress can be many things. For example, your little boy or little girl may be struggling with potty training, watching too much TV, or needing a little bit more attention from Mom and Dad. That attention may only need to be an extra 15 minutes in Mom's lap, but it can make all the difference for your little one.

So, to prevent tantrums, which is the best way of stopping tantrums, you need to determine what the cause of the stress is and work on reducing the stress.

Stopping 2 Year Olds Tantrums

As was mentioned above, the best way to end tantrums is to prevent them. To stop tantrums, you are going to need to give your toddler what they need. That will include, but is not limited to, finding gross-motor outlets for the energy accumulated through stress, frustration, and everyday energy build-up in a toddler. This can include bear hugs, outdoor play, jungle gym play-time, and so much more. The focus is on using large muscle groups (legs, arms, shoulder) to expel energy each and every day.

In addition, you need to provide a time of reduced stimulation. Turn off the TV. Turn of the music. Have some quiet time for you and your little one. This will allow for their senses to calm down and process all of the input for the day.

In short, to understand 2 year old tantrums, you have to be a 2 year old. To stop a 2 year old tantrum, you have to love your 2 year old. Seem easy enough?

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Easy Baby Shower Favors You Can Make

If you want to keep down costs at your baby shower, you might want to consider making your own simple, but appealing baby shower favors. With a little bit of imagination and creativity, you could make pretty baby shower favors that your guests will love, and that don't cost the earth. Call some of your friends to help you make handmade personalized favors and you're all set.

The tips below are so easy to make you can have a hundred favors ready in just a few hours.

Take small sized plastic bottles, and use these to fill with luxurious treats for guests. Colored and scented bath salts are a great idea. Choose from fragrances that include Jojoba, almond oil and aloe Vera. Or buy a large container of sweet scented hand lotion, and fill each bottle. Tie the top with a pink or blue ribbon, or use a lace ribbon to tie a bow. A satin ribbon wrapped elegantly around works just as well.

Give your guests diaper baby gift basket favors to take home. Take a new born sized diaper, and line the inside with tissue. Now fill with treats and candies and mints. Use a drawstring to draw close tight, and attach a little tag thanking your guest for attending the shower. Your guests will find the idea behind the diaper baby gift basket ingenious.

For a variation of the diaper theme, take small new born baby booties (you'll find these at online stores that sell baby gifts) and fill each with treats. Use the string to draw shut, and place in a large basket at the entrance, so people can pick a booty as they come in.

Buy empty glass jars in bulk, and fill with bubble bath, bath salts, body or hand lotion, or shower gel. The bottles are very inexpensive, and the goodies inside will please the most jaded guest. Remember to add a festive touch to the jar by wrapping a red satin bow around the top.

Buy little mugs at discount stores or order them online. Place a single flower in each, and place all of them at a table near the entrance. As guests leave, they can pick up a single cup with a bloom.

Seed packets make great baby shower favors. Look for seed packet favors at online stores and present guests for a baby shower favor that will grow to spread its fragrance around year after year!

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Baby Shower Invitation Cards

Baby Shower Invitation Cards are a time saver for the hostess. It is also a good idea to have more invitations than you need. If you send invitations by mail, you want an envelope that stands out so that it doesn't look like junk mail.

How many guests to invite:
Usually you invite between 8 and 30 guests. The number would be determined by several things. One is where you are having the shower. In a dining room, a backyard, a rented room. What type of guests you are having. Ladies Baby Shower Invitation Cards are a time saver for the hostess. It is also a good idea to have more invitations than you need. If you send invitations by mail, you want an envelope that stands out so that it doesn't look like junk mail.

How many guests to invite:
Usually you invite between 8 and 30 guests. The number would be determined by several things. One is where you are having the shower. In a dining room, a backyard, a rented room. What type of guests you are having. Ladies, men, ladies and men, and/or children.

What type of Invitation Cards:
You can get free invitation ideas, purchase printable invitations, make a handmade invitation, create your own designs, send ecard invitations, handwritten, personalized, blank cards, baby shower invite, or use a invitation kit.

Where to get invitation ideas:
You can get your invitation ideas from old invitations, online, books, or magazine articles.

What styles of invitations to choose from:
You can choose from several different styles: Elegant, embossed, formal, trendy, simple, ornate, or wacky shower invitations.

Where to get Invitations:
Online, party supply shop, Wal-mart, Shopko, Target, K-Mart, or office supply stores handle baby shower invitations.

Who to send to:
Everyone invited should get a separate baby shower invitation card, even if they are in the same household.

When to send:
The invitations should be sent out 3 to 6 weeks in advance. This gives your guests time to clear their schedules, purchase gifts, and return RSVP's.

What to include in your invitation:

Name of the guest of honor
If surprise shower, mention that on the card
Theme of the party
Date and time of the shower
Location and directions to the shower
Name and address of hostess/host
Favorite colors of guest of honor
Where guest of honor has a registry
Suggested ideas for gifts
Tell them if a meal is planned, refreshments, appetizers, etc
Decorating scheme of guest of honor
How and when to RSVP

For those baby showers where you know that you are having a baby boy you might want to send out baby shower invitations for boys. If you have a girl, there are baby shower invitations for a girl also., men, ladies and men, and/or children.

What type of Invitation Cards:
You can get free invitation ideas, purchase printable invitations, make a handmade invitation, create your own designs, send ecard invitations, handwritten, personalized, blank cards, baby shower invite, or use a invitation kit.

Where to get invitation ideas:
You can get your invitation ideas from old invitations, online, books, or magazine articles.

What styles of invitations to choose from:
You can choose from several different styles: Elegant, embossed, formal, trendy, simple, ornate, or wacky shower invitations.

Where to get Invitations:
Online, party supply shop, Wal-mart, Shopko, Target, K-Mart, or office supply stores handle baby shower invitations.

Who to send to:
Everyone invited should get a separate baby shower invitation card, even if they are in the same household.

When to send:
The invitations should be sent out 3 to 6 weeks in advance. This gives your guests time to clear their schedules, purchase gifts, and return RSVP's.

What to include in your invitation:

Name of the guest of honor
If surprise shower, mention that on the card
Theme of the party
Date and time of the shower
Location and directions to the shower
Name and address of hostess/host
Favorite colors of guest of honor
Where guest of honor has a registry
Suggested ideas for gifts
Tell them if a meal is planned, refreshments, appetizers, etc
Decorating scheme of guest of honor
How and when to RSVP

For those baby showers where you know that you are having a baby boy you might want to send out baby shower invitations for boys. If you have a girl, there are baby shower invitations for a girl also.

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Baby Shower Themes - How to Choose the Perfect One

The best way to make sure that you throw the perfect baby shower, is to start with the perfect baby shower theme. With the hundreds of baby shower themes out there though, how do you choose the right theme?

A baby shower theme sets the tone for the entire event. What is right will change from person to person, but there are things you can take into consideration to make sure you find the right theme.

First, consider the theme that the new parents will be using for the baby's nursery. Would this be a good baby shower theme? One of the most popular ways of choosing a theme is to do the shower in the same theme that the new parents are doing the baby's room in. There are a few advantages to using the theme of the baby's room. First, you know that the new mom likes it. Second, it will be gender appropriate for the baby, as mom and dad will be decorating based on what they know the baby's gender is, if they don't know, they will no doubt have picked a theme that they feel is appropriate for both a boy or girl.

If you are not going to go with the theme of the baby, then there are literally hundreds of themes to choose from. This biggest issue for most people at that point is figuring out how to narrow their choices down. There are some basic things you can take into consideration to help you decide.

First, consider the new mom's tastes. Does she like traditional baby shower things like baby animals, baby carriages, teddy bears or the like? Or, is she more trendy and looking for the hottest thing?

The baby's gender will also be a big consideration of course. Is baby a boy or a girl, or are mom and dad waiting to find out? Do you want a theme that is traditionally boy or traditionally girl? Or, would you prefer something gender neutral? Perhaps you'd prefer a theme that is generally thought of for the opposite gender, for instance cowboy baby showers have long been popular, but the cowgirl theme has become quite popular in recent years.

Would it be good to incorporate a religious theme into the shower, or would this be an area best avoided? For the right person, a Noah's Ark shower, angel shower, or miracle from heaven theme can be extra special.

Of course if mom is having twins, triplets, or more babies, then you will have additional themes available to you. Themes like Two Peas In A Pod and Noah's Ark are great ways to celebrate the special arrival of multiples.

Once you've thought about these things, you can easily narrow down the options and find the theme that will be just right for the new family.

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Baby Shower Words, Verses and Sayings For Baby Shower Invitations

When you are planning a baby shower, there are a lot of details you have to finalize, including choosing the baby diaper cake and picking a location. You'll need to gather refreshments, compile a guest list, and handle the decorations. Of course, another factor in your massive list of responsibilities is the baby shower words on those invitations. That means you want to hold off on putting together the shower games, so you'll be able to prepare the appropriate invitation wording whether you are having a formal or an informal celebration.

Baby Shower Invitations for Formal Events

With a formal shower, you're going to want to take care to reflect that tone in your choice of baby shower words. A good way to start these formal invitations is with a phrase such as "You are cordially invited to a baby shower" or "The pleasure of your company is requested at a shower." Follow that line with who the shower is going to be for: the new baby if he or she has already entered the world, the parents-to-be, or the mother-to-be. When you are writing out the wording, be sure to use everyone's full name - that is standard when you are working with formal invitations. Once you reach this point of the wording, you should add in the details of the party, such as the location, date, and time of the baby showers. You also need to have all of the words written out completely. For example, if the shower is being held on the August 30th at noon, you would write it out as "the thirtieth of August at twelve o'clock noon." Remember not to use any types of abbreviations.

At the end of the wording, you'll need to write out the full names of the hosts of the party. Also, this is a good place to add the RSVP information at the bottom of the card unless you are going to be using a separate response card.

Baby Shower Invitations for an Informal Party

Formal invitations aren't needed if you are having a small, casual shower. However, that doesn't mean you can just call or email guests. You should still send out invitations and you will need to be careful with your baby shower words. However, you do have more flexibility with what those cards can say. For example, you could begin the message with "Susan and Jeff invite you to celebrate the approaching birth of Morgan and Matt's new baby at a special shower." Of course, you'd follow this up with celebration details.

Don't forget that if you send out informal invitations you need to plan a casual shower. That means you keep the refreshments simple, the guest list smaller, and the location more private. Just remember that the shower will be a fun experience whether it's formal or informal.

Gifts & the Baby Showers Wording

Finally, you also want to leave off some things from the baby shower words. The main thing you do not want to include is any information about gifts or the gift registry. When you mention gifts on the invitation, guests feel as if you expect them to buy a present in order to attend. That makes the party seem less like a celebration and more like a plea for cash and prizes. That doesn't mean you shouldn't have gift registry information handy when guests contact you with questions about what to buy.

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