Sunday, May 30, 2010

Patio Chair Cushions - Sit Comfortably

Outdoor living has really become a popular activity. People are spending more and more times in their backyards and on their patios. Chairs and other outdoor furniture have taken on some new meanings of importance, because they are being used so much. Outdoor furniture has become much more stylish and comfort conscience.

Patio cushions were once very utilitarian, but now they are much more stylized. The appearance has become as important as the function. The demand is for high quality, chic patio accessories.

Types

There are plenty of types of furniture for the patio that include chairs, some of the furnishings look as if it came right out of the living room. Gone are the days of the ugly folding chairs with the nylon webbing. It is crafted from an array of materials, often times the focus is on natural materials to compliment the landscape. There is patio furniture crafted from all kinds of woods, there is furniture that is crafted from teak, bamboo, rattan, and of course the hardwoods are always a favorite. Red wood and oak has made a comeback in recent years. There are other options for patio furniture as well; there are metal framed options and PVC options. Weather considerations make most patio furniture with removable cushions so that the cushions can be protected from the elements. Patio chair cushions usually can be removed from the patio furniture quite easily and stored during inclement weather if the patio is not covered. Patio chair cushions add extra comfort and style to patio chairs.

Styles of Cushions

It unfortunately is not built primarily for comfort it is usually built for durability the style and comfort is left up to the cushions to lend support in that arena. Patio chair cushions are usually very comfortable and stylish. They come in an array of patterns and colors, not to mention shapes and sizes. Usually the manufacturer of the patio furniture will offer options when it comes to the styles of the cushions.

Patios chair cushions are usually also sold separately, so they can be replaced if need be. They are a great way to update older patio furniture. Patio chair cushions are exposed to a lot of weather abuse, even if the patio is a covered patio there is still weather experienced by the furniture and the patio chair cushions, the wear and tear is incredible, usually they only last two seasons or so, may be three if they are protected more often from the elements. The cost is usually reasonable so replacing them every few years is not that painful. They are a great way to decorate the patio and make it feel like home.

Saturday, May 29, 2010

What Mattress Should I Choose For My Baby? Innerspring Or Foam Mattress?

Because of the increasing popularity of foam mattress, parents might think that this is the best crib mattress for their baby. After all, we are living in the foam technology era. You have a lot of options such as latex and memory foam mattress. These are integrated with cutting-edge foam technology that allows it to conform to the body's contours and provide better support while redistributing body weight and lessening pressure points.

But then most of us grew up sleeping on an innerspring mattress and we didn't really experience many problems about it. What many parents fear nowadays is the condition called SIDS or Sudden Infant Death. This is a condition wherein the baby suddenly dies in their sleep for no reason at all. Many experts say that the mattress they are using might be too soft to offer the support their body needs. Others say it is the suffocating crib that triggers this condition.

Since the real cause has not yet been identified, it is our duty to look for a mattress that will totally prevent this problem from arising. This is why more and more parents opt for foam mattresses. These beds provide better support to the back to reduce not only pressure sores but also the likelihood of suffocation. However, memory foams contain chemical ingredients that may pose a threat to your baby's life when they continuously inhale its chemical fumes. Latex is a much better substitute because it is a natural ingredient. Its main ingredient is rubber tree extract.

We should not completely disregard innerspring mattress either. The key there is to find the right innerspring bed with the correct number of coils. Go for those brands of mattresses with only 150 coil count. This is just the right number of coil that will provide a semi-firm mattress comfort to your baby. Popular brands such as Sealy, Simmons, Serta and Colgate produce mattresses like this.

When you are choosing, always consider the best for your baby. Make sure it does not contain harmful chemicals that they might inhale as they sleep. The mattress should also provide semi-firm or firm comfort level for better support. These mattresses should also be converted into a toddler bed so you won't have to buy another one when your baby grows older. Also consider your budget. If you are under a strict budget, you might find yourself buying innerspring mattresses. But if you are ready for a splurge (or an investment), you might want to consider an organic foam mattress.

Friday, May 28, 2010

Depression After Weight Loss Surgery? Explore a Variety of Beneficial Treatment Options

Reports of depression and sadness are not uncommon for people who have undergone gastric bypass, gastric lap-band, and gastric sleeve surgical procedures for the treatment of morbid obesity. While we often think that weight loss will end our depression and sadness these feelings linger long after the weight is gone. There are many treatments available for mild to severe depression. It is important for patients to work with their bariatric center, primary care doctors and a mental health professional as they seek treatment for depression. Below are common treatments, both medical and natural, for the treatment of depression.

Prescription Medication for Clinical Depression:
For clearly diagnosed clinical depression Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), such as sertraline (Zoloft), escitalopram (Lexapro), fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine, and citalopram are the primary medications considered, due to their relatively mild side effects and broad effect on the symptoms of depression and anxiety. These are prescribed by a doctor and closely monitored throughout the course of care for the patient.

Natural Treatment for Mild Depression:
For mild depression, what I call sadness, there are some things we can do to relieve the feelings of sadness or depression and hopefully reduce the cravings for carbohydrates that we so often experience.

Exercise:
While it is true that exercise plays a key role in our weight loss and weight maintenance, it is also known to improve mood. Studies indicate that regular exercise can be as effective a treatment for depression as antidepressant medication or psychotherapy. The University of Texas at Austin found that just 40 minutes of regular exercise can have an immediate and positive effect on mood. The exercise does not need to be strenuous, just consistent. Additionally, exercise improves self-esteem thus enabling us to better cope with the everyday demands of living. Experts suggest we exercise in a natural setting, which has a positive effect on our mental health.

Herbs & Supplements:
5-Hydroxytryptophan or 5-HTP is a naturally occurring amino acid, a precursor to the neurotransmitter serotonin and an intermediate in tryptophan metabolism. It is marketed in the United States and other countries as a dietary supplement for use as an antidepressant, appetite suppressant, and sleep aid.

St John's wort is most widely known as an herbal treatment for depression Standardized extracts are generally available over the counter, usually in tablet or capsule form. St. John's wort is also available as a tea. Studies indicate St. John's wort had similar efficacy to standard antidepressants with a lower rate of side effects.

Magnesium deficiency is common for many surgical weight loss patients and may cause depression. Supplementation or changes in diet may be helpful to improve magnesium deficiency. Foods rich in magnesium include whole grains, beans and seeds, halibut and spinach. Magnesium supplements are also commonly available.

Sleep:
Depression is commonly associated with poor sleep - difficulty going to sleep, early waking and general lassitude during the day. The two interact to worsen the condition of each other. Good sleep hygiene is therefore important to help break this vicious circle. This would include measures such as regular bed times, avoidance of stimulants such as caffeine and management of disturbances such as sleep apnea.

Meditation:
Meditation has been shown to be of benefit in a number of ways, including lowering blood pressure and stress levels. The most helpful and gentle form of meditation for a clinically depressed person may be the repetition-silently or aloud-of a mantra.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

Get A Good Night's Sleep On A Bean Bag Chair Bed

Living a normal, stress free life is almost impossible these days. After a hard day at work, most people find it impossible to relax and leave work at work. A comfortable home can go a long way towards helping ease the stress but you have to have a great bed to sleep in at night in order to let your body fully relax and get a good night's sleep. After all, that is the key to living a productive but fulfilling life. A bean bag chair bed may just help you to achieve the best night's sleep you could ever imagine.

Most people have to work so hard to make a living these days that they often end up neglecting their everyday lives in order to succeed. The cost of living is extremely high, so high in fact that it is a wonder that people do manage to survive. Working yourself into the ground may seem like the only solution, but you do need to relax and a bean bag chair bed is the perfect item of furniture to help you do that. You can relax, read a book, watch TV or just fall asleep curled up on your bean bag chair bed and recharge your batteries ready for the next day's work.

Bean Bag Chair Beds And Support

Whilst a regular bed can provide support and comfort for a few years, a bean bag chair bed can provide unrivalled comfort and support indefinitely. The nature of a bean bag chair bed is such that it will mould to your body shape but automatically return to its regular shape when you move. As a result, the support it offers is unparalleled. A regular bed will eventually simply bow beyond repair. Bean bag chair beds are less likely to do that because they return to shape more quickly.

Another advantage bean bag chair beds have over regular beds is that they are recyclable, as such. With a mattress from a regular bed, the springs go and you have to replace it every few years. A bean bag chair bed can just be refilled or restuffed after a few years when it does start to sag. Refilling is much cheaper than buying a new mattress and a lot easier too because you can have the stuffing shipped to your home at little cost and do it in your own time.

Every individual should aim to get a few hours of relaxation in every day. With a product like the bean bag chair bed, it is not hard to make sure that you get those hours in. The comfort, support and cheap nature of the bean bag chair bed make it impossible to resist so give into it! You know you want to!

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

A Special Place to Sleep For Your Little Princess

There are lots of different styles of furniture that are made to sleep in that are made with the little princess in mind. They are made in all styles with different materials and some even have a crown made right into the headboard. For a truly royal sleeping place that lets her know she is one of a kind, nothing is more luxurious for your little girl than an awning covered divan that is full of ruffles, lace, and tons of femininity.

Getting her to go to sleep has never been as easy as it is with her own princess covered divan. You can choose between twin or full size depending on the room you have and the needs of your child. You can also choose the material that the frame is made of including wood or metal. For smaller pieces of furniture, you will find some models that are made of plastic.

There are some frames that are guaranteed to be 99.9% germ free and finished with wood powder coated on the surface. They are revolutionary to the touch and the wood is crafted with absolute precision. Some also come with all the bedding and the awning but you can find many styles that allow you to pick the linens and coverings that suit her style.

You will also find some of the designs for younger children that include their favorite cartoon characters. Most of these are available in twin size but some also come in full sized. She will feel safe and happy with her heroes close by to watch after her while she sleeps. Although these are good for those children who are making the transition from the crib into their first real piece of furniture, they aren't likely to be useful for a long period of time. Keep in mind that when she changes heroes, she will most likely want to change her furniture as well.

To keep in line with the new piece of furniture, many models will also be produced with matching dressers and night stands to complete the look. Her room will look like a room out of her favorite fairy tale and she will love going to sleep every night as she drifts of to dreamland!

Some of the features that are available in other twin sized sleepers for children are also available in those that have a cover over them. Choose a style that has the convenience of underneath drawers to provide you with storage for linens, toys, or anything that you don't have enough room for. You can choose one of the classic styles and then add a cover of any design and color that you want to get the desired effect.

Nothing will make your little princess feel more special than having a luxurious place to sleep in complete comfort and beauty. Create a room that suits her tastes and is inviting enough to make her ready to drift off in her cozy secure place that is unlike any other.

Tuesday, May 25, 2010

College Dorm Furniture - A Great Space-Saving Idea

College dorm rooms are typically minimal and tight spaces for furniture. Furnishing them requires creativity to accommodate enough furniture for comfort while also creating an attractive environment.

In a dorm room, furniture is the biggest issue. When we're dealing with inches of space to spare rather than many feet, multi-purpose furniture is required!

Futon furniture is an amazing solution for the needs of a college dorm room. All futons are combinations of comfortable sofas and sleeping beds; many perform triple duty as both couches and loungers as well as sleepers.

Futons are designed to fit in small spaces. They derive from Japanese housing, where room sizes were limited. Sure, there are also futon sofa-sleepers created for what seems like heavy French chateau room decor, but most futon sofas available today have college dorm rooms and small home guest rooms in mind.

Today's futons are attractive couches. They are constructed in elegant finished wood, unfinished pine, or modern-style metal frames, with or without arms and with or without mattresses, pillows, and cover accessories. There are hundreds of different futons, designed to fit even a very limited budget. You can purchase futon frames and mattresses on the Internet and have them delivered to your door at a very reasonable cost.

You can buy futons individually (mattress and frame separately) or in complete sets. Futon mattress and frame sets are typically created with a futon mattress and futon frame that come from the same manufacturer, which ensures that they will fit and work well together and will arrive at your door on the same pallate (in one delivery).

Futon covers zip on and off, and can change the entire appearance of a dorm room or guest room in a heartbeat! Futon covers come literally in a thousand solid colors and designs so you can complement your room decor or create a brand new look. Futon covers can be cleaned repeatedly, but once you tire of that look, you can change just the cover to completely change the look of your college dorm room. Accessorize with pillows or bolsters to coordinate a room design or just make your wonderful futon sofa even more comfortable. Futon covers and bedding are even available in the colors and logos of your favorite college.

One caveat to bear in mind: Full size futon sofa sleepers are easy to move and easy to operate. They require only one person to manipulate them; that is, one person can convert the sofa to a sleeper and back. In many cases, even an older child can handle it. They are relatively small so they will fit in many tight spaces.

Queen size futon couches, on the other hand, are quite a bit larger and heavier, primarily because of the queen mattress. They really do require two people, one on each side, to manipulate them to avoid flopping one side down, potentially damaging mechanisms that would last much longer if they were handled carefully. Queen futon sofas are too big anyway for most college dorm rooms!

Futons are wonderful, useful pieces of furniture that work well for dorm rooms, guest rooms, and even kids' rooms. They give you the flexibility you want to make these spaces your own. The general rule is: keep it simple. Then settle in and enjoy your own comfort zone!

Monday, May 24, 2010

Full Loft Bed - Maximize Your Dorm Room Space

Many college students who live in dorms have to deal with the little spaces available for them. Many of them do not have enough space to keep all their things in their dorm rooms. Fortunately there are now loft beds designed to help these students maximize the limited space that they have. If you want to have more space for your school materials you can replace your regular bed with a loft bed. If you have a roommate, you can have a full bed to accommodate both of you and at the same time have more storage space below.

A loft bed is like a bunk bed with an empty space below it. You can put cabinets there to store all your books and your other school stuff. You can also put there a study table and a lamp so you can have a comfortable study area.

The space can also be used to organize your clothes. You can add hanger racks for ironed clothes or drawers for smaller pieces like your boxers or undershirts.

If you want to have a personal space away from sight of other dorm occupants, you can put curtains around the space to give you the privacy that you need. There you can do your own stuff away from the prying eyes of your roommates.

The space can also be converted into a receiving area if you have guests. Just add a few stools or folding chairs and you are all set to invite friends to come and visit you.

To use the space for the purposes mentioned here you usually need to bring in your own materials like your own cabinet or your own study table. However, there are also loft beds that you can buy with built in cabinets or tables already. A full loft bed with built in accessories are generally more space efficient so if you have the budget, buy that instead of the one that has none.