Salad and Sequins

Want to make your mattress last longer? Definitely not difficult, just follow some tips we mention here. Clean up regularly, use a mattress protector, a mattress topper and some other ways will help you do this work perfectly.

You have just spent quite much money on a new mattress. And you want to make it last long as it is possible, try to keep it in the best condition for your family’s members to enjoy a wonderful sleep or satisfy any guests who come to visit your house. So let check some following points to find the best ways to protect your new mattress.

Invest in a mattress topper

The best mattress toppers not only provides reasonable protection for your mattress but also enhance the level of comfort of a mattress. But a topper has a high price, so make sure you choose a qualified topper carefully. A well-chosen mattress topper can even give you an extra year or two before having to replace a mattress that may pass its prime.

Using a mattress topper to protect the mattress

But do you know how to use a mattress topper properly? Please reference following steps and you may find a good way to use it.

Firstly, remove the mattress topper from its packaging.

Secondly, remove all the bedding from the mattress and put the rolled or unrolled mattress topper on the bare mattress.

Thirdly, unroll mattress topper over the mattress. Then, adjust the mattress topper to fit in the mattress. The topper should cover the entire top surface of the mattress.

And the last, to help hold mattress topper in place, a mattress covers will be padded in them. It is a little way to make your mattress a little more comfortable.

Use a mattress protector in the beginning.

A mattress protector will prolong the lifespan of your new mattress, help preserve the mattress’s warranty and increase your quality of sleep. Although your mattress can only be used by adults, spills and any unforeseen accidents can happen and ruin your new mattress when it is wet. Besides, cleanup can be very difficult once liquid, fluids or any accidental food spill, whereas a mattress protector is easy to take off and clean up.

Clean your mattress regularly

Remember that you will spend about a third of your life on your mattress. So one of the good ideas to keep the mattress last long is cleaning up our actual mattress and vacuuming the surface regularly. This reduces dust and debris. Some researchers recommend that sprinkling baking soda on the mattress surface before vacuuming to absorb excess moisture.

Clean your mattress regularly not only promotes a more pleasant and productive night’s sleep, but also help prevent nasty, pest, bug infestation.

Don’t eat in bed

Don’t eat in bed because you will make mattress become dirty. Keeping a clean mattress is not an easy task, we mentioned above. Eating meals on your mattress is a potential way to the breeding ground for germs and bacteria.

Besides, eating on your bed leaves your sleep zone open to hungry pests and bugs. They belong to a group of factors which makes you could not keep mattress last longer.

No jumping on the bed

Have kids around the house is very nice. However, it is seriously not a good idea when your kids want to use the bed as a trampoline. Make sure you keep them stay far from the bed everytime they want to jump on the mattress for fun. It ruins not only break frames and even foams of cushion, but also the coils and the fibers of it.

Get your pets their own beds

You love your pets and want to cuddle them and sleep every night? Ok, it’s nice. But it is not good for your new mattress. When pets walk outside, drool and shed hair and cells will winds up in your bed. They don’t have an awareness of protecting, so they can ruin your mattress in any way, with spills or clawing and tearing. So give your pets their own designated beds.

Let the light in occasionally

The light of the sun is also a factor which could affect your mattress last longer. Every month or two when the day is sunny or dry, strip your mattress and let the sunlight into the air out the bed for a couple of hours. This helps prevent excess moisture both from sleepers and humidity, also keep your mattress from dirty dust.

Waking up early has always been a challenge for me. I used to hit the snooze button multiple times before finally getting out of bed. However, I knew that waking up early could be beneficial for my productivity and overall well-being. So, I decided to challenge myself to wake up at 5AM every day for a month.

At first, it was difficult. I felt groggy and tired throughout the day. However, I soon realized that the key to waking up early was to establish a routine. I started going to bed earlier and avoiding screens before bedtime. I also set up a morning routine that included meditation, exercise, and a healthy breakfast.

After a few days, I started to notice a difference in my energy levels and productivity. I was able to accomplish more in the early hours of the day than I ever thought possible. By the end of the month, waking up at 5AM had become a habit. I no longer struggled to get out of bed and felt more energized throughout the day.

Waking up at 5am is a great habit

Why Wake Up at 5AM?

Waking up early has numerous benefits, but why 5AM? This was a question I asked myself when I first decided to build the habit of waking up at 5AM. Here are some reasons I discovered:

• More Productive Time: Waking up at 5AM gives me an extra 2-3 hours of productive time before my workday starts. This means I can get a head start on my tasks, plan my day, or work on personal projects.
• Better Mental Health: Waking up early has been linked to better mental health. It gives me time to meditate, exercise, or simply enjoy a cup of coffee before the day’s stressors kick in.
• Improved Sleep Quality: Going to bed earlier to wake up at 5AM has improved my sleep quality. I no longer feel groggy or tired throughout the day.
• Less Distractions: Waking up before the rest of the world means less distractions. I can focus on my goals without the constant notifications from emails, social media, or news alerts.

These are just a few reasons why waking up at 5AM has been beneficial for me. Of course, everyone’s lifestyle and routine is different, so it’s important to find a wake-up time that works best for you.

Preparing to Wake Up at 5AM

Setting a Goal

Before I started waking up at 5AM, I set a clear goal for myself. I wanted to wake up at this time to have more time for myself in the morning, to exercise, and to start my day with a clear mind. I wrote down my goal in a notebook and put it in a visible place in my room so that I could see it every day. This helped me stay motivated and reminded me of why I was doing this.

Creating a Plan

I knew that I couldn’t just start waking up at 5AM without a plan. So, I created a plan that would gradually help me adjust to this new routine. I started by waking up 15 minutes earlier each day until I reached my goal of waking up at 5AM. I also made sure to go to bed earlier so that I could get enough sleep. I created a schedule that included time for exercise, meditation, and breakfast so that I could make the most of my morning.

Creating a sleep routine help you fall asleep faster

Making Adjustments

As I started waking up at 5AM, I realized that some adjustments needed to be made. For example, I found that I needed to go to bed even earlier than I had planned in order to get enough sleep. I also realized that I needed to adjust my morning routine to make it more efficient. For example, I started preparing my breakfast the night before so that I could save time in the morning. Making these adjustments helped me stick to my new routine and made the transition easier.

Building the Habit

Waking up at 5AM was a huge challenge for me, but I was determined to make it a habit. Here’s how I did it:

Starting Small

I knew that trying to wake up at 5AM right away would be too difficult, so I started small. I set my alarm clock for 15 minutes earlier each day until I reached 5AM. This allowed my body to gradually adjust to the new wake up time.

Staying Consistent

Consistency was key in building this habit. I made sure to wake up at 5AM every day, even on weekends. This helped my body get used to the new routine and made it easier to wake up each morning.

Tracking Progress

I kept track of my progress using a habit tracker app. This allowed me to see how many days in a row I had successfully woken up at 5AM. Seeing my progress motivated me to continue with the habit and not give up.

By starting small, staying consistent, and tracking my progress, I was able to successfully build the habit of waking up at 5AM within a month. It wasn’t easy, but it was definitely worth it.

Benefits of Waking Up at 5AM

Waking up at 5AM has been a game-changer for me. In this section, I will share the benefits I have experienced since I started waking up at this time.

Increased Productivity

One of the biggest benefits of waking up at 5AM is increased productivity. I find that I am most productive in the morning, and waking up early gives me more time to get things done. By the time most people wake up, I have already completed a few tasks and feel a sense of accomplishment. This motivates me to keep going and be even more productive throughout the day.

Another way waking up early increases productivity is by giving me time to plan my day. I can take the time to review my schedule, prioritize my tasks, and set goals for the day. This helps me stay focused and on track, and I find that I am more efficient with my time.

Improved Mental Health

Waking up at 5AM has also had a positive impact on my mental health. I find that I am less stressed and anxious when I wake up early. I have time to meditate, practice yoga, or go for a run, which helps me start my day on a positive note. This sets the tone for the rest of the day, and I find that I am more calm and centered throughout the day.

Another way waking up early has improved my mental health is by giving me time to do things I enjoy. I can read a book, write in my journal, or work on a creative project without feeling rushed. This helps me feel more fulfilled and content, which in turn has a positive impact on my mental health.

Better Sleep

Finally, waking up at 5AM has improved the quality of my sleep. By waking up early, I am able to establish a consistent sleep schedule. I go to bed at the same time every night and wake up at the same time every morning, which helps regulate my body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. I find that I fall asleep faster and sleep more soundly, which leaves me feeling more rested and energized in the morning.

In addition, waking up early has helped me avoid the temptation to hit snooze and oversleep. This has helped me develop better sleep habits and has made it easier for me to wake up feeling refreshed and ready to start the day.

Conclusion

Building the habit of waking up at 5AM in just one month has been a challenging but rewarding experience for me. It has not only helped me become more productive but also improved my overall well-being. It’s amazing how much more I can accomplish in a day by starting my day earlier.

One of the key things I learned during this journey is the importance of consistency. No matter how difficult it may seem, sticking to a routine is the only way to build a habit. I also found that having a strong motivation and a clear goal in mind helped me stay on track.

Another important factor was creating a conducive environment for sleep. This meant turning off all electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime, keeping the room dark and cool and avoiding caffeine and alcohol before sleep. These small changes made a big difference in my ability to fall asleep and wake up feeling refreshed.

Finally, I realized that building a habit is a continuous process. It requires constant effort and dedication. But with each passing day, it becomes easier and more natural. I’m excited to continue this journey and see where it takes me.

Your mattress can hold the primary position as it comes to how to define a great sleep. But what if your mattress is too soft to use? This could cause you to turn and toss as well as feel groggy when lying on the bed. Stop worrying! In this post today, you’ll be shown how to make mattress firmer than ever in the simplest and cheapest way. Are you ready? Let’s find out now:

Simple ways to make mattress firmer

1.       Substitute the worn-out layers

Alright, you might think of how to make mattress firmer in this way: replace it with a brand new one, right? However, keep in mind that replacing the item will cost you about $500 at least or more based on the type of mattress you’re currently having or desire to replace.

For this reason, you’d better not get the new one soon, but try to replace the worn-out layers instead. This would offer lower cost and wiser solution. Let’s change the top layer and see whether it works for you or not. Doing so costs you much lesser than altering the entire mattress and then you could earn a firmer support for sure.

2.       Add to it a platform

Go to add the mattress to a bed support that is made of plywood because this will guarantee the mattress to be assisted in a firmer way. Therefore, there will be no part sagging or kept straight.

3.       Try out a firm mattress topper

Using a firm topper to make mattress firmer

How to make mattress firmer with a platform only? That’s easy! Availing a firmer mattress topper would be one of the simplest methods of getting the firm surface of your mattress.

Let’s utilize a latex mattress topper or a higher-density memory foam topper. This would allow for a much firmer and adjustable support without a doubt. Also, the memory foam toppers are the greatest options you can rely on to make the mattress firmer.

If finding your current mattress too soft, it’s fine to get another latex topper since this material is naturally firmer than your memory foam. In case that you want another softer upper layer, then feel free to opt for a mattress topper that is made of cotton.

Note that a well-fitted pad and cover are also the essential parts that will supplement in keeping and enhancing the firmness of your mattress. This topper will serve in guarding the mattress in various ways.

4.       Let your mattress sunbathe

Ensure that you will place the mattress under the sunlight after every few months since doing so can help it newer in the internal texture. How come? When letting it sunbathe, you’re stretching its cells and diminishing other bacteria, mildew, and let the moisture out.

5.       Flip the mattress as always

Try to flip the mattress regularly? Why? It’s because this action can help you maintain the original shape of your mattress. In other words, your mattress won’t be overused from one of the sides. You need to make sure all regions to have the equal pressure, and then the deterioration process can be slowed down. Flipping also help your mattress last longer.

6.       Maintain your room temperature at the optimal level

Note that any high and low in the room temperature can be seen as a big element that influences the firmness of your mattress. In case that you can keep things normal, you would dodge the whole deterioration process for the mattress with ease.

Conclusion

Everyone agrees that a firm and flat mattress means a good sleep. While it will soften over time, I hope that my tips on how to make mattress firmer could help you know what to do. And out of these suggestions, there are two most important things to consider: moisture and the placement of your mattress. If you possibly protect it from these two elements, then you’re sure to make it firmer than ever.

One thing I have got ready though is this post about a rather lovely cook book called Saffron Soul by Mira Manek that I was sent to review along with the book from my last post so as you might guess this post is a little late…..

This is a gorgeous recipe book filled with mouth watering recipes backed up with gorgeous photography, I really love to see what I am making is supposed to look like and this book does just that. I said yes to reviewing this book one because it looked and sounded great and two because I am all about this kind of food. I’d actually go so far to say that Indian cuisine is probably my favourite source of food I love the spice and flavour plus there is lots of vegetarian options which suits me as I am trying to cut meat out of my diet but thats a whole other blog post!

Mira’s style of food is a modern take on classic Indian recipes which have been inspired by her mother and grandmothers cooking, she uses basic ingredients such as lentils, grains and spices and shows how these simple everyday items are filled with health benefits. There is so many good looking recipes in this book I found it hard to choose which one I would feature on here but eventually I decided on these chickpea tikkis which by the way are bloody delicious!

Chickpea Tikkis

Tikki ingredients:

1 x 400g can of chickpeas, drained
1/2 tsp coconut oil or rapeseed oil, plus 2-3 tsp for frying
1 red onion, finely chopped
1 Tbsp garlic, ginger and chilli paste*
1/2 tsp garam masala or chaat masala
1 green chilli, finely chopped, optional
2 Tbsp tahini
1-2 Tbsp coarsely ground peanuts
handful of chopped coriander leaves
5 Tbsp water
1/2 tsp himalayan salt
small bowl of sesame seeds

To make:

Immerse the chickpeas in a saucepan or bowl of boiling water for a few minutes so they soften and are easier to mash. Drain the water and mash the chickpeas.

Heat the oil in a medium-large saucepan, add the onion. Stir for a couple of minutes on a low heat and then add the garlic, ginger and chilli paste*, garam masala and green chilli. Stir again for half a minute then add the mashed chickpeas, tahini, peanuts, coriander, water and salt then stir together and take off the heat.

Divide the chickpea mixture into 8 and roll between your palms to form balls, then flatten to form tikkis. Heat a frying pan and melt 1 Tbsp of coconut oil in the pan.

Dip each tikki in sesame seeds and place half the tikkis in the pan, adding a few more drops of oil round each tikki so it cooks well. Leave to cook on a low heat for a couple of minutes until the underside is lightly browned and then turn the tikkis. Again, add a few drops of oil around each tikki and let them cook for a minute or two. Turn again if necessary and add more oil if required. Repeat with the rest of the tikkis.

Serve hot with yogurt sauce**,tamarind and date chutney** and a wedge of lemon or lime to squeeze.

* I used fresh garlic, ginger and chilli instead of the paste
** yogurt sauce and tamarind and date chutney recipes can be found in this book

I invited my sister round for dinner and made these tikkis for her, we had a yummy fresh salad on the side and she made a vegan yogurt, tahini and lemon dressing which was delicious! The tikkis were so tasty, really nice nutty spiced flavour and they were really filling too. They kind of remind me of a nutty falafel, they would be perfect for vegan pattie options at a BBQ or popped in a wrap/pitta for a healthy filling lunch or just straight up with a dip…very tasty and very versatile.

If you want to see more from Mira you can check out her Twitter and Instagramaccounts for some tasty food inspiration.

Hi all, here we are already at Wednesday again which means a new workout for you guys! I hope you have had a chance to try out the others I have posted? Todays workout is a HIIT (high intensity interval training) cardio blast perfect for getting the heart pumping and can be completed in 20 minutes, enjoy:

20 Minute HIIT Workout

Jog on the Spot
Star Jump
Press Ups
Feet up Crunch
Burpees
High Knees
Mountain Climbers
Butt Kicks
Jump Squat
Running Man

Perform each exercise for 1 minute straight through and repeat one more time. This will take 20 minutes and you should be nice and sweaty!

Now onto some protein packed foods I have been loving at the moment……

More feta! Oh yes this time in the form of an omelet, so delicious and filling pure comfort food : )

For the first time in ages I ate some prawns which reminded me how much I love them! I made a sweet chilli stir fry with ilumi’s sweet chilli stir fry sauce which was so good, I will definitely be using that again!

Plain old fruit and yogurt well chopped apple topped with greek style yogurt, cinnamon and almonds. Such an awesome combo which is also a nice healthy way to start the day.

I am now off to do my own workout and then to the dentist, wish me luck!

Have a great Wednesday peeps x x

Question: What workout are you doing today?

Firstly thank you so much for your congrats messages it means a lot! I haven’t stopped smiling since Friday morning I feel so happy and free!

Right I’m afraid we have another 2 day post, sorry that’s been the case a bit lately but I’m sure my tasty eats make up for that, well I hope they do! I wouldn’t like to think that I bore you sweet readers! So without further a do I shall get on with my Saturday re-cap:

I started my day with a delicious breakfast which was really pretty too!

Chocolate Berry Oats

1/2 c. oats
1/2 c. soya yogurt
1/2 c. defrosted mixed berries
1tsp cocoa
1tsp xylitol
1tbsp pumpkin seeds
almond butter

Delicious and filling!

Work was HELL we had the broadband sales manager in and he was on our backs all day. I’m so in the wrong job, I HATE the whole sell sell sell attitude I am not a pushy sales person and never will be! I think that’s why my customers like me, I do whats best for them not my pay packet!
Right anyway thats my little out burst out of the way! I had some ginger biscuits for a mid morning snack I love this flavor!

The sun was shining so I decided to get outside for my lunch. I walked to the seafront and sat looking out to sea it was blissful : )

I had a really good lunch spicy tuna wrap.

In the mix:

1 wrap
2 tbsp tuna + 2tbsp black eyed beans
peppers + spinach
1tsp mayo + 2tsp soya yogurt
1tsp curry powder

This went down a treat how cute are my tissues!?

We were late finishing work for one reason and another so I was glad i had packed some raw veggies, these kept me going

Once I finely I got home I made a quick dinner before getting ready to hit the town. This took about 5 minutes and tasted fab! I slice of toasted rye bread, scrambled eggs steamed veg and a big dollop of hummus, yum!

I took these hazelnuts to work but didn’t end up eating them so added them to some soya yogurt and cinnamon to make a perfect pud.

I quickly threw on the glad rags and got on my way

I went to Waynes for a bevvy then we headed into town and yes I drank way to many of these!
A girls gotta be bad sometimes right?!

Hmmmmmm one to many maybe Wayne?! ha ha ha

These shoes were made for dancing……………..

And dance they did till 4am a few drunken embarrassing texts later and I was dead in my bed!

*****************************************************
I woke up today and wished my head and phone could delete my drunken antics away, far far away! But they didn’t so I guess I gotta just face the shame!

I made myself feel a little better with a breakfast wrap : )

A little wrap with my tomato ketchup! Yummy!

Right I gotta catch up with all your fab blogs then I’m off out to take my sister for a drive.
I see ice creams and sunshine in my future……….Yay to driving!

Questions:

Ever sent any “I wish I hadn’t” drunken texts?!

I have many times and will probably do it many more times too!

Do you love your job?

I don’t but I love my work mates so it kinda makes up for it!

Morning!
I decided to get into the habit of not having yogurt ALL the time! I don’t want to go cold turkey
and get the jitters through not getting yogurt! I have to admit the no yogurt went fine today and
breakfast was a winner! I just can’t get enough of PANCAKES!

In the mix:
1 egg whisked
1/4 cup soya bran
1 tbsp quinoa flakes
1/4 cup low lacto milk + 2 of water
tsp maca + raisins + tbsp chia seeds
a few drips almond essence + cinnamon spray oil

Topped with tahini and sliced banana, oh yeah this was goooooooooood, and uber filling!

My driving lesson isn’t til 10.50 so I have a leisurely morning. I meet Wayne after my drive and once we’ve had a good gossip I plan to go to the gym for a walk and toning session nothing to heavy though my back is still not 100%

Have a good day peeps x

Question:

Whats your favorite pancake combo?