Many versatile uses for the mattress

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Zaanta Mattresses and pillows are a wonderful addition for the bedroom and all your sleep needs. But, did you know that there are other great ways you can use and enjoy Zaanta products around the home?

Here’s Way #1 :

A Zaanta Single Mattress could be the new ‘Day bed’ in your lounge, on your balcony or patio. Here are 2 options to try,

(a) Purchase a low-rise, headless bed frame (go with a wooden frame to keep with the organic theme)

(b) Lay it straight on the floor (consider laying on a non-slip/grip mat for those with ceramic or polished wood flooring)

Dress it up with a soft cotton throw and a few colorful cushions/mini bolsters to match your decor, and you have a nice little spot for daydreaming, an afternoon nap or just curling up on with a warm cup of cocoa and book.

Some really awesome gift ideas!

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How is this for simple, natural and statement making? Tree branch candle holders!

Add some glamour to your door with this purple amethyst door knob.

Special occasions deserve special lace wine glasses by Naomi Thellier de Poncheville. Fill them up to see the full effect!

If you are looking for home decor inspiration, check out the clever use of DIY painted wooden crates…

.. find a relaxing spot by the window..

.. or add a dash of whimsical to your bathroom with a bicycle vanity!

I wouldn’t mind having some of these in my home!

Pillow Advice

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What exactly is the purpose of a pillow? Everyone knows that a proper pillow should support you while you sleep, but support what? Support where? Who needs what kind of support?

A good pillow will support the neck, and this includes support for the muscles, tendons and nerves. The pillow should also give you a comfortable sleeping position so that your body can rest and heal itself.

These days you can get pillows in a wide variety of shapes, fillings and materials. It would be difficult to go through all the options so here are a few things to consider when looking for the right pillow.

Shape. Pillows traditionally come in a soap shape, which is what you would commonly find in homes and hotels. The flat shape will work the same no matter which position you sleep in. Contour pillows have a unique shape that is designed to bolster the neck for proper support for back or side sleepers, with a recessed middle area for the head. Although usually more expensive, contour pillows have greater health benefits than soap pillows.

Filling. Pillows have come a long way since down feathers (and cliched pillow fight scenes), with alternative fillings ranging in everything from foam, latex and even air or water! Down and cotton stuffing are cheap to produce but do not last very long. Memory foam pushes up the price tag, but because the foam molds to the head and neck, you can expect excellent support in most positions. Latex pillows have the benefit of being hypoallergenic, anti-microbial and resistant to dust mites. Latex works similarly to memory foam pillows, in that it reacts and adjusts to changes in position to conform to the contour of your head and neck, to provide healthy support.

If you are worried about price vs comfort, think about this: the average adult will spend about 8 hours a night sleeping. That is 1/3 of your life that you are in bed, so get a good quality pillow. You will see the cost effectiveness over time, as you sleep better on a pillow that lasts for years.

Pillow covers are just as important as the pillows themselves, because you rub your face into the pillow as you sleep. Pick a material that is soft and stay away from synthetic fibers especially if you have allergies. Cotton and silk pillow cases are the most common materials used. Both organic materials, silk has the added benefit of a smoother surface, so you won’t wake up with crease marks on your face.

When should you replace your mattress?

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If you have been sleeping on the same mattress for a number of years now, should you consider getting a new one soon? That depends. Here are a few pointers to help you decide when you should be switching your mattress.

The mattress industry tells you to replace your mattress every 10 years. This if for two reasons: hygiene and comfort.

While you sleep, you continuously shed dead skins cells, which is the main meal on the bedbug’s menu. Add to that dust mites, bacteria and dust, and over time your bed could be an infestation. You can use a mattress protector or a mattress bag to keep it clean and free of dust mites and other allergens. Change your sheets often, wash the mattress protector every once in a while and also take a quick vacuum to the mattress.

Your comfort needs change as your body ages, so what was supportive a few years ago might not be as comfortable now. If your mattress is not firm enough to support your spine as it gradually loses strength and flexibility, then it is time for a change.

Finally, don’t ignore the obvious signs that you need a new mattress. Dips, lumps, springs sticking out, as well as waking up with a backache or having unrestful sleep are all indications that a new mattress is a good investment.

Vaastu Shastra in the bedroom

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Vaastu Shastra has many guidelines for a balance of elements in the bedroom. This is, after all, the most intimate and private room in the home. It’s your haven so take some time to plan your place of sanctuary.

The bedroom should never be over a car park, kitchen or porch.

Do not put your bed right against the wall. Make sure there is enough space for you to walk around the bed. Do not put the bed under a beam or under a joint in the roof.

The body is considered a magnet, with magnetic field flowing from head to toe, so get up from your right side to avoid disturbing the magnetic field.

Sleeping with your head towards the South is the best direction, as this is said to promote health and prosperity. The North is the worst direction; sleeping with your head in this direction can result in sleeplessness and major illnesses.

If the home has more than one story, the head of the family should have a bedroom on the upper floor and in the South-West corner of the building.

Ensure that the bedroom furniture matches. If they are not in the same style, the pieces should at least have a similar colour and texture.

Never use single mattresses on a double, queen or king bed, as the split gives the negative energy of being separated.

The lighting in the bedroom should be warm and cozy. Do not put all your lighting just by the headboard, use secondary lighting to set the scene and ensure that light reaches into all corners of the bedroom.

The South-West corner should never be vacant. Fill it with heavy furniture. A Vaastu rule is that the South-West side of the house and all the rooms inside the house should be heavier than the East and North-East side.

Put your dressing table towards the North. Reading and writing should ideally be done in the West side of the bedroom, so place your armchairs in this direction.

Valuables such as cash and jewellery should be in a cabinet in the South-West side of the bedroom, preferable opening towards the North.

Remember, these are just guidelines for harmony in the bedroom, so use your common sense and be practical in how you implement the suggestions.

Getting the balance right with Vaastu Shastra

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Vaastu Shastra is a Sanskrit term that combines the words Vaastu, meaning dwelling, and Shastra, which refers to a system of science or art. By applying the guidelines of Vaastu, you welcome in a positive cosmic field and pave the way for a happy and fulfilled life.

Here are some general do’s and don’ts for balance at home:

- Do place a picture on the bare wall facing the entry of your home. The plain wall signifies loneliness

- Do not eat your meals in the bedroom. If you live in a studio apartment avoid sitting on the bed to eat. Ideally, have your meals at a table.

- Do stimulate the appetite with light pink or orange walls and décor in the dining room. Do use a rectangular or square dining table

- Do not place a mirror directly opposite the bed; the reflection of the bed brings negative energy

- Do not keep a TV in the bedroom. If you have to have a TV, never place it directly in front of the bed as it acts as a mirror

- Do use a combination of functional and decorative lighting in rooms. Tube lights and halogens are necessary for daily activities. At the same time, it is important to use dimmers, spotlights and candles to bring in shades, shadows and dramatic effects

- Do avoid using the space under your bed as a storage area. You spend at least 6 hours on your bed every night; the last thing you want is negative energy from these objects to surround you while you sleep

 

The basics of Vaastu Shastra

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What is a home? Yes, home is where you sleep, cook and entertain. But a home should be more than just that. If you said home is a place to relax, refresh and get your balance right again, then reach around and give yourself a pat on the back.

Vaastu Shaastra is an ancient Indian architectural science which seeks to bring a harmonious balance between humans and their environment using the five basic elements of nature: Earth, Fire, Wind, Water and Sky. These forces have living energy and act for and against each other to create harmony or disharmony.

The first thing to do when your home starts to feel cramped and off-putting is to look at the way you are using your space. Keep things that are useful, artistically pleasing or have personal value. When you get rid of old clothes, broken or unused appliances, unrequired furniture and other clutter, this not only opens up space but also allows positive energy to pass through the home.

Once you are able to breathe again, you can start decorating! Morning sun brings plenty of positive energy so open up the curtains to bring in the sunlight. Give the afternoon sun a miss though, as this has negative energy that will tire you out easily.

The soothing sounds of wind chimes emit positive energy into the air and satisfy the wind element, Vayu.

Place a water feature at the entrance of the home or in the garden. Flowing water attracts positive energy and prosperity into the house. Do not place a mirror at the entrance facing the door as the positive energy coming in will just bounce back.

Avoid paintings and wall hangings that depict gloomy and depressing scenes. Rather use positive images such as sunrise, laughter or an ocean scene. Let your artwork reflect what you want in your life.

A general Vaastu rule is that light colours are better than dark colours. Try whites, yellows or light greens and blues on the walls. You can bring in brighter colours with soft cushions and live flowers.

Now step back, close your eyes and take a deep breath. Don’t you feel a little more serene already?

What to do with your old mattress?

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Ever wondered what to do with your old mattress? Instead of simply banishing them to the dump, here are a few really good ways to dispose of your mattress:

#1- Recycle your mattress

This is a good way to be eco friendly and avoid adding to the landfill. In Melbourne there is a good recycling company called Melbourne Mattress Recycling who can pick up the mattress from your home for a very small fee. The steel, foam, fabric and wood materials can be recycled into everything from pet bedding to garden mulch.

#2- Donate your mattress to charity

This is a great way to help out those in need and make a great difference to an individual or organisation. GiveNow is a great place to start for people in Australia. If the mattress is clean it can distributed to those in need or sold in opportunity shops to raise much needed funds.

You can also visit Dreamsafe who will clean and sanitize mattresses for a fee before giving them to charity.

A Thoughful Spot for coffee bags

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Melbourne design team A Thoughtful Spot creates homeware from repurposed materials.One of my favourite items from their shop are the nesting buckets. Made from repurposed coffee sacks and lined with natural cotton, these charming bags are handy enough to store just about anything!

Bags made from recycled coffee sacks

Visit A Thoughtful Spot to see what else is on offer.