4 Uses For an Air Mattress You Might Not Have Considered

I was recently chosen to host a Bestway Air Bed party through Tryazon. I have tried other things from Bestway, like a pool. But an air mattress is a new one for me. Now, when I say air bed, what is the first thing that comes to mind for you? 

Is it camping? That usually is for me. But then... that is extremely limiting to their usefulness. Let's dive into some other uses for an air mattress and then I'll show you some of the fun we had with our new one. 

*Disclaimer: I was sent this product in exchange for reviewing and hosting a party. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed. All opinions shared are strictly that of my guests or myself.*

Use Numero Uno!

1. As stated above, camping is usually the first thing someone thinks of when asked about an air bed. So maybe this one has been considered by you. They make the experience more comfortable. They are portable. And with the one I got from Bestway, easy to set up! This one does require power, but with so many camp sites having power access, I don't see that a problem. AND! It inflates within 3 minutes. But camping isn't something I'm particularly fond of. In my adult life, I have gone camping twice. And both times we ended up having to go home by 6AM. Weather played a part the first time. The second time, we were all so miserable, cold and for one of us - wet, that we gave up trying to make it work. So, let's shelve camping for now and check out the next reason having an air mattress on hand is a great idea. 

What is Number Two?

2. Sleepovers are not just for kids. Do you ever have a guest who needs a place to sleep? We don't have a guest room, so that usually means that person is on the couch or on an air bed in the living room. But you don't want them to be uncomfortable. So looking for one that adds to their comfort, is important. This model that I was sent comes with a raised bump to act as a built-in pillow. So you won't need to worry about having extra pillows on hand. 

Third Option is a Winner.

3. This third option was the one we chose to go with. Have you ever considered using an air bed for movie night?? Inflate a couple, and then relax! We did this for a Mario movie night. The kids loved it! It added plenty of space for everyone to recline. This can work inside or out, as well. Set up a projector and chill under the stars in style. 

For our movie party, we made Mario Oreo cupcakes. I also made homemade pizzas and bread sticks.

My daughters even decorated the living room with Mario characters. It was a lot of fun! 

                         Did you ever think to use it....

For a prepping item? After all, stuff hits the fan and you have to bug out, what will you sleep on? Don't think I haven't thought about a simple sleeping bag. I have. But! I'm a wimp. I want a little comfort. Something that lifts me off the floor. So I think one of these babies needs to be a part of prepper life.

Additional Features You Should Know about....

I told you this one need access to an electrical outlet. The cord can be tucked into a compartment on it. It has a built-in pump that can inflate the entire mattress in just under 3 minutes. How do I know this? I recorded it! Check out this video to see what I mean. 

There is the pillow bump. No need to have extra pillows on hand. Less to pack for outings as well. 

How about a nifty bag to store and carry it in? This is how we store it. In the bag on a shelf with our previous air mattress. 

If you purchase one of these for yourself from the Bestway website, they currently only have the 18" which are $72.99 each. But Walmart has the 12" version we had here for $29.94. 

Can you think of another use? Leave me a comment below! I'd love to know.

Journey to Pain Relief: My Thoughts On Our New Purple Mattress

I've had my Purple Pillow for some time now. As you can see here, I wrote my review on it a year ago, but had it for a couple months before then. I'm still as much in love with it now as I was then! So we decided to see if the mattress would help as much.

*Disclaimer: My husband purchased this for us. I have not been endorsed, paid to write and did not receive this Purple product for this review. All opinions are my own.* 

Pain is no joke. EVER! 

I've been dealing with back pain for over two years now. My spine looks like it has been over a minefield. The various doctors' reactions when they see even part of the picture has painted an ugly reality for me. Sleep became a permanent thing of the past most recently. I've come to see a part of me that I try very hard to keep at bay. I don't have the patience I need to wrangle with the baby all day. I don't have the energy, or drive, to put in my normal effort for the daily grind. I've tried throwing myself into my crafting, but that only goes so far. Working out causes pain flare ups, however, not working has made losing 40 pounds look impossible. All this adds to my moments of feeling the blues. 

When was the last time you checked your mattress or pillow as a cause of pain? 

My husband has been looking into the mattresses that Purple had to offer. Since the pillow worked out so great and helped with my neck pain, we thought that the mattress would help me sleep better and wake up refreshed. We decided to go with their original model. It also happens to be the cheapest option, which is best for us right now. We wanted to use part of our tax return to pay for it.  They have other options, however. You can pick your thickness or firmness. With those options, the price fluctuates too. And then we also got free sheets with it! Pretty cool, huh? Super soft and stretchy.

I was so very excited when we placed the order. But then shipping kept being delayed. Which was incredibly frustrating. Especially when we ordered a box spring (from somewhere local) and had the old mattress and old box spring picked up on the day the mattress was supposed to arrive. When it was delayed, my husband had to take his post and pre-work naps on the floor.

It's finally here! 

It was not comfortable. So when everything finally arrived, you can just imagine how excited I was. I couldn't wait for my husband to wake up, so I dragged the "body bag" (my husbands description of the packaging) into the room to bust it open and get it set up. I figured he would be happier sleeping on the mattress anyhow.

One thing I love about Purple, is their packaging. They don't skimp. They want everything to arrive in excellent condition. And so it all did. There were even handles on the bag to make dragging it easier. 

The body bag comes with handles! 

The shrink wrap was easy enough to cut through and then the mattress expanded out. I definitely advise you to have someone around to help as this was a two person job. I could not wait for bed time! It looked so inviting.

Sadly, sleep was not all I hoped it would be. I tossed and turned. The only somewhat comfortable position was on my sides. When laying on my back, it felt as though there was something pressing into my lower spine where the nerve damage is. The rest of me felt comfortable when lying still. My husband slept like a baby. 

Not giving up...

So now what.... My husband thinks we can get a memory foam topper of some sort to ease my back. I think the mattress itself is amazing. I truly believe this is the future for modern mattresses. Springs are a thing for the past. I just have to find the right firmness and I think this one was too much on the firm side. But like everything, don't take my opinion and run with it. What doesn't work for me, might just be the answer to your prayers. My husband absolutely loves this bed! And if you do consider it, remember this - they offer ways to try it in the store for some cities. Still not sure? Try it for 100 nights. If it doesn't work out, they will come pick up the mattress and give you a complete refund.

Though this one didn't work out, I still believe Purple mattresses are amazing. And somehow, we will make it work for me as well. So let me know what you think? Who made your favorite mattress?

Settle In For Your Best Sleep Ever! (+ discount)

Getting a good nights sleep is always essential to healthy living. However, there are many things that get in the way of sleeping well. Besides stress or insomnia, some people sleep hot, can't sleep because the sheets slip and bunch from not fitting well or they wrinkle up. Everyone has a sleeping style. A way they typically sleep (or lose sleep). For us, we sleep hot. So having sheets that have the cooling technology is incredibly helpful. With Settle In, we can get just such a set that adds comfort to our sleep. 

*Disclaimer: I was sent this product through my association with Ripple Street, free of charge in exchange for my honest review and to show them off at a party. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed.* 

I was so excited when I heard about Settle In. They have so many options to fit your needs. They list out the sleeping styles as follows:

• Sleep hot
• Sleep green
• Sleep naturally
• Sleep easy
• Sleep tight

My husband and children, without a doubt, sleep hot. They have terrible dreams from overheating. More than once have I felt the sheets and pillow case dampened after my husband has slept on them. I think I would have preferred to pick something from the Sleep Green line, with the sustainable bamboo option, but I'd rather my husband cool off for a change.

I ordered the 525 thread count cooling cotton solid 4-piece sheet set in Dusk Blue. The color is beautiful! And they are so soft. I threw a house party to show these amazing products off. 

Then came the party! 

Ripple Street sent me all kinds of goodies to throw a fantastic party and share the news about Settle In. Hot/cold face masks, discount cards, grip sticks for our phones, coasters, lotion and book light for yours truly.

I made brownies and got some cookies to have with milk.

After all, if you are talking about sleep then you need to have a pre-slumber party! And slumber parties need great treats. 

Now is the time to buy! 

They are currently offering free shipping on all orders. They are also giving a portion of all sales to the REED Foundation for Autism. That's a cause I can sympathize with. Whether you want sheets for yourself, for your guests or as gifts - you are bound to find the perfect set or for your needs. 
Let me know your thoughts in the comments below. What product do you like the most? Want to sae 20%? Use code GETSETTLED at checkout! Good until December 15th.

Sleep your best! Sleep well so that you can live well! 

Exhaustion to the max!

As a mom, being tired is nothing new to me. I'm used to waking up several times a night because someone had a bad dream or isn't feeling good. It still doesn't make me immune to exhaustion. I've been running on less than 4 hours of sleep. My husband got this picture as I fell asleep sitting up.

 Plus there's been work (getting ready to walk into a shift today too) and the Super Bowl party. After work the day before yesterday I came home, showered, and got dressed. I decided to nap a couple hours. My husband came in to make sure I woke up on time before my alarm even rang. I think I was going for a Princess Anna look.... 

Because this was what I saw in the mirror.... 

Of course, like any southern lady, just five minutes of mirror time and I was party ready. 

Yesterday after work, I came home to clean the kitchen. I guess even my dense husband could tell I was at my limit as he told me to go to bed for the rest of the day. So after a shower.... I slept the rest of the day. Finally woke up at 1 AM this morning. I suppose that this is normal for people my age. We should be able to handle sleepless nights and long days. A perk of our youth. I for one, however, don't want to get into this habit. It's a pain in the head and back! And it takes away from the enjoyment of life. I could barely listen to what my kids were sayingor didn't even have the desire to talk to a close friend of mine. Now that the sleep monster is satisfied, I feel a bit guilty. So tonight, even though I work in the morning, I'm taking the kids to the mall for the free Lego build! Check your local Lego store for their event starting at 5PM. Better get there about an hour early as the line gets long and the supplies can be as limited as 250 people only. This month, it's a space shuttle! 

Enjoy your day and get your sleep!