Family * Travel * Food

Picking The Right Sheets For A Comfortable Night's Rest

Have you ever stayed in a hotel that offered luxurious accommodations? We have been fortunate to experience that quite a few times, and the thing that keeps us hooked on using certain hotels is the service, amenities, and the bedding. If you don't get a proper night's rest, was your hotel stay even good?

I love some hotel beds so much that I attempted to put together my own hotel bedding ensemble. I chose a gorgeous, yet soft top quilt set, a cozy blanket that goes under the quilt, and the most important part-- the sheet set. Earlier this year, the internet exploded over the "top sheet" controversy. I really couldn't understand the argument since I feel like a good top sheet is what makes your bed feel comfortable.

How can you go wrong with the feeling of luxurious bed sheets surrounding you? The sheets are the first thing that hits your skin, so wouldn't you want them to be extra soft and cozy? I recently received a 100% cotton king size sheet set in pure white from California Design Den (sold on Amazon) to put to the test.



Like most of us, I washed the sheet set before using it. The company recommends the "quick dry- do not fry" method to ensure softer sheets. I went with standard white sheets, because I like the simplicity of white. It also mimics what is used at my favorite hotels. These sheets have a 400 thread count, and are sturdy yet soft. I can tell that it will hold up well to repeated washes.


The sheets are sized well for my super deep mattress. The elastic is excellent, so there won't be any slipping from the bottom sheet. The pillow cases slipped over my king size pillows with ease. You can always tell the quality of white sheets if you can't see through them. These are definitely some good ones! We have been sleeping so comfortably since placing them on our bed. The only downfall is not wanting to get up each morning!

If you are in the market for very good bed sheets at an affordable price, I suggest checking out California Design Den. They offer all sizes and a wide variety of colors to choose from.

Thank you so much for stopping by today!
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Four Tricks to Stay Comfortable and Look Fashionable While Traveling in an RV

When you’re renting an RV, there’s a lot of planning to do! Not only do you have to think about the kind of RV you want to rent, you have to think about where you and your family are headed, and you have to think about what you’re going to do when you get there.
You also have to think about what you’re going to wear.

You obviously won’t want to bring your stilettos and your little black dress, but that doesn’t mean you want to wear grass-stained sneakers and a holey T-shirt either!

Here are four tips for staying comfortable, but still looking fashionable, when you’re hitting the road in an RV.

Go for a Comfort Waistband

You’re going to spend a lot of time sitting in the RV, so you will want to make sure you aren’t wearing pants that are uncomfortable. Chances are, that means reaching for pants with a comfort waistband instead of constricting jeans.

From floral pajama pants to jogging pants, you have many options, and with the right accessories, they can look very stylish. Yoga pants are also an option, especially if you choose high-quality yoga pants in a dark color, like black or navy.

Know How to Wear Your Hair

Traveling in an RV is not the time for curls or elaborate hairstyles. You’ll want to keep your hair out of the way, especially if it’s going to be hot.

Keep the curling iron at home, and instead bring along items that can be used to cover your hair. If you’re going for a stylish look, avoid the baseball cap. Instead, learn how to tie up your hair in a turban, or use a head scarf. If you like the idea of a hat, reach for a fedora or a floppy hat.
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Choose the Right Layering Items

The quickest and easiest way to look fashionable is to layer. It’s also the best way to ensure you’re comfortable! That means bringing wardrobe staples on your RV adventure that include:

  • Tank tops
  • T-shirts
  • Sweatshirts
  • Scarves
  • Jackets

To keep from overpacking your suitcase, reach for neutral items that can easily be mixed and matched. That way you only have to bring one or two of each item, but you’ll still have a comfortable outfit that looks put together.

Bring the Right Shoes
Planning an RV vacation is the perfect excuse to go out and buy some new shoes! You’re looking for a pair that is cute, but is also comfortable to walk in.

Look for a pair of tennis shoes that can go from a hike on the trail to a casual dinner in a restaurant. You should also look for a pair of sandals that are as comfortable at the beach as they are exploring shops in town.

You can look put together and comfortable at the same time, even if you are traveling in an RV. You just have to follow the easy-to-follow tips on this list!
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Drawing Inspiration From Proper Pens and Fanciful Technique

The way you draw can be as fun and individual as you are. The styles used in creating a pen sketch are as limitless as your own imagination. But, if you’re looking for inspiration there are several techniques that can be achieved with a little study and the proper pen.

With a frenzy of cross hatches, random lines, ink washes, or stippling and the proper pen, you can make anything come to life against bright white paper. So grab your pen and paper and have fun exploring the world of pen sketching. You never know what you may end up creating.

Here are some of the most popular techniques to send you on your way to a ink drawing that is full of depth and contrast, whether you’re drawing the detailed wings of a butterfly or the soft feathers of a magical bird in flight.

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Stippling

This one takes a little patience and a lot of dots. Stippling is achieved by making an infinite amount of dots along your drawing to add value and depth. The heavier the value, the more dots you’ll need to place closely to each other. To achieve a lighter value apply less dots to the page with more space between each dot.

Hatching

Instead of dots, this technique is all about parallel lines. Draw lines in the same direction to achieve the proper affect. Like stippling, lines placed closely together will create heavier value. Lines that are placed with more distance in between create lighter value.

Cross Hatching

Cross Hatching is similar to hatching except that lines are allowed to cross each other. Create more hatches for greater value and less hatches for lighter value. Hatches can be accomplished with tight straight lines, or with loosely defined hatches.

Random Lines

You can get crazy with your drawing by becoming completely random in the way your lines flow to add value. As long as you stay true to the principle of more in areas that need heavy value, and less and further apart in areas with lighter value, you’ll achieve the desired effect.

Ink Wash

Ink wash is similar to watercolor techniques, but with ink instead of paint. The value is determined by the amount of water you add to the ink. The ink is applied to the surface by a brush, just like in watercolor.

Pre-Drawing

Especially helpful for those new to ink-drawing, sketching out your idea in pencil first will allow you to go over only the lines you want to keep in pen. Once the ink is dry, you can erase your pencil lines and enjoy your final product — graphite free.

Loose Pen Hold

If you’re looking to make your drawings a little more whimsical, try loosening the hold on your pen, or holding it closer to the end. You should notice a more fluid nature in your lines that adds movement to your overall sketch.

Smudging

To make areas within the drawing softer, try smudging fresh ink with a little water on your fingertip. You may be able to create the softness and shadowing you’re looking for while creating a fun and unique effect to your sketch.

Using Dried Out Pens

Don’t get frustrated anymore when the lids get left off the markers. You can use pens and markers that are almost dried out to create beautiful, soft effects on your picture.

Changing Up The Pen

Different pens and markers can be used in a variety of ways to create a fun, creative drawing. Choose the finest tip pens for the most detail. Try using washable markers for heavier value regions. And, add punches of color in just the right spot with colored gel or ink pens.

There are no rules in creating satisfying ink sketches. They can be as detailed or abstract as you want them to be. Follow recommended techniques or explore for yourself. Just remember to have fun while doing so.

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New $150 Amazon or PayPal Instagram Giveaway

Could you use an extra $150? Of course you can! Head over to our Instagram page and enter to win! The prize is winner's choice of $150 Amazon or PayPal cash. Good luck! 


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Celebrate National Root Beer Float Day With Your Family

Today, August 6th is National Root Beer Float Day! Yes, there's an actual national day for this great classic. A&W Root Beer helps create the perfect timeless family night treat: an A&W Root Beer Float!
The product, information, and gift card have been provided by A&W so that I could try the product and share my thoughts and information about A&W Root Beer. The opinions expressed in this post are my own and do not reflect the opinions of A&W.



Many of us grew up enjoying a frosty A&W Root Beer float with our family and friends. There is something so satisfying about slurping one up on a hot summer's day. We love the classic version starting with two scoops of vanilla ice cream, and then filling your mug or glass to the very top with A&W Root Beer. It is the one drink where we don't mind any of it running over the edges of our glass, or getting a little messy. It's the perfect treat for the family to enjoy together!

I have never strayed from the classic root beer float, but I'm so intrigued by the different versions you can make. You can step up your float game by making a salted caramel root beer float. Simply start with two scoops of salted caramel ice cream, fill with A&W root beer, then top with whipped cream, caramel sauce, and a pinch of sea salt. YUM!


Looking for a more decadent option? How about a brownie sundae root beer float?! Put some brownie bits in a mug, add two scoops of vanilla ice cream, and fill with A&W Root Beer. Then you can top that all off with whipped cream, chocolate sauce, maraschino cherry, sprinkles, and additional brownie bits.


If you are watching your calories, you can easily use Diet A&W root beer along with a lower calorie or sugar-free ice cream product.

Be sure to grab a case or bottle of A&W Root Beer, and your favorite ice cream to share with your family and friends. School will be back before you know it, so make some delicious memories while you can!


For more tasty recipes, check out A&W Root Beer's website, and follow on Instagram.
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