Can you believe it? Its 2019!!!

Being at the beginning of a new year, many people are looking to upgrade or update the looks of their home.  According to Elle Decor, one of the top 16 furniture trends in 2019 is 'Multifunctional Furniture'.  In fact, its ranked #4 on their list!  

Here at Wilcox, we are keeping up with the trends and want to introduce you to our newest line of furniture, Lifestyle Solutions.  This company has been inspired by the evolution of modern lifestyles and has been on the cutting edge of design and functionality for 25 years! Their motto: One Brand. Endless Possibilities. 

That is exactly what their furniture collections offer. See for yourself!

From an ottoman, you can create a chair with a lumbar pillow, or turn it into a chaise lounger.  Not laying down enough or have unexpected overnight guests? Change it into a twin bed!

This piece is ideal for dorm rooms, studio apartments, kids rooms, or for anyone that loves the idea of space saving and simplicity.  The Metro Otto Kube is a one-of-a-kind piece that is versatile and stylish enough to blend into your modern household for a unique furniture experience.  

As the weather starts taking a change for the better (yay, sun!) its important to prepare yourself for the hotter temperatures. Fun in the sun can turn not-so-fun if heat leaves you or your little one dehydrated. Whether your climate is hot year-round or it only hits high temperatures in the summer, heat can lead to perspiration, and perspiration can cause dehydration—which may make you or your little one feel worse.

Dehydration often occurs in hot weather because the hotter you or your little one’s body temperature becomes, the more you perspire or sweat. Sweat is our body’s natural cooling mechanism, but if you sweat a lot, you can lose enough fluids and electrolytes to leave you dehydrated. So if you or your little one is feeling tired, headachy, or experiencing other symptoms of dehydration, Abbott recommends you rehydrate with some Pedialyte.

It’s really important to keep yourself and your kids hydrated in the heat because dehydration can contribute to a more serious condition—heat exhaustion.

Common Heat Exhaustion Symptoms:
· Rapid pulse

· Muscle or stomach cramps

· Excessive sweating

· Weakness and fatigue

· Clammy and pale skin

· Nausea or vomiting

· Fainting

Make sure to get to a cooler location, rest, and rehydrate if you or your little one start to experience any of these symptoms. Left untreated, heat exhaustion can become heat stroke—a much more serious condition that may require hospitalization…(© Abbott Laboratories, 2017)

Spring is just around the corner! I'm sure the feeling is mutual, we are ready for the sunshine and flowers that come along with this beautiful season. Now's the time that most people get the outside of their homes ready with new plants and landscaping. But what about the inside? Thankfully transitioning our homes from season to season doesn't have to mean a huge investment in decor.  Simple swaps with small accessories and a few big pieces here and there is all you need. Here are some examples:

1: Bedding

We love the big comforters and flannel sheets during winter time. Nothing better than crawling into a warm bed for the night, escaping the winter cold. As it warms up though, make a swap to cooler linens (think breathable cotton). This will help to make sure you sleep soundly at night without getting overheated. 


2: Decor

Those fur pillows are the best to cuddle with after you come in from the freezing cold wind. But once the temperature rises, the last thing you need is extra fluff. Change up your decorative pillows to something with a seasonal print. The trend this year is all about bold floral prints (according to Country Living website). Same rule goes for heavy window coverings. Make a switch to light drapery! Let those rays in and soak up as much sun as possible. 

3: Furniture

Keeping with the airy feel, if you want to make a big change, look into swapping out those dark wood tone pieces to something a little lighter in finish.  Think a distressed white wash entertainment center. For a more dramatic change maybe a white driftwood bedroom?

Lakeport White Driftwood

Willow Collection

With a few simple changes, you'll be ready to welcome in spring and take full advantage of everything it has to offer! Are you ready for spring??

While we are on the subject of sleep.....

Doctors, researchers and scientists agree: quality sleep is crucial for good health. 

Our bodies need sleep to recover from the wear and tear of daily life while our brains rely on sleep to sort and store memories and problem solve.  Under the cover of sleep, our veins are flooded with age-defying human growth hormones while an army of T Cells are raised and sent into battle to fight against colds and infection.  What's more, sleep lowers the risk of just about every scary health issue as we age. 

What happens when you skimp on sleep and build up a sleep debt? In short, the price you pay is more than just lost productivity.  Don't you think its time to wake up and learn why sleep is so important?

Grab your headphones because we've gathered the best (in our opinion) TED Talks videos that focus on napping-paying back that sleep debt in smaller chunks rather than a whole night.  These videos are short, smart and will give you something to consider the next time you think it's okay to skimp on sleep.  

Give it up for the Down State-Sleep: Sara Mednick
Dr. Sara Mednick is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at the university of California, Riverside.  Her work on sleep research continues to shape the way we understand the importance of healthy sleep hygiene.  In her talk, she argues for everyone to take a nap during the day. 
Click here to watch her video. Also check out Restonics article about the 7 Deadly Sins of Sleep. 

Sleep-Engineering: Improve your Life by Manipulating your Sleep-Penny Lewis

We spend 1/3rd of our lives asleep, which suggests it's important.  But, what is all this sleeping and napping for?  And why does every animal species appear to need sleep?  Based on the latest neuroscientific research, Penny Lewis shows why sleep is critical for combining and restructuring memories and how it forms the foundation creativity. 
Curious??? It just takes one click here to find the answers!

Redefining Rest, Slowing Down to Speed Up- Bec Heinrich
Bec studies, develops, coaches and consults to leaders of all ages.  in this talk, she shares about how the disease of busy-ness is corroding our lives and why rest is critical for inspiring and sustainable leadership.  Bec explores how napping transformed her life and leadership, and from her research, shares about the impact of naps on people's performance.
Lets fight "The Doing Disease" by clicking here!

The Power of Rest and Reflection-Daniel Rubin
By changing how we grasp the concept of time, we can take back control of our time.  Daniel will discuss the importance of appreciating resting and napping as an opportunity for reflection and contemplation on time and life, a topic often missed in today's modern, fast paced lifestyle. 
Here's to changing our perspectives with one click! 

One more Reason to get More Sleep-Jeff Iliff
The brain uses a quarter of the body's entire energy supply, and yet it only accounts for about two percent of the body's mass.  So how does this unique organ receive and, perhaps more importantly, rid itself of vital nutrients? Sleep!
Clicking=Cleaning!

The Facts of Napping
Bill Clinton, Ronald Reagan, JFK and John D. Rockefeller were all dedicated nappers-everyday! If you're considering swapping out caffeine for an afternoon quick snooze, this video should give you all the motivation you need.  
If you're pro napping, click here!

Some people claim they're asleep before their head even hits the pillow. The other not so lucky group, punch and shift their pillows for an hour before sleep claims them for the night. If falling asleep is a nightly struggle for you, there are dozens of ways you can trick yourself into claiming your spot on the sleep train, quickly and painlessly.

Six Scientific Ways to Fall Asleep Without a Prescription

Block Out the Light- Not only is it easier to fall asleep in the dark, there's also a good chance you'll stay asleep longer too.  Think of yourself as a human solar energy panel.  When you're exposed to light, sunlight or artificial light, it boosts alertness and reaction times, elevates your mood and keeps you awake.  When the light goes away, melatonin levels naturally rise, energy subsides and sleep begins to commence. 

Curtail the Arguing with your Partner- Being tired can lead to arguments with your partner, which could lead to more sleepless nights (for both of you.) See the potential for a vicious cycle? If anxiety and stress with your partner is interfering with a good nights sleep, talk it out: just not right before bed. 

Check your Thyroid- When your thyroid gets out of sync, hormones that regulate your moods and energy levels suffer.  If you're overly energetic-or overly tired- its time to consult your doctor for a blood test.  Falling asleep faster may simply require a chemical rebalancing. 

Tweak your Sleep Space- When you get ready to go to the gym, you grab your must-have's for a successful workout: running shoes, playlist, maybe some protein.  Falling asleep is the same: you need a comfortable mattress, bedding and pillows.  (Time for an upgrade?? Wilcox Furniture can help with that! Come by and test out the many mattresses on display to see which suits your body best.)

Review your Diet- Sleep and food go hand in hand.  Adjusting your diet (and alcohol consumption) can dramatically affect how easily you fall asleep, and stay asleep.  Just so you're not surprised, a diet high in saturated fats and carbs can lead to disrupted sleep.  A diet based in leafy greens and whole grains tends to lead to a better quality sleep.  

Turn Off Social Media- We've been hearing for a long time how harmful electronics are to sleep, but its not just looking at the screen thats dangerous.  What you're looking at can be equally disruptive.  Study after study shows a strong argument for ditching your virtual friends before you get into bed at night.  

Six Slightly Odd Suggestions for Falling Asleep

If you're open to different ways to trick your body into falling asleep, this list should satisfy.  While these tips come with (quasi) documented claims, we'd love to hear if they work for YOU!

Inhale through your Left Nostril- Lie on your left side, rest your finger on your right nostril and breathe deeply.  Try not to worry what happens if you get your lefties and righties mixed up, and try not to giggle.  

Squeeze your Toes-Lie on your back, curl your toes downward and breathe through your nose at the same time.  Tapping your heels together, optional. 

Try to Stay Awake- Apparently our brains are like toddlers and respond to empty challenges with sleep. Please don't call us at 4 am if your brain is more evolved....

Rewind your Day-We have to be honest, we think this is a guaranteed recipe for staying awake.  

Channel your Inner Teenager- Rolling your eyes can help trigger the release of melatonin, which explains why teenagers sleep better than anyone else on the planet. 

Hum Softly- Sing yourself a little song about how much you love sleep.  You might fall asleep but your partner will either think you're crazy or curse you for waking them up. But you'll be asleep so who cares????

Heres to a good nights sleep!!!

BEST CHAIRS ONLY AVAILABLE AT WILCOX

Best Home Furnishings: That's the promise this Ferdinand, Indiana company tries to live up to in each of their products. In many ways, when you consider, selection, value, and quality, we think you would agree they earn their name “Best”.

BEST SELECTION

•      Chairs, Glide Rockers, Recliners, Reclining and Stationary Sofas & Loveseats, Sleeper Sofas.

•      Space Savers^TM, Rockers, Swivel Rockers, Gliders, Swivel Gliders, High Leg Recliners, Swivel Chairs, Power Rockers, Power Space Savers^TM, Power Lifts, Power Tilt Headrests, Lock Glide Rockers, Console Loveseats, Dining Chairs

•      Thousands of style, fabric, and finish combinations. Need we say more?

BEST VALUE

•      Build the best quality product, at the most affordable price."

•      A simple, yet powerful philosophy is the foundation from which Best Home Furnishings was built. Their legendary quality standards are just as evident today as they were over 50 years ago. Close relationships with vendors and tight, efficient manufacturing processes allow them to remain very price competitive. They are a value leader.

BEST QUALITY

•      Hardwood frame parts using native trees provide the backbone to a sturdy frame.

•      Fully automated computer scan and cut systems process nearly 20 miles of lumber per day to read and cut out defects.

•      Joints are doweled, screwed, glued, stapled and corner blocked.

•      High stress points are reinforced with deep penetrating truss plates.

•      Best employs over 60 seasoned upholsterers with an average of 16+ years of experience.

•      Sewing inspection utilizes an 18 point checklist ranging from seam allowance to the number of stitches per inch.

•      Each product that leaves our facility is inspected and must pass our QUALITY standards

BEST MADE IN USA

•      Consumers work hard for their money and are proud to know that by buying Best they are supporting their fellow U.S. workers.

•      For over 50 years, Best has employed some of the hardest working, most skilled citizens of this great country.

Our 950+ U.S. workers are part of the Best family and are proud to be responsible for the promise that is our name. Best Home Furnishings

Please visit our online showroom at www.wilcoxfurniture.com or  www.besthf.com

Better yet, come in and see for yourself why buying from “Best” Chairs is one of the best decisions you'll make for your home.  

The holidays are over and things around the house are calming down.  You look around and realize your new sofa has a stain! What do you do?? Here are some tips for keeping your furniture looking as new as the day it arrived. 

Fabrics can be cleaned in various ways depending on the type of fabric on your furniture. 

1)     Look on the furniture label for some of the following symbols or a symbol indicating type of cleaner to be used:

• WS– Water base cleaning agents and foam may be used for cleaning. This fabric may also be cleaned with mild, water-free dry cleaning solvents.
• W–Water based cleaning agents or water-based foam may be used for cleaning.
• S–Only mild, pure, water-free dry cleaning solvents may be used for cleaning this fabric.
• X– This fabric should be vacuumed or brushed lightly to remove soil. WARNING: Do not use foam or liquid cleaning agents of any type.
• V–This fabric should be washed with warm water and mild soap. WARNING: Do not use cleaners or liquid cleaning agents of any type.

2)    Important!  Whichever solution is recommended, always keep in mind that you always want to test any solution in an inconspicuous area.  This will avoid any staining in a visible spot.    

3)    Before cleaning, it’s best to vacuum your furniture, being sure to get between cushions and in crevices to avoid rubbing in further dirt.

4)    Apply the recommended solution with a clean soft rag or microfiber towel and gently blot the treated area. 

5)    Allow the furniture to air dry or follow the manufacturer’s instructions.  Always check this before you beginning cleaning.  

Depending on the use in your home will determine the frequency of the cleaning.

No two homes are identical so there can be no specific amount of times to clean your furniture.  A good rule of thumb perhaps, may be with daylight saving time change.  See how that works for you and your family. 

            By following manufacturers cleaning recommendations and their instructions, you too can perhaps keep your furniture looking as new as possible!