Stocking Stuffers for the Homebody: Luxe Pyjamas and More (Brand Collaboration)

As the holiday season draws near, gift-giving is on everyone's mind. Whether you're shopping for a loved one, or a friend, or treating yourself to something special, selecting the perfect gift can often pose a challenge. If you're shopping for a self-proclaimed homebody, someone who enjoys the comforts of home more than the hustle and bustle of the outside world, we have a treat for you. In this article, we present a collection of stocking stuffers for the homebody: luxe pyjamas and more.

Matching Lounge Wear Sets

Among the multitude of gift options available today, one stands out for its cosy appeal: matching lounge wear sets. Nestled comfortably between casual and chic, these sets consist of plush, comfortable fabrics designed to provide the ultimate at-home relaxation experience. High-quality lounge wear can make even the simplest of activities, such as reading a book or watching a movie, feels luxurious and indulgent. To treat your homebody to an extra dose of comfort, consider gifting them a matching lounge wear set made of luxurious materials like silk or snug cashmere.

Simba Orbit Weighted Blanket Review (Sent for review)

Last week Simba sent us their Orbit Weighted Blanket to try out, and I'll start this review by saying it's excellent. The Simba Orbit is a 15lb generously sized single blanket with a removable cover. Weighted blankets are great for anyone who likes to feel snuggled or secure when sleeping or relaxing, they're proven to help people sleep more deeply and soundly, and are often found useful by children and adults who have Autism Spectrum Disorder. 

One of my boys doesn't like the feel of a duvet, and has refused to sleep with anything other than heavy blankets for several years. He gets far too warm at night for much of the year, plus blankets can take an age to dry after washing and it really isn't ideal. He doesn't much like change, and wasn't sure about trying the Simba Orbit, but he agreed to a 3 night trial and he loves it! You'll be glad to hear the 'trial' ended after just one night, when he decided his old blankets are history and his weighted blanket is the future. 

Simba Hybrid All-Year Duvet Review (with temperature control technology). Sent for review.

What could be more timely than a duvet review? In this cold, Wintery weather we all want to feel snug and warm, and the Simba Hybrid Duvet really does do the trick. 

Simba Sleep have sent me their 10.5 Tog all-year Hybrid Duvet with Stratos® responsive temperature control technology. Not only is it warm in Winter, it dissipates excess heat so that you won't be too hot in Summer, so you can use this duvet all year round. 

The duvet arrives covered in a 50% recycled plastic bag, with a recycled textile zip up storage bag inside - storage bags are always handy, and it's a really nice touch - plus I love the fact we don't have loads of waste plastic. 

I unzipped the bag and the first thing I noticed was just how luxurious this feels. The plain cotton on the underside of the duvet is super soft, it's almost a shame you won't be sleeping without a duvet cover. 

Ad | Updating Your Children’s Room On A Budget

Updating your children’s room on a budget

When your children outgrow their existing bedroom décor, or simply want something fresh, you may be willing to support them in exploring their identity within their personal space. However, depending on what they have in mind, this may not be possible on your budget. Rather than completely shutting down their ideas, you may want to find different ways to allow their creativity to flourish, and create a room they will be proud of, without requiring a lot of expense.

Ad| Redesigning A Bedroom As Your Child Grows Up

When I started this blog my children were young. Well, kind of. They were at least all children, and the little 2 weren't even at school yet. More than 8 years has passed, and my youngest is now 11 and starting high school in a few months. They all grew up. 

With 7 children in total, and 5 years of people to and fro at work, uni and college, we've had a lot of bedroom swaps over the years. Now that we only have the youngest two children at home full time we're a lot more settled, and really I want to create bedrooms for them that are relaxing and calm, but have plenty of their own more mature and still very unique personalities. 

As most of us can't afford a whole makeover and new furniture, here are some of my tips to help the bedroom grow up, without breaking the bank... 

Ad | Sleep Tips To Improve Your Mental Health (paid collaboration with Tempur)

The second week of May is Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK, and while I think we are all a lot more aware of how common mental health problems are, they're impossible to measure and rarely have a simple fix.

I'm working in a paid collaboration with Tempur, the people who make those incredibly comfortable squidgy mattresses, and they commissioned a Mental Health And Sleep Survey looking into the effect quality of sleep has on mental health and wellbeing. We all now know that our mental health is as important as our physical health and needs to be looked after, but how does sleep, and the quality or lack of it, affect us?

Physically, lack of good quality sleep gives us eye bags, it makes us crave carbohydrates and we store more fat. which can lead to weight gain. Among other things it affects growth hormones, testosterone and insulin levels, blood pressure and repair systems in the body. Not getting enough sleep can make you heavier and it can make you ill, and you'll stay ill for longer and find it harder to lose weight.

Mentally, lack of good quality sleep has a huge effect too. We know the obvious signs, we are tired, irritable and grumpy. Lack of sleep also makes it harder for us to learn and remember, it's responsible for lack of libido and motivation. We can feel hungry, clumsy and down, even depressed.

We've all been there, and those days that start like that never do seem to get any better...

Christmas Giveaway: The Grinch Duvet Set And Cushion - Sent by Dreamtex

Dr Seuss' most famous Christmas grump is available on Duvet Covers and Cushions this Winter thanks to Dreamtex and ASDA, and they've sent us a set to review - plus they are giving a set away to one of my readers. Available in Single and Double sized Duvet Sets perfect for your child's bedroom. The Grinch is the perfect Christmas decoration for your room.

I'm a big fan of Dreamtex bedding because their duvet covers have wide openings for easy changing, reliable popper fastenings and the material is soft and easy to care for. The poly/cotton can be washed hot if necessary and tumble dried.

National Geographic Recycled Plastic Reversible Bedding Review (Sent by Dreamtex)

I worked with Dreamtex earlier this year because they sent my boys some awesome ISA NASA and Fallout Game bedding. I love their quality, bright colours and really modern, attractive prints.

They have impressed me even more now with their collaboration with National Geographic to produce bedding made from cotton and recycled plastic bottles - up to 12 in each set!

I wasn't under any obligation to post anything here, but I love this bedding so much that it seems criminal not to give you a closer look. Our world is full of waste plastic and it's time we sorted out just what we are going to do with it. Recycling is so much better than almost any current alternative.

So what is it like? Is recycled plastic bedding different to regular pillowcases and duvet covers? No. It feels just the same. It's still 50% cotton and 50% polyster, or poly/cotton as you may know it. The only difference is that this is 50% manufactured from waste plastic bottles.

Bedding For Bigger Kids - Fallout and NASA Review & Giveaway(Sent by Dreamtex)

Dreamtex are a name you may not recognise, but I bet you've seen their excellent quality home textiles in store or even in your home. They work with licenses from some of the biggest names in TV, print, game and film, and are committed to corporate social responsibility, working with Sedex & Oeko-Tex approved factories, to ensure that international ethical standards are constantly met.

My boys have had some awesome bedding over the years, but they're getting bigger now and some of their tastes are changing. They've been sent reversible Fallout and ISA NASA bedding and I'm quite jealous. I'd happily have either of these on my own bed.

Fallout has been a big hit here for well over 10 years and most of us have played at least Fallout 3 to the end (I got the completist's favourite, the Platinum Trophy - this is one of my proudest moments). This duvet set really is excellent.

Silentnight Pure Cotton Pillow Pair Giveaway

Everyone has heard of Silentnight, they are the UK's biggest bed manufacturer and you probably have some of their bedding in your house. Voted the UK's Most Trusted Bedding Brand in independent survey, their products are reliable, they have a range to suit all pockets and the prices are good.

This month Silentnight are teaming up with the online store and TV shoppping channel QVC to promote their Silentnight Pure Cotton Pillows. Exclusive to QVC, they have a 100% cotton percale cover and are filled with anti-allergy, silk-like hollowfibre, offering excellent comfort and softness for your money.

Silentnight Pure Cotton Pillows are also washable up to a temperature of 40°C and come with a 2-year guarantee, so you can expect them to last as well as more expensive brands.

Character World LEGO Batman Movie Bedding Review

LEGO Batman is the star of the show at the moment and couldn't be more popular in our house. All-round good guy and action hero who mainly wears black, he's cooler than cool. Character World have just launched a whole host of LEGO Batman Movie goodies and have sent my boys some for their bedroom...

We've been sent The LEGO Batman Movie Towelling Poncho, Fleece Blanket and Single Duvet Set.

What do British holidaymakers miss the most from home?

When you go away on holiday there are always certain home comforts that you do miss, however much fun you are having. A survey by the bedding company Silentnight found that 'Family' didn't come top, instead 6 out of 10 of the British public miss their own bed more.

The survey, carried out by One Poll, asked what made a dream holiday for UK consumers. Peace and home comforts are top of the list, with 52% of British holidaymakers wanting rest and relaxation above everything else. I know when I go away, it's far easier to come home shattered than rested. You need a week off work to get over it.

May The 4th Be With You With Character World Star Wars Bedding Review And Giveaway

It's May 4th, so a Star Wars post is almost mandatory. We've been sent some great Star Wars goodies to review from the new The Force Awakens range from Character World. A reversible duvet cover and pillowcase, and a First Order Stormtrooper/BB-8 double sided canvas cushion...

In our house Star Wars isn't only reserved for 1 day a year, it's been a part of our daily lives since my oldest son was old enough to watch A New Hope. The Force Awakens has brought Star Wars up to date for my youngest children and Kylo Ren may be very much a villain, but he has also become something of an anti-hero for youngsters.

Building A Duvet Fort with Sleepy People Anti Allergy Bedding

Some jobs are just plain fun, and being asked by SleepyPeople if I could share my fort-building skills was definitely something that appealed on a rainy afternoon during Easter break - as my 6 and 7 year old boys ran past screeching at the fleeing cat.

I may not have the neatest or best fort-building skills, but after 22 years as a parent I'd hope I can put together something suitable, and SleepyPeople sent new pillows and duvets to work with. They proved an instant hit...

As they were having so much fun I let them play for as long as they wanted. Thankfully both the pillows and duvets are washable - the pillows are actually waterproof!! Who doesn't love a good roll in a duvet...