Holiday Green Gifting: Eco-Savvy, Hand-made Soap from skinnyskinny

My favorite was the skinnyskinny Organic Rose Almond Soap, but they have lots of fragrances to choose from that will definitely please the eco-chic giftee on your holiday gift list.

I just adore skinnyskinny’s fabulous eco-packaging idea for the Organic Soap Set. The soaps come neatly packaged in an eco-friendly book box – very cute. 

3 Designs for Better Living – Gift Guide for the Lover of Stylishly, Practical Solutions

 GelPro Kitchen Mats (Read our GelPro review)

Dyson DC 25 Ball Animal Vacuum (This Dyson vacuum is a triumph of design and engineering. It does come with a steep price tag, but being the owner of one, I can tell you it’s worth every single penny.)

Chic Shelf Paper adds stylish flair to shelves and drawers. In fact, you’ll actually want others to see what’s in your drawers,they’re that fabulous.  What I also love about these drawer and shelf liners is that, if you can’t find a design among the 275 in-stock styles, you can customize a design that is all you!  

3 Ergonomic Keyboard & Pointing Devices You Will Love

Working from home is a dream come true for many of us. However, making the transition from an employer’s office configuration(or the dreaded cube) isn’t always easy. Most home offices aren’t set up from the get go as a true working environment. Ergonomics,productivity and human factors design aren’t typically considered in the home office design. 

Choosing the right desk, office chair, productivity configuration (yes, there is an efficient, productive and comfortable work station configuration), monitor, foot rest and keyboard and mouse sets can make your home office either a delight or a pain far worse than that tiny, life sucking cube you left behind. We hope to make your transition from the corporate cell to your dream home office easier with our top three picks for ergonomic keyboards and pointing devices. 

1.  Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Desktop 7000 (includes wireless keyboard and mouse as shown above) takes the top prize in innovative, ergonomic design. The mouse fits very comfortably and in our tests* significantly reduced fatigue associated with pointing device usage. In other words, the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Mouse 7000 helped us be more productive – specifically when engaged in mouse dependent work tasks, such as compilations of digital design sketchbooks.

The only drawback (and temporary at that) to the Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Desktop 7000 was the initial usage of the keyboard. It’s a split keyboard which created a bit of a learning curve for us – compared to using “standard” keyboards. However, after becoming familiar with the split keyboard design, we absolutely loved the keyboard. Again, wrist and hand fatigue were significantly reduced in our opinion relative to standard keyboards we tested.

Overall, Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Desktop 7000  provided comfort and reduction in hand and wrist fatigue (and pain) and we love it for that.  Price-wise, it run’s about $120 and is available via Microsoft.com and other office supply stores.  We picked ours up for about $95 after discounts and rebates at Office Depot.com.

2.  Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave Keyboard and Mouse set is a mid-priced ergonomic option that is easy to use and comfortable. The keyboard is more intuitive to use (based on the standard keyboard design most users are familiar with) than the  Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Desktop 7000 which means that you will be up and running quickly with the Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave Keyboard.  The Logitech Cordless mouse that comes with the set is fine for basic users, but if you do lots of mouse initiated tasks, then we recommend upgrading to a more powerful, ergonomic pointing device. As mentioned earlier, the Logitech Cordless Desktop Wave keyboard and mouse set is an excellent ergonomic choice and a very affordable price point ($79). Available at Amazon.com and other office supply stores.

3. It’s no secret that laptop and netbook integrated keyboards are ergonomic nightmares. Our fingers get cramps just thinking of typing away for any period of time on our laptops.  We recently reviewed the Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000,  and we absolutely love this ergonomically designed and very stylish Bluetooth enabled mobile keyboard for extending your workspace beyond your home office.

According to Microsoft this new addition to their computer accessories offerings is:

Microsoft’s thinnest keyboard ever — just a few millimeters thicker than a AAA battery at the back — the Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000 tapers down toward the front, so the keyboard is light and easy to pick up. And to enable the small footprint to still deliver ultimate comfort, the keyboard uses a Comfort Curve design for a more ergonomic typing experience over the straight keyboard layout of notebook computers. Microsoft’s Comfort Curve design encourages natural wrist posture with a slight 6-degree curve that is easy to use with virtually no learning curve.

This fantastically thin, Bluetooth enabled mobile keyboard was a delight to use, though when we first pulled it out of the box our first thoughts were “no way” will this be comfortable – too thin and  where’s the voluptuous ergonomic curves?  Five minutes of using the keyboard and number pad and we were sold.

The Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000  fits perfectly in our laptop case (no bulk), leaves room to spare on those tiny cafe tables and makes working away from the office comfortable and productive. We also love that there is no USB transceiver needed for this to work which means one last thing to worry about losing.

Now that we are huge fans of the Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000 we are hoping that a wonderful ergonomic travel mouse is in the works. We love our  Microsoft Natural Ergonomic Mouse 7000 but it doesn’t travel well – kind of bulky and heavy.  Hint, hint to Microsoft you’ve spoiled us with the Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000; please, please consider designing and producing an equally fantastic lightweight, ergonomic mobile mouse.

Pricing for the Microsoft Bluetooth Mobile Keyboard 6000 is about $90.   Available at Microsoft.com and other office supply stores.

*Tests based on subjective criteria and non-scientific.

8 Tips for a Safe & Happy Holiday Season

Underwriters Laboratories, the world’s oldest and most-trusted product safety organization, is suggesting families follow these tips to ensure the holiday traditions are remembered for the right reasons:

1. A fresh tree is key:  If the needles are not fresh, it can lead to a greater risk of fire. Remember to ask your tree lot attendant to make a fresh cut to the base of the tree and place it in water as soon as you get home. Place tree in a tree stand that holds at least one gallon of water and check moisture level frequently.
2. Three feet from the heat:  Keep your tree at least three feet from fireplaces, radiators, space heaters, and heating vents. 
3. Exercise candle care:  If you have children and pets, place candles out of reach and away from heavy traffic areas in your home.  Never leave a room or your house with candles lit.  Always blow it out! 
4. Light it right:  Carefully inspect each electrical decoration – new or old — before plugging it in. Look for cracked sockets or frayed, exposed wires that could become a shock or fire hazard. Replace damaged items with new, UL-Listed decorations.
5. LED Lights: Consider these as an eco-friendly alternative to traditional light strings. They draw less power and can be a better option for your family.
6. Do not use staples or nails to hang light strings: Instead, purchase plastic hooks or clips designed for hanging light strings.
7. Indoor or outdoor? Look for UL Mark:  Indoor-use only light strings are marked with UL’s green holographic label. Indoor or outdoor-use light strings are marked with UL’s red holographic label.
8. Check the packaging:  Read manufacturer instructions before stringing lights together. The general rule is to not connect more than three midget light string sets together. Light strings with screw-in bulbs should never have more than 50 bulbs connected together.

How many layers should a latex mattress have?

“Ask The Decorating Diva”

Dear The Decorating Diva,

I’m looking to buy a latex foam mattress and after reviewing all the available mattress choices I’m having a hard time figuring out if there is any benefit to buying a latex mattress that has one, two, three, or more layers. Is it worth the money? These mattresses are kind of steep price wise and I don’t want to spend money on a feature that isn’t necessary.

B. Steele in Austin, TX

B.,

Most eco-friendly bedding, including mattresses do tend to carry a much higher price tag than it’s less environmentally friendly siblings, so I can understand your desire to obtain some savings by carefully weighing your mattress buying options.

Typically latex foam mattresses are constructed from either two, three or four layers, with the softest layers on top of more firm layers beneath. In the two layer latex mattress you can expect to find a thin layer of foam laid atop a much thicker layer of latex foam. The three layer latex mattress follows the same layer recipe as the two layer – and then adds an even thicker layer at the bottom which will provide a nice and firm sleeping surface.

The best method to determine which layered latex mattress best suits your sleeping needs is to try them out.  A mattress is a major expenditure and many mattress and bedding companies allow “sleep trial” periods.

Best,
Carmen Natschke
Editor, The Decorating Diva LLC

Luxury Linen Care – Washing Fine Linens and Bedding

When you purchased your luxury linens you made an investment in quality materials. To protect your investment we recommend that you use the following laundering guidelines for washing your fine linens and bedding.

Before You Start
Always wash your luxury linens and bedding separate from all other items of clothing. If there is embroidery or other finery on your linens, place those linens in a lingerie bag, before washing them.

Water Temperature & Detergent
Use cold or warm water in the gentle cycle. Do not use bleach ,even on your white linens. An oxygen cleaner would be appropriate. Bleach will “eat” the fibers of your fine linens and luxury bedding. Bleach also can “burn” yellow stains into your lovely linens.

Drying your Linens & Bedding
Do not use the high setting on your dryer. Use the low and fluff setting. It will take longer to dry but it is the best for your fine linens. Too much heat will dry out the fibers and cause breakage over time. I recommend taking the linens out 5 to 10 minutes before the dry cycle is completed. This helps reduce wrinkles and minimizes the chances of “over drying”.

The Finishing Touches
You may iron your fine linens, so that they are fresh and new every time you slide into bed. My favorite treat is to launder my fine linens with the Good Home Company Lavender Detergent and Lavender Laundry Fragrance and then following up with the Good Home Co. Lavender Ironing Spray during ironing. To finish, I spritz Lavender Sheet Spray, also from the Good Home Company. It feels great against my skin and helps me sleep peacefully. (TIP: Lavender, helps relax and induce sleep!)

Hypoallergenic Bedding Can Improve Your Health

Dear The Decorating Diva,

I have terrible allergies which seem to be worse when I wake up. My friend tells me that hypoallergenic bedding can help me. I found your site when I googled for allergy proofing my bedroom so I hope you can help me figure out if hypoallergenic bedding can help me feel better.

Stacey

Dear Stacey,

First I’d recommend that you see an allergy specialist. She can run tests to determine if you have allergies. She can then recommend the appropriate treatment course – this may also include a prescription for hypoallergenic bedding (typically recommended for dust mite allergies) and other allergy alleviating technologies like air purifiers.

I’m glad that our article on allergy-proofing your home was helpful to you. In that article we recommended the following with regards to allergy proofing the bedroom:

• Clean all bedding – duvet covers, sheets, etc once a week in hot water to get rid of animal dander, dust and other allergens.
•  Purchase allergy proof pillows and bedding such as Lands’ End Pure Loft . If you aren’t able to purchase allergen proof pillows and bedding you can always use protective coverings on your mattress and pillows. This greatly reduces the occurrence of dust mites which will lessen allergic reactions.

If you do  have allergies attributed to dust mites, then buying hypoallergenic bedding can alleviate many of the symptoms you suffer with.  Material-wise latex is probably the best defense against both dust mites and mold, and latex also happens to be eco friendly. Latex mattresses and pillows are a great choice, however if budget is an issue you can buy dust mite pillow covers and mattress encasings . When shopping for dust mite bedding covers check the product labeling for the “pore size” of the cover. You want to buy those casings that have pore size of 9 microns or less – anything equal to or larger than 10 microns is large enough for the dust mites to get through.

Best,
Carmen Natschke
Editor, The Decorating Diva LLC

Gel Pro Mat Fights Fatigue in the Kitchen: Universal Design

Standing on your feet on a hard surface for a long duration of time can lead to fatigue. You know it when you experience it. Your feet begin aching, your legs feel like they can’t carry your weight. Your hips and lower back may throb painfully. Your neck stiffens.

The kitchen is one place in your home in which foot, leg, hip, back and neck pain and fatigue can occur – because you are standing for extended periods of time. It can happen while you’re preparing meals (specially for holidays. parties and other events) or washing dishes. It can leave you feeling exhausted and in no mood to finish the activity at hand. An easy way to beat the type of fatigue that occurs from standing on a hard surface for too long (and that varies by individual) is to use a floor mat that cushions your body from the harsh forces exerted by hard floors.

There are many floor mats on the market that boasts anti-fatigue benefits but do they really work? Recently we reviewed an anti-fatigue mat from GelPro that promised users:

“will enjoy time spent in your kitchen once again – or on hard flooring surfaces anywhere in your home – without constant foot pain and back pain.”

The GelPro anti-fatigue gel mat  was developed by a former Dell Inc, executive and  engineer to help his wife an avid cook – who would find herself exhausted and fatigued after standing for hours preparing and cooking holiday meals that she was unable to enjoy the festivities.

According to GelPro the gel mat is:

“Scientifically engineered with patented gel comfort technology, GelPro ergonomic floor mats reduce the discomfort of standing on hard flooring. GelPro also features a durable and stain-resistant synthetic fabric surface, appealing to those who value comfort and style in their home.”

So we set out to test the mat  with high expectations in place.

As soon as our review sample, a stylish and fashionable Black Ostrich fabric ergonomic, anti-fatigue gel mat (detail image below),  arrived at our doorstep we rolled it out and started walking on it right away. Our editorial assistant, a 63 year-old woman, has Osteoporosis and serious, and at times debilitating hip pain. No sooner had she stepped on the GelPro mat that she exclaimed that it was like walking on a cloud. A soft, cushy, comfortable cloud and the she wanted to take the mat home. We loved her enthusiasm but insisted that we needed to test the product for periods longer than five minutes. We tested the mat over various time spans while engaging in common kitchen activities. Over a 45 minute period we stood on the GelPro anti-fatigue mat while we prepared lunch. Then for an hour and 15 minutes while we prepped, cooked and cleaned for dinner.

It didn’t take long before all who entered  the kitchen area made a bee-line for the mat in order to avoid walking the short distance to the refrigerator via the tile floors.  They happily walked the short distance on the mat and then back to the floor – stating that it was a shame that the entire floor couldn’t be covered in GelPro mats.   The GelPro Anti-Fatigue Floor Mat was a hit at The Decorating Diva LLC and we think that it will be a hit in your home too. The GelPro floor mat is an excellent and affordable kitchen and bath (it’s anti-skid)  product that embraces the idea of  Universal Design (making life at home easier, happier (less painful) and more productive for all household members).  According to GelPro:

“Everyone can benefit from the comfort provided by a GelPro mat. There are, however, millions of individuals that are especially susceptible to hard, unforgiving flooring. Chief among them ? young and old alike ? are those with painful arthritis, lower back pain, foot pain, plantar fasciitis, and diabetes. According to Arthritis Today magazine, approximately 43 million Americans suffer from arthritis, and Newsweek reports that 65 million Americans suffer from lower back pain. These conditions, along with foot pain, plantar fasciitis, and diabetes are all exacerbated by standing on hard flooring. GelPro mats have unique and unsurpassed ergonomic properties to help counter these irritating and disabling pains. “

Available GelPro Collections  (GelPro mats are available in various sizes to fit your needs)

Images copyright of respective companies.

Home Decor Buyer Resource:   GelPro (Designer Sizes like the one reviewed here are only available at the GelPro online store) – Regular GelPro mats can be purchased at Bed Bath & Beyond

Latex and Soy Cloud Mattress – Eco Friendly Bedding

Cloud Mattress from Natura World made of an eco-balanced combination of natural latex and natural soy foam encased in an eco-friendly and hypoallergenic wool lining covered in a soft cotton blend.

Images copyright of respective companies.

Home Decor Buyer Resource: Natura World

Savvy Rest Organic Mattress

Organic Mattress from Savvy Rest. Savvy Rest lets you customize your organic bedding experience, you can choose from 2, 3 or 4 layers of natural latex (your choice of Dunlop latex or Talalay latex) wrapped in organic cotton or wool.

Images copyright of respective companies.

Home Decor Buyer Resource: Savvy Rest