RC Willey will be broadcasting live from CES 2018 on January 9-12, 2018. This will be our third year in a row to show you all the coolest televisions, electronics, appliances and gadgets that you can expect to see next year and beyond, and many of these items will hit our showroom floors in a matter of weeks or months. CES is the Consumer Electronics tradeshow and is held in Las Vegas every January. Over 180,000 people will attend this show with nearly as many attendees as exhibitors. The point of the tradeshow varies for many. For us, we go to meet with our existing vendors and purchase the latest electronics from new vendors. The only way I can describe attending CES is this: Imagine how you feel when you are leaving a professional sports game and you are shoulder to shoulder in a crowd. Then, add in a volume level that you would experience in a Chuck E Cheese on a Saturday night. Mix in that feeling you get when you have been hunting in an antique store or garage sale for too long. It's overstimulation at its finest and I can't wait!!!

Now let me tell you what you will experience from the comfort of your own home or desk. You will get front row seats and exclusive access to the biggest brands in the industry. We will get you one-on-one interviews with product experts and you will have the option to turn the volume down if it's too loud. Please join us and let us know what you think is cool!

With a fresh new year ahead, you're most likely making goals and trying to establish some routines to help improve yourself and create a happier, healthier life.  Here are 8 awesome and simple habits that you can incorporate into your life to help your body function at it's highest level possible....

1. Get Enough Sleep
We all know and acknowledge the benefits of getting adequate sleep, but do we make sleep a priority?  Experts agree that sleep is one of the most critical aspects of living a long and healthy life.  Dr. James Maas, author of Sleep for Success, outlines some of the problems you might encounter if you don't get enough snooze time.  "You're going to be irritable, anxious, depressed," he said. "You're going to gain weight, you have a greater risk for hypertension, that's heart attacks and strokes, type 2 diabetes, obesity, skin problems, and cancer."  "And your cognitive performance slows down," he continued. "You can't think, you can't remember, you're not creative, you can't think critically, it affects how long you're going to live. And if you're an athlete, it just ruins your motor coordination and your reaction time." 

Man, I want to go hop in bed right now after that list!  Need a new mattress??  We've got you covered!!

2. Eat Breakfast

One of the best things you can do for your mind and body after waking up in the morning is eating a good, balanced breakfast.  Not only does it boost your metabolism and give you energy to get through the day, but studies have linked eating breakfast with a myriad of other health benefits: improved concentration, memory, and mental clarity; better health and lower LDL "bad" cholesterol; weight control; and a lower risk of getting type 2 diabetes or heart disease in the future.  

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3. Cultivate a Morning Routine

Speaking of first thing in the morning, waking up early (preferably the same time every morning) and engaging in a morning ritual can do wonders for your physical and mental health.  Great things to include in your mornings are: exercise, eat breakfast, write down your goals for the day, pray/meditate/read scriptures or inspiring text, take a walk, etc.  

4. Exercise 

If you aren't exercising regulary, START NOW.  It's a natural happy drug!  It's one of the best ways to improve the quality, and time span of your life!  Just a few benefits of regular exercise include: improves your mood; better concentration and memory; more energy and stamina; can help keep your weight, blood sugar, and blood pressure under control; lowers the risk of type 2 diabetes, obesity, cancer, and heart disease.  

Dr. Harry Lodge, author of the bestseller, Younger Next Year explains, "It turns out that your cells really don't age," he said. "They either grow or decay.  And if you do things in your life that trigger growth in the cells, then your body gets stronger, younger, fitter, healthier, better able to resist disease," he continued. "And you live life as functionally as a younger man or woman until very late in the game."

It might be a surprise to some of you, but did you know RC Willey carries exercise equipment?  

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5. Fuel Your Body With The Best Things

These are things that most of us know, but it's good to be reminded.  A few tips:
- Eat 5 servings of fruits and vegetables a day
- Decrease sweets, sugar, soda, coffee & alchohol consumption
- Eat good fats (avacados, olive oil, almonds, fish, walnuts are great sources)
- Avoid Trans fats (most of these are found in processed foods.  If the label says 'hydrogenated' stay away!)
- Consume whole foods over supplements
- Eat a variety of healthy foods
- Practice cooking at home

6. Drink Lots of Water

Cut out soda and swap it with water!  There are so many benefits to drinking enough water: it hydrates your body and keeps organs functioning properly, helps with weight control, helps clear up complexion, etc. Cut your weight in half, and that is how many ounces of water you sould be drinking per day!  If water isn't your thing and you struggle getting 8 or more glasses down a day, add fresh fruit to give it a little more flavor.  

7. Go To The Doctor
No matter how healthy you are, you should always make it a priority to get a physical every year.  Depending on your age there are other necessary screenings you don't want to get behind on: mammogram, prostate, pap test, colonoscopy, skin check, etc.  No one can stay on top of your health but you!

8. Practice Good Dental Health
Visit your dentist for regular teeth cleaning and check up's twice a year if possible.  Believe it or not, a healthy mouth can do wonders for your overall health.  Periodontal infection can contribulte to heart disease and diabetes.  Thomas Perls, from Boston University School of Medicine studies people who live to be 100, and what they do to live so long.  In regard to dental health, he said, "I really do think people should floss twice a day to get the biggest life expectancy benefits."  

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Here's to good health in 2018! 

If you’re starting to plan out your New Year’s Resolution of working out and are wondering if you should start by using an elliptical or a treadmill, take a moment to stop and be proud of yourself. You’re doing it! You’re following through on your goal of being healthier and getting fit. Well done! And now back to the big debate of ellipticals vs treadmills. We’ve listed the pros and cons of each machine below so you can make the decision for yourself. 

Elliptical vs Treadmill

ELLIPTICAL

Pros

• If you have joint or muscle pain, or have been recently injured, the elliptical is very low impact.  
• Settings on the elliptical allow you to vary the resistance for a personally designed workout.
• By using your arms to push and pull the handles, while at the same time engaging your core, you will be able to complete a full-body workout.
• Most ellipticals let you stride in reverse, which will work a whole other set of muscles and can add variety to your workout routines.

Cons

• It can be easy to let the momentum of the elliptical power the machine rather than exerting effort yourself. This makes it easy to end up with a subpar workout.  
• Initially it may feel a little bit awkward to use an elliptical before you master the movements.  

TREADMILL

Pros

• No matter the weather, you’ll be able to get a jog or run done.
• Settings on your treadmill will allow you to set a variety of inclines and speeds, which allows you to personalize your workout.
• It’s pretty easy to get started on a treadmill - if you can run, jog, or walk you can use one!

Cons

• Running on the treadmill has a high impact on your joints and muscles. This is not necessarily a bad thing but if you have joint pains or injuries you may want to avoid using the treadmill.
• The focus on a treadmill is the lower body so you won’t get a full body workout by using one.

At the end of the day, the decision of whether a treadmill or an elliptical is better comes down to the individual person using it. If you’ve never used either machine before, experiment on both to see which one is the most comfortable for you to use.

Do you prefer an elliptical or a treadmill?

I'm one of those people who love New Year's Resolutions.  In the past I've gotten a little crazy making goals for myself to improve when a new year rolls around.  I like to divide my life into categories, and then create sub-goals underneath said categories: physical, emotional, spiritual, mental, social, etc.  One time I literally had a New Year's master plan that included more than 85 goals. Yikes! I've learned the hard way that simply having good intentions doesn't always produce awesome results.  For me, simplifying the process has made all the difference.  Here are 3 ways to help you set and achieve your goals for 2018.....

1. Don't set your goals until mid-January
I like to let ideas of goals and resolutions simmer in my head for the first week or so in January before I make any major decisions.  Why?  I find that if I'm really intentional and thoughtful, I'm smarter and more realistic about the goals that I set.  Most people have already failed at half of their goals come January 15th, so starting then just seems like the right thing to do.  Be in it for the long haul, not just until talk of goals on social media has died down.  

2. Pick One Word
Don't worry.  You can still create a long list of goals if that's your thing, but more importantly, look at your life and first pick ONE WORD.  One overarching theme, or focus for the year.  This word should sum up who you want to become, and how you want to live this year.  Be intentional.  What is your life missing right now?  What do you want or need more of to be happy?  For some it might be, "Simplify", and for others it might be "Action".  The goal is to think of this word on a daily/weekly basis to help inspire you to live your best life.  Feeling stumped?  Here are some ideas of words from oneword365.com:

Reduce, Awake, Direction, Grace, Uplift, Health, New, Transformation, Battle, Revel, Unstoppable, Transition, Possibility, Thrive, Be, Imagine, Slow, Silence, Choose, Pause, Freedom, Relentless, Trust, Focus, Momentum, Adventure, Commit, Fortitude, More, Adapt, Different, Write, Forward, Appreciate, Brave, Confidence, Reflection, Organize, Create, Resolve, Embrace, Soar, Risk, Joy, Strength, Generous, Dare, Believe, Rebuilding, Simplify, Faith, Determined, Ambition, Truth, Integrity, Stewardship, Open, Finish, Diligence, Celebrate, Love, Progress, Invest, Sacrifice, Perspective, Growth, Present, Learn, Push, Optimism, Balance, Connect, Curious, Listen, Release, Change, Today, Minimize, Mindfulness, Ignite, Persistence, Opportunity, No, Empower, Shine, Courage, Discover, Together, Purpose, Relax, Live, Action, Peace, Breathe, Enjoy

3. Review, Review, Review!
Most people don't fail to achieve their New Year's Resolutions because they are lazy or their goals are too hard.  It's simply due to the fact that people forget what those goals were in the first place!  If you don't continually go back to and review your goals, you won't get anywhere.  Make it a practice to review them once a week, and you'll be able to accomplish everything you set out to do and become this year!  Happy 2018! 

Sleepless nights are, unfortunately, way too common. While some people toss and turn all night and other people could sleep through anything, each of us has had a night where we would be willing to trade almost anything we own just to catch a little shuteye. So what makes some of us sleep so well and other stay up all night? How can we sleep a little better this year? 

Sleep Facts

How do I know if I have insomnia?

Insomnia is the inability of falling asleep or staying asleep at night. If you roll around trying to fall asleep all night or even if you sleep all night but wake up feeling exhausted, you might have insomnia. Here are some common signs to help you determine whether or not you have insomnia:

• You have a hard time falling asleep even if you’re tired
• You wake up a lot during the night
• Once you wake up in the night you have a hard time falling back asleep
• You rely on sleep aids to help you fall asleep
• You wake up too early in the morning
• During the day you’re tired, irritable, or drowsy
• You have a hard time concentrating during the day

What are the causes of insomnia?

Insomnia is usually a symptom of something else in your life, so if you can find the root cause of your sleep troubles, you’ll be able to make a head start at getting a better night’s sleep. Some common causes of insomnia are:

• Stress
• Depression
• Anxiety
• A recent traumatic experience
• Medications or health problems
• Bad sleep environment
• Irregular schedule

How can I sleep better at night?

So how can I start sleeping better at night? What can I do to solve my sleep problems? Well, like I said before, you should start by identifying the root cause of your sleep issues and work on fixing that. Even while you work on whatever is causing your insomnia, there are some simple sleep fixes that will help get you closer to that perfect night’s sleep!

• Create the perfect sleep environment in your room. Keep your room quiet, dark, and cool. Make sure your mattress and pillows  are comfortable. If your mattress is old, don’t wait to get a new one.
• Keep a regular schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time each day. Even if you’re tired, wake up at the same time each day to help your body get used onto a schedule.
• Don’t use any screens at least an hour before bed. Screens emit blue light that disrupts the production of melatonin, so put your phone away and turn off the TV.
• Avoid stress before bedtime. If checking your email, having tough discussions, or working before bed causes you stress you should put it off and do these things in the morning.
• Don’t nap during the day! If you do need to nap, just make sure it’s a short one and you are away before 3 p.m.
  

Do you have any tricks that help you fall asleep quickly? 

If you’ve ever gotten overwhelmed at all the information that comes at you when it comes time to purchase a mattress, you’re not alone. For the answers to all the mattress questions you’ve ever had, keep reading! We’ve listed frequently asked questions about mattresses below. 

Frequently Asked Mattress Questions

How long will my mattress last?

It’s recommended that you replace your mattress every 7 and 10 years. Rather than focusing on the years of your mattress, you should focus on how you feel while each morning when you wake up. If you’re tossing and turning, wake up feeling achy, or have a hard time falling asleep each night you may want to replace your mattress. Check out this guide to see whether or not it’s time for you to replace your mattress. 

How do I clean my mattress?

Vacuuming is the best way to clean a mattress. If there is a stain or spot you want to remove, the best way to do so is with soap and cold water. Do not soak your mattress! Use as little water as possible if you are cleaning a spot and make sure you let your mattress completely dry and air out before you put sheets back on. Make sure you always use a mattress covering like a mattress pad that is washable to help extend the life of your mattress. 

Do I need to flip my mattress?

Most mattresses that are made today are one sided mattresses that do not require flipping. You may want to rotate or spin your mattress to help it break in, but you should not have to flip the mattress.

What are the dimensions of standard mattresses?

For information on different mattress sizes, click here.

What is the best way to protect my mattress?

Putting a washable mattress covering, like a mattress pad, on as soon as you bring your new mattress home is the best way to keep your mattress clean and safe from spills or stains.

Is there an adjustment period for my mattress?

It varies from person to person, but it could take about a month before you feel completely comfortable with your new mattress. Your mattress needs to soften and conform to your body and your body needs to adjust to the new mattress.

If you have more questions, let us know!

I have heard for a while that microfiber is a great fabric for sofas because of its mix of comfort, durability and the fact that it's easy to clean. I talked to Rick Spehar, who has worked for RC Willey in Salt Lake City since 1995 and he gave me the lowdown on cleaning microfiber.

Kerry: How do you clean a microfiber sofa?

Rick: First you want to find the manufacturer’s tag attached to the furniture (usually on the bottom of the sofa) indicating a cleaning code:

• “W” is for a water-based cleaning solution
• “S” is for a solvent-based solution
• “SW” is for either water or solvent based solutions
• “X” means vacuum only – no liquids

Most microfiber will be an “S” cleaning code. If one is not available a solvent based cleaning solution is the best guess. 

Use rubbing alcohol in a spray bottle. (Do not use a water-based solution. It will leave watermarks.) Spray the soiled area and use a cleaning cloth to gently rub or blot the stain. Naturally colored sponges or white bristle brush may be used for more stubborn stains. Brush or rub to lift the stain from the material. 

Once dry it may be necessary to “fluff” the material which may become stiff after cleaning. Use a soft bristle brush or a fresh cleaning cloth to rub the cleaned area.  The fiber softness should return.    

Kerry: And what exactly is microfiber?

Rick: Microfiber is a synthetic fiber finer than one denier or decitex (thread), having a diameter of fewer than ten micrometers (code for small, soft, closely woven fabric). These fine fibers are affordable, soft to touch and create very comfortable furniture. Most microfiber furniture is made from polyester; however other materials such as nylon or polypropylene may be used. It is an extremely durable and cleanable fabric.

Spills, stains, and tracked in dirt seem to be the bane of carpet’s existence. Each time something spills or makes a mess you don’t have to panic or rush off to the store to buy an expensive carpet cleaner. Instead, gather together some ingredients you’ll be sure to have in your home, and make your own DIY carpet cleaner! Check out the recipe below. 

DIY Carpet Cleaner

I found these instructions for a DIY carpet cleaner from PopSugar (you can see the original here) that is not only easy to make, but super effective! As with most cleaning solutions, you’ll want to do a spot check before you start on your bigger stains.

What You’ll Need:

• Small spray bottle
• 1 teaspoon dishwashing liquid
• 1 tablespoon white vinegar
• 1 cup warm water
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• Clean absorbent towel
• Clean sponge

 Directions:

1. Gather the ingredients to make your carpet cleaner. Along with being an amazing concoction, vinegar and baking soda put on quite a show when mixed. Vinegar is an acid, and baking soda is a base, so when the two mix together, they create carbon dioxide, which results in lots and lots of cleaning bubbles. Add the dishwashing liquid to the spray bottle along with vinegar, and then top with the warm water. Working over a sink, with the top of the spray bottle close at hand, add the baking soda, and then quickly screw on the top of the spray bottle.
2. Vacuum over the area and then wipe gently with the abrasive side of a sponge.
3. Spray the soiled area generously with the carpet cleaner, and then gently rub and dab with the towel. You should start to see cleaning results right away.
4. Continue dabbing and wiping with the towel to absorb the water and completely remove the stain.

Give it a try and let us know how it goes! If your carpet is past the point of saving, RC Willey has carpet options that everyone will love. 

The last thing you want to do is purchase a King Size bed only to realize your room is meant for a queen when you bring it home. Avoid this potential problem!f Before you get your heart set on a size of mattress your room can’t fit, check out this chart of mattress sizes below. 

Mattress Sizes

SHOP TWIN MATTRESSES HERE

SHOP TWIN XL MATTRESSES HERE

SHOP FULL MATTRESSES HERE

SHOP QUEEN MATTRESSES HERE

SHOP KING MATTRESSES HERE

SHOP CALIFORNIA KING MATTRESSES HERE

What size of mattress would you want? 

There are so many different types of headphones that you may find yourself asking what kind of headphones you should actually buy and which one will work best for you and your lifestyle. It can be tempted to find the cheapest headphones available and simply buy those, but if they won’t work for what you need chances are you’ll end up buying a new set sooner than later. Save yourself the hassle and read up on different types of headphones here! 

Different Types of Headphones

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OVER-EAR

Over-ear headphones have ear cups that complete surround your ears. These cups, made from foam and covered in a variety of different materials, help to block out outside noises and are fairly comfortable to wear. Over-ear headphones are known for their great sound and provide a great listening experience. They are the heaviest and bulkiest headphone option, which makes them a poor choice if you are wanting to wear your headphones while exercising or commuting.

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ON-EAR

On-ear headphone have ear cups like over-ear, but they are smaller and designed to sit right on your ear. This means they don’t create the same kind of seal over-ear headphones offer, letting more ambient sound in. Because they put pressure directly on your ear they can be uncomfortable to wear for long periods of time.  Don’t let that dissuade you from purchasing a pair though! On-ear headphones are less expensive than over-ear headphones and weigh a lot less, which makes them easier to take with you while you commute.

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IN-EAR

These headphones have become increasingly popular. Extremely portable, lightweight, and convenient, in-ear headphones have removable tips that are specifically designed to isolate outside noise. Rather than sitting on the outside of your ear, the tips enter your ear canal for a snug fit that rests inside your ears. These are the perfect option for people who are wanting to listen to music while working out. On the downside, they can be irritating to your ears if you leave them in too long.

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EARBUDS

Rather than going into your ear canal like in-ear headphones, earbuds rest on your outer ear. The most popular type of earbuds are the Apple headphones that come with new iPhones or iPods. These are much less invasive than in-ear headphones and are just as portable,compact, and inexpensive. Really, it comes to personal preference whether you prefer earbuds or in-ear headphones.

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WIRELESS

Wireless headphones come in a variety of styles and connect to your device using BlueTooth rather than a cord. For the most part the sound quality of wireless headphones is just as good as wired headphones and this is what you need if you are constantly getting tangled up in cords. Wireless headphones are often more expensive than wired headphones and they require charging to keep them running. If you forget to charge the battery, you might lose your music at an inconvenient time. For information on how to connect your wireless headphones to BlueTooth click here.

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NOISE CANCELLING
More and more people are purchasing noise-cancelling headphones. These headphones are built with electronics inside that work to block out 70% of unwanted noise. We’ve explained how they do that here if you’re interested. Noise cancelling headphones are extremely useful for people who travel on planes frequently or commute using public transportation. External sounds are blocked out and you’ll be able to listen to music in peace.

Whatever type of headphone you choose to purchase, RC Willey is the place to find them. Check out all the headphone options here!

What kind do you want?