When to Get a New Mattress
If you’re not sleeping well or wake up feeling a little achy, it is probably time to get a new mattress. A good night sleep not only helps you feel better, it helps you maintain a healthy weight, improve your memory, lower your stress, and help focus your attention. If your mattress isn’t doing its job, think of everything you’re missing out on! You might not be sure if it’s time to toss your old mattress and replace it with a new one, so I’ve listed some signs of when you need a new mattress below. 
When to Get a New Mattress
Signs it is time for a new mattress:
- Your mattress is more than 8-10 years old
- You often end up sleeping on your couch rather than your bed
- In the mornings you feel more tired than when you went to bed
- Your body is achy or sore every morning when you wake up
- There are lumps or dips in your mattress
- You use extra pillows between your legs in order to get comfortable
- Your mattress is a hand me down
- You can feel the coils in your mattress
- You get a much better night sleep in other beds than your own
- Your arms or shoulders fall asleep in the night
- There are noises or creaks on your mattress when you move around
Do any of these signs sound a little familar? If they do and you aren't sleeping well, there's an easy solution! RC Willey has a mattress that will work for anyone. Check out the options online or come into the store to test one out for yourself!
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Dishwasher Buying Guide
A dishwasher is one of the most useful appliances to have in your kitchen. If you’re looking to upgrade or replace your current dishwasher and don’t know what to look for, this buying guide will help you decide on the perfect dishwasher for your family.
Dishwasher Buying Guide
BEFORE YOU BUY
Determine Your Needs
The type of dishwasher you purchase will depend on what your washing needs are. Think about what you will be washing and how often. Do you have lots of large pots and pans you like to run through the dishwasher? Do you wash small things like bottles or cups? Would you rather wash lots of little loads than a few large loads? The answers to these questions will determine what machine you should purchase.=
Measure Your Space
You will need to measure your space before choosing your new dishwasher. Standard dishwashers are about 24” wide while compact models are about 18” wide. Most dishwashers are designed to fit under the typical kitchen countertop, but you will want to measure the height of your space to be sure. You will also want to measure the depth you have available in order to avoid having your dishwasher jut out into your kitchen.
Noise Level
Some dishwashers can be very noisy while others have been specifically designed to be virtually silent. Think about how important the noise level is to you and be sure to look at how loud the machine will be while running. The decibel level will help you know about how load the machine will be. Decibel ratings of 45 or lower are basically silent, 45 - 50 decibels sound similar to rainfall, and anything higher than 50 decibels will be the noise level or normal conversation.
TYPES OF DISHWASHERS
These full sized dishwashers are generally 24” wide and are designed to fit under your kitchen countertop. Built-in dishwashers are flush with the cabinets in your kitchen and can have a panel installed on them to help them blend in even more to the existing cabinets.
If you have a small kitchen and limited space, a compact dishwasher may be what you’re looking for. These dishwashers are narrower than the full sized built-ins at only 18” wide.
If you do not have a designated space in your kitchen for a dishwasher or are planning on moving soon and want to take your dishwasher with you, a portable dishwasher is what you are looking for. These dishwashers have wheels that allow them to easily be moved. Because a portable dishwasher is not set up on its own water source, you will need to hook it up to a water source, such as a faucet, each time you use it.
ENERGY EFFICIENT
If your dishwasher is older than 1994 you are wasting money, energy, and water each load you wash. ENERGY STAR rated dishwashers are 12% more efficient than other dishwashers and will help you save money while helping the environment.
Energy Saving Tips
- Use the “No Heat” drying cycle when washing your dishes. They will get just as dry without using the energy to raise the temperature.
- Make sure you run full loads of dishes. The same amount of energy is spent regardless of how many dishes are in the machine, so load it up before you turn it on.
- Rather than rinsing your dishes before loading them in the dishwasher, scrape them instead. You’ll save water doing this, and most dishwashers are built to wash away small food scraps.
DISHWASHER CYCLES
Your dishwasher will come with a variety of washes and rinses that will help get your dishes clean no matter what you’re washing or the soil level. The names of the cycles may vary model to model.
Normal - The default cycle that will wash a full load of dishes with ordinary amount of food soil.
Express - Cleans lightly soiled or small loads quickly without using the energy a normal cycle would use.
Auto - Sensors will adjust the cycle depending on the size and soil level.
Heavy - Designed for large, oversized dishes or dishes with heavy soil level.
China - Low water pressure designed to protect fragile dishes.
Rinse Only or Rinse/Hold - Will spray off dishes to keep food from drying on plates if you are waiting to run the whole cycle.
Efficient - Uses less water and energy to wash the dishes. Usually is a longer cycle than other washing cycles.
DISHWASHER FEATURES
There are many features available on dishwashers. Make sure you know which features are important to you before you make your purchase.
Adjustable Racks - Being able to rearrange and adjust the racks in your dishwasher will allow you to easily wash your entire load of dishes - including odd shaped pots and pans.
Third Rack - A small, extra rack in the dishwasher useful in washing serving utensils and other small objects.
Auto Clean - The sensors in your dishwasher will be able to adjust the rinse water to make sure the dishes are clean.
Automatic Temperature Control - Automatically balances the hot and cold water to the perfect temperature which helps the detergent dissolve.
Child Lock - Prevents kids from opening the dishwasher door and changing the settings mid cycle on your machine.
Delay Wash - Lets you set up your dishwasher to be turned on at a later time.
Sanitary Wash - Water will reach a higher temperature to make sure all bacteria is removed.
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LG Studio Line at RC Willey
Have you looked at the LG STUDIO line available at RC Willey? A couple of weeks ago when Nate Berkus came to speak he not only gave some design tips, he also showed us the appliances he helped design with LG called LG STUDIO. It was interesting to hear how hands-on he was when it came to designing the aesthetics of these appliances, and knowing LG you can be sure the quality is great! I’ve picked out some of my favorite appliances from the line to show you below.
LG STUDIO
The new black stainless steel finish is my new favorite appliance finish. In certain lights the black stainless steel looks almost bronze. This finish is so sleek and classy it makes even this microwave look like something you’d want to display. The best part of the finishes in this line? They're smudge proof and extremely easy to clean.
The traditional stainless steel options are beautiful too. I love the straight lines all the appliances, like this double wall oven, have. They’re so clean and modern, but at the same time timeless. These appliances would look good in any kitchen.
This line has paid so much attention to detail, like the one bronze burner on this black stainless steel range. Unique touches like this make these appliances not only functional, but interesting and beautiful.
I had to show you what I left wanting most of all - this InstaView French Door Refrigerator. Not only does it have my favorite black stainless steel finish and the straight lines I love, if you knock twice on the window it lets you see inside the fridge without opening the door to see if there is anything you need to add to your grocery list. It also has a Door-in-Door feature that lets you open only a portion of the door to get a quick snack.
Check out all the LG STUDIO line options at RC Willey and let us know which appliance you would love to have!
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Christmas Gift Ideas for Teachers
Some people are easier to shop for than others. Picking up legos for my five year old son, and a doll for my three year old daughter are no-brainers, but what on earth do I give their teachers at school for Christmas that I barely know?? I'm new to this game! If you want your children's teachers/coaches/tutors to feel appreciated and valued this season, but aren't sure what gift will appropriately convey those sentiments, look no further! Here's a round-up of cute Christmas gifts for all the influential people in your children's lives. Click on the links to find the original sources- most of them include free printables!
Who doesn't love a cute succulent? Even I can't kill those things, and that's saying something!
via Live Randomly Simple
Whether you are a huge baker or not, every human needs a good oven mitt!
via eighteen25.com
Very cute, simple, and useful! We all need good chapstick!
via simpleasthatblog
You might not know their drink of choice, but a Starbucks gift card is always a good idea!
via life as mama
For the teacher with a sweet tooth.....
via building our story
A lot of teacher gifts are cute and all, but this one is awesome because it's SO useful!
via creations by kara
The personalized Coco Cola's are definitely my favorite part of this one. And, that blanket of course!
via Karas party ideas
Love the soap idea- this would be cute with lotion too!
via life as mama
Love the nail polish idea, or a gift certificate to a local nail salon for a pedicure would be fun too (for both male & femail teachers!).
via mama cheaps
There you have it! What other great ideas do you have for teacher gifts?
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How to Get Wax Out of Carpet
You’ve lit a candle for your holiday party and the next thing you know, it’s tipped over and spilled some colored wax onto your carpet. How in the world do you get wax out of carpet without hiring a professional carpet cleaner?
How to Get Wax Out of Carpet
Before you watch this video, I’ve got a couple of disclaimers -
First: I haven’t actually tried this method on carpet. I’ve done it on a pair of pants that had wax spilled on them and it worked great, but I can’t vouch for it on carpet. I looked all over for ideas of how to remove wax from carpet and almost all of them included an iron, so it must work.
Second: I read some reviews on the video that mention people ended up with burned carpet from the iron. After looking into it, it seems like rather than having your iron set on high like the man in video says, start it out on low. You just need enough heat to melt the wax. If you’re worried about it, you may want to give it a try on a piece of scrap carpet or in a back corner where it won’t matter as much if things go south.
Alright, if that didn't scare you off, here's the tutorial!
Have you done this before? Did it work? Is there any other way you've gotten wax out of carpet?
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Christmas Gift Ideas for the Whole Family
There’s something so fun about getting a Christmas gift for the whole family. I remember the year my family woke up to a foosball table Christmas morning and it was so much fun playing for years afterwards! Why not think about a Christmas gift your whole family can enjoy together? At RC Willey you’ll be able to find something for your whole family. Check out some ideas below!
Christmas Gift Ideas for the Whole Family
Get a new TV for your rec room or family room that everyone can enjoy! No matter your budget, you'll be able to find a nice TV at RC Willey that will work for your whole family. Start a new tradition by popping some popcorn, grabbing a blanket, and watching a family movie together once a week. What could be better than a Christmas gift you can enjoy for years to come?
find it here
find it here
find it here
Fill your rec room with games for the whole family like a foosball table, pool table, or ping pong table. You’ll make memories playing with your family and your house will be the place everyone wants to hang out!
find it here
If your family can’t all fit on your current couch and fights over who gets a spot and who ends up on the floor, solve the problem by surprising everyone with a new sectional. Having a comfortable place to sit makes hanging out with the whole family much more appealing!
Are you thinking of Christmas gift ideas for your whole family? What do you think you'll end up giving?
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Christmas Crafts For Kids
Holidays with kids are the best, and Christmas time is no exception! It's magic! My kids are super into creating lately, so any chance they get they're over the moon for an art proect. Here are a handful of fun & simple Christmas arts & crafts I've found online that you can do with your kids, grandkids, or even by yourself this month (I'm a strong contender that adults need art projects too:).......
Popsicle Stick Trees via One Little Project
Gold Leaf Ornmanets via The Sweetest Occasion
Felt wreaths via Peanut Blossom
How to Make Snowflakes via It's Always Autumn
Christmas stick trees via ueberallunirgendwo
Christmas Tree Cinnamon Sticks via Indulgy
Toilet Paper Snowman Roll via Listing More
Little Santa Kisses via It All Started With Paint
Happy Creating!
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Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
For some reason, finding and making a good cinnamon rolls recipe in the beginning of December really helps me ring in the holiday season! Honestly, is there anything better than the smell of warm cinnamon and freshly baked bread? There are so many good recipes for cinnamon rolls out there, but this one is my favorite!
Cinnamon Rolls Recipe
This recipe from The Pioneer Woman is so easy to make - and the results are amazing. Warm cinnamon rolls with a maple frosting. So delicious. This recipe also makes a TON of cinnamon rolls. Unless I’m going to go out and deliver some to friends or I have a large crowd to feed, I usually end up halving it. I’ve copied the recipe down here, but you can check it out for yourself at The Pioneer Woman.
INGREDIENTS
For the Rolls -
1 quart Whole Milk
1 cup Vegetable Oil
1 cup Sugar
2 Packages Active Dry Yeast
8 cups (plus 1 cup extra, reserved) All-purpose Flour
1 teaspoon (heaping) Baking Powder
1 teaspoon (scant) Baking Soda
1 tablespoon (heaping) Salt
Plenty of Melted Butter
2 cups Sugar
Generous Sprinkling of Cinnamon
For the Maple Frosting -
1 bag Powdered Sugar
2 teaspoons Maple Flavoring
½ cup Milk
¼ cup Melted Butter
¼ cup Brewed Coffee
â…› teaspoon Salt
- For the dough, heat the milk, vegetable oil, and sugar in a medium saucepan over medium heat to just below a boil. Set aside and cool to warm. Sprinkle the yeast on top and let it sit on the milk for 1 minute.
- Add 9 cups of the flour. Stir until just combined, then cover with a clean kitchen towel, and set aside in a relatively warm place for 1 hour. After 1 hour, remove the towel and add the baking powder, baking soda, salt, and the remaining 1 cup flour. Stir thoroughly to combvine. Use the dough right away, or place in a mixing bowl and refrigerate for up to 3 days, punching down the dough if it rises to the top of the bowl. (Note: dough is easier to work with if it’s been chilled for at least an hour or so beforehand.)
- To assemble the rolls, remove half the dough from the pan/bowl. On a floured baking surface, roll the dough into a large rectangle, about 30x10 inches. The dough should be rolled very thin.
- To make the filling, pour ¾ cup to 1 cup of the melted butter over the surface of the dough. Use your fingers to spread the butter evenly. Generously sprinkle half of the ground cinnamon and 1 cup of the sugar over the butter. Don’t be afraid to drizzle on more butter or more sugar! Gooey is the goal.
- Now, beginning at the end farthest from you, roll the rectangle tightly towards you. Use both hands and work slowly, being careful to keep the roll tight. Don’t worry if the filling oozes as you work; that just means the rolls are going to be divine. When you reach the end, pinch the seam together and flip the roll so that the seam is face down. When you’re finished, you’ll wind up with one long, buttery, cinnamony, sugary, gooey, log.
- Slip a cutting board underneath the roll and with a sharp knife, make ½-inch slices. One “long” will produce 20 to 25 rolls. Pour a couple of teaspoons of melted butter into disposable foil cake pans and swirl to coat. Place the sliced rolls in the pans, being careful not to overcrowd. Each pan will hold 7 to 9 rolls.
- Repeat the rolling/sugar/butter process with the other half of the dough and more pans. Preheat the oven to 375°F. Cover all the pans with a kitchen towel and set aside to rise on the countertop for at least 20 minutes before baking. Remove the towel and bake for 15 to 18 minutes, until golden brown. Don’t allow the rolls to become overly brown.
- While the rolls are baking, make the maple icing: In a large bowl, whisk together the powdered sugar, milk, butter, coffee, and salt. Splash in the maple flavoring. Whisk until very smooth. Taste and add any more ingredients you need to taste. The icing should be somewhat thick but still very pourable.
- Remove pans from the oven. Immediately drizzle icing over the top. Be sure to get it all around the edges and over the top. As they sit, the rolls will absorb some of the icing’s moisture and flavor.
Like I said, this recipe makes a lot of rolls, so get ready to spread some holiday cheer by giving out baked goods! And of course, don't forget that if you need a new oven to get your cinnamon rolls baked to perfection, RC Willey has what you need.
What are you baking this holiday season?
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Over The Ear vs. On The Ear Headphones
Not only are there so many brands to choose from when deciding on a pair of headphones, there are so many styles. Should you get over the ear or on the ear headphones? Which ones will be the most comfortable? The most portable? Provide the best sound quality? The best way to decide between over-ear and on-ear headphones is to line up the pros and cons. Check out the list we’ve made and see which type will work for you!
Over The Ear vs On The Ear Headphones
OVER-EAR
via rtings
PROS
Over the ear headphones are headphones that have large, well padded ear cups that fully encompass the ears. Because they don’t press down on your ear, just press around it, they are very comfortable to wear. Over-ear headphones are known for providing the best sound quality and block the most ambient noise. There are also many models of over the ear headphones that are wireless and have BlueTooth connectivity so you can listen without dealing with wires.
CONS
Because over-ear headphones are larger than other headphone options they are not very portable. If you are often on the go, over the ear headphones may not be your best choice. Because of the thick padding around the ear cups, over the ear headphones can get hot. They are not the best choice if you are planning on wearing them while working out.
ON-EAR
via rtings
PROS
On the ear headphones have small ear cups that sit directly on your ears. They are much smaller than over the ear headphones, which makes them much more portable. Some models of on-ear headphones are designed to fold up, making them perfect for wearing on the go. Because of their size, on-ear headphones are a lot cooler temperature wise than over the ear headphones, which makes them more comfortable to wear in hot temperatures.
CONS
Because on-ear headphones press directly against your ear they can be uncomfortable to wear for extended periods of time. The sound quality is also not a good as over-ear headphones. Because the ear cups don’t have as tight of a seal around the ear, it’s easier to hear the sounds around you. This is not always a bad thing if you are listening in a place where you need to be aware of your surroundings, but many people prefer noise-cancelling options.
So there you go! Weight out the pros and cons, let us know whether you’d like over the ear headphones or on the ear headphones, and check out all the headphone options at RC Willey.
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Christmas Trees: Live vs. Artificial
When it comes to most decisions in life, I've found that making a pro's and cons list is one of the best ways to figure out where you stand. Christmas trees are no different! Here are my own personal pro's and cons when it comes to live vs. artificial Christmas trees.....
Live Christmas Trees:
Pro's:
- Such a fun experience going to the Christmas tree farm or the woods to pick your own tree and cut it down with your family!
- Gives your home an amazing evergreen smell
- You get to start over with a new tree every year- different, height, shape, etc.
- You don't have to store an artificial Christmas tree year round.
- Feels charming & old fashioned
- You can have a bonfire with it after Christmas!
Cons:
- You spend $$ every year on a Christmas tree
- You have to string the lights on branches every year
- Trees can shed pine needles, making a mess
- Not good for some people with allergies
- Sometimes they die before Christmas if you aren't diligent about watering.
- You have to figure out how to get rid of it after Christmas.
Artificial Christmas Trees:
Pro's:
- You don't have to re-string lights on branches every year
- You can get a flawless, 'perfect' to your standards tree every single year
- You save $$ in the long run because you get a great return on your investment
- It's easy. No going to a tree farm/dressing up for the cold/cutting down a tree required.
- You don't have a chance of your Christmas tree dying mid-December.
Cons:
- You've got to have ample storage space.
- Not quite as idyllic as a live Christmas tree.
- No fresh evergreen smells.
So, there you have it. In the end, despite the long(er) list of cons associated with it, I'm still a sucker for a live Christmas tree. Where do you stand??
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