An EPIC Gift for My Mummu | Nora Mattress Review

I am really, really excited to share today's post!  I know that this time of year you're inundated with gift guides and sponsored posts so you probably tune out a ton of them - but this one makes me SO happy!!!

I've nudged readers toward some practical gifts and that's from the heart because I had been saving up to purchase something big - and practical - for my Mummu.  My Mom, Mummu, and I had been playing Scrabble one night in the fall and our games always take so long because we talk and talk and talk.  Mummu casually mentioned that her decades old mattress had been really causing her some sleepless nights as well as aches and pains.  I'm not sure exactly how old that mattress is, but it's way older than me and that's old enough, so after that conversation I decided that I would surprise her with a new mattress.  After getting a foam mattress ourselves, I was thinking about getting her a foam mattress too because I thought it would be a crazy good surprise to have it shipped to her door!  The only problem was I wasn't sure if she would find ours soft enough, so I was going to do some comparison shopping online before committing. 

In a funny coincidence, Wayfair, a longtime collaborator, reached out to me about reviewing the Nora mattress!  I promptly ordered a double mattress for Mummu but I couldn't even wait for the package-on-the-doorstep surprise idea (I never could keep a secret) and immediately phoned her to spill the beans.

Her new Nora mattress arrived and my Mummu is SO thrilled!  Granted, her old mattress was terrible to sleep on so it probably isn't a fair comparison, but she is seriously smiling ear to ear.

We both tested it out and it's really cushy.  It's firm and offers great support, but you definitely sink into it a little, which feels amazing. 

The one thing Mummu noticed right away is that it's cool to the touch, thanks to a 3" thermo-regulating layer of gel-infused cooling foam.  There's also a 2" gel-infused memory foam (which gives it that cushy feel), plus two 3.5" layers of high density support foam (which keeps it from getting too cushy).  It really does feel quite different from our mattress, especially the cooling sensation and that memory foam - even the mattress cover is unique, crafted from a material derived from jade (!) which enhances the cooling effect.

I think my Mummu will enjoy the cooling properties because, being Finnish, she never seems cold.  Sure, she'll put on a cardigan but all summer long she keeps her house cool as an icebox and I have never, ever seen her don a hat in the winter - even if the rest of us are in toques and snow pants.  I wish I had inherited that gene because I am always cold.    

The Nora mattress is a really competitive price too.  The queen is $749 and the king is $949, but I've seen great sales, so watch for those.  There are nearly 500 reviews on Wayfair and the rating is almost 5 stars and because of that amazing return policy, it's a pretty safe bet!

There are a few small drawbacks though, which are worth mentioning.

1. For some reason, even though the mattress was allowed to relax for the 12 hours it requires after unrolling it (and then another 24 hours before I snapped the final photos) the mattress cover seems too large and that creates a sort of wrinkled effect.  But really, it's going to be covered with sheets anyway but I wanted to point it out, because it gives the illusion of the mattress not having expanded enough in the photos.

2. Like our foam mattress, the edges collapse when you sit on the edge of the bed.  The same thing happens with our mattress, but I honestly don't notice it anymore.  Even though this doesn't bother her, I did caution my Mummu to be careful when she sits on the edge of the bed.  If you're buying this for someone who isn't very mobile, or prone to falls, it might not be the right choice.

3. I didn't realize until we were ready to unroll it in a dramatic unveiling that the company doesn't recommend a typical boxspring for underneath, because it can cause the mattress to sag.  Oops!  That was definitely an oversight on my part.  Hubby and I will have to hack her bed to create a base that's suitable but that's okay - and it makes total sense, so that's not even a drawback, just a head's up.

Edited (Jan 14th, 2018): Yay! More testing has determined that you can use the Nora with any foundation or base.  I love that the company was so thorough and made sure this was possible.

Those are really my only concerns and they're so minor.  Otherwise we loved the convenience of having it shipped to the house - what a fun way to surprise someone, right?! (if you don't already spill the beans) - and it was a snap to unroll.  Once it puffed up, it was ready to sleep on and I didn't notice any off-gassing like with other brands, which was really nice.  I would have felt really terrible if the mattress had smelled bizarre, even if it was only for a few days.  Unlike ours, this mattress feels more plush and you sink into it more, without giving up support, so if you like a softer mattress that hugs you, this one might be a great fit.  And if you are someone who gets sweaty at night - or you sleep beside someone who does - the incredible cooling properties of the memory foam might be perfect for you.

After getting our foam mattress, I really thought all of these roll-up-and-ship mattresses would be the same but this one feels so different.  If you've been considering one, it will definitely help to comb through some reviews and find the one with features that suit your needs.

I was provided this Nora mattress through Wayfair but all words, thoughts, and opinions are my own.  A HUGE thanks to my friends at Wayfair for letting me give my Mummu this amazing gift, especially at this time of year.  She is such an important person in my life and my connection to my Finnish roots, so I cherish the time we spend together.  Once a year , I sleep over and we have a gals weekend but I always sleep on a pullout sofa (that's also older than me), so I think that might be the next thing I'll need to replace...

Easy Homemade Cheese + Oat Dog Treat Recipe

As I type this, Hynda is barking furiously at my feet and Szuka is breathing heavily at my elbow.  I've been eating the dog treats I baked for them all day, and they can smell the cheese and oats on my breath.  In my defense, all foods I prepare must go through quality control.

;)

I'm a huge fan of making homemade dog treats because not only do I get to ensure quality ingredients, I also get to use up stuff from the fridge!  A couple of years ago I confessed that I liked making Szuka "kitchen sink" cookies, using up delicious leftovers like pureed pumpkin, bacon grease and shredded carrots.  Anytime I had some yummy leftovers from our meals, I set it aside for Szuka and made a random batch of cookies, adding wet and dry ingredients until it was knead-able.

I am a HUGE fan of made up meals and baked goods for humans too.  I struggle to follow a recipe without adding some of my own flair.  One night Hubby and I had the munchies and we were so desperate for cookies.  I caved and started whipping up some but I had such an odd assortment of dry goods so I just kept mixing and adding and, in the end, made some kind of delicious carrot cake meets oatmeal cookie muffin top-type thing, sweetened with maple syrup.  They were INSANELY delicious (we all know the muffin top is the best part of a muffin).  Anyway, weeks later Hubby asked for "muffin top cookies" and I had NO idea how I had made them!!

So I've been trying to write down these made up recipes in case something turns out so tasty I want to recreate it.  I'm sure Szuka will appreciate this too, because there have definitely been some homemade dog treat versions she's loved more than others, but no two batches are alike.

Here's my first official dog biscuit recipe: a simple cheese and oat treat - typed up and everything.  It's easy, tasty (trust me) - and the perfect base for adding other flavors and ingredients (here are some great ideas for flavor combinations).

Ingredients:

• 3 cups whole wheat flour
• 1 cup oats
• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• 1 cup broth 
• 3 eggs (beaten)

How to Make Homemade Dog Treats:

After measuring out the ingredients, I mix together the oats and flour and then just toss in the cheese, broth, and eggs, mixing with my hands until I can form the dough into a ball.

(If it's a little dry, you add a bit more water or broth and if it's too wet, add a scoop more of flour or oats).

Knead on a floured board and then roll out.  These are very durable cookies and I have baked itty bitties with giant ones together - they're not delicate like a human cookie and they won't burn easily at all, so don't stress about the thickness, just adjust to your pup's preference.  Dog themed cookie cutters are a must so everyone know who these are for!  (Although that did little deter me from eaten half a dozen of these).  This sweet set is from Wayfair (they have such a great pet section).   

  
Bake these at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes for the smaller size and 20-25 minutes for the larger cookies.  I liked to use parchment paper or a silicon mat.

These cheese and oat dog biscuits are (intentionally) a little more bland than a human cookie, but actually still quite satisfying, especially if you've recently fallen off the low-carb wagon and feeling snacky.  I literally topped these with a slice of cheese and some salami with a side of cherry tomatoes.  The dogs sat there staring at me, like "what the heck?"

In my defense, they eat my food all the time.  It's not fair.

Can we just talk for a minute about Szuka's self control?

Seriously, look at this!

Hynda, on the other hand, LOST her mind for these cookies - and I almost lost a finger in the process.  How are those tiny teeth so sharp?!  I tried to snap an adorable photo of her chowing down on these cheesy treats but every photo was a blur.  Once she'd gobbled five cookies while I tried to snap the perfect pic, I managed to get this clear shot.  Does that look like a contented pup with a full belly, or what?

Have you baked anything yummy for your pups recently?

This post was sponsored by Wayfair but all thoughts, opinions, and puppies are my own. 

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How to Make a Layered Smoothie

Handy Hubby and I are smoothie OBSESSED.  In the summer months, it's an unwritten rule that we carry our smoothies out to the deck.  They're deck drinks.  In the winter, we still love a good smoothie but they're best enjoyed fireside, wearing thick socks and cozy sweaters.  Preferably under a blanket.  
 

To facilitate the smoothie obsession, we own three different blenders (because sometimes we want another smoothie while the first blender is still in the dishwasher - I kid you not), but I still pine for the Vitamix.  I've tried SO many different smoothie combinations, but I'm always on the look out for new smoothie ideas (pinned to both my "Breakfast + Brunch" and "Drinks" boards), although I rarely follow a recipe.  I like to make it up as I go and I mix it up a lot, depending on what's in the fridge and freezer - and how adventurous I'm feeling.  I've learned that smoothies are a great carrying agent for healthier fare like greens, whey protein powder, and flax seed.  I've also been getting pretty festive with my concoctions - I still salivate, just thinking about a pumpkin pie smoothie I made to help me get into the spirit of fall. 

Lately, though, I've been wanting to up my smoothie game.  After seeing some gorgeous layered smoothies on Pinterest, I wanted to give it a try!  There's a little trick, but otherwise it's actually really easy to make these multi-colored smoothies.

Here's the secret: pop the glasses in the freezer for about 15 minutes after pouring each layer.  You don't want the layers to be frozen solid, you just want them to morph into a slushier consistency to prevent the different colors from bleeding together.  Here's how I knew they were ready for the next layer: I shook the glasses a bit and if the smoothie sloshed around in the glass, it wasn't ready.  If it only jiggled a little, it was firm enough.  

Because of this extra step, layered smoothies are a tad more time consuming so they're not practical for a speedy workday morning, but for a lazy afternoon snack or Sunday brunch they're perfect!  Hubby and I loved how each layer had a subtle but distinct flavor, but you could definitely create wildly different layers for a unique taste experience.  The best part is how pretty they are, which I swear makes food even tastier.

Here are the three smoothie variations I layered together - I kept it very simple.  These measurements made two 16 oz. glasses, with a tiny bit left over for the chef.  Because I was making three mini-smoothies, I used my Nutri Bullet Blender, which was perfect for the job.

Layer One:
1/2 cup almond milk
1 cup frozen raspberries
1/4 cup yogurt
1 tbsp peanut butter
1/2 scoop protein powder

Layer Two:
1/2 cup almond milk
1 cup frozen peaches
1/4 cup yogurt
1 tbsp peanut butter
1/2 banana
1/2 scoop protein powder

Layer Three:
1/2 cup almond milk
1 cup frozen blueberries
1/4 cup yogurt
1 tbsp peanut butter
1/2 scoop protein powder
1 tbsp flax seed

Sixteen other bloggers are sharing their smoothie recipes too, check them out: Simple Green Smoothies, Orange Carrot Smoothie, Strawberry Lemonade Smoothie, Peach Cobbler Smoothie, Tropical Smoothie, Simple Strawberry Smoothie, Orange Carrot Ginger Smoothie, Chamomile Blueberry and Peach Smoothie, Pineapple Spinach Smoothie, Lavender Smoothie, Green Detox Smoothie, Winter Citrus Smoothie, Chocolate Pea Protein Smoothie, and Tricks for a Healthier Smoothie.

This post was sponsored by Wayfair, but all thoughts and opinions are my own. 

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Mid-Century Modern Inspired Finds from Wayfair

I feel really fortunate that I've had the opportunity to collaborate with brands I really, genuinely like and purchase from as a customer - like Wayfair.  In addition to partnering for my recent mid-century modern inspired office makeover, I've worked with Wayfair on a series of smaller, fun posts - like my recent raspberry hand pie recipe and my DIY fabric clothespin holder.  As a blogger, I love that Wayfair celebrates creativity and the passion to make things - so many of my posts with them have featured DIY projects and recipes.  As a customer, I love that Wayfair offers shipping to Americans and Canadians - and the selection of gorgeous home wares just can't be beat!


In fact, if you're a mid-century modern enthusiast like me, there are TONS of gorgeous, retro-inspired furniture pieces on Wayfair, to mix and match with authentic vintage finds.  For fun (this post isn't sponsored), I wanted to round up some of my favorite mid-century inspired furniture and home accessory finds!

Mid-Century Sectional I'm a huge fan of sectional sofas because they are comfortable and versatile, but it can be tricky to find one that's stylish as well. This mid-century inspired sofa looks plush and comfortable but still has sleek lines, trendy mid-century legs, and a tufted back. Plus, it comes in a ton of great colors, including "laguna" (a pale turquoise hue), and "teal" (a smoky blue color).	CanyonVista Mid-Century Accent Chair Set This chair and ottoman set is such an affordable price, but it looks high end! It comes in six retro colors which are paired with natural wood, which lends a fun vintage vibe to any space without sacrificing comfort. The high back and matching ottoman make this a perfect chair to curl up in on those long winter nights.	Mid-Century 3 Drawer Dresser I love the lines of this mid-century inspired dresser by Dwell Studio. The style and brass accents are definitely a throwback, but the pale grey hand-painted finish lighten the look and offer a modern spin on a classic vintage look.
Mid Century Eiffel Side Chair The mid-century Eiffel chair has a classic design with a fresh turquoise hue and gleaming chrome legs. Such a versatile piece and perfect for the dining room, kitchen, office, or kid's playroom. Easy to keep clean and surprisingly comfortable.	Mid Century Star Wall Clock This mid-century star wall clock boasts a solid wood, walnut-toned core from which silver rods seem to radiate - some have small wooden balls, others do not, which creates a visually interesting clock that complements vintage and modern decor.	Hanging Organizer This stylish and practical hanging organizer is made with solid hardwood balls for durability and style. I own a similar wall organizer in all white and it is SO practical for drying snow-soaked mitts and hats without deforming them. Practical AND gorgeous - my favorite combination!
Table Lamp with Cone Shade This brass cone table lamp has such a great vintage feel. It would look perfect on a retro desk or beside a vintage bed. The adjustable arm makes this a versatile piece - so handy for reading in bed.	World of Leaves Wall Art on Canvas This fine art canvas print is made in the USA! It has a cute retro feel without being too literal, so it would pair well with modern and vintage decor.	Margaret Curtain Panel Smoky teal blue curtains? Be still my heart! Made from durable polyester, which has a luxurious but subtle sheen, these curtain panels add mid-century flavor to any room.
Mid-Century Wildflower Throw Pillow Looking to add a hint of 1960s styling to your space, but not ready to commit to a sofa or dresser? Start small with this mid-century inspired printed throw pillow. The turquoise backdrop is upbeat and cheery - the perfect way to liven up a neutral sofa or bedding.	Alia Short Stacking Bar Stool This space-saving bentwood stool is such a great piece to have for parties or kid's rooms and the classic style comes in natural wood or a more contemporary wenge.	Crosshill Magazine Rack This handcrafted brass-hued magazine rack would look perfect beside a mid-century inspired chair or sofa. It's a practical way to keep magazines close at hand!
Simeon Etched Vase This white glass cylinder vase has a stunningly simple turquoise design. It's on closeout so grab one soon!	Irene 5 Blade Hugger Ceiling Fan with Hand Held and Wall Remote It can be difficult to find a good looking ceiling fan, but this one has everything! A sleek design, cast aluminum brass-hued base, walnut-stained blades, plus an ultra-quiet motor with a remote that can be handheld or wall-mounted.	3 Piece Iron Candle Lantern Set Made of iron and glass, this colorful set of outdoor lanterns comes in the prettiest, retro color palette. They would add serious style to any patio or sunroom.
Mid Century Mix Mug This mug has such a quirky shape and an adorable mid-century inspired color palette. It would make the perfect gift for your favorite co-worker – it also makes a great teacher gift, once you fill it with teas or treats!	Serena Herringbone Throw This herringbone throws comes in a pretty assortment of colors - including the most perfect 1960s inspired blue. I have a pair of vintage Lotte lamps in that exact hue! Herringbone is timeless and this throw would look perfect draped over a vintage sofa or cozy chair.	Noah High-Back Office Chair with Arms Built for motion, versatility, and multitasking, the Noah Office Chair is made from solid wood. I love the mid-century lines and creamy white bi-cast leather. It's the perfect addition to a home office because this chair doesn't scream "corporate office."
Josef Tripod Coat Rack This sturdy iron tripod coat rack is the perfect addition to a small hallway or entryway. It's an easy spot to stash guests' coats without taking up room in your closet.	Paseo Shower Curtain Add a mod look to a simple bathroom with this funky shower curtain. The pattern is subtle, but it still adds some fun and function!	Jacqueline Maldonado Lightweight Geo Square Duvet Cover I love the geometric design on this bold duvet cover. It's the perfect bedding for a mid-century modern bedroom set!

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