When it comes to planning out design efforts, or anything else for that matter, it’s unlikely you consult magic practitioners or mystical creatures before making your decisions. But the truth is that at least in some part, magic can exist. We might feel it when entering a beautiful old theatre, heading to a well-curated Disneyland park, or seeing a beautifully lit venue when attending a friend’s wedding. That sense of magic brings us into the present, and for a moment anything seems possible.
Of course, outside of amazing landmarks and landscapes, this is rarely an accident. It’s not as if Disney parks just feel that way, thousands of man-hours have gone into the design, psychological review and legal care to ensure their brand feels like an echo of our childhood, no matter what it does, and the parks are designed to that specification.
The question remains – can we adopt some of that magic ourselves? Where might it be best applied? Are there ways to maximize it in your own home? In this post, we’ll discuss that, and hopefully inspire you along the way.
Ambient, Celebratory Lighting
There’s nothing quite like phenomenal lighting, especially in the evening, to enjoy a beautiful sense of place and ambience. This might take the form of magical lanterns that line your garden path. It could be hallway lights that illuminate your family portraits from the bottom up along the corridor. These little lights that are placed in precise areas, and light up parts of the home can give it a wonderful sense of character, both inside and out. You’ll be surprised just how wonderful this can feel.
Beautiful Shades
Beautiful shades of color that work with the lighting you’ve already implemented can enhance the ambience and presence quite significantly, especially if you use services like Perfect Painters www.perfectpaintersinballarat.com.au, to paint beautiful new shades and to make sure each coat is as consistent as can be. This way, the condition of even an older home can seem brand new again, and more than worth
Ethereal Textures & Fabrics
Textures that can help give an ethereal, comfortable sense of light presence will always feel magical and nicer than the alternative. For example, beautiful muslin curtains blowing in the breeze, silk pillow or cushion cases that feel comfortable no matter that temperature, and wooden reclaimed furniture that shows character and a sense of place. This isn’t to say that fixtures from your local home furnishing store can feel any less engaging to enjoy, it just means that heading for a slight alternative, enjoying those smaller light touches, and allowing the aforementioned light to play well with the colors you select can be so much more enjoyable. An entire household of these decisions can help it take on new life.
With this advice, you’re sure to enjoy the allure of magic in your home design. This way, you also get to have fun, instead of trying to fit a pre-arranged standard. This is your home, after all, and yours to do with what you will.
Sick off shoes blocking your hallway? Bookbags blocking the stairs? Are there clothes literally hanging out of your wardrobes or overflowing from draws? As well as being time for a well needed clear out, it could also be time to invest in some decent storage in your home. There are two main approaches to hallway storage and at the moment we’re having this very dillema. Do we buy some cheap IKEA furniture and create some of the many IKEA furniture hacks we’ve seen on Instagram, or do we pay more to get bespoke furniture made specifically for our space? There are pros and cons of each approach.
Here are the main things to consider when deciding between IKEA furniture or bespoke.
How much are you willing to spend?
FIrst up is the obvious question – How much money are you willing to invest in your hallway furniture?
If you’re limited on funds (cost of living crisis anyone) buying furniture from IKEA can be a practical and affordable choice. Using options such as Kallax with perhaps the additional storage baskets and off cuts, you can probably create a plesant looking piece of storage for under £200.
That said, you often get what you pay for. With IKEA flat packed furniture the finish quality can vary and with self assembly, you risk some of the joins, cupboards or draws not alighning perfectly once complete.
Bespoke builds don’t come cheap and are a big investment, but if you’re staying in your home for a while, they are money well spent, making a unique piece of furntiure entirely tailored to your space.
Finding a trusted joiner is crucial. As well as looking on review sites, look out for personal recommendations from friends, family or trusted contacts and check out their socials where they have hopefully shared examples of their previous work. Instagram is great for this, with more and more joiners and carpenters sharing before and after style reels and stories to showcase what they can offer. You may even get some inspiration for the exact design you want to create.
How well will it fill the space?
IKEA’s modular system is a great way to combine several pieces together to fill your space – with the ability to personalise with rails, handles and baskets as required. However, unless you’re extremely lucky, you’re going to have space above or around the sides that you can’t fill with pre-determined dimensions.
If you really want to maximise your storage space, getting a bespoke build with a joiner or carpenter can provide floor-to-ceiling storage space, making the most of the entire height without being limited to the size of pre-measured pieces. They can also be joined around the existing skirting board and navigate around challenging shaped walls, sloping ceilings or windowsills to provide the perfect fit for your hallway.
How stylish will it be?
Your hallway is the first thing people see when they enter your home and as such, you want it to make a good impression. Whilst you absolutely can make IKEA modular furniture look stylish through painting, adding premium storage baskets and upholstery, a painted wooden bespoke build can create a truly modern feel which integrates seamlessly into your hallway space.
By maximising the storage space, you can also ensure that the hall remains tidy, with plenty of space for your kid’s shoes, school bags and coats to be stashed away out of sight. (We can’t guarantee they’ll do that without being nagged, however)
What is the quality like?
Most IKEA furntiure is made from engineered wood, mdf or laminate, and while its durable and cheap, it isn’t always the highest qualty and is less hardwaring than other solid wood designs. As a do it yourself design, you’re also relying on your own assembly skills. Having had some pieces from IKEA in the past, I know all too well how easy it is to tighten the screws too much and damage the front of the laminate. It can also take a lot of time to ensure draws and cupboards are correctly aligned, with the instructions sometimes being challenging to follow.
When you opt for a bespoke build, you can choose to invest in premium materials and with the craftmanship or a joiner or carpenter, your can expect a higher quality of assembly and longer lifespan. WIth precise measurements (literally to the mm) you’ll get an entirely tailored fit,
Our Decision
Whilst we know it’ll be a significant price tag; we’ve decided to invest in a bespoke piece for our hallway. We’ve found a joiner we trust, we’ve seen the quality of his work and we’ve agreed to an order later in the year. Check back to see our finished piece. I cannot wait!
With us stuck in the middle of a cost of living crisis, we’re all paying far more attention to our energy bills than ever before. From getting a smart meter fitted to turning off the lights in your home, many families are looking for simple ways they can reduce their energy consumption and lower their monthly gas and electricity bills.
Whether you’re in a small two bedroom flat, a spacious four bedroom detached or a three bed semi like us, here are some practical ways to make your home more energy efficient.
Insulate your loft – If you haven’t already done so, ensure that your loft is well insulated. Up to a quarter of your home’s heat can be lost through the roof in a poorly insulated house and good quality insulation is actually more affordable than you may think. Loft insulation can pay for itself many times over by reducing your energy bills. It works by trapping the heat inside your home whilst also preventing colder outside air from getting in. This means you spend less to maintain the temperature in the room and your boiler works less hard as a result.
Fit thermal underlay – If changing your bedroom carpets, opt for a thermal underlay. These clever base layers can not only stop drafts from rising up through your floor boards, but can also prevent heat from escaping through the floor.. Not only are carpets softer and more cosy, but they are far more energy efficient too. Many wooden floor owners opt for costly underfloor heating to provide a more comforting and warm feel under foot, but in the current cost of living crisis this can quickly impact their energy bill.
Get a smart thermostat – If you’re willing to make an investment, smart heating devices such as a smart thermostat or radiator valves can allow you to more closely monitor your usage. These clever devices include location trackers that automatically detect when you’ve left the home, allowing the heating to automatically switch to eco mode when the house is empty. You can even set the temperature in each room independently, meaning you can heat one room where you are working from home rather than heating the entire home.
Reduce unnecessary usage – Whether it be drying your hair naturally, reducing your shower duration, air drying clothes or washing the dishes by hand, consider your most energy guzzling household appliances and use them with caution. Tumble dryers and dishwashers are some of the biggest energy offenders, with them costing more to run in the peak early evening than during the day. A kettle also uses surprising amounts of energy, so if you’re guilty of reboiling your kettle or overfilling it, consider only using the water you need, as this will be far more energy efficient. You may also want to consider air frying or using a slow cooker instead of your oven.
Turn down the thermostat – did you know that reducing your heating temperature by just 1 degree can save around £80 a year? It may not sound much, but that’s £80 you could be spending elsewhere! Whilst turning the heating off completely won’t be feasible in the cold winter months, reducing the temperature by a degree or two may help manage the costs without significantly affecting your home or your comfort levels.
Fit draft excluders- If you haven’t got funds to change glazing or replace doors, consider fitting draught excluders or even using portable ‘toy’ style excluders to prevent warm air from escaping from your rooms. We have a giant sausage dog draught excluder that was originally bought on a whim, but he’s definitely been a welcome room addition in recent months.
Wash clothes at cooler temperatures – even in the most energy efficient of appliances, you can save money on your clothes washing by putting a load on at a cooler temperature. These days, most detergents perform well even at 30 degrees unless your clothes are particularly soiled, whilst 15 minute quick washes are ideal for a freshen up. It’s also worth considering whether the clothes really need to go in the wash, or whether they could be worn again before adding them to the machine. It’s more than appropriate for a pair of jeans to be worn a few times before needing a full clean so reducing the load size and frequency can have a big impact too.
What ways have you found to reduce your energy bill?
This Ninja Foodi Max Health Grill & Air Fryer post contains affiliate links
Like many parents, in the midst of a cost of living crisis, we’ve been looking for ways to cut our energy consumption and spend less on food as a family. As a result, we’ve been ditching the takeaways and attempting to cook more food at home, relying less on ready meals or those repeated trips to the local supermarket. We got our first-ever air fryer – the Ninja Foodi Max Health Grill AG551UK, back in June 2022 and as complete air fryer novices, we weren’t sure whether they could possibly live up to the hype. That said, with air fryers being cheaper to run than the oven (and more energy efficient too), we were prepared to give it a go. The Ninja Foodi MAX AG551UK has gone on to become a staple in our kitchen ever since.
Air fryers aren’t just a money-saving fad however, they’re actually a healthier way to cook your food too. They can cook chips, potatoes and steaks with little or no oil, meaning you don’t get that unwelcome greasy, fatty mess when you remove them. For fuss-free midweek meals, they can also cook frozen chicken nuggets straight from the freezer, without needing to wait for the oven to warm up – a big plus for hungry little tummies!
Whilst there are lots of air fryers on the market, the Ninja Foodi Max Health Grill and air fryer (AG551UK) comes with one big difference. Not only does it have a substantial-sized air fryer basket, but it also includes the Ninja Foodi Max Grill – allowing you to quickly and efficiently serve up steaks, kebabs and salmon.
Thanks to the integrated meat temperature probe and the smart cook system and which calculates the best cooking times and temperatures, you can also relax knowing that it will come out perfect every single time.
How much is the Ninja Foodi Max Health Grill & Air Fryer AG551UK
The NinjaFoodi Max AG551UK has an RRP of £269.99 but we have seen it regularly at Amazon for £249.99. Amazon also offer Klarna for installments if that suits your family budgeting better.
Key Specification of the Ninja Foodi Max Health Grill & Air FryerAG551UK
6 unique cooking functions – The Ninja Foodi MAX AG551UK isn’t just a bog standard air fryer, it has six versatile and simple to use cooking methods including Grill, Air Fry, Roast, Bake, Dehydrate and Reheat. The reheat option is great for reheating sunday roasts or leftovers for a lunch the following day.
Digital Cooking Probe – The Ninja Foodi Health Grill and Air Fryer comes with an integrated leave-in probe. This innovative addition tmonitors the internal temperature of your food as it cooks. I found this really reassuring, especially when cooking was meat. It’s great for reassurance when you’re new to the world of air frying.
Smart Cook System – Select the cooking function and food type from a range of preset options using the simple touch screen and then take your pick from rare to well done. No more checking regularly or worrying about it overcooking – the Foodi will tell you when your food is done exactly how you like it.
Touchscreen light up control panel is easy to use and intuitive – even for an air fryer beginner!
Dimensions – 29 x 40 x 43cm (H x W x D)
Weight – 10kg
Capacity – 3.8 litres
Multidraw – No
What have we cooked in the Ninja Foodi Max Health Grill & Air Fryer?
What haven’t we cooked in the NinjaFoodi MAX more like?
During the week, we use the NinjaFoodi MAX for quick and easy dinners, especially around after-school clubs and extracurricular activities. Chips in the Ninja are excellent – golden and crispy on the outside but still hot and fluffy on the inside – along with chicken nuggets, fish fingers and onion rings – all cooked to perfection and much quicker than in the oven too. I have also been pleased to see that unlike cooking oven chips, I didn’t notice the layer of grease or fat at the bottom when I removed them. A big plus there.
Steaks on the grill has been an absolute joy for my partner who is a big fan of red meat. He wasn’t convinced that it could cook his rare or medium rare steaks (hes too much of a Miller & Carter fan!) but cook it to perfection it did. The auto cook function has been incredible for this, and ideal if you’re cooking steaks differently for different people.
My other personal favourite is mini herby roast potatoes. They are absolutely divine. The NinjaFoodi MAX AG551UK is also fantastic at crisping up a jacket potato that you’ve started in the microwave – SO much quicker than waiting for an eternity in the oven.
We haven’t fully tested the roast and bake functions yet, but the flexibility and versatility this machine offers is great – it’s nice to know the NinjaFoodi MAX offers those functions should we need them.
What I loved about the Ninja FoodiMax (AG551UK)
Neither my partner or I had used an air fryer before, but we found the NinjaFoodi MAX AG551UK really easy to use. It’s quite an intuitive machine, and so whilst it comes with instructions and a recipe book, this is more for inspiration than needing to sit and read through it al before you start. We found it a little overwhelming at the start – mostly knowing what dishes to try but we have both been really impressed. We’ve since gone on to cook a wide range of family friendly dishes including nachos, chicken fried rice and crispy bacon. Yum.
Our favourite elements of the air fryer include:
The healthier cooking – The NinjaFoodi MAX AG551UK claims to use 75% less fat than traditional frying methods which is really reassuring. You can cook on the Foodi without any oil at all (or a small amount if you prefer for flavour). What you cook in your foodi deterines how healthy it is (no ones fooled into thinking chips are healthy!) but they’re much better than fat fried or greasy options we may have been using before.
The Foodi is really easy to clean – With large sized non stick ceramic coated pan, crisper and grill parts, it’s very straightforward toi clean by hand but also safe to use in the dishwasher. The NinjaFoodi MAX AG551UK comes with a cleaning brush to pull away any more stubborn pieces, and shouldn’t be used with a scourer incase you scratch it.
Volume – At 3.8 litres, the capacity of the Foodi is impressive. The grill is big enough to fit up to 6 burgers at once, so a great way of serving up a quick and easy dinner for the whole family (which I would have struggled with previously with pan space!). There are times however when we would’ve liked to cook two different things simultaneously, and that’s where the Ninja Foodi Max Duel Zone airfryer is a great alternative.
Cooking probe – makes it super easy to know when your meats are thoroughly cooked. I am always paranoid about undercooking meat – especially chicken, so this is great for peace of mind.
LCD Display – is very easy to use and the progress bar visually tells you how long you have left to wait
This multi-purpose airfryer comes with a range of cooking options and in terms of storage, all the contents stash away inside when not in use – with the pan and crisper basket stacking into each other and the probe tucking away into the side of the main airfryer unit.
Cons of the NinjaFoodi Max Health Grill & Air Fryer
Size – measuring 29 x 40 x 43cm (H x W x D) and weighing 10kg , it’s. a pretty substantial unit; meaning unless you have significant countertop space or a utility room, it is a little on the large side. It’s also a bit big and heavy to be getting in and out of cupboards every time you need it.
Cost – there’s no getting away from the fact that the NinjaFoodi Max is a significant cost and investment, that said, as a health grill and air fryer in one, you could use this product a lot, which if utilised to its full potential is absolutely worth the cost. I am a firm believer in the phrase ‘if you’re going to do it, do it properly’, so whilst you can of course find cheaper air fryers on the market, this one certainly justifies the higher price tag.
This air fryer is not as energy efficient as some, being a more powerful machine running at 2,460 watts. That said, it’s still cheaper to run than your oven due to the instant heat up and shorter running durations.
Is the Ninja Foodi Max worth it?
If you have a lot of countertop space and plan to use your airfryer regularly then yes, i believe the NinjaFoodi Max is worth the RRP. It can easily be used as an alternative to your oven and with six cooking options you may find you never need your oven again! How I wish we had this at home when our kitchen was being done – it would have made a very pleasant alternative to microwave meals and toast!
Where can I buy the Ninja Foodi Max Health Grill & Air Fryer?
Based on our research, the retailers that have the best availability and best retail price for the NinjaFoodi Max AG551UK are Amazon and Lakeland,
AMAZON and LAKELAND
The large capacity grill that precisely cooks with perfect resultsMore than a grill – 6 cooking functions: Air Fry, Bake, Roast, Reheat, Dehydrate and GrillSmart Cook System
Leave-in Digital Cooking Probe lets you know when your food is perfectly cooked, exactly as you like itAir Fry guilt-free fried food
Up to 75% less fat than traditional frying methods*Includes 3.8L Cooking Pot, 3.8L Crisper Basket, 740cm2 Grill Plate, Cleaning Brush, Chef-Created Recipe Guide.Dishwasher-safe parts
AD – Mela Weighted blanket review features gifted item. This post contains affiliate links
Sleep has always been a little challenging in this house. Whether it’s simply the reality of being a Mum of two, an overactive brain, or the panic and anxiety that seems to have got worse as I’ve got older, I often find myself lying wide awake thinking when I absolutely should be fast asleep.
After a busy day juggling home, work and attempting to run my own business, I often find that I struggle to switch off at night time, or wake in the early hours and struggle to get back to sleep. Whilst I have tried various mindful activities, relaxation methods and external tools to try and help improve my sleep, I was, until recently, yet to dip my toe into the world of weighted blankets.
With the cost of living in the UK rising by the day and the energy crisis making our fuel bills higher than ever, a weighted blanket felt like a sensible option to try and ensure a warm, cosy and comfortable nights sleep. We decided to put the Mela blanket to the test in an extensive Aeyla Mela weighted blanket review.
What is a weighted blanket?
Before we get to our Mela Weighted Blanket review – you might want to know more about weighted blankets and their benefits. If you haven’t heard of a weighted blanket before, then you’ve certainly been hiding under a rock somewhere. Weighted blankets for adults have increased hugely in popularity over recent years and for good reason. You can buy weighted blankets for adults, or lighter weighted blankets suitable for children.
As the name implies, a weighted blanket is a blanket that is weighted or heavy. Filled with small weighted glass beads or ‘nano beads’, they have the ability to create pressure when placed along the body, helping calm and relax as you rest or nod off to sleep. Weighted blankets can be used either during the day on your sofa (instead of a traditional throw or blanket), or on your bed at night – either on top of, underneath, or instead of your regular duvet.
What are the benefits of a weighted blanket?
There are many reported health benefits to using weighted blankets, in particular for those who experience anxiety, depression or insomnia. Weighted blankets are also proven to help manage symptoms of post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and provide a relaxing aid to those with conditions such as autism and ADHD or physical conditions such as fibromyalgia and restless leg syndrome.
How do they work?
The scientific benefits of weighted blankets are related to something known as ‘Deep Touch Pressure Therapy’. This gentle pressure created by the nano beads helps relax the nervous system when placed on or across the body, sending signals to your brain that its time to relax. Weighted blankets can trigger production of the sleep hormone melatonin, as well as regulate your heartbeat and reduce the cortisol (fight or flight stress hormone) which can often keep you aware at night.
The result? A weighted blanket may help you get to sleep quicker, stay asleep from longer, and get a better, deeper and less disturbed night’s sleep overall
Who are Aeyla?
Aeyla (previously known as Mela) were launched in 2018, with the release of the new award-winning Mela weighted blanket. Since then, the company has rebranded as Aeyla, with a real focus on solutions for stress and sleep. Their aim is to empower everyone to look after their wellbeing and prioritise their mental health just as they would the physical.
An ethical brand, for every product sold Aeyla donate 1% of profits to their mental health charity partner Young Minds as well as protecting 5 trees in the Amazon rainforest.
What is the Mela Weighted Blanket?
We were excited for our Mela Weighted blanket review because this product comes with a great reputation. The Mela All in One Weighted Blanket has won the Best Weighted Blanket award four years running with the Evening Standard and has an excellent reputation for both quality and comfort. Reported to be the best selling weighted blanket in the UK, it’s a popular weighted blanket for adults which can also be used for children over the age of 4 years with supervision).
This incredible soft and luxurious weighted blanket is double sided for the ultimate comforting sensation. One side is made from 100% cooling and temperature regulating cotton and on the other, soft quilted fleece fabric, which is ideal for snuggling up with on the sofa and as an extra layer on top of your bed.
How big is the Mela Weighted Blanket?
With a choice of two sizes – Standard measuring 100 x 190cm or Large measuring 135 x 190cm, the Mela All in One Weighted Blanket also comes in a choice of weights from 4kg to 9kg, which you should select depending on your height and weight. It is recommended the you choise the weighted blanket closest in weight ti 10% of your body weight. If you’re unsure or in the middle of two, opting for the lighter blanket may be best.
What is inside the blanket?
The Mela Weighted blankets are made from Oeko-tex certified fabrics that are made with no harmful chemicals or synthetics, and are weighted with glass quartz pellets. Unlike some of Aeyla’s competitors products, these are anti rustle, meaning that you barely notice the beads moving around as you turn or reposition yourself in bed. These glass pellets are designed to produce ‘Deep Pressure Touch Stimulation’ (or DTP), replicating the sensation of being tucked in tight and being given a warm hug as you sleep.
First impressions of the Mela Weighted Blanket were really very positive. It comes in an attractive gift box, so opening up the lid and pulling out the blanket inside is almost like unboxing a luxury gift.
The Mela weighted blanket is incredibly soft and cosy to the touch, with both my partner and I keen to try it out almost instantly due to the luxurious and premium feel.
What weight did we choose?
We opted for the 7kg, which is one of the heavier blankets in the Mela range and it’s fair to say that it does require a bit of effort to lug about (especially if you are moving it between the bedroom and living room). In hindsight, I probably would have managed better personally with the 5.5kg purely from a portability point of view, but I do like to feel quite a firm weight from the blanket due to my anxiety levels – so there is a bit of balance required and personal choice to be considered here.
How comfortable is it?
Having never used a weighted blanket before we weren’t really sure what to expect, but both of us were pretty blown away by just how immediate the sensation was. The blanket almost pushes down against you, like someone has gone round tucking in every inch around you with no air pockets or cool spots. It is somewhat restrictive, but in a unexpectedly pleasant and calming way,
Even without the weighted benefits, it’s clear that the Mela weighted blanket is high quality, made from premium fabrics that feel comfortable and luxurious against your skin, but add in those magical glass beads and this blanket really does feel like a warm hug when you’ve had a long or hard day at work.
I used the Mela weighted blanket on top of my duvet during cold nights, and according to my partner who tends to go to bed later than me, I was asleep much quicker than normal. even being able to nod off whilst he watched football on low volume in the same room, The Mela blanket looks stylish and modern enough to leave folded at the end of the bed, and in a fairly neutral and non offensive grey colour, it tends to blend into most bedroom interiors without being glaringly obvious (unlike some other sleep aid products!)
Can the Mela Weighted blanket help you sleep?
We obviously road tested the Mela weighted blanket during the Winter, at a time when the cost of living crisis meant energy bills are higher than ever. Whilst weighted blankets are more about comfort than warmth, the warmth and comfort generated has been high. Due to its breathable nature, the Mela is described as an all year round weighted blanket, but I am yet to establish whether it may be too warm / restrictive in the hotter summer months. The cooling side is temperature regulating, so at no point did I feel like I was overheating or sweating.
We’ve owned the Mela blanket for around 3 months now and it’s become a key part of my bedtime routine. I tend to ask Mike to throw it on top of the duvet after I’ve crawled into bed and the effects are after about 10-15 mins I really notice the difference. I have also since gone on to test a number of other weighted blankets, but the Mela is certainly deserving of the best weighted blanket status.
Pros of the Mela Weighted Blanket
Luxurious and high quality feel blanket that is super soft to the touch
Choice of weights and sizes so you can tailor to your requirements
Comes in a stylish box making it ideal for gifting
Soft grey neutral colour will match most room aesthetics
Contours around the body without being noisy or rustling as you move.
British ethical brand that gives back through profits
Fabrics suitable for those with sensitive skin and allergies
Suitable for all year round use.
30 day money back guarantee
Cons of the Mela Weighted Blanket?
Heavy – The Mela blanket is heavy (by it’s very nature!) and depending on your own size, weight and body shape, you may find it a little on the heavy side. Whilst you may not find them heavy once they’re on, its fair to say they aren’t as portable as the throw you normally have on the sofa. Not everyone likes being cuddled, so if you’re not a fan of physical contact, its fair to say they may not be right for you.
Costly – The Mela blanket is definitely not a budget item – at £89 its more of an investment. That said, the quality is extremely high, and I personally feel its worth the investment if you’re struggling to get a good night’s sleep.
Weighted blankets are designed for one person and as such, if your partner wants one too you’re not meant to share but buy one each. Given the RRP, the cost of this could soon add up!
How big is the Mela Weighted Blanket?
The Mela Weighted Blanket is available in two sizes – the Standard, which measures 100 x 190cm and the Large which measures 135cm x 190cm. Which size you pick will depend on your age, height, weight and whether or not you are sharing a bed. There is a quick and easy quiz you can take on the Aeyla website that will determine which size is right for you.
How heavy is it?
The Mela blanket is available in a choice of weights as follows:
4kg (suitable for body weights between 30 and 40kg),
5.5.kg (suitable for body weighted between 40 and 60kg)
7kg (suitable for body weights between 60 – 90kg)
9kg (suitable for body weights 90kg and above)
How do you wash the Mela Weighted Blanket?
The Mela weighted blanket is easy to care for and is fully machine washable (in high capacity washing machines), It is recommended you wash at a maximum of 30 degrees on a gentle cycle. The weighted blanket should not be ironed or tumble dryed but lay flat to dry naturally.
How does the Mela Weighted Blanket compare to other weighted blankets?
To date, I have personally compared a number of weighted blankets in the Uk. These include the Mela Weighted blanket to the Kudd.ly weighted blanket and the Emma Sleep weighted blanket. Whilst I prefer the more modern appearance of the Emma Sleep blanket (and the lighter cream colour), the Mela weighted blanket slightly beats the Kuddly weighted blanket for me, purely for the premium soft feel of the fabric. I am yet to test the Oodie weighted blanket, although owning the Oodie hooded blanket, I am hopeful that this would be another great weighted blanket option for adults.
How do I choose the right weighted blanket for me?
There are various things to consider when choosing a weighted blanket – here are a few of my recommendations:
Pressure amount – First up, weighted blankets aren’t for everyone. If you’re the kind of person who doesn’t like being spooned or hugged, or is likely to feel uncomfortable with pressure, you may want to give them a miss. It’s important you choose the right pressure amount based on your body weight – it is recommended that is around 10 per cent of your body weight. A weighted blanket that is too heavy can not only be hard to move around your home, but can feel a bit overwhelming or restrictive.
Do you have any medical conditions? – Some weighted blankets aren’t recommended for those with heart conditions, diabetes or asthma. You should also avoid using a weighted blanket during pregnancy, and with young children.
Design – The Mela weighted blanket is a soft and luxurious grey blanket. If you’re looking for a more modern design, we’d recommend looking at the Eve Sleep weighted blanket, which is made with less obvious glass filling.
Let yourself adjust – weighted blankets can feel a little weird at first – make the most of the 30 day money back guarantee so you can get used to the different sensation. This also allows you to change the weight if you have selected one that feels too heavy.
Is the Mela Weighted Blanket worth the money?
There’s no getting away from the fact that the Mela Weighted blanket is an investment and at £89, they don’t come cheap. That said, if you have anxiety, struggle getting to sleep, wake regularly during the night, or simply struggle to get a good night’s sleep, I personally feel they are worth the investment. We spend money on far more frivolous things, so investing in your mental health and wellbeing can only be a good thing right?!
AD – Eve Premium Hybrid Mattress gifted for review. This post is in collaboration with Eve Sleep
They say you can’t put a price on sleep, and my God is that true. I’ve had my fair share of sleep challenges over the years, from back injuries to breastfeeding, the sleep deprived toddler years to the frustrations of a snoring partner – you name it, I’ve been there, and I know only too well the impact that poor sleep can have on your every day life.
Our old mattress had been hanging around for a while and started to sink in the middle. As a result, it was no longer supportive or fit for purpose and we would often wake to find our backs felt tense and uncomfortable.
We were recently given the opportunity to review a Premium Hybrid Mattress from Eve Sleep and literally jumped at the chance… was this my chance to finally get the good night’s sleep that I deserved?
What is the Eve Premium Hybrid Mattress?
If you haven’t heard of a hybrid mattress before, you may wonder what on earth it is. I will be honest, I had no clue. Often described as the ‘Best of both worlds’ – a hybrid mattress offers the support and firm sensation of a pocket sprung mattress with the comfort you would be used to finding in memory foam. Hybrid mattresses use a combination of springs and foam, along with a washable top cover that is temperature regulating so that you don’t get too warm in the Summer months.
The Eve Sleep Premium Hybrid Mattress combines multiple layers of foam with 90mm pocket springs and is Eve’s thickest, most sumptuous Hybrid mattress to date – more expensive than the other mattresses in their range including the Original Hybrid and Lighter Hybrid mattress.
How is the Premium Hybrid different to the original Hybrid?
There is a fairly significant difference in price, but the Eve Premium Hybrid mattress offers better cooling, as well as enhanced comfort and support from its predecessor.
Eve Premium Hybrid Mattress specification
The Eve Premium Hybrid Mattress is Which’s top scoring mattress, something which I think showcases its superior specification in terms of comfort and support.
Measuring 28cm thick, the Eve Premium Hybrid Mattress is packed with over 1,400 full-sized pocket springs and 5 layers of next generation foam topped off with a luxurious washable antibacterial and antimicrobial cover.
With medium-firm support, the Premium Hybrid is suitable for all sleeping positions and ensures your spine is well aligned, so you wont wake up with a crick in your neck.
Fpr those who have a tendency to overheat during the night, you’ll be pleased to know the Eve Premium Hybrid mattress also has tiny bits of graphite infused into the top two layers of foam to pull excess heat away from your body, ideal for those who may get hot and sweaty during the Summer.
Our Experience of the Eve Premium Hybrid Mattress
Setting up new mattress
The Eve Premium Hybrid Mattress comes rolled in plastic wrapping and is vacuum sealed, making it far more portable than you might expect – so no Ross from Friends Pivot required (unlike the removal of our old one!)
Mike easily carried the mattress upstairs and we then lay it on the bed before carefully un-sealling the outer plastic wrapping which is allowed us to unroll and position in the right place on the bed frame.
Ensuring the Eve logo was in the bottom right corner of the bed, we then gently released the inner plastic seal before watching as the mattress literally springs to life in front of your eyes. It’s so impressive to watch! Check it out in the video below!
Whilst the majority of the pumping is pretty instant – Eve recommends 4-6 hours before it is fully ready to be slept on.
I was instantly really impressed with both the way to mattress looked and felt. The diamond effect on the top layer felt so soft and cushioned and it felt really comfortable when I lay down to test it out. I loved the fact that the top layer could also be removed and washed if required. You can buy a separate mattress topper for the Premium Hybrid too, but from a comfort perspective, this really wouldn’t be an essential.
It’s also reassuring to know that Eve offer a free 1 year trial – whilst they recommend allowing at least 30 days to adjust to a new mattress, if you’re not completely happy, you can return it via the contact it via the Eve Customer Experience Team.
30 days on…
We have now been sleeping on the Eve Sleep Premium Hybrid Mattress for over a month now and we are both really pleased.
The mattress is super soft and comfortable and firm enough that you don’t sink into it, without feeling too solid or rigid.
My partner is normally a very sweaty sleeper (grim) and not only has this mattress helped regulate his temperature better but randomly his snoring appears to have been better too – possibly due to the superior support he is getting compared to our old mattress.
My only slight critique of the mattress is that the sides could feel a little more robust, I regularly sit on the edge of my bed when getting ready in the mornings and it does feel like it sinks down lower on the edges than it does with my previous mattress. This is a really minor niggle however for what has otherwise provided a great nights sleep.
You can learn more about the Eve Premium Hybrid and the 1 year trial at evesleep.co.uk
Hi, I’m Lucy, a thirty something mum of two from Birmingham. A memory maker, tradition keeper, stationery addict and Mr Men fanatic. HR Advisor by day and sleep deprived Mama by night!
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