why we chose a clover lawn instead of grass (this time)

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Why We Chose A Clover Lawn Instead Of Grass (This Time)

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Ifeel like I’m about to step into an opinion minefield today. Deciding to do a clover lawn in one area of the property has been oddly polarizing. I’m not an expert, so don’t use me as your sole point of research, but we did opt for a clover lawn instead of traditional turf this time, and today I’ll talk about why (and how I feel about it). I’ve wanted clover forever, but I was alone in the past. So many experts (both in person and online) think it’s a fantastic new alternative to lawns, and other experts in the field (LOL) say it will ruin your landscaping that you’ve just invested in. My typical approach (on anything) is to do a ton of research and then realize that, like everything, it’s nuanced, depends on a lot of things, and lands somewhere in the middle. I also generally try to listen to people with the most real-world experience in anything, and yet sometimes old-school folks don’t want to risk something new because they’ve been trained to hate it. With clover, apparently, farmers used to love it, then “big herbicide” demonized clover as a weed, and the rest is history. Four years ago, during phase 1, I proposed a clover lawn after being heavily influenced by commenters during our artificial turf conversation in Arrowhead (which I don’t regret for one second, btw – it absolutely made sense for the no-irrigation-allowed dry landscaping). Up here in Oregon, I was met by “Clover instead of grass? Are you nuts?” But I was uneducated (outside of internet searching) and outnumbered, so I didn’t fight for my clover lawn. Grass it was. And listen, grass lawns thrive in Oregon, we have a lot of rain, 8-9 months of the year, and many people don’t irrigate at all. I love our grass lawns, mixed a bit naturally with clover, and totally imperfect. Last weekend we had six families over for a full day BBQ that went until 11 pm, where 16 kids played ghosts in the graveyard, gymnastics, soccer, frisbee, and football for HOURS. Grass is best for this. Does it take a lot of water in the summer? Yep. But we invested in recommissioning our well, which is what we irrigate with. Could we have done a clover lawn instead? Maybe! But we recently seeded clover by the paddock, and today we are discussing it all. Keep reading to check it out.

What’s The Beef With Real Grass Lawns???

clover lawn

There is a new movement that is certainly against the traditional lawn. Like so many things right now, the loudest voices seem to be passionately against what most of us have deemed kinda normal, causing us to critically rethink it all. From what I’ve researched and learned, here are the points that seem to make sense to me:

Grass lawns are high maintenance (daily watering and weekly mowing).

They create a monoculture (one species, not creating a biodiverse environment for bees and butterflies, and other native plants to thrive).

They deplete resources (water).

They are often treated with chemicals (fertilizers and herbicides – glyphosate from Roundup are seen to be universally known as AWFUL and possibly one of the worst demons to our environment and our bodies).

Oh, but then there’s the “no-lawn” movement, which is a mix of pea gravel, DG, and low-drought shrubs, which can look great in a front yard, but doesn’t make sense for a lot of families. Clover lawn versus a grass lawn felt like a real alternative. I’m sure in many areas, all the above points are very true (I’ve never been a “perfect green lawn” person, I’m from rural Oregon). But, the vibe of many of the articles can often be pretentious, as if those of us who want a lawn are just for “suburban show” – it’s not. For us, at least, so much life happens on lawns with young kids, and in Oregon, it thrives without extra water almost year-round. It is mostly set it and forget it. Or maybe we are just basic :)

Let’s Go Clover Lawns!

The hype towards having a clover lawn is this:

Low maintenance because it requires far less water and mowing than grass.

Eco-friendly, using nitrogen that acts as a natural fertilizer in the soil.

Attracts and feeds pollinators like bees and other beneficial insects.

It is soft, cool, and pretty! I love the look of clover. In fact, I love the look of clover mixed with grass (so sue me). And in hot summers it’s way cooler on feet :)

It is evergreen or semi-evergreen. Year-round without irrigation for the most part – it might go dormant in August, but otherwise requires very little once established.

Super cheap – once the soil is prepped, it’s just seeds, which can be under $50.

The Cons Of Clover:

This seems to be more anecdotal, but both a traditionally trained former landscaper of ours and our trusted maintenance guy, Domingo (who has been taking care of Oregon yards for 30 years), both painted a potential horror picture of intentionally using clover. They claimed clover lawns will take over everything – lawns, garden beds, and would choke out pretty shrubs and annuals. And when you have two experts with decades of different types of experience warning you not to do something, you listen, right? But what if they care about lawns in a way that I don’t? We like a more natural, rustic vibe. I don’t mind clover mixed in with our turf – in fact, I LIKE IT. We like overgrown and wild. We do NOT like manicured (I even hate when they edge the lawn, TBH). At the same time, we planted these gorgeous beds full of perennials that need to thrive!

P.S. This is our new area that I really don’t want to get ruined, and you can see the clover in the back just starting to grow.

Stage 2 Landscaping – We Went With A Clover Lawn (But Not At First)

As you know for stage 2 of our landscaping, we hired Dennis’ 7 Dees to redesign the area under the old sport court and to make the area by the barn and paddock simply better (and truly couldn’t have been happier). Eric sent through the design plan below:

We loved the original plan – a mix of flagstone, trees, shrubs, and perennials. But the $$$ numbers were higher than we wanted, and Brian and I panicked. We quickly prioritized our budget and deprioritized the area at the top, along the split rail fence by the barn. It just wasn’t that important to us. Sure, we didn’t want it to look like garbage, but that area in and of itself was going to cost $40k – demo, irrigation, a ton of stonework, planting, trees, shrubs, lighting, etc. Here’s what that area looked like before:

Every winter it was green, wild, and full of weeds (which we didn’t mind, TBH), and every summer it was so dry and ugly (which we did mind). But this area is more utility – it’s where Brian wheelbarrows the food to the animals, and kids stand on the fence to feed the animals. It didn’t need to be pretty, just better than it was.

Could this be the clover opportunity I’ve been waiting for?? So this time I relied heavily on Dennis’ 7 Dees to help us make our clover decision. They confirmed all of the above and gave us even more insight.

Clover changes throughout the year—lush and blooming in spring, thinner in summer, then rebounding in fall. (Fine by me!)

They confirmed it needs reseeding every 2–3 years to stay dense (Easy! Especially since they are also our maintenance team, so they’ll stay on top of this) – P.S. More if there is harsh weather.

Less ideal for heavy play zones without occasional mowing (true, which is why we also love having a traditional turf lawn for kids to play).

Maintenance in Oregon is low:

Watering: Needs only occasional water in dry spells after it’s established.

Mowing: Optional—some mow every few weeks to manage blooms, others let it grow freely with minimal mowing (that’s us!).

DONE. We were into it. Let’s save some dough, make our yard look more natural, and feed those bees and soil at the same time.

The Process And What We Chose:

Eric and Dennis’ 7 Dees came back with this specific recommendation (because they are pros): “PT 755 Fleur de Lawn, a premium eco-lawn seed blend that includes micro-clover and a mix of flowering, low-growing species. It’s designed to be drought-tolerant, pollinator-friendly, and soft underfoot—perfect for areas where a traditional lawn might not make sense”. Sounded GREAT to me. This whole area cost $3k, whereas the original plan was obviously much much more.

Since we were hiring out for this, they did it professionally – demoing out the lawn, bringing in new/better soil, leveling it all for draining, soil, then waiting for spring to spread the seed. No irrigation. Our job would be to mist it daily for 10 minutes when it didn’t rain to establish the seeds (which was hard to remember, TBH). Here’s what it looks like 3 months in:

I LOVE IT. It makes me so happy. This is probably because I’m from rural Oregon and it just reminds me of my childhood. Here are a few things to keep in mind from the experts:

Maintenance in Oregon:

Watering: Needs only occasional irrigation in dry spells after it’s established.

Mowing: Optional—some mow every few weeks to manage blooms, others let it grow freely with minimal mowing

Reseeding: Expect to overseed every couple of years, especially after high foot traffic or harsh weather.

Seasonal Care Rhythm:

Spring: Let it bloom and thrive with seasonal rains, mow down and allow grassier look to develop.

Summer: drought tolerant clover will take over to compensate for lawn dieback. Irrigated as desired.

Fall: With rain, it fills back in like a soft green carpet lawn look.

Winter: It may thin or get mucky, but bounces back in spring.

Why Dennis’ 7 Dees Recommends It In Certain Projects:

“Clover and eco lawns aren’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but they’re a great option for large, low-traffic areas where sustainability and simplicity matter. We’re always looking for ways to reduce inputs (water, fertilizer, labor) and support pollinators—this choice checks all those boxes while still feeling beautiful and thoughtful. It’s a ‘Design with nature, not against it’ approach.”

If you aren’t done talking about clover yet, here is more from our current account manager, Emily Smiley (how great is her name??):

“The great clover debate is real. Lawn purists say it’s weedy and wild; environmentalists say lawns are outdated, period. I say: know your goals and choose what serves your space best. Sometimes that’s a manicured lawn. Sometimes it’s a pollinator meadow. And sometimes, it’s a patch of clover that costs a fraction of traditional landscaping and makes your yard feel intentional. Clover isn’t perfect, but neither is turf. As a landscape designer and gardener, I believe in designing with nature; not against it. This specific choice softens the space, supports Natural Pollinators(!!) and reduces our environmental footprint without giving up on aesthetic beauty.”

“This isn’t a turf replacement—it’s a true eco-lawn that works with the seasons, not against them.”

So How Do We Feel About It?

I couldn’t be happier. BIG FAN. In some places, it’s taller? Other places it’s more like ground cover. I love how it looks soft and natural, bright green, and easy. Imperfect, wild, but not out of control, and just so appropriate for our space. It is taking over the boxwood a bit, which we can’t tell if we care about (we put in those shrubs after the clover as a ball barrier), so we might carve out a moat around those plants with mulch. Easy fix. All in all, we love it. Now, if we could just plant it in that brown paddock, without the alpacas and pigs eating it before it could grow (which would never happen – such pigs!).

How Often to Water Your Petunias—4 Rules a Gardener Swears By

Grow them in pots, planters, or straight in your garden and petunias will reward you with big, bold flowers that just don’t quit. But if you want these colorful plants to keep on blooming from spring through fall, it’s important to water them right and just when they need it. Whether you’re new to growing petunias or just want to take your plants to the next level, this petunia watering guide is packed with expert tips on how and when to water petunias for peak flowering and healthier plants. Meet the Expert Cynthia Haynes, PhD. is a professor of horticulture at the Iowa State University. Eva Ward oversees the annual greenhouse team at Ward’s Nursery. Signs Your Petunias Need Watering Petunias wilt quickly if they don’t get enough water, and drop leaves, turn brown, and die back if their soil gets super dry. But you don’t need to wait for your plants to show signs of stress to know it’s time to water them: Just take a good hard look at the soil they’re growing in. “Petunias don’t like to stay wet for long periods, so check the soil first before watering,” says horticulture professor Cynthia Haynes. “Just scratch around the top inch of soil with your fingers to see if it’s dry, or lift smaller containers to check their weight. Then, water when the top inch of soil dries out or the container feels light.” Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more! When Is the Best Time to Water Petunias? Like other plants, petunias absorb water best if you water them in the morning or in the evening a little before sunset. If you water petunias when the sun is high overhead, it can increase the amount of water that’s lost to evaporation and make it harder for your plants to absorb the water they need. That said, if your plants look stressed, it's better to water them right away than wait until morning. “Petunias are heavy drinkers and don’t recover well if the soil gets too dried out,” says plant expert Eva Ward. “Don’t wait for petunias to droop—water stress opens plants up to pests and many other problems.” How Often to Water Your Petunias Petunias should be watered often enough to keep their soil evenly moist, but not so frequently that their roots get waterlogged and start to rot. Exactly how often to water petunias can vary depending on the season, the size of your plants, the temperature, and the pots your petunias are growing in. “Watering frequency could be every 2 to 3 days, or daily if it’s a large plant in a hanging basket in full sun,” says Ward. “For larger patio containers, always keep the soil surface moist and use a lightweight mulch like buckwheat hulls to prevent evaporation.” Petunias growing in the garden will typically require less water than potted plants and may only need to be watered once a week. But this watering frequency can also vary, so always test the soil with your finger before you water. The Right Way to Water Your Petunias There’s no one-size-fits-all watering schedule for petunias. But in general, you’ll need to water petunias less in spring and more when temperatures rise and the plants fill out in summer. Being flexible with watering and following these simple tips will help you avoid underwatering or overwatering your plants and encourage petunias to flower more. Water Deeply “When watering, water deeply,” advises Ward. “And make sure the soil is fully moist and that excess water drains out of planter drainage holes.” The best way to do this is to water low and slow with your hose or a drip irrigation system. Deep, slow watering allows water to penetrate well into the soil around petunia roots and can keep gardens and planters from drying out too quickly. Keep Leaves Dry Like other plants, petunias can develop mildew issues if their leaves stay wet too long. To avoid this, water your plants in the morning and direct water to the soil line to keep it from splashing up on your plant's leaves. Don’t Overdo It Don’t be tempted to water petunias if their soil still feels wet. Overwatering is a surefire way to stress out your plants and cause petunias to wilt, yellow, or die from rot. Add Fertilizer “You’ll get the best flowers if you use a blossom booster liquid fertilizer with every other watering all season," Ward says. "Or if you prefer a slow-release granular blossom booster, scratch that into the soil surface around petunias in mid-June, mid-July, and mid-August.” Applying fertilizer when the soil is already moist helps petunias absorb it faster and can prevent fertilizer burn.

How to Start a Successful Herb Garden and Grow All of Your Favorite Flavors

Pick a space for your herb garden that can provide the proper light, soil nutrients, and humidity your herbs need. Pick and place herbs according to their needs—some plants need less water than others. After harvesting herbs they can either be frozen or dried in order to keep them viable for longer. Herb gardens are the perfect introduction to gardening and supply your senses and pantry with fresh flavors and scents. Whether you plan to grow herbs in containers or a small plot, here are the things you need to know to start a successful herb garden. Pick a Space for Your Herb Garden Herb gardens are so popular because they are easy to start and maintain; they grow quickly and you can begin harvesting within a few weeks. The size of your herb garden is up to you and depends on the quantity and variety of herbs you want to grow. Light Almost all herbs require at least 6 hours of full sun daily. A few such as chervil, mint, chives, and cilantro can be grown in an area with light shade. Soil Herbs need well-draining soil. They will no thrive in heavy, wet soil. Adding compost to clay soil will help improve the structure and drainage. The soil does not have to be highly fertile; too many nutrients tends to produce excessive amounts of poorly-flavored foliage. Temperature and Humidity Mediterranean herbs like basil, thyme, rosemary, oregano, and lavender like warm, sunny, dry conditions. Most perennial and biennial herbs can overwinter if they are protected with layers of mulch. Established herbs can tolerate dry conditions but supplemental water is recommended during periods of drought. Use mulch to conserve soil moisture, but keep it away from the base of the plants to prevent stem rot. Want more gardening tips? Sign up for our free gardening newsletter for our best growing tips, troubleshooting hacks, and more! Pick Which Herbs You Want to Grow Most people plant the herbs they enjoy using for cooking, making teas, or drying for potpourri. Some make selections based on fragrance or bloom color. The beauty of an herb garden is that it is personal to your preferences. It is a good idea to group your chosen herbs by their watering needs to prevent over-watering those that prefer drier conditions. Drought-Tolerant Herbs Borage: Once established, allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Fennel: Drought-tolerant once established; allow the soil to dry between waterings. Lavender: Lavender will not survive wet roots and heavy soil. Marjoram: Drought-tolerant and prefers dry soil with occasional watering. Oregano: Thrives in dry and warm climates with low rainfall levels. Sage: A drought-tolerant plant that prefers soil to dry out between waterings. Rosemary: Prefers slightly drier conditions and minimal watering. Thyme: Water only when the soil is completely dry. Winter savory: Once established, prefers dry soil. Herbs with Moderate Watering Needs Basil: A broadleaf herb, it requires more water than herbs like thyme, rosemary, and sage. Bay laurel: For healthy leaves, keep the soil evenly moist. Catnip: A member of the mint family, catnip requires consistent moisture to flourish. Chervil: Prefers evenly moist soil with good drainage. Chives: Although drought-tolerant, chives must be watered evenly throughout the growing season for high yields. Cilantro: The soil should be kept evenly moist for tender leaves. Dill: Requires consistent moisture levels to flower and produce seeds. Lemon balm: Prefers soil that is moist but never wet. Lemon verbena: Requires regular watering. Mint: Thrives around water and can tolerate wet roots. Parsley: Evenly moist soil produces the most tender leaves of flat or curly parsley. Tarragon: Young plants need regular watering to become established. Propagating Herbs There are many ways to propagate herbs, and doing so can keep your herb garden fresh and perpetually growing for years. By Seed Nearly all herbs grow well from seed that you've saved or purchased. Fine herbs like anise, cilantro, dill, and fennel should be directly sown into the garden once the danger of frost has passed because they do not transplant well. Basil, parsley, sage, and thyme can be started indoors and transplanted into the garden when temperatures warm. After planting seeds in well-tilled soil with good drainage, water lightly until they germinate. From Cuttings To quickly establish new plants, herbs can be propagated from cuttings. Take cuttings in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing; select a 3 to 4-inch stem that is healthy and tender. Strip the leaves off the bottom two inches and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Place the stem in a small pot of moistened potting soil. Cover the pot with a plastic bag and place it in an area with bright, indirect light. Keep the soil moist and remove the plastic bag when new leaves begin to grow. Transplant the cutting into the garden once the plant has at least 3 or 4 sets of new leaves. By Division Herbs that have a clumping habit like tarragon, chives, and mint can be divided to create new plants. Use a garden trowel to gently dig up the clump of herbs. Use a clean, sterile knife to separate individual plants and replant or share them with others. Harvesting Herbs Once an herb plant has enough foliage to maintain growth, fresh leaves can be harvested. It's best to harvest herbs before they flower or go to seed because leaf production declines. Snip stems at a leaf node with sharp, sterile clippers. For the best flavor, pick leaves or seeds after the morning dew has evaporated but before temperatures are high. Before using, discard any bruised or soiled leaves and inspect the herbs for insects or foreign matter. Rinse the herbs under running water and shake gently to remove excess moisture. How to Preserve Herbs The two best methods for preserving herbs are freezing and drying. Depending on the herbs you're drying, one method might suit your needs better than the other. By Freezing Tender herbs like basil, chives, cilantro, dill, lemon balm, mint, parsley, and tarragon freeze well in small batches. After harvesting and rinsing the herbs, pat the herbs dry. Place the herbs in a freezer bag, seal the bag, and place it in the freezer. To freeze in pre-measured portions, chop the herbs finely and place them in an ice cube tray. Add a small amount of water and allow the tray to freeze. When solid, pop out the cubes and store them in plastic bags. By Drying Rosemary, sage, thyme, and winter savory are the easiest herbs to dry and will retain the most flavor and color. After harvesting and rinsing the herbs, pat them dry with a paper towel. Form small bunches and tie them with cotton string. Hang the bunches upside down in a warm, well-ventilated place until the moisture evaporates. Avoid hang in direct sunlight that can strip flavor and color. The herbs are dry when the leaves crumble and the stems break when bent. Store dried herbs whole, crumbled, or ground in a cool, dark spot in a labeled airtight container for up to six months for the best flavor.

I’m 5’1", and I Curated a Wrinkle-Free Wardrobe for Petite Travelers, Up to 60% Off

While living in New York City is fun, I love a good weekend getaway during the spring and summer months. And now that the weather is finally getting warmer, I’m taking my trip-planning more seriously. This preparation includes having enough travel-ready outfits that won’t wrinkle in my suitcase and that I can repeat-wear to pack lightly. As someone who’s 5’1” and curvy, I’m very intentional about my hunt for new clothing. I need to make sure that my picks offer a flattering fit and are comfortable, too. That’s why I was thrilled to find tons of petite-friendly travel styles at Nordstrom, which also happen to be wrinkle-free and ideal for my getaways. Shop my picks from Vuori, Spanx, Madewell, and more below, with savings up to 60 percent. Petite Spring Travel Outfits at Nordstrom Caslon Drawstring Wide-Leg Linen Blend Pants, $45 (was $60) Lands’ End Lightweight Jersey Side Tie Blouse, $48 Foxcroft Taylor Non-Iron Sleeveless Shirt, $88 Pact on the Go-To Crop Tank, $34 Treasure & Bond Shirred Lace Top, From $24 (was $60) Madewell The Petite Darted Barrel Leg Jeans, $138 CeCe Tiered Ruffle Minidress, $89 Halogen Essential Compression T-Shirt, From $16 (was $35) Vuori One Shot Tennis Dress, $98 Wash Lab Denim Crop Cord Jacket, $104 (was $148) Spanx AirEssentials Wide-Leg Pants, From $72 (was $110) Vince Camuto Convertible Double Breasted Twill Jacket, $80 (was $149) Caslon Drawstring Wide-Leg Linen Blend Pants These flowy wide-leg pants are made from a linen and rayon blend and have a comfy elastic waistband, which is ideal for when I have to sit for hours on a train. They’re on sale in all four neutral colors, including flax, striped navy, and black. One 5’2” shopper said they’re “perfect in length for petites,” noting that they’re a “staple piece” for hot and humid weather thanks to the breezy, “loose, and comfy” design. Pact on the Go-To Crop Tank This contouring bra tank is made from a stretchy organic cotton and elastane material that makes it an ideal base layer for my upcoming travels. I can easily wear it alone or with a light jacket and dress it up or down depending on the day’s events. It's “very soft and comfortable,” according to one customer, while another person called it “movable and breathable.” Vuori One Shot Tennis Dress I’m a fan of Vuori’s clothing, so I was excited to find this tennis dress in five spring-ready colors. It comes with built-in interior shorts that will make it more practical for days spent exploring different cities, and its pull-on style makes it easy to take on and off. The dress is “so soft,” per one reviewer who noted that they wear it casually, for dates, and nights out. They added that they have a 36D bra size and the “shelf bra is supportive.” Madewell The Petite Darted Barrel-Leg Jeans I’ve been coveting barrel jeans for awhile, so I’m grabbing this light wash pair from Madewell. They’re made with 100 percent cotton, have five pockets, and are machine washable. I love the jeans’ curved fit for my body type without being overly baggy thanks to its petite-friendly sizing. Shoppers love them, too, including one who is 5’1” and shared that they “fit great” around their hips. They’re super packable and versatile, so I can wear them practically anywhere. Discover more of Nordstrom’s petite-friendly travel outfits below, with savings up to 60 percent. Treasure & Bond Shirred Lace Top CeCe Tiered Ruffle Minidress Wash Lab Denim Crop Cord Jacket Spanx AirEssentials Wide-Leg Pants Vince Camuto Convertible Double Breasted Twill Jacket

Is My Sauna Blanket Still Effective After Three Years?? Here’s My Review

Two years ago I did a super low-budget, last-minute “fun” review of this HigherDOSE sauna blanket shot with Mal’s iPhone (some pandemic content still haunts me and yet makes me smile). I had been using it for a year and a half at that time, and since every single person who saw it asked me all about it, I figured you’d be curious as well. So I wrote the OG post with more of a minute-by-minute review (and in that post, I talk about the benefits – both the ones you can prove and the ones you can’t). And listen, I get this isn’t for everyone and that’s fine! Simply come back tomorrow. So when they reached out recently to sponsor some social with their newest version I said yes (despite obviously not being a home or design partnership) because it’s still something I really like and use, and maybe you are into this stuff, too. I, personally, have found that is a huge mood booster (in the winter months, especially) and gives me something to look forward to every night. And I’m not alone – saunas are obviously taking off in America (long since loved in Northern Europe) and are universally credited for being good for your physical and mental health. This isn’t pseudo-science, y’all (while many other things I agree can feel like that). But many of us don’t have the room or budget for a home sauna (although, I’m working on it TBH) so this blanket is IMHO is a GREAT alternative for those of us wanting the physical and mental benefits of a sauna, but on our sofa or in a bed. How It Works: Again, the first post is more detailed, but essentially it’s a sleeping bag that uses infrared heat to penetrate deep into your body through your skin (a traditional steam sauna is also really good for you). The benefits that I feel are mood-boosting, sweating (which always feels good), and most scientists accept that it’s great for circulation and cardiovascular health (the blood flow expands and loosens your blood vessels like a workout does). Yes, you burn more calories than if you were just laying there, but that’s hard to track and not why I do it. I just love the happy hormones released (especially after) which stay with me for a few hours and I tend to sleep deeper and longer at night. This is all my personal experience and perspective (and this post is not sponsored by HigherDOSE, just the social media on Instagram – so yes, we are giving them a free post but I HAD to redo the first one to give better photos). So What Do You Do? Well, you choose your temperature (I’m a solid 8 or 9) and it takes 10 minutes to warm up before you need to get in. In that time you get dressed, head to toe in something light but full coverage (Including socks) or if you have their towel you can go naked inside it (I haven’t done this yet but will next week as I just found my towel again and this sounds pretty darn fun). Before you get in make sure to have all your necessities (kindle, remote, water, phone, apple watch, or heart monitor if you do that) within reach, and lay in it for 50 minutes (make sure to track what time you pressed the button to begin because it turns off 60 minutes after that but there is no timer or count down indicator on the plug thing, which I wish there were). I highly recommend watching mindless TV (either Magnolia Network design shows but realistically something in The Bachelor franchise) as I find concentrating on a book, podcast, or a good show to be more difficult. Or maybe it’s because I never get to watch TV and I have at least an hour or two of podcast time a day walking the pups and Brian and I read every night in bed, so this is MAMA’S GARBAGE TV TIME. Here I’m looking all peaceful like I’m napping, but trust me, Love Island is on right in front of me. The new blanket model, as you can see, has a zipper instead of velcro which is so much better. If you are curious about a minute-by-minute breakdown, again read the first post. But the summary is that it’s super pleasant for the first 30-40 minutes, but the last 20-30 can be challenging (but so worth it). Obviously, you can do a lower setting if you just want it to feel pleasant, but I like to sweat it out and really know that my body was being challenged (but I’m also an endorphin junkie and love to cold plunge in my bathtub, so again, this isn’t for everyone). By the end, I was extremely sweaty, felt hot as hell, and ready to get out and get that burst of “relief endorphins”. I was in an excellent mood for the rest of the night. And a lot of people wonder if it’s gross and smells and the answer is “mine doesn’t”. Most of my sweat is on my clothes and hair or on the towel, but the bag itself stays dry, but they do sell a spray cleaner for those just wanting to, you know, not be disgusting. And there you go. Usually, I do this at night – either 6:30-7:30 pm after dinner if the kids are watching something in the family room or 8:30-9:30 pm after they are down. But this day we shot it during work hours with Kaitlin and Emily, and I have to say it made the rest of the night of solo parenting so much happier and healthier. It’s like doing a mini workout at the end of the day which I find checks a big box and totally curbs my desire for a glass of wine. The Infrared Face Mask Now for one of the most terrifying-looking wellness inventions out there – the red light face mask. I, like many of you, have been hearing about this for a while and it seems like the anecdotal evidence is mounting on the benefits of this as well. I’ve only used this a couple of times so I can’t honestly say that it changed my skin but I will say that there are so many people who say it increases collagen (something I’m very into in a non-invasive way) and helps with acne. You strap it on your head (which isn’t uncomfortable) and it penetrates with infrared light. Feel free to terrify your dog or child while wearing it. My kids are NOT a fan :) So basically you just sit there and wear it, either for a 10 or 20-minute session. I found that I didn’t like to have my eyes open (it comes with tanning salon-style eye covers if you want) so it’s more of a podcast time for me rather than working or watching TV. I’m not a scientist so I’m unsure if the light is bad for your eyes, so please be sure to read the instructions and wear the goggles. But all in all, I’m giving this a serious GO this year because I keep reading more and more articles (not by any brands, but by dermatologists) saying that it’s highly effective in producing collagen (which keeps your skin looking full and bouncy and what we get depleted of as we age). So maybe in a year I’ll have an actual review for you where I can say this easy twice-a-week terrifying mask aged me backward. IMHO the problem with topical beauty products is that it’s really hard to track what is truly effective unless you isolate its use, take photos every day, or don’t change anything else in your routine (including diet/nutrition/lifestyle). I can tell you how much I love how a face lotion feels on my skin, but saying that “Lotion XYZ” reduced wrinkles in a couple of weeks is hard to say if I am also trying out other products or not staying consistent. That’s all to say that unless I commit to using this twice a week for six months I won’t be sure what positive effects I can attribute to it and see its effectiveness for myself. So that’s my plan this year – use it more frequently in hopes that I can see a difference. And if I do notice improvement, like a lot of other people have, I’ll tell you, I promise. Thanks for going along with me on this odd pursuit of reviewing new wellness products that I know some of you roll your eyes at while others really appreciate my experience. It won’t become a habit, but I sure do enjoy it all. And thanks to HigherDOSE for sponsoring the reel and stories (not this blog post). Now, I can’t stress this enough – this blanket is not cheap and she’s big, so it’s not something you want to own and NOT use. If you can go to an infrared sauna spa before you buy for a session or two and make sure you like it before you make the investment (that’s what I did). If you don’t enjoy being really hot, you likely won’t use this and I don’t want you to waste your money on it:) *Oh and lastly, if you bought the first one that has a velcro closing, I don’t think you need to upgrade to this newer zipper version. Sure it’s more streamlined and sleek without the air gaps that can happen, but the first model for me still works splendidly. Goodbye from me and my happy, sweaty face:) If you’d like to try out one of these at home, you can use code EMILY15 for 15% off your purchase.