We don't want your Valentine's Day to be filled with the stresses of finding the perfect gift, or the perfect shade of red rose. We've compiled some fun love facts, chocolate fortunes, a mixtape for the romantically uninclined, and some spoofs of love humor that you can share with friends and loves alike! The Facts of Love. This might be more than you ever thought you could possibly know about Valentine's Day. Impress your date! Win that round of Trivial Pursuit on singles' night! Become even more chock-full of useless knowledge. You can thank us later

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The Science of Sleeping

Ever wondered what goes on in your brain when you're asleep? If you thought REM is just the name of a band, think again. There's a science to the way you sleep, and it's anything but a snooze-fest. Learn more about the stages of sleep and how we dream with this cool infographic.

Get a better night's sleep with Mattresses from Overstock.com.

For more infographics visit the O.co Community

Sheet Thread Count Guide: How To Shop for the Softest Sheets - Photos - SouthernLiving.com

Sheet Thread Count Guide: How To Shop for the Softest Sheets - Photos - SouthernLiving.com

FAQs about Flannel Sheets

Flannel sheets are often the bedding of choice during cold winter months. Not only are they soft, but they fit on a variety of bed sizes, ranging from cribs to California king. There are plenty of choices when you're looking for flannel sheets: weight, pattern, color and price. While flannel sheets are usually only associated with cold weather, they are also useful in increasing comfort during warmer months. Read over this article to find answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about flannel sheets.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. What should I know about thread counts?
   As opposed to other sheet sets, the thread count for flannel sheets is not the same. For these types of sheets, the softness and quality will depend on a fabric rating. For the longest-lasting flannel sheets to keep you warm, those with a fabric rating with 5 to 6 oz. for every yard are ideal purchases. While flannel sheets come in a variety of prices, select the set that is the best value within your budget. Cheaper sheet sets may be beneficial at the time, but may not ensure many years of use.
   
2. What should I consider when choosing colors and patterns?
   The tighter the fiber, the higher quality flannel sheets are, and they will last longer than cheaper alternatives. Flannel sheets often have a printed pattern on them, which may fade over time and washings. For long-lasting color, select flannel sheets that have yarn-dyed fiber.
   
3. How should I care for my flannel sheets?
   To keep flannel sheet fibers soft while preventing colors from fading, wash them with warm-to-cool water. Use mild detergent to keep fabric soft and dry the sheets thoroughly with a low heat setting before putting them back on a bed or in a storage closet.
   
   View All Flannel Sheets 
 

This article was written by Laura Levia from Overstock.com

 

Before You Buy Bed Sheets

Do you remember when all bed sheets were white cotton? If so, you're probably amazed at how many options are on the market now. You can add color, style, and pattern to your bedroom with the newest bedding. Read here what you should do and know before you spend your money to buy new bed sheets.

Measure Your Bed

You're probably familiar with a twin or queen or king size bed. But did you know that there is no absolute standard measurement for beds with these names? While the top measurements are rather consistent from maker to maker, there is some variation. So before you go shopping, measure your bed carefully, noting the dimension from top to bottom, side to side, and the thickness of the mattress. Some are wider than others or longer. Be sure you know exactly what you need when you shop.

• What Size is Your Bed?

Pick Your Store

Major department stores carry both name-brand sheets and house-brands and offer a wide range of colors, quality, patterns, and prices. You might have a specialty linen store near you that has more luxury lines or decorated or embroidered bed sheets. Or you may choose to shop on-line where the options are almost endless. If you have something specific in mind, shop around. But if you're after basic sheets, you might find a good bargain at a discount store. You'll have lots of choices.

• Shop forBed Sheets Online with These Sources

Learn About Thread Count in Bed Sheets

Right on the front of the label, the manufacturer will tell you the tread count of the sheets. This refers to the number of threads per square inch in both directions in the weave. The higher the thread count, the more luxurious the feel of a fabric. But beware, as a higher thread count usually means that the individual threads are thinner and may not wear as well. For good wear and to get the softest feel, we suggest you choose a thread count above 250 but no lower than 175.

• Top Luxury Bedding Manufacturers

Choose Cotton or Blends, Flannel, Silk, or Satin

For sheets you'll sleep on every day, treat yourself. Choose the best you can afford. After all, you'll hopefully spend 8 hours a day lying on them! Cotton is the most popular sheet fabric, but some people prefer non-wrinkling cotton blends. For chilly winters flannel is cozy. For luxury, choose satin, silk, or microfiber. You might buy a pair of pillowcases in different styles and see which you like best, how they feel to sleep on, how they wash. Then decide if you want a whole set.

Check the Sheet Measurements

You know the exact size of your bed. Now check the exact size of the sheets. Be sure that the fitted sheet is deep enough for your mattress, or that you haven't found a California King sheet set and your bed is an Eastern King. Remember that many sheets will shrink as much as 7% in the first washing.

Buy More Bed Sheets Than You Need

If you've spent a lot of time deciding on what bed sheets to buy, you won't want to have to do it again soon. Consider buying two or three sets that are identical so you can trade off. If something spills on the bottom sheet, you can replace just that. If someone puts a foot through the top sheet, you won't have to start over. And be sure to buy extra pillow cases for freshness.

Check the Laundering Instructions

Silk sheets are sensuous and wonderful, but will you have to have them dry cleaned each week? Can you afford that? Be sure that you'll be able to care for your new bed sheets the way the manufacturer recommends. They'll last longer, and if you have any problem, you'll be able to return them if you've cared for them properly.

Source: http://interiordec.about.com/od/buyingbedsheets/bb/bedsheets.htm

By Lauren Flanagan, About.com Guide

Black Friday Fanatic?

So most of you know that I work for Overstock.com.  We're coming up on our pinnacle sales season with Black Friday and Cyber Monday, two of the biggest days leading up to Christmas.  We're going to have great deals on products from all departments. I can't give too many details but look for amazing deals on the hottest high-tech gadgets, must-have toys and perfect gifts for everyone in home and garden. 

What is Thread Count?

Thread count refers to the number of threads, both vertical and horizontal, in a one-inch square of fabric. Thread count is affected by a number of factors, including ply and thickness of the threads used. The ply of the fabric refers to how many threads are wrapped together into a single thread. Single-ply fabrics use threads on their own, while two-ply fabrics twist two pieces together into a stronger thread, as well as doubling the thread count of the fabric.

Using finer threads also allows for more thread to fit in a square inch. Finer thread often results in smoother, softer fabrics, part of the reason high thread count fabrics are considered more desirable than fabrics with a low thread count. Finer thread also results in a more fragile fabric, however, which may not always be ideal. Two-ply fabrics help solve this problem somewhat by strengthening the threads and creating a more durable, though heavier, fabric.
While it has become common to shop for such things as bed linens based exclusively on thread count, it is important to take other considerations into account. How the cotton is treated can be a much more decisive factor in comfort and overall feel than the thread count of a fabric, as can the final finishing of the fabric.
The general wisdom is that a thread count of higher than 100 is desirable --these fabrics are known as percale -- with somewhere above 180 being ideal. While fabrics are available with thread counts up to 1000, anything in excess of 400 is considered by most to be simply extraneous. In the case of some fabrics, a high thread count is simply not a viable option. Flannel, for example, as a result of its other properties as a material, has consistently low thread counts, but this is in part what gives it its sought-after feel. 

The most common products for which thread count is an issue are sheets, and more and more linen manufacturers sell their products largely on the basis of having a high thread count, as well as the inclusion of high-status materials such as Egyptian cotton. Other products are jumping into the thread count craze, however, with everything from dresses to men's shirts listing thread count on their packaging. A number of high-end clothing companies have begun offering men's shirts with thread counts as high as 170 or 180, boasting an almost silk-like feel.

Source: http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-thread-count.htm