A Guy's Guide To Buying A Mattress

Shopping for a new mattress can be quite intimidating. Most people have no idea where to start to look or how much it is going to cost them, let alone what size mattress they want.

How do you know if you need a new Mattress? Here are some signs:

1. You're mattress is older than you.

2. When you really need a good night sleep you choose to sleep on the couch.

3. You started naming your bed bugs and leaving them chocolate on their pillow.

4. You wake up with aches, pains, stiffness, and numbness and your name isn't Abe Vigoda.

Survey says? You need a new mattress. So here are some tips on how to shop for one that is right for you. Ironically, we used to be told that, if you have a bad back, you need to sleep on the firmest mattress possible. Well, studies now strongly suggest that this is, in fact, why we have bad backs now. Those springs pressing against your pressure points all night are no good for you!

Once this was realized, we saw the emergence of pillow-top mattresses, euro-top mattresses, and now memory foam mattresses. So what's the difference?

The Pillow-Top - Basically, this is just a standard innerspring mattress that the manufacturer has essentially sewn a soft padded topping on top of, giving it a pillow feel. The thought behind it is that you still have the support of the springs in the mattress without having to sleep directly on top of them.

The Euro-Top- Basically, this is just a more dramatic version of a pillow-top (hence the name). It's much thicker than a pillow-top and it sewn right on the actual mattress so there is no space between the two like on a pillow-top.

The Memory Foam- Originally developed by NASA to improve aircraft cushions, it is now the biggest success story in the mattress industry today. Memory Foam molds to the contours of your body while still having the resiliency to maintain it's original form when you are not lying on it, preventing it from getting saggy or lumpy.

TIP: YOU DO NOT HAVE TO BUY A TEMPUR-PEDIC
MATTRESS TO OWN A MEMORY FOAM MATTRESS!

Don't overpay for the name brand.

At the end of the day, we all have different budgets, different comfort levels, and different backs... so I say there is no clear right mattress for everyone. What I would suggest is that if you can not afford a full memory foam mattress set, at least try to buy a set that has some memory foam in the pillow or euro-top portion of the mattress. Also a mattress is a big purchase but it's your back we are talking about so don't be cheap. One easy way to save a few bucks on the purchase is to stay away from the big name brand mattresses.

BEST SUPER BOWL POOL EVER!

THE GUY IN 2A’S SUPER FUN SUPER BOWL POOL FOR EVERYONE TO PLAY!

*Print it out, make copies, everyone throw in $5 and whoever has the most right wins!

1. Will the coin toss be:

A) HEADS

B) TAILS

2. Will the first commercial after kick-off be an ad for:

A) BEER

B) CAR

C) MOVIE TRAILER

D) OTHER

3. Will the NUMBER of the player that scores the first touchdown be an:

A) ODD NUMBER

B) EVEN NUMBER

4. Will the BLACK EYE PEAS opening song for the halftime show be:

A) IMMA BE

B) I GOTTA FEELING

C) BOOM BOOM POW

D) THE TIME (The one they sample the Dirty Dancing song in)

E) LET’S GET IT STARTED

F) OTHER

5. Will FERGIE’s first outfit be:

A) PANTS

B) SKIRT ABOVE HER KNEES

C) SKIRT BELOW HER KNEES

D) SHORT SHORTS

6. Which team will score first:

A) PITTSBURGH

B) GREEN BAY

7. Will the announcers mention Brett Favre’s name more than once before the first quarter ends?

A) YES

B) NO

8. Which Quarterback will throw the first interception:

A) ROETHLISBERGER (Pittsburgh)

B) RODGERS (Green Bay)

9. Will any of the announcers say the word Facebook before the game ends:

A) YES

B) NO

10. Who will win the game:

A) PITTSBURGH

B) GREEN BAY

*TIEBREAKER: WHOEVER ATE THE MOST FOOD WINS!

A Sneak Peak at This Spring's New Colors, Styles, and Trends in Home Decor

I just got back from the Atlanta International Gift Show followed by the California Gift Show @ The L.A. Mart- two cities filled with the latest trends and tomorrows looks in home decor. I got to see some really fun and cool stuff that I wanted to share with you.

1. It's the new French Revolution- It seems that if you don't have a pillow with some french words scripted on it, clearly you are not that cool. Literally every designer showroom brought in this rustic French theme. I saw Eiffel Tower pillows, shot glasses, and salt & pepper shakers.

2. The British Are Coming! The British Are Coming!

The Beatles are back......again. So is Big Ben, and British Flags (like on these cool trunks above).

3. Anchors - I think this was my favorite come-back story of the shows. The Anchor is back and not in a snobby country club way. This is a fun and kitschy bath mat I saw from Kikkerland.

4. Insects and dragonflies are out! Owls, Peacocks, & Birdies are in! These flying animals were seen all over, from door mats to duvet covers.

5. I haven't seen this much Tie-Dye since my totally rad summer camp days in the 80's. It appears that, in anticipation of passing Prop 19: The Regulate, Control, & Tax Cannabis Act, designers were scurrying to set the mood. Unfortunately, the Prop didn't pass... but at least we got these cool pillows out of it.

This Is The Guy In 2A & I'm Gonna Pump....... You Up!

Did you know that "Getting In Shape" is the number one New Years Resolution for over 70% of Americans? More importantly, of those 70%, not even half get past January before they stop going to the gym. Well, fear not my fellow comrades cause I'm gonna give you your no-nonsense, no excuse way to get in shape this year without ever leaving your apartment. This way, you can't even use the bad weather excuse for why you didn't go to the gym this Winter.

I'm gonna turn your apartment into a gym without a Bowflex! Here are 5 great exercises you can do in your home.

1. The Dirty Dozen - I learned this in college from a frat brother who thought he was Paul "Mr. Wonderful" Orndorff.

So, you start with one regular push-up, then stand up and do a push-up against the wall at a 45 degree angle. Then, quickly jump back to the floor and do 2 push-ups then jump up and do 2 push-ups against the wall and repeat in this way- 3/3, 4/4, 5/5, till you get to 12! Don't rest too much in between and try to knock this out in under 3 minutes. This is a great exercise to do at home and you will definitely see results.

2. The Perfect Pull-Up

This is great for pull-ups & chin-ups and fits on any standard door frame. Actually, I prefer the knock-off version called The Iron Gym. You can grab it on-line or at any Bed, Beth, & Beyond. Even if you don't use it, your guests will still think you do.

3. Climb the stairs


Remember those things that exist in your building or place of work that are to be used only in case of an emergency? That's right, stairs. Climbing stairs is a great way to tone your legs and butt while getting a great cardio workout at the same time. Even if you have only one flight, no problem! Tip: try alternating single stepping with double stepping to work the different muscle groups in your legs (i.e. one flight single, one flight double) and you'll have the tush you've always wanted in no time!

4. Toilet Squats


Toilets aren't just for texting on your blackberry. They're also for motivating you to do more squats than you've ever done before- another great way to tone up your legs and butt. Pick up the lid and the seat (that's right, both of them) and knock out a few sets of 10-12 squats. Get down as close as you can to the rim of the toilet without touching it- this will ensure that you have proper form and are getting the most from each squat. Your motivation: not touching that rim. Want extra motivation: try this in a public toilet!

5. Re-arrange everything in your place!


This is a great alternative to you and friend fighting through traffic to get to the 6:00pm spin class. Also, it's a great way to make some quick and easy changes in your place. Step 1- invite a friend. Step 2- pick a room that can use some sprucing. Step 3- make a gameplan (i.e. sofa here, coffee table there, etc.) and give yourself a time constraint. The key: using proper form so you don't get hurt (see example above- Barack- great form, knees bent, head straight. Other dude... he's not lifting anything yet but it sure looks like those knees are locked). Disclaimer: The Guy in 2A is not responsible for any injuries associated with this post.

And if you act now I'll throw in this bonus workout video!!!

The Guy In 2A's NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS

MY NEW YEAR'S RESOLUTIONS 2011

1. Clean my apartment more- I like to think I keep a clean place but I do realize there is a big difference between picking up after myself and actually cleaning.

2. Conserve the Water- I know it's awful to keep the water running when I am not using it, but sometimes I am just lazy. This year I vow to not leave the tap running while brushing my teeth. You would be flabbergasted to see how much water we waste while brushing teeth. Read this article and see how you can save the fish!

3. Wallpaper A Room In My Place- This was on my list for 2010 and I never pulled the trigger. I've actually had a sample of the wallpaper I picked out for over eight months. This year I am going to buy a few rolls and do a wall in my place. I'll keep you posted on this and make sure to take a pic. This is the print I like that I found @ Walnut on Beverly.

4. Keep My Shower Liner & Curtain Mildew Free- I know, right? It's such a pain in the ass to hang a shower liner however looking at that moldy liner in the shower is just nasty. I'm gonna spend the $3 it costs and buy a new one. Also do you know you can actually wash the shower curtain in the washing machine. Add vinegar or a little baking soda to the detergent and it will be like new!

5. Learn to Cook- Seriously I want to learn how to cook and not just re-heat! I saw this cool place where you can take beginning cooking lessons and it doesn't look so intimidating. Hurry cause classes start January 10th!

6. Switch to a Single Server Coffee Maker- These are one of those inventions that make me think WTF why did this take this long (like when they finally figured out how much more comfortable it is to just print the tag of your t-shirt right into the inside rather than having an itchy hanging tag that says Jockey). Anyways back to the single serve coffee maker. It's so practical, easy to clean, and leaves very little waste.

7. Clean Out My Closet- and take it to Good Will. Here are some tips. If you haven't worn it for a year, throw it out. If you are keeping wool sweaters, turtlenecks and winter jackets cause you may move back East, don't! If it was in the "maybe" pile last year then put it in the "YES" pile this year.

8. Bang the Girl In 2C- Ha! Just wanted to make sure you are still reading this! But really I would like to get up the nerve to at least ask her out on a date.

9. Clean Out All My Drawers- in the kitchen, bathroom, and bedroom. If that menu from that restaurant that went out of business in 2005 is still in your drawer throw it out, if you still have a prescription that says expires 4/2007 throw it out, if your jelly says good before June 2010 and you still haven't even cracked the seal throw it out!

10. Meet At Least One Neighbor- I have been in my new apartment for one year now and I am embarrassed to admit I have not said hi or introduced myself to any of my neighbors. No more uncomfortable elevator rides or midnight runs to the trash chute.

I really want to wish you all a very Happy and Healthy New Year and it's gonna be a great 2011 for all of us!!!!!!!

TIME MAGAZINE PERSON OF THE YEAR: The Guy In 2A

TIME magazine couldn't be more proud to name The Guy in 2A as their 2010 Person Of The Year. It really wasn't until the early summer that we saw the emergence of what many have referred to as the "Zuckerberg of apartment living." Whether you stumbled upon, tweeted, re-tweeted, shared, tagged, or liked him, there really was no way to avoid this phenomenon.

What sets The Guy in 2A apart is that he is not afraid to take on the real struggles that we face. He set the rules of age appropriate shopping at IKEA, told us how to properly maintain our bathrooms, and gave inside tips to the ladies on how to land a husband.

In late August, rumors first leaked that Kathryn Hepburn may just be The Guy in 2A's Grandmother. Later in November, a rare video surfaced confirming this lineage. Downplaying his relationship with his Grandmother, The Guy in 2A continued to post about topics that mattered to him. He has told us many things when it comes to home furnishings and decor: that lime green is the new orange and grey is the new black; that storage beds are in and sleigh beds are out; that Lucite is a trendy alternative to wood; that globes are cool but kaleidoscopes are rad.

In a few short months, he has achieved elite status by attaining his 750th fan on facebook. We asked The Guy in 2A to reflect on his recent exposure. He said, "It didn't really hit me to one of my fans grabbed me on the street and declared, "OMG it's the straight Nate Berkus!" (true story) (well, mostly)."

What will 2011 bring to The Guy in 2A and his loyal following? He told us that he refuses to be a flash in the pan, even though his recent success seems to be taking a toll- "I use to blog for the helluvit but now I have to blog to stay relevant." 2010 was a great year for The Guy in 2A, but expect even more helpful tips and household hints in 2011.

HO-HO-HO!!!! 5 Fun Unique Gifts For This Holiday Season

Sick of getting those crappy Holiday gifts from Aunt Myrna, the bad tie that your cousin Steve gets you every year, or that horrible picture frame from the girls at the office?? Here are 5 must-haves for this holiday season. All these are some great gifts that can be used in your place to start the New Year off with a fresh new look.

1. The EX-Knives

I'll get right to the point with this product - it's a wicked cool design for a knife holder and certainly a lot more edgy of a gift than the standard old block of wood. I'm not sure who the designer might have been thinking of when he created this, but I definitely like the results. And it includes five knives! Buy it here and you can still get it in time to put under the tree!

2. A Vacuum from the Jetsons

The Neato XV-11 robotic vacuum ($400; neatorobotics.com)

As the next generation of robotic vacuum cleaner, it is far superior to others. Instead of relying on random luck, the Neato uses some sort of laser-based room-mapping system, so it knows where it's been. When it senses that it's running out of juice, it works its way back to the charging base, recharges, and then continues its job. You can check this out more and watch a video here.

3. Your Own Soda Maker

SodaStream Genesis Soda Maker turns water into soda in seconds and is the smarter way to enjoy your favorite carbonated beverages. Just fizz, flavor and enjoy. It is quick, easy and requires no cleanup. With SodaStream you'll save on lugging, storing and disposing of bottles and cans of store-bought soda. You can fizz and flavor to your taste, without high fructose corn syrup or aspartame. Enjoy regular, diet soda and energy drinks, or create your own seltzer or flavored sparkling water. This seems like the "must have" kitchen gift of the season. I have seen them in Williams Sonoma, Crate&Barrel, and I found this one at Bed, Bath, & Beyond.

4. Flip Cam:

Clearly if you don't own your own HD Flip-Cam by years end you're just not that cool.

Hey and The Guy In 2A has just hooked you up with this great promo code to get you a free tripod for your new cam.

5. You Know I Love My Coffee Table Books

This one by Phaidon is in stock for the Holidays. An extraordinary photographic history of the first decade of the twenty-first century charting the political, cultural, sporting and newsworthy moments that shaped the last 10 years. The sequel to Phaidon’s New York Times best-selling Century: One Hundred Years of Human Progress, Suffering, Regression and Hope.Arranged in chronological order, 500 painstakingly selected photographs highlight events that affected us all as well as quieter moments shared by just a few. Historical texts accompany every scene depicted, while five thematic essays explore politics, art, sport, science and the environment over the period

I wanted to get these out to you in hopes there is still time for you to send Santa your wish list. That is assuming you have been good little boys and girls this year.

Happy Holidays,

The Guy In 2A