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5 Patio Design Tips to Live By

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Your patio furniture is a continuation of the natural features and tones around you, working with the environment to create a song, where each part of your backyard becomes the note which completes a masterpiece.

1. Space Matters

Spending some time to look at the dimensions of your backyard or patio is the first, and most important action to take. Furniture sets take up space, so avoiding larger pieces in a smaller area is a necessity. If too much room is taken up, your patio will leave you and your guests feeling cramped. Opting for an outdoor sectional sofa set would be better than the purchase of a full sofa. The versatility that smaller pieces like sectional sofas and chairs shouldn’t be underestimated.

Comidore side chair

Comidore side chair

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Mexican vs American Mattress Size Comparison

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San Diego’s southern border is about three miles from Tijuana, allowing for American and Mexican cultures to influence one another. Food and languages are being exchanged every second in San Diego. Some things, however, don’t quite translate cross culturally.

Mattress sizes in both the United States and Mexico are different in each country. These differences can cause confusion and incorrect purchases to occur. Let’s explain the difference between American and Mexican mattress sizes, so you can make the best choice for your bedding.

12.5″ Dylan Ultra Innerspring Mattress

Are there Different Types?

Standard American mattress sizes include the Twin, Twin Extra Long, Full, Queen, King, and the California King. With a wide variety of common mattress types, it’s extremely easy to find a mattress that suits your room, size, and sleeping habits.

READ MORE: California King vs. King Size Bed Comparison

There are only four types of common mattresses in Mexico: the Individual, Matrimonial, Queen, and King bed size. These sizes are almost always communicated in metric measurements, known as Medida Mexicana, or Mexican Measurements. For simplicity’s sake, all measurements will also be stated in feet and inches.

What’s the Size Difference?

American Measurements

  • Twin: 38″ x 74″
  • Twin Extra Long: 38″ x 80″
  • Full: 54″ x 74″
  • Queen: 60″ x 80″
  • King: 76″ x 80″
  • California King: 72″ x 84″

Mexican Measurements

  • Individual: 1.00 m x 1.90 m (3’3″ x 6’3″) [39.37″ x 74.80″]
  • Matrimonial: 1.35 m x 1.90 m (4’5″ x 6’3″) [53.15″ x 74.80″]
  • Queen: 1.50 m x 1.90 m (4’11” x 6’3″) [59.06″ x 74.80″]
  • King: 2.00 m x 1.90 m (6’7″ x 6’3″) [78.74″ x 74.80″]

At one meter long, Individual size mattresses are slightly wider than mattresses in other parts of the world. The Matrimonial bed size is the standard for double beds in Mexico, with variations being rare.

When buying bedding, please note that American Queen size sheets will be too large on a Mexican Queen bed, and vice versa. Too large or too small sheets can slip off, rip, or otherwise get damaged. The small differences in size are the main differences between Mexican and American style mattresses. While American mattresses tend to have more variety and variation on standard sizes, there are similar counterparts in Mexico. The Matrimonial size mattress is very specific to Mexico, but the other bed sizes are like most bed sizes you’ll find in the USA.

Whether or not an American or Mexican mattress will be perfect for you depends on your home and sleep needs. Consider how easily you’ll be able to find accessories for your bed. You may want a Matrimonial mattress, but it might be hard to find bedding that will fit it properly unless you regularly make trips to Mexico. If you buy a King mattress in Mexico, American bedding may not fit correctly.

Is One Better than the Other?

There is not a lot of difference between the size of mattresses in the United States and in Mexico. While American mattresses tend to have more variety and variation on standard sizes, there are similar counterparts in Mexico. Despite the Matrimonial bed size being very specific to Mexico, the Individual, Queen, and King are only slightly, if at all, different from American sizes.

Whether or not an American or Mexican mattress will be perfect for you depends on your needs and what you’re like as a homeowner and a sleeper. Also consider how easily you’ll be able to find accessories for your bed. You may want a Matrimonial mattress, but it might be hard to find bedding that will fit it properly unless you regularly make trips to Mexico.

Deciding Factors

1. Availability

You may think that a wider mattress will help you sleep better; however, Individual size mattresses are harder to come by if you’re not able to go to Mexico. Mexican mattresses and accessories that fit them properly are generally harder to find in the United States. Many stores only sell standard American sizes, so your search for a mattress from Mexico will be difficult.

2. Costs

Mexican mattresses generally cost the same as American mattresses, if not slightly cheaper. However, extra work is required for obtaining Mexican mattress sizes and bedding in the US.

American stores rarely carry Mexican sized mattresses, so you will need to travel to Mexico for specific bedding and accessories for your mattress. Additional factors to consider are the spacing in your room, how you sleep at night, and how much work you’re willing to put in to find a mattress that’s right for you.

Give your bedroom a full makeover, or get advice on mattress sizing from our sales team. With a new comfy mattress, you’ll be ready for sweet dreams and savings.

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California King vs King Size Bed Comparison

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The California King size mattress is often mistakenly grouped together with the standard King size mattress, leading to confusion and many incorrect purchases. While the two share the name “King,” they are actually different in their dimensions and function. Let us clarify:

A California King is longer and a standard king sized bed is wider than the California King.

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How you can start saving in San Diego

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There are an endless number of fun events, locations, and places to eat in the San Diego, all the way from La Jolla to Chula Vista. But if you’re on a budget while looking for ways to have a great time with your family and friends, the possibilities are still endless. Here’s a guide of ways you’ll be able to save while exploring sunny San Diego.

Culture

1. Balboa Park

Balboa Park Reflection Pool

Balboa Park is home to 1,200 acres of museums, theaters, and recreational facilities in San Diego. Prided by citizens as a cultural heart that’s touched millions, it’s a great for all ages to visit. The park’s museums offer free admission for San Diego residents on Tuesdays, making it the perfect way to save if you’re looking to get inspired.
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5 Benefits of Owning a Memory Foam Mattress Topper

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Mattress toppers provide many benefits at a fraction of the cost of purchasing a new mattress. The key benefits of a memory foam mattress topper are:

  • reduced pressure by contouring and memorizing the body’s natural shape
  • dissipates body heat and circulates positive airflow
  • absorbs movement and reduces motion transfer to your spouse
  • extends mattress life
  • unmatched affordability

So if you’re wondering if mattress toppers are worth it, continue to read on. But first…
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Things to Do In San Diego During the 2015 Holidays

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With all of the perfect and sunny weather we get here in San Diego, even during the winter, there’s plenty of places that offer fun and festive events for residents and visitors to enjoy the holidays while still enjoying the sun! Here’s a list of places where you, family, friends, and out of town visitors can go and for free or for a small entrance fee:

 

  1. Balboa Park December Nights

Where: Balboa Park, 92101

When: December 4, 2015 at 3 PM to 11 PM & December 5, 2015 at 12 PM to 11 PM

Price: Free

Balboa Park’s December Nights will take place for the 38th consecutive year on Friday, December 4 and Saturday, December 5. December Nights is the the nation’s premier holiday festival and without fail every year, this event brings families and friends together to spread holiday joy, learn more about the cultural value of Balboa Park has to offer and an opportunity to enjoy the start of the “most wonderful time of the year.”

From 5 PM to 9 PM on both Friday and Saturday, participating museums in Balboa Park will be opening their doors for free. Keep in mind that more than 350,000 people are expected to visit to soak in the experience and joy of San Diego’s largest free community festival, so be sure to arrive early to find good parking. Shuttles are available as well. Those who attend will participate in a truly multicultural experience, enjoying food, music and entertainment from around the world.

Revelers can watch top-notch musical and dance performances, enjoy delicious and diverse food choices and help spread a heavy dose of holiday cheer. Some of the more well-known traditions include food from around the globe at the International Christmas Festival at the House of Pacific Relations Cottages; the annual Santa Lucia Procession at the Plaza de California; unique gift shopping at the museum stores and with the artisans of Spanish Village; and musical and dance presentations from the San Diego Junior Theatre, San Diego Civic Youth Ballet, Del Cerro Baptist’s Christmas Story Tree, and more.

  1. Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! 

Where: The Old Globe Theatre at 1363 Old Globe Way, San Diego, CA 92101

When:  November 7, 2015 to December 26, 2015

Price: Tickets start at $24

For the 18th year in a row, America’s favorite holiday fable, Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas returns to San Diego’s Old Globe Theatre! The family favorite features songs such as, “This Time of Year,” “Santa for a Day” and “Fah Who Doraze,” the delightful carol from the popular animated version of How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Celebrate the holidays as the Old Globe Theatre is once again transformed into the snow-covered Whoville, right down to the last can of Who-hash. The Old Globe also has a sensory friendly showing on Saturday, December 12 at 10:30 AM.

In addition to the showing, the 10th annual Globe Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony will take place on Sunday, November 15 at 6 PM on the Globe’s Copley Plaza. The ceremony will kick off the holiday season in conjunction with the presentation of Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! Designed by Grinch scenic designer John Lee Beatty, the unique tree will be located in the center of the Plaza and will remain for the run of the show. This fun family event will feature a special live performance by members of the Grinch cast and a delightful holiday snowfall on the Globe Plaza. Although the event is free, reservations are required. Reservations can be made by contacting the Box Office at (619) 23-GLOBE.

  1. Whale watching from the cliffs of Point Loma

When:  December to April

Price:  Free

Even with the temperatures winding down, San Diego still has a warm climate where everyone can still enjoy outdoor activities. From December to March, head over to the cliffs of Point Loma and enjoy the view of watching California gray whales migrate from Alaska down south down to Baja California for the warm water breeding grounds. This time frame provides an enjoyable and wonderful show to admire these majestic mammals as they travel close to the waters off of San Diego’s own coastline. Most whale sightings will usually be seen in pods of two or three, but during peak migration season, pods of bigger numbers are common as well. The shores of Point Loma offer a wonderful spot for everyone to whale watch while offering the convenience of the beach as well. One spot in particular where you can see whales from is the Cabrillo National Monument.

  1. Oceanside Harbor Parade of Lights

Where: Oceanside Harbor, Oceanside, CA 92054

When: December 12, 2015 at 7 PM to 9 PM

Price: Free

Take a visit up to Oceanside Harbor to view the Parade of lights! Fishing boats, sail boats, yachts, kayaks and dingys are all decked out in holiday swag and circle around Oceanside Harbor to entertain onlookers at the harbor, restaurants, and beach. In addition to all of the boats, a lot of the people dress up as Santa and wave to the crowd. Two of the best places to view the parade is on the side of the Oceanside Harbor over by the fishing dock and police station. By standing at this spot, you’ll be able to enjoy the parade twice. You can even enjoy some shopping and eating at Harbor Village at North Harbor before the parade.

  1. Julian’s Country Christmas Tree Lighting

Where: Julian, CA 92036

When:  November 28, 2015

Price: Free

Take a drive up to the mountain town of Julian and enjoy a nice, festive day! This year, on Saturday, November 28, drive up to Julian and to see the annual lighting of the town’s huge living Christmas tree to kick off the holiday season! While you’re up there,grab a slice of their legendary apple pie and add some ice cream on top and enjoy it à la mode! If it’s too chilly up there, warm mugs of hot apple cider are easy to find as well. In the town of Julian, there’s an endless amount of activities without the crowds of a city.Take a stroll through the neighborhood streets and you’ll be able to hear Christmas carolers and witness a living nativity scene as well. If you don’t feel like walking through the streets, enjoy a stay at one of the bed and breakfasts or cozy up under a blanket while riding down Main Street in a carriage. Stop by the boutique shops and craft shows to buy your loved ones a unique gift that they can’t find anywhere else. The town of Julian also has a schedule of holiday events to add even more joy to your visit as well!

  1. Gaslamp Holiday Pet Parade & Expo

Where: 410 K Street, San Diego, CA 92101

When:  December 13, 2015

Spectator Price: Free

Registration Price: Advanced Registration $15; Day of Registration: $20

Head on down to the Gaslamp Quarter to watch some furry friends put on some holiday costumes and walk in this year’s Holiday Pet Parade at the MLK Promenade Park, adjacent to the Hilton San Diego Gaslamp Quarter. All well-behaved and friendly pets (that aren’t livestock) are more than welcome to participate in the parade as well! In addition to the parade, there’s also 9 different costume contests for our furry pets, including the Best Ugly Holiday Sweater. Check out the full list of costume contests and feel free to participate in them as well!

  1. Jungle Bells at the San Diego Zoo

Where:  The San Diego Zoo at 2920 Zoo Dr, San Diego, CA 92101

When:  December 12, 2015 to January 3, 2016 from 9 AM to 8 PM

Price: Free with admission

The San Diego Zoo was voted as TripAdvisor’s number one zoo in the world, so head on over and celebrate the holidays with the Zoo’s annual Jungle Bells celebration. The San Diego Zoo will be transformed into a magical winter wonderland in order to celebrate the holidays. The three week winter celebration of Jungle Bells is also going to be filled with loads of activities for the guests. For an extra $3 for adults and $2 for children, lighted animal structures can be seen throughout the Zoo when guests take the Twinkle Light Trolley. The lighted animal structures are best seen in the late afternoon or evening. Guests can also take a souvenir picture with Santa during the Jungle Bells celebration or watch various types of entertainment around the Zoo such as Doctor Zoolittle’s “Night Before Christmas,” carolers, and the Toy Shop Hop trampoline acrobats. In case guests get hungry, participating Zoo restaurants will be offering seasonal holiday treats such as holiday cookies, hot chocolate, s’mores, fried apple and cherry pies, coffee with liqueur, and specialty soups. Even better is that a little bit of every purchase, whether it’s food or souvenirs, goes to helping the San Diego Zoo’s efforts for conservation and research!

  1. Concerts at Spreckels Organ Pavilion

Where: Spreckels Organ Pavilion at 1549 El Prado, San Diego, CA 92101

When:  Ever Sunday at 2 PM to 3 PM

Price: Free

Every Sunday, year round, rain or shain, at 2 PM at Spreckels Organ Pavilion offers a free concert. Up to 2,400 seats are available at the pavilion and during summer time, there’s even umbrellas for rent. After the concert, the Spreckels Organ Society welcomes you to step inside to learn more and see the pipes. The Spreckels Organ Pavilion also boasts the world’s largest outdoor pipe organ, which has been a San Diego landmark for more than 90 years. During the holidays, organists fill the air with music of holiday favorites, waltzes, and show tunes from the organ’s 32 foot lead alloy pipes.

  1. Surfin’ Santa Arrival

Where: Seaport Village at 849 W Harbor Dr, San Diego, CA 92101

When:  November 28, 2015 from 1 PM to 5 PM

Price: Free

San Diego’s Surfin’ Santa Arrival has been ranked in the top ten best Santa sightings by USA Today and it’s easy to see why. On Saturday, November 28, 2015, everyone in San Diego will have the option to see Santa cruise in via Seaplane for the 10th year in a row at Seaport Village’s annual Surfin’ Santa celebration. From 1 PM to 5 PM, Santa will be greeted with a parade down the boardwalk and the opportunity to take pictures with children and adults. The boardwalk is also going to have kid crafting activities, live street performers, and a wide variety of unique and local shops to provide something to visitors of all ages during the event.