4 Uses For an Air Mattress You Might Not Have Considered

I was recently chosen to host a Bestway Air Bed party through Tryazon. I have tried other things from Bestway, like a pool. But an air mattress is a new one for me. Now, when I say air bed, what is the first thing that comes to mind for you? 

Is it camping? That usually is for me. But then... that is extremely limiting to their usefulness. Let's dive into some other uses for an air mattress and then I'll show you some of the fun we had with our new one. 

*Disclaimer: I was sent this product in exchange for reviewing and hosting a party. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed. All opinions shared are strictly that of my guests or myself.*

Use Numero Uno!

1. As stated above, camping is usually the first thing someone thinks of when asked about an air bed. So maybe this one has been considered by you. They make the experience more comfortable. They are portable. And with the one I got from Bestway, easy to set up! This one does require power, but with so many camp sites having power access, I don't see that a problem. AND! It inflates within 3 minutes. But camping isn't something I'm particularly fond of. In my adult life, I have gone camping twice. And both times we ended up having to go home by 6AM. Weather played a part the first time. The second time, we were all so miserable, cold and for one of us - wet, that we gave up trying to make it work. So, let's shelve camping for now and check out the next reason having an air mattress on hand is a great idea. 

What is Number Two?

2. Sleepovers are not just for kids. Do you ever have a guest who needs a place to sleep? We don't have a guest room, so that usually means that person is on the couch or on an air bed in the living room. But you don't want them to be uncomfortable. So looking for one that adds to their comfort, is important. This model that I was sent comes with a raised bump to act as a built-in pillow. So you won't need to worry about having extra pillows on hand. 

Third Option is a Winner.

3. This third option was the one we chose to go with. Have you ever considered using an air bed for movie night?? Inflate a couple, and then relax! We did this for a Mario movie night. The kids loved it! It added plenty of space for everyone to recline. This can work inside or out, as well. Set up a projector and chill under the stars in style. 

For our movie party, we made Mario Oreo cupcakes. I also made homemade pizzas and bread sticks.

My daughters even decorated the living room with Mario characters. It was a lot of fun! 

                         Did you ever think to use it....

For a prepping item? After all, stuff hits the fan and you have to bug out, what will you sleep on? Don't think I haven't thought about a simple sleeping bag. I have. But! I'm a wimp. I want a little comfort. Something that lifts me off the floor. So I think one of these babies needs to be a part of prepper life.

Additional Features You Should Know about....

I told you this one need access to an electrical outlet. The cord can be tucked into a compartment on it. It has a built-in pump that can inflate the entire mattress in just under 3 minutes. How do I know this? I recorded it! Check out this video to see what I mean. 

There is the pillow bump. No need to have extra pillows on hand. Less to pack for outings as well. 

How about a nifty bag to store and carry it in? This is how we store it. In the bag on a shelf with our previous air mattress. 

If you purchase one of these for yourself from the Bestway website, they currently only have the 18" which are $72.99 each. But Walmart has the 12" version we had here for $29.94. 

Can you think of another use? Leave me a comment below! I'd love to know.

Sliding Into Summer Fun With a Bestway Slide'n'Glide!

I have always loved the fun things you can do during summer that you can't do any time else during the year. Especially water fun! 

*Disclaimer: I was sent this product free of charge in exchange for hosting a party and sharing my honest review. All opinions are strictly my own. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed.*

I was given the opportunity to test out Bestway's Slide'n'Glide water slide! Do you remember having a slip'n'slide? My parents laid out the tarp. I still laugh when I think back to sliding across it and hoping I wouldn't hit a root or rock (which I sometimes did). Or how about adding a little dish soap to make it even slicker? 

Well, they have gotten fancier since those days. Bestway has created quite the fun one. Simply hooking up the hose and letting the kids have fun is all it takes. 

Sadly, I wasn't able to have the party yet. There have been flu and weather issues every time we try to plan it out. But soon, we will be gathering up the kids and getting together. I promise there will be a lot more information and photos once we do that! 

What is the best thing you like about this? What might prevent you from wanting one of your own? 

Who Says Social Distancing Has to be Boring??

Just because we are stuck at home, doesn't mean that we can't still have fun. And affordably so. If you haven't already, maybe you should be considering getting a pool! After all, the warmer weather is coming and nothing else is accessible. There are many options to choose from, but the one I want you to consider would be Bestway's Coleman Swim Vista Pool. 

*Disclaimer: I was sent this product in exchange for my honest review and hosting a virtual party. I was not otherwise paid or endorsed. All opinions are strictly my own.*

Bestway is the name for pools and outdoor fun. The one that we received is available at Walmart, check here. However, they have plenty of options from Amazon, Walmart, and these other retailers that might be closer to you. This one comes with the filter pump, a safety ladder and the cover to keep debris out. I love the vista, or porthole, option that allows swimmers to see out and be seen! It adds a fun feature to it. It is 18' in diameter and 48 inches deep. Right now, it is selling for $398. Vacations may be out the window, so now is the time to consider investing in fun at home. I have 4 kids who are going absolutely stir crazy! Being able to at least swim and cookout will alleviate some of that monotony. Added bonus? I plan to make sure this is the year that they learn how to swim!

Things you need to know. 

First and most importantly, this bundle comes delivered. You can't just pick it up in the store. It comes on a pallet-type device. Ours was delivered through FedEx. The bundle weighed 250lbs. So be sure to have help if you need to move it around after delivery. In addition you have to prep the yard before setting up if you want this pool to last and be at optimal condition for enjoyment. What does that mean?

Grab a shovel and get to leveling the yard where you want the pool. I suggest, not under the trees!

We also laid out sand to soften it and built a sort of sandbox to contain it. Later on, my mother in law plans to add a deck. We want to enjoy our time with this pool as long as possible. Altogether it took us about 5 hours to get the truck, sand and paving stones we used, lay everything out and set up the pool. So plan for a day to put in the work. Then comes filling the pool with water. If you are like us and using a regular water hose, plan on 12 hours filling time. 

Let the party start! 

Then the magic happens and everything is alright again. The kids have had their first time in the pool and it was awesome! While swimming, the grill was going so that lunch would be ready when they got out.

What do you think? Is a pool an option in your life right now? Why haven't you invested yet if it is? What is the coolest part of this? Let me know in the comments below!